Author's Note: Here we are next part! I am trying to get this one done and up before too much longer as I have some ideas for a new one. There is one particular scene in this one, won't say anything thing, but it's awesome. Hope you enjoy the next installment and thanks for all the support!
Many thanks ravingbeauty, your work is awesome.
That Has Such People
Part VIII – But men are men; the best sometimes forget.
The place was beyond words.
If Tony had ever bothered to imagine what the future would look like, Steve Rogers' workshop would have been it. It put Howard's to shame.
Tony couldn't turn his head fast enough as he tried to take in everything.
"Coffee?" the blond man called from the far side of the room.
"Please," Tony replied absently, already carefully studying what he recognized as an Iron Man suit – different from the suit he'd seen before, though. Curiosity running riot, he consciously folded his hands behind him, carefully holding his sketchbook at his back. Eagerly he circled the workshop until Steve appeared at his elbow, cup in hand.
Tony carefully set his sketchbook on a small scrap of empty table as he accepted the mug with a smile of thanks. Sipping, he turned back to the room, resuming his inspection.
Steve watched the man curiously, wondering what had brought him down here. Blue eyes roved over his guest, who was wearing dark grey sweats, beige slippers, and a cream long-sleeved shirt pushed to the elbows. He looked far better than any man had a right to.
"So what can I do for you, Cap?" he asked curiously. Dark chocolate eyes met his for an instant before skittering away.
"I just… nothing really," Tony quietly replied as he self-consciously ran a hand through thick, dark locks.
Steve leaned against a worktable and crossed his arms over the arc reactor, wondering why he suddenly felt so nervous. Quietly he regarded the other man as Tony finished his coffee, setting the mug down and clasping his hands behind his back automatically. It was a gesture Steve had noticed before, any time Tony was in a lab or around technology.
"Why do you do that?" the genius asked suddenly, needing to understand.
"Do what?" Tony asked, looking back at him, brow puckered in confusion.
"Put your hands behind your back," Steve said pointedly.
Blinking owlishly for a moment, Tony grinned, "Habit, sorry. Howard always said I had far too much curiosity for one person." Steve watched as that smile took on a melancholy quality that pulled at his heart.
"I was always allowed in his lab, and I found his work so fascinating and intriguing. He is… was a brilliant man and I was always in awe of his work. Sometimes I got into trouble, though. Got myself locked in one of his hover car designs once," he chuckled, eyes misty and far away, and Steve knew he was back in his brother's lab.
"Once, though – and to this day I don't quite remember how it happened – I got my hand caught in one of his new designs. It was torn up pretty bad in one of the rotors." Tony flexed his right hand unconsciously as he continued, "Howard was upset, but I really didn't blame him – it was my own fault. He was worried I'd lose my hand, a bad thing for an artist."
He looked up and offered Steve a small grin, "I healed just fine, but after that Howard was always worried when I was in the lab. So I started putting my hands behind my back where they were safe."
The blond genius found a small, tentative smile. "Uncle Howard never told me that one," he said softly.
Tony blinked at the quiet affection in his voice, "No? What did he tell you?"
Straightening, the smaller man shrugged, "Stories about a great war hero, a man who could lead anyone, fearless in battle. One that single-handedly took down Hydra."
Tony snorted and looked away; sharp blue eyes noted the red flush creeping up his neck. "So Howard didn't tell you about the time he singed my eyebrows off?" Tony asked, glancing at Steve from the corner of his eye.
Steve froze, eyes wide, "Really?"
"Or the time they put itching powder in my dress uniform?"
That startled a laugh out of the other man. "You're kidding."
"Or when they glued my helmet to my head?"
Steve lost it at that, his laugh full-throated and genuine.
Tony watched as the man before him transformed, the normally composed, cold features crinkling in genuine mirth. The man was beautiful.
Gasping, Steve sat back on a stool. "Ok, now you have to tell me," he said, gesturing to another stool.
