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.
[ By the time they make it to their camping spot, Tony’s leg muscles are kind of sore from the walk but he looks so relaxed and happy that it’s obvious this has been a success so far. He even does what he can to help Steve setting up camp where he can; he doesn’t know the first thing of what he’s doing, but Steve’s guidance helps with that. At first he had started helping to not just stand there awkwardly while the other man worked, but as they go along he actually does it because he’s curious and wants to learn.
And yes, he is definitely finding a way to make this easier. Maybe, he thinks, he can design a tent that builds itself with just the push of a button. That shouldn’t be too hard, right?
Once the fire is going, Tony sits down on a log and smiles at Steve’s question. He really had thought of everything. ]
Burgers would be great.
You know - and I reserve the right to change my decision after sleeping on a sleeping bag - this is been a lot of fun. I can see why you like doing it.
[ Just imagine it: Stark Industries, announcing it's all-new camping line. At the thought, Steve smiles to himself. ]
Burgers it is.
[ And as Tony talks, Steve unhooks his skillet from the outside of his pack and removes the burgers' packaging. ]
It's rewarding, isn't it? [ He says, grinning as he sets the burgers onto the skillet and kneels down next to Tony so he can hold it over the fire to cook. ]
There's just something about being out here. In nature. It's like the rest of the world doesn't exist, and all we needed to get here was our own two feet.
[ Steve realizes that he forgot to get out the spatula, so he goes to retrieve it before coming back to kneel next to Tony again. ]
So— this? Most people like to bring a metal rack of some kind. You can put it right over the fire and then set the pan down. If you ever do this without me, that's what I'd recommend. I don't mind holding it, but I imagine most people would get tired of it after a while.
[ As the fire starts to heat up the skillet, the very bottoms of the burgers start to sizzle. It's going to be at least ten minutes before they're done though. ]
As for sleeping bags, I'm willing to bet you won't have any trouble. After a day's hike and how dark it gets after the sun sets, you'd be surprised at how easy it is to fall asleep out here.
[ He grins then, mostly because he's really excited to see how Tony experiences that part. One of the biggest reasons Steve loves to camp is because of how dark it gets. Unlike the city, which is lit up 24/7, the only light they'll have out here is the moon. ]
It is. [ He chuckles. ] I never thought I’d actually enjoy camping, but I think you’re changing my mind about all this.
[ Tony watches as he begins cooking the burgers, and nods slightly as he listens to him explain what to do if he ever goes camping alone. He already highly doubts that will ever happen, but at least now he knows something new in case he ever needs it.
But really, he’s not going camping without Steve.
As Steve talks about how easy it is to fall asleep out here, he raises an eyebrow skeptically but with a smile on his face that says ‘okay we’ll see.’ Five years ago, after arriving back from his stint in space, the idea of being surrounded by darkness would terrify him after staring into the void for 23 days, but that had been another thing that living in the cabin had helped him through. He has been living far away from the city for so long that he has gotten used to the stillness and the darkness and has come to appreciate it by this point.
Still, the idea of sleeping on the ground still doesn’t quite sound ideal. He has had worse sleeping conditions in the past, of course, but still. This is the first time he’s sleeping on the ground, outdoors.
He looks up towards the sky as it changes colors, the sun disappearing and the traces of the stars coming out to greet them. If Steve looks in Tony’s direction, he’ll see the serene look on his face as he takes it all for a moment before a small smile settles on his face as he turns to Steve. ]
Thanks for camping with me. This is... I’m really enjoying this.
Thanks for saying yes. [ And it's as easy as that, isn't it? As those last hours of daylight sneak away, promising to come back again tomorrow, they're left with the warm glow of their fire and the delicious smelling sizzle of their burgers. ] Honestly Tony. [ Steve turns to him again, now with half his face illuminated by the fire. ] I'm really enjoying our time together.
[ He's not trying to make a pass. He's just ... being honest. ]
And, I'm looking forward to spending more of it, together.
[ And yes, Steve did see the serenity on Tony's face earlier. It feels like a blessing, to have been able to create an environment where that could happen. He smiles too, then, and after a brief pause to just ... soak this all in, Steve starts poking around the skillet again and flips the burgers.
When they're both completely ready, he sets the skillet down on the sand to cool as he hunts around his bag for some paper plates. He's got buns too, and he sets those out to toast while the skillet's still hot. He's also got little packets of barbecue sauce, but not a whole lot else. Still, when it's time, Steve passes a plate to Tony, with all the components of a burger laid out in front of him. ]
Me, too. [ His smile seems to grow at the admittance. ] I’m glad we’re doing this.
[ Specifically that they are spending time together, actually. Tony had been looking forward to this trip, but it’s turning out so much better than he could have expected. Is it too early to plan next weekend?
As Steve moves around to get dinner ready, Tony can’t help but just watch him. His heart feels like it’s beating faster, and for a moment he forgets about how he had been watching the sun set, but...this is better, he decides. It surprises him to think that, but it’s getting harder to ignore the more he and Steve spend time together.
With a thanks, he takes his plate and uses one of the barbecue sauce packets to spread it on the patty before taking a bite. ]
Not bad, Chef Rogers. Hell, it actually tastes pretty great.
[ When Tony tells him he's also glad they're doing this, Steve's grin gets a little bigger.
Then, as for the burger: ] The key... [ He says, as he spreads his own sauce. ] is to make sure everyone eating your burgers just hiked all day. [ He smirks. ] You'll see tomorrow morning. I'm gonna make the best damn pancakes you've ever had.
