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Chapter Text

Tony should have just gone to bed.

He really should have ignored Jarvis’ alarm and gone to bed when he was supposed to. If he had, it would be another person currently flying in Romania looking for a possible mutated creature while he was wrapped up in his Egyptian cotton sheets. But no, he had told himself one more hour on the current suit’s fixes. One more hour and then he would go to bed and sleep for at least four hours. But since he didn’t, he was now the one flying in said suit over a scene that could easily be in some overpriced Christmas card.

“Approaching target location in 15 meters, sir.” Jarvis’ all too familiar voice sounded off in his helmet.

“So, it seems, J. Do the scans show anyone in the area?” It was close to midnight local time so Tony assumed the forest would be clear but due to the nature of their visit, Jarvis had been doing scans since they entered the suspected area.

“Nothing out of the normal is coming up on the thermal scans.” Tony hummed as he scanned the dark forest, fresh with new snow. The clearing they were meant to investigate was easy to spot from the air and it took only a few minutes to reach. “Sir, I don’t think I need to remind you, but do be careful. The suit will keep you warm, but I advise against removing your face plate.” The frozen snow crunched under his boots as he landed, taking a second longer to melt under the heated metal thanks to the below zero weather around them.

“Don’t have to tell me twice.” Tony walked over to one of the downed trees, deep groves showing the attack that had happened less than twenty-four hours ago. Reports of missing livestock weren’t uncommon for this area given the local wildlife but when two park rangers are found brutely murdered and claims of a wolf walking on two legs are reported, it calls for suspicion. Especially given the growing Hydra activity in the country. The idea of Hydra doing illegal experiments really wasn’t that far from believable for them these days so the least they could do was take a look around and see if they could find this ‘werewolf’ the locals claimed to have seen.

Tony kneeled down to brush the snow off, revealing the groves better and holding his hand out to scan the marks. “Analyze this Jarvis and cross reference it with any local bear or feline species.” The claws were clearly not caused by a four-legged canine, but it would be possible for a bear or angry big cat to cause them, if any were local to the area that was. Tony was a genius in many areas but animals and where they existed naturally was not something he bothered learning. He barely had to wait before Jarvis was pipping up with an answer.

“The marks do not match anything that’s native to this area nor do they match any known bear or feline species period.” Tony dipped his finger into the groove and followed it down to the base where the claw curved out at the end of a swing. There were small traces of blood along the bark but nothing indicating a feral animal attack. The bodies had been torn to pieces, more than likely from scavengers, but if this had been the scene of a feral animal killing two humans then there would be blood covering at least some of the trees. Instead, there were only a few spots here and there.

“The likelihood of this being Hydra involved is getting more and more probable.” He sighed as he stood back up. “Call the team, they should be awake by now and tell them what’s going on. Get Cap and Widow out here as soon as possible.” Jarvis was quiet for a moment too long, making Tony’s eyebrows knit in confusion. “Jarvis?” The abrupt silence had a slight panic race through his chest. There should be no reason why Jarvis wouldn’t be in connection, so it made no sense why he was suddenly silenced. Kicking off, Tony took to the sky again, going high enough over the forest that any natural interference would be avoided. Slowly a staticky voice sparked to life within his helmet. “J, I can’t understand what you’re trying to say. Did you contact the team?” The voice got louder until finally the clear word of ‘left’ was heard. Tony swung around and looked to his left just in time for something to shoot right through his right calf, easily piercing the suit’s protective armor and out the other end. White hot pain rushed up his body in an instant. Before he could even calculate what had happened, another shot, barely audible through the roaring in his ears, snapped through the air and hit his right shoulder. His screams of pain were cut off as he suddenly started heading straight for the ground. Everything went dark the moment he made contact with the snowy ground.

Winter’s POV

Winter’s ears laid towards the back of his head as the loud shot shook the forest. His head immediately turned towards the sound when another rang through the air. His paws beat against the ground a moment later, taking him towards it. The scent of gunpowder led him straight to his target and the feeling of the man’s blood between his jaws did nothing to satisfy the rage he felt at the symbol the man wore on his breast. He dragged the body some distance before dumping it for the wildlife to take care of. By the time anyone found his bones they would be long gone from this place. Unlike the rangers, no one would care if this man went missing. Just another easily replaceable number to their ranks.

‘He was firing at something.’ The human voice inside reminded him, causing the wolf to let out a growl. ‘Don’t growl at me. You know I’m right. Go check it out.’ Another growl rumbled through his chest, but Winter knew his other half was right. Whatever had been shot could either be dying or already dead. Either way he needed to find it and dispose of it. The previous night had caused enough attention on his little spot in the woods, the last thing they needed was more people snooping around.

He lifted his large head and sniffed at the air, trying hard to focus on the scent of blood that wasn’t currently staining his mouth or paws. It was faint but he caught a whiff of something and took off deeper into the woods. Only when he got closer did he recognize the markings on the trees, a warning from the previous night not to return. He paused to listen, his ears shifting back and forth at every sound but outside of a weak heartbeat and labored breaths he heard no signs of anyone else coming for help.

‘Winter.’ The voice reminded him, causing him to huff in response. Fine. He settled on ending this human’s life quickly, but when he entered the small clearing the figure, surrounded by snow, was anything but human. The blood leaking out of the leg and shoulder wound was definitely human, but the rest of it was like a weird red and gold…robot thing. He marched over to its small head and got a single claw under the face plate. Winter knew he should just crush the robot’s chest and be done with it, but he was curious. With a little tug the face plate snapped off and fell to the snowy ground. The wolf had only moments to take in the humans face before the scent hit him like a rock to his chest. The loud echoes of mate rang so clearly that he couldn’t even hear Bucky questioning what he was doing. His paws moved on their own accord, ripping off as much of the armor as he could, tearing into the chest piece to get the man out. He was in bad shape, he would die, Winter needed to save him.

Once he got as much of the armor off as he could, he gathered the man up in his arms and took off towards their cabin. The man shivered against his fluffy white chest but didn’t make a move besides that. They needed to get his wounds treated and his body warmed up.

‘What are you doing! Winter, we can’t take him back. You need to kill him or let me take him to town.’ Winter skirted around a line of trees and jumped over the frozen river, almost tripping at the ice underneath his paws.

“Save.” The words rumbled awkwardly through his mouth, not used to speaking in this form.

‘Save him? How are we going to save him! He’s an outsider, he could be working for them!’ The growl he let out had his other half quieting down but not before letting out an annoyed huff. Winter knew this was against their set of rules, but he couldn’t leave someone who smelled so strongly of mate to die. His instincts were screaming at him to save this man and if there was one thing he did above listening to his human half, it was listening to his instincts. Their little cabin came into view not long after the river, a small hunting cabin they had taken over a few months ago and one they would abandon as soon as spring came. He ducked into the door frame and placed the frail human onto the bed. After that it was up to his other half as his paws would do no good stitching up wounds.

As soon as the shift was finished, Bucky marched right over to the door and slammed it shut before gathering his clothes from the small pile at the foot of the bed. “Sure, leave me with the hard part. I know nothing about saving a human, pup.” Bucky growled, dressing as quickly as he could to not upset the wolf grumbling in his head. Annoying mutt, trying to save some random human who was bleeding out in their bed.

Bucky grabbed the only towel he owned and ripped it in half so he could shove half under the man’s shoulder and then half under his calf. It took over an hour to get both wounds sewn up with the pathetic excuse of a first aid kit the hunting cabin had and even longer to get everything fully cleaned first. He’d have to go out after sunrise to see if they could get some food but for now, he covered the man up and sat at the table to stare at his sleeping form. His heart was stronger now even with the weird glowing circle he had embedded in it.

“What have you gotten us into, Winter.”

Chapter Text

Pain was the first thing that registered in Tony’s mind but that wasn’t anything new. Ever since taking up the mantle of Iron Man, he found he woke most mornings in pain. Especially since the Avengers had all moved in to reside under his one roof. One drink of Thor’s Asgardian ale and he had sworn off any sort of outer space alcohol. Tony went to lift his arm to press against his temple when he found the motion to do so caused both excruciating pain running down his shoulder and also, the inability to actually move at all from the blanket tucked so tightly around his body. He found he couldn’t move any of his limbs actually, and when the sudden realization of what had happened flooded through his aching head he sucked in a quick breath.

His eyes shooting open, which caused the headache to splitter across the back of his head and spots to appear in his vision. He had been shot, someone had managed to put a bullet through him and his armor not once but twice. It was honestly a miracle he was even alive right now. Tony stared at the ceiling until the wood finally stopped moving around so frantically and he was able to focus on a single dark knot on just one panel. He tried sitting up a moment later, but the pain that followed was enough to have him leaning back against the bed.

The cabin was small and gave no indication of who lived here. The bed was against the wall with a fireplace roaring with life on the adjacent wall, proof that he hadn’t been alone for long. He had to strain his neck just a little to look behind him but saw enough to assume it was a small kitchen with a round table large enough for one. Tony wasn’t sure if people this far out knew who he was, but he prayed if they did, they would be an ally and not someone using him just to threaten the rest of the Avengers.

The sound of boots at the door had Tony tensing up. His eyes went straight to the door as it opened, the chilly air rushing in and threatening to put the fire out before it was kicked shut by the man who entered. He was bundled up in a thick black jacket that looked almost too small for his body, and black jeans. His hair was shoulder length and looked a mess from both the wind and snow that stuck to it, now melting from the heat of the fire. Steel gray eyes looked at Tony but didn’t stay on him for too long. Looking down instead as he bent over to untie his shoes. The sack he had thrown over his shoulder fell to the ground with a thump.

“I see you’re awake.” His voice was lower than Tony imagined it would be, but he didn’t let his mind draw too much on it.

“Who are you?” Tony winced when just talking had pain running down his body again. His calf and shoulder felt like it was on fire itself. The man looked up at him and Tony noticed the frown on his lips, half covered by his facial hair. Not a beard but more than a shadow.

“Is that how you’re going to thank the person who saved your ass?” The man shrugged off the jacket and hung it by the door to drip down next to his boots. Without the jacket he wore a red flannel that hugged his thick biceps too much for Tony to believe it belonged to him.

“For all I know, you could be the one who shot me.” Tony watched as he took the sack to the kitchen only to come back with a small first aid box a moment later.

“Could be, but if I was then why would I save you? Seems like it would be a waste of a bullet and my time.” Even with how careful he was bringing down the blanket, Tony still winced when his shoulder was moved. Only then did it really cross his mind that his undersuit had been removed, leaving him in nothing but his boxers beneath the sheets.

“There’s a lot of reasons to save me.” Tony watched as he unpeeled the blood stained bandage from his arm. The bullet wound had been stitched together but still looked angry and read with fresh blood creeping out.

“If you say so.” Leaving the box on the bed, the man returned to the kitchen and Tony could hear him rummaging around in a cabinet. When he returned it was with a small jar of something green that had his nose burning.

“What the hell is-”

“This is going to burn.” Was all the warning Tony got before the man was scooping a large dollop of it out and slathering it over his wound. To say it would burn was a big fucking understatement. Tony screamed as the scorching pain rushed through his entire arm and down his chest. He tried jerking away but it only made things worse so he did the only thing he could do and bore down, taking the pain like he had when the arc reactor’s core needed replacing.

“What the fuck are you doing to me.” He growled out once his arm was covered again and the newcomer moved on to do the same treatment with his leg.

“Saving your life.”

“By doing what? Torturing me?” The man gave him a pointed look before wrapping his leg back up and moving the covers up to cover his body once more.

“The ointment will kill off any bacteria as well as numb the pain a little. I couldn’t get any pain medication, so this is all that’s going to help. I would recommend you try and sleep once it kicks in.” He stuffed the remaining bandages back into the box and slid it under the bed before moving out of sight again. Tony huffed but closed his eyes, feeling his headache return. What he wouldn’t give to be back at Avengers tower right now.

“You have no idea who I am, do you?” The question hung in the air for a moment before the man answered.

“You famous or something? That armor you were wearing looked expensive but that doesn’t mean much.” Tony’s eyes shot open at the mention of his armor. If it was still intact, he could call Pepper or hell even Steve. Someone to come get him and save him from this hellish torture.

“Where is it? My armor?” The scrape of a chair against the floor told him the man had sat down but he was out of Tony’s line of vision so he couldn’t see his face.

“It’s out back, buried in a hole ten feet deep. Kept making a loud pitch noise that was hurting his ears, so we buried it. Probably not much good after he ripped it off you.” The little bit of hope drained from his chest. There was no doubt he could fix it given the right tools and time but with his condition and lack of anything electronic in this cabin there would be no use in trying.

“Is there someone else who lives here? Are you keeping me captive?” In the few times he had been abducted he wasn’t shown this much kindness, but villains were smart and adapting so Tony wouldn’t put it past the man. “What happened to whatever shot me?” He heard the shuffling of the sack and things being placed on the table but nothing to give any clues on what it was.

“The man who shot you is long dead, we killed him before finding your body. Was going to kill you too, but he wanted you alive so I did what I could to keep you breathing and not bleeding out in our bed.” There was a pause and the clank of something that sounded like a plate. “You are not a prisoner. If you wish to leave you can, but it’s a ten-mile hike to the nearest town and in the negatives outside so the chances of you dying before reaching it are pretty high.” He kept talking about another person, but the lone set of boots and clothes didn’t exactly point to another person living here. The bed was also only large enough for one person so when he mentioned ‘ours’ Tony started thinking the man might actually be crazy. Best to stay on his good side if he wanted to get out of here alive and in one piece.

“I’ll take my chances here…Do you have a name?” There was another pause coupled with the sounds of clanking again and then the scraping of the chair being pushed back. The man appeared in front of him again with a plate of bread and something else that smelled suspiciously of salted meat.

“Bucky.” Bucky held a piece of bread up to Tony’s lips who took a bite without hesitation. If the man was trying to kill him, poison wouldn’t make much sense, so Tony didn’t fear it.

“Funny. My father knew a Bucky.” Bucky’s shoulder came up in a half shrug as he moved to feed Tony a piece of persevered meat. It tasted of…cow? Maybe. “What’s…his name?” He questioned, trying to catch a hint of who else the man spoke of.

“He goes by Winter.” Tony accepted the last piece of bread and swallowed it down dry.

“And is Winter here right now?” Bucky’s mouth pressed in a thin line as something passed across his face. A sort of annoyance and then a shake of his head.

“He is.” This man was clearly insane. Tony needed to just play his cards right, be the friend until he was strong enough to walk and then get the hell out of here.

“How long have you two known each other?” Bucky walked back to the kitchen and the sound of things being put away could be heard. No answer came this time. And when Tony tried again an animalistic growl had his mouth snapping shut. Tony could only frown as he shut his eyes and tried piecing together what he could remember and the information he had gotten. To his surprise when the pain started settling, his mind slowly slipped off into sleep.

When Tony woke the cabin was dark save from the light of the fireplace. Bucky’s form was laid in front of it with a single blanket pulled across his body. He moved his uninjured arm and pulled down the covers to look at his wound. Even in the dim light he could tell the bandage had recently been changed. How long had he been out? His body still felt like a bus had hit him but the pain from the actual wounds was manageable as long as he didn’t move them much. Sighing, he stared up at the ceiling and let his mind wander. Twice during the night Bucky had gotten up but only long enough to place another piece of wood on the fire before settling back under his blanket. It almost made Tony feel guilty for taking the man’s bed but the guilt went away with every tinge of pain he felt. If he did make it out of this thing then he’d pay the man back for his help. Maybe getting him a cabin with an actual bedroom and clothes that fit. Though he couldn’t deny the view of those tight clothing wasn’t an enjoyable one.

The next two days went by much the same with Bucky cleaning his wounds and rubbing the ointment on it to help the pain and stave off infection while Tony stayed bedridden and helpless. He was fed twice a day but unlike the first day, Bucky wasn’t very forthcoming with any useful answers. Still Tony asked him. Every once in a while, he would answer the simple ones like was it snowing outside or what kind of bread was he eating. But any questions involving Winter or who had shot him had Bucky’s face turning into one of annoyance again or frustration.

It was the night of the third day when Tony was awoken by a strange noise coming from the kitchen. Opening his eyes revealed Bucky’s blanket left abandoned by the fire along with what Tony could only suspect as his clothes. Was Bucky naked? The sounds of something breathing had his heart hammering against his chest. He knew what Bucky sounded like when he breathed, and whatever this was that was breathing did not sound like Bucky. The sound of claws scrapping against the floor caught his attention and Tony felt the panic start to rise. He couldn’t fight, not in his condition but hell be it that he was going to die laying in a bed.

‘Please don’t panic.’ Rang so clear in his mind that he swore someone else said it out loud. The voice wasn’t his own though and did nothing to help the panic swelling in his chest. ‘Please, it’s okay. Won’t hurt you.’ Came the voice again, this time pleading with him. It sounded remotely like Bucky but lower and still, in his mind and not in his ears.

“Who are-” Tony stopped himself when the memory of Bucky saying his name rushed through his mind. “Winter.” He stated more so than asked. Something moved closer but stayed out of his eyeline.

‘Yes.’ The voice confirmed, making Tony breathe in deeper to try and settle himself. Breathe. Just breathe. Everything is going to be okay. Maybe he was dreaming or hallucinating right now.

“Where’s Bucky?” He questioned. Even if Bucky wasn’t a friend, the other man had shown Tony no reason to distrust him. Even more so now that this Winter was apparently talking in his head.

‘He is asleep. I have an hour or so before he wakes to tend to the fire.’ Tony looked at the blanket and pile of clothes suspiciously but didn’t question it. This had to be a dream and if it was a dream then what was there to fear?

“Why don’t you come over here? So, I can see you.” Whatever Winter was, stirred but it sounded more like pacing then anything else.

‘I won’t hurt you. You have to promise me you know I won’t hurt you.’ The voice sounded almost scared? Where Bucky was always so stern and certain when he spoke, this version sounded afraid and small despite the deep tone.

“I know you won’t hurt me. You saved me, correct?” The pacing stopped and a loud outtake of air had Tony wondering just how Winter was making that noise.

‘Close your eyes. Please?’ Tony toyed with the idea of lying but did as was requested. What harm would it do?

