[ lucky for you, Tony is quiet after the first sip of coffee, more focused on getting it into his system than anything else. with a snort, Tony raises his cup in a 'here here' motion before he downs the contents. good thing Pepper got them a carafe because there was a very good chance that he will be drinking at least half of it.
might share with Steve since, y'know, Thanos and all.]
I feel like you couldn't deserve getting hit my the Mad Titan. Shit Steve. [ look at that, Tony will turn away from his coffee to focus on you completely. serum or not, that has got to fucking hurt.
this might be a different universe, might be a Steve that isn't the one he is used to, but like fucking hell Tony isn't worried about him. there is one person that comes close to his level of recklessness on the battlefield (not recklessness, no, calculated risks where the weight of his own safety is far less than that of others) and that is Steve.
putting the coffee on the table, Tony moves (without a grimace look at him go) to pay attention to Steve. to the injuries he has and the story he tells. thinks about those who are close to Clint in his world and comes up with two:]
Kate or Nat? Fuck, nevermind, Clint would never let Kate do that. I'm sorry, shit. But I don't think anyone can talk Nat out of doing something she sets her mind to.
You know, I'd sit on you if it wouldn't make things worse. [But at least he's still on the bed, so, you know. That's a pretty major concession from Tony, and Steve'll take what he can get right now. From everything.]
Yeah. [Steve looks down at his coffee cup.] I know. Just one of those dumb things where you wish you could talk to someone one last time, tell them how much they meant to you. Not that- not that we were like that. But she was the only friend I had left after the snap, and I don't know if she ever realized how much that meant to me.
[And, yeah, he has Sam and Bucky (and Tony) back now, but it still doesn't lessen the grief he feels.]
You know, this is the first one where I didn't know if we could pull it off, but I was willing to die trying. Everything else, I had a decent feeling about, but this...after the snap, I didn't know what to do for the longest time. Didn't have any idea how we could bring everyone back, because there was nothing to fight, and what does a soldier do without a fight? [He grimaces. He knows he shouldn't have moved out of the compound, but he'd needed space, needed time to himself.] I guess it almost felt good when it came down to a battle in the end, even knowing I'd get my ass kicked. I just didn't want to go down without a fight.
[ the ' I don't doubt it' is swallowed down with a mouthful of Tony's coffee, lips quirked as he looks at Steve. he knows that the other wouldn't hesitate to sit on him if it meant that he stayed put while healing. but he also knows that there are more important things to be dealt with right now.
like the grief that Tony can see on his face. in the lines of his shoulders. this might not be his Steve, not the Steve that he has known for most of his life, but that doesn't mean that he is going to let him suffer through this alone. it is still Steve and, if Tony is being honest, this one looks too young to be dealing with this much heartache. without much thought, Tony reaches out and puts his hand on Steve's shoulder, gripping tight but making sure he doesn't hurt him.]
You're more than a soldier, Steve. More than the sum of your parts, you know. You're a good man, great one even. I'm glad-- well I'm glad you didn't die trying. [ again. this time. unspoken honesty in the press of his fingers against Steve's shoulder. he has lost Steve so many times, many because of his own doing, but still--] You'll live to fight again, fuck, even if you don't want to fight anymore, that's fine.
[Some of the tension seeps out when Tony touches him. God, it's been a hell of a day, and he hasn't even been punched through dimensions (although some of those swings felt hard enough to do it).]
Are you complimenting me, Stark? [Steve laughs, a little bitterly, and shakes his head.] Now I know you're from a different world. [Not that he's ever complimented Tony, come to think of it - their relationship has always been one full of verbal jabs and sparring, even when they got along. Now he wishes he'd told him more, said something genuinely nice to him.]
I tried not fighting for five years - there was nothing to fight. [That's not strictly accurate; they hadn't had a team monitoring the situation for nothing.] It didn't feel right. I think I'm the kinda person who just needs to be doing something to make a difference, you know? [He glances at Tony. For years, he wanted to be able to stop fighting - and now that he could, he realizes that the fight is part of him, that it's been part of him since before he'd ever heard of Project Rebirth.] I just need the right person by my side.
The fuck, I haven't--? Shit Steve, that was just the truth of the matter. That isn't a compliment.
[ and he means that, the confusion is clear on his face at the thought that some version of him hasn't told Steve that he is a good man, hasn't told him that he is the better half of him in so many ways. sure they argue (fuck do they ever argue) but for Steve to not know-- for this to be new for him.
there is something a little broken in Tony when he looks over at Steve. really looks at him too. sees how he is younger, softer, a less jaded and confident man than the one that he left behind. he adores his Steve, loves him truly, but there is something about this one that makes him want to protect him. no matter how long he is here, be it a few days or more than that, Tony vows to do what he can to lift that weariness from him.]
Yeah, yeah I know that about you. Always having to be truth and justice. [ a smile, soft, as he wraps his arm around Steve's shoulder's and pulls him close despite the pull on his ribs.] C'mon Steve, you gotta get some rest too yeah? You went up against Thanos and that-- fuck, that isn't a walk in the park.
