stardustly | au scenarios open post

Always. [He made a slight face at the sting, but kept still otherwise from the ease of long practice. Usually it was him doing this for himself, but the principle was the same.]

But no, don't really remember.

[There were flashes of things, an endless army and six colored lights. A rip in the sky that threatened to make his heart start beating too fast. But nothing he could pull together into a coherent narrative, and he was reasonably sure that wasn't just because of the blow to the head.

He peered at Steve as the other man bustled around trying to fix him up. He couldn't help trying to find flashes of the man he knew in this younger, angrier version. Somehow knowing that all of this was still buried somewhere under Captain America explained a lot.]

Thanks. By the way.

[ The unconcerned air around the fella really should have troubled him more than it did because he looked like death warmed over. Shouldn't someone care about being so beat up and in trouble? But the man appeared almost calm in a way, eerily so. By that point, there were more than enough warning bells sounding off in his mind but Steve ignored every single one as he tended to and instead he kept his eye on the current objective. Moving his attention from something could be impossible at times.

Continuing to dab over the cuts and marks, he let out a little hum of acknowledgement. ]

Don't mention it. [ When he finished up, he took the bloodied swabs to the bin to toss them inside. He'd have to remember to tell Bucky they weren't his before he dove into a panic. ]

You havin' trouble rememberin' anythin' else or just what happened to ya? [ He paused for a moment to go over to grab a glass of water for the guy and some bread. ]

Not in trouble with the law, are ya?

[Tony huffed a laugh at the question and leaned back a little. He did actually feel slightly better now that he'd been seen to, not that he was going to admit it. Or mention how many bruises he could still feel under his clothes. Nothing Steve could do about those anyway.]

No, no law trouble. Scout's honor. And nothing that should come after you, if that's what you're worried about.

[He was pretty damn sure of that. Whatever this had been, it couldn't have followed him decades into the past.

Though what was he even going to do if it had? Not like he had his armor here. Probably. He fixed Steve with a look.]

You didn't see anything else around me, did you? Anything like metal?

[ While not entirely convinced of the words, he decided to not press the matter for the time being. Nothing or no one had stormed after them so far and he still had a little bit before Bucky happened by. ]

Ain't worried 'bout that. More worried 'bout what's wrong with ya.

[ Something metal? The fella grew odder by the moment but again, he decided to not press the matter. ] It was a shippin' yard by the docks. Was plenty of metal around. You'd have to be more specific.

[ The question made him consider the thief angle a little more. The guy looked a little flashy for their part of town, which usually signalled a few options but the fella didn't look like one of those owner types. ]

Drink the water and eat. You should get some rest while you can.

I got the shit kicked out of me, that's what's wrong.

[Probably. It was a good bet, considering everything he could feel. And he wasn't going to attempt to explain to this young, irritable Steve exactly what kind of fights he was used to getting into it.

Which, speaking of. He was pretty sure that the armor was distinctive enough that even the oblique reference would have pulled something. Safe to say the armor wasn't here, then. That was...probably a good thing, but Tony couldn't help but roll his shoulders a little uncomfortably. It meant that no one could get their hands on it, but it also meant that he was defenseless in a way that he really wasn't used to anymore.

Something to deal with later. He blew out a breath and took a long drink of water before something Steve had said filtered through.]

'While I can'?

[ Things weren't adding up and Steve needed to decide what to do quickly before the situation turned worse, not just for him but for the Tony fella too. If the guy wanted to stick around then he needed a story of some kind, one where there wouldn't be a lot of questions. His appearance didn't really project low key, though, and it'd be another problem,

Better question would be why he even cared in the first place. ]

What kinda fight was it? Looks pretty brutal. You goin' round in back alleys? [ like he could even talk there. ]

[ with a wave of his hand, he moved around in the kitchen to start looking for dinner things. ]

Dontcha worry none 'bout that now. Ya need to worry 'bout your story for bein' here.

Hah. Definitely not a back alley. [That much he was sure about, even if the rest of it was still fuzzy. If it whatever it was had been enough to wreck him so badly, it had to have been big. Something tugged at the back of his mind, but the thought dissolved as soon as he tried to reach for it, leaving only a stab of pain behind his eyeballs. Okay, maybe work on that after the concussion faded.]