[ And while Steve could've easily moved himself to one log over, he's here anyway, so when he's finally ready to sit, he settles down on the same log as Tony. They're not touching or anything, but they're pretty close to each other. From there, Steve takes his first bite. Tony's right. Not bad. ]
Don't forget. There are marshmallows later. [ Then he takes another bite. ]
[ He laughs at Steve’s explanation as to why the food is so good, and he looks at the burger as if he’s contemplating the reasoning. ]
You think that’s what it is? And here I was going to give you all the credit. [ He grins. ] Although I am looking forward to pancakes.
[ He’s glad that Steve doesn’t pick another log to sit on, and Tony smiles to himself before taking another bite of his burger. God, he feels almost stupid smiling about this like a kid with a crush, but well, here he is.
When Steve mentions the marshmallows, though, he chuckles and smiles over at him. ]
Oh yeah. Trust me. Don't ask me to cook this when we're back at the cabin. [ He smirks. ] Just won't be the same.
[ As they eat and he sees the way Tony's smiling, Steve feels his breath hitch for a moment. How has it taken this long for Steve to understand how handsome Tony is? Especially when he smiles that way — so genuinely it hurts. ]
Oh, you can't go camping without marshmallows. [ A grin before he takes a bite. After he's done chewing: ] I also brought chocolate and graham crackers. This is the kinda stuff I used to think was the best thing in the world. God. If you saw me when I was ... eight or nine? My mom didn't really have money and I got sick a lot, so she'd find creative ways to try and cheer me up. When she first made me s'mores? Pretty sure I died a little.
[ That last part is an exaggeration, but the rest of the memory is pretty accurate — and at the thought of all of it, Steve is grinning. Despite how tough things had been, he loved his childhood. ]
Hey, it’s probably still better than how I cook so don’t sell yourself short.
[ Tony’s cooking has improved, somewhat, in the last five years since living like a hermit doesn’t really allow for a lot of takeout or places to visit, considering how far away from civilization he is. But it’s still not the best - his patience for cooking is just never good enough, plus lately he’s down his dominant arm - so really. He’s sure Steve’s cooking is still pretty damn good, even without a hike.
As he listens to Steve’s recollection of his childhood, the smile doesn’t disappear from his face. He even chuckles when Steve says that he died a little the first time his mother made s’mores, and he can’t help but smile wider at the idea of little Steve being over the moon over it. ]
I mean, I can see why. Did you two go camping or did she get creative on how to make them?
[ There’s a reason he asks, and as he’s ready to explain it, his smile gets a little shy. ]
My mom would make them over a stove. Going camping wasn’t exactly on our itineraries. So...every once in a while when I was home, we’d be in the kitchen making s’mores by the stove. Wasn’t terrible, but I’m sure they’ll taste much better over campfire.
[ When Tony asks about how his mom made s'mores for him, Steves's ready to answer, though he senses an explanation coming on and he's eager to hear it.
His own grin softens into a smile when he hears about Tony's mom and how they'd make s'mores together by the kitchen stove. ]
I'm willing to bet — that while these will taste great, nothing will beat how it tasted when you made them with your mom. [ With the way Steve says it, it's like he expects that to ring true for both of them. ]
That sounds awfully nice though, Tony. My mom and I never went camping either. She couldn't afford to take time off work and well, while I would've definitely wanted to go, I'm pretty sure she was scared I'd get cut and die of some kind of infection. To be fair, if that happened to anyone, it would've been me. Medicine wasn't anywhere close to what it's like now. [ Steve grins then. ] Soooo. We did ours over the stove too. I'm pretty sure we set the marshmallows on fire a couple times, but then I learned, that that's the key to making them taste great.
[ And as they talk and eat, Steve finds himself subconsciously inching just a little closer toward Tony. ]
[ He nods, as if to say that he's probably right. Nostalgia does add a different component to it that nothing would be able to replicate.
As Steve speaks, he listens with his own smile on his face. It's nice, he thinks, that they can share information like this between each other. Tony has never shared much about his mother - not just with Steve, but in general just because it always feels like such a personal topic for him, but right now he doesn't mind it at all.
He chuckles when Steve admits that they set the marshmallows on fire a few times, and he nods. ]
Oh yeah. The trial and error phase. But there's something that's pretty damn good about that, though.
[ Tony doesn't mind that Steve is moving closer to him, and that's part of the reason why he doesn't even notice it. As he finishes his burger, he doesn't quite notice the drop of barbacue sauce that's left on his chin. He's too busy just stretching out his legs a bit as he sighs contently. ]
...is it too soon to plan out our next trip? Or should I wait 'til morning to see if I survive the sleeping bag?
[ Steve, on the other hand, hasn't shared much about his mother, but it isn't because it's too personal. She's just never come up, and with everything the Avengers used to do day-to-day, small moments like this between them were rare.
As Tony stretches out his legs, Steve finishes his own burger too, setting the plate aside. ]
Not too soon at all. [ He answers with a content smile on his face as he puts some stuff away. ] You should come down to my apartment next time. If you don't end up liking the sleeping bag, we can do a day hike from there. [ Getting up, he goes back to his pack and grabs some napkins and hand sanitizer, so he can wipe down the pan and they can wash their hands. ] There's a beautiful mountain hike that only takes a couple hours. Then you can crash with me or stay at the lodge.
[ It's funny how, when Tony isn't in the suit and the world isn't about to end, Steve stops thinking about the suit itself as possible transportation. Because truly, if Tony wanted, he could bring his suit and just fly home. But ultimately, maybe because they are here and completely disconnected from technology, Steve's mind doesn't even go there.
