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[ It's so bad that the kids don't even roll their eyes and scoff at how cute Charles is being with him. That means he must look like shit. Or that Hank feels very guilty. Which makes sense, the guy won't even look Erik in the eyes. ]
Fine. I'll take a scone. Mind getting me some lemon curd? Or can I still do that myself? My powers remain unimpaired.
[ He takes a sip of his tea and reaches for the newspaper, because that's the kind of man he is. Raven, meanwhile, always does the crosswords by the time Erik gets to it. And usually leaves doodles in the margins. Today there's a little frog staring back at him next to an article about overfishing in upstate New York. ]
How was your conference, Charles?
Fine. I'll take a scone. Mind getting me some lemon curd? Or can I still do that myself? My powers remain unimpaired.
[ He takes a sip of his tea and reaches for the newspaper, because that's the kind of man he is. Raven, meanwhile, always does the crosswords by the time Erik gets to it. And usually leaves doodles in the margins. Today there's a little frog staring back at him next to an article about overfishing in upstate New York. ]
How was your conference, Charles?
[The chuckles that spill out of him are just so overly besotted and warm. He tips up, hand sliding along Steve's chest for the moment. Just resting over his heart. Always steadied by the beat there.]
I won't tell if you don't. Can't have people thinking you're a homewrecker.
[Despite and even during their one giant miscommunication and his lapse in judgement, Tony's feelings for Steve have never lessened. Only grown stronger. He'd found solace in Steve, stability, a partner, a home. And he knows that he'll get through this because he still has all that in Steve. Knows he'll never lose that. And he'd never take that away from Steve, either. Not so long as he can help it.
Not so long as the world doesn't require him to go through one more wormhole or snap his fingers again. Which is why the thought of staying in is so appealing. No more worrying about the shadow around the corner. Except perhaps the biggest of the big ones. He can just...
Stay.]
And you're my everything. [His man on the ground, yes, something they'd agreed to maybe more than once, what with Tony's proclivity for wanting to give Steve a suit. Something that definitely lives in the garage anyway despite being told no a million times. But he's so much more than that. Everything is the only word that will fit it all, now.
He settles, cozies in, can't fight the weariness that's settled so deeply in him, especially not now that Steve has more or less given him permission. To drift, not to go. Only a small bit of him is worried if he keeps closing his eyes he might not open them again. But he doesn't voice that. He couldn't. And maybe that's what keeps his brain firing. Allows a small trickle of ice to keep him just on the line of sleep. Because even though he's crossed his arms, even though he's laid his head at Steve's shoulder and is definitely drifting, he says,]
I know- what it is. [Babbling a little. Maybe even just to himself.] How about... Extreme Tactical Remedy, Emergency Medical Intervention Serum. [Yes. Yes it's an acronym. EXTREMIS. He's reclaiming it. So clearly it'll work. And never has there been a time when Tony wasn't ridiculous.]
I won't tell if you don't. Can't have people thinking you're a homewrecker.
[Despite and even during their one giant miscommunication and his lapse in judgement, Tony's feelings for Steve have never lessened. Only grown stronger. He'd found solace in Steve, stability, a partner, a home. And he knows that he'll get through this because he still has all that in Steve. Knows he'll never lose that. And he'd never take that away from Steve, either. Not so long as he can help it.
Not so long as the world doesn't require him to go through one more wormhole or snap his fingers again. Which is why the thought of staying in is so appealing. No more worrying about the shadow around the corner. Except perhaps the biggest of the big ones. He can just...
Stay.]
And you're my everything. [His man on the ground, yes, something they'd agreed to maybe more than once, what with Tony's proclivity for wanting to give Steve a suit. Something that definitely lives in the garage anyway despite being told no a million times. But he's so much more than that. Everything is the only word that will fit it all, now.
He settles, cozies in, can't fight the weariness that's settled so deeply in him, especially not now that Steve has more or less given him permission. To drift, not to go. Only a small bit of him is worried if he keeps closing his eyes he might not open them again. But he doesn't voice that. He couldn't. And maybe that's what keeps his brain firing. Allows a small trickle of ice to keep him just on the line of sleep. Because even though he's crossed his arms, even though he's laid his head at Steve's shoulder and is definitely drifting, he says,]
I know- what it is. [Babbling a little. Maybe even just to himself.] How about... Extreme Tactical Remedy, Emergency Medical Intervention Serum. [Yes. Yes it's an acronym. EXTREMIS. He's reclaiming it. So clearly it'll work. And never has there been a time when Tony wasn't ridiculous.]
