Dimension-hopping (for definingfuture)

[shieldborne]

Hopping from one world to another is not in Steve's repertoire. It's the kind of thing he reads stories about, because he's a fan of sci-fi and fantasy, but if anyone in his peer group was likely to tamper in God's domain in that fashion, he'd have to anticipate it being Thor. Not that he'd put it past the Tony Stark he knows, either, but at least he seems to be busy enough on planet Earth, in his own dimension of origin, to start looking for trouble elsewhere. This other version, maybe not so much.

So, Steve isn't enchanted with the idea of leaving his dimension to have coffee with this alternate Tony, but the chat they've already had has beguiled him, and when it comes right down to it, he trust the guy to get him home safely, before curfew. Or at least, if he doesn't manage that, it won't be for lack of trying. With that faith in mind, here he is, in his battered uniform with the star scraped off the front. There's a jacket over it, at least, so it's visibly a tactical outfit but maybe not so noticeably a Captain America outfit.

Sunglasses are probably not an effective disguise, and he doesn't own any right now, anyway. This is as low-key as he gets, Stark. Take it or leave it.

Comments

[definingfuture]

Steve's disguise is about as subtle as a rock star in a hoodie, but Tony is charmed by the attempt. He's grinning the entire time, somehow managing not to actually comment until they reach the coffee house: an independently-owned business that hand pours their coffee, and Tony did all the proper research in the hopes of satisfying his guest's standards. The last thing he wants to do is deliver Captain America a bad experience.

After they've placed their orders and have some time to wait, he finally can't hold it in anymore.

"You've got a real James Dean image going here. Can I ask what the story is or is that confidential?"

[shieldborne]

He has been known to wear a hoodie, too, actually. More often at Natasha's urging than on his own recognizance, but he used to have one with a Brooklyn Dodgers logo on it--not the L.A. Dodgers, the actual old logo from when he was a kid. Left behind in the rush after the Accords, sadly.

If they get any second glances on the street, Steve is too focused on ignoring other people to notice them. It's a defense mechanism, and it also keeps him from staring all over a strange place like a damn tourist. He's okay with small talk on the short walk, smile wry but warm, and the coffee shop clearly meets with his approval.

"James Dean?" He scratches his head. "I'm almost positive my hair cannot do that. You mean the coat? I dunno, I don't have a lot of casual clothes right now, and I thought the star-on-chest look might get excessive attention."

[definingfuture]

Tony takes Steve's general tone as approval, since he doesn't seem upset by the choice of coffee spots. He does strategically position himself in front of Steve, stage blocking him from the general public and taking most of the attention by just being himself. It's not all great attention either, but he's used to it.

"If you needed clothes, you should have said something. Do you want me to call someone? I can get you something more comfortable to change into."

Because of course Tony is going to jump to that solution. He can buy the answer and has no problems with doing so if it helps make Steve more comfortable.

"But you can't really blame people for being attracted to the uniform. It's flattering. I do like the coat, though. It makes you more mysterious."

That last part comes with a wink. He's teasing, but affectionately. Tony has noticed the way Steve seems to be keeping his eyes straight ahead and away from other people. After a pause, he asks more seriously:

"You okay? I know it's a lot to take in."

[shieldborne]

It doesn't sink in that Tony's running distraction for his benefit until they actually get to the coffee counter. Then, Steve notices, and maybe it's necessary here and maybe it isn't, but either way he's profoundly, if quietly, grateful.

He can't help but be amused by the offer to get him clothes. That's clearly a multiversal consistency; all Tony Starks seem to be quick to spot solutions they can solve efficiently with either technology or money. It's kind of sweet, but Steve is cagey about accepting too many favors. "I can get clothes if I need them, but I'm kind of on the lam," he smirks. "Back home, I mean. I'm an international fugitive now. I have to travel light."

He blinks at the question, and his smile softens. He's used to Natasha and Sam noting his body language and checking in, but not so much Tony. "It always is. I oughtta be used to paradigm shifts by now. But no, I'm fine, just trying not to notice people noticing me, I guess. My being here isn't going to make things too weird for the Rogers that belongs here, is it?"

[definingfuture]

Tony doesn't think there's any reason for Captain America to need to hide, but he does see Steve's discomfort under the public eye and responds to that. Maybe it's just the man being shy or uncomfortable in a new world. Like waking up all over again. Tony remembers how Steve was when they first found him. So he takes the lead, drawing attention more to himself than his company by keeping his body placed just so to give Steve some privacy. It seems to work well enough.

As expected, Steve declines his offer. Tony nods, but makes a mental note to find some nice casual wear for him later if he sticks around. It'll be more comfortable than a tactical suit. He doesn't ask Steve what led him to be on the run, not yet, but he gives him a questioning look. Leave it to Steve Rogers to end up in the most interesting problems? But to Tony the more important question is Steve's immediate comfort.