Grinning, Tony sat and regaled the other man with tales of Howard and himself, fascinated that Steve was listening so attentively. For once the genius seemed unguarded, looking much younger and more carefree than he'd ever seen the man.
Tony wasn't sure how long they talked, but it seemed like only minutes when he knew it must have been hours. Eventually a lull fell over them as Steve's laughter trailed off with an amused sigh.
"I had no idea," he said, smiling wistfully. "Those didn't quite make it into the annals of Captain America."
Tony grinned at him roguishly. "They wouldn't, though, because those things happened to Tony Stark."
Steve nodded, understanding the distinction instinctively; how could he not? On some days Steve Rogers and Iron Man felt like two completely different people.
"Sir, apologies for the interruption, but you are leaving for Hong Kong in less than two hours," JARVIS said, his smooth tones echoing around the lab.
Tony started a little, still not quite used to the disembodied voice. He figured he'd come around, though; JARVIS really was amazing.
"Such a killjoy, JARVIS," Steve mumbled as he ran a hand through already mussed hair.
"Sorry, didn't mean to keep you up," Tony said as he stood to leave, looking apologetic.
"No, it's fine," the billionaire waved a hand dismissively. "I really don't sleep much anyway."
"Be gone long?" Tony asked hesitantly, not so keen on leaving.
"Nah, not too long – maybe a couple days. Big merger to see to."
Tony nodded and nervously cleared his throat, "Thanks for the chat and letting me wander around down here." Gathering his sketchbook, the soldier turned to head towards the door.
"Tony?"
As Steve called his name, the dark haired man turned back to look at him questioningly.
"You're welcome here," Steve gestured around the workshop. "Anytime."
Tony felt the flush rise warmly in his neck. And if his heart thumped a bit harder in his chest, Steve didn't need know.
-#-#-#-
Tony had no idea what the sound was.
One moment he was quietly eating breakfast with Bruce; the next, some sort of alarm was going off. Utterly confused, he instinctively leapt to his feet, head whipping around to look for some sort of attack. What the hell was going on?
Bruce, in contrast, silently stood from the table. Much calmer and quieter, his face was one of resigned determination.
Clear hazel eyes met his. "It's the alarm for the Avengers to assemble. Something or someone is attacking," Bruce explained.
Seconds later, Fury's voice surrounded them. "Avengers assemble," he announced formally.
"We're assembled, all two of us," Tony replied dryly.
The director continued on without faltering, "Something is approaching the city."
"Something?" Tony gave Bruce a bewildered look.
"Just go," Fury ordered gruffly.
All quiet once more, Tony was left more than a little confused. Looking at Bruce, he asked, "So, by any chance do you know how to fly a jet?"
Bruce rubbed his neck bashfully, "No… I was hoping you knew."
Tony chuckled, "Last plane I flew I crashed into the Arctic."
"Good point," Bruce mumbled with a wince.
The lunacy of the current situation was not lost on Tony. Disregarding the Loki incident, it was their first call as Avengers – and he and the only other Avenger available had no way of getting to the call. Frustrated, he raked a hand through his hair when a sudden idea occurred to him.
"Well, the big guy can just carry me then," Tony said as if it was the most obvious solution in the world.
Bruce stared at him in horror, but Tony was already hurrying to get his suit.
"No way," Bruce said firmly to the retreating figure. "Tony, you hear me? No way!"
-#-#-#-
Margret Carter frowned at the insistent buzzing. She eyed Steve's cell phone as it shook and vibrated. Frown deepening, she glanced towards her employer, who was currently asleep, draped across the chairs before her.
About to wake him up to answer whatever call he was getting, she hesitated. Steven looked so tired. He'd been working hard on this merger, one that would propel RSI into the field of medical research equipment – something he was doing, no doubt, on behalf of Doctor Banner.