When the pan is clean though, he glances back up toward Tony and sees the touch of sauce on his chin. ]
Hey— you've got a little— [ Steve gestures toward his own face and tries to point at the mirror image of where the sauce is. But when Tony tries to wipe the other side, Steve is already kneeling down in front of him, fingers adjusting the napkin in his hand to a clean spot. ] Here, actually. Let me— [ And before he knows it, Steve's wiping it off from Tony's chin himself. ]
[ Even if he doesn’t know how he’ll fare after sleeping on the ground, he doubts he’ll actually stay at the lodge. It doesn’t sound as appealing as either crashing with Steve, or sleeping in the same tent, but he keeps that to himself. Maybe one day even Tony himself would contemplate the suit as a viable transportation option to go in and out of there, but it’s not crossing his mind now, either. Partly because of his arm, but mainly because in his head it’s almost already something he has buried in his past by now.
As Steve cleans the pan, he watches the fire in content silence before he blinks over at him when he mentions he has something on his face. And he tries to get it, really, but no luck.
But suddenly Steve is there, though, and he’s more focused on him than literally anything else. He has always known Steve Rogers is a very attractive man, but...it’s hard to look away now while they’re so close to each other. Earlier he had felt so self conscious of having Steve so close to him, of him being able to see the remnants of the blast from the stones, but now he’s finding himself hoping this won’t end. That they can stay this close for just a bit longer.
He opens his mouth to say something, but it’s as if he changes his mind at the last minute before he speaks again a moment later. ]
[ It only takes three tiny wipes to get it all off. It would've only taken two, actually, if in between the first and second wipes, Steve hadn't glanced up at Tony's eyes and gotten distracted.
It goes a little something like this.
The first time, Steve is focused and manages to get most of it off at once. But he's so close to Tony now that he can't help but look up, his eyes lingering slightly as they trace over Tony's lips to his nose, then his eyes. Steve sees something then, even if he doesn't know what it is, but it's enough to plant a seed of wonder, or the possibility that maybe—
He smiles, just a little, and maybe too affectionately, as he glances back down and realizes that he's totally missed the mark with his second wipe.
His heart starts to speed up again when Tony opens his mouth to say something, and Steve lifts his eyebrows in anticipation before nothing happens. He wants to ask Tony what? but for the next few seconds, he only adjusts the napkin one last time, and actually gets the rest of the sauce off with his third and last wipe. ]
There. All gone.
[ Tony says thanks then, but Steve still doesn't move away. The fact that he's drawing this out on purposes makes his heart pound faster. But as he looks into Tony's eyes, it's almost like he's waiting, and asking, for Tony to go on. To say whatever he didn't say, earlier. ]
[ Some part of Tony’s brain tells him to not be so obvious. To look away. To not stare. But, when his eyes meet with Steve’s and he also doesn’t look away, he just...can’t help it. If anything, his heart feels like it does some sort of fluttering thing that takes him by surprise and he doesn’t know what to do with it.
Especially when he notices the affection in Steve’s eyes, the way his features seem to soften along with the look in his eyes. Is he just imagining it? For a moment he can’t help but wonder if that’s the case, if it’s just the campfire playing tricks on him, but he’s still there. Steve isn’t moving away, and it’s like he needs to remind himself to breathe again. ]
...is it bad if I really want to kiss you right now?
[ The confession comes out before he can stop it, the way Steve is looking at him disarming him in a way that he doesn’t know how to ignore it. ]
[ Even a decade ago, a question like that from Tony would've been enough to fluster Steve. But now, after fifteen years and ups and downs — of frustration and forgiveness and friendship — Steve lets out a small sigh of relief.
He hadn't even truly known it was what he was looking for until Tony asked.
Now that he has, Steve's relief is followed-up with a small shake of his head — no, it isn't bad at all — and with a subtle, hopeful smile on his lips. Steve is already close, and after he sets the napkin down on the sand, he leans himself in closer, this time completely, and utterly inside of Tony's personal space.
If by then, Tony hasn't already kissed him first, Steve will waste no more time waiting.
No matter who starts, however, Steve's reaction will be the same.
The moment their lips first touch, Steve breathes Tony in, and he kisses Tony deeply — like after all this time, he thinks they deserve to know everything and anything about each other. But the kiss is also just barely tempered, like a passion that sits perfectly on the fence guarding the realm of lust.
Both of them, however, don't seem to want to let it stop after that. Without their lips ever parting, they kiss a second, then a third time, before Steve finally breaks away with a small smile on his lips. His cheeks look a lot redder now too, but maybe it's just the way the campfire is reflected in his face. ]
Just so you know, [ He starts, his voice quiet and intimate, so that even if there's no one else here, only Tony can hear him. ] I... hadn't planned for that to happen.
[ For one brief moment of internal panic, Tony can’t help but wonder if he ruined this. Had he read the signs wrong? In the back of his head he already has excuses for how to end the night early if needed - hell, he’ll blame the painkillers he’s still on as the reason why his thoughts are so unfiltered, if they will keep things from getting awkward and uncomfortable.
But then Steve sighs, and he shakes his head, and Tony lets out a breath that he hadn’t quite realized he had been holding. And he smiles, so big and happy that it’s a wonder it doesn’t hurt.
Tony moves towards Steve at the same time, his eagerness not allowing him to wait anymore, and ultimately it doesn’t matter who kisses who first. The taste of his lips is all he can focus on, all he can soak in, and he returns the kisses in kind. God, how had they never done this? His free hand moves to rest against his chest, and unconsciously he finds himself grasping onto his shirt as if to keep this from ending.
Still, they should probably breathe. When they pull back, Tony stays close and a soft chuckle escapes his lips at Steve’s words. ]
It’s okay. I think that makes this even better. [ He ‘steals’ another quick peck. ] Now I’m glad you brought barbecue sauce with you.