“They’re closed.” He heard Winter moving closer, and when the light from the fire was blocked, Tony opened his eyes. All he could do was stare at the creature in front of him, backlight in an orange haze from the fireplace. There was no doubt that the beast was some sort of werewolf. He stood at full height, maybe a foot taller than Bucky was and was covered head to toe in a thick white coat with paws for hands and a fluffy white tail swishing back and forth behind his legs. Tony’s eyes went from tail to feet…er paws and then back up again to catch the glowing gray eyes staring back at him. He should be freaking out right now but honestly given everything that had happened these past five years it almost felt a relief seeing Winter in person. If Bucky truly was a werewolf, it would explain why they didn’t know who he was and why he lived out in this no tech cabin by themselves. It also explained why the farm animals had gone missing and those claws hanging from Winter’s paws looked like they would fit the groves on the trees he had found. “So, you’re Winter.” The wolf nodded but his eyes went down, and the tail stilled.

‘Can I put my head on your chest?’ It was an odd request, one that caught Tony off guard but he didn’t deny he was curious what the wolf’s fur would feel like, so he moved his left arm, the uninjured one, from the covers and patted his chest.

“Just be careful of my shoulder.” Winter dropped to the ground, his legs going under the bed while his head came to rest on Tony’s chest. His ears went to the side the moment Tony got his fingers behind them, scratching like he would any normal dogs. A rumble of pleasantry filled the room and had a smile tugging at his lips. Tony had always been fond of dogs but given his lifestyle he had never owned one. And while Winter was clearly not a pet, Tony wasn’t going to deny that this was nice. “Why did you save me, Winter?” It was a question Bucky had refused to answer no matter how many times Tony brought it up.

Winter too seemed to hesitate, but it wasn’t for the same reasons as the other. Just when Tony thought he was going to be ignored again, that voice returned in his head. ‘I wasn’t at first. After we killed that man who shot you, we went looking to find whatever it was that he shot. When I found you, I was going to press your chest in, I’m very strong,’ He felt the need to clarify though Tony wouldn’t think of denying it with how large the creatures’ arms were or how thick his claws looked. ‘But then I took your face plate off and…’ Winter licked his lips, giving Tony a clear view of those pearly whites that could easily rip his throat out.

“And?” He questioned when the wolf didn’t continue. Winter’s head lifted from Tony’s chest just enough so he could look at him fully. Bucky had been kind enough to prop Tony’s upper half up with two extra pillows before going to sleep so it wasn’t too much of a strain on his neck, but it still caused some tension in his shoulders.

‘I don’t know a lot about how I came to be. They did something to us and then we were two. I had my own thoughts separate from his, my own desires. And you…to him you are nothing but to me you are everything.’ Winter moved in slowly, giving Tony plenty of time to react before pressing a cold wet nose to his neck and sniffing. ‘You smell of mate. My mate. As soon as I removed your metal, I knew you were meant to be mine and I would do anything to protect you.’ Tony’s hand stilled in the thick blanket of Winter’s fur. Needing a moment for the words to ring through his mind. Mate. His knowledge of wolves was slim to only what he had read on the way here, but he knew that they mated for life. There was nothing in the books about werewolf mates, but he imagined the concept to be much the same.

“Who was it that shot me? That made you two?” It was obvious they weren’t born a wolf which meant they were changed but if the fiction was anywhere near true that would mean another werewolf was about.

‘Hydra.’ The word rang through his mind just as a growl pressed against the side of his throat. ‘They were hunting us, they want us back, but we don’t want to go back. We like it here. We don’t want to be their soldier anymore.’ It suddenly clicked into place. Winter wasn’t scared of Tony; he was scared Tony would take him back to Hydra. And there was a reason why the name and Bucky’s face felt familiar in a weird way. A way only Hydra could be behind.

“You’re James Barnes, aren’t you?” Winter lifted his head and Tony swore he saw the wolf arch an eyebrow.

‘Our memories are fuzzy but that is who we used to be. We aren’t him anymore, no that was when we were one.’ Tony’s hand moved to run across Winter’s muzzle, feeling the slight prickle of his black whiskers against the palm of his hand.

“Why did you hurt those people? The not Hydra ones?” Winter turned his head enough to lick at Tony’s hand.

‘I didn’t want to. I meant only to scare them away but the one shot me and kept shooting at me.’ Winter whined and Tony caught sight of the tail tucking under the bed next to his leg. ‘I just wanted him to stop. I didn’t mean to kill him or the other one but…sometimes when I smell blood, I can’t stop myself. They did this to me. They did something to our mind, it hurts when I disobey what they trained me to do.’ Tony moved his hand to smooth the crease between Winter’s eyes.

“What you did isn’t okay, but we can work through it. You were good. A friend of my father’s once, maybe that’s why my scent feels like a mate to you. It’s a familiar one from decades ago.” It would make sense in the grand scheme of things. Tony purposefully avoided ever smelling like Howard but with a sensitive nose like Winter’s it wouldn’t be impossible in stating that their scents would be comparable.

‘No, you are mate. My mate.’ Winter argued, placing his head back on Tony’s chest so he could continue petting down the back of his head and neck. Tony didn’t have the energy in him to fight so he just let it go and closed his eyes. He felt warm and safe with the wolf curled around him even if it was an awkward position for the other. Tony was vaguely aware of the fire going out but with Winter by his side the chill of the winter night never hit.

It was early morning when he felt the weight lifting off his chest and the feeling of awareness rush back to him. Grumbling, he reached out to grab for the wolf, bringing him back in for the comfort but his hand met bare human skin. He quickly opened his eyes and saw a very naked Bucky standing in front of him with Tony’s hand wrapped around his wrist.

“Shit, sorry.” Tony jerked it back and covered his eyes so the man could have some privacy. Bucky said nothing as he moved back to his clothes and once Tony was sure he had his pants on, he dropped his hand. Bucky was dressed but bent over to pull on his socks, giving Tony a fantastic view of his ass. Shame Tony for looking but if Winter was so certain they belonged together then Tony was going to view all that was offered.

“I see you met him.” Bucky moved to the fireplace to clear out some of the ash, but Tony suspected it was really just to avoid looking at him.

“I did.” Tony tried sitting up again and after a few painful grunts, managed to finally sit for the first time in days outside of the few times Bucky had dragged him to the bathroom. “Do you know what he said to me? Is he listening right now?” Bucky moved the bucket of ash to the side only to grab the last two logs and set them in the sunken down pit.

“We may share a body but that’s about it. What he does when I sleep is lost to me as is what I do when he sleeps.” Tony looked down at his hand where a few strands of white fur still remained, clinging to his skin like a memory only a few hours old. “But no, he is not listening right now. He was up for most of last night it seems and is sleeping currently.” When Tony looked back over the fire was just starting to go while Bucky was walking towards his boots and coat.

“He called me his mate.” Bucky stilled for only a moment before pulling on his boot.

“He seems to think you are.” Tony frowned at the passive way Bucky just brushed it off.

“I know who you are. You were a friend of my fathers in the 40’s.” He was about to mention Steve but clicked his mouth shut. Steve might be too sensitive of a subject to bring up right now, so he kept it to himself. Bucky didn’t even bother looking back at him or acknowledging what he had said. Only moved to put his jacket on and tie a scarf around his neck.

“Are you just going to ignore me like that? And where are you even going?” Tony huffed, glaring at the man.

“If you haven’t noticed we’re out of wood. We’re also out of food and ointment for your wounds so I’m going into town. I’ll be back before nightfall, when the fire goes out, try not to freeze.” Bucky turned to grab his blanket from the ground and set it on the bed next to Tony’s leg. He met Tony’s eyes for only a moment before he was turning away and heading through the door.

Tony was left in silence once more but this time a part of him wished for the wolf back. At least Winter had been happy to answer anything Tony asked instead of the cold shoulder Bucky was set on giving him.

Bucky came back as promised before night fell and was quick in getting the fire going again and feeding Tony. This time the bread was fresh and practically melted in his mouth. Tony found himself thankful, despite how much of an ass Bucky was acting earlier. They didn’t say much for the rest of the night which was on par with how the previous days had gone. Tony watched Bucky fall asleep on the ground again, tucked away in the single blanket he allowed himself while Tony stayed warm and cozy on the bed. He found himself wandering if Winter was awake or if they were both asleep. As strange as it was, Tony wanted to talk to Winter more. Wanted to understand more of whatever was going on and maybe try and help the wolf.

Tony stayed awake for as long as he could, but he was exhausted, today had been the most physically active he had been in days and while it wasn’t much, just sitting up seemed to take it out of him. He woke not two hours later with a warm weight on his chest and a smile on his lips. Reaching out, he ran his fingers through the thick white mane of Winter’s neck. The soft sound of Winter’s tail patting the ground had a chuckle escaping him.

“Happy to see me?” He questioned, opening his eyes finally to see Winter’s right pupil staring intently at him.

‘Always. Waited for you to fall asleep, didn’t want to shift in front of you.’ Winter moved forward so he could press his nose against Tony’s neck again, giving it a few snuffs before licking at the skin. His tongue was hot in more ways than one.

“You can. I was waiting for you to come out.” Ignoring what that tongue did to him, Tony scratched behind Winter’s ear, causing the wolf to let out happy little noises. “Can you answer some more questions for me?” Winter’s muzzle moved closer to his face as his tongue dragged over Tony’s facial hair. How long had it been since he shaved? Jesus he probably looked a mess by now, not that Bucky or Winter seemed to care much about that fact.

‘You can ask anything you want, mate.’ The name had a shiver running down his back. Tony should be firm with Winter on calling him that. Nothing good had ever come with Tony and relationships, especially given his particular work field.

“How did you escape Hydra?” Had they been a hand in it? The team had taken down a number of Hydra bases, but Tony didn’t remember anything about werewolf experiments. Though that wasn’t saying much, a lot of the experiment’s Hydra did in those facilities were enough to make him grimace. Still, something like successfully turning a human into a werewolf would have stood out.

‘We were being transported for our next mission. I don’t remember the target, that was Bucky’s job.’ Winter laid the side of his head back on Tony’s chest so he could watch him with both eyes. ‘The truck stopped, and people started yelling outside. There are these words they use, it forces us to shift. They tried using it then, but our handler was shot before he could finish. We didn’t have an assignment, so we ran.’

“Do you know who it was who stopped the truck?” It was possible it could have been Shield but they would have followed Bucky, wouldn’t they have? Shield’s not one to leave witnesses when they do things dirty. Winter simply shrugged his shoulders, an act that looked far too human on such a furry creature.

‘Can I ask you a question now?’ Winter’s request had Tony looking down at him in shock.

“Yeah, of course. Whatever you want.” What did Tony have to hide? Bucky clearly didn’t care about who he was or the connections he had in his past and Winter…well Winter was a wolf who probably didn’t know of the Avengers or Stark Industries.

Winter sat up and moved a careful paw overtop of Tony’s chest. He tapped a single claw over the exact spot the arc reactor hid under three blankets. Not even the glow could escape the thick wool so it surprised Tony that he knew where it was. ‘What is this?’

“It keeps me alive.” Tony supplied, not sure exactly how detailed he could get before Winter wouldn’t understand him anymore. “Do you want to see?” That had the wolf’s head going up and down in a quick nod. Tony moved slowly as he sat up again, this time the wolf’s paws were against his back and helping him. It was an appreciated gesture; one he knew he should thank him for later. Once he was seated with his back firmly against the headboard, Tony let the blankets drop to expose his bare chest. Winter’s focus was on it immediately, his ears straight up and his eyes lighting up with the arc reactor's blue glow.

‘Can I touch it?’ He questioned, raising one paw but not moving it any closer. Tony carefully grabbed his wrist and pulled it closer to press flat against the circle keeping him alive. The wolf’s hand covered it completely, but the fire’s light was enough to see the absolute joy cross Winter’s face. ‘It feels funny.’ The roughness of Winter’s pads on his bare skin also felt funny but Tony didn’t bring it up. For some reason he thought it might upset the wolf and that wasn’t something he wanted.

“It’s essentially a magnet. I was stupid and got into a situation I shouldn’t have been in. This thing keeps the shrapnel in my chest from reaching my heart. Without it I would die.” Winter let his paw fall down Tony’s chest, resting it on his stomach and then his side. The slow glide of it had Tony’s skin prickling with goosebumps. He should be slightly terrified with those thick claws running over his skin, but some part of him knew Winter wouldn’t hurt him. A larger part knew Bucky wouldn’t either.

‘Can I get in bed with you?’ The innocence in Winter’s voice, even if it was only in Tony’s head, had a weird fluttering feeling in his stomach. A question similar to that had been common in his twenties and thirties, but to hear it be said in such an innocent way with no hidden meanings…it was a new thing for Tony.

“Will you fit?” Came the practical response. The bed was a twin and Winter barely looked like he would fit in a twin by himself let alone with Tony in there as well.

‘If you stay seated like that, maybe some of me can.’ Tony couldn’t help but laugh at the hopeful little noises Winter made as he looked to the foot of the bed and then back to Tony.

“Alright fine but you have to help me prop up my arm so there’s less pressure on my shoulder.” Winter took the little request with the utmost importance. Carefully grabbing a pillow and propping Tony’s arm before moving the pillows behind him into a more comfortable way to support his lower back. He stood by Tony’s side eagerly awaiting Tony to get comfortable again. “Don’t forget right leg is also injured.”

Winter nodded and moved to the foot of the bed. Watching him crawl up, being extra careful around Tony’s right calf had another fond smile tugging at his lips. Despite his large mass, Winter was agile and managed to squeeze himself between the wall and Tony’s right side. He wrapped those large arms around Tony’s waist and rested his head on his chest while his right leg was tossed over Tony’s knees. It was a lot of things but cute and warm were the most prevailing descriptions of what this was.

“Comfortable?” He asked, running his fingers through the fur on Winter’s back. It was just as thick as his neck fur and maybe even a tad bit longer. Winter gave a huff as he nuzzled against Tony’s chest, his muzzle just under the curve of the arc reactor.

‘Very. Is this okay for you?’ Tony wasn’t normally one for cuddling, but he couldn’t deny Winter and didn’t want to for that point either.

“Yes.”

Tony woke the next morning much like the previous one, with a very naked Bucky moving off the bed and gathering his clothes. This time Tony didn’t look away nor did Bucky try and hide anything. It was strange but familiar. No words had to be exchanged for Bucky to bring over Tony’s breakfast, help him to the bathroom, or redress his wounds. Bucky’s hands were soft when touching his skin and yet somehow they always seemed to remind him of Winter’s. This pattern continued for a week with Winter climbing into bed with him at night and Bucky climbing out in the morning. With each day they talked more, Bucky rarely asking Tony about his work or life back home, but more willing to give up answers about his own life. Winter was more curious about his life and soaked up any bit of information Tony gave him. Tony stayed away from Steve and the avengers mostly, but he did bring up Rhodey and Pepper. Winter was very excited at possibly meeting both of them one day and seeing New York City, making it hard for Tony to tell him the only way to see the city would be through Bucky’s eyes.

As much as Tony wanted to get home, he couldn’t complain about the company or care he was receiving. His shoulder and calf still hurt like hell, but Bucky was good at taking care of him and keeping it cleaned. Another thing that Tony found himself enjoying was when Bucky and Winter would have conversations within themselves, just like they were right now. Bucky was pacing back and forth in front of the fire, arms crossed and a scowl tugging at his lips. “No.” He would say every now and then, eyebrows furrowing at Winter’s silent words. “Absolutely not.” Tony wanted so badly to ask what Winter was saying but the look Bucky kept tossing his way every few minutes told him that he was probably the topic being discussed. “Winter for the last-I don’t care.” Bucky growled, scrunching up his nose in a threatening way to no one in particular. Tony found himself thinking about how adorable it was before he could stop himself. Bucky’s attention went back to Tony, eyeing him up from where Tony sat against the headboard. “Fine. Just. Fine.” He grumbled, walking over to the bed.

“Well hello. Am I finally invited to this conversation?” Bucky gave him an unamused look which Tony ate right up with a brilliant smile. “Oh don’t be like that. Just tell me what my mate’s saying.” Bucky arched his eyebrow but didn’t bring up when or why Tony had started calling Winter his mate. Honestly, Tony wasn’t sure himself. It just started happening and he didn’t stop. He wouldn’t say he exactly had feelings for Bucky or Winter but he also wouldn’t say he was opposed to the idea. He was a man in his forties, settling down wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world, especially if that settling down was to someone that could keep up with his superhero activities.

“Well, your mate says you smell, and I agree with him.” Tony could only blink at what Bucky was implying, because sure he knew his hair was greasy and he probably smelled a little of sweat but he didn’t stink. Not like he did in college after all nighters with a little too much alcohol. “What we don’t agree on is how to remedy that issue. I voted the sink, he voted his tongue.” All thoughts of late nights in college went out the window the moment Bucky brought up Winter and that tongue of his. Winter was pretty physical already and showed no qualms with licking at Tony’s neck or face but a few times now that tongue had tested the water licking around Tony’s arc reactor and his stomach. Nothing too adventurous but enough to know Tony wasn’t opposed to it. Just like he and his body weren’t opposed to it now by the very obvious rush of blood that went south.

Bucky’s nose flared and it dawned on him that even in his human form, Bucky might have enhanced senses like his other half. “Oh, Jesus. Gross, you too? For pete fucking sake.” Bucky only looked grumpier, and Tony was sure Winter was probably howling at it.

“What, can you blame me? That thing’s sinful, any man in his right mind would get hot over it.” Tony defended, no shame in how his body reacted. Not only was it sinful but it was Winter, someone who made Tony feel safe and warm.

“You both are gross. No, we are not giving you a bath that way. The sink is going to get you cleaner and not upset my stomach.” Tony did have to agree with him there, he couldn’t imagine he would get very clean covered in wolf spit.

Bucky moved the chair over to the sink before coming to get him. It was a struggle like it was the other times he was taken to the bathroom, but Bucky always made sure he wouldn’t fall and kept as much weight off his leg as possible. Tony wished the pain would subside just a little so he could enjoy the feeling of Bucky’s form against his side but for now his mind was preoccupied. Sitting in the chair was far from comfortable but it was necessary for Bucky to carefully dip his head back.

“There’s no hot water.” Was the warning he got before ice cold water was poured over his hair. Tony sucked in a quick breath but didn’t fight it. If Bucky got a cold shower each morning, then Tony could put up with a little cold water now. By the time Bucky was rinsing the shampoo from his hair Tony’s teeth were chattering. “Won’t take much longer.” Was little reassurance when the cold droplets of water from his hair ran down his back.

