#tony stark x daughte reader

[sam24]

Chicken Butt

Summary: It was supposed to be a good deed. Really, it was. Tony had woken himself and the team up at ass o'clock to get ready for your morning birthday surprise, barking out orders like a dad on the morning of a road trip. Everything was supposed to be perfect. But a 6 foot something blond super soldier laying in your bed was not part of the plan.

Pairing: Steve Rogers x fem!reader

*****

Tony crept down the hall, motioning for the rest of them to follow his lead through the silent hallway.

His janky ass team clearly didn’t care as much as he did, grumbling loudly, their arms full of birthday kazoos and party horns that Tony had shoved into their hands earlier.

“I don’t think she’s gonna appreciate you waking her up by tooting horns in her face, Tony.” Natasha fixed the party hat that was sliding over her eyes. “Taking her out to breakfast would have been so much nicer.”

“Breakfast is temporary, carrot top. The memory of us working hard to surprise her and make her birthday morning special is permanent,” Tony whispered.

“I don’t know about that, Tony.” Sam piped in. “Those hash browns down the street are pretty damn memorable.”

“I don’t think this is a good idea.” Bucky’s lips were pressed tight together, looking a little nervous and queasy, like he ate a couple moldy hot dogs before hopping on a roller coaster. But Tony didn’t have time to call out the cyborg, especially when you could wake up any minute now.

“When did you suddenly start caring about birthdays?” Clint looked suspicious. “For my birthday you gave me a half drunk coffee.”

“Don’t be selfish, Barton. I was tired that day.” Tony dramatically turned his head to peer down the hallway, making a weird sweeping motion with his hand.

He turned around to see everyone staring at him questioningly.

“It means all clear, you imbeciles. Has no one seen Die Hard?”

“Oh, I have!” Peter raised his hand and let go of his balloon, and Bucky snatched it before it could float off with a roll of his eyes. “But it’s kinda more like this, Mister Stark-”

Peter tried to demonstrate but Tony silenced him with a glare. “Guys, you’re ruining the whole thing. I’m trying to be nice and surprise our friend without you chihuahuas waking her up before we even get to the door.”

“Why are you trying so hard to be nice, Tony?” Natasha shook her head. “It doesn’t suit you.”

“C’mon, are you doubting me? I love being nice. It’s my favorite hobby.”

Natasha was unimpressed. “Pepper told you to be nicer, didn’t she?”

Tony grumbled, choosing not to reply.

Okay, so maybe Pepper did want him to be a little kinder, especially after he sent a few too many interns home crying.

”It’s not my fault they don’t understand my humor!” Tony had insisted.

Pepper had just given him a firm look and told him that he had to put more effort into expressing his appreciation for other people.

Tony was offended, but he knew his wife was right (as always). He didn’t exactly know the right way to express his love, growing up in a house with minimal affection.

He had tried multiple techniques: saying kind words, giving out compliments like candy, and even going as far as squeezing in random hugs, but none of them felt natural to him.

His love language was remembering the little things, Pepper had told him after she saw Tony give you a full-sized cardboard cutout of Channing Tatum after you had mentioned that the Jump Street movies were your absolute favorite.

However, some didn’t appreciate his little gifts as much as you did.

Helen Cho was not very thrilled to see thermal underwear for hands, no, not gloves, on her desk after whining that the medical wing was always cold.

Tony had decided to change his affection tactics to something everyone could enjoy. Everyone likes surprises. Right?

He liked to act like he didn’t care about anything other than AC/DC and whiskey, but he honestly did. He loved his team to pieces and would do anything for them.

Plus, it would be some practice for his incoming child. His future daughter would probably prefer hugs and playtime with her daddy rather than a chicken butt magnet (but considering it was Tony’s kid, the chicken butt might have a chance.)

So, that’s how Tony ended up here, searching his pocket for the keys to your room that he bribed borrowed from the floor’s housekeeper.

He made a mental note to fire the lady for dangerously handing out keys to anyone who asked.

“Wow, Tony. Look at you. Breaking into girls’ rooms,” Wanda snorted. “That’s a new low.”

“Quiet, before I burn you at the stake.”

“I still don’t think we should do this.” Bucky shifted his weight uncomfortably.

“You know, I would’ve expected Steve to say something, he’s being weirdly quiet. Something like, Anthony, respect her privacy-” Tony looked up from the lock. “Wait, where is he?”

Bucky cleared his throat. “Uh I dunno.”

“You don’t know?” Tony raised his eyebrow. “I thought you two were telepathically connected or something.”

Bucky looked down, suddenly very interested in the carpet under his feet. “Um I don’t know but I think we should go-”

“Whatever, he’s probably running an ultramarathon right now for some senior citizen charity, doesn’t matter. We’ll save some cake for him. But make sure someone has a glucose monitor. I don't think Cap can handle too much sugar.”

Tony inserted the key, the lock settling with a satisfying click as he turned it. He slowly opened the door, bringing his kazoo closer to his mouth.

