Archive of Our Own

Tony hates Rhodey.
Tony really really hates Rhodey.

One week ago Rhodey begged him to come to the school masquerade because You just have to come Tony, I asked Carol out Tony, what if I mess it up Tony, please be my wingman Tony and stupid, stupid Tony let himself be persuaded which is how he landed here. Hiding in the corner, sipping stale lemonade. Risking the fury of his father who very much has forbidden him from coming here and will very much notice his absence should Tony not make it back by midnight.

God, he should've known better. This is his own fault, really.

He miserably took another sip out of the plastic cup in his hand and counted down the minutes till he could finally leave.

If it was for him, Tony would've disappeared the second Rhodey and Carol got lost on the dance floor but they came with Rhodeys car so that's a no. The cheap mask he bought last minute was a little bit too tight for him and started to cut into his head. Whoever came up with this idea has watched way too many movies. The only upside to the school throwing something as clichee as a masquerade was that at least he was left alone. He really didn't need to interact with Sunset right now or - god help him - Justin Hammer. It didn't do much to hide his identity but it did enough as it seems.

The sports hall was full of people, much to Tonys surprise, because he thought 17 year old kids had better things to do then go to an after school event in the middle of december but apparently that's not the case. Everyone around him looked like they had a lot of fun and Tony wishes he could say the same. He was bored out of his mind and there was only so many times he can listen to Dancing Queen without losing his mind.

But maybe that's also because everyone else came with their big friend groups. Something that Tony doesn't have.

Rhodey however looked like he was having the time of his life, excitedly talking with Carol about whatever and dancing with her to every song.

Looking down at his empty cup, he went for his 5th refill while pulling out his phone. Maybe he could fill the next two hours playing chess with strangers online like he usually does in art class.

"Oh my god I am SO sorry, oh my god I swear I didn't mean to-"

He felt something wet spreading across his suit first before even realizing what just happend. Great.

"It's- It's fine," he sighed, looking up at the blonde who just emptied his lemonade all over Tony. "I should've been looking where I was going." He started to take off his suit jacket, hoping it would stop the drink from spreading even more.

Fucking awesome. Rhodey fucking owes him.

"No no, I walked into you. I'm so sorry. Do you want to have my blazer instead? Or I- I can repay you the suit if you want?"

The voice was definitely familiar but Tony only recognized him after he looked up, right into the other boys face.

Steve Rogers. Great. He didnt just manage to get himself soaked in lemomade for the rest of the night, no, it also just had to be the lemonade from the Shield High beloved golden boy football captain.

He actually had a mask with an American flag design, God help him, that did a very bad job at disgusting him. To be fair, it's not any different than any other mask in this room but you could pick out Steve Rogers from anywhere due to his hair, height and statue alone.

"This is a $2000 Armani suit," he deadpanned with a little amusement in his tone.

And well, he paled more if that was even possible.

"Wow, okay, uh- listen I can't pay you back that much but maybe I could cover cleaning costs? How much would that be-"

Tonys interrupted his rambling, taking pity on the taller boy, "You don't have to pay me anything, it's just lemonade. So you can calm down. Please."

"Sorry-"

"And you also don't need to apologize anymore, Rogers. You're forgiven okay?"

He was hoping that would be the end of it but at the mention of his last name, the panic in his face changed into genuine confusion. "How do you- Do we know each other?"

"I mean, you are our infamous football captain. Who doesn't know you?"

"Yeah I know but- Well I thought my mask-," Steve kept stuttering feeling caught.

"You think that the mask covers all of your recognizable parts? Well I hate to break it to you Captain Tight Pants but next time, try a paper bag," Tony responded with an amused smile. Admittedly Tony doesn't hold a high opinion of Rogers - or of anyone on the football team - however he couldn't help but to find this boy in front of him quite endearing.

The confusion on the blondes face grew.

"Captain Tight Pants?"

"Yeah? You do wear tights on the field right?"

"I mean yeah but- Captain Tight Pants? Do people actually call me that?"

Tony shrugged.

"Don't know. I don't really... Talk to people. Or get involved with people at all for that matter. I don't do well with the people in this school."

"So why are you at a school dance then?", Rogers asked him with a small smile and raised eyebrows, slowly starting to enjoy the conversation after he realized that Tony really wasn't upset over the spilled drink.

"Well now that's a long story but the short version is that my best friend is a backstabber."

While talking Tony glanced at Carol and Rhodey again to see that nothing changed. Still smiling. Still dancing. Still not acknowledging Tonys presence at all.

"Oh you also have one of those? Because mine also dragged me here and then left me alone with a girl that was coincidentally waiting right by the entrance in a matching dress. He's been trying to set me up for months with different people, I have no idea how I didn't see this coming."

"Your best friend is not trusting you to find your own date? Doesn't like the whole school have a crush on you or something?"

And if Tony didn't find him endearing before then he definitely would've now as his face suddenly turned all red. He actually made Steve Rogers blush.

"It's not that. I just want to focus on school and on football right now, so I'm not interested in dating anyone really. Just Bucky doesn't seem to get the memo."

Ah yes. Bucky. Tony shares a Physics and History class with him and he never fails to annoy him. He really should be more greatful for the football team because rumor has it that Bucky would've almost joined the robotics club and that really would've been his last straw.

"So why don't you just tell the girl to bug off?"

"Uh maybe because that's very rude? Did you consider that?"

"How? It's not like you were the one that told her you're her date for the night."

"Maybe not but she was expecting it nonetheless. I can't just let her down now."

"Wow, you really are Americas Golden Boy, huh?"

"I was just raised with proper manners. Guess not all of us can say the same," Rogers responded in a teasing tone.

Tony admitted to himself that he was actually enjoying Rogers company right now. He silently got lost in his blue eyes before Tony realized he entered the awkward territory and broke off eye contact.
"Well then... maybe you should go back to your date?"

At that Rogers eyes started to dim. Seems like he has also been enjoying Tonys company but he didn't wanted to read too much into it.

"Or...," Rogers glances back, probably looking for his date, "do you wanna make a run for it?" He turns to look at Tony again, a grin spreading over his face.

"I'm sorry, didn't you just tell me you were raised with proper manners?" Tony asks him laughingly.

Instead of responding, Steve just shrugged with his shoulders and before Tony could react, Steve took him by his wrist and quickly dragged him outside into the cold winter air.

"What are you doing?" he asked Steve, wrapping his arms around himself.

"Rescuing you. Didn't look like you were having fun in there."

"Nobody has fun at school dances. There is no fun at school dances."

"See? I'm rescuing you. Are you coming or what?" he responded cheekily and started to head to the direction of the football field, looking back at Tony to make sure he would follow.

What the hell, why not, he thought to himself and started to hurry after the quarterback.

"So... You wanna tell me who you are then?"
They sat down on the bleachers, both freezing a bit but not enough to wanna go back inside.

"Nah, I think I'll pass. Where would be the fun?"

"I thought there's no fun at school dances?"

"Using my own words against me? That's low, Rogers."

"Why are you allowed to know who I am but I'm not allowed to know who you are? Doesn't seem fair to me."

