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.
[ 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?
Really? Have you ever tried to go on them? Because yeah. I'd love that.
[ Right in the middle of their conversation about hiking near the cabin, the waitress shows up with both their orders and sets their plates down in front of them. There's a couple extra pieces of bacon on Tony's plate. Steve's cheeseburger though, also looks pretty decent, and as requested, there's a side salad instead of fries. ]
The only thing I'd make sure to scope out first — [ he says, as he unravels his fork and knife from their paper napkin binding ] — is whether any of the hikes near you require climbing. We could avoid those. [ Steve pauses for a second, before his lips curl back into a smirk. ] Or, I could carry you.
[ Spending five years at the cabin had given him too much free time, especially when for a while in the beginning he wouldn’t even walk into his garage to work. Going for long walks to explore the property became almost a hobby of sorts after coming back to Earth.
It’s funny how that feels like it has been lifetimes ago.
When the order comes, the same charming smile comes on for the waitress as he thanks her. Steve had been right, apparently, considering the amount of bacon on his plate.
He’s in the middle of plucking a piece of bacon from his plate when Steve suggests he can carry him, and Tony laughs. ]
Oh yeah? I mean, at least it’ll be easier for you, I’m still regaining weight.
But, thankfully I know most of the ones that might be too hard right now. Unless we just go exploring and figure it out as we go - then you might need to carry me.
[ Steve smiles as he plucks a moist towelette packet out from near the sugar, and unwraps out of its packaging so he can wipe down his hands. ]
No offense Tony, but even if you gained a lot of weight, I could still pick you up pretty easy.
[ The image of it him simply lifting Tony off the ground, though, gives Steve a little pause and makes him look at Tony for an extra second longer — even if he isn't exactly sure why. ]
How much do you have left to gain back, by the way?
[ That one's a more serious question. He does want to know more about how Tony's recovery's been going. ]
Well, why don't we play it by ear? See where mother nature takes us. [ Because honestly, even though it started out as a joke, Steve doesn't actually mind carrying Tony anywhere. In fact, the idea of it sounds ... hmm. He dismisses the thought. It doesn't make any sense. ]
[ He gives a small nod, as if to say ‘okay true, you got me there,’ as he takes a bite of bacon. He’s in mid chew when Steve asks how much more he has left to gain, and Tony pauses for a moment as if to recall even if he knows damn well. ]
I think about five, ten pounds? My appetite is at least back, so it’s helping.
[ He retrieves the fork from his cutlery set and, even if it’s still a little awkward to eat with his left hand, it’s obvious that he’s already starting to get used to it considering the ease in which he seems to do it. ]
Yeah, that works. Whenever you want to stop by, you know where to find me.
[ Steve's taking his own bite into his burger when Tony says his appetite is back. He nods, as if to say that's great. He watches too, the way Tony's already pretty proficient with using his left hand to do everything. It's not entirely surprising, given how dedicated Tony is when he puts his mind to a task, but that doesn't mean Steve can't appreciate it.
Once he swallows his bite though, he has a follow-up question. ]
Whenever? [ As if to ask — is there anything he should be mindful of? Check-ins with Tony's doctor, visits from other people, anything? ]
[ He shrugs slightly with his left shoulder, before nodding. ]
Yeah. Whenever. I mean, my treatments have been reduced to once a week, so as long as it’s not on Mondays, we’re good. If it’s Tuesday I may be sore, but it’s fine.
[ It’s nothing compared to what it had been, he means, but leaves that part out. ]
I kicked Rhodey and Happy out again once I could start managing on my own. I love ‘em, but the hovering was getting to me. They still visit, and I’m thankful for it - I’m not ungrateful at all, I just. I just needed to get back to some sense of normalcy where I could get it.
[ Steve eats more of his burger as he listens, nodding along. ]
So what I'm hearing is: weekends are really great. And that maybe, I should probably not tell Rhodey that I'm taking you out for strenuous activity.
And I get it Tony. I've never been able to stay still for very long either. Maybe I can bring over some marshmallows and chocolate and we can make a campfire afterward. Always feels like a nice treat at the end of a day of hiking.