[ Kissing Tony is so natural that it feels like something long overdue, and Steve feels completely enveloped by it all. He finds himself wondering too — how had they never done this? how had they waited this long? — and immediately, he can come up with a million reasons. Still, Steve smiles, because they're a million reasons that don't matter anymore.
Steve stays close too, experiencing for the first time what it means to be this close to Tony to begin with. But when Tony steals another, quick kiss, Steve finds himself breathing out a laugh. ]
I'm just glad you came at all.
[ It's still surreal — how far from this they were just a few hours ago, and where they are now. ]
I feel like... [ Steve's eyes wandering to the sand beneath them for a moment, as he works it out. He laughs again. It's still breathy and feels like with it, carries the sense that Steve still thinks this is unbelievable. ] ... lately, I just can't get enough of you.
[ His features seem to soften when he says that, just watching Steve as if he wants to memorize him. His heart feels like it might burst from happiness for a moment, but it’s the best feeling in the world and he can’t say he minds it. ]
Yeah? [ He lets go of Steve’s shirt, his hand moving up so he can run his fingers along his hair. ] I’m glad to hear that, because the feeling is mutual.
[ He smiles, a little shy for a moment about what he’s about to admit. ] ...the last few weeks, visiting you at the compound was the highlight of my week. You’re going to make it hard to top this one [ he adds with a playful smirk ] but...I’m so glad I didn’t ruin today. I was afraid I was going to make it awkward.
[ Steve doesn't even know how much he enjoyed Tony holding onto his shirt like that until he lets go. But it's replaced by the feeling of Tony's fingers in his hair, which is its own new and comforting sensation.
As Tony talks, Steve just grins and feels his own heart flutter at the thought that Tony Stark had been looking forward to seeing him on all those days. As for his hands — he sets one lightly near the top of Tony's leg, and the other on his waist.
When Tony smirks though and admits being afraid of making this awkward, Steve's own smile is incredibly soft. ]
No, [ he says, as both his hands squeeze Tony lightly ] I can be... slow sometimes. Even after all the lessons, I've learned about waiting. I don't know that... [ He leans forward again for a full kiss, and god, every time he does it, it feels like he wants more. So when he finally wills himself to stop, there's a breathiness to the way he talks. ]
I don't know that I would've been able to figure this out on my own. [ He sounds embarrassed, too. ] What it means to want to see someone day after day.
[ He knows it must sound obvious to someone like Tony, who's had so much more experience on this than he has. But Steve has always needed someone to make it black and white. To kiss him, or to tell him he should ask someone out. Steve's never really been able to do this without encouragement. ]
[ Oh, Tony is already loving where Steve’s hands have situated themselves. It makes his smile grow when he feels them, and he rests his forearm on his shoulder so that he can run his fingers along the base of his neck, gently brushing along his hair.
When Steve kisses him again, he just holds him closer as he kisses him back. Tony had already been enjoying camping but this, now, is so much better. Especially since they get to do this without anyone interrupting them. They can go at their own pace, and there’s something so beautiful about the privacy they’re getting between the lake, trees, and stars. He couldn’t have thought of a better place than this.
At Steve’s admission, Tony smiles. ]
That’s okay. I guess for the first time, my lack of shyness about all this is coming in handy. [ He kisses him again before gently pulling him in, resting his forehead against his for a moment. ]
...if I’m ever coming too strong, though, please tell me. I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable about any of this.
[ In all honesty, the setting feels like a dream. Nothing else except the two of them exist — except the crackle of the fire and the warmth it coats them with. On occasion, there's the soft sound of a wave in the distance, or of the wind brushing against the trees. The perfect backdrop to the perfect moment.
When Tony pulls Steve in again, he's practically moved as flush up against Tony as possible by then. The two of them are a vision — Tony barely still sitting on the edge of the log, knees spread open just wide enough for Steve to be kneeled in front of him, their torsos pressed against each other when they kiss.
Tony asks then, for him to say something if he ever feels uncomfortable and Steve shakes his head again with a grin on his face. ]
I can't imagine that being possible. [ If anything, he wants Tony to come on stronger, and it's reflected in the mix of tenderness and want in his own eyes. ] If do anything though, tonight— [ and quickly, Steve adds: ] or anytime, that hurts your arm, I want to know. Promise me you'll tell me?
[ He never thought he would ever get to experience the way that Steve felt against him, but now that he does, he doesn’t think he can go without it again. It’s addicting - his scent, the way his lips taste, the way he’s touching him. It makes him suddenly very excited about the fact that they’ll be in a tent. Together. All night. He doesn’t expect anything to happen - the last thing he wants is for Steve to ever feel rushed, and he had been honest about not wanting to do anything that would make him uncomfortable. But even just being together, alone, is a new level of intimacy that he wants to explore with him.
When Steve shakes his head, Tony grins back. Especially at that look on his face that makes his heart feel like it skips a beat.
His smile only falters a little when Steve makes that special request, mainly because Tony doesn’t want to ruin things - and somehow it feels like bringing up his arm would ruin things - but after a moment he just nods slightly. ]
Okay. I promise. I think you’ll be able to tell - when it’s bad it... I can’t quite hide it, but I’ll tell you. [ He smiles slightly, looking down for a moment. ] ...sorry. I kinda wish you wouldn’t have to deal with...it.
[ Steve sees the way Tony's smile changes. It's impossible not to see, when you're this close to someone and trying desperately to etch every single detail about them into your mind.
