Author's Note: Yeah next chapter! Hope I can get more going, I love Tony in this, and he only gets sweeter. Thanks for all the support and readers who enjoy my work. I do this for your guys, you make it all worth while. So enjoy the next part!

Many thanks to ravingbeauty whom is making me look oh so good with this.

That Has Such People

Part VI – I say there is no darkness but ignorance.

"Captain Stark," Sarah of SHIELD greeted him briskly.

"It's Tony, Sarah," he interjected for what had to be the millionth time since he'd met her.

She ignored him, not even breaking stride. "Today's press conference is meant to inspire some confidence with the people. They need to know the Avengers are on the side of the people, that we are here to help."

Tony nodded, looking down at his red boots; he could appreciate what they were trying to do here today, but was the costume really necessary? They had promised he wasn't going to have to peddle bonds, but it felt a lot like he was doing just that.

"All you have to do is read the cards, smile, and look impressive."

Tony rolled his eyes, "That's all I have to do, is it?"

Sarah was busy fiddling with her phone again and missed his sarcasm. "That's all, Captain Stark."

Sighing, he turned his eyes toward the window and watched the city roll by. He'd been back in town a grand total of two days, and since stopping the purse-snatcher he hadn't had a moment's rest. Between the PR ladies and Fury, he was almost beginning to regret coming back to New York. Almost.

Truth be told, it was nice to see everyone again. Especially Steve, though he hadn't really had an opportunity to talk to the man. According to Bruce and Clint, Steve spent the majority of his time in the lab anyway. Tony wasn't deterred, though; he was nothing if not persistent.

"Here we are," Sarah murmured, drawing him out of his reverie. She looked at him, eyebrow raised, "Ready?"

Tony sort of wished he had his shield, but Sarah had confiscated it, said it sent the wrong impression. Tony would be the first to admit he'd be sorely tempted to throw it at someone's head.

"As I'll ever be," he muttered, stepping out of the car and into the mass of waiting reporters.

-#-#-#-

"Did I miss it?" Steve asked, hurrying into the room zipping his hoodie as he went.

Bruce, already seated on the couch, waved a hand at him, "Nope. Just getting him up to the stage now."

Steve sat with blue eyes glued to the screen; he wouldn't miss this for the world.

Almost every news channel going was featuring the much-anticipated press conference of the Avengers. Not that the press conference in itself was news – it was the man delivering the lines that would make headlines. Captain America had dropped off the radar after the invasion; people were curious. Captain Tony Stark was a national treasure, a war hero, and a symbol… He represented an ideal America. He represented an America people wanted to believe in again.

The camera focused on a podium overflowing with microphones, a strategically placed flag pinned to the front. All eyes watched as Captain America walked onto stage looking vaguely uneasy.

Steve felt a frown pull at his features, wondering yet again why the hell had Fury thought this was a good idea.

"Thank you all for coming," the SHIELD PR lady said as the man of the hour stepped forward. "Captain America will be making a statement, then take your questions."

Silence settled on the room as all attention turned to the Captain, his imposing figure looking out of place amongst all the microphones and cue cards.

In the living room of the Tower all was silent as they too waited to see what would happen. The moment stretched out uncomfortably.

"Come on, Tony," Steve mumbled, worried. Maybe he was panicking. There were a lot of people; maybe he had stage fright…

"I'm not going to read these," the Captain finally said and set aside the cards. Steve blinked, surprised at the announcement. Not as surprised as Sarah, though, who was just visible behind Tony's shoulder. The woman looked ready to tackle him to the ground.

The Captain looked over the crowd, a half smile twisting his lips as his dark eyes scanned the people before him. "Look, I'm not really qualified to speak for the Avengers. Hell, I'm not even qualified to speak as a person from this century," he grinned roguishly as a smattering of laughter rippled through the crowd.

"They want me to explain what happened; but I was there and I don't even know what happened. What I do know, though, is that when the odds were against us, a group of improbable people accomplished the impossible."

There was a solemn silence as the dark haired man looked grimly resolute. "A lot of people are blaming us for what happened. That's ok; I think it's only right that we do shoulder some of that blame. But when it comes down to it, it doesn't matter if people love us or hate us; the Avengers are not going anywhere."

Steve felt his jaw drop. And if he was shocked, then the reporters…

Suddenly the room erupted.

