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Winter and Clint were in the vents, observing the team.
It was Natasha’s night to cook and Steve was helping her. Clint assumed that was what had sparked that particular bout of ‘people watching’—because Black Widow was handling a knife near Tony.
Winter still kept to himself often, but ever since he and Bucky had come to an understanding, the team noticed he seemed more comfortable, and even content, there. Clint was sure that Tony played a big role in it, judging by the amount of time Winter spent in his lab when he fronted, and how protective he was of him.
While Clint had a suspicion about the feelings that protectiveness stemmed from, he was smart enough not to embarrass a man with so many weapons strapped to his body. Clint also had a feeling it was something Winter needed to figure out in his own time.
They were friends now though, so Winter let him get away with some teasing. Winter was surprised to discover he enjoyed it.
He’d gotten to know the team and he trusted them. They respected his boundaries and didn’t want to humiliate or control him. They wanted him to be happy.
Clint spoke up with a grin and mused, “We could go down there and join them.” There was a playful, encouraging lilt to his voice. He gently nudged him. “I’m sure Tony would love to see you.”
Winter’s face warmed up at the mention of Tony and his attention shifted to him. He’d moved to the couches where he seemed to be bickering with Sam over who got to use the best PlayStation controller.
His lip lifted slightly at the sight, endeared by Tony’s snark and the sound of his laugh.
“I live with a bunch of children.” Natasha sighed from the kitchen, rolling her eyes fondly as she stirred.
She ignored Steve’s gasp of feigned offence and shooed him off to set the table. It reminded him of something Tony had said in jest—about them being their own dysfunctional family. Only better, because they’d gotten to choose it.
He said Winter was part of that family now, if he wanted to be.
Winter felt a pull from within and answered Clint by starting to move. Clint let out an excited ‘woo!’ because taco night was his favourite. It earned a small, amused sound, from Winter as they got down from the vents.
Clint was the first person who made an effort to get to know him and hadn’t treated him like he was merely an extension of Bucky. An intruder. That was an opinion no longer held by anyone in the team, including Bucky, except Clint had been the first person to attempt to make a connection with him.
They quickly became close and Winter found that Clint’s positivity was pretty infectious. They were even described teasingly as ‘partners in crime’ by the rest of their friend group because they were usually seen together and Clint had introduced Winter to the concept of pranks.
Once they were in the common area Clint breathed in the scent of home cooking and gravitated towards the kitchen. There, Winter saw him exchange a kiss with Natasha. It looked so easy and full of tender warmth, he had to look away.
When he did he was met with Tony’s bright brown eyes and the kind of smile he thought people must write poetry about. Winter wasn’t sure he’d ever be used to receiving such looks.
As if he was something good and worthy of kindness, of affection.
“Snowflake!” Tony chirped Winter’s favourite nickname, a grin spreading across his features. “I was hoping you might come down from there.” Clint was obviously right earlier, Tony was glad to see him.
Winter’s stomach fluttered in response to the glee he could hear in his voice, a sensation he’d started to associate with Tony. He didn’t understand the significance of it, but it was a nice feeling. An exciting feeling.
He approached the living area and replied, “I couldn’t miss Sam kicking your ass again, Tony.”
Sam laughed and smirked. “Then you better watch, because I’m about to do that right now.”
They played PlayStation until dinner was served and Sam did in fact kick Tony’s ass. However, once he had a taco in hand it eased the loss.
“The way to a man’s heart,” Clint had told Winter in a whisper, “Is through food.”
Winter started to deliver Tony food, often without saying anything. Or, with an expectant look, because Tony could forget to eat while he was working in his lab.
Other times, Winter would leave baked goods for Tony outside of his door. Often with a note and other gifts like poetry and flowers…
Tony had never smiled so much in his life. He felt as though he was being courted.
“How did you know you were in love with Bucky?”
Steve blinked at the suddenness of Winter’s question. He recovered and smiled, sappy as he touched his wedding ring. “Well… it was the way he made me feel—the way he still makes me feel—when we’re together, all warm and fuzzy. Like anything’s possible. I knew I always wanted him in my life and when I imagined my future he was there—right by my side.”
Winter’s stomach flipped and his heart did something funny in his chest.
“Is that…” Steve started, gently. “Is that how you think you might feel about Tony?”
Winter nodded sharply.
“Then, I think you should talk to him about it. Or show him how you feel.” Steve advised.
“Thanks Steve.” Winter smiled, his stomach fluttering wildly and his chest tight.
He was in love with Tony.
The next day Tony received flowers, a handmade heart-shaped cake, and a card from Winter that professed his feelings.
Tony was over the moon.