[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it is easier to deal with that, numbers that are out of date and in need of attention than to look at you and see someone who isn't all that fond of himself.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?
[Barely. Look, they're kinda backwards, okay? Steve's coming to realize that more and more as he talks to Tony. Superheroes and aliens and other dimensions are a fact of life for them, not just something that happens once every year or two.]
Is there seriously someone named Doom? Because that's kinda on the nose, even for a supervillain. I mean, I've watched some Bond movies, plus, you know, Red Skull and all.
[He assumes Doom is a supervillain, because what else would someone with that name be?]
[ Tony whistles, low and long, an amused look on his face at how little interaction this universe has had, not just with other universes but within itself as well.]
Damn, that is something. Your whole universe is shiny and new, not just you.
[ until he finds something else to call you, you're getting sparkles. sorry.]
Mmm, fucking Victor Von Doom. King of Latveria and actual pain in my ass all the time. You know the fucker tried to be my partner for a while? [ he makes a large motion with his hand, a few equations moving as he does.] Tried to tell me he was turning a new leaf or some shit.
[ and actually-- didn't do half a bad job at it but like hell he was gonna say that.]
...seriously, no Doom here? You are never getting rid of me now. Never.
he should because it takes him all of point two seconds to realize how you misconstrued that and:]
Oh for fuck's sake, no! Not like that, fuck. [ give him a second to gag please.] Wanted to become like, a sidekick deal. Despite him having tried to blow up New York like a month prior with Doombots.
[ okay okay he will smack against your back now. he supposes.]
If I'm gonna date a villain, it's gonna be Madame Masque or Loki.
[Steve coughs and splutters until the cheeseburger dislodges itself, and, hey, Tony isn't letting him die, that's reassuring. And he's not taking another bite when Tony mentions dating Loki, so he only chokes on air this time.]
Loki?
[There is a pained look on his face right now. He really thought you had better taste than that, Tony.]
Yeah, not Old Man Loki, the younger one. Hipster of Manhattan or whatever he is. Hangs out with Billy Kaplan and-- wait, shit. You don't have any of those. Hey, FRIDAY, be a doll and dredge up some info on Loki here, please?
[ because your reaction, Steve, makes him think you gotta just have the old man version.
and stop judging him. seriously. ]
You guys do have Loki, right? Like--- oooh, wow, okay that-- why is his hair so long? That is a look. Suit's a good fit though. Really? Wouldn't date him at all? Or at least bang him?
[ is he spinning a picture of Loki after visiting Strange a little while back into your face? maybe he is. to tease.
[ look here Steve, you should just be so pleased with how much fun Tony is having right now. sure it isn't what he is used to, but teasing you about sleeping with Norse gods turned villains is keeping him from a lot of panic right now. the engineer cocks his head to the side and crosses his arms as he studies the picture of Loki. or Steve. maybe both.
there is a flicker of surprise on his face at that though.]
Really? That is not what I am used to. Not that you sleep with just anyone usually but, it's more of an 'if they're attractive and consenting' kind of deal. [ there is no judgement here, Tony is more than used to those relationships himself. flings? whatever.] Oh, speaking of-- well none of that, mind if I toss a few redesigned compounds your way? I might not have access to money here, but I still have ideas to get you all back on your feet. In a building. Whatever.
[Steve grabs at the change in topic like it's a goddamn life preserver, because anything is better than talking about his nonexistent sex life.
(Well, almost anything.)]
You can design whatever you want. [He chuckles quietly.] I think Pepper probably has all the money now, and she'll probably be willing to help us out. Maybe even get you some kinda legal status if we can't figure out how to get you back home.
[And, let's be real, if a Tony Stark can't make a fortune out of nothing, especially in a world that doesn't have the technological innovations he's used to, then what kind of Stark is he?]
[ he sees you, Steve. he so sees you. and will probably find a way to work it back into conversation at another time. for now, he will focus on architecture and new designs and throwing up a few more blueprints into the air. (the image of Loki is forgotten very quickly.)
Tony moves closer to Steve, pulling up some ideas that he had and enlarging them.]
Pepper, huh? I read that I almost managed a real relationship with her here. She is way too competent for me, in any universe. Interesting that I have her full control too, but yeah okay, we can maybe talk to her about some new things.
[ a pause, the image of his idea for a new compound stilling mid-turn.]
Later. Shit, is this-- too much? Should I just-- not and focus on getting home.
I mean, that was before I met you, so I have no idea.
[Namely, he doesn't know about Tony almost dying and giving everything to Pepper and going completely off the rails and really let's just pretend Iron Man 2 doesn't exist.
Except for Tony sitting in a giant donut while eating donuts. That can stay.]
But I think there were sort of, you know, issues with you being Iron Man and constantly putting yourself in danger and- [Generally doing stupid Tony Stark sort of things, as one does when one is Tony Stark.] Not that I'm any sort of relationship counselor or...well. Anything.
