kindacatchy | First your words, now your soul

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thread: madeupname

First your words, now your soul

[Tony looks at his watch as he's waiting by the car in front of the compound. He could finish his day early, so he got here a bit early for his and Peter's celebratory dinner.

After they have found out that they are soulamtes, Tony went to Pepper and asked for advise. It was panicked, it was all over the place, but thankfully she could sort it out. She had advised him to just grow accustomed to the idea of a soulmate, and to the idea that it is Peter and only then pick a date about the press conference. The age difference could be an issue, but thankfully not too much with soulmates. People just accepted the fact that whoever your soulmate was, then that's it. It was written on your skin, so that person was for you, regardless of gender, age, or... anything else. So Pepper was very positive in that aspect.

Tony was happy that they still had time before all the madness would arrive. He also had to sort out his feelings about it all too. He's always thought of Peter as a very precious student of his and now he turned out way more. Tony just has to find out how much more exactly.

For their celebration he has picked an out of town pizza place. He rented it all out so no others would be there when they go and have some pizza, milkshakes and good talks.]

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[Peter is just relieved that Tony doesn't pull away. He hadn't been looking for any compliments or for Tony to tell him he wasn't a dumb kid, just wanted to apologize and maybe self-deprecate a little after saying something unkind about Tony.

His nerves melt somewhat at the touch to his hand, squeezing back and smiling.] And I trust you, Mi— Tony. For a lot of reasons.

[Grinning at getting permission to call Tony by his first name, Peter allows himself to be pulled inside of the restaurant. He takes a look around, greeting the waitress and glancing to Tony for a cue as to where to sit.]

Well, I hope I can be worthy of that trust. [Tony remarks amused, looking away before he would just stare at Peter's smile for eternity.

The place is small, only with a few booths. They are clearly working for take-aways most of the time. But their food was highly recommended, especially by Happy, so Tony has no doubt they will have a good pizza dinner.

Letting Peter's hand go and turning to their waitress he uses his trademark Tony Stark smile to receive the menu, which is just a laminated paper. Chatting her up about her day, about which menu and soda she recommends and which booth would be the most comfortable all in just a mere seconds.]

Heard that, Pete? Will that be fine with you too? [Tony smiles at him as their host is motioning to the booth toward the back.]

You've done a lot for a lot of people, and for me. And you're, you know, super smart and nice and yeah. [Handsome comes to mind, but that doesn't have anything to do with being trustworthy. The thought does make his cheeks turn a deeper shade of red, though, so he's happy to hand Tony's attention off to the wait staff.

He misses the weigh and warmth of Tony's hand in his but soon he's more focused on his ability to charm anyone with a few short sentences. Blinking out of his stupor, he nods and follows along, sliding into the booth. Once they've ordered and are alone again, he leans in and drops his voice.] How do you do that?

[Tony is also glad for the distraction with the waitress, because he's never good at receiving compliments. Well, not from people who matter to him. There's always that feeling that he's going to let them down someday...

After their order, he leans back in his seat, ready to continued their talk. Though he's raising an amused eyebrow at the question.]

You mean, how do I talk to people, that is? Practice, Peter. Hella lot of practice.

[Peter has always admired how easily Tony seems to adapt to situations, and while he knows that a lot of it has to do with experience, he can't help finding him to be charismatic. Even during their first meeting, when Peter had been more anxious than he could remember ever feeling in his life, Tony had a calmness to him that soothed his nerves. Looking back, Peter wonders if that should have been a sign that they were soulmates.]

Talk to people, yeah, but talk to them like that. Make people smile so easily.

Smile? Is that it? [Tony chuckles, looking over the waitress as if he could still see that. But of course he's just wondering about Peter's words. Half the time it's just pretense, just steps he takes to get the result he wants. He's done it so many times it comes as a second nature. Something he's learned from watching his father.]

Yeah, it's the same answer: practice. Although, someone once told me that if you smile at a person they smile back. [He challenges as his lips indeed pull into a smile when looking back at Peter.] All the rest can be learned, if you're willing?

[Peter finds himself mirroring the smile, unable to help himself. When Tony smiles, really smiles, it's an amazing transformation from a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders to someone far more relaxed. Even if it's pretense, Peter likes seeing that smile.]

Smiling is pretty easy! I mean, I do it a lot most days. But it'd be nice to learn how to be, I don't know, charming I guess?

