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The mission goes off without a hitch. They get in, beat up some Hydra baddies and leave with intel for the next location. A successful mission always means a party in a couple days. Steve finds he likes the routine of it all. The camaraderie. The team is working well together. The parties feel like a reward for a job well done. They get to decompress and bond. Overall this whole “Avengers” thing is working.
Steve has his normal list of invites. Some of his war buddies and Sam. He adds a new name to the list for this one. Colt. Colt happens to be in the area again after several months back in California. Filming yet another Tom Ryder movie. They’ve been managing this relationship at a distance just fine. Steve had found at least a couple opportunities to physically go to California to see Colt, but otherwise it was mostly phone calls. Maybe once the team meets Colt it’ll be easier to see each other more frequently. It's impossible to be certain with their schedules and all the unknown variables that come with Steve’s work. It’d be nice if it could work out that way.
Colt happens to be between takes when the call comes over the radio that he has a visitor. There’s only a couple people that could be. He bounds away, not wanting to waste a second of his limited break. That turns into a run when he finally confirms who is waiting for him by the stunt trailer. Colt practically throws himself at Steve. He knows Steve can catch him. Steve does, even throwing a spin into the mix, before setting him down. Steve’s hand lingers on his left arm, thumb brushing gently. Steve prefers subtlety like this for the most part, but won’t push Colt away if he reaches for more
“What’s with the surprise visit, Stevie?” Colt teases, with a slight smirk.
“Well first I came just to see you,” Steve responds. “Can’t afford to miss this opportunity”
“And what else?” Colt leans in, slightly.
“We’re celebrating a successful mission with a party on Saturday. I wanted to deliver your invite face to face,” Steve pulls out a piece of paper with details scrawled on it. Colt gives it a cursory glance. He folds it up and sticks it in his pocket for safe keeping.
“I’ll have to check in with my brother, but it should be fine,” Colt confirms. He’s told Steve about his brother before. A few offhand details here and there.
“Your brother is here?” Steve asks.
“Not, like, physically right now. He’s on break so he could visit, but he’s been in and out. Staying out late or not coming back till morning. He’s hiding something. Ryland thinks he’s being slick, but he can’t pull a fast one on me,” Colt jabs a thumb at himself with a grin. “He’s definitely seeing someone. I just don’t have proof yet and he’s really good at deflecting.”
“You’ll figure it out,” Steve chuckles. “I’d like to meet him if he’s got time while giving you the run around.”
“God, I just hope it's not Tom. I keep seeing Tom next to him,” Colt looks up thoughtfully, “Maybe Sunday? I’ll call you to let you know about that and the party.”
Steve’s response is cut off by the radio on Colt’s hip asking for his return to set. Colt responds back that he’ll be just a minute. Colt looks over his shoulder and pulls Steve around the side of the trailer to be a little more discreet.
He gives him a quick peck on the lips, “Duty calls. See you soon.” Colt gives a casual two finger salute before running off grinning at the light blush he can see coloring Steve’s face.
That small interaction lights a bit of a fire under Colt. The crew can tell his demeanor has shifted. He hits his stunts a little harder than usual. He can feel a few bruises blossoming on his ribs and one particularly good one on his upper arm. He can’t find it in him to care all that much. Not when he’s running off the high of getting to see his “boyfriend.” They haven’t really discussed labels, but that one feels the most correct.
Eventually Ryland makes an appearance. Sure enough Tom is on him in an instant. The first few times this happened Ryland had stumbled and shied away. Now he’s almost comfortable looking. It’s so odd. Colt tries to reconcile with it as best he can. Tom and him aren’t like best friends, but they aren’t worst enemies either. They get along sometimes. Tom sometimes takes the banter a bit far, but that’s nothing Colt can’t deal with. He kind of has no choice if he wants to keep doing his dream job. Tom is almost like another, more annoying brother to him. More of a pest than anything. Hardly a threat. If Ryland truly is interested, which he doubts, he expects it to be short lived at best.
