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Day 1

"Tony, look!!"

Tony heard an excited chirp and looked up from his tablet. Steve was grinning happily, holding in his hands a colorful box of chocolates. Tony frowned, noticing that the front of the box was an image depicting a scene from Santa's workshop, with elves, wooden toys, teddy bears and Santa Claus looking over the elves' work.

"What's that?" Tony narrowed his eyes.

"It's an Advent Calendar!" Steve chirped.

"I know, Steve, why do we have it?" Tony asked, huffing a bit. Steve's smile faltered and he looked kinda sheepish, curling in himself - it was funny how such a big guy could look so adorable.

"Umm.. I thought we could count the days to Christmas together.." he meeped out embarrassedly.

Tony smirked. How old was Steve again? He gently took the box from his boyfriend's hands and looked at the 24 windows. "Is there chocolate inside?"

"Yeah," Steve smiled, knowing that Tony liked sweets. Honestly, who didn't?

Tony smiled back, taking out the chocolate from the first window - it was shaped as a sleigh. "23 more days till Christmas," he looked at Steve, putting the small chocolate into his mouth, half of it sticking out.

Steve smiled brighter. "23 more days," he leaned closer to his boyfriend and they shared the sweet chocolate and even a sweeter kiss.

Day 2

It was midday and Steve was getting ready to prepare breakfast for Tony, who as usual, was working till late. He smiled at the Advent Calendar which they left in the living room, above the fireplace. Steve stopped. When he put it there yesterday, he made sure that it was standing straight and it seemed that during the night it slipped down. Steve walked closer, wanting to fix it.

His eyes got wide when he saw that the box was ripped at the side and he took out the plastic tray from the inside, seeing that it was empty.

In the same time, Tony strolled out from the bedroom, barefoot and only in his bottoms, ruffling hair with one hand. "Morning, baby," he muttered, still fighting with sleep.

"Tony, what's that?" Steve asked, getting mad, turning in his boyfriend's direction, showing him the empty Advent Calendar.

Tony blinked. "Uhmm.. It wasn't me."

Steve growled. "Tony.."

"No, Steve, honestly, it wasn't me! I don't remember eating it!"

Steve narrowed his eyes. "Were you sleep eating again?!"

Tony blinked, more surprise. "Was I what..?"

Soldier huffed. "That's how I call when you're too tired to remember that you ate," Steve explained, huffing more when Tony still had this dumbfounded expression. "JARVIS, please play a feed from the time when Tony came up from his workshop."

JARVIS listened to Steve and they both watched on the screen as Tony got out of the elevator, dragging his feet. He disappeared for a minute, coming back with a cup of coffee and sat on the couch, sipping it. Then he stood up and took the Advent Calendar, popping the chocolates in his mouth one by one.

Steve sent his boyfriend a hard glare. Tony cringed.

"I can buy a new one," he said quickly, wanting to soothe the soldier.

Steve rolled his eyes. "What for? You will eat it too," he smirked, and Tony breathed in relief, knowing that Steve wasn't pissed anymore.

After a while, Tony smirked. "Well, to be honest, it's your fault that I ate it. You know I need something sweet to my midnight coffee and.."

"Oh, that's it! Come here!" Steve growled, springing in his boyfriend's direction. Tony yelped and started running.

He didn't run far.

Day 3

"Hey Tony!!"

Tony couldn't help the groan, hearing that Steve used that voice again. That voice that was reserved for Christmas preparations and was used to convince Tony that it was the most wonderful time of the year. And December barely started.

"Look what I found!" Steve announced excitedly, presenting himself in a green, woolen sweater with embedded candy canes, Christmas trees, snowflakes, just everything that was associated with Christmas.

Tony laughed, recognizing the something on his boyfriend's chest was the infamous ugly Christmas sweater. "Take it off!"

"But it's so warm," Steve hummed, wrapping hands around himself, closing his eyes in pleasure. "And I got one for you too!"

"Oh no.." Tony whined.

"Oh yes," Steve smirked, evilly, "punishment for eating the Advent Calendar without me," Steve said taking another sweater.

"I said I can buy a new one!" Tony whined, but it was too late and Steve was already pulling a sweater on him.

"Perfect," Steve grinned. He took Tony in front of the mirror and Tony yelped.

"I hate you," he hissed, looking at Steve's reflection.

Steve just smiled, hugging the smaller man and nuzzling his cheek.

Tony's sweater was orange, with a huge Christmas tree on his torso with a star on the top, which was lit by the blue light from the arc reactor.

Day 4

"Hey Steve!!"

Steve looked up from his seat on the couch as he was watching TV. Tony was standing nearby, smiling excitedly as he waved some papers in his hand.

"What is it?" Steve smiled back, turning more to face his boyfriend who flopped on the couch next to him. Maybe the Christmas spirit was finally getting into his Grinch.

"We are going on a trip!" Tony announced excitedly.

"Trip..?" Steve tilted his head curiously.

"Yeah, only a few days, I didn't manage to negotiate a longer term with Pepper, but we can leave tomorrow!" Tony kept smiling.

"Is the rest of the team going with us?"

The simple question made Tony's smile disappear. He huffed, scrunching his nose. "Fiine. If you want to pay collateral damage, be my guest.."

Steve smiled brightly. Of course, he loved spending time only with Tony, but wasn't it more fun to go on vacation with the rest? It wasn't like that that they spend every minute with the rest anyway. Steve leaned to the front and kissed the tip of brunet's nose.

"Where are we going?"

The smile was back on Tony's face. "It' a ski trip in Switzerland - the land of fondue!" he cheered.

In less than 3 seconds, soldier's face was glowing red. "Wh-what?" he stammered out.

Tony frowned seeing his boyfriend's pink face. "Baby, I mean the fondue - dip bread in melted cheese - thing," he explained, laughing softly.

Steve's face turned it's usual paler color. "Oh.."

"Of course, we're gonna have plenty of the other fondue too.."

Tony didn't finish, ducking from a smack from, once again, very red Steve.

Day 5

Natasha and Bruce were standing in the airport. Switzerland had some serene beauty to it and was full of white, fluffy snow. Bruce was shivering a bit, preferring warmer climate. Natasha seemed fine - growing up in Russia probably did help.

In front of them, Clint and Thor were having a snowball fight. Not really a fight, as Thor's snowballs were like bullets, thrown quickly and with force, and Clint was apparently practicing avoiding them. But the smiles on their faces were saying that they had fun.

They should be already in the luxurious pension, with a fireplace in every room and amazing view of the mountains, but there was one tiny problem.

"Baby, please get out," Tony's desperate begging could be heard from inside the plane.

"No!" Steve's stubborn answer came.

"Steve, come on, everyone is waiting, and I need to send the jet back and if we continue to stay here we will lose our reservation, and dammit, Steve, we are already here for nearly an hour!" Tony's begging turned into an impatient scowl.

"I'm not getting out!!"

"Steve, get your ass outside, now!!"

"YOU NEVER TOLD ME THAT SNOW IS INVOLVED IN THIS TRIP!!"

"WHAT PART OF SKI TRIP YOU DIDN'T GET?!"

Natasha drew Bruce closer to her. Seemed that they would spend here a bit longer.

Day 6

"Baby.. Steve, are you still sleeping? Steve? Steve? Steve? Baby? Daaarliiing, come on, wake up."

Steve chuckled, feeling as Tony peppered kisses up the side of his neck, then jaw line, ending on the ear.

"Hmm?" he hummed, turning to his boyfriend, opening his eyes.

Tony smiled, hair ruffled and eyes already sparkling. "Morning," he whispered softly.

"Morning," Steve stretched with a yawn. "What time is it?"

"It's 7 am."

Steve opened his eyes wide, eyeing the smaller man suspiciously. "Since when you're awake at 7 am?"

Tony laughed. "Time difference. It's 1 am in New York, so normally I would be in the middle of some project. But I will probably die afternoon, so don't be surprised," he explained with a smile.

"You woke me up because you were bored?" Steve asked playfully, moving his hands to draw his boyfriend closer.

"That too," Tony brightened, "but I wanted you to see this," with one strong push, Tony rolled Steve on his other side, knocking away his hands.

"Hey!" Steve yelped, not understanding, but his voice got stuck in his throat when he faced the window.

It was breathtaking. Their room had a view of the mountains, beautiful and strong, covered in a thick blanket of white snow, which was sparkly white, gleaming in places with many colors from the rising sun.

Steve was mesmerized by the sight, when Tony draped himself over the soldier, putting his chin on Steve's shoulder.

"You know.." Steve started quietly. "The last time I saw mountains, they looked totally different.."

Tony nuzzled more into Steve, not really knowing how to comment that. He tried to comfort him, wrapping himself more around the soldier, until they could practically fuse together. Tony nuzzled into Steve's warm cheek, continuing until his lover smiled and then placed a sloppy kiss on the smooth skin.

"Hey!" Steve laughed in protest and Tony grinned, placing more sloppy kisses on his cheek and ear.

"Toohohony!" Steve whined, trying to push his boyfriend away. Tony snuggled under soldier's arm, clinging to him with a disarming smile and Steve smiled back, looking down at him, pulling him closer.

So far, their trip wasn't so bad.

Day 7

"Steeveee.. Come on, get out," Tony leaned on the closed door, knocking gently. He was in the corridor and Steve locked himself in their shared room just before they were supposed to go skiing. "Baby?"

"NO!"

"Steve, you're being unreasonable.. That's how everyone looks here!"

"Why it is so tight?!"

A deep sigh. "It's not. I'm wearing it, Clint is, Bruce is, Thor is, Nat is.. And it's not tighter than your Captain America suit," Tony grumbled.

"You're wearing it?"

Tony grinned, hearing the interested note in Steve's voice. "Of course," he purred softly.

Steve opened the door slightly, but it was enough for Tony to slip in.

"You lied!!" Steve yelped, eyeing the black jacket and pants Tony was in, while Steve was in one piece, very tight ski suits.

Tony's mouth fell as he eyed his boyfriend's sculpted body in the tight suit. "Oh, looks, seems that it's tighter than your Captain America suit.."

"Get out!!" Steve bellowed, pushing laughing Tony out of the room. Steve took a deep breath, after the door closed. No way in hell he was going out in it.

A gentle knocking on the door. "Hey, the rest of your suit is in the closet. I'll see you at the slope!"

Steve growled deeply, opening the closet, looking at the rest of his outfit, the same as Tony's, just white and blue. He was so going to shove his boyfriend into the snow.

Day 8

"Okay guys, you know the rules!"

A command from Tony, made everyone grab a fork, stab it into a cube of bread, and dip it into a pot full of melted cheese.

The first, bite was calm. During the second, there was some tension in the air. During the third one, the piece of bread on Tony's fork slipped into the cheese.

"HA! Stark buys a round!" Clint cheered. They were informed by the pension's staff that there were some rules while eating fondue - if a man loses his bread in the pot, he buys drinks all around, and if a woman does, she must kiss her neighbors. It was pretty obvious that Tony dropped his bread on purpose.

"About the rules - I'm changing them," Natasha said calmly, dipping a piece of bread into the cheese than to her mouth.

"What? Why?" Clint asked, while all eyes focused on Natasha.

"Because I'm tougher than all you ladies combined," she said sweetly, "so the rounds are on me. The rest of you need to kiss their neighbors," she said calmly, much to the disappointment of Clint who was sitting next to her, while Steve was on the other side. Tony suddenly froze realizing that he was sitting between Bruce and Thor as Natasha didn't let him sit next to Steve to avoid "disgusting situations" - seemed that Natasha had this all planned.

"Now wait a second!!" he yelped in protest, noticing the mischievous eyes focused on him.

"After you," Bruce laughed, gesturing for Thor to go first. Thor beamed a smile, always happy to bond with his teammates, and cupped Tony's face, placing a closed mouth, scratchy kiss on brunet's lips, who flailed his arms in protest. When the kiss ended, everyone was laughing, and Tony, a bit wounded, noticed that Steve was laughing the hardest. The soldier smiled softly when Tony quickly pecked his "science bro" on the cheek and got another piece of bread on his fork.

"And when I proposed a threesome with one of our team mates you didn't agree.." he complained, and Steve reached his hand to Tony and playfully smacked him on the head. "Hey!" Tony yelped, as the smack made him drop the bread into the cheese. "Oh, come on, that doesn't count!" he whined, much to the amusement of everyone.

It was a long pot of fondue.

Day 9

"We are leaving tomorrow. Did you have fun?" Tony asked with a smile, turning in Steve's arms. They were sitting in front of the fireplace in their private room, watching the fire crackle, snuggled close to each other.

Steve nodded, the shadows of the flames dancing on his face. "It was nice to get out from the city," he smiled. He would miss the seemingly endless open space around him, covered in snow and trees.

"We can come here next year. Maybe this time you won't fall on your ass again and again while skiing," Tony mocked with a bright grin, remembering the yelps escaping his boyfriend time after time, while Tony had no problem to keep his balance.

"Rude," Steve pouted, snuggling the smaller man closer to him, to rub their noses together. Tony smiled into the touch.

"Want to fondue for the last time before we get back to New York?" Tony purred.

Steve smiled innocently. "Nah, I'm full," he said happily.

Tony's eyes widened "I meant..!" he started indignantly, when Steve pressed him closer to himself.

"I know what you meant," he whispered, eyes warm, shining in the light of the fire, a hand finding the hem of Tony's sweater..

