![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
[Steve isn't really sure what happened. One moment, he'd been fighting some guys who looked like monks - karate-fighting monks - and before he knew it, they'd hit him on the head. The last thing he remembers seeing is a trail of sparks in the air, and then darkness.
When he wakes up, he's in an alley somewhere, leaning up against a dumpster. A rat sniffs at his boot, and he just narrows his eyes at it. This fails to intimidate the rat, which probably means that he's in New York, not Europe.
Great. Somehow he's crossed an ocean to the exact place he doesn't want to be. With a groan, Steve pushes himself up and away from the cushioning trash bags. Between that and the beard and the ripped uniform, he looks and smells kind of...unappealing. This is apparently what his life has become.
On the bright side, the street cart vendors are used to worse, and they have no problem accepting his cash for a couple of hot dogs. So Steve walks down the street and eats his hot dogs, largely oblivious that he's managed to cross over into another world. There's one place he knows he can go for safety, and that's what he's counting on.]
When he wakes up, he's in an alley somewhere, leaning up against a dumpster. A rat sniffs at his boot, and he just narrows his eyes at it. This fails to intimidate the rat, which probably means that he's in New York, not Europe.
Great. Somehow he's crossed an ocean to the exact place he doesn't want to be. With a groan, Steve pushes himself up and away from the cushioning trash bags. Between that and the beard and the ripped uniform, he looks and smells kind of...unappealing. This is apparently what his life has become.
On the bright side, the street cart vendors are used to worse, and they have no problem accepting his cash for a couple of hot dogs. So Steve walks down the street and eats his hot dogs, largely oblivious that he's managed to cross over into another world. There's one place he knows he can go for safety, and that's what he's counting on.]
[ ever since the inversions had ripped their universe apart, Tony had made sure to keep track of any strange fluctuations that happened in the universal constant. it wasn't flawless, not even close, but the attempt had managed to stop more than a few really shitty ideas from happening and also given him some sense of peace in his mind. even if, really, it is a bit hollow.
still, he is pleased that he started the damn thing when Friday chirps up in the middle of him tweaking the suit again, noting that there was a very powerful and local shift of some kind, Tony is immediately on the alert. it wasn't a large flux, small and precise, which really just makes it all the more confusing for him, because what the fuck would cause something like that?
donning the suit quickly, Tony heads out towards the coordinates Friday provided him with. it's an alley, like every other damn alley in New York.]
Friday, darling, please tell me that you can at least trace the residue to find out what came through that burst.
[ his AI mocks him, of course she can! and throws up a map on his screen, the faint blue mapping out the path taken by whatever, or whoever, came through the tear. it... leads back to the tower.
huh.
Tony follows and--]
What the fuck. Steve?
still, he is pleased that he started the damn thing when Friday chirps up in the middle of him tweaking the suit again, noting that there was a very powerful and local shift of some kind, Tony is immediately on the alert. it wasn't a large flux, small and precise, which really just makes it all the more confusing for him, because what the fuck would cause something like that?
donning the suit quickly, Tony heads out towards the coordinates Friday provided him with. it's an alley, like every other damn alley in New York.]
Friday, darling, please tell me that you can at least trace the residue to find out what came through that burst.
[ his AI mocks him, of course she can! and throws up a map on his screen, the faint blue mapping out the path taken by whatever, or whoever, came through the tear. it... leads back to the tower.
huh.
Tony follows and--]
What the fuck. Steve?
[Okay, so maybe he's been waiting outside for Tony to notice him, a bit like a stray dog. And maybe some people have assumed that he's homeless and tossed stray change at him. One person bought him a coffee from the Starbucks across the street, and he's just sort of sitting down and sipping that and trying to figure out what the hell's going on.]
Tony?
[The lines of the suit aren't quite the same as what he's used to, but Tony's always making new ones, and he doesn't think anything of it. It's been months, and Steve wrecked the last one, of course it's a new suit. He does wonder why Tony's in the suit at all but- maybe he wants to put armor between them. After Siberia, Steve wouldn't blame him. Maybe he just wants to be able to hide his face, and Steve can understand that, too. His voice sounds a little different, but he just chalks that up to the suit.]
You think I could, uh, use one of your showers?
Tony?
[The lines of the suit aren't quite the same as what he's used to, but Tony's always making new ones, and he doesn't think anything of it. It's been months, and Steve wrecked the last one, of course it's a new suit. He does wonder why Tony's in the suit at all but- maybe he wants to put armor between them. After Siberia, Steve wouldn't blame him. Maybe he just wants to be able to hide his face, and Steve can understand that, too. His voice sounds a little different, but he just chalks that up to the suit.]
