Archive of Our Own ^beta

After an excellent night of inventions and upgrades in his beloved lab, Tony stepped out into the outside world—or the closest thing to it: the Avengers common floor kitchen.  

Right there, in his favorite spot, was Steve, clinging to James like a leech. Tony was too tired to comment on it, so he just slumped onto one of the island stools and watched the two super-soldiers with feigned boredom. James was preparing something Tony couldn’t quite see from his angle, while Steve muttered things too low for him to hear.  

“Tony,” James said suddenly, turning and offering him a cup of coffee. The billionaire eyed the cup with interest before smiling at his partner. “Just how you like it, sweetheart.”  

A small wink, and suddenly the morning seemed brighter. But Tony was still annoyed that Steve was practically glued  to his Ome—James back.  

Ugh. 

“Buuuck, come on, please.”  

“I’ve got important things to do, Punk.”  

“No, you don’t.”  

“Yeah, I do. First, I gotta get Tony out of here, then—y’know—make sure he eats, showers, and then we’ll have some wild, uninhibited sex. Might even start in the shower.”  

James said it all in an almost serious tone, stroking his chin thoughtfully. Tony knew it was just to mess with Steve, but damn, now he wanted to do all of that immediately.  

“Buck!”  

“Steve, sex is normal. I recommend it.”  

And just like that, Tony was hoisted up like a sack of potatoes—not the dignified treatment a man of his stature deserved—but at least he didn’t spill his coffee, which he was still sipping, by the way. Steve watched the whole thing, still complaining.  

All Tony could think about was how good his Ome—James smelled. Damn it, he had to stop thinking of Bucky that way. If he wasn’t careful, he’d slip up one day, and things would get awkward. Tony was almost sure of it.  

Tony was tired, exhausted, and a little drowsy—so all he wanted was to find his future husband (though he hadn’t proposed yet) and use him as a mattress. Friday had confirmed hours ago that his favorite sergeant was in the penthouse, so the moment he stepped inside, he went searching.  

“Barnes, I need you. Urgently. Life-or-death situation, love.”  

James, who’d apparently been lying on the living room couch reading, tried to sit up—but a soft whine cut through the air. Tony frowned. That sound, plus the faint, barely-there scent of omega, set off his alpha instincts.  

“Why can I never have you to myself?” the billionaire grumbled, stomping toward the couch. “Parker, I hope you’ve got a damn good explanation. I’m not in the mood for games. I need James, and you’re in my spot.”  

He’d meant to sound authoritative, not like a petulant child, but the universe hated him—because all he got in response was another whimper from the teenager and a smirk from the man beneath him.  

“I don’t feel good, Mr. Stark,” Peter mumbled, turning his face toward Tony from where he’d been burrowed into James’ neck. “A villain injected me with something… feels weird. Already got checked out, but Dr. Banner says the worst is over. Just side effects. Should be better in a few hours.”  

“Great. Now—what the hell are you doing on my Buckybear?”  

No, Tony wasn’t some retrograde alpha who thought his partner was "property" or anything… BUT he was exhausted and wanted to cuddle his giant, comfy boyfriend. Relieved Peter wasn’t in real danger, he now just wanted to soak up James’ warmth.  

“He’s cozy…” Peter muttered, nuzzling back into the omega’s neck. “Just a little longer. Please.”  

“It’s alright, Peter. This’ll pass soon. Tony—pretty sure we can all fit here,” James said, shifting again—but Tony stopped him.  

“No, baby. We’re moving to the bed. And we’re dragging the kid with us. I’m not skipping my cuddle quota because the baby spider’s acting spoiled.”  

“I’m not spoiled!”  

“You are,” James confirmed, securing Peter against his chest with his metal arm and standing. The kid didn’t even flinch—just sighed and let his head drop onto the soldier’s shoulder, legs wrapped around his waist. “Which room, love?”  

Ugh.

Sometimes Tony hated being so stupidly in love. Those damn butterflies every time James looked at him with those big, gorgeous eyes and said “love or my love”—disgusting. He wanted to kiss him breathless, but a whiny pup was in his way. He adored the kid most of the time, but right now? He just wanted his sexy soldier alone. (Though he should double-check with Bruce that Peter was really okay…)  

He took James’ free hand and led them to the room Peter had unofficially claimed. Maybe surrounded by familiar scents, the kid would relax faster. (Not that Tony would admit he cared.)  

Once all three were settled on the bed—Peter on one side of James, Tony on the other—Friday queued up a lighthearted movie at James’ request.  

“How tired are you?” the taller brunette murmured, kissing Tony’s forehead. The genius grinned and tilted his head up for a proper kiss.  

