A/N: Sorry this chapter is late. My friend, who looks over each chapter, has been super busy with school, but she just got back to me today. Now, I can bring you guys the next chapter!
Chapter 18
Tony jolts awake, feeling hard asphalt underneath his back. The brunet furrows his brow. That's odd—he's pretty sure he fell asleep in a bed last night. What is he doing in the middle of the street?
The billionaire slowly sits up and looks around. He's on an unfamiliar street in an unfamiliar town. The area is bleak, the sky gray and threatening rainfall. Tall vertical red-bricked townhouses line the street on either side. Cars are settled against the curb, waiting patiently for their owner's next trip. Toys are scattered on the porches of several townhouses, as if the children, who play with them, only went inside for a moment.
A confused look falls over Tony's features. What is up with this town? The brunet glances down at himself, noting that he's in his civilian attire. He rises to his feet and looks behind him before taking a breath. He's alone in what seems to be an abandoned town. He doesn't have his armor, the Avengers are nowhere in sight, and all he wants is for Steve to tell him everything is going to be alright.
Tony sighs. He needs to clear his mind and focus on the present. First, he has to figure out where he is. Once he establishes his location, he can figure out how to contact the team so they can come and find him. Then, after they're reunited, they can investigate the town, and try to piece together where the people went.
With his task in place, Tony begins heading down the street in search of anything that can tell him what town this is. As he walks, he notes the silence—absolute, terrifying silence; the kind of quiet that could drive a sane person mad. The only sound for miles is the sound of Tony's footsteps against the asphalt. Not even the wind is howling.
Tony involuntarily shivers and wraps his arms around himself at the sudden chill in the air. Something is wrong—he can feel it. The brunet gulps as he quickens his pace. He needs to find his location and contact the team fast. If he doesn't . . . who knows what could happen.
After a few more minutes of walking, Tony reaches a park. It's beautiful, even in these overcast conditions. He walks up the stairway in front of him and glances around at the scenery. Lush, green grass scans the horizon as far as the eye can see. Flowers, trees, and bushes, all in full bloom, surround a small area in front of him that has a small fountain placed in the center. A large, beautiful light brown-bricked bell tower stands in the distance. Just like the street he was just on, the entire park is eerily silent, save for the water streaming constantly from the tip of the fountain.
Tony walks down the small stairway in front of him. He steps around the fountain, fully prepared to search the entire park when he spots a familiar patriotic uniform near the bell tower in the distance.
Is that . . . Steve?
The brunet feels a pang of hope surge through his being. He slowly makes his way to person in the uniform. A smile crosses his features, as he gets closer. That's Steve's uniform. It's Steve. He's here!
Tony smiles, feeling relieved. He's not alone in this creepy ass town, and if anyone can help him out of this situation, it's Captain Motherfucking America. The billionaire breaks into a run, calling Steve's name.
As he approaches the blond, the smile falls out Tony's face. Something is wrong—horribly wrong. Steve is laying on his back in front of the bell tower, unmoving and not responding to Tony's shouts.
Fear floods through Tony as he reaches Steve's side, immediately dropping to his knees. He places both hands on Steve's face and recoils at the chill coming off the other man's skin.
"No, no, no, no. Not him. Please, not him," Tony says as he rubs his thumbs across Steve's cheeks, trying to bring some warmth to the man's body. He sniffles as tears well up in his eyes. "You can't be dead—you can't. You're . . . you're supposed to tell me that everything is going to be okay. You're supposed too, dammit!"
Tony's not sure if he is imagining this, but he hears what sound like footsteps in the distance. At this point, he couldn't care less who it is; nothing matters now that Steve isn't here anymore. Tony's thumbs stroke gently over Steve's face, which is a ghostly pale color.
"You're so cold," he whispers even though he knows his boyfriend can't hear him. The other man was always so warm. His blue eyes would dance with amusement every time Tony would mention this fact. The blond would then laugh and proceed to circle his arms around the genius, his warmth wrapping around Tony like a blanket.
A lone tear falls down Tony's face, followed closely by another. He leans forward and lays a gentle kiss on Steve's cold lips. He pulls away a moment later, and quickly glances over his lover's face trying to memorize every detail.
Tony bites his lip. "I didn't even get to say goodbye," he chokes out before laying his forehead against Steve's chest and sobbing.
