"Morning," Steve mumbled, yawning into his fist as he trudged into the kitchen. He made a beeline for the coffee pot, putting all of his focus on pouring himself the biggest cup he could get his hands on. Clint had turned him onto the drink recently, after keeping him up late most nights. He was determined to show Steve and Thor the TV shows and movies that were required viewing, in his opinion. They were currently powering through The X-Files like there was no tomorrow. And even when their binging took them into the wee hours of the morning, Steve's military sensibilities still had him rising with the sun, no matter how many times Tony told him that sleeping in was okay. Steve wasn't having any of it though, hence his new reliance on caffeine.
"Morning, Steve. Long night?" Tony asked, smirking as he tipped his energy drink in cheers. He was taking advantage of his insomnia to plan out Steve's surprise party, since his birthday was rapidly approaching. It was just going to be the team, since anyone else would mean they had to lie about his age. And it wasn't like Steve had any other friends to invite, as depressing as that thought was. But quality was better than quantity. And if you counted Bruce and Hulk separately, that helped boost the numbers.
"Do you think Thor is offended by the alien show? Should I bring it up with Clint?" Steve wondered, closing his eyes and savoring the warmth of the drink in his hand. Tony loved watching Steve in these moments, before he slipped back into his usual poise. When he was sleep-rumpled and soft. It had been two weeks since Tony picked him up from the hospital and he still didn't know how to let himself relax.
"I think Thor's fine," Tony assured him. Thor would probably enjoy the comparison and point out the things on his planet that were most similar. "Got any big plans for the day? World domination? Shopping spree? Blowing things up?"
"Sounds more like your to-do list," Steve pointed out, leaning back against the counter.
"True. But there's nothing wrong with emulating your heroes."
"I'll keep that in mind," Steve huffed, shaking his head. "Actually, my plans for the day include hitting the gym and then sitting in my room for a few hours until Clint decides it's time to watch TV again."
"Exciting."
"I can hardly contain myself."
"You need more hobbies. What happened to your drawings?"
"I'm sort of running out of things to draw from my window," Steve sighed.
"You know, just because you live here doesn't mean you're on house arrest. You are allowed to go places," Tony reminded him. Steve hadn't gone anywhere since the meeting with Shield, but Tony was too relieved that he'd agreed to stay to bring it up. Maybe that was a mistake, but he was new to this role he'd stumbled upon.
"I know, I just feel… aimless, I guess," Steve admitted, drumming his fingers along the side of his mug. "Before, I knew the call from Shield was coming, so I had to mentally stay ready. Even when I was sitting in a park drawing buildings, I knew there was something I was going to be doing. Now, there's nothing."
"I won't apologize for getting you out of that situation with Shield."
"No, you were right about that. I know that now. I've just never had nothing to do. Ever since I was a kid, I had some sort of job. Whether it was trying to stay healthy and doing good in school, or scrounging up money to keep my place with Bucky, or being Captain America. What do I do now?"
"Whatever you want. Having time and options is a privilege. A privilege you've earned a hundred times over," Tony insisted. Was it weird that there was a small part of Tony that wanted Steve to go on a bit of a wild streak? Nothing major, just wanting to have fun, like other people his age did. "What sounds like a good time?"
"Uh…" Steve trailed off, scrunching his face in concentration. It really shouldn't have been that hard to answer. "I don't-"
"Alright, new plan," Tony declared, closing his laptop with a soft snick. "We're going out."
"We are?"
"Yep. I told you I was going to show you the city. What better time than now?"
"I don't know."
"It'll be casual. A quick breakfast, some shopping, going places where no one has any expectations for us?" Tony proposed, wagging his eyebrows.
"That actually doesn't sound so bad." Not the enthusiasm Tony wanted, but it was a start. "Should we invite the others to come along?"
"Nah, let's just keep it the two of us. It'll be more efficient that way." Steve shot him a quizzical look. "Don't question it. Go get ready." Tony didn't want to explain that he missed the alone time they shared before the rest of the team came to the tower. Even though he'd been the one to call them, sometimes he wanted to go back to how it was, for that brief period in time.
"Fine, fine," Steve sighed, downing the rest of his coffee before giving his empty mug a quick rinse. "I'll be ready in 10."
