WARNING! This chapter contains light slash.
Steve looks away as soon as he makes eye contact with Bruce across the parking lot. Tony's group doesn't dare make eye contact with Steve's group and vice-versa. That's just how the status thing works. Steve knew something was up when Bruce kept staring at him.
He checks his phone and doesn't see a response from Tony yet. The guy didn't look too happy when he got into his car. Steve hopes the dinner "date" is still on for tonight.
He stays and chats with his friends until they each leave one-by-one. About 20 minutes go by, and Steve approaches his car when his phone vibrates. He grins down at Tony's name displayed on the screen.
yeah its still on unless you had something come up. does 5 still work?
Steve eagerly replies. yes it still works. :)
Sweet. oh and 1 more thing. What food do you like to eat
Im fine with anything but I really like Italian
Ok cool c you at 5
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When Steve arrives home, he cannot believe he is going to have dinner with Tony-freakin-Stark! His heart feels lighter than air as he climbs the stairs and enters his room. He only has an hour to get ready.
Flinging his closet doors open, he takes a step back and observes his clothing choices. Again, he finds himself in this position. He knows there is no reason to dress up all fancy, but he knows he should still look presentable. He reaches into his closet and pulls out a sky-blue polo shirt. It's casual, but it's not overdoing it. He then finds a pair of khaki slacks. After putting them on, he stands in front of the bathroom mirror. His hair looks fine, so he quickly brushes his teeth and sprays some cologne on.
"This is it," he says to his reflection.
He goes back into his room, grabs his car keys and phone, and leaves the house.
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"Okay, you pour the pack of noodles in and then stir."
On the other side of town, Tony got right down with the cooking. He decided on spaghetti for the meal tonight. Hey, Steve wants Italian, so that's what he will get. Tony already has the meat sauce done and now figures out how to do the noodles. He studies the recipe that he printed off the Internet. He's surprised nothing has blown up yet.
After adding the noodles into the boiling water, he stirs it around for a bit before setting the lid on the pan. He stands back and wipes at his brow. This cooking stuff reminds him of working on inventions. The sweat is all the same. Or maybe it's because he had his face right over the steaming water while watching the noodles go in.
Tony looks at the time on the stove. It is a quarter to five. Steve will be here soon.
He goes downstairs to wash up and get ready. When he reaches his room, he grabs another remote and pushes a button to turn on the stereo system located in the corner next to his bed. AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" blares out, and Tony sings along while his closet doors open automatically for him. He stands there and stares at his several options. His closet has two levels filled with clothes.
"Ain't nothing I would rather do, going down, party time, my friends are gonna be there too. I'm on the highway to hell," Tony sings loudly when he decides on something. He grabs a long, metal pole with a hook at the end to bring the outfit down.
He gets out a plain black t-shirt to wear underneath a dark green button-up shirt. He slides on the same pair of black designer jeans he wore to Thor's party a couple weeks ago. For an added touch, he puts on a silky black tie. Tony checks himself out in the mirror hanging on the back of his door. He looks casual but not over-dressed. Perfect. He goes into the bathroom to wash his face and apply a light cologne.
Once he looks decent, he heads back upstairs to tend to the miraculously cooked noodles. He turns the burner off and grabs out two fine-China plates from the cupboard. After draining the noodles, he evenly distributes them onto each plate and pours a generous amount of sauce on top. He picks up the plates and glances at the door anxiously. Steve should be arriving any minute. Tony sets a plate down at his place on the dining room table and walks over to the opposite side and sets down Steve's. He checks out the meal for a moment before fetching wine glasses. Not that they will be having wine, unless Steve wants some, but you can even make milk look fancy with these glasses. Tony stands back and admires the set-up. It doesn't look bad. He just hopes the food tastes good.
"Am I forgetting anything?" he mutters and snaps his fingers. "Candles! No way, that would look too date-ish. And for the record, this isn't a date." He dims the kitchen lights down a few notches with the light control panel. "There. That's as far as I'll go."
Right then, the doorbell rings. Tony clears his throat and messes with his tie before realizing that's pointless. He's another dude, he shouldn't care. I'm just so used to women nagging me about little things.
Tony walks over to the door and answers it. "Hey St-…wow." His eyes scan Steve up and down. "Are you going to church?"