My story, huh?

[It was quiet, almost more to himself. As suspicious as this Steve seemed to be, he was also surprisingly helpful. And not asking questions. It should have made him worry, but all Tony could feel was pathetically grateful.]

Well that one's easy. I got mugged, nothing left but the clothes on my back.

[ Mugged made sense, especially with how the fella looked and the slight wild appearance in his eye. The look caused all kinda of questions to float around in his mind but he still kept them quiet. Later on, he'd voice plenty, especially before Bucky found the chance to. ] Where you from anyhow? Never seen ya round these parts.

[ A fancy sort of air surrounded the man and had to put him uptown. Why would he slum it, then? Unless he wanted to visit the alleyways. ]

If ya were lookin' for the - areas - they've been cleared out. Coppers found out 'bout em and tried to make a few arrests.

[One of Tony's eyebrows arched upwards.] 'Areas'?

[Something illicit, clearly. Was-- huh, was prohibition still a thing? History that hadn't involved technology wasn't exactly Tony's strong suit.]

And Manhattan, to answer your question. I don't know how I got here. Maybe whoever hit me dumped me there.

[It was, surprisingly, completely true. Someone had clearly dropped Tony there, even if he had no idea who. Or what.]

[ There were plenty of missing parts to the story; the man holding back for some reason but why and for what purposes? It easily roused his suspicion but he swallowed it all down any time he looked at the state of the guy. A good wind looked like it'd knock him over. ]

Where things happen ya don't want no one findin' out about. [ Common sense, really.]

Must'a made someone real mad to drop you on the docks to have 'em deal with ya.

I'll have to tell my - roommate you're here because - [ He waved his hand between them as if it explained everything but Bucky would be a tad nicer to Tony sticking around if he thought Steve was sweet on him. Two men happened to be illegal but their apartment building and block had a more open minded view than most. ]

Because...

[It felt a little like Steve was speaking a different language and not just because of the old fashioned -- or was that modern now? -- slang. He was clearly expecting Tony to understand all those offhanded references and vague innuendos and all of it was going right over Tony's head. He was reasonably sure it wasn't just the concussion, either.

He finally just sighed a little and fixed Steve with a look.]

Look. You've done a lot for me, and I appreciate it. I can get out of your hair if you think it's going to be a problem.

[He had no idea what he'd do at that point, but he didn't know what he was going to do right then either.]

[ Horrifying enough the guy didn't seem to understand, which meant he would have to spell it out. Letting out a breath, he tried to not pink right up from the mere thoughts colliding around in his mind. What if Tony felt disgusted by just the hint of being with him? No one usually looked twice at him, after all, and the dames were never interested in him, not even with talking. They only saw one thing - someone weak and undesirable.

Frowning from the thoughts, he grabbed for Tony's glass to refill it with water and set it back down. ]

Bein' with me. Sweet on me. It'd explain your sudden appearance here and could say you saved me from some big fella. [ A more believable story than anything else already discussed. ] If ya can't - I can help find somewhere else for you.

[Tony just blinked once. That would be more believable? In the forties? Clearly he'd missed a few things about the Steve he knew. Thought he knew.

He couldn't help but give this Steve a slightly askance look, though.]

I saved you? You really think anyone would buy that?

[That much, he was still sure about. Steve did whatever the hell he wanted, regardless of his size.]

But sure, okay. I was defending your honor and you were just so impressed with my bravery that you just had to take me home.

[He added a quick eyelash flutter to the statement. Why take an inch when you could have a mile.]

More like you tried and got your ass kicked. I felt bad for ya and bought you home.

Things happened after that.

[ Tony didn't look disgusted by the possibility, at least, or ready to turn him over to the authorities. In his neighborhood, things were far more liberated and there were bent people all over the place. All of them indulging in the secret places they set up were and there. Maybe one day, so many people wouldn't have to hide.

He wouldn't have to hide or feel so disgusted by his inner feelings. How could love be thought of as so wrong?

You okay with that? I don't bring fellas or dames home usually.

