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Today was the worst day in Ryland Grace's life.
It had started well, he woke up on time, got his favourite coffee from his favourite place in town and he had pet a dog on his way to the Tower.
He was invited to check around Tony's lab, he could have refused, should've maybe, after all he had been trying to keep his distance with the genius since he realized that he might be falling in love with him…just a little.
But curiosity had been stronger than any logical feelings. He wanted to see what Tony was working on, plus, not anyone had the chance to see Tony Stark's private lab.
So he was on his way to the Stark tower, or was it the Avengers tower? He wasn't sure, he didn't keep up with that kind of news anyway.
Walking in the first floor he was quickly send to the private floors by Tony's AI and his chief of security.
The lift opened to a cosy living area. A fully functioning kitchen was facing him, he nervously take a step inside the room, looking around as if he was doing something illegal.
"Mr. Grace?" The voice coming from the big couch in the middle of the room made him jump. He nearly dropped his bag as he turned to face the familiar voice.
"Oh, hey Peter." He instantly relaxed seeing the young kid. A familiar face in this clearly unfamiliar place.
"I'm really happy to see you, but why are you here?" The boy asked, turning fully on the couch to look at him.
"I was invited to come see the lab."
Before he could even add something to the conversation, the teenager jumped from the couch, to join him, vibrating with excitement.
"Oh my god! Oh my god! You're visiting the lab that's so cool!" Peter was completely ecstatic at the prospect of sharing a lab with both Tony and Dr. Grace.
"Have you ever been then?" Ryland smiled at the boy's delighted face, his good energy was contagious.
"Well duh. I have a whole wing to myself." Peter shrugs likes it's no big deal but the giant smile stretching his features says otherwise.
"That's impressive! I will have to check that too." His teacher chuckles, ruffling the teenager's hair.
"Hey!" Peter pouts, moving away from the hand like it offended him but he was quick to get his smile back on.
"Mr Stark, says I'm his best assistant! Better than Dum-e at least." He proudly states.
"Dum-e?" Ryland repeats, confusion clears on his face.
"That's Mr. Stark robot, he's very nice, but he can only hold one a thing at a time." The teen explains with wonders.
"Which make you a better assistant than him. Can you hold two things at a time perhaps?" Ryland teases the teen making him pouts even more than before.
"I have you know I can hold four things at the very least!" He cross his arms, nodding.
"That does make you a great assistant then." Ryland can't help the laugh escaping his lips, Peter acts as if he's offended but is quick to crack a smile and join in the laughter.
"You know," Peter started, looking nervously to the side as Ryland finished laughing, "being Mr. Stark's assistant also give me the opportunity to learn things about him…" He plays anxiously with his hands.
"Like his favourite movie and his childhood pets?" Ryland gently teases but he's glad that Peter can create this kind of connection with Tony, they both clearly needs it.
"Well yeah, but I also know his type…" Peter's face is now completely red, he is looking at everything but his teacher.
Ryland pauses at this, well it certainly wasn't how he expected the conversation to go, but curiosity was a dangerous thing, and Ryland was very curious about Tony.
"His type of music?" He tried to lighten up the mood, cringing at his own cracking voice.
"Well…no…more like in a partner…" The boy mumbles, before stealing one glance at Ryland. "Maybe you could help me?" He winced as he said the last words, looking apprehensively at his teacher.
"Help you, for what?"
"Find Mr. Stark the perfect partner. Like a matchmaker game you know?" Peter was still red but Ryland could see a bit of hope on his student's face.
"Me? Are you sure you shouldn't ask someone with more…knowledge on the subject?" It's not that Ryland had never dated or fell in love before but he was probably the last person to help with this, the idea of helping Tony to fall in love with someone else wasn't really something that he was particularly interested in.
"Please, please, please, Mr. Grace." Peter was pleading, his hands clasped together as he did his best puppy eyes impression.
Damn it. Ryland was weak.
"Alright, I will help you." He sighed, scratching the back of his head.
"Thank you, Mr. Grace, I was sure I could count on you for this!" And the kid was back at being completely ecstatic. Ryland on his side thought about maybe running away, from the Tower or even from the country at this point.
"So, what do you need me to do exactly?" Ryland forced the smile on his face as if he didn't want die right now.
"Oh well! I know Mr. Stark's type, like I said," the teen had run back to the couch, bending on the back of the furniture to grab the discarded papers on the table. He came back with a crumpled paper. "We just need to find…hm…suitors!"
"Right."
Peter placed his paper on the kitchen table, motioning for Ryland to follow him as he sat on one of the stools. The kid took out a notebook and a pen, clicking the top of the pen twice for good measure.
"So," he started looking expectantly at his teacher. "From what I gathered, from my sources…"
"Your sources?"
"Yes, Mr. Grace I have multiple sources, I'm not an amateur."
Ryland let out a small chuckles that was quickly drown by the despair he was starting to feel seeing the list.
"Mister Stark likes people with blonde hair." Peter writes down his notebook.
"That's not much to go with." Ryland mumbles.
"Yes! But every little details has its importance right now." Peter finished writing before sending a glance at his teacher.
"He likes smart people." He then adds.
Which wasn't much of a surprise, Tony was a genius, he needed someone who could keep up a conversation.
