Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Among the many ancient cities in Greece, there were two empires that rivalled one another due to the many social and cultural differences they had. The first was Athens, the largest city in Greece, ruled by the goddess Athena, city of wisdom and justice where the priorities were education and law. It was one of the most respected cities and one of the most beautiful, with its many architectural wonders that often astounded outsiders and visitors to the city.

Then there was Sparta, one of the most feared cities, ruled by Ares, god of war, keen to exert its power through its infamous army. However, its structures rivalled that of Athens, possessing its own unique buildings that were often larger, and projected dominance in the way that they were composed. Whilst Athens was proud of its scenery and natural beauty, Spartans were filled with determination to compete, and thus saw it as their own duty to make their city more superior than any other in Greece.

And, atop Mount Olympus, The two gods opposed one another constantly, bickering, causing conflict amongst their people, and creating a grudge that they would carry for many centuries to come.

There were two boys gifted with the powers of the gods – demigods therefore - one known as the son of Athena and the other deemed the son of Ares. They were also burdened with the responsibilities to uphold the duties of their parents, watching over their people with care and love in the names of their parents, just as they would if they were fully fledged gods. They were treated as such, taken care of within the temples of their parents and having others cater to their every need.

The first boy was named Stephanos (Steven – the modernized term), a frail young boy doomed to die from ailments at a young age, born in the centre of Athens. Athena saw the child and took him under her wing, claiming him as her son to care for him, nurturing him until he was a tall, gallant man who took pride in his knowledge of law and justice for his people.

As he grew older, he looked after his people, gifted with tactical knowledge and a sense of justice that earned respect from them. As a proud asset, he was provided with the gift of youth, from the goddess Hebe, sibling to Ares. Hebe had given this drop of youth to Athena to ask for forgiveness for Ares’ actions though, once Ares had discovered this, he was furious, and felt betrayed by his own sibling. They resolved their own dispute in time amongst themselves. However, now that Athena had this gift, she bestowed it upon her son and though he aged in mind, his body would never deteriorate or age and thus he would forever appear youthful, as though he were in his twenties. He was also gifted a violet coloured tunic, to signify his demigod status amongst his people.

The second child was named Antonius (Anthony, once more the modern term), a boy raised according to the Spartan law, following every step of the Spartan education, and joining the army when he came of age.

Despite the hard training, his body still looked more fragile than the rest of the boys, and even when he grew up to be a proud Spartan, spending time training and helping to rule the city, his body wasn’t particularly shaped like the others. Still, he was treated with respect, as Ares chose him as his representative, guiding him and giving him privileges that notmany mortal men were allowed to even lay eyes on. Being a lover of war and combat, Ares allowed Tony to be taught by Hephaestus himself, mastering the art of forging powerful weapons, spears, shield and swords. As a parting gift, he was handed a medallion, bound to protect him during battle, which he proudly wore on his chest where it resonated a faint glow.

Steve was forced to attend a rigorous training course as part of his induction as a demigod, having to train in the art of war as well as formal education such as maths and arts, to improve and widen his knowledge as a soldier, and to make him multifaceted and to make him a wise leader that many would look up to. As part of his final training, Steven also received a shield and spear, though the shield was his pride and joy. He would spend countless nights looking after it, and even created a strap which looked odd at the time to others, and kept the shield on his back; he was opposed to keeping his arms occupied. It was one of his own creations, and despite the strange looks he received, he was proud of the shield his mother had given him. The shield had a large shape, representing Orion, the hunter, to provide him with the strength and bravery he needed to lead the Athenian army, as was his duty.

One day, he was sitting in the temple of his mother, examining his shield and trying to clean it once more, when he heard a sound.

“You look as though you are prepared to leave this place, Steve,” his best friend said as he approached, footsteps echoing in the monumental structure.

The man was dark skinned and wore a tunic so large that, when he would spread his arm, it would often appear as a wing. He had the spirit of his mother’s guardian, her owl, in him, however he was a fierce warrior and so Steve took it upon himself to name him Falcon. “I am, Falcon,” he said. “I intend to leave now, in fact.”

“Where to?”

“Sparta,” Steve said, brushing back his shoulder length blonde hair behind his ears and glancing up at the man. Falcon pulled a face, furrowing his eyebrows in curiosity.

“Why would you want to go there?”

“I think it is about time I educate them in our ways,” Steve said. “We have been waging war for far too long, I do not wish for this feud to last much longer. Perhaps if their knowledge were expanded, then a ceasefire could be reached.”

“You speak with much optimism. Is this wise?”

Steve laughed and smiled, always known for his optimism which was seen as rather foolish and naive some of the time. “My duty is to educate, to teach and to spread my knowledge. One cannot remain cooped up in a city that no longer requires to be taught. Besides, this could save my people.”

Falcon folded his arms, shaking his head and letting out a swift sigh. “You have much faith for men who are considered to be stubborn and pig-headed, and they are children of Ares, Steve.”

“Such a mind-set is bound to be able to change, over time. Patience my friend, which is a virtue.” Steve said, getting to his feet and lightly patting Falcon on the shoulder.

“And you have patience?”

“More than many others before me. I intend to change them for the better.”

“Once a Spartan, always a Spartan,” Falcon grimaced, and Steve shook his head,

“Your little faith is somewhat bemusing. You forget, I am the son of Athena. In my mother’s name, I shall ensure that my duties are carried out, no matter the blood that flows through their veins,” Steve said firmly, taking his leave and through the large marble doors.

Falcon turned and watched him leave, letting out another sigh of worry. How was he to be a guardian for a man who was so determined to help those who would quite obviously refuse his help? Steve always had a natural heroic nature, which had often gotten him into trouble in the past, and yet he had managed to come out unscathed from many conflicts.

Steve walked through the city, covering miles quickly, relying on his resources to keep him fit. This was where his training had finally come into play, and his constant trips up and down the mountains meant that his strong legs could endure such strain.

During his journey, he passed through the Isthmus of Corinth, a bridge so famous to the Greek world that he heard about it often, which eventually leads him to the nearby city of Corinth, admiring the quick pace its citizens lived in, it being one of Greece’s busiest harbours.

Passing over the bridge was uneventful, even though many merchants tried to sell their goods to him, but it was also where he had the chance to try raisins for the first time in his life, a new exotic delicacy that he enjoyed, savouring the sweet taste. Then he found a few more familiar things, such as olives, which were, of course, something he was used to.

His people and the locals were mostly rivals, but they offered him all the help he needed to find his way to Sparta, and he traded his knowledge for hospitality; some of them jokingly advised him to stay there and never return to Athens, something that he couldn’t take lightly, but he replied with a small, polite nod of his head, explaining that his allegiance stayed with his city, no matter what.

As soon as he set foot on Peloponnese, he realized how different mainland Greece was to this land and, passing by the close temples, he noticed how they didn’t seem to be as majestic as the ones back in his own city. People there lived much simpler life, consumed by their desire to be strong when it came to their military and economic power. However, he was determined that they could have a change of heart and listen to him and what he had to say, and he marched on, breathing on an air of determination. He stayed close to water, taking it when he needed refreshment, eventually arriving at the large structures that indicated the entrance to Sparta, gazing up at the guards. He couldn’t say that he wasn’t nervous, but he had a duty, and he trusted his mother to protect him, no matter how troublesome that journey may be.

Chapter Text

Tony spent his days as expected, often in discussion with his father to then bring the matters to the group of elders, who thought highly of him. Still, much was expected from the child of Ares, a man close to the age of thirty. He was nearing the age of marriage, being pressured into finding a suitable wife and to raise children worthy of his own name. However, Tony was focused on leading the people of Sparta, giving his advice to the King; he was leader of the Army, training future warriors and teaching them about the use of the new weapons that he started producing following his work with Hephaestus. The war was upon them, and despite the Athenians trying to resolve the situation and send in people to negotiate, Tony was harsh, preaching that his father’s will was for Sparta to go to war and teach a lesson to the Athenians who dared to even think of stealing their glory.

“Those are not warriors, they are nothing like us! Where’s their training, their teachings? They aren’t allowed to even consider themselves Greeks," Tony kept insisting, his fellow Spartans agreeing with his words, eager to go to war as they polished their shields and helmets.

And yet, Tony was proud for finally getting some acknowledgement from his father, who seemed pleased with how Tony was preparing their people.

That particular day, Tony was sitting in his chambers, polishing his sword, when his close friend Rhodey stepped inside. If he wasn’t Tony’s best friend, he would probably get mocked about his female name, but nobody wanted to get on the God’s bad side.

“We have word that another Athenian ambassador is at the main gate," the man told him, leaning against the door and watching Tony.

Tony didn’t raise his eyes, focused on his work. “Oh? Another one? And you’re going to let him in?” he asked as he narrowed his eyes, annoyed at the possible conversation that he was going to have with the ambassador. He was good with dialogues, but he hated talking about pointless things.

“I think he should come in, Tony, we’re not barbarians. If we don’t let him in we might as well join the Persians," Rhodey said carefully.

Tony’s eyes lit up at the mention of their enemy and he stood up, his red chiton waving behind him.

“We’re better than them and the Athenians combined. And mark my words; we will be the strongest city in the whole of Greece any time soon. The others will come kissing our feet, begging to get a glimpse of the glory of our walls," he hissed as he pushed back his ebony hair, and rubbed his bearded chin, getting his weapons together to follow Rhodey to the main gates, eager to get rid of the new stranger.

Steve stood with his spear in his hand, shield strapped on his arm, prepared for an ambush just in case. It never hurt to be too prepared, so he was taught.

He glanced up at the large gates as they were pulled open by the soldiers, taking a couple of steps inside, escorted by Spartan men, warriors who were coated in armour. If the intention was to intimidate the feeble Athenian, they were failing. Steve was strong willed, and it took a lot to scare him. He had faced Hades when he was a child, about to die, until he was pulled out of his grasp by his mother. His mother had instilled this sense of fearlessness in him, which made him one of Athens' strongest warriors.

He looked around curiously, taking everything in, red cloths decorating the royal structures, women roaming about as they pleased. It was truly a sight he wasn’t used to at all. As he stepped into the royal palace to meet their leader, he continued to scout the area, seeing young boys train around him. The place was decorated with paintings from battles and such. He stood by the chambers of their leader, Antonius, the doors opening and walking in, his spear set to one side before he even entered the palace, the guards not allowing him to take it in.

“Son of Ares,” Steve addressed him, holding his chin up high as he spoke.

Tony was in the main chambers, sitting on the main throne with his spear and shield at hand, legs spread as he was waiting for the new arrival, smiling smugly when the guards approached. He didn't bother to stand up and greet him, only raising an eyebrow as Steve referred to him by his title, even though Steve didn’t really show any signs of respect. Only pride.

“And who might you be, mortal?" Tony asked, unmoving, carefully inspecting the man’s strange appearance.

His tunic indicated some sort of power even though his looks didn’t remind him of a normal Athenian. He seemed to in contrast with Tony’s olive skin and dark hair with his paler body and straight, blonde hair, though they both had the same, bright blue spark in their eyes.

Steve took a breath carefully; he wasn’t used to others just sitting there as he greeted them but, as Falcon had warned him, Spartans were a different breed entirely. Tony’s dark hair was striking, it made his sapphire eyes stand out and look even more piercing as they seemed to burn through his soul with the stare he was giving Steve.

“I am no mortal. I am the son of Athena,” he said in a firm voice, being blunt as always. “Do you not wish to stand to greet guests, or do you deem yourself higher than the culture of our elders?”

Tony smirked at his words, the guest’s bluntness merely entertaining him at this point, standing up and giving him a nod and an ironic bow, stepping down the stairs to approach him.

“Excuse my manners, I seem to forget how delicate you Athenians are most of the time," he replied with yet another smirk, setting the end of his spear on the floor. “And why are you here, oh son of Athena?”

Steve stood to face him, narrowing his eyes a little. “I come to spread the ways of my people,” he said. “Manners are a sign of sophistication and evolution, and it is what separates us humans from titans. Or is it that Spartans consider themselves less evolved than the rest of Greece? Are you titans rather than sons of your god, Spartan? Such a statement would not surprise me in the slightest.”

The only way to fight fire was with fire it seemed, and the fact that Tony seemed so confrontational seemed to trigger a battle defence in Steve’s attitude. Tony watched him carefully, circling him as he spoke, both insulted and intrigued by the Athenian’s guts and desire to oppose him, not used to people back-talking to him; after all, he was the son of Ares himself, the god of war, not just any of the other gods. He had power and honour, and a blood lust worthy of a thousand Athenians.

“If I were you, Athenian, I would watch the way I talk,” Tony answered. You speak of manners but yours seem to be the worst, coming into my home and insulting my people where I could have you killed on spot for your words. We are Spartans; we do not follow or answer to anyone. What makes you think that we want to adopt your ill-fated ways? You’re losing this war as far as I know, and nothing can change that."

He finally stood still for a moment, standing in front of Steve yet again.

“They are not insults, Spartan; I pose but questions to you. Have you not noticed my inflections? Am I not clear with the way I speak? As for my people, I do not see that we are losing as of yet. We have risen victorious from many plights before; what is written in the tapestry of the fates that says that we are doomed to lose? Nothing,” he said without flinching, watching Tony’s movements with his sharp eyes. “You do not control fate, Spartan, nor can you foresee it.”

“If it's answers that you seek of go ahead, you shall receive them, if I deem it appropriate,” Tony replied. “But know this well, if you ask to cease this war, I wouldn’t waste my spit in your face, and the answer is still no. And saying that you can’t foresee fate, when you imply that you’re the son of a goddess, doesn’t really sit with me well, Athenian. I can ask the fates themselves and learn everything that I want to know, and I’m sure that they will predict your demise,” narrowing his eyes as Steve didn’t seem to react to his movements.

“If your ties with the fates are as tightly knitted as you say they are, then why have you not done so already? Why does Athens still stand? Do not claim it is mercy or pity; you Spartans fail to possess the slightest bit of empathy in your vindictive, blackened hearts.”

The way that Tony was circling him seemed so predatory, as though he was a tiger circling his prey, but Steve thought himself strong. He needed to stand tall, just as he was taught to, with his nose high in the air and straight posture.

“I wouldn’t deem it mercy or pity; I would say that it’s more fun and interesting to watch your city walls fall, stone by stone, the city burning when we’ll celebrate our glorious victory. We do not possess empathy because we’re fine warriors instead, we focus on what matters, not hiding like cowards behind beautiful words," Tony replied as he approached him, their noses almost touching as he was looking straight back to the man’s eyes. “Is that all? You came all the way down to Sparta to try and insult us? That’s pathetic.”

Steve’s heart filled with rage and sorrow the moment that the image of his burning city was placed into his mind, his natural protective instincts suddenly bursting out from under the seams. He clenched his jaw tightly.

“I had come to prevent such actions. Though one only gets respect that one earns. I had come to teach, to offer assistance to prevent war, though war seems to be the only way that you can prove your masculinity, as opposed to power. Knowledge is power, not strength, and yet you seem adamant to prove that it is the other way around. Not only that but you class my words as beautiful. That, to me, shows some form of admiration. Am I wrong, Spartan? Do you not admire the way Athenians speak? Do you not wish to possess such a way with words yourself? Can it not be strength, another weapon in your arsenal that you wish to possess?”

He didn’t falter, not once, even as he stood so close, his hand reaching for the chin that was close to his and lifting it to stare directly into Tony’s eyes. Tony heard his words as he kept his eyes narrowed, always tired when Athenians would bring up the same argument, always considering Spartans to be less civilized than themselves, always thinking that they wanted help.

