movie night tactical maneuvers
James just has to get through one day without embarrassing himself over this stupid childish crush, especially given he lives with tony breathing deeply and trying to draw on every ounce of decorum the military drummed into him he opens the cinema room door, and it’s empty.
Okay great just, perfect there’s gonna be a movie night tonight and if he chooses just the right seat he might actually be able to flirt, well he won’t be able to but the option of flirting will exist. And there’s a much greater possibility of a certain sleepy head falling on to his shoulders. OK no rational thoughts not the arm chair but Steve will sit there so that’s good, Steves delicate forties sensibilities will actually work in his favour tonight, the three seater will be a cuddle pile which means the love seat will be the only other seat with a decent view of the screen.
That is the seat James takes, it leaves the other less good views available, for options so as to prevent creepy forced to sit beside each other vibes, whilst subtly encouraging it. What the hell is he doing.
Steve comes down first customary greetings are exchanged, and he follows the plan thank goodness, not that anyone but James has planned this out but Mr. And Mrs. Jarvis are out tonight and it is very rare that they can use the smaller cosy room rather than the big cinema room. The situation may not happen again for months if not longer.
Next is Peggy who sits on the cuddle pile couch which is good she and Steve start talking which is a blessing because as much as James enjoys talking to Steve now is not the time, he needs all his concentration to prepare himself for this plan. More emotionally than physically at this point but still the fact remains.
Now is the hard part who ever comes in next could ruin the whole thing but nope his two loose cannons make their way in together and sit down beside Peggy on the cuddle couch.
Perfect everything has gone exactly to plan and that is the door, stay calm this is totally casual. Just two buddys siting on a sofa together, pals, amigos, maybe he shouldn’t look at the door as it opens. Or would that be ru-
Oh fuck, that is what beauty looks like, if James were to explain the concept of beautiful to aliens he’d get the footage of this moment and show them.
And oh what! That is a head in his lap, beautiful blond hair spilling across his knees “you gonna start the movie Rhodes, or are you waiting for an invitation” Tony snickers behind a hand full of popcorn, while he stutters out a yes and grabs the remote “I think Rhodey was just waiting for you to get comfortable carol” tony rescues and maybe he doesn’t have to kill his best friend after all. He's a pretty great kid when he wants to be.