"You're a hero here, so don't worry too much about it. If you want to, we can take our coffee somewhere more private. Or I can introduce you to people. Avengers? The staff here? Whatever you want. Steve won't mind. Trust me. No one will mind. Who would turn away Captain America?"

[shieldborne]

Steve is ambivalent about his reputation. It's nice to be looked up to, not unpleasant to be respected, weird and a little disturbing to be put on a pedestal. He's just a kid from Brooklyn. Everything special about him came from a bottle--except, perhaps, the consistent willingness to put everything he has on the line for what he sees as right.

He sees that questioning look and shrugs. "The Accords," he explains, and leaves it at that for now. It's more complicated than just the fact that he didn't sign the Sokovia Accords, but if Tony wants details they can discuss them later, in private.

"This is fine. I don't want to be difficult. At least no more difficult than usual." God, the consideration is nice, though, and he smiles again. It really has been a rough road lately. "As long as it won't tear up the space-time continuum or anything weird like that, I...think I would kind of like to meet some of the others. Time permitting. No point in interrupting them if they're trying to save the world."

"Can I ask...uh. Is Bucky okay? Inasmuch as can be expected. He was recovering in Wakanda last I saw him." Recovering, and not long out of cryostasis, but Steve has hopes for his old friend. Obviously, if the one here is Captain America, he must have recovered pretty well.

[definingfuture]

The answer doesn't hold any meaning to him, but Tony doesn't press the issue. Not just because pushing Steve Rogers has never ended well for him and he's just as likely to fly through a window as get any answers when he decides to play the tough guy, but because he genuinely likes this man and getting on his bad side by invading him privacy feels like a really bad move right now. Steve seems happy enough, so Tony is happy. He shrugs away his questions for later. Maybe when Steve is ready.

Instead, Tony takes it upon himself to hand Steve his coffee, even though he's just taking it from the employee that could have easily done the same thing. The cup goes from barista to Tony to Steve, because, well, he wants to make the effort. Like tipping and flashing the young lady a grateful smile and a thank you. It's just part of his personal expectations.

"You know the world won't end if you cross worlds, right? We're not trying to change time. You and me and Steve and all the other people are different. You can meet anyone you want. I mean, I'll have to introduce you so they know you're not some evil doppelganger, and I personally suggest we don't drop in on SHIELD, but-"

He's going to go on, but Steve asks his other question.

"Cap? You want to ask him to come by? I don't know where he is right now, but I'm on a need-to-know. I could check if you want? It's probably not Wakanda. That'd be messy."

[shieldborne]

Steve is all too ready to compare notes, but he has a sneaking suspicion that once they start they'll be at it for a very long time. Especially knowing his own memory for detail, and Tony's tendency toward inquisitiveness. If Steve has no compelling reason to conceal information, he's willing to share it, even if it's painful on his end. There's a remote chance it might help avert some of the disasters his world is facing, here.

He's not surprised to see Tony charm and tip the barista, but he is pleased. He's never been a fan of flash for flash's sake, but tipping well isn't just showy, it benefits the people on the receiving end. He smiles at him a little, before getting diverted by the conversation.

"I don't know that, though. I mean, I assumed bumping into you wasn't an extinction-level event, but it's not like this happens a lot. Unless it happens a lot to you and my world's just missing out. Do you get evil doppelgangers? Should we come up with a code word?" There's a wry glint in his eyes.

It's downright touching, how solicitous Tony's being. Once again, hearing about Bucky being Cap makes Steve feel immensely proud (and also worried, because it's a heavy mantle to carry). "It's okay. Only if he's easy to reach and not in the middle of something. I'm not sure if it'd be nice to see him or just awkward as hell. I just wanted to hear he's...himself. After all he went through. Or all my version went through, at least. Maybe he's not the same here."

"Actually, I wonder if we even know all the same people. Who's on the team lately, here?"

[definingfuture]

Tony smiles thoughtfully at the question. It's good to talk to Steve like this, relaxed and unhindered by a hundred other voices demanding something from them. Demanding other answers, ones that they want. Sitting with Steve in a coffee shop contemplating the effects of dimensional travel is much more pleasant than most of his talks.

"It happens often enough. And, yes, sometimes there are evil versions. The multiverse is a network of possibilities. You get some bad ones with the good. But as far as I've seen, it's mostly good."

He's not surprised that Steve would be worried about Bucky and the rest of his team. Some things are constants and Tony would have been more surprised if Steve wasn't worried.

"He's definitely himself. In fact, he let me know specifically that he wasn't going to be anything but himself without any room for negotiation when we discussed it."

Tony laughs quietly, but that fades as he has to think about the second part of Steve's question.

"Carol Danvers is leading the current Avengers. Doctor Strange, Janet, Hank, Natasha... Ares. There are more heroes out there, but-"

But. But he burned a lot of bridges.