“And what makes you think that we don’t possess that attribute? What makes you think that we need you, of all people, to teach us? We were taught a lot during our training, Athenian, and your teachings and words mean nothing to us. Do not speak like you understand any of us, you did not grow up here. Every Spartan that you see here, alive, is already a warrior from the moment of his birth. What makes you a warrior, huh? You fight with words full of promises and beauty. We can do that as well, but choose to fight with what really matters, our bodies and minds. We don’t want your teachings, Athenian, it means close to nothing to us," he finished, gritting his teeth the moment that Steve raised his chin, shaking him off.

Steve shook his head.

“And you know nothing of Athenians yet you say we are weaker than you. Our knowledge, our ethics are what make us strong human beings, not pointless violence and killing. Not parading around killing the innocent, pillaging like savages until there is nothing but the bare bones of a city left,” he said, lowering his hand back to his side as he watched Tony flinch away from him.

Chapter Text

“Violence is never pointless; we are not pillagers as you deem us to be. We fight for honour and freedom; we protect this country and deal with anyone who stands in our way,” Tony replied as he watched Steve’s hands and then met his eyes again. “Innocents are never involved, Athenian; perhaps you need to educate yourself about our manners.”

“Violence is always pointless,” Steve said shaking his head again. “I’m trying to educate you, Spartan, but if closed minds would rather be stuck in their own ways then so be it. I would love to see your men try and kill me where I stand, and fail.”

“And what if you need to be educated the Spartan way, Athenian? What if you must finally learn what matters and appreciate the necessity of war? Is that supposed to be a challenge?” Tony huffed a little. “Because I will take that challenge, but it’s not honorary to kill an ambassador in time of war."

“Is that an excuse, Spartan?” he asked, making sure his shield was strapped to his arm.

“Since when were the Athenians so blood thirsty?” Tony asked with a snort, spinning the spear in his hand.

“I can knock you down without a drop of blood. I do not succumb to blood lust, like you,” Steve said, taking a step back and holding his shield in front of him.

“Are you sure about that? Is that how your mother Athena taught you? Meddling with the son of her hated brother?” Tony asked as he started circling him once again.

“She lets me fight my own battles, what is the point of learning if not from experience?” he asked, keeping his eyes on Tony.

“And are you prepared to return to Athens with part of you missing, Athenian?” Tony hissed as he approached carefully.

“If I return to Athens, it will be with all of me intact, Spartan.” He bent his knees slightly, eyes focused on Tony, darting down and looking at the glowing medallion momentarily before moving up to meet his eyes again.

“I can’t vouch for that, you know. If you’re familiar with my title, I’m sure you know what people say about me," Tony said as he noticed the way Steve was looking at his chest.

“Of course your arrogance precedes you,” he said, stepping forward quickly and using his shield to shove Tony back.

“My reputation does, and as you know, you can’t hurt me, Athenian," Tony said, letting out a groan as he was pushed back, pushing Steve with his hands. “You can’t win against me in a battle.”

Steve used a bit more force, swinging the shield at Tony to knock him back again,

“My gifts outweigh yours, Spartan. You threaten my people with such ease and with such a sharp tongue, I’ll be sure to put an end to that. My people will remain safe, that is a promise.”

“And what good are you doing to your people when they will not even be able to bury you appropriately? Do not cross my path, Athenian. I can let you go now if you beg for forgiveness," Tony said with another huff, motioning for the guards to stay to one side as he jumped across and hit Steve’s shield with his spear, amazed by the sound it made. He felt the need to compliment it. “That’s an impressive weapon."

“And it takes skill to wield it, and knowledge,” Steve said, smacking away the spear with all of his strength before grabbing Tony by the golden chain that kept his medallion on his neck, tugging it forward. Tony let out a cry and quickly punched Steve away when he got a hold of his medallion, pulling back and holding on it tightly, before gritting his teeth and making a move on Steve yet again, this time holding his sword.

“You’ll pay for even daring to touch me!”

“Your words are as much of a threat to me as the rest of your weapons are which, it seems, are not a large threat at all,” Steve said, staggering back as he was punched and using the shield, crouching down and then upper-cutting Tony with it.

“My weapons are made by Hephaestus himself, mortal! There is no way you can win this battle," Tony cried as he fell down, wiping the blood from his mouth before the wound seemed to heal. He got to his feet and ran towards Steve, trying to get the shield out of his hands.

“And with the wit of your words, once more I am quaking,” Steve replied, sarcasm echoing in his tone as he kept a firm grip of his shield, extremely protective over anything that was given to him. He wasn’t given a lot as his mother made sure he wasn’t spoiled, so when he was given gifts he clung to them with all of his heart. “Are you trying to steal my weapon, Spartan? Pillaging again?”

“I’m just enjoying watching you contradicting everything that you were preaching just a moment ago, Athenian. You speak of peace and justice when you barge into my house and attack me personally how is that even going to make you hear to what you’re saying?" Tony asked with a snort, moving around Steve. “You may still have time to run back home if you think fast.”

Steve lowered his shield slightly, mulling over Tony’s words. He’d lost his temper. The fact that Tony wouldn’t listen to him was why he resorted to such violent measures but, in truth, that was against what he was taught. He said he wouldn’t spill a drop of blood, and yet he saw the blood stain Tony’s lip, and knew already he had lost the battle which he had started.

He looked at Tony. “You threaten my people, son of Ares. You could have prevented all of this by listening rather than being quick to persecute, if you had been humble. Bury your pride for once!” he said, trying to hide a sad glint in his eyes at resorting to violence.

He disliked fighting, but there was something about a threat against his home that would trigger it, no matter how much he tried to harness it in his training. He couldn’t imagine the thought of losing everything he had - his friends, family and home - and being surrounded instead by death and desolation. It hurt him.

He clenched his jaw tightly, lowering his shield even more and standing for a moment. “I came to offer help to you. Instead you violate my words and make me turn to this so that I can be heard. And yet you still don’t listen when I use your own methods of communication. What else am I to do?”

Tony watched as Steve lowered his weapons, clearly not intending to carry on the fight, his own words probably putting him off. The Spartan was a clever, intelligent man, he had just been raised in the way that all Spartans deemed appropriate; putting the city’s safety and honour above everything else, turning every man into a soldier, making each man a warrior who would be glad to die to save his comrades, his friend and family, his city.

“Son of Athena, you seem to see yourself as a saviour, but if you heard me out too, you would realize that we don’t need saving. What help are you offering to give, without implying that we are lacking any of your qualities? Speak up and I will judge myself whether or not you are to be trusted,” he finally said as he got the spear in his hands again and moved slightly back, nodding at Steve to start talking.

“I would not only save my people, but yours. You would happily see your men die in battle? Lives lost? Cities, hard work, all gone? Is this honourable for you?” Steve asked in disbelief, taking a couple more steps back. He was trying to distance himself from Tony so that he wouldn’t lose his temper again.

Not only that, but he saw how determined the son of Ares seemed, how he and the Spartans were one and the same. To Tony, the man that he had first approached with high hopes had tarnished and spat on them like some sort of monster. He was particularly more cautious with his words, no wonder the people of Athens had warned him.

It seemed as though Steve had been drawn there by a duty to instil peace, but allured by the looks of the man before him - a man who was somehow already managing to get into his large heart. He was brought down very quickly by how harsh Tony was with him. He had been warned in the past of sirens at sea, but never once did he think he would ever encounter someone who seemed just like one.

“My men know very well that dying in battle is considered a privilege. As son of Ares himself, I wouldn’t let any Athenian take the joy of war away from me or my people, and we’ll ensure that the great Sparta stands above any other Greek city. You have your ways, we have ours, and did you come all the way here to talk democracy and tragedies with us?” Tony asked him calmly, not losing his temper this time around.

After all, he was trusted with many duties, and negotiating was one of them. The man in front of him seemed so devoted to his cause and, if the circumstances were different, perhaps he could have learned a couple of things from him. But still, when the Greeks were fighting amongst them, just like the Trojans did before, there was no time for empathy, and surely not for the enemy. The Peloponnesian alliance was relying on them, and there was no way he could back down now.

‘Once a Spartan, always a Spartan.’ The words from Falcon echoed in Steve's ears with a haunting drone as he brushed his hand through his hair, pushing it back and out of his face. In truth he had come to try and talk Tony out of fighting, out of war but it seemed that the Spartans took so much pleasure in it, more pleasure than he would’ve ever thought. To him, death was death, floating souls in the river Styx. Having to suffer the same fate his soul had been nearing was something he could never wish on anyone else.

He shook his head, disappointed in a pointless plight that would bear no results but a lost faith in the Spartans. What faith in their humanity he had seemed to fizzle out the more he was told. “Democracy involves a heart, Spartan. You do not possess that,” he said.

Tony blinked a couple of times when he heard Steve’s words, at a loss for what to say for the first time in years. Nobody spoke to him like that; he was always respected and viewed as an important figure amongst mortals. But still, this newcomer just appeared out of nowhere and judged him for the way his people had been always raised. That was something he couldn’t take lightly.

“Athenian, having a heart is always a disadvantage,” he replied as he shook his head. “You can’t stop war, if that’s what you’re trying to do. Humans will keep on fighting. Look at our parents; they are gods but they still argue and swear revenge upon each other. You can’t stop this. But you need to come out on top every time, don't you? To be stronger than the person next you. You think strength is what that matters, do you think that we just enjoy pointless brawls? We fight to survive, as you should.”

Steve pinched the bridge of his nose lightly to stop himself from displaying how pained he was by such ideals. “I do not wish to follow the example of those who fight over and over without cause, including the Gods,” he said, taking a step back. “I will heed your words, Spartan, though I will not endorse such behaviour. I never will. War is tragic, and the lives lost are countless. That is something I fight against, and I always will.”

“You’re loyal to your cause and beliefs, Athenian, and whether you believe it or not, we Spartans do appreciate loyalty very much. You can’t change the way people think, especially if they are following the words of the Gods. However, you might suggest what you initially had in mind about your way of ‘helping’ us," Tony finally said. He could see how uncomfortable the man seemed to feel, especially after their short brawl. “You can have your weapons and we can discuss this in private if you wish," he suggested.

Steve smiled a little and shook his head. “I had come here to prove my own people wrong. That what I had heard about your ruling - that you lead your men to death, that you had no soul and spat fire with your words - I had come to prove them wrong. But it seems that I was the one that was mistaken. I cannot change a person, nor should I attempt to change a perception of one. I should have trusted in my people and their words; they are as knowledgeable as they are renowned to be, I am a fool to have thought otherwise,” he said, turning his back on Tony and heading toward the door.

Tony’s hope was renewed when the man smiled to him, even if his next words made him shake his head in disagreement. The man came all the way here to preach that people could change, and the moment that Tony decided to say the truth to him, that people cannot change, it seemed that all his hope was taken away from him. Tony blamed himself for that. But what was he doing? He was doing the blonde a favour; he had stopped giving him false hopes. But that felt too cruel.

“Wait right there," he ordered as he walked towards the door. “At least get some rest and supplies before you go back. If you can’t talk about the differences in our mind-sets, you can at least vouch for Spartan hospitality.”

“I wish not to stay with those who drink the blood of my people, son of Ares,” Steve said trying to walk to the door,   taking long strides to be faster than Tony.

“I thought you came here to teach your ways, yet you decide to leave when others show interest. And am I supposed to listen to you, son of Athena? Look at me when you’re talking, don’t turn your back on me!”

Steve looked down at him with a serious expression, eyes that had lost their spark of hope.

“You show no interest. I have learned that you wish not to learn from those you look down upon, and how you consider yourself superior to the inferior cities that you wish to crush so relentlessly. I do not wish to be in your presence any longer. I have cities that wish for me to teach them, I will go to them. Now if you please.”

Tony heard his words and couldn’t really reply, what was he going to say anyway when Steve clearly made his point? He had pride, Spartan pride, and if someone didn’t wish for him to be his associate, he wouldn’t plead for it.

“Very well, Athenian. I offered you a chance, “he replied with a scoff, stepping at the side, “a chance to learn from us and our culture, and I thought that you with all your hunger for knowledge would appreciate it. If you don’t wish for it, then be on your way."

He really had considered giving the Athenian a chance and letting him teach some things, especially after he'd spoken back to him in the other room. After all, Tony secretly desired knowledge – he had a thirst for it, to know of things that were forbidden amongst warrior Spartans whose only primary focus was the war.

“I have learned all I need to, Spartan; that your bite is fierce and your appetite supersedes that of the Cerberus,” Steve said with a nod, quickly stepping out and grabbing his spear from one of the guards, heading out toward the gates again.

“You only see what’s on the surface, Athenian; you only see what you were raised to see. I was seriously thinking of letting you in, but you don’t deserve it, it was foolish to think that you really wanted to help. Instead you came here, insulted us and just left, like the one before," Tony called.

“Letting me leave alive is an insult to you, I suppose. Though to me, it is an honour to return home,” Steve shouted before he left completely, walking out of the gates and walking, head lowered and spear lowered too.

After a while, he found himself picking his pace up and running back, his hair hiding his eyes as they filled with tears. He was hurt, his constant faith in humanity often let him down, and he just didn’t want to see any more of his friends suffer and die in battle. Being gifted with eternal youth was often a curse; he had seen so many of his friends die before his eyes that he begged the gods to protect them when going into battle, but still  they wouldn’t return. He was sick, tired of such pointless violence, and now his entire home was under threat yet again from one of the most feared armies known to man.

By the time he got home, his eyes were red with tears, running straight to the temple of his mother, his shield clattering on the floor, as he dropped everything to collapse by the statue of Athena, clinging to it with desperation. “I do not wish for more lives to be lost!” he pleaded, crying out loudly as he held himself to his mother’s statue, resting his head by her large stone feet. “I’ve lost my friends, mother! I don’t want to lose any more!” He shut his eyes and tried to pull himself together, the faint crackling of the fire his only company.

Being a demigod meant that he was looked up to, but very rarely befriended. That was why his mother ‘created’ Falcon for him. But the friends he did make were often warriors who threw themselves into battle to protect his home. Though he would try and fight alongside them, he would live due to his enhanced abilities, and he would watch them fall. Despite the countless years he had endured it, it caused an intense heartache that he never truly recovered from and he hated himself for thinking that a younger king could have such open-mindedness to his opinions when truly he was a man keener to lead his men to hell than to protect their lives. Dying was an honour, he said, but Steve would never understand that.

Chapter Text

Tony watched the man as he left and sighed; it was always the same. He always questioned why the Athenians kept coming when they knew his reply; still, Steve’s words made him doubt himself and the teaching he grew up with for a couple of moments. Returning to his private chambers, he did not allow anyone to bother him, not even Rhodey. He needed to collect his thoughts, but it only made him doubt all that he had been taught.

Was that what he really wanted in life? To die with honour when there was so much more to offer to everyone? Was Steve right, was fighting a bad call? But he couldn’t just stop. He had responsibilities as the son of Ares. His father was the god of war; his people trusted him, and all he did was lead them to battle after battle. At what cost? Just to die in honour? Honour didn’t seem to matter much when you were dead, he thought to himself, and it wasn't cowardice that made him want to live; he wanted to see the world, and to offer something other than weapons to it.

If he'd only managed to express his thoughts in a different way than the one he'd always known, maybe Steve would be there still, discussing all kinds of things while eating their black broth, Tony laughing as the Athenian grimaced at the smell.

Why was he even thinking about those things?

