Just make sure to wear your intern badge. Happy's been in a mood lately.
[Which might explain most of Happy, but Tony has long since given up the badge battle. Even for interns who aren't really interns who have badges that say "intern" just because it makes Happy feel better. Okay. It also helps identify them if they get lost in the building. Or. Something bad happens. Like a fire or an explosion that requires evacuation. Since it's Stark Tower, safety is never guaranteed. Though thankfully the last time he exploded something was never- in this location, at least.]
Be careful you don't run someone over. Especially not on property sidewalk. [The urge to tell her to be careful is a powerful one but he fights to live another day not being as much of a dad as he pretends he's not. Hey... how did he end up with all these kid "interns", anyway?]
LOL He's always in a mood though! I've been trying to make him laugh with this joke book I purchased. So far, no luck. >:( [Even while skating down the sidewalk she manages to pull out the intern badge which she clips onto her blouse. Eventually, she makes it to Stark tower, pulling off her skates and replacing them with some flats that she brought along in her bag. As expected the badge clipped onto her shirt lets her go into the tower without much trouble. A couple of adults eye her curiously but it's mostly due to her shock of white hair and red eyes- an unnatural thing in most humans. Sae cheerfully waves at them, uncaring of their blatant staring as she passes by the workers and goes straight to where she knows Tony is currently working. She's done this a few times so the memory was there.]
..Tony! [Sae curiously pops her head inside his workshop, red eyes wide. The expression on her face is filled with wonder as she glances around curiously. She chirps at the older man in greeting, bouncing on the heels of her feet. Sae tugs her backpack off and sets it down nearby. Her jacket is also carefully pulled off and dropped next to her bag, tiny wings unfurling from their resting spot on her back. The dark grey feathers ruffle as one would do after a good morning stretch. Tony was one of the rare few who knew about her wings. She trusted him enough not to go blabbing, at the very least. While she hadn't really gone into specifics of how that came to be, he was nice enough to not ask (yet.)]
Where is my precious DUM-E? [The voice that speaks for her comes from her phone's text-to-speech app. She carefully steps inside the room, wings hanging loosely on her back.]
[At some point the worker bees at the Tower will stop being surprised to see less than normal people coming by for a visit. With the proclivity that Tony has shown in recent years for- well... collecting isn't quite the right word, but- harboring maybe? People with all manner of strange and unusual backgrounds. With time it might be a normal thing, who knows. They might just all assume anyone who looks weird to them is there on Avengers business.
But so long as they don't interrupt the people Tony's welcomed to his inner-circle, everything will be fine. He definitely doesn't need people asking questions.
FRIDAY locks to Sae on her approach and opens the lab doors for her. She has a code for the lab but while Tony's around there's no reason to force her to punch it in, especially when she's expected. He looks up from his spot at his workbench, the mid piece of his Iron Man armor sitting atop the table, half-hoisted by a winch. The back panels are all open and he's got tools scattered just about everywhere. It's a process.]
Hey, kid.
[A kind and casual greeting as he watches her briefly before going back to work. With the manner of enhanced people- and sadly, yes, kids, rising more and more every day it seems, it's not so unusual a sight for him that he needs to stare. And wasn't, when they first met, either, or when she started letting him know more about her. If she wants to talk about it, she will, he assumes, on her own time. He knows how it is. He doesn't exactly rush to tell people about his experiences in Afghanistan either, or the exact specifics of why he has a self-made machine in his chest. It just is what it is.]
Around here somewhere. [He answers her, looking up briefly to actually glance around the room. Immediately there's a sequence of chirps from the furthest corner of the room and then the sound of treads moving as DUM-E wheels himself over, claw opening and closing as if in greeting.] Eventually I'm just gonna let you put a leash on him and take him home. Seems to like you more than me most days.
[She dares to inch just a bit close enough to peek at what he was doing, taking in the famous iron man outfit with a low warble of amazement. It’s amazing that Tony created something like this, if she could ignore the discomfort of knowing he was technically a scientist as well.]
..Oh! [Her eyes light up when DUM-E wheels himself over and she’s quick to make her way closer.] Tempting as that is I think he would be too big to fit at my place. [Sae gives the robot a small pat on its side, smiling at the robotic chirps that she gets in response. Her phone is tucked away momentarily before she raises her hands up. DUM-E seems to know just what she wants as he gently lowers it’s claw hand for her to grip firmly. It begins to lift her up off the ground, prompting Sae to let out a squeal of laughter.
DUM-E happily wheels itself around for a moment as if showing off before spinning in a slow circle with the tiny woman holding on to him. Her wings spread out behind her as far as they could go, appendages giving small flaps. It’s the sensation of being up in the sky that has her giggling. This was as close to flying as she would ever get.] DUM-E is the best! [Despite the hoarseness of her soft voice, she coos this out. The robot lets out a series of sounds as it shuffles back and forth in a happy dance, pleased by her words. She laughs, swinging her feet in the air playfully.]
Better than Tony- [Sae is joking here as she says this. The robot gently spins her around and her wings begin to flap almost instinctively.]
[While she and his little lovable idiot bot are playing, he positions himself sideways working on his piece of armor. It's not that he distrusts DUM-E but... the robot isn't always the quickest to react if something goes wrong. And despite him being one of the first things Tony ever built when he was a kid, DUM-E is still maintained well enough that he's not specifically worried about him falling apart or having something snap- maybe just DUM-E himself falling over.
But they seem like they're alright. It's good enrichment, anyway. And keeps DUM-E from sitting in the corner with nothing to do, which Tony knows logically isn't something he even has the capability to mind, but even he at this point has fallen into the trap of anthropomorphizing tech. Some of his tech deserves that. FRIDAY definitely has a personality and a mind of her own sometimes, it seems, but DUM-E's is a lot less sophisticated than her. Or anything else he's built since. That doesn't stop Tony from giving him menial tasks so that he's not just collecting dust.
Throwing Sae gently around the room? That's fine. As long as she doesn't get hurt.]
I'll try not to take offense. He's only good at one thing but, gotta give it to him, he's really good at it. [While watching them, watching Sae, and the little bursts of her wings moving, he wonders idly if she wants more. More than what she's capable of. He's never really asked her about the way she is, is more than content to just leave her be and give her a space to comfortably exist.
But at the same time. He's Tony, and his mind wanders.]
Hey. No pressure or anything. And feel free to ignore me. [He sounds extremely casual, not even looking at her as he speaks, seemingly focused on working on the armor.] -I could look into some enhancements, maybe some lightweight attachments. Not to overstep DUM-E's boundaries. But if you ever wanted a little less anchored flight, we could work on that for you.
[Her laughter quiets down when she hears Tony speaking, red eyes widening at his offer. No way! Did he.. Her thoughts trail off, expression uncertain. She wiggles for a moment and DUM-E seems to understand what she wants because it gently lowers her back to the floor. Sae gives the robot a small pat on its side, prompting it to chirp happily.] ..Attachments? Does that mean you'd create something that could make me able to fly? [Sae looks curiously hopefully but skeptical at the same time. Her wings while pretty, were not functional when it came to flight due to their abnormally small size. Sae was a little apprehensive of the idea of putting anything on her feathers but it wasn't like she wasn't curious. She makes her way closer to Tony, giving him enough space so that she wouldn't get in the way. DUM-E wheels after her like an excitable puppy, claw hand prodding at her wings. She tolerates the robot's curious touches, feathers fluffing up in response.]
That sounds really cool, actually. I'm pretty sure my wings were supposed to get bigger but uh.. I left THAT place when I was a kid so- [Sae gives a sheepish shrug, tucking some hair behind her ears. A small tug of her feathers has her wincing and Sae turns to wag her finger at DUM-E in a scolding motion, eyebrows furrowing. He pulls his claw hand away, churring out an apologetic sound. Sae heaves out a sigh and pats the robot again, attention turning back to Tony.]
..If it won't take up much of your time, then I would be honored to get something made. I've always had that instinctual urge to fly. Sometimes it gets so bad that I've gotten injured in the past by jumping off high perches. [She smiles sheepishly as she admits this. In a similar manner that a baby bird would jump off a nest, Sae has done the same thing. Only her efforts always ended up in failure.]