Back in New York they also had a fireplace. But there was something soothing and exciting to do it on a fluffy rug, having snow covered mountains behind the window.

Day 10

Their return to New York was not easy. But this time, when the jet landed, the rest of the team just got out and retreat to their floors, to unpack their stuff. The only ones left were Steve and Tony.

"Steve, come on, it's not so bad, get out!" Tony plead at the sulking soldier. "I don't know why are you making such a big deal out of it!"

"It's different," Steve sunk more into the chair, not planning to get out.

"It's not," Tony scoffed.

"It is!"

"Get out on your own or I swear, I will get in my suit and carry you out!"

Steve scoffed, looking through the window, watching a snow blizzard roaming through New York.

His own country was mocking him.

Day 11

Tony stirred in his sleep, woken up by soft, gentle touch on his cheek. He smiled sleepily, realizing that Steve was placing warm kisses all over his face.

"Steveee.." he muttered sleepily, stretching, trying to smack Steve away, while having his eyes still closed. When Tony lifted his arms, Steve snuggled close to his torso, placing light kisses on his neck and jawline.

"Morning," the soldier said softly, lightly nipping on the side of Tony's neck.
With a happy sigh, Tony lowered his hands and wrapped them around Steve. "Morning," he answered, opening his eyes, looking at his perfect boyfriend.

Steve beamed a smile. "12 days till Christmas," he chirped. For a second Tony did nothing - then he groaned, tilting his head back.

"Why we are back on that topic?" he whined.

"What do you mean?"

"You didn't mention anything about Christmas in Switzerland."

"Um, yeah, that's because I really didn't have to. The whole pension was decorated with Christmas ornaments, and there was Christmas music.."

Tony groaned louder. He got used soon to all the decorations, but having this whole stuff on his own private floor would be damn annoying.

"I thought it would be nice to put some decorations here.." Steve said sadly and timidly, drawing little shapes on Tony's bare stomach with his fingertip.

Tony's breath hitched and he giggled a bit. He swatted at blond's hand, knocking it away. Steve didn't wait for long and held Tony closer, gently pushing his nose into Tony's ear, nuzzling him, fingers scribbling on his belly.

"Pleeasee can I put some Christmas decorations on our floor?" he whined softly, slowly turning Tony into a writhing, giggling mess.

"Finefinefine!" Tony yelped, kicking, trying to curl. He felt a kiss on his ear and warm hand rubbing circles into his tummy. "Jerk.." he grumbled playfully.

"Grinch," Steve replied gleefully, holding Tony closer. They decided to stay in bed for a few minutes longer.

Day 12

"Not this one. Nope. Too small. Too green. Not enough green.."

"Just pick a one already!" Natasha hissed. The whole team went to choose a Christmas tree and Tony was rejecting one by one, taking his time.

"Excuse you, I designed that whole building, so I'm going to choose the tree that would match the high standards of my building," Tony said indignantly, turning back to the trees. "Too green. ACK!" he yelped, when a snowball hit the back of his head, glaring behind him, trying to spot the culprit.

Steve was near the stand with Christmas ornaments - made from wood, glass, all sparkly, delicate, in beautiful colors. Year after year, he was always amazed by the variety of Christmas decorations, still having in mind how they decorated Christmas trees back in his times. Thor was hovering, banned from touching - he already, accidentally, crushed some delicate decorations in his massive hands. Bruce was making sure that Thor wouldn't break his promise. Natasha was out of sight, which pretty much meant that she was the one who threw the snowball.

"FOUND IT!!" Clint's overjoyed yelp echoed through the air. The whole team followed the sound, to see Natasha standing in front of a massive Fraser fir, a few feet high, with thick, green branches. The team stood in awe of its beauty. Until..

"It's too big," Natasha said calmly, looking up at the tree.

"I want it," Tony said, a second after.

"Tony, Natasha is right, it's too big!" Steve tried to reason, but he felt a sting in his heart. The tree was really beautiful.

"It looks like 18ft tall.. I think it should fit," Bruce explained, remembering the high ceilings of the Tower.

"It's a truly magnificent tree!" Thor boomed.

"Where is Clint?" Tony asked.

"Up here!!"

They all looked up, noticing that near the top of the tree was some rumble and spotted Clint between the thick branches, as he was hugging the tree with his legs.

"I'm not leaving without it," he said stubbornly.

It was settled. The Avengers were getting a Christmas tree.

Day 13

The Christmas tree in the Avengers common room was decorated by the whole team yesterday (Tony even sneaked some Avengers ornaments, of course putting little Iron Men close to little Captain Americas), but Steve still wanted to have a Christmas tree on their floor too. Tony picked up a tree, a 7 ft tall Eastern White Pine, which smelled strongly of forest, feeling their floor with a nice, rich scent. When Steve went out of their kitchen, carrying a tray with cookies on it, Tony beamed a smile from his place on the couch.

"For me?" he asked, reaching his hand for the treat.

"No," Steve gently smacked his hand away, "it's to put on the tree."

"But you promised to bake cookies for me!" Tony whined with an overly sad face. Steve smiled, and cracked, giving his boyfriend a cookie.

"Just this one," he warned, as Tony nodded with a smile, biting into the delicate masterpiece. Steve looked around.

"Tony, where are the candy canes? And other candy I bought for the tree?"

Tony stopped in his chewing. He looked at Steve with wide eyes. "They were supposed to go on the tree?"

"Tony," Steve growled, giving him a stern look.

"I'm sorry! I was sleep eating again! I will buy new ones!" he promised.

Steve slid his hand down his face. "You're terrible.."

Tony grinned. "So.. we are not decorating the tree today?"

"Seems not," Steve breathed, sounding a bit irritated.

Tony hummed. "Then we won't need this," he smiled brighter, reaching his hand for another cookie.

"Tony, no!" Steve scolded, but couldn't help the smile, when Tony stuffed his face with another cookie, as afraid that the soldier would change his mind and try to take it away from him, looking at Steve with wide eyes.

"Damn you.." Steve scolded fondly, and Tony smiled brighter, reaching for a one more cookie, feeling that he was allowed to.

"Who said you can take another one?!" Steve yelled happily, pouncing on his boyfriend and Tony squeaked in shock, soon yelping with laughter.

Seemed that he didn't have a permission.

Day 14

"Sweetheart, wake up.."

Tony groaned, hearing a gentle whisper and even gentler kiss on his ear.

"Whyyy.." he whined. It was Saturday. Why Steve was torturing him with getting up early?

"You promised," Steve reminded gently, carding his hand through brown messy hair, all ruffled from sleep.

"No, I didn't.. And it's snowing! We can't go! There will be traffic!" Tony tried to reason.

"Now you're just looking for excuses," Steve rolled his eyes, placing a wet kiss on his boyfriend's cheek, making him squeak and bury more into the covers. "Get up," Steve gently patted Tony's behind as an encouragement and stood up.

Steve heard a quiet whisper.

"Do I have to go there?"

"No," he answered. "But it would be nice if you would go."

Tony groaned. Damn him.

After more whining, a long ride, they reached their destination. They bought a wreath, the kind that would last longer in the cold temperature and took a path they didn't walk very often, but knew well enough. And in the end of the path were two graves - Howard Stark. Maria Stark.

Steve gently put the wreath down, while Tony stood there, just looking with a blank expression at the graves of his parents.

"Hi Howard, Mrs. Stark," Steve said politely, just as if he was talking to breathing people. He got back to Tony, taking his boyfriend's hand and they stood in silence just looking at the cold stone. After a while, Steve gently squeezed Tony's hand as giving him a signal that they should go now, but Tony's didn't react.

"I will catch up with you, okay?" he looked at Steve, who smiled slightly and nodded, leaving his boyfriend alone as he began walking back to the car.

Tony looked for a while longer at the graves. He didn't get why Steve was dragging him here year after year, always in December, near the anniversary of his parents' death. He suspected it was because Steve never did have a chance to go to his mother's grave when he woke up in the 21st Century. It was already long forgotten and no one knew where it was.

Tony took a deep breath. He might as well say something. "Mom, dad," he started awkwardly. "Life wasn't easy since you had left. I did many stupid things and you were not there to fix them, to tell me that it will be alright," Tony said, his tone having an accusing note, "but it's fine now. I'm happy. And I guess I wouldn't be happy without you guys, because I'm happy mostly because I have Steve and I wouldn't have him without you both. So, yeah.." Tony shoved his hands into his pockets, feeling awkward, and feeling his throat closing. "I'm happy. And I hope you are both happy too," he ended awkwardly, looking down at his feet with an awkward smile. He turned around and walked away. When he spotted Steve near the car, he ran to him, pouncing on his back happily, which Steve of course knew and turned around in a right time, catching his boyfriend in his arms, smiling back at the bright smile Tony gave him.

He really was happy.

Day 15

"Giveee meeee!!" Tony reached his hands to the front, as he was easily blocked by Steve's broad back while he was piping icing on Christmas cookies.

"They are not done yet!" Steve scolded, trying to keep a stern face, but he was smiling at Tony's childish behavior, who did what he could to get a hold of the bag with icing.

"Just a bit!!"

"It's practically all sugar, why do you want it so much?!" Steve laughed.

Tony stopped in his squirming. "You just answered yourself," he answered, happily, reaching to grab the piping bag once again. "Noooooow!!"

"Oh, fine, fine," Steve gave up with a laugh, gently pushing Tony away. He turned around and Tony's eyes sparkled happily as he opened his mouth. With a smile, Steve placed the piping back above Tony's opened mouth and squeezed a bit of the white frosting, letting it fall on his boyfriend's tongue. Tony closed his eyes, spreading the sweet substance in his mouth, loving the taste. Steve smiled, quickly squeezing a bit of icing on the tip of Tony's nose, licking it off.

"Hey!" Tony laughed, opening his eyes. Steve leaned down to kiss his boyfriend's sweet lips, going back to decorating cookies. He sniffed loudly, smelling something unpleasant.

"Tony, you were supposed to watch the cookies in the oven!!"

Tony yelped, and jumped to the oven, opening it, to see that stars, hearts and gingerbread men turned into black, shapeless lumps.

"Ummhhhmmm.. I will still eat that," he assured Steve apologetically.

As an answer, Steve squeezed more icing on his face.

Day 16

Tony lowered himself more in the armchair, muttering something under his breath, glaring at the Christmas tree in front of him, as wanting to set it on fire. Stupid Christmas rush. All his trading partners were giving him impossible conditions to fulfill, wanting to close all deals before New Year. If they wanted to do it quick, they should have thought about it sooner!

"Babe?"

Tony glanced up briefly at Steve, who stood close to him, looking concerned.

"Are you alright?" he asked, not liking seeing Tony like this.

"M'fine," he muttered.

"Tough day at work?" Steve asked gently, getting closer to his boyfriend, seeing him nod his head. "When will you have some free days?" he asked in a soft voice, carding his hand through Tony's brown hair.

Tony scoffed. "I don't have free days. I'm the owner, owner works 24/7."

Steve sighed. He knew that work had been tough on his boyfriend lately. The week had just started and Tony already looked exhausted. Steve thought for a while and walked to the Christmas tree, taking off a peppermint flavored candy cane. "Here," he offered it to Tony with a smile.

Tony blinked, looking at the treat. "I thought that I'm not allowed to eat sweets from the tree before Christmas."

"I'll make an exception," Steve smiled.

Slowly, Tony smiled back, and took the candy cane, sucking on the tip, enjoying the sweet taste. Steve watched him for a while and placed a quick, but tender kiss on brunet's forehead. "I'm going to make us something to eat," he said softly.

When he stood up and walked by the tree, he noticed something odd. The side he was facing while standing near Tony was okay - it was still decorated with cookies, candy and candy canes. The other side..

"Tony!" Steve raised his voice, his eyes getting wide as he saw that the branches on the backside of the tree were empty.

Tony didn't wait and took off with the candy cane. He had a feeling that it was his last one in a while.

Day 17

"Yhp!!" Tony yelped when he felt someone's cold nose, pressing gently into his cheek. He jumped on the couch, nearly dropping his tablet. "Steve!" he scolded with a laugh, seeing as his boyfriend smiled at him, still in a thick jacket, cheeks red from the cold outside.

"I have something for you!" Steve beamed, giving Tony a big, square box, wrapped in colorful paper with a bow on the top.

Tony tilted his head gently to the side. It looked like one of these perfect Christmas presents you see in the movies, ones that are actually empty inside. He smiled fondly. "Do I have to wait till 25th to open it?" he smiled.

"Nah, it's a pre-present, open it now!" Steve said happily, taking the his jacket off, sitting next to Tony on the couch.

Tony smiled brightly, ripping the paper greedily. He opened the box and his face fell. "Oh, veery cute," he growled, taking out a rubber ducky. As big as his head. He opened his eyes wide, seeing that the duck had a mustache and a goatee resembling his own facial hair, and Steve laughed loudly.

Tony narrowed his eyes in mock anger. "And what am I supposed to do with it? Take baths with it?" he fake pouted.

"Maybe you can start collecting them, it's your second one," Steve beamed.

"Yeah, yeah," Tony rolled his eyes, looking back at the duck's happy beak. He felt a warm kiss on his cheek.

"Merry Christmas, my Ducky," Steve smiled.

Tony nipped his nose as an answer. "Quack!" he squawked with a smile.

Day 18

Whine. Whiiine. Whiiiiiiiiiiiiine.