Tony promises though, nonetheless, and Steve nods, even if he's immediately set on making sure Tony never thinks that he'd mind something like that. So he moves one of his hands to Tony's free one and squeezes it for the first time. ]
Tony... [ Steve looks directly into his eyes then, and maneuvers his body a little to prompt Tony into looking back at him. ] I get it. Things like this... they change your life forever. And will keep changing it. But I want to be very clear about this. [ And if Tony hasn't looked at him yet, Steve will wait until he does to continue. ] There's no reason you should ever need to apologize because of your arm. Hell, Tony, you saved the world. You did something that gods could barely do. And lived.
[ He pauses, for a second, as a very, old memory resurfaces and compassion writes itself onto Steve's brow. ]
You were the guy to make the sacrifice play. [ He says it all slowly, just in case Tony needs a moment to remember where it's from. ] To lay down on a wire and let the other guy crawl over you. [ A beat. ] Except, it was the world that crawled over you, Tony. From where I'm sitting... that arm is proof that you're one of the best people I know.
[ Although on most days Tony takes his recovery and the aftermath in stride as much as he can, it's easy when it's just him 'dealing with it,' as he calls it. Sure, Rhodey, Happy, and Pepper had all been there during his stay in Wakanda, they all helped while he was getting back on his feet, but at the end of the day they all had their lives to go back to. He wasn't a burden for them to deal with (although he knows they don't see it as that, he sees it as that).
Now, the last thing that Tony wants is to be that burden for Steve. For him to deal with it - with him - for what's to come. It feels unfair to have him deal with the collateral damage.
As Steve speaks and tries to make eye contact, Tony turns to him. He doesn't expect him to bring up that old memory, and it shows by the way a faint sort of smile crosses his face as he shakes his head slightly, as if to tell him he doesn't have to say that, but he does. And it leaves him speechless for a moment before he leans in and kisses him again as he gives Steve's hand a squeeze.
Pulling back slightly, he stays close enough again to rest his forehead against Steve's for a moment before smiling at him. ]
Thank you. I'll keep that in mind, I promise.
[ It's obvious that Steve's words help, because it's easier to make this promise. ]
...you've got quite the way with words, you know that? You make it very hard to say no to you.
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noble_sentiments) wrote2019-04-28 12:02 pm
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And yes, he is definitely finding a way to make this easier. Maybe, he thinks, he can design a tent that builds itself with just the push of a button. That shouldn’t be too hard, right?
Once the fire is going, Tony sits down on a log and smiles at Steve’s question. He really had thought of everything. ]
Burgers would be great.
You know - and I reserve the right to change my decision after sleeping on a sleeping bag - this is been a lot of fun. I can see why you like doing it.
no subject
Burgers it is.
[ And as Tony talks, Steve unhooks his skillet from the outside of his pack and removes the burgers' packaging. ]
It's rewarding, isn't it? [ He says, grinning as he sets the burgers onto the skillet and kneels down next to Tony so he can hold it over the fire to cook. ]
There's just something about being out here. In nature. It's like the rest of the world doesn't exist, and all we needed to get here was our own two feet.
[ Steve realizes that he forgot to get out the spatula, so he goes to retrieve it before coming back to kneel next to Tony again. ]
So— this? Most people like to bring a metal rack of some kind. You can put it right over the fire and then set the pan down. If you ever do this without me, that's what I'd recommend. I don't mind holding it, but I imagine most people would get tired of it after a while.
[ As the fire starts to heat up the skillet, the very bottoms of the burgers start to sizzle. It's going to be at least ten minutes before they're done though. ]
As for sleeping bags, I'm willing to bet you won't have any trouble. After a day's hike and how dark it gets after the sun sets, you'd be surprised at how easy it is to fall asleep out here.
[ He grins then, mostly because he's really excited to see how Tony experiences that part. One of the biggest reasons Steve loves to camp is because of how dark it gets. Unlike the city, which is lit up 24/7, the only light they'll have out here is the moon. ]
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[ Tony watches as he begins cooking the burgers, and nods slightly as he listens to him explain what to do if he ever goes camping alone. He already highly doubts that will ever happen, but at least now he knows something new in case he ever needs it.
But really, he’s not going camping without Steve.
As Steve talks about how easy it is to fall asleep out here, he raises an eyebrow skeptically but with a smile on his face that says ‘okay we’ll see.’ Five years ago, after arriving back from his stint in space, the idea of being surrounded by darkness would terrify him after staring into the void for 23 days, but that had been another thing that living in the cabin had helped him through. He has been living far away from the city for so long that he has gotten used to the stillness and the darkness and has come to appreciate it by this point.
Still, the idea of sleeping on the ground still doesn’t quite sound ideal. He has had worse sleeping conditions in the past, of course, but still. This is the first time he’s sleeping on the ground, outdoors.
He looks up towards the sky as it changes colors, the sun disappearing and the traces of the stars coming out to greet them. If Steve looks in Tony’s direction, he’ll see the serene look on his face as he takes it all for a moment before a small smile settles on his face as he turns to Steve. ]
Thanks for camping with me. This is... I’m really enjoying this.
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[ He's not trying to make a pass. He's just ... being honest. ]
And, I'm looking forward to spending more of it, together.
[ And yes, Steve did see the serenity on Tony's face earlier. It feels like a blessing, to have been able to create an environment where that could happen. He smiles too, then, and after a brief pause to just ... soak this all in, Steve starts poking around the skillet again and flips the burgers.
When they're both completely ready, he sets the skillet down on the sand to cool as he hunts around his bag for some paper plates. He's got buns too, and he sets those out to toast while the skillet's still hot. He's also got little packets of barbecue sauce, but not a whole lot else. Still, when it's time, Steve passes a plate to Tony, with all the components of a burger laid out in front of him. ]
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[ Specifically that they are spending time together, actually. Tony had been looking forward to this trip, but it’s turning out so much better than he could have expected. Is it too early to plan next weekend?
