Steve considered himself lucky to wake up at all the next morning. With great trouble, he took a shower to get the blood off. He was careful not to wet the gauze on his arm and he put a plastic bag over the gauze on his ankle. He didn't want to have to go through anymore trouble medically. Slowly, he pulled himself out of the shower. He put on a long sleeved shirt. Then he pulled on a pair of jeans and a pair of converse. He was careful when pulling on the shoes, for he didn't want to gauze to show, and he didn't want to destroy it either. After about a few minutes, Steve was dressed. Then he used concealer to cover up the bruises on his face. Yes, he'd needed to do this before, which was why he kept a little makeup in his room.

It sounded weird, but desperate times called for desperate measures. He'd gotten so good at putting on the concealer that it didn't even look like he'd been bruised. Taking one last scan in the mirror, he looked completely normal. The clothes and makeup worked wonders. He laughed at the thought of how many other times he'd pulled this off without anybody noticing a change. Grabbing his bag, Steve ran out the door. He got into his car and drove to school. Parking, he dropped the keys into his bag. It was the same routine every morning for him. Or at least similar. Taking one last look in the mirror, he started the walk for the front doors. He made it to his 1st period class rather quickly. Purposely, he didn't sit in Tony's seat. Steve instead sat in the one next to where Tony usually sat. When the brunet walked into the classroom, he couldn't suppress the stunned look on his face. He forced coolness into his step as he approached Steve.

"You sure are talented with cover up." He joked. The blonde smirked slightly, thought it didn't reach his eyes. He was still in immense pain, remember.

"Impressed?" He asked, laughing. Tony smirked and sat down next to Steve.

"I can't say I'm not, twinkle toes." The billionaire responded. Steve childishly stuck his tongue out at the familiar nickname.

"Whatever, rich boy." He retorted, though he was actually smiling. For some reason, Tony helped take his mind off the pain. The two met eyes, and it was silent for a little bit too long.

"You wanna hang out later, maybe, like as friends I mean?" Tony rambled, trying to make himself sound nonchalant. The blonde averted his eyes, as he didn't want the billionaire to see his blush. He never figured out how the brunet could make him feel such reactions. Sometimes, Steve wanted to rip Tony's head off, and other times, Tony was the only light in Steve's hella messed up life.

"Your house?" The taller asked, trying to shake off the weird hopeful feeling rising in his chest.

"Yeah." The brunet replied. The pair didn't talk for the rest of the class period. Steve had some trouble exiting the room on his crutches. With all the bruises and his lingering fatigue, he nearly passed out again. Though he safely made it to and through the next three classes of the day. It was 5th period that left him reeling. He couldn't figure out what to tell the gym teacher. (The day before he'd made an excuse about feeling like throwing up) He'd had no doctor's note, and surely no parent's note. And he couldn't even explain why he was so beat up in the first place.

This landed him at the guidance counselor's office for reasons he didn't quite understand. He didn't like that place one bit. He had to sit in uncomfortable, over-sanitized metal chairs. And the counselor wasn't as nice as he was told. She had jet black eyes and hair pulled back into a tight bun.

"Steve, would you care to explain how you got hurt so badly?" She asked, her voice as sharp as her jaw. The blonde didn't say a word. She kept asking him questions, and when he didn't answer, she got frustrated. She was just about to dial his uncle when he let out a strangled noise. She froze in her tracks and turned to focus on him.

"Finally willing to share?" She asked, narrowing her eyes suspiciously. Steve sighed. He took a minute to think of a viable excuse.

"I got hit by a car, but I didn't come to in time to see who it was that hit me. I didn't want to tell you because you would harp me for details that I can't remember, for it was a hit and run." He explained his fake story.

She didn't seem to buy it. Steve fidgeted fake nervously under her scrutinizing glare. He just wanted to get the fuck out of there and go to Tony's. Hours passed with her further interrogation. However when the final bell rang, he mumbled some excuse about it being illegal to hold people against their will, then bolted. He made it out of the building and into his car pretty damn quickly (for being on crutches at least). Once he was settled on his blood covered seat, he huffed frustratingly. How was he ever going to catch up on his homework now? He pushed the worries out of his mind. Without thinking anything through, he dialed Stark.

"Steve?" Was the answer this time.