"Tony, stop that," Steve suddenly snapped, as he was cleaning the cabinet in the living room, craning his neck to glare at his boyfriend.

"But I don't know how to do iiiiiiiiiit.." Tony whined more, holding some cloth, standing near the enormous window.

"I already showed you how to clean the windows," Steve reminded flatly, going back to putting the books back into the cabinet, organizing them in alphabetical order.

"And you did such a great job!" Tony whined. "Why can't you do it?!"

Steve laughed slightly to himself. He forced Tony out of the workshop, under the pretext of Christmas cleaning. Not that he counted on Tony actually cleaning - he was just a bit bored and wanted to spend some time with his boyfriend.

"Because I'm not the one who wanted windows from floor to the ceiling.."

"I only wanted them because of window sex," Tony whined. "And I can't even reach high enough! See, see?!"

Steve frowned and turned around just to see Tony, jumping up and down, trying to reach to the higher parts of the window.

"I could lift you up," Steve started to laugh at the sight.

"No," Tony glared. "That's stupid. I have robots for cleaning. Or can I hire a cleaning company. I'm not playing your commoners games," he gave up, throwing the cloth to the floor.

Steve cocked an eyebrow up. "You're disobeying your Captain, soldier?" he growled slightly.

Tony blinked. Before he even thought of running, recognizing that tone, Steve already scooped him in his arms.

"Ah, no!" he whined, laughing, trying to wriggle away. "You tricked me!"

Steve didn't answer, just kissed the tip of Tony's nose.

Someone needed to be disciplined.

Day 19

"No!"

"Yes!"

"I said no!"

"But Tony!"

"Don't Tony me!"

Both men glared at each other from opposite ends of the room. Steve was redecorating their tree, as Tony still kept eating the candy at every possible occasion, while Tony was sprawled on the couch, glaring at the soldier. It might have looked like they were mad at each other, but in reality, they were having fun.

"JARVIS, AC/DC now," Tony said, and Shoot to Thrill filled the living room.

Steve huffed. "JARVIS, Jingle Bells."

"JARVIS, Black Sabbath, Iron Man".

"JARVIS, White Christmas".

"JARVIS.."

"If I may suggest something," the AI interrupted, probably having enough. "I think this would please you both," JARVIS said in his pleasant British accent, playing a rock version of Jingle Bells.

Tony and Steve looked at each other. Tony shrugged, Steve smiled a bit.

"Perfect. Thanks, JARVIS," Steve smiled fully.

"My pleasure," JARVIS replied, and the relief in his voice was so obvious that it made Tony burst into laugh.

Day 20

"Why is everyone acting so crazy?!" Steve yelped, as time after time some people were bumping into him in the crowded mall. They went Christmas shopping and Tony warned him that before Christmas, malls tend to get crowded, but he definitely didn't expect such a mass of people, mixed with chatter and Christmas music.

"I don't think it's crazy," Tony answered darkly, wrapping an arm around Steve's waist, holding him closer. "I'm pretty sure that that blondie is bumping into you again and again on purpose.."

"Don't be ridiculous, Tony," Steve said, feeling a bit irritated with such a ridiculous idea. "What the hay!" he suddenly yelped, feeling something that was definitely a slap on his butt.

"What, what?!" Tony looked at his boyfriend with wide eyes. "Did someone defile your perfect behind?!" he yelped loudly, making the tips of Steve's ears redden.

In the distance, Clint was snickering mockingly, holding a huge stack of Christmas bags for Natasha, as he watched Tony revolving around the super soldier as a small satellite.

"I think we messed up with them enough," the same blonde girl who was bumping into Steve, walked closer to Clint, pulling the wig down to reveal the mass of red hair.

"Aw, come on, we almost made him paranoid!" Clint grinned, watching Natasha.

"No," she said sternly, "we need to find a present for Bruce," she reminded, cocking an eyebrow, when she saw the commotion around Santa's village. She looked closer and spotted Bruce, leaning over the barrier, either crying or laughing as his back was shaking.

After they walked closer, they saw Thor settled on Santa's lap, as he was cheerfully listing all the presents he wants - too bad you couldn't say that about the guy dressed up as Santa who was obviously in pain from being crushed by a solid Asgardian weight.

"Thor, get off Santa's lap!" Natasha hissed, noticing Tony and Steve in the gathering, and while Steve's eyes widen comically at the sight, Tony was freely laughing.

"But the god of Christmas is going to grant my wishes!" Thor definitely didn't whine.

It was a long afternoon.

Day 21

After a great deal of whining, a lot of "do I have to?" they were finally there. Steve knew that Tony didn't mean all this, It was just the way he was. They had picked up the biggest teddy bear available, balloons (Tony's idea), and flowers (Steve's idea) and a box of cigars and whisky (again, Tony's idea) and went to the hospital.

To the maternity ward.

Last night Pepper gave birth to her and Happy's child.

And Steve wanted to see the baby as soon as possible. Tony too, not that anyone should know.

But when he had saw the baby, the little bundle in cream rompers, sleeping peacefully on Pepper's ample bosom (hello, baby's food) he totally cracked. He was holding the baby, walking around the room with the little person in his arms, cooing and showing him everything. Currently, they were standing near the TV, where colorful, suitable cartoons for children were showing, as the nice colors caught the child's eyes. Still, Tony preferred to explain to the little one how the TV worked, instead of talking about the cartoon.

"Steve, you should listen to it too, maybe you would learn something!" Tony called. Steve just rolled his eyes, sitting next to Pepper, who was still tired after the birth giving, but was literally glowing, Happy (literally) father, sitting by her side, beaming with pride.

"Did you pick the name already?" Steve asked, eyeing his boyfriend from the corner of his eyes. Since they came, he held the baby for like 5 seconds - Tony was hogging the whole time.

"We are varying options, but something traditional," Happy said proudly, smile not leaving his face.

"Oh, can I help?" Tony interrupted.

"No," Pepper said quickly and firmly.

"Why?" Tony pouted, not knowing why his offer was declined.

"Three reasons - You, Dummy, Butterfingers," she explained, calmly, making Steve snort.

"Hey, I was young! And drunk on rum with cola.." Tony mumbled, turning his attention to the TV, now explaining how come that the picture was in color.

"Steve, we actually wanted to ask you something," Pepper started gently.

Steve smiled, happy (uh, this is starting to get confusing) to help. "Sure."

"We both were thinking if you would do us the honor and be our daughter's godfather."

"Me?" Steve beamed a smile, not expecting that. No surprise as..

"Hey, I thought that I was supposed to be the godfather!" Tony pouted even more now, rocking the baby gently.

"Sorry, Tony, but you're not the best role model," Pepper looked softly at her boss.

Tony opened his mouth to scoff, but his eyes met the warning look Steve was sending him. He closed his mouth.

"And after you both finally tie the knot, you would became godfather's wife, so that's practically the same," Pepper said sweetly.

Tony narrowed his eyes in mock anger. He pulled the baby closer and whispered, "Lesson one - uncle Tony is always right and don't listen to your mother, Lizzy."

"Lizzy?" Steve asked, his hearing picking it up.

"Lizzy? Elizabeth?" Happy asked.

"Uh.." Tony answered intelligently, looking a bit startled. It wasn't his baby, He shouldn't go naming her.

"That's actually one of the names we were thinking of," Pepper smiled, and Happy smiled even wider, as he was a classic British literature lover - something no one would expect from a bodyguard. And his favorite actress from Downtown Abbey name was Elizabeth, so it was a wonderful name in his opinion. For a moment the atmosphere in the room was really blissful, and Happy and Pepper held their hands, looking at each other with love..

"See? We are connected! I would be an awesome godfather!"

Of course Tony had to ruin it all.

When Steve and Tony were leaving the maternity ward, Tony was looking around, seeing all the babies and proud parents, beaming with something special. He took Steve's hand and Steve smiled at the feeling, thinking that maybe at this moment Tony became a little less scared and a little bit more ready of becoming a parent one day.

And that, Steve considered a true Christmas miracle.

Day 22

Steve just finished his training in the gym and he was going back to his and Tony's floor. When he got out of the elevator, his eyes narrowed angrily at the sight.

Tony was standing in front of the Christmas tree, looking at it, deep in his own thoughts as if he was deciding which candy to eat first. Steve opened his mouth to scold, not understanding how come Tony, being the genius he claimed he was, had problems with a simple "don't eat the candy from the tree before Christmas". In the meantime, Tony reached his hand for the candy cane. But instead of unwrapping it and stuck it in his mouth, he took the candy, put it on the branch that was less decorated and hummed approvingly.

Steve blinked surprised. He came closer, and Tony turned around, his eyes getting a startled look. "I swear I didn't eat anything," he said quickly, putting his hands in a calming pose.

Steve smiled briefly and took off a star shaped gingerbread, decorated with icing and gave it to his puzzled boyfriend, going to their bedroom to get changed from his training clothes.

"I don't understand your "no candy from the tree before Christmas" policy! It's confusing!"

Steve chuckled at Tony's complaint, hearing him munch the cookie anyway.

Day 23

"What are you doing?"

Tony let out a whole array of "psh, hmp, pshmhm" sounds, before finally speaking. "Nothing!"

"Nothing," Steve repeated, cocking an eyebrow up. "You have that guilty look written all over your face."

"No, I don't," Tony fidgeted nervously, twisting his fingers. Steve got back from an emergency SHIELD meeting, finding Tony sitting on the couch calmly. Too calmly. He right away considered it as suspicious.

"Did you eat the Christmas candy again?" Steve asked, looking briefly at their Christmas tree, but it seemed to be alright.

"Psh, no!"

"Okay then," Steve said slowly, taking his steps into the bedroom. "Wha.. Tony!!" he yelled. All the gifts he bought earlier for his teammates and wrapped neatly were unpacked, the colorful paper was torn, bows scrunched.. Tony had a bright idea to look for his Christmas gift. Steve of course didn't keep it on their floor. "Get back here!!" he yelled more, turning around, seeing that Tony wanted to hightail out of the room, taking big steps in his direction.

Tony clearly panicked. He snatched something from the table and held it up in his hand. "Waitwaitwait!!"

"What?" Steve asked angrily.

"Mistletoe," Tony grinned, directing Steve's attention to the green branch in his hand. "You can only kiss me under the mistletoe. It's a tradition," he started to smirk triumphantly, happy with finding a loop.

"Oh really?" Steve crossed his arms. He almost immediately lowered them, looming over Tony with a feral grin. "So, all I have to do is to make you drop the mistletoe, right?"

Tony gulped loudly. Seemed that Steve also found a loop.

Day 24

It was a lazy morning. Tony and Steve decided to linger in bed for a bit longer, enjoying the last peaceful moments before the Christmas madness would start in less than 24 hours.

"Twinkle, twinkle, little Stark.."

"Stop it!!"

Or maybe it already started.

Tony was on his back, covers pulled down to his hips, showing naked torso, while Steve was on his side, drawing all kinds of patterns on Tony's bare stomach while singing all these idiotic songs. As soon as he finished the first part, Tony swatted his hand away.

"What?" Steve smiled, bringing it back, drawing a star along the smooth skin. "You're not my star?"

Tony twitched under the light touch, lips quirking into a smile. "Make up your mind.." he complained. "I can't be your Ducky, angel, star and all that crap in the same time.."

"You forgot Grinch," Steve smiled brightly. "You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch," he sang in a gruff voice, resuming tracing his fingertips all over brunet's belly.

"A..ahaha! Oh my goosh, you suck so much, Steve!" Tony laughed, catching blond's hand in his.

"Oh, I'm gonna suck. Later," Steve smiled brightly, pressing more into Tony's side. "Just one more song."

Tony rolled his eyes, but turned his head in his boyfriend's direction, waiting for another song.

"I saw mommy.. kissing Santa Claus.. underneath the mistletoe.. last night.." Steve sang gently, kissing Tony after every few words, making him hum delightedly.

Too bad he didn't make an enough fast connection about what was the second verse.

Day 25

".. And then the ghost of Coulson said "you will be haunted by three more ghosts today, they will remind you a true meaning of Christmas!" and with that walked away through the closed doors, his whole silhouette suffused with an eerie glow as he left no traces behind.

"Humbug," Loki snapped. He didn't believe in anything he just heard, and sunk more into the warm bed, clad in a nightgown, which was suited for women or very unmanly men. But with the first stroke of midnight, the terrible, Christmas hating man, heard heavy footsteps, closer and closer and then the door was wide open, revealing..

"BROTHER! I came to remind you what a joyful time Christmas is!" Thor bellowed, illuminated with a gold glow so bright it made Loki cringed. With a one swipe of his hammer, Thor made the wooden floor disappear, showing Loki instead an image of his past. It was the crown hall in the Asgard's palace, a magnificent Christmas tree in the corner of it where Loki and Thor, not older than five, were with Odin and Frigga unpacking the Christmas gifts and the atmosphere was cheerful and blissful.

"See, brother?" Thor said gently. "Remember the cheerful times we spend with our parents and stop being a di.." GAH!

"What kind of foolishness are you talking about?!" Loki finally snapped, clad in a green Christmas sweater, holding Tony by his throat.

"Now easy there, Loki! I don't want any Christmas massacre in front of the baby!" Pepper reprimanded the trickster, holding her daughter close to her, as all ladies present during the Avenger's Christmas dinner were flocked around her in the far corner of the SHIELD's conference room.