Couldn't hurt to try, if that's what you want. [Answering when she asks her first question. In his mind it really shouldn't be that difficult a thing to nail down. If she's light enough for DUM-E to toss her around, that's already starting off at a better advantage than say when he has to get enough propulsion to get himself off the ground. But he's perfected his Iron Man armor several times over, and flight was one of the first things he got down.
When DUM-E can't seem to leave her alone, he puts a hand out at the same time she's patting the bot.] Relax, would you? You can go back to playing in another ten minutes. [The utter ridiculousness that he has to say this to a machine has long since escaped his notice. He talks to them all like they're either children or coworkers.
With his full attention on her now, he grins almost a little helplessly and yet somehow understanding at the same time.] Sometimes there's just no quitting the urge. I know what you mean. [When he'd got it in his head that that's what he wanted his suit to do, there had been no stopping him. And there's still footage in his old archives of exactly the kind of chaos that had inspired.]
I think we could go low tech and less invasive. Maybe some type of back harness that sits underneath your wings so you can use both. You know. Just in case you need to work the real ones out. [If there's a chance she'll grow into them, or them into her, maybe it would be good for her to keep using them.] I'm working on a miniature miniaturized Arc Reactor, for field use. [Making them smaller and smaller is the way to go, and he pulls up some holographic schematics for a wrist watch that he has plans to implement them into.] Might be able to rig something for you like bracelets, so you'd have stabilization on command, if you needed it.
[Because the watch is meant to house an Iron Man gauntlet which will have much the same effect. But now it's clear he's in his own world because there's tech to be made so he tries to slow himself down.] Would you mind if FRIDAY got a scan of you? Can't promise a completion date on a prototype but I think I could get it going fairly soon.
..I only understood about half of what you just said, but I'm in total agreement. [All that she knows is Tony was going to make her something that would help her achieve her dream of being able to fly and she was all for it. Her lips twitch into a smile of amusement as she shuffles closer, wings perking up.] Take all the time in the world. I'm in no rush! It's cool that I get the chance to be able to finally fly in the first place.
Uuu.. [A pause as she warily lets her red eyes flicker around, hands shifting to fiddle with the button on her blouse. Sae was a little nervous but she knew Tony would never harm her, not like those other scientists did.] A scan? Sure that's fine I guess..
[Whenever FRIDAY finishes the scan, (and if it had the ability to do so) the results that Tony would get back would be odd, to say the least. Her bone density was much lighter than a regular human would be. It clearly had the characteristics of a bird's- hollow on the inside but not all the way. Her DNA was also incredibly in disarray; There was just no way around it. She was clearly still human and yet the other half showed signs of being avian in nature. It was an amalgamation of both due to human experimentation from an early age.
There was a reason why DUM-E was able to pick her up even though she was clearly the size of an adult woman.] Did you find anything interesting? [Hey you couldn't blame her for being curious. She's not really bothered to look much into her own files on what the White Coats did to her over the years. It made her break out into a cold sweat just thinking about it. FRIDAY was AI technology that could probably delve deeper than just what basic information on paper could read. Sae allows for DUM-E to pick her up off the ground and Sae enjoys the flightless feeling of it, wings giving soft flaps. If Tony wanted to ask her questions, then she figures it would be okay to answer truthfully.]
[From what he does know about her, he's definitely not out to make her feel uncomfortable. Which is why he asks first. But when she agrees he tees FRIDAY up for a quick scan. It's nothing invasive, and for Sae it's just some lights passing over and through her. He's also not looking for extremely detailed and likewise invasive information about her physical or genetic makeup.
He really just wants her measurements and weight, more than anything. Easier to build a slim rig for her with that information, to know how much punch in power he'd need to give her for her to be able to sustain flight. The slightly hollow bones are incredibly interesting, much like the rest of her, but that'll at least make for a bit of an easier time building her something.
It's not like she'll need a full suit of armor, like him, although he did sustain mild hovering when it was just his version two Arc, some boots and some repulsors. This will also, presumably, be a little more sophisticated than that had been. He's come a long way.
Once the results start coming in though, he's focused in at his computer, standing at the work desk and the raised monitor, one arm crossed around his middle while he swipes and sorts and types.]
Interesting is one way of putting it. But. I think I can get some designs going for you before we go to build phase. Maybe by end of next week? [His attention turns back to her briefly.] Might also help if you let me know what kind of thing you think of when I say I can make something for you to help you fly. [Because that's the most rudimentary part of it, so he's hoping it sparks some imagination. Something she might see in her mind's eye that he can then build upon for her.] You're also welcome to take home the data, if you want to. [It her uniquely hers, after all.]
[So. Not after a gentle lovemaking session, not that this is anywhere close, but good to know. Fine, too, considering this is born out of too drunk a text and some burning curiosity. While he wouldn't like to treat Ororo like one of his past usual one-night stands, that doesn't also mean she can't get everything she wants. At least he'll try.]
Don't worry, my knees have seen worse. [Thinking to take mild though teasing offense to the thought that he can't handle a little time on the floor. And, sure, it's true. He's not as young as he used to be and maybe the enhanced group and take it a little better. But that's never stopped him from anything. Especially not getting what he wants, too.
When she starts getting nude the rest of the way, he feels the heat and momentum, and he only stands back as much is necessary while she's busy. But he takes direction well- for once- and she doesn't have to ask a second time for him to help her slip all the way out of her suit and for him to carelessly throw it behind him. And while that leaves them woefully mismatched, and he should start shedding clothes at some point, this is not about that yet.
Instead he leans back in, hands at her hips, pulling her flush to him while he plants his mouth at the side of her neck again. His bites are a little rougher, sucking softly still though where marks might be visible, but the pressure ramps up further and further downward. At the juncture of her neck and shoulder he nips with his teeth, soothes with his tongue, and presses his lips and tongue down, this time with a little less care for what he leaves behind visibly.]
Any other requests- while I'm still listening? [Asking in a honeyed murmur against her collarbone while he's still sinking. Making his way where he wants to be, but stopping to admire the view never hurt anyone. Especially not as he closes his lips over a nipple with a gentle suction, testing the waters there, and then drags the flat of his tongue over. The hand at her hip clutches her just a little harder, pulling her into an upward rock of his hips, the friction there hot and welcome, with a little heated spill of breath falling against her chest.]
[The rougher bites have her making a little noise of approval, and when she feels him purposefully leaving a mark or two, she chuckles quietly - until the teeth press hard enough to make her breath hitch. Yes, he's on the right track.
He might not be surprised to see her so comfortable in the nude - largely unashamed and eager to be without clothes, regardless of whether or not her partner follows suit.]
[She will still ask, though, because that's another thing she's curious about. One of her hands travels restlessly across shoulders, over his shirt, down his body, to slip under and feel the skin beneath.]
Will you undress for me?
[Her fingers seem to leave a trail of gentle static in their wake as she coasts them across what she can reach of his belly. Just a tickle, nothing to worry about. Not yet, anyway, as the mouth on her breast makes her struggle to meet the rock of his hips. It makes her gasp, instead, and somewhere far away there's a distant roll of thunder.]
[That would be an inevitable consequence of trying to get frisky and intimate, wouldn't it. Getting naked. And not just her. Something he used to have no problem with, pictures and videos of him still around from his wild youthful years where he is absolutely not ashamed at all of being caught in the nude. Shame isn't what it is now, either. And luckily he has enough liquid courage to grease the wheels and make him forget any sense of hesitancy.
What also helps is that tingly little feeling everywhere her hands touch. He wouldn't mind more of that. And the fact that it sounds like it's about to rain. Is that her? Before he can ask that he instead focuses on the request she's made, which puts him away from her for a moment as he stands at full height and then reaches back to pull his shirt up and then off, tossing it who knows or cares where in the lab.
She's a fighter, just like him, but he's not enhanced or powered or lucky in life in that regard. When he goes into battle he often comes away with reminders. None as prominent as the patchwork netting of scars that sit in the center of his chest where the Arc Reactor used to be. The thing that kept him alive for so long, and at various times also the thing trying to kill him. It's not something he shows off so readily anymore, often feeling more comfortable under multiple layers but.
