Author's Note: Here we are already to part ten! I can't believe it. Story turned into a monster but perhaps up their with my favorites for all it's Tony feels! So enjoy some more angst.
Show Me the Stars
Part 10 – According to Plan
The bright lights hurt his eyes, making them water, as he blinked painfully. Every small noise in the restaurant making him jump and twitch. The last place in the world he wanted to be right now was here.
Sharon sat across from him, looking beautiful. Her dress was perfectly tailored the neckline enough to make him embarrassed, but it didn't fire his blood. He wasn't short of breath, and he wasn't wondering what her lips would feel like against his own. Not like he had with Tony.
She was talking about something avidly, Steve trying to focus but his attention kept wandering. Wondering if Tony was ok, he really shouldn't have come at all. He should have stayed with him at the Tower. Worrying his lower lip as Sharon rambled on.
A flurry of movement at a nearby table caught his attention, idly blur eyes drifted to the commotion before shock made his head snap around fully.
It was Tony and Clint.
Sharon cut off realizing she had lost Steve's attention, frowning she followed her dates distracted gaze, eyes narrowing in anger when she recognized the pair. "You've got to be kidding me," she wanted to swear desperately.
"Oh hi!" Tony pretended to be surprised to see them, making his way over to the table stumbling a little. Steve frowned, wondering if he had been drinking; the thought seemed important. Clint followed placidly looking a little pie eyed himself.
"Didn't know you guys would be here" Tony was all snarky, Stark charm.
The big blond watched with a sort of detached interested as the two men settled down at the table with them not even asking. Tony a little closer to him then was perhaps necessary. Steve didn't mind at all. Although he could smell something on the man, sharp and familiar. Alcohol, a whiskey, he knew right away and he had no idea why or why he didn't like it.
"So what are you thinking of getting Steve?" Tony was looking at him over the menu curiously, he blushed faintly embarrassed. Steve had no idea what half the stuff meant and no idea what to get.
"He'll have the steak," Sharon spoke for the first time, her face a bland mask, but her eyes unable to hide the fury as she glared daggers at the two intruders. Tony was sure that if looks could kill he would be laying dead on the floor.
Steve didn't really want steak, Tony looked at the women unconcerned, "Oh really? You sure Steve? There is a fabulous salmon here, light, citrusy, it's that right Clint."
Clint across from his partner in crime grinned, Steve noting he too smelled of alcohol. "Absolutely, think I'll have the tilapia myself." The salmon did sound good, Steve rubbed at his head absently, maybe eating something would help.
"Are we ready here folks?" the waiter retuned pen and paper in hand, all smiles.
Sharon pinned him waspishly, "Yes I'll have the chicken, and he'll have the steak" she gestured to Steve across from her. To tired and weary to argue he handed over the menu with a tight polite smile.
Tony watching the childish actions of the women wanting to throttle her, when he thought better of it. Two could play this game, "Salmon, and bottle of your best Sauvignon Blanc for the table." Clint put in his order eyeing Tony curiously. A dark brow arched as the pair communicated without words. The night was just getting started.
"So kids what are we talking about?" the genius asked leaned back against the chair, that mysterious smile about his lips.
"Stevie and I were making plans for the wedding," Sharon smirked coldly sipping her water.
"Oh really? You know I'd love to hear how Stevie purposed," Tony's gaze was just as icy.
Clint was grinning, "Yes I don't think Steve ever told us." All eyes turned to Sharon pinning her to the spot; including those of her supposed betrothed.
Tony wanted to laugh at the impression of a fish she was doing. His plan seemed to be going better then expected. It wasn't so much of a plan per say as he was just sort of flying by the seat of his pants.
Neither he nor Clint were drunk; they had had a drink on the way over though. Tony not much as kill joy archer said it was probably a bad idea to mix it with his pain meds. It was all about appearances though.
"Well umm…it was a dinner," she muttered and Tony could almost see her trying to think on her feet. Girl was a rank amateur; Tony was the king of bullshit. By the look Clint was giving her he too was finding this hilarious.
"Steve was such a gentleman, got down on one knee," she sighed waving airily. "The rest is history," Tony's grin was malicious; hell no he wasn't letting her off that easy.
"Wow really? What day was that?" Tony leaned forward feigning interest.
She stumbled, "Umm two weeks ago," she answered hedging.
"You don't know the date?" Clint's voice was louder then necessary beginning to draw some curious looks from others in the room.
"What about the name of the restaurant?" Tony asked cocking his head, challenge in dark eyes.
"What were you wearing?" Clint's eye bored into her.
"What was he wearing?" Tony returned.
Steve may have no memories at the moment but he knew when things weren't right. Something was happening here. It was going completely beyond him but he knew all the same.
"Stevie are you not going to defend me?" Sharon was looking at him angrily. Steve he had no idea what to say. What did she need to be defended from? They seemed reasonable questions to him.
Thankfully the waiter returned at that moment with the wine. Steve welcomed the distraction as he tried to collect his scattered thoughts. Tony thanked the young man jovially as he poured them each a drink. When he departed, the genius held his glass aloft, "To the happy couple," his tone was sarcastic and dry Steve frowned confusion mounting.
The awkward conversation continued to flow around him as he tried to keep up with what was going one. Clint and Tony were relentless asking question after question, Sharon alternating between snarking at Tony and glaring at Steve angrily demanding his help.
Steve's head throbbed, as he clenched his jaw trying to will his pain away. Clint drew Sharon into a heated debate then about some SHIELD protocol.