This was over. He had to prepare an army, he had to be in top shape for the next assault, not mourning lost opportunities and pining after lost causes. He couldn’t understand the way Steve was thinking, but he'd offered to learn and been plainly rejected. And that was his reason for giving up in first place. It had really shaken his sense of pride.

Steve hated running away from any confrontational circumstance, so he never did. This made the first time that he had. He woke up the next morning, looking up at his mother’s statue with a heavy heart, and then he sat up, rubbing his eyes and pushing back his hair. He was very used to being alone, getting up and walking around the temples, extinguishing the fires for that night and then cleaning the statues and the floors.

Trying to continue with his regular duties, his mind kept drifting back to his failure from the night before.

He decided to move, to go on another trip, to go and spread his teachings of peace and law. But who really needed him? He looked at his map and decided that Thebes should be his next adventure.

He took a while, the journey long, but eventually he arrived in the beautiful city and walked to the citadel, going to local gatherings to tell others of what he had learned and about laws that Athens was thriving on. He sat down with children, trying to teach them about democracy and the concept of it, encouraging peace and discouraging fighting.

Once he was done, he walked over to the grave sites, where headstones and memorial structures commemorated the fallen soldiers. Though they weren’t men of his city, he still mourned for the loss of lives, sitting down on a large stone overlooking them.

Tony decided to set off the next day, for the leader of Thebes had requested his presence. Once again, he wanted to negotiate Thebes’ allegiance in the upcoming war that had already started to break out. Tony didn’t really trust him, but he had to do it, and so set off.

It took him days to reach his destination and, just as he thought, the ruler didn’t really seem fond of an alliance. But they talked everything through, and Tony decided to stay in the city, so big and busy and completely different from Sparta, for a while.

He was walking around the centre and into the agora, when some of the conversations piqued his interest. A young man was talking, preaching law and justice.

Could it be him again? Tony thought as he walked around, trying to spot the blonde hair and purple tunic that he had seen before. He was close to giving up hope when he reached the outskirts of the city to see a lonely figure standing out from the dark graves. He approached and stood by Steve, arms crossed.

“You know, the dead aren’t really talkative, they never really reply to your questions,” he said with a huff.  “Those bastards."

Steve gasped at the sudden voice next to him, startling enough to drop his scrolls before he took a scrambling step back as he spotted the dark wavy hair, side stepping away from Tony.

“You should respect the dead,” he muttered, gathering his composure as he picked up the scrolls again.

“I’m don't mean any disrespect," Tony quickly excused himself, kneeling to help; lifting some of the scrolls and handing them back to Steve. “I heard others talking about you being here."

Steve took the scrolls quickly, possessive of his work, shoving them back into his makeshift satchel to hold them close to his chest as he backed away from Tony. He looked cautious, wary as he spoke. “I’m taking my leave, don’t you worry.”

Tony stared at his hands when Steve grabbed the scrolls away, not really wanting to show how that discouraged him. After all, he was trying to show a different side of himself now that he was away from his people. They expected him to be bloodthirsty, all day, every day, and that was probably the impression that Steve got of him. But it wasn't one he wanted to project now. “No, stay here if you want, I’m going now," he said quickly. “You were here first.”

Steve frowned. “You may scorn the dead all you wish. Feel free,” he said, backing even further away and starting to turn away from Tony to walk back to one of the pathways.

Tony sighed as he watched him leave, resisting the urge to move closer. “Is that how you see me?” he asked, loud enough to be heard. “Just that? An ignorant savage?”

Steve stopped, lowering his head for a moment, cursing himself before he spoke for having this need to reply. “You have not done anything to prove otherwise,” he said. “Many of my friend’s lives have been lost at your hands.”

“And do you say that you didn’t do the same? That you wouldn’t defend your city with your life at all costs? I don’t kill for fun, Athenian, and neither do my people."

“I have heard this argument before. I wish not to repeat it. There is defending and then there is attacking; they are two different things. Clearly your only defence is your offence,” Steve said, shaking his head.

“And since when was that an insult?” Tony yelled at him, kicking a small stone away from him. “I protect my people with the way I deem necessary, but you refuse to acknowledge that and consider me ignorant instead. You’re the one who doesn’t give people any chance to prove themselves, son of Athena,"

“Oh, I acknowledge you, Son of Ares. I acknowledge your wrath and your enjoyment for striking fear into those who oppose you. You have done nothing but prove me wrong and prove my people right,” he replied, looking over at Tony with a glare. “What else do you want from me? Now, if you'll forgive me, I do not enjoy talking to mules, I will take my leave.”

But Tony wasn't willing to let him leave yet. “Prove your people right in what sense exactly?” he replied as he returned the icy cold stare. “And to answer your question, I was willing to accept your offer to help but I wanted something in return."

“You have proven that you pride yourself in violence, and once more that you feed on fear,” Steve said with a stern glare. “There is not much more to it. You were only willing to accept once you had broken me down; I don’t need pity from you.”

“I’m not pitying you, Athenian,” Tony replied more calmly, trying to be more careful with words now that they were left alone. “You know nothing about me, but know this; I treat every man as equal, and pitying you is something I would never do. And yes, you might be right; I might be too proud, but that’s what I have, that’s my armour, I can’t go to war without it. I’m still offering you a chance to try and teach me 'your ways,' as you’ve put it."

“I have nothing to give you that you say you don’t already have,” Steve said, looking to the other side again.

“And how are you so sure about that?” Tony asked yet again, crossing his arms.

“You seemed adamant to shut me down earlier,” Steve said, raising one eyebrow. “Why the change of heart?”

Tony winced. “I had to give my people what they wanted to hear,” he said, rubbing the back of his head. “They are Spartans; they don’t really want to hear about change, they love their city the way it is. They love war.”

“So you insult me in front of your people because it’s what they want to hear?” Steve said, rolling his eyes. “A man of the people.”

“No, look," Tony huffed, “I need to break it down slowly to them, you don’t understand. You keep saying how Athenians are more civilized, and none of them wanted to hear that. I had to make it stop, or things would end up badly. If you can show me what you mean, away from them, maybe I can show it to them as well without upsetting anyone.”

Steve shook his head. “A man should not fear the judgement of his people, and his own freedom should prevail,” he recited, keeping his head turned away from Tony.

“See? You say all those things and my people know nothing about that. They focus so much on training and learning to kill, that reading and writing, and even art is left behind. They just focus on making us real warriors, and don’t get me wrong, that’s not a bad thing but... it’s not just that that matters, right? There’s more.”

“You missed the point of the recitation,” he muttered, huddling the scrolls closer to his chest.

“I know exactly what it meant," Tony rushed to say. “But you can’t expect me to march back into Sparta and suggest change, do you? Me, the son of Ares, not talking about war? That’s blasphemy.”

Steve shook his head again. “It seems that your blood dictates your movements,” he said, lowering his eyes in disappointment.

Tony sighed heavily. He could see how Steve was judging him, disapproving of everything he said. “You know, I had thought you would understand. We are children of the Gods, Steve," he said, not realizing that he called him by his name. “We know first-hand what it feels like to have responsibilities, to have to live up to expectations. I might sound ridiculous now, but I...think that we could be friends.”

Steve let out a sigh. “I don’t follow my mother’s wishes blindly, and I question them and weigh them against my own ethics,” he said, though at the mention of being friends, his eyes widened slightly. “What makes you think I would want to be friends with you? And why you, me?”

“But you don’t have Ares as your father, it’s....different. He doesn’t follow logic, not when I try to reason with him," Tony tried to explain. “I’m not allowed to be myself around him, or any Spartan. And never mind, I thought that I could learn some things from you, and you from me. Teaching each other, just like you suggested. I don’t know about you, but I want to stick close to people, and they always seem to... disappear. I don’t know if it’s our blood, but they tend to vanish.”

Steve looked at him, almost shocked by Tony's admission. He knew exactly how that felt, especially with the loss of so many people; in truth he had led a lonely life and without Falcon would have lived a lonelier one still. His mother didn’t want to promise him to anyone, since he was her child and he was to remain pure, just as she was.

“They do,” he agreed solemnly, and Tony noticed how Steve remained silent; surely his words must have caused some sort of reaction, even one that he wasn’t aware of just yet?

“So can I stay for a while?” Tony asked him, really wanting the company of someone different, of someone he never met before.

“This isn’t my city to tell you what you can and cannot do,” Steve said, shifting the scrolls in his grip.

“But you were ready to walk away," Tony pointed out as he moved a bit closer.

“I respect privacy,” Steve said, “And I would much rather not risk my life or engage in another argument.”  A strand of hair blew in his face as he raised still occupied hands, trying to brush it back using the back of his knuckles.

“Oh," Tony said as he stayed in place. “So you’re saying that... I shouldn’t tag along? You know, the Sphinx is gone, no need to take her place. Just answer me this, do you want me along?”

“You may do as you please; a man is his own,” Steve said. He was still trying to flick his hair out of his face, but the wind constantly blew it back.

“But then you said that you want privacy," Tony repeated, getting confused, walking closer to Steve carefully like a cat unsure of its prey. He knew to gauge Steve’s reaction carefully before he couldn't stand to wait any longer, reaching out to push the strands of hair back behind Steve's ears.

Steve shuffled back nervously at the touch, turning his head away from the Tony.

“Do as you please.”

Tony could see that Steve seemed to be scared of him, which was a little surprising given that the blonde was bigger than him, at least in Tony’s eyes.

“I won’t be a burden,” Tony said. “I’ll just head back to Sparta, get some provisions first. My job here is done.”

Steve nodded. “Then... Farewell, son of Ares,” he said in a confused tone, not knowing what else to say as he took a couple of steps away from him and went on down the path.

“Farewell, son of Athena,” Tony said in a more genuine tone, not really wanting to move, watching Steve as he turned his back to him. “I hope our paths cross again."

Chapter Text

Steve walked a couple more steps, able to resist the urge to look over his shoulder to see Tony for only so long. When he did, he saw that Tony still stood staring after him, looking so lost. It had been strange before to see him as a man of power, in his prime. And then suddenly there he stood, alone and meek.

Steve sighed a little, knowing he was going to regret his next action.

“I’m going to the amphitheatre, if you’re headed there too?” he called back.

Tony’s eyes lit up when he heard Steve’s voice once more and he nodded, trying to hide his excitement as he

“I could go there," he said as he moved quickly, his red chiton flying behind him. “What are you planning there? You know, we don’t have those in Sparta.”

“They perform - What? You don’t have them in Sparta? But what do you do for entertainment?” Steve asked.

Tony shrugged his shoulders as they walked, kicking the pebbles on the way there.

“Talk. You know, justtalk, most of the time. The children perform sometimes, recite war stories...we have many athletic events as well," he said and Steve nodded.

“Athletics are our training,” he said, walking down to the large structure. “We choose to partake in the arts. It educates us, and future generations.”

Tony listened to him intently, eyes widening at the large structure. People were already arriving and he was surprised when he was told that there was no entrance fee at all. “You know, I think my people could do with watching a play by Aristophanes, I heard they can be very enlightening. Oh, look! They're going to do the Birds! I heard that’s a good one," Tony said, unable to conceal his excitement any longer.

Steve looked and nodded.

“I’m surprised you know of it,” he said, walking down the many staircases, the amphitheatre already crowded. Many of the locals took the good seats at the front; royalty tended to sit near the back for a better view.

“I’m more cultured than you make me out to be, Athenian," Tony said as he sat down properly, looking around the amphitheatre and the stage, waiting for the show to start. “And you can really walk in and see any play… just like that?”

Steve nodded.

“Unless there is a particular function, I am sure,” he said, looking out at the stage, placing the scrolls by his feet and folding his arms around himself.

Tony nodded in return, shifting to the edge of his seat when the chorus stepped on stage, setting the scene with their song, after which Tony clapped in amusement. He sat back then, and started to pay attention to the different masks and costumes, and the way the characters would mock and criticize their society, finding himself agreeing with most of the jokes and laughing softly to himself.

Steve sat back too, watching the play. He particularly enjoyed taking in all of the masks, drawing them in his spare time, but he laughed along with the play too as he noticed Tony doing the same. In fact, Tony seemed like a completely different person when he was with him; he seemed happy, light-hearted. Steve couldn’t help but look at him from time to time, watching how he smiled and how he would stroke his beard pensively whenever anything required thought. His rare bright blue eyes sparkled in contrast to his dark hair, and that stood out even more when he smiled. It was nice to see this positive side, and Steve found himself thinking that perhaps his initial judgement hadn't been wrong.

Tony carried on watching, his eyes not leaving the stage at all, taking in all the jokes and sayings that got his attention, trying to memorize them for future reference. He didn't want to leave when the play was over and the actors left the stage, and it felt strange. He hadn’t thought he would enjoy himself so much. Then again, Steve's company also seemed to help.

“You know, I really liked this," he said as they started to stand up, fixing his chiton from sitting down for so long.

Steve stood up too, brushing the folds out of his tunic and picking up his scrolls, glancing over at Tony. “You did?” he asked with surprise, though he knew that Tony did from the way he'd been laughing.

“Yeah, I really enjoyed the jokes and everything,” he nodded, making his way out of the theatre with Steve walking alongside him. “It’s a shame we don’t have this back home."

“Perhaps you ought to build one then,” Steve suggested, huddling the scrolls close to his chest again.

“It would take time, money, organization...” Tony said with a sigh. “I’ll have to talk to someone about this, see if they really want it." His opinion regarding war, and the will of his Father, was always heard. But when it came to the ruling of the city, his involvement wasn’t really appreciated.

“But it is worth it, really, to see such happy faces amongst the crowds?” Steve said softly, and Tony nodded in agreement.

“You know, they deserve to laugh over something that doesn’t involve killing something more… innocent people, if you want to put it that way. Especially the children. We are raised in a very particular way, it’s almost not fair," he admitted.

Steve tilted his head, looking a little more closely at Tony. “How can you be raised without expression and freedom?” he asked.

“We have freedom, we’re not slaves!” Tony said indignantly, even if Steve's words made him consider questioning it. “We have all the rights...well, the Helots don’t...but we have full Spartan rights, and we’re raised to believe that that’s what really matters. We express ourselves, it’s just not the same way you do."

Steve was slightly taken back by the sudden burst of expression, falling quiet. He was never one for shouting. Even throughout all his time in the army, he would try his hardest not to shout. Since he had become a tactician rather than fight, due to his mother’s command, he began to withdraw whenever anyone decided to shout at him, which was not often at all. He quickly took a step away from Tony the moment Tony raised his voice, giving him a look of acknowledgement nonetheless.

Tony noticed how Steve pulled away, but he'd already been used to raising his voice every day during training, and that was before he started giving orders instead, which still required him to yell. It was a natural reflex; shouting to prove a point, or to make people fear him. It was what he had learned. But he forgot that Steve was different.

“My point,” he said in a lower voice, “was that I’m not sure if my people are ready to accept such a change."

“I understand,” Steve said softly, keeping his arms tightly wrapped around himself. He walked on, keeping quiet for a while.

He was scared of being picked on, especially by someone who had such a sharp tongue. As a child, he was picked on. Not directly, but he'd been isolated because he was clearly different, not only in appearance due to his straight long hair and pale skin, but because he was a demigod.

The children used to shout names, obviously getting told off afterwards by their parents, but still, that didn’t stop them. So he was afraid of being yelled at, of being bullied.

