I’ve got nothing but you to lose
- SteveTony, Mature, 36k, Fake Dating AU
snippet for chapter five:
"Do you want to marry someday?" He's surprising himself with asking this, but his brain to mouth filter system is never working when he's around Steve.
The blond thinks about it for a moment. "I don't know. I used to want that life, married, kids, a house with a huge garden, but that was seventy years ago. I don't know if I even can have that, you know? I feel like there isn't a place for me to settle down in this world anymore."
"Someday we will end the endless fighting and you will get your happy ending," he smiles up at Steve, believing his own words.
"Yeah, you an optimist now? But if I have to settle down, so do you."
"Now you're being ridiculous." He chuckles and puts his head back on Steve's chest. It feels right, his thoughts are quieter than usual, and he feels like he is allowed to just rest.
He remembers Pepper message and pulls out his phone. He clicks on the link and shows it to Steve. "You have to clear your schedule," he announces and snuggles even closer. Steve's eyes wander carefully over his phone, reading more than just the headline. It's more than Tony did. It's always the same, he has to shake hands and smile, people tell him pretty lies and pretend they like and care about him and his work, but in the end they just want his money. More than that, he hates the events he has to host, to lull in people to leave their money for SI, he's glad Pepper does it most of the time without him.
To write a check is one thing, but to actually be there is a whole other story. He can't wait to make Pepper the CEO, at least he can concentrate on the important stuff then. He visits some Avengers related events and he cares deeply for the Maria Stark Foundation. But the galas with too many fake people, with too bright lights, with too much overpriced food isn't how Tony likes to spend his nights.
Pepper wrote that it is important he shows his face at least and a simple check won't do it, no matter how big said check is. So, what's the only thing Tony can do to make this night into something at least a little entertaining? He can bring his boyfriend.
They're seen together and maybe having Steve there could make it not so terrible. Or whatever Pepper thinks happens when he brings his righteous all American (fake) boyfriend.
"It doesn't sound so bad," Steve starts—Tony wouldn't know and frankly, he doesn't care—and he gives Tony his phone back. "And you want to have me there?"
(story written by me, art by @zappedbysnow)