"My apologies, Lady Virginia, but I think that Man of Iron needs another refreshing trip outside the window," Loki said sweetly, enjoying how Tony's eyes widened at the threat.

"Please use the door this time," Coulson said calmly, cutting the turkey which was settled in the middle of the Christmas table, heavy with all the delicious food on it.

"Umh," Tony gulped. "Steve, I need help!" he meeped, trying to get Loki's fingers away from his throat, but it wasn't easy. How come that Loki looked like a twig, but was freaking strong?! "STEVE!!"

Steve was too busy, as Thor didn't not only bring Loki from Asgard to celebrate but also the Asgardian mead, which was sweet and strong enough to make Steve tipsy and currently, he and Thor, were swaying in front of the gigantic and beautiful Christmas tree, singing "We wish you a merry Christmas" in strong voices.

It was a bizarre, but a very happy Christmas.

And Tony didn't get thrown outside the window. But he also didn't manage to finish his Christmas story. Probably it was for the best.

Day 26

The Avengers team was gathered in the living room, fidgeting in their respective places impatiently. All because of the amazing scents coming from the adjoined kitchen - Steve was currently there, doing magic stuff, meaning, preparing hot chocolate for his team. Steve tried to base it on different recipes, giving it a little personal twist to create something unique and delicious.

When the soldier entered the living room, carrying a tray with six different mugs (of course, Christmas themed) everyone looked hopefully at him. Steve passed the mugs to his team with a smile, watching as they all eagerly started to sip the hot liquid decorated with whipped cream, sprinkled with cocoa powder.

Natasha froze after the first gulp, swallowing thickly. Clint bugged his eyes out. Thor and Bruce froze in half of the sip. Steve looked expectantly at his team, waiting for their reaction.

Well, it was definitely something new. It was rich. Very rich. Too rich. It tasted as if Steve dumped everything into the pot - milk, cream, condensed milk, cocoa powder, chocolate bars, honey, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and lot lot lot more.

Actually, it was what Steve did. But in his mind he chose the ingredients carefully, complementing the taste. Back in his times, hot chocolate consisted of cocoa powder and hot water, and maybe sometimes a bit of sugar or honey, if they were available, but usually it was a bitter beverage. So no wonder that he got a little bit carried away.

Too bad that the flavors were overwhelming and what was in minds of the rest of the team was to rinse their mouths with lots of water water. But of course, they couldn't do it when Captain America was looking at them with hope, and sparkly eyes and it was so visible that the slightest critique would break his heart.

Natasha was the first one to man up and decided to tell Steve what she thinks of his hot chocolate - in a firm, gentle way. As for her standards that is.

A loud slurp did stop her.

Everyone looked at Tony who practically downed a half of cup in one gulp and smiled brightly at Steve. "It's really good, baby. Can you bring the cookies?" he smiled, Steve beamed a smile back, happy with someone finally responding and bounced happily into the kitchen to bring sugar cookies he had baked earlier.

When Steve was gone everyone was looking shocked at Tony. Well, they knew that Tony had a sweet tooth, but it was like liquid diabetes.

Tony just stood up calmly, went to the liquor cabinet and took out a bottle of rum, filling the rest of his cup with the amber alcohol. Then he passed the bottle to the rest of the team. "Here, just get some into your cups and it will make the taste better, because if any of you will even peep how awful it is and ruin this moment for Steve, I will personally hang that person from the Statue of Liberty by the underwear," Tony hissed, giving everyone a warning look.

The rest of the team gave Tony small, reassuring smiles, as they were pouring the rum into their cups. Somethings better remain unspoken.

And when Steve was back and didn't get the overall happiness, Tony explained that it's because of the endorphins in the chocolate.

Day 27

It was loud, colorful, cheerful. The Avengers team had a charity meeting with kids, and everyone was in full gear (of course, no weapons) and kids for the first time could touch them, talk to them. It was funny and adorable how all little girls flocked around Thor, but all of them had their small group of admirers. In the end, the children were given some packages with small gifts and sweets and they left the children in a cheerful atmosphere, giving them an unforgettable experience.

After the return to the Tower, Steve felt hyped and energized, and it was an amazing feeling. He went down to Tony's workshop, knowing that his boyfriend had to get out of his suit, hoping that Tony was feeling the same as he did.

He entered the workshop, hearing AC/DC blasting through the speakers and Tony was leaned down at the workbench, scrubbing furiously parts of MK 42, with an angry face, muttering something under his breath. Steve wanted to take a strategic retreat, but was noticed.

"These little monsters got chocolate all over my suit!" he called to his boyfriend, and Steve was relieved to see that he was laughing.

"But it was great to meet with them, right?" he walked closer, leaning on Tony's back.

"Yeah, it was," Tony said with a fond smile. Steve felt a bit courageous, maybe it was time to mention something about.. "Man, I'm so glad that we don't have any kids yet."

Steve blinked. Tony said kids. Not kid. Kids. He blinked again. "You were thinking about getting kids?!" he chirped happily.

Tony looked with wide eyes at Steve, startled again. "No, I said..!" he didn't finish, as Steve quieted him with a kiss, long, deep and bounced out of the workshop, not wanting Tony to further spoil this moment.

"Steve!!" Tony called after him, laughing. Shaking his head, he went back to scrubbing MK 42.

Day 28

"Steve, Steve, Steve, get outside!!"

Steve lowered his hand with the book he was reading at his lover's voice from the intercom. He looked at the window. It was snowing, luckily it wasn't a blizzard, just gentle snow, but Steve still didn't feel like going outside without a good reason.

"Why?" he questioned. "And why are you outside?"

"Uh. You kicked me out, remember?"

Steve rolled his eyes playfully at the complaint in his boyfriend's voice. He needed to do that. Tony was a real pain lately and didn't let him read, so Steve finally got irritated and told him to go and play somewhere else.

"Get outside, Spangles!!" Tony ordered, breaking the connection. Steve huffed, but decided to comply and took his jacket.

When he got outside, he followed the noise. Some chattering, someone's laugh, some clinging sound.. He noticed the whole team in the distance - Clint was cackling, Bruce was very red, and Steve couldn't tell if it was because of the cold weather or because of something else, Natasha had her head cocked to the side, while Thor, surprisingly delicately, used Mjolnir and a chisel to carve an ice sculpture of a human, and Tony was close as making sure that he would get all details right.

Steve shook his head fondly. From the silhouette he could already tell that it was David by Michelangelo, but it was the size of an average human, not over 12 Ft tall.

Of course as soon as the team found out that Thor can create ice sculptures they talked him into doing a nude one.

"About time!" Tony smiled, gesturing for Steve to come closer.

"Captain!" Thor bellowed, "be so kind and turn to the left!"

Steve frowned, but listened, looking to the left and Thor carved something on the statue's face. After a while, he took a step back to look at his masterpiece.

"Perfect," Tony grinned.

Steve joined his group, and he let out a strangled breath at the sight. It wasn't David. It was a nude sculpture of him, natural size. Everything natural size.

"Tony thought that it would be a nice gesture to honor you, Cap," Clint tried to keep his voice serious, but his lips were stretched into a mischievous smile.

Steve shot a nasty look at his boyfriend, his face glowing red. Tony just grinned brightly, having his little payback for kicking him out.

"Is something wrong, my friend?" Thor asked concerned, not understanding Steve's reaction.

Steve whined. Of course, Thor didn't get such Midgardians concepts as shame. "No, no, everything is fine, Thor, just.." he whimpered embarrassedly.

Thor drew his eyebrows together. "You have a beautiful body, Captain. You shouldn't be ashamed of it."

"Hell yeah!" Clint burst into laughter.

Natasha cocked her eyebrow, looking shamelessly at the most private part of Steve's body. "Bruce, is this possible that Steve was born with that or was it serum enhanced?"

Bruce hid his face more into the scarf around his neck. "I don't think that serum improved that part of his body. It just proves that he was born to become Captain America."

Natasha's eyebrow went even higher. "Respect," she said, looking back at the real Steve.

Steve felt that his face couldn't be even redder. He looked at Tony with pleading eyes, wanting him to do something and make the sculpture disappear.

Tony smiled innocently. "But Coulson didn't see it yet.."

The collective burst of laughter efficiently drowned out Steve's prolonged whine.

Day 29

"Steve, move it!"

"In a minute!"

Tony let out a very loud, prolonged groan. How much longer they have to stand in the cold park?! Stupid idea with a stupid walk. And the even more stupid idea of feeding the pigeons in the park.

"Flying rats.." Tony muttered, observing as Steve was throwing crumbs to the group of pigeons, who were cooing and flocking around him.

"Hey, they helped us during the war you know," Steve bit, of course, hearing Tony's grumbling. "Who is a noble American pigeon? You guys are!" he said happily, throwing them more crumbs.

Tony groaned again. "It's not the same pigeons! Those ones are biting the dust!"

Steve shot him a nasty look. "Then these are their offspring," he said, happily, throwing more crumbs.

Tony huffed. He went to the stand with bagels and bought a few, going in the pond's direction.

"Where are you going?" Steve asked, looking after him.

"If we are going to waste our time here anyway, I'm going to feed the ducks," Tony grumbled.

"Ducks? You're going to feed the ducks?" Steve's mouth stretched into a wide smile.

"Don't even start it, Steve!" Tony warned, pointing his finger at his boyfriend. Of course, it did nothing.

"Ducky is going to feed the ducks!" Steve laughed happily, turning around, as the pigeons were demanding more attention. He yelped, feeling a snowball hit him in the back of his head. He looked to the back, eyes narrowed, and Tony's eyes widened.

"It wasn't me," he said quickly. Steve smiled widely and rushed in his direction with a battle cry. "No no no, Steve, wait, I said it wasnAAAH!!!" he yelped, as solid American muscles lounged at him, pushing him into the snow, soon Steve's weight following. "DAMMIT, STEVE!"

All he got as an answer was a burst of laugh and a kiss.

Day 30

"No, not this one. This one either. Noopee.."

"Oh, come on! That one was fine!"

"Too cheap."

"That's not a valid criteria!"

Steve frowned hearing a lively discussion from the living room. He followed the voice and saw Tony spread on the couch on his side, Clint sitting next to him on the floor, as they were going through some catalogue on one of the holographic screens. Natasha was curled in an armchair nearby, reading a book, not paying any attention to the both men.

"What are you guys doing?" Steve asked, leaning over the couch. He frowned more seeing that in front of Tony and Clint was a basket full of white bread.

"Hi hon," Tony beamed a smile, flipping something on the screen. "We are choosing alcohol for the big party tomorrow."

Steve frowned even deeper. He was not looking forward to nurture Tony back to health as a first thing in the New Year. "What's with the bread?" he asked instead, observing as Clint bit into a bun.

Tony smirked. "Birds like crumbs."

Steve rolled his eyes, scoffing when he saw as Clint threw a piece of bread at Tony. "No wasting food, Barton!" he warned in his Captain America voice.

Clint made a snooty face, which made Tony burst into short laughter, and he reached his hand for another bun, this time aiming at Steve.

"Clint, either eat it, or put it down," Natasha said calmly from her seat, her eyes not leaving the book. As on command, Clint showed the bun in his mouth.

Tony grinned wider. He looked back at Steve. "The bread is for tomorrow. It acts like a sponge, meaning that we can drink more."

Steve scrunched his nose. He was so not looking forward to it. "Tony, I don't want you to get drunk to oblivion.."

Now it was Tony's turn to make a snooty face. "You're not the boss of me!" he said indignantly, just because he was in front of his teammates and he won't have his boyfriend tell him what to do. Steve rolled his eyes fondly, while Tony took the bread basket with the last bun in it and showed it to Steve. "Bring us more bread, woman!"

Steve's brows sloooowly drew together. Tony actually winced knowing that he went with his behavior too far. "I meant Natasha," he blurted.

Natasha lifted her head from the book, single brow going up.

Tony gulped in terror.

"Dude, you have no self preservation instinct," Clint laughed. Tony showed the bun in his mouth, knowing that he should try and stay quiet for a while.

And order lot and lot of vodka and tomato juice for Natasha for the New Year's party.

Day 31

10..

Everyone was standing on the top floor of Stark tower, at the balcony, looking at the sky waiting for the fireworks.

9..

Natasha was standing between Bruce and Clint as they both had hands wrapped around her slim waist. Clint was clinging a bit more to Natasha, as he was kinda drunk and needed support. Natasha held him tighter, and leaned her head on Bruce's shoulder, who smiled at the gesture.

8..

Jane was standing behind Thor, who held her close, as the night was cold and he wouldn't allow his lady to get cold. He was wearing a party hat proudly on his head.

7..

SHIELD's agents were holding champagne, waiting for the signal to uncork the bottles and pour everyone a glass.

6..

Coulson and Hill were holding streamers and passing through the crowd, giving trumphets and making sure that everyone had a glass ready.

5..

The festive look of Nick Fury, meaning glitter on his eye patch and coat, would forever remain a secret.

4..

"Any New Year's resolutions, babe?" Steve asked in Tony's ear, as they both, just like the rest were waiting for the fireworks and the midnight kiss.

3…

"Just one," Tony smiled, turning around in Steve's embrace, looking at him with shiny eyes.

2…

"What is it?" Steve asked, looking at his boyfriend with love.

1..

Tony took Steve's hand in his, the one with the engagement ring. The same one as the one Tony was wearing.

0..

"Get married with you," he whispered, pulling Steve's head down, lips locking in a kiss.

"Happy New Year!!!"