Who cares right now.
His hands caress up the length of her thighs and further to her hips, pulling her close again. Defined muscle at least worth being shown off for this, usually hidden underneath those aforementioned layers. Not really what a lot of people expect out of the guy who doesn't leave his lab a lot, but piloting the suit is a physically demanding thing, and he can't fall behind the others.]
Undress all the way? Not that I'm opposed. [He tips in to start mouthing more of those bites that got the better reactions from her at the base of her neck and the crook of her shoulder.] Just thought I'd- make it doubly worth your while- first- [Words falling between more kisses and nips along her collarbone and again on his way further down. It's her other breast he pays attention to this time, a drag of his tongue across, a less than light suction. Clearly on his way down unless she makes another request.]
[There he is. The scars don't faze her, she has a collection of her own as she doesn't possess a healing factor. None as vivid as those over his heart, which she'll pass her fingers over, but only briefly. A little because she doesn't want to call attention to it - but also because he's distracting her with hands on her thighs, her hips.]
[She half smiles at him as he comes close, steals a short kiss for however long he lingers near until he's trailing kisses lower again. Nothing for her to complain about, of course, as he's likely figured out by now. She prefers it rough. Tenderness can wait for if they ever do this again. For something that isn't fueled by Stark's alcohol.]
[Still, at his words, Ororo laughs quietly, running hands over his bare shoulders, down his arms. Her fingers tangle into his hair to press him to her breast when he pauses.]
This is fine, for now. I would assume that it might be wise to keep your pants on, when you're on your knees for me.
[To that end, she nudges him down further, and her hips follow along so she can sit closer to the edge of the work station surface. Is it cold? She doesn't notice. Give her a few more moments and she'll unintentionally mentally wrestle with whatever environmental control he has set up in here. When she gets into it, the humidity around her tends to spike.]
[It's a date. A real one. Not one of their usual endless hangout sessions- not that he doesn't appreciate those. Not that he doesn't enjoy those. And maybe has definitely gotten a little attached to them. He doesn't have a grand open-door policy for anyone, really. Some people have codes to the lab and can come and go, but for Bucky, yes, the door has somehow seemed to remain continually open.
It's been a somewhat wild and unexpected ride. Anyone who knows him a little too well might have questioned by now what the hell he's doing. But really, what the hell has he ever been doing? There's probably a lot of commentary that goes well hand in hand with the fact that Tony's never known to make the healthiest choices.
But if pursuing Bucky, after all their time spent together, is wrong, he doesn't particularly care about being right. After all, once he sets his sights on something he wants, he often doesn't falter. And more often than that makes it to the finish line. But this isn't a game of pretend-courting just to entice Bucky to bed. Maybe the early onset casual flirting had made it seem that way, but it had quickly and maybe a little too easily morphed into something else entirely.
Long nights of vulnerability, of being seen. Of talks that maybe weren't always comfortable but were at least always worth it. He's nursing way more than just some banal crush on Bucky. And he wants to at least have a chance at seeing it through. And so...
Yes. It's a date. To perhaps a too-upscale sushi restaurant. Where he's gotten them a table in the back, and maybe has one or two security measures in place to keep this from becoming a headline tomorrow. Because he wants Bucky to himself, and he also doesn't want to scare him away. Every step in his life, especially after the snap- then the other one- has only propelled him to higher and higher heights in the world of social fascination and commentary. Not always adoring. Mistakes on grand public display. A lot of people have no idea who he really is, and he likes it that way. But he's been trying very hard as of late to give Bucky the knowledge of exactly who he is. No matter how uncomfortable it's been at times.
He wouldn't trade it for anything.
So he breaks out one of the expensive sports cars with the Stark vanity plates, he gets into a fitted, gorgeous, and also entirely too expensive three-piece suit. Drives himself to Bucky's current apartment building and thinks about texting him to let him know to come downstairs. But he's trying to do this right. So instead he idles on the curb and gets out of the car- thinks about letting himself into the building where it'd only be so easy to do and then...
Instead buzzes Bucky's apartment from the intercom.]
I think I managed to be right on time. [Said into the box while he's still got his finger on the button.]
( it's surprising how far things have come, in more ways than one, and the proverbial foot drop he's waited on for months never quite seems to arrive. for however much they've stumbled over the time passed, nothing really sits ill between them for long, and somehow they've managed to talk through everything properly, despite the hangups they both have over one thing or another. odd how that's worked, particularly knowing who tony is and understanding too that he wouldn't do that for just anyone.
the soldier has difficulty shaking the idea there has to be something thoroughly wrong with him still, between the things in his head he still can't get over and the overwhelming need to make up for his crimes committed as hydra's pet dog. the drive has certainly put him in more difficult situations than he'd like to admit aloud, times even when he'd needed help and had the presence enough to call anyone at all for it. that tony never held it against him, even commiserated in his own way, made bucky feel a little less broken and a little more sure.
after the trial run of bucky sitting pretty in the lab, it's probably not surprising they've finally reached the point of properly going out, especially with all the patience tony has already given, the wide berth by which their entire relationship seems to hover comfortably at and still never quite suffers for. if anything, the space has made things stronger, and bucky isn't even sure if that's simply the measure of how a relationship should be done now, for him, or if it just happened to be what they both needed too.
a date feels so hefty though. there are a lot of expectations with that word, and bucky can't help but feel nervous anyway, regardless of all the times they've already shared meals and spent time together. what if he finally says the wrong thing? does the wrong thing?
god, when did ties start feeling so stifling, though? he's pacing a bit, between the bathroom to check his appearance for the millionth time and peeking out the window of the balcony door. the highly treasured fidget cube that's remained on his person as much as possible doesn't quite fit into the coat pocket and sits lonely on the kitchen counter. he's never quite needed it while spending time in tony's lab, so maybe it'll be okay as long as tony is with him, right? yeah, that's definitely why he's pacing. it's just that tony isn't here yet and not at all because—
he hears the telltale rumble of a sport engine, richer than anything far cheaper, and floats swiftly toward the balcony again, as if he can't already guess and seeing will help his nerves. it really doesn't, especially when tony seems to hover uncertainly near the vehicle and all bucky can do is stare and wonder why. while he's still questioning, the buzz comes in on his intercom, and he's trotting back toward the wall near the front door to answer. this is silly. he's being silly. everything's fine. this is fine.
a swift glance to his watch says tony actually did arrive pretty much on the dot. )
Is that bad? ( the click that comes after, of the mic button switching off, seems to beg a response, but quickly after there's another click as bucky speaks again. ) On my way.
( after he reaches up to brush his hair back again, as if that would help anything other than the gnawing anxiety.
luckily he looks quite polished anyway, wearing a two-piece at all. since he's not expecting much action, he's wearing a thinner set of gloves, mostly out of habit, being anywhere public, but he anticipates tony wouldn't let that interfere with their meal anyway, something to wait on and see. chopsticks aren't particularly easy to use with gloves on, at least.
bucky only realizes he's rushed out the door when he has to slow himself from colliding into tony like a buffoon, stumbling back slightly while offering a sheepish grin. )
Ah— sorry, uh. ( a pause as he takes tony in. the guy really does look good in anything, something he appreciates fondly for a moment as the smile spreads into something far more earnest. ) You look good.
[In the realm of how Tony lives his life, being late for a date is probably a more standard expectation of him. Always caught up in his work which can oftentimes read as overt carelessness. But he made sure not to do that to Bucky. Not tonight. And hopefully not ever, though he's not sure that's a promise he can make.
Thankfully, though, not tonight. Yes. Right on time. Which is not the standard for him.
And maybe when Bucky tells him he's coming down he should step further away from the door, maybe go to the car and just wait, but he just finds himself stuck, hands in his pockets for a moment until he just barely hears the footfalls down the entryway and then the door is opening.
Greeted with the full force of him, having to catch his balance to avoid tumbling further out onto the sidewalk. He lifts a hand to Bucky's arm to steady himself, more than anything, and grins at him after taking him all in.
