fillers or aus i would love to play running list; if you're interested in any of this, throw up a starter and i am there
steve + peggy
Peggy and Steve's reunion when he returns to the past.
That dance scene. /sobs
Anything about their life afterward.
steve + tony
Conversations about Peggy or Howard, or anything else they'd talk about during their 2-man mission to the past
First time Steve and Tony interact after Tony calls Steve out on how failing together sucks.
Did Steve and Tony ever talk during those 5 years? If so, what did that look like?
[au] Tony survives, but Steve doesn't know that when he goes back in time. So now Steve is really old and Tony is not.
[au] Tony survives and Steve comes back from returning the stones and they rebuild their relationship
steve + natasha
Awful life at Avengers compound before Ant-Man, basically lots of hurt/comfort with each other
[au] When Steve tells Natasha that maybe they should both move on, he asks her out on a date — it becomes a very sad attempt at moving on, but it's also a sad kind of solace.
steve + bucky
Honestly, they barely got any time back together. Steve and Buck MUST have talked before Steve just decided to go back in the past. Possible convo where he admits he's not coming back, and asking Bucky if he wants to return back to their time with him?
steve + anyone
So ... you can so Mjolnir now?
Conversations with various characters when he returns the stones to their rightful place in the past
Someone insisting on going back in time with Steve, and they return all the stones together and this person convinces Steve to come back (or, is convinced that he really doesn't want to)
shuri + anyone
Rebuilding the world from Wakanda
Meeting the other avengers
One-uping our science bros during reconstruction :D
tony stark (AI) + morgan/anyone
I imagine this will be mostly sass.
And with everyone who is not Morgan, this will basically be him joking about how he's going to live forever.
[ He turns back to the rubble, the site of so much destruction. Where he almost died. It’s a place tied with good and awful memories, but he’s choosing the good ones and rebuilding on them. ]
Believe it or not, I got attached to this place.
happy to jump to a literal rebuilding montage over the course of the next 2 weeks
[ Maybe the place needed to get torn down for them to build new memories here. Time in the compound during those five years ... was no cakewalk. They needed a fresh start. And the new Avengers deserve something to call their own. ]
Can't say I feel the same. [ Steve jokes, that smirk returning to his face as he lifts an eyebrow over at Tony. ] I'm only here out of the goodness of my heart.
[ It feels good, honestly, to live in a world where one could joke again. Because for too long, he truly lived in a world in which you couldn't. ]
I guess that means we'll be seeing a lot of each other Tony.
[ His smirk softens then. And Steve looks genuinely happy to know that they'll be able to spend some time together in the future. ]
[ Tony chuckles at the joke, and...yeah, it feels strange to be able to feel this light again. He hasn’t felt it in years, and there’s a certain relaxation to his features that Steve has probably never seen before.
That is why, when he says they’ll see each other a lot in the rebuilding process, his smile seems more genuine than it has been in a while. ]
Yeah. Guess it does.
[ Considering the medications and treatments he’s still on, Happy subtly reminds him that they need to head back and Tony says his goodbyes before he gets in the car to make the trek home.
In the weeks that follow, Tony finds himself glad to see that he does get to see Steve more than usual. Each week they catch up a bit more and more, conversations more about what they’re doing rather than missions or fights they’ve shared. It’s strange, but at the same time it’s a welcome change to their usual relationship. Who would have thought that the threat of the literal end of the world would have finally made them do this.
Tony’s just more annoyed at himself for a) never doing this before and b) that he sounds so boring whenever they talk. Each few days that pass he does a bit better, so the visits to see Dr. Cho become less frequent. At the same time, it also means it’s less that she can do for the damage that’s left. Tony still tinkers and works as much as he can, but the one arm situation doesn’t allow for a whole hell of a lot just yet.
Visiting the compound keeps him busy, though, and hanging out with Steve during his visits always lifts his spirits. The construction goes fast, and a few weeks later they have walls and a good chunk of it built. When Tony walks up, he sets his glasses at the top of his head and smiles when he sees Steve. ]
[ Steve smiles back and nods. ] Apparently I've missed my true calling. Construction.