Tony knew that something was wrong, but he couldn’t really tell what. His own reflex on Spartan kids mocking his size when they were all training in his teens was to shout and start fights, compensating for his lack of a body more well-built. Sometimes he would even shout to his father about not giving him a more suitable body, one better befitting the son of the god of war. But he never received an answer.

“I didn’t mean to scare you," he said after a while, knowing that his appearance was strange to Steve and that it, combined with his loud voice, was probably the reason the blonde had pulled back.

“You didn’t scare me!” Steve snapped, turning his head away quickly, clutching at his papers as he carried on walking stubbornly. Of course he would never admit to being scared.

“Excuse me; I thought I did, my mistake," Tony replied, knowing well from experience that Steve wouldn’t would want the excuse, walking fast to keep up with him. “So… do you have any business back in Athens?”

“No, just helping my mother,” he said.

By helping her he meant looking after her temple and trying to do something productive before his next ‘adventure.’ Perhaps he could train or help with the army if anything needed doing.

“How old are you anyway?” Tony asked as they walked, wanting to learn more about the man who had shown showed him more about what real culture meant. “Got a wife waiting for you back home?”

“I am as old as you think I am. And no, I’m... No,” he said shaking his head, not wanting to admit that he was forbidden to be married to anyone in order to remain pure and untouched, following in his mother's footsteps. “I am as my mother wishes me to be.”

Even though he admired love from afar, he never had the chance to experience it. He was forbidden to.

“Really? But you decided to lecture me on how you don’t follow your mother’s will blindly," Tony reminded him, knowing well what Athena represented. He just couldn’t imagine that the man was so pure, despite his age.

“In this instance, I am not following blindly; I know she is looking out for me. Her intentions are to protect me from what plagues those who open their hearts,” he said, and he had never really answered that question until just now.

Tony gave him a look, watching him as he nodded at Steve's words. “You know, Aphrodite would disagree. To love and be loved in return is a great gift to humanity,” he said carefully. “I wouldn’t say that having genuine feelings for another person is going to plague you.”

“I respect her wishes, and have seen men crumble, even wage war over love. I would much rather... not,” Steve lied. Of course he wanted to fall in love; his heart was lonely and he hated just standing there and watching while others found their loves, found someone to spend the rest of their lives with. But no one could ever touch him, so he was sentenced to a life of solitude.

“You can’t control love, though. Eros has his arrows, and trust me, that little guy knows exactly what he’s doing. What if your time comes? Will you just... let it go?” he asked with pure interest. He hadn't me that one person himself just yet, even though he was always being pressured to do so.

“I have in the past. A woman with dark hair had caught my eyes, and I had to stand and watch her in the arms of another. I watched her age and I was there when she died,” Steve said, keeping a strong face.

Tony watched as the man’s gaze seemed to lower as he revealed such an intimate detail of his past, not sure if he was regretting saying it. Tony couldn’t help but step a bit closer to him, even though he doubted that the Athenian wanted his comfort.

“You had taken a sip from it, right? You had some of the water in the fountain of youth, I know the story. You’re the one... the ageless warrior,” he said with a small nod, tapping on the medallion around his neck. “You know, I can’t die either.”

Steve shifted uncomfortably at being called ‘ageless.’ He didn’t often reveal that he couldn’t age, especially to others, and he had known that his story was being spread around Greece.

“My mother gave me the water. I was unaware of its capabilities,” he said with a hint of remorse. “I can die, just not of old age.”  But his eyes went to Tony’s medallion. “What is that?” he asked, never having come across such a thing before.

Tony noticed how Steve seemed to be filled with sadness at the mention of his title, smiling sympathetically. “It was gifted to me by Hephaestus,” he explained, keeping a low voice as he raised the medallion a little, so Steve could inspect it more carefully. “I was lucky enough to learn by his side. That’s how I learnt how to make good weapons; from the best. It’s a medallion. It protects me from basically... Well, everything”,

It did make sense to him to trust Steve. After all, he was just like him, a child of the Gods, having to face so many troubles and problems above his abilities.

Steve scrutinized it.

“Everything bar shields apparently,” he said, raising his eyebrow.

Tony pouted slightly, crossing his arms. “Speaking of which, that shield is one magnificent weapon, I couldn’t help but stare at it before.”

“I left it back in the temple,” Steve said. “I saw no reason to carry it with me. I would usually, but after previous occurrences... I thought otherwise, as punishment.”

“Punishment? For what?” Tony asked, a bit confused as they walked around the market.

“For using it without just cause,” he said, “I shed blood, even though I said I wouldn’t. So if I am to be hurt without it, that is the weapon's will and it is what I deserve.”

“I wouldn’t say it was without cause”, Tony said, one eyebrow rose. “I challenged you, didn’t I? You used your shield to defend yourself, that wasn’t fighting. If you weren’t an Athenian, you would be praised for shedding that blood, it would have been a sign of victory.”

“But I am an Athenian, and I went against my people, and I made the first move,” Steve said, sighing to himself.

“You blame yourself too much, Athenian. Punishing yourself won’t give you anything. And I doubt your mother wants to see you like that either,” Tony said in a softer tone.

“Its justice, Spartan,” Steve explained, walking through the busy market, looking around at all of the different items. “It’s not being too hard, it’s balancing the scales. I did something wrong, therefore I must be punished.”

“And are you telling me that all Athenians follow that rule?” Tony asked. “People are corrupted, but you’re not like them from what I’m seeing. You’re trying to lead them but they are not demigods like us, they are just mortals, and mortals are weak.” He stopped at the fish market and then caught up with Steve.

Steve carried on, moving on to the pottery. “I set an example, and I hope others notice and follow. Mortals aren’t weaker than us,” he said passionately, placing his scrolls down to lift a vase and examine it. “They are powerful in so many other ways.”

“I hope they do, I wouldn’t want to see your efforts wasted,” Tony said with a nod, adding quickly, “I mean, it would be a shame, wouldn't it? We are supposed to lead the way but it gets so hard sometimes.”

“It does get hard but I don’t give up so easily, despite my last failed attempt talking to you,” Steve answered, placing the vase down and picking up his things to move on.

“Did you consider that attempt failed?” Tony said as he followed Steve closely. “After all, you made me come up and talk to you here, it’s hardly a failure.”

“It was a failure, in that I didn’t achieve what I had set out to,” Steve said, admiring some of the weaving and patterns that were on the cloths.

“But you have now,” Tony insisted as he examined a spear nearby. “You showing up at Sparta wasn’t pointless. You already taught me a couple of things.” 

He did have a good heart; he just didn’t get to show it much, the Spartan atmosphere requiring him to be tough most of the time. Steve stepped up behind Tony, tilting his head at the spear and patting the man lightly on the shoulder.

“You flatter me, but I don’t need tales,” he said before stepping away.

“I’m just being honest, isn’t that what people do?” Tony said, even though he shivered when he felt Steve’s touch on his shoulder, almost protesting when he pulled away. “We all appreciate some good honesty around here.”

“You know you were a completely different person, back when I met you,” Steve said. “I had never felt more humiliated in my entire life, and now you say how I’ve taught you things? Like what?”

“I'll always need to remind you how people in Sparta see me, won't I? I am the son of Ares, a supplier of weapons - weapons that kill and bring honour to us. I am a merchant of death and I can’t afford being soft around them or they’ll eat me alive,” Tony shrugged. “And yet you say it’s all right to have a softer side, that war isn’t always the answer, that is good to laugh every now and then and let your weapons down to sit and watch a play.”

“So if I were to come to Sparta, you would treat me as you did, not as you are now?” Steve asked, looking over at Tony and turning to face him.

“You would come to Sparta again?” Tony asked with renewed interest. “After what I did to you?”

“Answer my question,” Steve said, looking at him with a serious expression, eyes softer than before, feeling his heart suddenly skip with fear as he asked it. “Would you treat me as you did before if I were to? Hypothetically. Would you bully me in front of your people?”

Tony looked at the blonde’s eyes, swallowing down hard as he shook his head.

“You’re my equal, Athenian. I would not bully you, you would be treated with respect,” he replied, his voice stern. “And if anyone tries anything...well, they’d have to deal with me. If you ever wish to come you’ll be an honourable guest and have full Spartan rights during your stay. And what if I ever decide to visit Athens?”

“Are you saying I am an equal because of my parent? Or because I have earned it?” Steve asked. “And if you were to come to Athens with good intentions, those good intentions would be welcomed.”

“Because you’ve earned it,” Tony replied honestly. “You showed me the error of my ways back there, you were right. I shouldn’t practise what was used against me. And I’ll keep that in mind”

Steve nodded, grabbing one of the scrolls before it fell from his arms. Tony reached out for the scroll too, though he found Steve’s reflexes faster than his own.

“My city is peaceful, and I intend to keep it that way.”

“I understand that your city means much to you, and I see no need for a violent assault as long as we find a middle ground. Well, not us, our kings,” he pointed out.

Steve cradled the scrolls instead, so he could use one arm to hold them and keep the other free. “And if they don’t?” he asked.

“If they don’t...” Tony said, thinking for a moment. “Think we could interfere?”

“Perhaps,” Steve said. “You seem to have grown on me, Spartan; I didn’t realize your people made friends so quickly with those from your rival city. Especially considering our parents despise one another.”

Tony chuckled softly. He couldn’t let Steve know how desperate he was for proper friends, someone other than Rhodey, or how fascinating he found the Athenian. “Well, you need to get to know us better,” he said with a shrug. “We’re not just interested in killing things. We can be quite friendly. Well, I can, and about that… I don’t think we should let them know.”

“Of course not. I don’t often hide anything from my mother but she mustn’t know of this; she would think I am even more foolish than she thinks I already am for going to Sparta in the first place,” he said, pursing his light pink lips, brushing his hair back behind his ears with his free hand. “The fact that you find killing amusing, however, leaves a lot to be desired.”

“I didn’t specify that,” Tony said, finding himself staring at Steve, searching his face. “I always find boar hunting really interesting. So are you saying that this, uh, friendship, is a secret? Our secret?”

He wasn't sure if he was allowed to use the term friendship when Steve seemed to be holding back so much, while Tony was going all out instead. But Steve gave him a look when he used the word friendship.

“You would call us friends, already?” he asked.

“Acquaintances, slip of the tongue,” Tony fixed his words quickly, shaking his head and mentally slapping himself for jumping in conclusions.

“Even that’s a bit of a push,” Steve said, keen to move on, “you barely know me.”

“And what if I want to know you?” Tony rushed to ask. “You are an interesting person, that’s a fact.”

“Interesting? Why?” He asked before rolling his eyes, “Let me guess, it’s due to my reputation of being unable to age...”

“Even if that’s exciting, no,” Tony said. “Believe it or not, I find more fascinating the fact that you stood up to me, you really were different from others that came before.”

“Why wouldn’t others stand up to you?” Steve asked, tilting his head again. “Because you enjoy watching them fear you?”

Tony shook his head. “Because, in reality, who really wants to get on the bad side of the gods?” he said. “And anyway, you might call fear, but it’s different. It’s like watching everyone that ever doubted you just stopping, letting you do your work, without mocking or questioning your authority.”

“I wouldn’t consider it that at all,” Steve said, walking over to an area in the shade, with large trees and stone benches by them. “I want to earn their respect, not make them fear me.” He placed the scrolls down and sat down on the bench, fixing his large tunic.

“I am earning their respect by leading Sparta to glorious victories,” Tony replied as he pushed the hair out of his face and sat down as well, strategically away from Steve. “People talk about me and my godly weapons.”

“They also talk about how you are a demon,” Steve added leaning down to fix his sandals, making sure they were tied on properly. “Worse than the ones that rest in Pandora’s Box.”

“Is that right?” Tony huffed, and he shook his head. “Clearly those people need to see the real monsters out there. And do you agree with their characterization?”

“Mass murder and blood-lust are characteristics of demons,” he said, fixing his sandals and sitting up properly, brushing out his tunic.

“So I am a demon now?” Tony asked, a bit annoyed with how blunt Steve was being in the way he spoke about him. “Still not managed to redeem myself?”

“You haven’t done much to prove my people wrong,” Steve said, although Tony was clearly not enjoying his reputation. “However, I can see this other, lesser known side to you, a softer side. But doing what you are currently doing, to please your father, is the side of you that I have been warned about, the dark side of you. And it is the most common perception of you. It shows me that the demon still exists within you, and it tends rear its head to me more often than your more human side.”

“I can see why your people think of me more as a demon than a human,” Tony nodded, less annoyed now and more trying to understand, to learn. “But I can’t let go of something that easily, I have a name to preserve, responsibilities. And if I’m bound to be a demon for eternity, well…”

He trailed off, not knowing what to say.

“You would rather be a demon than a human?” Steve asked, looking at Tony with concern.

“No, no!” Tony replied quickly, shaking his head – and then he lowered his eyes, wondering how his confession would be met. “I don’t want to be remembered as a demon, I want to do something good, something great.”

“So why succumb to the fate of being called a demon?” Steve asked with curiosity.

“Because I have a duty, a duty to live up to my name, do I not?” he asked, conflicted by the way that Steve argued. “Being the son of the god of war… I can’t bring peace, can I?”

Steve shook his head, falling quiet again as his fingertips strayed through his hair to push it back. “I suppose not. ‘A person cannot change, especially a Spartan,' ” he quoted.

“Do you really believe that?” Tony asked him, going quiet for a while. “Do you believe that someone can’t change for the best? That a demon can’t be saved?”

Steve wrapped his arms around himself tightly. “I would’ve liked to think otherwise, so far I seem to be hoping that that will be the truth,” he said, “but alas I seem to be mistaken yet again.”

“So, ever since you met me, have I ever stopped disappointing you?” Tony asked carefully, waiting for Steve’s reply.  “Should I give up hope?”

Somehow, he felt that this man might be able to do it, to change him for the better. But if Steve said that he couldn’t, then Tony knew he was beyond saving.

Steve looked over at him sadly. “You stop yourself from changing,” he admitted. “So many barriers, so much chaos and you’re torn between becoming a good person... And being a God.”

“And if you ever bring down those barriers?” Tony asked. “What happens then? Is there any chance of saving me?”

Chapter Text

Steve stared at Tony, looking deeply into his eyes and hearing hope in his pleading. He felt his heart skip a beat and he let out a shaky breath as he exhaled, his bottom lip quivering. He didn’t know why, he just felt as though he understood, in a way, the expectations Tony had to bear. But he pitied Tony too, for being unable to let go of being a God, to just be human.

“Are you asking me to break them down?” Steve whispered, imploring silently.

Tony looked at him carefully, both their previous attitudes stripped away in that moment without either of them truly knowing why.

Tony wanted to hear it; he just needed to hear something hopeful for once, to have someone to reassure him that he was not beyond saving. And Steve was there all of the sudden.

“Can you do it?” Tony asked him again, heart racing in his chest.

“I was torn too,” Steve said. “I tried to be a God and I watched her... I watched her live without me. I pushed her away for my own duties and I lost her. I would never wish that fate upon anyone, Tony. It was at that moment that I wished I was human, just that once.”  He smiled very faintly, almost sadly. “Perhaps, I have been summoned here by the fates to help you become human.”

Tony heard the roughness in his voice, saw how his lips quivered when he smiled, and he tried to return the smile even though he really didn’t know why.  “Are you saying it was that something that brought us here now? That we can become human?” Tony asked, his voice firmer when he spoke again. “If you’re going to help me, I’m going to do the same”

“I gave up my chance, long ago. But you are young, you should have hope. And fate works in mysterious ways. We cannot do much but trust those who weave the threads.”

“You shouldn’t give up, Steve”, Tony said quickly.