( the moment the lab doors open, steve gets an earful of loud ac/dc music blasting from the speakers. tony's still in yesterday's outfit, black track pants and undershirt. he did not make it to that afterparty, not that he had any intention of going anymore after that talk with steve. he's dead asleep at the worktable, cheek resting on a sheet of schematics and diagram papers, one hand still holding onto a wrench with his iron man gauntlet's hand comically resting on his head courtesy of dum-e who starts moving around nervously at steve's sudden appearance. the bot still has a paper hat on with the word 'dunce' on it. )
...No, there were plenty I did commit. Mostly murders, some grand theft. Once I dropped a stadium around politicians to trap them.
[ That was a thing. He's not explaining. But to clarify the other thing: ]
I hunted down the man who killed my mother. He held no remorse. Murdered the men who killed my wife and child.
They call me a monster, and maybe that is true, but I've regretted little.
[ That was a thing. He's not explaining. But to clarify the other thing: ]
I hunted down the man who killed my mother. He held no remorse. Murdered the men who killed my wife and child.
They call me a monster, and maybe that is true, but I've regretted little.
It was great. I met Weismann from the Institute for Molecular Genetics. Apparently, he's been wanting to show me his collection of books from the 1850s for ages now. I must have his missed his letters somehow. Hank, you ought to check our mailbox every once in a while. ( he breaks the scone into two pieces with his hands and spreads the lemon curd on it for erik. )
So, the man's got, hear this, the first edition copy of Darwin's On the Origin of Species by means of Natural Selection. Can you believe it? ( he's so impressed. ) Max has invited me to go over to his house for the weekend over the summer holidays. ( he said yes. like he'd miss an opportunity to check out his library. it's practically dedicated to the study of genetics and biology. ) Of course, I'll bring you along. ( he's learned his lesson about leaving erik to his own devices. )
So, the man's got, hear this, the first edition copy of Darwin's On the Origin of Species by means of Natural Selection. Can you believe it? ( he's so impressed. ) Max has invited me to go over to his house for the weekend over the summer holidays. ( he said yes. like he'd miss an opportunity to check out his library. it's practically dedicated to the study of genetics and biology. ) Of course, I'll bring you along. ( he's learned his lesson about leaving erik to his own devices. )
Edited (;;) 2022-09-21 04:34 (UTC)
[ The backronym is awful, but Steve will let it slide because Tony's clearly tired and brain-addled. He just rubs Tony's flesh arm and allows him to drift off, hoping and praying for him to have a peaceful sleep. The white noise of the cabin helps, and that everything's set up to be a comfort to Tony as they're surrounded by knickknacks of their friends, possibly a stash or two of dried blueberries. ]
I love you, Tony Stark.
[ He whispers this into Tony's hair, when he's fairly certain he's already asleep, but it hardly matters. Tony is his to bestow love on, all he wants, even if he's not awake to hear it.
In the event that things don't work out for them, which Steve is regretting even considering, but has to admit is a distinct nonzero possibility, then he's at least very much sure that Tony will know how many he's touched. He'll know that he's so beloved by the whole world, by his team, but also most of all, by his family. By his husband, who had always planned to love him after death, provided they both live out their natural timespans, but never so soon.
But everything will work out, he thinks. He's not willing to lose him so soon, and he'll do anything within his power, and is pulling on favors for things outside his power, to accomplish this.
As promised, he does wake Tony when they land at the house, Steve choosing to do so by peppering kisses all over his face. ]
Come on. Everyone's here. I'll have to take out the air mattresses.
I love you, Tony Stark.
[ He whispers this into Tony's hair, when he's fairly certain he's already asleep, but it hardly matters. Tony is his to bestow love on, all he wants, even if he's not awake to hear it.
In the event that things don't work out for them, which Steve is regretting even considering, but has to admit is a distinct nonzero possibility, then he's at least very much sure that Tony will know how many he's touched. He'll know that he's so beloved by the whole world, by his team, but also most of all, by his family. By his husband, who had always planned to love him after death, provided they both live out their natural timespans, but never so soon.
But everything will work out, he thinks. He's not willing to lose him so soon, and he'll do anything within his power, and is pulling on favors for things outside his power, to accomplish this.
As promised, he does wake Tony when they land at the house, Steve choosing to do so by peppering kisses all over his face. ]
Come on. Everyone's here. I'll have to take out the air mattresses.
[Wanda listens, and a part of her is relieved. Nothing about the man screams saint, but it would be amiss for him to be horrified at her acts given what he's just shared.]
I regret a lot of what I've done. The people I've killed.
[Intentionally or not.]
But if you hadn't killed the men who killed your daughter, I think I would have offered to do it myself.
[She's decided she likes him that much.]
I regret a lot of what I've done. The people I've killed.
[Intentionally or not.]
But if you hadn't killed the men who killed your daughter, I think I would have offered to do it myself.
[She's decided she likes him that much.]