[shieldborne]

"I don't hear you being optimistic that often," Steve rests his chin in his hand, and he looks calmer than usual as he blows on the surface of his coffee to cool it. It's nice to be somewhere where he has no major responsibilities to worry about. Sounds like there are a lot of people around to handle problems in their various ways, anyway; even more than where he comes from.

"I honestly don't know any of those names except Natasha," he tells Tony, mildly surprised to find things so divergent. "I was working with her and Sam, lately, on the run. Wanda is in touch, but taking downtime. Same with Vision. Barton and Lang are out of the game thanks to the Accords, both under house arrest. And then you--my world's Tony Stark--and Colonel Rhodes are operating within the bounds of the Accords, and Banner and Thor are just AWOL."

[definingfuture]

Optimistic is a word that gets a bright smile from Tony. He sits up straighter, pleased by the approval he's getting. Steve might be a different person from the man he knows, but any kind word from Captain America means the world to him. He might be a different man, but Tony can't quite help from being charmed by the man. Steve just has that natural charisma with people, he thinks.

"That sounds like a hard time, Steve. I'm glad you came here. You deserve the break."

That's the second time Steve mentioned the Accords. Tony is getting a better idea of what they mean to Steve's world. They don't seem quite as bad as the Registration Act, but they've apparently had a large effect on the team. And he doesn't like the idea of any of the Avengers being dragged through bureaucratic hell.

"You could stay here for a while. If you want to."

[shieldborne]

There are definitely some major differences here that he hasn't stumbled over yet, Steve concludes, watching the way Tony reacts to him. It's not just that there are more people, it can't be. The dynamic between this world's Steve and Tony is evidently very different; he's not sure how different, but his own version has never been able (or willing?) to restrain his sardonic sense of humor for Steve's benefit, however he may feel about him.

This one is almost...sweet. Not without his own opinions or defenses, but more open, less guarded. It's touching. It's even healing in a way, given Steve's lingering guilt toward his own world's Stark.

"It's not that bad," he protests with a half smile. "Not half as bad as the winter of '44. Almost all of our safe houses have climate control and plumbing."

And then he gives a soft huff of surprise at the invitation. God, it's tempting. And if he's honest with himself, Steve's exhausted. He doesn't do downtime, doesn't seek breaks or vacations, and thanks to the serum he lasts longer and better at it than any average person would, but.

Everyone hits the wall sooner or later. He's not sure, but that may be part of what happened to him not long ago, in that fight with Tony. Sam sure seems to think he went off the deep end.

He takes a long drink of his coffee, thinking it over. "I...could," he says softly, after a moment. "There's nothing big going on right now."

It couldn't be for a long time. He has responsibilities. That they're responsibilities he's selected and laid upon himself doesn't make them any less important to attend to, but whether he deserves a break or not, he might function better if he took one.

[definingfuture]

Tony makes an exaggerated face of horror at the very suggestion that anyone would go without plumbing or the convenience of a good air conditioner and heating system. He plays it up to a dramatic level, hand over his heart and eyes wide with disbelief.

"You should. I can't have Captain America forced to relive those past events. Even with modern advantages, you deserve at least a good meal and a nice bed. And don't tell me the beds are nice, please. Safe houses? Steve.

Stay with me. Take a week off. Take two weeks: I'll send you home rested and fed and you can deal with the whole world's problems after you get a real break. If you're worried, I can keep tabs for you. You might be surprised to hear this, but I'm kind of a hero too. I can do some of the lifting."

He flashes Steve a smile, playful and maybe a little bit flirtatious, but mostly hopeful.

"Let me help."

[shieldborne]

Goddamn genius billionaire playboy philanthropist. In any world, charisma just oozes from Tony Stark's pores instead of sweat. Steve can't handle it. He breaks into a grin at the visible overreacting, chuckling into his coffee cup.

He's almost sold, even without the whole 'I'm a hero, too' reminder, but the implication makes him perk up visibly. "You can do that? Keep tabs across dimensions or whatever? As long as they can reach me if they need me, if something major happens--"

In that case, he might be able to take a rest with a clear conscience. And get some decent New York pizza, maybe bring some supplies and intel back to Wilson and Romanoff later on. "I don't wanna impose, but that sounds like a godsend, honestly, Tony. If you're sure it's not too much with what's going on here, I'm in."

[definingfuture]

The small laugh he gets out of Steve is enough to make Tony's expression light up. He smiles with genuine pleasure and accomplishment, because getting a positive reaction out of the blond is everything. He's even more pleased when Steve shows interest, jumping on that enthusiasm with a reassuring hand on his arm and a confident smile.

"I'll personally keep tabs for you. And I'll let you know as soon as anything even sounds suspicious. Let me take care of things."