Steve gave him another faltering smile in return.

Tony tried again to smile in return. “You should keep on fighting, and maybe... maybe one day we can both find who we’re looking for, what do you say?” he asked. “If anything matters, I do have faith in you, from what you’ve showed me so far.”

“Why do you have faith in me, Spartan? What have I done to deserve it?” Steve asked.

“Because you are different,” Tony tried to explain, shaking his head. “I don’t know what it is about you, but you are nothing like any other person I’ve met. You can... tame me if you put it that way. You take out the human in me, not the son of Ares, it’s just... well so far I was being just Tony.”

Steve let out a gentle sigh, staring at the magnificent sapphire eyes that stared at him, beseeching him.

“I like being around Tony better than being with the son of Ares,” he admitted, “He seems kinder.”

“Aha, so you do like my company”, Tony said with a softer smile. “Well, I can’t be Tony much, but I really enjoy it now. I enjoyed myself when we were watching that play, when we talk... What about you? I like Steve more than the guy hitting me with his shield back in Sparta.”

Steve nodded. “I prefer being Steve, rather than the inquisitive man, the warrior,” he said, reaching over and cupping the side of Tony’s face to give him a friendly pat on the cheek. “I enjoyed watching the play too, and the market. And this.”

“Does...this make us friends?” Tony asked hesitantly, fighting the urge to rub his cheek against Steve’s hand, closing his eyes in satisfaction anyway. He was strangely comforted by Steve's warm palm touching his skin.

“It does, I suppose,” Steve said, gently pulling his hand back to rest it against his own side, but not before taking his time to admire the way Tony’s eyes fluttered shut, feeling soft breath dance along his skin. “Your men are probably inquiring after your whereabouts.”

Tony was almost out of breath, not even sure why. The Athenian felt so good when they were close, almost like he belonged there. Yes, he'd had other persons approach him, but this felt so much stronger. It was different.

“I think they can manage on their own for a little while,” he said, even though he knew that he had to go back. “Come with me, to Sparta. I’ll treat you well, I swear it, and we’ll have that discussion over a feast, like I promised.”

“You still think I can teach you things?” Steve asked, still surprised to be invited back.

“Of course you can,” Tony nodded. “I’m sure you’re hiding a lot of talents from me. And if you want, I can teach you a couple of tricks of my own.”

“Is that a promise too?” Steve asked, standing up and brushing himself off, picking up his things again and looking over at Tony, admiring how much lighter his mood seemed.

Tony offered him his hand to shake, standing up as well. “Consider it one, as we’re shaking hands,” he nodded.

Steve looked at Tony’s hand for a moment and then shook it firmly, feeling a small spark as they touched, his eyes darting up to Tony’s eyes to see if he felt the same.

Tony shivered when he felt Steve’s firm hand gripping his own, their eyes meeting for that split second, before Tony turned his head away quickly, smiling.

“You won’t regret this.”

“I hope not.” Steve said, pulling back with the warmth of Tony’s hand still lingering in his own.

“I am a man who keeps his promises,” Tony felt the need to add, not really wanting to part.

Steve smiled pleasantly. 

“I look forward to this, going to Sparta to teach,” he said somewhat proudly.

“Teaching me,” Tony pointed out with a nod, fixing his own tunic as he looked around.

“Just you then, but still teaching in Sparta nonetheless,” Steve said, “I’m excited. To teach, that is.”

“And I’ll be the best student,” Tony reassured him. “I was top of my class before, I can do it again.”

“I’m sure,” Steve said, balancing his scrolls in one arm. “Lead the way.”

Tony smiled as he started walking; making sure that Steve was behind him as they walked out of the city, nearing a chariot.

“We’re not really going to walk,” he said as he jumped on it, moving a bit so Steve could join him.

Steve looked at the chariot and then climbed on, sitting next to Tony and looking at the vehicle that seemed so polished - spikes and all.

“This is... Interesting,” he said, examining it.

“The perks of being considered a God amongst mortals?” Tony huffed as they set off. The journey would take them quite a while.

“Using your status is unwise,” Steve said with a frown, watching the scenery pass them by.

“Oh? Do you want to carry on foot, then?” Tony asked with one eyebrow raised.

“I have walked on foot once, I can do it again. My feet are quite capable.”

“And who says that I haven’t, that mine aren't? You don’t know a thing about Spartan training, do you? I walked up snowy mountains every morning and then washed up myself in the show that I stepped on,” he replied with a proud smirk.

The blonde arched his eyebrow sharply.  “Does that make you proud, Spartan? That you can walk in weather that most would much rather remain indoors within, and prevent illness?”

“It does. That was a requirement during my training, and I can assure you, the cold is not my weakness,” Tony replied steadily. “You can hide inside but I’ll be outside, braving it.”

“And you are welcome in Athens when you suffer from illnesses because of your ‘bravery;’ our doctors are quite experienced,” Steve said with a smug smile.

“I appreciate that offer, I’ll keep it in mind, thank you,” Tony replied with a chuckle. “What about you? What was your training? Did you go to Socrates’ school or something?”

“Amongst other educational facilities,” Steve said. “I was taught all over Athens by our finest. Though it doesn’t mean that I am on par with such minds, I have only been a student.”

“I’m sure that you’re underestimating your skills, Athenian,” Tony replied with an honest nod. “You are probably as good as any of them.

“I was never as smart as my mother intended,” Steve answered. “I was smart in my own ways; mathematics and such were never my strong suit.”

“You know, you should feel lucky about learning about those things,” Tony pointed out. “My education wasn’t really enough; I had to educate myself on everything I deemed interesting.”

“Oh I’m not taking what I learned for granted at all,” Steve said. “I just don’t have a knack for certain things.”

“Such as?” Tony asked with pure curiosity, turning to look at Steve while he talked.

“Well I prefer art, over many things,” Steve answered, looking back at Tony.

Tony smiled. “I’m lacking in that domain, you should start your teaching from there,” he said. “I’m more of a practical person; I really love a more scientific approach to most things.”

“Science?” Steve asked. “You would rather be a doctor?”

“A doctor like... saving lives and such? No, I couldn’t see myself as one... But mathematics, physics, astronomy... those interest me; I’m just really curious, I want to know about everything,” Tony said with a hungry spark in his eyes.

“I would have never known that about you, you don’t seem the philosophical type...”

“Oh? Am I surprising you? What do you think I am? I have a high interest in some things.”

“I thought you were keen to kill, primal, with even education put aside in favour of fighting,” Steve said, leaning back, “but I have no qualms against being corrected.”

“I’m not a savage, I’m as cultivated as you, you know,” Tony insisted. “Trust me, you’ll be surprised.”

“I’m sure,” Steve added, folding his legs as he looked out again.

“Was that sarcasm?” he asked as he turned to look at Steve for a moment. “Just making sure.”

“No, it wasn’t,” Steve clarified, his long blonde hair flying back as the chariot moved quickly.

“Oh,” Tony said with a hint of surprise. “I’m glad about that.”

And they continued to ride towards his home town, staying quiet for the rest of the journey, still thinking of what happened while they were talking in Thebes. It felt so strange, so comforting, and when Steve finally touched him, it had felt so right.

Chapter Text

Steve looked up as they finally returned to the monumental structures of Sparta, structures he thought he’d never see again, the large gates opening and letting in the chariot, taking it inside to the main structure where he had found Tony.

And Steve braced himself. Knowing that the man was in front of his people again, he expected Tony’s attitude to switch back into that of the son of Ares, his eyes lowering at the thought of it.

Tony walked with Steve into the main chamber, walking past the numerous statues of Ares, reminding him of who he was supposed to be, how he was supposed to act while he was in the heart of his city, but he didn’t want to disappoint Steve, not after their talk in Thebes.

“I’ll be entertaining the guest in my chambers,” he finally announced to the guards as he nodded to Steve to follow him, walking past the tall pillars and into his inner chambers.

The room was large, decorated with blood red banners and all kinds of gadgets – telescopes, machinery, all manner of things that seemed pieced together from things Steve almost recognized – as well as large containers of wine.

Steve walked inside slowly. It was daunting to be in such a large room when there was only the two of them, but he walked up to the telescope-like item and tilted his head at it. “What is this?” he asked with a baffled expression.

Tony watched as Steve seemed to examine the room, walking close to him.

“Well, I can’t show you now, it’s only useful in the night sky... maybe tonight?” he suggested.

Steve nodded, placing his scripts to one side as he walked over to the table, admiring the large amount of food, especially meat.

“Help yourself, Athenian,” Tony nodded to him as he sat on his bed. “There’s plenty more where those came from, and you’re an honourable guest after all.”

“The way you quite rapidly change my title should have me concerned, is this some sort of trap?” Steve asked as he took a seat by the table, pouring himself some wine.

“If I was setting you a trap I would be far more careful,” Tony pointed out as he joined him, getting an apple and biting into it.  “And subtle.”

“Subtle doesn’t seem the Spartan way,” Steve muttered, noticing how Tony moved. “You may stay on your resting place; there is no need for you to join me here.”

“I can’t leave my guest here alone,” Tony said as he took another bite of his apple, watching Steve carefully.

“You seemed much more of comfort there,” Steve said, plucking grapes off the small branch and popping them into his mouth with a small flick.

“And what’s the sudden interest in my comfort?” Tony asked, setting his finished apple down by his side as he stood to fetch a bowl of broth.

“Your comfort encourages guests to follow by example, another Athenian teaching.”

“That’s interesting,” Tony nodded, stretching as Steve took a sip from the large cup. “Well, I’m comfortable here, but I will feel even better after I’ve take a bath.”

“More comfortable here than on your bed?” Steve asked, quirking one eyebrow as he took another grape. “From your reputation, it seems you do spend a lot of time in that bed of yours.”

Tony finished his broth and sat back.

“And what did you hear about me then, Athenian?”

“That you have your ways with the women of your city,” Steve said, keeping his eyes set down into the contents of his glass, staring at his own reflection, tainted red in the wine, “and of other cities.”

“Sometimes people like to exaggerate for the sake of reputation,” Tony answered mechanically. “Besides, you haven’t really met Spartan women, have you? If you had, you wouldn’t say those things to me”

“Why would meeting the women change my perception of you?” Steve asked. “Do they plead for you?”

“Because they are nothing like your women, Athenian, or any other Greek women. They are proud, they wouldn’t allow anyone to uh, violate them without knowing what would come afterwards. And as you know, I’m not married yet.”

“So are you denying that you’re well known for sharing your bed?” Steve asked, a little confused. “We keep our women for specific times; they do not just simply roam the streets.”

“Sharing is a pretty vague word,” Tony answered slowly, before he finally admitted it: “Women have been in this bed before just not in the way that people believe they did. And they are free to walk around here, to participate in everything, they are equal. They are fighters just like us; we don’t keep them locked up like you do, Athenian. That’s more like the justice you speak of, right?”

Steve had known this would happen if he came to Sparta, that he would get his morals questioned and picked apart, and who was he to walk into a land and change them entirely? He kept quiet with a bitter look on his face, narrowing his eyes a little and pursing his lips tightly.

He would always stick to the old ways that he was taught, to the idea that women should be sheltered instead of roaming free and flaunting themselves. He kept his eyes down and took another sip of the wine, closing his eyes momentarily.

Tony couldn’t help but smirk to himself when Steve couldn’t think of a suitable answer, a little smug at showing him that maybe the Athenian way wasn’t really the correct one. Steve preached about equality and justice, but his own actions often contradicted his sayings, and Tony could see right through it. He examined Steve's uneasy posture and left his bowl on the small table as he stood.

“Do you want a bath as well?” he asked after a while.

Steve kept his head turned. He hated that if he spoke up then he would probably be corrected again, and he was very stubborn in his ways. He shook his head instead of dignifying Tony with an answer, keeping his nose held high in the air out of pure pride.

“Perhaps I should return to Athens.”

Tony rolled his eyes at Steve’s wish, not wanting for him to leave yet again.

“Why are you so stubborn?” he sighed. “You said that I’m a mule, but you’re acting like one right now. Teach and be taught, isn’t what we agreed? I was having a conversation with you, Steve, no need to get all sensitive about it.”

“Carry on with your insults Spartan, how very cliché of you.” Steve replied, elegantly flicking his wrist to gesture, almost welcoming him.

“Do you think those are insults?” Tony replied calmly, being the more civilized out of both of them for a change. “I can do much better if I want to, but I said that I’m your friend; I know better than to insult you.”

“Your kind are bullies, I should have expected as much,” Steve said, letting his hair fall from behind his ears to cover his face as he turned away from Tony. “Your ideas of friendship are questionable.”

“When did I bully you, Athenian? Was explaining the difference in our ways an insult?” Tony asked him, shaking his head as he moved around, trying to see Steve’s face. “I was trying to show you that I’m different than them, but you don’t want to let me, do you? And what about your talk earlier? That the fates brought us together?”

“Perhaps once more, I was wrong. I tend to be proven wrong a lot lately. You always call your people superior to mine without even knowing about it, I will not sit here and watch you tarnish us,” Steve hissed, narrowing his eyes. “You do nothing but prove me wrong and I had hoped to change that. But I am wrong and, of course, Spartan, you are right.” Steve stood and turned to him. “Everything you do is apparently dictated by the gods you serve. You are never wrong, are you? What need is there for a teacher whose pupils teach them?”

“And why don’t you tell me more about your people?” Tony replied, equally as irate. “Every time I say something, you just take it like an insult. You don’t try to defend your people, prove me wrong; you keep giving up, and I never thought the son of Athena would act like that.”

Steve bristled and walked away but Tony didn't stop, following him to stand in front of him, blocking the doorway. “You show up and promise something, then at the first fight you decide to leave. You got me interested in your teachings and you just want to take that away and leave yet again. What do you want from me?”

Steve shook his head. “I try to tell you, but you just compare my people to yours again, deem yours above mine,” he said sharply, brow furrowed. “I do not give up easily, but I know when I am fighting a losing battle. I promise you nothing, you tarnish my promises with your words. You do nothing but disappoint me, Spartan; your feigned interest is not what I want. I expect those who I teach to listen, not supersede.”

Tony shook his head. He didn't want to hear that he was a disappointment. He had heard it so many times before, and now Steve was saying it yet again, it felt different, it hurt far more.

“I’m not comparing, at least not now,” Tony said. “Your words are full of venom, Athenian. You think my interested is feigned, but you know nothing about me, you let me show you nothing at all. You consider this battle a lost one before it’s even started.”

Steve said nothing. 

“Is that all, then?” Tony asked, not sure if he wanted to hear the answer. “When you look at me, you see nothing but a fake interest and disappointment?”

“You use me as a scapegoat, you bring me here then mock me and my teachings, and then you use your sharp tongue to cut me,” Steve answered. “I will not be a victim of your abuse, or any other Spartan. I pry into your reputation and you use it as an excuse to talk about how once more, your people are superior. Any excuse to wedge that in, of course. So yes, you bring me here just to laugh, as though I am your entertainment to make up for your lack of theatrics. I am a fool to have had such hope for a man who crushes dreams.”

“I offered you a chance to know me better than anyone, Athenian; I told you things I never considered before in my life. I didn’t ask you to come here to laugh at you, I asked you because I thought that your teaching could change this city for the best, I asked you to teach me first, and that’s what you did so far,” Tony huffed, feeling his heart sinking. “Maybe you’re right, maybe you are a fool, but you think so for the wrong reasons; you’re a fool for not giving people a second chance, for seeing only what’s on the surface”

“This was your second chance, and you once more let your superiority complex lead you. Perhaps the man that I had met in Thebes was just... A façade.”

