Just read the whole thing and realized it's supposed to be an ask. Steve/Clint with blurting out love confessions and inconvenient and/or awkward times?
The middle of a guy’s divorce is probably the WORST possible time for a love confession, but to be fair Steve has never had great timing. Clint would really not have expected any different, if he’d been less totally blindsided by the whole thing.
“Where’s Steve?” Natasha entered the kitchen, dropping a quick kiss on Clint’s cheek as she scooted around him for a drink. “I haven't seen him all day. Barely got a chance to say anything to him last night.”
“I think---” Clint was frowning at a recipe, his hands deep in a bowl of dough. “I think he and Bucky have been holed up in their room for the day. Trying to get Bucky to adjust to everything.”
Natasha made a disagreeable noise, and Clint shot her a look. “Don't do that, Nat. We all agreed it would be best to bring Bucky home, we all agreed to help as much as needed while he recovers from his conditioning. You need to suck it up.”
“Clint---”
“Suck it up, Nat!” The Omega snapped, wings flaring in annoyance. “All of us at some point or another have needed the team to step in and look out for us and deal with our bull shit. Bucky is no different. If he needs Steve holed up in their room because he can't face us, then that's what we can give him, alright?”
“But he’s not one of us.” Natasha pointed out, folding her arms stubbornly. “He’s an assassin.”
“So are you.”
“Yes, but I haven't made an unsanctioned kill in years. Bucky on the other hand, has been a Hydra agent for seventy years and has just barely dropped his programming. A few months ago he was literally trying to kill us.”
“And?” Clint reached for more flour. “What’s your point? You and I met when I tried to kill you, right?”
“Clint---”
“Tasha.” He set the bowl down with a sigh, wiping his hands on his ridiculous checkered apron. “Look. I get it, alright? You were the one right there with Cap while hunting the Winter Soldier and he was obviously the enemy and really tried to kill you. And I know he came close, several times. I know you barely made it home at least twice. Cost the lives of a bunch of innocents and just an amazing amount of damage…and then we turn around and he’s supposed to be a good guy? I understand why it's a difficult adjustment for you, alright?”
Clint motioned for her, and Natasha came willingly, curling into his chest, tucking her wings low to keep them out of the way, never minding the flour that was everywhere. “But Bucky needs us, needs the family. It wasn't all that long ago that you were the one hiding out in your room because you couldn't handle being around everyone. And what did we all do then?”
He nudged her when she didn't answer right away. “Nat, what did we do?”
“You guys gave me the time I needed to recover.” she mumbled into his shoulder. “And you left me in peace, but never left me alone. I knew that if I needed something all I had to do was ask and it was mine.”
“Why does Bucky deserve any less?” Clint pressed. “Because it has taken him longer to drop his programming? Because he worked for Hydra? That’s bullshit and you know it baby.”
Natasha nodded against him. “You’re right. You’re right and I'm sorry. It's just… I had to look into his eyes while he tried to kill me, Clint. Twice. Steve had to stitch me back together in Poland. But now this guy’s sharing a room with him? No one ever said I adjusted well to change.”
“You definitely don't adjust well to change.” Clint chuckled and kissed her forehead. “But we all manage to love you anyway. Just give Bucky time. He needs more patience than the rest of us did, but it will all work out.”
“Yeah.” She pulled away, finally making a face at the flour that now decorated the front of her clothes. “Thanks for the flour bath.”
“Next time don't be such a sour puss and you won't need one.” Clint retorted, and blew her a kiss before going back to his recipe. “You better, now? Because if our Alpha caught you talking like that he’d be pissed. You know damn well that once someone is family, that’s all that matters.”
“I know.” Natasha sighed. “I know. I just need to work through this stuff. Don't tell Tony.”
“Don't tell Tony what?” The Alpha stepped into the kitchen and they both turned with smiles, wings opening in welcome.
“Alpha.” Clint murmured and Tony grinned, wiping a spot of flour off Clint’s nose before kissing him lightly. “I haven't seen you since you got home yesterday. Have you eaten today?”