"You could take a longer shower. I'm pretty sure the hot water will hold up." Steve waved him off without responding and disappeared down the hall to his bedroom. Tony followed after him, knowing that if he took too long to get ready, Steve would either pester him to death or decide it was a better idea to stay home. Both of those options were less than ideal, so he might as well hurry.
Tony had already showered that morning, so all he had to do was change into something a little more public appropriate, meaning switching from one band tee to another. He also called for one of his drivers to follow them around, in case they wanted to go somewhere that wasn't walking distance. And if they decided to buy something, they wouldn't have to carry bags around. It wasn't lazy, just practical.
Steve came out of his room exactly ten minutes after he went in, wearing a crisp button up shirt and slacks. He somehow looked like a schoolboy in uniform and like an old man. Tony opened his mouth to comment on it, but changed his mind at the last second. If this was what Steve wanted to wear, who was he to question it?
"So, what were you thinking for breakfast? I know a place that makes poached eggs that are to die for. And their hollandaise," Tony moaned dramatically.
"That's fine," Steve replied, trying to hide his cringe. Apparently Steve had a palate that matched his age. He could work with that. While Tony had a taste for the finer things in life, he also loved a greasy burger and fries.
"Actually, I think I know a place that aligns better with your tastes," Tony said, leading Steve out of the building and in the direction of their first destination. It was officially summer now, so the streets were busy with tourists. Tony was stopped occasionally and asked to take pictures or sign autographs, but it wasn't as bad as right after he came out as Iron Man. He was kind of old news now, which was nice.
"How do you deal with that?" Steve asked after Tony peeled himself away from a group of giggling teens.
"My adoring fans? I love it."
"Really?" Steve pressed, looking at him critically.
"They can be a nice distraction. When I've screwed up too many things in my personal life, I can always count on their devotion," Tony admitted. "Unless I do something to get the public mad at me too, but that doesn't usually last long. As soon as I donate something or save someone, it's forgiven."
"That sounds very conditional."
"Everything in life is conditional. You have to hold people accountable for their actions. If they know they can do whatever they want and get away with it, what incentive do they have to treat you well?"
"I get what you're saying. But part of me wants to be able to look at someone and know they'll always be there. And always have my back. I guess that's unrealistic, especially for me," Steve sighed, shaking his head. "While I hope to never repeat history, I can never be sure it won't happen again. Losing what I thought I'd always have… doesn't seem worth the risk to try to find it again."
"You lose everything in life eventually, unless you're the one lost first. It's about enjoying the ride until that moment comes." Tony hadn't expected to fall into such a heavy topic, especially since this was supposed to be a relaxing, fun day. And part of him wanted to reassure Steve that that perfect person existed out there who would never let you down and always be there, but it wasn't true. If Tony wanted them to have a good relationship, he couldn't lie about something as important as that.
They walked in silence until they got to the restaurant Tony figured would be the perfect place for a lowkey breakfast. The place would never make it onto one of those lists you read about in magazines, but everything was cooked with love and didn't skimp on the butter and grease. An added bonus was the staff either didn't know who Tony was or didn't care. He'd never been bothered any of the times he'd poured himself into a booth in the middle of the night after a science binge that demanded indulgence.
"Have a seat wherever you like," an older woman called out to them when they walked into the restaurant. Tony led them to a booth in the corner, just to give themselves a little extra privacy.
"It smells like bacon and syrup in here. I can feel my arteries clogging already," Tony said gleefully, rubbing his hands together as he slid into the bench seat.
"Is that really a good thing?" Steve huffed, sitting down across from him.
"I'll put a little dish soap in my arc reactor."
"What?"
"It breaks down grease," Tony grinned.
"You're ridiculous."
"You love it."
"How are you boys doing today? Can I get you something to drink?" the waitress asked, placing two menus down in front of them. She exuded friendly grandma. Tony wouldn't have been surprised to find out she made all the baked goods the place served.
"I'll take a glass of milk please. Thank you," Steve ordered politely.
"Black coffee for me, thanks," Tony said, figuring he could use some more caffeine. He had to keep up with the youngster somehow.
"Coming right up," the waitress replied, tapping her fingers on the table before walking away.
"So many options," Steve murmured, flipping through the pages of the menu. "I remember going out on really special occasions and everything offered fit on one sheet of paper. And we could only afford two of the options at most."
