Blast from the Past [Tony/Steve - Friday lunch]

[playboy_philanthropist]

Tony had to admit he had a few selfish reasons to surprising Steve for lunch. The first was getting to leave the tower a bit for no specific purpose. He didn't necessarily believe all that fresh air bullshit, but getting out was nice. Which led to the second selfish bit. The one downside of New York was always the lack of getting to drive how he liked. He'd always been more into the cars, but they were pointless within the city. If he wanted to pick Steve up for lunch and not suffer through the subway again, he needed a more effective way through traffic. The motorcycles were a perfect alternative. Even though the idea of Steve having to ride bitch amused him, he wasn't sure how well both of them could fit on his bike, so he had Happy carefully follow with the bike SHIELD delivered that was supposedly Steve's.

Then there was the third reason. He wanted to see the construction site himself. To see the work that they were all doing and also to see if the funds were being used properly. So, he strolled into the site in his leather jacket, with his helmet under his arm. It took some finessing to get anywhere worth while. Some bullshitting, some abusing of his eccentricities, one apparently very grudging picture for the foreman's son who was planning to dress up as Iron Man for Halloween, and then he was able to make his way to where Steve was. Not that he wasn't hard to spot once you got into the right area.

"Hey Steve," he called out with a wave. "This is the whistle for your lunch break."

Comments

[capsteve_rogers]

The crew was working on the top floor today. The floor was coming along well, but Steve was pretty glad it was Friday. He knew there were going to be some people working tomorrow, but he'd decided to take the weekend off. He wanted to do some reading of the files Fury had given him, and he was feeling twitchy again, so he thought it was probably time to take a couple of hours and just focus on drawing. Now that he had started doing that again, he missed it when he didn't take him to do it.

He was putting down the slats of wood on the floor when he heard someone say his name. Looking over his shoulder, he saw Tony standing in the doorway to the room holding a hardhat and waving. "Tony?" Steve got to his feet and turned around. "What are you doing here? Is everything okay? My phone didn't ring. Have we been called in for something?"

[playboy_philanthropist]

Tony couldn't help rolling his eyes. "If this was a business call, I'd be in a different suit," he pointed out, gesturing down at his jeans and leather jacket. "And floating outside the window."

He smirked as he shifted the helmet into his hands and lightly tossed it to Steve when the other man had his work gloves all taken care of. "I'm here for your lunch break. Considering it a thanks for overstuffing the fridge. You better say yes. Otherwise I might pout and sulk and that's never a good thing."

[capsteve_rogers]

"Don't float outside the window. The crew would start to question things," Steve muttered, realizing that Tony Stark was actually as well-known as Iron Man. People would probably start to talk now, and he just hoped that none of them put together the whole Steve was Captain America thing. If any of them realized it now, they hadn't said anything, which was probably what was happening but he didn't care so long as it didn't get awkward.

He tucked his gloves in his back pocket and caught the helmet Tony tossed at him. "The fridge is already half empty, probably because Thor and I eat a lot. Some days, it seems like all I do is eat and work and exercise," Steve said, smiling sheepishly. "A lunch break sounds good, though. I've been on my knees all morning, but we're almost done with the floor. If things keep going this well, we might be finished here by next weekend. Do you always threaten childish behavior to get your way?"

[playboy_philanthropist]

"Everyone would start questioning things," Tony said with a laugh. "With a bunch of pictures of me floating around and claims of me being a lazy ass." He shrugged as he looked around. "I wanted to see how work was going. All the workers are doing fine, right?"

He raised his eyebrows and pointed at Steve. "We need to get you more hobbies if that's all it feels like you're doing. All work and no play makes Steve a dull boy." He nodded over his shoulder before leading the way out of the room. "Good, I know the perfect place. I'm even going to be nice and not torment you with dirty jokes about being on your knees all morning." He chuckled as he smirking over his shoulder at Steve. "It's either that, bribe, or throw around threats about being the almighty Stark," he joked. "Works about seventy-four percent of the time."

[capsteve_rogers]

"Who cares what they say? If their lives were in danger, they'd be calling you a saint if it meant you'd save them. People are hypocritical sometimes." Steve looked around. "It's going really well. We've had more volunteers lately, so it's making better progress than it had been. The workers are all good people."