[Sipping his drink, his legs bounce beneath the table. The smell of food is energizing him, making him eager to eat mixed with the excitement of being out with Tony—and only Tony.] So, have you been working on anything cool lately?

Uh, that's funny. Because you're already charming, you see. [Tony assures lightly, leaning back in his seat. His eye are on Peter though. And yes, he noticed that Peter is always smiling. Or that it comes easy for him. It's a good thing, because Tony wants to see it all the time. Forever. And that thought just makes him look away for a second.]

As if I'm not always working on something cool. Shuri's teaching me a lot about nanotech, so I'm trying to find ways to incorporate it into the compound's system somehow. [One of the side projects, obviously. Tony then adds, as a tease,] Or you wanna know when's the next Spider-update going to be?

U-um. [Peter's mind stops working for a moment, because for someone like Tony to call him charming goes against everything he believes about himself. He likes to think that he's kind, and not too difficult to talk to once he's comfortable with someone, but charming?] A-are you confusing me with another Peter Parker? It's probably, y'know, a kinda common name.

[It's so much easier to push aside the current topic of himself and focus on both Tony and his innovations. Mentions of Shuri, the Wakandan genius, makes his eyes widen as does the thought of anyone teaching Tony anything about mechanics.] Nanotech is so awesome, do you know what you'd want to use it for on the compound? Medical? Training? Cleaning up the mess everyone leaves? [Grinning, and blushing faintly at being caught, Peter shrugs and leans back in his seat.] I mean, if there going to be a next update? The suit is already amazing, what else would you even add?

Oh, Peter. [With a short chuckle, Tony shakes his head. Peter is adorable.] If someone tells you you're charming you say of course. Except when they're weird. Then you just, get out of there.

Uuuh, all those things. I'm wondering what should I prioritize. Apparently, healing and cleaning seem to weight in the same? [He motions about with his hand, just for it to find his glass. Tony wipes away some stray drops of soda as he answers.] That doesn't mean it can't be updated. As the princess, I also believe that we must seek ways to improve and learn. There could be updates I don't even think of right now.

Oh. Then, of course! [He laughs, and even if he's still not entirely sure he agrees with Tony, he at least knows enough not to argue with the genuis.] Thanks, Tony. I promise to run away if anyone else calls me charming, though.

[Chewing on the end of his straw, Peter looks up at the waitress returns with their food. He's starving, the smell of pizza and nerves of a date with Tony making it hard to resist instantly falling upon the pizza. But May has taught him manners at least, and he'll wait for the waitress to leave the table before grabbing a slice.] I'd say healing first, you know, since that's a little more life-threatening than dirty dishes in the sink. Are you going to have FRIDAY run everything, or would it need a dedicated AI?

[He shifts in his seat, excited to be talking about engineering as well as possible updates to his spider suit. It's already a dream, especially when compared to the "onesie" that he'd had before. It had gotten the job done, and he's still proud of being able to create the web shooters and goggles out of dumpster parts, but the functionality was laughable. Plus, he liked having Karen to talk to when he's on missions.] Tony Stark, learning about nanotechnology from an African princess. That's probably the craziest sentence that's ever come out of my mouth.

That's actually reassuring. [Tony laughs too, taking a slice himself too.]

I meant it as a joke, of course healing is more important. Although, it's something I'm new to dabble with. It's more Bruce's and his pals expertise, so I'm still consulting with them about it. Not about the AI, yet though. What do you think would be better? [Tony admits. He's more of a mechanic, he finds ways to build the thing that does the healing. But the 'how' is up to much experienced people than him.

Then he sends an amused glance at Peter.] Is that so? There really wasn't anything crazier than this?

Is it? [His tilts his head to one side, picking a piece of pepperoni off his slice and popping it into his mouth.] I mean, I guess I'd be happy, too. L-like if you ran away from people flirting with you.

[Quick to take a big bite of pizza, mostly to stop himself from talking, he nods to show that he's still following the conversation even if he's too flustered to participate for the moment. He likes being able to talk to Tony about science and engineering as a couple of the things that they've bonded through, and obviously even before meeting, Peter had admired the mind behind so many brilliant inventions.