Footsteps are approaching Tony, he knows for sure this time. He doesn't care. What's the point of being here if Steve isn't?
The being halts in front of Tony. "This is sad, even for you, Stark."
Tony's head whips upward. He knows that voice. The philanthropist's eyes narrow as he glares into the eyes of the Red Skull.
Skull smirks at Tony's glare. "Hello, Stark. Did you like the present I left for you?"
"What the fuck did you do to him?" Tony demands, fury coursing through him.
"Me?" Skull replies, feigning innocence. "Why, I did nothing to him!" A smirk crawls over his face. "Let's just say that old age finally took over."
Tony shakes his head angrily and scrambles to his feet. "You son of a bitch; you'll pay for this."
Skull tilts his head to the side and gives Tony a curious look. "Oh? And what do you suppose you'll be able to do. I mean, you couldn't even save your precious Captain." He pauses for a moment to glare accusingly at Steve's body before turning his gaze back to Tony. "What makes you think that you can defeat me?"
"I'll find a way. I'm a genius, remember?" Tony says confidently, his stance screaming with defiance.
"A genius?" Skull sneers. "For a genius, you sure are stupid."
"What are you talking about?" Tony says in a curious tone.
"This is supposed to happen, Stark!" Skull exclaims, voice filled with glee. He raises his arms to the sky. "Captain America is supposed to die!"
Tony freezes, his eyes going wide.
Red Skull smirks before lowering his hands. "No matter what you do, we'll always end up here." Skull's smirk widens. He steps over Steve's body and approaches Tony.
Tony tries scrambling away only for his back to hit the wall of the bell tower. He has no idea how he's going to win against Skull. He doesn't have the team for back up. And he still doesn't have his suit. Where the fuck is his armor?
Skull pulls a sickle off his back, resting the blade against Tony's neck. The Red Man's smirk widens. "We'll always have Frederick," he says before striking.
Tony shoots awake screaming, unknowingly startling his partner into consciousness. The engineer immediately places his head between his knees, trying to control his panicked breathing. The images of his nightmare play throughout his mind, as though they are trying to become reality. Tony gulps; he runs his hand over the arc reactor, checking to make sure the device is still functioning properly.
After a few moments, he deems the reactor to be in working order. Tony takes a deep breath before finally registering the comforting touch on his back. He leans into it, imagining the worried crease Steve is likely sporting between his brow.
Tony takes another breath, feeling himself beginning to calm down, even though he can't stop shaking. "Steve . . . I . . ."
Steve gently shushes Tony. "It's okay, Tony. You don't have to talk if you don't want to."
The billionaire lifts his head from between his knees, and looks at the blank wall in front of him. He can't look at Steve—not yet. "No, I need to . . . I was dreaming I was in some town in the middle of nowhere. It was creepy—worse than those stupid doll movies that Clint tries to get us to watch. I was alone, and trying to find out where I was when—"
Tony cuts him off, trying to figure out how he's going to say this next part without freaking the fuck out of Steve. He takes a shaky breath, knowing that he's going to just have to go for it. "I . . . I saw you dead."
The brunet pauses for a moment to collect himself. "Skull was there, smirking like the bastard he is. He did it—I didn't see him do it, but I know it was him."
Steve remains silent, continuing to rub Tony's back in a comforting manner.
"I can't lose you, Steve. I can't," the brunet says before taking another shaky breath. "I can't."
"And you won't," Steve says, softly. He gently nudges Tony's arm, "Hey, look at me."
The blond continues to nudge Tony until the other man is facing him. Tony looks into Steve's eyes, seeing nothing but love in those blue orbs.
"I'm not going anywhere. I'll always be here, Tony," Steve says.
"You promise?" Tony wants to kick himself for how needy he sounds.
Steve leans forward, and places a chaste kiss on Tony's lips. "I promise."
Tony lets a small smile cross his features, feeling touched at how genuine Steve sounds. He's dating the best guy in the world.
The blond returns the smile before motioning to the bed. "Come on. Let's get some rest."
Steve lies down first, holding his arms open. Tony follows, resting his face in the crook of Steve's neck. Tony feels the blond's arms wrap around him, feeling warmth, protection, and love radiating off the other male. The brunet snuggles closer to Steve, entwining his own arms around his boyfriend's torso. Tony sighs, content, as the images from his dream start to fade into the recesses of his mind.