"That's mostly what I do," Steve said. "I'm not dull, though. I like work, and I have a couple of hobbies. Just researching the last seventy years is time consuming enough, and I'll eventually start learning about television and movies. Pepper told me about Netflix and said I have an account set up, but I'm still busy with history." He snorted and rolled his eyes. "I admire your restraint in not making dirty jokes. What works the other twenty-six percent? I'd vote for just being yourself because I don't need threats of any kind or bribes to take a break to grab lunch with a friend. I also don't care that your last name is Stark. You're just Tony."

[playboy_philanthropist]

"I don't care," Tony said with a laugh. "Tell the truth, it's really amusing to see what they come up with. Drives Pepper insane, but she's had years of practice for that."

He nodded as he took in the information as they head down through the building. "Another movie reference. Although in the actual movie it's 'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy'. The Shining is the name. Horror movie. There are other places to fine movies and shows, but Netflix is a good starting point." He raised an eyebrow. "We do still have books around you know, if there's a specific bit of history that interests you more. Love the internet, but it takes a lot of wading to find the truth. Most nonfiction books they actually want you to make sure all the facts are right and triple-checked before they publish them."

He shrugged. "That would be the times it doesn't work. Most of them caused by interference of Pepper. Maybe inflated a bit. I should have started lower on her percentages." He couldn't help a bit of tension lacing through his shoulders. Right, that honest, straight forward, goody goody thing. He glanced over at Steve with a smirk and raised an eyebrow. "How do you know that isn't me? I seem to remember some people thinking I'm rather selfish and self absorbed."

[capsteve_rogers]

"A horror movie? Like Dracula or Frankenstein?" Steve smiled. "Those were always too creepy for me, but Bucky loved them. We'd sneak into the picture show on Saturdays because the girl who took tickets was sweet on Bucky, and she'd look the other way. That's how we got to see a lot of stuff, since we couldn't afford to buy a ticket. Had to pay rent, buy food and pay for my doctor visits." Bucky had never complained about working so hard and rarely having any money for himself, but Steve still felt guilty about that all these years later.

"Books are snazzy. I haven't had time to go into a bookshop yet, but I think I'd enjoy buying some. I like the google, but it'd be nice to curl up with a book and just read by flipping pages instead of clicking buttons." Steve shrugged. "Having facts be accurate would be good, too. Do you have a favorite bookstore I should visit?"

Tony seemed to tense suddenly, and Steve frowned because he didn't know what he'd done to make him do so. At Tony's words, he rolled his eyes. "Sometimes people, even me, get blinded by that act you've perfected. Don't worry. I doubt too many people see the truth. It seems a lot of people in this time are happy with first impressions and judging by appearance. Pepper and I were talking about that last night, in fact. She said I could by a gym bunny based on looks, but I'm not, and she could just be another pretty face instead of an amazing business woman."

[playboy_philanthropist]

"Less monster, more psychological. Haunted house, people with psychic powers, dad driven crazy and trying to kill everyone. Creepier in a different way and plenty to go around." Tony let out a snort of laughter. "You snuck into movies? Wouldn't have pinned you for that. Although sounds like you had better reasoning than most."

He blew out a breath as he hooked his fingers thumbs in his pockets. "I'm a big fan of ordering them online, but there are plenty of bookstores around. Many independent stores that'll give you a good mix of used books and new ones. Plus small press. The main chain is Barnes & Nobel, which might be a good start."

Gym bunny... He couldn't help the image of Steve walking about saying 'I pick things up and put them down' from popping into his head. He laughed hard, the tension easing out of his body. "You. As a gym bunny. Oh that image..." He wiped a hand over his eyes before he shook his head. "Yeah, well, that's business and the electric age. Make decisions faster, too much competition for too few positions. Will it sell or won't it sell, what's the next big story, the next fad, the next big person of interest with the best backstory." He shrugged, a fond smile quirking his lips. "Anyone would be stupid to underestimate Pepper. Especially when she can easily gut anyone who does."

[capsteve_rogers]

"Haunted houses and crazy fathers. That doesn't sound like something I'd enjoy." Steve couldn't remember his own dad, and his mother had always told him his dad died a hero in the war. When he was older, some of their neighbors had whispered things about his dad drinking a lot and his mom having bruises, but Steve didn't know even now if that was true. He believed his mom because he knew that even if she had lied, there had to have been reasons. Still, he didn't want to watch a show about a crazy dad killing people. He looked at Tony and smirked. "Yes, we did. We were pretty young, but it was a choice we made because we both liked picture shows. We shouldn't have, obviously, but kids do stupid selfish things sometimes."