"Well, get whatever you want. I'm buying," Tony said, thinking he could probably buy this place a dozen times over with the change he had in his pocket. He didn't say it out loud, since Steve would give him one of those disappointed, exasperated looks he liked to wear when Tony brought up money. One day, he'd get Steve to admit and accept that he was rich as well. Not Stark level, but enough that he'd be able to buy a few diners too if he wanted, without consequence. And if Shield decided to sign those contracts he'd drawn up, every mission they were sent on in the future would compensate them handsomely. Tony hadn't mentioned that part to any of the team, but he doubted there would be complaints.
"Everything sounds good. And normal. Not like some of the stuff you've tried to feed me," Steve mumbled, pausing on the page with the waffles.
"Don't knock caviar until you try it."
"I'll pass. Save it for the people who will really appreciate it."
"In another life, I'd have you so spoiled by now."
"In another life, I'd be spoiling my grandkids right now," Steve sighed, staring forlornly out the window.
"Steve-"
"Excuse me, I'm going to use the restroom," Steve said quickly, getting up and walking away before Tony could say anything. He supposed he should've been honored that Steve was willing to open up to him, but the kid was breaking his heart. All he wanted was for Steve to be happy, but it seemed like there was so much hurt just waiting under the surface and the smallest thing could make it break free.
Tony knew what it was like to have to grow up too soon and have too many responsibilities placed on your shoulders, but he had no idea what it was like to be catapulted into a new time. It sometimes felt like that after his captivity. Like the whole world kept going and left him behind. But it was only a few months and everyone was still there when he returned. Steve only had memories and an uncertain future.
"Here we are. One black coffee and one milk. Do you need a few more minutes or are you ready to order?" the waitress asked, setting their drinks down on the table.
"I'll go ahead and order," Tony replied, looking up and finally taking note of the waitress' name tag. Claudette was so fitting, it was almost like the name was assigned to her upon hiring. "I'll take a steak omelet with a side of blueberry pancakes. Two strips of bacon and two sausage patties. Toast just this side of burnt."
"And for your son?"
"My what?" Tony spluttered, staring up at the woman as if she'd grown a second head. Actually, that wouldn't have been as shocking. After Thor, anything was possible. But someone thinking he was Steve Rogers' parent was outside of the realm of possibility. Sure, it was possible age wise and he had taken the kid in and informally adopted him, but no one knew that. No one outside the team anyway. Strangers should assume they were friends, shouldn't they?
"Sorry, boyfriend? I don't judge."
"No, God! What? No!" Tony exclaimed, wanting to dash out of the diner and never look back. This was off his list of safe places. Thank goodness Steve wasn't sitting there to witness this. "Friend. Colleague. Roommate."
"Roommate?"
"He'll take one of every type of waffle you have, thanks," Tony said quickly, shoving the menus at her and burying his face in his hands. He didn't look up until he heard her walk away. If there was anything more awkward than people thinking he was Steve's father, it was people thinking he was Steve's lover. Tony knew he had a playboy past and gave off a certain air, but he'd grown since then. He was just a guy, hanging out with another guy. Maybe hanging out in the tower all day for the rest of his life wasn't such a bad thing.
"You alright?" Steve asked, sliding back into the booth with a look of concern. "What happened to the menus?"
"I told the waitress you weren't hungry and you were here for the ambiance," Tony replied, leaning back into the banter to get rid of any off vibes he was putting out. If Steve found out what happened, he'd probably be horrified and never go anywhere with him again. And it would be less about the couple thing and more about the parental thing. Heaven forbid anyone acknowledge how young he was. If Claudette could keep her mouth shut for the rest of their meal, she would get a generous tip.
"Really?"
"I ordered for you."
"But you don't know what I wanted."
"So you can send it back if you don't like it."
"Tony! That would be so rude."
"Then I guess you'll have to suffer through it."
"One of these days, I'm going to take you out and you'll have to do what I want."
"I can't wait." Tony would fly to the other end of the world for this kid.
"Have you ever trained for a marathon?"
"I take it back. I can definitely wait."
"Oh no, I'm already coming up with ideas. How many pull ups can you do?"
"Look at that, the food is here," Tony said, grinning as three people came over with platters of dishes. They started setting them down anywhere they would fit, as Steve's face grew more and more perplexed.
"If you need more syrup, just holler," Claudette said, winking at Steve before sauntering away. Thank goodness he was too preoccupied with his dozen plates to notice.
"Tony."