“You’re taking too much pleasure out of this aren’t you?” He teased, watching as Bucky retrieved a washcloth from the bathroom. The comment made him pause and stare at Tony with a tilt of his head.

“Why would I take pleasure with this?” Tony’s smile faltered at how genuine Bucky sounded.

“Because…” He wasn’t sure how to answer to be honest. He thought Bucky would like causing him to be uncomfortable just from the way he acted all the time but now it was Tony who was filled with doubt.

“I don’t like causing pain in anyone.” Bucky dampened the cloth and carefully slid it down Tony’s arm, a trail of goosebumps falling closely after. “I know it seems that way with how much we’ve…killed but neither of us like hurting people...and especially hurting you. It doesn’t bring either of us any kind of joy.” There was a pause. “We both want you to feel better.”

“I didn’t mean it like that.” Tony said after a quiet pause, not realizing how his words might have sounded to someone not used to him. “You’re always so standoffish with me so I just figured you would get pleasure in seeing me uncomfortable with the water. I was teasing you.” Bucky dropped to his knees in front of Tony and whether he noticed the interest Tony’s body took in it or not, he didn’t pay any mind.

“I’m not standoffish, I’m just not as physical as Winter is. I show my care in other ways.” He spread Tony’s thigh’s open and ran the washcloth from thigh to hairy calf, careful not to let his fingers linger anywhere they shouldn’t.

“The feeding? And taking care of me?” Tony questioned, and to his surprise Bucky looked up for only a moment before nodding. “You can be more physical, if you want.” Tony’s voice was quiet, but he knew Bucky heard him from the way his nose twitched. Though, like so many times before, he didn’t comment. Just continued doing the task on hand and getting Tony cleaned to his liking. He left Tony’s boxers where they were with instructions to clean that area next time he used the bathroom.

Bucky left Tony’s side only long enough to gather two halves of a clearly shredded, blood-stained towel from in front of the fireplace. Tony wanted to comment on it, but the towel was warm on his cold body and accepted the help drying off. Though even when he returned to bed and had three blankets piled on top of him, his teeth still chattered with a chill that wouldn’t go away. Bucky tried feeding him warm soup and that helped a little but once it was done the chills seemed to come right back. Finally, Bucky gave in and walked into the bathroom. To Tony’s surprise it was Winter who walked out. Tony scooted as close to the bed edge as he could so Winter could squeeze in against the wall and drape his body over Tony’s, careful of his wounds.

‘Sleep. We’ve got you.’ And Tony did just that, with his hand buried in Winter’s fur and clutching at him like a lifeline. Only then did he finally find warmth.

Chapter Text

The next week flew by and before Tony knew it the pain was slowly getting to a manageable level, especially with the makeshift sling Bucky had made out of a shirt and the walking stick he carved from a sturdy branch. It had only been a day since he was able to get out of bed by himself, but it felt so freeing to be able to go to the bathroom or get a snack whenever he wanted. Though he wasn’t beyond letting Bucky hand feed him in bed whenever the man approached him with a plate. Bucky still wasn’t super talkative, but he no longer acted like he didn’t hear what Tony was saying. Even if he didn’t understand what the genius was talking about, he would hum along and give Tony his undivided attention. And while he never joined Tony in bed at night, the physical touches were increasing. His hand would linger longer on Tony’s skin and sometimes he would pull the chair over to the bed to carve something with his knife or fix a hole in his clothing. During those times Tony would lean his head against Bucky’s thigh and more often than not, Bucky’s hand would eventually find its way combing through Tony’s hair. These last few mornings Tony also started noticing the lingering around Bucky did, staying tucked close to Tony’s side until he knew for sure the other was awake. Only then would he move from the bed and collect his clothes.

Winter was getting bolder with his touches and drags of his tongue as well. He never touched past the waistline but once or twice a claw would skirt over the edge, and it was obvious how much Tony’s body liked it. They never spoke of the sexual parts though, that seemed to be the only topic both of them would avoid. Tony mostly did it because he was afraid of scaring off Bucky.

It was almost nightfall when Bucky returned from his trip into town with a new stack of wood and a sack filled with what Tony hoped to be food. There was an odd expression on his face as he placed the sack in Tony’s lap before taking off his outer wear. Tony peaked inside only to make a face of his own at the set of clothing that sat there bundled up.

“What’s this?” He questioned, pulling out each piece to inspect it. It was nice of Bucky to get him clothes but why wasn’t there any food? When Tony had eaten lunch there was only a few pieces of bread left and a scrap or two of meat. Nothing that would last them more than a day even if they rationed it.

“There’s still snow on the ground, but the locals said the worst of the storm has passed. I’ll walk you to town tomorrow so you can call your people. We only have one jacket, so I’ll take it back with me when I leave.” Tony’s heart sank at those words and when he looked up Bucky was making it a point not to look at him. As much as he wanted to stay, he knew his team and disappearing for two weeks wasn’t something to be taken lightly. But a big part of him thought when he left, he would be leaving with Bucky. It was something Winter and he talked about almost every night. The wolf always fantasized about Tony’s life and what his home must look like. But maybe that’s all that it was…a fantasy.

Tony set the clothes by the bed and laid back down, feeling a sadness and emptiness run through him that he wasn’t expecting. He’d barely known the two of them and yet the thought of leaving tomorrow without them felt like he was losing someone he had known for years. That night when Bucky went to lay by the fire, he finally decided he had enough of it. If he really was leaving tomorrow, then he was going to soak up all the cuddles he could before he went back to sleeping alone in a too big king sized bed.

“Why are you doing that?” He questioned, causing Bucky to look back at him. “We both know you’re going to end up in bed with me within the hour. Just…come over here.” Bucky hesitated, clearly fighting the urge to stay, but gave in without saying anything. Tony shifted so he laid on his side, facing the fire, as Bucky crawled in behind him. His arm hovered, not sure where to put it, until Tony grabbed it and wrapped it around his waist. “You can touch me, it’s okay.” Now that the permission was given, Bucky cuddled closer, pressing the firm line of his front against Tony’s back as they settled in.

Silence hung in the air between them and while Tony wanted to say it was comforting like the silence between Winter and him, it was anything but that. Bucky still felt rigid behind him while the sadness of leaving tomorrow was still settled in Tony’s chest. Fresh as it was earlier. He decided to bring out the big guns, he had already convinced Winter to come home with him. Now all he had to do was convince Bucky. “Do you remember Steve? Your best friend?” Bucky fisted his hand against Tony’s stomach but didn’t pull away.

“Memories are fleeting but the name sounds familiar. When I close my eyes I see a skinny blonde boy, sick in bed.” Bucky’s breath was hot on the back of Tony’s neck as he talked. If Tony had known Bucky didn’t remember Steve all that well he wouldn’t have avoided the topic so much.

“He doesn’t look like that anymore, if I had my phone I would show you, but alas no technology.” Tony ran his hand up Bucky’s forearm, letting it rest on the crook of his elbow. Both to feel up his arms and also a way to scent him which he learned from Winter was a calmly effect on the other.

“Why do you bring him up?” Bucky questioned.

“He misses you. A lot. Anytime we talk about the old days, he brings you up and has this look in his eyes. He never stopped looking for you. None of us even knew if you were alive but since no body was ever found he kept searching. We’ve taken down so many Hydra bases looking for you.” Bucky went silent and tense, probably knowing exactly where Tony was going with this. “He wouldn’t care what you’ve done, Bucky. All of us have done some fucked up shit in the past, hell I used to design and sell weapons that probably ended up in Hydra’s hands more than once. What I’m trying to tell you is how happy he would be to have you back in his life. It would do you both good having someone who grew up in the same decade as each other as well.” Tony tried laughing to lighten the mood, but Bucky didn’t so much as mutter a word in response. And after several awkwardly silent moments, it was clear he wasn’t going to say anything.

“Why won’t you come back with me? Winter wants it, I want it. Steve would be ecstatic. You wouldn’t have to worry about Hydra hunting you down anymore. Just, help me understand Bucky.” If it wasn’t for his shoulder Tony would turn around just to face Bucky and see whatever it was that was crossing the man's face right now. Just to get some kind of clue what Bucky was thinking or feeling.

Then, ever so softly he spoke. “What if I hurt someone?” The fear that Tony had first heard in Winter’s voice was present again. Clinging onto Bucky’s words like ice.

“You won’t.”

“How do you know that? They did things…if one of them says those words I could kill everyone without batting an eye. I could kill you.” Bucky pulled Tony in closer, squeezing his arm around his midsection a little too tightly but Tony didn’t draw any attention to it. Instead going to squeeze Bucky’s arm in support.

“I don’t think Winter could hurt me even if he tried.” He felt Bucky shake his head before pressing his forehead against the back of Tony’s neck.

“You don’t know me when I’m under. Those words…It’s a darkness that neither of us can escape.”

“Then we’ll make those words useless. Whatever they did, given time I know we could undo it. Bruce, you don’t know him, is almost as smart as me when it comes to more organic things. Between him and I, I have no doubts we couldn’t undo whatever blender they’ve put your mind into.” Just say yes, that’s all Tony needed him to do. Just agree and they could go back to the tower together tomorrow.

Nothing in Tony’s life ever came that easy though, and this seemed to follow the same pattern. “I don’t know if the risk is worth it.” Tony wanted to fight, wanted to argue in any way, but it drained from him when he felt the soft press of Bucky’s lips to his neck. It was barely there, but it was enough to make him keep his mouth shut and just enjoy the last remaining moment’s they’d have together.

To his surprise, it wasn’t Winter pawing at his chest that woke him up. Instead, it was the bright sunshine of morning just beginning to peak into the windows combined with the very obvious press of something hard and erect grinding against his back side. It didn’t take a genius to figure out what that firm piece of meat was when Bucky’s panting filtered in through his ears. Was he even awake? Aware in the slightest bit that he was grinding his morning wood against the swell of Tony’s ass? Or making his neck damp with how hard he was panting? Bucky had to be dreaming and what Tony wouldn’t give to know what exactly he was dreaming about. He hadn’t done this in so long but the thought of using his body to help convince Bucky crossed his mind. Tony knew Winter wanted him physically but with the way Bucky was pressing against him and holding onto his hip so tightly, the human side of him had to want him as well. Deciding to go with it, Tony pressed back to try and encourage the movements. A feral growl escaping Bucky’s mouth seemed to have both of them coming to full awareness of the situation. Before Tony could even say anything, Bucky was all but flinging himself off the bed and onto the floor. Tony sat up shocked and watched as the man lay there, stunned silent even with the very obvious erection still tenting his thin sleep pants.

“I’m sorry, Tony. I…” Bucky was panicking and if Tony could, he’d crawl down there to comfort him but as it was, Tony sitting up against the headboard was all he could manage.

“You don’t have to apologize, Bucky. I would have stopped you if I didn’t want it.” Tony knew Bucky could smell the want on him but that didn’t stop the fear dancing behind those gray orbs.

“No, you don’t. You don’t want us, you just…you just want another soldier for your team.” Bucky backed up until he was dangerously close to the fire, putting as much distance between them as he could without actually getting up and walking outside.

Tony frowned at the acquisition, wondering how the hell Bucky had pulled such a terrible lie out of his ass. “When have I ever said that?”

“You said you wanted to fix me…why fix what they put in me if you didn’t want to use it for yourself.” Bucky was grasping for straws and Tony wanted nothing more than to yank every one of them away.

“I would never, Bucky. I want to fix you so you and Winter can live in peace. With me.” Tony placed his hand over the arc reactor. “I am Iron Man, but that doesn’t mean you have to be anything else but just you.” Bucky’s eyes stared at him, still unconvinced. It made Tony sigh with the knowledge that he’d have to put the deal out there point blank just for the werewolf to understand what he was saying. Though, was he even sure about this? It had floated between his mind for a week now, but this was probably the last thing he could offer up. “Bucky, if you come back to New York with me not only will I help fix whatever words they put in your head, but I will whole heartily accept Winter’s offer to be mates. I will protect you and let you live out your life however you want. You won’t be anyone’s soldier ever again and if Hydra comes looking for you, they’ll have to go through the entire Avengers team just to get to you. I want to give you and Winter your lives back, please let me.” Bucky’s entire body shook, and something danced across his face that Tony couldn’t pinpoint. Before Tony could try again, Bucky was up and yanking the door open. He didn’t even bother putting on his jacket or shoes before running out with a quick promise of “I’ll be back”. The door slammed shut only moments later and Tony was left in the cabin with only his words.

He managed to kill most of the day tending to the fire and gathering up any food he could find still in the cabinets. It was past nightfall when Bucky finally returned. His skin was bright red from the cold, but his clothes were torn, meaning the chances of Winter being the one out there in the weather was higher than not. Tony carefully sat down on the bed, now dressed in the clothing Bucky had brought him the day before and leveled him with a glare. Not a word crossed Bucky’s lips as he sat in front of the fire, avoiding Tony’s pointed gaze.

“You have two options, Bucky.” Tony started, a firmness in his voice that had never been there before. “The first option is I walk out of that door in the next ten minutes, and you never hear from me again. I won’t bother you or come looking for you. No one will know you’re out here either.” Bucky’s eyes darted up, fear swirling around those gray orbs.

“You’ll die if you go out there without me. Especially at night.” He tried to reason but Tony waved him off. He had already calculated the risk of going out there both alone and at night and knew what would happen if he did.

“Then I die, and my promise never changes. The other option is you get in this bed with me and tomorrow morning we leave together with you coming to live in New York with me as your mate.” Tony looked down at Bucky’s conflicted expression. It was clear he and Winter were fighting amongst themselves in his head.

“Tony…” Bucky shoved his face in his hands, making a low distressed noise. “Tony, you can’t give me those options. You have to give me another.”

Tony wouldn’t. He had given up on other options. He had watched too many important people walk out of his life and he wasn’t about to watch Bucky do it too. He knew the ultimatums he had given the others weren’t fair and dangerously manipulative but just this once he was going to be the selfish Stark everyone claimed he was. “I won’t and you now have nine minutes before I walk out that door.”

“I can’t…we’ll hurt you, Tony. What about that don’t you understand?!” Bucky’s noises turned into a growl as he looked up to meet his gaze once more. “We’ll kill you!” Tony’s smile was warm which had Bucky rearing back as if he had been burned.

“How many times do I have to tell you that you won’t hurt me before you believe me?” Tony patted his chest once more and even though the arc reactor was covered now with fabric, they both knew what he was motioning towards. “I’m not just a human you found outside. The suit you found and destroyed was a prototype I was working on. If I hadn’t been bleeding out, there would be no way Winter could have gotten to me. You are strong, both of you are, but that doesn’t mean you’ll out power me on my own terms.” Tony was tired of being treated like he was that much weaker than the other. Sure, in physical strength he could be out powered easily but he was a genius and intuitive. It wouldn’t be that easy to take him down when he was surrounded by his element.

Still, it didn’t seem to convince Bucky who looked just as pulled between the options. Tony dropped his hand with a sigh. “What if I promise you the first thing I work on when we get back is a way to subdue you. A tranquilizer that could knock you or Winter out if you ever go under? We technically could even fit you with a shock collar if you really wanted extra security.” He didn’t like the idea, but it made Bucky perk up a little and meet his eyes again. His mouth opened to say something but snapped shut a moment later when his eyebrows knitted together. Winter must be saying something to pull his attention.

Finally, after what seemed like too long of a pause, Bucky knee walked the short distance to Tony. “If we agree to go with you…” He started as he sat back on his haunches to look down at his hands. “You have to promise you’ll kill us if this tranquilizer doesn’t work, and we come after you.”

“Bucky, it’s not going-”

“Tony, please.” Tony’s words were cut off both from Bucky interrupting him and the look he got from the brunet. “Please, you have to promise. If something happens to you, and you die after you accept him as your mate nothing would be able to stop him. He said he would fight and kill until both of us were dead as well. No peace would ever come to him again if you died in our claws.” Tony’s lips pulled into a tight line. He didn’t know if he could do it, but the desperate look Bucky was giving him and the one he knew Winter would give him later, was enough to make the promise.

“If you come back to New York with me, I will make you that promise. We can even get it in writing if you want something official.” Bucky let out a relieved sigh as he leaned forward to rest his forehead on Tony’s knee. All bit of tension drained from Tony’s shoulders at how soft Bucky looked, hunched over and leaning against him.

“There’s one last thing we need to discuss then.”

“You have all night.” Tony was relieved for more reasons than one but the idea that he would get to sleep in a warm bed instead of trekking through a foot of snow was a blessing. Bucky, honest to god, laughed and it was everything Tony needed to hear in that moment. His own laughter followed a moment later.

Only once the laughter between them died down did Bucky look up from his spot against Tony’s legs. “Lay with me?” Tony easily moved to lay back on his good side while Bucky climbed in behind him. This time there was no hesitation in wrapping his arms around Tony’s midsection and pulling him flush against Bucky’s front.

“If you’re agreeing to be his mate, there are things we need to talk about.” Bucky pressed his face against Tony’s neck in a manner that reminded him deeply of his other half. “For us this is it. Once you accept, you’ll be the only one he’ll allow us to touch or be intimate with. And if you touch anyone else there’s a high chance he’ll go after them and not even I will be able to stop him. It’s more than marriage, it’s a lifelong bond.” Tony had figured as much and had weighed the pros and cons of it all. What he wasn’t sure about though, was who was really the one being stuck.

“I still don’t go back on our agreement, but I must ask why are you the one telling me and not him? Not that I have complaints about the cuddles, it just sounds like this is more of his area.” Tony squeezed Bucky’s hand as reassurance.

“I would rather he be the one to have this conversation as well, but ever since you said you’d take him as your mate he’s been busting at the seams to fuck you.” Tony wasn’t sure if he was more shocked by the words or how dryly Bucky delivered them.

“Well that…doesn’t actually surprise me.” He paused, taking a moment to think about what Bucky had said. “But what about you? What do you want? Are you okay being connected to me?” Bucky turned his head to place a gentle kiss to the back of Tony’s neck.

“I want to stop running. I want to be safe and regain some sort of life again.” His hand spread out against Tony’s stomach and started pulling the fabric up to expose skin. “Spending it with you sounds like the best way to do it.” Tony couldn’t stop the shiver that ran down his back at the touch of Bucky’s fingers on the little sliver of exposed skin. Bucky had touched his skin many times over the last two weeks but this time it felt different.