[Steve blinks in surprise when Tony tugs him close. Hugging is definitely not something he and Tony do. But he relaxes into it like it's second nature (like, if he's being honest with himself, he's always wanted to do). He can feel the heat from Tony's body through the thin layer of fabric, and it's comforting.]
He broke my shield.
[Steve's still a little numb about that, to be honest. He hasn't even had it for seven years, he'd given it up willingly, but that doesn't mean it isn't like an old friend to him nonetheless, and it's evident in his tone. He wonders if anyone picked up the pieces from the battlefield, if there's really anything to pick up.]
Mjolnir just isn't the same. [Steve leans his head against Tony's shoulder.] And you can't down half a cup of coffee and then tell me to get some rest. That's cheating.
[ well if the hug was throwing for a loop then Steve might just short circuit when Tony starts to absently, and softly, run his fingers through Steve's hair. it was something he didn't do often, mainly because they didn't get time to just sit and exist like this, but-- it's something he has done enough that this seems natural.]
I'll make you a new one. [ a huff. ] Two, one outta vibranium and another that is electromagnetic, as a backup. Mjolnir is a bitch to use as a defensive weapon, I agree.
[ not that he has used it, but-- you have. other you. whatever.
and, just to prove a point, Tony downs the rest of his coffee and grins.]
[Steve makes a small noise in his throat, somewhere between simple pleasure and flat-out arousal, and resists the urge to melt into a puddle on the bed. He can't remember the last time anyone touched him with anything like casual affection, and that alone is enough to almost make him want to cry.]
Electromagnetic? Does that mean I'm gonna start sticking to things? [It's half a joke - he's pretty sure electromagnets don't work like that - and half serious, because...he doesn't know how electromagnets work.] T'Challa let me borrow a pair of vibranium gauntlets in Wakanda, but they were all- [he waves a hand vaguely] panther-y.
[Which probably isn't a surprise, considering that it's Wakanda, and they like cats.]
Asshole. [Steve very gently nudges him with an elbow.] I'm gonna fall asleep here and you'll have enough caffeine in you to sneak off and work or something. [He pauses, then adds,] When you sneak off, check on the kid, okay? He's...he's had it rough.
[ oh you sweet summer child. Tony snorts but continues to run his hands through Steve's hair, a little amused at how much longer his hair is compared to his Steve's. makes it easier to run his fingers through it actually.]
No, not even a little. I mean, I can make it do that if you want, but not the point. And the fact that T'Challa lent you anything is-- high commendations. He is notoriously picky about that kind of thing.
[ even more than he is actually. which is-- saying something. but it is clear from the tone of his voice, the edge of a smile in his words, that Tony is amused by this whole conversation. at how Steve is relaxing more and more against him, fighting against the fatigue that is plaguing him. and Tony doesn't blame him, fighting Thanos must have been taxing, more taxing than the day he has had.
sure, getting your ass kicked by Carol Danvers isn't a walk in the park, but easier than the alternative surely. ]
The kid-- oh, Peter? It's weird to see him so young. [ he isn't where he is from, weirder still to realize just how close of a bond he and the other Tony share. but he also isn't about to leave him without support. he might not be the Stark that this world is used to, but he was going to do what he could to help. ] You need some water there, Steve?
[Right now, Steve is the equivalent of a sleepy kitten. His eyelids feel heavier and heavier, and he keeps having to resist the urge to just fall asleep leaning against Tony. The rhythmic strokes feel good, and, hell, if having longer hair means he gets petted like this, he's going to end up looking like Thor soon.]
Probably the least he could do after I brought Thanos's invasion to his doorstep. I needed something to face an alien army with.
[Don't ask why he didn't have his shield then. It's part of that whole long story that will probably come out in an emotional rush at some point.]
That his name? All I know is that he's from Queens. [They've only met twice now, both in the middle of a fight. He hasn't exactly had a chance for a proper introduction.] You shoulda seen him the first time we met. I dunno what he was thinking, dragging a kid into a fight between Avengers. [Like he hadn't had Wanda out there, but that's different - Wanda's older, for one thing, and used to fights.]
[ a sleepy, and an oddly cute kitten. Tony really isn't sure what to do with that wow. so he doesn't think about it too hard at all and keeps the soft movements going. it is easier for him to just act right now than think. which isn't something he is used to but he will take it.
the engineer snorts at the words, clearly not quite believing what is being said.]
Sure you did. Still, high praise or something. And yeah, Peter is a kid but, if he is anything like the Peter I know, there would be no real keeping him out of a fight. Not if he saw a reason to be in it. Fucking brilliant kid. Well, probably. I don't know. Shit, it's gonna be weird to try and relearn everything with people again.
[ like your weird and easy acceptance of his affection. and the softness around the edges. he likes it but really doesn't want to think about why.] How old is he? Doesn't look like he's outta high school, and that's even earlier than me donning the fucking suit.