"Life's not fair Rogers. And I simply figured out who you are all on my own, nothing is stopping you from doing the same."

"But what if I don't even know you!", he argued.

"Oh I promise you, you do," Tony responded, hoping that Rogers doesnt notice his saddening smile.

Just like everyone knew Steve Rogers, the kind, handsome and rightous quarterback, everyone knew Tony Stark, the spoilt, egocentric and narcisstic rich kid. He prefers to keep to himself and only has 3 friends but unfortunately his name carries enough weight to start conversations all on its own.

He never exchanged a single word with anyone on the Football Team - except for Tiberius Stone but he tries to erase that out of his mind  - but the way they whisper behind his back and their snarky little laughs. It doesn't take a genius to know he is not their favorite person.

And while he never cared about that before, the reminder of it now sent a wave of sadness through him. Steve Rogers would never sit outside in the middle of december talking to Tony Stark. And of course Tony Stark apparently likes talking to Steve Rogers.

Silence fell over the two boys and just then Tony noticed how Steve started to fidget. Why would the number one school star be nervous? 

"Okay then how about I ask you questions about yourself until I guess who you are?" Steve suggested, not having noticed Tonys sudden and short-lived sadness.

"And what do I get out of that exactly?" Tony grinned again, pushing his regretful feelings away.

"You can also ask me questions about me back," Steve replied immediately.

The brunette couldn't help but snort.

"Are you really suggesting a game of 20 questions? How old are you? Twelve?"

"I'm 17. That was your first question by the way so it's my turn now. What's your name?"

"Booo Rogers. You wish. I'm not gonna make it that easy for you."

Steve faked an annoyed sigh with a grin still present on his face.

"Okay then... What can I call you then?"

He hesitated but then settled for an answer.

"Uhhh Gregory. You can call me Gregory."

Gregory? Really? The only thing he could come up with was his dead grandfather?

"Gregory it is. Is it a nick name of yours?"

"Something like that," he said while scratching his neck embarrassedly.

"What is your favorite pie flavor?" Tony asked, quickly wanting to change the topic and letting himself get into the game.

"My moms apple pie. It's my favorite food. It's heaven on earth, believe me. I would choose it as mh last meal, that's how good it is."

Steve grinned down at the smaller boy who rolled with his eyes.

"You're taking this all-american thing way to seriously."

"No judging! Whats your favourite color?"

"Really? That's your question? It's like the most basic question ever."

"Are you the 20 questions police now?"

Fair Tony thought but kept it to himself.

"Red. Favorite movie? And I swear if you say Citizen Kane right now-"

"I love the Lord if the Rings series. But now that you mention it... what's wrong with Citizen Kane?" Steve cut Tony off.

"Everything is wrong with Citizen Kane. It's basic and old. It doesn't even have color! How can anyone watch that."

"It's called a classic! It has stood the test of time, how is that basic?!"

"They release several hundret movies every year and you are telling me your favorite is one from 1941? Why are we even trying to innovate."

"You don't really understand the concept of a classic, do you? Please go ahead, share your opinion about Picasso with me. Or better yet, what is your favorite book?"

"My favorite book? The only book I remember reading is Pride and Prejudice."

Steve halted and looked at Tony unbelievingly.

"I have so many questions. You only read one book? And why Pride and Prejudice out of all of them?"

"I don't know about you but it's the 21st century. Nobody reads books anymore, Philo Farnsworth invented something called a television. And I only read that book because I lost a bet," Tony answered while thinking back to Pepper and her smug grin as she handed him said book after the plant she gifted him died, having survived only 2 weeks. He knows better than to bet against Pepper now.

"Wow. I really don't know what to say about that. Wow. I'm actually speechless."

"Yeah, I tend to have that effect on people," Tony said and winked at him what made the other boy blush again.

"Favorite Subject?", Tony continued, not caring that he is actively helping Steve figuring out his identity.

"Art. Yours?"

"You can't reuse my question!"

"I don't remember us making rules."

Tony rolled his eyes while Steve kept grinning at him.

"Math I guess. It would be Physics if it wasn't for Mr. Pym." God how Tony hated Mr. Pym. And it was definetly mutual, Tony could tell that much and he's pretty sure that his dad has something to do with it what makes the whole situation even worse.

"What? I always liked Mr. Pym! And Bucky always loves his lessons, he always says Mr. Pym is a bit of a show-off but he knows what he's doing. And apparently he regularly fights with Tony Stark, how can you not love that guy?" Steve laughs, oblivious to Tony flinching next to him at the mention of his name.

"You like teachers fighting their own students in front of everyone else? Doesn't seem very rightous of you," Tony tried to sound teasing while ignoring the pain in his chest. He never expected to actually be present when the football team talked badly about him behind his back again but apparently a mask will make absolutely anything possible.

Steve shrugged.

"I mean usually not, but it's Tony Stark you know? He thinks he's better than everyone else in the school just because his daddy got rich from building weapons out of all things. I don't like that kind of people and I'm glad that teachers like Mr. Pym aren't scared to put him in his place."

I dont like that kind of people.

Wow. Tony had to admit, that hit him. 

He thinks he's better than everyone else.

Because Tony had a hard time making friends? Sue him for growing up in toxic circles that wouldn't know friendship if it hit them in the face.

In that moment he really wanted to get in the car and drive home. Leaving Steve behind and just fall into his bed and cry.

For a moment there, he wanted to get defensive. He wanted to yell at Steve, tell him it is unfait to judge him when they haven't even talked once, tell him at he shouldn't act so high and mighty as if Tony should be held responsible for his dads business. That Mr. Pym is certainly not putting anyone in his place, he's just purposefully trying to embarass Tony due to some weird family feud that he had no part in.

But he couldn't. He really liked Steve and he doesn't know who he actually is right now. He could just pretend for a moment that Steve didn't hate him and everything he stands for. So he stayed.

"Yeah I guess you're right," is what he said instead. He started to notice the cold more and more and as he glances over he caught Steve shivering just like him.

"Are you cold? Should we go back inside?" Tony suggested, really not in the mood to play anymore.

Steve stayed silent for a few seconds, hesitating for a short while before he jumped up, grinning down at Tony again.

"Or we could try to keep warm. May I have this dance?"

Tony blinked up at him, processing what he just heard. A dance?

"Yes, a dance! Come on," Steve urged. Tired of waiting, he pulled Tony up to his feet by the hand and wrapped his arms around his waist. Tony put his arms sround his neck more as a reflex, still perplexed.

Steve started lightly swaying with Tony in his arms, not at all to the beat of the music that you could still faintly hear in the background.

"How many times have you actually danced at these events?" Tony whispered. He didnt want to break the sudden intimacy, however he couldn't stop himself from pointing out Steves utter lack of rhythmic feeling.

"That bad?" Steve replied, completly shameless without haltering in his movements.

Tony let out a small giggle and let Steve continue leading him nonetheless.

Having him so close indeed warmed him up and as he layed his head on Steves shoulder he swore he could make out his heartbeat. The closeness overwhelmed him but he tried to calm himself down, fearing Steve might stop if he let it show.

"Just don't step on my feet please. You already ruined my suit."