You think I could, uh, use one of your showers?
[ it is Steve but, upon second glance, it isn't Steve, not even close. he isn't a big (which was fucking insane when you looked at him, there is no way to miss the size of him, even sitting down against the building), and there was something a little less... harsh about the lines of his face, as if this Steve wasn't as jaded, as weary of the world and it's shit.
though he also looked like hell.
Tony stands there in his armour, a little frozen because there was an alternate Steve here and jesus fuck how was this his life? with a blink, the faceplate all but melts away from his face leaving a stunned and maybe a little amused Tony before Steve.
well this ought to be interesting. ]
Considering you look like shit, yeah I think you can. Could have picked a better landing spot than a fucking alley you know, or-- [ a pause, eyebrows raised. ] You have no idea you've been dropped in an alternate universe, do you?
though he also looked like hell.
Tony stands there in his armour, a little frozen because there was an alternate Steve here and jesus fuck how was this his life? with a blink, the faceplate all but melts away from his face leaving a stunned and maybe a little amused Tony before Steve.
well this ought to be interesting. ]
Considering you look like shit, yeah I think you can. Could have picked a better landing spot than a fucking alley you know, or-- [ a pause, eyebrows raised. ] You have no idea you've been dropped in an alternate universe, do you?
[Steve starts to climb to his feet - Jesus, he's tired, how has he gone so long without noticing that? - but stops when the faceplate disappears. That isn't Tony Stark.
Except it's a guy in the Iron Man suit standing in front of Stark Tower, so evidence says that, yes, it probably is Tony Stark, and Steve's just lost his marbles. Which isn't that surprising, and it's probably more surprising that he hasn't gone crazy sooner, all things considered.]
-Uh.
[He blinks dumbly at maybe-Tony. Alternate universes?]
I mean, I was in Prague, and now I'm in New York, so I figured something shady was up. But another universe? You mean, like, something where one thing changed and that made an entire different world split off?
[Does that make people look different? He really doesn't know. This is the kind of thing he lets Tony deal with. Well, used to let Tony deal with.]
Do I really look like shit?
[Steve. There is no good answer to that question.]
Except it's a guy in the Iron Man suit standing in front of Stark Tower, so evidence says that, yes, it probably is Tony Stark, and Steve's just lost his marbles. Which isn't that surprising, and it's probably more surprising that he hasn't gone crazy sooner, all things considered.]
-Uh.
[He blinks dumbly at maybe-Tony. Alternate universes?]
I mean, I was in Prague, and now I'm in New York, so I figured something shady was up. But another universe? You mean, like, something where one thing changed and that made an entire different world split off?
[Does that make people look different? He really doesn't know. This is the kind of thing he lets Tony deal with. Well, used to let Tony deal with.]
Do I really look like shit?
[Steve. There is no good answer to that question.]
[ the pause in Steve gives Tony the answer he needs; that this is one of those great moments when all of the universes decided to spite someone, and it turned out that this time they were going to spite Steve Rogers. which, in a sense, was different. usually they decided to fuck with him.
there is a snort of laughter from Tony as he steps up, hand out to help Steve as he gestures to the tower. he clearly has no qualms about getting into Steve's personal space. sorry about that there.]
Uh sure, like that. Not sure what makes them different but, there are a fucking shit ton of them. Have had to deal with them more than once but-- this is the first time they have dumped you on my doorstep.
[ there is a teasing look before he wrinkles his nose and moves to push Steve towards the doors.] Look it and smell it, god Steve, what were you doing in Prague, trying to win a hobo award? Oh, I like the facial hair by the way, totally a new look for you here.
there is a snort of laughter from Tony as he steps up, hand out to help Steve as he gestures to the tower. he clearly has no qualms about getting into Steve's personal space. sorry about that there.]
Uh sure, like that. Not sure what makes them different but, there are a fucking shit ton of them. Have had to deal with them more than once but-- this is the first time they have dumped you on my doorstep.
[ there is a teasing look before he wrinkles his nose and moves to push Steve towards the doors.] Look it and smell it, god Steve, what were you doing in Prague, trying to win a hobo award? Oh, I like the facial hair by the way, totally a new look for you here.
[For just a moment, Steve starts to take the hand, unthinking-
And then he remembers, and the lines of his body go tense. He doesn't know what's happened in this world, but it's obviously not the same as him, not if Tony's being this friendly with him. It's not that he doesn't want that, it's more that he doesn't know if he deserves it. He pushes himself up unaided instead, gives Tony a strange look as he tries to herd him inside.]