[ It is true that he's a little unfairly built for it. Not that people have let Steve make that his main contribution. But more than anything, he finds the physicality of it extremely satisfying. After spending so many years fighting and usually, tearing things down, it feels good to put them back together. ]
The designs are really something, Tony. I can't wait to walk around the place when we're done.
[ For the past few weeks, Steve's really enjoyed this too. The more he talks to Tony, the more he realizes how much he's missed out on in all those years. Maybe it's because they survived the end of the world, but Tony feels ... different. Relaxed, in a way Steve's never seen him. And maybe it's too presumptuous, but sometime in the last week, Steve's started thinking of himself as Tony's friend again.
They became teammates again the moment Steve shook Tony's hand since before the battle. But friends? He'd never been willing to even think about it. But now ... now it just feels natural. ]
Good, I’m glad they’re working out. They’ll get the compound, but their own design.
[ This way, he figures, it’s their own. Yes they’re the new Avengers but they don’t have to stick with the old, right down to the building itself.
Tony never would have imagined that Steve would be interested in construction, but he does seem pretty at ease with this new hobby. He’s happy for him, too. In all the years they’ve known each other, he has usually been so wrapped up with the Captain America gig that he’s glad he gets to do something he’s enjoying. Even if the discovery came from something so awful. ]
How are you doing? You gotten a chance to eat yet?
Yeah, sure. You wanna drive, or you trust me behind the wheel?
[ He taught himself how to be ambidextrous from a very young age, and his car has already been modified while he’s in recovery mode, but still. Just because he drove himself here (which on its own is a victory, considering how he’d manage to sleep through the entire drive over in the first few days), he doesn’t want to subject Steve to it if he doesn’t want to. ]
[ Whatever tools are still in Steve's hands, he sets down, and he wipes his hands with a small rag. ]
Well, I guess that depends.
[ Steve, actually, hasn't thought too much about how Tony's arm would affect his ability to drive. For all he knows, he just assumes that FRIDAY can drive for Tony at this point. Instead, he wonders actually, if after so many weeks of limited activity, Tony wants to do something different. ]
[ The offer takes him by surprise, but in a good way. He hadn’t expected it, for one, and Steve is the first to offer something normal. No kid gloves, how he feels whenever he’s around Happy, or Rhodey, or Pepper. They mean well, of course, and he knows that. They’re especially concerned after how close he was at death’s door.
But the offer alone is enough to make Tony’s day. ]
Yeah. Let’s do that. [ His features seem to brighten at once, his smile growing. ]
It’s been a while since I’ve been on a bike, so yeah. That sounds great.
[ Seeing that smile on Tony's face makes him grin, too. ]
Follow me. Pretty sure I've got a spare helmet if you want one. [ Steve himself has never really worn one, even if maybe he should. ] But, you're gonna have to be okay with a hot pink streak on it. [ Needless to say, Steve didn't buy that helmet himself. He does leave it completely up to Tony though, whether he wants that kind of protection. They're only going a few miles and Steve is pretty confident in his ability to get them to a diner in one piece.
There's a small, temporary dirt-based parking lot — the kind where rough lines are etched into the ground while work is going on — about five minutes away. Steve's bike is there, amidst a sparse set of cars and trucks. Once they get close, Steve digs the keys out of his back pocket and turn back to look at Tony. ]
What's your grip like these days? [ Steve extends his left hand and nods towards it, asking Tony to shake it and show him.
If his grip is strong enough, Steve will plan on Tony sitting like a normal passenger, behind him. If it isn't, he's going to insist that Tony sit in front. ]
[ He chuckles as he walks along with Steve. ] I’m not afraid of pink. But I don’t think I’ve ever actually used a helmet while riding a bike. The only type of helmet hair I allow is from my own suits.
[ Probably not a good thing, considering how he drives, but whatever. He’s obviously still here.
