stony ficlet number ask 113
Steve dropped to the ground where he stood, shield clattering to the broken cement at his side. He was exhausted. He could fight for hours, but he really hated it. He couldn't tell if that was just physical, though. Sometimes the emotional toll was worse than the physical one, based on who they were fighting.
He heard the whirr of repulsors, the dull clank of metal hitting the ground and the whirring of the gears of armor whining under the effort of movement. Steve sucked in a deep breath, then blew it out through his lips slowly, tipping his head back so he could catch sight of Tony in the armor.
"How are you feeling?" Tony asked, flipping his mask up. "You're sitting down. That bad, huh?"
Steve managed a faint smile. "Oh, I don't know. I was thinking I might lie down and die for about a half an hour, okay?"
"Oof," Tony answered, unable to keep from wincing at least a little bit. It seemed like it was instinct, though, rather than actual worry. He stepped a little closer, left leg giving an alarming little squeak with each step. "Well, as long as it's only a half an hour. Anything longer and I'd just take a nap in the armor."
"Absolutely not," Steve retorted. Sure, the armor could cradle his body and keep it safe, but sleeping upright was difficult on the body. Tony smiled, mischievous and sweet all at once, and Steve couldn't help but smile back, smitten. He motioned at Tony's leg. "Something is squeaking."
Tony flipped his face plate shut, and Steve took a moment to just take him in, watch how the armor shifted in minute increments to test every bolt and joint. It was always a marvel to see. Tony had designed the armor all by himself, had checked every piece with his own hands. He was so incredibly smart. So incredibly clever.
"Quick fix once we get home," Tony said, face plate popping back open. His hair was sticking to his forehead with sweat, and there was a little swelling on his left cheek. It would probably bruise. But his eyes were bright at the idea of tinkering with the armor later, and his smile was wide with pleasure at his armor having worked with only a small malfunction.
So incredibly beautiful, Steve sighed, leaning his chin on his hand.
"Well, I'm hungry, so finish being dead, and--what?" Tony asked when he noticed the way Steve was staring at him. He blinked, lifting a gauntleted hand to his face. "I didn't get more than a glancing blow to the face, is it bad? It doesn't feel bad, I--"
"It's so unfair that you can still be so handsome after a fight," Steve said, trying to sound like he was complaining, but he could feel the goofy smile crossing his face. "I think I should kiss you all over."
Tony let out a surprised little huff, eyes crinkling with amusement. "Well, that could be arranged, maybe, after you eat something."
"You?" Steve asked hopefully.
"Maybe something with more carbs," Tony suggested instead, holding his hand out to him.
Steve took it, forcing himself not to drag Tony down for a kiss. He'd learned his lesson the last time when he'd lunged up and gotten cut by the edge of the face plate. But once it was removed, he was kissing Tony wherever he could reach.