Peggy felt a soft smile pull at her lips; despite his cold, calculating persona, Steve had a huge heart. He didn't trust easily or quickly, but once he found people trustworthy, he held onto them at any cost. Up until this past year it had been only herself and Bucky. Now, though, it encompassed two assassins, a sometime green monster, a Norse god, and a legendary super soldier.
She was hoping the last would be the one to get through even his thickest walls, something she'd never been able to do. There had been a time once when they had tried. She had no doubt that Steven had loved her, still loved her. Only she wasn't what he needed, and he wasn't what she needed. But they would always be there for one another.
Her eyes soft, Peggy looked over at Steven, still sleeping peacefully; he deserved happiness in this world. The phone stopped and she settled back in the chair, returning her attention to the tablet in her hands.
-#-#-#-
Tony felt rather guilty that he was secretly having a good time. He really shouldn't be having such fun when some sort of giant robot thing was attacking the outskirts of the city – after all, people could potentially get hurt. Still, he couldn't help the way he felt. Fighting made him feel useful, like he was needed again.
"Any ideas, Big Green?" he hollered towards Bruce's counterpart; the Hulk did not do communications gadgets, something Tony had to give him credit for, as he wasn't a fan of everyone nattering in his ear either.
Beside him Hulk grunted, shifting around on his knuckles, brow furrowing in thought. Tony smothered his grin; he had no idea why people called him a monster. From what he had observed, when people treated him like a monster, that's what they got. Tony was taking a different approach, treating Hulk with trust and respect; sure enough, that's what Tony was getting back.
It seemed that people had a lot of erroneous expectations when it came to the Hulk… Tony could relate.
"Eyes," the giant finally grunted decisively, thick fingers gesturing to his own before pointing up at the large robotic creature. Tony turned, blinking upwards at the oddly shaped machine – at least he was pretty sure it was a machine. Then again, what the hell did he know?
The Captain adjusted his shield and looked back at his companion, "You take the left, I'll take the right, and we'll meet in the middle." That craggy green face broke into a grin as the Hulk nodded in understanding and took off running. Tony returned the smile before heading in the opposite direction.
They flowed together like they'd been working together for years.
Tony grunted and cursed as he climbed his way up one of the giant spiderlike robotic legs. The machine was seemingly unconcerned they were on it – at least until they got to its head. Hulk beat him to the punch as one gigantic fist pummeled brutally at an eye casing. Tony joined him in short order, using his shield with deadly accuracy.
Logically, Tony knew the metal creature wasn't in any pain, that the thrashing and high-pitched metallic screeching was just annoyance at having its sight compromised. Still, it was a wholly unnerving sound.
A roar of triumph signaled the Hulk had managed to get through. Tony grunted, another blasphemy falling from his lips as the plastic casing finally broke. Reaching inside, Tony grabbed a handful of wires and yanked them out. Sharing a manic look with his green companion, he held up the twisted mess of cables.
"Oops. That looks important," Tony grinned, dropping the wires before turning back to grab more.
Hulk roared with laughter.
-#-#-#
Steve woke with a start as the plane bumped down the tarmac. Still groggy, he turned to glance at his CEO, who was busily typing away, a laptop perched on her knees.
"We there?" he rasped, rubbing tired eyes before turning to glance out at the dreary sky.
"Indeed, Steven. You slept most of the way," Peggy teased.
Snorting, the blond yawned again and reached for his cell phone.
"It was going off-," Peggy began to explain before a colorful curse rang out. In an instant Steve up and running to the back of the plane.
"Steven, what is it?" she called and moved to follow him. Already, the metallic tink of the suit snapping into place was audible.
"There was a call and Bruce and Tony are the only two in the city. I have to get back," he answered just as the faceplate clicked down and the blue eyes lit up.
Peggy stepped out of the way as he moved past her.
"I'll try to get back," he said.
An instant later, he was gone.
-#-#-#-
Tony stood panting amidst the rubble and dust, chest heaving as he watched the mechanical beast intently for any signs of life. The ground shook a little as the Hulk landed heavily by his side, dust and grime coating green, sweat-slick skin.
