Tony glared at the man he once considered a friend, considered more than a friend. He pushed the papers across the table and watched Steve stop them before they could fall to the floor. Watched Steve sign them and wanted to scream at Steve for being so stubborn with a pen any other time.
"So, it's done." Steve capped the pen and stood straight as the solider he once was.
"He's all yours. Well, legally, ours." Steve nodded and started to make his escape from the cold pressed tension. "I'll see you at dinner. To, uh, check in." Steve left without any sign of acknowledgment.
Following, well, everything. Tony was surprised when Steve actually picked up the phone. But, he knew that Steve had heard the news and he knew Steve's heart. At least, sometimes.
"Tony-" was all Steve could get in before Tony started to ramble.
"Steve, I need your help. I fucked up. I fucked up and now this kid-this dumbass kid doesn't have anyone. I made this happen, Steve. If it wasn't for me his life would have been fine and safe and his aunt would be alive. I need your help, I can't do this on my own and I can't just hand him off to someone. He respects you, Steve. Please, I can't take care of this kid by myself."
"Tony." Steve spoke firmly and Tony stopped.
Each end of the call was silent as Steve thought. After three minutes he took a deep breath.
"Okay." Steve decided and hung up.
"Thank you." Tony said to the empty room.
Tony stood a few feet away from the kitchen's blueprinted boundaries, the smell of onions and grease still greeted him and attempted to overwhelm any memories that were passing through Tony's mind. It failed.
Steve pulled out plates from the cabinet and brought them over to the table where two greasy paper bags slumped proudly. Steve finally catch Tony's eye and quirked an eyebrow, a silent order to sit down or help out. Tony chose the former and sat at the chair closest to the exit. Steve continued to bring napkins and glasses and drinks.
As he set down Tony's glass he whispered, "He doesn't blame you."
Steve pulled away, the elevator door opened and Peter walked into the kitchen.