The soldier kisses the top of Tony's head. "I love you."
Tony gives another small smile, even though Steve can't see it. "I love you too," he replies before falling into a dreamless sleep.
The next morning, Tony awakens to find Steve already up and running his eyes over his lover's features, absently stroking Tony's cheek with one hand. A lazy smile crosses Tony's features and he yawns.
Steve smiles when he meets Tony's eyes. "You're beautiful."
Tony snorts before grinning. "You're not so bad yourself, hot stuff."
The blond's smile widens before he leans forward and gives Tony a quick peck before furrowing his brow. "Are you going to be okay being here?" he asks, referring to the nightmare the brunet had last night.
"Honestly? I have no idea," Tony responds. He hasn't had a nightmare since he and Steve got together. Why the sudden would he be having nightmares again? Maybe these trials and this house are getting to him more than he originally thought. "Maybe once I get back into the lab, and on a schedule, I'll be alright."
"A proper schedule," Steve agrees, still looking concerned. "Complete with three meals and eight hours of rest."
Tony lets out a small laugh before capturing Steve's mouth again.
"I'm going to hop in the shower," Steve says when they part. "Are you going to join me?"
"In a minute. I want to look around first."
"Fair enough," the blond says. He kisses Tony's forehead before climbing out of bed and disappearing into the bathroom.
Tony adjusts his position so he's sitting with his back against the pillows and looks around the room. There isn't much here at the moment. To Tony's left there is a fireplace placed in the center of the wall, with two large windows on either side that give a spectacular view of the backyard. Above the fireplace is a painting Steve did of the New York skyline at sunrise (one of Tony's personal favorites, aside from his portrait, of course).
Directly in front of Tony is the door to leave their room, a large television resting on top of a black wooden dresser. On the right are the doors to the bathroom and to the closet. The doors are right next to each other, and Tony is hoping that he doesn't mix up the two in the middle of the night.
Next to the bathroom door is a blank wall. The brunet remembers Steve mentioning on the phone that would be the perfect spot for a bookshelf. Personally, Tony thinks is would be a great place to display the art Steve has given him. The blond had immediately fallen silent and Tony could hear his embarrassment over the line, more so when he said "you kept those?" in a tiny voice.
Tony smiles to himself when he hears the shower starting. The billionaire sighs, throwing the covers off himself and deciding to get the day started.
Thirty minutes, and a round of sex later, Tony and Steve climb out of the shower, dry off, and dress. Tony makes a mental note to go shopping later. After all, he can't live off of Shield hand-me-downs forever.
When the pair finishes dressing, they exit their room and head for the elevator. Tony looks around with a furrowed brow, unfamiliar with these surroundings. "Steve, are we on the third floor?" he asks. If that's the case, it would explain why Tony doesn't recognize the area. The brunet didn't come up here when he was younger, mainly because this was a storage floor and all of his items were easily divided between his bedroom and the lab.
"Yeah, we moved everything that was up here to the second floor," Steve answers, as he presses the button for the elevator. "I figured it would be good storage space."
Tony smiles. He has a feeling that JARVIS told Steve about where in the mansion he grew up, because Tony never told the blond. That sneaky Brit—the brunet knew there was a reason he kept JARVIS around. "I love you," he says to Steve before pulling the man into a kiss.
"And I love you too, JARVIS," Tony adds when they part.
"Does not compute," JARVIS says as the elevator doors open.
"Did you just make a joke?" Tony says in an amused tone.
"Indeed," the AI responds. "I would like to add that I am quite fond of you as well, sir."
Tony smiles as he wraps both arms around Steve's bicep and rests his head against his boyfriend's shoulder. He feels Steve press a kiss against his hair as the elevator arrives downstairs.
The pair exit and head to the kitchen where all the Avengers are present. Bruce and Thor are in the kitchen making breakfast for everyone. Bucky and Nat are sitting side by side at the table. The former has his head resting against the table while Nat is poking him in the shoulder with a fork. Clint is sitting at the counter talking with Rhodey. The archer only appears to be half listening to what the other man is saying for he is glaring at the box of donuts in Rhodes's hands that he's not allowed to eat yet.
Wait . . .
"Fruit roll up?" Tony questions. He lets go of Steve, and walks over to his friend.
Rhodey turns away from the glaring Clint and smiles. "Tones!" he says holding out his arms for a hug.