"Captain, Captain! Are you saying the Avengers are here to stay?" one called.

Tony snorted, "I'm not going anywhere."

"Captain, do you think the Avengers present a danger to the city?"

"In what respect?" Tony asked calmly.

The reporter looked suddenly uneasy. "Certain members of the Avengers have, up until recently, been…" the reporter trailed off and Steve could only imagine his expression. Worried blue eyes glanced to Bruce.

"Would this Avenger be green by any chance?" Tony asked dryly. "The Hulk stood with us, and I would gladly have him at my back any day. Any of the Avengers, for that matter."

Steve felt warmth rise in his chest, and the look on Bruce's face was one of awe.

"Captain, what would you say is the hardest part of adapting to this new time?"

Tony chuckled, smiling winningly, "The technology."

The crowd laughed again as the Cap easily fielded and fended off the questions posed to him. Sometimes rather dryly, but most of his answers rang true and genuine.

"Thank you very much for coming out today. That is all," the SHIELD liaison finally said, wrapping up the conference.

Steve would be lying if he didn't admit that he was a little in awe of the man. Tony effortlessly held them in the palm of his hand. The greatest critique the media had of Steve was he came off cold, standoffish, and closed. Tony was just the opposite, charismatic and bigger than life – the media loved him. The reporters actually applauded as Captain America gave them a jaunty little salute and departed.

"Wow, he was good. Better than I expected," Clint commented from his position sprawled on the floor.

Steve could tell he was trying not to look too impressed, but it was hard not to. Bruce nodded his agreement, and Steve found himself smiling a little.

"Well done, Spangles…"

-#-#-#-

Tony sighed and slumped tiredly against the mirrored elevator wall, his day finally over. Neither Fury nor Sarah the drill sergeant had been happy with his performance today. He'd been thoroughly raked over the coals for not sticking to the cue cards, even though he was currently "trending" or something like that. Sarah said it didn't matter that the press loved him – he was supposed to stick to the written lines.

Unsurprisingly, they had told him the exact same thing when he'd sold bonds almost seventy years ago. The more things changed, the more they stayed the same.

Tony grinned a little to himself as the elevator dinged and he stepped off at the common floor. Fury was slowly learning that Captain America had an insubordinate streak. If they were going to make him do this, it was damn well going to be on his terms. And the last thing he was ever going to do was throw his people under the bus.

Yawning, the super solider stuffed his hands in his pockets and headed towards the kitchen; he was starving. He'd eaten at SHIELD, but with his metabolism he was pretty much always hungry. During the war it had been a constant annoyance; sometimes there was just no food. He'd always made sure the men got first shot at any rations they managed to scrounge up. He could survive better than they, after all.

Times, however, had very much changed. Now there was food aplenty, and Tony had made it his personal mission to try as many different types as he could.

Halfway to the kitchen, he noticed the TV playing quietly in the common room. He knew Thor was currently away; apparently he had a lady friend in New Mexico. And Natasha had left early this morning on a mission… Maybe it was Steve.

Curiosity piqued, he quietly glanced over the couch, eyebrows disappearing into his hairline at the sight before him. It wasn't Steve. It was Clint… and Bruce, sleeping with his head pillowed on the archer's thigh. Both looked very comfortable in the intimate position.

Silently Tony stepped away. As he continued on his mission for food, his brow furrowed in thought, mind suddenly unsettled. Were Bruce and Clint romantically involved?

The idea of two men being together didn't bother him in the least. Howard had always said that he was a very forward thinker. Hell, his best friend growing up had been Negro – no, African American was the proper term now.

Reaching the fridge, Tony was momentarily distracted from his thoughts as he eagerly pulled out containers, checking for names. The rule of the house, Steve had explained, was that food labeled with someone else's name was off limits. Satisfied the leftovers were fair game, he grabbed a fork and headed for his room as his mind turned once more to his teammates. This revelation merited some research.

Juggling the food, he carefully tapped the keypad by his door, watching in amazement as it slid open. Howard would love it.

"Lights please, JARVIS," he said aloud, grinning when they came up.

"Welcome home, Captain Stark," the pleasant British voice answered.