Steve chuckles casually. "How would you know what I'm wearing?"
Tony blinks and clears his throat again, refusing to answer that. "Just come in." He steps to the side.
Steve walks in, his nose immediately to the air. "That smells pretty good."
Tony leads him into the dining room. "Well, let's hope. I spent over an hour working on it."
Steve looks at the food and then at Tony, his eyebrows rising in surprise. "You made this?"
Tony shrugs and pulls out his chair for him. "I've never cooked anything before in my life. Guess we will see if there's a reason why I haven't."
Steve chuckles and sits down. He cooked for me? Wow…he didn't have to.
Tony then goes into the kitchen and opens the fridge. "What do you want to drink?"
"Um, do you have any wine?"
Tony peers at him from above the refrigerator door. "Yeah...but I thought you were against alcohol."
Steve shrugs. "What's one glass of wine?"
"Alright, wine it is." Tony pulls out a fancily decorated glass bottle. "You okay with red wine?"
Steve nods. "Yeah, hit me up!"
Tony smiles and fills Steve's glass. He then pours some wine into his own and puts the bottle back in the fridge. "Yeah, we can't tell my dad we got into that."
"I'm not planning on it," Steve says lightly and holds up his glass.
Tony sits down and picks up his own glass. They clank their glasses together and both take a drink.
Steve eyes the plate and sticks his fork into the mass of noodles, twirling them around the utensil. Tony watches him, eager to see his reaction. He seriously hopes this food isn't shit, especially since he didn't have the time to taste it first.
Steve gets a big twirl of noodles around his fork and sticks it in his mouth. He chews for a moment, giving the flavors a chance to mingle, then his face brightens.
"Well?" Tony asks expectantly.
"Hmmph esh reashy good," Steve says with his mouth full.
Tony gives a little chuckle. Steve holds his finger up while he chews. This goes on for a little while, until he reaches over and washes his mouthful down with some wine. "I said it's really good," he repeats with tomato sauce all over his mouth.
Tony grabs a napkin and tosses it over to him. "Might wanna use that." He flashes an amused smile.
Steve blushes lightly and dabs at his mouth with the cloth. "And you said you can't cook."
Tony shrugs when he takes his first bite, looking up at the ceiling while chewing. "Hmm, that isn't bad."
"Told ya."
Tony smiles over at him. "Bruce knows about you."
Steve had his wine glass in his hand, about to take a drink, when he freezes. He stares over at Tony warily. "What does he know?"
"Nothing bad."
"Nothing bad," Steve repeats and sets his glass down. "That's not very reassuring."
"I can trust Bruce with anything. I've always been able to." Tony picks up his glass and takes a drink.
"Does he know we are seeing each other?"
"I didn't put it that way, so I don't think he has that idea."
"Okay." Steve diverts his eyes to his half-eaten plate.
"Don't worry. Even if he got the impression, he wouldn't say anything."
"I can't tell any of my friends," Steve says lowly.
"Who in their right mind would tell those people?" Tony asks with his brow raised. "Your friend Loki is fucking nuts. I see the way he looks at me."
"He has an...overactive sensitivity." Steve sighs. "I know that doesn't justify it, but don't pay him much mind. It wouldn't be worth it."
"I never have," Tony states. "I don't plan on starting, either."
Steve nods, lost in thought for a moment as he keeps eating.
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After they finish their pleasantly smooth dinner, Tony quickly cleans the table off and sets the dirty dishes in the sink. He feels relieved everything is going well so far.
"Thank God you enjoyed the dinner," Tony remarks. "Take-out didn't sound very appealing tonight."
Steve nods in agreement. "It was delicious, Tony. Thanks."
"It's the least I could do."
They stare at each other, causing Steve to blush in the dim lighting. "So, um, what are we going to do now?"
"Whatever you want," Tony replies with a shrug.
Steve stands there and thinks on it for a minute. Tony smirks to himself. He knows just the thing if Steve can't think up of something.
"You seen my stereo system?" he asks suddenly.
Steve blinks at the random suggestion. "Of all the amazing things I have seen in this house, your stereo system isn't one of them."
Tony chuckles. "Well, you haven't completed the Stark Mansion Tour yet, that's why."