Tony embraces his friend for a moment before stepping back and lightly punching Rhodey in the arm.
Rhodey snorts. "When did you get back?"
"Yesterday, where were you?" Tony asks.
"I was at Shield. There was a meeting with the higher ups on how we're going to explain the attack on the Avengers to the public," Rhodey says before lightly hitting Tony back. "You know I wouldn't miss your homecoming unless it was something important."
"I suppose I can accept your apology, even though it is lame," Tony teases.
Rhodey smiles and ruffles Tony's hair, which causes the brunet to squawk.
"Can I eat the donuts yet?" Clint asks loudly.
"No," Bruce and Rhodey say at the same time.
"You'll spoil your breakfast," Bruce continues. "Thor and I worked very hard on this meal."
"Plus, you won't save any for the rest of us," Rhodey adds.
"I have a thirst for donuty goodness that cannot be quenched," Clint says in a dramatic tone.
"Quench it with some eggs, breakfast is done," Bruce says.
Clint, Rhodey, and Tony leave the counter to join Bucky, Steve, and Natasha at the table.
Steve shakes Bucky. "C'mon, Buck, wake up."
"I am awake, mom," Bucky responds, sounding half-asleep.
Tony exchanges a look with Steve, who goes back to shaking Bucky, while Tony sits across from him.
"James Buchanan, wake up this instant," Steve says in a slightly more demanding tone.
"Buchanan?" Clint questions, amused. Natasha frowns at him.
"I was named after the fifteenth president, you ass," Bucky responds, sounding like he is about to pass out again. "And you can piss off as well, Steven . . ."
Steve furrows his brow in confusion. When Bucky begins snoring softly, the blond's expression turns into one that can be best described as "Bucky, I am so done with your shit."
"Fine," Steve says. "I'll eat your portion."
"The fuck you won't," Bucky says, jolting up in his chair so hard that he almost falls off. When Bruce places a plate of food in front of Bucky, he hunches over his meal protectively, eating slowly, and glaring at Steve.
Steve simply smirks.
"So, is it—?"
"Not donut time," Rhodey answers before thanking Bruce for his plate.
After all the plates are passed out and everyone seated, the Avengers eat their meal in relative silence, more focused on getting food in their stomachs.
Sometime into the meal, Rhodey turns to Clint, who is sitting on his left and says, "Did I forget to tell you that the box of donuts is for you?"
"Really?" Clint asks through a mouthful of egg.
"Ugh," Natasha says disgusted. "Would you chew your food?"
Clint responds by turning to the redhead across from him and sticking out his tongue showing off his chewed food. Natasha scowls and kicks him from underneath the table. The archer yelps, but closes his mouth and swallows his food before turning his back to Rhodey.
"Yeah, all for you," Rhodey repeats.
The archer lets out a victory screech before grabbing the box and returning to the table. As soon as he opens the box, the donuts explode in his face, covering the man in batter, frosting, and sprinkles.
The other Avengers burst into laughter while Clint sets the box down and wipes off his face with a napkin. Rhodey calms his laughter before pulling out an envelope from his pocket and handing it to Clint. The archer takes the envelope and opens it before reading he card inside. "Take that, you crusty bitch. Love, Coulson." Clint sighs. "Fuck."
"What the hell was that all about?" Nat asks, curiously. The look on her face says she already knows, but she wants to hear Clint say it.
Clint sighs. "Coulson and I are in the middle of a prank war. He's taken his sweet old time with his turn."
"Well, that explains why you needed so much lard," Bruce says.
"And with that, I'm heading down to the lab, and I'm bringing my food with me," Tony adds after getting a look from Steve. "JARVIS, prepare the lab."
"Right away sir," the A.I. responds.
"I'll catch up with you later?" the brunet says to Steve.
"Of course," Steve responds before quickly bringing their mouths together.
"Ew, mom and dad are kissing at the table," Bucky teases, while Clint laughs and Natasha hides a smirk behind her hand.
Tony rolls his eyes before picking up an orange off the table and tossing it at Bucky's head. The latter catches the orange in his mouth and throws his hands up in the air in triumph. Tony snorts before grabbing his plate and heading out of the kitchen, so he can take the elevator down to his childhood workshop.
A/N: The dream scene was inspired by the Supernatural episode "The End" (season 5, episode 4) which is one of my favorite episodes.
I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, even though it was on the shorter side!