I've been moving around Europe lately. There was some unrest in Prague, and I thought I could stop it. Ended up with some weird monks bashing me upside the head and...I guess sending me to another universe. [He grimaces and reaches up to rub the back of his head. Just because the serum makes him tougher doesn't mean it isn't still a little sore.]
I landed in trash when I got here.
[Which doesn't explain the ripped uniform - one that's clearly had all the insignia torn off and dyed black - or the beard.]
So there's another me here?
[He turns to glance at Tony as he heads through the doors. Almost walks into a door, because that's just how graceful he is right now. While Steve is willing to accept that there's another Tony Stark somehow, the thought of there being another him in the same place as him is a bit harder to wrap his head around.]
And then he remembers, and the lines of his body go tense. He doesn't know what's happened in this world, but it's obviously not the same as him, not if Tony's being this friendly with him. It's not that he doesn't want that, it's more that he doesn't know if he deserves it. He pushes himself up unaided instead, gives Tony a strange look as he tries to herd him inside.]
I've been moving around Europe lately. There was some unrest in Prague, and I thought I could stop it. Ended up with some weird monks bashing me upside the head and...I guess sending me to another universe. [He grimaces and reaches up to rub the back of his head. Just because the serum makes him tougher doesn't mean it isn't still a little sore.]
I landed in trash when I got here.
[Which doesn't explain the ripped uniform - one that's clearly had all the insignia torn off and dyed black - or the beard.]
So there's another me here?
[He turns to glance at Tony as he heads through the doors. Almost walks into a door, because that's just how graceful he is right now. While Steve is willing to accept that there's another Tony Stark somehow, the thought of there being another him in the same place as him is a bit harder to wrap his head around.]
[ there is the briefest flash of hurt that crosses his face when Steve snatches his hand back, but it is gone between one heartbeat and the next. Tony takes note of it, wonders if the Steve before him isn't as close to his Tony (he doubts that, in every universe he has known about, there is a constant of Steve and Tony), makes sure to not stand too close as he guides Steve towards the entrance.
maybe it is the suit, or just being thrown into a new universe. yeah, maybe that accounts for it.]
...moving around Europe? Wha-- you know what, how about we get you cleaned up before I try to figure out timeline differences and the like. [ he watches the way that Steve rubs his head, and he immediately moves to look, to make sure that there isn't a wound, concern evident in his voice. ] Are you okay? Dizziness at all? I mean... yeah you recover from concussions and whatever but-- shit, why did you say that first?
[ fucking stubborn and dumb super soldiers, oh my--
the fact that Steve then nearly runs into a door really does nothing to ease the concern that Tony has.]
What? Yeah. He's out with Bucky right now, doing god knows what. Probably encouraging shitty behaviour in each other since I'm not there to be the voice of reason.
maybe it is the suit, or just being thrown into a new universe. yeah, maybe that accounts for it.]
...moving around Europe? Wha-- you know what, how about we get you cleaned up before I try to figure out timeline differences and the like. [ he watches the way that Steve rubs his head, and he immediately moves to look, to make sure that there isn't a wound, concern evident in his voice. ] Are you okay? Dizziness at all? I mean... yeah you recover from concussions and whatever but-- shit, why did you say that first?
[ fucking stubborn and dumb super soldiers, oh my--
the fact that Steve then nearly runs into a door really does nothing to ease the concern that Tony has.]
What? Yeah. He's out with Bucky right now, doing god knows what. Probably encouraging shitty behaviour in each other since I'm not there to be the voice of reason.
[To be fair, nearly running into the door has nothing to do with potential concussions and everything to do with Steve being his incredibly smooth self. And, really, any door Steve Rogers runs into is going to be the one that comes off worse for the encounter.]
You're not-
[Steve stops in the middle of the lobby. First there's a moment of 'what the actual fuck' at the idea of Bucky and Tony being friends, and at the thought of Tony actually being a voice of reason.
And then he thinks about his Bucky, a universe away, and whether he'll ever be able to get back to him, and he crumples for just a moment - only a flicker - before he manages to control himself, to school his face back into a mask.]
Okay, yeah, I can see where this world might be a little different. [There's only the smallest quaver in his voice, and he's proud of that, but he's had a lot of practice, hasn't he?]
You're not-
[Steve stops in the middle of the lobby. First there's a moment of 'what the actual fuck' at the idea of Bucky and Tony being friends, and at the thought of Tony actually being a voice of reason.
And then he thinks about his Bucky, a universe away, and whether he'll ever be able to get back to him, and he crumples for just a moment - only a flicker - before he manages to control himself, to school his face back into a mask.]
