Your reviews have made me extra happy, so I put lots of feels in this chapter
Is everyone catching my Tobuscus, Doctor Who, and Sherlock references? I'm glad
Rhodey finally left. The whole thing had put a bitter taste in Tony's mouth, leaving him even more exhausted than before and guilty as hell. By rights Steve should've been the first to know. Fuck, Pepper would've been a better choice. But Rhodey? Though one of his only friends, the man was still in the military. He'd practically collapsed on him, he'd shown him the depleted core...he'd told him almost everything. It had just felt so good to finally share it...fuck, why did it have to Rhodey?
Tony could barely think straight, he needed to seriously reconsider his plan of action. Or his lack of action, as it was.
Careful steps sounded on the stairs, he raised his head from his folded arms. He smacked his fist on the desk, all the computers went to their classic car screensaver. He relaxed when he saw it was Steve but he was sure to keep his game face on. The soldier slowly typed in his personal password, still not used to the touch screen. He was pleased when the door opened for him, but he didn't come in more than a few feet.
Steve smiled gently, hands folded behind his back as if standing at ease, "Tony...is everything okay?"
"You know me" Tony leaned back in his chair, gesturing in front of him as if to brush away the concern "Still kickin'."
"Did he say anything to you?" the soldier's expression hardened at the mention of Rhodey "Because he's still in the building, I can still get my hands around his throat."
Tony covered his mouth, hiding his grin, "Did you threaten him, Cap?"
Steve had the grace to look a little ashamed, "Maybe."
"Don't worry about it. We were just having a little heart-to-heart" the inventor snatched his bottle off the table, snapping open the lid "Rhodey's a good guy, Cap. Don't be too harsh on him."
Steve nodded, looking to the suits for a long moment, "I'll leave you to your research. I won't let anyone else down, I promise."
"Good boy" Tony narrowed his eyes when the man went to leave "Hey! Don't I get a good-bye kiss? You military boys, always running off."
"Are you asking for something, Mr. Stark?" the soldier walked over, his tone teasing "That's rare. Don't tell me our little encounters lately have made you soft? Or better, desperate?"
"You are not as innocent as you let on" Tony turned his chair around, crooking his finger in a demand to get the man closer "You're a fucking tease, Captain. Now get over here."
Steve's cheeks were pink at the language, he leaned down skimmed a kiss over the man's cheek. Tony turned his head, taking a real kiss for his own. The soldier spotted something a moment before he close his eyes, he reached up and skimmed his fingertips across the other's warm neck.
"Tony" he broke the kiss, tilting Tony's head a bit to look at the dark lines on his jugular "What happened? It looks painful..."
"Road rash" Tony pushed the blonde's hands away, rolling back until his chair hit the side of the desk "Now go make sure Pep is fine. Make her some tea, she loves that."
Steve brow furrowed, "Are you sure? I can get you something for it."
"Go" Tony pointed to the door "Stop henning me, Nanny, I'll be fine."
Steve rolled his eyes but complied, obeying.
"And tell Pepper to stop hitting on my assistant!" Tony shouted, getting the soldier to scoff and hurry up the stairs.
Tony folded his arms on the table, resting his head on them once more.
He was so tired...
xXx
The Next Day
Steve was hefting the barbell almost idly, eyes set out the window to observe the darkening skies. The clouds were rolling in thick and heavy, promising a heavy storm to cleanse the city. He'd stopped counting at a hundred reps, letting the steady burn of his muscles ease his worried mind. The gym was abandoned and cool, giving a timeless illusion.
For a moment he shut his eyes and thought back. The old gym he used to practice in had been sepia colored and dank. If he concentrated, he could hear the grinding creak of the punching bags...the hum of the high fans...the scent of his own sweat and chalk dust flooding his nose...
"Captain?"
Steve didn't falter, the voice a familiar one in the Tower now.
"Miss. Rushman" he slowed his motions but didn't stop "Is there something I can help you with?"
"Actually, yes" Natalie hefted the stack of papers into the crook of her other arm "Where's Tony hiding? I need him to sign off on some things and give me his statements on the Monaco event."
"Can't Pepper do that?" Steve glanced over at her, confused.
"Do you have any idea how much Pepper is doing right now?" Natalie sounded a bit strained "Tony needs to pick up some of the slack."
Steve dropped the barbell like it was nothing, letting it roll away. He turned to face the woman head-on, crossing his arms over his chest and showing off the curve of his muscle. He looked her over, taking in every inch of body language he could. She was good, whoever she really was. She could hide everything, but she couldn't hide the fact that she was hiding.
"You're pushing him, aren't you?" Steve accused "I don't know why...but you are."
"I'm just looking out for his best interests" Natalie replied easily "Tony can't hide from this forever. He needs to deal with it."