Along with all the warriors of Wakanda. And Bucky.
[He vaguely thinks about checking in with Bucky and Sam to see how they are - to make sure they made it through, to reassure himself that they're alive - but he's too comfortable right here, and he's sure they'll understand if he just rests a little bit and gives the serum some time to work.]
Uh, two years older than he was the first time I met him, and he wasn't real old then. Old enough to shoot his mouth off at me while he grabbed his shield with those webs, but you know how New Yorkers are. Mouthing off before we can even walk.
[And apparently running off to space to fight Thanos. They grow up so fast.]
Just...just talk to him. [The words are slurred as he finally falls asleep on Tony, snoring softly. Yep, he's out like a light.]
he's weirdly adorable when he is being all soft and cute and--
there is a moment where Tony's mind seems to all but bluescreen while Steve actually falls asleep on his shoulder, the action making it really hard for him to process much else about Steve's comment about New Yorkers and mouthing off. Tony is sure that he has something to say about it, probably, but also--
well times like this are not common, even in his universe where he was a great deal closer to Steve. this kind of vulnerability was something else. so needless to say, it was difficult for Tony to get himself out from under the sleeping Steve and off into the rest of the tower where the others were residing. he does at least wait for about twenty minutes, just mindlessly carding his hands through Steve's hair as he mumbles quietly to FRIDAY about this universe and what could be done to make sure that things were stabilised. and who he should go see to talk about multidimensional rifts in time.
then he slinks out of the room, after pulling up a blanket for Steve of course, and goes in search of Peter (who cries on him. a lot. it was a weird experience but he kinda likes this kid, can see why his other self might have kept him around since he is brilliant underneath all the tears). then he finds Pepper (whom he thanks, and tells her that he might not know how things were here, might not be the Tony she was used to, but he would do what he could to help in whatever way possible). then he finds himself some more coffee (leaves the tower, in disguise) before he wanders his way down to where he was informed there was a workshop.
what. it was his safe space okay.
and that is probably where Steve will find him when he wakes up, his undersuit replaced with the fresh clothing (that is still clean, for now), cold coffee just in range, and the schematics of more than one suit flung up around him to tinker with.
oh, and arguing (talking to loudly?) with FRIDAY.)
Are you seeing this? I don't even know where this idea came from, how the hell do you stabalize time travel but not know how to integrate nanite technology into your marrow? How fucking-- ugh, read those specs to me again, FRI, we have like twenty years to catch up on here.
[Steve's not surprised to wake up and find Tony gone, but he feels faintly disappointed that the other man didn't at least come back to stay with him. He might not be the Tony Stark he's used to, but he slips comfortably - maybe too comfortably - into the hole left in Steve's life, the hole that, if he's being honest, has been empty since Siberia. (It's his fault, he knows that, but that's never made the pain of it any easier.)
Groaning in pain, he eventually makes his way out of bed and into the shower, where he finds that some impressive bruises are blooming all over his body. Not exactly a surprise, all things considered. At least he has clean clothes to put on, and there's food waiting when he gets out of the shower, and he's pretty sure someone needs to nominate Pepper as a saint. He carries the food along with him as he goes looking for Tony, eating as he wanders through the tower. Like a lodestone, he's pulled down to the workshop, the most logical place for any Tony to be.]
...I don't know what a nanite is, but that doesn't sound very safe.
[Steve finishes off his burger, then rummages through a greasy bag and pulls out something wrapped in paper and shoves it at Tony.]
You haven't eaten anything yet, have you?
[He doesn't wait for an answer, just puts it in Tony's hand and gets another burger out for himself. His body really needs the calories right now.]
Scott brought the quantum...stuff. He just figured out how to make it work safely - Bruce tried, but he couldn't get it right.
okay so maybe Tony is predictable in the fact that he would rather just drink lots of coffee and use whatever time he has awake to make things in order to forget about all the bullshit that has been going on in his life. his universe? who knows, either way, Steve is correct in assuming that Tony has foregone the whole 'eating' thing in favour of trying to make sense of this universe and where everyone stood in it.
or maybe just where his other self stood in it.
let's just say that, after reading a few files, Tony hates himself a little more. he didn't think it was possible but-- well he should probably stop thinking that.
the engineer snorts a little and goes to wave Steve off, only for said hand to be filled with burger and--
oh. okay.]
Food is for those of us that burn twenty thousand a day there, Captain. Also, nanites are completely safe, thank you very much. They are are the only reason that I am alive right now.
[ well, mostly. the main reason why he is alive right now at least. the rest is probably the force of the hit that Carol delivered to him being projected into ripping through space-time or something. but that is neither here nor there nor now. with s sharp grin, Tony takes a bite out of the burger, makes a small noise of contentment, before turning back to the schematics.]
At least Lang knew what he was doing. Kind of. I guess. Why didn't anyone ask Richards? Or fucking Doom for that matter. Wait, no, they aren't-- this universe is weird never mind. Also, wow you forgot to tell me that I was an asshole more than the usual here, Steve. Like--
[ he would say more, but shoving more food in his mouth is a better call.]