"He likes people who are good with kids, obviously, as I am part of the deal." Peter continues, sending another pointed glance at Ryland, who took this at his queue to nod along.
"Maybe Miss Potts, then?" He tries to suggests something, after all that's why he's here. Unfortunately it wasn't the answer Peter expected because it only made the boy frown.
"No, Mr. Stark and Mrs. Potts are not in love anymore, they broke up years ago, try to keep up Mr. Grace."
"Right." He nods sharply.
"Plus Mr. Stark likes someone who enjoys drinking coffee and Mrs Potts prefers tea." Peter shakes his head as he writes more on his notebook.
"How do you even know that?" Ryland asks incredulously.
"Oh Mrs. Potts told me when I asked her about it." He simply shrugs as if it was nothing.
"Mrs Potts is one of your sources?" Ryland ask, dragging a hand down his face.
"Obviously." Peter nods, before continuing his work, "He likes someone who can cuddle him." Thankfully this time Peter didn't look at Ryland after finishing writing, or he wouldn't have been able to explain why his face suddenly went red.
The image of cuddling Tony still fresh in his head, Ryland cleared his throat. He didn't even comment on this.
"Someone to make him laugh, obviously!" Peter adds to the never ending list.
Ryland nods, Tony's humour is particular. It doesn't mean he isn't funny of course, he makes Ryland laugh all the time, but not everyone can appreciate it.
"He also needs someone taller than him." Peter points out.
"Shouldn't be a problem." Ryland chuckles.
"What shouldn't be a problem?" Came a voice from behind, making the two jump from their sit.
"Mr. Stark! Hi! Nothing, we were…hm…" Peter high pitched voice echoed in the kitchen, his red and tense face a clear contrast with Tony's calmness and soft smile.
"I was helping the kid with homework." Ryland managed to keep his cool, as if he didn't had a mini heart attack, he instinctively went to ruffle Peter's hair.
"Helping a student on homework you gave him? Sounds like cheating to me, Mr. Grace." Tony smile transformed into a grin as he took in the scene in front of him.
"You would be right Mr. Stark, I might need to let this one struggle alone then." Ryland's grin was now matching Tony's, both looking at each other completely ignoring the teen between them.
"Okay, I've seen enough." Peter states loudly, clapping his hands once, before turning to fetch his notebook and walked towards the couch, gathering his backpack.
"You don't want to come to the lab, kid?" Confusion written on Tony's face as he watched the kid put on his backpack.
"Nah, Aunt May needs me to grab some groceries before diner and I want to continue on this Algebra exercise, so I'm out." He shrugs, walking pas the two men, turning one last time to face them.
"I'm sure Mr. Grace has already a lot to think about anyway." He grins and disappears into the elevator.
Tony who was looking back at the closing door of the lift completely missed Ryland's expression of disbelief. How was this kid suddenly so confident?!
"What is he on about now?" Tony asks, turning back to Ryland, amusement written on his face.
"Oh you know, kids." Ryland answer, scratching the back of his head, waving away the conversation with his hand.
"He was talking to you about his crush, wasn't he?" Tony grins.
"Something like that, yeah." Ryland could only chuckles, thank the stars for Tony's mind, at least he doesn't need to find an excuse.
Tony's lab was amazing.
Ryland had already visited the Stark Towers' labs, the one opens to the public at least, during field trips, and that had been very interesting, but this, this was better.
This was a door to Tony's mind.
The lab was messy, that was a statement, but the numbers of projects and ideas gathered around was enough to change the world.
Tony had explained every parts of the lab to Ryland, even showing quickly Peter's wing and the garage, and Ryland had listened with interest, giving his own comments on how some things could go better, some upgrades on the suits or his new prosthetic models.
Overall, Ryland had a great afternoon, he had been hanging out with Tony for hours, talking about science and joking around, what more could he ask for?
However, Peter's list kept interjecting his thoughts.
Looking at Tony, he couldn't help but imagine who could stand at his side.
Tony was smart, selfless, funny and just amazing.
He would need someone extraordinary.
The rest of the afternoon went like this, visiting part of the lab, talking about everything, from Tony's ideas to Ryland telling a funny story about one of his student. To Ryland satisfaction they even flirted a bit.
It wasn't uncommon for them to flirt, Tony was a charmer and Ryland wasn't opposed to the idea of flirting with him. The first time it happened, he had been so surprised that Tony had thought he offended him somehow.
It was Ryland who had flirted the second time, testing the waters, he made a stupid science pun which could be considered a pickup line if you squeeze hard enough. However how bad it sounded, it had made Tony laugh hard and after that it had become the usual.
A great afternoon, amazing really. If it wasn't for Peter's voice echoing in his mind he would've fully enjoyed it, but, alas, Ryland was an over thinker.
He had left the Tower a few minutes ago, the hubbub of the city surrounding him, klaxons from the ongoing traffic ringing in the street while pedestrians tried to squeeze their way through the crowd.
Ryland let himself think while walking towards his own home.
Part of himself wants to help Peter, after all the kid had looked at him with such hope, he couldn't let him down.
Even if he had to find the perfect match for the person he was pathetically pining after.
Being the great scientist that he was, he tried to remembered Peter's list.