“And physically?” Tony asked even if he knew the answer already.

“I too would very much like to fuck you right now as well. I just happen to have more self-control than Winter.” Tony’s body went hot at the confession and pressed back on its own accord. He had been with men before of varying sizes so it wouldn’t be anything new, but this would be the first time he would be doing it with someone he planned on spending the rest of his life with apparently. What was the world turning into when this already felt like such a normal thing to do. Aliens, androids, and werewolf mates. Just another day being an Avenger it seemed.

“As much as I would be in favor of that particular activity right now. Do you have any lube? Because I’ve seen what you have and that’s not going in raw.” Tony wasn’t in his twenties anymore, he needed prep and most importantly a lot of lube. The question had Bucky’s hand pausing and his head moving back enough for Tony to turn slightly and look at him.

“I think there’s some olive oil in the cabinet?” Tony’s face went red at the suggestion.

“Not on your life. No lube, no chance of your dick going in me tonight.” Bucky’s face scrunched up for a moment.

“Winter wants to know if his salvia would work?” Tony’s frown answered that question for both of them. “Okay, fine. Let me check the bathroom.” Bucky crawled out of the bed and made his way to the bathroom, not bothering to close the door as he started going through the drawers. Tony in turn, rolled onto his back and watched with his head turned to the side. It was cute how eager Bucky seemed to be and part of him wondered if this was Bucky’s first time. Surely it would be Winter's first time if they counted it, but Tony wasn’t sure what the agreement was between them, nor did he ask. Their complex relationship was one he had only scratched the surface on understanding and knew it would be probably years before he got a good grasp on it.

Bucky emerged a moment later holding a tube of something. “Are you okay with a few months expired?”

“How many months is a few?” Bucky looked back down, scrunching up his face as he read like Winter would do when he was confused. It made a warmth blossom through Tony’s chest.

“Sixteen give or take five months.” Tony shook his head with a laugh. Bucky might have been physically older than him but he sounded every bit the 25 year old that he looked.

“Yeah, that’ll be fine. Have to see the doctor once we get back anyway.” Bucky’s lips broke into the most precious smile Tony had ever seen. It dawned on him that he’d get to see it even more once they got back to New York. The puppy of a man shot back across the room and crawled on top of Tony, being careful of his wounds, with the tube of expired lube in his hands. His face came dangerously close to Tony’s but didn’t break the space between them just yet. Instead, his eyes tracked every inch of Tony’s face, following his lips, and then landing on his eyes finally.

“You sure about this? I’m going to mark you as ours and once I do that, it’ll be as good as done.” Tony lifted his good hand only to cup Bucky’s cheek.

“This means that you’ll be getting on a plane in twelve hours. Returning to civilization with me and living with a bunch of people you don’t know. The avengers are like…my pack. We all live together, and you’ll be on the top floor with me but their scents will be everywhere. Are you okay with that?”

“As long as you promise to take me out if they get me.” Tony could still pick up on the hesitation, but Bucky was firm in his words. He would hold Tony to that promise if it was the last thing he did.

“It seems we’re in an agreement here then.” Bucky turned his head to press a gentle kiss to Tony’s palm. The act brought a warm smile to Tony’s face.

“You know, he did the same thing.” Bucky chuckled as he did it again.

“There’s a scent gland on your wrist. Humans can’t smell it but it’s one of the most potent places your scent comes out from. The others being your neck, and...” Instead of using his words, Bucky let his hips roll against Tony’s so he could feel the erection already forming beneath the layer of cotton.

“Shit, Bucky.” Tony breathed in at the friction, getting his body going just like it had when he was younger. The little moan was enough to have Bucky finally leaning down and pressing their lips together. It was sloppy, nothing like the movies, but then again this whole experience was far from a rom com plot Hallmark would run during the season. Tony didn’t love Bucky and Bucky didn’t love him, but they were attracted to each other and because of Winter they were promising each other their lives. So, what did it matter if lust got in the way and controlled this part of the promise?

Bucky tugged at Tony’s bottom lip with blunt teeth, making his mouth fall open. Once it did, his tongue was diving in. Battling with Tony’s tongue and licking at the roof of his mouth. Tasting every inch of it that he could all while his hips continued their steady grinding. While Bucky’s arms held him up so as to not press any unnecessary weight on Tony’s shoulder, Tony’s were free to run down Bucky’s back and pull at his shirt until the taller man got the hint. He broke away from the kiss long enough to pull it over his head and then he was back devouring every breath Tony took.

Tony cursed against his lips as he ran his hand over the newly exposed skin, tracing the indents of his spine and the obvious curve of his shoulder blades. How he couldn’t wait to be healthy enough to run his own tongue across every inch of Bucky’s body, worshiping him the same way Winter had been intent on before. Bucky broke the kiss only to press even more kisses down Tony’s chin and neck. Unlike before when the kisses had been soft, these were more teeth than anything else. Easily marking up Tony’s neck with dark marks that not even his scratchy facial hair could hide. “Fuck, Bucky.” He got a growl in return, only for the younger of them to sit up and start unbuttoning Tony’s shirt. Tony sucked in a quick breath at how bright Bucky’s eyes glowed, feeling eerily like Winters when he was shifted. “Is he watching?”

“Every bit.” Bucky’s voice was rough as he finally finished the last button and carefully helped Tony out of it and the undershirt. “Keeps telling me what I should be doing.” Tony’s shirts were tossed off the bed with much less grace. The look in Bucky’s eyes as he allowed himself to take in Tony’s naked torso had him squirming under the man's hips. Bucky was still avoiding putting much weight on Tony’s waist but the bare amount he did allow was just enough of a tease to get Tony’s body needy. “He’s jealous, wants to be the one to take you apart first. Told him you would need more prep than that.” Just knowing Winter couldn’t wait to get his paws on him had another rush of arousal rushing down Tony’s body.

“Tell him he can once we get back to New York and I have my preferred brand of lube. Maybe I’ll let him watch me prep myself.” A growl echoed through the room and for a moment Tony was sure Winter was about to come out with the too thick canines suddenly filling Bucky’s mouth but with a shake of his head, his teeth returned to normal and the brightness in his eyes dimmed a fraction.

“Keep talking like that and he’ll not be as patient.” Bucky leaning down was both a terrible thing and wonderful thing as the pressure on his cock was suddenly gone, but the feeling of the man's tongue on his chest returned. Kisses mixed with bites had blood rushing just below the surface of Tony’s skin, making beautiful bruises that he wanted to have for once. His own hand fisted in Bucky’s long hair, pulling whenever he stayed too long on a certain spot. Tony wanted to be covered because he knew how happy it would make Winter and even if the wolf wasn’t out to play right now, this was just as much about him as it was about Bucky or himself. Bucky’s mouth latching onto his right nipple had a moan pushing past Tony’s lips, filling the room with it. Not even the crackingly of the fire could cover the needy whines he let out when Bucky figured out the perfect balance of sucking and nipping. Tony was close to begging for more when Bucky was shifting to the other side and cutting off any words Tony could muster. Another growl rumbled through Bucky’s throat as he finally sat back to admire his work. The scarred skin around the arc reactor was the only skin left completely free of any marks. Everything else had been free game and the skin of his chest was littered with darkening bruises.

“You look beautiful like this Tony.” Bucky’s eyes were staring while his hands ran up Tony’s sides and squeezed his chest. Tony wasn’t overweight, but he wasn’t exactly in the best shape as he had been in years past so his muscles were soft. Much unlike the firmness of Bucky’s own chest, one that Tony finally allowed his hand to drop to. Squeezing the man’s peck was like squeezing a rock and it reminded him of the times he had accidently ran into Steve’s chest.

“Yeah? Want to mark me more?” He questioned, pinching Bucky’s left nipple and watching as the man arched into it. The movement causes his ass to grind down against Tony’s aching member. Maybe once he was healed he could convince Bucky to bottom, at least once.

“Yes, but not with my mouth.” Bucky answered, his words going airy as he rolled his hips down once more. “Want to mark you with my scent” Tony’s hand ran down Bucky’s chest, toying with the way his abs dipped in and out. The other man flexes his muscles for Tony’s clear enjoyment.

“Oh yeah? How do you do that?” Winter had told him before about scenting and Tony was starting to learn more about it, but the topic hadn’t come up when it was Bucky in control. Something passed over Bucky’s face as he met Tony’s eyes, something almost predatory.

“By fucking you and filling you with my seed.”

Oh, fuck. Tony’s hips jerked up, causing that smile of Bucky’s to spread even wider. “Yes. Fucking do it, Bucky. Want to feel you inside of me yesterday. Come on.” Tony’s demands had Bucky chuckling. “Don’t laugh, you’ve got a job to do.”

“That I do.” Bucky leaned down, capturing Tony’s lips in a quick kiss before he was moving down the others body. Leaving kisses in his wake and taking the time to gently kiss over the arc reactor. He muttered something under his breath that Tony couldn’t catch before continuing down, only stopping when he reached Tony’s pants. With careful fingers, he undid the button and zipper and pulled down both the jeans and underwear. Taking the time to support Tony’s hips and lift them up so Tony didn’t have to put pressure on his right leg or move around awkwardly. With the undergarments joining the others on the ground, there was nothing hiding the only part of Tony Bucky hadn’t seen yet. Clearly the view pleased the wolf as a happy rumble vibrated in his throat at seeing Tony’s hardened length rest on his hip. “Gorgeous.”

Tony’s hand slipped back to Bucky’s hair as the man took him in his mouth, sucking and licking over his cock like he had his chest moments before. “Fuck, Bucky. That’s…” God how long had it been since Tony had done this with anyone? Fucking was one thing, but this? It was almost too much. Bucky’s mouth was hot, hotter than he remembered a mouth being and so much better. “Fuck that’s so good.” Bucky took all of Tony in one swallow, the length or girth not bothering him one bit. It was all Tony could do not to fuck up right into the wet heat. He was a little above average but Bucky took him like he was nothing and easily slid up and down his length. That tongue of his showing off that it wasn’t just Winter who knew how to use it. Tony’s back arched off the bed only to curse and relax back down a second later when it put pressure on his shoulder. Bucky pulled off with a worried whine, eyes glowing just as bright as they had before.

“It’s okay, just moved too much.” Tony panted, looking down and offering him a strained smile. His mouth felt amazing but the throbbing pain from his shoulder was killing the mood if just a little bit. “Don’t give me that look, I’m still injured but I’m fine. Okay? Please continue doing what you were.” Bucky’s mouth twisted in a frown and when he moved his head back it wasn’t to take Tony in again. Instead, he nuzzled his face against the base before moving lower to lick at his sack. Giving it the same love and attention as he had to his cock moments earlier. It was then that it dawned on Tony what Bucky had said earlier about scents. Right. That probably would be a good point of scent contact. “That’s a good boy. Covering yourself in my scent aren’t you?” His legs spread wider to allow for Bucky’s shoulder width. The hot breath on his taint was enough to pull another moan from his throat. “Baby, I can’t lift my hips anymore, you’re going to have to- '' Bucky bit into his thigh, effectively shutting up any protests Tony was about to give.

“I’ve got this.” Bucky growled, mirroring the mark he made on Tony’s other thigh. Once he was satisfied he sat up in order to grab the bottle of lube and one of the pillows pressed against the wall. Carefully he slid the pillow under Tony’s hips, getting them at the right angle for whatever it was that he had planned.

“Bucky?” Tony’s voice shook slightly at the feral look Bucky shot him, eyes glowing and canines thick against his lips. “You still with me? Or is Winter?” Bucky closed his eyes and took a deep breath, his shoulders dropping as he did so. Another few breaths had his upper lip going flat against his human teeth once more.

“Sorry. He’s very overwhelmed by your scent and wants to come out.” Bucky leaned down to press gentle kisses against Tony’s soft stomach, eventually trailing the path of his belly hair back down to his cock. “Want this to just be us. Can’t let loose until you heal.” He nuzzled the thick patch of hair, spreading his scent on Tony just as much as he was soaking it up for himself.

“You’re doing so good, baby. Think you can prep me? I don’t think I’ll be able to with my shoulder still hurting.” Bucky’s breath was hot against Tony’s cock, teasing it with more attention.

“I can do it. I won’t hurt you.” Bucky pressed one last kiss to the head of Tony’s erection before sitting back on his calves and uncapping the tube of lube.

“I know you won’t. I trust both of you.” And the scary part was that Tony really did. He trusted Bucky and Winter just as much as he trusted his team to have his back when they fought. He knew Bucky wouldn’t hurt him intentionally. The look Bucky gave him made Tony want to spring up and kiss him if he could. Something between love and sadness.

“I won’t let you down, mate. We’re going to make this good for you and make you smell like me. Everyone will know who you belong to, and once you get better they’ll know who I belong to as well.” The softness in Bucky’s voice had Tony smiling again, feeling a warmth no other partner had ever given him.

“Go ahead then, I’m waiting.” Bucky nodded as he spread the lube over two fingers and carefully pressed just one against Tony’s puckered entrance. He rubbed at the ring of muscle with teasing pressure as he leaned down to take Tony’s cock in his mouth once more. Licking and sucking over the head enough to have Tony forget all about the tinge of pain he felt once the single digit pushed inside him. It was barely up to the first joint before being pulled out again and going back to rubbing around the edge. Making the muscles relax with the constant in and out and rubbing. “It’s okay, Bucky. You can do more, I won’t break. I can take some pain.” Tony teased, making the other man huff around his cock.

Bucky pushed the finger all the way in to his knuckle, causing Tony to snap his mouth shut at the sudden burn. The stretch really wasn’t that bad, it had just been a hot moment since Tony had bottomed and Bucky’s fingers weren’t dainty or thin. But then again, nothing about Bucky was small and that probably excited him just as much as anything else. To distract him, Bucky started moving his mouth again. Taking Tony to the root and staying there for a long moment, using his tongue to flick across the underside and press against the thick vein that ran just under his skin. It was enough of a distraction that Tony barely realized Bucky’s finger was moving until it curled up and pressed against his walls in a new way.

Moaning, Tony grabbed at Bucky’s hair again and pushed it out of the way so he could see the way his mouth stretched around his cock’s girth. It was a glorious sight, one he wished he could capture with his phone but there would be time for that later. Once they were safe back in New York he could capture all of these moments to keep forever. Bucky picked up a steady pace of up and down, in and out. Timing both to keep in sync with himself and once the pain of the first finger was gone, he carefully pushed in a second. The new burn went away quicker, replaced by pleasure much faster then the first. When Bucky curled his fingers up again, he found Tony’s prostate and caused the older man to jolt his hips up. Effectively throwing Bucky out of sync but not making him stop.

“Fucking hell Bucky.” Tony’s face twisted into that of pain when the jolt also put pressure on his right calf. When Bucky went to pull off, Tony quickly grabbed his hair and pushed him back down. “Doesn’t mean stop, just moved dumb.” Okay that didn’t make much sense but who could blame the man when Bucky’s tongue and fingers were doing the devil's work. He finally opened his eyes when the pain lessened and was met with Bucky arching an eyebrow at him. “Don’t give me that look, you still want to fuck me don’t you?”

Tony could feel Bucky laughing from the way his chest vibrated against his thigh but his comment on it was stolen away when a third slicked up finger pushed inside of him. His words turned into curses as Bucky’s head started bobbing up and down again. That dangerous tongue of his pressing against every curve of Tony’s dick as if mapping it out in his brain. It was hot and so fucking much, Tony didn’t even have time to warn him when the edge suddenly rushed upon him. His moans hitched higher with Bucky’s name on his lips as he spilled into the man’s mouth. Bucky swallowed down every drop but didn’t stop his licking until Tony had to physically pull him off by his hair.

“What’s the matter, too much?” That tease had no right to be as hot as it was. Tony was already over-stimulated and with the way Bucky was looking at him with hunger in his eyes, he had doubts he was going to survive the night. If Winter was anything like this, they would be in trouble.

“How the hell are you so good at this?” He had to swallow several times just to get his voice to not sound so strained. Even with Tony’s cock free to limply lay on his hip, Bucky’s fingers were still pushing inside of him. Stretching him for the girth Tony had only caught glimpses of.

Bucky gave him a half hearted shrug as his eyes darted back down to where they were joined. “Not that hard. You taste amazing, by the way. Winter is very eager to get a taste when it’s his turn.” Bucky spread all three of his fingers and Tony knew it was just to see his reaction but Tony was much too caught up on what the other had said.

“Nope. Tell Winter he is not putting my dick in his mouth. He has way too many sharp pointed teeth.” Tony was fine with a lot of things involving Winter but two things that would not be happening included having those claws anywhere near his ass and keeping that muzzle far from his dick. One ill timed sneeze and Tony would be without his little trooper.

Bucky had to duck his head down to kiss just above Tony’s belly button to hide his laugh. “I think you’re safe from that. Wolves can’t suck , just in case you didn’t know. But he is planning on using his tongue.” Bucky’s fingers curled upwards again and this time Tony was able to keep his hips from moving but god did they want to.

“Fuck, I’m good. Just put it in me already.” He looked down just in time to see Bucky giving him a shit eating grin. It was crazy that less than an hour ago Tony was certain he’d be walking in snow, half dead by this time. “Don’t give me that look. I’m old, not dead.” Bucky’s smile stayed but he didn’t say anything while he removed his fingers and moved to sit back on his haunches. There he spread more of the expired lube onto his cock and gave it three firm pumps, coating it up nice and good for his soon to be mate.

“Don’t worry, I’ll give it to you. Just want to avoid hurting you is all.” Tony leaned up as much as he could to get a good look at what was about to be inside him and he wasn’t disappointed. He had caught glances before but now seeing it all plump and ready for him, he was happy with the decision he had made. At least if he was going to be stuck with one dick for the rest of his life, it was a good sized one like Bucky had. His face flushed slightly thinking about how big Winter’s would be. The wolf was all muscle and easily a foot taller than Bucky. Surely everything about him grew with the shift. “Fuck, Tony.” His eyes darted up to see Bucky’s own set glowing again. “You have no idea how good you smell when you’re aroused like that. Thinking about my dick fucking you open?” Shit, how could Tony tell him his thoughts had been on the wolf’s dick and not his own. Groaning, he laid back down and covered his face with his arm. They were the same person, surely he couldn’t get mad at him.