Okay, yeah, I can see where this world might be a little different. [There's only the smallest quaver in his voice, and he's proud of that, but he's had a lot of practice, hasn't he?]
[ when Steve stops, Tony stops, eyebrows still raised.]
Uh, you okay there? Interdimensional sickness? Or the sudden overwhelming realization that you aren't in Kansas anymore? Because... both would suck.
[ despite earlier and the lingering eau de alley, Tony steps close and puts his arm around Steve's shoulders, smile on his face soft, before leading him towards the elevators.
you might be good Steve, but he is damn good at reading people, especially you. you aren't nearly as hardened as your universal counterpart. ]
Mmm, Buck still the Soldier where you are? Or-- shit, do you-- fuck, I didn't think about that. Sorry.
Uh, you okay there? Interdimensional sickness? Or the sudden overwhelming realization that you aren't in Kansas anymore? Because... both would suck.
[ despite earlier and the lingering eau de alley, Tony steps close and puts his arm around Steve's shoulders, smile on his face soft, before leading him towards the elevators.
you might be good Steve, but he is damn good at reading people, especially you. you aren't nearly as hardened as your universal counterpart. ]
Mmm, Buck still the Soldier where you are? Or-- shit, do you-- fuck, I didn't think about that. Sorry.
[This time, he doesn't pull away from him. God, how long has it been since anyone tried to comfort him? Put an arm around him or hugged him or anything? Too goddamn long. And maybe Tony being touchy-feely isn't the kind of thing he's used to, but he'll take what he can get.]
He's in cryostasis in Wakanda. [He leans against the wall of the elevator, digging the heels of his hands into his eyes until he sees sparks.] He didn't want- didn't want anyone to be able to manipulate him again. T'Challa's scientists are trying to figure out a way to remove the programming, but who knows how long that'll take?
[The casual way he just talks about Bucky being the Soldier is weird. Steve isn't sure he likes it, not when the last time he saw Tony, the man he knew was doing his best to kill Bucky.]
He's in cryostasis in Wakanda. [He leans against the wall of the elevator, digging the heels of his hands into his eyes until he sees sparks.] He didn't want- didn't want anyone to be able to manipulate him again. T'Challa's scientists are trying to figure out a way to remove the programming, but who knows how long that'll take?
[The casual way he just talks about Bucky being the Soldier is weird. Steve isn't sure he likes it, not when the last time he saw Tony, the man he knew was doing his best to kill Bucky.]
[ as they walk, Tony leaves his arm around Steve's shoulder, giving a reassuring squeeze when Steve speaks about Bucky and him not being here. he knows that there is probably more than a little guilt in Steve right now, a feeling like he has abandoned Bucky to whatever is happening in their home universe.]
Don't worry, I will do whatever I can to get you back, okay? [ he lets Steve lean against the wall, keeps a hand on his shoulder to keep him grounded, this couldn't be fun. ] That sounds like Buck honestly but-- T'Challa? I-- actually you know what, I don't think I want to know. That is nothing like how anything goes down here, just so you are aware. But, sounds like there is a lot less... uh, stuff.
[ what he means is you aren't dead and Bucky doesn't try to kill him so it's kind of a win? ] C'mon, go get clean I'll give you some pants and a shirt and... well you gonna be sad if I burn that outfit there? I promise to make you a new and better one to go back with?
Don't worry, I will do whatever I can to get you back, okay? [ he lets Steve lean against the wall, keeps a hand on his shoulder to keep him grounded, this couldn't be fun. ] That sounds like Buck honestly but-- T'Challa? I-- actually you know what, I don't think I want to know. That is nothing like how anything goes down here, just so you are aware. But, sounds like there is a lot less... uh, stuff.
[ what he means is you aren't dead and Bucky doesn't try to kill him so it's kind of a win? ] C'mon, go get clean I'll give you some pants and a shirt and... well you gonna be sad if I burn that outfit there? I promise to make you a new and better one to go back with?
He, well- it's a real long story. T'Challa was just trying to the right thing, and we needed a place to go after things headed south, and-
[Steve sighs as he walks out of the elevator. It's been months, and he's still exhausted, physically and emotionally. He's been trying to keep going nonstop so that he wouldn't have to deal with anything, and it's taken a toll on him. Every line of his body is weary, and when Tony mentions getting rid of the uniform, he just starts stripping out of it right then and there, in the middle of the room.]
Don't get fancy with it. [The new one, he means, and what he's really saying is no red, white, and blue.] You sure your clothes'll fit? [Tony's still in the suit, and he eyes him skeptically, still used to his Tony.]