“No.” Tony groaned. “I've been working on a new project with Bruce. Starving though, I'm glad you’re cooking tonight. You make the best food.” Clint flushed in pride and Tony brought their mouths together for a longer kiss. “Will you stay the night with me tonight? Been a while since you and I---”
“God, yes.” Clint breathed, his wings snapping out to present for his Alpha, ignoring the mess his feathers made. “Yes, Alpha, of course. I didn't want to say anything, I knew you were tired from traveling and with Bucky and Steve back home I just---”
“Mmmm.” Tony made a contented sound deep in his throat, let his own wings open enough to brush against Clint’s before pulling them back. “Always say something when you want me, Clint. You know I will say yes, no matter what else is going on. I've missed you.” The Omega whined in agreement, tilting his head to show off his neck in a purely submissive gesture and Tony growled. “Omega.”
“Alpha.” Clint murmured back and his eyes fluttered closed when Tony ran his nose over his neck, breathing in the sweet scent of his Omega.
Natasha stayed silent and let them have their moment, smiling as the air between the pair filled with anticipation, warmth, mine, Tony putting both arms around Clint, running gentle fingers through the dark brown feathers before tangling in Clint’s hair to bring him in for another kiss.
It took several minutes, but finally Tony pulled away, whispering soft things in Clint’s ear that Nat couldn't catch, but judging by how Clint coughed and adjusted the apron over the front of his pants… she probably didn't to know what Tony was saying anyway.
“Nat.” Tony turned to her, his beautiful wings flicking towards her, brushing a quick kiss over her cheek. “What were you saying you didn't want to tell me?”
“It was nothing important.” She assured him, touching his mouth with the tips of her fingers, letting her wings relax enough to rest against him. “Nothing at all.”
“You’re having a hard time with Bucky being here.” Tony stated, looking steadily into her green eyes. “With Steve being the one taking care of him. You are uncomfortable having him in the Tower.”
“Damn it.” she huffed. “How do you do that?”
“Because I know you, huh?” Tony cupped her jaw carefully. “I can see when you are struggling, even though you hide it pretty well behind the whole scary assassin thing. I get it, alright? I know this whole situation isn’t easy, but he needs us, Nat. Needs the family. He deserves every bit of love that we have for each other. He’s Steve’s best friend, my dad knew him, he was there at the beginning of what started all of this.” Tony motioned around them. “My dad started all of this with the super soldier serum and Cap, and Bucky was right alongside that. He belongs here.”
“I know.” she groaned, leaning into his touch. “I know he does. But as Clint so sweetly pointed out, I don't really adjust well to change.”
“Sweetheart, for a spy you actually react so badly to change I can't believe you have survived this long.” Tony teased. “Just take deep breaths before talking to him, and remember that none of us have been through what he has, but you probably come the closest. Reach out to him, because if the situation was reversed, if he is the man Steve says he used to be-- He would be the one reaching out to you.”
“Yes, Tony.” she muttered, closing her eyes when Tony kissed her forehead. “I'll try. But you know I'm barely friendly even to people I know and trust and love. I can't promise that this will come easily or quickly.”
“Tasha, you say you’re barely friendly, but when was the last time you didn't enter a room without kissing whoever was there, hm?” Tasha blushed and Tony tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. “I went to Lush while I was gone and bought some more of the pomegranate body wash you love.” he offered. “Why don't you sneak up and take a shower in my room before dinner. It might take your mind off everything, give yourself a chance to reset, as well as get rid of the shocking amount of flour you have accumulated on your clothes.”
“Thank you.” Natasha beamed. “You spoil me, Alpha. I love your shower.”
“I know do you.” Tony squeezed her hand and shooed her out the door, blowing one last kiss to Clint. “Tonight, Clint.”
“I can't wait.” Clint promised with a smile, before clicking his music back on, and going back to cooking.
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“Are you hungry?” Steve came out of the elevator first, scanning the surprisingly empty common area before reaching back for Bucky's hand and pulling him forward. “I think it's Clints night to cook and he makes amazing food.”
“I don't think I'm hungry.” Bucky shook his head. “I'm never really hungry anymore. You guys take turns cooking?”
“Yeah.” Steve laughed. “Tony gets all annoyed with us for ordering in for every meal, so we switch off days to cook. It's more fun anyway, and makes sure we are all together for at least one meal a day.”