“Yes and no.” He admitted, feeling Bucky move on top of him and gently lifting Tony’s left leg to sit on Bucky’s hip. “Was thinking about how nice it is and then I thought of Winters and how big it probably is.” Tony paused for a moment before peaking past his arm, surprised to see Bucky’s face mere inches from his own. “It’s big isn’t it?” The wolfish grin that broke out across Bucky’s face was all the answer he needed. “Fuck me.” Tony’s groan was promptly cut off when Bucky’s hips thrusted forward, suddenly burying his cock inside of him. “FUCK!” Tony all but screamed, feeling way too full with no warning. “Bucky!”

Bucky let out a soft whine as he moved his hips back so only his head was still inside. “Sorry Doll, you can blame Winter for that.” He ducked his head down again and licked at Tony’s neck, probably at a bruise he had left earlier. “He wants to fuck you something fierce. Probably better not to mention him or his dick right now. He’s already on edge since you agreed to be his mate.” The pain really wasn’t that bad considering what else Tony had been through in the last two weeks, but it still wasn’t exactly pleasant either.

Taking a deep breath, Tony tried to calm the hammering in his chest and relax his body. “It’s okay, I’ll watch what I say. Just tell him his new mate is human and humans need some time to adjust to things like big dicks. “ He had a feeling he was going to have to prep himself thoroughly before he let Winter inside. Possibly even wear a large plug for a day just to make sure he was extra loose.

“Can I move? You-” Bucky’s voice got caught in his throat while he spoke. “You feel really good, baby.” Tony could tell how much Bucky was struggling from the way his shoulders bunched up to the slight shake of his hand that Tony felt against his arm. It was something else to have such a powerful man keep himself in check like this, even if Winter broke out for just a moment. Tony admired the strength Bucky must possess.

“If you go slow, then yes.” Bucky nodded against Tony’s collarbone as he let his hips push forward once more, this time going nice and slow so Tony could feel every inch press into him. Tony had had plenty of sex in his life but this was something else. Even if it had been a long time since he bottomed, this still felt different than before. Maybe it was being with a werewolf or something else, but he could lose himself in it if he let go. Maybe once they were back in New York and his body was healed. He could just hand the reins over to Bucky and let the man use him to his deepest desires.

The thoughts must have made his scent spike again because Bucky was mumbling up something fierce against his skin. It was a twisted sound between curse words and animalistic noises, but it was just as hot as any pleasure sounds Tony had made his previous partners make. “Going to fill me up, Buck?” Bucky’s hips snapped forward again but dragged back out teasingly slow. It filled Tony with pride seeing his shoulders shake from the withstrain. “Fuck me full of your seed and make me yours?”

“Tony.” Bucky’s head shot up just as his hips slammed back home with enough force to scoot them both up the bed a little. His eyes were glowing a brilliant silver and Tony was certain Winter was probably clawing to get out. “Please, can I move?”

“Go ahead. I’m all yours.” Bucky surgered forward, claiming Tony’s lips as his own as his hips started moving. It was a steady pace, not nearly as brutal as the singular thrusts had been earlier but it left Tony scrambling to hold onto Bucky’s neck. Just something to keep him from moving too much and aggravating his wounds. “Fuck, just like that.” Bucky’s lips found his neck again and sucked another dark mark into but Tony wasn’t focused on that. The draw of the man’s cock against his hole was pulling every single one of his brain cells, focusing so intently on the pleasurable drag that he hadn’t even realized Bucky’s arm curling under his neck and pulling him in closer. Tony’s right arm was trapped between them, which was fine since it kept the limb from moving too much, while his left scratched at Bucky’s shoulder blade in an attempt to find purchase.

Bucky’s words turned into a slow chant of “Mine. Mate. Mine. Mate” Twisting together until it turned into a lull of white noise rushing through Tony’s ears. His hips sped up, slamming into Tony and filling the cabin with the sound of their skin smacking against each other. It was too much and not enough, edging Tony along the cliff of a second orgasm that his body was struggling to reach. Moans and words of praise spilled from his own lips with each scorching thrust. “Touch me. Bucky, please.” He begged, wishing so hard he could just get a hand around his own dick.

Bucky made a displeased noise but sat up all at once, forcing Tony’s hands to fall to his side. He made a quick movement to his dick but his hand was pushed aside as Bucky’s wrapped around the swollen tip. His hips didn’t once slow their pace but the position was different and caused new sparks of pleasure to rush through him. So much that it barely took four strokes before his hips surged up and another orgasm raced through him. Unlike last, Bucky was clearly chasing his own release and dropped back down so he was chest to chest with Tony again. He mouthed and grunted against Tony’s abused neck as his hips lost their rhythm. Tony was clinging on to his mate’s shoulder, breathing through every hard thrust as it sent electricity through his body. Just when it was about to reach the point of too much Bucky’s slammed in and shook, his seed pouring into Tony and filling him to the point that it leaked out.

Tony was used to lovers in the past screaming, saying his name, and being dead silent. Bucky it turned out was the silent type. Taking in one shaky breath as the pleasure coursed through him. When he pulled out, Tony had to make a noise at how wet it sounded and the feeling of the cum dribbling out and down the clef of his ass. “Jesus, do you always cum this much?” Bucky rolled onto Tony’s left side, draping his arm and leg across Tony’s bare body in order to snuggle up against him.

“Been a while.” He mumbled, burying his face against Tony’s neck once more and licking at the spot from earlier.

“Been a while he says as I have cum dripping out my ass.” He could feel Bucky’s lips turn into a smile which made his own appear. Tony felt thoroughly fucked out and if it wasn’t for the slight chill in the air he probably would have been able to fall asleep right here and now.

“If you think I come a lot, wait till you see Winter.” Bucky’s teasing had heat running straight down Tony’s body.

“Nope. We are not thinking about that right now.” He tried sitting up but Bucky was quick to pull him back down with a grumble. “How do you go from not wanting to share a bed with me to now not letting me out of bed?” He quipped before running his hand through Bucky’s sweat drenched hair.

“You’re my mate now.” Tony waited for more of an answer but when none was given, he sighed and patted the man’s shoulder.

“Okay. Well as my mate, I think you should go put more wood on the fire so I can go to the bathroom and clean up.” Bucky lifted his head to stare at him before flicking his gaze down Tony’s body.

“I can lick you clean if you want?” That thought had a wave of heat rushing down his body. The scent of it must have hit Bucky because not a moment later the tell tale sign of his cock hardening against Tony’s leg could be felt.

“Nope. Naddah, human mate is tired and fucked out. Maybe once my body gets used to it we can fuck more than once in a night.” In his prime Tony could have gone all night, but that had been easily twenty years ago. Once a night was his limit right now, hell he was impressed Bucky managed to get two orgasms out of him. That hadn’t happened since college. The pitiful whine that came from his mate’s throat did nothing to sway his decision. “Don’t give me that. You’re going to be just fine.”

This time when he went to move from the bed, Bucky let him go. When he returned from the bathroom it was to a cleaned bed, a nice hot fire going, and an extra cuddly looking Bucky already under the covers and holding the edge up for him. Tony slipped inside and cuddled up close to the warm line of Bucky’s body. The stray thought of how nice this would be to come home too after working in the lab all day crossed his mind. A sleepy thought that ended up leaving him with happy dreams while he slept.

Chapter Text

The next morning finds Tony standing out behind the cabin, Bucky’s winter jacket tugged over his shoulders and two blankets wrapped around him for extra warmth. He was standing in the easily foot deep snow and watched as Winter dug up piece after piece of his broken armor. The plan had been to leave as soon as the sun was up but after last night they both decided to sleep in just a little. Then came the question of where his armor actually was and how they were going to get it into town. A shiver ran down his body as the wolf carefully placed each piece in the knapsack he usually brought food back in. Seeing the condition of each peace meant there probably was little chance of anyone being able to put it back together if they did leave it, but Tony wasn’t keen on leaving his stuff in foreign places. Even if it was demolished. Especially if Hydra was still snooping around the area.

When the last piece was pulled up and stuffed into the sack, Winter pulled himself from the hole and pushed the dirt and snow back in with his back paws. Tony stepped closer, causing the wolf to still, only for his ears to drop when Tony reached forward and brushed the dirt from Winter’s muzzle. This was the first time getting to see Winter both in the daylight and outside. His coat was just as snowy white as it had looked inside but with a more ivory tint to it.

‘Cold.’ Winter’s voice had long lost its surprising effect but Tony still felt at ease hearing it echo in his head again.

“It is.” Tony confirmed, leaning forward to press a kiss to the werewolf’s nose. He caught sight of Winter’s tail wagging behind him and felt that happiness wash over his body. “Ready to go?” Winter dropped down to all fours and let Tony climb onto his back. They had agreed Winter would get them as close as to the town as possible before shifting back. The walk would be too much for Tony’s leg and with only the one jacket and set of shoes, Bucky would have gotten too cold if he had walked it as well.

Winter did what he could to keep from jostling Tony too much but the ride was still just as painful as he had imagined it would be. When they finally reached the edge of town it almost felt like a relief to be on solid ground again. As soon as he shifted, Bucky pulled on the spare clothes they brought and stashed the bag of iron man parts in a tree.

The shop owner took pity on them and let them stay in her back room by the fire while Tony made his call. Natasha had been the one to answer and was already on the quinjet before Tony could finish listing the coordinates. On strict orders of it being just her that was coming, she confirmed that she would be there in 6 hours flat. Thanks to the use of the shop owner’s computer, Tony was able to wire the woman a large sum of money so she could send her son out to get Bucky some boots and another jacket. The woman tried telling them it was too much money but Tony, using the language barrier between them, held up his hands and shook his head. Bucky, who spoke the language perfectly, smiled and told the woman it was okay. Still, she fussed at them and cooked them a nice meal while her husband ran the shop.

As nice as the locals were, Tony almost cried out in joy when he got the call from Natasha. Bucky helped him out to the open lot he had seen the local kids play ball in. Moments later the quinjet dropped down, crushing the snow as its door opened. Bucky and Natasha shared a long look before Tony was taken aboard. Natasha kept her distance and didn’t ask, even when Bucky came back and tossed down the remains of Tony’s suit. They were up in the sky only a moment later with Tony laying on the bench and Bucky sitting on the floor with his back pressed against Tony’s seat.

“You gave us quite the scare, Tony.” Natasha spoke once the auto pilot took over. She sat across from where Tony laid but didn’t get any closer. Tony suspected it had to do with the glare and don’t fuck with me attitude Bucky was putting out. “Cap was ready to send out a full blown search team when we didn’t hear from you after a week.”

“I’m heart broken you didn’t.” Tony put his hand over his heart and sighed dramatically.

“Oh, we did. Clint’s been scanning every radio signal you can think of. Cap and Thor have taken down three Hydra bases this week alone looking for you. We just didn’t make it public yet in case you didn’t want to be found.” Tony turned his head and was about to make a snarky response when he saw Natasha’s expression. For as long as he had known her, she had never let her emotions seep through that shell of hers. But right then and there, he could see the lines of worry on her face and how exhausted she looked. Any kind of response died in his throat and all he could think of was thanking her.

“I think everyone deserves the next week off. Maybe I’ll pay for you guys to go to an all inclusive retreat in Hawaii or Ireland.”

“How nice of you.” Natasha’s lips turned up into a smirk as her eyes drifted to Bucky again. “And this has nothing to do with him and all the hickies on your throat?” Tony could practically feel the pride rolling off of Bucky at the mention of the marks. He had purposefully avoided looking at them in the mirror and oh god, that poor store owner.

“Hey don’t slut shame me. If I want to bring home the man I found in the woods, I can.” Bucky’s head tipped back just the slightest, so Tony took that as an invitation to run his fingers through the man’s hair. The silence stretched on for too long to be comfortable but it was Natasha who eventually broke it.

“You know…” The question was left in the air and Tony knew what she was going to say. He suspected they had met before when Bucky had mentioned being a pawn of Hydra for so many years.

“I do.” Bucky stiffened under his hand but didn’t say anything. Hell, Tony was almost concerned the man wasn’t breathing to be honest.

“Does he remember?”

“No.” Bucky answered for himself, the word coming out sharp but to the point.

“He remembers some, but not all.” Tony clarified which seemed to be enough for her as Natasha moved back to the pilot seat.

“Should I radio it in? Warn him?” Tony laid there, mulling it over in his mind as he combed through Bucky’s hair. It would probably be best to warn Steve so he at least knew Bucky would be coming, even if the man was far from the friend Steve had known in the 40’s.

“Tell him I’m bringing a guest and to not think too much about it. I’ll explain everything later.” Tony finally said, his hand stilling in Bucky’s hair. “I need to go to medical as soon as we land. I was shot in my shoulder and calf so have them prep the bed.” Natasha hummed as she did just that.

The flight was spent drifting in and out of sleep. Bucky never left his post guarding Tony and Natasha didn’t try holding any more conversations. She must have been able to tell how exhausted Tony was and for that he was thankful. All he wanted to do was get to medical, get the wounds treated, maybe get a hot shower, and then climb into bed for at least twelve hours. The jolt of them landing had a groan of pain rolling out of his mouth and just like that Bucky was up and checking him over. Tony waved his worried hands away and sat up with a grunt. “I’m fine, just feeling my age.” Bucky helped him up and when the door opened, the werewolf moved to grab the sack.

Tony didn’t wait and was already limping down the platform when Steve ran up to grab his hand. Tony didn’t think anything of it, it was normal for them to help hurt team members and Tony wasn’t hiding the fact that he was hurting. He knew the mistake he had made the moment Steve’s hand touched his. A booming growl ripped through the hanger and a moment later Winter was throwing himself at Steve. Tony went down, hard, but scrambled up just in time to see Winter’s hulking body pin Steve to the ground. Steve fisted the wolf’s neck fur in his hands with his arms shaking to try and keep Winter’s snapping muzzle from reaching his neck.

Tony had never seen his mate like this before. His claws were dug so deeply into the concrete of the hanger ground that it splintered in cracks all around them. Loud, aggressive growls rang through his throat as he snapped and pushed to get his teeth on Steve’s neck. Natasha had her gun raised a moment later and Clint was scrambling to get something behind the jet.

“WAIT!” Tony flung his arm towards Natasha and stumbled his way to Winter’s side. “Winter stop! Fucking STOP!” Tony grabbed Winter’s left ear and yanked as hard as he could. When Winter swung his head around to snap at whoever had tugged on him, Tony reared his good hand back and slapped the wolf clear across his muzzle. Winter’s whole body went rigid as his unfocused eyes stared blankly at Tony. “Stand the fuck down, right now.” Tony didn’t hesitate to grab Winter’s septum and yank down so the wolf was eye to eye with him. “Stand. Down.”

Winter ears laid flat against his skull as he moved off Steve and dropped down to the ground behind Tony, a whimper clearly heard as he did so. Tony looked at Steve, relieved to see the super soldier unharmed outside of a few light scratch marks on his forearm.

“What in the hell, Tony!” Steve sat up, the fury in his eyes darting to Tony and then Winter.

“How do you get kidnapped and somehow come back with a pet wolf?!” Clint was open mouth staring at them and Tony felt the prick of irritation from Winter scratch at his mind.

“He’s not a pet and I’ll explain later.” Tony held up his hand when Clint started badgering him again. “Later. I’m going to take him up to my room and then head to medical. I’ll explain there.” He took a few steps forward, and Winter was on his heels a moment later, towering over him in a threatening stance that Tony didn’t feel like correcting right now. As long as he wasn’t trying to rip anyones throat out, then he would count it as an improvement.

Not a word was spoken between them until they were on the elevator. “Winter, you can’t attack people like that. Steve is Bucky’s friend. He’s my friend. You could have killed him.” Winter’s tail tucked between his legs but he didn’t look at Tony, all the while Tony was staring at him through the mirrored walls of the elevator.

‘He touched you.’ Came the grumbly response.

“He was helping me. He’s going to touch me, Winter. They all-”

‘NO!’ Winter swung his head around as a loud growl rumbled through his chest again. ‘No touch! You’re mine. They can’t touch you.’ He moved to press against Tony’s front, and tried to lick at his neck again only for Tony to push his muzzle away.

“No, Winter. We talked about this. They are my family, my pack. They’re going to touch me, and you can’t kill them for that.” Winter allowed Tony to slip out of his arms when the doors opened but followed close behind. His fur standing on end and clearly wanting to fight. Tony led him into the bedroom of his pent house and pointed to the bed. “Go lay down. I need to go to medical and get these wounds looked at by an actual doctor and you need to think about what you did.” Winter growled as he passed Tony but did as he was told, climbing onto the king sized bed and pushing some of the pillows off just to be a brat. Tony waved him off and went towards the elevator once more. “Don’t destroy anything or you’re sleeping in a dog house tonight.”

It was a lie. Tony wanted nothing more than to cuddle up with Bucky or Winter post shower and even if the wolf destroyed his entire room, he wouldn’t hold it against him.

Explaining everything to the team turned into a mess. Steve took the information in stride. Both learning that Bucky was back, and that Hydra had been experimenting on him this whole time. No one particularly liked the fact that Bucky could potentially be turned on them with only a few words, but Bruce stood up for him and promised Tony he would help him come up with a cure. The whole team sat around him while Dr. Helen’s bed patched together his maimed skin.

By the time it was all done, Bruce and he had already thought of some possible tranquilizers that could put Winter down if needed, and Steve had agreed to take things slow, letting Bucky come to him when he was ready. The help was offered to get him back upstairs, but Tony turned it down. Thanks to the bed he was already able to walk without a limp and with how sensitive Winter was, it was best to go up alone.

Before the doors opened to his floor, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “Jarvis, should I prepare myself for anything?”

“Nothing is destroyed, Sir. He is sitting in front of the living room windows and hasn’t moved since.” The AI responded automatically, bringing relief to Tony’s system. He could survive without his AI but that didn’t mean he wanted to. Sure enough when the doors opened, Winter was seated right where Jarvis had said he was and staring out at the New York City skyline below. He saw the wolf’s ears flick back at the door closing behind him but didn’t move outside of that. Tony, taking it as a sign of welcoming, approached him. It was rare that Tony was taller than his mate in this form, but having Winter sitting on the ground, put Tony at a head taller than the other. Which meant he could lean his chin between the white wolf’s ears and wrap his arms around his neck with ease. Winter pressed back into Tony’s chest but didn’t move outside of that. All was silent save for their breathing thanks to the soundproof windows and walls Tony had installed. He loved New York City, but his sleeping problems didn’t mesh very well with her never ending noise.