"No promises."

For a second it was just that, them dancing all alone on the bleachers, beneath the december night sky.

"So can I ask you... what did you mean when you said you don't really do well with the people in this school?" Steve broke the silence.

"I just... I feel often very misunderstood, you know? I feel like everyone has already made up their mind about me and I don't know what I can do about it. I don't think a lot of people understand my humor or my intentions and it's very frustrating. It's like swimming against the current, I feel powerless. I did try in the first year to connect and to make friends but I was made clear that I'm not wanted... so I just try to stay out of everyone's way now."

Tony did not know what possessed him to say all of that out loud to Steve Rogers out of all people. Maybe it was because it was dark or because the other boy didn't know his identity or because he had the footballers arms wrapped around him but he truly felt safe. In this moment, he just knew he could voice his thoughts and Steve would listen.

"I get it, I think. It might not look like it but it's sometimes very weird to me that people I don't know seem to know me. There are people I never met before greeting me and congratulating me on winning a game. I'm obviously no celebrity but still, I don't always feel comfortable with it. But I am glad to say I have the best friends in the world, who always make everything better. Don't you?"

"I mean I have my 3 best friends and they really are the absolute best so I really lucked out in that department. But they also have their own life and I don't want to be their clingy loser friend you know? One friend is always just super busy and the other one has a crush on a girl that he wants to impress now. I don't wanna drag them down with me just because I feel lonely sometimes."

"If they are really your friends, they will never think of you as a clingy loser okay? They are your friends, they love you. But if it helps, the next time you feel lonely? You can also come to me," Steve said in a genuine tone, his eyes telling him that he means every word.

Tony ducked his head, trying to hide the blush spreading over his face.

"You don't even know who I am."

"I might not know your name but I know everything important about you."

"Like my favorite color?" Tony joked, not being used to this much sincerity.

"Like your soul."

Tony didn't know what to say about that, and just placed his head on Steves shoulder again, trying to calm down his heart. Steve, content with the end of the conversation, started to hum along the music.

"So... is your favorite artist Johnny Cash then?" Tony asked after he willed his heart into human speed again. He enjoyed the silence between them but what he wanted was to keep talking to the blonde.

"I will step on your shoes if you don't stop." 

The conversation between them flowed easy. Tony wasn't actually sure how much time has passed but he couldn't bring himself to care. In fact, he couldn't recall the last time he was this carefree. He discovered pretty fast that he could spend all his time talking to Steve. He was very funny and honest-to-god charming if he wanted to be, much to Tonys surprise. And for a great change, he seems to actually find Tony just as funny.

Steves laugh was so real and so mesmerising, Tony quickly decided it was one of his favorite sounds. And being the one to make Steve laugh? It awakend a feeling of unimaginable joy in him.

He was just as considerate, caring and thoughtful as the whole school said he was and Tony felt guilty for ever thinking otherwise.

What makes it even more painful to think that if Steve knew he was dancing with Tony Stark, he would've never shown that side of him.

He is itching to take off his mask, to show Steve who he really is but he doesn't think he could deal with Steve reacting upset or maybe even disgusted, so he took the cowards way out. He just wanted to have this one night to keep for himself, after that Steve can go back to hating and judging him again.

It's selfish, he knows that. So maybe the school is right about him too, Tony thought.

"You're shivering again," Steve pointed out. Tony only hummed in response.

"You know you could put your blazer on that you have been carrying around with you the whole entire time," Steve suggested, glancing down at him.

"That's a suit jacket you uncultured idiot," Tony deadpanned.

"I'm sorry?"

"It's a suit jacket, not a blazer. Blazers have a looser fit than suit jackets and they're also much less structured than a suit jacket, especially around the shoulders," Tony explained while looking Steve in the eyes, amusement clearly written into them.

"Oh I'm sorry, some of us just have to live with whatever their grandparents passed down."

Much to Tonys regret, he let go of Steve to get his jacket. He didn't even realize he was shivering but it really has gotten much colder since they fled the gymnasium together.

"Can we see each other again? After today?" Steve suddenly asked, trying not to show how hopeful he was.

Tony who was reaching for his jacket stopped in his movement.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean you are great. And funny. And I would very much like to spend more time with you. Regularly."

Trust me, you don't.

"What- what about you focusing on school and football and all that?" Tony pointed out, trying not to show his panic.

"Well," Steve stepped closer to him, "can't a guy change his mind?"

"You still don't even know my name!" Tony tried to argue, just now noticing how close their faces were.

"But I want to," Steve whispered.

No you really don't.

Tony felt his heart trying to jump out of his chest. It would be so easy to lean over and kiss him right on his red and soft-

"Steve I-," and before Tony could come up with a good excuse to dismiss his idea, he heard his phone vibrating in his coat pocket. Steve jerked away and Tony turned away, quickly grabbing his jacket from where it was laying on the seat.

He reached over to fish his phone out of his pocket and thanked every God out there for the perfectly timed distraction.

Spoke too soon.

Rhodeys 3 missed calls and 27 unread messages were the first to catch his eye before he suddenly was panicking for a whole other reason.

The clock just hit 12am. He was so dead.

"Steve I'm sorry but I have to leave," Tony hurried before he started to run towards the parking lot.

He was supposed to be home 30 minutes ago. Damn you Steve Rogers and your distracting blue eyes.

He could hear Steve calling after him, but his mind was now somewhere completely else.

It was time to face reality. And reality is his dad who would murder him for wasting his free time at a school dance.

Luckily he immediately spotted Rhodey's car with him already inside who looks like he has been impatiently waiting for Tony for quite some time.

"Where the hell were you man?? I was looking everywhere for you! I thought you had to be home by midnight!" Rhodey yelled at him as soon as he saw Tony approaching.

"Yeah yeah I know I'm sorry! I lost track of time, can you please just drive already!" Tony explained while he jumped right in the passenger seat.

Rhodey, being the best friend that he is, got the memo right away and started to speed towards Stark mansion.

"So... how was your evening? I'm sorry for leaving you there alone, I know I asked you to come but then I was so distracted by Carol...," Rhodey began, looking at least a little bit apologetic.

"No no it was fine... good actually. Yeah I had a good time. It was interesting," Tony reassured his best friend, thinking back to the quarterback who he probably has talked to for the first and last time.

Was ist possible to feel happy and sad at the same time? Because Tony couldn't describe it any other way.

"Interesting, right. Is that why you're missing your suit jacket?" Rhodey glanced over at him looking unimpressed.

Tony looked down at himself and realized that Rhodey was right. He must've accidentally dropped the jacket when he sprinted to the car like a crazy person.

He groaned and hit the back of the head against his seat. This was the last thing he needed. He just hoped Howard wouldn't notice.

-----------

"Are you seriously suggesting that we should throw a whole new school dance within the next week just so you can see which guy attends without a suit jacket?" Natasha asked him unimpressed while looking him straight in the face, sitting across from him at the lunch table.

"Well...."

Now that Natasha said it out loud, she might have a point.

"You know he could just decide to not show up at all?" Natasha kept argumenting.

