Work Text:
Steve was reading in the living room when the elevator dinged, drawing his attention away from the Silmarillion. He was surprised to see Tony walking into the penthouse, nose up and clearly sniffing the air before he turned and made a beeline towards Steve.
“Hey, honey,” Steve said, but Tony didn't answer, just marched right into the V of Steve's legs and sank to his knees. His head thunked down onto the side of Steve's thigh, and Steve instinctively cupped the bond mark on his neck, his heart clenching when Tony let out a shaky breath. “You're back early. What happened?”
“Rescheduled my flight.” By half a day, it seemed. Steve mentally did the math and winced when he realized how early Tony must have left his hotel in order to be here already. He didn't need to ask if Tony was okay, because he clearly wasn't, so instead he shifted his weight forward so he could properly hold Tony's head up with both hands on his neck, tipping it back in a stress-relieving stretch. Tony instantly melted, eyes slipping shut as he let Steve draw him in close, bracketing Tony's body with his thighs.
“I'm glad you're home,” Steve said, and Tony shivered, grabbing Steve's ankles with unsteady hands. “I missed you.”
“God, I missed you so much,” Tony sighed, leaning heavily into Steve's hold. “Three weeks is way too long.”
“I'll talk to Pepper,” Steve said, because he knew Tony wasn't going to. He'd rather work himself into an early grave than let down the people who counted on him. It was as admirable as it was frustrating. “I'll make sure you have the weekend off.”
“I have a shareholder thing tomorrow.”
“You'll have the weekend off. I promise.”
Tony's shoulders sank with relief. Steve felt a glow of pride at the fact that Tony trusted him to keep his word. “Thank you.”
“Come here.” Steve urged Tony closer until he had his arms propped up on Steve's thighs, head tipped forward so his nape was exposed. Steve started off by stroking his hair in long, smooth motions before he moved down to Tony's neck, massaging either side with his knuckles. Tony was purring almost instantly, hiding his face in his arms as Steve dug his hands into Tony's stiff shoulders, releasing the tension there.
“God, that's good,” Tony slurred, and Steve chuckled, smoothing his palms across Tony's back in big circles.
“Are you hungry? I was about to make dinner –“
“If you stop touching me, I'll fucking kill you, Rogers,” Tony growled, gripping the fabric of Steve's pants as if to keep him there. Steve bit down on a laugh, shushing Tony instead as he diligently massaged the agitation back out of Tony's muscles.
“Whatever you want. JARVIS can order in for us.”
“You heard the man, J,” Tony said without lifting his head. “Get us a double order from Luigi's. Extra tiramisu.”
“Very well, Sir.”
Steve tutted, leaning down to press a kiss against Tony's temple, smiling when Tony twisted into the touch like a cat. “I'm supposed to be taking care of you.”
“You are,” Tony purred, his own smile halfway hidden by Steve's thigh. “But if you insist.” He straightened up just enough to hold out his arms, and Steve picked him up effortlessly, depositing Tony on his lap so he could keep petting him. Tony sighed happily, tucking his face into the crook of Steve's neck and nuzzling the bond mark there. “Shit. It's good to be home.”
“It's good to have you home.” Steve wrapped his arms fully around Tony, hugging him close and finally allowing himself to relax as well when Tony's familiar scent tickled his nostrils. God, he'd missed this. “I want to take you out on the town. It's been way too long since I got to show you off.”
Tony preened, practically glowing with delight as Steve kissed his temple. “Fuck yes. It's been ages.”
“You'll be so pretty, all dolled up just for me,” Steve rumbled, smirking when his voice prompted a shiver. “Wearing my collar. Letting everyone know who you belong to.”
“Jesus Christ, are you trying to kill me?” Tony laughed, poking Steve in the side. “I just got home, and you're already exploiting all of my kinks? Shame on you.”
Steve chuckled, letting the mood pass and giving Tony a soft peck instead. “Sorry. Do you want a bath before dinner?”
Tony seemed to think about it for a moment before he shook his head. “No. I'd rather stay here with you.”
Steve was pretty sure the grin that overcame him was absolutely sappy. “I'd like that.”
“Of course you would.” Tony shifted just enough so he could bring a hand up between them, touching Steve's cheek and drawing him into a proper kiss. Steve hummed, letting his eyes slip shut as he enjoyed the gentle pressure of Tony's lips against his, moving in a familiar rhythm of push and pull. It was homey and comforting more than anything else, and Steve got so lost in the feeling that he startled when JARVIS notified them that the food had arrived.
They finished their whole nighttime routine – eating dinner, cleaning up, brushing their teeth and getting dressed for bed – without ever straying farther than five inches apart from each other. And when Steve lay down under the covers and felt Tony's warm presence snuggling up to him, tangling their legs and intertwining their fingers, Steve had the thought that accompanied most of the time he spent with Tony.
He couldn't believe he'd gotten this lucky.