‘He doesn’t remember it looking like this.’ Winter reached up and pressed a large paw against the glass.

“It didn’t use to look like this.” Tony ran a hand along Winter’s soft muzzle fur and up to his temple. He watched in the window's reflection how his right eye shut under Tony’s fingers and for a moment it reminded him of how alike to a dog he really was. His eyes drifted down to the spot of red underneath Winter’s nose and frowned immediately at not noticing it before. “Winter,” Tony moved his head from its resting spot to turn Winter’s own head to the side so he could get a better look. Sure, enough there was dried blood on his nose and the very peaks of his white fur. “Winter, did I hurt you earlier?”

‘It’s okay.’ His tongue darted out to lick his nose, but the dried blood didn’t go anywhere, standing out like a sore thumb along the snowy white fur.

“No, it’s not.” Tony went back to the kitchen to retrieve a wet dish towel before returning to Winter’s side. This time holding his muzzle firmly in one hand while he scrubbed at the blood. Once it was clean, he moved in close to inspect the other’s nose but couldn’t find anything physically wrong from the outside.

‘It’s okay, you just scratched the inside.’ Winter confirmed, pulling his muzzle out of Tony’s grasp but not moving any further from him. Tony’s frown was still present, even as he moved to sit in Winter’s lap and allow the giant wolf to wrap his large paws around Tony’s chest. ‘You don’t smell in pain anymore.’

“You could smell my pain?” Winter had never mentioned it before but now he had to wander how much Winter could tell just from scents.

‘I could. It stung my nose.’ Tony leaned back against his furry chest and looked up at the underside of Winter’s muzzle. The wolf was still staring outside with his ears up in alert.

“They fixed me. Going to scar more than likely and both spots are tender to the touch, but everything else is good to go. Should be back at a hundred percent in a day or two.” Winter’s right paw ran up and down his chest, his claws catching on the arc’s bump, but not ripping his shirt. They sat in silence for a long while after that, just staring out the window and petting each other. Whether it was Tony running his hands across Winter’s muzzle or arms, or Winter pressing his paws against Tony’s chest or legs. Touch was everything right now and a large part of Tony wished he had removed his clothing before sitting down, but nothing inherently sexual was going on. Maybe this was what scenting was like for the other.

“I’m sorry.” Tony started finally, “For yelling at you and for hurting you. I should have told Natasha to keep the hanger cleared so we could go straight to my room. Get you settled in and then slowly meet everyone, one by one.” When Tony looked up at him it was met with Winter turning his head down to meet his gaze. “I know this is a lot for you. A lot of smells, sights, I can imagine it’s very overwhelming for you. I’m sorry I set you up for failure in the first few minutes being here.” Winter dropped his head in order to lick across Tony’s cheek, a familiar thing that Tony had learned to mean as a calming gesture.

‘Wasn’t a failure. I got to protect you.’ Tony’s smile softened a little. Even if he hadn’t been in any danger, he still felt that much safer knowing the pair had been there.

“You don’t have to protect me from Steve and the others. They mean me no harm, mate.” A happy sound vibrated in Winter’s chest at that.

‘Like it when you call me mate.’ He pressed his cold nose against Tony’s neck and snuffed at the dark bruise Bucky had put there the night before. ‘Want to bite you. Make you mine for good.’ Tony easily leaned his head to the side to give his wolf as much room as he desired. The wetness of his tongue drew a surprised yelp out of him but that quickly morphed into a low moan as it continued lapping at the skin. ‘Want to mount you.’ He pressed, paws sliding down to spread Tony’s legs, leaving just enough of a gap for his right paw to slip between and press against Tony’s filling erection.

“Fuck, Winter. Yes, but not right now.” It took all of Tony’s will power to push his paw away and try and climb out of his lap. Before he could even get to his knees, Winter was grabbing him around his waist and rolling them over so he could pin Tony against the floor. The sudden movement caught him by surprise but not nearly as much as the gentle wag Winter’s tail did when he sniffed the air and caught no scent of pain. A move like that would have had Tony hollering in pain the day before, but now it was only like a gentle pinch to the fake skin pulled over the once bullet hole.

‘Why not right now? You said when we were back in the city.’ Tony reached up to brush both hands along Winter’s muzzle and cheeks, to eventually land in his thick neck fur.

“Because, baby. I desperately need a shower, I’m sure Bucky does too, and I’m tired. Not to mention after last night, I think it’s pretty obvious I’m going to need a lot of preparation to take your cock.” Just the mention of it had Winter’s eyes start to glow but that was quickly solved when Tony moved his hands over them. A jolt of something flooded his system when Winter didn’t move away. He trusted Tony to take his sight from him. This big powerful creature was at Tony’s mercy and in that moment he could see why Bucky had been so terrified to come here. To allow Tony to be this important to them. It was clear Winter would do anything for him and if that kind of obedience had landed into someone else's hands…someone who wanted to use Winter for bad, then it would be a living hell for Bucky. Tony surged up and threw his arms around Winter’s neck, burying his face against his fur and took a shaky breath. “I’m going to protect both of you. I promise you’re going to get the life you deserve. No ones ever going to hurt you again or make you do anything you don’t want to do again.” A firm paw pressed against his back, holding him up so Tony didn’t have to strain his stomach muscles.

‘We know.’ Winter’s voice faded from his mind as the shift took over. It was the first time Bucky or Winter had allowed him to witness it and as much as Tony wanted to open his eyes and take it in for the full beauty it was, he instead kept his face pressed to Winter’s throat. The feeling of the fur fading into smooth skin was different but not in any way alarming. Even after the shift had finished and it was Bucky now who held him, he didn’t pull away. Just squeezed him tighter to enforce the promise he was making.

“That’s why we came here.” Bucky kissed the top of his head before forcing them apart, just so he could get a good look at Tony’s face. “We trust you. Now how about we get that shower you were talking about?”

Chapter Text

Winter rolled around the large bed with a grumble. Tony was gone again, probably down in his lab like he normally was. Vague memories of Bucky saying goodbye to him a few hours ago crossed his mind but he shook them away. They had been here a month already and while Winter enjoyed spending time with Tony, he was getting antsy with being cooped inside and the itch of the seasons changing. He had never had a reason to pay attention to the season, it always caused him an annoyance but nothing he couldn’t handle by himself due to the lack of potential mates available. But now, having to watch his other half getting to have very intimate time with their mate night after night, it was causing that itch to grow larger than he’d ever dealt with before.

‘Stop being jealous. Tony just jerked you off last night.’ His other half pinged, making Winter shove his head under Tony’s pillow. ‘Stop pouting. If you want something just go ask him. You have to use your words Winter.’ He knew Bucky was right, but Tony should just be able to smell the want on him. He could always smell it on Tony after all. ‘Tony’s not a wolf, he’s human. Remember?’ Winter shoved the pillow to the ground and sat up, his fur going in all different directions.

“Fine.” He husked out, moving from the bed and going towards the dresser. The shift happened before he could open the first drawer. Bucky quickly dressed them, feeling the impatient energy coming from his other half.

“Calm down, we know where he is. We’ll find him and you can talk to him.” Bucky buttoned up his flannel on the way to the elevator. While the rest of the team had gotten used to them living here, for everyone’s safety only Bucky was able to freely walk around the compound. Winter was allowed out only if Tony was with them, and only if Winter had his muzzle on. Not that the wolf couldn’t just remove it, but if anything triggered his anger it would give anyone enough time to react. It had only happened once so far thankfully, and Clint learned rather quickly not to push boundaries.

The elevator ride was quick and smooth, taking them exactly where they wanted to be. Going to Tony’s lab was like clockwork by now, a muscle memory he never thought he’d need. The doors slid open with a happy chime from Jarvis, but there was no rock music playing. Nothing making his ears hurt or his nose twitch, which meant Tony wasn’t here nor had he been alone in here earlier. ‘Let me out’. Winter grumbled, pushing for the shift that Bucky refused.

“Give me a moment.” Winter’s annoyance was felt, but the wolf stopped pushing and settled down. Clearly only the one thing on his mind right now. If someone was down here, it would be unwise to let him out. Especially if that someone was too close to his mate. “Tony!” He called, walking around the mess of whatever project the man was working on, only to find his computer station empty. Frowning he looked up at the ceiling, still not comfortable with talking to Jarvis without making some sort of eye contact.

“Jarvis, where can I find him?”

“Sir and Bruce are currently in the chemistry lab. They will return momentarily if you would like to wait here.” Bucky nodded and plopped down on the sofa pushed against the wall. They spent a lot of time here, watching Tony, so it was only natural the billionaire would buy them a couch. He had threatened to buy Winter a dog bed as well but that had only ended in the wolf throwing a temper tantrum and refusing to sleep in any bed for a few days. Days that Bucky’s back still remembered.

“Yeah, we’ll just wait. Could you let him know we’re here?” Technically they were allowed in the chemistry lab, but Bucky learned very quickly how much Winter hated it in there. The first time they had set foot Winter had screamed inside in his head so violently Bucky suffered from a migraine for two days following. That was one of the few times the shift happened against Bucky’s will and Winter was running out of there before Tony could even grab for them. It took those two days in agony before Winter finally gave Bucky control back. The whole time Bucky was riddled with pain, Winter had been haunted with flashbacks of the Hydra facility they were made in. Staying far away from that room was the best thing they could do.

True to his word, Tony and Bruce walked through the door less than ten minutes later. Bruce was the only one so far that could get close to Tony without Winter losing his shit and that only came after he had the pleasant experience of meeting the Hulk in person. It was nice having someone else who knew what it was like sharing their body with another. Tony’s face lit up when he saw Bucky on the couch, and even with his weaker nose, Bucky could pick up the change to his scent.

“What a surprise!” Bucky gave a short nod to Bruce, a friendly gesture that was returned, before Tony stepped in front of him. “Here I thought you’d nap the rest of the day away.” Bucky smirked up into the kiss Tony pressed to his lips. Loving the tinge of coffee on his breath.

“Well we have to make up for all the sleep you skip out on.” Tony waved him off as he and Bruce returned to the computer. Probably importing whatever findings they had discovered. Bucky and Winter both listened to Tony when he spoke, but that didn’t mean any of the information stuck. So many words he had never heard before, but Tony was usually so focused on it that they never interrupted to ask. “Are you almost done for the day?” Bucky leaned back against the couch, content in watching the pair work.

“Should be done in another hour or so. Why?” Tony didn’t look back as he spoke, nor did his fingers stop typing. At first it had annoyed Bucky that Tony acted like he wasn’t paying attention, but he had grown to learn better by now. His mate could be doing four things at once, and still he would remember every word that was said to him. Truly, he was amazing.

“Winter wants to talk to you about some things.” Bruce looked up at that, but Bucky gave him another nod. Stopping any questions the other scientist might have had.

“You know you can let him out here. Brucy’s already passed the smell test.”

Winter huffed and made Bucky’s skin tingle, once more asking for the change that Bucky refused. “It’s something a little more private.” While Winter clearly had no problems with shifting in front of others now, Bucky still preferred to be in private or only have Tony around when they did it. Bruce’s face reddened as Tony’s head snapped up to look at him. While Bruce had read between the lines, Tony only had a look of concern on his face.

“Is he okay? Is something wrong?”

Before Bucky could put his worries to ease, Bruce interjected. “Tony, he’s a wolf.” ‘See, at least one of them gets it.’ Winter growled, itching again at Bucky’s skin.

“Okay, but what does that-” Bruce motioned towards the calendar on the wall. Bucky tilted his head looking at it as well. Winter’s annoyance had nothing to do with the date unless Bruce was just showing Tony how long it had been. “It’s January, what’s so special about that?”

“Tony you really didn’t do any research on wolves did you?” Bruce sighed as he collected his things. “January is the start of breeding season for wolves.” Was all he said before making his escape. Bucky felt a sinking in his stomach at the words before anger bubbled up.

“Are you telling me that’s why we’re so horny?!” He stood up and stared down at his body. He had noticed that uptick in need the last two weeks but Bucky just blindly assumed it had to do with being around Tony so often. For once, Winter was silent but Bucky could feel his shame. “Jesus fucking Christ. Winter I’ve had to jerk off twice a day this week just-” Bucky groaned as he moved towards the door as well. “I’m sorry, Tony. I thought…I didn’t think it was a biological thing.” Tony grabbed his arm, and while Bucky knew he could get away if he wanted to, he didn’t try. Instead he turned to face his shorter lover. Those brown eyes weren’t angry, no. They were soft and searching for something that Bucky couldn’t read.

“Could you let Winter out?” Bucky felt a twist of something in his stomach. He wanted to go hide in shame and chastise Winter for keeping this from him, but Bucky couldn’t pull himself away from Tony’s eyes.

“You really have no idea the power you hold.” He leaned down with a sigh, stealing Tony’s lips this time in a kiss. If someone had told him two months ago he would basically be a leashed dog to some human, he would have laughed and then probably bit their head off. And yet here they were, both of them falling over this man and unable to go against a single command he spoke.

“I think I have an idea.” Tony hummed as he pulled away. “Jarvis, code wintergreen please.” Bucky had to roll his eyes as the windows tinted, not allowing anyone to see in.

“He’s been irritable all day so be careful with what you say to him.” Bucky walked over to his couch and started stripping, knowing damn well that Tony was watching and not caring. Tony had seen every part of his and Winter’s body so really, there was nothing to hide. Once his clothes were folded neatly on the armrest, he finally let the shift take over.

When Winter came out, he shook his fur out, sending new dust bunnies to their little nooks and crannies that Tony’s bots couldn’t reach. Carefully Winter turned around, expecting to see Tony standing behind him but surprised when he noticed his mate was propped up on the work table.

“Winter, can you come here?” Tony opened his legs and patted both thighs, making Winter’s tail give a hesitant wag. Tony wanted to talk, Winter wanted to hide over the admission of season, and Bucky was…already asleep giving them privacy. “Winter?” Huffing, he walked to where he was directed, ears pinned back in case he was in trouble. “Pup, you’re not in trouble. Come here.” Tony’s laugh did nothing to settle the uneasy feeling in his stomach.

‘Feels like I’m in trouble.’ He grumbled, moving between Tony’s spread legs once he was close enough.

“And why do you think you’d be in trouble?” Tony’s hands were on his face immediately, rubbing down the sides and making his whiskers twitch from being pressed down. Another thing he couldn’t imagine getting used to was someone touching all over his muzzle and yet it seemed to be Tony’s favorite place to pet.

‘I lied to you.’ Tony’s fingers slipped under his lip and Winter opened his mouth without hesitation.

“No you didn’t. Omission of something doesn’t mean you lied about it.” Those skilled fingers ran over each of his canines and then dragged back, causing Winter’s eyes to flutter shut at the calming feeling that rushed through him. The fact that Tony trusted him this much, to put his hands, his most useful tool, into Winter’s mouth did things to him.

‘Should have told you.’ Tony ran his index finger over the roof of Winter’s mouth, dipping into each ridge with a satisfying tap. The unfamiliar feeling had a shimmy running through his tail. ‘Tony’ He whined, wrapping his arms around the small human’s waist as he moved in closer. His mate’s crotch now pressed firmly against his belly.

“And I should have looked more into your species. I wasn’t aware how deep your connection with primal wolves goes, so I would say that’s a fault on both of us.” Tony hooked his thumbs and pressed against the back of Winter’s teeth, going from top canines to molars. “Tell me, do you want to knot me?” Winter’s paws planted themselves on the table just as his claws flexed, digging into the metal and scratching at it. “You know you can’t breed me, wrong equipment.”

‘I can try.’ The hint of arousal hit his nose just as Tony’s hands moved from his mouth and traveled up to his ears.

“Mm, that you can. Should I set Jarvis to do not disturb for the next few days?” Winter pushed past his hands and gently nudged Tony’s neck with his nose. When Tony leaned his head back without question, Winter took the opportunity to lick at the exposed skin. The salty taste and vulnerability of it going straight to his dick.

‘No, just need to fuck you once.’ There was a pause as he took a big inhale of Tony’s scent. ‘Or twice.’ He revised, catching how aroused Tony was getting. To be honest, he wasn’t sure how long the itch would last. It wasn’t insufferable, just an annoyance that kept his and Bucky’s libido high. If he could just fuck it out once or twice that would probably be the end of it, satisfy his urges until next season.

“Fuck, Winter.” Tony pulled at the back of Winter’s neck, forcing him back just enough that his mate could meet his eyes. “We need to get back to the bedroom.” Winter’s eyes flicked to the couch, causing Tony to shake his head with a laugh. “No, Bucky and I can fuck on that couch but you’re too big darling.” Tony’s hand moved to Winter’s front and dragged down his body until he settled on his sheath. “And I’ve seen this bad boy. I’m going to need a lot of lube.” Winter rutted forward but Tony’s hand was gone just as soon as it had come.

‘Tease.’ Winter growled, seeing the absolute joy in Tony’s eyes. He knew his mate was one but that didn’t mean it couldn’t annoy him every time Tony toyed with him like this.

“Jarvis is the elevator free of occupants?” Tony reached for something behind him as he spoke.

“Yes sir. Should I privatize it while you return to your suite?” Winter caught the flash of red and groaned when Tony pulled his muzzle out from a pile of papers.

“Yes, please. Divert everyone for the next few minutes.” Winter hated it, but didn’t fight as Tony encased his muzzle and snapped it behind his head. He understood why he needed it, and knew how to get out of it if needed. It was nothing like the one Hydra would put on him. This one had larger open bars that he could drink and eat out of it he wanted to. Tony had called it a basket muzzle after the first initial one had triggered him. This one was tolerable, but he still disliked it.

‘Won’t bite anyone.’ He huffed as he stepped back to let Tony down from the table.

“You’ve tried to rip Steve’s throat out and made Clint a much less effective archer already.” Winter followed after Tony as his mate went around shutting things down that he had been working on before heading for the door.

‘They deserved it.’ Winter’s fur stood on end the moment the doors opened and the strong scent of the others hit his nose.

“You also fought the Hulk. Remember?” Winter’s eyes were dilated and it took Tony reaching up and hooking his finger into the muzzle to get him to focus again. “Winter, focus on me. Don’t make me get the leash out.” The threat was a lie but it had Winter moving again, following closely on his heels as they made their way to the elevator. Tony had attempted to leash him once and only once. The torn up leather scraps were still shoved under Tony’s bed.