Greasy diner food is for everyone, Stark. Unless you really want one of those awful smoothies. [Steve makes a face at the thought. Even he hadn't been able to stomach those, and he'll eat just about anything that stands still long enough. Hopefully this Tony isn't on a similar health food kick.
He takes a seat on a stool nearby, only processing about one word in ten as he eats. Is Tony an asshole? Well, yes, but that's just Tony. He's always been a good man underneath it all, even when he and Steve had their differences. And in the end, he came through, he stared Thanos down and snapped him into dust. So maybe it's an unfair assessment, but on the other hand, another Tony should be qualified to judge. Steve just blinks.]
I told you about Germany.
[But not about Siberia, and he hadn't touched Ultron, hadn't mentioned the five years Tony hid away from the world after Thanos. So maybe he's omitting a few things - but, to be fair, it's a lot to talk about, a lot that cuts dangerously close to Steve's emotions. He still remembers a gaunt Tony ripping his arc reactor off and shoving it into Steve's hands, utterly defeated, filled with self-righteous anger and loss and maybe a little madness from slowly starving to death in space for three weeks.]
I don't exactly have anything else to go by, you know.
[ does he wince a little at the use of Stark there? yeah, maybe a little bit. enough. it is-- weird. because on the one hand, this isn't his Steve, isn't his universe, and from what he has managed to figure out through rifling through the internet, this Steve and whatever Tony he had here were not that close. hell, they were barely even the Avengers for more than half a decade before shit hit the fan. but on the other hand-- well, it's still Steve. he stills thinks that maybe there would be more there.
apparently, there isn't.
swallowing the bite of burger, Tony waves off the mentions of Germany, doesn't talk about how it could have been so much worse (tries not to think about Steve, his Steve, with blood splattered on his uniform, the wrong shade of red), how it seems that he tries and tries and tries in every universe and fails just spectacularly and wonderfully in each one. ]
Good, keep your expectations low there so I can reach them. Maybe even surpass them, but I'm not gonna hope. Hey, you want a new shield? Actually, fuck that, you are all getting new suits because this is just abysmal and I'm getting more and more annoyed with myself here.
[Sorry, Tony, he's still only latching onto half of what you're saying.]
I'm not sure why we needed new suits for time travel, but- [he gestures cluelessly] Probably something to protect us while traveling through the Quantum Realm.
[Digging through the bag, he pulls out a smaller bag that's soaked with grease and holds it out for Tony.]
Do you want fries? God, I would kill for an egg cream right now. [He wonders how long it would take to get one delivered, if anyone even makes them anymore.] Can you even get the vibranium for a new shield?
[ honestly, probably for the better that you don't actually manage to hear what he is saying. most of what he is saying. and also not saying. best that you don't hear what he isn't saying. just-- yes, keep feeding him. keep his goddamned mouth busy so he doesn't say something that he shouldn't.
Tony snags the fries with a mumbled thanks, turning back to schematics and information because it is that much easier to look at.]
T'Challa will have lots, I am sure. I can trade him for more advanced tech that I am pretty sure I have because you guys seem to be about half a century behind in basically everything. Even if that doesn't work, we can go for something else. New and shiny, just like you.
[Steve's very busy stuffing his own face, and feeding himself and Tony at the same time requires all his focus. Well, okay, not really, but Tony talks at the speed of light (yes, Tony, he knows that's not physically possible because light is faster than sound). So, clearly, the best way to get him to shut up is to make him keep eating. Steve takes another fry out of the bag and just starts trying to feed Tony himself, one fry at a time.]
I'm not shiny and new, I'm a hundred and five goddamn years old. [He doesn't feel shiny and new, not after everything he's been through. He feels old and tired, like he's actually lived an entire century.] Show some respect for your elders, Tony.
[Especially when those elders are shoving delicious fries in your face.]
Trust me there, sparkles, you are so not that old. You're missing a lot of bitterness to be really old.
[ being on ice totally doesn't count okay. also wow that is still so fucking young compared to what he knows. and Tony is laughing, something small and quiet as he bites fries out of Steve's fingers, his own fingers busy with pulling up blueprints and flinging around equations.
it is easier to deal with that, numbers that are out of date and in need of attention than to look at you and see someone who isn't all that fond of himself. not that Tony blames Steve at all, but it is still hard.]
I was old here too, kinda surprising that. Weird how so many things just... don't line up. At least we weren't married here.
You've only just met me- and sparkles, what the hell?
[That laugh brings a smile to his face - and a slightly different feeling on the occasions when Tony's teeth or lips brush his fingers. His emotions surge within him, a strange mixture that Steve can't manage to sort out. This Tony isn't as prickly, isn't determined to push everyone away from him.]
Married? [Steve furrows his brow in confusion. He doesn't sound insulted by the comment, just bemused.] Were we married back in your world? [Am I taking you away from your Steve? he almost asks, but stops just in time, blinking at his confusion. He's not taking anyone, he doesn't think.]
