Isn't petting a cat supposed to have health benefits? Lowering blood pressure, calming, something like that? Steve likes animals, although he doesn't particularly want a cat, or a dog for that matter. Petting Tony's fluff of dark hair seems to have a similar beneficial effect, luckily. Steve imagines it's a superior effect, in fact; Tony is just better at most things to begin with, and he gives good feedback.

Actually, under the right circumstances, Steve is betting he could get him to purr.

He has no idea what's in store for the younger version he's just encountered. It's probably better that way; their plans can't afford the argument and sheer moral horror that would spark. Is that suicide or murder, killing a younger version of yourself? Time travel is full of ethical complications.

But since he is innocent of any plot other than their own, he laughs softly when Tony teases him, eyes brightening. "I love you and your unexpected footwear kink," he tells him with impulsive sincerity. "But I hope you're kidding about busting into SHIELD for them. Are we going shopping or something? I had pizza, but you should probably eat."