mallow_logs | (no subject)

Are you sure you aren't gonna want your suit for this, Tony?

Ha ha, you're hilarious. And for your information, I can bowl just as well as anyone else.

You're not bowling against just anyone, you're bowling against me.

[ he's not trash talking (except perhaps in the most sporting sense), but rather stating the fact of his existence. ]

I'm shaking in my designer clothes.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

[ picking up a bowling ball and lifting it up to his chest like it's made out of nerf balls ]

[ That is really unfair, but Tony's somewhat pleased he managed to get him here to be really annoyed.

... though he will be if Steve keeps winning ]

Less showing off, more knocking down pins.

Do I go first?

Knock yourself out.

That wouldn't be easy to do.

[ okay, so maybe he's trash talking a little.

he takes a minute to get into position and line up his sights, brow furrowed, the very embodiment of a Captain America mien of concentration. then he moves forward and releases the ball.

...gutter ball. ]

Well.

I'm impressed.

[ watching it roll sadly but determinedly down the gutter ]

Don't suppose I get a do-over?

You have another try.

[He gets up, right next to Steve's bowling arm] The trick is not to dig your fingers in too deep. Time it right and you'll get it. Bend your knees as you approach the walkway. That way, the ball gently rolls down.

[ wryly, rubbing his forehead a little ]

But if I don't throw it hard enough, how will I save the world from the bowling pins?

You do it the Captain America way. One at a time until you're ready to take out the whole lot. Relax, Steve. It's a game. We do it for that thing called fun? You know that thing?

It's been a while, but I'll see what I can do.

[ hefting the ball once it comes back up the ball return ]

There's hope for you yet.

[ this time, he manages to give it a little less oomph, and while his form still isn't perfect, ultimately, he's a supersoldier, damn it — the supersoldier, if you will — and he hits his mark, leaving a few pins on either side still standing, if a little wobbly.

he turns back to Tony with a smile. ]

[Tony smiles, full of pride. But he's still slightly mocking]

Not bad. What else could I expect from the supersoldier.

[ Steve gives him a strange, uncertain look, the smile not lost but... occupied, somehow. but it's as though he doesn't even hear the words until a moment later when he snaps out of it. ]

That's all I was trying to say.

[Tony can't read him and that's slightly worrying, but he stays calm]

It's fine, Cap.

[ nods ]

Your turn?

Right.

[He feels slightly on edge and he curses himself. This was supposed to be good for the both of them. Last thing he needs to do is screw it up, Tony Stark style. Nonchalant, he grabs the ball]

[ Steve watches him, feeling the shift in mood and knowing it came from him, but not how to approach it, or even if he should: telling Tony he's not what he expects might not help matters when what Steve expects is still an uncertainty. ]

[Once he takes a look at the pins, his entire demeanour changes. Focus. You're the futurist. Consider what you want and how to get it. Bending his knees, he runs up and releases the ball. It's not a strike but it's a spare]

[ gives a genuine grin and claps his hands a couple of times ]

And you didn't even need your suit.