"He is, in the best way he can" the soldier countered just as quickly "He's resting and figuring out who that man is. As soon as he knows his motives, he's going to root out whoever has this technology."
Natalie scoffed, "You have no idea what's going on."
"Enlighten me" Steve stepped closer, getting into the woman's personal space "What exactly is going on? Because if you don't tell me, then I'm not letting you into Tony's room."
Natalie dropped her stack of papers and her persona, "Like you could stop me."
The soldier's smile was tight, "You act like I won't hit a woman."
Her eyes narrowed, "You wouldn't."
"I've never had to before, but from what I hear this is a century of firsts" Steve's voice grew harder "Terrorists bomb towers in New York, every other country is overthrowing it's government, and Captain America will knock a beautiful woman flat on her ass for trying to disturb someone he considers very, very precious to him."
Natalie didn't back down, "I will break every bone in your arm before I touch the floor."
"And I will heal so fast that I'll be able to hunt you down again before the sun comes up."
Some of her resolve crumbled, "You know I can't tell you anything."
"I wish you would" Steve softened up his tone, realizing how harsh he'd sounded "I want us to be friends. And even if you can't give me your real name, I know you're not bad."
"I don't do friends" Natalie pursed her lips "And I don't do 'good' and 'bad'. I'm a neutral agent, Captain Rogers. I do what my employer tells me to do. Nothing more...nothing less."
"Except fall for gorgeous CEO's" Steve turned toward the window, giving her a moment to hide the surprise on her face.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Of course not" he grabbed a towel, running it over his face and neck "I won't ask you to tell me anything else, but I will ask you this. Are we on the same side, Natalie?"
The woman bent down, picking back up her papers, "Yes."
"Good" Steve tossed the towel in the bin "Then you'll understand when I tell you that I'm on his side, no matter what. I won't have you waking him after I've spent so many nights trying to get him to sleep. When he's awake, I'll have JARVIS tell you."
"Deal" Natalie started to walk away, but stopped a moment at the door "Let me tell you something, Captain. The people who fished you out of the ocean and gave you back your life wouldn't appreciate you getting in their way."
"Don't worry, Miss. Rushman" Steve assured her, sounding resigned "I'm sure I'll pay back my debt to them. One way or another, Director Fury will get his pound of flesh. I'm just here to make sure it's not from Tony."
Natalie's shoulders tensed, she knew she'd said too much, "We're not after him, we're trying to help. He has the potential to be a valuable asset to our organization."
"Don't!" Steve barked, making the woman jolt and turn back to look at him "You people can talk about me like I'm a hammer or a gun all you want, but don't you dare talk about him like that. Tony is not a weapon and he is certainly not yours to wield or control. Tell Fury that if he wants a soldier, I'm right here."
Natalie let her hand trail across her blouse, revealing a small device hidden just under collar, "I'll be sure to do that, Captain Rogers, thank you."
Steve closed his eyes and listened to her leave. Great, that little thing must've been a sort of microphone. He'd been around Tony enough to recognize spy gear when it was staring him in the face. Director Fury, who he hadn't been in contact with in months, had probably heard that whole conversation. He clenched his fists, rolling his neck to ease some of the tension from the muscles.
He needed to hit something, hard.
xXx
An hour or so later, Steve knocked softly on Tony's door. He waited but no response, he tried again.
"Tony, I know you're awake" he spoke softly, just in case he was wrong "JARVIS said you hadn't slept yet. I'm worried. I'm coming in."
Steve forced the door open, finding the inventor tugging on a t-shirt, "I thought you were sleeping?"
"I was, I am" Tony stuttered, smoothing the shirt down further "I will be. I just needed to...you know..."
/Fuck, I am so bad at lying to him/ Tony scolded himself, still a little breathless from where he'd replaced the palladium core not a minute ago.
"What's up?" Tony decided on, trying to sound as normal as possible.
"I just...really don't know what's going on" Steve slammed the door behind him, leaning against it "I just fought with Natalie, I want to strangle Rhodey, and I'm pretty sure I caught Pepper crying earlier. People are busting down your doors and I don't know how long I can keep them off your back."
"That's not your job" Tony informed him, sitting back down on the bed "You don't really have a job, actually."
"You only have days before Fury himself will knock down your wall, and you're joking?" Steve snapped "I'm dead serious, Tony. Your technology is out and everyone is going crazy. I may not understand how your reactor and your suits work, but I understand weapons and how evil people can be! If someone is out there making Iron Man suits for themselves, I know they don't have your good intentions."
Tony scoffed, "You don't have a clue, Cap."
"I wish people would quit saying that" Steve grit his teeth in an effort not to snarl "I'm not stupid. I can tell when the world's going to hell. The way those people on TV are talking, this fire isn't going away anytime soon."
"You're so dramatic" Tony whined "What fire? There's no fire."