[Steve blinks, taken aback.] I didn't mean that you aren't welcome here, just that- I assumed that you would want to go home, you know? Back to- [Well, okay, back to attempted murder by Carol Danvers, which he can admit may not be the most compelling reason to go back.] I don't mind having you around. [It's dangerously easy to just fall into an easy pattern of back and forth with Tony, to be lulled into familiarity, an intimacy that he never quite achieved before.]
[ you just described why pretty much every one of his actual attempts at relationships with people went to hell in a really flashy handbasket. like, every single one. Tony has to rub the back of his neck, a little amused and a little called out all at once.
of course, that shifts with the topic, Tony finding himself a little torn. because, on the one hand, he really needs to get back to his world. or he should. probably. unless he is dead. even if he is dead, or mostly dead he should get back because he really can't let Carol get away with what she is doing. can't just hide out here in another universe with a younger Steve that seems to have less of a strained relationship with him.
not to mention it might be-- a lot, for those here that thought him dead. hell, he only saw Peter for a little while and that was clearly a lot. ]
Not that I think I'm not welcome, even if I wouldn't blame you I'm not the easiest to deal with on a good day, but more-- I'm not your Tony. Not anyone's Tony here. [ does he want to be? how about he doesn't think about that one too hard. even when a smile curls his lips at the truth Steve spills.] Don't mine, huh? High praise there, Steve. But, yeah I shouldn't just... abandon my universe. However, while I am here I will do whatever I can to help you all as much as I can.
You know what I mean, Tony. [Without thinking, he bumps the other man with his shoulder affectionately. Steve's just not good at using his words, that's all.] But I understand needing to get back home and all. I'd probably be the same way if I ended up in another universe.
[He ignores the treacherous feeling that he wants Tony to stay. It's probably just misplaced grief for the Tony of his world, trying to fill the chasm left by his loss. Even though this one seems to like him better, or is at least easier to get along with (and he's aware there are probably plenty of people back in Tony's world who would argue that point, because he's still Tony Stark). Even though he has an easy smile and a quick wit and-
god, he probably needs Tony to go back to his own world.]
Well, we'd be glad for the help. I don't know how long anyone else is planning on sticking around.
[ the way that Steve leans in, bumps against him, makes Tony smile. has him light up really with a grin and a laugh as he leans in easily. ]
Mmm, I should-- well I know it will take a while, you guys are kind of abysmally behind in a lot of things, and I also--
[ he stops, focuses on lines and equations of things that might add up to a life he never thought he could have. stares at them a little too hard before he has to shake himself.]
Well I will stick around, you're stuck with me for a while yet, I think. As long as I can get my hands on some materials I can help a lot more too.
Yeah, I think you're probably gonna have to build your own way home. [Steve snorts wryly. The only one who'd even come close to figuring out space-time travel was, well, Tony Stark. And even that's not advanced enough, apparently.] Unless Strange can help.
[Can Strange help? Honestly, he hasn't even spoken to the man, he just knows that a) he exists and b) he makes portals.]
Good. [Steve relaxes a little. He's not ready for a world completely devoid of Tony yet - and he wants this particular one to stay, for reasons he doesn't yet understand.] That you can help out. I mean, you don't have to or anything, just if you want. [Wow, he's just sticking his foot in his mouth. Funny how that happens so often around Tony.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
[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?
no subject
[ 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.]
no subject
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.]
no subject
[ 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.
no subject
[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.]
no subject
[ 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.
no subject
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.]
no subject
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?
no subject
[Barely. Look, they're kinda backwards, okay? Steve's coming to realize that more and more as he talks to Tony. Superheroes and aliens and other dimensions are a fact of life for them, not just something that happens once every year or two.]
Is there seriously someone named Doom? Because that's kinda on the nose, even for a supervillain. I mean, I've watched some Bond movies, plus, you know, Red Skull and all.
[He assumes Doom is a supervillain, because what else would someone with that name be?]
no subject
Damn, that is something. Your whole universe is shiny and new, not just you.
[ until he finds something else to call you, you're getting sparkles. sorry.]
Mmm, fucking Victor Von Doom. King of Latveria and actual pain in my ass all the time. You know the fucker tried to be my partner for a while? [ he makes a large motion with his hand, a few equations moving as he does.] Tried to tell me he was turning a new leaf or some shit.
[ and actually-- didn't do half a bad job at it but like hell he was gonna say that.]
...seriously, no Doom here? You are never getting rid of me now. Never.
no subject
[oh god he's choking on another cheeseburger please don't let him die
that's it, that's the tag]
no subject
he should because it takes him all of point two seconds to realize how you misconstrued that and:]
Oh for fuck's sake, no! Not like that, fuck. [ give him a second to gag please.] Wanted to become like, a sidekick deal. Despite him having tried to blow up New York like a month prior with Doombots.
[ okay okay he will smack against your back now. he supposes.]
If I'm gonna date a villain, it's gonna be Madame Masque or Loki.
[ because reasons. don't judge him. ]
no subject
Loki?
