Steve watches as Bruce rushes around the office, searching for something; shuffling through papers. He's not sure whether he should stop him or give him a glass of water. The man looks a bit thinner since last week, a bit paler than usual.
They both know that Bruce hasn't been avoiding him. He's just been really busy is all. S.H.I.E.L.D. has him practicing what they call 'search and destroy' tactics. In other words, they want him to locate the source of any type of unnaturally occurring signal from space or anywhere on the planet that doesn't belong that threatens life as they know it. It's all quite technical and top secret.
Bruce can't say he's a fan of the job that's for sure. The hours are grueling and more often than not, he finds himself staying up way past his bedtime. It's 10 o'clock pm if anyone's even interested, but apparently S.H.I.E.L.D. isn't. Steve has just invited him out for lunch, but he can't go. He has to work again.
"You're busy, I'm busy...we're all busy. God damn aliens. God damn...SHIT!" He's just slammed his hand in a drawer and it hurts. Steve rushes forward to examine the hand. There doesn't seem to be anything broken, only some initial swelling. But he's not a doctor. He goes to get some ice from the cooler in the corner.
"You're working too hard Bruce. You need to calm down. Get some rest," Steve insists. The man looks at him, placing the ice on his aching hand.
"I can't. I need to keep...it's not safe out there, Steve. Fury says the Council is getting upset. Because of the Tesseract. Loki won't give it to them. I think he's scared. There's no telling what could happen. They lost it once. Who knows what'll happen the second time around. Maybe next time the bad guy won't be someone who's willing to trade sides." Steve sighs. He hates seeing Bruce like this. This is too much for him to handle on his own.
"Why don't you move in with me? I live right here in New York. It'd be easier than transversing from your apartment in..." he pauses, realizing that he doesn't even know where the man lived since before Tony. Did he even live in New York before? He does now, but beyond that, he has no idea. The scientist shrugs sheepishly.
"It's ok. I really didn't have a place to stay before two years ago. I went to Afghanistan and stayed for a while. Found some trouble along the way so I made it to Pakistan, where trouble still followed me. I then ended up in Kolkata and started helping the sick. I'd just hop from house to house every night. Did that for about 6 years, then Natasha found me and recruited me for S.H.I.E.L.D." he says. Steve nods.
"So?" he asks. The scientist frowns. He takes some ace bandages from another drawer in his desk, careful to open it slowly this time.
"So...what?" he asks absentmindedly. He's wrapping his hand in a bandage and is trying to get the lines right. It's an old habit of his and Steve smiles at the idiosyncrasy.
"Move in with me. Please? I promise I'm clean," he says. Bruce smiles. He pushes his glasses up, giving the man a curious look. He doesn't think living with Steve would be so bad, but it's Tony he has to work things out with. He still wants to visit the lab whenever he wants to.
"Ok," he says quietly. The soldier feels a surge of happiness hearing that simple word come from the other man's mouth. He lunges forward and captures Bruce's mouth in a passionate kiss.
The scientist falls back against his desk from the force. They begin to grope one another through their clothes, and Bruce groans when Steve's hand begins to rub the rapidly inflating cock trapped inside of his pants. Bruce watches as Steve takes control of the situation, moving to unbuckle his belt. Bruce tenses when he feels Steve's hands exposing him to the air.
"Steve?" he asks hesitantly. Steve kisses him again and grips Bruce's cock in a firm grip. He begins to stroke slowly and Bruce moans into his mouth. He reaches for Steve's belt but stops himself. They really shouldn't go any further. But then Steve kisses him again and his resolve almost weakens.
"Steve...Steve wait," Bruce chokes out. The soldier has slipped a hand inside of his underwear and is fondling his cock. He making it very hard to concentrate on saying no. Steve pulls back a bit so that they can look one another in the eye. Bruce tries to push his hand away.
"I don't think we should do this," Bruce says in that quiet way that is distinctly his. Steve sighs and pulls the other man close so that their chests are pressed flush together.
