Chapter 8
Before anyone knew it, it was Friday night and Janet’s energetic text reminded them the party was starting in an hour.
“Does she really think we can forget when she was here not two hours ago gushing about this stupid party?” Tony asked, incredulous.
Steve rolled his eyes from his place on the top bunk. “She’s just excited, Tony. Let her be.”
Natasha let out a huff, lowering herself from her top bunk and making a beeline for the bathroom.
She paused outside the door, turning back to face the bedroom. “If either of you need to use this before the party, now’s the time.” She said flatly.
Steve and Tony glanced at each other, then Steve clambered down from his bed, grabbing his carefully selected outfit from it’s hanger on the side of the bed and heading for the restroom himself.
Natasha watched him with an unreadable expression, and he smiled awkwardly as he passed her.
After he had changed, he was surprised to see Tony pull a full, three piece suit off of a dry cleaning hanger and make for the bathroom.
Steve tried to draw his focus back into the book he’d been reading, but his stubborn ways brought his eyes repeatedly back to the bathroom door. How long could a man take to change?
When the lock finally clicked, Steve forced his gaze back to his book and didn’t look as his roommate emerged.
Natasha whistled appreciatively, which evidently caught both boys off guard because when Steve did look up, he saw Tony looking at her with both his eyebrows raised.
But Steve quickly forgot Natasha’s whistle.
The suit was… Nothing special, Steve supposed; he hadn’t gotten a good look at it before, but he now saw the inner lining of the jacket was a deep shade of red that matched his vest, while his tie, pocket square and cufflinks were a complimentary gold.
The fit on the suit was what made it extraordinary. Steve supposed Tony would have a private tailor, who would likely design and at least modify any of the variety of high-end suits the billionaire no doubt owned.
His hair was neatly gelled back, his face cleanly shaven - perhaps the first time Steve had seen this - and… Was he wearing makeup?
Steve didn’t realize he must have been staring until Tony’s attention turned to him, and a dazzling smile appeared on his lips.
He opened his arms, as if encouraging Steve to continue taking him in. “Like what you see?” He asked smugly.
When Steve was able to pull his gaze back up to the raven’s eyes, Tony arched an eyebrow inquisitively. Stubbornly, no words seemed to be able to form in Steve’s mouth.
So he just shook his head, forcing his eyes back to his book.
After a few moments of Tony’s disappointed silence, he found his voice again. “I’ll be the first to say; you clean up nice, Stark.” He managed nonchalantly.
“Good.” The raven was approaching the ladder to the top bunk. “Because you are my date tonight.”
Steve scoffed, keeping his eyes resolutely trained on his book. “Is that how the average joe in 2016 asks someone out?”
Tony laughed dismissively. “Not necessarily how one average person would ask another out, but can either of us really be considered average, Steve-o?” He asked, a playful edge to his voice.
Steve sighed, closing his book and turning to Tony - who was definitely wearing eyeliner. “And if I say no?”
Those dark, perfectly outlined eyes sparkled up at him, full of mischief. “Why, you couldn’t possibly resist my charms. And I thought you were committed to winning this little battle thing we’ve got going on. I mean, if I’m wrong that’s totally fine, I just didn’t think it was gonna be that easy to beat you-”
“Alright, alright.” Steve couldn’t help the smile that tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Point taken. Fine.” Now he returned the playful look. Was Tony wearing eyeshadow too? He pushed away this thought. “But you had better treat me right.”
Tony’s perfectly filled eyebrows went up, and he extended a hand. “Deal.”
Steve shook, then made to return to his book.
“Oh, uh, one other thing though.” The raven interrupted, and Steve looked at him patiently. A grin broke out on the billionaire’s face. “You need a makeover. This-” He gestured vaguely to Steve’s pressed shirt and khakis. “-is not going to work.”
Steve crossed his arms defiantly. “I don’t know a lot about what the world has become in 2016, but neither you nor anyone else will be doing my makeup anytime soon.”
Tony mock pouted. “You’re no fun. At least try on the outfit I got for you though.”
Steve frowned. “You already got me an outfit?”
Tony nodded enthusiastically.
Steve scoffed, despite the odd, warm feeling growing in his chest. “How did you know I would say yes?”
Tony hummed thoughtfully for a moment, and then shrugged. “Like I said, no one can resist my charms.” He jumped down from the bed, making his way over to a second dry cleaner bag hanging by the bed, raising his eyebrows in prompt.