Blonde.
Smart.
Good with kids.
Coffee enjoyer.
Good for cuddling.
Funny.
Tall.
Ryland kept repeating the few information he had, trying to imagine someone like that at Tony's side.
Blonde.
Smart.
Funny.
Tall.
Wait.
He suddenly paused, which was completely risky in the ongoing crowd.
Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.
A few people bumped into him, sending glares his way, but Ryland didn't even register.
A blonde, tall, smart guy.
Oh no.
Tony's type was Captain fucking America.
If Ryland wasn't in public he would've dropped to his knees, cussed out towards the sky, to whoever was messing with his life.
But he was still in public, and Ryland wasn’t up to make scene, not today at least, with shaky legs he started to move again. Walking back home, his thoughts a complete mess.
Scientifically speaking, there is no way of dying of a broken heart, but it didn't stop the pain radiating throughout his body.
It's safe to say that the rest of Ryland's week wasn't great.
For starters he had been late to work because his alarm died, and to add to his despair, his favourite café had closed down for a week, the owners decided it was time to go on vacation.
So Ryland was late and without caffeine.
At least he was teaching today, the idea of seeing his kids and to watch their eyes sparkles with knowledge was always giving him a reason to smile.
He was determined to not let his yesterday revelation encroach on his thoughts, and it would've been a success is he didn't have to teach Peter's class today.
His first few hours of teaching had been good, a bit slow, but it was morning classes, and his students still needed to wake up fully, plus he wasn't fully awake himself, if it was only for the teacher's lounge coffee, which was more water than anything.
The afternoon classes had been more energetic, Ryland even managed to get his hands on a real coffee.
Everything was doing great.
Until the last bell rang and Ryland found Peter Parker waiting for him in front of his desk while the other students quickly left, eager to go home.
"Can I help you Peter?" Ryland let his bag down, looking expectantly at the kid.
"Yes Mr Grace!" He slings his backpack from his shoulder, rummaging through it. "It's about the list."
To Ryland anguish, he watched Peter took the paper out and delicately deposit it on his desk, dusting off the little erasers crumbs.
"Right." Ryland nodded, trying to act nonchalant, as if he didn't stay up most of the night thinking about it.
"Did you think about it?" The teen looked so hopeful.
Ryland pressed his lips into a thin line, unsure of if he should share his discovery with the kid. After all, Peter was hoping to find Tony a partner, he would be glad that Ryland found the perfect candidate. But a selfish part of himself wanted to keep this information, just for a little bit.
"I didn't think of anyone." He scratched the back of his head, guilty of lying to Peter.
As expected, Peter's face fell. He stared at Ryland, raising an eyebrow.
"Really? No one?" He sounded a bit frustrated, as he crossed his arms above his chest, tilting his head to the side. It was unbelievable of how much he reminded him of Tony at this instant, they did share a lot mannerisms, clear evidence of the time they spend together.
"I'm sorry Peter." Ryland winced, he decided to busy himself with clearing out his desk, anything was better than to look at the kid's sad eyes.
He hears the boy sighs and take back the paper in a swift motion.
"I think you should really think about it Mr. Grace, I feel like this person is closer than we would thought." Peter emphasise the words with a pointed look, and Ryland could only force a small smile on his face, nodding.
"Yes, of course Peter, you can count on me." He mumbles, hands fidgeting against the leather of his back.
The boy is back to his happy self, nodding and smiling along his teacher.
"Great! I knew you were just the man for the mission, Mr. Grace." He slides his backpack on his shoulder again.
Understanding that the conversation has come to an end, Ryland dismiss Peter with a nod, finally reaching for his bag, listening to Peter's footsteps.
Peter abruptly stops in front of the open door, one of his hand holding the frame as he turns to look at Ryland.
"Are you coming to the Tower tonight?"
Ryland is caught off guard, he hasn't really thought about it yet, does he wants to go? Yes obviously, but he isn't sure if he can face Tony right now.
"I have a lot of work tonight, maybe next time." He sighs, it wasn’t a full lie, he had some grade to corrects after all.
"Alright, good afternoon Mr. Grace!" Peter calls from the door as he finally leave.
"See you tomorrow Peter." Ryland calls back, Peter does answer him but he's too far away for Ryland to make something out if it, sometimes he wonders if everyone forgets he doesn't have superpowers.
With a shake of his head and a small smile, he leaves his classroom.
For the rest of the month, Ryland avoid Tony.
At first it's because he needs time, after all he just made a huge discovery that he doesn't particularly appreciate, but after it becomes a second nature, it's easier to avoid the problem.
Easier to not see Tony at all, because he can't stop himself from staring and he isn't sure if he can stop his mouth from blurting out something very stupid.
Like 'You're beautiful, marry me?' Which for some reason had starting to pop inside his brain at the worst moments.
There another small reason that made Ryland stay away.
Not really small actually, it's mostly a tall blonde super soldier.
If one day someone would have told Ryland that he would have one-sided beef with a frozen hero from the Second World War he would've laugh to their face, but here we are.
The worst thing is that the man doesn't even do anything, he hasn't been mean towards Ryland or did anything to make him angry.
He's just too often around Tony.