"The fire is in your chest" the soldier pointed "It's that device. Vanko had one too, didn't he?"
"I got rid of it" Tony swore.
"But it's too late, isn't it?" Steve hoped it wasn't true "The knowledge is out there. It isn't just in your head anymore. And to be honest, if it's not in there, I don't trust it."
"You're just like them!" the billionaire growled "You think I'm losing it! You think I don't have control. Well I do, okay? I know what's going on and I'm doing what I think is best for me and-"
Tony was cut off by a deep yawn, he doubled over and shoved a fist into his mouth to help cover it. But it was obnoxiously loud and obvious, and it last a good ten seconds. He looked over at the soldier, the man looked just as guilty as he felt.
"You should get to sleep" Steve opened the door "Try to get at least five hours. I'll be down in the living room if you need me."
The brunette opened his mouth to say something but couldn't come up with anything that wasn't the truth, so he smiled and gave a little salute.
Steve narrowed his eye sfor just a moment, "This fight isn't over."
Once the door shut between them, Tony collapsed ontot he pillows.
xXx
Tony was standing in the desert. It was cool and dark, and the sky...it was breath taking. He could have a hundred years and never count all the stars in that sky. His shirt was buttoned up his chest, his pants fluttering around his legs in the breeze. Sand skidded past him in waves, following the wind obediently. It was beautiful. Why hadn't he been here before? He should come here, wherever it was. Steve would love it.
Something hard was beneath his heel. Tony looked down, shucking his foot across the sand until an edge of an object was revealed. He kicked it and shook it free, a curve of metal dancing over the sand. He squinted down at it, wondering what it was doing there. There was something else, something just under his toes.
Tony knelt down, letting his knees and fingers sink into the ground. He sifted through the sand like a child, searching for whatever this place was hiding from him. He scooped grains away by the handful, soon revealing the smooth surface of a mask.
Tony's breath and heart picked up the pace, his mind struggling to process just what the hell he was seeing. It was the mask of the Mark I, the first clunky suit he and Yinsen had built to get out of that God-forsaken cave. He brushed more sand aside, running his fingertips over it's surface to verify if it was real or not. He tried to pry it out but it was stuck, holding onto something.
Tony edged his fingers under the rim of the mask, gritting his teeth and pulling up.
It was a face...a man buried deep beneath the sand...
Yinsen's face, bloody and half-decayed.
Tony well and truly screamed, pushing himself away and crawling back until he could dig his heels into the ground. He got to his feet, turning and fleeing as best he could.
No, no, no, he couldn't do this. This wasn't real, this couldn't be real. Yinsen was gone, body left somewhere hundreds of miles away. Except...
Tony tripped and almost fell, he looked back to see an almost fully formed metal arm. It laid in pieces, fingers reaching up toward the sky. The man looked around wildly, taking in the surroundings more completely than before. They were changing, melding, a base visible in the distance.
Tony swallowed down another scream.
He was back.
Tony's chest lit up with pain, the glow of the blue light growing even brighter beneath his shirt. He struggled to unbutton the material but his fingers were too numb, he couldn't get a proper grip. The light started to fade as quickly as it had grown, lessening...dimming...it was barely visible now.
The moment he parted his shirt enough to see the device, the light started to change. The usual blue was gone to reveal a hot red, blooming like fire from the middle and growing by the minute. Tony hissed and dropped to his knees once more, the pain growing sharper. He ripped apart the shirt, gaping when little flames erupted around the device.
Fire. He had fire in his chest...it was eating at the arc reactor, frying it from the bottom to the top. Tony couldn't breathe, something was filling his lungs and choking him up. He coughed harshly. Whatever was inside him was bitter and acrid, curling it's way up his throat.
He leaned his head back, exhaling thick black smoke.
Tony woke up beneath his comforter, sweat soaking his skin and plastering his hair against his forehead. There was a thick rumbling in his ears, deafening him, putting him back in the dream. He threw off the dark blanket, heaving desperately for breath.
He blinked to clear the tears from his eyes, finding himself just as breathless as he was in the desert but now in his room. A flash of light like muzzle flare, a crack like a gun. Tony shut his eyes and slammed his hands over his ears, drowning out whatever he could.
He wasn't there anymore, he wasn't there, he wasn't there...the cave was gone, he wasn't attached to a battery...there were no men with guns...
"I'm not there" Tony said to himself, voice raising with each word "I'm not there, I'm not there, I'M NOT THERE!"
The pain in his chest overwhelmed his delusion, bringing him back to the present. He lowered his hands to press over his reactor, prying open his eyes enough to see the rain spattering his windows.