Steve’s eyes widened at the implication of the bag. “Tony you didn’t…” He began to clamber down from the bed himself, as Tony smirked.
“You said I’d better treat you right, right?” When the blond had finished his descent, Tony practically shoved the bag into his hands. “At least try it on. It’s specifically tailored.”
Steve gestured to the locked bathroom door. “How?”
The raven raised an eyebrow, no doubt a lewd comment on the tip of his tongue, but Steve stopped him with a raised finger. "Don't, I retract my question." He licked his lips thoughtfully, before an idea formed and he pushed Tony into the living area. "I am going to try it on, and you are going to stay in here well out of sight."
The raven pouted, sticking out his lower lip dramatically. "You're such a party pooper."
Steve rolled his eyes, turning away so his roommate wouldn't see him crack a smile.
The suit was gorgeous, though it pained him to admit it. It was high end, a black jacket and slacks with red undershirt, white vest and navy blue tie. Patriotic.
When he tried it on it fit perfectly, though he absently wondered how Tony had gotten his measurements to a tailor.
When he was content it was on and situated nicely, he stepped back into the doorway to the living area.
Tony turned around to face him, and ill-concealing, his jaw went slack.
He looked Steve up and down with an expression the blond couldn't quite pin down, ending with his eyes resting on his face.
When their eyes met, a moment of mutual admiration passed between them.
Steve, being an old-fashioned guy, had his objections to makeup - especially flashy makeup - on anyone, and particularly on men.
But seeing the subtle accenting on Tony's face - he was fairly certain he'd done whole face - stirred something in the pit of his stomach that he wasn't sure how to respond to.
The blond snapped out of it first, shaking his head, before turning out the palms of his hands expectantly. "Well?" He asked.
Tony blinked, then smiled knowingly. "Much better." He decided.
With impeccable timing, Natasha chose that moment to throw open the bathroom door.
Now both boys turned to gape once more.
Her usual ponytail was gone, instead her curly red hair was styled over one shoulder. Her trademark gothic ensemble was replaced by a dark navy strapless dress, reaching almost to her knees. And the most astounding part, her makeup; smokey eyes, complemented by long thick wings reached almost to her perfectly filled eyebrows.
"Whoa…" Said Tony, before he remembered himself with a short laugh. "Don't go turning into a girl on me now, Romanoff. We were just starting to get along."
Her face darkened, and she gave his foot a pointed stomp with her spiky heel.
Tony yelped and cradled his foot, at which Steve couldn't help but laugh.
When Natasha's gaze fell on him however, he collected himself. "You look stunning." He informed her.
She rolled her eyes, moving past him. "Are you idiots ready to go?" She called over her shoulder.
Steve checked the time on his phone - nearly seven forty - and quickly slid into his now worn-looking dress shoes.
Tony followed Natasha to the door, where he stopped to offer his elbow to Steve.
The blond reluctantly accepted, and the trio was off.
They reached the sorority house at ten past eight, and were met with sparse company.
Janet appeared in a doorway in a sequined yellow dress, her hair curled up at the ends and a blinding grin on her face.
She threw her hands up in the air at the sight of them. "You made it!" She went down the line and gave them each a crushing hug, and her and Natasha exchanged brief words in an undertone.
Tony quirked up an eyebrow over his mirror shades. "Care to share with the class, girls?" He asked them.
Janet giggled mischievously, while Natasha only raised an eyebrow in return. "I have no idea what you're talking about." She said, totally deadpanned.
A moments silence passed before Janet clapped her hands excitedly. "Okay, you guys ready to meet my sisters? Well, not 'sister' sisters, but y'know."
Tony studied Natasha a moment longer, before gesturing outward. "Lead the way." He instructed Janet.
His excitable roommate seized his extended hand, dragging the raven through to the next room which appeared to be a large kitchen, whose counters were lined with food and drinks - most of them alcoholic.
Two girls stood in the room, one tall with short dark hair and the other one blonde with dark, familiar eyes.
Steve immediately recognized the girl from the diner, and both girls seemed to be taking an extra moment to look over the boys as they entered.
"Girls, these are my roommates, Tony, Steve and Natasha." She gestured to each of them in turn.
The girl with dark hair stepped forward first, delivering a formal handshake. "Maria Hill." She introduced with a polite smile. "I'm the event coordinator for this house, so if you need anything just find me."