"Thanks, JARVIS," he replied as he set his bounty down on the desk, pushing half-finished sketches out of the way. Task completed, he carefully retrieved his tablet from the bedside table. Steve had given him the SRI pad the day he'd arrived, showing him how it worked so quickly that it had made his head spin. Tony had been damn thankful he had a photographic memory.

Setting up the machine on a little stand, he dug into the first container with one hand and carefully tapped the screen with the other. He got as far as opening the little icon that would let him search the Internet. Then he hesitated, completely at a loss as to where to begin.

In his time, a man liking another man was something people did not talk about, didn't even acknowledge. As a matter of fact, it was considered a disease of the mind. Accusing someone of liking other men was an absolute insult, whether it was true or not. On more than one occasion he'd been subject to such insults himself, especially before the serum.

Grinning, Tony recalled the first time he'd been called a queer; he'd gotten between some bullies and a younger boy. He hadn't understood what the word had meant, only that it was meant to infuriate. And the look on Howard's face when he'd asked what it meant to be a queer had been priceless. It was one of the few times he'd ever seen his older brother blush as Howard fumbled through his explanation.

"Why is it a bad thing?" Tony asked, dark eyes looking up at his brother curiously.

"It just is, Tony," Howard explained gently, cleaning the cut on his forehead.

"But what does it matter? If you love someone… shouldn't that be enough?"

Howard gave him a look of mingled exasperation and pride, eyes warm, "Sometimes I wonder which of us is going to create that better world."

Now, some seventy odd years in the future, Tony Stark was worrying all over again.

Despite his own thoughts on the subject, he'd learned to abide by the unwritten rules. He'd known men in war who had found solace in their comrades. Some were men with wives and children waiting for them at home, who were simply finding an outlet. He'd also known a man who'd been completely devoted to his partner, and his partner equally steadfast. Tony had even been a little jealous of a connection like that.

Despite the differing circumstances however, there was a common thread throughout – you didn't speak of it.

Don't ask, don't tell.

He needed to know if that unwritten code still stood. And if so, Tony would do his utmost to protect his teammates, both on and off the field. Everyone deserved happiness, and if that wasn't something worth fighting for, then he didn't know what was.

"Do you require assistance, Captain Stark?" JARVIS asked politely. Tony blinked, realizing he'd been staring blankly at the empty screen.

He hesitated a moment before replying. "JARVIS, may I count on your discretion?"

"Always, sir."

Nodding, Tony opened another container. He sniffed the contents curiously before shrugging and digging in anyway; he was sure he'd eaten worse during the war. "Ok, JARVIS. I would like to know about current social mores regarding homosexuality."

"Of course, sir," the disembodied voice said as various pages began to open on his tablet. Curious, Tony tugged his glasses out of his pocket and slipped them on as he began to read. He really didn't need them anymore – the serum had healed him to perfection – but whenever he'd draw or read, he found himself putting them on. Howard had said it was all in his head. His brother probably wasn't all that far off the mark.

Dark eyes moved rapidly as he sifted through historical landmarks in gay rights, including the fight for equality and changing attitudes. Amazed and fascinated, he finished off his food and automatically reached for his cigarettes. He had one on his lips before remembering.

"Right, right," Tony grumbled as he grabbed the tablet, heading out of his room and upwards to the roof.

Steve had made the building's roof, just like everywhere else in the Tower, an oasis in the city. A large outdoor pool glittered invitingly in the clear night. He had yet to take advantage of that particular amenity, but he would. For now, though, he had readings to finish. Settling on a deck chair, he located an ashtray and lit up, exhaling blue smoke absently he continued to read.

It was both astounding and frustrating to him as he sifted through the information. Society had made leaps and bounds forward, only to be set back by narrow-minded people and political agendas. Still, barriers were falling one by one, and Tony Stark felt a certain sort of pride that he was alive to see this.

Same sex couples could marry, could adopt, could live openly and with pride. They could serve in the military, play professional sports, save lives. "Can even be superheroes," he mused.

Having seen enough, Tony shut down the tablet, finding a smile as he glanced skyward. The city lights obscured the stars yet were somehow beautiful in their own right. Taking a drag of his cigarette, he exhaled and watched the smoke rise, "It's a brave new world, Stark."

-#-#-#-

"He's on the roof, sir," JARVIS announced softly.

Steve continued to tinker with his suit, pretending he didn't care. "Oh? What's he doing?" he asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Smoking, sir."