Steve's face lights up with a shy smile when Tony grabs his hand and leads him downstairs.
"You've seen this much already," Tony tells him when they arrive in the den. He then leads Steve down a hallway and to a closed door. He glances at him through the murkiness. "But you haven't seen this place."
Tony twists the doorknob, and Steve's eyes widen when he realizes where they are: Tony Stark's bedroom. Steve gapes. He can only imagine how many people have been in here. Tony smirks at his reaction and leads him inside the large, technologically altered room.
"What you see in front of you is my obscenely large closet, and up against the wall over there is my workstation," Tony says all announcer-like.
Steve's eyes follow where Tony points. This is a nice room, no doubt, but does he need all this space?
"My, ahem, bed is obviously right here, as you can see," he continues. "And that stereo is right…" He picks up the remote and pushes a button, the stereo coming to life and blasting Daft Punk's "Robot Rock." "Here."
Steve grins at the stereo and sits down on Tony's bed. Tony moves along with the song and does a little air guitar. Steve laughs and watches him, completely amused.
"So this is what you do in your spare time," he comments cheekily.
Tony turns back around, almost as if he forgot Steve was there. He flushes lightly and clears his throat, shutting the stereo off. "Only if I get bored as hell." He takes a seat next to Steve on the bed.
Steve blushes at their close proximity when he feels a warmth on his hand. He looks down and spies Tony's hand on top of his. The genius looks around all innocent, pretending he's unaware of what he's doing. Steve grabs Tony's chin and turns his head so he faces him. Chocolate brown meet baby blue. Steve's face turns a darker shade of red when he looks from Tony's eyes to his lips then back at his eyes.
Without a second thought, Steve leans in and kisses Tony. Tony doesn't hesitate to kiss back, surprising Steve by wrapping his arms around him and pulling him closer. Steve almost melts when he feels his body against Tony's.
Tony glides his tongue across Steve's bottom lip and is immediately granted access. Their tongues meet and battle each other while Tony gently pushes Steve back onto the bed. He straddles Steve's waist while their tongues continue to fight for dominance. As if Steve's hands have a mind of their own, they move down and rest on Tony's hips.
Tony breaks the kiss and gives his hips a wiggle. "How do you know to do that?"
"I…really don't know," he admits.
"Well, I like it. It's hot. Feel free to try anything. But I get to stay on top."
Steve's blush grows hotter and more persistent. He gives him the power to do anything? Has he ever let a woman do that? Because he's inexperienced, though, he's okay with Tony being on top. For now.
Tony reunites their lips while Steve slowly and almost cautiously slides his hands up Tony's sides, feeling the warm skin concealed beneath his shirts. Tony shivers at the contact and goose bumps break out on his skin. Steve's fingertips brush across the tiny bumps as he feels Tony's back muscles and shoulder blades moving. Tony moans softly into Steve's mouth, his back arching. A small tent forms in Tony's pants, and Steve can feel it.
Steve breaks the kiss with a smirk. "You enjoying this?"
Tony glances down at his growing bulge. "I guess so. Probably more than I should."
"It's nothing to be ashamed of," Steve says, eyeing the bulge, his own member stiffening in response.
Tony stares down at Steve's crotch. "Steve, this is gonna take a lot of trust from you. But…I…" He sighs, clearly hesitant.
Steve appears concerned. "What is it Tony?" He props himself up on his elbows so he can see Tony better.
Tony stares down at the bed and picks at his sheets, unable to look Steve in the eye. "I…I want you inside of me." He squeezes his eyes shut, afraid to see Steve's reaction.
Indeed, Steve's reaction is one of shock. "In-Inside you? Like, with my…up your…"
Tony nods and musters up the courage to look at him. "Yeah…I've never experienced it before…" He looks back down at the bed.
He really tossed himself down the ladder for wanting this. Tony can't shy away from his desires, though. He secretly wanted to have an experience like this for some time now, although he denied it with his life.
"I can understand…if you think it's weird or gross or something," he continues lowly.
Steve's gaze softens. This is a side of Tony he hasn't seen - a side that's vulnerable and conflicted. This, right here, proves Tony is human. Steve has no idea how to react to Tony while he's in such a sensitive state.
