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To nobody’s surprise, Tony was starting to get on Hank’s nerves.
It had started with him sporadically dropping by Hank’s lab. He’d claim boredom, that this was better than nothing, but it was all an obvious lie. Hank didn’t mind, though, especially not when he was making such insightful comments.
Plus, if Tony was away from his own lab, not working, it meant less competition.
But the visits were becoming more frequent, with Tony loitering around until there was an emergency, or until Jarvis called him away. And with the increase in visits came the increase in Hank’s suspicion.
Did Tony feel the need to watch over him? To make sure he wasn’t doing something that could endanger himself? Or... Was it to ensure he wasn’t making something to hurt the others.
With Hank’s history of mental breakdowns, it was understandable. But, damn, did it feel patronising.
. . . . . . . .
“There are other people you can bother, you know!” Hank blurted out one day.
It wasn’t like Tony had done anything egregious. Hank had just snapped.
“Of course I know. I just don’t care.”
He wanted nothing more than to slap that cocky smirk from his face.
“Who put you up to this? Was it Steve? Is he trying to prevent another Ultron? Or was it Janet?”
Tony tried to interrupt, but Hank kept going.
“At least Clint tries to be subtle about it!”
Once he’d noticed Tony’s habit, it was easy to identify the same thing from Clint. His company wasn’t nearly as invasive, and actually quite helpful. He’d bring food to Hank when he’d forget to eat, be his sparring partner if needed, and just generally keep him company. If he didn’t know any better, he wouldn’t have given it a second thought.
“Wait, Clint’s been...”
“Yep. That’s how I know someone’s told you to do this.”
Tony went silent, simply staring at Hank’s frosty eyes. Until,
“Y’know, for a genius, you have terrible deduction skills.”
Hank didn’t get a chance to challenge that before Tony pulled him into a kiss. It was a quick thing, more like a peck, but it was good. Better than it had any right to be.
“Uhm. What?” Hank stammered out, a deep blush gracing his cheeks. Tony couldn’t help but chuckle.
“That’s why I’ve been hanging around you. Not because someone put me up to it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to talk with Clint.”
. . . . . . . .
Hank stumbled upon the confrontation later. Well, they were arguing right next to his lab, so maybe ‘stumbled’ wasn’t the right word.
“Back off!” Clint yelled. The pair seemed totally oblivious to his presence.
“You had your chance with him at the Whackos,” Tony’s unfazed, unwavering voice spoke back.
“I was married back then! I couldn’t betray Bobbi like that. You, on the other hand, had your chance since day one.”
“Right, like he would’ve left Janet for me.”
Hank had to interrupt. The argument wasn’t all too heated now, but with Clint’s temper and Tony’s ego, things could soon turn ugly.
“Guys.”
“Tell Clint he’s being unreasonable.”
“Tell Tony he’s being selfish!”
“Guys, please! I know it’s not really either of your modi operandi, but... Can’t you share?”
The two stared at him, and for a moment, Hank regretted ever opening his mouth. Until, Tony spoke again.
“You don’t mind? Being with both of us?”
“It would be a new experience for me, but I’d be okay with it.”
And when Clint pushed him against his desk later, clutching his hips, whilst Tony sucked and bit at his neck, he realised, he really didn’t mind.
Not one bit.