He's sincere as says that, leaning in to meet Steve's eyes and convince him that he really does have things under control. The man needs a break. That much Tony can see without even hearing the details of the Accords or whatever has been running him ragged.

"You're never imposing on me, Steve. I'll set you up with a place and show you around. You'll love it here. And if you have any doubts, you can say the word and I'll take you home myself. I'm sure anything major in your world can still benefit from a visit from Iron Man."

[shieldborne]

"Only for a couple weeks," he protests gently, but he's still smiling. Stark seems so delighted by the whole idea, it's contagious. "Geez, don't go spoiling me, either."

It's a sign of how worn-out he is that he doesn't really protest Tony taking care of things. Partly, he does just know when he's out of his depth, and bouncing across the multiverse is it, but a break, a rest...that'd be nice. That sounds so damn appealing, in fact, that he slumps in his chair with a sigh, letting some of his muscles relax.

"You got plenty to do here, I'm sure. Don't want to drag you into my problems...but if something big comes up, something we really need a hand on, I will let you know." Because he would want and expect the same in return. But only if it's really needed, because the Tony Stark on Steve's world already has enough reasons to resent him, and he can only imagine how annoyed he'd be if Steve came back with a duplicate of him in tow.

...actually, that's hilarious to imagine. Or it would be, if he didn't feel so much guilt and sympathy.

"All I really need is an old-fashioned pizza place and a hot bath," he says, to redirect his own train of thought. "This is good coffee, though."

[definingfuture]

"A couple of weeks. Right, of course."

Tony repeats what Steve says, but it's clear he's only partly listening to it. He's already making plans to drag the blond around and treat it like a full vacation he's running to give Steve the best experience his world can offer. That might be going against what the man just said, sure, but he's already throwing himself into the idea without really pausing to consider that. And Steve slumping back in his chair doesn't really do a lot to discourage him. Tony gives Steve a board room smile, the one he breaks out for reassuring Big Names that he's got everything under control.

"If something like that happens, it would be my duty to back you up. As an Avenger and a friend. I couldn't just stand by and watch any world suffer, Steve, that's not what we do. But I'll let you tell me if you want our help. It's your world."

And since Steve seems to be more or less going along with their improvised plan, Tony smirks.

"Well, I did do my homework. This is rated the best coffee house in the city by five different bloggers and a few restaurant reviews. If you want to grab pizza and go back to my place, I can lend you the bathroom. And a bed, if you need it."

[shieldborne]

That tone in Tony's voice just screams 'already getting carried away', at least by Steve's standards. His ability to follow his trains of thought is far from flawless--actually, Tony completely confuses him most of the time--but he's seen him set forth on projects before. He should probably be voicing pre-emptive protests, setting boundaries, but...

He must be worse off than he realized. He doesn't want to set boundaries right now. For the first time in his life, as far as he can recall, he's okay with letting someone else handle the details. His return smile is bemused, but not guarded. "Fine, but vice versa, then."

Although it sounds like they have far more players here; chances are they don't need a second Steve Rogers. That's okay, too. He takes a long drink of his coffee, eyes closed, and sighs. "Yeah, actually, a hot shower sounds like a slice of Heaven. I probably won't be able to sleep for another day or so...but since you're offering, I'm curious to see where you live, anyway."

[definingfuture]

There's a brightness to the way Tony looks at Steve and, all right, maybe he's just really happy to be starting out on good terms with this man. It's not that he's not on speaking terms with the other blond--now, at least--but it's exciting to be able to start fresh, start clean with him.

And maybe he knows that eventually this is all going to come down on his head. Deep down, he knows that he'll have to tell the truth and this Steve will likely be just as angry at him as his own friend was. The kind of angry that you don't come back from. But that's a problem for another day. For the moment, he just takes in the satisfaction of sitting with his new friend over coffee like normal people. It's a chance to temporarily forget. He almost laughs when Steve offers to help out, because the thought of another Captain America on scene would be sure to strike fear into a lot of criminal hearts. He's tempted to say yes.

"In that case, I'll order some pizza in for us. Should we take a selfie? I'm sure most of the world would be jealous that I'm taking Steve Rogers home. Entire fan clubs are going to go nuts over this."

[shieldborne]

Oh, well, at least they're coming from the same place. Steve would dearly like to mend bridges with the Tony Stark of his own world, but the more time passes without a phone call, the less likely it seems. Maybe there's some pride or embarrassment on Stark's end, too, keeping him from picking up the phone. Maybe he's just still angry. A fresh start with an alternate version of the same man...

It's self-indulgent. He really shouldn't be doing this. But it's also sort of healing, and if there's a net benefit to both their worlds in the form of allies, that's enough of a justification for Steve to use to calm his own knee-jerk asceticism.

Of course, Steve has the relief of having few secrets left on his end. He already explained the falling-out they had in his world. "If you want a selfie, you can take one. I have a burner phone with an awful camera; there's no point."

