Chapter 7
Just like they expected, they found the way to swap themselves back. Both of them finally fixed the device and found out why it swap them. The Device swap them because Tony and the other Tony set the codes exactly as Tony did at the exact same time when they tested the device out. It was 1:1000000000 probability, but it happened to them. That’s why they have been swapped. The device is not stable enough to differentiate which is which. But Tony and the other Tony manager to fixed it.
But they found out that the entire swapping thing is not safe because it’s require luck to safely swap back. They tested the device on something before test it to themselves. And it worked horribly. The apple and banana that they use as a guinea pig swapped with each other almost crushed. The device worked perfectly if it’s just a mere phone calls through universes, but not swapped. That’s why both Tony and the other Tony agreed that to be safely swapped, this device require luck.
But the other Tony—the Tony that married Steve—is so dedicated to their research. Tony figures why. With this kind of Steve, he, too, wanted to stay. But Tony always knew, this Steve is not his. This Steve only kind and affectionate to him just because he’s looking similar to his husband. And probably, the only one can bring his husband back. That’s why. Not because... Not because this is Tony.
No.
Tony can’t be get used to this world. That will painful if he did. He will miss the entire thing he have with this Steve, this Avengers, that not his. Tony is not cruel enough to steal the world of a version of him. No.
And JARVIS. How could he steal JARVIS from him when he knows how much JARVIS mean to him?
“Sir, it’s not safe to drink that much alcohol with empty stomach, i suggest you to get something to eat first,” JARVIS said.
“I don’t want to be back.” Tony tries not to cry. But he can’t help, he drown himself in alcohol, sit on his workshop and drink without food in his system.
“You doesn’t need to, Sir.” JARVIS replied. “I am sure the other You, and everyone will be delighted to keep you.”
Tony laughed. “What will become of this world if there’s two Tony Stark?”
JARVIS, with that sound of confidence replied, “It will keep Master Rogers full, i guess. Less headache for Miss Potts, more people to save the world, addition for the cuddle in movie-night.”
“You made it sounds so dreamy.” Tony chuckled, a bit low, and hurt, because he knows JARVIS only say that to entertain him. “Since when you became such a soft boy? In my world you always give me that sarcasm and sass...”
JARVIS quiet, before then replied, “It’s hard not to pamper you, Mr. Stark, if the real Mr. Stark of this world comeback, i will no hesitate to give him all my snarkiness, he loves it anyway.”
“Do you miss him? The real Tony Stark?”
If JARVIS have bodily forms, Tony would see him shakes his head rapidly because how much he wants to refute that words. “Sir. There is no real Tony Stark, you are no fake, no substitute, you are your own self, and we loved you for you.”
- Other Tony Stark side.
After a week Tony living here, Steve visited his workshop. Tony almost think that this Steve is a dick, because just how much he looking at him with those wary and hardened look.
But then, he remembers, that his Steve is like that too, the first time they meet. “What?” Tony asked with no kindness in his voice.
“I want to talk,” Steve said.
“About the kiss?”
“Not exactly.” Steve standing still, nipping at his own fingers, as he tries to form something out of his mouth, “How is Tony?”
“I am fine.”
Steve piped up, “Not you. I asked for My Tony.”
“Is he now?” Tony smirked, his tone sounds playful. “Is he yours? Since when?”
“You know that’s not what i mean.”
Tony replied, “Of course. I bet it’s your wish.”
This time, Steve is not refuting. Tony smiles in satisfaction, “He’s fine. My husband probably pampering him so much he doesn’t want to talk too long to me lately.”
“What?”
“Steve. My Steve is always weak to whatever is it about me. Moreover, your Tony is kind of a sweetheart. Just listening to his speak and his insecurities, enough to make me want to wrap him up in a ball of blanket, take him away from this world. Doesn’t everyone must be feeling the same?”
Steve is not making that stiff look and his jaw is not hardened like the first time Tony sees him in that meeting room. He’s pondering.
“I never thought there will be a world where i worked it out with Tony. And we falling in love.” Steve breathed out, “I thought it’s one sided love that will be never happened.”
“How did you come to that conclusion?”
“Tony look at me like he’s pained and can’t take a sight of me. Even just for one minute.” Steve says. “He probably found out about my feelings and feeling disgusted by it. That’s why he hate to be in the same room with me.”
Tony make that surprised look, he didn’t even began to wrap his head around the depth off misunderstanding between the other version of himself and this Steve. This is ridiculous. “What the hell.”
“I love him. Please bring him back. I can live without receiving his love. But not without him.” Steve teared up. Tony clearly see he wiped off something off his eyes, and he turned his back, doesn’t want Tony to see his face right now. For almost a minute, he realized he’s being silly—he embarrassed by it and then ran off from the workshop—without even bother looking back.
“FRIDAY, please tell me. You record that.”
FRIDAY chirped from almost what Tony think of amusement. “From every corner, boss.”