As Steve moves around to get dinner ready, Tony can’t help but just watch him. His heart feels like it’s beating faster, and for a moment he forgets about how he had been watching the sun set, but...this is better, he decides. It surprises him to think that, but it’s getting harder to ignore the more he and Steve spend time together.
With a thanks, he takes his plate and uses one of the barbecue sauce packets to spread it on the patty before taking a bite. ]
Not bad, Chef Rogers. Hell, it actually tastes pretty great.
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Then, as for the burger: ] The key... [ He says, as he spreads his own sauce. ] is to make sure everyone eating your burgers just hiked all day. [ He smirks. ] You'll see tomorrow morning. I'm gonna make the best damn pancakes you've ever had.
[ And while Steve could've easily moved himself to one log over, he's here anyway, so when he's finally ready to sit, he settles down on the same log as Tony. They're not touching or anything, but they're pretty close to each other. From there, Steve takes his first bite. Tony's right. Not bad. ]
Don't forget. There are marshmallows later. [ Then he takes another bite. ]
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You think that’s what it is? And here I was going to give you all the credit. [ He grins. ] Although I am looking forward to pancakes.
[ He’s glad that Steve doesn’t pick another log to sit on, and Tony smiles to himself before taking another bite of his burger. God, he feels almost stupid smiling about this like a kid with a crush, but well, here he is.
When Steve mentions the marshmallows, though, he chuckles and smiles over at him. ]
You actually brought marshmallows?
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[ As they eat and he sees the way Tony's smiling, Steve feels his breath hitch for a moment. How has it taken this long for Steve to understand how handsome Tony is? Especially when he smiles that way — so genuinely it hurts. ]
Oh, you can't go camping without marshmallows. [ A grin before he takes a bite. After he's done chewing: ] I also brought chocolate and graham crackers. This is the kinda stuff I used to think was the best thing in the world. God. If you saw me when I was ... eight or nine? My mom didn't really have money and I got sick a lot, so she'd find creative ways to try and cheer me up. When she first made me s'mores? Pretty sure I died a little.
[ That last part is an exaggeration, but the rest of the memory is pretty accurate — and at the thought of all of it, Steve is grinning. Despite how tough things had been, he loved his childhood. ]
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[ Tony’s cooking has improved, somewhat, in the last five years since living like a hermit doesn’t really allow for a lot of takeout or places to visit, considering how far away from civilization he is. But it’s still not the best - his patience for cooking is just never good enough, plus lately he’s down his dominant arm - so really. He’s sure Steve’s cooking is still pretty damn good, even without a hike.
As he listens to Steve’s recollection of his childhood, the smile doesn’t disappear from his face. He even chuckles when Steve says that he died a little the first time his mother made s’mores, and he can’t help but smile wider at the idea of little Steve being over the moon over it. ]
I mean, I can see why. Did you two go camping or did she get creative on how to make them?
[ There’s a reason he asks, and as he’s ready to explain it, his smile gets a little shy. ]
My mom would make them over a stove. Going camping wasn’t exactly on our itineraries. So...every once in a while when I was home, we’d be in the kitchen making s’mores by the stove. Wasn’t terrible, but I’m sure they’ll taste much better over campfire.
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His own grin softens into a smile when he hears about Tony's mom and how they'd make s'mores together by the kitchen stove. ]
I'm willing to bet — that while these will taste great, nothing will beat how it tasted when you made them with your mom. [ With the way Steve says it, it's like he expects that to ring true for both of them. ]
That sounds awfully nice though, Tony. My mom and I never went camping either. She couldn't afford to take time off work and well, while I would've definitely wanted to go, I'm pretty sure she was scared I'd get cut and die of some kind of infection. To be fair, if that happened to anyone, it would've been me. Medicine wasn't anywhere close to what it's like now. [ Steve grins then. ] Soooo. We did ours over the stove too. I'm pretty sure we set the marshmallows on fire a couple times, but then I learned, that that's the key to making them taste great.
[ And as they talk and eat, Steve finds himself subconsciously inching just a little closer toward Tony. ]
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As Steve speaks, he listens with his own smile on his face. It's nice, he thinks, that they can share information like this between each other. Tony has never shared much about his mother - not just with Steve, but in general just because it always feels like such a personal topic for him, but right now he doesn't mind it at all.
He chuckles when Steve admits that they set the marshmallows on fire a few times, and he nods. ]
Oh yeah. The trial and error phase. But there's something that's pretty damn good about that, though.
[ Tony doesn't mind that Steve is moving closer to him, and that's part of the reason why he doesn't even notice it. As he finishes his burger, he doesn't quite notice the drop of barbacue sauce that's left on his chin. He's too busy just stretching out his legs a bit as he sighs contently. ]
...is it too soon to plan out our next trip? Or should I wait 'til morning to see if I survive the sleeping bag?
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As Tony stretches out his legs, Steve finishes his own burger too, setting the plate aside. ]
Not too soon at all. [ He answers with a content smile on his face as he puts some stuff away. ] You should come down to my apartment next time. If you don't end up liking the sleeping bag, we can do a day hike from there. [ Getting up, he goes back to his pack and grabs some napkins and hand sanitizer, so he can wipe down the pan and they can wash their hands. ] There's a beautiful mountain hike that only takes a couple hours. Then you can crash with me or stay at the lodge.