Oh...it was storming. The muzzle flare turned into lightening flash. The gun shots twisted into thunder claps. With each labored breath he came back from that awful place. He raised up his t-shirt to find his reactor glowing just as steadily as always. No fire...no dimming. The black lines were thicker and darker around the edge of the reactor, they were crawling around the edge of his chest now. He knew they were up his neck but he wasn't sure how far.
Tony could remember how Steve had kissed him and touched the marks, so concerned about his "road rash" and wanting to help. They were getting more prominent, he needed to keep his distance from the soldier or he'd have a bigger problem on his hand than some imaginary fire.
Tony threw his legs over the bed, groaning and hanging his head. He still couldn't breathe. This room was too stifling, too small. He needed some fresh air and he needed it now.
He got up off the mattress and went for the closet, pushing open the doors and walking inside. The strode past the rows of suits and stylish clothes, going for something different. He was freezing, the sweat on his skin making him clammy and shaky. Tony pulled a navy blue hoodie out of the dresser in the back, bringing it to his nose and catching the scent of vanilla. He'd stolen this particular item after Steve had worn it, anticipating he'd eventually need the comfort without the man knowing. He grabbed a plain black knit cap next, pushing it over his hair and covering his head.
He needed fresh air more than he needed to be warm.
xXx
Tony hadn't been outside a minute before he was soaked all the way through. The rain was heavy and it ate through his hoodie, plastering the material against the blue glow of his reactor. He didn't dare go out on the street. With his luck he'd pass out and he didn't need some homeless jackass poking his unconscious body with his stick.
He still hadn't shaken off the terror of the nightmare.
Tony climbed up onto the walkway he used for launching his suit, the one to his garage/lab. He made his way up to the peak, tripping up on the creases in the ground that his removal-suit gadgets usually slid out of. The rain blurred up his vision, he pulled his hood further down his head to try and keep it out of his eyes. Not that he really cared anymore, he just didn't want to topple off the side.
Tony eased to the edge, sitting down on the platform and letting his legs dangle. There was a flutter of nerves in his chest along with the pain. He didn't have a problem with heights when he was in his suit but this was a different story. He was already dizzy from the nightmare and the pain from the poisoning, he didn't dare lean over any farther than this.
Instead Tony watched his bare feet swing back and forth, water puddling and pouring off them in thick rivulets. His eyes drifted to the street lights, the buildings, the cars...the hum of the city mixed with the thunder rang in his ears. It was better than gunfire or the rasp of his own lungs.
He breathed as deep as he could, the air so much fresher up here than in his bedroom. It soothed some of the ache in his body but not the agony around his reactor. He tilted his head back, letting the rain wash the sleep from his eyes and the tear tracks from his cheeks.
It was a strange sensation to feel cleansed and drowned all at once.
The rain stopped suddenly, leaving his face dripping with excess. He blinked the droplets away and turned his head, brow creasing when he was met with vivid blue eyes. Tony cleared his throat, trying to use his voice after hours of sleep.
"I thought we were fighting?" Tony croaked, hating how rough he sounded.
"We were" Steve's smile was blindingly white in the dark of the night "And now we're not."
Tony looked up to find it was the shield stopping the rain, the silver inside and the soldier's thick forearm hovering just over his head. The rain pattered off it, rolling down the sides to spill across his lap and the platform. Steve's casual clothes were saturated as well, his blonde hair plastered to his head and making him look even younger than he already did.
"Why are you out here, Tony?" Steve inquired, his arm curled around the genius. Tony looked miserable and tired, the bruise on his cheek only adding to the dark circles under his eyes. The slighter man leaned sideways, letting the soldier take the brunt of his weight. Steve didn't seem to mind one bit, scooting closer and letting him have as much room as he wanted.
"Just needed some fresh air" Tony replied "I thought you wanted to yell at me?"
"I think there's been enough yelling" Steve kissed the man's temple "Come on, we're getting you back inside and dry before you get sick."
"I'm fine, just sit with me" Tony could barely be heard over the sound of the rain.
Steve stood up, securing his shield on his arm before reaching down to scoop up the brunette. Tony protested and squirmed but it was useless against the man's strength. Steve held him to his chest protectively, carrying him back down the platform with great ease. He couldn't believe how light the man was, he made a mental note to get him to eat more in the next couple of days. He tucked the billionaire's face into his neck, shielding him
Tony's wet lips brushed his ear, "You're a good nanny, Cap."
"Tony" Steve sighed heavily, though his eyes showed amusement "Just shut up, will you?"
xXx
Pepper flexed her fingers over the keyboard, looking up at the screen hovering over her desk once more. The fat face of one of their biggest investors squinted back at her, displeased.
"Marley, I assure you, Stark Industries is not turning back to weapons" Pepper gave her sweetest smile "No matter what rumors you hear, we are not in the market of selling the Iron Man suits or their energy source."
