Disorientation was an old friend to Steve Rogers. It came often since he had "thawed out" or "woken up". Moments of confusion and hallucinations between dreams and reality. Tonight was no different. The old soilder lay in bed, bombarded with thoughts of 1945, when life was simple, well... Simpler.
I should get up. Steve thought. He began the familiar trod around the tower, picking up trash and putting dirty dishes away. It was almost exactly the same as it had always been. Almost. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a blue glow. Who could still be awake? Naturally, if for no other reason than to cure boredom, Steve followed it. Of course it was Tony's lab.
"Hello?" Captain America called softly as not to disturb anyone sleeping. No answer.
Maybe he just left the light on... Steve entered the room to investigate. He marveled at all Tony was working on, a beaker bubbled in the corner, four identical boxes held identical series on the counter, simply labeled "no." in sloppy handwriting. Oh, Howard. Look at your son. He's just like you, same hopes and ambitions, but where did all the hatred come from?
A noise from the other side of the room made Steve spin around, fast as a shot.
"Woah there, puppy dog!" he smiled from the doorway Tony. "What can I do ya for?"
"I'm sorry I was just.. Up and I saw your light on and... I.."
Tony held up a hand to silence his fellow avenger "Not to worry, cap. See anything interesting?"
Steve smiled "well," he conceded. "I was just looking at these boxes. What do they-?" he reached to pick one up for further inspection
"NONONONONONONONONO!" Tony made a dive for Steve but it was too late, he had touched the box and it was set to explode.
"Damn, alright we've got about two minutes before it blows, any ideas?" Tony ran his hands through his hair nervously.
"Explode?"
"YES, you big dumb capsicle now what are we gonna do to stop that?!"
"Throw.. It out the uh.... Window." Steve struggled to be helpful.
"Right, we can let it blow up the city instead!"
"Well do you have any ideas, Stark?"
"As a matter of fact I do, go get your shield."
"Huh?"
"Your shield, Jesus Cap, RUN!"
It took a second, but then Steve was running on his tiptoes (it really is very difficult) back to his room. He got back about 30 seconds later, panting.
"Gimme." Tony held out his hands for the shield, Rogers complied. The other avenger threw the shield over the exploding box. Silence, and then a slight 'pop' was heard. Tony lifted the shield expectantly. The box was gone, just a pile of ashes. They were safe.
The two men started to chuckle, glad that it was handled.
"It's a good thing you're cute, Rogers, or we mighta blown up just now!"
"Yeah." Steve agreed with a laugh, but his expression changed immediately "I-I'm sorry?"
"I just called you cute." Tony was now up against Steve, the space between counters was very narrow. "What are you going to do about it?"
"Well," Steve started with a slight gleam behind his eye, "I was thinking something like," he pulled Tony even closer, and whipered against his lips. "This." the kiss passionate, pure, and the first of many more to come.
{The end}