What he was not expecting was that the same Steve who he thought was probably helping an old woman cross the finish line right now was lying in your bed.

➸➸➸➸➸➸➸➸➸➸➸➸➸➸➸➸➸➸➸➸➸➸➸➸➸➸➸➸➸➸

You thought you heard the creak of your door, but you mentally waved it off, classifying it as the creak of your fan.

You turned, not bothering to open your eyes, your hand feeling for your human pillow, who was unusually soft and an excellent cuddler for being built like a wall of muscle.

Your palm landed smack dab on Steve’s chest, and you buried yourself into his side with a smile creeping across both your faces.

“Happy birthday, sweetheart.” You felt Steve sleepily pressing his lips into your hair and all across your face.

Fuck, his morning voice was so hot.

You were glad you had him to yourself for a little while before you two had to act like colleagues. It was a mutual choice between you two to keep it from the team. Some of them could be just a tad bit dramatic, and you two wanted a quiet relationship before it went public.

Bucky already knew, because he knew Steve more than Steve knew himself, and you suspected that Natasha knew as well because she’s Natasha and knows everything.

Everyone else probably didn’t know, and you’d like to keep it that way for a little bit before Tony would inevitably scream "PDA! PDA!" everytime yours and Steve’s shoulders grazed.

You wrapped your arms around his neck and he buried his head into yours.

You mumbled something along the lines of “thank you” as you pressed kisses into his hair.

“I love you so much.” Steve lined kisses on your bare shoulder.

You heard a gasp followed by extremely violent shushing.

Your eyes flew open and Steve turned around in a split second, looking for the intruder.

You both were met with the team standing wide-eyed in your room, Tony in the lead looking like he was either about to pass out or throw the cake in his arms to the ground.

Steve tried his best to cover you with his body from his nosy team, trying to keep the blanket from slipping down his waist at the same time.

All eyes turned to Bucky, who was wearing a glittery-pink polka-dotted party hat that, by looking at the dents in it, seemed like it was wrestled on by someone.

He blew his party horn with a pathetic puff of air, smiling nervously at Tony. “Surprise?”

Thor launched his arms into the air. “SURPRISE!”

The commotion started.

“C’mon Cap,” Sam whined in the corner. “I thought I was your friend! How could you not tell me?”

“Knew it.” Natasha grinned cheekily.

“You two are so cute!” Wanda gushed. “Right Vis?”

Vision nodded, sending Steve an awkward thumbs up.

Bruce coughed, trying to respect your privacy by looking down at his shoes.

“Always thought you had a little crush on him,” Clint smiled.

“This is so cool! Wait, if you have a kid can I babysit please? I love babies. Oh my god, is it going to be a super baby?” Peter was bouncing with excitement. “Crap, I’m sorry, Mr. Steve. I didn’t mean to call your baby an ‘it’. I swear, I don’t see your baby as an object, I’ll be a great sitter.”

“Um, yeah, sure, kid-” Steve started.

“ARE YOU KIDDING ME?” Tony finally jolted out of his paralysis state. “How the hell did I not see this?”

“Tony-”

“Are you telling me that the whole time I was trying to set you up with Matthew from logistics, you were getting pounded by Ol’ Captain here?”

“Jesus, Tony.” You grimaced. “Why would you put it like that?”

“So, this is why Steve was extremely against my brilliant idea of locking you and Matthew in the bathroom together? That jealous bastard!”

“Your what-” You choked.

“That wasn’t the only reason why, Tony.” Steve huffed. “That’s just plain weird.”

“You know what else is weird, Cap?” Tony narrowed his eyes. “The fact that you’re hoeing around with a girl who’s literally a baby compared to you.”

“I’m not ‘hoeing around’, Tony. I love her.”

Tony’s eyes danced between you and Steve until his face finally relaxed.

He sighed, coming around to your side of the bed and planting a kiss on your head.

“Happy birthday, kid. I would hug you but I’m pretty sure you’re naked under there.” He turned to face Steve again. “If you break her heart, hang onto your dentures, 'cause I’m blasting your dusty ass back into the ‘40s, got it?. ”

“Got it, Tony.” Steve smiled.

“Ew, don’t smile at me like that.” Tony made a face and looked back at you. “I had a backup present, just in case the whole surprise thing went to shit.”

Tony fished out something from his pocket, placing it into your hand.

"You mentioned something about how you loved to use that stupid chicken butt joke when you were a kid," Tony mumbled.

It was a chicken butt magnet.

You loved it.

[just-dreaming-marvel]

Love Is Not Forced ~ War

MASTERLIST

The following is a one shot for my series, Love Is Not Forced.

King!Steve Rogers x Queen!Stark!Reader

Word Count: 6,325ish

Summary: a war threatens the kingdoms

Warnings: talks about sex, war, character death

“And den uncle Bucky showed me the horses!” Tallen exclaimed as the small royal family sat down for dinner.