Tony has always liked Steve’s bike - it’s beautiful and he does a good job maintaining it and he’s glad it’s still in good standing. What can he say, he’s fond of those type of things? He’s about to walk over to get on when Steve’s extending his hand and Tony smirks slightly. ]
It’s not bad. Getting used to a new dominant hand.
[ He takes Steve’s hand and gives it a squeeze. His grip isn’t like how his right hand would have been, but it’s still strong enough now that he’s doing better. ]
Seeing as I do the same thing? Can't blame you there.
[ There's always going to be a special place in Steve's heart for his bike and it shows in how much time he puts into maintaining it. Steve's never been a man who's extremely into cars, or motorcycles, and he can't recite the makes and models of the vehicles he sees off the streets. But this bike in particular? He'd purchased it so soon after he woke up from the ice, and he'd been struck by the model because back then, it reminded him of home. Now, it feels like just the right blend of past and present.
That squeeze though gets Tony a nod. ]
You definitely won't fall off the back. [ He smirks. ] Not with that grip. [ And Steve let's go so that he can mount the bike, then leaning it towards the left so Tony can get on behind him. There's a small passenger seat in the back, and if he needs it, Steve'll offer a hand to help Tony balance as he gets on. ]
Oh good. I didn’t want a lecture on helmet safety.
[ He smirks as he says it, playfully.
Despite himself, Tony feels oddly proud of Steve agreeing his grip is good. While Steve gets situated, Tony puts his sunglasses back on and then mounts the bike. When Steve offers a hand to help with the balance part, Tony’s not proud enough to refuse it and says a quiet thank you once he’s settled. ]
Alright, ready when you are. Let’s go check out this diner.
[ He probably shouldn’t be this excited about going to eat at a diner, but he sounds pretty damn happy about it nonetheless. ]
[ A firm kick unlocks the kickstand and Steve turns his head back slightly towards Tony. ]
Hold on tight.
[ But this is Steve, after all, so there's no sudden lurch into top speed. But Steve doesn't go slowly either and soon, they've made a turn off the dirt road into a paved one. The ride itself is smooth — the wheels of the bike the perfect buffer between them and the hard concrete.
Unlike in the city, the air up here is wonderful. It's one of the reasons Steve liked being at the compound so much. So as they make their way six miles south, clothes flapping against the wind, the air feels crisp and fresh against their skin. ]
[ Tony doesn’t think Steve is the type to go speeding down the highway, but he hangs tight on nonetheless. He’s not worried about it, though. He’s too excited about this, and he trusts Steve - that’s enough to make him pretty damn happy to just sit there and enjoy the ride.
And damn, does it feel good to feel the wind in his face like this. Even while staying at the lake house, this sensation is different. It’s liberating, and he has missed it since it has been years since he has driven a motorcycle. Add the fact that he’s not as plagued with the world’s problems as he has been in the last eleven years, and it’s freeing in a way he hadn’t been expecting.
By the time they arrive at the diner, Tony’s almost regretting that the drive is done with but he consoles himself with the fact that they’ll have to drive back, anyway.
Once he’s off the bike, Tony gives Steve’s shoulder a pat. ]
You’re not bad, Rogers. A little slow for my taste [ He adds, teasing ] but not bad.
[ Steve smirks, which, honestly, how long has it been since he's smirked this often? ]
I'm an old man, remember? Can't expect too much.
[ Honestly, Steve's really enjoying their rhythm. Teasing each other is something they've always done, but never this often. Too much was happening in the world for Steve to feel this light this often. But there's another aspect of it too. Right in the very beginning, they'd gotten each others' nerves and said things neither of them felt anymore by the end of the Battle of New York. Now ... it just feels full circle to be able to come back to talking to Tony like this.
He's off the bike in a second though, keys back in his pockets as the two of them head into the diner. Because despite how nice it is to be the one to drive Tony somewhere, Steve really is starving. He has to eat. A lot. All the Avengers know that, and the only one of them who needs to eat Bruce, and only after he decided to stay in permanent Bruce/Hulk mode. ]
Table for two?