Steve gave up the pretense of working and nervously wiped greasy hands on his once clean shirt. "Would it be weird if I just showed up to talk to him?" he asked the AI.

"I don't think so, sir. After all, you own the building."

If any AI could be sarcastic, Steve was sure it would be his.

"Fine, you win," he mumbled. Before he could think it over, Steve Rogers was up and moving. He wasn't really sure why he wanted to see the solider –

No, that was a lie.

Steve knew exactly why he wanted to see the man. He'd been obsessed with the soldier since that day on the jet when he'd looked at Steve with those big brown eyes, filled with wonder and curiosity. The expression in those eyes had left Steve feeling something warm and indefinable, a feeling that hadn't faded in over six months.

Now he hurried up the stairs and paused just outside the door, taking a deep breath before pushing it open and stepping onto the roof.

It was a beautifully clear night out, the sounds of the city distant and obscure. Steve was already halfway across the roof before he realized that he really had no earthly reason to be up here. Freezing, he wracked his brain for some sort of plausible excuse when an amused voice called out to him.

"Hi, Steve."

Flinching, the billionaire straightened his spine as his usual smooth expression fell into place. "Oh hi, Cap. Didn't know you were up here." Steve winced at his awkwardness, but still found his feet carrying him over to the taller man.

Chuckling, Tony stubbed out the end of his cigarette and grinned as the blond inventor settled across from him.

Unable to help himself, Steve found his eyes drifting over the handsome man. His dark hair was swept back from his face, styled perfectly. The sleeves of the crisp white shirt were rolled casually to his elbows, while his twill trousers were held up by dark suspenders. The man looked like he'd just stepped out of the 1940's but – by God – he was making it work, a hipster's wet dream.

"What are you doing up here so late?" Tony asked, a small smile playing about his lips.

"Could ask the same of you," Steve returned.

"Fair enough," the other chuckled. "Just got home actually."

Steve wrinkled his nose in sympathy. "How mad was Fury?"

Tony laughed outright. "He wasn't pleased."

"I don't think I've ever seen him happy," Steve snorted. "Well, he came close when we saved the world but other than that – Hey!" the billionaire yelped as a large hand suddenly pressed against the light in his chest.

Ignoring its warmth, Steve pushed the hand away and grumbled, "What's with you? Boundary issues much?" He glared at the other man, trying not to notice how thick lashes framed his dark eyes.

"Sorry," Tony said, giving him a sheepish look. That look, Steve absently noted, should really not be so hot on a man that size. "Just curious."

Steve rolled his eyes, "Not sure how things were done in your time, but now people just don't go around grabbing people's chests."

"They didn't… I mean, I don't…" Trailing off, Tony gave him a helplessly lopsided grin, "It's just really…"

"Cool? Awesome? Amazing?" Steve supplied, trying to look suave.

"Beautiful," Tony blurted.

Steve blinked, unsure what to say to that. His arc reactor was both his most hated and most prized possession. It had been called a marvel of human engineering, a freak accident, even an abomination… but beautiful?

"You know what it does, don't you?" Steve asked softly, looking up into the dark brown fathomless depths. A man could get lost in those eyes far too easily. He felt his own eyes skimming away to look out at the city. "You read my file?"

Tony rubbed suddenly sweaty palms on his pants. What the hell was he doing? "Yeah, cover to cover. It keeps shrapnel from entering your heart."

Steve gave him an inscrutable look, measuring him for long moments. "You're a strange man, Tony Stark," he finally said before shaking his head, a tiny smile tugging at his lips.

Tony felt that damn heat in his neck again. Nervously he fumbled out another cigarette. Flicking his lighter open, he lit the tip before exhaling, seeing Steve wrinkle his nose.

"Think I'll turn in for the night, Cap," Steve said as he stood, moving away from the other man.

Tony hesitated, cigarette dangling from his lips, torn between asking him to stay and saying goodnight before he put his goddamn big foot back in his big mouth.

Steve paused and turned to look back at Tony, who was bathed faintly in the glow of the city, smoke wreathing his head. "You did good today… The things you said…" the genius trailed off and cleared his throat as he turned away self-consciously.

"Night, Tony," he called with a wave.

Alone once more, the soldier felt his lips turn up in a grin; Steve had called him Tony.