[ It's funny how, when Tony isn't in the suit and the world isn't about to end, Steve stops thinking about the suit itself as possible transportation. Because truly, if Tony wanted, he could bring his suit and just fly home. But ultimately, maybe because they are here and completely disconnected from technology, Steve's mind doesn't even go there.
When the pan is clean though, he glances back up toward Tony and sees the touch of sauce on his chin. ]
Hey— you've got a little— [ Steve gestures toward his own face and tries to point at the mirror image of where the sauce is. But when Tony tries to wipe the other side, Steve is already kneeling down in front of him, fingers adjusting the napkin in his hand to a clean spot. ] Here, actually. Let me— [ And before he knows it, Steve's wiping it off from Tony's chin himself. ]
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[ Even if he doesn’t know how he’ll fare after sleeping on the ground, he doubts he’ll actually stay at the lodge. It doesn’t sound as appealing as either crashing with Steve, or sleeping in the same tent, but he keeps that to himself. Maybe one day even Tony himself would contemplate the suit as a viable transportation option to go in and out of there, but it’s not crossing his mind now, either. Partly because of his arm, but mainly because in his head it’s almost already something he has buried in his past by now.
As Steve cleans the pan, he watches the fire in content silence before he blinks over at him when he mentions he has something on his face. And he tries to get it, really, but no luck.
But suddenly Steve is there, though, and he’s more focused on him than literally anything else. He has always known Steve Rogers is a very attractive man, but...it’s hard to look away now while they’re so close to each other. Earlier he had felt so self conscious of having Steve so close to him, of him being able to see the remnants of the blast from the stones, but now he’s finding himself hoping this won’t end. That they can stay this close for just a bit longer.
He opens his mouth to say something, but it’s as if he changes his mind at the last minute before he speaks again a moment later. ]
Thanks.
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It goes a little something like this.
The first time, Steve is focused and manages to get most of it off at once. But he's so close to Tony now that he can't help but look up, his eyes lingering slightly as they trace over Tony's lips to his nose, then his eyes. Steve sees something then, even if he doesn't know what it is, but it's enough to plant a seed of wonder, or the possibility that maybe—
He smiles, just a little, and maybe too affectionately, as he glances back down and realizes that he's totally missed the mark with his second wipe.
His heart starts to speed up again when Tony opens his mouth to say something, and Steve lifts his eyebrows in anticipation before nothing happens. He wants to ask Tony what? but for the next few seconds, he only adjusts the napkin one last time, and actually gets the rest of the sauce off with his third and last wipe. ]
There. All gone.
[ Tony says thanks then, but Steve still doesn't move away. The fact that he's drawing this out on purposes makes his heart pound faster. But as he looks into Tony's eyes, it's almost like he's waiting, and asking, for Tony to go on. To say whatever he didn't say, earlier. ]
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Especially when he notices the affection in Steve’s eyes, the way his features seem to soften along with the look in his eyes. Is he just imagining it? For a moment he can’t help but wonder if that’s the case, if it’s just the campfire playing tricks on him, but he’s still there. Steve isn’t moving away, and it’s like he needs to remind himself to breathe again. ]
...is it bad if I really want to kiss you right now?
[ The confession comes out before he can stop it, the way Steve is looking at him disarming him in a way that he doesn’t know how to ignore it. ]
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He hadn't even truly known it was what he was looking for until Tony asked.
Now that he has, Steve's relief is followed-up with a small shake of his head — no, it isn't bad at all — and with a subtle, hopeful smile on his lips. Steve is already close, and after he sets the napkin down on the sand, he leans himself in closer, this time completely, and utterly inside of Tony's personal space.
If by then, Tony hasn't already kissed him first, Steve will waste no more time waiting.
No matter who starts, however, Steve's reaction will be the same.
The moment their lips first touch, Steve breathes Tony in, and he kisses Tony deeply — like after all this time, he thinks they deserve to know everything and anything about each other. But the kiss is also just barely tempered, like a passion that sits perfectly on the fence guarding the realm of lust.
Both of them, however, don't seem to want to let it stop after that. Without their lips ever parting, they kiss a second, then a third time, before Steve finally breaks away with a small smile on his lips. His cheeks look a lot redder now too, but maybe it's just the way the campfire is reflected in his face. ]
Just so you know, [ He starts, his voice quiet and intimate, so that even if there's no one else here, only Tony can hear him. ] I... hadn't planned for that to happen.
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But then Steve sighs, and he shakes his head, and Tony lets out a breath that he hadn’t quite realized he had been holding. And he smiles, so big and happy that it’s a wonder it doesn’t hurt.
Tony moves towards Steve at the same time, his eagerness not allowing him to wait anymore, and ultimately it doesn’t matter who kisses who first. The taste of his lips is all he can focus on, all he can soak in, and he returns the kisses in kind. God, how had they never done this? His free hand moves to rest against his chest, and unconsciously he finds himself grasping onto his shirt as if to keep this from ending.
Still, they should probably breathe. When they pull back, Tony stays close and a soft chuckle escapes his lips at Steve’s words. ]
It’s okay. I think that makes this even better. [ He ‘steals’ another quick peck. ] Now I’m glad you brought barbecue sauce with you.
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Steve stays close too, experiencing for the first time what it means to be this close to Tony to begin with. But when Tony steals another, quick kiss, Steve finds himself breathing out a laugh. ]
I'm just glad you came at all.
[ It's still surreal — how far from this they were just a few hours ago, and where they are now. ]
I feel like... [ Steve's eyes wandering to the sand beneath them for a moment, as he works it out. He laughs again. It's still breathy and feels like with it, carries the sense that Steve still thinks this is unbelievable. ] ... lately, I just can't get enough of you.