This is something Ryland had noticed more and more, on the brief moment he had allowed himself to come closer to Tony this past weeks.
Once, he had spotted them in the living room as he entered the common floor, they were just sitting on the couch, not even next to each other, but they were both in a comfortable silence, a silence that Ryland was going to disturb by his mere presence.
Tony was working on his phone, mumbling to himself and Steve had been drawing, sneaking glances at Tony. Ryland knew he probably meant nothing but it still made him turned away.
On another instance, he had noticed Steve bringing Tony coffee, and since when did he started doing that?
Tony had smiled at him, a small tired smile, Ryland noticed how their fingers brushed each other as Tony grabbed the mug, and neither of them reacted. Ryland in the other hand was boiling inside.
He didn't expect to be this jealous, especially of a guy who didn't even made any obvious attempts at flirting with Tony. Gosh even Rhodey had been closer to Tony than Steve ever did. But apparently, Ryland's brain decided to throw any logic out the door and let his feelings take over.
So, avoiding Tony it is.
It's better, for everyone. At least that's what Ryland tell himself when he forces himself away.
He tries to ignore his phone buzzing, a quick glance informs him its Tony, it's always Tony, but he doesn't answer anyway.
He even manage to dodge the Spider kid's questions at school, well it mostly consist of running out of the room the second the bell rings, but who can blame him?
Ryland should be proud of himself, he managed to stick to his plan and not let anything derail it.
Unfortunately, the universe seems to be against him, and this time it took the form off a surprising visit.
Ryland had just dismissed his class, the bell had rang and they were all very eager to leave school and enjoy their weekend, Ryland had too been eager to relax a bit, teaching a bunch of adolescents was getting more and more tiring.
However he wasn't really eager to go back to his apartment and probably pace around his living room, bored.
He was starting to gather his things when a knock on the open door took his attention, he couldn't hide the surprise on his face when he met Colonel Rhodes' face.
The man was still standing outside the room, waiting for an invitation, he had a small smile on his face but he looked tired.
"I hope I'm not disturbing you?" He asked, snapping Ryland out of his thoughts.
"No! Not at all, please come in Colonel Rhodes!" He quickly dropped his bag, making room for the man.
"Please just call me Rhodey, we're past last names." Rhodey waves him off as he come closer, leaning against the desk next to Ryland.
"Yes of course, Rhodey," Ryland nods, not sure of what to do with his hands he moves them into his pockets.
"I won't be taking too much of your time, you probably have somewhere to go."
"No it's fine, I'm free anyway." Ryland send him a reassuring smile, making the Colonel grin.
"So you've been busy?" Rhodey raise an eyebrow, arms crossing as he look Ryland up and down. How did he managed to look so confident and at ease in a room he never been before was beyond Ryland.
"Well…yes?" He winces, "You know, school stuff." He shrugs, deciding to lean against the desk too, next to the man. It was easier to be side by side than to have the man's attention all on himself, at least now he could stare at his blackboard.
"They give you a lot of trouble?"
"They're not that bad, most of them are trying their best."
"That's good," He nods, "Raising the future scientists." He chuckles at his own joke, making Ryland laugh too. As he chuckles, he feels the tension leave his shoulders.
"Are you here to recruit them?" Ryland asks, looking at his watch, "Cause you're 15 minutes late already, they all left." He adds teasingly.
"Bummer," Rhodey shakes his head, "maybe next time." He shrugs.
There a small silence, Rhodey is apparently a bit nervous to talk, which is a first knowing the man.
"What can I do for you, Colonel?" Ryland decides to help him out.
Rhodey pauses, struggling to start.
"It's about Tony." He finally says, the words making Ryland freeze, of course he should've known.
"Tony?" He parrots, unsure of where the conversation was going.
"He misses you." Rhodey adds which makes Ryland's heart jump a bit in his chest.
"He does?" He can only trust himself to say a few words.
"He doesn't directly say it, obviously he's an idiot." Rhodey grins, "But I'm his best friend, I notice things." He explains proudly.
"I've only be away for a few weeks." He gently shakes his head, a stupid smile appearing on his face.
"Apparently, you haven't texted him back either." Rhodey says conversationally.
"I've been busy." Grace's voice is smaller, the lie clear in his tone.
"Hey, I'm not here to complain about you being distant, you got your life." Rhodey is quick to place a hand on Ryland's shoulder, patting him for good measure.
"Then why are you here?" He looks up at the man, straightening up his glasses.
"To complain about Tony, mostly." Rhodey's voice is flat.
Ryland looks at him with widened eyes, Rhodey looks at him with his poker face and starts laughing.
"I'm kidding, I'm kidding," He says between chuckles, "I usually complain in front of him." He finished his face suddenly back to serious.
Ryland is completely lost, on the conversation and to is value to the said conversation. He won't complain about seeing Rhodey or to ear a bit about Tony, but that doesn't help his confusion.
"It's actually why I'm here."
"For Tony?" Ryland talks slowly, unsure.
"In a way," Rhodey straightened himself, uncrossing his arms to motion with his hands, "see, Tony has been complaining about not seeing you. So I thought, best way for him to stop mopping around? Get you back in the Tower."
"Makes sense..?" Ryland nods along.
"Right? I'm so good at this."