It doesn’t stop the protective streak in Colt from rearing its head. He trusts that Ryland can handle himself. Most of the time. That’s still his actual brother. He stifles the need to interject as best he can and just keeps an eye on the situation from afar for now. If Ryland needs help surely Colt will be able to tell and step in. Every time he sees Ryland roll his eyes or raise a brow at Tom is enough vindication for Colt to tell that whatever is going on with them isn’t all that serious. Ryland clearly thinks Tom is an idiot. Maybe he’s just humoring him.
After a few more takes, Colt finally gets a long enough break to insert himself between Tom and Ryland.
“...people say I’m oblivious. I thought as an actor you had to know how to read people,” Ryland gives a sideways look to Tom, before noticing Colt’s approach. Tom begins a response which is immediately ignored in favor of Colt. “Hey, how’s the day going?”
He throws an arm over Ryland’s shoulders as he steers him away, “Good, good a few bumps and bruises, but nothing I can’t handle. Didn’t see you come in last night. Or when I left this morning?” The questions are not an accusation. Not really. Can’t be if they are all facts. At the same time Colt would really love to know where Ryland keeps wandering off to. The timing never seems consistent. Is he trying to throw Colt off or is it just a coincidence?
“Just wanted to explore the night life a bit,” Ryland responds. It’s so clearly a lie. Ryland has tells that Colt has picked up on. Right now it's the way he’s fiddling with his zipper on his hoodie. To some extent that’s also the way he reacts when he’s anxious, but he has no reason to be like that with Colt.
“Sure, sure. Just be careful okay? Don’t need you getting snatched up off the street late at night,” Colt responds, giving Ryland a protective squeeze.
“You worry too much,” Ryland mutters.
They stop somewhere behind the camera monitor just to hang out while Tom and a co-star prepare to do a scene, with the director coaching them beforehand.
“I worry the exact right amount” Colt reasons. “So, Saturday night, I got invited to a party.”
“That’s cool. I brought some work with me I have to catch up on and I have plans of my own,” Ryland responds.
Colt hums in affirmation, “Sunday. My boyfriend wants to meet you.”
“Y-your boyfriend? Wants to meet me?” Ryland questions, suddenly a bundle of nerves. He’s managed to keep his boyfriend’s identity a secret from Ryland. Somehow. It's not like he’s been trying to hide it. In fact most of the cast and crew are aware. Colt is pretty sure he’s going to be stifling laughter when they finally meet face to face.
“Well when you say it like that,” Colt smiles, crookedly. “It’s not that big a deal. We’ll get coffee or something. Okay?”
“Yeah, yeah. Totally,” Ryland wrings his hands together.
The director comes back to his place by the monitor yelling for quiet on set. Colt takes the opportunity to ruffle Ryland’s hair, knowing he can’t protest. At least not in any way that’s impactful. He receives a glare while Ryland tries to fix his hair. Ryland should know better by now that his hair is a perpetual mess regardless. Colt just smirks as the director yells “action.”
Stepping out of the elevator at the bottom level of the Tower, Steve spots Colt waiting for him. From a distance it looks like Colt is talking to himself. As he draws near he realizes that Colt is hyping himself up.
“...it’s gonna be fine. Just a room full of big wigs and superheroes. And maybe one god. Totally cool,” Colt mutters. Steve brushes his fingers along Colt’s arm causing him to startle. “Oh shi-, you heard that didn’t you?”
Steve chuckles, “A bit and you’re right. It’s gonna be fine.”
Steve gives Colt a once over. He’s dressed nicely, even with his limited wardrobe that he brought with him. A red plaid button-up with the sleeves rolled a couple times tucked into some dark-wash jeans with a black belt. Basic, not overly dressy, but still more than decent. There's no real dress-code for this party. Some break out their best outfits while others choose to be more casual.
“You look great,” Steve compliments as he starts leading Colt to the elevator with a hand on the small of his back. A bit of reassurance can’t hurt.