[ A waitress waves at them to take any table and Steve picks the closest booth. All of the booths are right by the window, too, and you can see Steve's bike as well as the main road from their seats. ]
[ Tony laughs softly under his breath, easy and comfortable at the response. It’s funny, now, how once upon a time Tony had thought that all this would never happen between him and Steve. This ease between each other, the comfort level they’ve finally reached despite everything that has happened. But, maybe they’ve reached it because of everything that has happened. Who would have thought that, to be friends again to this level, the world had to almost end.
He’s glad for it, though. What he had told Steve was true, resentment was corrosive and he hated it more than he had been willing to admit. Now that all that shit is done, he’s just pretty damn thankful for it.
As they walk over to the diner, he readjusts the sling. Since they’re walking, it’s easy to hide that the motion and the adjusting alone makes him grimace from the pain, but once they’re in the diner his expression is back to normal. Once he slips into one side of the booth, he sets his sunglasses down by the window and sets out two menus from the little stand where they’re kept at the table. ]
Well, it smells pretty good so I’m already liking it. [ He glances through the menu, leaning back against the back of the booth. ] We may need to make this whole visit a little tradition.
[ In retrospect, with everything that ended up being on the line, the things they had fought about seem completely pointless now. Ultimately, the moment Steve felt that trust between them again — was that when all they had were their lives to gamble, he had no doubts whatsoever about trusting Tony with his own.
Steve misses the grimace this time, but there's no saying for the next.
Glancing at the menu himself and given his present company, he smiles when he realizes that the thing that catches his eye most is the American cheeseburger. But then Tony mentions making this a tradition and Steve laughs softly. ]
You're gonna get me in trouble with the construction guys. They're gonna start thinking you're my favorite.
[ It's definitely a tease because as fast as Steve can make friends, it's beyond obvious that the Avengers are his family. So as Steve grins a little and slides his menu closer to him, he adds: ] Maybe if once in a while, we let them come with us.
[ Tony's glancing through the menu when Steve teases that the guys will start thinking he's his favorite, and he feigns a gasp as the menu falls back on the table, as if the shock made him let go of it. ]
Wait, hold on. I''m not already your favorite? Oh that's just rude, I can't believe I'm about to share a meal with you and I'm not even your favorite.
[ He winks as if to let him know he's joking, and he chuckles as he picks up the menu. ]
Alright, yeah, I guess we can do that. [ A beat. ] I mean, I can also arrange for the diner to deliver them food every day. But, you know. That'll mean I'll be their favorite, so I don't know if you can handle that competition.
[ Steve's smiling along the whole time, genuinely enjoying it, but when Tony teases that he'd become their favorite, Steve lets out a real laugh. It's the first time he's really laughed, period, since he came from the past. ]
No no, please. I've been working with them a couple days a week and they still haven't gotten a free lunch. I think I already know who would win that competition.
[ Shortly after, the waitress comes by their table, a pot of black coffee already in her hand. You boys want coffee? Steve shakes his head, but he gestures toward Tony. He's almost sure Tony will say yes. ]
[ Tony finds himself grinning at the sound of Steve’s laugh, and can’t help but wonder if he has ever heard it before. It’s almost a crime that Steve Rogers doesn’t laugh like this more often.
At Steve’s response, he chuckles as he stretches his good arm along the back of the booth, looking as relaxed as if they were just hanging out at the tower.
Actually, this is the first time he actually looks this relaxed but it doesn’t even dawn on him. ]
Then it sounds like I definitely have to do it. I’ll sign your name on the card, though, just so they’ll still like you.
[ When the waitress stops by, Tony flashes her one of his charming smiles as he thanks her and gladly accepts the coffee. When she asks if they’re ready to order, he asks for a full breakfast plate - scrambled eggs, pancakes, bacon, and a side of buttered toast. Not his usual, and it’s definitely not breakfast time, but he had seen the breakfast served all day sign at the entrance. He can’t help it.