The sudden silence was deafening. The machine's mechanical whirs and clicks were absent as its empty eye sockets faced skyward; definitely dead.
Grinning, Tony turned to the Hulk and lifted his hand in a gesture Clint had taught him, a way of congratulating one another. The green giant looked at him curiously for a moment before he seemed to understand. Grinning widely, he lifted a giant palm, enthusiastically returning the motion.
Suddenly Tony found himself flying through the air and into the side of a smashed car. Dazed and winded, he blinked upwards as the concerned face of the Hulk appeared in his line of vision.
"Spangles ok?" he grunted.
Chuckling, the downed solider held his hand up. The Hulk, much gentler this time, lifted him to his feet and steadied him.
"No problem, big guy," Tony wheezed as he patted a thick arm. "We'll practice that one."
Hulk chuffed happily and Tony shared a grin with him as SHIELD suddenly descended on the area in force. As helicopters and suited agents appeared everywhere, Tony could feel the growing anxiety of the other. Sliding his shield onto his back calmly, he laid a comforting hand on the broad, heaving back.
"Don't worry, Jade Jaws," Tony reassured quietly. "I have your back, and so does Cupid."
Green hazel eyes regarded him intently for long moments. Tony felt as if the giant was looking into his soul, yet he held his ground, wondering just what he was seeing. Several heartbeats later the Hulk nodded, reaching some silent understanding. Tension relieved, Hulk abruptly yawned and sat.
Tony blinked in surprise, watching as muscles shrank, and bones seemed to shift and resettle. It was simultaneously fascinating and the most disturbing thing he'd ever witnessed. Moments later Bruce was back, sitting on the torn asphalt looking dazed and disheveled, but seemingly alright.
Crouching beside the scientist, Tony offered him a smile, "Welcome back."
Bruce squinted up at him. "You're looking very uncrushed," he rasped.
"The big guy and I are friends," Tony laughed. "How are you feeling?"
"Good, aside from the naked thing," Bruce replied as he looked down at the tattered remains of his pants.
"It does seem to be an unfortunate side effect of your condition," Tony teased.
As Bruce huffed a tired laugh, Tony shrugged out of his uniform top and handed it over to the nude man. "It might smell, but it's warm."
Bruce, too stunned to protest, found himself holding Captain America's red, white, and blue. Disbelief in his eyes, he was about to protest; he couldn't possibly put it on. Something, though – or rather someone – in the back of his mind protested. As the impressions of friend and good washed over him, he found himself pulling on the top.
It was the most unselfish act he'd ever seen.
Grinning, Tony straightened, completely unconcerned that he was now half naked in the cool fall evening. And really, Bruce thought, the man had nothing to worry about – he was perfect.
When a strong hand reached down to pull him to his feet, the scientist went willingly. As Bruce stood, the top that fit the Cap perfectly practically hung off his slender frame. Standing closer to the soldier in the fading light, the scientist could see his torso more clearly. The Cap was a map of twisted white lines, circular puckered scar tissue, faded burns… the horrors of his life on display for the world to see.
Suddenly Bruce felt an overwhelming wash of empathy and understanding – feelings that were, amazingly, echoed by his other half.
"Bruce? You ok?" Tony frowned at the man in concern.
Hazel eyes blinked rapidly as if he was coming back to himself. "Yeah, I am," Bruce gave the other man a smile, genuine and wide.
Suddenly a very familiar noise whistled through the air over their heads and a flashy suit of armor landed before them. Bruce and Tony blinked at Iron Man as the faceplate flipped up, revealing a rather peeved looking Steve Rogers.
"Did I miss all the fun?"
Bruce and Tony shared a knowing look, and Tony crossed his arms over his bare chest, looking completely nonchalant.
"What fun?"