"I believe in what that jackass is doing" the man slammed his meaty fist on the table "Stark is an exceptional man! But I can't have my money tied into dirty business, Miss. Potts, you must understand!"
"I do, sir" Pepper resumed her email "We are dealing with this problem as quickly and as efficiently as we can. The business is clean, the weapons are gone, and only Tony Stark will wield an Iron Man suit. Mr. Stark promises this for as long as he lives and breathes."
Marley went to say something else, but she cut him off with a swift, "End call."
The screen faded, she was left alone in the office. Pepper leaned back in the chair, flexing her fingers again. Her entire body was stiff and sore. She hadn't had more than eight hours of sleep since they got back two days ago and it was starting to wear on her. She glanced at the calendar, clenching her eyes shut in exasperation.
Make that three days ago.
"It's Tuesday?" Pepper covered her eyes with her hand, letting her fingers dig into her temples "How long has it been Tuesday?"
Without being asked, JARVIS started up her favorite playlist of soft violin music. She smiled to herself but didn't lower her hand, letting the strings flow through her mind like water. There was a small sound but it sounded like the music so she didn't look, but she certainly jump when slim hands fell onto her shoulders.
"It's okay" that was Natalie's voice just behind her "Keep your eyes closed."
Pepper obeyed, praying this wasn't a dream. The woman started to massage her shoulders, expertly finding each knot in the muscles and rubbing them out. It felt spectacular. Pepper let her head drop forward, giving the woman complete permission to touch her.
Natasha watched the delicate ginger fall apart beneath her touch, eyes growing dark at the sight of the freckled neck bared to her. It was unknowing submission but intoxicating nonetheless. She knew S.H.I.E.L.D couldn't break into the Stark Tower security system to access the cameras but she was always careful. If Fury knew what was happening here he would probably try to pull her out and replace her, but this was too good to give up.
Natasha knew she was in too deep to let go now.
Feeling bolder, she slid the straps of the CEO's dress aside. Pepper didn't tense but from the rise of her chest her breathing rate had picked up, the pulse in her throat jumping up just a notch. Natasha slid the material down the curve of the other's shoulders, catching the bra straps and letting them slide down as well. Her fingers worked over bare flesh now, softer than she had imagined but just as pliant.
Pepper pushed her hair aside, letting her head fall back into the massage. She hadn't had someone touch her like this in...well, she couldn't exactly remember. That was sad. Here she was a grown woman and she couldn't recall the last time she'd had someone explore her body. That brought up new questions.
When was the last time she had sex?
Even better, when was the last time she enjoyed sex?
"The papers have finally stopped calling" Natasha slipped back into her assistant persona, pushing back her lust "I think they've decided to make up their own stories and hope Tony does something else extravagant."
"Of course they are" Pepper could barely put conviction in her tone "I've just now got the investors calmed down...told them I had it under control. Do we have it under control?"
Natalie laughed low in her throat, "Would I be here if we didn't?"
"I hope so" Pepper smiled warmly, reaching up and laying her hand over the younger woman's for a moment. Natasha took it as permission, taking a measured breath before letting her hands travel a little further. She got the older woman to gasp when her fingers slipped down past her collarbone, slowly rotating in circles to relax and sensitize.
Natasha was a pro at seduction, Pepper Potts never stood a chance.
xXx
Tony was sprawled out on his bed, shirt bunched up in his hand above his head. The other was busy drumming a low beat over his arc reactor, watching the way his digits distorted the light across the ceiling. It was the perfect nightlight, a constant reminder of how close he was to having shrapnel rip apart his heart.
It was almost noon but his room was pitch black, the curtains drawn close over the windows to prevent the damn sun from burning his eyes. That little episode he had last night had shaken up his soldier. It had left him unsettled and nauseated but a spark of clarity had broke through all the madness. Steve had forced him to go back to sleep and another nightmare had seized him, this one centered around his lover.
This time he'd dug through the sand to find pure ice, and deep beneath that Steve lay sleeping. He'd banged and scratched at the ice until his fingers went bloody but he hadn't been able to free the soldier. He'd woken up just as freaked out but at least flames hadn't burst from his reactor.
Fire.
Steve had spoken about fire just before he'd gone to sleep. The word had seared itself into his mind and eventually into his nightmare, leaving a lasting impression. The second nightmare had been filled with one constant sound...the ticking of a clock. And the ticking had come from inside his chest – from the very reactor itself.
"I'm done in" Tony spoke aloud "Aren't I, JARVIS? I'm stupid close to just being...over."
"Your toxicity level is raising faster than we anticipated, sir."
"I know" Tony made the shape of a barking dog over his reactor, getting the shadow on the ceiling to do the same "Is the CAP-100 done?"
"Yes, sir. One hundred percent."
"Good" he made a clawing bear motion in the light, smiling at the way the shadow looked "How about the Call-To Bracelet? Is it done? Does it work?"