Description

Day 1

"Tony, look!!"

Tony heard an excited chirp and looked up from his tablet. Steve was grinning happily, holding in his hands a colorful box of chocolates. Tony frowned, noticing that the front of the box was an image depicting a scene from Santa's workshop, with elves, wooden toys, teddy bears and Santa Claus looking over the elves' work.

"What's that?" Tony narrowed his eyes.

"It's an Advent Calendar!" Steve chirped.

"I know, Steve, why do we have it?" Tony asked, huffing a bit. Steve's smile faltered and he looked kinda sheepish, curling in himself - it was funny how such a big guy could look so adorable.

"Umm.. I thought we could count the days to Christmas together.." he meeped out embarrassedly.

Tony smirked. How old was Steve again? He gently took the box from his boyfriend's hands and looked at the 24 windows. "Is there chocolate inside?"

"Yeah," Steve smiled, knowing that Tony liked sweets. Honestly, who didn't?

Tony smiled back, taking out the chocolate from the first window - it was shaped as a sleigh. "23 more days till Christmas," he looked at Steve, putting the small chocolate into his mouth, half of it sticking out.

Steve smiled brighter. "23 more days," he leaned closer to his boyfriend and they shared the sweet chocolate and even a sweeter kiss.

Day 2

It was midday and Steve was getting ready to prepare breakfast for Tony, who as usual, was working till late. He smiled at the Advent Calendar which they left in the living room, above the fireplace. Steve stopped. When he put it there yesterday, he made sure that it was standing straight and it seemed that during the night it slipped down. Steve walked closer, wanting to fix it.

His eyes got wide when he saw that the box was ripped at the side and he took out the plastic tray from the inside, seeing that it was empty.

In the same time, Tony strolled out from the bedroom, barefoot and only in his bottoms, ruffling hair with one hand. "Morning, baby," he muttered, still fighting with sleep.

"Tony, what's that?" Steve asked, getting mad, turning in his boyfriend's direction, showing him the empty Advent Calendar.

Tony blinked. "Uhmm.. It wasn't me."

Steve growled. "Tony.."

"No, Steve, honestly, it wasn't me! I don't remember eating it!"

Steve narrowed his eyes. "Were you sleep eating again?!"

Tony blinked, more surprise. "Was I what..?"

Soldier huffed. "That's how I call when you're too tired to remember that you ate," Steve explained, huffing more when Tony still had this dumbfounded expression. "JARVIS, please play a feed from the time when Tony came up from his workshop."

JARVIS listened to Steve and they both watched on the screen as Tony got out of the elevator, dragging his feet. He disappeared for a minute, coming back with a cup of coffee and sat on the couch, sipping it. Then he stood up and took the Advent Calendar, popping the chocolates in his mouth one by one.

Steve sent his boyfriend a hard glare. Tony cringed.

"I can buy a new one," he said quickly, wanting to soothe the soldier.

Steve rolled his eyes. "What for? You will eat it too," he smirked, and Tony breathed in relief, knowing that Steve wasn't pissed anymore.

After a while, Tony smirked. "Well, to be honest, it's your fault that I ate it. You know I need something sweet to my midnight coffee and.."

"Oh, that's it! Come here!" Steve growled, springing in his boyfriend's direction. Tony yelped and started running.

He didn't run far.

Day 3

"Hey Tony!!"

Tony couldn't help the groan, hearing that Steve used that voice again. That voice that was reserved for Christmas preparations and was used to convince Tony that it was the most wonderful time of the year. And December barely started.

"Look what I found!" Steve announced excitedly, presenting himself in a green, woolen sweater with embedded candy canes, Christmas trees, snowflakes, just everything that was associated with Christmas.

Tony laughed, recognizing the something on his boyfriend's chest was the infamous ugly Christmas sweater. "Take it off!"

"But it's so warm," Steve hummed, wrapping hands around himself, closing his eyes in pleasure. "And I got one for you too!"

"Oh no.." Tony whined.

"Oh yes," Steve smirked, evilly, "punishment for eating the Advent Calendar without me," Steve said taking another sweater.

"I said I can buy a new one!" Tony whined, but it was too late and Steve was already pulling a sweater on him.

"Perfect," Steve grinned. He took Tony in front of the mirror and Tony yelped.

"I hate you," he hissed, looking at Steve's reflection.

Steve just smiled, hugging the smaller man and nuzzling his cheek.

Tony's sweater was orange, with a huge Christmas tree on his torso with a star on the top, which was lit by the blue light from the arc reactor.

Day 4

"Hey Steve!!"

Steve looked up from his seat on the couch as he was watching TV. Tony was standing nearby, smiling excitedly as he waved some papers in his hand.

"What is it?" Steve smiled back, turning more to face his boyfriend who flopped on the couch next to him. Maybe the Christmas spirit was finally getting into his Grinch.

"We are going on a trip!" Tony announced excitedly.

"Trip..?" Steve tilted his head curiously.

"Yeah, only a few days, I didn't manage to negotiate a longer term with Pepper, but we can leave tomorrow!" Tony kept smiling.

"Is the rest of the team going with us?"

The simple question made Tony's smile disappear. He huffed, scrunching his nose. "Fiine. If you want to pay collateral damage, be my guest.."

Steve smiled brightly. Of course, he loved spending time only with Tony, but wasn't it more fun to go on vacation with the rest? It wasn't like that that they spend every minute with the rest anyway. Steve leaned to the front and kissed the tip of brunet's nose.

"Where are we going?"

The smile was back on Tony's face. "It' a ski trip in Switzerland - the land of fondue!" he cheered.

In less than 3 seconds, soldier's face was glowing red. "Wh-what?" he stammered out.

Tony frowned seeing his boyfriend's pink face. "Baby, I mean the fondue - dip bread in melted cheese - thing," he explained, laughing softly.

Steve's face turned it's usual paler color. "Oh.."

"Of course, we're gonna have plenty of the other fondue too.."

Tony didn't finish, ducking from a smack from, once again, very red Steve.

Day 5

Natasha and Bruce were standing in the airport. Switzerland had some serene beauty to it and was full of white, fluffy snow. Bruce was shivering a bit, preferring warmer climate. Natasha seemed fine - growing up in Russia probably did help.

In front of them, Clint and Thor were having a snowball fight. Not really a fight, as Thor's snowballs were like bullets, thrown quickly and with force, and Clint was apparently practicing avoiding them. But the smiles on their faces were saying that they had fun.

They should be already in the luxurious pension, with a fireplace in every room and amazing view of the mountains, but there was one tiny problem.

"Baby, please get out," Tony's desperate begging could be heard from inside the plane.

"No!" Steve's stubborn answer came.

"Steve, come on, everyone is waiting, and I need to send the jet back and if we continue to stay here we will lose our reservation, and dammit, Steve, we are already here for nearly an hour!" Tony's begging turned into an impatient scowl.

"I'm not getting out!!"

"Steve, get your ass outside, now!!"

"YOU NEVER TOLD ME THAT SNOW IS INVOLVED IN THIS TRIP!!"

"WHAT PART OF SKI TRIP YOU DIDN'T GET?!"

Natasha drew Bruce closer to her. Seemed that they would spend here a bit longer.

Day 6

"Baby.. Steve, are you still sleeping? Steve? Steve? Steve? Baby? Daaarliiing, come on, wake up."

Steve chuckled, feeling as Tony peppered kisses up the side of his neck, then jaw line, ending on the ear.

"Hmm?" he hummed, turning to his boyfriend, opening his eyes.

Tony smiled, hair ruffled and eyes already sparkling. "Morning," he whispered softly.

"Morning," Steve stretched with a yawn. "What time is it?"

"It's 7 am."

Steve opened his eyes wide, eyeing the smaller man suspiciously. "Since when you're awake at 7 am?"

Tony laughed. "Time difference. It's 1 am in New York, so normally I would be in the middle of some project. But I will probably die afternoon, so don't be surprised," he explained with a smile.

"You woke me up because you were bored?" Steve asked playfully, moving his hands to draw his boyfriend closer.

"That too," Tony brightened, "but I wanted you to see this," with one strong push, Tony rolled Steve on his other side, knocking away his hands.

"Hey!" Steve yelped, not understanding, but his voice got stuck in his throat when he faced the window.

It was breathtaking. Their room had a view of the mountains, beautiful and strong, covered in a thick blanket of white snow, which was sparkly white, gleaming in places with many colors from the rising sun.

Steve was mesmerized by the sight, when Tony draped himself over the soldier, putting his chin on Steve's shoulder.

"You know.." Steve started quietly. "The last time I saw mountains, they looked totally different.."

Tony nuzzled more into Steve, not really knowing how to comment that. He tried to comfort him, wrapping himself more around the soldier, until they could practically fuse together. Tony nuzzled into Steve's warm cheek, continuing until his lover smiled and then placed a sloppy kiss on the smooth skin.

"Hey!" Steve laughed in protest and Tony grinned, placing more sloppy kisses on his cheek and ear.

"Toohohony!" Steve whined, trying to push his boyfriend away. Tony snuggled under soldier's arm, clinging to him with a disarming smile and Steve smiled back, looking down at him, pulling him closer.

So far, their trip wasn't so bad.

Day 7

"Steeveee.. Come on, get out," Tony leaned on the closed door, knocking gently. He was in the corridor and Steve locked himself in their shared room just before they were supposed to go skiing. "Baby?"

"NO!"

"Steve, you're being unreasonable.. That's how everyone looks here!"

"Why it is so tight?!"

A deep sigh. "It's not. I'm wearing it, Clint is, Bruce is, Thor is, Nat is.. And it's not tighter than your Captain America suit," Tony grumbled.

"You're wearing it?"

Tony grinned, hearing the interested note in Steve's voice. "Of course," he purred softly.

Steve opened the door slightly, but it was enough for Tony to slip in.

"You lied!!" Steve yelped, eyeing the black jacket and pants Tony was in, while Steve was in one piece, very tight ski suits.

Tony's mouth fell as he eyed his boyfriend's sculpted body in the tight suit. "Oh, looks, seems that it's tighter than your Captain America suit.."

"Get out!!" Steve bellowed, pushing laughing Tony out of the room. Steve took a deep breath, after the door closed. No way in hell he was going out in it.

A gentle knocking on the door. "Hey, the rest of your suit is in the closet. I'll see you at the slope!"

Steve growled deeply, opening the closet, looking at the rest of his outfit, the same as Tony's, just white and blue. He was so going to shove his boyfriend into the snow.

Day 8

"Okay guys, you know the rules!"

A command from Tony, made everyone grab a fork, stab it into a cube of bread, and dip it into a pot full of melted cheese.

The first, bite was calm. During the second, there was some tension in the air. During the third one, the piece of bread on Tony's fork slipped into the cheese.

"HA! Stark buys a round!" Clint cheered. They were informed by the pension's staff that there were some rules while eating fondue - if a man loses his bread in the pot, he buys drinks all around, and if a woman does, she must kiss her neighbors. It was pretty obvious that Tony dropped his bread on purpose.

"About the rules - I'm changing them," Natasha said calmly, dipping a piece of bread into the cheese than to her mouth.

"What? Why?" Clint asked, while all eyes focused on Natasha.

"Because I'm tougher than all you ladies combined," she said sweetly, "so the rounds are on me. The rest of you need to kiss their neighbors," she said calmly, much to the disappointment of Clint who was sitting next to her, while Steve was on the other side. Tony suddenly froze realizing that he was sitting between Bruce and Thor as Natasha didn't let him sit next to Steve to avoid "disgusting situations" - seemed that Natasha had this all planned.

"Now wait a second!!" he yelped in protest, noticing the mischievous eyes focused on him.

"After you," Bruce laughed, gesturing for Thor to go first. Thor beamed a smile, always happy to bond with his teammates, and cupped Tony's face, placing a closed mouth, scratchy kiss on brunet's lips, who flailed his arms in protest. When the kiss ended, everyone was laughing, and Tony, a bit wounded, noticed that Steve was laughing the hardest. The soldier smiled softly when Tony quickly pecked his "science bro" on the cheek and got another piece of bread on his fork.

"And when I proposed a threesome with one of our team mates you didn't agree.." he complained, and Steve reached his hand to Tony and playfully smacked him on the head. "Hey!" Tony yelped, as the smack made him drop the bread into the cheese. "Oh, come on, that doesn't count!" he whined, much to the amusement of everyone.

It was a long pot of fondue.

Day 9

"We are leaving tomorrow. Did you have fun?" Tony asked with a smile, turning in Steve's arms. They were sitting in front of the fireplace in their private room, watching the fire crackle, snuggled close to each other.

Steve nodded, the shadows of the flames dancing on his face. "It was nice to get out from the city," he smiled. He would miss the seemingly endless open space around him, covered in snow and trees.

"We can come here next year. Maybe this time you won't fall on your ass again and again while skiing," Tony mocked with a bright grin, remembering the yelps escaping his boyfriend time after time, while Tony had no problem to keep his balance.

"Rude," Steve pouted, snuggling the smaller man closer to him, to rub their noses together. Tony smiled into the touch.

"Want to fondue for the last time before we get back to New York?" Tony purred.

Steve smiled innocently. "Nah, I'm full," he said happily.

Tony's eyes widened "I meant..!" he started indignantly, when Steve pressed him closer to himself.

"I know what you meant," he whispered, eyes warm, shining in the light of the fire, a hand finding the hem of Tony's sweater..