King Steven had been extremely busy with the kingdom all day and had unfortunately be unable to spend time with his wife and kids. So he was greatly enjoying his son’s story about how Bucky had taken him around the castle grounds.

“Oh really?” Steven chuckled. 

“Yeah!” Tallen continued. “And he even said that I could wide one one day!”

“That is true. Maybe in a few days, I can take you riding?”

Tallen gasped. “Did you hear that momma?! Daddy said he’d take me widing!”

“I did,” Y/N responded, sending a look to her husband. “As long as your father doesn’t go too fast and is very safe.”

“I would never be nothing but safe with my son. And that will give Madeline some time to spend her her mother.” Steven turned and smiled at his daughter. “Would you like that?”

“Ya!” Madeline said, clamping.

Suddenly, Bucky and Sam burst into the dining room. Everyone’s heads snapped to face them.

“Apologies, Your Majesties,” Sam said. “But, My King, there is a pressing matter.”

“Can it not wait?” Steven wondered. “I’m in the mid—“

“I’m afraid it cannot,” Bucky pressed.

Y/N and Steven shared a look. This was concerning to both of them, but Y/N knew that she must stay with the children while Steven is informed of the issue. Steven stood up. He ruffled Tallen’s hair and kissed Madeline’s head before going to his wife.

“I’m sorry,” he said softly. He kissed her forehead. “A King never sleeps.”

Y/N watched as the men left. She couldn’t let her mind stay on the matter for too long because she needed to distract the kids.

“Alright, children,” she turned back to them with a fake smile, “who wants dessert?”

~~~

Y/N had put the children to bed and was getting ready for be herself when her husband sulked into the room. She turned in the chair she was sitting in to face him. He was upset. There had been very few times since she’d known Steven that she’d seen him like this.

“Steven,” she called as he came to her, “what’s wrong?”

“There’s been an attack,” he sighed.

“What?” She stood up, her childhood suddenly replaying in her mind. An attack was never good. “Where?”

“Everywhere. One village from each kingdom has been attacked.”

“Is everyone okay? Which villages was it?”

“Y/N… it was Scott and Hope’s village.”

“No,” Y/N gasped. “Are they alright? Please tell me—“

“Them and Cassie were some of the few survivors. Each of the villages that were attacked were left with few survivors.”

“Just like my own village… How is this even possible?”

“There’s this new group. They call themselves the Children of Thanos.”

“How long have you known about them?” He looked away from her. “How long Steven?”

“About a year.”

“A year? Have they been attacking the kingdoms for that long?”

“Yes… but never like this.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t want it to bring up unwanted memories. They were attacking villages like how yours was attacked.”

“I still deserved to know, as Queen.”

“I know. I should have told you.”

“What are you going to do?”

“The kingdoms are meeting together in Alexandria. We are preparing for war.”

“Oh gosh,” Y/N gasped, turning away. “That means… you all… you all have to go to war. Bucky, Sam, Thor, T’Challa… my brother Peter and my father… you… you have to go to war…”

Steven quickly turned Y/N around and held her head in his large hands. “I promise that I will come back to you and the children.”

Y/N was trying, and failing, not to get emotional. “You can’t promise that.”

“But I can. Y/N, my darling, have I ever not fought for you?”

“No… but this is different Steven. This is war… People die in war. Many people. And if you die… If you die—“

“If I die, you will rule Brooklyn until Tallen is of age. You will be the strong woman I know you are, for the kingdom. For our children.”

“I can’t.” Y/N shook her head, tears falling down her cheeks. “I can’t do it. Not without you.”

“Oh, my darling… you are so much stronger than you give yourself credit for.”

“Please don’t do this… please don’t leave…”

“Y/N… you know I have no choice.”

She leaned up and kissed him, hard and desperate. “Then stay with me tonight. Don’t leave… not until morning.”

“I won’t. I promise.” He began kissing the tears off her cheeks. “I love you and I’m going to spend all night showing you just how much.”

~~~

The Queen woke up to an empty bed, which made her want to start sobbing. When she turned to face her husband’s side, she noticed a note. She carefully picked it up and unfolded it.

My darling Queen, 

I am so terribly sorry that I have failed this kingdom so much that war has come. All I have ever wanted was to protect it and its people. And once you and the children were involved, our family. I am also so sorry that I was such a coward as to not do this in person. If I would have seen you this morning, I probably wouldn’t have gone. And I need to. I need to fight to make all the kingdoms safe, to make our kingdom safe. I promise to come back to you and the children. No matter what.

I have already told Wanda and Natasha to let you rest and for them to focus on the children as much as you need. I know you and I know me. We do not do well without each other. I know though that you will pick yourself back up and be the woman, the Queen, I know you are.

You are my life, my darling. You are the reason I am fighting this war. I love you.