“And why don’t I hide behind that man in Thebes instead? I told you that that was the human me, but you refuse to see that. You only see me as the cruel Spartan, that’s all I'll ever be to you,” Tony said as he approached him, pointing at him with his finger.  “And you should never, ever accuse me of hiding behind a façade when you’re doing the same, Steve.”

“I have not done one thing to prove that I am human, I said to you back in Thebes, I had made my choice long ago. I do not hide. People see me for who I am and not once have I pretended that I am a mighty god that others should fear,” He said firmly, looking down at Tony.  “Not once have I ever abused my power and destroyed lives.”

“And as son of a goddess, the son of Athena, do you refuse to help when others ask for your assistance? When you say that you will help them no matter what?” he finally said, not wanting to say those things out loud even as he spoke them. “You know, maybe you are right. Maybe I should go back to abusing my power and be feared. If the Gods can’t save me, nobody can, and I’m all right with that.”

“Pray to your own father, not my mother. She helps those who deserve her help, those who are pure and loving and wise,” Steve said firmly once more.

 
“And what’s the point praying to the God of War, Athenian? My prayers won’t be heard, do you think that I didn’t try before?” Tony asked him, raising his voice this time around. Steve was plainly implying that he wasn’t either wise or pure.
“Then that is your own problem, not mine, or my mother's,” Steve said, keeping his voice in more of a low growl.

“So you refuse help when it’s asked from you? Is that it?” Tony asked with another hiss. “How blunt does someone have to be to appreciate their call for help?”

“There is only so much someone can try,” Steve answered with a shrug.

“You want people to drop on their knees and pray, you want them to kiss your feet, how is that not abusing your power? Because I’m not going to give you that pleasure,” Tony replied as he shook his head. Steve was right, his pride was something that he valued too much to let go that easily.

Steve was getting more and more frustrated, being torn himself between his pride and being a good person. He thought he understood Tony, he wished he did, but every time he tried to something seemed to push him back and it hurt him. So why not raise his own walls to counter? When Steve was hurt he would raise his defence, hide behind his shield to protect him, in this instant his words were his shield.

He grabbed Tonya’s shoulders, looking down at him as he held onto them tightly, craning his neck down to stare into the sapphire abyss. “I cannot help you. I have tried, and I can’t,” he said bluntly, softly.

Tony looked at him, staring straight back into his azure eyes, wanting to say something. But he really was at loss for words. He wanted to tell him to try harder, but he was tired of asking not getting anything in return. He'd known Steve for so little time, and yet he'd thrown himself at him, hoping that he truly found a friend, someone he could really open up to.

It had been a stupid idea, why had he even kept his hopes up?

“I thought that you could understand me,” he replied softly, lowering his gaze even though he didn’t want Steve to go, not when he was holding onto him like that. “Clearly I was wrong all along. Go back to Athens if you want to, I’ll not bother you again.”

“What you search for, they are questions that I don’t know the answer to. Pray hard, Spartan, you may eventually find what you seek,” he said, slowly letting go of Tony’s shoulders to look down at him, his heart feeling heavy with guilt. He hated men who were proud, and yet he was proud himself. But one day he knew he would be able to get past his own pride. Tony’s was another matter entirely. 

Chapter Text

“You were right, you know,” Tony replied with a shake of his head. “This is a lost battle; I should stop hoping that there’s any saving me or my people. Nothing changed for so long; I doubt anything will do now. We’re sticking with our ways, and you with yours, and we will fight, just like it’s bound to happen.” He moved back, away from Steve.

“It is not your people that need saving,” Steve said softly, closing his eyes against the pain as Tony stepped back, “it is mine, from yours. Your people will kill mine. I have spoken to the fates.” He pulled away himself, lowering his gaze as he stepped back to the window.

Tony heard him, the revelation surprising him. “You did what? You spoke with the fates? Is that why you came here? To change your people’s destiny rather than changing our ways?” he asked as he took a few steps closer again. “Why didn’t you just say so? Why didn’t you let me know of what’s going to happen?”

“Because you were certain of your people,” Steve said sadly, “I cannot change destiny... And you will lead your army and destroy my home.” He took a couple of steps away from Tony instead, walking over to the corner where his scrolls were resting, kneeling down next to them to pick them up. “You must be proud, Spartan.”

Tony let out a heavy breath as he tried to picture what Steve was describing. “And what will happen to you? And to me? And our people?” he asked quickly, staying in place.

Steve swallowed heavily, shutting his eyes, “I will be killed, your spear through my chest, and I will die by your feet. You and your people will have Athens and enslave my people.”

His voice shook slightly as he vividly recalled what he was shown, knowing he should have accepted his fate, but part of him just wanted to fight against it, change it, but it was written already.

“And you want to change that?” Tony finally whispered, his heart feeling heavy.

He was a Spartan, he would do anything to lead his people to victory, but kill the man in front of him now that the met him? It didn’t sound like something that he would do, if Steve never came here and he saw him during the heat of the battle. Things would have been different, but now it was a different case. “I believe that we can change that,” he said, more firmly this time. “No, I want to change that”

Steve shook his head. “You should be filled with pride, Spartan. Count your blessings,” he said, picking up his things and getting to his feet. “Regardless, I will lead my people and we will fight until the last man stands.”

“Pride for what? Destroying you mercilessly? At what cost, Athenian? Until the next war? I thought you came here to prevent this, and well, I want to help you.” Tony let out a sigh. “Don’t leave, we can find a solution.”

“You have no motive to help me.” Steve said, walking toward the door.

“You don’t know a thing about me, do you understand? Don’t talk like you know me and what I really think,” Tony hissed as he stopped in front of the door. “I’m not going to let this war happen, I won’t kill you or your people just like that”

“First you are eager to kill us and now you aren’t?” Steve said. “You are right; I do not understand you in the slightest. Now move, I wish to spend as long with my people as I can, my time is limited.”

“That’s the question,” Tony insisted, not moving away. “Do you want to understand me? Do you want to trust me? Do you trust me when I say that I won’t let your people get hurt? If we work together we can do this.”

“I don’t need your lies,” Steve said, gritting his teeth. “I know what happens now.”

Tony clenched his teeth, walking up to Steve to push him against the wall. “I’m trying to be honest, I’m trying to help you and yet you’re accusing me of lying, Athenian. Why don’t you see it? Why?” he cried as he held him in place.

Steve kept his eyes on Tony as he was pushed up, his scrolls rolling to the floor the instant Tony pinned him up.

“Your ambushes have harmed people in the past, I will not fall victim to them,” he said. “You are a siren; you lure me in here then you drown me in my own blood.”

Tony pressed Steve harder against the wall, gritting his teeth at his words, annoyed by how calm Steve seemed to be, his threats and physical violence always intimidating others. But was that really him in the end?

“I’m no common siren, Athenian. I’m trying to help you and you don’t want my help, you want to give up and die like a hero, but you know what? Knowing what is going to happen and not trying to change it doesn’t make you a hero. A hero is born when he defeats all odds and does his best to change what’s written in stone, and that’s what I’m going to go. You might choose to run back to Athens and mourn what’s not even lost, but I’m going to fight,” he said as he let go. “With or without you.”

“You have no right to tell me what a hero is.” Steve said, brushing himself off and glaring back at Tony.

“I don’t?” Tony replied, returning the glare. “Why is that? People have given that title to both of us, you know.”

“Heroes know right from wrong,” Steve said, “heroes know who they are.” 

“If you are implying that either of us knows who they are, you’re wrong,” Tony said. “You’re just like me, Steve. You’re lost; you don’t know what you really want or what your real purpose is. Brought down to Earth, but to do what? You are only suffering, I know, I’ve seen the way you look at others. I’m not trying to say that I know you, but I can feel what you are feeling too.”

“You feel nothing like I do,” Steve growled back. “Don’t ever try and tell me you understand.”

“You’re so afraid of letting people close to you, and that’s how I feel as well. Not afraid because you’re a coward but because you really don’t know how to act, what to give to them, what your status allows you to do” Tony insisted. “Try to prove me wrong.”

Steve grabbed Tony roughly and switched places, pinning him up against the wall instead. “I am no coward,” he snarled through gritted teeth.

Tony didn’t fight back this time around. Instead he placed his hands over Steve’s and looked at him calmly, just like Steve did before. “You’re not a coward but you decide to sit back let fate decide when you can change everything”

“I will lead my people and we will fight!” Steve shouted back with determination.

“And you will fight when there’s time to stop that?” Tony snorted. “You speak like a true Spartan.”

 
“Do not compare me to your people,” Steve growled, digging the heels of his palms into Tony’s shoulders.

Tony grimaced but he'd been hurt in so many more painful ways before. Steve’s attempts didn’t scare him in the slightest. “Then stop acting like one and listen to me!” he said.

“There is no point! You are wasting my time with my people!”

“Listen to yourself, Athenian!” Tony cried. “There’s enough time to prevent everything from happening; will you stop acting like this? We can save our people, both of us!”

 
“If I offer you my hand you will break my fingers,” Steve said, pulling back with a heavy huff of breath. “I know you, Spartan.”

“You don’t know me,” Tony sighed in frustration. “You don’t know me at all. Do you want to risk it? What do you have to lose?”

“I have my whole city to lose,” Steve answered. “Lives of the innocent.”

“According to you, they are lost anyway. What I’m asking you is to trust me to try and offer my help,” Tony said, offering him his hand. “Can you do that?”

“Trust is earned; I have given you mine twice now,” Steve scowled.

“You like deals, then? All right, here’s another one; you stay and think about my offer to help, and I won’t say a word about your city or your people. Like a proper pupil.” He offered his hand again. “My turn to give you my trust.”

Steve shook his head, unsure whether he should trust him or not, he always regretted opening his heart to others, and this was no different.

“No, I have nothing to teach you,” he said.

Though he honestly had no idea what he would teach Tony, he knew that even if the man kept his mouth shut, he’d always compare their cities and see Steve's as inferior. Initially, Steve had approached with hopes that the Spartan would see them as equals, but he had been quickly shut down and put in his place, and now was not ready to suffer the heartache again. He truly had nothing else to give - nothing that Sparta wasn’t ‘better at’.

“Nothing at all?"  Tony said in a lower tone. “You can’t teach me how to talk, how to charm the crowds? How to act, how to draw, how to write? How to solve equations, recognize the constellations?” He wanted Steve know exactly what he wanted to learn from him. In a way, maybe Steve was right, maybe he was less cultivated and his savage side was stronger, but he wanted to change. He couldn’t just go to war and ruin a city that tried to help them, kill a man that saw past him in so little time. “You can’t teach me all that?” he asked again, his hand still raised.

“What good will that do me and my people?” Steve asked, losing hope and hating being where he was, his arms wrapping around himself.

Tony could see he felt alone, isolated, and that he wanted nothing more than for this fight to be over. “Because I’ll tell my people that they are wrong, that there’s room for change,” Tony said. “That attacking your city will only bring further torment to our home. And if you don’t want to be here, take me with you.”

Steve glanced at him, and Tony nodded. “Yes, let me stay in Athens for a while, have a change of heart,” Tony encouraged him, pushing the hair out of his face.

“Don’t play with me like this; I know this is some sort of trap,” Steve muttered, “I would be giving you my people's knowledge, and that is all we have.”

“For the last time, I’m not setting a trap for you,” Tony sighed. “I can see why you can’t trust me, but would you deny the knowledge that you came here intending to give us? Would you deny giving it to someone who really cares? I’m asking you as a friend, Steve. A friend who wants to know more.”

“You aren’t my friend Tony... I had hoped you were, but you’re not. You’re the son of Ares, I am the son of Athena, and we possess traits our parents have. Although I do not let blood dictate me, you on the other hand, seem to have that mentality. I cannot teach those who do not care, nor can I befriend them. You say you want to learn more but you already know I am no mathematician, I am no scientist either. I am a man of morals and justice, which you seem to have enough of here. I did not know at first, but now I am well educated in your ways.”

Tony's heart sank as Steve denied their friendship.

“What happened to our talk from earlier?” he asked. “I thought that I would see the proud day that I could march into Athens as a friend, but to you, the only way I can reach your city is bound in chains, a prisoner of war. I know very well what you preach to be, Athenian, and I seek far more than simple education from you. I want to learn the ways of the humans, I want to embrace the human side of me, maybe even find love, just as you said. I want to be respected, not feared, and you seem to know the way.”

“That changes not the fate of my people, this plight is pointless,” Steve said, “Love is something I know nothing of, nor can I teach you about such things.”

“Then you won’t accept me into your city, behind your walls?” Tony asked again. “Not even when I’m coming in peace, wanting to save your people as much as you do?”

“There is no point of you venturing into my home. Do not lie to me and wish for their well-being when just days ago you were preaching their destruction.”

Tony rolled his eyes. “What proof do you want to see in my actions, Athenian, to open your eyes? Name it, and I’ll give it to you.”

“A man cannot change in a matter of days after two encounters,” Steve muttered, brushing back his hair.

“I’m not claiming that I have changed,” Tony corrected, “I’m asking for a proper chance to prove myself. A real chance to change. You set the rules this time.”

“Your games with my mind are proving tiresome,” Steve said, giving him an unimpressed stare.

“I’m not playing games, nor am I in a gaming mood. I’m talking straight, man to man here”, Tony replied, growing weary himself.

Steve looked at him with a deadpan expression instead. “I wish to leave this place and never to return except in battle. If wisdom is what you seek, pray to my mother. I have little time for your escapades. You say you are not playing games and yet your mind changes more often than a coin turning in the air. I have been tortured long enough by you.”

“You said that before, yet you’re standing here now,” Tony said. “Something made you come back, am I right? What was it? At least answer that before you decide to leave.”

 
“I thought you may understand me, that you needed me, and that your pleas for help were genuine. But no Spartan would ever need or want an Athenian” Steve said, walking over to the door and reaching for the handle.

“If I said that I do, that I do need you here to help, will you consider that another one of my lies?” Tony said, clenching his fists as he watched Steve walk away. “Because there, I've said it. I mean it. Whenever you want to believe me or not, that’s entirely up to you.”

“There is no evidence to prove that you are genuine,” Steve said. “Law and judgement are based on evidence.”

And he stared at the handle of the door for a moment before he made up his mind, his hand slowly lowering it, pressing down.

Chapter Text

Tony took a deep breath and walked over to him, turning Steve around to looking straight into his eyes. The disappointment in them was overwhelming, but that didn't stop Tony.

“You want proof?” Tony murmured. “You’ll have it.”

He placed his lips on the man’s soft cheek to press a light kiss there. And then he pulled back quickly, watching Steve’s reaction with his heart racing.

Steve gasped in shock the moment Tony's lips pressed against his skin. It made the heat rise to his cheeks, and he raised his eyebrows as he pressed himself back against the door.

“What was that?” Steve asked, taken aback. “H-how is that proof of any sort?”

“Signs of affection aren’t to be taken lightly, Athenian,” Tony explained calmly, “and I told you not to believe the words that are said about me. This is me trusting you right now, saying that I need your help.”

Steve's heart raced and he shook his head, genuinely confused at Tony, and at the feelings that kiss brought with it. “Affection?” he asked. “Why affection? What?”

“You’ve showed me a certain kindness in Thebes, Steve. That’s how I show mine,” Tony replied, blinking a couple of times at Steve’s reserved reaction. “And I’m asking for you to forgive me earlier attitude.” But of course, it made sense. Tony remembered his title. Steve was the son of the virgin goddess and he'd said himself that he wanted to stay pure.