It's the compliment, though, that catches him a little off guard. It shouldn't. They've been flirting with this idea, and with each other, for a long time now. And he's probably heard every variation anyone could come up with, to tell him similar ideas. But...
For some reason that grin gets a little sheepish, more of a warm smile for a flicker of a moment. Crush is a juvenile word, but it might be the only one he can think of in that moment.]
You clean up good. I knew you would. [Boasting only a little, and only playfully. Finally his hand leaves Bucky's arm so that he can gesture at the car.] I think we'll be on time for the reservation, too.
[Nudging him just a little over to the car where he actually opens Bucky's door for him. On his best behavior tonight, certainly.] Usually places like this expect I'll be fashionably late.
[He sweeps a hand back through Steve's hair, leaning in to press a kiss to his forehead next and then somehow, miraculously really, peels himself away.]
I'll find us something to drink. And since you're not that drunk, you can think of the game you wanna play. Unless you wanna just relive our vacation memories all night. Which I'm not opposed to.
[A little loving grip at Steve's chin and then he lets go so that he can go acquire some drinks for the two of them. He pours himself some scotch, a glass that he knows he'll probably be nursing for the rest of the evening. He also makes some small talk with Thor, adjoined with a handshake that turns into one of those too-hard pats at his back. Thor pours another glass for Steve- loudly- and Tony just shoots him a look.
Everyone's a bit more drunk than he thought they'd be, so no one's really looking out for each other. And of course seeing Steve get drunk is quite a funny spectacle. Not that Tony can say he disagrees. So he returns with three glasses, setting two down on the coffee table in front of Steve and then sits next to him, pressed up very close.]
Sip the mead slowly, and intersperse with water. You'll thank me in the morning. [Maybe. He's not sure how much of the serum will just kick a hangover right in the ass so Steve won't have to deal with it. But better safe than sorry.]
[ Steve, who's already very drunk, nearly falls over onto Tony. Just the mere suggestion of leaning into him makes him get pulled down and nearly all the way over, but he stills himself as Tony walks away, though his brain hasn't quite caught up and he looks pouty and dejected until he comes back with glasses full of drink.
Then he's in good spirits again, picking up and clinking their glasses so hard that he gets a little bit of mead in Tony's scotch. ]
Should plan the honeymoon instead.
[ His smile is warm and muted in brightness only by his drunkenness. If he were any more of a Disney character, he'd have bubbles popping around him. He's half-expecting Thor to demand a story from Tony, but he seems to have become preoccupied with hosting some of his other friends.
And though he's perfectly content in just keeping Tony satisfied and entertained, he'd requested a game. So he racks his brain to think of ideas, and settles on one - certainly, considering Tony's track record, he thinks it'll get him caught up in no time. ]
Never...
[ He thinks about this for a second, and tries to math out this paradox in his head, but his brain is not working like that for the moment. ]
--Never have I ever played "Never have I ever." Ever.
[He sees it. Knows he should immediately put the glass down and get another one. Refresh. Not mess around with the stuff Thor drinks for fun and that has Steve pretty laid out. And yet...
He decides he won't. And will just be extra careful in the way that he nurses it. Which was already going to be slow, but he can do a little slower than that. Even the sip he takes after Steve touches their glasses together, what's going to get him in trouble in the first place, is very minimal.
His free arm comes around Steve, for about as much as it is to stabilize him, keep him steady, as it is that he missed him. Even if they've only been apart for the better half of the day, he always misses him. He's long since stopped caring how sappy that makes him. It just is what it is at this point.
And right as he thinks he'll have expert control over this evening, will let Steve get a little more wild just to enjoy it, while keeping above the waves himself, Steve starts in with something so tried and true that all he can really do is drop his head in a little shake, wry grin accompanying it.]
Oh. Is that what we're doing? Fine.
[And so. He takes another very soft, small sip of his drink. As some people take notice, heard Steve speak up, and are perhaps very interested in a game, they start circling in. But as it's Tony's turn he says-]
Never have I ever signed up to be in the military.
[Rhodey makes one of those amused yet annoyed noises, and Sam's caught out, too. There's a little ask from Thor if being foremost a warrior of his people counts and they decide yes- and then some noise about well Tony sold to the military- no no that doesn't count they decide after Tony makes noise back.]
[ Even Steve has to pipe in and defend Tony on that one, citing that he'd never thought himself a soldier, whereas Thor considered himself a warrior all the time. He takes his sip and the admissions go around the circle they've made, many of them requiring translations from Asgardian to Midgardian, and several of them pointedly towards one person.
"Never Have I ever watched A Muppet Christmas Carol five years in a row," says Sam.
And everyone just stares at Rhodey when he corrects Sam with a, "The Muppet Christmas Carol." And once it gets translated for the Asgardians to pick a different play to be watched on a different holiday, they all take their lumps and drink, since most of them carried on an annual tradition in their long childhoods.
One of the Asgardians says, "Never have I ever bedded anyone in an airship."
Steve clears his throat, and gets a few pairs of eyes on him. ]
We're. Counting jets, right?
[ There are a few groans, and then Thor claps him and Tony on the back proudly and with a great, bellowing laughter.
But then it's Steve's turn again, and he thinks for a bit. ]
Never have I ever... 'bedded' a woman.
[ There are significantly more groans this time, and everyone drinks. Nat, smirking, downs the rest of her glass. ]
[He makes a very amused noise at Sam's callout- and he refrains from taking a sip for that one because while it might happen every now and again, how Sam knows at all, Tony's definitely never watched it or anything five years running. Not very traditionalist.
And while he's prepared, and already sipping at his drink when basically sex on a plane comes up, it's Steve's questioning of it that has him grinning around the rim of his glass. While everyone else is groaning, he gives Steve a nudge with his shoulder and murmurs,]
Yes that counts.
[Because certainly it does. And since he has no decency whatsoever, he doesn't even blush or blink twice, looking rather proud instead. When the room quiets, little murmurs between groups as Steve seems to be thinking, Tony swirls the drink in his glass while he waits patiently.
And what gets said has him rolling his eyes and taking another small sip. Still trying to be diligent. Everyone in this room is going to call out something he's done and already his thoughts are a little fuzzy. He tries to think about the last time he ate. Though he does point at Nat to say:] I knew it.
[Whether for a job or actual relationship, he feels like somehow that's an open secret. Or at least something he'd thought about. ...maybe not always decently. Oh well. But when it's his turn again he takes a breath and tries to think of something.]
Never have I ever gotten up at the crack of dawn just to exercise.
[It's Rhodey's turn to groan and tell him to stop picking on the military boys which he is so very clearly doing, but Nat, who is returning from the bar, also takes another sip, and Thor along with some of the Asgardians also take drinks which has Tony only looking the slightest bit smug about.]
[ Well, it's fair that Steve turns a little bit red as Tony nudges him, and even moreso that Thor is happy for them.
It's also fair that Tony always gets the most out of everyone from picking on all the military boys, particularly since they all keep similar regimens. And in that regard, Steve should have a lot of sexual ones he can pull out, but now that he's marrying Tony, a lot of those are just not going to work anymore.
It's not that he minds. Once they get into the swing of the game, he's noticed that he's done a whole lot of living since waking up out of the ice, and a lot of that was done with the Avengers, and especially with Tony.
It makes him feel a little more like somehow, despite all the winding roads that led him here, that he'd made the right decision at every crossroad and at every turn.
"Cap," someone calls, because Steve's busy making eyes at Tony halfway into his reflections and he's missed whatever the prompt is at hand. "Eaten a whole bird in one sitting, I know you have."
He takes another sip and the game moves on. Unsurprisingly, the Asgardians have done a lot, but at least one of them seems delighted that the baby Midgardians have stuffed so much into such a short amount of time. Steve also gets dinged on 'touched a missile with his hands,' 'jumped out of a window,' and 'lost a bet.' But he doesn't get to touch his glass for 'drunk texted an ex,' 'had a threesome,' or 'lied about my age.' In fact, that last one gets surprisingly few people.
Eventually, it comes back to him. ]
Never have I ever spent more than $50 on a shirt. 'm not counting the ones Tony buys for me, I've never even seen the price tag.