“Uh, thanks. You too,” Colt returns. Steve can almost hear his inner monologue right now. Probably something self-deprecating. That just won’t do.
“Thanks, sugar,” Steve leans in a little closer. “Everyone is excited to meet you. I’ve been getting teased relentlessly for months to bring you around.” He straightens as the elevator doors open once more to reveal a multi-level open space already filled with guests, “We can always go to my floor for a bit if you need a break.”
That seems to do the trick of breaking Colt out of his nervous thoughts. He raises an eyebrow with a coy smile, “How very forward of you. Let’s see how the night goes first before you try to get me alone.”
Steve returns the expression with a smirk and raised brows, “That wasn’t a no.”
Steve starts bringing Colt around starting near the bar. He grabs Colt and himself a drink. Steve can’t get drunk, at least not very easily, but he still enjoys a beer even if it might as well be an NA. Colt takes the same as him. Rhodey and Tony are closest. Just as good of a place to start. Rhodey is his typical self. Friendly and conversational. He keeps it a bit on the professional side at first before he and Colt start warming to each other. Tony on the other hand looks perplexed.
“Hey, the stunt man. I was wondering when Cap was going to bring you around. Took him long enough,” Tony shifts his gaze to Colt’s face and narrows his eyes. “You look familiar. Have we met?”
“I don’t believe we have,” Colt tilts his head, slightly. “I have a brother, a twin, he might be more in your circles. He’s a molecular biologist.”
“You don’t say,” There’s something to Tony’s expression that Steve recognizes. Like he knows more than he’s letting on. Colt must notice something off as well by the way his brows knit together slightly. Tony waves them off, “Go have fun you crazy kids.”
They do. Their first drink turns into a second. Steve brings Colt around to meet his war buddies. Even if they all grew up in a time when a relationship like theirs was not the standard they’re all accepting. They tend to be a bit grumpy but once they start getting a few drinks in, which clearly they already have, they start ribbing each other with fervor. One offers them both a shot from a flask, which they both take. They’re a rowdy bunch, but eventually they’ll get a little too sauced and have to be poured into a couple taxis.
Steve briefly leaves Colt with Natasha to talk to Sam. She’s probably one of the better choices, able to read a person well enough to adapt to them. Even if she is likely going to try and pull as much information out of Colt as she can. It’s clear she doesn’t designate Colt as a threat. If anything she looks a bit amused. Steve trusts that Colt will be able to handle being on his own for a bit now that he seems to have loosened up a bit.
Sam doesn’t have any news about a certain missing friend. They stop up on the third level that looks over the main lower space, leaning on the railing. Colt’s back is turned to him as he chats with Natasha. He doesn’t realize he’s staring till Sam points it out.
“It’s that serious, huh? Can’t take your eyes off him for more than 5 minutes?” Sam elbows him in the side.
“Can you blame me?” Steve looks at Sam with amusement.
“Not my type, but I get it,” Sam huffs a single laugh.
“Oh and what is your type?” Steve teases.
“How ‘bout instead of interrogating me, we go challenge Natasha to a game of pool?” Sam deflects, already starting on the path back down. “We can play teams.”
“Sure, sounds fun,” Steve follows behind. On the way Thor hands him a glass. Asgardian liquor. One of the few things that can actually give him a little buzz.
They arrive not more than two minutes later. Natasha notices them immediately, gaze flicking over Colt’s shoulder. The glance is enough to have Colt cut off his sentence and look as well. He smiles as soon as he catches sight of Steve. Steve returns the expression standing next to him. Sam issues the challenge to play a round of pool. After a few turns, Natasha approaches him while Colt takes a turn.
“He’s an interesting guy. Pretty rare for someone to let themselves be willingly set on fire,” She leans next to him. He nods. That’s the first he’s hearing of that. Colt tells him about his work all the time, maybe the fire thing fell through the cracks. He’ll have to ask about it later. She tilts her head in her direction looking up at him. “How long are you planning to keep this going?”