[Steve sighs as he walks out of the elevator. It's been months, and he's still exhausted, physically and emotionally. He's been trying to keep going nonstop so that he wouldn't have to deal with anything, and it's taken a toll on him. Every line of his body is weary, and when Tony mentions getting rid of the uniform, he just starts stripping out of it right then and there, in the middle of the room.]
Don't get fancy with it. [The new one, he means, and what he's really saying is no red, white, and blue.] You sure your clothes'll fit? [Tony's still in the suit, and he eyes him skeptically, still used to his Tony.]
....right.
[ Tony listens and puts things together as best he can with the information he is given, and not given. it is enough to know that wherever Steve is from, he is not on good terms with Tony. which isn't exactly a rare thing, but leaves him curious about why then he was so ready to trust him now, easily.
it wasn't something that his Steve would have done, at least not without yelling at him first.]
So you and your version of me aren't on speaking terms, got it. Uh, I will.... try to get you home to Bucky asap.
[ hurt? what hurt? you're insane.
he manages a smile and a wink at that though, the charm of Tony Stark easy enough to fall back on.] Aww, you ruin all my fun. I will make it amazing though. That is a guarantee. Also, wow, rude.
[ there is a beat before the suit starts to more or less melt off of Tony, leaving him in work worn jeans and a black tshirt. while he isn't the exact height of Steve (it was a universal requirement that Steve's were taller post serum he is sure), there isn't much of a size difference between their build.]
You are not going to bitch about the name brand shit, are you? Took me so fucking long to make Steve stop caring about Chanel versus fucking Target.
[ Tony listens and puts things together as best he can with the information he is given, and not given. it is enough to know that wherever Steve is from, he is not on good terms with Tony. which isn't exactly a rare thing, but leaves him curious about why then he was so ready to trust him now, easily.
it wasn't something that his Steve would have done, at least not without yelling at him first.]
So you and your version of me aren't on speaking terms, got it. Uh, I will.... try to get you home to Bucky asap.
[ hurt? what hurt? you're insane.
he manages a smile and a wink at that though, the charm of Tony Stark easy enough to fall back on.] Aww, you ruin all my fun. I will make it amazing though. That is a guarantee. Also, wow, rude.
[ there is a beat before the suit starts to more or less melt off of Tony, leaving him in work worn jeans and a black tshirt. while he isn't the exact height of Steve (it was a universal requirement that Steve's were taller post serum he is sure), there isn't much of a size difference between their build.]
You are not going to bitch about the name brand shit, are you? Took me so fucking long to make Steve stop caring about Chanel versus fucking Target.
[The strange thing is, despite their falling out, he still trusts Tony. He's the one who'd betrayed him (though he'd thought he'd been protecting him), not the other way around. Tony...there'd been a lot of problems between them, but nothing to break Steve's trust. Just an understanding that they're different people, that they see the world in different ways.
It still hurts like someone's driven a knife into his chest, but Steve can live with that. Has to live with it. Because while he'd wanted to blame Tony at first, he can't deny that a lot of it is his fault, too. That he'd overreacted in Siberia just as much as Tony had.
And now...he wishes he could have his friend back. So maybe that's why he's so quick to trust this other Tony, the one who seems like he's never been wounded by Steve the way he and Tony had hurt each other, with words and blows.]
What- [Steve stares as the suit just melts away. What the hell.] That's...that's a hell of an upgrade. You planning on doing that to mine, too?
[And maybe - just maybe - there's a stray thought about how good this Tony looks.]
I- [He blinks in confusion at the aside. Not because he's really confused by what Tony says, but because the swiftness of it all is catching him off guard, because his head's spinning from everything he's still trying to get used to.] Clothes are clothes? I don't really care.
[A pause, and then:]...you're so young.
It still hurts like someone's driven a knife into his chest, but Steve can live with that. Has to live with it. Because while he'd wanted to blame Tony at first, he can't deny that a lot of it is his fault, too. That he'd overreacted in Siberia just as much as Tony had.
And now...he wishes he could have his friend back. So maybe that's why he's so quick to trust this other Tony, the one who seems like he's never been wounded by Steve the way he and Tony had hurt each other, with words and blows.]
What- [Steve stares as the suit just melts away. What the hell.] That's...that's a hell of an upgrade. You planning on doing that to mine, too?
[And maybe - just maybe - there's a stray thought about how good this Tony looks.]