[Tony might've let Steve's overly fond gaze go on all night. Might've said maybe that's where they should call it and he should escort Steve upstairs. Say goodnight to their very nice friends who are all some side of drunk. At least they don't have to go very far and can all crash on the party deck with its lux and lavish furnishings that barely ever get used anymore.
But someone gets Steve to realize he needs to drink and then they go around the room again. It's at the time where someone calls lost a bet and his glass is actually finally gone that he thinks- okay, now he should call it. But someone has brought him another, oh so helpfully-
And then three more hit him all at the same time. Scratch that, four, because Steve's just as bad as the rest of them and Tony's really starting to realize he's not the right person for this game unless he'd like to end up incredibly drunk. Which he's not quite near but he's no longer sober. And a little passed buzzed, at that. His head is swimming, having a moment of realizing I did not think I was that drunk when he stands because now he needs water or else he's going to be the worst person to be around come the morning.
With all the casual grace of someone who's been a very high functioning alcoholic his whole life, his hand comes to curve over Steve's shoulder in what is meant to read as an affectionate gesture, but it also serves to steady him which he needs. And with just as much effortless confidence (he thinks) he announces,]
Play a round without me- I need water- anyone want anything? Drinks are on me.
[Because they have been all night even if no one is serving. Except for the mead. His speech is a little stilted, though thankfully not slurred. But before really waiting for a lot confirmation, he slides his hand affectionately back through Steve's hair, gives him quite a soft smile because looking at him just immediately reminds him how much he loves Steve- and then he turns and steps away from the group to go to bar at the back so he can get water. And some ice. That sounds very good, he's suddenly feeling a bit hot. And dizzy.
[ Steve's having a very good time playing this game with their friends, but he is definitely too drunk to be taking adequate stock of how much Tony is drinking, which normally he does for his high-functioning alcoholic partner.
But, as soon as he gets up to go get water, Steve's attentions turn fully onto him, because he needs something. Anything, and that's definitely always enough to have Steve come running. ]
I'll come get some water too.
[ Steve, who is still, unfairly, in a very nice and pleasant stage of being drunk, gets up to his feet and sways a bit as he goes to help Tony with the water, and in no way be a hindrance. He almost manages, but definitely overfills whatever glass he's pouring into. Noticing, however, he just takes that one as his own.
When they're alone, he wraps his arms around Tony from behind, and slots a chin onto his shoulder. He thinks he could be a little tired, and might close his eyes and fall asleep like this. Tony smells nice. He smells like Tony, warm and inviting and familiar. ]
We could call it a night, if you want.
[ Between the slight slur of his words and the fact that he speaks them directly into Tony's shoulder, he's not entirely sure if he is actually heard at all. ]
[He spills a little, when pouring some water into his glass, little drops splattering across the top of the bar. But it's nice to know he's in good company, ducking his head a little after catching sight of Steve spilling, too. A smile blossoms across his lips. One of those sweet too-wide ones, definitely drunk and losing more control by the moment.
But he does make sure to drink at least half, setting his glass down a little harder than he means to on the bar once Steve comes and wraps him up. He leans into him, head tipped back. Steve's mumbled request in his shoulder is either unheard or undecipherable or ignored. Hard to tell. Because Tony seems focused on other things.]
Mn- anyone ever tell you you're like a warm brick wall? My warm brick wall. [And boy does he sound pleased by that fact.]
Not a second of the day I don't wanna climb you. [If this is meant to be sexy, it's probably not because it doesn't make a whole lot of sense. But. It's also not untrue- at least in the way he means it.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
For Sae (experiment01)
Just make sure to wear your intern badge. Happy's been in a mood lately.
[Which might explain most of Happy, but Tony has long since given up the badge battle. Even for interns who aren't really interns who have badges that say "intern" just because it makes Happy feel better. Okay. It also helps identify them if they get lost in the building. Or. Something bad happens. Like a fire or an explosion that requires evacuation. Since it's Stark Tower, safety is never guaranteed. Though thankfully the last time he exploded something was never- in this location, at least.]
Be careful you don't run someone over. Especially not on property sidewalk. [The urge to tell her to be careful is a powerful one but he fights to live another day not being as much of a dad as he pretends he's not. Hey... how did he end up with all these kid "interns", anyway?]
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..Tony! [Sae curiously pops her head inside his workshop, red eyes wide. The expression on her face is filled with wonder as she glances around curiously. She chirps at the older man in greeting, bouncing on the heels of her feet. Sae tugs her backpack off and sets it down nearby. Her jacket is also carefully pulled off and dropped next to her bag, tiny wings unfurling from their resting spot on her back. The dark grey feathers ruffle as one would do after a good morning stretch. Tony was one of the rare few who knew about her wings. She trusted him enough not to go blabbing, at the very least. While she hadn't really gone into specifics of how that came to be, he was nice enough to not ask (yet.)]
Where is my precious DUM-E? [The voice that speaks for her comes from her phone's text-to-speech app. She carefully steps inside the room, wings hanging loosely on her back.]
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But so long as they don't interrupt the people Tony's welcomed to his inner-circle, everything will be fine. He definitely doesn't need people asking questions.
FRIDAY locks to Sae on her approach and opens the lab doors for her. She has a code for the lab but while Tony's around there's no reason to force her to punch it in, especially when she's expected. He looks up from his spot at his workbench, the mid piece of his Iron Man armor sitting atop the table, half-hoisted by a winch. The back panels are all open and he's got tools scattered just about everywhere. It's a process.]
Hey, kid.
[A kind and casual greeting as he watches her briefly before going back to work. With the manner of enhanced people- and sadly, yes, kids, rising more and more every day it seems, it's not so unusual a sight for him that he needs to stare. And wasn't, when they first met, either, or when she started letting him know more about her. If she wants to talk about it, she will, he assumes, on her own time. He knows how it is. He doesn't exactly rush to tell people about his experiences in Afghanistan either, or the exact specifics of why he has a self-made machine in his chest. It just is what it is.]
Around here somewhere. [He answers her, looking up briefly to actually glance around the room. Immediately there's a sequence of chirps from the furthest corner of the room and then the sound of treads moving as DUM-E wheels himself over, claw opening and closing as if in greeting.] Eventually I'm just gonna let you put a leash on him and take him home. Seems to like you more than me most days.
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..Oh! [Her eyes light up when DUM-E wheels himself over and she’s quick to make her way closer.] Tempting as that is I think he would be too big to fit at my place. [Sae gives the robot a small pat on its side, smiling at the robotic chirps that she gets in response. Her phone is tucked away momentarily before she raises her hands up. DUM-E seems to know just what she wants as he gently lowers it’s claw hand for her to grip firmly. It begins to lift her up off the ground, prompting Sae to let out a squeal of laughter.
DUM-E happily wheels itself around for a moment as if showing off before spinning in a slow circle with the tiny woman holding on to him. Her wings spread out behind her as far as they could go, appendages giving small flaps. It’s the sensation of being up in the sky that has her giggling. This was as close to flying as she would ever get.] DUM-E is the best! [Despite the hoarseness of her soft voice, she coos this out. The robot lets out a series of sounds as it shuffles back and forth in a happy dance, pleased by her words. She laughs, swinging her feet in the air playfully.]
Better than Tony- [Sae is joking here as she says this. The robot gently spins her around and her wings begin to flap almost instinctively.]
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But they seem like they're alright. It's good enrichment, anyway. And keeps DUM-E from sitting in the corner with nothing to do, which Tony knows logically isn't something he even has the capability to mind, but even he at this point has fallen into the trap of anthropomorphizing tech. Some of his tech deserves that. FRIDAY definitely has a personality and a mind of her own sometimes, it seems, but DUM-E's is a lot less sophisticated than her. Or anything else he's built since. That doesn't stop Tony from giving him menial tasks so that he's not just collecting dust.
Throwing Sae gently around the room? That's fine. As long as she doesn't get hurt.]
I'll try not to take offense. He's only good at one thing but, gotta give it to him, he's really good at it. [While watching them, watching Sae, and the little bursts of her wings moving, he wonders idly if she wants more. More than what she's capable of. He's never really asked her about the way she is, is more than content to just leave her be and give her a space to comfortably exist.