"I didn't know which one you'd choose, so I chose them all," Tony shrugged.
"I think plain would've been a safe enough bet," Steve huffed, shaking his head. "How am I supposed to eat all of these?"
"Smothered in syrup."
"This is too much money."
"All of this put together is cheaper than the steak we ate the first night you came to my tower."
"Are you serious?" Steve asked incredulously.
"And I got a good deal on them."
"Seems like so long ago," Steve mumbled, staring out the window. "Do you ever regret it?"
"Regret what?" Tony asked. He could feel the mood getting somber again, but he wasn't sure what was the trigger this time. He forced himself to not make a moody teenager joke.
"Running into me. Inviting me to your tower for dinner," Steve replied, glancing at him before quickly looking away again.
"Of course not."
"Really? I feel like your life got a lot more complicated that day," Steve said, grinning ruefully.
"Complicated isn't always a bad thing. I prefer the term interesting."
"As if your life was so boring before."
"It kind of was. If we hadn't met that day, I'd probably be in some monotonous meeting right now. Or on hour 32 of a science binge. And you'd-"
"Probably be dead," Steve admitted softly. Tony felt the blood drain from his face at that statement. He didn't like to be reminded of Steve's month with Shield, because it was only a miracle he'd come out the other end of it. If Tony hadn't known what was going on or stepped in when he had, Steve probably would've climbed out of his hospital bed and gone right back into another mission. Maybe he would've survived the next one and the one after that, but there would've been a point where his body couldn't go on anymore. Tony couldn't let himself think about how close he'd gotten to that. "You're right that I don't know how to relax. A part of me will never think I deserve to, since there is always something important I can be doing. But I have to remember that if I'm healthy, if I take care of myself, I'll be able to help other people better."
"I guess that's one way to look at it, even though you completely deserve to relax and be happy," Tony insisted. "Even the most powerful people in the world take a day off here and there. And we both deserve to eat our breakfast while it's hot, so dig in." Tony might've been using food to escape their conversation, but he couldn't be blamed for that. This was supposed to be a lighthearted day, but it seemed like stressful topics kept popping up left and right. Even though he was typically a talker, a silent meal would be a relief.
"Fine," Steve grumbled, cutting off a piece of the waffle that was placed in front of him. Tony wasn't sure what kind it was, but it looked good from where he was sitting. Steve popped the bite in his mouth, chewing slowly as he contemplated the taste.
"What's the verdict?"
"You were right about me only liking your waffles so much because I was hungry. These are incredible."
"You wound me," Tony gasped, clutching his heart.
"You have better syrup," Steve offered.
"Well, I feel so much better," Tony scoffed, hiding a grin as he dug into his own meal finally. His eggs had gotten a little cold, but the food was still salty and delicious. Steve ran through his plates with gusto, downing glasses of milk as quickly as Claudette could replace them. Super soldier metabolism had to be out of this world for Steve to be able to put so much food away. Tony had to wonder if he'd been underfeeding the kid this whole time.
"I don't think I can eat another bite," Steve groaned, running his fork through a leftover puddle of syrup. There were still a few plates Steve hadn't gotten to yet, but he'd devoured most of them. "I can't let it go to waste though."
"We can box it up and have my driver take it back to the tower," Tony assured him. Heaven forbid Steve leave behind a single crumb.
"I don't want to bother them with something like that."
"Steve, all of my staff is paid handsomely. He won't mind."
"Fine, fine," Steve conceded, collecting all of his used dishes and stacking them up neatly. "Thank you for breakfast. It was really good."
"You're welcome," Tony replied, keeping it simple. He would usually joke, but it was hard enough to get Steve to accept being given anything, so he didn't want to push. He would take this win.
Tony sent Steve outside with the containers of food, while he settled the bill with Claudette. He gave her the good tip he planned, since she didn't say anything in front of Steve. Tony probably should've put the money toward therapy for himself, since he was traumatized by the thought of Steve being his partner, but he had other money to spare for that.
"What's next?" Steve asked after they saw the driver off back to the tower.
"Let's walk and see where our legs take us," Tony suggested. Steve didn't need to know that he had specific locations planned out already. They could just happen upon them.
They started walking in a not so random direction at a leisurely pace. Steve pointed out a few areas where he'd gotten into scuffles when he was younger, but thankfully he didn't spend enough time in this part of town to have too many. Tony couldn't fathom how many grown men thought it was acceptable to physically fight a child. Even under the influence of Loki's scepter, he hadn't thrown a single punch. He hoped the men ended up in the worst nursing homes available.