[There is a pained look on his face right now. He really thought you had better taste than that, Tony.]
no subject
[ because your reaction, Steve, makes him think you gotta just have the old man version.
and stop judging him. seriously. ]
You guys do have Loki, right? Like--- oooh, wow, okay that-- why is his hair so long? That is a look. Suit's a good fit though. Really? Wouldn't date him at all? Or at least bang him?
[ is he spinning a picture of Loki after visiting Strange a little while back into your face? maybe he is. to tease.
he has learned you are fun to tease.]
no subject
Not without a genuine emotional connection, and I don't think I'd ever be able to make one of those with Loki.
[You know, even if he wasn't dead.]
no subject
there is a flicker of surprise on his face at that though.]
Really? That is not what I am used to. Not that you sleep with just anyone usually but, it's more of an 'if they're attractive and consenting' kind of deal. [ there is no judgement here, Tony is more than used to those relationships himself. flings? whatever.] Oh, speaking of-- well none of that, mind if I toss a few redesigned compounds your way? I might not have access to money here, but I still have ideas to get you all back on your feet. In a building. Whatever.
no subject
(Well, almost anything.)]
You can design whatever you want. [He chuckles quietly.] I think Pepper probably has all the money now, and she'll probably be willing to help us out. Maybe even get you some kinda legal status if we can't figure out how to get you back home.
[And, let's be real, if a Tony Stark can't make a fortune out of nothing, especially in a world that doesn't have the technological innovations he's used to, then what kind of Stark is he?]
no subject
Tony moves closer to Steve, pulling up some ideas that he had and enlarging them.]
Pepper, huh? I read that I almost managed a real relationship with her here. She is way too competent for me, in any universe. Interesting that I have her full control too, but yeah okay, we can maybe talk to her about some new things.
[ a pause, the image of his idea for a new compound stilling mid-turn.]
Later. Shit, is this-- too much? Should I just-- not and focus on getting home.
no subject
[Namely, he doesn't know about Tony almost dying and giving everything to Pepper and going completely off the rails and really let's just pretend Iron Man 2 doesn't exist.
Except for Tony sitting in a giant donut while eating donuts. That can stay.]
But I think there were sort of, you know, issues with you being Iron Man and constantly putting yourself in danger and- [Generally doing stupid Tony Stark sort of things, as one does when one is Tony Stark.] Not that I'm any sort of relationship counselor or...well. Anything.
[Steve blinks, taken aback.] I didn't mean that you aren't welcome here, just that- I assumed that you would want to go home, you know? Back to- [Well, okay, back to attempted murder by Carol Danvers, which he can admit may not be the most compelling reason to go back.] I don't mind having you around. [It's dangerously easy to just fall into an easy pattern of back and forth with Tony, to be lulled into familiarity, an intimacy that he never quite achieved before.]
no subject
[ you just described why pretty much every one of his actual attempts at relationships with people went to hell in a really flashy handbasket. like, every single one. Tony has to rub the back of his neck, a little amused and a little called out all at once.
of course, that shifts with the topic, Tony finding himself a little torn. because, on the one hand, he really needs to get back to his world. or he should. probably. unless he is dead. even if he is dead, or mostly dead he should get back because he really can't let Carol get away with what she is doing. can't just hide out here in another universe with a younger Steve that seems to have less of a strained relationship with him.
not to mention it might be-- a lot, for those here that thought him dead. hell, he only saw Peter for a little while and that was clearly a lot. ]
Not that I think I'm not welcome, even if I wouldn't blame you I'm not the easiest to deal with on a good day, but more-- I'm not your Tony. Not anyone's Tony here. [ does he want to be? how about he doesn't think about that one too hard. even when a smile curls his lips at the truth Steve spills.] Don't mine, huh? High praise there, Steve. But, yeah I shouldn't just... abandon my universe. However, while I am here I will do whatever I can to help you all as much as I can.
no subject
[He ignores the treacherous feeling that he wants Tony to stay. It's probably just misplaced grief for the Tony of his world, trying to fill the chasm left by his loss. Even though this one seems to like him better, or is at least easier to get along with (and he's aware there are probably plenty of people back in Tony's world who would argue that point, because he's still Tony Stark). Even though he has an easy smile and a quick wit and-
god, he probably needs Tony to go back to his own world.]
Well, we'd be glad for the help. I don't know how long anyone else is planning on sticking around.
no subject
Mmm, I should-- well I know it will take a while, you guys are kind of abysmally behind in a lot of things, and I also--
[ he stops, focuses on lines and equations of things that might add up to a life he never thought he could have. stares at them a little too hard before he has to shake himself.]
Well I will stick around, you're stuck with me for a while yet, I think. As long as I can get my hands on some materials I can help a lot more too.
no subject
[Can Strange help? Honestly, he hasn't even spoken to the man, he just knows that a) he exists and b) he makes portals.]
Good. [Steve relaxes a little. He's not ready for a world completely devoid of Tony yet - and he wants this particular one to stay, for reasons he doesn't yet understand.] That you can help out. I mean, you don't have to or anything, just if you want. [Wow, he's just sticking his foot in his mouth. Funny how that happens so often around Tony.]