That, and Steve is really not the selfie-taking type to begin with. Photos of himself make him feel a little weird. He's always looking for the skinny little guy under the stars and stripes and serum. He did used to take snapshots of the landscapes around him, though, when he had a better phone. The artist eye will not be satisfied. On some level he hoped to paint them later. No one has ever found his secret Instagram.

"Fair warning, though, Sam and Natasha won't eat pizza with me any more because I can't stop comparing the modern stuff to Coney Island slices from my childhood. And don't tell me about fan clubs; I don't wanna know."

[definingfuture]

They have to look to the future. That's really the only thing Tony can do. If he didn't have that, he would have given up a long time ago. Back in the cave the first time, or facing Stane or Ty Stone or Mallen or any number of people that kept bringing back the faults in everything he builds. He can only hope that his actions will be better in the future, that he'll somehow be able to do good for the to be, because the right now constantly seems to be disappointed in him. And maybe this is self-indulgent. Trying to build a new start because he can't fix his past. But where there is hope, there's a beginning, or something like that, right? He has to believe in that or there's no point in trying.

He flashes Steve a broad smile. Too wide, probably, but he s determined to make this count.

"Are you saying you don't want a picture with me? I'm hurt. A lot of people would like a picture with me. I'm popular."

The way he says that is just as unconvincing as it seems. A too-insistent assertion that he has to say out loud to make true. And he's aware of it, but doesn't seem to let that hold him back.

"No? That's too bad. I was going to find some fanfiction for you to read. You're an online star. At the very least, you'll never run out of reading material. Some of it is pretty sexy."

Tony goes on before Steve can complain, because he anticipates some complaining.

"How about this: If I can find you good pizza, you take a picture with me. It'll be fair trade and I'll show you how I keep in touch with everyone."

[shieldborne]

In Steve's point of view, it almost doesn't matter if there's hope. He has a duty to go on, and where he can't heal or rebuild, he's obligated to at least try to mitigate the worst of his and others' mistakes. It's a somewhat bleak outlook, but it's gotten him this far, and maybe, if he keeps going, there'll be a light to follow the rest of the way, one of these days.

"Not quite what I meant, but--" he begins as Tony protests his lack of interest in selfies, but he trails off to let him keep talking after that, curious what else will come out of his mouth. References to smutty fanfiction, evidently, is the answer, and his eyebrows climb toward his hairline, because Tony makes it sound like he's been partaking of said literature.

Steve's not going to judge. As long as no one's getting hurt, whatever floats a guy's boat, after all.

He blinks at him for a second, then chuckles and reaches over to cup the back of his neck with a friendly hand. A brief touch, a pat, and then a split-second ruffle of the hair at the back of his neck. "Okay, I'm in. I won't even demand the pizza first, just your word as a gentleman that you'll find me some."

Is Tony Stark a gentleman? Steve's pretty sure, upon reflection, neither he nor Tony are gentlemen, so that's okay.

[definingfuture]

If Tony catches that look of surprise on Steve's face, he sweeps by it with the same excited momentum he always has when he's got something in mind. Like a man on stage, he has to keep up his performance. Whether or not he really looked into fanfiction or just absorbed the knowledge through passing comments is a question, but considering it's Tony Stark, the likelihood that he perused fan-made material about himself and his friends wasn't unlikely. And he counts on that air of vaguely daring potential. If there is nothing Tony Stark won't do then there is nothing Tony Stark can't do. In theory, anyway. It's the narrative he makes for himself.

But it's not the same as having anyone actually believe in it. What does make a difference is that brief friendly gesture. A little affectionate contact that catches Tony by surprise. It's there and gone, just a second's connection and an innocent enough agreement, but Tony brightens up like the blond's agreement is some kind of praise to him. A belief that Tony can in fact deliver as promised. The kind of trust a friend offers.

"You absolutely have my word, Steve. I'll find you the best in the city."

Now it's his dedicated mission, apparently.

"I mean, it's my duty as your host to make sure you're well fed. I wouldn't feel right if you went home unsatisfied."

And he just has to tease Steve. It almost feels like obligation at this point, pushing the man forward into things.

[shieldborne]

He really needs to find out what's between this Tony and the Steve that belongs to this world. Every friendly gesture he makes seems to light him up like a goddamn Christmas tree, and that's ridiculously gratifying, but it does make him wonder. It's not immediately important, though; he's willing to trust Stark, they've established that they're both feeling companionable, and...that last comment sounds a little flirtatious, but that kind of banter isn't too far out of Steve's wheelhouse, either.

He laughs, finishes the dregs of his coffee, and sets the cup back down gently. "I put myself in your capable hands, then," he says in a tone that says he's aware there's innuendo to be found in his phraseology.

Then he's all innocent sobriety again. "You done with your cup? I'll take it up front for you." Because of course Steve buses his own table when he goes to a coffee shop.