But at the same time. He's Tony, and his mind wanders.]
Hey. No pressure or anything. And feel free to ignore me. [He sounds extremely casual, not even looking at her as he speaks, seemingly focused on working on the armor.] -I could look into some enhancements, maybe some lightweight attachments. Not to overstep DUM-E's boundaries. But if you ever wanted a little less anchored flight, we could work on that for you.
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That sounds really cool, actually. I'm pretty sure my wings were supposed to get bigger but uh.. I left THAT place when I was a kid so- [Sae gives a sheepish shrug, tucking some hair behind her ears. A small tug of her feathers has her wincing and Sae turns to wag her finger at DUM-E in a scolding motion, eyebrows furrowing. He pulls his claw hand away, churring out an apologetic sound. Sae heaves out a sigh and pats the robot again, attention turning back to Tony.]
..If it won't take up much of your time, then I would be honored to get something made. I've always had that instinctual urge to fly. Sometimes it gets so bad that I've gotten injured in the past by jumping off high perches. [She smiles sheepishly as she admits this. In a similar manner that a baby bird would jump off a nest, Sae has done the same thing. Only her efforts always ended up in failure.]
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When DUM-E can't seem to leave her alone, he puts a hand out at the same time she's patting the bot.] Relax, would you? You can go back to playing in another ten minutes. [The utter ridiculousness that he has to say this to a machine has long since escaped his notice. He talks to them all like they're either children or coworkers.
With his full attention on her now, he grins almost a little helplessly and yet somehow understanding at the same time.] Sometimes there's just no quitting the urge. I know what you mean. [When he'd got it in his head that that's what he wanted his suit to do, there had been no stopping him. And there's still footage in his old archives of exactly the kind of chaos that had inspired.]
I think we could go low tech and less invasive. Maybe some type of back harness that sits underneath your wings so you can use both. You know. Just in case you need to work the real ones out. [If there's a chance she'll grow into them, or them into her, maybe it would be good for her to keep using them.] I'm working on a miniature miniaturized Arc Reactor, for field use. [Making them smaller and smaller is the way to go, and he pulls up some holographic schematics for a wrist watch that he has plans to implement them into.] Might be able to rig something for you like bracelets, so you'd have stabilization on command, if you needed it.
[Because the watch is meant to house an Iron Man gauntlet which will have much the same effect. But now it's clear he's in his own world because there's tech to be made so he tries to slow himself down.] Would you mind if FRIDAY got a scan of you? Can't promise a completion date on a prototype but I think I could get it going fairly soon.
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Uuu.. [A pause as she warily lets her red eyes flicker around, hands shifting to fiddle with the button on her blouse. Sae was a little nervous but she knew Tony would never harm her, not like those other scientists did.] A scan? Sure that's fine I guess..
[Whenever FRIDAY finishes the scan, (and if it had the ability to do so) the results that Tony would get back would be odd, to say the least. Her bone density was much lighter than a regular human would be. It clearly had the characteristics of a bird's- hollow on the inside but not all the way. Her DNA was also incredibly in disarray; There was just no way around it. She was clearly still human and yet the other half showed signs of being avian in nature. It was an amalgamation of both due to human experimentation from an early age.
There was a reason why DUM-E was able to pick her up even though she was clearly the size of an adult woman.] Did you find anything interesting? [Hey you couldn't blame her for being curious. She's not really bothered to look much into her own files on what the White Coats did to her over the years. It made her break out into a cold sweat just thinking about it. FRIDAY was AI technology that could probably delve deeper than just what basic information on paper could read. Sae allows for DUM-E to pick her up off the ground and Sae enjoys the flightless feeling of it, wings giving soft flaps. If Tony wanted to ask her questions, then she figures it would be okay to answer truthfully.]
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He really just wants her measurements and weight, more than anything. Easier to build a slim rig for her with that information, to know how much punch in power he'd need to give her for her to be able to sustain flight. The slightly hollow bones are incredibly interesting, much like the rest of her, but that'll at least make for a bit of an easier time building her something.
It's not like she'll need a full suit of armor, like him, although he did sustain mild hovering when it was just his version two Arc, some boots and some repulsors. This will also, presumably, be a little more sophisticated than that had been. He's come a long way.
Once the results start coming in though, he's focused in at his computer, standing at the work desk and the raised monitor, one arm crossed around his middle while he swipes and sorts and types.]
Interesting is one way of putting it. But. I think I can get some designs going for you before we go to build phase. Maybe by end of next week? [His attention turns back to her briefly.] Might also help if you let me know what kind of thing you think of when I say I can make something for you to help you fly. [Because that's the most rudimentary part of it, so he's hoping it sparks some imagination. Something she might see in her mind's eye that he can then build upon for her.] You're also welcome to take home the data, if you want to. [It her uniquely hers, after all.]
For Ororo (agoddessonce)
Don't worry, my knees have seen worse. [Thinking to take mild though teasing offense to the thought that he can't handle a little time on the floor. And, sure, it's true. He's not as young as he used to be and maybe the enhanced group and take it a little better. But that's never stopped him from anything. Especially not getting what he wants, too.
When she starts getting nude the rest of the way, he feels the heat and momentum, and he only stands back as much is necessary while she's busy. But he takes direction well- for once- and she doesn't have to ask a second time for him to help her slip all the way out of her suit and for him to carelessly throw it behind him. And while that leaves them woefully mismatched, and he should start shedding clothes at some point, this is not about that yet.
Instead he leans back in, hands at her hips, pulling her flush to him while he plants his mouth at the side of her neck again. His bites are a little rougher, sucking softly still though where marks might be visible, but the pressure ramps up further and further downward. At the juncture of her neck and shoulder he nips with his teeth, soothes with his tongue, and presses his lips and tongue down, this time with a little less care for what he leaves behind visibly.]
Any other requests- while I'm still listening? [Asking in a honeyed murmur against her collarbone while he's still sinking. Making his way where he wants to be, but stopping to admire the view never hurt anyone. Especially not as he closes his lips over a nipple with a gentle suction, testing the waters there, and then drags the flat of his tongue over. The hand at her hip clutches her just a little harder, pulling her into an upward rock of his hips, the friction there hot and welcome, with a little heated spill of breath falling against her chest.]
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He might not be surprised to see her so comfortable in the nude - largely unashamed and eager to be without clothes, regardless of whether or not her partner follows suit.]
[She will still ask, though, because that's another thing she's curious about. One of her hands travels restlessly across shoulders, over his shirt, down his body, to slip under and feel the skin beneath.]
Will you undress for me?
[Her fingers seem to leave a trail of gentle static in their wake as she coasts them across what she can reach of his belly. Just a tickle, nothing to worry about. Not yet, anyway, as the mouth on her breast makes her struggle to meet the rock of his hips. It makes her gasp, instead, and somewhere far away there's a distant roll of thunder.]
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What also helps is that tingly little feeling everywhere her hands touch. He wouldn't mind more of that. And the fact that it sounds like it's about to rain. Is that her? Before he can ask that he instead focuses on the request she's made, which puts him away from her for a moment as he stands at full height and then reaches back to pull his shirt up and then off, tossing it who knows or cares where in the lab.
She's a fighter, just like him, but he's not enhanced or powered or lucky in life in that regard. When he goes into battle he often comes away with reminders. None as prominent as the patchwork netting of scars that sit in the center of his chest where the Arc Reactor used to be. The thing that kept him alive for so long, and at various times also the thing trying to kill him. It's not something he shows off so readily anymore, often feeling more comfortable under multiple layers but.
Who cares right now.
His hands caress up the length of her thighs and further to her hips, pulling her close again. Defined muscle at least worth being shown off for this, usually hidden underneath those aforementioned layers. Not really what a lot of people expect out of the guy who doesn't leave his lab a lot, but piloting the suit is a physically demanding thing, and he can't fall behind the others.]
Undress all the way? Not that I'm opposed. [He tips in to start mouthing more of those bites that got the better reactions from her at the base of her neck and the crook of her shoulder.] Just thought I'd- make it doubly worth your while- first- [Words falling between more kisses and nips along her collarbone and again on his way further down. It's her other breast he pays attention to this time, a drag of his tongue across, a less than light suction. Clearly on his way down unless she makes another request.]