I have just met you, but you're still a Steve Rogers and we are pretty good friends where I am from. And seriously, you're so bright and shiny. It makes perfect sense.
[ is Tony laughing at you just a little bit? maybe he is. eyes bright and amused as he takes more fries easily. it is clear that is okay with a type of closeness, especially with Steve, has some sense of comfort when it comes to being in he personal space, and having Steve in his space in turn. maybe it is him being less likely to push everyone away, or maybe he has just been a part of the Avengers, has had a steady family, longer than his counterpart was afforded.
he was a lot younger, after all.
with a bark of a laugh, Tony claps a hand to Steve's shoulder.]
No, no we weren't, work married maybe, but there is a universe where Anthony Stark is Natasha Stark and we get into far fewer arguments apparently. I guess we take our frustrations out in the bedroom rather than the boadroom.
[There's a wistful look on his face, one that says that it might have been nice to have a closer friendship with Tony. He hasn't had many friends these last five years - mostly Natasha, and she's gone now. And even though Thanos' victims are back, he still feels lonely. This Tony is so much more open, so much friendlier - so free with his touches.]
Natasha Stark? [Steve echoes the name with raised eyebrows.] I- [Tony's next statement makes him blush and choke on a mouthful of fries. Give him a second.]
How do you know so much about other universes, anyway? [lalala CHANGING THE TOPIC.]
[ you do what you think you need to do in order to save face there, Tony notices. and is amused. it is nice to be the one with the upper hand just a little bit. ]
Mmm, Natasha is nicer than Antonia honestly, so I am okay with it. You doing okay there? [ the look on his face makes it clear that he means that but also-- well still laughing, even as he smacks his hands against Steve's back, between his shoulder blades, to help with the choking.
taking note of that reaction.]
Mmm, have had more than one run in with them before, we aren't as isolated in our universe with the others, mostly thanks to Richards and Doom, but eh. [ and also that time where his universe and another kinda collided together and destroyed each other. but he doesn't remember that, so.] You really never had to deal with that before?
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might share with Steve since, y'know, Thanos and all.]
I feel like you couldn't deserve getting hit my the Mad Titan. Shit Steve. [ look at that, Tony will turn away from his coffee to focus on you completely. serum or not, that has got to fucking hurt.
this might be a different universe, might be a Steve that isn't the one he is used to, but like fucking hell Tony isn't worried about him. there is one person that comes close to his level of recklessness on the battlefield (not recklessness, no, calculated risks where the weight of his own safety is far less than that of others) and that is Steve.
putting the coffee on the table, Tony moves (without a grimace look at him go) to pay attention to Steve. to the injuries he has and the story he tells. thinks about those who are close to Clint in his world and comes up with two:]
Kate or Nat? Fuck, nevermind, Clint would never let Kate do that. I'm sorry, shit. But I don't think anyone can talk Nat out of doing something she sets her mind to.
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Yeah. [Steve looks down at his coffee cup.] I know. Just one of those dumb things where you wish you could talk to someone one last time, tell them how much they meant to you. Not that- not that we were like that. But she was the only friend I had left after the snap, and I don't know if she ever realized how much that meant to me.
[And, yeah, he has Sam and Bucky (and Tony) back now, but it still doesn't lessen the grief he feels.]
You know, this is the first one where I didn't know if we could pull it off, but I was willing to die trying. Everything else, I had a decent feeling about, but this...after the snap, I didn't know what to do for the longest time. Didn't have any idea how we could bring everyone back, because there was nothing to fight, and what does a soldier do without a fight? [He grimaces. He knows he shouldn't have moved out of the compound, but he'd needed space, needed time to himself.] I guess it almost felt good when it came down to a battle in the end, even knowing I'd get my ass kicked. I just didn't want to go down without a fight.
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like the grief that Tony can see on his face. in the lines of his shoulders. this might not be his Steve, not the Steve that he has known for most of his life, but that doesn't mean that he is going to let him suffer through this alone. it is still Steve and, if Tony is being honest, this one looks too young to be dealing with this much heartache. without much thought, Tony reaches out and puts his hand on Steve's shoulder, gripping tight but making sure he doesn't hurt him.]
You're more than a soldier, Steve. More than the sum of your parts, you know. You're a good man, great one even. I'm glad-- well I'm glad you didn't die trying. [ again. this time. unspoken honesty in the press of his fingers against Steve's shoulder. he has lost Steve so many times, many because of his own doing, but still--] You'll live to fight again, fuck, even if you don't want to fight anymore, that's fine.
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Are you complimenting me, Stark? [Steve laughs, a little bitterly, and shakes his head.] Now I know you're from a different world. [Not that he's ever complimented Tony, come to think of it - their relationship has always been one full of verbal jabs and sparring, even when they got along. Now he wishes he'd told him more, said something genuinely nice to him.]
