He wandered the corridors aimlessly, too tired to work, too exhausted to sleep, alone at the midnight hour, tower deserted by all but he himself.

It wasn't that he didn't relish his solitude, he'd always worked best when left to his own devices, but having the team around was…nice.

He'd always said that alone didn't necessarily mean lonely, yet here he was, lonely just the same, in his big, empty, lonely tower.

He knew his team (family) had their responsibilities, but really, it had been weeks(!) since any of them had made it home.

Shaking his head at his own pathetic sleep deprived moroseness, he rounded the corner, intent on continuing his aimless meandering wallow.

The suddenness of the attack left him reeling, his assailant appearing like a wraith from the darkness, setting upon him.

Hands descended on him, pushing, pulling, forceful and vigorous, moving him bodily until his back met the nearest wall.

His bare skin dragged raw against the textured paint, but his soft gasp of pain was swallowed, stifled.

He pulled against the grip pinning his arms high, futility he knew, yet couldn't help but try.

Behind closed eyes his mind was fuzz and spark, unable to focus, yet unable to not.

His panting gasps for breath were loud, bubbling warm and wet, thin, needy and desperate.

Surrounded and without recourse he was helpless to escape the engulfing mass of heat.

A thigh slipped between his own, lifted, leaving his toes scrabbling for purchase.

A hand at the small of his back pulled, drawing him closer.

Soft lips abandoned his own, leaving a warm buzzing sensation behind.

Their new path wasn't exactly making breathing any easier, though.

A warm, wet trail of kisses down his throat.

His whimper was met with a sinful chuckle.

"You know I have a heart condition."

"It's called 'being in love', Tony"

"You're trying to kill me!"

"Trying to love you"

"Right. Well. Proceed."

Steve laughed.

Sigh :)