"We could make it mandatory! Headmaster Fury loves me, I'm sure I could convince him-," before he could finish that sentence Bucky hit him over the head, making him almost collide with his sandwich. He glared at him and was about to hit him right back but Natasha continued.

"And I'm sure a guy who can afford to spend $2000 on a suit can surely afford to spend $2000 on another suit."

Steve sighted and let his head drop on the table.

They were right. Of course his friends were right.

It's just he couldn't forget him. It was now Monday, so 2 days after the masquerade, and he spent the entire weekend telling his friends all about the mysterious guy.

He never felt this way before. The second he locked eyes with the brunette, he was gone and with no going back.

He couldn't remember ever connecting with someone like this.

God, he really should've been more insistant on getting his name or his number or anything. But he was enjoying himself so much and who would've expected for Mystery Guy to literally run off at midnight. Steve certainly didn't.

"Buck, you both have Mr. Pym as Physics teacher. Can you ask around?" Steve turned his head right to look up at his friend.

"You want me to find your mysterious lover when all you can give me is that he has brown hair and brown eyes? Man that's like half of our school. And Mr. Pym is teaching several different Physics classes," Bucky replied while took another bite of his lunch.

"You know this wouldn't have happened if you just spent your evening with Rachel. This is on you," Bucky continued, clearly making fun of him.

Steve glared at him.

"Actually this wouldn't have happened if you didn't drag me to that stupid dance to begin with! You owe me," he shot back immediately, mood now dampened as he realized finding this boy is gonna be much more complicated than he initially thought.

"I mean you still have his jacket right? So maybe ask Janet if she knows who it might belong to. Not everyone would spend that much money on a suit and anyone who does, Janet should know," Natasha suggested. Steve let that idea run though his mind and it wasn't half bad, he thought.

Sure it was a long shot but he would take anything at this point.

The bell rang, indicating that lunch break was over. He packed up his stuff and started to move towards his next class, his mind occupied with drawing up a new plan. Steve did have class with Janet the next day but he really didn't wanna wait so long. Problem is she's a very social person, that means she usually is everywhere with everyone at the same time which always makes her hard to track down.

As he got out his things for English Literature class, his eyes fell on the infamous jacket that he packed in the morning just in case.

He hoped that "Gregory" would maybe just come up to him and ask him for it back but since he was being so secretive about his identity, he knew there was no chance of that happening.

He already looked through the pockets to maybe find an ID or something - just to give the jacket back to its rightful owner of course - but came up empty handed. He really needed to talk to Janet today.

English Lit class with Mr. Coulson was usually one of his favorites but today he couldn't stop his thoughts from wandering off. It's completely comical to have a guy who's name he doesn't even know occupy every corner of his mind but he couldn't help it.

He typically doesnt do dates, no matter how hard Bucky tries to make that happen, and it has been a while since he was genuienly interested in someone if he ever really was.

His last relationship with Sharon lastet for about 4 months until they both agreed they worked better as friends and since then he decided for himself the hussle of dating just wasn't worth it for now.

Yet somehow "Gregory" made him forget all about that. He doesn't know what it was that night but all his inhibitions dropped and before his brain caught up with what was happening, he could only think about kissing the brunette right then and there. He just had to at least try and find him, just know if that feeling that night was mutual or not.

After what felt like lifetimes, the last class of the day finally ended. Mr. Coulson probably noticed his lack of focus today but Mr. Coulson always liked Steve and usually gives him the benefit of the doubt which he was really grateful for.

On his way to the changing room to finish his day with football practice he spotted her: the short brunette girl in a black and yellow leather jacket who he desperately needed to talk to. And who just disappeared behind the corner. Steve only hesitated for a second before he took off to follow her.

He might be bit late for practice but screw it, he just couldn't wait until the next day.

"Janet! Hey! Wait up," he called after the girl who apparently was half deaf because she just kept on walking. She eventually turned around, a smile breaking out on her face as she laid her eyes on Steve.

"Steve! Hey, what's up?" She walked towards him, her attitude as welcoming as ever. He doesn't talk to her that much but he does consider them friends. Then again there isn't really a person on this school that is not her friend which is exactly why he needed specifically her help.

Right as Steve opened his mouth, he was suddenly at a loss for words. How could he possibly explain this without sounding insane?

Two days ago I met a mysterious guy at the masquerade and this jacket is all that I have left of him, please help me hunt him down.

Janet looked at him patiently, smile on her face not wavering.

"So uhm you know last Friday at the masquerade? I was talking to a guy and um-," Steve started nerviously. Janet would be the last person to judge him for this, right?

He took a deep breath and tried to find the words.

"Anyways uh long story short he dropped his suit jacket and since he never told me his name I can't really give it back to him... could you maybe help me with that?" That didn't sound too weird, did it? "Only to give it back of course!" he quickly added, feeling his cheeks heating up a bit.

Oh God, why does he have to be so bad at this?

"Right, only to give it back," Janez repeated, her widening grin telling him that she saw right past his lie. "Well what kind of a suit was it?"

"Uhhh," he opened his bag to pull it out for her to see, "I think Armani?"

"I see, your guy definitely has some fine and expensive taste. But it is basic enough that it still could be about everyone. Did you take a closer look at it? Sometimes people personalize their suits, especially when they're on the pricier side," she kindly suggested, not an ounce of judgement in her voice.

She opened the suit with one hand to take a look at the lining and right there it was in golden embroidery.

A.E.S.

How did he not notice that?

He turned his head towards Janet again to thank her but instead noticed a look of recognition in her eyes.

"Do you know this person?" Steve followed up. Like a deer caught in headlights she looked up at him but quickly relaxed her face into an apologetic smile with a different underlining expression he couldn't really make out.

"No idea, sorry Steve. And actually I really have to head off now but good luck finding your guy!" Without Steve being able to express as much as a goodbye, she hurried off and quickly pulled out her phone to text someone.

He considered running after her, since she evidently knew something, but decided against it. He didn't want to bother her even more and she actually was a big help already. He didnt even consider checking the jacket for clues to the owners identity.

Content he headed off for football practice. He definetly was late but even as Coach Hill reprimanded him, he didnt regret it one bit.

------------

"Do you have Physics class with anyone that has the initials A.E.S.?" he immediatley bombarded Bucky in the changing room after they finished practice. 

Bucky next to him startled.

"What the heck are you talking about?"

"Do you have anyone in your Physics class that has the initials A.E.S.?" Steve repeated, staring expectantly at Bucky.

"Uhh... not that I know of?" he replied, being just as confused as a few seconds ago until it suddenly dawned on him, "is this about the mysterious guy again?"

"Well can you find out if anyone in your Physics class has the initials A.E.S.?" Steve asked him, ignoring Buckys teasing question. He loves the man like a brother but he really does not have the patience for his trolling right now.

"You know, I tried to set you up with a nice girl who was geniuenly interested in you and what do you do? You go and fall head over heals with some guy who's name and face you don't even know. What exactly is wrong with you Steve?" Bucky asked while looking up at Steve from the bench that he sat on.

Steve just kept staring at him impatiently without saying a word until Bucky eventually sighted and gave in, "I'll see what I can do."