"So you want me back at the Tower?" Ryland asks, his eyes averting Rhodey's.
"Well, near Tony, wherever he is at the moment," He waves off, "but I known you're busy and you got your reasons so I'm not going to pull you there by the ear."
"Thank you?"
"You're welcome," He nods.
Ryland let out a reassured sigh, at least he wasn't force to face Tony right this instance.
"However," Rhodey starts again and Ryland feel his blood run cold. "I would like to invite you to a little party. Tonight. At the Compound." He pauses between the last words, gauging for Ryland's reaction.
"Tonight?"
"Tonight." He confirms, "I heard you were free anyway." He grins, clearly proud of his little trap.
There a moment of silence where Ryland open and close his mouth before he just curses out loud, head dropping in defeat "Damn, you're good." He shakes his head with fatality.
It earns him a laugh from Rhodey which could actually be considered a cackle.
"I know." He straightened himself, proud, letting his hands fall to his waist. "I will see you tonight then?" He looks down at Ryland, still leaning against the desk.
"I feel like this is a threat." The blonde states, looking up at Rhodey's eyes.
"I didn't say it wasn't." He agrees, a toothy smile appearing, stretching his feature.
"Of course I will come." Ryland sighs, accepting his fate like a man walking towards his death row.
"I'm glad, Tony will be very happy." Rhodey smiles again, before leaving Ryland to his desk.
"Are you always that good at getting what you want?" Ryland shoots in his direction as the man exits the classroom.
"I learned from the best!" He shoots back, adding a little "See you tonight."
Ryland can't stop the snort escaping his lips, he shakes his head with disbelief, a genuine smile threatening to come out as he think about seeing Tony tonight.
After all, it shouldn't be that bad?
It was that bad.
So bad.
Ryland had gone home, change to something more party-like, he left the cardigan at home and switch it with a tweed jacket, he still wore his funny shirt underneath, it was still a casual party…well he hoped? Rhodey didn't really gave him details.
He did however send him a text to tell him a car was waiting for him outside.
Ryland had appreciate it, he didn't really feel like taking his bike. Rhodey was really thoughtful.
Or he was more likely setting him up, once again, Ryland slowly realised as he step out of his building and recognised one of the vintage cars from Tony's workshop.
The driver being none other than Tony Stark himself.
He thought about running away, but Tony had already noticed him and had motioned for him to climb in.
"Need a ride?" He says.
Ryland just blinks.
"You were expecting someone else? Come on get in the damn car, Ry." He sighs, still with a tiny smile.
Ryland snaps out of it, nods awkwardly, and does as asked.
"You really didn't have to to come get me." Ryland says as he sit down, the inside of the car was smaller then expected, his knee bumping against Tony's.
"I wanted too." Tony simply answer as he starts the car.
Tony drives fast, passing between cars with ease, he's so fixed on the road that Ryland takes this opportunity to stare at the man's side.
He does look a bit more tired than usual, Tony isn't known to sleep well but this is worse, but besides the dark circles under his eyes he still looks put together, a fresh cut, a million dollar suits and shades to match.
"I didn't think you would come." Tony's voice echoes in the car, making Ryland jump in his seat at the sudden sound, as if he was caught doing something very illegal or just embarrassing.
There a pause, Tony waiting for Ryland's answer while the other man struggles with what to say.
"I haven't been very present these past weeks." He scratch his neck, Ryland doesn't feel like elaborating a lie, especially because Tony sounded pained.
"I understand, kids giving you hell." He shrugs.
"I think I'm already good at giving me hell all by myself." Ryland chuckles humorlessly.
Tony's smile grow, still tired but genuine.
"I get it." He simply nod.
The silence that follow is less awkward than it was earlier. Ryland feels the tension in his body slowly leave, but there still a part of himself who doesn't want his conversation with Tony to end this quickly.
"You know, there this new Italian's place, it opened downtown." He blurts out, with really no plan on how to continue.
Thankfully Tony is quick to help him with that.
"Are you inviting me?" He raise an eyebrow, sending a quick side glance to Ryland before looking back at the road.
"I actually think you should invite me, teacher's salary you know." He shrugs back, leaning against the seat, bumping his knees with Tony's for good measure.
"Wow, I knew you were only with me for my money." Tony dramatically says, miming an hurt expression.
"I could think of a few other reasons too." Ryland murmurs, looking out the window. It comes out so naturally that he takes him a second to realise he just says that out loud
"My great personality and good looks I assume." Ryland can see Tony grins on the window reflection, there a slight blush on his cheeks but Ryland decides to ignore it, at this point he's probably imagining things.
"I was actually thinking about your mansion."
Tony glance at him, and Ryland just smirks and raises an eyebrow at him before they both erupted in laughter.
The rest of the ride was nice, they talked about everything and anything, both comfortable in each other's presence.
Ryland realised how much he missed this, it was stupid to force himself to leave Tony alone, especially when talking to him made him felt so alive.
Unfortunately as soon as they entered the common room of the Compound, Tony was yanked away from Ryland's side, pull into embraces and conversations.
He had turned towards Ryland when a woman pulled him away, sending him a side pout and Ryland had chuckled at his demise.
Ryland was now near the bar, a glass of fruity punch in his hand, looking around the room and the numerous guests.