Forever yours, Steven

Tears streamed down Y/N’s face as she read. This was one of her worst nightmares. All her friends, her family—her husband, were being forced to go to war. A war in which many of them may never return. She covered her mouth as a sob racked through her body. There was a possibly she may never talk to her brother or father again. That Steven my never hold her. That made her heart ache. Y/N didn’t know if she could live with any of them gone. Especially her husband.

~~~

The Queen gave herself the day to stay in bed and be upset about it. But no more. Steven had given her the okay to do that as long as she’d like, though she knew she couldn’t. She had children and a kingdom that needed her.

The next morning, she made sure that her children were able to sleep in so that she could focus on the kingdom for a bit. Y/N ate lunch on the beach with her children. Wanda and Natasha had explained the situation the best that they could to them, but they were too young to fully understand why their father had left.

After lunch, Y/N went back to running the kingdom. She was very thankful that Brooklyn had always been so supportive and loving towards her. It made it easier to rule without Steven by her side, though she knew that he was still King and that he was still alive.

At night, she dined with her children in the dining hall. Her husband’s empty chair taunting her as she tried to keep her children’s mind off their father’s absence. Y/N insisted on tucking them in that night as well. Making sure they both were snug in their beds with a kiss left on their foreheads.

Everyday, Y/N kept this same routine. For her and her children’s sakes. All the staff tried their bests to kept an eye on their Queen, so that their King could be comforted. But there was no comforting either of them while they were separated. Wanda and Natasha could hear Y/N’s cries at night and see her tired eyes in the morning. She wasn’t sleeping, at least very well. That was obvious. It hurt all the castle staff to see their Queen in such a state. They could only imagine how their King was holding up.

~~~

“Six weeks of war is too long,” Thor sighed. “We must put an end to this.”

“What do you think we’ve been trying to do?” King Anthony retorted.

“Their armies grow in number everyday,” T’Challa said. “And we are still unable to figure out how.”

“Our spies are still in the midst of working,” Captain Barnes stated. “We must give them time.”

“We’re running out of time,” Prince Peter said. 

“I think that we should let this be for the night,” King Anthony said. “We can look at it again in the morning.” He glanced around. “Where is King Steven?”

“He is in his tent,” Captain Barnes answered. 

“Let me guess, missing my daughter?”

“You know as well as I that they do not do well apart.” The men headed out of the large meeting tent together.

“Has he sent a letter to her and the children yet?”

“No. He’s started hundreds of letters, but he’s never found them good enough.”

“Y/N cannot be taking that well.”

“No need to worry, Sam and I have been sending letters with updates.”

“I’m sure that’s not enough for her. Y/N doesn’t like being kept in the dark, especially by those closest to her. Do you know if she’s written back to Steven?”

“A few letters. They’re very short. We believe that some of them have been intercepted so we don’t know what to believe.”

“Well,” the men came to a stop in front of the King of Brooklyn’s tent, “I guess I better go in and see if I can be of any help.”

“Good luck, Your Majesty. You’re going to need it.”

King Anthony nodded before heading into the tent. He found his son-in-law sitting at his desk. Steven’s hair was disheveled and there were crumbled up papers all around the tent. He was grunting at he quickly wrote. Steven let out a frustrated growled before crumbling up the paper he was working on and throwing it towards King Anthony without looking.

“Woah!” King Anthony exclaimed as he dodged the paper. “Watch were you’re throwing those things.”

“I’m so sorry, Tony,” Steven sighed. “I just… I haven’t been able to—“

“All she wants to know is if you’re alive. Nothing else. You’re over thinking it.”

“I just… I’m so worried. What if one of these letters are my last words to her? And they’re terrible and they don’t fully express my undying love for her?”

“Wow. I’m trying to be okay with this but it’s just cringe worthy. You really love my daughter, for that I will always be grateful for. But what if you die and the last thing she has from you is that letter you left on the bed in your place? Do you want that?”

“No… of course I don’t. I just… I love her so much. And I love my children so much. I don’t want the last time they see may words be their last memory of me.”