"You ever think about moving?"
"Wow, you really hate my tower that much?" Tony scoffed, shaking his head.
"I didn't say that," Steve grumbled, shooting him an unimpressed look. "And I'm being serious."
"I used to go to school in Massachusetts. And I've got a house in California, and a few others sprinkled about. But New York's always felt the most like home, so I always come back. Why do you ask?"
"I've only ever lived here. I obviously went to other places in the Army, but I don't really count that. When I was a kid, I thought I'd spend my whole life here."
"And now?"
"I don't know. It feels the same, but also so different. It's kind of hard to explain."
"I can sort of relate. When I'd come home during breaks from school, every little change felt like the city was moving on without me. I can't imagine how exponentially different it is for you. Is there anything here that feels like home for you?"
"You," Steve admitted quietly. Tony was not going to cry on the streets of New York. "Talking to you while I was gone was what kept me grounded. It was the one thing I could count on, even when I was fighting so hard against it. The apartment Shield put me in never felt like anything, but that night sleeping on your couch was the first time I felt like I could rest. That I could let my guard down and not worry about anything."
"It means a lot to hear you say that," Tony confessed. It was hard to trust people, since some folks saw the name and the money and the power and saw that as a reason to try to get close to him. But Tony knew Steve didn't see him that way. He believed Steve would feel the same way even if they were sharing the most run down shack in the city. "So why are you always trying to move out of my tower?"
"You know how I am with accepting help."
"Stubborn as a mule."
"And depending on people."
"See my last point."
"I don't know. The need to find my own way? To find a place that feels right, instead of staying where I happen to be?" Steve said, shrugging a little. "Shield was talking about me being based out of Washington DC, if the missions ever slowed down enough for me to need a place."
"Politicians," Tony sneered distastefully. "I guess I could've found a place down there."
"You would've moved just because of me?" Steve asked incredulously.
"Investing in real estate is a passion of mine," Tony brushed off. He would've had to get a place down there, since anywhere Shield put Steve would be way below standard. It definitely wasn't because the thought of Steve being so close, yet so far, while Tony was puttering around in New York was unacceptable.
"Really?"
"You may have grown on me," Tony replied, letting out a world-weary sigh. How was Steve so good at making Tony open up? Heaven forbid he ever became an interrogator. All he'd have to do is stare at you for a few seconds and you'd tell every secret you ever had. Tony had to believe that was true and it wasn't just him that was so easily influenced. "We should go in here."
"What's here?" Steve asked, looking up to read the sign on the outside of the building they were standing in front of. "An art gallery?"
"Want to see if it's any good?" Tony asked. He already knew it was good, since he'd gotten the name of it from Pepper, but Steve didn't need to know that.
"Sure," Steve agreed, pushing open the door and walking in with a look of awe. He was going to have to get something extra nice for Pepper to thank her for this recommendation. Tony had been to a lot of galleries and museums and artist's exhibitions, so he was used to over the top spaces that leaned into a more excessive New York lifestyle. This was nothing like that. There were humble displays that highlighted the art, letting it speak for itself.
Tony followed Steve as he went to every piece. He meticulously read every blurb the gallery had to accompany them, like there would be a quiz at the end. But Steve was a secret genius, so that didn't surprise him. He could probably take over the world if he put his mind to it.
"You like this one?" Tony asked, after Steve had been looking at the same drawing for a few minutes. There were several different mediums used in the gallery, but Steve seemed to be drawn to the pencil and charcoal art.
"Do you see the line work on this one? And the shading?" Steve asked in amazement. Tony looked at the piece, considering it. He wasn't that into art, letting Pepper decorate the walls as she pleased. And typically, Tony cared more about the name attached than what it looked like.
"It's nice," Tony agreed, tilting his head to the side. "I bet you could do better."
"Yeah right," Steve scoffed, rolling his eyes. "I think you overestimate my abilities."
"Nope. I just know how amazing you are," Tony grinned. Steve huffed in annoyance, trying to cover the slight pink to his cheeks. Tony would never stop reminding Steve that he was more than a weapon. Maybe one day he'd be able to convince him that that was the least interesting thing about him.