[definingfuture]

To be fair, spending time with Steve Rogers is a lot of people's dream come true. Tony is, despite his wealth, very aware of how fortunate he is to have the opportunity. It's not something he would take for granted. But the pause in his movement when Steve makes his comment is visible. It's a very subtle double-take, because he certainly wasn't expecting even accidental innuendo from this man, but Tony recovers quickly. His mouth moves slightly, holding back his urge to purse his lips, and then he settles into a pseudo-demure nod of amusement, looking away so he doesn't let Steve catch him grinning.

"Am I really supposed to let Captain America clean up after me? This is your vacation."

But of course he doesn't actually make any effort to stop Steve from claiming the cup. He's already made up his mind and Tony isn't going to argue, even if he thinks that working during his break probably isn't really how most people would handle their time off.

[shieldborne]

Steve's been signing autographs and kissing babies since the 40's. Academically, he knows he's looked up to, but the idea that spending time with him could make someone's day still just doesn't compute. He's just a kid from Brooklyn, with some mistakes under his belt. God, what does Brooklyn look like nowadays, in this world? He may have to ask for that to be included on the tour.

He catches that double-take, Tony, and he gets an inordinate amount of glee from throwing people for a loop like that. He's not solely to blame for the wholesome image that's been constructed for him, although certainly some of it is true to life. It's fun to puncture it. Besides, if Tony's going to be charming at him, he deserves the return-fire.

"It's two mugs and a spoon, Tony," he snorts. "I'm not going to sprain my delicate wrists."

Carrying dishes isn't his idea of work. He sets them down up front, on an edge of the counter with the space for them, and clearly this is not normal to the staff because the nearest barista blinks and gives him a slow, bewildered 'thank-you' Returning to their table, he leans his arm on the back of the chair he just vacated.

"Okay. At the risk of turning you loose without setting boundaries first...where to now?" His eyes sparkle, and his smile is warm.

[definingfuture]

There is something so damn familiar in losing a contest of wills with Steve. Even if it is just over a few cups, Tony recognizes the pattern of fighting against a current he has no chance of resisting. Behind Steve's back he gives the employees behind the counter a helpless shrug and smile, aware that the impression he's giving them might be implying more than Steve would like, but the man shouldn't tease him. He has to know how hard it is for Tony to resist his friend's charm. When Steve returns to the table Tony has resumed an innocent look, letting his smile settle into amusement with one eyebrow raised as he stands.

"Oh, I have some places in mind." The satin in Tony's voice is a bit put on, but when is he ever going to get this chance again? He has to do a little showing off. It's Steve. Steve won't let him get away with spoiling him unless he frames it just right. "We can hit the first spot on the way to the house."

He heads to the exit of the coffee house, pausing at the entrance to let Steve go first and so he can slip some money and a nod of thanks to the cafe workers as he leaves.

"You don't mind flying, do you?"

[shieldborne]

He's not used to Tony having blue eyes. It's a small but weirdly distinctive difference between their two dimensions. Brown eyes--molten amber in the sunlight--versus vivid sky blue. He finds himself just looking at him for a moment, thoughtfully, and hopefully not looking too dumb about it.

Kinda pretty, he thinks, pointedly deciding not to voice that opinion. His own eyebrows go up at the silky tone in the other man's voice. That promises trouble, but possibly the fun kind. "All right, I'm in," is all he says. Let someone else make plans for a change.

Outside the cafe, he takes a step back and tilts his head, gaze sweeping up and down Tony. "Do you have a jet in your pocket or are you suggesting you're gonna carry me?"

They haven't done a lot of that, in his world. There have been a couple occasions where it was sensible and necessary, but he got the impression Stark felt a little weird about it. Sam's done a lot more carrying him in flight, when it comes down to it. Lucky thing Steve has no fear of heights. "Either way, sure, I don't mind."

[definingfuture]

There's just a fraction of a pause and Tony thinks that he might have won something somehow. Steve eyes him with something thoughtful and distant and it's a look that wishes he could earn. He'd give a lot to have that attention from Steve. Maybe because he's lonely. He does it to himself, but that just makes him appreciate these little moments even more. If only he could tell what Steve was thinking in that look.

But maybe it's better if you never know, Tony. Better not to fall into temptation by asking questions. Lord knows he's done that too many times.

Instead of questions, Tony relies on his answers. He grins when Steve agrees, eyes bright with his enthusiasm and a little mischief, especially when they get outside.

"If you don't mind, then I guess we can leave the jet for another day."

He waves a hand like he's signaling something above them, but what flies there way isn't a jet. In pieces, red armor comes down and finds Tony's body, attaching to him part by part until the Iron Man is fully assembled. He offers Steve his hand, more confident now that he's in the skin he knows best.

"Step on up, Captain. I won't let you fall."

