mallow_logs | (no subject)

[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.

[His heart sinks just a bit. Calm down, Tony. Different person, different rules. It's not the same. So he smiles]

At bowling? Pssh. You'd be lucky if you are good as me.

[ only that particular jab, good-natured as it was intended, isn't without context for Steve, either, and he winces a bit. ]

That may be so.

... Okay, seriously, just spill it. What's the problem, Steve?

I'm here for the same reason you are, Tony.

To bowl or to give me dirty looks?

I'm not. Why would you think that?

[ his expression now is clearer, flustered and frustrated ]

I'm here to get to know you better. That's all.

Was it something I said? You can tell me, you know. I can take it.

Maybe, but not the way you're thinking.

[ with as quick as Tony's mind is, it's difficult not to keep up, to at least try to stay ahead of him when he takes the conversation wherever he wants in spite of where Steve thinks it's going, so the words spill out without being allowed careful consideration. but then he pauses to make sure he gets the next words right, or as right he can — it isn't saying much, he somehow knows just what to say to the bad guys, but with the people he's supposed to be closest to, he's not always so lucky. and he'd never considered that Tony is supposed to be one of those people. ]

I'm just... surprised by you. I think you like me better than I'm used to. [ he gives a self-deprecating chuckle ] Or you like some version of me better. I have to admit that it throws me somewhat.

Really? Well, it's good to know I'm getting that chance. Usually it's the other way around. Literally.

[Joking aside though, Tony knows he needs to be just as honest]

I've got your back. No matter which version you are, I can do that. And I already know you have mine too. That much shouldn't throw you, right?

No. [ he smiles ] Granted, even that's pretty new for us, but so are the Avengers.

And if it'll make you feel more at home, we can always spar next time.

Why not? It's been a while since I've gotten fresh bruises and blackouts from your training.

[pause] Well, when the Avenger started out, we were a hot mess. Hulk hated Thor, Thor thought everyone was beneath him. Panther .... actually I can't even tell with Panther. Jan and Hank broke up every Sunday and while I wanted to get things done, I wasn't the best person to be in charge.

Why do you say that?

I'm a big picture person, but that's not what the Avengers needed as leader.

[ Steve just nods; he's not going to push for more just now. ]

You gonna try to knock down that pin?

Pssh. I am going to knock that pin down.

Let's see it.

[Grabbing the ball, Tony calmly rolls it towards the last pin. Bingo. He smirks, stepping back and patting Steve on the shoulder]

I am good.

Well done.

[ it's utterly sincere. ]

Maybe I can make a better showing for myself this time.

Hey, you have plenty of chances.