"I trust you, Bruce. Isn't that enough? " he whispers into the scientist's ear. Bruce shudders as Steve's hand twitches around his shaft. It's a wonderful feeling that has eluded him or so long that he doesn't want to say no to it. But he still doesn't want to risk it. But secretly, he wants to. He's never really had sex after merging with the Hulk and now, the very idea is frighteningly appealing.
"Steve...I don't think I trust myself sometimes," the man admits. Steve allows his free hand to come up to Bruce's face. His thumb strokes the scientist's cheek with a gentle motion.
"Then have faith in me," he pleads. Bruce is hesitant for a moment. He doesn't want his lust to overshadow his judgment, but he doesn't think he's in any danger of hulking out.
It's been 6 years since he's had an incident and any time he's changed recently, it's been a voluntary effort. It looks like the odds are in his favor. He gives Steve a slow nod. He may seem uncertain, but he can't deny that he wants Steve.
When he receives confirmation, the soldier grips his cock again. He begins to stroke even faster than before. Bruce can feel a stirring inside of him, but he pushes it down.
"I love you, Bruce," the soldier tells him. Bruce can only nod. He doesn't have the lexicon to properly respond at the moment. His body is a complete war zone, the sensations he's experiencing flowing all throughout his body. He can't get enough.
It's when Steve begins to tell him of what he'll let Bruce do to him once they are truly alone that really gets him going.
"I can't wait until you move in with me. You can fuck me just the right way, whenever you want to. We can have an entire day of nothing but hot sex," Steve says. Bruce gasps. He's never pegged Steve for dirty talk, but it does the trick. He's coming then. Steve continues to stroke him through it, continuing to whisper into his ear. When it's over, Bruce can only stare at him.
"I don't think S.H.I.E.L.D. will appreciate what we just did," he tells him. Steve raises an eyebrow. He adjusts the scientist's glasses and fixes his collar. Bruce tucks himself back into his pants.
"Are you seriously worrying over the fact that we've messed up the one workspace our employer's provided us that was actually designed for messing up?" Bruce manages to smile at the logic. He begins to fidget nervously. Of course, he's being completely irrational. He takes a deep breath.
"You want to take the rest of the day off?" Steve suggests. Bruce frowns, glancing back at the paperwork he's still got to fill out. He begins to say that he can't, that he still has work to do. That what they just did was amazing but...But then he sees Steve's semi erection.
"I'm pretty sure I could take a couple of days off. To get settled into the apartment, of course," he says. Steve smiles.
"Trust me, but the end of the week I'm sure you'll be very settled."
Tony finds it strange that six weeks pass without an incident. S.H.I.E.L.D. simply maintains a healthy surveillance of the tower, insisting that 'they can't be sure'. Sounds like a load of bullshit to him. Loki continues to give them any information he can on Thanos and his allies, always eluding the one piece that they always want. The Tesseract's location is still a secret.
Maybe they think Loki will suddenly go off and get the Tesseract eventually. Maybe he will. He doesn't know. He just wants some peace and quiet. But that damn S.H.I.E.L.D. keeps pestering him about an Avengers Tower so...yeah. They're needy. He guesses he can just have one built. He wants to go to Malibu, though. He misses that amazing California sun.
The first thing Tony does in the mornings now is to go and mess around in his lab. Not too much, though. He's learned his lesson with Pepper. He knows that there must be a balance between work and R&R.
Bruce has recently told him that he's decided to move in with Steve. The inventor was a little upset at first because he knew he was losing his Science Buddy. But then he sees it from a different angle: Steve and Bruce are in a relationship. And from the looks of it, they're finally having sex. He couldn't be prouder.
They need time alone, he realizes. Just like he and Loki. He can't do anything to stop that. Bruce promises that he will continue to stop by. Tony isn't sure he will with all the lovey dovey stuff he'll be doing with Steve, but he can entertain himself.
He remembers the first time he'd offered Bruce a place in his tower. He was a bit hesitant at first, but then Tony offered him free reign of his lab and a potentially life changing charity fund for third world countries. So all in all Bruce couldn't say no.
He had still been excited about the lab, though. Tony had installed some heavy duty equipment as a precaution, should he accidentally hulk out from the enjoyment of it. Now the inventor looks at the empty desk beside his and sighs. He couldn't stop change, but he won't fight it. It's a natural occurrence of life.