Yes, exactly. Hell, we can make a weekend out of it. You can teach me about camping, ‘cause god knows the closest I’ve been to it is the cabin.
[ That’s right, Steve. You’re getting permission to take Tony Stark camping. ]
That sounds good. And I’m glad you relate, it’s... I know Rhodey relates too, but he just forgets sometimes, I think. It’s like we go back to when we were in college and I had just done something stupid.
Did you just— You can't take that back. We're definitely going camping now.
[ He breaks into a smile after that. ]
Yeah. Sometimes your oldest friends are the ones that trust you least to take care of yourself. Which, by the way, if you're looking for something normal and new — I think you'll really like camping. Not sure I could've said that ten years ago. But now? I think you'll enjoy it.
[ Tony narrows his eyes at him even if he’s smirking. ]
Don’t make me regret agreeing to camping. I’m expecting a bonfire, and s’mores and whatever else camping is supposed to have.
[ He nods in agreement to what he says, because he’s absolutely right. Especially since Rhodey knows damn well how poorly Tony sometimes takes care of himself, especially after an injury. Plus everyone seems to keep expecting him to react poorly to the bleak prognosis of his arm, and sometimes it feels like they’re treating him like a ticking time bomb.
Not that he can blame them. Once upon a time, yes, Tony would have probably reacted very poorly to those news and all the weeks he has been in recovery. It has been a long, hard road, one that some days still has its bumps, but Tony’s trying to take it day by day. It’s all he can do, after all, and he’s just glad he has any extra days to actually spend.
When Steve says he thinks he’ll like camping, Tony smirks. ]
If it wasn’t for the fact that I’ve been living in the middle of nowhere for five years, I’d say you’re wrong. But it’s been good, actually, to spend time away from the city. So...you know. Why not. The worst that can happen is that I’ll just complain about it the whole way back, but I’ll give it a shot.
Tents. Sleeping bags. [ Steve adds, pointing his fork at Tony for a moment before stabbing into his salad for the first time. ] Ghost stories. I'll even make pancakes the next morning. They'll be the best thing you've ever tasted.
[ Mostly because after a night sleeping outside in a tent, any hot breakfast is the most delicious thing you've ever had. ]
But no phones. No screens. The only electronic thing allowed is a flashlight.
[ For Steve, that seems to settle things, because if the worst that can happen is Tony complaining on the way back? When it comes to how bad the world's problems could have been, they've made such big strides. ]
So what else is going on? How's Peter? [ Steve's always known that Tony and the kid were close. ]
[ It’s probably a good thing he’s not chewing or drinking anything when Steve says that electronics aren’t welcome in their camping trip, because Tony almost drops his fork in actual surprise. ]
Whoa, wait, no screens? What if there’s an emergency? Or we get lost?
[ Excuse him, Steve. This is what happens when the billionaire that never even went camping as a kid is exposed to what actually being outdoors means. ]
Peter’s good. Trying to get back into his own routine with finishing what’s left of the school year, and I think his class is going to Europe for a few weeks. [ He pauses for a moment. ] I think it’s still weird for him, that he was gone for five years and suddenly everyone that was left behind is older than what he remembers. But, all in all, he’s doing well. Thanks for asking.
[ It’s no secret, especially now, how much Peter means to him, after all. His death had crushed him, and it had been a big part of the reason he had even agreed in the first place to get back into the fray.
Setting his fork down so he can grab another piece of bacon, he turns to Steve. ]
How about the rest of the team? Sam, Bucky, Wanda - they all doing okay?
Yes. No screens. If we get lost, we'll look at a map. Use a compass. As for emergencies, why, do you have grizzlies near the cabin or something?
[ Steve is unfazed, mostly because he's enjoying shocking Tony in this way. He's never lived his life without technology — at least not on purpose. Which means, Tony doesn't know how good it feels to unplug entirely. And now that the world is safe, they can actually do that.
Plus, if he's really worried, they can bring a GPS or something. ]
Europe huh? Do you know where? If it's Paris, I- [ Steve pauses. He can't actually give real recommendations. They're about half a century out of date. ] My only recommendation is that he shouldn't spend all his time in the cities if he can help it. The countryside is beautiful.