Back in New York they also had a fireplace. But there was something soothing and exciting to do it on a fluffy rug, having snow covered mountains behind the window.

Day 10

Their return to New York was not easy. But this time, when the jet landed, the rest of the team just got out and retreat to their floors, to unpack their stuff. The only ones left were Steve and Tony.

"Steve, come on, it's not so bad, get out!" Tony plead at the sulking soldier. "I don't know why are you making such a big deal out of it!"

"It's different," Steve sunk more into the chair, not planning to get out.

"It's not," Tony scoffed.

"It is!"

"Get out on your own or I swear, I will get in my suit and carry you out!"

Steve scoffed, looking through the window, watching a snow blizzard roaming through New York.

His own country was mocking him.

Day 11

Tony stirred in his sleep, woken up by soft, gentle touch on his cheek. He smiled sleepily, realizing that Steve was placing warm kisses all over his face.

"Steveee.." he muttered sleepily, stretching, trying to smack Steve away, while having his eyes still closed. When Tony lifted his arms, Steve snuggled close to his torso, placing light kisses on his neck and jawline.

"Morning," the soldier said softly, lightly nipping on the side of Tony's neck.
With a happy sigh, Tony lowered his hands and wrapped them around Steve. "Morning," he answered, opening his eyes, looking at his perfect boyfriend.

Steve beamed a smile. "12 days till Christmas," he chirped. For a second Tony did nothing - then he groaned, tilting his head back.

"Why we are back on that topic?" he whined.

"What do you mean?"

"You didn't mention anything about Christmas in Switzerland."

"Um, yeah, that's because I really didn't have to. The whole pension was decorated with Christmas ornaments, and there was Christmas music.."

Tony groaned louder. He got used soon to all the decorations, but having this whole stuff on his own private floor would be damn annoying.

"I thought it would be nice to put some decorations here.." Steve said sadly and timidly, drawing little shapes on Tony's bare stomach with his fingertip.

Tony's breath hitched and he giggled a bit. He swatted at blond's hand, knocking it away. Steve didn't wait for long and held Tony closer, gently pushing his nose into Tony's ear, nuzzling him, fingers scribbling on his belly.

"Pleeasee can I put some Christmas decorations on our floor?" he whined softly, slowly turning Tony into a writhing, giggling mess.

"Finefinefine!" Tony yelped, kicking, trying to curl. He felt a kiss on his ear and warm hand rubbing circles into his tummy. "Jerk.." he grumbled playfully.

"Grinch," Steve replied gleefully, holding Tony closer. They decided to stay in bed for a few minutes longer.

Day 12

"Not this one. Nope. Too small. Too green. Not enough green.."

"Just pick a one already!" Natasha hissed. The whole team went to choose a Christmas tree and Tony was rejecting one by one, taking his time.

"Excuse you, I designed that whole building, so I'm going to choose the tree that would match the high standards of my building," Tony said indignantly, turning back to the trees. "Too green. ACK!" he yelped, when a snowball hit the back of his head, glaring behind him, trying to spot the culprit.

Steve was near the stand with Christmas ornaments - made from wood, glass, all sparkly, delicate, in beautiful colors. Year after year, he was always amazed by the variety of Christmas decorations, still having in mind how they decorated Christmas trees back in his times. Thor was hovering, banned from touching - he already, accidentally, crushed some delicate decorations in his massive hands. Bruce was making sure that Thor wouldn't break his promise. Natasha was out of sight, which pretty much meant that she was the one who threw the snowball.

"FOUND IT!!" Clint's overjoyed yelp echoed through the air. The whole team followed the sound, to see Natasha standing in front of a massive Fraser fir, a few feet high, with thick, green branches. The team stood in awe of its beauty. Until..

"It's too big," Natasha said calmly, looking up at the tree.

"I want it," Tony said, a second after.

"Tony, Natasha is right, it's too big!" Steve tried to reason, but he felt a sting in his heart. The tree was really beautiful.

"It looks like 18ft tall.. I think it should fit," Bruce explained, remembering the high ceilings of the Tower.

"It's a truly magnificent tree!" Thor boomed.

"Where is Clint?" Tony asked.

"Up here!!"

They all looked up, noticing that near the top of the tree was some rumble and spotted Clint between the thick branches, as he was hugging the tree with his legs.

"I'm not leaving without it," he said stubbornly.

It was settled. The Avengers were getting a Christmas tree.

Day 13

The Christmas tree in the Avengers common room was decorated by the whole team yesterday (Tony even sneaked some Avengers ornaments, of course putting little Iron Men close to little Captain Americas), but Steve still wanted to have a Christmas tree on their floor too. Tony picked up a tree, a 7 ft tall Eastern White Pine, which smelled strongly of forest, feeling their floor with a nice, rich scent. When Steve went out of their kitchen, carrying a tray with cookies on it, Tony beamed a smile from his place on the couch.

"For me?" he asked, reaching his hand for the treat.

"No," Steve gently smacked his hand away, "it's to put on the tree."

"But you promised to bake cookies for me!" Tony whined with an overly sad face. Steve smiled, and cracked, giving his boyfriend a cookie.

"Just this one," he warned, as Tony nodded with a smile, biting into the delicate masterpiece. Steve looked around.

"Tony, where are the candy canes? And other candy I bought for the tree?"

Tony stopped in his chewing. He looked at Steve with wide eyes. "They were supposed to go on the tree?"

"Tony," Steve growled, giving him a stern look.

"I'm sorry! I was sleep eating again! I will buy new ones!" he promised.

Steve slid his hand down his face. "You're terrible.."

Tony grinned. "So.. we are not decorating the tree today?"

"Seems not," Steve breathed, sounding a bit irritated.

Tony hummed. "Then we won't need this," he smiled brighter, reaching his hand for another cookie.

"Tony, no!" Steve scolded, but couldn't help the smile, when Tony stuffed his face with another cookie, as afraid that the soldier would change his mind and try to take it away from him, looking at Steve with wide eyes.

"Damn you.." Steve scolded fondly, and Tony smiled brighter, reaching for a one more cookie, feeling that he was allowed to.

"Who said you can take another one?!" Steve yelled happily, pouncing on his boyfriend and Tony squeaked in shock, soon yelping with laughter.

Seemed that he didn't have a permission.

Day 14

"Sweetheart, wake up.."

Tony groaned, hearing a gentle whisper and even gentler kiss on his ear.

"Whyyy.." he whined. It was Saturday. Why Steve was torturing him with getting up early?

"You promised," Steve reminded gently, carding his hand through brown messy hair, all ruffled from sleep.

"No, I didn't.. And it's snowing! We can't go! There will be traffic!" Tony tried to reason.

"Now you're just looking for excuses," Steve rolled his eyes, placing a wet kiss on his boyfriend's cheek, making him squeak and bury more into the covers. "Get up," Steve gently patted Tony's behind as an encouragement and stood up.

Steve heard a quiet whisper.

"Do I have to go there?"

"No," he answered. "But it would be nice if you would go."

Tony groaned. Damn him.

After more whining, a long ride, they reached their destination. They bought a wreath, the kind that would last longer in the cold temperature and took a path they didn't walk very often, but knew well enough. And in the end of the path were two graves - Howard Stark. Maria Stark.

Steve gently put the wreath down, while Tony stood there, just looking with a blank expression at the graves of his parents.

"Hi Howard, Mrs. Stark," Steve said politely, just as if he was talking to breathing people. He got back to Tony, taking his boyfriend's hand and they stood in silence just looking at the cold stone. After a while, Steve gently squeezed Tony's hand as giving him a signal that they should go now, but Tony's didn't react.

"I will catch up with you, okay?" he looked at Steve, who smiled slightly and nodded, leaving his boyfriend alone as he began walking back to the car.

Tony looked for a while longer at the graves. He didn't get why Steve was dragging him here year after year, always in December, near the anniversary of his parents' death. He suspected it was because Steve never did have a chance to go to his mother's grave when he woke up in the 21st Century. It was already long forgotten and no one knew where it was.

Tony took a deep breath. He might as well say something. "Mom, dad," he started awkwardly. "Life wasn't easy since you had left. I did many stupid things and you were not there to fix them, to tell me that it will be alright," Tony said, his tone having an accusing note, "but it's fine now. I'm happy. And I guess I wouldn't be happy without you guys, because I'm happy mostly because I have Steve and I wouldn't have him without you both. So, yeah.." Tony shoved his hands into his pockets, feeling awkward, and feeling his throat closing. "I'm happy. And I hope you are both happy too," he ended awkwardly, looking down at his feet with an awkward smile. He turned around and walked away. When he spotted Steve near the car, he ran to him, pouncing on his back happily, which Steve of course knew and turned around in a right time, catching his boyfriend in his arms, smiling back at the bright smile Tony gave him.

He really was happy.

Day 15

"Giveee meeee!!" Tony reached his hands to the front, as he was easily blocked by Steve's broad back while he was piping icing on Christmas cookies.

"They are not done yet!" Steve scolded, trying to keep a stern face, but he was smiling at Tony's childish behavior, who did what he could to get a hold of the bag with icing.

"Just a bit!!"

"It's practically all sugar, why do you want it so much?!" Steve laughed.

Tony stopped in his squirming. "You just answered yourself," he answered, happily, reaching to grab the piping bag once again. "Noooooow!!"

"Oh, fine, fine," Steve gave up with a laugh, gently pushing Tony away. He turned around and Tony's eyes sparkled happily as he opened his mouth. With a smile, Steve placed the piping back above Tony's opened mouth and squeezed a bit of the white frosting, letting it fall on his boyfriend's tongue. Tony closed his eyes, spreading the sweet substance in his mouth, loving the taste. Steve smiled, quickly squeezing a bit of icing on the tip of Tony's nose, licking it off.

"Hey!" Tony laughed, opening his eyes. Steve leaned down to kiss his boyfriend's sweet lips, going back to decorating cookies. He sniffed loudly, smelling something unpleasant.

"Tony, you were supposed to watch the cookies in the oven!!"

Tony yelped, and jumped to the oven, opening it, to see that stars, hearts and gingerbread men turned into black, shapeless lumps.

"Ummhhhmmm.. I will still eat that," he assured Steve apologetically.

As an answer, Steve squeezed more icing on his face.

Day 16

Tony lowered himself more in the armchair, muttering something under his breath, glaring at the Christmas tree in front of him, as wanting to set it on fire. Stupid Christmas rush. All his trading partners were giving him impossible conditions to fulfill, wanting to close all deals before New Year. If they wanted to do it quick, they should have thought about it sooner!

"Babe?"

Tony glanced up briefly at Steve, who stood close to him, looking concerned.

"Are you alright?" he asked, not liking seeing Tony like this.

"M'fine," he muttered.

"Tough day at work?" Steve asked gently, getting closer to his boyfriend, seeing him nod his head. "When will you have some free days?" he asked in a soft voice, carding his hand through Tony's brown hair.

Tony scoffed. "I don't have free days. I'm the owner, owner works 24/7."

Steve sighed. He knew that work had been tough on his boyfriend lately. The week had just started and Tony already looked exhausted. Steve thought for a while and walked to the Christmas tree, taking off a peppermint flavored candy cane. "Here," he offered it to Tony with a smile.

Tony blinked, looking at the treat. "I thought that I'm not allowed to eat sweets from the tree before Christmas."

"I'll make an exception," Steve smiled.

Slowly, Tony smiled back, and took the candy cane, sucking on the tip, enjoying the sweet taste. Steve watched him for a while and placed a quick, but tender kiss on brunet's forehead. "I'm going to make us something to eat," he said softly.

When he stood up and walked by the tree, he noticed something odd. The side he was facing while standing near Tony was okay - it was still decorated with cookies, candy and candy canes. The other side..

"Tony!" Steve raised his voice, his eyes getting wide as he saw that the branches on the backside of the tree were empty.

Tony didn't wait and took off with the candy cane. He had a feeling that it was his last one in a while.

Day 17

"Yhp!!" Tony yelped when he felt someone's cold nose, pressing gently into his cheek. He jumped on the couch, nearly dropping his tablet. "Steve!" he scolded with a laugh, seeing as his boyfriend smiled at him, still in a thick jacket, cheeks red from the cold outside.

"I have something for you!" Steve beamed, giving Tony a big, square box, wrapped in colorful paper with a bow on the top.

Tony tilted his head gently to the side. It looked like one of these perfect Christmas presents you see in the movies, ones that are actually empty inside. He smiled fondly. "Do I have to wait till 25th to open it?" he smiled.

"Nah, it's a pre-present, open it now!" Steve said happily, taking the his jacket off, sitting next to Tony on the couch.

Tony smiled brightly, ripping the paper greedily. He opened the box and his face fell. "Oh, veery cute," he growled, taking out a rubber ducky. As big as his head. He opened his eyes wide, seeing that the duck had a mustache and a goatee resembling his own facial hair, and Steve laughed loudly.

Tony narrowed his eyes in mock anger. "And what am I supposed to do with it? Take baths with it?" he fake pouted.

"Maybe you can start collecting them, it's your second one," Steve beamed.

"Yeah, yeah," Tony rolled his eyes, looking back at the duck's happy beak. He felt a warm kiss on his cheek.

"Merry Christmas, my Ducky," Steve smiled.

Tony nipped his nose as an answer. "Quack!" he squawked with a smile.

Day 18

Whine. Whiiine. Whiiiiiiiiiiiiine.