Swallowing his mouthful, he washes it down with a gulp of soda before answering.] Maybe a dedicated medical AI so that nothing gets slowed down by having them run simultaneously. If FRIDAY is split between Iron Man and healing, it might eat up a lot of her RAM. [Fiddling with his straw wrapper, he absentmindedly ties it into a knot while thinking aloud.] And dedicated AI make it harder to hack the whole system. But they'd have to communicate so battle data could be used for medical procedures, right?

[Realizing he's talking a lot, he laughs and rubs at the back of his neck. Tony's eyes are sharp as they watch him, but he doesn't feel like he's under scrutiny as much as he's just the center of Tony's attention.] Well, I do talk a lot during fights. I guess "just a typical homecoming, on the outside of an invisible jet, fighting my date's dad" was pretty crazy, too.

[Tony himself also takes a few bites, and pleasantly wonders that Happy indeed has a good taste in pizza places. Better than to comment on flirting... It's just too easy with Peter.]

Yes, that's a good point. [He nods, watching Peter's hands fidgeting. A bit like he was at his age. Always moving, fidgeting, doing something. Talking engineering is also refreshing with Peter. He has new ideas, he's not guided by ambition, money or power. Not yet anyway. He's still has a lot before him and this clean look at things is what Tony missed from his scientific ] How about you help me develop it, hm? We could name it June. After May.

[He chuckles, wiping his hands before reaching for his drink.] Told you. Your amazing little adventures had more crazy potential than they should've, Peter.

[Peter instantly perks back up when Tony accepts his logic, brightening at the chance to share some verbal theorizing with someone of Tony's level of intellect. Even though there are plenty of people who have admired Tony Stark as Iron Man and as a billionaire, Peter thinks that it's a shame so many seem to forget that he's also the smartest mind in his field.

Leaning forward, visibly excited, his jaw went slack at the suggestion.] Me? Work on an AI w-with you? Wh-wha-what could I even bring to the table? [He can't help smiling at the name, though, knowing that May would be over the moon if that became a reality.] June is a good name, though. It could stand for... "Judicious and Ubiquitous Nanotech Executive."

[Proud of himself for being able to come up with that off the top of his head, he finishes his slice and quickly devours another. He frowns at the comment about his spider-fueled escapades, nodding a little.] I know, and it's dangerous, but still. Being a superhero is crazy! Why every bad guy needs some kind of animal-themed gimmick I'll never understand. It's not like they got bitten by radioactive vultures, right?

You know, usually when people work toghether they bring all of their tools to the table and make something. [Tony points out amused. He's sure that with Peter they could make that AI work and it could also be a good opportunity to introduce Peter to nanotech. So in the future maybe he could update his suits... for reasons. Tony actually is trying to make Peter see all the opportunities he can offer, and thus maybe finding something on his own.] See, you're already doing it. That name's awesome and we're gonna use it.

Interesting question, indeed. [Tony wonders on his own too taking a bite. He'd never thought Peter will have to deal with someone like that. Someone he accidentally created even. Somehow a theme Tony seem to meet over and over in his life. And it's affecting others. His glance falling on his wrist again, imagining the words under his shirt. He's a bit relieved he didn't know Peter is his soulmate when that happened, he'd have lost it for sure. Damn, it's gonna be a difficult ride from here.] I vote for lack of imagination, lack of... style. Mostly that.

Haha. [He smiles even as he laughs sarcastically, always a fan of Tony's teasing because it makes him feel like they're on the same level. A lot of adults tended to sound condescending because they were so busy trying to be good role models or authority figures rather than feeling like a real person around Peter.] I don't have a lot of tools, Mr. Stark. I swear I just use the same one screwdriver for everything.

[He sat up a little straighter when Tony praised his choice in name, and he wasn't about to tell him that it had been suggested in complete jest. His attention moves to Tony's wrist as he glances down at it, and he can't help wondering what he was thinking about regarding it. Peter had thought about a million things since the previous night, especially how their lives might have been different if they had realized they were soulmates much earlier. Somehow, Peter can't imagine Tony helping him with his role as Spider-Man if he had known then what he knows now.]

I saw someone online claiming the same about superhero names. Spider-Man, Iron Man, Ant Man, how they're all the same. To be honest, I did kind of take inspiration from you...

Then bring that. Maybe that's the one one screwdriver I don't have. [Tony points out, though he's glad Peter seem to be more relaxed around him. That's also a reason for this 'date' to get comfortable, relaxed. So he can see more of Peter and maybe build something more than what they have now.