"Yeah, I was jut wondering what time I'm suppose to come over." The blonde replied.

"Why are you out of breath?" The brunet questioned obnoxiously. Steve hadn't even realized he was that tired from escaping the office. He was just really determined to escape that witch of a counselor.

"And why did you miss so many classes?" Tony questioned, sounding strained.

"I ran from the guidance counselor whom kept me locked in her strange little office from 5th period on. What time should I come over?" Steve replied efficiently, not wanting to dwell on the subject too long. He didn't want Tony to start questioning him as well. The billionaire hesitated on the other line.

"About that.. I don't think you can come over today." The brunet replied finally. Steve couldn't deny the wave of hurt that washed over him. He didn't know why he was so crushed by that one sentence.

"OK, I get it. Bye" The blonde replied, voice cold. Then he hung up before the other had a chance to react. Sighing, Steve tried to take control of his temper. After a few minutes his breathing wasn't as rapid, and his heart was beating at a normal pace. He glanced around his car, now somewhat bored. His eyes rested upon the blood stains on the floor and chair of his car. The air smelled metallic and rusty. The blonde would have to look up how to clean blood when he went home.

Home...Steve really didn't want to go back. Even though, technically, his uncle shouldn't be there tonight. However, the day before his uncle wasn't suppose to get so angry. So who knew what could happen. And also, the instant Steve got home, he would have to clean. He simply didn't feel like it. The blonde hesitated in his car for a long time, then he'd made up his mind. Steve was done being told what to do. He was going to take control of his life. This was a rash decision, but he felt that it was the right thing to do.

Steve jammed the keys into his ignition and violently turned them. He drove home as quickly as he could. Once the blonde arrived he barged right in, as it was unlocked. A quick scan of the house confirmed that his uncle was nowhere to be seen. Steve went right into his room and took in his surroundings. What did he really need? He dragged a suitcase out of his closet. Then he sat comfortably on the floor and thought. After a moment's hesitation, he began digging through his bedroom doors. He pulled out the clothes he needed most, the items he needed most, and some random medical supplies. After pausing, he decided to grab his box of memories from underneath his bed. Steve didn't even know why he'd had to think twice about that.

He lugged the suitcase, first aid kit, and box of memories down the stairs. He went out the front door and up to his car. After opening the trunk, he shoved all the stuff inside. Then he stood for a minute. Steve knew he was going to need some other essentials. He went back up to his room and grabbed arms full of blankets and pillows. Then he stopped off at the kitchen and filled a couple paper bags with snacks. Lastly, he hit up the bathroom and took all of his hygienic supplies. He loaded all of the stuff into his car, not just the trunk.

He had an SUV, so there was room by the back seats. The blonde closed all the car's doors and the trunk with a huff. He then took a step back to make up his mind for good. Was there anything he had forgotten? He thought for a few moments. Steve quickly realized that if he was going to rent out a room anywhere, he would need cash. He scampered back inside and looked around his room for money. The blonde remembered that he'd stashed a wad of savings somewhere. After finding it, he shoved it into his pocket.

Then, he'd decided to rummage through his uncle's room. The stupid man was just going to drink the money away anyway. Steve looked through a few cluttered drawers, all the while stepping over broken bottles. Finally he found his gaurdian's stash. He "borrowed" $300. And he didn't feel guilty in the least. Steve waded through all the trash and out of his uncle's filthy bedroom. The blonde dashed down the hall and out to his car. He stuffed the money into his bag and got in his car at last. (It was completely his car, under his name, so his uncle couldn't accuse him of GTA)

Then Steve drove. He drove for a long time, but he knew his exact were the events that took place in the remainder of that day. He found a cheap, underground/dangerous type place that would rent to people his age. He rented a small 1 person apartment. The kitchen and bedroom were one room, and the bathroom was mighty tiny. He was lucky it even had a shower. Steve also got a part time job (he was too young and inexperienced for a full time one), well 2 part-time jobs actually. He got one for weekends, and one for weeknights. He would really need the money. Lastly, he drove back to his old house before it was too late. He stuffed a dresser in his car. Then figured out how to tie his bed to the roof. It took some time and he had some trouble. He almost got crushed by the bed a few times, but he survived.