King Anthony came up and put a hand on Steven’s shoulder. “Then we won’t let it. We’re going to win this war and both go home.”

~~~

The war continued on for six more weeks. Steven finally got the courage to send a letter to his Queen. It was very brief and very loving. Y/N cried upon receiving it. She had continued to rule her kingdom and mother her children with so much bravery and strength. No one could truly see the inner turmoil that was occurring due to the King being away. But Natasha and Wanda knew the truth. They chose to respect the Queen by not bringing it up, but they made sure that she knew they were there for her.

The kingdom of Brooklyn had heard that the war had been one, finally. Only by a knight, who had been commanded by all the kingdoms to not inform the Queen of any other information. This made her furious. It was clear that they were hiding something, which only could mean that someone had died. Y/N was failing to hide her extreme worry. She was pacing in the King’s study, while Lady Natasha tried to convince her not to do something drastic.

“My Queen,” a guard entered with a bow, “a group of our men have been seen heading towards the castle.”

Y/N paused her pacing. “Are you sure they’re ours?”

“Positive, Your Majesty.” 

“I need the doctors ready then, to check over everyone with injuries. No big crowds, I don’t want to pressure the soldiers. We’ll throw a celebration once everyone has been looked over and seen their families.”

“Of course.” 

“And I want my children taken care of. They don’t need to see what war looks like.”

“Anything for you, My Queen.”

“Do you… do you know if the King is with them?”

“Unfortunately, I do not. I’m sorry, Your Majesty. I will go and inform everyone of your requirements.”

“Thank you.”

The guard bowed before taking his leave. Y/N began pacing again. That’s when Wanda entered the room.

“Would you like me to help you change, Your Majesty?” She asked.

“No,” Y/N shook her head as she couldn’t along her path. “How close are they?”

“I would head out to meet them soon.”

“What if… what if he’s dead and no one’s telling me yet?”

“I’m sure the King is fine.”

“And if he isn’t?”

“Then you will take it one day at a time. Like you have learned to do.”

“Okay,” Y/N breathed out. “Let’s go. I do not want my soldiers to come home without their Queen there to welcome them.”

Wanda escorted her Queen down to the main entrance of the castle. The doctors that were ordered were already there, with very few servants and guards joining them. Lady Natasha joined them shortly after. Y/N was hardly breathing by the time the first soldiers came through the gate. They looked tired and beat up, but they would survive. More and more soldiers came through, getting off the horses to be taken care of.

“Where is he?” Y/N whispered, trying to stay strong. “He should have been in front… a King always leads his people home.”

“Y/N,” Wanda said softly, feeling bad for her Queen.

“Something’s wrong.”

After a few more rows of soldiers, Captain Barnes and Lord Wilson appeared on their horses. Natasha gasped, relieved to see her husband alive. Bucky couldn’t jump down from his horse fast enough. He almost fell flat on his face s he hurried to his wife. They embraced, tears strolling down their checks, before they kissed. So longingly, so lovingly. Y/N’s eyes filled with tears.

“My Queen,” Sam greeted as he came before her and bowed.

“Sam,” Y/N rasped, barely being able to speak. “I’m glad to see you in one piece.” She paused, swallowing harshly. “Is… Just tell me… Where is Steven?”

It broke Sam’s heart to hear the Queen so weak. Though she wasn’t asking as a Queen, she was asking as a wife. A wife and a mother.

“The last battle was the toughest one of them all,” Sam began to explain. He glanced at Bucky, who walked over with Natasha glued to his side. “We gave everything we had.”

“Please don’t tell me that he…” Y/N couldn’t stop the tears. She didn’t care to anymore.

“He got injured badly. We found him after the war was won.”

“Sam,” she growled. “Stop stalling. Where is my husband?”

“He’s in Wakanda,” Bucky told her. “It was closer than bringing him here.”

“So, he’s—“

“Steven is still alive, barely. We came back to take over the kingdom while you went to him.”

Y/N rushed away, heading for Bucky’s horse. “Take care of my children.”

“Y/N, wait. You need to—“

“I need to see my husband. T’Challa will take care of everything for me.” Even in her large dress, she swung easily onto the horse. “I’ll send for my children when the time comes.”

“You cannot go alone.”

“I’d like to see you try and stop me.” She clicked and hit her heels against the horse. She and the horse were gone in a blink of an eye.

“You two!” Bucky yelled at two guards on horses. “Follow after the Queen. Don’t stop her but make sure she’s save.”

The guards nodded and were off. Bucky sighed before looking at Sam. Wanda and Natasha could both tell there was something else that had happened.

“Buck,” Natasha said softly. “What happened? What aren’t you saying?”

“We lost a King, Nat,” he whispered. Both him and Sam looking down at their feet. 

“What?” Both women gasped.

“Steven is only alive because of that King’s sacrifice.”

“Who was is?” Wanda asked.

“She’s going to be devastated…” Sam added. “Especially if Steven doesn’t make it.”

“No.” Wanda shook her head. “Please don’t tell me it was—“

“King Anthony,” Bucky interrupted. “He sacrificed his life so that Steven could come home to Y/N and the children.”

~~~

The ride was tiresome but Y/N didn’t stop until she reached Wakanda’s palace. T’Challa was already out front when she arrived, his boarder guards having warned him. Y/N jumped of the horse before it had even come to a full stop. Her friend was saddened at the state of her appearance, dirty and desperate. 

“Where is he?” Y/N asked, running up to T’Challa. “Where’s Steven?”

“Y/N, please, come inside and get cleaned up,” T’Challa kindly requested. He was worried for his friend. The kingdoms had made an agreement not to tell Y/N what had happened to her father until after Steven had gotten better. If he’d get better. “Get something to eat and rest. I’m sure your ride wasn’t easy.” He reached out to try and guide Y/N inside but she jerked away.

“No. I want to see my husband.”

“I will gladly take you to him, once you have rested.”

“Do you think I’ve gotten any rest since he left for the war?! I cannot rest without him and I will not do anything until I see him.” She gasped for breath, like she could break down into sobs any second. “T’Challa, please… at least… tell me he’s still alive.”