I- [He blinks in confusion at the aside. Not because he's really confused by what Tony says, but because the swiftness of it all is catching him off guard, because his head's spinning from everything he's still trying to get used to.] Clothes are clothes? I don't really care.
[A pause, and then:]...you're so young.
[ Tony and his Steve had gone through their fair share of trials and tribulations; they had both yelled and hit and broken each other down more than once, but they always pulled each other back up. always managed to come back together despite everything that might push them apart. perhaps that is why he seems momentarily taken aback at how Steve seems so hesitant to mention his version of Tony.
still, he moves on and continues to think about how he can make this Steve something interesting to take back (defensive uniform? projection shield?).
he stops though as the armour sets itself in a neat pile off to the side and raises a brow.]
What, not at the fun nanite fluid metal stage of armour for your Tony yet? Oooh, wait, has he done Extremis yet? I probably should spoil that huh.
[ there is another amused smile before he vanishes into a door (the closet, well one of them) coming back out a few moments later with a pair of plain blue jeans, some briefs still in the package, and a blue henley.]
Good, I mean, I don't have what Steve would usually go for, but this should do you. And what are you trying to say with that Steve? Your Tony like 80 and short or something?
still, he moves on and continues to think about how he can make this Steve something interesting to take back (defensive uniform? projection shield?).
he stops though as the armour sets itself in a neat pile off to the side and raises a brow.]
What, not at the fun nanite fluid metal stage of armour for your Tony yet? Oooh, wait, has he done Extremis yet? I probably should spoil that huh.
[ there is another amused smile before he vanishes into a door (the closet, well one of them) coming back out a few moments later with a pair of plain blue jeans, some briefs still in the package, and a blue henley.]
Good, I mean, I don't have what Steve would usually go for, but this should do you. And what are you trying to say with that Steve? Your Tony like 80 and short or something?
His is still in a briefcase. Or...was. [Maybe he's managed to make it even more portable after Steve wrecked it. At least he doesn't have to feel too guilty about destroying the suit - physically, anyway - because it seems like Tony makes a new one every month.
The psychological damage is something different. Tony might not ever forgive him for the crack in his armor, and Steve isn't sure he deserves forgiveness.]
Extremis?
[Something there almost sounds familiar, like he's heard Tony mention it before, but he still doesn't know exactly what it is or what it has to do with the suit.]
He's, uh, got a little gray hair coming in. Don't think he'd appreciate me saying that, though. [Steve takes the clothes automatically, not really caring what they are.] And he's shorter than me. [Is this Tony really taller than him? That's so weird.]
The psychological damage is something different. Tony might not ever forgive him for the crack in his armor, and Steve isn't sure he deserves forgiveness.]
Extremis?
[Something there almost sounds familiar, like he's heard Tony mention it before, but he still doesn't know exactly what it is or what it has to do with the suit.]
He's, uh, got a little gray hair coming in. Don't think he'd appreciate me saying that, though. [Steve takes the clothes automatically, not really caring what they are.] And he's shorter than me. [Is this Tony really taller than him? That's so weird.]
[ that makes Tony laugh, a look in his eyes that might be more than a little teasing. ]
Well this goes in a briefcase too. But I was... not making much in the way of advancements for a while there, so maybe he is just during that stage of things.
[ though he says nothing else about Extremis, because if he does get this Steve back, he certainly doesn't want him to go and stop another him from making terrible but also amazing choices. there are times when Tony misses the constant hum of machines and chatter in his brain, misses the low-level noise that came with always being connected, even if his mind isn't still.
he leans closer, gauging the size of him to this Steve. he is a little shocked to find how much smaller this Steve is. and younger.]
Gray hair would look amazing on me, thank you. Also... yeah, you're a little small compared to what I am used to. [ he lets his gaze trail along Steve, lips tugging into a smirk. Might have to cuff those pants there, sparkles.
Well this goes in a briefcase too. But I was... not making much in the way of advancements for a while there, so maybe he is just during that stage of things.
[ though he says nothing else about Extremis, because if he does get this Steve back, he certainly doesn't want him to go and stop another him from making terrible but also amazing choices. there are times when Tony misses the constant hum of machines and chatter in his brain, misses the low-level noise that came with always being connected, even if his mind isn't still.
he leans closer, gauging the size of him to this Steve. he is a little shocked to find how much smaller this Steve is. and younger.]
Gray hair would look amazing on me, thank you. Also... yeah, you're a little small compared to what I am used to. [ he lets his gaze trail along Steve, lips tugging into a smirk. Might have to cuff those pants there, sparkles.
I didn't say it looked bad, just that he's - you're - vain. [He wouldn't make that assumption about this Tony, except it's pretty obviously true. And he might be doing a little teasing of his own, as well.