Next, he stole a box worth of kitchenware. Steve also left a note explaining why there were missing items and why he was absent. He left his number just so his uncle wouldn't call the cops and report a robbery. Lastly, he grabbed a whole bunch of cleaning supplies. His uncle didn't know how to use them anyway. Then he drove back to his apartment.

He organized everything, cleaned everything, and got himself situated. When he looked at the clock right before falling asleep, it was nearly 4am. He was glad to have been so determined with this idea. Otherwise he never would've pulled through. Steve would've been stuck at his despicable guardian's house for the rest of his life. The blonde felt really accomplished, and happy that he'd acted on such impulse. Now he was free. He could do what he wanted and be what he wanted. Steve didn't have to worry about coming home late and getting a beating for it anymore. The blonde smiled dreamily. He felt ten times safer on his own. With that calming feeling, he drifted to sleep.


When Steve slowly opened his eyes, everything felt hazy. He was aching everywhere, and it took him a moment to realize where he was. He thought for a little and came to the conclusion that he was a crazy mother trucker. Everything he'd done the day before was blurry. It all felt like an odd compulsion he'd had to fulfill, with no further explanation as to why. But even though he didn't fully understand it, he was still glad he did it.

The blonde's head was throbbing violently, but one glance at the clock told him he'd be late if he didn't get moving. He was too tired to bother with a shower, and he looked pretty decent already. So he just got dressed quickly. Steve grabbed his crutches and keys and headed out the door. He locked his apartment up behind him. Then, still half asleep, he shuffled down a few sets of metal stairs. He finally made it to the parking garage (which he'd started a monthly payment for a parking spot in) and sought out his car. Luckily, it was undamaged, and right where he left it. It was times like this that he was glad to have a car that looked like shit. That way nobody wanted to break into it, or try to steal it.

Steve made it to school just barely. Except he quickly realized he'd forgotten to cover all his bruises. He sweat all the makeup off the day before. But he was still too exhausted to care. Steve napped off and on all day. Finally, Tony talked to him. It was during lunch oddly enough. Steve hadn't bought or brought anything to eat because he didn't want to waste any money. The blonde had just had his head down on the table.

"What're you up to, Rogers?" Stark asked, using his sarcastic tone of voice. Though Tony had hurt Steve's feelings only the day before, Steve was still ecstatic to hear the brunet's voice. His heart leapt up into his throat as he lifted his head from the table. As soon as he did, Tony made a horrified expression.

"Did you sleep at all last night? You look exhausted." The billionaire exclaimed. Steve scoffed.

"What is this sleep you speak of." He retorted, smiling playfully.

"You should get some." Tony said. Steve thought he'd seen a flicker of concern visible in the other's expression, but it vanished too quickly for him to analyze.

"Maybe." Steve replied, pretending to be thoughtful. They both ended up laughing.

"So how you holding up?" The billionaire asked, changing the subject. Steve didn't even notice when the brunet sat down. It was so weird for anyone else to ever be at the same lunch table as him. Right as he was formulating an excuse, Tony's group walked up. A couple of them 'accidentally' elbowed Steve in the head. He pretended not to notice. But when they all surrounded Stark like flies to a light bulb, Steve started to get annoyed.

He up and left without another word, and ignored the laughter that could be obviously heard from the table. He made it to the hall and kinda just sat up against a locker. There was still about 20 minutes until passing period, and he didn't know what to with himself. After hesitation, the blonde began to fall asleep. That was when his phone made a noise. He'd received a text.

"Come over today right after school, Rogers. -Stark" Was what it read.

Steve unintentionally grinned. He didn't know why, but that text just made his day. And, he could actually go over too. Since the first week of his job(s) started on Saturday and it was only Wednesday he was free. Steve drifted through the rest of the school day, very bored and tired. Right as the final bell rang, Steve darted out of his chair. He bolted straight out to his car. (Once again, as fast as you can bolt on crutches.) He yanked open the door to his vehicle and climbed in. As soon as he heard the car roar to life, he smiled again.

He was genuinely excited for the day to come. The last time he'd spent a long time talking to anybody was with his uncle..and that wasn't exactly a conversation. He shuddered as scarring memories intruded his mind. He quickly shoved them away and turned on his car. He couldn't exactly remember where Tony's house was though. Lately, he'd been forgetting everything. And also getting dizzy every time he stood. Sadly, he couldn't remember being hit on the head at any point. So he couldn't figure out any explanation for the temporary amnesia. After pondering that for a minute, he realized he still had a problem. Steve stopped off on an abandoned street to text Tony.