[ Steve smiles when Tony thanks him for asking. He's really happy for him, to have found someone like Peter. ]
Wanda's still having a hard time, but she's doing her best. Bucky's decided to spend some time in Wakanda. With Shuri. [ He says Shuri's name with a little extra oomph. Like he's implying something. ] But Sam ... [ Steve smirks. ] I've asked him to take over being Captain America.
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noble_sentiments) wrote2019-04-28 12:02 pm
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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. ]
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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.
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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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[ It’s said with an easy, playful smile. ] At leash it’ll guarantee my mug will always be full, that’s plenty.
[ He nods. ]
Yeah, that sounds like fun. And yeah, I am. I don’t know for how much longer, but. Yeah.
[ It made sense when he was wallowing and didn’t want to deal with the world. Now that the world is back to normal, it’s hard to tell what he wants. ]
There are some trails around the cabin, too, if you want to explore something new.
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[ Right in the middle of their conversation about hiking near the cabin, the waitress shows up with both their orders and sets their plates down in front of them. There's a couple extra pieces of bacon on Tony's plate. Steve's cheeseburger though, also looks pretty decent, and as requested, there's a side salad instead of fries. ]
The only thing I'd make sure to scope out first — [ he says, as he unravels his fork and knife from their paper napkin binding ] — is whether any of the hikes near you require climbing. We could avoid those. [ Steve pauses for a second, before his lips curl back into a smirk. ] Or, I could carry you.
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[ Spending five years at the cabin had given him too much free time, especially when for a while in the beginning he wouldn’t even walk into his garage to work. Going for long walks to explore the property became almost a hobby of sorts after coming back to Earth.
It’s funny how that feels like it has been lifetimes ago.
When the order comes, the same charming smile comes on for the waitress as he thanks her. Steve had been right, apparently, considering the amount of bacon on his plate.
He’s in the middle of plucking a piece of bacon from his plate when Steve suggests he can carry him, and Tony laughs. ]
Oh yeah? I mean, at least it’ll be easier for you, I’m still regaining weight.
But, thankfully I know most of the ones that might be too hard right now. Unless we just go exploring and figure it out as we go - then you might need to carry me.
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No offense Tony, but even if you gained a lot of weight, I could still pick you up pretty easy.
[ The image of it him simply lifting Tony off the ground, though, gives Steve a little pause and makes him look at Tony for an extra second longer — even if he isn't exactly sure why. ]
How much do you have left to gain back, by the way?
[ That one's a more serious question. He does want to know more about how Tony's recovery's been going. ]
Well, why don't we play it by ear? See where mother nature takes us. [ Because honestly, even though it started out as a joke, Steve doesn't actually mind carrying Tony anywhere. In fact, the idea of it sounds ... hmm. He dismisses the thought. It doesn't make any sense. ]
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I think about five, ten pounds? My appetite is at least back, so it’s helping.
[ He retrieves the fork from his cutlery set and, even if it’s still a little awkward to eat with his left hand, it’s obvious that he’s already starting to get used to it considering the ease in which he seems to do it. ]
Yeah, that works. Whenever you want to stop by, you know where to find me.
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Once he swallows his bite though, he has a follow-up question. ]
Whenever? [ As if to ask — is there anything he should be mindful of? Check-ins with Tony's doctor, visits from other people, anything? ]
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Yeah. Whenever. I mean, my treatments have been reduced to once a week, so as long as it’s not on Mondays, we’re good. If it’s Tuesday I may be sore, but it’s fine.
[ It’s nothing compared to what it had been, he means, but leaves that part out. ]
I kicked Rhodey and Happy out again once I could start managing on my own. I love ‘em, but the hovering was getting to me. They still visit, and I’m thankful for it - I’m not ungrateful at all, I just. I just needed to get back to some sense of normalcy where I could get it.
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So what I'm hearing is: weekends are really great. And that maybe, I should probably not tell Rhodey that I'm taking you out for strenuous activity.