"Tony, stop that," Steve suddenly snapped, as he was cleaning the cabinet in the living room, craning his neck to glare at his boyfriend.

"But I don't know how to do iiiiiiiiiit.." Tony whined more, holding some cloth, standing near the enormous window.

"I already showed you how to clean the windows," Steve reminded flatly, going back to putting the books back into the cabinet, organizing them in alphabetical order.

"And you did such a great job!" Tony whined. "Why can't you do it?!"

Steve laughed slightly to himself. He forced Tony out of the workshop, under the pretext of Christmas cleaning. Not that he counted on Tony actually cleaning - he was just a bit bored and wanted to spend some time with his boyfriend.

"Because I'm not the one who wanted windows from floor to the ceiling.."

"I only wanted them because of window sex," Tony whined. "And I can't even reach high enough! See, see?!"

Steve frowned and turned around just to see Tony, jumping up and down, trying to reach to the higher parts of the window.

"I could lift you up," Steve started to laugh at the sight.

"No," Tony glared. "That's stupid. I have robots for cleaning. Or can I hire a cleaning company. I'm not playing your commoners games," he gave up, throwing the cloth to the floor.

Steve cocked an eyebrow up. "You're disobeying your Captain, soldier?" he growled slightly.

Tony blinked. Before he even thought of running, recognizing that tone, Steve already scooped him in his arms.

"Ah, no!" he whined, laughing, trying to wriggle away. "You tricked me!"

Steve didn't answer, just kissed the tip of Tony's nose.

Someone needed to be disciplined.

Day 19

"No!"

"Yes!"

"I said no!"

"But Tony!"

"Don't Tony me!"

Both men glared at each other from opposite ends of the room. Steve was redecorating their tree, as Tony still kept eating the candy at every possible occasion, while Tony was sprawled on the couch, glaring at the soldier. It might have looked like they were mad at each other, but in reality, they were having fun.

"JARVIS, AC/DC now," Tony said, and Shoot to Thrill filled the living room.

Steve huffed. "JARVIS, Jingle Bells."

"JARVIS, Black Sabbath, Iron Man".

"JARVIS, White Christmas".

"JARVIS.."

"If I may suggest something," the AI interrupted, probably having enough. "I think this would please you both," JARVIS said in his pleasant British accent, playing a rock version of Jingle Bells.

Tony and Steve looked at each other. Tony shrugged, Steve smiled a bit.

"Perfect. Thanks, JARVIS," Steve smiled fully.

"My pleasure," JARVIS replied, and the relief in his voice was so obvious that it made Tony burst into laugh.

Day 20

"Why is everyone acting so crazy?!" Steve yelped, as time after time some people were bumping into him in the crowded mall. They went Christmas shopping and Tony warned him that before Christmas, malls tend to get crowded, but he definitely didn't expect such a mass of people, mixed with chatter and Christmas music.

"I don't think it's crazy," Tony answered darkly, wrapping an arm around Steve's waist, holding him closer. "I'm pretty sure that that blondie is bumping into you again and again on purpose.."

"Don't be ridiculous, Tony," Steve said, feeling a bit irritated with such a ridiculous idea. "What the hay!" he suddenly yelped, feeling something that was definitely a slap on his butt.

"What, what?!" Tony looked at his boyfriend with wide eyes. "Did someone defile your perfect behind?!" he yelped loudly, making the tips of Steve's ears redden.

In the distance, Clint was snickering mockingly, holding a huge stack of Christmas bags for Natasha, as he watched Tony revolving around the super soldier as a small satellite.

"I think we messed up with them enough," the same blonde girl who was bumping into Steve, walked closer to Clint, pulling the wig down to reveal the mass of red hair.

"Aw, come on, we almost made him paranoid!" Clint grinned, watching Natasha.

"No," she said sternly, "we need to find a present for Bruce," she reminded, cocking an eyebrow, when she saw the commotion around Santa's village. She looked closer and spotted Bruce, leaning over the barrier, either crying or laughing as his back was shaking.

After they walked closer, they saw Thor settled on Santa's lap, as he was cheerfully listing all the presents he wants - too bad you couldn't say that about the guy dressed up as Santa who was obviously in pain from being crushed by a solid Asgardian weight.

"Thor, get off Santa's lap!" Natasha hissed, noticing Tony and Steve in the gathering, and while Steve's eyes widen comically at the sight, Tony was freely laughing.

"But the god of Christmas is going to grant my wishes!" Thor definitely didn't whine.

It was a long afternoon.

Day 21

After a great deal of whining, a lot of "do I have to?" they were finally there. Steve knew that Tony didn't mean all this, It was just the way he was. They had picked up the biggest teddy bear available, balloons (Tony's idea), and flowers (Steve's idea) and a box of cigars and whisky (again, Tony's idea) and went to the hospital.

To the maternity ward.

Last night Pepper gave birth to her and Happy's child.

And Steve wanted to see the baby as soon as possible. Tony too, not that anyone should know.

But when he had saw the baby, the little bundle in cream rompers, sleeping peacefully on Pepper's ample bosom (hello, baby's food) he totally cracked. He was holding the baby, walking around the room with the little person in his arms, cooing and showing him everything. Currently, they were standing near the TV, where colorful, suitable cartoons for children were showing, as the nice colors caught the child's eyes. Still, Tony preferred to explain to the little one how the TV worked, instead of talking about the cartoon.

"Steve, you should listen to it too, maybe you would learn something!" Tony called. Steve just rolled his eyes, sitting next to Pepper, who was still tired after the birth giving, but was literally glowing, Happy (literally) father, sitting by her side, beaming with pride.

"Did you pick the name already?" Steve asked, eyeing his boyfriend from the corner of his eyes. Since they came, he held the baby for like 5 seconds - Tony was hogging the whole time.

"We are varying options, but something traditional," Happy said proudly, smile not leaving his face.

"Oh, can I help?" Tony interrupted.

"No," Pepper said quickly and firmly.

"Why?" Tony pouted, not knowing why his offer was declined.

"Three reasons - You, Dummy, Butterfingers," she explained, calmly, making Steve snort.

"Hey, I was young! And drunk on rum with cola.." Tony mumbled, turning his attention to the TV, now explaining how come that the picture was in color.

"Steve, we actually wanted to ask you something," Pepper started gently.

Steve smiled, happy (uh, this is starting to get confusing) to help. "Sure."

"We both were thinking if you would do us the honor and be our daughter's godfather."

"Me?" Steve beamed a smile, not expecting that. No surprise as..

"Hey, I thought that I was supposed to be the godfather!" Tony pouted even more now, rocking the baby gently.

"Sorry, Tony, but you're not the best role model," Pepper looked softly at her boss.

Tony opened his mouth to scoff, but his eyes met the warning look Steve was sending him. He closed his mouth.

"And after you both finally tie the knot, you would became godfather's wife, so that's practically the same," Pepper said sweetly.

Tony narrowed his eyes in mock anger. He pulled the baby closer and whispered, "Lesson one - uncle Tony is always right and don't listen to your mother, Lizzy."

"Lizzy?" Steve asked, his hearing picking it up.

"Lizzy? Elizabeth?" Happy asked.

"Uh.." Tony answered intelligently, looking a bit startled. It wasn't his baby, He shouldn't go naming her.

"That's actually one of the names we were thinking of," Pepper smiled, and Happy smiled even wider, as he was a classic British literature lover - something no one would expect from a bodyguard. And his favorite actress from Downtown Abbey name was Elizabeth, so it was a wonderful name in his opinion. For a moment the atmosphere in the room was really blissful, and Happy and Pepper held their hands, looking at each other with love..

"See? We are connected! I would be an awesome godfather!"

Of course Tony had to ruin it all.

When Steve and Tony were leaving the maternity ward, Tony was looking around, seeing all the babies and proud parents, beaming with something special. He took Steve's hand and Steve smiled at the feeling, thinking that maybe at this moment Tony became a little less scared and a little bit more ready of becoming a parent one day.

And that, Steve considered a true Christmas miracle.

Day 22

Steve just finished his training in the gym and he was going back to his and Tony's floor. When he got out of the elevator, his eyes narrowed angrily at the sight.

Tony was standing in front of the Christmas tree, looking at it, deep in his own thoughts as if he was deciding which candy to eat first. Steve opened his mouth to scold, not understanding how come Tony, being the genius he claimed he was, had problems with a simple "don't eat the candy from the tree before Christmas". In the meantime, Tony reached his hand for the candy cane. But instead of unwrapping it and stuck it in his mouth, he took the candy, put it on the branch that was less decorated and hummed approvingly.

Steve blinked surprised. He came closer, and Tony turned around, his eyes getting a startled look. "I swear I didn't eat anything," he said quickly, putting his hands in a calming pose.

Steve smiled briefly and took off a star shaped gingerbread, decorated with icing and gave it to his puzzled boyfriend, going to their bedroom to get changed from his training clothes.

"I don't understand your "no candy from the tree before Christmas" policy! It's confusing!"

Steve chuckled at Tony's complaint, hearing him munch the cookie anyway.

Day 23

"What are you doing?"

Tony let out a whole array of "psh, hmp, pshmhm" sounds, before finally speaking. "Nothing!"

"Nothing," Steve repeated, cocking an eyebrow up. "You have that guilty look written all over your face."

"No, I don't," Tony fidgeted nervously, twisting his fingers. Steve got back from an emergency SHIELD meeting, finding Tony sitting on the couch calmly. Too calmly. He right away considered it as suspicious.

"Did you eat the Christmas candy again?" Steve asked, looking briefly at their Christmas tree, but it seemed to be alright.

"Psh, no!"

"Okay then," Steve said slowly, taking his steps into the bedroom. "Wha.. Tony!!" he yelled. All the gifts he bought earlier for his teammates and wrapped neatly were unpacked, the colorful paper was torn, bows scrunched.. Tony had a bright idea to look for his Christmas gift. Steve of course didn't keep it on their floor. "Get back here!!" he yelled more, turning around, seeing that Tony wanted to hightail out of the room, taking big steps in his direction.

Tony clearly panicked. He snatched something from the table and held it up in his hand. "Waitwaitwait!!"

"What?" Steve asked angrily.

"Mistletoe," Tony grinned, directing Steve's attention to the green branch in his hand. "You can only kiss me under the mistletoe. It's a tradition," he started to smirk triumphantly, happy with finding a loop.

"Oh really?" Steve crossed his arms. He almost immediately lowered them, looming over Tony with a feral grin. "So, all I have to do is to make you drop the mistletoe, right?"

Tony gulped loudly. Seemed that Steve also found a loop.

Day 24

It was a lazy morning. Tony and Steve decided to linger in bed for a bit longer, enjoying the last peaceful moments before the Christmas madness would start in less than 24 hours.

"Twinkle, twinkle, little Stark.."

"Stop it!!"

Or maybe it already started.

Tony was on his back, covers pulled down to his hips, showing naked torso, while Steve was on his side, drawing all kinds of patterns on Tony's bare stomach while singing all these idiotic songs. As soon as he finished the first part, Tony swatted his hand away.

"What?" Steve smiled, bringing it back, drawing a star along the smooth skin. "You're not my star?"

Tony twitched under the light touch, lips quirking into a smile. "Make up your mind.." he complained. "I can't be your Ducky, angel, star and all that crap in the same time.."

"You forgot Grinch," Steve smiled brightly. "You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch," he sang in a gruff voice, resuming tracing his fingertips all over brunet's belly.

"A..ahaha! Oh my goosh, you suck so much, Steve!" Tony laughed, catching blond's hand in his.

"Oh, I'm gonna suck. Later," Steve smiled brightly, pressing more into Tony's side. "Just one more song."

Tony rolled his eyes, but turned his head in his boyfriend's direction, waiting for another song.

"I saw mommy.. kissing Santa Claus.. underneath the mistletoe.. last night.." Steve sang gently, kissing Tony after every few words, making him hum delightedly.

Too bad he didn't make an enough fast connection about what was the second verse.

Day 25

".. And then the ghost of Coulson said "you will be haunted by three more ghosts today, they will remind you a true meaning of Christmas!" and with that walked away through the closed doors, his whole silhouette suffused with an eerie glow as he left no traces behind.

"Humbug," Loki snapped. He didn't believe in anything he just heard, and sunk more into the warm bed, clad in a nightgown, which was suited for women or very unmanly men. But with the first stroke of midnight, the terrible, Christmas hating man, heard heavy footsteps, closer and closer and then the door was wide open, revealing..

"BROTHER! I came to remind you what a joyful time Christmas is!" Thor bellowed, illuminated with a gold glow so bright it made Loki cringed. With a one swipe of his hammer, Thor made the wooden floor disappear, showing Loki instead an image of his past. It was the crown hall in the Asgard's palace, a magnificent Christmas tree in the corner of it where Loki and Thor, not older than five, were with Odin and Frigga unpacking the Christmas gifts and the atmosphere was cheerful and blissful.

"See, brother?" Thor said gently. "Remember the cheerful times we spend with our parents and stop being a di.." GAH!

"What kind of foolishness are you talking about?!" Loki finally snapped, clad in a green Christmas sweater, holding Tony by his throat.

"Now easy there, Loki! I don't want any Christmas massacre in front of the baby!" Pepper reprimanded the trickster, holding her daughter close to her, as all ladies present during the Avenger's Christmas dinner were flocked around her in the far corner of the SHIELD's conference room.