"What's your address again? I can't remember. -Rogers" Was what it said.

He'd never noticed their shift from using first names to using last names. It made him feel cooler for some reason. In about 3 minutes, he got a reply. Now that he knew where he was headed, he got there in about 5 minutes. He forced himself out of his car. The blonde skipped up to the door, but paused before knocking. He took a moment to get all his excitement in check and hidden. Then he raised a fist and knocked somewhat loudly. Tony opened the door within about three seconds.

"Steve!" He exclaimed happily. The blonde smiled awkwardly, suddenly feeling like he didn't belong at all.

"Come in!" The billionaire said, after a few more moments of awkward silence. He ushered the other inside and told him to sit down. Steve complied. After they were both situated with drinks, Tony began to speak again.

"So, how's it going?" He asked, sounding uncomfortable. Steve was getting suspicious, as Stark was acting kinda weird.

"Fine." The blonde replied, voice cold.

"Relax." Tony said, suddenly filled with charisma again.

"I wouldn't have invited you over here if I didn't have a reason." He added, smirking slightly. Steve quirked his eyebrow in response.

"And that would be..?" He asked, curious.

"I like talking to you. We really need to be friends." The brunet replied. Steve felt his heart flutter.

"Are you blushing?" The billionaire asked, smiling slightly.

"I mean I get it, I am pretty irresistible." He continued. Then he leaned forward slightly and placed a rough hand on Steve's cheek. The blonde froze immediately. He didn't want to risk ruining the moment. He felt sparks where Tony's skin touched his own. Steve didn't want that feeling to stop. Subconsciously he leaned forward and made a low purring sound in his throat. The brunet smiled playfully.

"You like that?" He asked, his voice barely a whisper. Steve hesitated, but nodded slightly. The blonde looked up and met eyes with Tony. The billionaire's face momentarily softened. Unexpectedly, Tony began to lean towards Steve. The blonde felt heat rising in his cheeks (as if it ever left) and his heart was pounding violently in his ribcage.

That was when someone's phone went off.

They both jumped, and Tony scrambled to answer his phone. He picked it up and mumbled some excuse. Then he hung up on the person. For a moment, the brunet looked highly flustered. When he regained control of his actions, he smirked.

"So wanna watch a movie or something?" The billionaire suggested. Steve nodded, Still reeling over their almost-kiss. Tony got up and shuffled out of the room. He came back with about 5 DVD's in hand.

"Which one?" He asked, locking eyes dramatically with the blonde. However, Steve wasn't picky with movies, so he just pointed to the one in the middle. The brunet smirked.

"Good choice." He purred. Then he put all the DVD's back in their place and settled next Steve on the couch. He was damn close. Steve unintentionally blushed again. The billionaire seemed to notice the blondes reaction and smirked slightly. He turned on the movie and turned off the lights. The blonde actually got really into the movie. It was an action flick with a bit of romance. People kept getting shot and it kept him interested.

Then he was getting distracted by something else. Tony kept snuggling up closer to Steve. The blonde didn't know quite what to do, especially since it was dark. He could only make out some of Tony's features from the glow of the movie. Steve knew for sure he wasn't suppose to be this tense, so he ignored his thumping heart in favor of shifting his position as well. He slowly put an arm around Tony's shoulders and waited for a reaction. The brunet didn't shy away, instead he got even closer. Once they'd both reached maximum closeness, they were comfortable. Steve's face was on fire for the rest of the movie. He was struggling to keep his heart in his chest. Finally the end credits rolled around. Tony got up and flipped the lights back on. He met eyes with Steve and smirked as soon as he saw the taller's face.

"We should do this again." The billionaire simply said. Tony walked back over to the couch and pecked Steve on the cheek. That didn't help with the blonde's red face, it only inflamed it further. (if that was humanly possible) Right as Steve was walking out the door, Tony added one more thing.

"Bye honey."


A/N: So there you go. Next chapter up already! And didn't you just adore that fluff? Please review XD

Oh, and thanks Panda for reviewing!