Fire And Ice (Steve And Tony)

Quenching The Flames.

The snow was melting all around the house. Steve was anxious to get out of there, especially now that he couldn't look at his parents without feeling dirty and wrong. Tony tried to be a rock to support him, but Steve could see that the fight had bothered him too, and was going to continue to bother him until the fire that was burning between them was put out.

If it ever did. Steve knew it was for the best, but he wanted Tony to be his. He wanted to accepted his proposal, but he knew he couldn't. Not after everything that had happened. He was ice and Tony was fire, and he had put Steve's entire world in flames. Now it was time for Steve to put out that fire, to quench the flames.

"Tony..." Steve entered their bedroom and put his hand on Tony's shoulder, gently. Tony tensed but relaxed once he heard Steve's voice.

"Stevie, the snow is melting. We should be able to go back home in about two more days. Then we can be together freely, and maybe arrange a ceremony?" His voice was hopeful.

"Tony...I can't marry you." Steve could hear the regret in his own voice, making him want to cry. He tried to keep his voice steady.

"Yes you can! Don't let this dissuade you from our relationship." Tony stood up and faced Steve. "Please. I don't want to lose the man I love."

Hearing that word love brought a pang in Steve's heart. He shared the same feelings for Tony, and more than anything he wanted to give in. But fate was tearing them apart. He felt his eyes blur over with tears as he shook his head. "There will be others...men and women alike."

"So this is it?" Tony asked in a choked voice. "Just like that, you're ending this?"

"I'm putting out the fire," Steve told him.

"Why can't you just let it burn?" Tony pleaded. "I love you."