I tried not fighting for five years - there was nothing to fight. [That's not strictly accurate; they hadn't had a team monitoring the situation for nothing.] It didn't feel right. I think I'm the kinda person who just needs to be doing something to make a difference, you know? [He glances at Tony. For years, he wanted to be able to stop fighting - and now that he could, he realizes that the fight is part of him, that it's been part of him since before he'd ever heard of Project Rebirth.] I just need the right person by my side.
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[ and he means that, the confusion is clear on his face at the thought that some version of him hasn't told Steve that he is a good man, hasn't told him that he is the better half of him in so many ways. sure they argue (fuck do they ever argue) but for Steve to not know-- for this to be new for him.
there is something a little broken in Tony when he looks over at Steve. really looks at him too. sees how he is younger, softer, a less jaded and confident man than the one that he left behind. he adores his Steve, loves him truly, but there is something about this one that makes him want to protect him. no matter how long he is here, be it a few days or more than that, Tony vows to do what he can to lift that weariness from him.]
Yeah, yeah I know that about you. Always having to be truth and justice. [ a smile, soft, as he wraps his arm around Steve's shoulder's and pulls him close despite the pull on his ribs.] C'mon Steve, you gotta get some rest too yeah? You went up against Thanos and that-- fuck, that isn't a walk in the park.
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[Steve blinks in surprise when Tony tugs him close. Hugging is definitely not something he and Tony do. But he relaxes into it like it's second nature (like, if he's being honest with himself, he's always wanted to do). He can feel the heat from Tony's body through the thin layer of fabric, and it's comforting.]
He broke my shield.
[Steve's still a little numb about that, to be honest. He hasn't even had it for seven years, he'd given it up willingly, but that doesn't mean it isn't like an old friend to him nonetheless, and it's evident in his tone. He wonders if anyone picked up the pieces from the battlefield, if there's really anything to pick up.]
Mjolnir just isn't the same. [Steve leans his head against Tony's shoulder.] And you can't down half a cup of coffee and then tell me to get some rest. That's cheating.
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I'll make you a new one. [ a huff. ] Two, one outta vibranium and another that is electromagnetic, as a backup. Mjolnir is a bitch to use as a defensive weapon, I agree.
[ not that he has used it, but-- you have. other you. whatever.
and, just to prove a point, Tony downs the rest of his coffee and grins.]
How is that cheating?
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Electromagnetic? Does that mean I'm gonna start sticking to things? [It's half a joke - he's pretty sure electromagnets don't work like that - and half serious, because...he doesn't know how electromagnets work.] T'Challa let me borrow a pair of vibranium gauntlets in Wakanda, but they were all- [he waves a hand vaguely] panther-y.
[Which probably isn't a surprise, considering that it's Wakanda, and they like cats.]
Asshole. [Steve very gently nudges him with an elbow.] I'm gonna fall asleep here and you'll have enough caffeine in you to sneak off and work or something. [He pauses, then adds,] When you sneak off, check on the kid, okay? He's...he's had it rough.
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No, not even a little. I mean, I can make it do that if you want, but not the point. And the fact that T'Challa lent you anything is-- high commendations. He is notoriously picky about that kind of thing.
[ even more than he is actually. which is-- saying something. but it is clear from the tone of his voice, the edge of a smile in his words, that Tony is amused by this whole conversation. at how Steve is relaxing more and more against him, fighting against the fatigue that is plaguing him. and Tony doesn't blame him, fighting Thanos must have been taxing, more taxing than the day he has had.
sure, getting your ass kicked by Carol Danvers isn't a walk in the park, but easier than the alternative surely. ]
The kid-- oh, Peter? It's weird to see him so young. [ he isn't where he is from, weirder still to realize just how close of a bond he and the other Tony share. but he also isn't about to leave him without support. he might not be the Stark that this world is used to, but he was going to do what he could to help. ] You need some water there, Steve?
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Probably the least he could do after I brought Thanos's invasion to his doorstep. I needed something to face an alien army with.
[Don't ask why he didn't have his shield then. It's part of that whole long story that will probably come out in an emotional rush at some point.]
That his name? All I know is that he's from Queens. [They've only met twice now, both in the middle of a fight. He hasn't exactly had a chance for a proper introduction.] You shoulda seen him the first time we met. I dunno what he was thinking, dragging a kid into a fight between Avengers. [Like he hadn't had Wanda out there, but that's different - Wanda's older, for one thing, and used to fights.]
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the engineer snorts at the words, clearly not quite believing what is being said.]
Sure you did. Still, high praise or something. And yeah, Peter is a kid but, if he is anything like the Peter I know, there would be no real keeping him out of a fight. Not if he saw a reason to be in it. Fucking brilliant kid. Well, probably. I don't know. Shit, it's gonna be weird to try and relearn everything with people again.
[ like your weird and easy acceptance of his affection. and the softness around the edges. he likes it but really doesn't want to think about why.] How old is he? Doesn't look like he's outta high school, and that's even earlier than me donning the fucking suit.