Tony lost track of time. They weren’t even being sexual—just savoring each other’s lips, the comfort of closeness—until Peter’s voice shattered the moment.  

“Guys! Hello?! I’m right here—nope, nope, nope—are you trying to trau—mmph!”  

A metal hand shoved Peter’s face into James’ chest, muffling his protests—all while James kept kissing a very entertained Tony, who eventually broke away, laughing.  

“That’s what you get for interrupting my Buckybear time!”  

“I’m sick!”  

“And I’m tired!”  

“He’s my da—friend! FRIEND!”  

“And he’s my Ome— ahem, lover!”  

“Nobody says lover!”  

“Oho, really? Because I’m pretty sure you were about to say something else, kiddo.” Tony knew he’d won when Peter turned into a human tomato.  

“Both of you, shut up. Wall-E’s looking for Eve.”  

The two brunettes stared at James in disbelief—but before they could argue, the omega yanked them against his chest, smothering any complaints. An unspoken truce settled over them as they snuggled in, earning a fond stroke from James.  

Tony used to think he was happy with his life. But now? Now he knew something had always been missing—this.

Was it too weird to propose to the love of his life after a Pixar movie?  

Bruce’s Lab  

Steve just wanted to know if Bucky had returned from Wakanda. Why did life seem so determined to remind him that his best friend had a more active sex life than his own?  

Because that metal arm wrapped around Tony’s waist could only belong to James "Bucky" Barnes. Under different circumstances, Steve would have left and given them privacy—but that kiss was escalating, if the sounds coming from Stark were any warning. And this was Bruce’s lab! Did they have no respect for Bruce’s space?  

"BUCKY!" 

"I swear to God, Steve—" Tony shouted, caught between startled and annoyed. "Are you doing this on purpose? Can you not walk in on us during a sexy moment just because you feel like interrupting?"  

"Of course not! But this isn’t even your lab!"  

"So? We were just kissing." Bucky, who hadn’t even pulled away from Tony, nodded slowly before pressing a kiss to the billionaire’s neck. "Steve, we weren’t about to have sex."  

At the word, Steve began picking up on certain… scents.  

"Bucky’s in heat!"  

"Mmm… No, but close," Bucky murmured. "So I won’t be able to make that park date, Steve."  

"Date?"  

Steve didn’t think Tony would actually growl at him in this situation, but that was exactly what happened. Bucky decided it was time to intervene, so with a hand under the billionaire’s chin, he tried to distract him with another kiss. Unfortunately, the idea had already taken root in Tony’s mind.  

"What do you mean, date? Is this why you’ve been glued to my Ome—to James?"  

"What? Tony, you can’t possibly think I want something with MY BEST FRIEND. Right?"

"Bad choice of words, sweetheart. We were just gonna go for a run and mess with Sam."  

Beyond being concerned about the pheromones Tony was unconsciously releasing, Bucky was getting hotter and more turned on by the second. Did Tony not realize he was basically marking James? Between that and the possessive hand on the taller man’s hip—all while glaring at Steve—Bucky was done for.  

James didn’t know if it was the pheromones, the start of his cycle, or the whole situation, but he could no longer hear the argument between the two alphas. He didn’t care. He just wanted Tony, and he wanted him now.  

Suddenly, Friday’s voice echoed through the lab.  

"Boss, given Sergeant Barnes’ current state, it would be best if both you and the Captain control your pheromones. You may cause him physical discomfort otherwise."  

"Should I call a doctor?" Steve asked, eyeing his friend with concern.  

"Yes, go get Bruce. NOW." 

Steve nodded and nearly sprinted out of the lab. 

"You, sir, are in trouble."  

"Maybe." The soldier’s tone was pure provocation. "Gonna punish me?" With that, he leaned in again, a wicked smirk on his lips.  

Tony wanted to be mad about the misunderstanding, but he’d deal with that after having sex with his ridiculously hot boyfriend. They also needed to sort out the whole heat situation.  

Without a word—just a look—he took the taller man’s hand and left the lab before Steve could return with a (likely very confused) Bruce.  

"I don’t wanna assume, but… are you spending your heat here in the Tower with me, or…? Should I prep the Malibu room I mentioned? I don’t mind either option."  

They stepped into one of the residential elevators, and after directing it to Tony’s floor, James finally answered.  

"...Your question offends me, Stark."  

Hearing his partner use his last name set off alarms in the alpha’s mind. James never called him by his surname—not even his full name. Since they’d gotten together, it had always been affectionate nicknames or his first name in that soft, melting tone.  

"Sweetheart?"  

"I think the punishment’s gonna be for someone else."  

"What? What did I do?" 

The elevator doors opened, and this time, it was the soldier who took Tony’s hand, leading him with firm steps toward the bedroom they shared.  

