billionaires | #inbox

[ tony climbs out of his bright orange audi, a spectacle as always, his frame tightening just enough to be noticed when steve runs towards him. he knows he isn't about to be attacked, and he knows they aren't on that friendship level yet where he'd get a big bear hug, but he still waits like something is about to happen. there's a bright smile he usually reserves for photo-ops these days, and he looks down at steve's offered hand through red-paned shades. why is this always so... awkward? is it just his own social awkwardness reaching out to greet the other man's or is it something deeper?

before letting it get too weird, tony takes steve's hand firmly, nodding in a way that's meant to be reassuring. he taps steve's arm with his shoulder as he turns to gesture towards the car, signaling that he should toss his stuff in the open trunk. ]

Yeah, uh... you, you too, buddy. [ it's only now that he's realizing he hasn't seen him since the battle, and subsequently schwarma. ] Why don't we do this more often? Or like, at all?

[Steve notes the tightening frame without taking measures to slow down or stop himself. That reaction is something to be puzzled over later and the ones to follow. The truth is he doesn't know Tony at all. Maybe this will help with that.

He gently deposits his bag into the trunk, closing it shut once that's done. Steve stares at Tony for a second, trying to puzzle out why he's asking now, before just shrugging.] I missed seven decades and you have a company. We're busy.

[Even if it's plausible and somewhat true, it's also an excuse. Steve knows it. They're not hanging out because there's a tension between them. Steve has no idea how to address it much less understand why it exists.]

[ tony wrinkles his nose at those excuses, recognizing them instantly for what they are. but he doesn't commentate for a change, instead getting behind the wheel and putting on his seatbelt, turning to make sure steve does the same as the car doors lower automatically and lock with a rhythmic click. ]

Safety first, Captain. [ is all he says before zooming off for the highway. he lets the silence stretch until they've successfully made it onto the turnpike, dodging motorbikes and other suicidal LA drivers on the way back out to the ocean. ] Ever been here, to the West Coast, before?

[Steve follows Tony's lead, putting on his seat belt and trying not to be too weirded out by an automatic door. He did see a car float for a few seconds. This isn't much by comparison, he reasons.

Steve enjoys the silence for what it is. There are hideous drivers that make him look competent by comparison. It's actually fascinating to see how Tony skates around them with ease that he almost misses the question.

He glances away from the window to Tony, offering a slow head shake. The regret is hard to miss in his eyes.] No, we were going to go with Morita after the war. Always wanted to see the country.

Well, right here's a pretty good place to start.

[ he nods, realizing he probably should have realized that could be a sore subject. he goes uncharacteristically quiet as the hollywood sign and general city mayhem slowly give way to rolling hills and nothing but green and blue for miles. he turns on his music at a respectable volume as the traffic begins to thin out too and he can actually drive closer to the speed limit. ]

[Steve nods in response. It's not to feel both disappointed he's not with Morita now or guilt that he can't appreciate a man who flew him here to begin with. He gets lost in this tug of war until the music comes on. That breaks him from his gentle spiral. The soldier smiles, foot tapping lightly.] This is good. What is it?

[He reaches into his jacket for a small notebook and pen. He opens to a very short list at this point. He hasn't made past Steve Jobs portion yet.]

[ tony's eyes light up a little behind his shades, pleased that captain america approves of his music evil while also feeling silly for even caring about that. he opens his mouth to answer when he sees that notebook from his periphery. ]

What is that? [ he demands, sounding a bit more like his old bratty self than he intends before remembering steve asked him a question first. he changes lanes before answering and turning back to the road as they prepare to get off the exit. ] Aerosmith, if you liked that there's plenty more where it came from.

[At first, Steve stiffens. If Tony mocks this, he's definitely out. He'll blow up the suit himself if he has to. The answer is sensitive one. He opens his mouth to answer only to get the information he wanted. Steve mouths out the band name as he writes it down. He closes it and deposits the items back in his jacket before he answers.] It's my list. The doctor recommended it. It's a way to help me figure out what I missed without getting overwhelmed.

[Yes, that is definitely an explanation he has been bullied with repeatedly.]

[ tony pauses at that, unable to react right away as they turn off, the road sharply turning as they head back down the incline only for the road to ramp up into another mountain range. it's probably best that he get a moment anyway, to think, instead of spitting out the first thing that comes to mind. ]

What's on it so far? [ it's soft, curious, the scientist in him coming out. ] I'll let you know if you're missing anything big.