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[He vaguely thinks about checking in with Bucky and Sam to see how they are - to make sure they made it through, to reassure himself that they're alive - but he's too comfortable right here, and he's sure they'll understand if he just rests a little bit and gives the serum some time to work.]
Uh, two years older than he was the first time I met him, and he wasn't real old then. Old enough to shoot his mouth off at me while he grabbed his shield with those webs, but you know how New Yorkers are. Mouthing off before we can even walk.
[And apparently running off to space to fight Thanos. They grow up so fast.]
Just...just talk to him. [The words are slurred as he finally falls asleep on Tony, snoring softly. Yep, he's out like a light.]
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oh no
he's weirdly adorable when he is being all soft and cute and--
there is a moment where Tony's mind seems to all but bluescreen while Steve actually falls asleep on his shoulder, the action making it really hard for him to process much else about Steve's comment about New Yorkers and mouthing off. Tony is sure that he has something to say about it, probably, but also--
well times like this are not common, even in his universe where he was a great deal closer to Steve. this kind of vulnerability was something else. so needless to say, it was difficult for Tony to get himself out from under the sleeping Steve and off into the rest of the tower where the others were residing. he does at least wait for about twenty minutes, just mindlessly carding his hands through Steve's hair as he mumbles quietly to FRIDAY about this universe and what could be done to make sure that things were stabilised. and who he should go see to talk about multidimensional rifts in time.
then he slinks out of the room, after pulling up a blanket for Steve of course, and goes in search of Peter (who cries on him. a lot. it was a weird experience but he kinda likes this kid, can see why his other self might have kept him around since he is brilliant underneath all the tears). then he finds Pepper (whom he thanks, and tells her that he might not know how things were here, might not be the Tony she was used to, but he would do what he could to help in whatever way possible). then he finds himself some more coffee (leaves the tower, in disguise) before he wanders his way down to where he was informed there was a workshop.
what. it was his safe space okay.
and that is probably where Steve will find him when he wakes up, his undersuit replaced with the fresh clothing (that is still clean, for now), cold coffee just in range, and the schematics of more than one suit flung up around him to tinker with.
oh, and arguing (talking to loudly?) with FRIDAY.)
Are you seeing this? I don't even know where this idea came from, how the hell do you stabalize time travel but not know how to integrate nanite technology into your marrow? How fucking-- ugh, read those specs to me again, FRI, we have like twenty years to catch up on here.
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Groaning in pain, he eventually makes his way out of bed and into the shower, where he finds that some impressive bruises are blooming all over his body. Not exactly a surprise, all things considered. At least he has clean clothes to put on, and there's food waiting when he gets out of the shower, and he's pretty sure someone needs to nominate Pepper as a saint. He carries the food along with him as he goes looking for Tony, eating as he wanders through the tower. Like a lodestone, he's pulled down to the workshop, the most logical place for any Tony to be.]
...I don't know what a nanite is, but that doesn't sound very safe.
[Steve finishes off his burger, then rummages through a greasy bag and pulls out something wrapped in paper and shoves it at Tony.]
You haven't eaten anything yet, have you?
[He doesn't wait for an answer, just puts it in Tony's hand and gets another burger out for himself. His body really needs the calories right now.]
Scott brought the quantum...stuff. He just figured out how to make it work safely - Bruce tried, but he couldn't get it right.
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YOU'RE NOT HIS REAL DAD!!!!okay so maybe Tony is predictable in the fact that he would rather just drink lots of coffee and use whatever time he has awake to make things in order to forget about all the bullshit that has been going on in his life. his universe? who knows, either way, Steve is correct in assuming that Tony has foregone the whole 'eating' thing in favour of trying to make sense of this universe and where everyone stood in it.
or maybe just where his other self stood in it.
let's just say that, after reading a few files, Tony hates himself a little more. he didn't think it was possible but-- well he should probably stop thinking that.
the engineer snorts a little and goes to wave Steve off, only for said hand to be filled with burger and--
oh. okay.]
Food is for those of us that burn twenty thousand a day there, Captain. Also, nanites are completely safe, thank you very much. They are are the only reason that I am alive right now.
[ well, mostly. the main reason why he is alive right now at least. the rest is probably the force of the hit that Carol delivered to him being projected into ripping through space-time or something. but that is neither here nor there nor now. with s sharp grin, Tony takes a bite out of the burger, makes a small noise of contentment, before turning back to the schematics.]
At least Lang knew what he was doing. Kind of. I guess. Why didn't anyone ask Richards? Or fucking Doom for that matter. Wait, no, they aren't-- this universe is weird never mind. Also, wow you forgot to tell me that I was an asshole more than the usual here, Steve. Like--
[ he would say more, but shoving more food in his mouth is a better call.]
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He takes a seat on a stool nearby, only processing about one word in ten as he eats. Is Tony an asshole? Well, yes, but that's just Tony. He's always been a good man underneath it all, even when he and Steve had their differences. And in the end, he came through, he stared Thanos down and snapped him into dust. So maybe it's an unfair assessment, but on the other hand, another Tony should be qualified to judge. Steve just blinks.]
