There are days and moments like this where Steve wonders how deep it goes — how different Tony really is from the invented personality he's learned to put on display for the rest of the world. Because the version of him that Steve is getting to see right now? He's so sweet and kind, and so ... authentic. Maybe, this is the version of Tony that Pepper got to know, working for him all those years — the version of him she fell in love with.
It doesn't surprise him. If Steve got to see Tony like this back home, maybe things would have turned out a little different. Seeing a new side of Tony in Alpha is what had started Steve down this path, after all. And when he sees that warmth in Tony's smile, Steve only thinks of how happy he is that he pushed himself to do something that day in that hospital room.
When he gets pulled in by the hand for that kiss though, it feels like they're picking up right where they left off before dinner, and Steve grins when he hears what Tony has to say.
"Are you sure? Spoiling Tony Stark — didn't know anyone could rise to that challenge." He's only teasing though, it's apparent in the way that Steve's eyes are lighting up right now when they're this close again. But deep down, Steve will always be worried that he won't be able to give Tony the life he's used to, or the life he deserves. Especially here.
"But hey, I was thinkin'." His other hand moves and settles on Tony's hip. "Maybe you could stay here tonight? I've got a bigger bed, and you won't have to deal with roommates. I can sleep on the couch, I don't mind. And you'll heal a lot faster if you actually get some rest."
no subject
It doesn't surprise him. If Steve got to see Tony like this back home, maybe things would have turned out a little different. Seeing a new side of Tony in Alpha is what had started Steve down this path, after all. And when he sees that warmth in Tony's smile, Steve only thinks of how happy he is that he pushed himself to do something that day in that hospital room.
When he gets pulled in by the hand for that kiss though, it feels like they're picking up right where they left off before dinner, and Steve grins when he hears what Tony has to say.
"Are you sure? Spoiling Tony Stark — didn't know anyone could rise to that challenge." He's only teasing though, it's apparent in the way that Steve's eyes are lighting up right now when they're this close again. But deep down, Steve will always be worried that he won't be able to give Tony the life he's used to, or the life he deserves. Especially here.
"But hey, I was thinkin'." His other hand moves and settles on Tony's hip. "Maybe you could stay here tonight? I've got a bigger bed, and you won't have to deal with roommates. I can sleep on the couch, I don't mind. And you'll heal a lot faster if you actually get some rest."