[It's such an amazing transition that Steve is almost grateful he doesn't. He shouldn't be so impressed by another mountain range and yet he is. Steve thinks he'll doodle it before bed which as far as his planning for today goes.

He smiles at the offer. Steve is overwhelmed, but welcomes any suggestion. He loves to learn period.] I Love Lucy, the Moon Landing, Berlin Wall, and Steve Jobs. Not bad?

[An actual question. He can't be sure.]

[ his gaze clouds over briefly, though mostly invisible to steve. he turns down the record before speaking up over it, dream on playing quietly now. ]

Jobs, huh? He was a smart guy. [ somehow, he manages to hold back the "i'm smarter" - maybe just because it's harder to speak ill of the dead. they were acquainted, after all. friends, possibly, even. tony lets out a steadying breath thru his nose. ] 9/11.

[ he hates to layer tragedy on tragedy, but it's important in this instance. ]

[He respects Tony for conceding that even without knowing much of the guy's work. Steve gets his notebook and pen back out. The way Tony says it sets off alarm bells, but he ignores them. The music is good and that's a research project to be done from the safe house he's been assigned for now. It doesn't matter if the soldier doesn't feel particularly safe there. It beat the streets.] Okay.

[He jots it down carefully before putting it back.]

[ he nods, trying to think of a more fun item for steve's list while they drive. eventually, they come to a long and winding dirt road with mountains to one side and the ocean to the other. it's easy to see why howard chose the place so many years ago as a mansion on the cliff's edge slowly comes into view, miles away from anything or anyone else. ]

Elon Musk. [ he says as he parks the car in the veritable parking garage, strategically close to the hotrod steve will have to pass on his side to enter the house. ] That should be a fun one.

[ tony pulls off his glasses and winks before tucking them in his breast pocket, the metal of the ear clinking against the metal unit in his chest as he unbuckles and pulls his seat back to grab steve's bag. that's what you do with guests right??? he looks unsure, but easily throws the duffel over his shoulder. ]

You pack light. Can't relate.

[ as they make it row-by-row through the cars, LEDs above their heads turn on by an infrared sensor, much more seamless and less abrupt than a motion detector might. there's a pad by the door and he gestures for steve to do as he does, placing his thumb against the screen so JARVIS knows it's them. ]

Welcome home, sir. [ comes the instant and surprisingly warm greeting over the intercom system as they're buzzed in by the AI. ] And welcome to Malibu, Captain. The guest room has been prepared for your arrival.

[The view is beautiful on the ride there. Steve carefully catalogs all of it for later. This is the kind of scenery as artist can only dream of. He'd be an idiot not to get it on paper. The suggestion is noted without him bothering with the notebook as they head inside. He's nervous, of course.

This place is unlike anything he's ever seen before. It's definitely too rich for his blood. He's a long way away from any place he can crash for the night. Still, he follows the other man with a quick thank you for taking his things. He follows Tony's lead, putting his hand on gently on the pad as expected. His head snaps in the direction of the voice, visibly confused.]

Thank you, sir. That's very kind of you. [He manages uncertainly after a beat. Steve glances at Tony as he presumably continues to trail after him like a lost puppy.] Thanks for letting me stay.

[ tony lifts an eyebrow, bemused by the whole exchange though he's trying to not be 'that guy' for once in his life. ]

Did you just 'sir' JARVIS? [ the lights in the house do the same as the garage LEDs and slowly a gorgeous mansion with giant bay windows overlooking the cliff is revealed. ] And where else would you stay? I invited you to a strange city you've never been to and don't know anyone in. I'm not that much of a dick.

[ he starts up the stairs towards the bedrooms, though there are a few on the main floor as well, tony would prefer steve stay in the one next to the master suite for reasons he'd rather not analyze. the whole house is impeccably decorated, by pepper of course, and the guest room is perhaps the softest of the spaces they've seen so far. ]

Not bad, right? [ he drops the duffel on the four-poster bed and gives steve a moment to absorb the space. it's a huge bedroom in typical stark form, with a walk-in closet, ensuite bathroom, and another window looking over the ocean. ]

[Steve ducks his head meekly at the question. He definitely did. He certainly isn't taking it back. The rest of the house leaves him too stunned to be defensive or offended in any way. The soldier looks around like a kid on his first field trip. It's a sad commentary on Steve's life that he is well-versed in horrific scenes. This place leaves him speechless as he takes in the sights and decorations. Pepper's taste does give the house a warmer feel to it despite all the luxury.