"The adjustments you requested after the last run were done. I believe it now works with ninety-seven percent accuracy."
"That'll do" Tony started a lazy bunny across the light, chuckling softly "I don't think I can run a proper simulation right now. Do you think it's ready to give to him?"
"You're asking me if your invention is ready? Isn't that a bit redundant, sir?"
"Don't be a smartass" Tony sat up, pulling his shirt up and tugging it over his head "Unlock the memorabilia room. Send DUM-E up with the CTB."
"What are you planning on doing?"
"Well, I thought I'd give Steve the full tour" Tony stood, taking a look at himself in the mirror and smoothing down his hair "I think he deserves to know that his place here is secure, don't you?"
"You want to let Captain Rogers know just how much he means to you without actually telling him you love him?"
"Pretty much" Tony bit the inside of his cheek, peering at his marked neck "If I'm dealing my last cards here, I might as well tell him how creepy I am."
"Considering most of the material was gathered by your father, I believe he is the 'creepy' one."
"Yeah, but..." the man pulled on a jacket, zipping it up high and pushing the hood to hide his neck "Where's the good captain right now?"
"Sitting downstairs."
Tony rose a brow, "What's he doing?"
"Brooding about you I can assume. Earlier he asked me to search 'palladium' and I convinced him there was nothing I could find. I've made sure to scramble any attempt he's made on the internet and I've had one of the bots hide all the chemistry books in the lab."
Tony smiled to himself, eyes falling to the floor, "You're a good AI, JARVIS."
/I wonder why he didn't ask me?/
"My first duty is to you and you alone, sir" JARVIS sounded resolute in this fact "I support every decision you make, no matter if my calculations consider it right or wrong. I am here to aid you and to make your life easier. No matter how long...or short it may be, sir. It is not my place to tell your condition, good or bad, to anyone without your express permission."
"I programmed the best damn computer hacker, day planner, butler, and best friend a man could have" Tony made his way to the door "Whatever it is you're doing, JARVIS, you're the best at it."
"If you built me a body, sir, I'd honestly be scared you'd molest me."
Tony tripped, honest to God tripped, and started laughing against the door. The giggles erupted from his chest, loud and uncontrollable. He smacked the door with his fist, trying to reign it in but failing.
"It's good to hear you laugh, sir."
Tony pointed to the ceiling, letting out a wheezed, "Damn it, JARVIS."
xXx
"Where are we going?" Steve was being led by the hand down a hall he hadn't been sure had existed. The door to this hallway had been hidden behind a packed bookcase, locked with a keypad and everything. He had no idea what could be so protected that it needed to be hidden from him of all people.
"A place" Tony said for the third time, tugging the soldier along "A secret place. It's kinda cool, you'll like it."
"But why?" Steve was thrown off kilter "Shouldn't we be looking for who else was involved with Whiplash?"
"No one" the genius shot back "He worked alone. He's a physicist with a grudge. It's actually all rather boring, so if you'll shut up about Vakov we can enjoy this right here."
Tony stopped in front of the only other door in the hall, putting his hand on the knob, "Close your eyes, Spangles."
Steve shot him a glare but obeyed, making a big show of putting a hand over his eyes, "Okay. I'm ready."
The genius grinned, "Oh no you're not."
Tony opened the door and grabbed the super soldier, pulling him into the room by the sleeve of his shirt. He positioned the man just perfect so he could see every inch of the converted walk-in closet. He stepped back to lean against the doorway, then cleared his throat.
"You can look now."
He sounded just as nervous as he felt.
Steve dropped his hand to gasp, eyes going wide as saucers as he looked around the room. The room was colored a steady fire red, kind of narrow but long and full of shelves. He wasn't sure what to say but he couldn't stop looking, eyes seeking more and more the farther he stepped.
It was a memorial to Captain America.
Clippings of newspaper articles, cards, books, comics...everything with his image plastered all over it. Certain things were framed but most were just placed on the shelves; red, white, and blue very prominent. He grabbed one of the frames and peered down at a smaller version of himself, a pre-serum Steve who looked tired and dirty. Every page of his military file was framed and placed in full-view. It seemed to be the original, which meant S.H.I.E.L.D. must have a copy. There were several pictures of him in his first uniform at the USO show, the ones of him with his squad more scarce.
There was one of him standing with them all in a row, and next to the great Captain America was-
"Bucky" Steve whispered, grabbing the frame and stroking his thumb over the glass. This image was all that was left of his best friend, one of the greatest men he'd ever met. He was handsome and rough, the memory of saving him still fresh in his mind.
The jewel of the room was the display case mounted on the wall at the very end. Behind the glass was his old suit, the one he'd gone down in the ocean with. Only it was restored, pieced back together and sewn very well in the places he'd known the wreck had ripped. Thick utility belt, straps, the cap – everything. There was another suit beside it, this one brighter and less functional.