He only recognises a few faces, unsure of what the party was even about.
He had really not expected to have to socialise tonight.
So he stood there, leaning against the wall, while Tony was taken from groups to groups.
He refilled his drink.
"Beware of this one, it's stronger than it looks." A gentle voice called from the side.
He looked up from his glass, glancing at the woman standing next to him.
Pepper Potts always looked so elegant, a clear contrast with Tony, or everyone else in the Tower really. She always stood straight, looking far away into the room. Confidence radiating from her.
She smiled at him, refilling her own glass before leaning next to him against the wall.
"This is where you were hiding." She teases, taking a sip of her drink.
"Don't tell everyone, wouldn’t want the place to get gentrified." He jokes, making the woman chuckles, she placed a manicured hand in front of her mouth.
"Your secret his safe with me." She nods, turning to face the room, her eyes looking everywhere, calculating.
He couldn't even begin to imagine what she might be thinking about.
"I assume Peter told you about his list." She says abruptly, filling the silence.
Ryland chokes on his drink, coughing, his face suddenly feels very hot, his eyes widening as he looks at the woman.
She only smiles at him, as he regain a normal breathing cycle.
"…Maybe?" He winces, his throat hurting as he speaks.
"He worked very hard on it," she explains, a fond smile on her face, "he asked everyone."
"He did used a lot of sources." Ryland nods, distracting himself from the conversation to steal a glance at Tony, who was now talking with a couple.
"Is it the reason we haven't see you as much recently?" She sounds a bit uncertain, which is surprisingly, so much so that Ryland looks back at her, she's already looking at him, more precisely at his reactions.
Ryland fidgets with his glass, his thoughts running at high speed. In the end he just let his shoulder drop in defeat. He doesn't really see a reason to lie to her, she would call his bullshit out anyway.
"Yes." He sighs.
There a pause, she doesn't say anything, but Ryland can feel her eyes on him, analysing him. He forces himself to look away, his eyes settling on Tony as always.
"You know, if you don't share his fee-" She starts but she's quickly cut by Ryland's voice.
"I think Tony should with Steve." Squeezing his eyes shut, he blurts out the words, maybe a little bit higher than he wanted too, but thankfully the light music and the flow of conversations around them had drowned his words.
He finally opens his eyes when he hears the choking sound of Pepper, Ryland's eyes widened as he looked at her cough, he tries patting her back to help.
"You think Tony and Steve? Steve Rogers?" She manages to says, incredulously, looking up at Ryland with wide eyes.
He just shrugs, a bit defeated.
Pepper stares at him, a hand still near her mouth as she finally stops coughing.
"Are you sure?" She stressed out the words, reminding him of when he invites a student to reread the question on a test before handing it back.
"It make sense." He tries to sound confident but it only fall flat.
She stare at him, and Ryland feels like she has the power to look deeply into his soul, he doesn't particularly likes it, so he just press his lips into a tight smile, nodding once again before turning to refill his glass.
"If you think so." He hears her voice, unsure, he feels her hand patting his shoulder before hearing her heels clicking away on the marble floor.
Ryland sighs, he's back against the wall, looking at the overcrowded room. He always hated these parties, he remembers the ones Colt used to bring him to, it was always to a random mansion in Hollywood, everyone networking with fake smiles and over the top laughs.
He finds Tony's between a new group, his dark red suits contrasting with the rest of the party goers.
After what feels like hours staring at the man across the room like a weirdo, Tony is free from whatever group had got hold on him. He instantly turn to search Ryland's eyes through the room.
When they lock eyes, he smiles brightly, waves at Ryland before making his way towards him.
Ryland share his smile, waving back.
Finally.
Apparently the world is still against Ryland because the second Tony nearly join him he's yanked back by a big hand on his shoulder.
To Ryland's surprise it's Captain America, he says something to Tony who sighs, but let himself be taken away with a pained look.
So know, Ryland watch Tony talking with Captain America and a few other people.
He looks at him smile and laugh, making the other laughs which apparently gives Steve permission to pat Tony's back mid laugh.
If looks could kill, Steven Grant Rogers would be a pile of dust on the ground.
Ryland finally snap out it when he hears Tony laugh, probably to something the blonde said. He shakes his head and storms out the glass doors, leaving his drink and logic inside.
Of course it's raining, because the whole world hates him right now.
Ryland rushed out of the penthouse. The grey stormy sky hiding any trace of the sun. He walked down the path towards the garden, his clothes already drenched under the ferocious rain, his glasses were now useless, the glass covered in raindrops, he dragged them down, letting them hang from one of his ear.
The more he draw away from the house and the party, the more the sound of music and chatters became inaudible while the rumble of the thunder kept getting closer, but Ryland didn't care.
He needed to get away.
He didn't pay attention to where he was heading. His brain, numb, lost and a bit hurt. He wants to be happy for Tony but he can't help this selfishness growing inside his body at the mere sight of Tony laughing to one of Captain America's joke.
As if he was funny enough for that. Ryland thought bitterly.
He was so caught up in his own thoughts that he didn't register the voice calling behind him. Yelling his name above the rain.
