The Way Things Were

The Call

Tony really didn't want it to come to this. Now he sat alone, the old flip phone that Steve gave him in his hand. Don't get him wrong, he loved Steve, even after everything that had happened, and he had planned on calling him once he sorted out his emotions in order to attempt at making amends. Instead he was calling out of desperation and the fear that the world itself would face mass destruction, and not like all the other times when he feared for Earth's safety. When they went up against foes like Loki or Ultron or any number of the villains they've faced, he never once thought that it would be the end for everyone. He always knew there was a chance that one of them wouldn't make it, but he always knew there would at least be one who did. Now with Thanos coming for all the infinity stones, he wasn't sure if there would be anything left when he's finished.

"Hello? Tony?" Cap's voice rang through the phone, and it was the first time he'd heard his voice in months. "Tony what's wrong?"

"We need you. And not just you, everyone." He explained the situation to him in full detail, and he could tell by the lack of conversation that Steve knew how bad this was. "I wish I was calling under better circumstances, but the truth is that this could be the end."

"Don't say that."

"But it could be the truth." Neither of them spoke for a full minute. Tony took a breath and finally broke the silence. "Remember after our first fight together, you all were hovering over me to make sure I was okay, and I kept snapping at you because I wasn't used to people being concerned for me. And then after they took Loki into custody, we all went and ate shawarma." Steve let out a chuckle, "God, that seems like an eternity ago."

"10 years... I had never felt more awkward. It was the first time I had a meal with more than two people and less than 50. I remember we were all afraid to strike up a conversation so we didn't, and all we did was chew and say an occasional word. We were strangers then."

"After all of this is over we'll have to take all the new kids out to eat." Tony snorted, "I don't think there's a restaurant that's big enough."

"The compound's big enough, right?" Steve asked. Tony scoffed, "Are you kidding? I don't even think T'Challa's palace could fit everyone." Tony could practically hear Steve roll his eyes, "Oh please, I think you're exaggerating just a little." This felt good. It was almost like nothing had changed. Almost. "Well, that is what I do best. I remember it used to drive Bruce wild. He'd get so fed up I thought he'd strangle me, but instead he'd just spout a scientific insult and slap the back of my head. Man, it'll be good to see him again."

"I know what you mean. When Bucky and I finally got to catch up it- it was unreal. If the two of you had met under different circumstances, you would've gotten along." Tony paused before he spoke, "I don't doubt it. After this whole mess blows over, maybe we can work on that. It'll be hard and tense at first, but give it some time and I think we'd get along. After all, if he's your friend, how bad could he be?"

Steve smiled, leaning back in his chair, "Oh I remember how he could charm just about anyone. He'd smile and talk his way out of any mess we got ourselves into. There was this one time we had snuck into an old cemetery just so I could practice sketching moonlight. When the groundskeeper found us I thought for sure we'd be in for it, but he just struck up a conversation with him and we got off with only a warning. The only other person I met who could talk like that is you." They stayed like this for hours, just talking about old times and looking back at the fond memories they all shared. Tony found himself crying from laughter as Steve reminded him of the time that Thor had left Mjolnir on the lid of the toilet on April Fools, forcing Clint to rush to another floor to use the bathroom. Tony wiped a stray tear from his cheek and said, "Oho man, no one can make you laugh like Clint. I swear, he could do a full stand up routine at a funeral." Steve felt his mischievous streak rear its head and he wondered if he should say what he was thinking. He decided what's the worse that would happen, after all they've been through and were about to endure. They both needed this. "I remember, I could make you laugh pretty hard myself."

Tony had a feeling he knew where this was going, and the corners of his mouth quirked up and he narrowed his eyes, "You were always a cheeky bastard." Steve barked out a laugh upon hearing this, "And you aren't? That was the only way anyone could get you to behave yourself if I remember correctly."

"You're memory's getting a little wonky old man. I'm waaaay more mature now," Tony said, stuffing a handful of blueberries in his mouth. "Really? Cause it sounds like you're talking with your mouth full. That reminds me of that one time we were all having a movie night, and you wouldn't shut up. Nat threatened to throw you over the couch, but you still didn't listen."

"No, I know where this story is going, and you better not finish it Mister."

"You're not here to stop me. Anyway where was I? Oh yeah, you kept on talking and everyone was getting annoyed, so I waited for you to take a bite of popcorn and I squeezed your sides."

"Shut uuuuup!" Tony covered his face with his hand, feeling his face heat up from Steve's words. He remembered that night clearly, and could practically feel his fingers on his sides, making him squirm in his chair. Steve continued, "None of us knew you could make that sound! I remember Clint fell off the couch he was laughing so hard. You immediately tried to scoot away, but Bruce just slung an arm over your shoulder to keep you in place. You were grinning so wide and pleading me not to do it again."

"But you did because you're an asshole," Tony piped in, smiling despite himself. "Don't act like you don't love it."

"You're insufferable sometimes, I don't know why everyone thinks you're such a perfect angel."

"Aw, you think I'm an angel."

"Don't flatter yourself Cap."

"The next time I see you I think I might have to remind everyone of your little quirk."

"I think you better hold off on that promise, we got bigger fish to fry."

"Alright, after the fight when we're all eating shawarma."

"When we're all eating shawarma."