"Those are my suits" Steve turned back to Tony, finding the inventor giving him a tender look "That one is my...my USO suit. I gave it to your dad, he said it was hideous and he burned it. And the other suit...Tony, you said it was locked up or in shreds."
"He lied" Tony shrugged, trying to pull off nonchalance "He did that a lot. And I lied too, I get that from him. He got most of this stuff, but I was the who obtained your original file."
"Why?" Steve was breathless, he gestured around him "Why all this? Why did you keep this stuff? Everyone thought I was dead."
"Everyone but me" Tony crossed his arms over his chest, pushing the jacket just a little bit tighter "Even my dad thought you were gone, but...I just knew you were out there. I wouldn't have felt so attached to you if you weren't."
"Attached?"
"You started out as a story" the inventor began "You were footie-pajamas and posters and old specials on TV. You were the colors of my room, you were the stars hanging over my crib! You were...you were the hero in my old man's stories."
Tony dropped his eyes, "And one day when I was young and not paying attention, you were just...there. You were a hero, you were my hero. You were as alive as any other person, at least to me. My dead mourned you, but I knew I couldn't worship somebody who was dead."
Steve's cheeks were flushed. He had no idea Tony's life had been so centered around him, that the man had even heard of him before they met.
"I didn't want you to think I was a crazy fan, so I waited" Tony half-lied, looking back up "I just wanted you to know about this."
The super soldier wasn't quite sure what to say, "I was your hero?"
"You still are, Captain Dumbass" Tony snarked "Why the fuck would I keep any of this stuff if I didn't still look up to you? You're a hero to a lot of people."
"What did I mean to you?" Steve gestured him closer "When you were younger, what did I mean?"
Tony couldn't bring himself to say anything too mushy but he did come closer, letting his hands come up to touch the captain's arms.
"You were...strength, and hope" Tony chomped down on his lower lip, watching his fingers trace the thick muscle instead of the man's bright eyes "American things. Truth, justice, honor, all that jazz. It's good for a kid, you know?"
"I can't believe this" Steve's smile was broad and bright "This is just...too much. I know you said you put an alert out on my discovery, but I didn't know I was important to you."
"See those sheets?" Tony looked to one of the shelves, a navy blue sheet hanging just over the edge to reveal little Captain America shields printed on it "I slept on those until...well, it's embarrassing how old I was when I finally took them off my bed."
"You slept on those?" Steve couldn't stop smiling, a tender warmth blooming through his chest "You actually...I can't even imagine you as a little kid."
"I could imagine you pretty well back then" Tony grasped the soldier's neck, pulling him down for a brief kiss "You were my first thought in the morning and my last at night."
Steve's eyes grew dark and heavy, a possessive palm pressing against the small of the inventor's back.
"I wish I had been there for you" Steve brought him closer, pressing him hard against the line of his body "If I had known you'd be around...I don't know. Maybe I wouldn't have sunk that plane."
"You were there for me, Stripes" Tony tilted his head, offering his mouth.
Steve laced one hand through dark hair "You needed me."
"I needed something to believe in" Tony pressed harder, their lips bussing teasingly "Still do."
Steve groaned, pulling the man completely into his arms and taking his mouth. He couldn't believe this. It seemed like only a year ago that he was scrawny and sick with no hope of anyone spectacular ever loving him. It was like yesterday he met a brilliant man named Howard Stark, and now he had his perfect son in his arms.
Maybe not perfect in the normal sense, but perfect for Steve. Tony was loud, rude, straightforward, and could be downright cruel. He had the potential to destroy and remake the world in one day. Oh, but there was a sweetness beneath the hard exterior. Beneath all those walls was a passionate lover, a warm heart, a gentle touch...all the things people said he lacked.
And all that gooey inner-Tony was reserved for one person...his childhood hero, Captain America.
Steve didn't consider himself possessive, he didn't want to think he vulnerable to that kind of base desire, but he couldn't help but heat up when he thought of Tony on those sheets. He'd been in Tony's mind all his life, a constant presence in a delicate young man's room and mind. To think...amongst all those equations and brilliance, there was a part of his brain strictly for Captain America.
Using skills the genius had given him, Steve stole the man's breath. He tasted him completely, letting Tony know just how much he needed him. He backed Tony up until his back smacked into the shelves, his hands wandering down to grab the man's hips and keep him in place. Steve kissed him for all he was worth, parting their lips to nip at the rough jaw.
"You need to shave."
Tony's opened his mouth to snark but the soldier slammed his lips over it, swallowing down the muffled reply. The genius moaned and he was sure he was doing something right, but the sound turned into a protesting groan rather fast.
Steve pulled away hastily, easing his grip, "Tony?"