Which would be a lot more effective if he didn't blush as Tony's gaze clearly rakes over his naked body. Steve doesn't care about nudity in the sense that he's used to being efficient and getting naked in front of other people if he needs to change or shower, that he uses his body as a tool. Once sexuality comes into it, it's a whole different story.]
Sparkles?
[Also he's a little insulted about being called small, and there's a touch of an indignant huff in his voice. Not many people ever use the word small to refer to him in any sense. If he didn't know Tony was teasing him, then it might really cause a problem, but he's just...being Tony. It's almost refreshingly normal, and it's so easy to fall back into the pattern of banter with him, give and take and push and pull. It makes his heart ache a little.]
Which would be a lot more effective if he didn't blush as Tony's gaze clearly rakes over his naked body. Steve doesn't care about nudity in the sense that he's used to being efficient and getting naked in front of other people if he needs to change or shower, that he uses his body as a tool. Once sexuality comes into it, it's a whole different story.]
Sparkles?
[Also he's a little insulted about being called small, and there's a touch of an indignant huff in his voice. Not many people ever use the word small to refer to him in any sense. If he didn't know Tony was teasing him, then it might really cause a problem, but he's just...being Tony. It's almost refreshingly normal, and it's so easy to fall back into the pattern of banter with him, give and take and push and pull. It makes his heart ache a little.]
I am no such thing!
[ perhaps that would be believable if he wasn't laughing as he spoke. and while he may not be vain to the core of who he is as a person, it doesn't hurt to keep up the pretense in order to keep people at a distance. and right now, keeping this Steve at something of a distance might be a good idea.
there has always been a soft spot in his heart for Steve, and he is learning that it apparently translates easily to others that bear his name and echoes of his personality. there is something about this Steve that makes Tony want to protect him, something about him that seems more innocent than the Steve he is used to; not quiet naivety but close.
gesturing to the bathroom he all but shoos Steve away.]
Yeah, despite the scruff and dirt, you're awfully shiny compared to the Steve I'm used to. I am sure you will actually sparkle once you clean yourself up there too.
[ perhaps that would be believable if he wasn't laughing as he spoke. and while he may not be vain to the core of who he is as a person, it doesn't hurt to keep up the pretense in order to keep people at a distance. and right now, keeping this Steve at something of a distance might be a good idea.
there has always been a soft spot in his heart for Steve, and he is learning that it apparently translates easily to others that bear his name and echoes of his personality. there is something about this Steve that makes Tony want to protect him, something about him that seems more innocent than the Steve he is used to; not quiet naivety but close.
gesturing to the bathroom he all but shoos Steve away.]
Yeah, despite the scruff and dirt, you're awfully shiny compared to the Steve I'm used to. I am sure you will actually sparkle once you clean yourself up there too.
[He knows about Tony's self-loathing streak - and he also knows that he's perfectly happy in a worn t-shirt and a pair of ripped jeans, covered in grease as he works on something. So maybe he's not exactly vain, but that's the mask Tony presents to the public. And he certainly cares more about outward appearances than Steve does, although that's not hard.]
Uh-huh, I get the hint. [There's something of the rapport they used to share in the boyish grin underneath the beard, wholly incongruous with everything else about him.
(At least Sparkles is better than Spangles.)
Steve heads into the bathroom and finds a towel, and then- then he finds himself staring at the shower. To be fair, there's always that moment of 'what the fuck' when you're first in someone else's bathroom and you don't know how to work their shower, but this is-]
Tony? How do you turn the shower on?
[He pauses for a moment, and then:]
Hey, Friday, can you turn the shower on?
Uh-huh, I get the hint. [There's something of the rapport they used to share in the boyish grin underneath the beard, wholly incongruous with everything else about him.
(At least Sparkles is better than Spangles.)
Steve heads into the bathroom and finds a towel, and then- then he finds himself staring at the shower. To be fair, there's always that moment of 'what the fuck' when you're first in someone else's bathroom and you don't know how to work their shower, but this is-]
Tony? How do you turn the shower on?
[He pauses for a moment, and then:]
Hey, Friday, can you turn the shower on?
[ maybe it hurts a little bit to hear a Steve say that, to speak to the mask and not the man beneath, but he also doesn't know what their world is like. doesn't know what has happened, so maybe there is more to it than he knows.
for now, Tony just laughs and gestures towards the bathroom again.] Go on, I will be kind and wait until you are actually dumpster free before I make comments on whether or not you smell better than my Steve or not.