Tony took the opportunity to turn his attention to Steve. He knew the blond better then any man had right too, and as rare as it was he knew when the Cap was in pain. Leaning close, dark brown eyes searched blue, that handsome face looked pale and pinched. "You ok Sunshine?" his voice was tender, soothing and deep.
Steve focused on the bruised man, wanting for a moment to throw himself into his arms. It was on the tip of his tongue to say he was fine when something in those caring eyes stopped him. There was an understanding in their depths. Steve opened his mouth; sure it was all going to come tumbling out when the food came.
Tony wanted to curse at the utterly poor timing. It had looked like Steve had been going to say something confide in him. Sighing Tony turned to his food, seeing Steve wince out of the corner of his eye. As soon as the waiter departed Tony switched plates with Steve. Sharon gasping like he'd just stabbed her in the back. A dark brow arched daring her to make a scene, Tony more then ready to go toe to toe with her.
Her cheeks flushed with anger, but she held her peace turning back to her food viciously biting into her chicken. Clint saluted Tony with his wine glass, while Steve cast him a grateful smile, carefully cutting off a portion of the salmon.
Tony watching keenly as Steve smiled happily eating. He knew Steve enjoyed his steak as much as the next man. He also knew the super soldier had a likening for seafood something he had rarely had a chance to enjoy during wartime.
Tony enjoyed every single bite of the steak as he sent smug glances towards the women looking more put our by the moment. The waiter returned clearing their plates, "Coffee or dessert?" he asked politely Sharon shook her head, "No thanks the bill please," her voice stilted.
The billionaire didn't miss the small hunch of disappointment from the big super soldier. Nope not happening. "Well I'd like a coffee, take a look at the dessert menu as well, Clint?"
The archer nodded, "Yes think I would as well, Steve?" the blond cast a hesitant look to his fiancé, Sharon looked like she swallowed a lemon. Wilting he was about to decline when Tony spoke again.
"Hot chocolate with whip cream from the big guy, and we'll take a look at that dessert menus." Nodding with a bright smile he hurried off.
Sharon had reached the end of her patience, "Stevie and I want to leave." Her tone was clipped and short. Tony was done being polite with the bitch.
"Why doesn't Stevie answer for himself?" He sniped at her.
All eyes turned towards the man in question, Steve seeming to quell at the intensity. He had no idea what to do. Torn by want and duty. It was his duty to stand by his fiancé, yet he wanted to stay here…wanted to be in the company of Tony.
The only thing that saved him was Sharon's ringing phone. Sharon angrily answering it, "Agent Carter." She listened briefly, before replying in the affirmative. Hanging up she stood stiffly, "I'm needed at work."
Moving around the table she paused by Steve, very deliberately leaning down mashing their mouths together, moaning delicately as she put on a show for Stark. Running her hands up strong arms she pulled away biting a kiss swollen lip, "I'll see you later."
It took everything Tony had not to leap out of his seat and wail the cunt in the side of her head with his braced arm. The gall of the bitch, kissing his Steve.
Alone at the table now, Clint arched a brow at his friend Tony replying with the tiniest of shrugs. The archer grinned, "Well looks like I better get going too," he stood offering Tony a thumbs up, heading out of the restaurant.
"Alone at last," Tony teased, smirking. The waiter returned to the table with the coffees and hot chocolate frowning when he noted the other two absences. Tony reassured him, "I was paying anyway," perking up a bit handing over the dessert menus before departing to give them a few moments to decide.
"What would you like?" Tony asked glancing over the list, Steve giving it very careful consideration as he read through everything carefully.
He sipped his hot chocolate, "I'm not sure there are so many."
Tony hid his grin, the waiter returning, "May I?" nodding Tony ordered Steve's favorites tiramisu and crème brulee.
Alone for the moment, a silence settled over the table Tony worrying how pale and wan his companion looked. Steve was never sick, something was very wrong. "How are you feeling?" Steve asked him softly eyes directed at the table.
Tony frowned, "Fine just a couple of busted ribs nothing major. They break like kindling anymore." He absently rubbed his reactor.
"I am so sorry Tony, I just…" Steve trailed off at a loss to offer some apology. A warm hand settled on his.
"No apology needed, Steve," Tony reached for the words to reassure him, when the blond had no idea what was happening to him. He came up empty handed, frustrated that when he really needed it, speech escaped him.
Dessert came then stalling more awkward conversation, Tony watched amused as he dug into the cake. "This is amazing," he complement looking truly happy for the first time all night. Where Captain America and Thor were concerned all the ills of the world should be fixed by sugar.
Finishing his dessert in record time, Tony slid his over, "Go ahead," he urged. Happily the big man ate that too.
Tony couldn't help the small sad smile that tugged his features, he wasn't fond of sweets, but always ordered dessert just so he could give it to Steve. He smiled sadly mind idly recalling intimate dinners together. How he had taken so much pleasure in showing Steve the verity the city had to offer. Everything and anything from the highest end bistro's to food trucks.
Now all those memories were gone, and Steve was once more a stranger in a foreign land. Tony the one burdened by the memories of what had been.
Finishing off the last of the custard Steve looked up at the dark headed man, catching his breath when he saw the expression in those dark eyes. It was a terrible sadness, one he had glimpsed before. A longing that made his heartache and his head pound.
Something briefly crackled in his mind, a bright flash in the dark. A light turning on illuminating something he knew was so very important. Before he could gasp it that light was out and that sharp pain was back.
Gasping Steve hunching over squeezing his eyes tightly in pain. "Steve you ok?" Worried hands were on his shoulder, gentle but firm.
Trembling the big man found the truth falling from his lips, as the noise of the restaurant swirled around them, "No."