“Why would--” Bucky swallowed. “--why would the Alpha be annoyed that you order in food? You should be able to eat whatever you want, right?”
“Tony.” Steve corrected gently. “And he isn’t annoyed, I guess, but he likes it when the huge kitchen he has for us is actually used. Plus, Tony is a sucker for a home cooked meal, surrounded by his family. So we take turns cooking to make him happy.”
“Why.”
“Because he’s our Alpha.” Steve turned him towards the kitchen. “He takes care of us, so we take care of him. Now let’s go see what Clint’s making for dinner.”
“Steve!” Clint grinned when they came in, shoving a pizza into one of the huge ovens and going back to mixing whatever was in the bowl in front of him. “Bucky.” His voice was quieter but his smile no smaller when he greeted Bucky.
“Hope you boys are hungry. I've got a new pizza dough recipe to try out and the recipe makes like five pies, so Bucky-baby I hope you eat as much as Golden Boy over here because this is going to be a lot of pizza. Plus I have about a thousand toppings so if you have any special requests, just let me know.” He winked at Bucky who blinked at him in surprise.
Steve whistled appreciatively and clapped Clint on the back before moving towards the fridge. “Sounds amazing, Clint. Bucky, you want a beer?”
Bucky shook his head, but Clint held out a sauce covered hand demandingly for a bottle, then tsked in disappointment when Steve tried to hand it to him. “Come on Cap. I'm creating art here, you know damn well I'm not gonna open my own beer.”
“Clint, you're a pain in the ass.” Steve laughed though, and ripped the cap off the beer, pouring it carefully into Clint's open mouth.
“See Mr America, you always come through for me. Thank you.” The Omega smiled and Steve smiled back at him before leaning down and bringing their mouths together in a soft kiss.
“You're welcome.” Steve moved past Clint with a hand on his waist squeezing lightly. “What time for pizza?”
“I would say---” Clint make a scrunchy face in thought. “An hour. Tops. Can your super soldier ass survive that long?”
“I'll be fine.” Steve saluted him with his bottle before putting a hand on Bucky's back, arching his wings high to let them settle around Bucky's shoulders, and herding him out the door. “See you in an hour.”
“Hey Buck.” Clint called. “You ever get tired of Star Spangled over here, just come hang out huh? You’re always welcome in the kitchen, plus I'm hilarious so I promise you’ll have a good time!”
Bucky turned and nodded just once, hesitantly, but it was enough to make Clint grin all over again and Bucky's lips twitched into something like a smile.
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Dinner wasn't as bad as Bucky thought it would be.
The team wandered in one or two at a time, mostly laughing and talking, sprawling across the various couches as Clint lay the pizzas out across the bar, yelling for everyone to come eat before it got cold.
The Beta Sam Wilson came right over to give Steve a hug, reaching to shake Bucky's hand before piling a plate high and sitting on the ground by their feet, his bright red wings laying casually against Steve’s golden feathers that trailed down off the couch.
Natasha, who was both stunningly beautiful and altogether terrifying to look at, primly arranged her snow white wings around her to sit cross legged in an easy chair, and a delicate looking Omega draped herself and pale pink wings on the arm of the chair, talking quietly with Natasha.
“That’s Pepper.” Steve nudged Bucky when he saw where he was looking. “She has been around longer than anyone else. Her and Tony were together before the team came to be. Pepper!” he raised his voice, and the pretty woman looked up and smiled warmly before leaving Natashas side and crossing the space to them.
“Steve.” she bent to kiss his cheek. “Welcome home. And Bucky.” she bent down and kissed Bucky's cheek as well before he could even think to pull away or tell her no. “Welcome home. We have been waiting a long time for you to make it home safe.” She let her hand rest on his shoulder for a minute, brushing a thumb thoughtfully over his inky black feathers. “If you need anything at all, please let me know.” her light green eyes were earnest and Bucky had a hard time looking away.
“And if Tony gets on your nerves, you can call me about that too because I've been wrangling him for enough years now, I know exactly how to handle him.” She laughed aloud at Bucky's shocked expression and went back to sitting with Natasha, who moved over in the chair so they could both fit.
“Um---” Bucky looked entirely lost and Steve chuckled at him.