“Steven is still alive. He’s hanging in there.”

“I need to see him.” Her voice was that of a broken woman. Pleading for the thing to keep her life going. “Please, T’Challa.”

“I can take you to the room, but you cannot go inside. Only those taking care of him can go. But if I do this, then you will go get rested and cleaned up after seeing him. I will not let you lose yourself in the midst of all this. Can you do that for me?”

“Yes.” She nodded. “I just need to see him.”

T’Challa stared at her for a silent, brief moment. “Okay.” He linked his arm through hers. “Let’s go.”

With each step, Y/N began to tremble more. T’Challa took notice and gradually took more and more of Y/N’s weight against him. By the time they reached the window, he was practically holding Y/N up. As they came closer to the window, Y/N inhaled sharply. There Steven lay, nurses and doctors working around him. He was practically naked besides the bandages covering some of the worse injuries. His face was marked up with cuts and his beard had been shaven off. In all her years of knowing her husband, Y/N had never seen Steven without some facial hair. It was strange, and a little heartbreaking to her.

“Steven,” Y/N cried quietly. She pressed a hand on the glass, craving to touch him. “Oh, Steven…”

“I have my best people working on him,” T’Challa informed her, tone soft and caring. “They will do everything they can.”

“I can’t—“ She stopped as a sob threatened to bubble up her throat. “I can’t lose him, T’Challa. I can’t…”

T’Challa pulled her into his chest, cradling her head as he held her close. “You won’t… you won’t…”

The King of Wakanda’s heart was breaking for his friend. She was telling him that she couldn’t handle losing him, while she had no idea that she had lost the other most important man in her life. He wanted to tell her, she deserved to know. But what if he told her and then Steven didn’t recover? What would become of the Queen? What would become of Brooklyn?

“Now, you’ve seen him. It’s time you rest,” T’Challa said, beginning to led Y/N away. “I will show you to your room.”

All the Queen could do was nod. She was tired and worried that she’d just break down right there if she opened her mouth. So she let T’Challa help her to a room and she let his people help her get cleaned up and tucked it. But Y/N didn’t sleep. She couldn’t. Not with her husband’s life hanging in the balance.

~~~

It had been two days since Y/N had arrived in Wakanda. In that time she had only since her husband through the window twice, not including that first initial time. She spent the rest of the time either in her room or wandering the palace. Y/N was currently wandering the ballroom, the Queen Mother and the King of Wakanda watching her from a balcony above.

“You cannot wait to tell her any longer,” the Queen Mother whispered. “She needs to know about her Father. Queen Virginia needs her daughter with her as she plans the funeral.”

“The kingdoms agreed not to tell her until after Steven was well,” T’Challa responded. “And I will stick to the plan as long as I can.”

“And if Steven doesn’t survive? Will you be the one to tell her that the two most important men in her life are gone?”

“I will do what has to be done as a friend and king.”

“Have you heard anything about her children?”

“Captain Barnes and Lord Wilson each send a letter every day. To both me and the Queen. They are waiting for the letter that will allow them to bring the children here. They are confused and missing their parents.”

“Have you suggested that they bring the children to Alexandria? It may help Virginia and Peter with their grief.”

“I have not. I will in the next response to them.”

“My King!” A guard rushed up to T’Challa and the Queen Mother. It was loud enough for Y/N to take notice. “Steven is awake and he is asking for his wife.”

Before T’Challa could say anything to Y/N, she was running out of the ballroom towards Steven’s room. Tears were trailing down her checks before she even arrived. She stalled in the doorway, taking note of how her husband was sitting up. His eyes were closed and bandages were still littering his body. A blanket was rested on him, up to his chest. He looked so peaceful. Y/N choked on a sob, hand coming to cover her mouth. Steven’s eyes fluttered open after hearing the choked sob.

“My darling,” he rasped, a small smile forming. Y/N stood, sobbing in the doorway, unable to move. “Come here.” He motioned with his hand outstretched. She couldn’t get herself to move. “Darling, I would come over if I could… Please, I need to touch you.”

Steven could clearly see how shaky Y/N was as she tried not to stumble over. It was breaking his heart how tired and worn out she looked, especially because it was all his fault. Though she was still the most beautiful person in the world. Steven winced as Y/N collapsed onto his chest, crying into his neck. He was quick to wrap his arms around her. Three months was far too long to be apart from his wife. He vowed to himself right then that he would never let it happen again.

“Sssshhhh, my darling,” he cooed. “I’m here now. It’s all going to be okay.”

Then Steven suddenly remembered that it wouldn’t. Y/N’s father had still died to save him. Princess Shuri was in his room when he woke. He had asked for his wife and how she was doing immediately. Shuri was honest and told him what the kingdoms had decided on waiting to tell Y/N about King Anthony until Steven was better. 

“I thought—“ Y/N cut herself off through her tears. “I thought the worst had happened.”

“I know… I’m so sorry about that,” he comforted.

Y/N pushed herself away slightly, so that she could look at him. “I was so worried.”

Steven’s large hand came up and cupped her face, his thumb rubbing across the large, purple bags under her eyes. “I can tell. And you’re still the most beautiful woman in the world.” He guided her in for a tender kiss. “I’m so sorry that I worried you.” He gave her another kiss. “Where are the kids?”

“Back home. I’m sure T’Challa is sending word for them to be brought.” She reached up and brushed some fallen hair out of his face. “I just missed you so much.”

“I missed you too.” Y/N met his eyes and he was staring intently at her. There was something in his eyes, an immense sadness. Something he wasn’t telling her. “What is it?” He looked away, clearly gathering himself. “Steven.” Y/N guided his head to face her. “Tell me.”

Steven sighed as he held Y/N closer to him. “I need to tell you something.”

“You’re scaring me.”

“I was fighting off the group leader, Thanos. I had already gotten injured trying to get to him. But he injured me more… I…” Steven paused to swallow. “He knocked my sword from me and was about to stab my heart when someone jumped in front of me…”

Y/N sat up straighter. “Who jumped in front of you?”

“Y/N, my darling… I’m so sorry… He did it before I could stop him. He—“

“Who jumped in front of you?” She asked again, almost growling as tears quickly filled her eyes. 

“Your Father.”

“No!” Y/N gasped, shaking her head. “No!"

“I’m so sorry.”

“You’re lying! He can’t be dead! This is some cruel joke!”

“I wish it were, my darling… as he laid dying he told me how much he loved you and how proud he is of you.”

“Stop it…”

“And he told me that all he ever wanted was for me to go home to you and the children. He made that possible.” Steven cupped Y/N’s face. “Your Father saved me so that I could come home to you.”

“N-n-n-ooo… Father…” 

Steven pulled his wife into his chest, trying to consul her. There wasn’t enough words to explain how awful he felt. He was the reason that his wife’s father wouldn’t be coming home. And he was the one who had to tell her. Now, when his children arrived, Steven would have to explain why they wouldn’t be able to see their grandfather again.