Ryland only stopped when he felt a hand grabbed into his elbow, gripped at the soaked fabric of his jacket. He slowly turned to see Tony.
Standing in front of him, soaked and breathless, as if he had been running after him. Which was silly. Tony didn't have time for him, why would he?
"Jeez, you're hard to get a hold on these days." Tony joked, still catching his breath as one of his hand moved to where the arc reactor used to be.
"Why did you follow me?" Ryland blurted out, his voice faint over the torrent.
Tony straightened himself, his hand dropping to his side.
"Why did you left?" He retorted back and Ryland could easily hear the annoyance in his voice. After all, it wasn't the first time Ryland left early these last weeks from the few times he showed up.
"I-I just," He let out an exasperated sigh, running an hand in his drench hair, the lock sticking to his skin. "This is not my place."
"Not your place?" Tony repeated the words out loud confused, "The party? I mean there a lot of superheroes talk, which is annoying even for me, so I understand but-"
"No, Tony." Ryland was quick to stop his rambling he didn't want Tony to feel guilty just because Ryland couldn't get it together.
"Then what is it?" Tony asks, a hand combing his hair back. It clicked then to Ryland that they were still under the rain.
"You shouldn't have followed me." He states, all he wanted right now, was for Tony to get back inside and to not get sick.
"Oh so it's me." The words were low, but Ryland could feel the bitterness in every syllabus, when he catches Tony's eyes he only sees pain.
"What-"
"It's because of me isn't it?" Tony repeats, a bit higher, "What did I do, to get you to avoid me?" He blurted out angrily.
Ryland wasn't sure if Tony was shaking because of the coldness of the rain or if he was trying to contain himself from lashing out.
"Tony, you didn't do anything." Ryland tries to plead.
"Then what is it? You've been avoiding me for weeks!" He shouts over the rain, taking a step towards the blonde.
"It's complicated." Ryland can't even look Tony in the eye, guilt and embarrassment building up in his body.
"I can take it." Tony's voice is icily cold and it makes Ryland shiver.
He shakes his head, "Tony-"
"No. You know what, no." The brunette had lift up his hand, pausing, "I can't do this." He lets out a defeated sigh and starts to leave.
Ryland has the sudden impression that if he let's Tony leave now, he will loose him forever. Maybe it's for the best after all, it would surely kill him to see him happy with someone, but Tony would be happy, his brain supplies.
"I'm not good enough!" Still his mouth speaks up.
This makes Tony stops in his tracks, turning back towards him, his hair sticking to his forehead and his expensive suit drenched.
"What are you even talking about, Ryland?" Tony use his full name, which sounds odd coming from him.
"I'm not good enough to be at your side." He restate, letting the words settles. His shoulders slumping as he looks down at his feet.
"Why would you ever think that?" Tony takes a step back towards him, they're within arm reach but none of them makes a movement.
Ryland can't help the snort escaping him.
"Tony, please, don't make this more difficult than it is." Covering his face with his hands he lets out another deep sigh.
"How could I make this more difficult if I don't even know what 'this' is!" Tony yells, his voice accompanied by the low rumble of the storm.
"It's Peter's list." The blonde lets his hands run through his hair, holding his head. Finally blurting out the words that had been haunting him for days.
"What the hell, Peter has to do with this?!" Tony's hand fly to the bridge of his nose.
"He made this list," he starts, looking at Tony who motioned for him to go on, "A list to find you a partner…" He clears his throat, suddenly even more embarrassed. What is he? Fifteen?
Tony doesn't answer, he stare at Ryland, waiting for him to continue. Ryland stares back, as if he was trying to find his words on Tony's face.
"It's stupid but he wanted me to help him find you someone…" He scratch the back of his head, his eyes fixed on the suddenly very fascinating wet ground.
There is a small pause,the silence only filled by the rain.
"Like romantically?" Tony supplies, his voice less frustrated and more confused.
"Yeah…" Ryland kind of wishes the ground would open up to swallow him.
"That still doesn't explain why you've been avoiding me." Tony reiterate after a few seconds.
"Like I said, it's complicated." Now it's Ryland's turned to sound annoyed. He really didn't want to talk about this right now, especially soaked.
"How could it be complicated?! Just tell me!" Tony groan, voice higher.
"No."
"Ryland, come on."
"This isn't a good idea."
Tony makes a frustrated sound, muffled inside his hands as he presses them to his face.
"Just say it." He sigh, his face still hidden in his hands.
"I'm-" Ryland starts but his throat suddenly feels dry, which is very ironic considering the weather.
"Yes?" Tony lowers a bit his hands, his brown eyes looking at him with something that resemble hope.
"I'm 90% sure you should date Captain America." He blurts everything at once, easier to rip the bandage off after all.
Ryland had closed his eyes, unable to look at whatever Tony's face would show. He expect Tony to react well, maybe even thank him.
What he doesn't expect his to hear Tony's laugh.
Ryland opens one eye to look in the direction of the sound, only to find Tony bent, holding his ribs as he laugh harder. It's hard to determine with the incessant rain but Ryland is pretty sure he sees tears in Tony's eyes.
"Y-you think-" Tony tries to speak between laughter, wheezing in between every words. He tries to straighten himself, to look Ryland in the eye, "You think I should date Steve?" He wipes a tear from his eye, still shaking in uncontrollable laughter.