Delighted Steve shot him a quick smile and turned around to get changed as well. The only thought that he had as he was walking home was that maybe this could all work out.

------------

The next day he started being less grumpy than the previous day. Bucky didn't have Physics until tomorrow so unfortunately he had to be patient for two more days but he had faith.

"Steve!" He turned around as he was about to exit the classroom and spotted Janet walking up to him.

"Hey Janet", he smiled down at her, "what do you need?"

"Not much. I just wanted to ask if I could maybe join you and your friends for lunch later?"

"Uh sure. Any reason why?"

"I would like to ask you guys some questions if that's fine with you all. I want to do an article on our undefeated Avengers. Could you meet me in the Media center after school?"

"Don't you usually write about fashion and upcoming trends?"

"Yes, but Ms. Friday asked me to broaden my horizons or something and with the upcoming games I thought what could be better!" she perfectly explained further.

"Okay, I'm sure nobody will mind. See you later then?", Steve agreed.

"Thank you so much Steve, I owe you," she beamed and disappeared through the doorway, running up to a group of girls and headed towards the next class with them.

It was a bit odd, Steve thought to himself, he didn't take Janet as a big sports fan. But as far as he knows her, she's always up for anything and loves to be unpredictable so it wasn't out of character either.

So as he already saw Janet sitting there besides Sharon on their usual lunch table, he didn't second guess it and joined them and their conversation about a new movie that he hadn't heard about. For someone who told him she wanted to write an article about their football team, she asked a suspiciously low amount of questions but who was Steve to question her? 

Just like he assumed, nobody had a problem with Janet joining them for lunch, she was always fun to talk to and everybody thought so. She kept glancing to the door of the cafeteria every few seconds or so as if she was expecting someone but he didn't call her out on it. One of these times her eyes started to brighten and started to wave to someone to come over.

Curious he turned around to see who she had been expecting the entire time and spotted Tony Stark amid the crowd, holding two cups of coffee, staring at Janet with wide eyes filled with panic as if he was shellshocked. 

Only as he realized that Steve and his other friends were looking at him, he started to slowly move towards their table.  Steve turned his attention back to Janet who looked at Tony with a wide, almost scheming, grin on her face. 

"Anthony, darling! Is that my coffee?"

Wordlessly he placed on cup in front of her and was just about to turn around and bolt, if not for Janet ruining his plan. 

"Thank you, you're such a dear. Guys, this is Tony!", she introduced them as if all of them didn't already know who exactly Stark was. 

The brunette looked super uncomfortble and tense which confused Steve. The whole school knew that Janet and Stark were close friends so what could possibly make him so tense that he looked like he wanted to jump out of a window?

Nevertheless they all awkwardly greeted him, not wanting to be rude and not really understanding what was going on and Stark gave them a forced smile and a small wave, his eyes looking straight at the floor.

The confusion inside Steve turned into sudden annoyance. Is Stark truly that conceited to not even talk to them now? Who does he think he is? Does he think Steve wants to talk to him anymore than Stark does? God how a girl like Janet could ever be friends with a prick like that, he would never understand. However he did try to surpress it, not wanting to make the situation weirder than it already was. 

"Anthony my darling, do you wanna sit down with us? Maybe talked a little bit about your day? I heard you lost something the other day at the bleachers,  maybe someone has seen you black su-" Janet teased her friend and earned herself a hit from the bous elbow. The brunette shot a quick glare at Janet and stromed out of the cafeteria, Janet just as gleeful as she was as he entered.

"Sorry guys, I should talk to him. But we should definitley do this again! Bye!"

And just like that the girl started to run after him. What an odd friendship.

"Is it just me or was that super weird?", Sam voiced what everyone else was thinking. Weird, indeed.

As he was walking home he couldn't stop thinking about his interaction with the infamous Stark heir.

Honestly, he never spoke to the guy before but he heard the stories from Bucky who said he is too arrogant to be associated with the other students and from Tiberius Stone who always went off about how vain he was, thinking he is smarter than everyone just because his dad is a big name in the weapons industry.

And if Tiberius Stone out of all people is saying that, then that means something. 

He hated people like him. People who put themselves above others just because they have more money and view themselves as more important.

He normally prides himself in not judging people before he got to know them but Stark was his exceptionto the rule. Even though his mom and him are not struggling as much as they used to, he remembers a different time where they lived from paycheck to paycheck, spending their weekends cutting out coupons and going to bed always scared they might not be able to cover the next rent and lose their only home.

He wouldn't trade his life with anyone in the world and his mom did her best trying to protect him from the extend of their money problems, however seeing Stark acting so high and mighty when he never had to struggle once in his lifetime enraged Steve deeply.

Janet, T'Challa and Thor all came from good families and yet they have never made him feel lesser for who he was, while Tony Stark can't even say a simple hello to him. 

At 10pm, right before he went to sleep, he promised himself that he would never allow Tony Stark to enter his life in any capacity. 

-------

Tony entered the school on Wednesday in an already bad mood. He was still very upset with what Janet tried to pull yesterday. God he made such a fool out of himself, he could tell by how Steve looked at him.

But what was he supposed to do? He was very sure he would've recognized his voice and Tony was not about to let that happen under any circumstances. 

He was still reeling at the fact that Steve actually has his jacket and is apparently out there looking for him, even asking people for help.

Ever since Janet texted him on Monday, asking him why Steve Rogers was in possession of his jacket  and  was now looking for him like a lovestruck fool, he wanted to do nothing more but turn back time and stop himself from ever going to that dance. 

He made her promise to not tell Steve anything and thought that would be enough to keep her out of this but he has known Janet since they were both kids so he really should've known better.

Oh he wanted to strangle her.

She thought this whole thing was terribly romantic and had already pictured them riding off into the sunset together while ignoring the one huge problem  - Steve Rogers loathed Tony Stark. And he hoped that if she didn't knew it before, that she did now after that lunch debacle. 

He never thought he would ever say this but he really should've just listened to his dad and stayed home. At least he didn't find out about his secret night out, otherwise he would have much worse problems to deal with.

Rhodey managed to drop him off at his house at 12:17am, which was very much a new record, but as he arrived Jarvis informed him that after his flight landed his dad prefered to head of to a bar to get wasted instead of coming home. His drinking truly was a blessing in disguise sometimes.

As he entered the classroom for his first lesson, he found his usual seat next to Aldrich Killian already occupied by no one other than Barnes. This better not have anything to do wtih Steve or else he might actually lose it.

Annoyed he just sat down on Barnes usual spot next to Bruce Banner, hoping that Mr. Pym would at least leave him alone today.

Don't get him wrong, he much preferred Banners presence over Killians any day of the week, he has spoken with the quiet boy a few times in the past and he seems to be just as interested in Physics as Tony was, however he mostly preferred to sit in the last row where he can just sit out the lessons instead of the front row where Banner liked to sit.

"As we already discussed last week, today will be the start of you conducting your own experiments on the topic of magnetism. You shall work in pairs and I will give each pair a more specific subject matter of what do test.

This week, read the material that I'm gonna hand out and try to come up with an experiment on your own of how to answer your given research question. If you're having a hard time then you can come to me in the next lesson in the next week and I will do my best to help you out. Everything clear?", Mr. Pym explained.

