The ball was in full swing but Steve was still hanging reluctantly at the sidelines like the wallflower he was not allowed to be. He straightened out his well-fitted white tuxedo with the red sash and made sure the medals lined up across his chest were not crooked. If he'd been given any semblance of a choice he would be as far from this royal ball as possible but since the whole reason his parents were holding this thing was to find Steve a partner to rule with once they passed away, he had no choice but to attend. The number random people who had literally thrown themselves on him had been embarrassing. He could never understand how some people could be so obsessed with power but have no idea all the responsibilities that came along with it. He was only Prince but he could swear he was going grey from stress! He couldn't imagine being king.

He noticed a smaller man in a dark tuxedo leaning against the wall near him too. The guy wasn't exactly looking enthused to be there and a hint of annoyance sparked in Steve before he remembered that actually he didn't want to be here either. He approached the man in the hope of some sane and not royal obsessed conversation; he wasn't here looking for a partner. Either that or he'd made a royal dash for the exit.

"So, these Royal balls kinda suck, right?" Steve opened with a charming smile as he tried to lean casually beside the guy. Some people felt threatened by his status and clammed up so he always tried his best to put his loyal subjects at ease.

The man scanned him up and down before commenting with a flirtatious smirk, "I think I can see some 'royal balls' that I wouldn't mind sucking."

Steve spluttered, "What?" Nobody he had ever met had ever had enough confidence to flirt with him in such a brazen manner especially considering that he could have them beheaded with a mere snap of his fingers. Not that he would ever actually kill someone…

The man burst out laughing at the look on Steve's face, "I'm sorry. It's just I saw the royal uniform and honestly couldn't help myself." His infectious chuckling had claimed Steve who was now laughing along freely. "Royal guard?" He tilted his head.

Steve blinked. Never before in his life had he not been recognised as the Prince. Nearly every individual in his land knew of him and had most likely seen him in person. He had a moral conflict for a mere moment before his heart overruled his head and he said casually, "Oh, yeah. Royal guard. Be careful, I'm pretty sure what you said was treacherous!" He giggled freely.

The man feigned offence and commented back sharply, "Me? What about you? I'm sure the royals won't be impressed if they hear their own royal guard thinks their parties suck?"

They peered at each other for some time while the shorter man tried to masquerade a serious expression despite the smirk that was cracking through. Steve imitated his expression in a playful game that made them feel almost like co-conspirators. It was Steve who broke first by laughing as he spoke.

"Well, someone has to break it to them. Otherwise they will keep living a lie."

A group of women, decked out in full ball gowns, up-dos and heels, gaggled passed them with each one making eyes at Steve in a desperate attempt to grab his attention. Always the gentleman, he nodded to the group respectfully which sent them running off, each chattering about how they were most certain that his look had been directed at them alone. He watched them go feeling almost sorry for them. Maybe it was about time he broke it to his folks that he was actually gay and he was most definitely not looking for a queen to join his rule. The kingdom had been completely okay with homosexuality and other LGBT matters for decades now so he wasn't fearing their rejection.

It was only when Steve's new acquaintance leant in was the royal pulled from his train of thought, "See they've noticed too…"

Frowning, he was suddenly self conscious. He whispered in response, "Noticed what?"

"That you're the hottest guy in this palace." The man pulled out what was clearly his most charming smile and leant against the wall in such a way that placed him closer to the tall, handsome 'guardsman'.

The Prince wasn't used to being flattered in such a way so he couldn't stop the red flush that quickly raced up his neck and to the tip of his ears. Nobody ever spoke to Steve as though he was a regular person but always were trying to win his favor in order to be close to the throne. These people weren't stupid; they knew his parents didn't have long left and Steve would be likely to need a partner to take over the rule.

"And judging by the way you've gone beet red I'm guessing you're not aware of that fact? And that's not just me trying to get into your pants." He raised his hands as though making a surrendering gesture but since his hand was up he then bent it down and grabbed Steve's, "I'm Tony, by the way."

Steve hoped Tony didn't notice the way all the real Royal guards suddenly reached for their swords the moment this stranger grabbed for him quickly. They were always on high alert with the royals and especially Steve since he was the only heir. To lose their only heir at a ball designed to find him a prince or princess to rule with would be rather awkward.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Steve." Since Tony didn't recognise his face Steve correctly assumed the man wouldn't know his name either.

"Say, I don't know where you're allowed to go but did you fancy patrolling the royal gardens for a while? If it helps I can be a damsel in distress." The small man raised a hand to his brow and pretended to swoon slightly.

Steve bit the side of his cheek to fight the beaming grin, "I'm pretty sure I can go wherever I want but seeing you as a damsel can only help."

"Well, I guess if you can go wherever you wish then maybe we might end up at my place." Tony knew he was being a little tongue-in-cheek with the overtness of his flirting but Steve was unbelievably good looking, funny, smart and had a great body. He wasn't about to lose his only opportunity by being too subtle. "It's pretty close by." He added as he took the Prince by the hand and led him out towards the gardens.

Steve muttered under his breath, "I bet mine's closer.


Moonlight accompanied the twinkling of thousands of fairy lights that had been dropped across the royal gardens. Tall trees and bushes isolated them from the rest of the world making it become just them and the gravel path. Realistically, Steve knew that there was probably a royal guardsman behind every corner monitoring them in case Tony really was a crazed Royal murderer. He appreciated their thoroughness but felt completely safe with Tony. He wasn't afraid to say the cliché: it felt like he'd known him for years.

Only the gravel crunched underfoot as they descended deeper into the gardens. Steve wanted to know what Tony was thinking but he didn't want to ruin this tranquil moment they had managed to cultivate independent from the chaos of the ball. Light glancing off his medals and shiny gold buttons made him peer down at himself. All of a sudden he felt so foolish. As though his medals and wealth meant anything when the only person he connected with at this whole ball had been a man in a simple black suit with no thrills. He felt pompous and extravagant but most of all he felt like a moron.

"You look embarrassed." Tony murmured softly, "You can go back if you want."

Steve didn't realise Tony had been watching him this whole time which made him flush more. They stopped walking and peered at each other for a while. Steve's breath caught in his throat and the light illuminated his new friend's features spectacularly.

"What is it? The natural light revealing the true hideousness of my form?" It was clearly a joke but his tone was too breathy and distracted to fully carry it.

Hesitantly, Steve placed his hand on the bridge between Tony's neck and jaw and began to pull him closer. He needn't worry whether the shorter man would respond as Tony's hands were instantly on the Prince. Their lips bumped together softly at first but upon reassurance from both they became more confident and their mouths collided in a heat that enveloped them. As they became more passionate Steve suddenly realised that a subject walking in on them furiously making out in the gardens probably wouldn't give the best impression so they'd better move somewhere more private.

Breaking the kiss, he pulled back causing Tony to give out a longing whine in protest, "Lets get out of public. To my room." He grabbed Tony's hand and they ran back towards the palace but were making a bee-line for a servant entrance in an attempt to avoid the hundreds of people gathered in the ballroom. Undoubtedly, the Prince sprinting around with a random civilian would most definitely cause a scandal.

"You live in the palace!?" Tony exclaimed, dumbfounded.

Steve rolled his eyes as he tried to create another lie to maintain his guardsman cover story, "Its a perk of the job."

Wordlessly, Stark nodded.