"She has all the answers." The blonde stage whispered from behind Maria, earning an eye roll from the latter. She gave a small wave. "I'm Sharon." She introduced casually, though Steve got the uncomfortable feeling she was scrutinizing him.
"Now that that's out of the way, let's get this party started!" Janet made her way back towards the entryway, where she pressed a button on an oversized sound system and set heavy bass music playing.
Janet led Tony and Natasha into the other room, talking excitedly about the house, but Steve lingered as Sharon continued to study him.
After a moment, she spoke. “I’ve… Seen you before.” She said factually.
Steve nodded. “I was in your diner just a few days ago, miss. I believe you waited on me.”
She shook her head. “Yes, I remember that, but I mean before that. You’ve got this… Inexplicable familiarity…” She seemed to be considering him intently.
Steve leaned back against the counter and crossed his arms. “You know, I get the same sense. But it’s highly unlikely - I’m rather new around here.”
Sharon narrowed her eyes, nodded slowly, and then shrugged off the whole look. “Oh well. Can I get you a drink?” She asked, gesturing to the wide array behind her.
“Oh, no thank you.” He smiled politely, standing up straight. “I’m afraid I should be getting back to my date.” He turned and, as if on cue, saw Tony walking back into the kitchen.
The raven flashed them all a dazzling smile, before turning to Steve. “What’re you drinking tonight? I’ll fix us both a cup.” He grabbed two red plastic cups and set them on the counter.
“Oh, um, I don’t really drink.” He muttered sheepishly.
Tony waved his hand. “Alright, no problem. I’ll fix you something you’ll like.”
“No, Tony, I don’t want to drink.” He said a little more firmly.
The raven hesitated, a glass bottle in his hand, lid in the other. He turned back to Steve again. “You’re going to come all the way to a sorority party, and then not drink?” He asked, incredulity in his voice.
Steve raised a hand to the back of his neck, rubbing it as he fought down the heat rising in his cheeks. “Yeah.”
Tony looked at him for a moment longer, and Steve was afraid he might argue, before he shrugged. “Alright.” He put one of the cups back and grabbed instead a water bottle from the counter. “Suit yourself.” He tossed the water bottle to Steve and went back to fixing his own drink.
Once it was mixed, the two politely excused themselves from the kitchen and returned to the main room, where the heavy bass music seemed to have drawn in a few more people.
Steve estimated fifteen in total, talking and laughing, some dancing, scattered about the room.
Tony led him to a two person loveseat where the two sat, and Tony crossed his legs and laid them over Steve’s.
He hesitated as he brought the cup to his lips, looking at Steve uncertainly.
The blond quirked up an eyebrow inquisitively.
Tony set the cup down on the end table. “Do you ever take risks?”
Steve scoffed. “I take plenty of risks.”
Tony hummed disbelievingly, putting his feet on the floor so he was sitting beside Steve rather than facing him.
“What? I do.” Steve shook his head. “Just because my whole life isn’t secured around me, and I have to make responsible decisions does not mean I don’t take risks.”
Tony picked up his drink. “Whatever you say, Cap.” He took a sip.
“If you’re going to call me that, would you please keep your voice down?” Steve muttered.
It was Tony’s turn to scoff. “I call everyone by crazy nicknames, no one will think anything of it.” He assured him.
Steve sighed.
Tony put the cup in front of him. “If you won’t have a drink, will you try mine at least?”
Steve frowned, regarding the dark liquid uncertainly. “What is it?” He asked warily.
“Jack and coke.” He told him.
Steve took the cup apprehensively. He liked coke - or, he had when he was younger. Truthfully, he hadn’t had it in years - all of that sugar and dye was really not healthy.
He knew what Jack Daniels was - his father had been a rather avid fan - but he personally had never touched the stuff.
Or, any other alcoholic beverage for that matter.
Still, after regarding the cup a few moments longer, he sniffed it, and then took a tentative sip.
The familiar burn of the carbonation mixed with a new kind of burning, a really hot feeling in his chest as the drink settled into his stomach.
The taste wasn’t bad though.
He nodded approvingly to Tony. “Not bad.” He admitted, returning the cup to his roommate.
The raven beamed up at him. “Damn straight.” Then, to Steve’s horror, the raven tipped the cup up and downed the rest of the drink. “I’m going for a refill. Sure you don’t want anything?”
Steve considered this for a moment, then shook his head. “Yeah, I’m good.” He lifted his water bottle to his lips as if for emphasis. Tony shrugged and made for the kitchen.
