Work Text:
“Oh, so they’re just a friend, right?”
The question gave Tony pause.
Steve may have sounded deceptively calm but his gaze had fallen to the carpet and Tony could see the emotions tightly wound in his body, giving himself away.
His eyes flicked up to Tony’s, big and beautiful. It made his heart clench—they told him everything Steve was too afraid to say.
His voice was achingly shy, barely above a whisper when he rested his chin on Tony's knee, those distracting long lashes fanning his cheeks. “That’s what you’re telling me?”
Tony couldn’t fathom Steve thinking he might want someone else. Why would he when he already had the most amazing person, and the most precious puppy, in his life?
He never imagined in a million years that he’d be so lucky, that Steve would choose him as his Owner.
Seeing Steve, his sweet pup, looking absolutely adorable in the soft sweater he’d bought for him and his pink and red collar, that highlighted his blush (Tony nearly swooned whenever he saw him with it on, it brought out his eyes too)…
Tony knew Steve was it for him.
He dropped a peck to the top of Steve’s head and smiled against his hair, “That’s exactly what I’m telling you, darling.”
Steve nuzzled his Owner’s knee cutely, pleased with that answer.
Tony scratched under his chin, smitten, and promised, “You have nothing to worry about, pup. Why would I want to pursue him—or anyone else—when I have the best boy right here, hm?”
Steve’s eyes fell shut as wiggled his hips happily, as if shaking an invisible tail. It did big, goofy things to Tony’s chest that made him wonder how it was even possible to store that much love there.
He tousled his boy’s hair proudly and stroked his fingers through it, petting the soft strands.
“We’ll talk about it more later honey, for now I think I need to give my pretty puppy all the pets—what do you think?” Tony cooed, an infectious doting grin spreading across face.
Steve let out a happy little ‘arf!’ sound, shaking his behind with more enthusiasm. His insides turned to liquid, grateful that Tony could tell he needed some puppy time with his Owner.
He yapped again, nosing at Tony’s hand with the sweetest fucking smile he’d ever seen in his life.
Tony gave a chuckle, his eyes wrinkling handsomely at the corners. “Is that right?” He stroked down his back as he carded his fingers through his hair, Steve rubbing his face against his hand lovingly, wanting to show his affection as well.
“That’s my angel.” He had hearts in his gaze, striking a match inside of Steve. “You’re such a good boy, you know that?” Tony murmured adoringly, gently scratching behind his ear.
A blush swept along Steve’s cheeks, traveling up to the tip of his ears. He barked bashfully, nuzzling into Tony’s side for cuddles.
Tony took Steve in his arms, blanketing him in the warmth and safety of his embrace. He rubbed his arm and kissed the side of his head, “Who’s a good boy?”
Steve yapped proudly, bringing a huff of laughter out of Tony when he licked his cheek sweetly. He was a good boy, Tony’s good boy. His pup.
And soon Tony would know he wanted to be his Owner’s in every conceivable way.
“Arf!”