Bruce finds out about Loki's pregnancy a week after moving in with Steve. Loki only made the allowance simply because of necessity. Tony made it clear that as his due date came closer, Bruce's expertise as a doctor would become essential. But when things eventually came to a head, S.H.I.E.L.D. would need to be involved with the birth. Of course, Tony could simply avoid them by renting out an entire hospital for his beloved. Loki had forbidden him from doing so, much to his disappointment.
Bruce is surprised upon hearing the news. And a bit confused. He thinks it's a ploy at first. Just to get him to stay, and he feels touched. But when he's finally been placated, he agrees to give Loki his needed check-ups every month or so.
After another month, Tony knows the god doesn't want S.H.I.E.L.D. involved yet, but the doctor insists now is the time to tell them. A passing agent is bound to see Loki's now swollen belly as his pregnancy becomes more prominent. Even with the loose tunics he wears. He is apprehensive until Bruce begins to tell him about possible health risks. With Loki's permission, Tony makes the call the next morning. Fury doesn't seem happy, but he doesn't sound upset either.
"Congratulations, Stark," the Director says dryly. Tony sighs. It's good to hear a bit of indifference every once in a while.
"Yeah, well thanks. Listen, Loki's due in a couple months and I'm sure that nothing will go wrong, but Bruce insists that it can't be just him looking in on Loki's health. He needs to have time to himself, you know? I just figured we'd better have a backup plan. Just in case."
He listens to Fury as he works out arrangements. Loki stares at the wall as the inventor replies. He reaches out to comfort his lover and receives a cold shoulder. Loki pulls away from him and retreats into the bedroom they both share. He is at a loss for words. He doesn't know what he's done wrong. He simply knows that he has done something.
In the meantime, Loki hardly ever wants to be seen. When he first started to become self-conscious, Tony did everything he could to ensure his lover's happiness. But now the god hardly speaks to him about the pregnancy anymore. He has to resort to getting advice from Thor, much to Loki's dissatisfaction. But, Thor himself is at a loss. The god simply tells him to prepare a room for a guest and leaves. Tony sighs and goes to deal with his moody god.
So much for teammates. He decides to make a nice bowl of soup for the both of them. He has his robots do all the heavy lifting with the room and leaves JARVIS in charge. It's better that way.
Upon entering the throne room, Thor can immediately see that Odin is not busy with anything important. He summons the king to a meeting in the royal chambers.
"What is this about, Thor? I was in the midst of handling a dispute between a farmer and his son. Apparently, the boy feels wronged by all the years he has worked his father's land and wants half of everything," the king informs him. Thor sighs, shaking his head.
"Mother, father, I have come with a proposition," he tells them. The queen smiles and embraces her son tightly.
"What is it, Thor? Is it Loki? Has something happened to Jane? What has happened now?" she asks in rapid succession. Thor urges for her to sit down. The woman has been worrying more and more as of late.
"According to Stark, Loki has become quite unhappy on Midgard. I believe my brother feels that he is understimulated. I believe he requires some sort of motivation." The queen looks to her husband. Odin frowns, waiting for Thor to continue.
Thor isn't sure that it'll work. He realizes that he hasn't really thought things through. But he has hope. He hates seeing Loki unhappy and he thinks a visit from an old friend will help.
"Which is why I come with the suggestion that I take Minva to Midgard. Loki may act as her ward during her time there, and before you say anything against it, I have already discussed the situation with Tony...to an extent." When Frigga hears his idea, he can see that she is immediately enthusiastic, but also apprehensive.
"I think that will be a wonderful idea. But Minva has never been to Midgard before. What if she does not like it?" the queen asks. Thor smiles, nodding slowly.
"Both Loki and Tony will welcome her with open arms. Besides mother, her place here was to be a temporary occurrence. You know that. We have already discussed this before," he says to her. He pauses, realizing that perhaps he is being a bit one-sided.
"I know you have become attached to her. I do not mean to take her from you, but I am almost certain that seeing Minva will bring Loki much joy. I am sure he would be more than willing to care for her." The king and queen exchanged identical looks of consternation. They seem to have a silent conversation only years of marriage and companionship can hone. Then, Odin nods.