Never underestimate what Tony thinks is a good name with the thing he called B.A.R.F., Peter. If it works. It works. Yes.]

Don't believe everything they say online, Peter. [He teases, taking a slice of pizza to do something with his fidgeting hands. He smiles a little, when Peter says Tony inspired him. It shouldn't make him feel responsible, but it is. His soulmate being inspired by him? Maybe the highest praise.] I'm glad I could deliver. Look where it got you. Impressive. I, personally, love the name too.

[Peter snorts at that, highly doubting that there's anything Tony might need or want but not have. He nods, though, smiling at the sentiment.] Alright, my one screwdriver versus the world. It actually sounds pretty epic!

Dude, don't worry. I know how to handle online comments. [He smirks a little, knowing he can take the kind of words that people feel safe sharing behind anonymous usernames and disabled IP logging. It was easy to take out aggression on the internet the same way it was easy to be more outgoing when people had all the time in the world to formulate their remarks, both positive and negative.

Blushing as the topic turns back to him, he quickly inhales half a piece of pizza just so he can't start stuttering again. Even though they've been working together for some time, both as scientists and as superheroes, praise from Tony was still the highest form available in Peter's humble opinion.] It's an awesome name! Totally catchy, and it makes me think of that really old rock song.

It's how I started, so, go for it. [Tony winks, because that is indeed epic.]

[He also really shouldn't feel disturbed about that knowing smirk on Peter when he's talking about online comments. But then again he himself also is a huge troll, so he leaves it at that. Some things just better be kept private.]

Oh dear, something old for you's not that old for me, so... [He swallows a bit awkwardly and takes a sip from his soda. He looks around the place for a moment. Seeing Happy making sure that no pictures would be taken and that the premises are clear. Feels nostalgic, for some reason.]

So, what do you think of the place? Happy recommended it for me, so he's going to ask me about the pizza and the state of the bathroom for sure.

[The wink makes him blush and duck his head down as he laughs, pulling some toppings off his pizza and popping them into his mouth.] I kinda doubt that you started with one screwdriver, Tony.

[His smile drops at the reply, stomach rolling at the thought of his thoughtless comment. The difference in their ages is definitely the biggest point of contention with their bond, and even if they're soulmates it doesn't entirely erase the fact that Tony is so much older. Chewing his lip, he reaches across the table to hold Tony's hand.]

Sorry. It's... Not that old.

[It's a weak cover, and he tries to think of something else to say to ease the tension. Luckily, Tony is much better at that part of conversation, and Peter quickly looks back up at him when he's asked his opinion. Smiling softly, Peter glances around and nods thoughtfully.] It's nice. Great pizza! But, uh, not sure about the bathrooms? Why, why would Mr. Happy care about that?

Well, what I wanted to say is, everyone starts somewhere. [Tony clears his throat. He doesn't want to make other feel uncomfortable because of what he had... But sometimes it's proven to be a challenge.]

[The touch once again is a surprise, even if Tony saw it happen. It's so strange. Every touch from his soulmate will feel like this from now on? Something that would make him just freeze for a few seconds? He hears Peter say something, but he's too busy looking at his hand covering his, and then his wrist which holds Tony's first words to him. He takes that hand before Peter could pull it away.]

Something about the state of the bathroom mirrors the state of the kitchen... or something like that. But he gets very cryptic about it. [Tony wonders, turning his attention back to Peter.] Maybe you should ask about it later.

[Peter wasn't uncomfortable about Tony's wealth, it was just something that he found impossible to wrap his mind around. He'd never had much, and he didn't mind dumpster diving for retro tech—it was even a little thrilling at times—so he's still working on understanding and accepting Tony's lifestyle and resulting generosity.

When he notices Tony looking at their hands, he worries that it's just another misstep in this sudden disaster of a date. But then he holds his hand, and Peter's stomach flutters and his cheeks warm and he wonders if he's always going to act like a kid with a crush when touching his soulmate.

Stuttering, both verbally and mentally, he tries to catch up with the conversation again.] M-me? Ask Happy about bathrooms? No way, Mr. Stark, I'm pretty sure he low-key hates me.