Things.

[He echoed the word with amusement, mostly at the entire situation. Steve suggesting they act like a hookup. If he weren't still slightly convinced this was all a very thorough hallucination, Tony might have asked him to write it down for posterity's sake.]

Sure. There are worse stories we could be telling. And this way we get to tell everyone you think I'm pretty.

[ If he rolled his eyes any harder, he would likely hurt himself in the process. The sigh only enhanced the whole picture of why is this happening to me? But there were clearly worse people he could have been stuck with trying to help.

Drinking his own glass of water, he shook his head. ]

Let's not get ahead of ourselves. But you might be pretty under all that mes on your face. [ In actuality, he found Tony very attractive but he couldn't just say that. Just no. ]

Anythin' ya allergic to or don't like eatin'?

[He might have made a show of pressing a hand against his chest like he was getting the vapors, but Tony just chuckled. It was maybe the weirdest situation he'd ever been in -- and that was really saying something -- but this was still Steve. And despite everything, Tony couldn't help but feel oddly safe in that tiny little threadbare apartment.

He shook his head, then leaned it back against the wall. The throbbing hadn't settled at all, but he was at least getting used to it.]

I'll eat anything. And I'll pay you back.

[ At the dramatics, a smile twitched at the corners of Steve's lips. The fella needed to watch it or he might develop actual feelings, which neither lf them needed. Tony was well out of his league and two men faced far too many issues with being together. If anyone found out it could be the end, a fact Bucky informed him of often enough. ]

What are ya goin' pay me in? Smiles and snark?

[ With a wider grin, he started to pull things out to make it soup. Not the best but they at least had meat, potatoes and a few vegetables to go in it. More than they usually had. ]

How are ya with choppin'?

I might. I've been told I've got a good smile.

[He said it with all the dignity he could muster, which wasn't much considering he still had his head tipped back. Though he did find himself forced to lift it enough to give Steve a look at the question.]

I can probably manage to keep from including any fingers, if that's what you mean. Are you seriously going to put an inured man to work?

Not bad. [ the words were out of his mouth before he thought better of saying such a thing. With a thin blush staining his cheeks, he set down a knife, chopping board and the veggies in front of Tony. ]

You need to not accidentally fall asleep and bein' put to work will ensure that.

[ with a stern look, he stood there, waiting to see if Tony would get to chopping or not. ]

[Tony stared back at him, deadpan, then finally shoved himself up fully upright with a quiet groan and closed his eyes for a moment until the room stopped spinning. Christ, he hated concussions.]

Fine, fine. Slavedriver.

[And he did in fact grab for the knife and settle himself to pull everything together and start cutting it into neat cubes. Not that he was planning on admitting it, but having something to focus on was helping the headache a little. And people always yelled at him for going back to the workshop after he'd taken a headshot.]

Thank you. [ Turning his back, he went back over to the countertops to start working on putting dinner together. He only paused when he heard a knock on the door. With a frown on his face he went to answer it, relieved to only see their downstairs neighbor with a pie in hand. He thanked her and they chatted a few minutes before he shut the door back. ]

Hope you like apple.

[ he worried more about Bucky arriving home. ] You might wanna change. Might be somethin' I can find that'll fit you. Almost done with this.

Change?

[That pulled Tony’s attention away from where it had been very firmly fixed on his knife, head lifting to give Steve a confused look.]

What’s wrong with what I’ve got? [Besides the rips and occasional bloodstain, presumably.]

You look like you've been sleeping outside for a week. Go on. I'll leave ya somethin' in the bedroom. When you get back everythin' should be done.

[ He made a shoo motion with his hand, hoping Bucky would come home in Tony's absence to be able to explain the circumstances. ]

Still feel like there's more ya gotta talk 'bout.

[Tony gave him an utterly baffled look, but allowed himself to be chided up out of the chair and towards the bedroom -- Steve's?

It only occurred to him a moment later how exactly anything of Steve's was going to fit him, but if nothing else he'd learned the tone of voice Steve got when he was done being argued with. It oddly didn't sound much different on a much smaller frame.]

Like what?

au scenarios open post

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)