"Alright, Thor. Your mother will prepare a bag for her," he says. Thor grins and the king sends Frigga off to fetch the girl.
"Thank you, father," he says with a low bow. Frigga returns to the throne room, Minva in hand.
"I have explained the situation to Minva, and it seems that she requires another item before she leaves," she says. Thor takes the little girl's hand in his own and kneels down in front of her.
"What is it that you require sweet child?" he asks. The girl smiles when he tickles her nose.
"I want to take Litt Bjørn with me," she says quietly. Her voice is barely above a whisper, afraid that her request will be denied. Thor gives Frigga an odd look. He doesn't know how she learned of the small ice rabbit, but he guesses that it's good for her to have a friend. He turns back to his father.
"Well, then it seems that I have another request," Thor says slowly. Odin gives a weary sigh.
Tony and Loki are both curled up on the sofa- Loki is asleep in his lap, after having insisted he hadn't been tired- when Thor returns almost three days later. Tony can't contain his surprise and almost spills his soup. Loki startles awake and looks around. When he sees it is only Thor, he lays back down. He obviously can't see the little girl clinging to his leg.
"Loki, I have a surprise for you," the god calls from the roof. Loki's only response is to raise a single eyebrow, glancing at the inventor. Tony can see that the god isn't in the mood for guessing games so he simply sighs, going to let Thor in.
"I believe you've contracted a stowaway on your little rainbow ride Thor. Care to explain?" the inventor says with a smile. The god grins back and steps into the room. Minva looks around the room with wide eyes. She's never seen anything like Stark Tower, with all its technology and modern furnishings. Tony realizes that it has to be a bit intimidating. Tony places a hand on the top of her head to comfort her. He's never really had a kid before, so he hopes that's ok to do.
"Hey, kiddo. How's it going?" he says. The girl shrugs, reaching for the squirming bundle in his arms. She clutches the bundle to her chest, stroking it. When it begins to move again, she loses control and drops it.
The rabbit worms its way from inside of the blankets covering it and hops away. It becomes unsteady when its claws touch upon the marble floor, legs sliding out from under it. Loki rises from the sofa and approaches the sprawled frost rabbit. He smiles and picks him up. The rabbit recognizes his scent and becomes calm again.
"Hello Litt Bjørn," he says, stroking the fur gently. When Minva sees it's Loki, she goes to hug him, happy to see him again. The god glances down at the frost rabbit, who is trying to bite his pendant. Loki sighs and moves it out of his reach.
"You should be more careful with him. He may be an animal, but he still has feelings," he tells her. When she nods, he hands the rabbit back to the girl. Tony and Thor are both grinning side by side as they watch the interaction. It's nice to see Loki in a better mood.
"Thor says I can stay. Can I?" Minva asks. Loki shrugs and glances to Tony. The inventor gives him two encouraging thumbs up and a big smile.
"Well, Tony says it's ok. So why not?" This earns them all another smile from the girl. Tony steps forward and takes Minva's hand. He begins to pull the girl toward him. Both Loki and Thor look on with disapproval. The inventor ignores them both. He's just excited to show her around.
"C'mon. I know you're going to love your room," he tells her. Loki is uncertain which one of them is the child and which one is the adult. He sighs. He can't imagine having Tony as a father. It would most likely be a horrible delight.
"Have you eaten?" Loki intervenes. Minva shakes her head and allows herself to be pulled away from Tony. The inventor's demeanor plummets drastically. He'd been looking forward to showing her his lab. Having another scientist around the house 24/7 would be a great joy. But he guesses future scientists have to eat first.
"Well, it's a good thing I make a mean Reuben. You're going to love the food here Minva. Fatty but oh so delicious." Tony glances back to Thor. The god seems at a loss with what to do with himself.
"You coming? There'll be more than enough since Loki eats like a bird." His comment receives a silent eyebrow raising from the aforementioned god. Tony pretends not to see it. Thor politely declines the offer.
"I will leave the three of you among yourselves. I have other matters to tend to as it is," he tells them. Tony nods. A little bonding time between the three of will be fun.