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.]
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.]