~~~

Y/N fell asleep on top of her husband, exhausted from crying so much. Reluctantly, Steven allowed the nurses to move his wife onto a bed beside him so that they could check his injuries. He held onto Y/N’s hand through it all, not wanting to separate from her after so long apart.

When Y/N woke, it was clear that she wasn’t okay. She was staring blankly and not answering when spoken to. Steven tried and tried, only to get a blank stare. Like she was seeing right through him. Bucky and Nat brought Tallen and Madeline the next day. Steven and the kids had a joyous reunion until Tallen asked about where Y/N was and Steven had to try and explain what happened, in the gentlest of terms. Tallen was confused and Madeline didn’t understand at all, just crying out for her mother. 

Y/N had been moved to a different room for the sake of her children. T’Challa was with her, trying to get her to respond. But to no avail. Queen Virginia had sent word about when the funeral was and it was decided that it was time to head to Alexandria. T’Challa, the Queen Mother (Ramonda), and Shuri road in a carriage with the children while Steven road with Y/N in a separate one. He held her close the whole time as he tried to think of ways to help his wife.

Queen Virginia and Prince Peter were awaiting the carriages when they arrived. Surprisingly, Y/N was the first one out. She gave her family quick hugs before disappearing. Steven rushed after her.

“Y/N!” He called chasing after her. She picked up her pace. “My darling, please!”

Y/N made a sharp turn into a hallway and headed to a guarded doorway. Giving them a look, the guards understood what to do. The blocked the doorway after Y/N rushed up the stairs.

“Y/N!” Steven tried again. “Let me through,” he demanded the guards. 

“I’m sorry,” one of the guards said. “We are under strict orders not to let anyone but the Princ—the Queen of Brooklyn up into her tower.”

“I am her husband and the King of Brooklyn, I have the right to go up there.”

“Steven,” Pepper called. “They won’t let up. Tony trained them well.” She sighed as Steven turned around to face her. “T’Challa warned me about how she was doing. I figured she would rush to her tower. Tony was the only member of the family always allowed up there. Now that he’s gone… I’m sorry Steven.”

“I just want to help her… we’ve been apart for too long and it’s… it’s my fault that Tony is dead.”

“Do not say that.” Pepper stepped closer to him. “Tony knew what he was doing. He knew that you coming home was more important than him coming home… Tony knew something was going to happen before he even left. I knew he was saying goodbye forever as he got ready to leave. So it wasn’t your fault, Steven. Don’t tarnish his act of bravery with your guilt.”

“I’m sorry Pepper.”

She gave her son-in-law a forced smile. “It’s okay… I’m going to go take care of my grandchildren, so that you can try to get to Y/N.”