The class nodded in unison and everyone started to turn to their neighbor to get working. Realizing this meant he got to work with Bruce Banner for the next few weeks actually got him excited, maybe the universe is trying to give him a break.

"Oh and I forgot to mention, I know at the beginning of the year I said that your neighboring student will be your partner for projects, I took the liberty of pairing you up myself this time to switch things up. After all, science is kept alive by constant communication between scientists." And that's how he ended up with James fucking Barnes as physics partner.

If the universe was trying to give him a break, then it didn't see Mr. Hank Pym coming. 

Unethusiastic Barnes sat down next to him, looking just as happy about his new partner as Tony was. Luckily they didn't have to talk much during the rest of the lessons, both agreeing to just read through the material they have been given.

Of course Tony really didn't need to read through the material at all, since he was already familiar with the topic, but if he had to pretend that he wasn't just to avoid having a conversation with his new partner then he would. 

As the bell rang to indicate that it was finally lunch break, they exchanged numbers and he slendered towards Pepper and Rhodey, who were both already sitting at their lunch table. 

"Hey Tony, how was your day?" Pepper asked him as he sat down and instead of giving her an answer he just groaned. He was ready for school to be finally over so he could flee the country and get far away from Steve and his merry men. 

"Any news from Lover boy?" Rhodey asked and wiggled with his eyebrows, earning a hit from Pepper with her elbow. They both thought that this whole situation was absolutely hilarious but Pepper at least still has the decency to give him pitiful looks and to tell him it will all be fine.

If he only could have 3 friends, why couldn't it be friends that didnt find amusement in Tonys pain?

"Ha ha", Tony deadpanned, "apparently his bestie is now my new physics partner. Things couldn't be better. I think someone has it out for me and all of my money is on Pym. And Janet. She probably had something to do with this."

"What, Barnes?"

"Got that right."

Rhodey rolled his eyes at Tony, letting him know that he thought Tony was massively overreacting, "Just talk to the guy man. You said he was nice the whole evening, what's the worst that can happen?"

"Yes he was nice because he didn't know he was talking to Tony Stark okay? He made it very clear that he wants nothing to do with Tony Stark and I have to respect that," Tony said annoyed.

Both his friends opened their mouth to respond but before they could get a word out Tony intervened, "can we drop it please? I don't wanna talk about this right now."

Pepper and Rhodey looked at each other with a worried look in their eyes but respected his wish, they could tell that Tony was starting to get worked up. 

"So how are things between you and Carol?" he asked Rhodey, gladly changing the topic.

"She's great and all but we both thought we work better as friends."

"What? But you guys are hanging out all the time now!"

"Yes we are. And we still will. As friends. There's no loss on either side, trust me okay?"

Tony nodded, but he was a little bit disappointed. He talked to her a few times, he thought she was very nice and looked forward to her maybe becoming a part of their little friendgroup. He just hoped now that Rhodey meant it when he said they would remain friends. 

The rest of the day went by without any other incident, which he really appreciated after that shitty beginning. He greeted Jarvis as he got home and immediately headed for his bedroom, as he checked his phone, he found a message from Barnes, suggesting to meet the next day after school to get started on their experiment. 

One upside to their mututal dislike was, that Barnes was just as much in a hurry to finish this project as he was.

So when he arrived the next day at Study Hall, he was not surprised to see Barnes arriving at 3pm sharp.

They sat down together, the silence being the opposite of comfortable and both boys being awkward and unsure.

"So... shall we get started?"

"Listen Barnes... I know you don't wanna do this any more than I do so if you want I can just do this by myself and then put your name on it. I guarantee you an A+ so don't worry about that," he genuienly suggested, addressing the uncomfortable atmosphere in the air.

"What, are you implying I'm too stupid to do this?!", he replied, sounding suddenly very angry.

"What?? No of course not, I'm trying to do us both a favor-", he defended himself, very irritated now.

What is it with people always assuming the worst of him? Barnes did in fact not want to be here, that much is obvious, is he actually trying to deny that? Before he could finish, Bucky rolled his eyes and interrupted him, "Let's just get this over with, okay?"

Tony just nodded, not wanting to aggrevate the boy even more. So they both started to get their shit together and worked out an experimental design, Barnes actually having quite good ideas showing that he did take this project seriously. If they both just kept going like this, this might actually not be as bad as he assumed, he thought to himself. 

"Can you give me your E-Mail address? So I can share this document with you," Barnes asked him, already getting worked on the protocoll they're supposed to fill out.

"[email protected]," he spelled, hoping this meant they can just do the rest of their group work per E-Mail from now on.  

The boy next to him suddenly stilled.

"Anthony E. Stark?" he repeated as if he couldn't believe he actually heard it right. What was his problem now? 

Barnes just kept staring at his screen, his brain seeming to process something and Tony didn't know what to do. He coulnd't figure the other boy out for the life of him, did he do something to offend him again?

The silence kept going that Tony was just about to ask if he was fine, before he suddenly sprung up and left with a quick, "Sorry I have to go".

Confused and the tiniest bit disappointed, Tony packed up his things and got ready to head home. He wasn't an idiot, he knew Barnes and him were absolutely not about to be best buddies but working with him just now did give him the impression they could at least do this project together without any trouble. But how was he supposed to decipher his sudden departure? 

There's no wonder he only has three friends and one of them since childhood, he never knew how to read people or how to make people read him. Growing up with the likes of Stone and Bain didn't help, he realized too late how naive he was being when it came to them and therefore too often became the victim of their lies and manipulation. 

There was only one time he felt like he could talk to someone new without being misunderstood or manipulated and just like that his mind was once again where it was everyday since that faithful night: at Steve Rogers. 

He desperately wanted to talk to Steve again. He wanted to make him laugh, wanted to listen to him talking about his favorite things and dance with him in the moonlight without having to worry about how he was being perceived. 

Rhodey, Pepper and Janet kept telling him to just go and reveal himself to Steve but they just didn't understand. If he revealed himself in front of him and Steve was disappointed, he didnt think he could take it.

The memories of that night were precious to him so just the thought of Steve maybe looking back in regret hurt him.  He would be plagued with the fact that he had to fool Steve Rogers into talking to him, even though he liked talking to everyone else in this school.

If things stayed like they are now, then Tony could just live in his delusion that Steve wouldn't hate him which was not much but everything Tony had. He couln't risk it. 

------------

Annoyed, Steve sat down next to his friends at the lunch table. It was Monday again so a week has passed since he talked to Janet and started to look for the mysterious A.E.S.

Bucky told him right after his physics class last week that they only had one guy in class whose name started with A but he was blonde and tall so absolutely not who he was looking for. So this means he does not go to Buckys physics class.

Why couldn't it be easy this once?

He was this close to go into Headmaster Fury's office and beg him to let him sneak a peek at the students records, but he feared the excuse "in the name of love" wouldn't fly with him. 

"No luck finding your Cinderella?" Sam teased immediatly before he could even say hello and Natasha and Sharon laughed softly, all finding fun in Steves demise. They all found this sitiation deeply amusing and they made it their mission to let him know that at any possible moment.