[shieldborne]

It's probably not a great sign, Steve suspects, that he's so immensely swayed by charm and gentleness and a little sympathy. What's that say about him? Maybe he's pushed himself too hard, too close to hitting the wall; something in him is so hungry for a little kindness.

He watches the armor zip through the air with a faint smile. It's not actually unfamiliar, this procedure, although usually the Tony of his world has his suit pretty close by. Where the hell has it been, flying overhead? Shit, why would the man carry a jet in his pocket if he can just have the suit hovering at his beck and call nearby?

Fully assembled, the suit is also familiar. Not identical to the last Mark-Whatever suit he's seen, but distinctive nonetheless. Recognizably Iron Man, no matter what world you come from. He was concerned for a moment that it might bring up dark memories; that last fight was so intense, and he'll never forget a second of it, but he's relieved to realize there's no negative emotion attached here. It's just a familiar sight. Someone he can trust.

Steve's smile grows, and he accepts the hand without question. "Sure thing. Promise not to drop me, and I promise not to sing the magic carpet ride song from Aladdin, and we'll call it even."

[definingfuture]

It feels undeniably good. Getting in the armor, having Steve joke back at him like he's used to doing it. It feels so natural and right he wants to just forget that eventually this man will have to go home to his own world. Or that once he gets to really see what this one is like he'll realize the imposter Tony is and begin to hate him. For now, he humors his addiction to those positive connections and takes a chance. Let the future be what it will be; he can enjoy this now.

"I don't think hearing you sing would be such a bad thing," Tony says. "I think you have a nice voice." With the face plate up, he even gives Steve a wink. This time it is flirting, but he doesn't think the blond will mind. If he's anything like the Steve Tony already knows, he'll just assume that it's Tony's way of teasing him and let him have his fun. Most people seem content to attribute Tony's habits to billionaire eccentricities. He pulls Steve up so he's standing on the armor's boots, keeping an arm around his waist to steady him as he first takes off. As the face plate comes down and the voice synthesizer activates, Iron Man adds:

"I'm willing to bet you've never seen the city from my vantage point, Cap."

And then it's straight up. He flies them into the sky, over the buildings and grid of streets, giving Steve a bird's eye tour of the city he probably knows by heart. That is what makes these trips better, he thinks. Getting to see the familiar from a different angle. Tony takes his time in eventually getting them across town to the mansion, letting Steve give him detour suggestions if he wants to see specific places or stop along the way. He's just enjoying the chance to show him a side of Iron Man he doesn't always get to explore. Fighting the bad guys is great, but what Tony wants is to be useful. To make people around him happy, and that's something that requires more than just fighting skills. When they touch down in the yard, he's grinning inside the suit.

"What do you think?"

[shieldborne]

Steve is more used to light flirting and games of romantic Chicken than many would assume, based on his history and straight-laced persona. It feels just slightly more serious than it normally would, with him standing on Iron Man's shoes like a toddler learning to dance, with an arm circling his waist. He responds with a lopsided smile, not exactly abashed but stumbling for a reply. Luckily, they're airborne before he can say anything stupid, and--

Wow. Wow!

Heights don't frighten Steve. He routinely leaps from airplanes without a parachute, which means he's fallen and landed at terminal velocity without hurting himself, more than once (sometimes his ears pop; that's annoying). He's been carried singly by his world's Tony, and by Sam, but not over the city like this. Not without a fight or training exercises going on. Not just for the sake of enjoying the view.

It's cooler high up in the air, and the wind is stronger, but it's not uncomfortable. Steve finds himself holding on, casually but firmly, and craning his neck to get a better look at places he doesn't recognize on the ground below them. He exclaims softly over a few buildings that don't exist in his world, and holds on a little more tightly when they skirt the edges of Brooklyn, pointing out the shopping mall where his tenement was, when he was a kid. If Tony was hoping to see him loosen up, this sure seems to do it, because he actually starts to wander into reminiscence, taking about art school and how many damn times he sat on the roof of the school and drew the Brooklyn Bridge from a distance, in every medium and lighting condition he could.

He doesn't talk about these things much. Sometimes they're too painful, but the height and the flight give them some distance, and when they land, he still feels lighter than air.

He pats Tony's shoulder, disengaging from his grasp slowly, clearly unhurried. "I think if you were trying to impress me, you succeeded," he answers. "It takes more than a flying suit to make me feel at home. Thanks, Tony."

Yeah, the technology itself, Tony's skill with the suit, that's not exactly new to Steve, but taking the time to show him around and listen to him? That's more than nice, and Steve can't help but feel touched.