"The scent of an angry omega—his omega—flooded Tony’s senses, but any guilt vanished when Bucky backed him into the wall, teeth scraping his throat. Clothes ripped.

Well. That answered the question of where Bucky would be spending his heat.

Steve

Steve just wanted to see if Bucky was free. He didn't need to know whether his best friend had something going on with Tony or not - though his very perceptive and assertive imagination did think those two looked... odd together.

First, Bucky was apparently reviewing some hologram while having Tony on top of him. And he wasn't speaking metaphorically - the billionaire was literally lying on his best friend like some sort of bed or sleeping spot, complete with being tucked in.

Was this something they normally did? Could he do it too? Not that he'd mind if it was with Bucky. Was it weird to want to do that with your best friend?

"Steve," Bucky finally noticed him, speaking in a low voice, "are you trying to wake Tony with the power of your stare or are you having a stroke? Do you need Tony for something? He fell asleep an hour ago, and I don't think we should deprive him of well-earned rest unless it's important."

"No, no, I actually came for you."

"What do you need?"

"Uh... I just wanted to know if you were free, but I see you're not. Um, you two... do you always... do this?"

"Sleep?" Bucky asked, confused.

"Well, yes, but like this."

Steve didn't bother hiding his curiosity as he pointed at Tony, who was now shifting position on the soldier's chest. Bucky looked down at the man sprawled on him and began stroking his back, causing Tony to let out a sleepy sigh and unconsciously nuzzle into the crook between Bucky's neck and shoulder.

"Ah, usually after a sex marathon."

"..."

Steve's cheeks began turning red.

"..."

"What?"

Bucky subtly bit his lip to keep from laughing and suppress the smile creeping onto his face - an action that made the blond want to punch his best friend for the stupid joke.

"You're horrible. I hate you."

"Steve, I swear to God if you keep bothering my beautiful, comfortable bed, I'm banning you from this floor," murmured a still-sleepy Tony. Without their serum-enhanced hearing, neither soldier might have caught what the shorter man said.

Bucky seemed surprised Tony was awake but made no move to push him off - if anything, he hugged him tighter, if that was even possible.

"What? But this is my floor!"

"Not anymore if you keep-"

"Hey, gorgeous," Bucky interrupted, "want to move to the penthouse instead? The bed's more comfortable there."

Gorgeous? Were Bucky and Tony...?

"Uhh..."

"'Gorgeous'?" Steve said incredulously, staring at Bucky. "What's going on here?"

"You don't agree that he is?" Bucky countered as he waited for Tony to get up so he could do the same. Once both men were standing, Bucky scooped Tony up bridal-style, and the genius didn't seem the least bit uncomfortable. "Look at him. Beautiful."

"Barnes, stop flirting in front of your friend, you'll confuse him," Tony mumbled into the brunette's chest, effectively ending the conversation.

"Flirting?!"

"We'll talk later, Stevie."

The brunette winked before leaving with a now-sleeping Tony Stark in his arms.

FLIRTING?! 

Tony being sick was, in itself, a rare occurrence. It was the first time James had to take care of him since they became a couple, which was why he didn’t understand why Rhodey and Pepper suddenly seemed so eager to offer emotional support. It was just a cold, or maybe COVID… He hoped it was just a cold. He’d had enough of that damn virus.

“Are you sure you don’t need me to come over? James, Tony is… quite special when he’s sick. I know you’ve seen him when he comes back from missions injured, but let me tell you—this is not the same.”

“Miss Pepper, I think I can handle it. The test results will be in any minute, and I’m sure it’s just a cold. But even if it’s not, the super-soldier serum makes me immune to most things.”

“Ah, my dear James. That’s not the problem. It’s just—”

A noise came from the bedroom, followed by a groan.

“I have to go. I appreciate your concern, and I’ll keep it in mind.”

Pepper said goodbye hesitantly, and James still didn’t fully understand. When he entered the bedroom, he saw the Alpha tossing and turning restlessly in the sheets. Was he having a nightmare? Carefully, he approached the bed and touched Tony’s forehead—pulling his hand back instantly. Tony was burning up with fever.

“Love, wake up. You need to take your medicine,” the Omega whispered, trying to rouse Tony.

Seeing that Tony resisted waking, James decided to look for a towel and a glass of water to cool him down while he slept. He still needed to give him the medicine, but he wanted to lower that fever fast.

Tony woke the moment the towel touched his forehead—agitated and disoriented, until his eyes landed on the Omega practically leaning over him.

“Trying to take advantage of me? I’ll allow it, though I’m not sure how much help I’ll be.”