"Not more luck than you have getting your license," Steve teased right back after Sharon texted him yesterday Sam actually failed his third driving test. 

"Low blow."

They all fell into a comfortable conversation, just like always, the only one who was a bit more quiet than usual was Bucky but he has been acting weird ever since Wednesday afternoon.

He suspected it had something to do with Stark, remembering his friends complaining loudly about being assigned to him to work on a project together. What Stark could've done to get Bucky in this mood though, he had no clue.

He wasn't even angry, which he usually was when it came to the billionaire, he was more disoriented and lost in his thoughts. He tried talking to him to make sure he's okay but so far he has been brushed off and avoided so he decided to just let Bucky come to him.

"Hey Stevie, can we go outside for a sec? I have to ask you something."

And apparently that was now.

As they both bid their friends goodbye, he felt Sam throwing him a questioning look to which he could only respond to with a shrug and then he let Bucky lead him to a private spot underneath the bleachers.

"Sooo. Whats up," Steve tried to start the conversation because Bucky certainly wasn't going to, after they stood there in silence for a weird amount of time.

"This guy. At the school dance. Was he really that great?"

Steve was stunned and had to stop himself from asking Bucky to repeat his question. Out of all the things that could be bothering Bucky, Steve didn't expect this to be it.

"What are you trying to get at?"

"Just answer the question please?"

"Okay? I mean yeah. I told you, I felt a connection and I meant it. I mean, you know me. I'm not really one for relationships or whatsoever, I get too awkward and overwhelmed. But the only thing that has been running through my mind since then is that I would like to try. With him.

I never imagined being so interested in someone that I could imagine myself talking to them every single day without getting bored. But with him, I just never wanted to stop talking to him. And I get that you all make fun of me for it and yes it's probably crazy to feel like this after just one night but all I know is that I think I finally understand what being head over heels for someone feels like and I just wanna keep chasing that high."

Bucky stared at him and then nodded, as if he just made a decision.

"Okay. Good. Because I think I know who it is."

"I'm sorry?"

"It's Tony Stark."

"WHAT?"

"Trust me, I couldn't believe it myself. But as I was working with him on our physics project, I found out that Tony isn't his full name. It's Anthony. Anthony Edward Stark. A.E.S. God Steve when I tell you I opened his Wikipedia page like 200 times to make sure Im reading it right-"

Steves mind was reeling. Tony Stark? Could that be possible?

"-and you did say he had brown hair right? And brown eyes? Smaller than you and enough money to spend $2000 on a suit? I have been thinking about it for days now and this is the only logical conclusion."

Steve barely perceived what Bucky told him. Is Tony Stark actually his mystery guy? He thought back to their interaction just last week. Stark not saying a single word to him. Avoiding any eye contact.

He knew Steve would recognize him.

Janet acting all weird and scheming because she knew.

Oh.

Oh damn.

"I'm head over heels for Tony Stark."

------------

Steve couldn't concentrate on a single thing for the rest of the day. Mr. Coulson was as understanding as always but Coach Hill, still upset about his prior tardiness, wasn't so nice about it. But even as he did the 10 extra laps, his mind was still filled with a certain brunette.

Just last week he was going off about what a prick Stark was. Was he maybe just trying to mess with Steve at the masquerade? But no he couldn't believe that. If he was then why would he still keep it a secret? Could he maybe just have been that wrong about Stark? After all, he never actually spoke to him.

He needed to confront him. But how? Stark obviously knew that Steve was trying to find him and yet he insisted on keeping his identity hidden so he can forget to just walk up to him.

After they all finished practice, he ran after Bucky and Nat and pulled them to the side.

"Can you two get me like 5 minutes alone with Tony Stark? Preferably tomorrow."

"I'm sorry, what do you need to see Tony Stark for?" Natasha asked him. Bucky apparently didn't clue her in.

"Oh haven't you heard? I found out who Steves mystery beau is," Bucky said smug. No one said it out loud but of course they all counted on Nat to figure out who the guy was. She was by far the sneakiest person he knew, which is why he desperately needed her help with this.

"And it's Tony STARK? Since when have you known and how the fuck did you kept this from us?" Nat bit back and hit Bucky against his head.

"Can we please get to the topic of the conversation again?" Steve intervened. He was the first guy to root for his two friends to finally admit their feelings for one another and therefore always just let them do their thing but right now, he really wasn't in the mood.

"I can ask him if he wants to meet up for our physics project again. I kinda left him in the middle of our study session when I found out so there's still stuff to do," Bucky suggested.

"But do you think he would want to talk to you? Because I'm guessing he's aware of you looking for him," Nat asked him, the same question he has been asking himself.

"We could block the door?" Bucky argumented and earned himself another hit by Natasha.

"I'm not sure but I want to try. Can you text him to meet at 3:30pm?"

So here they were. In an empty classroom (thank you Mr. Coulson) at 3:25pm, the jacket packed right between his books in his bag. His hands were getting a bit sweaty, he can't recall the last time he was this nervous.

"Bro calm down. Seriously what's the worst thing that could happen?" Bucky tried, and failed, to calm him down.

The worst thing that could happen was Tony laughing in his face and saying that he was just playing Steve for a fool which would destroy Steves heart so bad he would have to move somewhere where they don't know the Stark family and that would be the moon but he didn't say it out loud.

And then, exactly at 3:30pm, the classroom door opened, and the guy who has been plaguing his brain non-stop since yesterday walked through.

He was getting a deja-vu from Janets school project where they met in the cafeteria (which was definitely a ruse now that he thought about it) but instead of Stark standing frozen in the doorway, he walked in, eyes focused on his tablet, not noticing the other guy in the room.

As he finally looled up, he was met with Steves face who was giving him a shy smile.

"I'm gonna let you two talk," Bucky said quickly, knowing his cue and disappearing behind the door. Probably blocking it, even after the lecture he got from Nat and Steve just 15 minuted ago.

He could see the wheels spinning in the smaller boys head and also that he was just about to bolt.

Its now or never Rogers.

"Hi."

Bad start. He knew it as he said it. Tony turned around to make a run for it and now full in panic mode he yelled, "WAIT!"

Surprisingly Tony did, but more as a reflex than him actually wanting to be here. Please God, don't let him mess this up. Not more than he already had.

"I- uhm I have something of yours? I thought you might want it back."

He pulled the jacket out of his bag and slowly walking over to him, holding it out. Wordlessly, as if in shock, Tony took it and looked up, locking eyes with him.

It was him.There was no doubt about it. If he didn't know it before, he did now as he looked into the beautiful brown eyes that have been haunting him for days.  They were just as expressive as they were that night.  But this time, instead of a carefree look, it was a nervous one. 

"It's you," he whispered just loud enough that he knew the other boy could hear him.

He turned his eyes downwards again, not knowing what to say. They both knew they couldn't hide anymore. 

Steves nervous feeling was gone and replaced by actual excitement. He thought he would dread the moment where it finally sinks in that Tony Stark was the guy who managed to make Steve fall in love with him in one night but now that he's actually standing here in front of Steve, he just wanted to hold him and never let him go again. 