“As long as I can or he’s willing to have me, I guess,” Steve admits. It's difficult to quantify, knowing his line of work. It’s entirely possible things might fall apart. Steve is also well aware he’s not invincible. Anything could happen. “I’m meeting his brother tomorrow. Seems like a pretty good step in the right direction.”
Natasha hums. She takes the cue from Sam as she goes to take her next turn. Something about her expression says she knows something he doesn’t, although that seems to always be the case. Natasha sinks the last striped ball before calling the 8 and sinking that as well. Game lost.
Natasha and Sam wander off to go mingle some more. Colt walks over, he leans into Steve’s space, shoulders touching, “You wanna go somewhere a little less crowded?”
“Now who is being forward?” Steve looks over with a crooked smile. Colt returns the expression with a smirk and a wink. He takes Colt’s hand and leads him over to the stairwell. It’ll be just as fast as taking the elevator.
Colt is feeling a little bold. Possibly a little buzzed. Maybe that’s why some call it liquid courage. At least that’s his excuse for when he pushes Steve against the corner of the stairwell after they’ve only descended a single set. They can make their way to Steve’s room in a little bit. Right now Colt really would like to get his hands on him.
They haven’t really done more than kiss. Usually as a farewell. Colt’s been craving this for a while. If the way Steve's lips meet his is any indication the feeling is mutual. It becomes especially obvious when a hand snakes its way around his waist to his back and pulls him in closer. Colt reaches up to the nape of Steve’s neck fingers combing into the short but soft texture of his hair. He bites Steve’s lip lightly before brushing his tongue along it, eliciting a moan. Colt takes advantage of the parting of lips to explore further. Steve meets him tangling their tongues together as he reaches with his other hand to untuck and pull up Colt’s shirt. Colt is almost surprised at the initiative, he certainly isn’t complaining about it. He’s definitely not going to complain either when Steve switches their positions picking him up and pressing him into the wall. Colt's breath hitches, startled by the sudden switch. He had, for a brief second, worried that Steve might not appreciate his advances. Those concerns turned out to be damn well unnecessary. Colt has never been manhandled like this. Never expected to be. He digs his thighs in a bit, above Steve’s hips to help support himself. Along with bracing against the wall.
Steve keeps one hand under Colt’s right leg as added support as the other hand works its way under Colt’s shirt. Goosebumps begin to form as that hand roams over his abs and up to his chest. Colt starts unbuttoning the top couple of buttons on Steve’s shirt as they break apart, both breathing heavily and flushed. Colt peels back the collar of Steve’s shirt and bites down on the crook of his neck before sucking a bit on the spot. The groan it pulls from Steve spurs him on. He follows up by finding a different spot to latch on to. And then another. He’s reassured by the fact that any mark he leaves is likely to quickly disappear. If anything it'll save Steve from any awkward conversations. Colt growls as he feels fingers dig into the underside of his thigh. He can tell Steve is trying to be controlled with his strength, he’s anticipating bruises either way. It doesn’t bother him one bit. He’d rather receive bruises from this than having to throw himself through a window or in front of a car. He reaches up and runs a hand through Steve’s hair, before pulling him back in for another kiss.
“Should we… continue this… downstairs?” Steve takes short pauses to get the words out, latching on fully at the end.
Colt hums in affirmation, not wanting to break away just yet. Apparently neither does Steve as they aren’t moving yet. There’s no rush. Except that Colt hears someone stumble above them. Steve must notice it too as he pulls away and looks over his shoulder. There’s a voice that sounds almost too familiar. Whoever it is, is maybe only one level above them now. Colt doesn’t question how neither of them noticed their approach sooner. They were pretty distracted after all. Steve sets him down, gently. The last person he expects rounds the corner at the top of the stairs by the door leading into the party.