Once Steve places his order and the waitress walks away, Tony smiles over at Steve. ]
So where are you staying nowadays? Commuting from the city?
Ha. [ He breathes it out, grinning and nodding once to indicate that he appreciates the gesture.
But then, as Steve watches Tony's interaction with the waitress, he can't help but lean back and just observe. Tony was relaxed before she came over — even more relaxed than he'd been at movie nights when the Avengers first started living together. But now, with her, and that charismatic smile, Steve can't help but just shake his head for a bit when she walks away. ]
Not that far. I found a place — month to month — in a little town north of the city. I figured, if I was gonna commute, I might as well make it a little easier on myself. It's by a lake and there are trails to hike nearby. [ But yes, he is going to explain why he shook his head earlier. ] By the way, I know the world already knows you're very charismatic. But, it's always kinda astonishing to see up close.
[ Tony notices the shake of the head as he interacts with the waitress, but he’s almost used to that reaction - not just from Steve, but from both Rhodey and Pepper as well, so he hardly reacts to it. ]
Oh yeah? Liking it so far?
[ Steve’s explanation as to why he shook his head takes him by surprise, and he blinks before he breathes out a chuckle. With how open they’ve been with each other and Tony not having his usual walls, he almost looks a little embarrassed as he drums his fingers idly on the back of the booth. ]
Oh. Would you believe me if I said I don’t even notice when that happens? It’s just easier. If I distract them quickly, then I don’t get questions or comments that I can’t answer.
[ Or that he doesn’t want to answer. There’s that, too. And, with his latest stint and the physical reminders of it that remain - yeah. He doesn’t want questions from strangers. ]
Well, it's very effective. [ He says, half-serious and half-teasingly. ] I wouldn't be surprised if you end up with something extra in your breakfast platter.
[ He's surprised at Tony's reasoning behind it though. That it's a deflection technique as opposed to something Tony does so people like him. But after being exposed to the media for just a couple of years, Steve can't imagine what kind of habits Tony's developed when he's had to deal with it his whole life. ]
And yeah. It's nice. You should come hiking with me sometime. Plus, I know I'm not living there for long so ... it feels more like a vacation than anything else. Are you staying in the cabin?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
noble_sentiments) wrote2019-04-28 12:02 pm
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Is that why you're here?
[ Most of the rubble has been cleared out, but there's certainly no building left to live in. They'll have to start over. ]
To check it out? Rebuild?
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[ He turns back to the rubble, the site of so much destruction. Where he almost died. It’s a place tied with good and awful memories, but he’s choosing the good ones and rebuilding on them. ]
Believe it or not, I got attached to this place.
happy to jump to a literal rebuilding montage over the course of the next 2 weeks
Can't say I feel the same. [ Steve jokes, that smirk returning to his face as he lifts an eyebrow over at Tony. ] I'm only here out of the goodness of my heart.
[ It feels good, honestly, to live in a world where one could joke again. Because for too long, he truly lived in a world in which you couldn't. ]
I guess that means we'll be seeing a lot of each other Tony.
[ His smirk softens then. And Steve looks genuinely happy to know that they'll be able to spend some time together in the future. ]
let me know if you want me to change anything!
That is why, when he says they’ll see each other a lot in the rebuilding process, his smile seems more genuine than it has been in a while. ]
Yeah. Guess it does.
[ Considering the medications and treatments he’s still on, Happy subtly reminds him that they need to head back and Tony says his goodbyes before he gets in the car to make the trek home.
In the weeks that follow, Tony finds himself glad to see that he does get to see Steve more than usual. Each week they catch up a bit more and more, conversations more about what they’re doing rather than missions or fights they’ve shared. It’s strange, but at the same time it’s a welcome change to their usual relationship. Who would have thought that the threat of the literal end of the world would have finally made them do this.
Tony’s just more annoyed at himself for a) never doing this before and b) that he sounds so boring whenever they talk. Each few days that pass he does a bit better, so the visits to see Dr. Cho become less frequent. At the same time, it also means it’s less that she can do for the damage that’s left. Tony still tinkers and works as much as he can, but the one arm situation doesn’t allow for a whole hell of a lot just yet.