[definingfuture]

He could listen to Steve talk forever. It's not a very common opportunity for Tony since the Steve of his world doesn't talk too much about himself or his thoughts anymore. There are some moments, but with so much that seems to constantly threaten their world, they just don't have a chance to talk like they used to. The old connection feels lost sometimes to the point that Tony wonders if he'll ever get his friend back or if he's destroyed all hope of that. It's flying over the city with this man, listening to him point out places like the Baxter building like someone seeing them for the first time that gives Tony a sense of hope. He used to do this. He used to bring more people happiness.

Hearing Steve talk about his past is the real prize. He gets a piece of Steve's history, not from a textbook, but from his own perspective, and he hums and responds to the description of that bridge standing in the distance, murmuring something about the star Steve wears doing the same for him, always there like a faithful friend more than just an object. He doesn't know if the blond hears him and maybe it's better if he doesn't, but he says it anyway.

When they touch down, Tony takes off his helmet and grins, pleased by his ability to spark something good from Steve like that.

"I hope we're not done yet. I've got a lot more to show you and I'd hate to hit my peak after one flight." Nevertheless, Tony looks touched by the compliment. Those few words are enough to make his heart skip just a bit. He has a sudden, strong urge to offer something honest to this man, without the show and technology. Steve showed him a real part of himself and Tony wants to do the same.

"I can take you out again. Any time you like, Steve."

[shieldborne]

Steve's hearing is very, very good. He picked up that comment about the star, but he can't think what to say in return. It's a lot of importance to assign to him, a lot of emotion. And Steve isn't his symbol, he's both more and less than that, but he's also a big part of what built the imagery into something people could believe in.

He hopes the reality won't disappoint this Tony. He hates to do that, and he's done too much of it lately. Then again, he thinks this version at least sees he's a human being, and fallible. That's something. And maybe his ramblings about carrying groceries upstairs for Mrs. McGillicuddy, helping Mr. Milhaios plant a windowbox, and twirling one side of the rope so two of the Murphy girls could skip together, will help paint a humbler, better-rounded picture of who he was and is.

When they land, Steve smiles back at him, something wistful and bittersweet in his eyes. "There's never been much time to talk, has there? Not here or where I come from. We should...whatever else we do, we should do that. It kind of feels like we both need it."

Not to put words in Tony's mouth, but Steve hasn't missed how eager he is to spend time together. "But, yeah, I'm definitely gonna take you up on a flight again later, too."

[definingfuture]

Listening to Steve talk about his world and the life he lived outside of being Captain America means everything to Tony. He hangs on every word, imagining the dirt under the man's fingers while putting together that window box, the weight of the bags full of food that would soon be cooking in a warm kitchen, and the smiles he must have received for them. It's the ideal life in his eyes. More than just heroism, but real impact. The work he would like to do for those around him and that somehow Steve manages without any effort at all. Because that is who he is. Good. A person that others can only wish they could understand. He says very little, but that's only so he doesn't interrupt the man's stories.

When they land and Steve smiles, it knocks the air out of him. There's so much behind that look, both gentle and sad, and he knows, he feels that same expression echo back from him, because they should have spoken sooner. They should have tried. If only-

"Yeah. Any time, Steve." A thousand times, if he got the chance. He knows that the reality is they are working with a limit, but in that moment, Tony could freeze everything and keep him there just for that offer.

"So, I did offer you a good look. Did you want to see the rest of the place?"

[shieldborne]

What Steve describes is just living, from his perspective. You helped your neighbors in the tenements because you all knew how little stood between you and the street, and you all knew that sooner or later you'd need them to help you. That's not to say there weren't people on the fringes, or people with personality conflicts. So many bullies got that way because they were bullied themselves, and sometimes Steve even felt sorry for them, but you have to break the cycle somewhere.

He's always been the guy who'd help because it felt right, and the guy who kept standing up just to show everyone he was never going to run away.

Back home, the Tony Stark he knows was capable of isolating himself, financially and intellectually, building an ivory tower and living in it--and he did, for a while, because that was all he knew, but when he stepped down from that tower he wasn't scared to get his hands dirty. Steve always liked that aspect of his personality, as soon as he discovered it. He could have been just an effete playboy, could have done his good in the world through glitzy philanthropic balls and fundraisers, could have run for political office instead of stepping into the line of fire. But he made a different call.

The way this Tony reacts is different. Maybe he had the same wake-up call, and maybe he struggles with the same intellectual isolation--too goddamn smart for his own good, Tony Stark--but he listens to Steve's stories like there's something in them he's hungry for. Something he's reaching out to touch. Some part of the real world that Steve just takes for granted.

As long as he's here, he'll do what he can to give him that. It's a fair trade, he hopes, for coffee and compassion and a break from the disaster his life's become.

"I'm here, aren't I?" He grins at the question. "If I didn't want to see the place, I'd have you take me back to the coffee shop."

Maybe it's just because he's been carrying him for the last half hour, but Steve sees no problem with slinging a friendly arm around Tony's shoulders now. "Anything that's not classified, I want to see. How's that?"