"I've been looking for you."

"I know," Tony said softly.

Steve flinched a little bit, of course he knew that this means Tony had the same voice as the mysterious guy but knowing it and hearing it are two different things. 

"Why didn't you tell me?" Steve wanted to know.

Suddenly Tony looked up again, his eyes fierce.

"Tell you? Tell you what?! That I'm Tony Stark? And when was I supposed to do that, right after you told me how much you couldn't stand that spoiled ungrateful brat?? How you think he should be taken down a noch once in a while? I know that you and friends all hate me, why in the world would I ever tell you about who I am?" he raged.

Steve was speechless. He didn't even remember saying all of that. He remembers them once reaching the subject of Tony Stark but he was so lost in the conversation and so focused on impressing the person behind the mask, he didn't think anything of it.

And obviously he never once in his life thought that the guy he was talking to was actually Tony Stark. He regreted that deeply now.

"For what I know this is all just a joke by you and your buddy to humble me again like you think I should be. So you know what, thank you for returning this back to me, now there are no reasons why we should ever talk to each other again. Goodbye."

With his jacket still in his hand, he quickly marched out. It took a few seconds to realize that Tony was running away and he quickly moved to follow him, to explain but he was too late. Outside the classroom stood Bucky and Nat who have been clearly listening in, all three of them looking in the direction of where Tony disappeared to.

"Why didn't you block the door?" Nat asked as she turned to Bucky and hit him over the head again.

What was he supposed to do now?

------------

Well Steve Rogers was not one to give up so easily, that much be told. He might be even more determined now than he was before. He didn't want to pressure Tony into being an active part in his life, he would never, but he did want a chance to explain and most importantly to apologize.

After that, if Tony still doesn't wanna speak to him ever again, he would leave him in peace. That thought alone sent a wave of hurt through him but he would be the first one to say that he deserved it.

It's weird to imagine that just a few days ago he didn't know that it was Tony Stark behind the mask and now it just comes to him like it was general knowledge. The sun was big, the sky was blue and Tony was the guy with the lost jacket.

"How the fuck did you get the keys to the school at fucking 11pm?" Bucky asked him incredulously as he met him out on the football field. He didn't know that tonight was full moon so it was a nice surprise, Steve thought as he looked up.

"I asked Mr. Lee and he was happy to give me them when I explained it to him."

Mr. Lee was a hopeless romantic and he knew Steve wouldn't break anything so it didn't take anything at all to convince him.

"Who is Mr. Lee?"

"Uh our janitor?"

"How are you friends with every single employee at Shield High? And why aren't you using that for our benefit more often, I'm positive we could skip the entire next week of school and just chill by the beach without any teacher saying anything if you would just use these adorable blue eyes of yours sometimes," Bucky complained

"I only ask for favors if it's important."

"Oh so this is what counts as important now?" he kept complaining, while spreading more of the rose pedals. Steve smiled to himself.

"Yes it is."

He really hoped this would work.

Organising a second meeting with Tony was sadly harder than expected. It seems that using Buckys physics project as an excuse was a one-time shot kinda thing and Janet told him she has been forbidden of mentioning Steve Rogers name ever again.

Most people would probably get the hint. But Steve Rogers wasn't most people.

Janet told him she couln't talk to Tony about him anymore but she did say that she could get his best friend to help out and yesterday, on Thursday, she gave him the go to follow through with his plan and guaranteed him Tony would show up. 

This is how he now ended up on the bleachers on a Friday night, lighting candles and listening to Bucky complain.

"You think he will show up?" he asked Bucky nervously.

"If Janet said he will, then he will."

He hoped so. The guilt from their last conversation was eating him up from the inside.

After they were done, Bucky left to wait in the car with Natasha and he sat down on the bleachers where the both of them danced just two weeks ago. Now he just had to wait and pray that Tony would be here and then - not mess it up again.

He became more nervous as the time went by, what-ifs filling up his head and his heart preparing for disappointment. But then, at 12am sharp, he saw him - a small figure at the end of the football field slowly walking along the candles and rose pedals, towards him where he was waiting, dressed in the same clothes that he was wearing at the dance.

He came to a halt in front of him, eyes sparkling in the moonlight and looking up at him in wonder. 

"What is all of this?" he asked unsure as he took the Rose that Steve held out for him.

"This is me apologizing to you. I don't want you to think I'm not respecting your boundaries, but I do want to apologize to you for the awful things I said and thought, because you deserve to hear it. If you decide after today that you don't want to talk to me ever again, then I will leave you alone, I promise. Please, will you hear me out?"

Tony nodded, curious about what the taller boy had to say to him.

"Then let me start with saying I'm sorry. Never in my life did I intend to hurt you but I did. I was being misled by people making up stories about you and started to believe them and in the consequence judged you for it.

This is not an excuse but you just- you look so unattainable. Tony Stark, the billionare son and the infamous genius, just going to the same school as all of us? It's so easy to judge you for it, to create our own stories about you because everyone thinks they know you already by just reading your wikipedia page.

I made it easy for myself because it is easier to just go along with what everyone else is saying than to make the effort to get to know you myself. And that is on me and it's not like me. I don't like to go the easy way and I don't judge people without knowing them but I guess a part of me just wanted these things to be true about you. And that is wrong and you are well in your right to never forgive me for it. 

But before you do that, let me tell you the things that I wished I said on that night that you were leaving too soon: you are the most interesting and magnificent person I have ever met. You are honest and real and that unapologetically in a way I never could be. You radiate warmth and comfort and I want to do nothing but get to know you better. You, as in the understanding and funny person that lit up my entire night, withouteven knowing your name. 

And ever since I found out that it's you, Tony Stark, I have been kicking myself and been asking myself how I could let other people make me form my opinion about you without even knowing you.

How I could let my own misled judgement ruin something good, something that could be even better in the future. All I wanna do is make it up to you and ask you to take another chance on me. Because I still think this could be something great and for the first time I want to take a chance on something."

This was it. This is what has been floating through Steves head day and night. All the cards were now in Tonys hand.

The other boy started to smile hesitantly.

"You mean it?"

"Every word."

"Because. I would love to. You know. Take a chance on you. When I found out you were looking for me, I wanted to tell you so bad but. I was scared. I liked you so much but we have never spoke a word before.

I was scared that if you found out. You maybe would not want to get to know me anymore? That you decided that I wasn't worth it to turn around the whole school to find me. So I kept it to myself. But uhm. If you do want to spend more time together. Then I'm up for that?" the smaller boy stuttered.

Steve was convinced that his smile right then could've lit up the entire town. Feeling confident, he pulled Tony closer by his waist so that they were just as close as they were the night it all started. 

"That's everything I want." 

Tonys smile now matched his. He wraped his arms around Steves neck, not put off by Steves sudden closeness, still a bit nervous but mainly just comfortable right now.

Steve didn't plan on going any further at all that night, but as he noticed Tony glancing between his eyes and his lips he couldn't help himself.

"May I kiss y-" and before Steve could even finish the question, Tony leaned up and kissed him.

And wow what a kiss it was.

He prayed that this was only the first page of their own little fairytale.