“Tony, you have a high fever. I don’t think you’re in the mood for intimacy right now,” the taller man said reproachfully, adjusting the small towel on his forehead before handing him the glass of water and fever pills. “Take these. They’ll help.”

“Physical activity might help with the fever,” Tony murmured before obediently taking the medicine. Instead of lying back down, though, he urged the taller man to join him in bed. “I feel awful—like I’m dying. Is it too much to ask for some affection?”

James seriously wanted to roll his eyes. Did he not give him enough affection every single day? But he was so adorable that James just shook his head softly before settling into bed beside him, arranging Tony so the shorter man could rest his head on his chest. He’d learned that when Tony felt unwell, he liked being held like this—and James wasn’t about to deny him that. Maybe it was because he’d taken care of Steve back when he was a scrawny, sickly kid with more anger than height, but taking care of Tony didn’t seem out of the ordinary at all.

Yes, he became whiny. Yes, he acted spoiled. And of course, he was a terrible patient when it came to taking his medicine—unless you offered him something in return, and even then, he’d complain. Then there were the territorial displays, which James was almost certain were fever-induced—like how Tony had banned Steve from entering the penthouse by putting little signs outside.

A few minutes later, Steve complaining to him over text was downright hilarious.

Suddenly, Friday’s voice echoed through the room, announcing an incoming call from Colonel Rhodes.

“Accept it, Fri,” Tony said while James gently stroked his hair, both still lying in bed.

“Tony, do you still have an Omega, or did you scare him off already? Do we need to order the world’s largest bouquet of flowers to apologize?”

“I’m still here,” James interjected, seeing how offended Tony looked at his friend’s words. “He’s still as adorable as always—maybe a little more spoiled, but tolerable.”

“‘A little spoiled’? What? He didn’t even make you cook his grandmother’s soup—the one he doesn’t remember but always loves when he’s sick.”

“Oh, right. But I didn’t have the ingredients. I’m waiting for the delivery—or, well, Steve, actually. I asked—”

“STEVE? No, tell him to go back to his sad little apartment with his bird friend. I don’t want the soup anymore. In fact, I hate that soup now.”

After a few seconds of silence, Rhodey decided to excuse his best friend’s behavior.

“I swear, he only acts like this when he’s sick. He’s a good guy—just be patient with him.”

A soft chuckle escaped the Omega’s lips. He knew Rhodey was just teasing Tony—and it was working, if the pout on Tony’s lips was any indication. “I don’t know… He’s been spoiled since the day I met him.”

“What?! No, I haven’t—”

The sound of the elevator and Friday announcing the arrival of a certain captain made Tony growl softly.

“He’s just dropping off the package,” James said, kissing the Alpha’s cheek. “Besides, didn’t you want your Nonna’s soup?”

“No, not anymore. Rogers contaminated everything.”

Over the room’s speakers, Rhodey groaned at his best friend’s childish behavior. James just shook his head gently.

“Tony, do you love me?”

“Of course, my beautiful snowflake.”

“Hey, guys, guys—remember I’m still here? No extremely sappy conversations. I don’t want to develop diabetes this early in my life.”

“Can’t an Alpha be affectionate with his Omega? Rhodey, I thought I raised you better.”

“I’m older than you!”

“But I’m the one who taught you the ways of the world!”

The two Alphas started bickering like children, and James—thinking he could sneak away—began slowly shifting away from the billionaire. But the moment Tony noticed James trying to leave, he clung even tighter to the Soldier. No longer just resting on the ex-assassin’s chest, he now climbed on top of him like a human blanket and buried his face in the taller man’s neck.

“Rhodey, I gotta go. We’ll talk later. James is trying to escape.”

“Tones, what did we say about that behavior?”

“He’s my Omega. I’m allowed. Byeee, Rhodey~” With a sigh and a brief farewell from the billionaire, Rhodey ended the call. “You, Mr. Barnes… you don’t love me.”

“Anthony Edward Stark. Are you serious? I’m just going to get the things for the soup you asked for.”

A pitiful whimper escaped the shorter man before he shamelessly nuzzled into the Omega’s neck. “But I only need you.”

“You’re lucky you’re adorable,” the Omega said with a feigned tone of exhaustion, wrapping his arms around the Alpha and letting him nuzzle closer.

However, his pheromones betrayed how much he enjoyed having Tony like this. The fever was also going down, and he knew Tony would fall back asleep soon. He would take that opportunity to make the soup and maybe call Rhodey—perhaps he could give him tips on how to make it just the way Tony liked it.

“Why are you smiling?” Tony asked, eyeing his partner suspiciously but making no move to separate from him.

“Because I love you.”

There was no verbal response, nor was one needed, as Tony filled the room with pheromones that betrayed his happy state of mind.