Tony bites his lip and sits on the edge of the bed. Steve's silence causes him to grow more nervous and self-conscious.
"Don't be upset. I want to give this to you."
Tony doesn't budge. "You're trying to make me feel better."
"No, really, if you want this, I will give it to you…on one condition."
Tony turns slightly but not all the way back around, indicating that he is listening.
Steve draws in a breath. "I don't want you to add this into your collection of bragging rights. I want you to get something deeper out of it, okay? This is a big step for me, too. I've never…penetrated anyone before."
Tony sighs. "I'm not in love with you, Steve."
Steve feels his heart drop. "I didn't say that, Tony…you don't have to be…" Although love would make this less complicated… He pulls himself into a sitting position.
"How do you feel about me, Steve?" Tony asks suddenly. He stares at the wall as if in a trance.
"Well, you have a nice wardrobe, you smell nice, you have a compassionate side…"
"No, not what you like about me. I asked how you feel."
"I obviously like you Tony or else I wouldn't be attempting to sleep with you."
Tony looks back at him. "Be honest."
Steve sighs. "I really like you. I'd date you or…even get together with you."
Tony shakes his head slowly. "That's what I thought."
"Why? What's so bad about it?"
"I'd like you to leave now."
Steve stares at him in disbelief. "What? Why?"
Tony turns his whole body to look at Steve, his expression grave. "Just leave. Go home."
Steve feels like he got punched in the stomach. What's with the sudden change in Tony's demeanor? Without another word, Steve gets off the bed and exits the room.
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Steve's eyes are damp when he hits the road for home. He doesn't understand why Tony started acting like that. What did he do? Was it something he said? Tony wanted him to be honest, so guess what? He was honest. He meant it when he said he'd date Tony. Based on Tony's reaction, it's painfully clear the guy doesn't feel the same, although he does a damn good job at pretending he does.
"He's just looking for a hook-up," he says aloud, his voice shaky. "Should've fuckin' known."
A flood of relief washes over him when his house comes into view. All he wants to do is crawl into bed and never come out again.
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Tony lays back on his bed, his head sinking into the pillows. He feels like a complete ass for what he just did to Steve. Genuine people like Steve don't deserve that. He is almost glad Steve didn't go through with his request. Although Steve didn't object, it's likely the act would've made his feelings stronger. Tony's not a fool. Countless people fell for him over the years. He knows all the signs. Steve is a tougher nut to crack than most, but Tony started getting a hunch.
Tony won't let himself exchange the loving feelings, though. In fact, he's not sure he even believes in love, thanks to his broken home. He was only eight when his parents divorced, but he remembers the fighting so clearly. Their voices kept him awake many nights, feeling confused and afraid. That's when the thought occurred to him that love must be a cold, negative thing.
For the next few years after the divorce, Howard brought random women home. Tony never met them, but he overheard their activities and smelled their lingering perfume down the hallway. The closest he got to meeting one of the women was the one time he accidentally walked-in on his father with some blonde. The couple gasped in surprise and quickly separated, but the image burned itself into Tony's young brain. He never ran so fast.
Later that night, Howard, being the upstanding father he is, confronted Tony and told him, "I'll tell you about women when you're older, son." Of course, he never did.
Having no direction, Tony copied his father and found out about women through hook-ups. Although he wouldn't let himself get too attached to them, it felt nice to pretend someone gave a shit about him, even if it was just for a night.
Howard hardly makes time for Tony outside his success as an internationally known inventor. Fame, wealth and women are the only things he really cares about. Living in Howard's shadow makes Tony feel inferior, and he acts out because he craves the attention he never receives at home. As to be expected, this usually ends badly.
Now, Tony likes Steve. He really does. But the guy is too good for him. His head and heart are in the right place. Plus, they'd have to hide a potential relationship from everyone in their lives.
Tony stares up at the ceiling as if it holds the answers to his problems. Part of him doesn't want to let Steve go, but loving him...as in, actually saying those three words to him…
I don't know if I can do it. He's a real catch, and anybody would be lucky to have him, but dammit, I hate those three words, and I know that's what he wants to hear. Then again, since Steve stepped into my life, I haven't slept around, and Pepper is off my back. It's not him. It's me. I'm fucking up as usual.