And I get it Tony. I've never been able to stay still for very long either. Maybe I can bring over some marshmallows and chocolate and we can make a campfire afterward. Always feels like a nice treat at the end of a day of hiking.
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Yes, exactly. Hell, we can make a weekend out of it. You can teach me about camping, ‘cause god knows the closest I’ve been to it is the cabin.
[ That’s right, Steve. You’re getting permission to take Tony Stark camping. ]
That sounds good. And I’m glad you relate, it’s... I know Rhodey relates too, but he just forgets sometimes, I think. It’s like we go back to when we were in college and I had just done something stupid.
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Did you just— You can't take that back. We're definitely going camping now.
[ He breaks into a smile after that. ]
Yeah. Sometimes your oldest friends are the ones that trust you least to take care of yourself. Which, by the way, if you're looking for something normal and new — I think you'll really like camping. Not sure I could've said that ten years ago. But now? I think you'll enjoy it.
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Don’t make me regret agreeing to camping. I’m expecting a bonfire, and s’mores and whatever else camping is supposed to have.
[ He nods in agreement to what he says, because he’s absolutely right. Especially since Rhodey knows damn well how poorly Tony sometimes takes care of himself, especially after an injury. Plus everyone seems to keep expecting him to react poorly to the bleak prognosis of his arm, and sometimes it feels like they’re treating him like a ticking time bomb.
Not that he can blame them. Once upon a time, yes, Tony would have probably reacted very poorly to those news and all the weeks he has been in recovery. It has been a long, hard road, one that some days still has its bumps, but Tony’s trying to take it day by day. It’s all he can do, after all, and he’s just glad he has any extra days to actually spend.
When Steve says he thinks he’ll like camping, Tony smirks. ]
If it wasn’t for the fact that I’ve been living in the middle of nowhere for five years, I’d say you’re wrong. But it’s been good, actually, to spend time away from the city. So...you know. Why not. The worst that can happen is that I’ll just complain about it the whole way back, but I’ll give it a shot.
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[ Mostly because after a night sleeping outside in a tent, any hot breakfast is the most delicious thing you've ever had. ]
But no phones. No screens. The only electronic thing allowed is a flashlight.
[ For Steve, that seems to settle things, because if the worst that can happen is Tony complaining on the way back? When it comes to how bad the world's problems could have been, they've made such big strides. ]
So what else is going on? How's Peter? [ Steve's always known that Tony and the kid were close. ]
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Whoa, wait, no screens? What if there’s an emergency? Or we get lost?
[ Excuse him, Steve. This is what happens when the billionaire that never even went camping as a kid is exposed to what actually being outdoors means. ]
Peter’s good. Trying to get back into his own routine with finishing what’s left of the school year, and I think his class is going to Europe for a few weeks. [ He pauses for a moment. ] I think it’s still weird for him, that he was gone for five years and suddenly everyone that was left behind is older than what he remembers. But, all in all, he’s doing well. Thanks for asking.
[ It’s no secret, especially now, how much Peter means to him, after all. His death had crushed him, and it had been a big part of the reason he had even agreed in the first place to get back into the fray.
Setting his fork down so he can grab another piece of bacon, he turns to Steve. ]
How about the rest of the team? Sam, Bucky, Wanda - they all doing okay?
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[ Steve is unfazed, mostly because he's enjoying shocking Tony in this way. He's never lived his life without technology — at least not on purpose. Which means, Tony doesn't know how good it feels to unplug entirely. And now that the world is safe, they can actually do that.
Plus, if he's really worried, they can bring a GPS or something. ]
Europe huh? Do you know where? If it's Paris, I- [ Steve pauses. He can't actually give real recommendations. They're about half a century out of date. ] My only recommendation is that he shouldn't spend all his time in the cities if he can help it. The countryside is beautiful.
[ Steve smiles when Tony thanks him for asking. He's really happy for him, to have found someone like Peter. ]
Wanda's still having a hard time, but she's doing her best. Bucky's decided to spend some time in Wakanda. With Shuri. [ He says Shuri's name with a little extra oomph. Like he's implying something. ] But Sam ... [ Steve smirks. ] I've asked him to take over being Captain America.
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