"My apologies, Lady Virginia, but I think that Man of Iron needs another refreshing trip outside the window," Loki said sweetly, enjoying how Tony's eyes widened at the threat.

"Please use the door this time," Coulson said calmly, cutting the turkey which was settled in the middle of the Christmas table, heavy with all the delicious food on it.

"Umh," Tony gulped. "Steve, I need help!" he meeped, trying to get Loki's fingers away from his throat, but it wasn't easy. How come that Loki looked like a twig, but was freaking strong?! "STEVE!!"

Steve was too busy, as Thor didn't not only bring Loki from Asgard to celebrate but also the Asgardian mead, which was sweet and strong enough to make Steve tipsy and currently, he and Thor, were swaying in front of the gigantic and beautiful Christmas tree, singing "We wish you a merry Christmas" in strong voices.

It was a bizarre, but a very happy Christmas.

And Tony didn't get thrown outside the window. But he also didn't manage to finish his Christmas story. Probably it was for the best.

Day 26

The Avengers team was gathered in the living room, fidgeting in their respective places impatiently. All because of the amazing scents coming from the adjoined kitchen - Steve was currently there, doing magic stuff, meaning, preparing hot chocolate for his team. Steve tried to base it on different recipes, giving it a little personal twist to create something unique and delicious.

When the soldier entered the living room, carrying a tray with six different mugs (of course, Christmas themed) everyone looked hopefully at him. Steve passed the mugs to his team with a smile, watching as they all eagerly started to sip the hot liquid decorated with whipped cream, sprinkled with cocoa powder.

Natasha froze after the first gulp, swallowing thickly. Clint bugged his eyes out. Thor and Bruce froze in half of the sip. Steve looked expectantly at his team, waiting for their reaction.

Well, it was definitely something new. It was rich. Very rich. Too rich. It tasted as if Steve dumped everything into the pot - milk, cream, condensed milk, cocoa powder, chocolate bars, honey, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and lot lot lot more.

Actually, it was what Steve did. But in his mind he chose the ingredients carefully, complementing the taste. Back in his times, hot chocolate consisted of cocoa powder and hot water, and maybe sometimes a bit of sugar or honey, if they were available, but usually it was a bitter beverage. So no wonder that he got a little bit carried away.

Too bad that the flavors were overwhelming and what was in minds of the rest of the team was to rinse their mouths with lots of water water. But of course, they couldn't do it when Captain America was looking at them with hope, and sparkly eyes and it was so visible that the slightest critique would break his heart.

Natasha was the first one to man up and decided to tell Steve what she thinks of his hot chocolate - in a firm, gentle way. As for her standards that is.

A loud slurp did stop her.

Everyone looked at Tony who practically downed a half of cup in one gulp and smiled brightly at Steve. "It's really good, baby. Can you bring the cookies?" he smiled, Steve beamed a smile back, happy with someone finally responding and bounced happily into the kitchen to bring sugar cookies he had baked earlier.

When Steve was gone everyone was looking shocked at Tony. Well, they knew that Tony had a sweet tooth, but it was like liquid diabetes.

Tony just stood up calmly, went to the liquor cabinet and took out a bottle of rum, filling the rest of his cup with the amber alcohol. Then he passed the bottle to the rest of the team. "Here, just get some into your cups and it will make the taste better, because if any of you will even peep how awful it is and ruin this moment for Steve, I will personally hang that person from the Statue of Liberty by the underwear," Tony hissed, giving everyone a warning look.

The rest of the team gave Tony small, reassuring smiles, as they were pouring the rum into their cups. Somethings better remain unspoken.

And when Steve was back and didn't get the overall happiness, Tony explained that it's because of the endorphins in the chocolate.

Day 27

It was loud, colorful, cheerful. The Avengers team had a charity meeting with kids, and everyone was in full gear (of course, no weapons) and kids for the first time could touch them, talk to them. It was funny and adorable how all little girls flocked around Thor, but all of them had their small group of admirers. In the end, the children were given some packages with small gifts and sweets and they left the children in a cheerful atmosphere, giving them an unforgettable experience.

After the return to the Tower, Steve felt hyped and energized, and it was an amazing feeling. He went down to Tony's workshop, knowing that his boyfriend had to get out of his suit, hoping that Tony was feeling the same as he did.

He entered the workshop, hearing AC/DC blasting through the speakers and Tony was leaned down at the workbench, scrubbing furiously parts of MK 42, with an angry face, muttering something under his breath. Steve wanted to take a strategic retreat, but was noticed.

"These little monsters got chocolate all over my suit!" he called to his boyfriend, and Steve was relieved to see that he was laughing.

"But it was great to meet with them, right?" he walked closer, leaning on Tony's back.

"Yeah, it was," Tony said with a fond smile. Steve felt a bit courageous, maybe it was time to mention something about.. "Man, I'm so glad that we don't have any kids yet."

Steve blinked. Tony said kids. Not kid. Kids. He blinked again. "You were thinking about getting kids?!" he chirped happily.

Tony looked with wide eyes at Steve, startled again. "No, I said..!" he didn't finish, as Steve quieted him with a kiss, long, deep and bounced out of the workshop, not wanting Tony to further spoil this moment.

"Steve!!" Tony called after him, laughing. Shaking his head, he went back to scrubbing MK 42.

Day 28

"Steve, Steve, Steve, get outside!!"

Steve lowered his hand with the book he was reading at his lover's voice from the intercom. He looked at the window. It was snowing, luckily it wasn't a blizzard, just gentle snow, but Steve still didn't feel like going outside without a good reason.

"Why?" he questioned. "And why are you outside?"

"Uh. You kicked me out, remember?"

Steve rolled his eyes playfully at the complaint in his boyfriend's voice. He needed to do that. Tony was a real pain lately and didn't let him read, so Steve finally got irritated and told him to go and play somewhere else.

"Get outside, Spangles!!" Tony ordered, breaking the connection. Steve huffed, but decided to comply and took his jacket.

When he got outside, he followed the noise. Some chattering, someone's laugh, some clinging sound.. He noticed the whole team in the distance - Clint was cackling, Bruce was very red, and Steve couldn't tell if it was because of the cold weather or because of something else, Natasha had her head cocked to the side, while Thor, surprisingly delicately, used Mjolnir and a chisel to carve an ice sculpture of a human, and Tony was close as making sure that he would get all details right.

Steve shook his head fondly. From the silhouette he could already tell that it was David by Michelangelo, but it was the size of an average human, not over 12 Ft tall.

Of course as soon as the team found out that Thor can create ice sculptures they talked him into doing a nude one.

"About time!" Tony smiled, gesturing for Steve to come closer.

"Captain!" Thor bellowed, "be so kind and turn to the left!"

Steve frowned, but listened, looking to the left and Thor carved something on the statue's face. After a while, he took a step back to look at his masterpiece.

"Perfect," Tony grinned.

Steve joined his group, and he let out a strangled breath at the sight. It wasn't David. It was a nude sculpture of him, natural size. Everything natural size.

"Tony thought that it would be a nice gesture to honor you, Cap," Clint tried to keep his voice serious, but his lips were stretched into a mischievous smile.

Steve shot a nasty look at his boyfriend, his face glowing red. Tony just grinned brightly, having his little payback for kicking him out.

"Is something wrong, my friend?" Thor asked concerned, not understanding Steve's reaction.

Steve whined. Of course, Thor didn't get such Midgardians concepts as shame. "No, no, everything is fine, Thor, just.." he whimpered embarrassedly.

Thor drew his eyebrows together. "You have a beautiful body, Captain. You shouldn't be ashamed of it."

"Hell yeah!" Clint burst into laughter.

Natasha cocked her eyebrow, looking shamelessly at the most private part of Steve's body. "Bruce, is this possible that Steve was born with that or was it serum enhanced?"

Bruce hid his face more into the scarf around his neck. "I don't think that serum improved that part of his body. It just proves that he was born to become Captain America."

Natasha's eyebrow went even higher. "Respect," she said, looking back at the real Steve.

Steve felt that his face couldn't be even redder. He looked at Tony with pleading eyes, wanting him to do something and make the sculpture disappear.

Tony smiled innocently. "But Coulson didn't see it yet.."

The collective burst of laughter efficiently drowned out Steve's prolonged whine.

Day 29

"Steve, move it!"

"In a minute!"

Tony let out a very loud, prolonged groan. How much longer they have to stand in the cold park?! Stupid idea with a stupid walk. And the even more stupid idea of feeding the pigeons in the park.

"Flying rats.." Tony muttered, observing as Steve was throwing crumbs to the group of pigeons, who were cooing and flocking around him.

"Hey, they helped us during the war you know," Steve bit, of course, hearing Tony's grumbling. "Who is a noble American pigeon? You guys are!" he said happily, throwing them more crumbs.

Tony groaned again. "It's not the same pigeons! Those ones are biting the dust!"

Steve shot him a nasty look. "Then these are their offspring," he said, happily, throwing more crumbs.

Tony huffed. He went to the stand with bagels and bought a few, going in the pond's direction.

"Where are you going?" Steve asked, looking after him.

"If we are going to waste our time here anyway, I'm going to feed the ducks," Tony grumbled.

"Ducks? You're going to feed the ducks?" Steve's mouth stretched into a wide smile.

"Don't even start it, Steve!" Tony warned, pointing his finger at his boyfriend. Of course, it did nothing.

"Ducky is going to feed the ducks!" Steve laughed happily, turning around, as the pigeons were demanding more attention. He yelped, feeling a snowball hit him in the back of his head. He looked to the back, eyes narrowed, and Tony's eyes widened.

"It wasn't me," he said quickly. Steve smiled widely and rushed in his direction with a battle cry. "No no no, Steve, wait, I said it wasnAAAH!!!" he yelped, as solid American muscles lounged at him, pushing him into the snow, soon Steve's weight following. "DAMMIT, STEVE!"

All he got as an answer was a burst of laugh and a kiss.

Day 30

"No, not this one. This one either. Noopee.."

"Oh, come on! That one was fine!"

"Too cheap."

"That's not a valid criteria!"

Steve frowned hearing a lively discussion from the living room. He followed the voice and saw Tony spread on the couch on his side, Clint sitting next to him on the floor, as they were going through some catalogue on one of the holographic screens. Natasha was curled in an armchair nearby, reading a book, not paying any attention to the both men.

"What are you guys doing?" Steve asked, leaning over the couch. He frowned more seeing that in front of Tony and Clint was a basket full of white bread.

"Hi hon," Tony beamed a smile, flipping something on the screen. "We are choosing alcohol for the big party tomorrow."

Steve frowned even deeper. He was not looking forward to nurture Tony back to health as a first thing in the New Year. "What's with the bread?" he asked instead, observing as Clint bit into a bun.

Tony smirked. "Birds like crumbs."

Steve rolled his eyes, scoffing when he saw as Clint threw a piece of bread at Tony. "No wasting food, Barton!" he warned in his Captain America voice.

Clint made a snooty face, which made Tony burst into short laughter, and he reached his hand for another bun, this time aiming at Steve.

"Clint, either eat it, or put it down," Natasha said calmly from her seat, her eyes not leaving the book. As on command, Clint showed the bun in his mouth.

Tony grinned wider. He looked back at Steve. "The bread is for tomorrow. It acts like a sponge, meaning that we can drink more."

Steve scrunched his nose. He was so not looking forward to it. "Tony, I don't want you to get drunk to oblivion.."

Now it was Tony's turn to make a snooty face. "You're not the boss of me!" he said indignantly, just because he was in front of his teammates and he won't have his boyfriend tell him what to do. Steve rolled his eyes fondly, while Tony took the bread basket with the last bun in it and showed it to Steve. "Bring us more bread, woman!"

Steve's brows sloooowly drew together. Tony actually winced knowing that he went with his behavior too far. "I meant Natasha," he blurted.

Natasha lifted her head from the book, single brow going up.

Tony gulped in terror.

"Dude, you have no self preservation instinct," Clint laughed. Tony showed the bun in his mouth, knowing that he should try and stay quiet for a while.

And order lot and lot of vodka and tomato juice for Natasha for the New Year's party.

Day 31

10..

Everyone was standing on the top floor of Stark tower, at the balcony, looking at the sky waiting for the fireworks.

9..

Natasha was standing between Bruce and Clint as they both had hands wrapped around her slim waist. Clint was clinging a bit more to Natasha, as he was kinda drunk and needed support. Natasha held him tighter, and leaned her head on Bruce's shoulder, who smiled at the gesture.

8..

Jane was standing behind Thor, who held her close, as the night was cold and he wouldn't allow his lady to get cold. He was wearing a party hat proudly on his head.

7..

SHIELD's agents were holding champagne, waiting for the signal to uncork the bottles and pour everyone a glass.

6..

Coulson and Hill were holding streamers and passing through the crowd, giving trumphets and making sure that everyone had a glass ready.

5..

The festive look of Nick Fury, meaning glitter on his eye patch and coat, would forever remain a secret.

4..

"Any New Year's resolutions, babe?" Steve asked in Tony's ear, as they both, just like the rest were waiting for the fireworks and the midnight kiss.

3…

"Just one," Tony smiled, turning around in Steve's embrace, looking at him with shiny eyes.

2…

"What is it?" Steve asked, looking at his boyfriend with love.

1..

Tony took Steve's hand in his, the one with the engagement ring. The same one as the one Tony was wearing.

0..

"Get married with you," he whispered, pulling Steve's head down, lips locking in a kiss.

"Happy New Year!!!"