‘Wasn’t really a fight.’ Winter was thankful Tony kept his finger in the muzzle as they boarded the death trap. It gave him something to lick at to distract himself. His other half was usually the elevator rider but he wasn’t ready to give the body up yet so he dealt with it.

“True. He did throw you across the room though.” Tony’s finger flexed, letting Winter lick the underside of it until it tasted more like his saliva than its natural salt. The ‘fight’ with Hulk really had been anything but that. Bruce transformed and so did Bucky, they had a standoff. Winter bit the Hulk, he in return threw Winter across the room. After that they just rounded each other a few times before making a pack and Winter allowed the Hulk to pet him.

‘Didn’t hurt.’ Winter stepped closer to Tony, pushing him against the wall. In return, Tony pulled his muzzle down, forcing Winter to bend to go with it. If anyone else dared to direct where his head went they would be missing a finger, but with Tony there was no resistance.

“You going to promise not to hurt me?” Winter whined when Tony kissed the tip of the muzzle. So close and yet so far from where he wanted to be kissed. “Gonna let me ride you like I rode Bucky last week?” Fuck, how was his mate so good at this.

‘Want to mount you.’ He whined again, grabbing at Tony’s shirt to try and pull it off but being battered away.

“Oh you can. I fully expect you to mount and fuck me, but might be a good adjustment to ride you first.” Tony’s hand dropped to his sheath again, this time pushing it back to get the tip of his cock exposed. “Let me work down on this bad boy at my own pace before I let you go to town on me.” Winter’s whole body shivered at the way Tony’s hand wrapped around his head and pushed down, coaxing more of it out.

‘Mate.’ He couldn’t move his head away to look as Tony still held firmly onto the muzzle, keeping his head exactly where the human wanted.

“Yes, baby?” Tony’s eyes bore right into his own as his hand worked down his length. Following the curve of his cock, to the deflated knot and past where it got thinner. “You can’t wait to feel me, can you?” Tony’s skilled fingers massaged the loose skin of his knot and that’s all it took for Winter to pull his head from Tony’s hold and stand up properly. He was going to snap if his mate kept pushing him like this.

‘If you don’t stop, I’m going to knot you here.’ Winter warned, looking down only to watch as his mate’s hand ran two delicate fingers along the top side of his exposed cock.

“Good thing we’re here, then.” Winter’s head snapped to the side to look over his shoulder when the door opened, giving Tony just enough time to slip away. “Come, I want you on the bed when I get in there.” He followed obediently, ears up and eyes down to stare at Tony’s ass as he walked. An ass he thoroughly enjoyed eating out whenever Tony allowed him.

‘Where are you going?’ He paused when Tony stopped at the living room and pointed towards their bedroom.

“I need to go do some stuff and I need you to wait in there. Can you do that for me?” Winter looked to the door and back to his mate, an unease settling into his stomach at being away from him. It was probably the season making him so clingy, but this far in, it was starting to be hard to deny what his body was wanting. He whined, shaking his head finally. “No, go lay down. I promise I’ll make it worth your wild.” Tony was against his front again and stroking his cock in this stupid teasing pace that had Winter’s claws flexing. “Be a good boy, go lay down.” Winter whined again but didn’t follow Tony as he stepped back and started going to the kitchen.

Maybe his mate was hungry? Winter wasn’t, but Winter had also been up here all day and Bucky always made sure their body was full of nutrients. One final warning of “Go.” Had his ears laying down flat as he turned around and retreated into the bedroom. Winter climbed onto their large bed and flopped down on his back, staring up at the ceiling for a solid minute before leaning up to glare at the door. It wasn’t fair. Tony should be here, he should be mounting his mate. His gray eyes flicked down to where his cock sat against his belly, hard and wet.

A low growl escaped his throat as he reached down, running a single rough paw pad against his length. It wasn’t good, he wanted Tony’s hands not his own. Tony’s hands were silky soft and could curl so perfectly around him. And god that mouth. Winter's hips jerked up against his palm and groaned at the rough texture. The first time Tony had tried taking him in his mouth they had to restrain Winter to keep him from thrusting up. Tony could take Bucky no issue, but Winter? He had to work up to it, taking him inch by inch. Each time getting to go a little farther. Still though, Winter had never had the pleasure of knotting his mate’s mouth yet. And while Tony had invented him a silicone sleeve that could provide a good enough pressure against it, that never truly felt as good as it did knotting someone.

Not that Winter knew what that felt like. He dropped his paw when it was clear he couldn’t give himself any pleasure with it. Where was his mate? Even with his heightened hearing, he couldn’t hear a peep outside of the bedroom. Tony had made sure every piece of this suite was soundproof due to his own sleeping issues and while it unnerved the wolf, he had learned to deal with it for the most part.

‘Your hearts racing.’ Winter glared at the ceiling when Bucky’s voice rang through his head.

‘Thought you were asleep.’ He was feeling prickly and almost jealous that his other half was awake. This was his and Tony’s time, and while it was silly to be jealous of someone you shared a body with, Winter didn’t want Bucky to see Tony like this.

‘I was trying to but you’re being very loud.’ Winter snapped his mouth at the annoying but true words of his inner self.

‘Tony should be in here. Need to mate him.’

‘And you will. Just relax, Tony is worth the wait.’ Winter had to snort at the soft tone Bucky’s voice took.

‘You act like I’m not the one who wanted to save him.’ Winter turned his head, ignoring the way the muzzle dug into his cheek, to look at the digital photo frame on the night side stand. On nights where he couldn’t sleep he would watch it flash through the images for hours. There were photos of Tony and his team, a lot of Pepper and Rhodey, a few of Tony and Bucky, and then one of them. Winter knew exactly which order they cycled in, so despite how ramped up his body was, his tail still started wagging when the photo of Tony and Natasha cuddled on the couch came up because the next one was him. Winter had fallen asleep with his head on Tony’s lap. The photo had been taken by Bruce and it left him reaching out to carefully run a claw along the frame. He loved that photo. For once he didn’t see himself as a monster.

‘Be careful with him.’ Bucky’s voice faded from mind when the door opened. Winter sat up instantly, eyes going straight for Tony as his mate walked through. He had changed clothes, now wrapped in a soft looking robe that Winter desperately wanted to scent mark. His legs looked bare and it sparked arousal to run through him all over again.

‘Tony.’ He went to get up but stopped when Tony raised his hand.

“Nope, you stay right there. I told you I wanted to ride you first.” The words alone had him flopping back and rolling his hips up as if there was anything for them to rub against.

‘Please. Need to mate you.’ The chemical scent of lube hit his nose when Tony climbed onto the bed and while he hated it, he was also very aware of why it was needed.

“Oh you will.” Tony knee walked up to him, pausing at his hip to look down and inspect Winter. Under his gaze, Winter only felt himself get more worked up. Tony was smarter than him and Bucky combined, and while the Hydra scientist studying him had made Winter irate. When Tony did it, it made Winter want to present anything and everything to him. Because Winter knew Tony only did it for his own curiosity, not to turn him into some killing machine. Tony placed a hand on Winter’s stomach as he swung his leg around, sitting just above where his cock rested against his hip. The soft robe fluttered against him and made Winter’s eyes roll back at the brief feeling of friction. “How are you feeling?”

The question caught him off guard but when he looked up from Tony’s bare thighs, he could only see concern in the human's eyes. ‘Want you.’ Winter’s paws settled on Tony’s knees just as his mate ran his fingers through his soft belly fur.

“And you’ll have me.” Tony leaned down only to press a kiss against the cold plastic. “But before we start I need to know that you’re still you. You can’t use your teeth or claws on me.” The scent of fear was small, being pushed down by both of their arousals and the scent of lube, but it was still there if Winter paid enough attention. His fingers flexed against Tony’s skin, the tips of his claws just barely touching the soft flesh.

Winter knew why the fear was there, Tony had seen him lose his cool more than once. And while it had never been directed at his mate, Tony had seen what Winter could do. Taking a deep breath he pulled his paws away and held them crossed over his head. Tony’s eyes flicked to them for a moment before looking back down at him.

“Are you sure?” Winter didn’t have to say anything, only nod his head to give Tony permission. “Jarvis.” They hadn’t done this before, but he had seen it through Bucky’s eyes more than once. The flexible metal came from the head board and wrapped itself around Winters crossed wrists. It wasn’t painful and while Winter knew there would be some flexibility if he pulled, Bucky had yet to be able to break free from it.

‘Want them free when I mount you.’ He looked up as he gave them a testing tug. Like predicted, the metal flexed but kept his arms firmly above his head.

“That’s fine. I already have another mattress coming tomorrow if you decide to ruin this one.” Tony sat up as he spoke, his delicate hands going straight for the band around his waist. A simple tug was all it took for the knot to come loose and the soft fabric to open up, exposing Tony’s bare body to Winter’s eyes. The light of the arc reactor, the smooth skin of his chest, the soft pudge of his thighs, and the dusting of hair around his cock made Winter’s eyes glow in want. He snorted out a big puff of air, watching as Tony moved back, effectively grinding down on Winter’s cock.

‘Mate, please.’ He strained against the restraints with the desire to touch Tony skyrocketing.

“Such a needy boy, aren’t you?” Tony made a show of dropping the robe, tossing it to the ground and putting his full body on show for Winter’s eyes. His mate may have been weak compared to him, but the way his arm muscles flexed had every instinct in Winter’s head going off. Tony was the perfect mate for them. “Should have tied you up and made you watch me get ready.” He leaned back, placing both hands behind him and rolled his hips. The friction on his cock combined with the sight of Tony’s naked form had Winter thrusting his hips up.

‘Would have broken free and mounted you.’ He threatened, eyes in a trance at the way Tony’s bare ass felt against him. Every thrust back the tip of his cock would catch on his mate’s slick hole, but just as it did, Tony would move just in a way that would have Winter’s cock passing by and sliding under his soft balls instead. It was teeth gnawing and had the restraints groaning as Winter pulled at them.

Tony was right to restrain him. If he was free he would have flipped them and fucked Tony silly by now. “I hear a challenge in that voice of yours. I’d love to see you go feral sometime. Work you up so much that you’d do anything to get to me.” Tony chuckled as Winter thrusted up again, making him bounce on Winter’s soft hips. “Maybe I could take some blood samples while you’re in rut. Wouldn’t be too hard to make a fake heat scent to put on me.” Winter jerked up, snapping his jaws, but bending up only as much as his arms could bend backwards. The restraints during the job perfectly.

‘Tony!’ He growled, feeling the need and desire bubble up through him like a fire. It made Tony chuckle again as he leaned down against Winter’s chest and hooked his finger into that damned muzzle.

“I think that’s going to be the first thing I do once this is over. Now,” Tony finger walked his index and middle finger up the muzzle and between his eyes. “I’m sorry for teasing you but I need you to promise me you’ll be good and not thrust up while I’m adjusting. You could hurt me, okay?”

Winter’s eyes fell shut when those talented hands of Tony’s dug into the base of his ear. A few more scratches and he was finally feeling his body relax. ‘I will try my best, but please mate.' Winter opened his eyes to stare into Tony’s. ‘I don’t know how long I have before the need gets too great.’ Realistically they should have tried this before his season hit but that would have meant Winter opening up to Tony and Bucky which the wolf was quick to avoid. Tony pressed a soft kiss to the muzzle before moving back down, this time he got his knees under him and reached behind to grab Winter’s mass.

“Just gonna take this slow.” Tony was talking to himself, Winter knew this, but it still made heat well up in his stomach. Ever so carefully, Tony lined Winter’s cock up to his hole and slowly pressed down. The pointed tip went in with ease and the head was followed shortly after that. It took every bit of self control Winter had not to thrust up and bury himself in his mates body. “Fuck, I got this.” Tony cursed as he reached the thickest part of his shaft. It tapered down after that until he would get to the soft flesh of his knot.

‘Mate.’ Winter whined, feeling the way Tony squeezed around him. He had felt this all second hand through Bucky, taping into their body while the other fucked him but being the person in control this time? It was maddening to sit still.

“I know, baby. I know, just gimme a few more minutes.” Tony pressed both hands on Bucky’s stomach and pulled up so just the tip was in. He worked himself just those few inches, getting the feel of it before starting to push down further. It was killing Winter inside and if he could just…one more…And there! Tony pushed past the thickest part and let out a surprised shout as he slid right down the remaining three inches.

A satisfying growl rumbled through Winter’s chest as he once more pulled at the restraints. His hips though, as promised, stayed firmly planted on the bed. He didn’t want to hurt his mate and as good as this felt, Tony’s safety was of the highest priority. ‘Feel so good.’ His eyes rolled back a little as he felt pre leaking out of his cock, wetting the passage the lube was thin in.

“Did…” Tony’s face screwed up a little in surprise and confusion. “Did you just come?” The insinuation that that was all he would release when he came made Winter’s lip lift in a wolfish smile.

‘No, you’ll know when I come, Mate.' Tony nodded as he fisted his hands in Winter’s belly fur and slowly pulled back off. The thick scent of his own arousal was high in the air and combined with Tony’s, it made his whole body relax for a moment. His mate was so good to him. There wasn’t a thing Winter wouldn’t do for him in return. ‘Feels really good.’ He mumbled, his whole body giving a shiver when Tony reached the head again.

“Feeling is very mutual. You’re going to make me a size king by the end of this, Winter.” Tony took a deep breath as he sat back down, going slow and letting his body adjust to the girth and length. He got stuck on the widest part again but pushed down harder. He did this a few times and if Winter kept his eyes closed, he could keep his instincts at bay. Just focus on the pleasure of it.

Tony sat down fully, giving Winter a pat on his stomach as he finally released his death grip on the fur. ‘Yes, mate?’ Winter cracked his eyes open and just seeing Tony sitting there, looking so proud of himself, had Winter’s resolve crumbling again. ‘Look so good up there.’

“I do, don’t I?” Tony smirked at him and it caused his tail to start wagging. His human looked back in confusion for a moment before barking out his own laughter. “Winter, you tail’s wagging.” He teased, rotating his hips in a circle to get it moving more.

‘It wags when I feel good.’ Winter hummed, not at all taking offense in Tony’s teasing. When Tony looked back at him, there was something swimming in his eyes.

“I think I’m ready.” He rolled his hips to give Winter clarification on what he was talking about. Just that movement had his mouth going dry at what that really meant.

‘If you let me out I won’t be able to stop.’ Winter warned, his eyes already dilating.

“I know. If it gets to be too much I will have my armor step in and restrain you.”

‘It has the sedative?’ Tony’s nod confirmed as much. They had tried it on him once to see if it would work and while Winter -hated- how it made him feel, he wouldn’t deny that it was necessary. For both Tony’s safety and Bucky’s. ‘Okay.’

“Be a good boy now, and fuck your mate silly.” Tony snapped his fingers and the metal around his wrist withdrew, letting Winter’s arms drop down. For just a moment everything was still. Tony’s scent had turned into a mixture of anxiety and excitement while Winter’s was a whirlwind of everything. The growing need from the season blossomed in his chest at the first whiff of arousal he caught from his mate.

In a blink, his paws grabbed Tony around the waist and lifted him until just the tip of his cock was still inside. With a growl, Winter moved his feet under him and started fucking up into Tony. “FUCK!” Tony’s hands fisted and pulled at Winter’s arms but when Winter’s nose only caught the scent of pleasure from the other, he didn’t stop. Instead going faster until he felt the first orgasm prickling at the surface. He wouldn’t knot, this wasn’t the right position for it. But his body was picking up that Tony needed less resistance and what better way to do that than filling him with cum?

Tony’s moans of pleasure had Winter slamming upwards, using his mate's body like one of those sleeves he had seen the man use before. His eyes went down to where Tony’s cock bounced in the air, angry and red at the lack of attention but still plump with how good it must feel. It pushed Winter closer and closer until it got to be too much. Quickly he dropped Tony back down, making his mate sit fully on his cock as the orgasm rushed through him and exploded inside Tony.

“Holy shit, Winter. That’s-“ Tony squeezed against him as his own hand quickly fisted his cock and started jerking it. “Real good, really good. Fuck you’re cumming so much.” Winter’s paws stayed tight around Tony’s waist while his eyes rolled back. His cum was starting to slip out due to his lack of knot, but it still kept coming. Flooding Tony so his passage would be nice and wet for the real mounting. “S-shit. Baby!” His eyes flew open just in time to see Tony’s body shiver around his own orgasm. His small bits of cum shooting out and landing on Winter’s fur. He’d lick it off later, but right now he needed to properly fuck his mate.

‘Need to mount you.’ He said once he emptied the first load into his partner. Tony was still breathing hard as he met Winter’s eyes.

“Is…that not what we just did?” His arousal only seemed to get higher when asked.

‘That was to get you wet enough. Didn’t want to hurt you.’

“Jesus Christ, Winter.” Tony slowly lifted up and off Winter’s cock, making the wolf whine as he was left in the open air. Wet and hard just as he had been before. The thin cum he produced easily slid down Tony’s thighs and dripped onto his fur. “You’re going to ruin sex with Bucky if you keep this up.” Despite it being a tease, he still felt Bucky push back at the comment. It had Winter barking out a laugh that Tony didn’t seem to understand at first.

‘He said he’d gladly accept that challenge.’ Tony crawled up his body and pressed a soft kiss between Winter’s eyes.

“I can’t wait.” Winter felt Tony’s hand on the muzzle clasp and for a moment held his breath as it was unlatched. He was putting his faith fully in Winter. And while realistically Tony probably did it for Winter’s comfort, a small part of his brain acknowledged it was because Tony trusted him. Tony didn’t see him as some monster that was out to kill. Somehow, this human they found in the woods really did care for him. The photo flashed in his mind again and it had Bucky going quiet in his brain. It made everything go quiet except for him and Tony. The muzzle was pushed off and tossed somewhere on the ground but Winter was focused solely on the way Tony was looking at him.

‘Wish I could kiss you.’ He thought, realizing the words had traveled to Tony’s brain as well. A sad smile pulled along Tony’s lips as he leaned in with a gentle touch and kissed Winter’s snout.