Visiting the compound keeps him busy, though, and hanging out with Steve during his visits always lifts his spirits. The construction goes fast, and a few weeks later they have walls and a good chunk of it built. When Tony walks up, he sets his glasses at the top of his head and smiles when he sees Steve. ]
It’s actually looking like a building now, huh?
love it, like always
[ It is true that he's a little unfairly built for it. Not that people have let Steve make that his main contribution. But more than anything, he finds the physicality of it extremely satisfying. After spending so many years fighting and usually, tearing things down, it feels good to put them back together. ]
The designs are really something, Tony. I can't wait to walk around the place when we're done.
[ For the past few weeks, Steve's really enjoyed this too. The more he talks to Tony, the more he realizes how much he's missed out on in all those years. Maybe it's because they survived the end of the world, but Tony feels ... different. Relaxed, in a way Steve's never seen him. And maybe it's too presumptuous, but sometime in the last week, Steve's started thinking of himself as Tony's friend again.
They became teammates again the moment Steve shook Tony's hand since before the battle. But friends? He'd never been willing to even think about it. But now ... now it just feels natural. ]
no subject
[ This way, he figures, it’s their own. Yes they’re the new Avengers but they don’t have to stick with the old, right down to the building itself.
Tony never would have imagined that Steve would be interested in construction, but he does seem pretty at ease with this new hobby. He’s happy for him, too. In all the years they’ve known each other, he has usually been so wrapped up with the Captain America gig that he’s glad he gets to do something he’s enjoying. Even if the discovery came from something so awful. ]
How are you doing? You gotten a chance to eat yet?
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I'm starving. [ A beat. ] You know, some of the guys have been talking about a little diner nearby. Opened just a few miles south of here.
You ... wanna go?
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Yeah, sure. You wanna drive, or you trust me behind the wheel?
[ He taught himself how to be ambidextrous from a very young age, and his car has already been modified while he’s in recovery mode, but still. Just because he drove himself here (which on its own is a victory, considering how he’d manage to sleep through the entire drive over in the first few days), he doesn’t want to subject Steve to it if he doesn’t want to. ]
no subject
Well, I guess that depends.
[ Steve, actually, hasn't thought too much about how Tony's arm would affect his ability to drive. For all he knows, he just assumes that FRIDAY can drive for Tony at this point. Instead, he wonders actually, if after so many weeks of limited activity, Tony wants to do something different. ]
If you're up for it, we could take my bike.
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But the offer alone is enough to make Tony’s day. ]
Yeah. Let’s do that. [ His features seem to brighten at once, his smile growing. ]
It’s been a while since I’ve been on a bike, so yeah. That sounds great.
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Follow me. Pretty sure I've got a spare helmet if you want one. [ Steve himself has never really worn one, even if maybe he should. ] But, you're gonna have to be okay with a hot pink streak on it. [ Needless to say, Steve didn't buy that helmet himself. He does leave it completely up to Tony though, whether he wants that kind of protection. They're only going a few miles and Steve is pretty confident in his ability to get them to a diner in one piece.
There's a small, temporary dirt-based parking lot — the kind where rough lines are etched into the ground while work is going on — about five minutes away. Steve's bike is there, amidst a sparse set of cars and trucks. Once they get close, Steve digs the keys out of his back pocket and turn back to look at Tony. ]
What's your grip like these days? [ Steve extends his left hand and nods towards it, asking Tony to shake it and show him.
If his grip is strong enough, Steve will plan on Tony sitting like a normal passenger, behind him. If it isn't, he's going to insist that Tony sit in front. ]
no subject
[ Probably not a good thing, considering how he drives, but whatever. He’s obviously still here.
Tony has always liked Steve’s bike - it’s beautiful and he does a good job maintaining it and he’s glad it’s still in good standing. What can he say, he’s fond of those type of things? He’s about to walk over to get on when Steve’s extending his hand and Tony smirks slightly. ]
It’s not bad. Getting used to a new dominant hand.