JARVIS, can you turn the music down a few levels?
[ He walks over to put the plate and mug on the work table, out of shot that Tony might accidentally knock it over, and then goes to remove the dunce cap from Dum-E's head. ]
You really were here all night.
[ And he smells it. He smells of motor oil and machinery. ]
You don't have to eat breakfast. You don't even have to stay awake. But you really can't be asleep like this, it's terrible for your back.
[ He walks over to put the plate and mug on the work table, out of shot that Tony might accidentally knock it over, and then goes to remove the dunce cap from Dum-E's head. ]
You really were here all night.
[ And he smells it. He smells of motor oil and machinery. ]
You don't have to eat breakfast. You don't even have to stay awake. But you really can't be asleep like this, it's terrible for your back.
[ Yeah, that was it, and not because Erik's jealous by nature and Charles is gushing about this dude's big library and cool book. Erik could've gotten him a first-edition copy of Darwin's book. Totally.
He grumbles a bit because it's hard to hide your thoughts from a telepath, and takes a bite of the scone. It's exactly what he needs. Fluffy, warm, lemony. ]
Guess I won't have to bring anything to read.
Who'll watch the others? Raven?
[ Raven's great, but she's not exactly responsible. Charles definitely still treats her like a little kid, so she sometimes still has those tendencies to be a bit immature and childlike at times. ]
He grumbles a bit because it's hard to hide your thoughts from a telepath, and takes a bite of the scone. It's exactly what he needs. Fluffy, warm, lemony. ]
Guess I won't have to bring anything to read.
Who'll watch the others? Raven?
[ Raven's great, but she's not exactly responsible. Charles definitely still treats her like a little kid, so she sometimes still has those tendencies to be a bit immature and childlike at times. ]
Certainly not. ( he doesn't trust raven to look after the house and the kids. ) We'll just have to figure something out later. ( charles busies himself with getting erik a plate of eggs, sausage, bacon and toast. it's not pizza, but it's savory at least. )
Or maybe you lot could just come along with us. Yes? ( that earns him a resounding no from almost everyone at the table and charles lets out a slight shake of his head, although he's looking very much amused. ) There's nothing wrong with spending time in a library full of books. I am disappointed in you, Hank. ( clearly, raven's been a bad influence on him. ) But this is why I adore you, Erik. You read as much as I do. Or, well, almost as much.
I'm going to help you in the shower as soon as we're done with breakfast. ( quick little thing sent to erik in secret as he bites down on his scone. )
Or maybe you lot could just come along with us. Yes? ( that earns him a resounding no from almost everyone at the table and charles lets out a slight shake of his head, although he's looking very much amused. ) There's nothing wrong with spending time in a library full of books. I am disappointed in you, Hank. ( clearly, raven's been a bad influence on him. ) But this is why I adore you, Erik. You read as much as I do. Or, well, almost as much.
I'm going to help you in the shower as soon as we're done with breakfast. ( quick little thing sent to erik in secret as he bites down on his scone. )
[ Erik nearly chokes on his eggs as Charles sends him that thought. Nobody but Raven notices, who definitely shoots Charles an eyeroll.
He also places his hand over Charles'. ]
The others don't want to go to the library, it's all right. Maybe I'll take you to see some of the sights.
[ Now all the kids are rolling their eyes and busy themselves quickly talking about anything else. It seems to have broken the tension quite nicely, since Erik appears to be in better health, so now they all feel like they can talk away again. ]
He also places his hand over Charles'. ]
The others don't want to go to the library, it's all right. Maybe I'll take you to see some of the sights.
[ Now all the kids are rolling their eyes and busy themselves quickly talking about anything else. It seems to have broken the tension quite nicely, since Erik appears to be in better health, so now they all feel like they can talk away again. ]
Maxwell was telling me he owns acres and acres of land so we should be able to enjoy a quiet stroll around the area. ( charles gives raven a look, imploring her to be nice, please. it might not have worked out for her and erik, but it's not like things aren't going well with her and hank. at least, as far as he's aware. it's hard to keep up with raven's ever changing interests in the men in her life. there was a time when she was constantly trying to get him to agree to go out with her which was entirely inappropriate. he's always thought of her as a sister and nothing more. )
What else did you get up to yesterday? ( he turns his attention back to erik. he'd left them for no more than a day and a half. )
What else did you get up to yesterday? ( he turns his attention back to erik. he'd left them for no more than a day and a half. )
[ To say things hadn't gone well with Erik and Raven was an understatement. She'd been in his bed and he'd told her she was too young and had given her what he'd assumed to be a sweet but platonic kiss, meant to infer that she should try to find a nice man her own age. And with a more similar temperament.