-#-#-#-
A frown of concentration wrinkled his brow as Tony carefully studied the pictures before him. The super solider stood shirtless and barefoot in the middle of his room, hair was tousled from sleep and glasses perched on his nose, as he tried in vain to come to a final decision.
Before him on the desk were some of his best drawings of one specific subject. His task now was selecting the very best; it was proving far more difficult than he'd anticipated. None of them seemed to be quite right… the lighting was off in one, a line misplaced in another. Huffing an exasperated breath, Tony adjusted the ice pack on his shoulder. He needed a smoke.
A hesitant knock had him turning towards the door as a tousled curled head peeked around the frame.
"Tony, you up?" Bruce called softly.
"Yeah. Here, Bruce," he answered as he turned around fully to face the doctor. The relief he saw in his hazel eyes took him aback.
"Oh, thank God," he huffed. "If you weren't up, I was going to call medical."
Tony blinked confused, "Why?"
Bruce looked at him as if he'd lost his mind, "Tony you've been sleeping for almost twenty-one hours."
Dark brows rose in understanding and he rubbed his neck sheepishly. "Sorry about that, Bruce. Didn't mean to make you worry."
After the battle with the giant spider-robot, they had been debriefed by Fury, who'd given them a rather grudging "good job." Steve, put out at having missed the battle, had returned to see to his business and the pair of heroes had gone back to the Tower. Once home, Tony had showered and promptly passed out.
"I thought I slept a lot after Hulking out, but you've got me beat," Bruce chuckled.
Tony grinned, unconsciously sliding his glasses back up his nose. "One of the side effects of the serum. I don't really need a lot of sleep normally, but if I'm injured and don't need to be up and going, I'll sleep until I heal."
Bruce looked intrigued. "Really? Is your shoulder ok?" he asked, pointing to the ice pack.
Tony nodded, "Fine. I'll be right as rain in a couple hours."
The doctor offered him a shy smile. "So… want to see what you missed in the land of the living?"
Tony looked at him apprehensively, "Do I?"
Smiling in earnest now, Bruce gestured for him to follow. Grabbing a t-shirt on the way, Tony trailed after the scientist to the common room. The TV was already on the news channel.
"JARVIS, can you show the news report from just after the battle?" Bruce requested.
Shrugging into the shirt, Tony watched as the picture changed to show a pretty lady reporter smiling at the camera.
"Interesting news in the city today as the Avengers are once more making headlines."
The scene changed to feature amateur footage of Tony perched on the Hulk's shoulder as they dashed through the city.
"While some of the team seemed to be missing, Captain America and the monster known as the Hulk had no trouble subduing the unidentified assailant."
This time the footage was much more professional, showing himself and Jade Jaws speaking briefly before attacking in tandem.
"However it wasn't all doom and gloom, as this moment of levity was captured by an amateur videographer."
Tony watched, amused as they showed his high-five with the Hulk. Chuckling, he turned to Bruce. "I still have a hard time getting used to seeing everything we do," he confessed.
The scientist, though, was giving him a solemn, serious look.
"I've watched that footage over and over," Bruce told him. "There are video clips on YouTube, we're trending on Twitter…" When he paused to take a shuddering breath, Tony remained silent.
"You… what you did…" Hazel eyes finally met his, wide and filled with hope. "You gave the other guy humanity."
Blinking in shock, Tony tugged his glasses off before slowly sitting beside the other man on the couch.
"Bruce," he said seriously, watching as the smaller man clasped his hands nervously. "I never gave the Hulk humanity. I gave him trust, friendship… but never humanity."
Tony waited patiently for the hesitant eyes to meet his. "He had that all on his own."
Eyes shining, Bruce felt emotions knot in his chest. Captain America… Tony Stark, the man was incredible.
"Thank you," he whispered, swallowing down his emotions.
Comfortingly patting his back, Tony smiled warmly. "Want to get some food? I'm starving."
"Definitely," Bruce replied with a suspiciously watery smile.