Edited 2018-08-16 15:46 (UTC)

Just a heads-up, kid. Happy does low-key hate everyone. So you're no special. [Tony teases with a smirk. It's true, Happy isn't a people person, but Tony knows that he has a soft spot for the kid. Though when he told them they are soulmates, Happy indeed got a bit worked up and Tony can't blame him. Happy knows Tony and Tony knows him in return, they are familiar with each other's weaknesses and fears too.]

And who knows, maybe you two can bond over bathrooms of pizza places. [Tony points out, his thumb stroking Peter's hand absently as the talks.]

So, would you like to order some dessert?

Oh. I guess that, uh, makes me feel a little better? If he hates everyone, he must really love you. [He could tell that Happy worked hard to impress Tony, something that seemed to be true of just about everyone around him. He was the kind of person that you wanted to make proud, in Peter's opinion; more than that, Peter wanted to stop Tony from worry about so much.

Snorting at the thought of bonding with anyone over bathrooms, he tries to think of something else he and Happy could talk about but only comes up with Spider-Man and Tony himself. Blushing a little at the thought of discussing his soulmate with his bodyguard-turned-driver-turned-who knows what now, Peter brightened at the suggestion of dessert.]

Hell yeah! May says I've got a sweet tooth. Do you like sweets?

He detests me the most. [Tony assures, but yes. He knows how Happy feels about him, and frankly he's very glad about it. He was there as a support all the way during his journey, even now...]

Maybe we should bring her something too. [Tony muses as he's looking at the menu again for dessert offers.] I do, but I wouldn't say I have a sweet tooth. I mean, come on, who wouldn't like sweets? [He chuckles, motioning over their waitress to take their orders.]

Yeah right. [Peter playfully rolls his eyes, not buying it for a second. Sure, Tony and Happy seemed to butt heads a lot, but it all seemed to come for a place of concern for each other. It was sort of the modus operandi for Tony in his relationships, as far as Peter can tell. There's always plenty of teasing, but with genuine affection at the heart of it.

Clearing his throat, choosing not to continue pursuing the topic of his aunt, he picks something on the menu and puts it down to signal that he's ready to order when Tony is.] Lots of people! Sometimes you want something salty, you know? But that's why french fries in milkshakes are the best. [He smiles up at the waitress when she chuckles at his comment, blushing through his order and then quickly busying himself with his drink.]

As for something salty there's always me. [Tony remarks offhand, and he places his order too. Then his smile turns a bit more genuine as he's watching Peter interact with their waitress. He places his order too, then smirks at the kid.] And you say you have no charms? Come on, Peter.

[Instantly he regrets taking a sip of his soda because he's choking on it, half laughing and half sputtering at Tony's comment. He's just happy that the waitress has left the table by that point, even if she's close enough to look over her shoulder and raise an eyebrow at him. That just deepens the blush that's crept onto his cheeks.] S-sorry, sorry, but was that millennial humor? Am I rubbing off on you? [Because he doesn't want to voice the less appropriate alternative meaning that had also popped up in his mind.]

What? No, I'm not charming! Just nice. There's a difference, I think. One can be way more awkward.

[Tony laughs, looking quite smug himself. Millenial humor isn't only for millenials after all. It's also entertaining to watch Roger's reactions to all of it. He lets Peter guess, but really, Tony has been on the internet since the beginning, as if he wouldn't keep up with the trends.]

[The desserts arrive in a short time. Tony makes a note to thank Happy for the place recommendation. It seems like a place he could frequent at after all. The bill is paid and as they get up from the table, Tony subconsciously reaching for Peter's hand.]

So what's the verdict, Peter? Did you have fun, or you're gonna pretend we're not soulmates anymore?

[Peter pouts slightly at Tony pleading the Fifth rather than answering the question, but he suspects it’s something he’ll have to continue dealing with. They’ll get closer, he hopes, and not only because of being soulmates—he genuinely likes Tony as a person, both because they have a lot in common but because he’s so naturally charismatic.

The dessert is good enough to keep him silent, though, licking his spoon clean and sighing happily at his full stomach. He tries and fails not to blush when Tony takes his hand, squeezing softly but otherwise not drawing attention to the touch just in case it makes Tony stop. His other hand raises in a thumbs up before he bursts into laughter.] No, it was great! And even if it wasn’t, it would take more than one bad date for me to consider ditching you, soulmates or not.

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First your words, now your soul

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