"I think I'd prefer an independent store to a chain. People who run small shops need support or they won't be able to remain open," he said. "Is there a good bookstore near home that has used books? I'd rather buy more and spend less money. Besides, I have a huge apartment and plenty of spaces for books and stuff."

Steve shook his head when Tony started laughing so hard he was crying. "I didn't think it was that funny," he muttered, crossing his arms. "There are a lot of stupid people in the world, I've realized. She's a classy dame, for sure, and she uses their weakness against them since they do underestimate her. I can understand why you two work so well together." He smiled slightly. "I hope I find someone one day, when I'm ready, that compliments me so well."

[playboy_philanthropist]

"What movies did you like then?" Tony asked curiously before shrugging. "You did it because of money. Most kids now do it for the thrill of seeing a free movie. Or sneaking into a movie they're not allowed to see. Kids aren't limited to the stupid, selfish things either."

He pursed his lips as he thought over the area Stark Tower was in. "Two major ones. St. Mark's, but that's more artsy, fartsy focused. You'd likely have better luck at the Strand. They have a huge selection." He smirked. "And since you're a pro at dealing with me, you won't have any problems with their grumpy employees."

He reached out and patted Steve on the shoulder. "I'll show you a commercial of a gym bunny when you get home and you'll understand the laughter. And we'll make a cynic out of you yet with all this 'people are stupid' talk." Glancing over at Steve, he raised an eyebrow. "Well, when you're ready, there are plenty of women around who would bounce at a chance to date a guy like you. Wading through them all will be tough part. Just don't set your standards too high. Pepper and I have been working together for... Actually, I'm not going to say how long. That's going to make me feel really, really, really old."

Heading out of the work site, he couldn't help the grin that stretched across his face as he gestured towards the bikes being overwatched by Happy. "Our lunchtime rides await. Think you can follow me to the restaurant?"

[capsteve_rogers]

Steve grinned. "We liked gangster flicks. Cagney and Robinson and Bogart were all favorites. Bucky liked scary stuff. I liked the comedies with couples who were witty and smart. I could never talk like that or think so fast, so I admired the characters a lot. Mysteries were fun. Westerns. I didn't really like the silly funny movies with people falling over and hitting each other like it was funny. It wasn't."

"The Strand is still open?" Steve blinked at Tony. "Oh wow. I never thought it'd still be here. So many things aren't anymore. I have to go there. Bucky and I couldn't afford to waste money usually, but we both liked going there. Since we weren't in school anymore, we'd read some of those books to learn stuff. Or to look at the illustrations. I always liked the picture books."

Steve shrugged. "It's not cynical. It's just realistic. There were stupid people in my time, too. You just didn't know it as easily because we didn't have television and internet. Our newspapers were usually focused on important events with only a casual mention of gossip about society or movie stars." He shrugged when Tony mentioned women wanting a chance to date him. "I don't see any problem having high standards. If I have a relationship with someone, there are a few things I'd want or it would be better staying single. Anyway, there's no point thinking about it now since I'm not ready and, when I am, it'll be better if it just happens instead of trying for it."

When they got outside and he saw the motorcycle that S.H.I.E.L.D. had given him, he smiled. "Really? I haven't driven it that much, since it's easier to take the train in the city, but I can definitely follow you, Tony."

[playboy_philanthropist]

"You're a rom com man... I'm horrified. Although now I know who to go to if Pepper really, really wants to see one," Tony said with a shake of his head. He couldn't help the smirk that spread across his face considering his plans for lunch. "You'll be surprised how many places are still open. It's getting fewer and fewer, but New Yorkers can be incredibly stubborn."

Taking the motorcycle helmet from Happy, he grinned widely. "Don't worry, I'll go easy on you. Not everyone can be a pro at following me like Happy. We're heading towards Central Park, Lexington and East 83rd if you do get lost," he said before slipping on his helmet and getting onto his bike.

[capsteve_rogers]

"What's a rom com? I liked witty comedies. Cary Grant was one of the best. Have you ever seen Bringing Up Baby? Bucky and I cracked up so much about that one. We both wanted a pet leopard named Baby when we saw it," Steve recalled, smiling at the memory. "I'll watch it with Pepper sometime, if she wants to. I haven't seen a movie in awhile that wasn't created for the war effort, not even counting the years I was frozen."

Steve arched a brow as he straddled his bike. He pulled the helmet on and grinned. "If I know where I'm going, there's no need to follow you, buddy," he said, revving the engine before he took off, leaving Tony in the dust. He laughed as he wove his bike around the traffic, trying to remember the new rules for driving while also just enjoying the chance to drive fast.