“Colt? What are y-” Ryland’s eyes widen in surprise. He looks between them and takes in their rumpled appearances. All at once he must put two and two together. “Oooh.”
Steve does a double take before muttering under his breath, “Twins... Right.”
“Yeeaah,” Colt responds to Ryland as he starts tucking his shirt back in. Steve straightens his collar as well. “A day early, I guess, but this is my boyfriend.”
Steve walks up the stairs and holds out a hand for Ryland to shake. Colt follows behind. Steve doesn’t look particularly put out when his hand isn’t taken.
“You’re dating him? Captain America?” Ryland gestures as Steve while maintaining eye contact with Colt. “Well that explains some things.”
“It doesn’t explain why you’re here though,” He watches as Ryland shifts awkwardly. He doesn’t respond immediately. An uncomfortable silence lingers between them as Ryland seems to be trying and failing to come up with something. Colt looks at him expectantly.
“Ugh. Fine,” Ryland sighs, runs a hand through his hair in frustration. “I’ve been kinda seeing someone here. They told me the party had died down a bit and asked if I wanted to come down.”
Steve narrows his eyes as he speaks, “The only quarters up that way are Tony’s.”
Ryland rubs the back of his neck with a sheepish expression. Colt expected the first meeting to be awkward but not in this way. Ryland tends to hide things. It’s not new. Colt can be just as guilty of the same behavior. Usually Colt finds out eventually, this is just another, albeit a bit shocking, instance of that. He doesn’t think Ryland tries to blindside him, but it happens fairly often anyway. This time especially, given what Steve just revealed.
“And I thought you were seeing Ryder,” Colt shakes his head.
“I mean it's not off the table,” Ryland responds with a shrug.
Colt sputters for a moment before finding his bearings, “You know what? Let’s unpack that later. One revelation at a time tonight.” He puts his arm over Ryland’s shoulders. A tactic to stop him from running off as he opens the door and steers him into the party space. “Let’s go say “hi”, shall we?”
The party has died down significantly, almost entirely compromised as what Colt assumes is the main crew, consisting of the “Avengers” and a few outliers. He almost feels bad for having this be Steve’s first real interaction with Ryland. They’ll remedy it tomorrow when they can have a much more casual and intentional meet-up. That’s if Ryland doesn’t decide to murder him after this for embarrassing him. It’s almost like a second job to embarrass him a bit.
Natasha and Stark seem to react the least upon their appearance at the table they’ve all chosen to camp out at. The knowing looks from earlier make a lot more sense now. Clint and Sam are being the most obvious about looking between the two of them. Bruce leans over to Natasha and whispers something that sounds like, “You know about this?” It’s a bit garbled and hard to hear.
“Look who we found,” Colt remarks, giving Stark a pointed look. “Didn’t expect to see my brother here of all places.”
Stark stands and walks around the table placing himself in front of Colt and Ryland. Ryland manages to shrug him off, stepping to the side, choosing to put himself closer to Steve. He bites his lip and wrings his hands nervously. Stark has a smug expression as he locks eyes with Colt.
Colt claps a hand on Stark’s shoulder, returning Stark’s expression with a rather fiery one of his own, “We should have a chat, don’t you think?”
“I do a little more than think,” Stark quips. “Sure, let's talk.”
Stark jerks out of Colt’s grasp and walks over to the bar. Colt follows. Stark reaches over the bar and pours himself a drink from a decanter, before offering the same to Colt. Colt declines it. He realizes then that he feels more sober than he did all night. He assumes it’s the shock that actually did it. He’s going to try to keep this civil. He can handle this. Stark is just like Tom. Except with more money, a bigger brain and a better sense of style. Hopefully that makes him less annoying. That’s proving to be unlikely so far.
“Ya know, I was a bit curious what Cap saw in you,” Stark gestures vaguely with one hand toward Ryland. “Figured I could try the next best thing. Or maybe the improved model. He's got that brain, ya know?”