They spent the next few hours walking around the gallery, stopping at each piece multiple times. It wasn't how Tony typically spent an afternoon, but for Steve, he'd rent a back room to the place. Hell, he'd buy it, if Steve wouldn't freak out in response. He'd keep that idea for later.
"That was incredible. Thank you for taking me," Steve said as they stepped back out onto the street. It was getting close to the middle of the afternoon, so the crowds were a little thicker than before. That was fine, since the next stop Tony had in mind wasn't too far away.
"There are plenty more where that came from. Just say the word and I can take you. Or I can give you a list and you can go yourself. Or you can use Google. Have I taught you how to use Google yet?"
"I know how to use Google," Steve grumbled, before quirking his mouth to the side. "Mostly."
"I better not find you on the dark web."
"What is that?"
"I hope you never find out."
They walked in companionable silence the rest of the way. Tony could see Steve relaxing more and more as they went along, which made him realize how stiffly the kid usually carried himself. He didn't think it was a completely conscious decision to hold himself so rigidly. Any amount of time in the Army had to have some sort of long lasting effect. But to see Steve finally starting to let go felt nice. Maybe Steve would start feeling more at home after all.
"Now, I know this is going to go against everything you stand for, but hear me out," Tony said, stopping Steve before they turned the final corner to their destination.
"Should I be worried?" Steve asked, glancing around for a clue as to what was about to happen.
"A normal person wouldn't be, no."
"I'm sure."
"We're standing outside of a store. I want you to walk in, shop for whatever you like, and don't worry about the price of anything," Tony directed, trying to match the tone Steve had when he was calling out moves in the field.
"That's insane. Impossible."
"I'm not finished. If you decide to be all Steve about it, I'll be picking out what to buy and I'll make sure it's the most expensive option available. Got it?"
"Don't turn me into an adjective."
"Got it?" Tony repeated, staring at him sternly. Steve looked like he wanted to keep arguing, but he just begrudgingly nodded his head. He was probably still drunk off the syrup from breakfast, but Tony wasn't above taking advantage of that. He led him around the corner, opening the door of the shop before Steve could read the name printed on the glass.
"Art supplies?"
"The kind of stuff professionals use," Tony added. Steve's eyes lit up as he ran his fingers lightly along a display of acrylic paint. "Where'd you get the stuff you've been using?"
"Drugstore," Steve replied with a rueful smile. "It was a complete impulse purchase. I went in for some hand tape and walked by a display that had pencils and paper on it. Decided to grab a couple things. Two for five dollars."
"You're telling me that the art I've seen you make has been with things that cost less than a cup of coffee?" Tony asked in amazement. He couldn't wait to see what Steve was capable of with better materials.
"You need to find a different place to get coffee," Steve huffed, ignoring the praise completely.
"Start shopping, or I swear I'll find a single piece of charcoal that costs a thousand dollars," Tony warned. Steve made an annoyed noise in the back of his throat, before taking off like a toddler who'd just gotten free reign in a candy store. Tony trailed along behind him with a shopping basket and his no-limit credit card.
Steve started off tentatively, looking more at the prices than the items. Tony would give him a few minutes to settle in, since this really was completely different from what Steve was used to. But if he saw that Steve was purposefully choosing things based on price, he'd make good on his word.
"Look how thick this paper is," Steve said in awe, grabbing one of the sketchbooks off of a shelf. "I used to draw on anything I could find. Old receipts, scrap paper, napkins. Then I'd stick it all in a shoebox."
"What I wouldn't give to see an early Steve Rogers original."
"They probably all disintegrated before I even stepped onto the battlefield," Steve snorted. He bit his lip, staring down at the book in his hand. Tony could practically see the war raging in Steve's head right now. Even putting aside Steve's lack of means as a kid in the 30s and 40s, he'd spent his limited time out of the ice not giving himself much. He'd accepted the bare minimum to survive, to his own detriment. While this would mean less than nothing to Tony's pocketbook, this would be a big step for Steve. He closed his eyes, setting the book in the basket before turning away quickly. Tony didn't acknowledge it outwardly, keeping his face neutral, but on the inside he was cheering. That was definite progress.
To Tony's disappointment, the first chosen item didn't open the floodgates and trigger Steve to go all out in this shopping spree. He still passed by more things than he grabbed, but Tony made a note of the items his eyes lingered on. Steve's birthday was coming up and he still needed to get more presents. The new weight room he was setting up was the main gift he had in mind, but you couldn't exactly wrap that.