“Thank you.”

~~~

Y/N stood frozen at the top of the stairs, looking around her tower full of memories. She was trying to gain strength to move in further. But it was so hard. After a few excruciating minutes, she finally took a shaking step into the tower. It wasn’t as dusty as Y/N thought it would be. Clearly, someone had been charged with cleaning it. She slowly walked around the room, running her fingers along the furniture. As she rounded to the desk, she noticed a letter. It was addressed to ‘My Princess’. Trembling, Y/N picked up the letter and sat on her bed. Tears formed as she opened it.

My Princess,

I know that you are now a Queen, which makes me extremely proud, but you will always be My Princess. I am writing this from the battlefield of war. And if everything goes how I think it will, then Captain Rhodes will deliver this to your tower where I know you will be after returning to Alexandria.

I am so sorry. For everything. For allowing Hydra to burn your village, for keeping secrets from you and plotting your future without you. And I am so sorry for how I died. It was probably stupid and heroic, and it was probably for you. Which is perfectly fine because I am so proud of you and you deserve all the happiness in the world.

I know I shouldn’t be smug about you and Steven having got together. Especially since how you got together was clearly on your terms and no one else’s. But I was right. You and him are a wonderful match. And your children are absolutely beautiful. I only wish that I could see them grow up. I know that will be one of my only regrets, leaving them. Leaving all my family behind. But if it meant Steven coming home to you, then my sacrifice will always be worth it.

I love you and am so proud of you, My Princess. You are a wonderful daughter, wife, mother, and Queen. Saving you and Peter and making you two my own will forever be the greatest thing I have ever done. (Besides marrying your Mother of course.)

Thank you for making me a Father.

Love, your Father, Tony

Y/N was crying all through the letter. How could her Father have known that he was going to die and not tell her? She would have rushed to say goodbye, to give him one last hug. And her children would grow up with no memories of their grandfather. How was she suppose to handle it all?

~~~

Steven waited at the door leading to her tower. The guards being ever faithful at their post. Queen Virginia had servants bring a small table and chair for the King. But he couldn’t sit, he kept pacing at the door, occasionally pausing to see if he could hear any moment from the tower. Dinner was brought for the couple as the guards got changed.

“Y/N, sweetheart,” Steven called from the bottom of the stairs. “Dinner’s here. Can I please come bring it up to you?” No answer. He sighed. “It will be down here when you’re ready.” 

As he turned to place the tray of food on the small table, Steven heard movement from the top of the tower. He paused, just in case he was hearing things.

“Steven,” her soft voice sounded. He perked up and went back to the doorway. “You can come up.”

He didn’t waste a second. Taking the tray of food with him, Steven hurried up the stairs. Even after all these years, he had still never been invited up to Y/N’s tower. It was always her space and he understood the need to have something for yourself. When he arrived at the top of the stairs, he found Y/N sitting at her desk.

“Hello,” she greeted solemnly.

“Hello, my darling,” he replied. He walked over to the bed and sat, placing the tray beside him. “What can I do for you?”

Y/N smiled slightly with a soft scoff. “You just barely heal up from war and you’re asking what you can do for me.” She reached out and took one of his hands. “You’re too good to me.”

“It’s the least I can do… you’re too good to me.”

“I’m sorry for shutting you out. I just—“

“My darling, there is no need to explain. I completely understand. I was the same way when I lost my parents.”

“That’s the thing. I did lose my parents. I felt the grief and loss of them. He was just… he was just my real Father and it hurt so much to find out he was gone.”

“I didn’t even think of that. I can’t even imagine losing two sets of parents.”

“Father left me this.” Y/N’s free hand was laying on top of a letter on the desk. “He knew he wasn’t going to survive the war… I think… I think what hurts the most was that he got to do a goodbye, prepare himself… but I didn’t get to.”

“Tomorrow, at the funeral, that’s your chance to say goodbye. I know it’s not the same, but it’s something.” He pulled his wife into his lap. “You’re going to get through this. You’ve gone through so much and you only come out stronger, which never seises to amaze me. I love you so much.”

“I love you too.”

Steven gave her a soft kiss. Y/N hungrily responded, wanting to me close to him, wanting to feel him. He chuckled as he pushed her away slightly and her lips chased after his.

“You need to eat,” he said. “We’ll eat together and then we can have our reunion.”

“I don’t think I’ll be able to eat,” she responded softly. “I just missed you so much and it’s been so long.”

“Patience, my darling. We will eat and then have our fun.”

~~~

The funeral went beautifully, with Queen Virginia, Queen Y/N, King Steven, and Prince Peter each speaking. All the kingdoms were in attendance, mourning the loss of the great leader. Steven and Y/N and their family went home the next day. Queen Virginia had asked them to take a wreath with them, and Y/N knew exactly what to do with it. 

Exiting the carriages upon arriving back in Brooklyn, Y/N and Steven took their children and the wreath and headed for the beach. With a tired child in each arm, they trudged through the sand all the way to the pier. At the end of the pier, Y/N leaned down with Madeline and pushed the wreath out into the water. Steven wrapped his free arm around his wife’s waist, pulling her and Madeline into him. They watched as the sea took the wreath out, thinking about the life they lost and the future ahead.