Tony's only response was a strained smile, "Do you know what all this is, Cap?"
The soldier frowned, "What do you want it to mean?"
"It's an apology" Tony rethought that, squinting "It's a pre-apology."
"Why?" Steve ran his hands over the man's hips again, his touch much more gentle "What did you do?"
"Nothing yet" the genius dug into his pocket, pulling out a semi-thick silver bracelet "But I'm an ass and I'll do something...and I'm going to need you to forgive me for it."
"I'm not going to promise to forgive you for something you haven't-"
"Steve" Tony cut him off, his stare more serious than his usual glare "Listen to me. I need you to forgive me one more time. Like a Get Out Of Jail Free card.
"A what?" Steve pursed his lips "I don't understand that reference."
"A pass!" Tony insisted "I need you to give me a pass on one more stupid thing. Can you do that? Can you promise me one more 'Oh Tony, you're so quirky' type of pass?"
"Is this a gun thing?" Steve cupped the man's face, looking into his eyes as if to find the answer there "Because I can't handle seeing a barrel to your head again. I will break your hand, I'm not joking. There's no free pass on attempted suicide."
"I know you're trying to be serious, but you sound ridiculous" Tony huffed "I told you, I'm not suicidal, I'm just crazy. The gun is a...thing. Remember the quirky thing? That's one of them. If it makes you feel better, it's gone."
The soldier actually did look relieved.
"It's not a gun thing" Tony assured him gently "That was...stupid. It's always been a stupid thing. Can we let that go and move on to my free forgiveness?"
The soldier nodded slowly, "Sure, Tony. One more free pass. But I don't see why you need it. We've already been through the worst, there's not much else you could do now."
Tony dropped his head, hiding his self-deprecating grin, "Don't make it a challenge, Cap. I can't resist those and you know it."
Steve grabbed the man's wrist, raising it to peer at the bracelet in his hand, "What's this?"
"This is yours" Tony held it up, the silver just the size for the soldier's wrist "I call it a CTB."
"I'm not familiar with that."
"I hope not, I just finished making it" he jiggled it "Wrist. Hold it out."
Steve obeyed, watching the genius secure the device around his wrist and clicking it in place, "So...what does it do?"
"It's Call-To Bracelet" Tony replied, turning the soldier's wrist to expose the inside "You slide your index finger along the inside, give the command to JARVIS to launch, and – in theory – the CAP-100 will launch in capsule form – ha, get it? - and come to your side. It'll spread, you step into it, and – TA-DA! Suited Captain America. Great for emergencies."
"Wow, you've got all the bells and whistles" Steve looked down at the bracelet with amazement "Does it really work?"
"Ninety-five percent sure" Tony pulled a face "You're kind of my beta tester. I tried it out and the second test was pretty good."
Steve rolled his eyes, "Of course I'm your test animal. Otherwise every suit would have it."
"It's a new thing" the inventor gestured at the bracelet "You should be happy. That's brand-new technology on your wrist. One of a kind Stark Industry property!"
"Then I'll make sure to take care of it" Steve took the man's jaw in the curve of his fingers, pulling him in for a sweet kiss "It won't leave my person, I promise."
"Good boy" Tony bit the pink lower lip, getting the soldier's breath to stutter "You'll know when to use it. I'll get you a better one once..."
Stark's words died on his lips, the realization hitting him that maybe he wouldn't live to perfect the Call-To technology. The idea had come to him in a late night session, somewhere before the inevitable rocket boots idea but late enough to make him dizzy. Maybe he wouldn't fix the kinks, maybe the solution would die along with him.
"When you perfect it?" Steve inquired.
The dark haired man wet his lips, trying to get his voice back, "Yeah. You'll be the first to have it."
"Can I try the suit on soon?"
Tony pat the man's broad chest, turning to entrance, "Whatever you want, Spangles."
So if you check out the summary, you'll see the Avengers bit is out. Why, you ask? Because that will be a separate story.
On that note, I'm gonna throw a request out there. I have no idea what to call this universe. I'm thinking about it but I'm not coming up with anything cool. So if anyone has any cool ideas, throw it out there in your reviews.
Another thing: If you check out my Tumblr, you'll find plenty of Stony/Black Pepper photosets, hints at the next chapter, future quotes, questions, my fav reviews, fanart for this fic, stuff like that. Link to my Tumblr is in the profile. Anything to make this experience more fun, you know? I like my readers to have a more interactive part in the fic than to just watch, it's much more satisfying.
And finally, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I tried to pack it full with original content so we can have a breather from the movie. But for the next chapter it's the birthday and the BIG REVEAL! I know, right? Awesome. How's Tony gonna break it to our precious soldier boy? You'll see, kids, so tune in
And as always: Reviews equal love/purring/kittens/puppies/cookies/happiness