[ He takes Steve’s hand and gives it a squeeze. His grip isn’t like how his right hand would have been, but it’s still strong enough now that he’s doing better. ]
What’s the verdict?
no subject
[ There's always going to be a special place in Steve's heart for his bike and it shows in how much time he puts into maintaining it. Steve's never been a man who's extremely into cars, or motorcycles, and he can't recite the makes and models of the vehicles he sees off the streets. But this bike in particular? He'd purchased it so soon after he woke up from the ice, and he'd been struck by the model because back then, it reminded him of home. Now, it feels like just the right blend of past and present.
That squeeze though gets Tony a nod. ]
You definitely won't fall off the back. [ He smirks. ] Not with that grip. [ And Steve let's go so that he can mount the bike, then leaning it towards the left so Tony can get on behind him. There's a small passenger seat in the back, and if he needs it, Steve'll offer a hand to help Tony balance as he gets on. ]
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[ He smirks as he says it, playfully.
Despite himself, Tony feels oddly proud of Steve agreeing his grip is good. While Steve gets situated, Tony puts his sunglasses back on and then mounts the bike. When Steve offers a hand to help with the balance part, Tony’s not proud enough to refuse it and says a quiet thank you once he’s settled. ]
Alright, ready when you are. Let’s go check out this diner.
[ He probably shouldn’t be this excited about going to eat at a diner, but he sounds pretty damn happy about it nonetheless. ]
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Hold on tight.
[ But this is Steve, after all, so there's no sudden lurch into top speed. But Steve doesn't go slowly either and soon, they've made a turn off the dirt road into a paved one. The ride itself is smooth — the wheels of the bike the perfect buffer between them and the hard concrete.
Unlike in the city, the air up here is wonderful. It's one of the reasons Steve liked being at the compound so much. So as they make their way six miles south, clothes flapping against the wind, the air feels crisp and fresh against their skin. ]
no subject
And damn, does it feel good to feel the wind in his face like this. Even while staying at the lake house, this sensation is different. It’s liberating, and he has missed it since it has been years since he has driven a motorcycle. Add the fact that he’s not as plagued with the world’s problems as he has been in the last eleven years, and it’s freeing in a way he hadn’t been expecting.
By the time they arrive at the diner, Tony’s almost regretting that the drive is done with but he consoles himself with the fact that they’ll have to drive back, anyway.
Once he’s off the bike, Tony gives Steve’s shoulder a pat. ]
You’re not bad, Rogers. A little slow for my taste [ He adds, teasing ] but not bad.
no subject
I'm an old man, remember? Can't expect too much.
[ Honestly, Steve's really enjoying their rhythm. Teasing each other is something they've always done, but never this often. Too much was happening in the world for Steve to feel this light this often. But there's another aspect of it too. Right in the very beginning, they'd gotten each others' nerves and said things neither of them felt anymore by the end of the Battle of New York. Now ... it just feels full circle to be able to come back to talking to Tony like this.
He's off the bike in a second though, keys back in his pockets as the two of them head into the diner. Because despite how nice it is to be the one to drive Tony somewhere, Steve really is starving. He has to eat. A lot. All the Avengers know that, and the only one of them who needs to eat Bruce, and only after he decided to stay in permanent Bruce/Hulk mode. ]
Table for two?
[ A waitress waves at them to take any table and Steve picks the closest booth. All of the booths are right by the window, too, and you can see Steve's bike as well as the main road from their seats. ]
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He’s glad for it, though. What he had told Steve was true, resentment was corrosive and he hated it more than he had been willing to admit. Now that all that shit is done, he’s just pretty damn thankful for it.
As they walk over to the diner, he readjusts the sling. Since they’re walking, it’s easy to hide that the motion and the adjusting alone makes him grimace from the pain, but once they’re in the diner his expression is back to normal. Once he slips into one side of the booth, he sets his sunglasses down by the window and sets out two menus from the little stand where they’re kept at the table. ]
Well, it smells pretty good so I’m already liking it. [ He glances through the menu, leaning back against the back of the booth. ] We may need to make this whole visit a little tradition.