“I am not one of your women,” Steve scowled, placing his hand over his chest protectively. He was still flustered, backing off into the corner by the door.

“Who said that you are?” Tony asked in confusion, not really understanding why Steve seemed to have taken his kiss as a bad sign. “I’ve only asked to be your friend; I don’t remember asking you of anything else.”

Steve stood by the door, arms over his chest, pouting at Tony with a bright red blush over his face. “I...” he stuttered. “Is that what friends do? None of my friends in the past had ever...”

Tony looked at him, trying to hide a smile, but this shy, reserved side of Steve was something he found himself enjoying. “Uh, I wanted to show you that I like you,” he said in a lower voice. “And I don’t know if they do, I never really had many friends to begin with. It felt sort of, right?”

Steve blinked a couple of times, looking at Tony with wide eyes.

“Is that the custom in Sparta?” he asked. “Is it rude for me not to reciprocate?” He wanted to know. He was curious, always curious, especially when it came to learning new things.

Tony shook his head, unsure of how to express himself. “I don’t think it is a custom anywhere but...no, I don’t think it’s rude unless you want to? I mean, do you like me as well?”

“After... talking,” Steve admitted, “no, I don’t particularly like you. But, it was pleasant.”

He hesitated a moment before walking up to Tony awkwardly, and he leaned down just as hesitantly. He stopped halfway, still unsure, and then he seemed to make up his mind, kissing Tony’s cheek in return.

Tony stayed still as Steve did the same, warm lips feeling so good against his skin, and he didn't really know how to reply, what he should say, if anything.

“I, uh... I wanted to prove you that I didn’t want you to leave,” Tony said slowly. “I still don’t.”

Steve looked at him carefully. “Perhaps...a rest is needed. And after that rest I can decide whether I wish to stay.”

Tony nodded to him, pleased by Steve's words. “You can come to the baths with me and then I’ll show you where you can rest, what do you think?” he offered.

Steve nodded, letting out a small sigh. There was something about that small kiss that had managed to get to him, to show his heart how desperate Tony was for him to stay. And perhaps how loath Steve was to leave.

Under normal circumstances he wouldn’t have stayed at all, but Tony was the son of a god, and that created a sense of leniency that Steve hadn’t expected in himself.

Tony didn’t really expect Steve to agree, but when he did, Tony could hardly hide his excitement. He waved for Steve to follow him, walking out of the palace and into the main city to go through the market, amongst the people who were busy with his chores. And he couldn’t stop thinking of the way Steve blushed after the kiss, and the way he came back to him to return it, even if it was just a noble gesture. It had still been sweet.

Soon, they reached the marbled building, and Tony pointed at it as they walked inside. Steam coming out from the main room, and Tony started to take off his tunic and sandals.

“Come on,” he said, “this will help. It’s going to relax you a lot.” He didn't really pay much attention to himself – it was nothing new to him, or any of his fellow citizens, to reveal his body when he wasn't alone. 

But Steve blinked and covered his eyes with his hands.

“Is this not... Private?” he managed, trying to speak quickly. “My mother ensures that the baths I take are for me alone.”

Tony looked at him with a little confusion. He didn't really care from anyone. Why should Steve be any different?  “These are public baths, Athenian,” he said. “We need no privacy for them. You know, we’ve been seeing each other training and bathing for years, it’s not really a big deal.”

Steve shook his head. “Is there any other room I may go to?” he asked, looking for another room quite frantically.

“We can go back to the palace if you want to, they are private baths there,” Tony replied, and Steve started to panic. “Hey, hey calm down, there's no need to panic now.”

“You may continue I will just... Find elsewhere,” Steve said, trying not to look at Tony and his well-toned body.

“No, I won’t leave you alone,” Tony said as he knelt down and started to collect his things, turning his back to Steve. “Just let me dress up and we’ll find something for you”,

Steve caught a glimpse of Tony’s back, his eyes following the scars that crossed Tony's skin, probably old wounds, acquired at a young age by the colour of them. “I do not wish to be a burden.”

Tony stood up again and started to dress up, fixing his tunic, noticing how Steve seemed to look at his general direction.  “You’re not, don’t worry about that,” he reassured him.

Steve turned around and headed out quickly, letting out a sigh of relief once he was away from the other men. Tony noticed that relief, and he couldn’t help wanting to know more.

“So, you never had a bath with other people around?” he asked.

Steve shook his head. “Never,” he said, brushing a hand through his hair. “I have my own baths.”

“And you have never seen another person naked before?” Tony asked with a soft laugh.

“Not at all,” Steve stated.

Tony frowned. “Should I excuse myself for taking that for granted and just getting undressed?” he asked.

“It is your culture,” Steve answered, “So, no, there is no need to excuse yourself.”

 
“Right,” Tony said. “Either way, I apologize.”

Steve nodded in acknowledgement as Tony took him back into the back of the palace, and into a different wing that he hadn’t shown Steve before. “There we are,” he reassured him, leading Steve to a smaller room. It was still filled with steam, as the room before had been, but this was far more private. “Nobody else will come in here.”

Steve walked in, nodding with approval. “Thank you,” he said, kneeling down and slipping off his sandals.

Tony watched the way that Steve knelt down for a moment before he was doing the same, taking off his sandals. He wet his lips, unsure of what to do. Whatever he decided, he certainly didn’t want to leave.

Steve lowered the shoulders of his large tunic, letting the fabric pool around his waist as he turned his back to Tony. The material slipped down his pale white skin, along the muscular curves of his arms and back, and he stepped closer to the edge of the bath.

 
Tony couldn’t help but watch the man’s muscular build, the way his shoulder blades would move, the muscles tensing when he stood and walked. And the steam must surely be playing games with his eyes; the man in front of him, who had looked so like a child of Aphrodite before now looked instead like a brother to Adonis. His beauty was beyond this world, and Tony couldn’t help but stare, letting his own tunic slip as he moved closer.

He didn't know if Steve wanted him to stay or not but he saw the moment Steve realized he was still there.

Steve glanced over his shoulder, the tunic still gathered around his waist. He saw no harm in bathing in front of someone who was also a son of a god; surely they would have the same morals and same sense of purity as his own.

He took a step closer to the water, standing by the edge as he removed the cloth by his waist, holding it out as he stepped in elegantly, careful to hide everything below his waist as he slipped into the warm water.

He looked over at Tony. “Is this unusual for you? Bathing in private quarters?”

Tony’s moves weren’t so elegant, and he had to swallow hard and shake his head when Steve talked to him, surprised that Steve wasn't asking him to leave. “What? Uh, no, not at all, I’ve came here before on my own, just not too often,” he replied as he moved to the edge and stepped into the warm water too, being careful to keep his distance from Steve. “I saw no need to come here since I’ve been sharing baths for all my life.”

“Is it just with the men or with the women too?” Steve asked, cupping the water in his hands and rubbing it over his face. He wet his blonde hair next, causing it to appear more golden with the droplets sparkling over it.

“Just the men,” Tony replied as he focused on watching Steve's every action. “The women don’t bathe along with us.” And he watched Steve, admiring the other man's beauty as he moved deeper into the water himself. “So am I the first one you've share a bath with?”

Steve nodded. “You are the son of Ares, and my mother should have no qualms about me sharing a bath with a demigod,” he said, stretching where he stood in the warm water.

 
Tony smiled widely at the prospect of being the only one worthy to witness that beauty, and then quickly shook his head, trying to dismiss the thought. “You don’t have to worry about that, there’s nothing wrong with it.”

Steve rubbed the warm water over his skin and over the well sculpted muscles, much bigger than a normal Athenian's. It was partly why he took it upon himself to hide his body with his large tunic. “Let’s hope not,” he said.

Tony could have stayed there forever, just watching the handsome man bathing. He looked so much more at peace, nothing like before, his golden locks at the side of his face. “Sometimes I think that you’re the son of Aphrodite instead,” he blurted out before he could stop himself.

Steve looked up at him curiously, resting his arms along the edge of the bath. “Why do you say that?”

Tony moved lower into the water, so his beard was touching the warm surface, keeping his eyes fixed on Steve.  “You clearly have her looks, you know”, he carried on. “I mean you’re really handsome”

Steve laughed. “Are you mocking me again, Spartan?” he asked.

“Why would I mock your appearance?” Tony asked as he sat up, water dripping from his chest. “That is a compliment; I do find your exterior really appealing.”

“It’s as though you’ve never laid your eyes upon an Athenian before,” Steve said calmly, brushing his hair back into a neat quiff-like style, easily styled by the water.

“I haven’t,” Tony said with a nod, rubbing water against his arms. “And most certainly, not one who happens to be a demigod. Honesty is an appreciated quality, isn’t it?”

“It is.” Steve said, his eyes on Tony, watching the drops of water sparkle as they skimmed across his skin, as they danced down his body, “but there are many beautiful people in this world, and I fail to compare to them.”

“You underestimate your good looks, you know. But I feel kind of proud for being able to witness this,” he said with a nod, feeling Steve’s gaze upon him.

Steve blushed slightly. “I appreciate the compliment, though you aren’t particularly hard on the eyes yourself. No wonder the women fawn over you.”

Tony smiled at the compliment, moving around a little until he could sit in the water. “Why thank you, Athenian. That’s the nicest thing that anyone ever said to me,” he teased. “I was joking by the way”

“I understand sarcasm,” Steve said pouting a little at his brushed off attempt to compliment him.

Tony rubbed his head for a bit, and then he splashed water in Steve’s direction. “I appreciate that you took your time to come into a conclusion concerning my physical appearance. That wasn’t sarcasm.”

Steve folded his arms over himself again, letting out a small huff as he was splashed, keeping quiet.

Tony stayed quiet too, not really knowing how to act around Steve. He was afraid that every time that he tried to make a nice gesture, he was messing it up again. “Where do you live back home?” he asked eventually, with genuine interest. “What's it like?”

“I live in the temple,” Steve said softly, rubbing the water over his arms again.

“Devoting your life to your mother, huh?” Tony asked in a lower tone, the smile from earlier disappearing. No matter how hard he tried to understand how Steve’s mind seemed to work, he couldn't.  “Can I ask you something?”

“What?” Steve asked, turning his head to look at Tony.

“Well, it’s not really a question, it’s more like an observation,” Tony said, his voice lower still. “I just want to say, thank you for staying for so long, and even if you leave, thank you for talking to me for so long and staying with me.”

Steve nodded, feeling humbled by Tony's gratitude, once more seeing a side to Tony that he hadn't been expecting. “I appreciate your hospitality.”

Tony smiled at him. “Thank you,” he said with a nod. “That means a lot coming from you. I hope I’m not going to disappoint you any further.”

He gave him another nod and tipped his head back again, taking in a deep breath through his nose to breathe out through parted lips, shutting his eyes to enjoy the warmth of the bath.

In a way, Steve’s silence was comforting, and Tony followed suit, letting the warm water and steam wash away all his worries and doubts, just enjoying the moment and the sight of the handsome man in the bath with him, looking calm and relaxed for a change having taken his armour off.

Steve relaxed, trying to figure out if he was doing the right thing, wondering whether he could really change destiny if he fought against it.

But there was something about this man that made him want to try. Tony seemed to actually want to help, but Steve’s paranoia wouldn’t allow him to listen. But that kiss, that gentle touch of Tony's lips against his skin, had been enough to change his mind somehow.

Tony was well known for being charming, so perhaps this was part of his game, but part of Steve wanted to believe that it was real, that he was liked and that he had made a friend. It somehow made the world feel smaller, less lonely. Even if this was a ploy, a clever stunt, he could live in ignorance for a while and imagine that someone actually liked him and appreciated his company. Because, in truth, that was all he'd ever wanted.

Tony respected Steve’s wish to stay quiet, and he focused on examining the man’s posture, watching the way he would breathe out when he was clearly in deep thought, how his eyebrows would furrow. He really liked him, in a strange way, and he didn’t even know him that well. Despite his arguments and their fights, he wanted to prove himself to Steve, to help, and most of all, he didn’t want to be the one to kill him, not if he could change that. He didn’t take fate for granted, and maybe they could change all this, together. And he didn’t want to be left alone once again; it felt so nice to be near someone who seemed to understand what he'd been through, what he'd endured for so long.

The child of another god. It made sense to him for them to stick together, and that kiss surprised even himself; he never really liked anyone else in that way before.

Steve opened his eyes and looked at Tony, wanting to say something but not knowing what. “What did you mean earlier, about women sharing your bed being a loose term?” he asked eventually.

 
Tony swallowed hard when he heard that question. Steve might not understand if he explained. “I didn’t sleep with them in the way that you think. We didn’t. Do anything together; they were just in my bed. I hate sleeping alone.”

“Why would you stay with a woman if not to, be with them?” Steve said, choosing his words carefully.

“I never felt anything for any of them before, and I just wanted the company,” Tony said with a shrug. “And marrying one of them just so I’m not alone. It just didn’t seem right to me. So, whenever they would agree, I would let them sleep by my side, be less lonely.”

He wasn't sure he wanted to tell Steve all of this, but Steve was a fellow demigod. He'd allowed Tony to see him like this; it only seemed fair that Tony should give him something in return.

“So you did nothing more but sleep?” Steve asked, tilting his head.

Tony shook his head. “I didn’t touch a woman in the way you’re suggesting, no.”

“I see.” Steve said, pausing before he spoke again – he didn't want to pry but he couldn't curtail his curiosity. “So you are... Untouched?”

 
Tony lowered his gaze, nodding again with a heavy sigh, not really wanting to look at Steve in the eye, even if he knew that there was nothing wrong with that.

Steve blinked. “I had thought being a man of Sparta you would have...”

 
“Thought that I would do what?” Tony asked. “Kill, drink and sleep with women every single night? It didn’t sit with me well, nor did I want it to.”

“You brag about your women so much,” Steve said. “It didn’t make much sense to me.”

“Well, now you know,” Tony replied. “And you can take your earlier assumptions back. You’re not like any of my ‘women.’”

 
“Still bitter?” Steve asked.

“I wouldn’t say that I’m bitter,” Tony said with a shake of his head. “Just don’t judge a book by its cover. I may not be the man you thought I was.”

“And am I the man you thought I would be?” Steve asked in return, raising his eyebrow.

“I’m not disappointed,” Tony answered, “even though I enjoy being around Steve.”

Steve blinked. “You do?”

Tony nodded, and Steve smiled, moving through the water to reach Tony's side. “Well,” he said, giving him a kiss on the cheek, “I like being around Tony. This Tony.”

 
Tony rubbed his cheek in surprise after the kiss, smiling at him. “I’ll keep it in mind then,” he nodded as he placed his hand on Steve’s shoulder. “When you’re here, I will always be this Tony.”

Steve raised his hand from the water and gently rubbed Tony’s cheek, looking at him through the steam that rose from the bath. “I hope I see him more often, especially in front of your people,” he said. “He is no tyrant, not at all.”

Tony found it hard to look at Steve’s eyes with the way he was looking back to him, especially after hearing his words. “You know, I really need someone like you to teach me how to keep him out. It took a while to get him out of his shell,” Tony said as he tilted his head to the side, feeling Steve’s wet fingers against his skin.

“How can I keep him out?” Steve asked, continuing with the gentle, comforting strokes as he looked down at Tony, at the way the water looked when it was combed through his hair to let the tips of the black strands flick up at the ends. “Any suggestions?”