I told you about Germany.
[But not about Siberia, and he hadn't touched Ultron, hadn't mentioned the five years Tony hid away from the world after Thanos. So maybe he's omitting a few things - but, to be fair, it's a lot to talk about, a lot that cuts dangerously close to Steve's emotions. He still remembers a gaunt Tony ripping his arc reactor off and shoving it into Steve's hands, utterly defeated, filled with self-righteous anger and loss and maybe a little madness from slowly starving to death in space for three weeks.]
I don't exactly have anything else to go by, you know.
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apparently, there isn't.
swallowing the bite of burger, Tony waves off the mentions of Germany, doesn't talk about how it could have been so much worse (tries not to think about Steve, his Steve, with blood splattered on his uniform, the wrong shade of red), how it seems that he tries and tries and tries in every universe and fails just spectacularly and wonderfully in each one. ]
Good, keep your expectations low there so I can reach them. Maybe even surpass them, but I'm not gonna hope. Hey, you want a new shield? Actually, fuck that, you are all getting new suits because this is just abysmal and I'm getting more and more annoyed with myself here.
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[Sorry, Tony, he's still only latching onto half of what you're saying.]
I'm not sure why we needed new suits for time travel, but- [he gestures cluelessly] Probably something to protect us while traveling through the Quantum Realm.
[Digging through the bag, he pulls out a smaller bag that's soaked with grease and holds it out for Tony.]
Do you want fries? God, I would kill for an egg cream right now. [He wonders how long it would take to get one delivered, if anyone even makes them anymore.] Can you even get the vibranium for a new shield?
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[ honestly, probably for the better that you don't actually manage to hear what he is saying. most of what he is saying. and also not saying. best that you don't hear what he isn't saying. just-- yes, keep feeding him. keep his goddamned mouth busy so he doesn't say something that he shouldn't.
Tony snags the fries with a mumbled thanks, turning back to schematics and information because it is that much easier to look at.]
T'Challa will have lots, I am sure. I can trade him for more advanced tech that I am pretty sure I have because you guys seem to be about half a century behind in basically everything. Even if that doesn't work, we can go for something else. New and shiny, just like you.
[ okay gonna eat a fry now wow.]
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I'm not shiny and new, I'm a hundred and five goddamn years old. [He doesn't feel shiny and new, not after everything he's been through. He feels old and tired, like he's actually lived an entire century.] Show some respect for your elders, Tony.
[Especially when those elders are shoving delicious fries in your face.]
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[ being on ice totally doesn't count okay. also wow that is still so fucking young compared to what he knows. and Tony is laughing, something small and quiet as he bites fries out of Steve's fingers, his own fingers busy with pulling up blueprints and flinging around equations.
it is easier to deal with that, numbers that are out of date and in need of attention than to look at you and see someone who isn't all that fond of himself. not that Tony blames Steve at all, but it is still hard.]
I was old here too, kinda surprising that. Weird how so many things just... don't line up. At least we weren't married here.
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[That laugh brings a smile to his face - and a slightly different feeling on the occasions when Tony's teeth or lips brush his fingers. His emotions surge within him, a strange mixture that Steve can't manage to sort out. This Tony isn't as prickly, isn't determined to push everyone away from him.]
Married? [Steve furrows his brow in confusion. He doesn't sound insulted by the comment, just bemused.] Were we married back in your world? [Am I taking you away from your Steve? he almost asks, but stops just in time, blinking at his confusion. He's not taking anyone, he doesn't think.]
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[ is Tony laughing at you just a little bit? maybe he is. eyes bright and amused as he takes more fries easily. it is clear that is okay with a type of closeness, especially with Steve, has some sense of comfort when it comes to being in he personal space, and having Steve in his space in turn. maybe it is him being less likely to push everyone away, or maybe he has just been a part of the Avengers, has had a steady family, longer than his counterpart was afforded.
he was a lot younger, after all.
with a bark of a laugh, Tony claps a hand to Steve's shoulder.]
No, no we weren't, work married maybe, but there is a universe where Anthony Stark is Natasha Stark and we get into far fewer arguments apparently. I guess we take our frustrations out in the bedroom rather than the boadroom.
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Natasha Stark? [Steve echoes the name with raised eyebrows.] I- [Tony's next statement makes him blush and choke on a mouthful of fries. Give him a second.]
How do you know so much about other universes, anyway? [lalala CHANGING THE TOPIC.]
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Mmm, Natasha is nicer than Antonia honestly, so I am okay with it. You doing okay there? [ the look on his face makes it clear that he means that but also-- well still laughing, even as he smacks his hands against Steve's back, between his shoulder blades, to help with the choking.
taking note of that reaction.]
Mmm, have had more than one run in with them before, we aren't as isolated in our universe with the others, mostly thanks to Richards and Doom, but eh. [ and also that time where his universe and another kinda collided together and destroyed each other. but he doesn't remember that, so.] You really never had to deal with that before?
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