Title: Always the Last Word
Fandom: MCU
Rating: PG
Length: 500 words
Content notes: None
Author notes: None
Summary: Tony always gets the last word.



Steve knew that no matter the question or the discussion, Tony always had the last word. He simply could not stop himself. It might have been one of the things he loved about Tony.

But not today.

Tony was constantly putting himself in danger. His suit was some protection but underneath it, he was a rather small man, at least compared to Steve and Thor. Steve was enhanced with serum, Thor was a god, and Bruce? Well, Bruce was a huge invincible Hulk. He was fairly certain that Natasha was enhanced and Clint was just too damned mean to get hurt.

Tony was vulnerable, made so by his desire to make the world a better place, to fight the good fight and to win it.

Just so he could have the last word.

Steve took a deep breath opened the door to the room they shared at Avengers Tower. Tony was still asleep, lying flat on his back, snoring loudly and mumbling in his sleep now and again. He had a couple of small cuts on his face made by his faceplate during their fight with yet another alien yesterday. His torso was covered in black bruises, both large and small from the beating he took when he engaged the monster. Steve had to help him into bed last night, though Tony passed it off as a joke.

Steve had gotten up early to get his run in. He loved running in Manhattan just as the sun rose. The city was as quiet as it ever got and he loved watching the various merchants and street venders getting their shops and kiosks ready for another day. He’d cut his run a little short today to get back and check on Tony, though he’d never tell him that. Tony had his pride and lots of it.

Tony’s eyes popped open. “G’mornin’, Cap. Already been running?”

Steve nodded as Tony gingerly sat up, not quite able to suppress the moan that slipped out as he swung his legs over the side of the bed.

“Want a coffee?” Steve asked as he headed to the kitchen, not wanting to embarrass Tony by watching him struggle.

The coffee was almost ready when Tony finally came into the kitchen. He’d combed his hair and changed into jeans and a t-shirt. Steve handed the cup to him as soon as it finished. Tony sipped, holding the cup in both hands to warm them.

“Any monsters reported today?” he asked as he kissed Steve quickly on the lips.

“Not yet.”

“I’m ready when they are,” Tony said as he winced when he sat down at the table.

Steve shook his head and busied himself with making his own coffee. He was sure that Tony would outlive him somehow just to make sure he got in the last word.

“Sure you are,” he mumbled.

“What did you say?” Tony asked.

“Not a thing,” Steve shot back.

“I thought not,” Tony said, as always, getting the last word in.