“I know.” Winter wrapped his arms around Tony and very carefully rolled them over. Immediately getting his knees under him so he wouldn’t put any weight on Tony’s frail human body. “How do you want me?” He questioned, looking up at Winter with those soft brown eyes.

‘Hands and knees. I need to properly mount and knot you.’ He sat back to allow Tony to move, getting into the requested position and wiggling his ass just to prove he could do it. Winter pushed his wet nose against Tony’s sack and moved up, letting it collect some of his own cum as he went up while his tongue greedily licked it up. Tony’s smart comment came to a halt when Winter pushed the leaking cum back into his gaping hole. Given another time, Winter would love to eat Tony out like this. His tongue was long and thick and much more flexible than Bucky’s, but he had other matters to get to. The need within his body sparking up again the more time passed from his last orgasm.

‘Taste so good with my seed in you.’ Winter rumbled, moving past Tony’s opening to follow the curve of his spine with his tongue. All the while, moving closer and getting into position. By the time he reached Tony’s neck, his cock was pressing against his mate’s opening once more.

“Such a tease.” Tony mumbled, pushing back as the tip pressed in again. It had Winter’s head jerking back, his jaws snapping shut at the sudden pleasure. “Come on, fuck me like you mean it. Mount me alpha.” The growl that echoed through the room was enough to have Tony’s own mouth clicking shut.

‘So be it.’ Winter’s right paw reached under Tony, pressing against his chest to hold him still as his hips rocked forward. Burying every inch back into his mate’s waiting hole. Tony could have moaned or screamed, Winter’s ears were pinned back so his sense of hearing was drowned out for the moment. Unlike before, his hips took up a brutal pace right from the beginning. Jack rabbiting into his mate like he was meant to.

Drool dripped out of his mouth and slid along the curves of Tony’s shoulder. His eyes watched every moment in the desire to bite down and mate him properly, but he couldn’t. Even lost to his instinct right now, he knew he couldn’t. It would hurt Tony. Hurting Tony was bad. Bucky would be very angry with him.

“-ore.” His ear flicked up for a moment as the high pitched noise Tony made. The worries of hurting him, breaking through the instinct.

‘W-what, mate?’ He questioned, flexing his claws against the human’s metal heart.

“More. Harder. Give it to me, Winter. I can take it.” The scent of his own arousal was so strong in the air that Winter almost hadn’t caught how intertwined it was with Tony’s own human arousal. Growling again, he launched forward to bite onto the headboard just so he wouldn’t bite into Tony’s flesh. Using that as purchase, he thrusted harder into his mate. Chasing after the pleasure that swam inside him. So close. So close.

Fuck. Knot. Breed. Fuck. Knot. Breed. The same words kept repeating over and over in his brain with every glorious thrust. His mate was perfect. So perfect for him. They choose right, and now, Tony would be theirs for good. A warmth unlike before rushed down his body, sending a searing need to all of his limbs.

In a snap, he quickly yanked his paw away so he could dig his claws into the bed, shredding it as the pleasure rocked through him. His knot caught twice before locking him into place and expanding fully. He felt Tony shifting his leg, heard the human crying out in pleasure and that’s what had Winter’s own body jerking forward. His cock pushed wave after wave of cum into his mate, this time not a single drop leaked out. He felt Tony clamping down as much as he could around the engorged knot, all it did was push another wave into him. Tony had toyed with his knot before with his hands and mouth, knowing how much it drove Winter crazy and now his mate was doing the same with his ass. Winter had to release his death drip on the headboard just so he could open mouth pant. It was all so much and now Tony was theirs.

“Such a good boy.” He felt Tony’s upper half slump down to the bed, pushing his ass more firmly against Winter’s hips. “You made your mate very happy.” Winter’s ears flicked as he looked down. His human’s skin glistened with sweat, the desire to lick it was so strong that Winter decided he shouldn’t fight it. Without moving his lower half, he leaned down and licked the back of Tony’s neck, making his mate turn his head to the side so Winter could get to the other side.

‘Wish I could bite you.’ He hummed, licking up the expansion of his throat and up to his cheek. The facial hair always felt a little funny on his tongue but that wouldn’t stop him from grooming his mate. Bucky’s own bites littered Tony’s skin, now almost a permanent resident on the human’s body. Winter wished he could do it as well, leave his own marks, but knew his teeth would rip at the skin instead of bruise it.

“Why?” Tony’s question turned into a short moan when another pulse of cum leaked out of Winter’s cock, filling him even more.

‘We bite our mates when we mount them, helps keep purchase and mark them as our own.’ Winter moved his tongue to Tony’s hair, only to stop when the taste of chemicals hit. ‘Gel.’ He grumbled, moving back to lick Tony’s face.

“Yes, you know I put gel in my-“ Tony’s words were cut off as Winter’s tongue licked into his mouth. The distinct taste of him had a rumble of pleasure run through Winter’s body. His tongue pushed forward, tasting the top of Tony’s mouth and then pressed against his human’s much smaller muscle. Tony was perfect and submissive to him, making his hips rock forward the little bit they could without hurting his mate or pulling at his knot.

He knew it wouldn’t last long, Tony had expressed a few times before that Winter’s tongue did not taste appeasing, so when his mate’s hand came up to gently push at his muzzle, Winter went without complaint. “Breath mints. Like a whole jar of them, babe.” Tony huffed, wiping his tongue on the sheets below them.

‘Roll over?’ He questioned as he carefully put his paw on Tony’s chest again.

“Yeah, that’d be good. My knees are starting to hurt.” Winter’s other paw went to cover Tony’s groin to keep their hips pinned together when he noticed Tony’s small human cock was still hard and hot against his pads. Carefully he rolled them onto their sides and moved a pillow under Tony’s hips so they could stay lined up.

‘Mate?’ The paw over Tony’s groin turned so only the furry part was touching his delicate skin. ‘Cum?’

“Mm, little harder for me to cum twice in one session, pup.” Winter pushed his head under Tony’s so his mate could rest it against his cheek, less strain on his neck.

‘Why?’ His paw moved along Tony’s length, doing what he could without using his fingers in fear of his pads or claws damaging the thin skin.

“Why, he asks.” His mate laughed but Winter knew it wasn’t in a mean way. Not like the Hydra agents who laughed at him. “When you get older things don’t work as well as they used to.” Tony pressed a kiss under Winter’s eye as his hands carefully pulled his paw away and tucked it around waist. “Don’t worry about me, tell Bucky he owes me a blowjob in the morning. Yeah?”

‘Why can’t I give you one?’ Winter’s question had Tony squeezing down on his knot again, pulling the last bit of cum he had left to spill inside.

“That too. You know how much I love your blowjobs.” Winter’s tail wagged behind them and if Tony noticed, he didn’t comment on it.

‘I did good?’ He questioned, feeling Tony’s body relax against his chest fully.

“Did I do good?” Tony squeezed his paw with a tired smile on his lips. “Winter you did very good. Best boning I’ve had in a very long time.”

‘Good. Want to be a good mate for you.’ Winter was content laying there, holding his mate, in silence. He found the rhythmic beating of Tony’s heart calming as it slowly lolled him into a sleep.

“You know,” Tony started right when he was about to drift off. “You know I love you, right?” Winter tightened his hold on Tony’s body as if he could get any closer.

‘I can’t speak for Bucky,’ Who was much more emotionally stunted than him. ‘But I love you too. As soon as your scent caught me that first night, I wanted this. Wanted to be with you forever.’ Tony’s hand fisted his short hand fur at his words.

“Never have I ever been so happy to have been shot.” Winter rumbled against him, glad to have been able to protect his mate.

Chapter Text

Bucky’s sense of time had been warped since Hydra had taken him in. Days felt like months sometimes while hours could feel like seconds. With Tony things seemed to slow down but the passage of time still happened. Winter lost his thick coat when the warm air hit, causing Tony to freak out and deep clean the apartment. That had led them to a new floor where nothing smelled of them and the crawling feeling of sleeping there for only a night still made Bucky’s back itch every now and then.

When he blew his coat a second time in the fall, Tony was prepared for it. The wolf grew more comfortable around the others in the tower and while new people moved in and out, he didn’t react as he had before. Others touching Tony was still a slow process but not a death sentence as it once had. Everyone loved Winter once they got past the large set of teeth that could and would kill them if they fucked up. Who wouldn’t? His other side was practically a giant puppy at times.

Hydra had tried once to break in and capture him again. To his and everyone else’s surprise Tony calling out to him was enough to break both of them of the control wrapped around their brain before they could do any damage. It had felt nice sinking their teeth in the agents that tried to make him hurt his mate. But that night and the following nights after that, he had tucked himself so close to Tony that they were practically one.

They had gone on a few missions with the team since then, but for the most part Winter and Bucky had been left at the Tower to protect those who also stayed. Whether it be by choice or injury, Winter was there in case someone tried to get the upper hand on them. Tony’s pack became his pack over time and Winter would do anything to protect those his mate cared for.

Bucky had settled in just fine around everyone as well. It was only Tony who saw him at his worst when the nightmares would come. Sam and him had bonded pretty quickly, even if he wouldn’t admit it. And Natasha was a familiar face that he could confide in sometimes while also sparring with. He overall liked being around people for the most part but some nights, like tonight, he found himself hiding on the living room deck. He could still hear Tony inside, could still hear the laughter and fun the group was having, but he could be safe out here. The cool fall air running along his face and calming down his senses. Thor’s return to earth was a cause for a party and while Winter and Bucky enjoyed Thor’s company, Winter especially loved wrestling with him, they both needed some air to clear out their minds.

“Mind if I join you?” Bucky looked up from his spot on the ground and saw Steve standing over him with a beer in his hand. Winter didn’t like the taste of beer so even when he craved it, he knew better than to try and consume one. Steve on the other hand was something Winter craved that Bucky stayed away from. He remembered some of his past, slowly and not always correctly, but there were flashes of a tiny blonde haired boy always at his side. He knew Steve wanted him to be that man again, and he couldn’t. So what did Bucky do? Avoid him completely.

Bucky was well aware of how that was a bad idea and wouldn’t help solve his problems with the other. It also made the scent of sadness fill the air every time Bucky would make an excuse to get away from him. Something Bucky hated doing, knowing how close Tony and Steve had gotten in the years past.

“I hear it’s a free country now.” Tony pushed him to reconnect, it would be good for him and maybe help him get over some of the guilt he felt for abandoning his old friend. Even if the abandoning part hadn’t been his own choice. Tony also claimed it would help work through some of the trauma he had gone through with Hydra, and while Bucky knew that was a good idea, he was still stubborn about doing it.

“If only that were the truth.” Steve sat down on one of the layback chairs, purposefully giving Bucky a few feet between them. Bucky didn’t need it but he appreciated it. Despite avoiding him, Steve never pushed him. He always gave Bucky space and never assumed everything was okay even when his other half purposefully sought him out to rough house with or bother when Tony was busy. Deep down Bucky knew it was because Winter had the least chance of hurting him and thus didn’t have to mind his claws as much. Steve and Thor were the only two outside of the Hulk he could be rough with so it made sense. “Too loud in there, tonight?” Steve questioned, taking a long sip of his drink.

“Yeah, gets a bit much for us sometimes. Just safer to hide out here until he calms down.”

‘I’m not the one over-stimulated right now.’ Winter was quick to correct him. Bucky put a hand on his chest and smiled, knowing his other half would take the fall for his own shortcomings if he needed to.

“You’ve got a pretty good handle on him. I’m surprised, you never were good with animals back in the day.” Bucky snapped his head to look at Steve, ready to make some comment about Winter not being an animal when he saw the man smiling around his beer. There was a memory he wasn’t remembering.

Instead of hiding away from it, he asked; “Tell me.”

Steve leaned back in the chair and stared up at the night sky. “These high school boys were kicking around a cat. Tiny thing, probably only a year old. I got in the middle of it, of course.”

“Guessing I saved your ass?” Bucky added with a chuckle as he too looked up at the sky. It was nothing like the sky he met Tony under, the one now clouded with too much light pollution to see even a single star…but it was still peaceful knowing he could choose to be out here. It was nice living a life where he didn’t have someone telling him what to do or where to go. He could just move around freely, and while he had the option to walk around the city if he wanted, he still felt safest here in the tower. And that was his choice.

“That you did. We decided to sneak the cat into your ma’s and hide her in your room. I left for five minutes, if that, to get some scraps and I come back and you’re covered in scratches and blood all over your shirt. You had one on your left arm that got infected and you swore up and down that you’d never save another animal.” They both laughed and for a moment Bucky swore he could see the little orange cat in his mind but the memory was gone just as quickly as it flashed back.

“Did I?” He asked after a moment of silence.

“You did. There was a dog on 32nd street. A pig you helped me rescue from a butchers shop one night you drank too much vodka. Oh, and a rat who had gotten its head stuck in a pop can.” Bucky smiled as Steve reminisced about everything. He didn’t remember any of them, though if he was that drunk on vodka he doubted he would remember anything in the first place. It was still nice to hear though and smell the happiness coming from his old friend. Maybe one day the memories would come back to him.

“Hey!” He tilted his head back when the deck door opened and Tony popped out. “We’re going to start a game of Jack Box, did you guys want in?” His mate smelled absolutely delightfully. Full of happiness and excitement over having everyone together again.

“I’m going to stay out here.” Bucky felt a little twist of excitement run through him when Tony walked out and leaned down to steal a kiss. If he had shifted, he knew without a doubt his tail would be wagging. They kept their touches in private, mostly because Winter got extremely territorial when Tony showed them physical affection. So little things like this that Winter allowed, had Bucky beaming up at this mate.

“You doing okay?” His mate whispered, even though they both knew Steve and his super soldier hearing could hear them.

“Yeah, just needed a break from everything.” Bucky was already smittened with Tony, but when he smiled it felt like he couldn’t breathe sometimes. Tony was always looking out for him, always checking in to make sure he was doing okay on days he went quiet.

“Okay. I’ll come grab you before bed.” Tony pressed his lips to Bucky’s forehead before turning around. “You coming Cap?”

Steve waved him off with his own smile. “I’m sitting this one out, too. Clint get’s a little too competitive when he’s drinking.” They both laughed as Tony made his exit. Bucky didn’t understand the reference but he was fine with it since he got to watch Tony walk away and see that perfect ass on display. It wasn’t until Bucky looked back up at the sky that Steve spoke again. “You’re really gone on him something good, aren’t you?”

“Tony?” Bucky smiled just thinking about the man. “Yeah.” He could write a book on how Tony made him feel. Tony was always so gentle and understanding with both of them. He could be stern at times, the three of them had gotten into a number of arguments before, but in the end he knew he could always talk to Tony. Nothing would scare the older man away and not even Winter snapping and growling at him, could make their mate back down. He had seen Tony save the world ten times over now and then come home to get into his fuzzy robe and slippers and curl up with Bucky or Winter on the couch to watch a movie. Like the world wasn’t still turning because of something he had done. “Can’t explain how he makes us feel. Winter knew the moment he saw him, that that was it.” It was almost a year ago but it still felt like just yesterday for them.

“I’ll have to thank him again sometime for bringing my friend home.” There was a pause before Steve continued. “Tony, and you.” Bucky stilled for a moment, feeling that guilt wash over him again.

“Steve…I know I’m…” He had been avoiding Steve this whole time for exactly this reason. “I can’t be the person you remember. I know you want me to be, but I’m not. I might remember things but I’m not that Bucky anymore and nothing will make me be him.” Bucky turned to look at his old friend when there was no response and the smile that Steve had felt sad.

“I know,” Steve sat up and faced Bucky, his arms going to lean on his knees. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t start new. Right? I’m not exactly that same shrimpy kid anymore either. We both grew up, went through some generational trauma, and now we’re here. Me wearing the Stars and Stripes, fighting aliens, and you in love with my new best friend and turning into a big fuzzy dog every full moon.” Steve smirked, waiting for the bait to take.

“He said he’s going to bite your ass next time you spar.” Bucky smirked right back and the two of them dissolved into laughter. They both settled down after a moment, staring back at the sky as the good cheer fell through them.

“I am serious though. I’m glad you’re back, and I do hope we can be friends sometime. Maybe even get to the point where you’ll ask me to be your best man instead of Sam.” It was a tease but Steve’s words caught him off guard. Best man?

“Steve, I’m pretty sure it’ll be a long day before anyones my best man.”

“Hm? You think? I’m pretty sure Tony would say yes any day you ask him. I’ve known him for a while now and he’s never acted this way towards any of his other partners.” Steve finished off his beer before setting it down on the concrete. “Plus aren’t you guys already werewolf married or something? Might as well do it the human way too.”

Bucky gave a shrug, trying to hide the smug look on his face. “I have no doubts he would say yes. I just don’t know if it’s worth the grief it’ll cause publicly”

“Everyone knows Tony’s bisexual, if that’s what you’re worried about.” Bucky arched his brow and looked to Steve who seemed confused by it all.

“I know that. I meant the whole marriage thing. Pretty sure it’s only legal with a dame.”

“Huh? No, they threw that out a while ago. Same sex marriages are legal, Buck.” Bucky’s stomach dropped at that moment, just as his eyes went wide.

“Seriously?”

“Yeah?” Steve slowly sat up to meet his gaze. “Did you not know that?”

“Obviously not!” Bucky jumped up and marched back into the living room, his heart pounding against his chest. Steve called out to him but he couldn’t stop. The team stopped what they were doing and Tony looked up to say his name. Bucky finally came to a stop in front of Tony, where the man sat comfortably on the couch pressed between Bruce and Natasha. “Stand up.” He huffed. His hands were already starting to sweat but he was determined to do this now that he knew he could, even if he didn’t have a ring. Or money to buy said ring. It didn’t matter to him and he knew it wouldn’t to Tony either.

“Are you feeling okay?” Tony sprung up and reached to touch Bucky’s forehead but Bucky was too quick. Catching his love’s hand with his own, he dropped to one knee.

“Anthony Edward Stark, will you marry me?” Tony’s eyes were wide and for that moment Bucky couldn’t hear anything else going on around them. All of his focus was narrowed onto his mate as he slowly nodded his head.

“Yes.” And then he was jumping back up and clamping his hands around Tony’s face to kiss him. He vaguely felt Tony’s arms around his waist and the cheering around them but his real attention was drawn to the happy thumping of Winter inside him. They might have already been bonded, but now they could legally and fully be together forever.

“I love you.” Tony hummed against his lips.

“We love you too.” Bucky echoed back.