“Yeah. She might be tiny, but she is fierce. If we didn't have Tony, I'm sure Pepper would step right into the Alpha position and run the Tower. She is incredible.”
“Why does she smell… off?” Bucky asked quietly. “She’s an Omega but she smells muted. Why? How?”
“Suppressants.” Steve supplied. “Tony developed a set of suppressants for us if we need them. It's difficult to be an Omega and do what we do, so he makes it easier on us. Pepper wears hers all the time.”
“Why?”
“That's something you will have to ask her.” Steve said firmly. “Now eat. I don't remember seeing you eating at all yesterday, which means it's been since Germany, so go on and take a bite.”
“Weird for you to be telling me to eat.” Bucky grunted and Steve sent him a look. “I'm jus’ saying, you were the one who weighed eighty pounds, ya know? I always had to take care of you.”
Steve just rolled his eyes and took a big bite of his own pizza before joining everyone else in telling a completely pleased Clint how good his new recipe was.
It was an easy night, and Bucky sat back to let the team talk over him, trading jokes and teasing each other. A few questions were directed his way, but for the most part Bucky was content to just watch, and the team was content to let him be.
Clint sandwiched himself between Bucky and the arm of the couch, adding in quiet commentary as others talked, elbowing Bucky playfully every time he made a joke, making sure their shoulders and legs were touching constantly, and that Bucky's plate was always full.
Bucky thought maybe he should have been on edge with that much physical contact, with Clint’s deep brown wings brushing against his own, but he wasn't. In fact he found himself leaning in closer, drawn to the easy scent of a relaxed Omega, to the scent of someone good.
Steve filled in the other side, resting a hand on Bucky's knee as he ate, turning to check on him constantly, and for the first time in...in… decades...for the first time in decades, Bucky found himself relaxing, feeling warm and safe, surrounded by comforting Omegas, friendly Betas, and no Alpha in sight.
In fact the only time the Alpha had been mentioned was when Bruce had come up briefly, snagging an entire pizza and taking it down to the lab for he and Tony, and he had waved cheerfully at Bucky as he did.
It was a good night, and Bucky thought it was the closest to happy he had been in a long time.
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“You like him.” Bucky said as he and Steve got ready for bed that night. “The Omega who makes pizza?”
“Clint.” Steve stuck his head out of the bathroom, toothbrush in his mouth. “Yeah, he’s pretty great. Sweet, funny, makes good food. Trustworthy.” he shrugged. “What's not to like?”
“You kissed him.” Bucky clarified, sitting on the edge of Steve’s bed. “You kissed him like you kissed that Alpha.”
Steve reappeared, dropping his jeans and climbing into the bed, holding a hand out for Bucky. “I wouldn't say I kiss Clint the same way I kiss Tony, but yeah, we are close.”
“Why?” Bucky wanted to know, settling into the bed with his head on Steve’s chest. “I don't understand. Doesn't the Alpha get upset if you are being… if you’re close with someone besides him?”
“No.” Steve frowned. “No, Tony doesn't have a jealous bone in his body. And Clint and I are close because we can be. Sometimes the comfort of an Omega is better than anything else. You know this-- remember how much time you and I spent kissing and touching?”
“We were kids.” Bucky countered. “Teenagers helping each other through heats because neither one of us had an Alpha. Comforting each other because we didn't have anyone else. That's different.”
“Maybe.” Steve shifted beneath him, a big hand on Bucky's head to keep him over his heart. “But maybe not. Does it bother you? The entire team is like this with each other. I guess it didn't occur to me that it looked weird or--”
“It's nice.” Bucky's voice was quiet. “To see people who love each other so openly. I'm not used to it.”
“Yeah well, get used to it.” Steve yawned and held him tighter. “The family loves each other and we aren't shy about showing it.”
“Yeah, alright.” Bucky muttered and closed his eyes to try and sleep.
Living with a group of people who were so openly affectionate, who were so at ease with each other and with an Alpha was going to be different.
hawkshield replied to your post: i started a new au because that’s exactly what i...
You must keep going. Must.
i am. because i’m a perfect grad school student who doesn’t have to read three 40-page long articles about cultural anthropology for monday and who has their priorities in order.