"Well…yes?" Ryland isn't all so sure of his answer now, he feel like a student put on the spot.
Apparently he is very funny tonight as Tony chuckles once again. The echo of his voice resonating above the fog of Ryland's mind.
"Why?" The brunette has straightened himself again, looking at Ryland with an amused smile.
"Well, Peter's list…" Ryland starts, searching his words but falling silent again.
"Tell me about it." Tony nods, encouragingly.
"Well he said you needed someone who liked coffee."
"Everyone likes coffee." Tony shrugs.
"Not everyone!" Ryland is quick to correct.
"You do like coffee?" Tony asks him.
"Well yes, obviously but-"
"Then everyone that matters. What's next?" Tony encourages him to go on casually as if he didn't just say Ryland only mattered to him.
So Ryland continues, categorising this information for later, maybe when his brain isn't on fire.
"Someone good with kids." He starts counting on his fingers, trying to remember exactly what Peter said. "Because you and Peter are a package deal."
It makes Tony chuckles, nodding along.
"Someone blonde."
"So you thought Captain America?" Tony teases him, a big smile on his face as he cross his arms.
"Well I first I thought of Pepper, but apparently she helped Peter with his list anyway."
"Of course she was in on it." Tony shakes his head smiling. "But you know she's not even blonde, more ginger, plus she's not the only blonde in my life." He send Ryland a pointed look.
"You also have Thor?" Ryland guesses making Tony snort.
"You're killing me here Ry." Tony shakes his head, sending droplets around him.
"He also said you needed someone funny?" Ryland scratch the back of his neck, he can feel his face is hot, he isn't sure if it's of embarrassment or the way Tony look with his hair curling under the water.
"Have you ever seen Captain America made me laugh?" Tony wonders in disbelief.
"Well he seemed pretty funny at the party." Ryland mutters, resentment rising in his body as he thought back of earlier, Tony had a good time with Steve.
"What was that Ry?" Tony leaned closer, "are you jealous that he could make me laugh?" Tony jokes, eyes full of amusement as he watch Ryland.
"Yes." Ryland states, looking at Tony's eyes, serious.
The raw emotion in his eyes seems to stop Tony in his tracks. The man doesn't know how to answer as he open and close his mouth a few times, Ryland could even deduce a slight blush on his cheek, but it might only be wishful thinking.
"For your information I wasn't laughing at his joke, but at mine." Tony take a step away from Ryland, crossing his arms and looking to the side.
"Your joke?" He repeats in disbelief.
"Obviously, I'm hilarious." Tony shrugs, a slight grin appearing on his features.
Ryland couldn't stop the chuckle from escaping his lips, it felt as if a weight had been lifted from his chest.
"You know Peter also said that you wanted someone smart." Ryland took one step closer to Tony, who didn't move away.
He only snorted.
"And you still thought it was about Cap?"
"I mean he's kind of smart?" It's Ryland turn to shrug.
"Please, a few months ago he didn't even know what Minecraft was, he thought kids were still send to mines and asked me if Peter had to do it." He snickers making Ryland laugh too.
"He's smart for mission plan at least." Ryland tries, his shoulders still shaking from laughing.
"Yeah, but that's not really the kind of smart I like." Tony raises an eyebrow, looking at Ryland through his eyelashes. Suddenly Ryland realised how close they are, he didn't even notice that he had stepped closer.
Looking down at Tony's face from this close he can feel his face heat up, as the man looks at him with such intensity. If it wasn't for the pouring rain he would fear that Tony could hear the beating of his heart.
Tony quickly glance at his lips, a blink and you miss it action, making Ryland unconsciously take a step closer.
He looks down, his hands slowly rising to cup Tony's cheeks as the other man's hand find their way on Ryland's chest.
He looks at Tony closing his eyes, leaning towards him.
He looks beautiful.
Obviously his mouth doesn't say that.
"Also apparently you need someone taller, which isn't that hard to find, really." He mentally slaps himself the second the words leave his mouth. Clasping his mouth shut he looks at Tony with widened eyes.
"Well, good thing you're taller then. I don't even need to search." Tony replies, a teasing smile on his lips as he opened his eyes.
The tension in Ryland's shoulders drops the second he sees Tony's grin. He let out a sigh, the nervousness of blowing it leaving his body.
He smiles back.
"Can I kiss you?" He finally asks, his voice calmer than he thought he could be.
"Thought you never ask." Tony whispers.
Ryland finally lean in, connecting their lips, the contrast between the warmth of their lips and the coldness of the night making their skin burn.
At first the kiss is slow, testing the waters, but it quickly transform in hunger, a hunger build up of months of tension.
Ryland's hand had moved to the back of Tony's head, grasping the hair on his neck, eliciting a groan from Tony, who pushed back against his lips.
They separated, gasping for air, still holding each other close. Ryland was smiling so much he thought he would maybe get stuck like that.
Ryland usually wasn't a big fan of the rain but he apparently very much didn't mind a love confession under it.
"You know, I recall the list saying something about being good at cuddling." Ryland murmurs, his breathing calming down.
Tony squeezed Ryland biceps, smiling.
"I'm sure we can test if you're a good fit."