Day 23
T’Challa wasn’t sure what to do, but he knew he wanted to figure this out for himself and not rely on people in Tony’s life. He needed to show his worth and show how supportive he could be, and to him that meant figuring out how to get the inventor out of his work binge that was happening because of the man’s emotional turmoil.
Of course he didn’t blame Tony, Rogers had acted like a bull and didn’t heed any warnings that his actions were too much. It was only after Bucky punched him in the arm and they had their silent communication that the “good” captain had realized what he had done. Too late and with a shitty apology, Tony was left to deal with the aftermath. The prince was starting to think that was Rogers MO along with majority of his team; to cause problems and then leave others to fix it.
Bucky though, the soldier had come around the tower with some baked good to apologize to the genius, and Tony had told him it wasn’t him that needed to apologize and that the two were good. They even chatted for a little while before the soldier left and Tony said he needed to be in his workshop for some time.
That was three days ago.
Three days of shutting the world out, including Peter, Harley, and T’Challa.
Three days of only JARVIS telling him that Tony was alive and unharmed that stopped the prince from breaking down the workshops door. But three days was his limit.
“JARVIS, I know you are his guardian, but I need to be in there with him,” he looks up at the camera, wanting to show respect to the AI, “he needs food, sleep, and comfort only another human being can give. Surely even you wish to hold him in this time. Surely you know smoothies and whatever snack he has squirreled away is not enough to sustain him. Please….I have given him space, now let me give him companionship and a shoulder to lean on.”
It takes longer than the warrior would like, almost to the point he thought JARVIS would deny him and he would have to don his suit to get to his lover. But eventually the doors do open.
“I am trusting you with him. Do not disappoint me.”
“Understood.” T’Challa walks in and sees that the genius is working on several things but from the fluttering around, he isn’t actually focusing on anything. “Kitten,” he calls out so he doesn’t startle the man as he makes his way over, “you’ve been down here too long. Been without the warmth of another for too long.”
“It hasn’t been long.” Tony doesn’t bother to turn around and face him.
“Three days. Three days I prayed to Bast that you would be safe. Three days I wished to hold you and shield you from the pains this world gives you. I wish to give you a safe haven. I wish to be that safe haven. But I will not force you to leave here, but will ask that I be allowed to be with you here. Be allowed to feed you and give you a place to rest your mind, body, and soul.”
Tony turns and just stares, mouth hanging open slightly.
“Please Anthony.” His hands clench at his side; he would not force himself or his wants on the man in any circumstance, even if everything in him screamed at him to protect and care.
“And if I told you no?“
“Then I would ask for permission to bring you food and drinks and then would leave you be. I will not ignore your desires and wish just to impose mine on you.”
“You really mean that, don’t you?” Tony waves his hand and the projects disappear. “Ok, I will go with you, eat, sleep, and be with you.” The older man stands up, his bones cracking as he stretches. “You cooking?”
“Yes.”
“Then I’ll take a shower while you do.” He walks over and claps T’Challa’s shoulder. “Probably stink to high heaven.”
“Perhaps,” the prince smiles and offers his arm, “but I do not mind either way. All that matters if that you are allowing my company.” When Tony takes it, the two head for the elevator.
Tony sighs. “You are like a prince from a fairytale.”
“Well, I am a prince.” His smile widens when he hears Tony’s chuckle at that.