[ he tries not to think about the way 'my Steve' sounds possessive, the way it implies something that isn't there despite everything. brushing it off Tony moves to find some food, since he is sure that Steve wants some of that, laughing when he hears the question. he pulls out a few things and wanders back, sticking a head into the bathroom when the shower turns on, Friday's voice quite.]
You just ask, Captain Rogers. Would you like it at a specific temperature?
Nevermind, she got it for you. I will be ordering food, anything you prefer?
for now, Tony just laughs and gestures towards the bathroom again.] Go on, I will be kind and wait until you are actually dumpster free before I make comments on whether or not you smell better than my Steve or not.
[ he tries not to think about the way 'my Steve' sounds possessive, the way it implies something that isn't there despite everything. brushing it off Tony moves to find some food, since he is sure that Steve wants some of that, laughing when he hears the question. he pulls out a few things and wanders back, sticking a head into the bathroom when the shower turns on, Friday's voice quite.]
You just ask, Captain Rogers. Would you like it at a specific temperature?
Nevermind, she got it for you. I will be ordering food, anything you prefer?
[There is something possessive - intentional or not - about 'my Steve', and it makes Steve remember that this isn't the Tony he's used to, that he's a stranger - a surplus Steve - in another world. That he's too eager to get close, too needy.
Maybe, he thinks for a moment, he ought to have Friday give him a cold shower.]
Uhh...pretty hot, I guess. And just Steve is fine.
[Is he telling a computer to call him by his first name? Yes, he is.]
I could murder a cheeseburger and fries right now. Maybe a couple of cheeseburgers.
[Okay, so he could put away at least three cheeseburgers without even pausing.]
Maybe, he thinks for a moment, he ought to have Friday give him a cold shower.]
Uhh...pretty hot, I guess. And just Steve is fine.
[Is he telling a computer to call him by his first name? Yes, he is.]
I could murder a cheeseburger and fries right now. Maybe a couple of cheeseburgers.
[Okay, so he could put away at least three cheeseburgers without even pausing.]
[ It's no surprise to anyone that Bucky has issues to work through. After all he's been through, all he's endured, it's only natural. How he chooses to deal with all that, though, is anyone's guess. Sometimes, it's journaling. Sometimes, it's staring off into space.
Tonight, it's a little...unorthodox.
He has Steve sit on a chair, which Steve does easily enough (and with that hopeful-concerned look in his eyes that never seems to go away). Steve trusts him, trusts Bucky, and would probably walk across hot coals for him if asked. Of course Steve wants to know what's up, but Bucky just loops a small rope around his wrists so they're behind the chair back. It's loosely knotted, but firm, more for show than anything; Steve would have no issue pulling free or snapping the fibers loose with minimal effort.
After that, Bucky steadies himself, pulls a handkerchief from his pocket, and holds it in front of Steve's face. He swallows, trying to work himself up to what he's about to ask. ]
Do you trust me?
[ Bucky looks like he might not even trust himself, fully. But he needs Steve to be honest with him, either way it goes. ]
Tonight, it's a little...unorthodox.
He has Steve sit on a chair, which Steve does easily enough (and with that hopeful-concerned look in his eyes that never seems to go away). Steve trusts him, trusts Bucky, and would probably walk across hot coals for him if asked. Of course Steve wants to know what's up, but Bucky just loops a small rope around his wrists so they're behind the chair back. It's loosely knotted, but firm, more for show than anything; Steve would have no issue pulling free or snapping the fibers loose with minimal effort.
After that, Bucky steadies himself, pulls a handkerchief from his pocket, and holds it in front of Steve's face. He swallows, trying to work himself up to what he's about to ask. ]
Do you trust me?
[ Bucky looks like he might not even trust himself, fully. But he needs Steve to be honest with him, either way it goes. ]
Of course I do.
[The words come easily - maybe a little too easily. But he does trust Bucky, unconditionally. Now that he's in control of himself, even if he doesn't know who he is, Steve believes he wouldn't hurt him. Theirs is a bond that's felt more than remembered, at least in his mind. (Whether or not this is accurate is another thing entirely.)
He licks suddenly dry lips, moistening them before he speaks again.]
Do whatever you want.
[The words come easily - maybe a little too easily. But he does trust Bucky, unconditionally. Now that he's in control of himself, even if he doesn't know who he is, Steve believes he wouldn't hurt him. Theirs is a bond that's felt more than remembered, at least in his mind. (Whether or not this is accurate is another thing entirely.)
He licks suddenly dry lips, moistening them before he speaks again.]
Do whatever you want.
Page 1 of 60