First your words, now your soul

[kindacatchy]

[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.]

Comments

[kindacatchy]

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.

[madeupname]

[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.

[kindacatchy]

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.

[madeupname]

[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?

[kindacatchy]

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.

[madeupname]

[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.

[kindacatchy]

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?

[madeupname]

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?

[kindacatchy]

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.]

[madeupname]

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.]

[kindacatchy]

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.

[madeupname]

[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.

[kindacatchy]

[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?

[madeupname]

[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.