Steve watched people milling about the large room, dancing and talking, until Tony returned with his freshly topped off cup.
Throughout the next few hours, as Steve and Tony shifted and talked on the couch, the level of intoxication around them grew. With music pumping through the sorority building halls, the rowdiness of the young adults also became more and more noticeable.
It was nearing ten when a particular song came on, and a four-drink laden Tony excitedly stood from where he was sitting nearly in Steve’s lap. “This - this is my song.” He set his drink down, and reached for Steve’s hand.
The blond remained resolutely sitting. “Tony, I’m not-”
Tony shook his head. “C’mon Cap’n. Dance with me.” He tugged more persistently on Steve’s hand.
When he didn’t budge, Tony dropped his arms dramatically to his sides. He then dropped to his knees in front of the couch, placing both his elbows on Steve’s knees and folding his hands beneath his chin. “Please?”
Steve sighed. Tony reached over and snatched his drink from where he set it down, offering it to the blond.
After only a moment of hesitation, the blond accepted. What the hell? He thought. The drink was bitter, and it burned his mouth and throat, all the way into his chest. As he felt the heat seep into his extremities, some of his nerves burned off.
As he stood, Tony took his hand once more and let out a triumphant cry, practically dragging the blond along behind him.
They moved into a thick throng of people gathered in a slightly lower lighted area, all of whom were moving rhythmically to the heavy bass in a drunken mob.
When they were in their own little pocket of space, Tony reached up and placed both arms around the back of Steve’s neck.
After a moment’s hesitation, Steve set his own hands on Tony’s hips.
They danced for a few songs, laughing and joking about how neither of them could really dance, stepping on each other’s toes and bumping into people, before Tony excused himself momentarily.
He returned shortly after with two drinks, offering one to Steve. The supersoldier sniffed it uncertainly.
“It’s super weak - two shots of Jack. Less than what was in mine you finished earlier.” Tony’s words were beginning to slur, and he pressed his chest against Steve. “Unless you’re chicken.” His breath was hot on Steve’s face, and the acidic scent of alcohol made his nose crinkle.
Steve looked Tony in the eyes as he downed the whole drink in one go. Something about the raven really brought out his competitive side.
How long passed after that Steve couldn’t say, before Janet appeared beside them and tugged at Steve’s sleeve insistently. “You guys should totally come play beer pong with us! We need a team that’s not totally sloshed to provide some real competition.”
Steve glanced to Tony, who shrugged, and so the two followed their hyper roommate through a double door into the cool night air. Steve pulled his suit jacket tighter around him before glancing back to realize they had lost Tony.
The raven reappeared a few moments later with yet another pair of drinks for himself and Steve. He raised an eyebrow in challenge.
Steve sipped the drink. It tasted stronger than the last.
In his history, Steve had experience with controlled trajectory and throwing things. Though it took him a few tries to get the hang of the aerodynamics of the little white ping-pong balls, once he did he was actually fairly decent at it.
And Tony was pretty good too, although Janet and Natasha provided more than adequate competition. They played two games, and were tied with one win each when the girls got bored and commended them properly before going back inside.
Steve had now consumed what he considered to be the sufficient amount of alcohol for his peak enjoyment of the night, and he noticed Tony was looking at him oddly.
“What?” He asked defensively, as the raven moved towards him slowly.
Tony shrugged. “What what?” He asked, still moving closer.
Steve resisted the urge to inch away, as Tony drew himself up to his full height directly in front of him. Just when Steve was sure Tony was going to kiss him, or say something, or do something, the raven brushed past him and made for the door. “I need another drink.” He said gruffly.
A small noise of protest escaped from Steve’s lips as he turned and watched his roommate go, but if Tony heard him, he made no mark of it.
Turning his gaze instead to the sky, Steve contemplated what it was he was feeling at that moment. Why had he been disappointed by Tony’s inaction?
The question hung about him like a shroud, though he could neither voice it nor allow himself to think too much on it in his current state.
Steve sighed in resignation. He didn’t understand Tony. The way he could switch so quickly from being snarky, pushy and invasive, to being sincere, intense and - sometimes - even sweet.
The blond moved to the small stone partition that separated the sorority house from the rest of the campus, and leaned his elbows on it. He could feel the weight of his weary muscles - no doubt deepened by the alcohol flowing through his veins - as he pondered.