By the end of the shopping trip, Steve had picked out a set of drawing pencils, plus colored pencils to go along with them. Tony had only seen Steve work in black and white, so he was excited to see what the kid could do with more variety. He also grabbed some charcoal and a very nice pen. Tony thought about asking to borrow it in the future. His latest Iron Man design would look very sharp using that. Steve avoided looking at the final cost when they got to the register, instead helping an older woman who was carrying a block of clay to her car. Tony saw her pinch his cheek, making him turn red in embarrassment. It served him right for shying away from the total.
"That wasn't so bad, was it?" Tony asked after they sent the driver away with the most recent purchases.
"I guess not," Steve conceded. "But don't think I'm gonna make a habit of it. This was a special occasion."
"Whatever you say," Tony smirked. He'd have Steve making frivolous purchases in no time. "It's getting kind of late, but I think we have time for one more stop before we go home. And luckily it's on the way."
"What else could we possibly do today?" Steve asked, as if they'd done so much. This wasn't even a busy day for Tony.
"Dinner," Tony grinned. "That caviar is just calling your name."
"It really isn't."
"You can't hear it? Stevie, we know you're hungry for us."
"Stevie?"
"We're so salty and fishy."
"Tony."
"And only a little slimy."
"I'm gonna go back to war."
"Don't be so dramatic," Tony laughed, grabbing Steve's arm before he could escape. "Besides, we're here."
"Street caviar?" Steve asked, looking around the busy sidewalk they were stopped on.
"Something a little more your style," Tony replied, waving toward a man working behind a cart. "Didn't you say something about a hot dog?" Steve let out a moan that almost sounded obscene. As if they couldn't find a cart like this on practically every street in the city. Steve could've indulged in this every day, but again, he denied himself this small thing.
"This is perfect!" Steve exclaimed, dragging Tony over to the cart like it was his idea all along. "Get whatever you want. My treat."
"There he is," Tony grinned. Even though the things were only about two bucks each, he accepted the offer gratefully. Tony ordered a plain hot dog with mustard, while Steve went all out. He got a classic New York style, the one the vendor said was his favorite, and one that had so many toppings Tony wasn't sure how it was all able to fit into the paper tray. Steve practically swallowed them down like he was in an old Scooby Doo cartoon. Tony didn't know if his arms were long enough to perform the Heimlich on him, but lucky Steve made it through with no issues.
"So much better than caviar!" Steve exclaimed, smiling over at him with a mustard mustache.
"Whatever you say," Tony scoffed, snagging a napkin and wiping the mess off his companion's face. It didn't feel as charged as the last time he did it, with the whipped cream. Steve patiently let Tony get it out of his system. Tony was satisfied with the one hot dog, but Steve got two more to go, eating them as they finally walked the few blocks to the tower.
They rode the elevator back up to their floor in comfortable silence, with Steve letting out little contented sighs every few seconds. They both trudged over to the couch, sinking down into the cushions side by side.
"Good day?" Tony asked, tipping his head back and relishing in the softness.
"Great day," Steve confirmed.
"What was your favorite part?"
"I mean, seeing all that amazing art was incredible."
"It was the hot dogs, wasn't it?"
"It was the hot dogs," Steve admitted, letting out a tired chuckle.
"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone." Steve was a simple guy who liked simple things. As long as he let himself have that, Tony saw no problem with it. "What are you gonna do now? Continue your binge watch with Thor and Clint?"
"Maybe after I digest a little," Steve mumbled. Tony peeked over at him, seeing Steve's blinks get a little sluggish.
"Good idea," Tony agreed, scooting over a little so their sides were pressed together. Steve's head did that little bob, like he was trying valiantly to stay awake. Tony guided him to rest on his shoulder. Steve went willingly, melting against him. Tony felt the strangest urge to kiss him on the forehead, but he shoved that thought away. He didn't want to make things weird. Had to be a side effect of the hot dogs.
"Thanks, Tony," Steve murmured, before finally relaxing into sleep. Tony hesitated for a few seconds, before finally giving in and brushing a feather light kiss to the top of Steve's head. He thought he got away with it, but Steve let out the tiniest snort of amusement and snuggled in closer. Tony grinned, letting his eyes close as well. Steve was wrong. This wasn't just a great day, it was the best day.