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[She half smiles at him as he comes close, steals a short kiss for however long he lingers near until he's trailing kisses lower again. Nothing for her to complain about, of course, as he's likely figured out by now. She prefers it rough. Tenderness can wait for if they ever do this again. For something that isn't fueled by Stark's alcohol.]
[Still, at his words, Ororo laughs quietly, running hands over his bare shoulders, down his arms. Her fingers tangle into his hair to press him to her breast when he pauses.]
This is fine, for now. I would assume that it might be wise to keep your pants on, when you're on your knees for me.
[To that end, she nudges him down further, and her hips follow along so she can sit closer to the edge of the work station surface. Is it cold? She doesn't notice. Give her a few more moments and she'll unintentionally mentally wrestle with whatever environmental control he has set up in here. When she gets into it, the humidity around her tends to spike.]
For Bucky (counterstep)
It's been a somewhat wild and unexpected ride. Anyone who knows him a little too well might have questioned by now what the hell he's doing. But really, what the hell has he ever been doing? There's probably a lot of commentary that goes well hand in hand with the fact that Tony's never known to make the healthiest choices.
But if pursuing Bucky, after all their time spent together, is wrong, he doesn't particularly care about being right. After all, once he sets his sights on something he wants, he often doesn't falter. And more often than that makes it to the finish line. But this isn't a game of pretend-courting just to entice Bucky to bed. Maybe the early onset casual flirting had made it seem that way, but it had quickly and maybe a little too easily morphed into something else entirely.
Long nights of vulnerability, of being seen. Of talks that maybe weren't always comfortable but were at least always worth it. He's nursing way more than just some banal crush on Bucky. And he wants to at least have a chance at seeing it through. And so...
Yes. It's a date. To perhaps a too-upscale sushi restaurant. Where he's gotten them a table in the back, and maybe has one or two security measures in place to keep this from becoming a headline tomorrow. Because he wants Bucky to himself, and he also doesn't want to scare him away. Every step in his life, especially after the snap- then the other one- has only propelled him to higher and higher heights in the world of social fascination and commentary. Not always adoring. Mistakes on grand public display. A lot of people have no idea who he really is, and he likes it that way. But he's been trying very hard as of late to give Bucky the knowledge of exactly who he is. No matter how uncomfortable it's been at times.
He wouldn't trade it for anything.
So he breaks out one of the expensive sports cars with the Stark vanity plates, he gets into a fitted, gorgeous, and also entirely too expensive three-piece suit. Drives himself to Bucky's current apartment building and thinks about texting him to let him know to come downstairs. But he's trying to do this right. So instead he idles on the curb and gets out of the car- thinks about letting himself into the building where it'd only be so easy to do and then...
Instead buzzes Bucky's apartment from the intercom.]
I think I managed to be right on time. [Said into the box while he's still got his finger on the button.]
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the soldier has difficulty shaking the idea there has to be something thoroughly wrong with him still, between the things in his head he still can't get over and the overwhelming need to make up for his crimes committed as hydra's pet dog. the drive has certainly put him in more difficult situations than he'd like to admit aloud, times even when he'd needed help and had the presence enough to call anyone at all for it. that tony never held it against him, even commiserated in his own way, made bucky feel a little less broken and a little more sure.
after the trial run of bucky sitting pretty in the lab, it's probably not surprising they've finally reached the point of properly going out, especially with all the patience tony has already given, the wide berth by which their entire relationship seems to hover comfortably at and still never quite suffers for. if anything, the space has made things stronger, and bucky isn't even sure if that's simply the measure of how a relationship should be done now, for him, or if it just happened to be what they both needed too.
a date feels so hefty though. there are a lot of expectations with that word, and bucky can't help but feel nervous anyway, regardless of all the times they've already shared meals and spent time together. what if he finally says the wrong thing? does the wrong thing?
god, when did ties start feeling so stifling, though? he's pacing a bit, between the bathroom to check his appearance for the millionth time and peeking out the window of the balcony door. the highly treasured fidget cube that's remained on his person as much as possible doesn't quite fit into the coat pocket and sits lonely on the kitchen counter. he's never quite needed it while spending time in tony's lab, so maybe it'll be okay as long as tony is with him, right? yeah, that's definitely why he's pacing. it's just that tony isn't here yet and not at all because—
he hears the telltale rumble of a sport engine, richer than anything far cheaper, and floats swiftly toward the balcony again, as if he can't already guess and seeing will help his nerves. it really doesn't, especially when tony seems to hover uncertainly near the vehicle and all bucky can do is stare and wonder why. while he's still questioning, the buzz comes in on his intercom, and he's trotting back toward the wall near the front door to answer. this is silly. he's being silly. everything's fine. this is fine.
a swift glance to his watch says tony actually did arrive pretty much on the dot. )
Is that bad? ( the click that comes after, of the mic button switching off, seems to beg a response, but quickly after there's another click as bucky speaks again. ) On my way.
( after he reaches up to brush his hair back again, as if that would help anything other than the gnawing anxiety.
luckily he looks quite polished anyway, wearing a two-piece at all. since he's not expecting much action, he's wearing a thinner set of gloves, mostly out of habit, being anywhere public, but he anticipates tony wouldn't let that interfere with their meal anyway, something to wait on and see. chopsticks aren't particularly easy to use with gloves on, at least.
bucky only realizes he's rushed out the door when he has to slow himself from colliding into tony like a buffoon, stumbling back slightly while offering a sheepish grin. )
Ah— sorry, uh. ( a pause as he takes tony in. the guy really does look good in anything, something he appreciates fondly for a moment as the smile spreads into something far more earnest. ) You look good.
( yeah, like tony wouldn't already know. )
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Thankfully, though, not tonight. Yes. Right on time. Which is not the standard for him.
And maybe when Bucky tells him he's coming down he should step further away from the door, maybe go to the car and just wait, but he just finds himself stuck, hands in his pockets for a moment until he just barely hears the footfalls down the entryway and then the door is opening.
Greeted with the full force of him, having to catch his balance to avoid tumbling further out onto the sidewalk. He lifts a hand to Bucky's arm to steady himself, more than anything, and grins at him after taking him all in.
It's the compliment, though, that catches him a little off guard. It shouldn't. They've been flirting with this idea, and with each other, for a long time now. And he's probably heard every variation anyone could come up with, to tell him similar ideas. But...
For some reason that grin gets a little sheepish, more of a warm smile for a flicker of a moment. Crush is a juvenile word, but it might be the only one he can think of in that moment.]
You clean up good. I knew you would. [Boasting only a little, and only playfully. Finally his hand leaves Bucky's arm so that he can gesture at the car.] I think we'll be on time for the reservation, too.
[Nudging him just a little over to the car where he actually opens Bucky's door for him. On his best behavior tonight, certainly.] Usually places like this expect I'll be fashionably late.
For Steve (pursuitofcappiness)
[He sweeps a hand back through Steve's hair, leaning in to press a kiss to his forehead next and then somehow, miraculously really, peels himself away.]
I'll find us something to drink. And since you're not that drunk, you can think of the game you wanna play. Unless you wanna just relive our vacation memories all night. Which I'm not opposed to.
[A little loving grip at Steve's chin and then he lets go so that he can go acquire some drinks for the two of them. He pours himself some scotch, a glass that he knows he'll probably be nursing for the rest of the evening. He also makes some small talk with Thor, adjoined with a handshake that turns into one of those too-hard pats at his back. Thor pours another glass for Steve- loudly- and Tony just shoots him a look.
Everyone's a bit more drunk than he thought they'd be, so no one's really looking out for each other. And of course seeing Steve get drunk is quite a funny spectacle. Not that Tony can say he disagrees. So he returns with three glasses, setting two down on the coffee table in front of Steve and then sits next to him, pressed up very close.]
Sip the mead slowly, and intersperse with water. You'll thank me in the morning. [Maybe. He's not sure how much of the serum will just kick a hangover right in the ass so Steve won't have to deal with it. But better safe than sorry.]
