Tony wakes earlier than he usually does, and before Steve at that. The early morning light casts light and shadows, and Tony's fingers trace small circles across Steve's stomach, enamored by the sight of his husband. It's a decision to disrupt the peace on his face, a rare sight to witness as they're both haunted by war, even in sleep. He leans in, then, presses a gentle kiss to his shoulder, then neck, and finally a peck to the corner of his lips, not quite on the mouth.
there are far worse ways to be woken up. enhanced body doesn’t really need much sleep to function, so sleeping in is really just a luxury and oftentimes steve only stays in bed so as to not disturb tony when he finally gets some rest. it’s not often tony wakes before him, and if his husband’s touch weren’t so gentle and intentional, he’d have been concerned. but clearly tony is fine, fine enough to press kisses to his skin.
thick eyelashes flutter, caught between drowsiness and the warm affection that blooms in his heart. soft smile spreads like butter, and steve lets a contented hum resonate from his chest.
“g’morning,” leaves his lips in a sleepy murmur, words of affection caught in a knot in his throat, too plentiful for him to coherently pick which suited the warmth and safety he was experiencing. but by now he has faith that tony knows, doesn’t need him to say it to understand, and he loves him all the more for it.