[playboy_philanthropist]

"Son of a bitch," Tony muttered before glaring at Happy who was laughing his ass off. "Not a word out of you or I'm digging into the blackmail file."

Revving the engine, he peeled out after Steve. At least he was good at weaving through traffic at speed. One of the skills that Iron Man actually did help with. The desire to just blow past Steve was high. The competitive thrill that made it so hard to back down from a fight. But this was for fun and all he needed was to be sitting in front of the restaurant waiting for Steve for hours because the other guy got lost. So he followed behind Steve until they pulled up in front of the Lexington Candy Shop. Turning off his bike, he pulled off his helmet and rolled his eyes good naturedly.

"See, this is what happens when I'm nice and considerate," he said to Steve as he got off his bike. "Next time, I'm just going to make you ride bitch."

[capsteve_rogers]

Steve managed to find a parking spot and knew it was rare enough that he needed to appreciate it. He enjoyed driving his motorcycle, but it just wasn't practical to use in the city. He looked over at Tony when he parked beside him and grinned. "What happened? I had a blast. I might need to leave the city for a day and just drive on open roads where I can drive without dodging pedestrians and traffic. That'd be swell."

He got off the bike and laughed. "We wouldn't both fit on your bike, Tony. I'm too big, and I like you, but you're not my type, so we don't need to ride that close together," he teased. "Now, where is it we're eating? I'm famished. Of course. I know, I know. I eat too much. I still think it'll get better when my body recovers from the whole seven decades of being frozen thing."

[playboy_philanthropist]

"Just wanted to make sure your mental GPS was working right," Tony joked. "GPS being global positioning system which is how we get our directions most of the time now instead of using a map." He went over and patted Steve on the shoulder. "Another good thing about Malibu, plenty of open roads to speed down. I need to get out of the city more. The cars are feeling neglected."

He chuckled. "Oh, and here I wanted to show off my blond babe at all the biker bars," he teased before nodding his head towards the corner luncheonette. "Yeah, it's amazing what being stuck in a place for a long time against your will will do to your appetite. I thought you might enjoy this place." He walked past the window displays of old Coca-Cola memorabilia before holding the door to the Lexington Candy Shop open for Steve.

The inside was like stepping into the past with it's vintage 1940s milk shake mixer and soda and water arms with soda jerks manning them. There was the retro looking bar and stools, plus booth lining the windows. An original menu from the 1920s along with old pictures through the decades, considering one of the 1955 championship Brooklyn Dodgers. Tony raised an eyebrow. "So? Acceptable for lunch?"

[capsteve_rogers]

"I like maps. They're compact and easy to carry," Steve said. He was sure the global whatever was more accurate, but he liked holding a map in his hands if he was looking for something. "We should go for a drive some time. Maybe the others would want to join us and we could drive out of the city."

Steve followed Tony to the door and stepped inside, eyes widening as he looked around. When he turned to look at Tony, he grinned. "This is aces! There's too much to look at." He walked over to the nearest wall and started looking at the photographs, feeling his smile widen whenever he recognized something.

[playboy_philanthropist]

"So are GPS," Tony teased, unable to help looking rather pleased with himself as he watched Steve. "I thought that a bit of home might be nice. And..." He tapped the 1955 pictures. "Dodgers winning the World Series before LA stole them."

He didn't hurry Steve with the pictures, letting him look as long as he wanted. "And, for your last question, rom com is a romantic comedy which can also be known as a chick flick because mostly women enjoy them due to it being a comedy focused on a romance. Bringing up Baby might actually count in that if it was made now."

[capsteve_rogers]

"I don't see why you assume only women would enjoy comedies that include romance," Steve said. "They were very popular films in my time, and there were a lot of people who enjoyed them, regardless of gender."

He smiled at Tony. "You should try watching some of them and see if you think only women would like them," he suggested. "First, though, I need lunch. I'll have to get back to the site soon, and I'm starving, which probably isn't a surprise."

[playboy_philanthropist]

"Society, not me," Tony said as he made a face. "You'll see a lot of that bullshit in marketing now-a-days. Women being into romance and kittens and all things fluffy. Men being into explosions and war and cars." He rolled his eyes. "I've tried. Sadly, I fall into stereotype and like my movies with more car chases and explosions."

He nodded towards a two-person booth, slipped into one of the chairs, and passed a plastic covered menu to Steve once he was settled. "When we do movie nights at the tower, I'll make sure there's variety though. And maybe suffer through a rom com."