Disclaimer - I own nothing you recognise.
Word Count: 664
AN - No-superpowers.
You're The Only One For Me
Tony was nervous. Steve was on his way, and he was… yeah. He was nervous.
He leant back in the booth seat, his fingers making their way up to cover the locket resting against his chin.
The pub he was waiting in was set back out of the way, on a country road Steve used to take him down on his bike when they got an odd day off. He was beginning to regret his choice of location, because the memories were attacking all of his senses and Steve wasn't here and…
Tony was about to stand up and leave when Steve slipped into the booth.
"Hi, Tony."
Tony managed a tight smile, settling back into his seat.
"Uh, were you going somewhere?" Steve asked, looking concerned.
Tony shook his head. "No, no, I'm good. I, uh. Yeah, I'm good."
"Okay," Steve replied, slowly. "Did you want another drink?"
Shaking his head, Tony nodded to the still almost full lemonade in front of him. "I'm fine."
There was a pause, and then Steve huffed. "This shouldn't be so awkward, should it?"
Tony snorted. "Probably not. I just… I don't even know why we're here. We've both moved on, right?"
Steve gave him a pained smile but didn't answer, and Tony slumped against the table.
"Okay, so I'm talking through my ass, I haven't moved on at all, but I feel like I should have done. I guess… I guess I thought seeing you would maybe show me that there's light at the end of the tunnel. That if you moved on, I could too. So… tell me about your life now, please."
"Tony—"
"Please, Steve."
Steve sighed. "It hasn't really changed much. I work, hang out with Buck and Nat and Sam. Paint occasionally."
"You're not dating?"
"I'm really not."
Tony huffed. "But why? You're… you. You could date anyone you wanted and—"
"But they're not you!" Steve burst out. "I wanted—I still want—you. I've only ever wanted you, Tony, but you refuse to believe me whenever I tell you that!"
Tony stared at him for a long moment. "Still?"
"Always, Tony. But… I need you to believe me when I say it. I can't go through this again, I can't have you leave me because you think I can do better with some random stranger that I've never met."
"I'm sorry," Tony whispered. "Really I am. I didn't… my intention was never to hurt you, I just… in fact it was the opposite. I uh. I'm not good for anyone, you know? Or at least, I didn't think I was. Pepper has been making me see a therapist and uh, I guess I had—have—more issues than I realised but."
"Tony, I love you. I've loved you for years and I was happy with you. I was so happy, and then out of nowhere, you told me it wasn't working. I can't do that again. I can't go through that again. All… all I wanted was a happy ending. To grow old together, to retire when we're both old enough and have a little cottage and keep bees or something."
"We are not keeping bees," Tony muttered, shaking his head. "Those little fuckers sting."
Steve chuckled and Tony realised what he'd said and blushed. When he looked back at Steve, it was to find the man looking at him with such a familiar expression of endeared fondness that Tony couldn't look away.
"I've missed you," Steve said. "Tell me that you're ready to come home to me, Tony. I've waited almost a year for you. I don't want to wait anymore."
Tony smiled. "Can we go for a ride first?"
"At your leisure, m'lord," Steve said, gesturing with his hand to the door. Tony led the way outside to see the bike just outside. Steve handed him the spare helmet, but before he could put it on, Steve pulled him close and kissed him softly.
"I love you, Tones."
"I love you too, Steve."
Written for:
Build A Snowman: Step 4: Nervous
Talent Show: Breakdancing: "All I wanted was a happy ending." / A pub / Locket / Bring
Insane: 29. Leisure