The room is almost the breaker. Steve paces around, feeling almost lost in it. It is undeniably beautiful.] This is.... [He swallows, glancing at Tony. He takes a deep breath and releases audibly.] If I wasn't sure I'd get lost out there, I wouldn't be able to accept this. This is bigger than every place I've ever lived.

[ tony constantly forgets what a privileged life he leads, but as he watches steve react to what to him is just a regular bedroom. he scrubs a hand over his face and forces a smile before looking back over at steve. ]

So... it'll do, then? [ something dark clouds his gaze, but he's making for the door before it can be dwelled on anymore. ] Uhhh, why don't you get settled, freshen up, whatever you wanna do. And you can meet me in the workshop later, and we'll take a look at your suit. J can tell you where anything is you might need.

Yeah... [Steve lets out a soft laugh of disbelief. Tony is making it for the door. He's sharply reminded the man he's with is busy. He can't just hang out why Steve gawks at a bedroom all day. He nods to the suggestion.] I'll shower and come meet you.

[He pauses awkwardly. A beat later, Steve adds this in a soft and sincere voice:] Thank you. For everything.

[ he was actually just trying to avoid being sincere, but it looks like that's not about to happen. ]

I haven't even done anything yet, dummy. [ tony mumbles it before starting to walk away until he's reasonably sure even steve's super eyeballs can't pick up on his vulnerability from down the hall. then he yells back into the room, ] Hey! What kind of pizza do you like b-t-dubs?

[Steve quirks a brow in response. He doesn't know what to even make of this strange, strange man. He calls him a dummy one minute, runs away, and now is offer him pizza? Steve shouts out the obvious.] I'll eat whatever you want.

[Like he'd know decent food if it hit him in the face.]

Anything? No take-backsies. [ he sing-songs while all but sprinting down the stairs. god, he's so awkward. whatever, he wants to look over his schematics again before he shows steve and he's silently grateful they don't have to eat the atrocity that is california pizza, he just panicked back there.

tony changes into his ragged shop clothes in the guest room downstairs that pepper once occupied when she was his assistant, there's still a small dresser in there though now it's mostly been converted to her home office. then it's onto the kitchen to make a fresh pot of coffee and to read through takeout menus so he can try not to be a terrible host and let steve starve while he's working for hours and forgets to check back in. then it's onto the lab where he inevitably does that anyway, thank god jarvis is on top of things.

when steve makes it to the shower is when the virtual butter pipes up, turning on the water before he can panic about how to start it up. it never occurs to him that he might startle a man from the stone ages, but in his defense it's because he isn't an actual human no matter what tony says. ]

Captain, allow me. In roughly 30 seconds, the water should be at 98 degrees Fahrenheit if that sounds acceptable to you. Mr. Stark prefers his shower much hotter, but I tell him all the time it isn't healthy.

And while we're here, there's a fresh pot of coffee in the kitchen when you get out and Mr. Stark has decided on Thai cuisine for dinner. When you're ready, I can recite the menu.

[He very much did startle the man from the stone ages. Steve innocently undresses before the water issue becomes evident. He's standing outside with a cheap bar of soap in one hand while studying the dials. Frankly, it made Steve feel like a complete idiot. Turning on a shower should not be this complicated.... you know. Again.

In about five minutes Steve will be very grateful he doesn't have to put his clothes back on and ask for help. This isn't five minutes from now which is why Steve takes a step back and loudly curses. His hand goes back like he's actually going to toss that soap at an invisible voice. It takes a second for it to click it's actually JARVIS. Steve lowers his hand and sighs loudly. He really is an idiot.

Steve steps in after roughly thirty seconds has passes and hopes the shame passes sooner rather than later.] Thanks, but I think you might be better off just telling me what's good if you can. I don't know anything about Thai food.

[A few seconds pass before Steve adds reluctantly,] This is perfect. [The water, he means. It's definitely not the jump scare JARVIS gave him.]

Though I can't attest personally to the flavor, Mr. Stark prefers the drunken noodle and Ms. Potts prefers the pad see ew. Or if you'd rather have rice, I can suggest some of those dishes. Tell me, would you like chicken, beef, tofu or shrimp? And how spicy from 1 to 5 with 5 being the hottest? I can select for you from there if you'd like.

[ he's quite familiar with that too for when tony doesn't want to make a decision or when pepper is too busy to stop what she's doing. ]

Yes, this is the optimal temperature for most humans. Will there be anything else?

#inbox

wow i'll take that into consideration

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