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Then he's in good spirits again, picking up and clinking their glasses so hard that he gets a little bit of mead in Tony's scotch. ]
Should plan the honeymoon instead.
[ His smile is warm and muted in brightness only by his drunkenness. If he were any more of a Disney character, he'd have bubbles popping around him. He's half-expecting Thor to demand a story from Tony, but he seems to have become preoccupied with hosting some of his other friends.
And though he's perfectly content in just keeping Tony satisfied and entertained, he'd requested a game. So he racks his brain to think of ideas, and settles on one - certainly, considering Tony's track record, he thinks it'll get him caught up in no time. ]
Never...
[ He thinks about this for a second, and tries to math out this paradox in his head, but his brain is not working like that for the moment. ]
--Never have I ever played "Never have I ever." Ever.
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He decides he won't. And will just be extra careful in the way that he nurses it. Which was already going to be slow, but he can do a little slower than that. Even the sip he takes after Steve touches their glasses together, what's going to get him in trouble in the first place, is very minimal.
His free arm comes around Steve, for about as much as it is to stabilize him, keep him steady, as it is that he missed him. Even if they've only been apart for the better half of the day, he always misses him. He's long since stopped caring how sappy that makes him. It just is what it is at this point.
And right as he thinks he'll have expert control over this evening, will let Steve get a little more wild just to enjoy it, while keeping above the waves himself, Steve starts in with something so tried and true that all he can really do is drop his head in a little shake, wry grin accompanying it.]
Oh. Is that what we're doing? Fine.
[And so. He takes another very soft, small sip of his drink. As some people take notice, heard Steve speak up, and are perhaps very interested in a game, they start circling in. But as it's Tony's turn he says-]
Never have I ever signed up to be in the military.
[Rhodey makes one of those amused yet annoyed noises, and Sam's caught out, too. There's a little ask from Thor if being foremost a warrior of his people counts and they decide yes- and then some noise about well Tony sold to the military- no no that doesn't count they decide after Tony makes noise back.]
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"Never Have I ever watched A Muppet Christmas Carol five years in a row," says Sam.
And everyone just stares at Rhodey when he corrects Sam with a, "The Muppet Christmas Carol." And once it gets translated for the Asgardians to pick a different play to be watched on a different holiday, they all take their lumps and drink, since most of them carried on an annual tradition in their long childhoods.
One of the Asgardians says, "Never have I ever bedded anyone in an airship."
Steve clears his throat, and gets a few pairs of eyes on him. ]
We're. Counting jets, right?
[ There are a few groans, and then Thor claps him and Tony on the back proudly and with a great, bellowing laughter.
But then it's Steve's turn again, and he thinks for a bit. ]
Never have I ever... 'bedded' a woman.
[ There are significantly more groans this time, and everyone drinks. Nat, smirking, downs the rest of her glass. ]
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And while he's prepared, and already sipping at his drink when basically sex on a plane comes up, it's Steve's questioning of it that has him grinning around the rim of his glass. While everyone else is groaning, he gives Steve a nudge with his shoulder and murmurs,]
Yes that counts.
[Because certainly it does. And since he has no decency whatsoever, he doesn't even blush or blink twice, looking rather proud instead. When the room quiets, little murmurs between groups as Steve seems to be thinking, Tony swirls the drink in his glass while he waits patiently.
And what gets said has him rolling his eyes and taking another small sip. Still trying to be diligent. Everyone in this room is going to call out something he's done and already his thoughts are a little fuzzy. He tries to think about the last time he ate. Though he does point at Nat to say:] I knew it.
[Whether for a job or actual relationship, he feels like somehow that's an open secret. Or at least something he'd thought about. ...maybe not always decently. Oh well. But when it's his turn again he takes a breath and tries to think of something.]
Never have I ever gotten up at the crack of dawn just to exercise.
[It's Rhodey's turn to groan and tell him to stop picking on the military boys which he is so very clearly doing, but Nat, who is returning from the bar, also takes another sip, and Thor along with some of the Asgardians also take drinks which has Tony only looking the slightest bit smug about.]
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It's also fair that Tony always gets the most out of everyone from picking on all the military boys, particularly since they all keep similar regimens. And in that regard, Steve should have a lot of sexual ones he can pull out, but now that he's marrying Tony, a lot of those are just not going to work anymore.
It's not that he minds. Once they get into the swing of the game, he's noticed that he's done a whole lot of living since waking up out of the ice, and a lot of that was done with the Avengers, and especially with Tony.
It makes him feel a little more like somehow, despite all the winding roads that led him here, that he'd made the right decision at every crossroad and at every turn.
"Cap," someone calls, because Steve's busy making eyes at Tony halfway into his reflections and he's missed whatever the prompt is at hand. "Eaten a whole bird in one sitting, I know you have."
He takes another sip and the game moves on. Unsurprisingly, the Asgardians have done a lot, but at least one of them seems delighted that the baby Midgardians have stuffed so much into such a short amount of time. Steve also gets dinged on 'touched a missile with his hands,' 'jumped out of a window,' and 'lost a bet.' But he doesn't get to touch his glass for 'drunk texted an ex,' 'had a threesome,' or 'lied about my age.' In fact, that last one gets surprisingly few people.
Eventually, it comes back to him. ]
Never have I ever spent more than $50 on a shirt. 'm not counting the ones Tony buys for me, I've never even seen the price tag.
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But someone gets Steve to realize he needs to drink and then they go around the room again. It's at the time where someone calls lost a bet and his glass is actually finally gone that he thinks- okay, now he should call it. But someone has brought him another, oh so helpfully-
And then three more hit him all at the same time.
Scratch that, four, because Steve's just as bad as the rest of them and Tony's really starting to realize he's not the right person for this game unless he'd like to end up incredibly drunk. Which he's not quite near but he's no longer sober. And a little passed buzzed, at that. His head is swimming, having a moment of realizing I did not think I was that drunk when he stands because now he needs water or else he's going to be the worst person to be around come the morning.
With all the casual grace of someone who's been a very high functioning alcoholic his whole life, his hand comes to curve over Steve's shoulder in what is meant to read as an affectionate gesture, but it also serves to steady him which he needs. And with just as much effortless confidence (he thinks) he announces,]
Play a round without me- I need water- anyone want anything? Drinks are on me.
[Because they have been all night even if no one is serving. Except for the mead. His speech is a little stilted, though thankfully not slurred. But before really waiting for a lot confirmation, he slides his hand affectionately back through Steve's hair, gives him quite a soft smile because looking at him just immediately reminds him how much he loves Steve- and then he turns and steps away from the group to go to bar at the back so he can get water. And some ice. That sounds very good, he's suddenly feeling a bit hot. And dizzy.
And drunk.]
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But, as soon as he gets up to go get water, Steve's attentions turn fully onto him, because he needs something. Anything, and that's definitely always enough to have Steve come running. ]
I'll come get some water too.
[ Steve, who is still, unfairly, in a very nice and pleasant stage of being drunk, gets up to his feet and sways a bit as he goes to help Tony with the water, and in no way be a hindrance. He almost manages, but definitely overfills whatever glass he's pouring into. Noticing, however, he just takes that one as his own.
When they're alone, he wraps his arms around Tony from behind, and slots a chin onto his shoulder. He thinks he could be a little tired, and might close his eyes and fall asleep like this. Tony smells nice. He smells like Tony, warm and inviting and familiar. ]
We could call it a night, if you want.
[ Between the slight slur of his words and the fact that he speaks them directly into Tony's shoulder, he's not entirely sure if he is actually heard at all. ]
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But he does make sure to drink at least half, setting his glass down a little harder than he means to on the bar once Steve comes and wraps him up. He leans into him, head tipped back. Steve's mumbled request in his shoulder is either unheard or undecipherable or ignored. Hard to tell. Because Tony seems focused on other things.]
Mn- anyone ever tell you you're like a warm brick wall? My warm brick wall. [And boy does he sound pleased by that fact.]
Not a second of the day I don't wanna climb you. [If this is meant to be sexy, it's probably not because it doesn't make a whole lot of sense. But. It's also not untrue- at least in the way he means it.]
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