But perhaps he exacerbated things between them instead, because now she seems to be slightly upset that Erik has taken up an interest in her brother, which. Okay, fair, but it wasn't like she hadn't been interested in him either. ]
Mostly we played games. But nobody else wants to play chess with me. Just you, darling.
[ Sean cuts in to explain that it's because Erik's too good at chess and it's no fun to play against him. ]
You won't play me in Risk, either.
But perhaps he exacerbated things between them instead, because now she seems to be slightly upset that Erik has taken up an interest in her brother, which. Okay, fair, but it wasn't like she hadn't been interested in him either. ]
Mostly we played games. But nobody else wants to play chess with me. Just you, darling.
[ Sean cuts in to explain that it's because Erik's too good at chess and it's no fun to play against him. ]
You won't play me in Risk, either.
( tony shifts the moment he hears cap's voice and he rubs at his eyes as he sits up. ) What time is it? Pretty sure I only just slept. ( he's probably right about that. he squints at steve, frowning a little as he looks at him. it's not fair how the guy stayed up past his usual bedtime watching all three jurassic park movies and still manages to look like he had enough sleep at this hour of the morning. tony's pretty sure he looks like crap. )
Is this the kind of thing I should be expecting from you if we start dating? You're gonna nag more? Also, you're not allowed to turn down my music. ( he snaps his fingers and shuts it off completely though. tony stands up and lets out a stretch, yawning, and then he reaches for the cup of coffee, grateful that steve had brought that with him. he murmurs a thanks before sipping on it as he heads over to the couch. )
Have you eaten? You can eat that if you want. ( he gestures at the food. ) I probably won't. ( he's already closed his eyes again, deciding to just rest on the couch for a little while. )
Is this the kind of thing I should be expecting from you if we start dating? You're gonna nag more? Also, you're not allowed to turn down my music. ( he snaps his fingers and shuts it off completely though. tony stands up and lets out a stretch, yawning, and then he reaches for the cup of coffee, grateful that steve had brought that with him. he murmurs a thanks before sipping on it as he heads over to the couch. )
Have you eaten? You can eat that if you want. ( he gestures at the food. ) I probably won't. ( he's already closed his eyes again, deciding to just rest on the couch for a little while. )
( charles makes a little noise in agreement when sean says that erik is too good at chess. he's never been able to beat him. not even when he tries to read his mind. despite always losing though, he still enjoys it, because he does so love the challenge. )
What about parcheesi? Or Snakes and Ladders? I'm sure the kids would love that. ( too simple and childish for erik, he supposes. he sees raven giving him another roll of her eyes. ) What? ( he knows what she's going to say before she even says it. that she's not a kid. ) Well, I practically raised you. ( he swallows down the last bit of his scone before drinking some tea. ) You're always going to be a kid to me. My baby sister. ( and there she goes, grabbing hank's hand and leaving the table. ) Oh, come on. Raven. ( he's not making the effort to get up from his seat though, not really wanting to leave erik's side. he's too tired. he doesn't want to get into another stupid argument with her this early in the day. he sighs, rubbing a hand over his face. )
I swear, I don't know what's gotten into her lately.
What about parcheesi? Or Snakes and Ladders? I'm sure the kids would love that. ( too simple and childish for erik, he supposes. he sees raven giving him another roll of her eyes. ) What? ( he knows what she's going to say before she even says it. that she's not a kid. ) Well, I practically raised you. ( he swallows down the last bit of his scone before drinking some tea. ) You're always going to be a kid to me. My baby sister. ( and there she goes, grabbing hank's hand and leaving the table. ) Oh, come on. Raven. ( he's not making the effort to get up from his seat though, not really wanting to leave erik's side. he's too tired. he doesn't want to get into another stupid argument with her this early in the day. he sighs, rubbing a hand over his face. )
I swear, I don't know what's gotten into her lately.
[ Steve looks like he gets lots of adequate sleep because he usually does. He only stays up late every once in awhile, and honestly, marathoning Jurassic Park really hadn't been worth it, but it was an okay experience. ]
I did eat.
[ If Tony's going to pass out on the couch, Steve's going to grab him a blanket. ]
You'd probably get better sleep if it were quiet and there wasn't so much noise.
[ He ignores the bit about him being a nag. They're not even dating, he already is a nag. If Tony decides to take a nap though, Steve won't be rude and he'll come back some other time, mostly to make sure Tony actually does consume something besides coffee. ]
I did eat.
[ If Tony's going to pass out on the couch, Steve's going to grab him a blanket. ]
You'd probably get better sleep if it were quiet and there wasn't so much noise.
[ He ignores the bit about him being a nag. They're not even dating, he already is a nag. If Tony decides to take a nap though, Steve won't be rude and he'll come back some other time, mostly to make sure Tony actually does consume something besides coffee. ]
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