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Steve misses the grimace this time, but there's no saying for the next.
Glancing at the menu himself and given his present company, he smiles when he realizes that the thing that catches his eye most is the American cheeseburger. But then Tony mentions making this a tradition and Steve laughs softly. ]
You're gonna get me in trouble with the construction guys. They're gonna start thinking you're my favorite.
[ It's definitely a tease because as fast as Steve can make friends, it's beyond obvious that the Avengers are his family. So as Steve grins a little and slides his menu closer to him, he adds: ] Maybe if once in a while, we let them come with us.
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Wait, hold on. I''m not already your favorite? Oh that's just rude, I can't believe I'm about to share a meal with you and I'm not even your favorite.
[ He winks as if to let him know he's joking, and he chuckles as he picks up the menu. ]
Alright, yeah, I guess we can do that. [ A beat. ] I mean, I can also arrange for the diner to deliver them food every day. But, you know. That'll mean I'll be their favorite, so I don't know if you can handle that competition.
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No no, please. I've been working with them a couple days a week and they still haven't gotten a free lunch. I think I already know who would win that competition.
[ Shortly after, the waitress comes by their table, a pot of black coffee already in her hand. You boys want coffee? Steve shakes his head, but he gestures toward Tony. He's almost sure Tony will say yes. ]
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At Steve’s response, he chuckles as he stretches his good arm along the back of the booth, looking as relaxed as if they were just hanging out at the tower.
Actually, this is the first time he actually looks this relaxed but it doesn’t even dawn on him. ]
Then it sounds like I definitely have to do it. I’ll sign your name on the card, though, just so they’ll still like you.
[ When the waitress stops by, Tony flashes her one of his charming smiles as he thanks her and gladly accepts the coffee. When she asks if they’re ready to order, he asks for a full breakfast plate - scrambled eggs, pancakes, bacon, and a side of buttered toast. Not his usual, and it’s definitely not breakfast time, but he had seen the breakfast served all day sign at the entrance. He can’t help it.
Once Steve places his order and the waitress walks away, Tony smiles over at Steve. ]
So where are you staying nowadays? Commuting from the city?
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But then, as Steve watches Tony's interaction with the waitress, he can't help but lean back and just observe. Tony was relaxed before she came over — even more relaxed than he'd been at movie nights when the Avengers first started living together. But now, with her, and that charismatic smile, Steve can't help but just shake his head for a bit when she walks away. ]
Not that far. I found a place — month to month — in a little town north of the city. I figured, if I was gonna commute, I might as well make it a little easier on myself. It's by a lake and there are trails to hike nearby. [ But yes, he is going to explain why he shook his head earlier. ] By the way, I know the world already knows you're very charismatic. But, it's always kinda astonishing to see up close.
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Oh yeah? Liking it so far?
[ Steve’s explanation as to why he shook his head takes him by surprise, and he blinks before he breathes out a chuckle. With how open they’ve been with each other and Tony not having his usual walls, he almost looks a little embarrassed as he drums his fingers idly on the back of the booth. ]
Oh. Would you believe me if I said I don’t even notice when that happens? It’s just easier. If I distract them quickly, then I don’t get questions or comments that I can’t answer.
[ Or that he doesn’t want to answer. There’s that, too. And, with his latest stint and the physical reminders of it that remain - yeah. He doesn’t want questions from strangers. ]
It’s an old habit.
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[ He's surprised at Tony's reasoning behind it though. That it's a deflection technique as opposed to something Tony does so people like him. But after being exposed to the media for just a couple of years, Steve can't imagine what kind of habits Tony's developed when he's had to deal with it his whole life. ]
And yeah. It's nice. You should come hiking with me sometime. Plus, I know I'm not living there for long so ... it feels more like a vacation than anything else. Are you staying in the cabin?
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