Colt tries not to take the bait. There's something in Stark's tone that doesn't quite line up with his words. Colt still doesn't appreciate the carelessness of his words. Especially in reference to Ryland. He pans his gaze over to see Ryland chatting animatedly with Bruce, between glances in their direction. Ryland deserves better than this.
“Don't talk about Ryland that way,” Colt buries a warning under the statement. “Why would you care what Steve thinks anyway?”
“Oh you know, shared past and all that jazz,” Stark’s voice drips with sarcasm.
“Are you…” Colt gives Stark a cursory glance. There's something uncomfortable buried under the bravado. Years working with actors has given Colt at least a little incite into how to read a liar. Stark is just that. “You're trying to make him jealous?”
It's stated as a question, but Colt thinks he's hit the nail on the head. Stark’s shift into a more defensive stance seems to confirm it. He crosses his arms while still holding his drink and shifts onto his back foot. This isn’t exactly the conversation Colt imagined having. How was he supposed to anticipate meeting Steve's ex without a warning? Steve probably didn’t think it would end up being an issue.
“Me? No. Why would I want to do that?” Stark asks facetiously.
The disregard irks Colt. He decides not to entertain the obviously meaningless question in favor of making sure Ryland’s honor stays intact. It seems Stark struggles to take things seriously. Ryland deserves to be treated wirh respect, regardless. Colt grumbles under his breath before returning “Can you just leave my brother out of… whatever this is?”
“Look, I respect the protective sibling thing. It’s cute,” Stark taunts. “Ryland knows this is just short term. A little fling. It’s just a bonus if it gets under Cap’s skin.”
“Fuck, you are petty,” Colt runs a hand through his hair.
“You kiss your boyfriend with that mouth?” Stark jabs, taking a sip from his glass.
“As a matter of fact I do,” Colt counters with a smirk. “Seriously, Stark, I couldn’t care less about whatever bullshit you had going on with Steve. Just don’t do anything to hurt, Ryland okay?”
Colt isn’t aiming to give a shovel talk. Not really. He has no threats he could employ even if he wanted to. Still he can’t stop himself from looking after Ryland’s well-being. Ryland would do the same for him.
“I may be an asshole, but I’m not that bad. Lighten up,” Stark waves him off carelessly.
Colt tilts his head and levels Stark with a serious look. He takes one more glance at Ryland, still distracted by a conversation with Bruce. Colt knows he’s in no situation to push his luck and start anything. Stark by himself has more than enough firepower to ward him off. On top of that it feels like to some extent this is all just an act. Stark is a hard read, but not impossible. That and Ryland would probably be significantly disappointed in him. Probably drop a whole lecture on him while he’s at it. Colt chooses to walk away with a scoff.
“I think I’m going to get out of here,” He announces as he rejoins the rest of the group. “You coming with, Ry?”
“Actually,” Ryland fidgets, nervously in his seat next to Bruce. “I was going to stay the night”
“Fine, but we’re talking tomorrow,” Colt decides to take a little revenge on Ryland for the stress he brought with him tonight, “Use protection, okay?”
Ryland’s face immediately colors pink as he stutters an unintelligible response. Clint snorts then laughs in full a couple seats away at his expense. Colt grins at the little bit of suffering that he's inflicted on Ryland. Especially once he sees Sam start in on Ryland as well. He turns as a hand lands on his shoulder to find Steve next to him.
“I’ll walk you,” Steve offers. They follow the same route in reverse that started the night.
Inside the elevator Steve attempts an apology which Colt pushes aside. Not like Steve had any way of knowing what would occur tonight. Colt’s hotel is a short walk from the Tower allowing Steve to walk with him to the front. As Steve turns to leave at the front of the hotel after a quick peck on the lips, Colt grabs his wrist.
“You know my roommate is staying somewhere else tonight. You could come up,” Colt suggests.
“I’d love to, Doll,” Steve agrees.
Colt laces their fingers together as he leads the way. He’ll still mark tonight down as a success.