Steve never took it too far. He was always in control. But when backed into a corner, driven to the edge by never ending barrage, be it fists, or words, a man can only take so much. And this world was different. So different. Sometimes really for the better. And so came the evening, him and Tony were having a conversation about risks, and fears, and self care, and coping mechanisms, and Tony was drinking again, for the umpteenth time, and Steve just had enough.

He frowned at him: "Would you stop that, you're not changing anything with that!“ Filling his glass again, Tony sneered: "Oooh, was that a direct order from the Captain?“ Steve came nearer, insisting: “Tony, for real, you're not doing yourself a favor! There are other ways to cope.“ Stark smirked: “What would you have me do, cuddle up against your big shoulders and cry?“ Steve flinched, but snapped back: "Well, yeah, if it helps you, why not? Why not, I mean, isn't that part of your progressive time, men that cry? I'm all for that!“

Tony came closer with his drink in his hand, teasing: "Huh, funny, I don't remember ever seeing you partake in this 'new' trend! Was it something you read on Instagram or Reddit?“, but Steve wasn't having it: "I do cry! Just not, when others are around!“ Tony eyed him surprised, but huffed: "Yeah, I'd say that too...“, then attempted to drink anyways. Steve put his hand on the glass, pressing downward, and looked straight at Stark to plead: "Really Tony, stop this. It's not healthy!“ However, Tony pulled back his hand with the drink, giving an angry look to scoff: "Oh, and of course our Capsicle would know all about taking care of your precious body!“

Steve got frustrated: "Hey, I know what it feels like when it's not in a good condition! What it's like to wake up with pain every morning, not catching your breath. You don't have to do everything you can to achieve that! Feeling weak and slow all the time. Having a broken heart...“ Tony stared at him and he quickly corrected himself: "I mean, having heart problems.“ He turned away, but Tony softly whispered: "No, I think you got it right the first time.“ Then the moment was gone and Tony teased him again: "Though I'd have thought Captain America would have been the one to break hearts.“ Hurt, Steve had hit back: "What, like Iron Man?“

This novel's true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

He instantly regretted it, when Tony's free hand swiftly wandered up to the reactor in his chest to touch it, just for half a second, before he spewed back: "Well excuse me for not being such a decent, respectable, goody two shoes with a heart of gold like yourself! Some of us have just the looks and must make do with that!“ Bridging the gap again, Steve repeated: "I'm sorry Tony. But, really. Please, just keep that stuff away from your lips, at least this once!“ Tony was smirking anew, and raised his glass to provoke: "Come on Cap, don't have anything else good to do with'em!“

And then Steve just snapped. Something about the whole evening, about Tony's air and manner, about his tone and the spark in his deep, dark eyes, broke his cool, frozen exterior and pushed the supersoldier over the brink. Putting both his hands firm on Tony's shoulders, he said: "I can give you something better to do!“ Tony had looked up at him with wide eyes and open mouth, but he didn't draw back, when he leaned in, closer and closer, only looking into his eyes. And when he was close enough, Tony had shut his, the way he shut his mouth around Steve's lips, when they finally met. It became a very long, but tender kiss, Tony putting his arm around him, petting his shoulder, only backing down once to put away the glass, breaking the connection. Then he took both hands to hold him and breathed: "Oh Steve...“, before gently kissing him again.

🌟

Steve tried to keep it together. But those soft touches, a man whispering his name with such passion, a friend kissing him with longing lips... It was too painful of a memory not to be triggered. He didn't want this, wanted it to be their moment, wanted to start over. But the tears still managed to flow. Apparently Tony didn't mind. Even when a drop hit his cheek, he didn't bat an eye, just kept fondling Cap's hair, rubbing his hands over his back, nudging him with his nose. So sweet.

After what seemed like an hour, when he backed away from him to look at his face, it was wet with tears too. But he smiled at him with such joy, that Steve couldn't but beam back. Then Tony laughed a little and said: "Wow. God. I missed that. I mean, not the kissing, but...“ "The love?“, Steve finished, a bit unsure, if he was doing this right. However, Tony nodded: "Yeah!“ "Yeah. Yeah, me too. I miss him so much. Damn, sorry...“, Steve turned his head to the side, angry at himself, but Tony put a hand on his cheek, pointing it back to comfort: "No, it's okay. I think I understand... I'm just surprised. I didn't think you were bi too!“ "I'm not.“, Steve quickly responded, lowering his head, "Least, I don't think so. I never...“ He couldn't end the sentence. Tony cupped his face, murmuring: "Wow. Must have been hard for you.“ Steve admitted: "It was. Still is, though times have changed.“ Caressing his face, Tony then offered: "Well... If you want to, I'll help!“

🌟