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[ His features seem to soften when he says that, just watching Steve as if he wants to memorize him. His heart feels like it might burst from happiness for a moment, but it’s the best feeling in the world and he can’t say he minds it. ]
Yeah? [ He lets go of Steve’s shirt, his hand moving up so he can run his fingers along his hair. ] I’m glad to hear that, because the feeling is mutual.
[ He smiles, a little shy for a moment about what he’s about to admit. ] ...the last few weeks, visiting you at the compound was the highlight of my week. You’re going to make it hard to top this one [ he adds with a playful smirk ] but...I’m so glad I didn’t ruin today. I was afraid I was going to make it awkward.
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As Tony talks, Steve just grins and feels his own heart flutter at the thought that Tony Stark had been looking forward to seeing him on all those days. As for his hands — he sets one lightly near the top of Tony's leg, and the other on his waist.
When Tony smirks though and admits being afraid of making this awkward, Steve's own smile is incredibly soft. ]
No, [ he says, as both his hands squeeze Tony lightly ] I can be... slow sometimes. Even after all the lessons, I've learned about waiting. I don't know that... [ He leans forward again for a full kiss, and god, every time he does it, it feels like he wants more. So when he finally wills himself to stop, there's a breathiness to the way he talks. ]
I don't know that I would've been able to figure this out on my own. [ He sounds embarrassed, too. ] What it means to want to see someone day after day.
[ He knows it must sound obvious to someone like Tony, who's had so much more experience on this than he has. But Steve has always needed someone to make it black and white. To kiss him, or to tell him he should ask someone out. Steve's never really been able to do this without encouragement. ]
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When Steve kisses him again, he just holds him closer as he kisses him back. Tony had already been enjoying camping but this, now, is so much better. Especially since they get to do this without anyone interrupting them. They can go at their own pace, and there’s something so beautiful about the privacy they’re getting between the lake, trees, and stars. He couldn’t have thought of a better place than this.
At Steve’s admission, Tony smiles. ]
That’s okay. I guess for the first time, my lack of shyness about all this is coming in handy. [ He kisses him again before gently pulling him in, resting his forehead against his for a moment. ]
...if I’m ever coming too strong, though, please tell me. I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable about any of this.
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When Tony pulls Steve in again, he's practically moved as flush up against Tony as possible by then. The two of them are a vision — Tony barely still sitting on the edge of the log, knees spread open just wide enough for Steve to be kneeled in front of him, their torsos pressed against each other when they kiss.
Tony asks then, for him to say something if he ever feels uncomfortable and Steve shakes his head again with a grin on his face. ]
I can't imagine that being possible. [ If anything, he wants Tony to come on stronger, and it's reflected in the mix of tenderness and want in his own eyes. ] If do anything though, tonight— [ and quickly, Steve adds: ] or anytime, that hurts your arm, I want to know. Promise me you'll tell me?
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When Steve shakes his head, Tony grins back. Especially at that look on his face that makes his heart feel like it skips a beat.
His smile only falters a little when Steve makes that special request, mainly because Tony doesn’t want to ruin things - and somehow it feels like bringing up his arm would ruin things - but after a moment he just nods slightly. ]
Okay. I promise. I think you’ll be able to tell - when it’s bad it... I can’t quite hide it, but I’ll tell you. [ He smiles slightly, looking down for a moment. ] ...sorry. I kinda wish you wouldn’t have to deal with...it.
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Tony promises though, nonetheless, and Steve nods, even if he's immediately set on making sure Tony never thinks that he'd mind something like that. So he moves one of his hands to Tony's free one and squeezes it for the first time. ]
Tony... [ Steve looks directly into his eyes then, and maneuvers his body a little to prompt Tony into looking back at him. ] I get it. Things like this... they change your life forever. And will keep changing it. But I want to be very clear about this. [ And if Tony hasn't looked at him yet, Steve will wait until he does to continue. ] There's no reason you should ever need to apologize because of your arm. Hell, Tony, you saved the world. You did something that gods could barely do. And lived.
[ He pauses, for a second, as a very, old memory resurfaces and compassion writes itself onto Steve's brow. ]
You were the guy to make the sacrifice play. [ He says it all slowly, just in case Tony needs a moment to remember where it's from. ] To lay down on a wire and let the other guy crawl over you. [ A beat. ] Except, it was the world that crawled over you, Tony. From where I'm sitting... that arm is proof that you're one of the best people I know.
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Now, the last thing that Tony wants is to be that burden for Steve. For him to deal with it - with him - for what's to come. It feels unfair to have him deal with the collateral damage.
As Steve speaks and tries to make eye contact, Tony turns to him. He doesn't expect him to bring up that old memory, and it shows by the way a faint sort of smile crosses his face as he shakes his head slightly, as if to tell him he doesn't have to say that, but he does. And it leaves him speechless for a moment before he leans in and kisses him again as he gives Steve's hand a squeeze.
Pulling back slightly, he stays close enough again to rest his forehead against Steve's for a moment before smiling at him. ]
Thank you. I'll keep that in mind, I promise.
[ It's obvious that Steve's words help, because it's easier to make this promise. ]
...you've got quite the way with words, you know that? You make it very hard to say no to you.
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you should feel free to montage a bit if you want
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meanwhile, this mun took a nap on a couch
mmm nap 😴
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omg I'm so sorry my previous tag had so many typos
you’re fine! sorry about mine too though, that’s what i get for posting too early the in morning
SAME
❤️
wow I also didn't mean to say "his feels" b/c Steve is not a millenial
it’s what being around each other does to them, they are going crazy ;)
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feel free to go vague and let time pass, I'm starting to set that up
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they're so soft and cute
yesss they’re adorable ❤️
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