 
“Just keep Steve around and I’m sure he’ll follow,” Tony nodded, enjoying the gentle touches, and enjoying such delicacy from Steve. He wasn't used to such affection.

Steve's thumb trailed along Tony’s beard, taking in the sight of the man before him. Many had considered him invincible, untouchable and yet Steve saw the damaged side to him, a side he could relate to, in a way. He saw the same loneliness there that he suffered from himself. “Tell me Spartan,” he murmured, “what else do friends do here?”

Tony remained silent as he enjoyed Steve’s comfort, and for that moment, he didn’t feel all alone any more. The way Steve touched him meant that he was understood for once, that Steve knew him. “Well, I want to do something on my own this time around,” Tony said his voice low.

“On your own?” Steve asked curiously, looking into Tony’s eyes and enjoying how Tony was one of the few people who would stare directly back into his own.  “Like what?”

Chapter Text

Tony swallowed hard as he leaned closer; hoping Steve wouldn't push him back, hoping he hadn't misinterpreted Steve’s affection. He stopped just inches away from Steve's lips, their noses almost touching, and flicked his gaze up to meet Steve's. “Do you trust me?” he whispered, breath short.

Steve nodded innocently, his eyes fixed on Tony; he could feel Tony's breath on his skin and swallowed hard. Though he’d never really had a friend before, he liked receiving those kisses, and giving them, and now Tony was closer than any other man had ever been to him before.

Steve’s nod was all Tony could ask for, and with another slow movement, he tilted his chin forward, lips against Steve’s as he closed his eyes. Then he pulled back slightly, watching Steve. It wasn’t a passionate kiss, barely even a kiss at all. It had just been brief - he didn’t want to scare Steve off - but he wanted to show Steve affection in a more innocent way. Just like Steve was himself.

Steve’s eyes widened and he touched his lips with his own wet fingertips, eyes darting down in thought at how beautiful it felt. When their lips touched he could feel softness, a gentle innocence from the man who others saw as cruel. It felt indescribably sweet.

“M-may I...?” he asked, looking at Tony as a blush crept into his skin. “Can I... Try?”

Tony felt the heat rising in his own cheeks as Steve seemed astonished by his actions, but the fact that he asked to reciprocate surprised him in such a pleasant way. “Yes,” he nodded sitting still as he kept his eyes on Steve's beautiful, heart shaped lips; the lips he'd just kissed. “Yes you can.”

Steve leaned closer, the rippling of the water making a sound as he moved. He brushing his lips against Tony’s first, barely skimming them together, before he moved forward and pressed them together, shutting his eyes as he felt his heart rate suddenly quicken. He didn’t part his lips just yet, but he was mesmerized by how magnetic the feeling was, how their lips felt so warm and soft together.

He pulled back slowly, looking at Tony with a soft, warm smile. “That felt good,” he said.

Tony watched as Steve approached him at his own pace, wanting to keep his eyes open to watch the handsome, perfectly shaped face as he brought their lips together, but he couldn’t help but shut them, overwhelmed with emotions.

When he did pull back, Tony raised his hand and rubbed Steve’s cheek with such affection, a grateful smile on his face. “It really did, Steve? Do you want to, well, will you do me the honour of sleeping beside me tonight?” he asked.

Steve nodded. “But I have never slept alongside anyone before,” he confessed, looking at Tony’s lips to see them curl into a smile. He seemed so happy, just like when they had been at the amphitheatre.

“Then I’m happy that I’m the first one to do so,” Tony said with a nod, rubbing Steve’s shoulder as he noted calm and relaxed he was, as opposed to the Steve from earlier who had shouted at him.

“Perhaps my friends had never liked me enough to let me,” Steve said, “or to kiss me like you have.” Steve felt younger again, he felt curious, his purpose to teach dissolving and his purpose to help Tony becoming higher on his list of priorities. But being the son of the Goddess of wisdom, he was eager to learn new things, to gain experience by first hand adventures. And kissing, to him, was a whole new concept - one that he liked and wanted to practice after years of watching others do the same.

“Well they don’t know what they've been missing,” Tony said with a shake of his head, amused by how Steve's attitude had changed. “It felt so right when I kissed you. And when you kissed me.”

“I enjoy affection,” Steve said, leaning closer to Tony again to pressing their lips together once more, trying to categorize the feeling. It was more than just happiness, it was an emotion he couldn’t place and he pulled back only scant inches before leaning forward to do it again. They were still just gentle kisses, becoming briefer every time he pulled back. And Steve smiled after his final kiss. “I really enjoy this.”

“And yet you are trying to shield yourself from it,” Tony pointed out, smiling after every short kiss. He didn't want Steve to pull away, moving closer little by little, careful not to push Steve too far as he wrapped his arms around Steve's neck. “I really like this as well. And we can do it before we go to bed if you want to.”

But Steve was unsure. “Shield myself?” he asked, leaning back on the edge of the bath as he allowed Tony to move closer. “This is friendship, isn’t it? Or... Is there more to it?” 

“I, I think it is even though I have never done this with any other ‘friend,’” he said in mild confusion, tilting his head to the side. “I don’t know, but we can try? See how much we enjoy each other’s company.”

Was that friendship really though? Tony had known Rhodey for years but he never felt like that when he saw Rhodey, he didn’t seek Rhodey's affection in the way that he searched for Steve’s. But if it wasn't friendship, then what was it?

Steve nodded, almost boyishly, his arms reaching up and holding Tony to his chest lightly. “I would like that,” he said, “and you can teach me your people's ways.”

Tony blinked a couple of times when Steve held him, always considering embraces as a way to show genuine appreciation. And he did the same in return, his hands firmly around Steve’s back. “I can try and show you what I know, but you’ll have to help me as well.”

“How can I help?” Steve asked. “I know little of friendship or customs such as those.”

“But what if we create our own?” Tony murmured with a shake of his head. “Make our own customs, suited to an Athenian and Spartan demigod.”
“Can we do that?” Steve asked. “I thought only gods were allowed such privileges.”

“We can have this little secret between us,” Tony said with a nod. “What do you say? Just let happen naturally. No rules, no customs.”

Steve bit his lip. “No rules and customs?” he replied. “But law, and legislation, is reliant upon rules being set in place.”

“Take it as a social experiment of some sort,” Tony said. “We’re going to set our own rules. I say that you let your desires speak first, Athenian, then judge your actions.”

 
“Desire?” Steve asked. “Is desire not impure? I have always been taught not to succumb to it.”

“Is caring impure as well?” Tony asked him. “People express their feelings through different actions, Steve. I showed my gratitude towards you with that kiss, for example.”

“So when you kiss, it’s to show gratitude?” Steve asked, curiously.

Tony rubbed his head, thinking about the question. “It might not be the same to others, but that’s how I express gratitude towards you,” he said.

He nodded. “I see. I think I understand now. Thank you, Tony,” Steve said, pressing his lips briefly to Tony's, “for explaining that.”

“Don’t thank me,” Tony said with a smile, rubbing the side of his lips at the soft kiss. “Have you finished bathing?”

“Yes,” Steve said, sitting up a little more. “You should lead the way out.”

 
Tony nodded and pulled away, getting out of the bath to covering himself with the tunic from earlier before turning around to give Steve the sense of privacy he needed.

Steve got out of the bath, wrapping himself up quickly in his robe, tying it up and slipping his arms through. He knelt down for his sandals again and then stood straight, glancing over at Tony.

Tony waited until Steve was ready before walking out of the bath and back into his chambers, with Steve following him closely, and he shut the door behind them as he ran his fingers through his hair, trying to dry it up a little.

Chapter Text

Steve walked back into the room, his hair neatly pushed back, allowing his chiselled facial features to be more the centre of focus.

 
Tony turned his back to Steve as he slipped out of the tunic he wore to replace it with a cream coloured one instead, filling his cup with wine and sitting on the low bed. “You must be exhausted" he pointed out.

Steve walked up to him. “I had to leave very early to walk to Thebes,” he said. “I suppose I am tired.”

“Have a seat, don’t be shy,” Tony nodded as he moved to one side, watching Steve carefully. “My home is your home."

Steve hesitated a moment, but sat down next to him all the same. “Thank you,” he said, looking around. “I don’t often sleep in large rooms such as this.” 

Tony smiled to him as set down his cup, crossing his arms to focus on Steve’s every reaction. “I think I’m going to sleep," he muttered.

Steve nodded. “You wish for me to sleep beside you?” he asked, looking over at Tony.

“Only if you want to," Tony replied, continuing though he wished he didn't have to. “If you don’t, there’s an empty chamber next door..."

“You said you can’t sleep by yourself,” Steve said, getting up to move to the other side of the bed, “or you don’t like to?” He sat down but looked back over his shoulder at Tony.

“No, I don’t like to,” Tony answered, his eyes fixed on Steve's strong back. “But if doesn’t feel right for you then I won’t keep you here."

Steve continued to look at Tony. “Do you not want me here?” He asked.

Tony stayed silent for a moment, thinking about his answer. Of course he did, but would he come off as too needy? No, he couldn’t, since just moments ago Steve was holding him and kissing him. He nodded. “I do.”

Steve moved, taking off his sandals and lifting his legs to lie in the bed next to Tony. 

Tony just watched him for a moment before moving slightly closer, his hand resting on Steve’s chest. “Thank you, Steve,” he said.

Steve’s eyes momentarily lingered on Tony’s hand. “Are you too tired to do what we had agreed?” He asked.

Tony blinked at his question, not really sure how to reply, or what they'd even agreed to do in the end. “We can try?” he replied.

“You know, Spartan,” Steve said, placing his hand under Tony’s chin, “I am grateful for you letting me stay here, for showing me this.”

Tony swallowed hard when Steve brought him closer, letting out a satisfied sound at the contact. “I told you that you should have listened to me. I wanted to help you as much as you wanted to help me," he said softly.

“Well now I know the errors of my ways,” Steve said, pressing his lips to Tony’s as he shut his eyes. It was the same kind of soft kiss as before, that same spark as their lips touched, the same spark as when they'd first touched hands.

Tony smiled to him, kissing him softly in return, lacing their fingers as he enjoyed Steve's company. “I just wish that I met you sooner."

Steve gently pulled back from Tony’s lips and looked at him as he spoke. “My life is short now, Tony,” he said. “Perhaps our meeting was only meant to be fleeting.”

But Tony looked suddenly horrified. “Your life is not short; you’re a demigod,” he said, his tone serious. “And I’ll keep you safe. That’s what friends do, they protect each other.”

“Even though you’re the one destined to kill me?” Steve asked.
“I will not kill you, Athenian. I don’t believe in what the Fates see, I’m not letting anything happen to you" he said in the same tone.

“Why so protective all of a sudden?” Steve asked again, watching Tony’s expression.

“Because you’re my friend" Tony repeated. “And I care about your well-being. I can’t kill you, nor do I want to. You showed me things and you and you kissed me, and now you’re in my bed. I don’t want to lose that.”

“But what about your father?” Steve whispered. “Will he not dislike this? You said you follow your father’s will.”

“I’ll show him how he’s wrong, how killing you or your people will be nothing but our downfall,” Tony said. “I’m my own man now, Steve. I will do as I deem right.”

Steve looked at him with a hopeful expression. “So you will save my people? You’ll prevent yours from invading?”

Tony nodded. “Or die trying, like a true hero," he said, tightening his grip on Steve.

“Don’t die,” Steve said, kissing Tony softly to hide how much he wished his next words would be true. “I need you to save my people.”

“Is that the only reason why you want me alive?” Tony asked as he pulled back from the kiss, watching Steve’s eyes glimmer in the dark.

“And because, you’re my friend,” Steve said. “You’ve let me into your home, given me a shelter, let me share your bed and given me companionship. You listen to me, Tony. As long as it's taken, you understand why I want to protect my people now.”

“I understand nobody deserves to be alone or have what they most care about taken from them,” Tony said. “And I make a promise on this day, Athenian. I, Son of Ares, will do everything in my power to save your people and stop this madness from happening.”

“Perhaps my journey here was not so fruitless after all,” Steve said with a smile, touched by Tony's words, with genuine hope starting to glimmer within him once more.

“No, it wasn’t,” Tony said, smiling a little as he stroked Steve's cheek with his thumb. “That’s why I kept asking you to stay; I need some time to come to my senses.”

Steve leaned closer to him, kissing him again. It was still soft, hesitant, and Steve didn't know if he should try anything else. But he liked being gentle, and he wanted to show how grateful he was to Tony.

Tony started to feel warmer and the way Steve was treating him, in such a gentle, delicate way, did help. He didn’t know exactly what his feelings were, or what he even meant to Steve, but they'd already moved past the boundaries people usually set between them.

“Steve..?” Tony asked as he moved his fingers on Steve's chest again. “I need to make sure.”

“Make sure?” Steve asked, his muscles tensing slightly as Tony trailed his fingers along his pectorals.

Tony but his lip, trying to think of what he actually wanted to say. “I don’t think that friends do what we’re doing right now.” Steve frowned but Tony shook his head. “No, misunderstand me, we are friends. But it seemed that right now we want something more? I don’t want to be just another friend of yours. I want to be someone to you.”

Steve looked at him with a puzzled expression. “What do you mean? I thought this was...what Spartans do?”

“I don’t know, I don’t know what close friends do, or what is even acceptable. I just know that I want to carry on doing those things with you, it feels right to me, and that, that jolt I feel when you touch me, and it can’t only be me, right? You feel it too?”

Steve nodded slightly, trying to find a way to put it into words. “It feels really- strange but I really, I like doing this. I mean I enjoy being close, like this.”

“I really love it too, that’s why I don’t want to categorise it,” Tony said, lifting Steve's chin a little. “I like what we have now, I don’t know what it is, but I like it.”

Steve sighed a little, looking into Tony’s eyes. “So do I. I’ve never been close to anyone...” He trailed off, his hands reaching for Tony’s hands.

“I’ve never been so close to anybody either and I don’t want this to change,” Tony said, linking their fingers again. “It’s like, you know, when you kiss me, it feels that this should have happened so long ago, it’s so, fitting?”

Steve shut his eyes and brushed his nose against Tony’s cheek. “I’m not supposed to do anything that could hurt my heart, but friendship isn’t supposed to hurt me,” he said. “But it has.  I’ve lost my friends. What I’m trying to say is that, I want you as my friend, Tony.”

“We’ve both been hurt, Steve, trust me,” Tony said. “One would think that being seen as children of the Gods has many advantages, but it brings us nothing but betrayal and loneliness. I don’t want to be hurt and alone, not when I can change that. And you have me as your friend, Steve. Don’t ever doubt that. You’re my friend.”

“And I will look after you as much as you require, in return,” Steve said, resting his cheek against Tony’s. “I owe you a debt for promising to save my people. And for being a friend to me.”

“So what do you say?” he asked again, enjoying the Steve's warm body against his. “Do friends act like the way we do?”

“I wouldn’t know but... I hope so?” Steve said softly.

“Steve..?” he murmured. “Would you mind if one day we were more than just friends?”

“I’m not allowed to be more than that, Tony,” Steve replied sadly, “I’ve told you before.”

“Then I’m happy with that we have right now,” Tony said. “Can we keep this?”

Steve nodded against Tony’s skin, keeping their cheeks placed together. “Yes,” he said. “I am happy too.”

Tony sighed as he kept himself close to Steve, his hands lowering so he could hold him around his waist. “Yes, I’ve decided. I like you.”

“I like you too, Spartan,” Steve said, smiling contently as Tony held him. It wasn’t often people touched his waist and it was sensitive. It made him tense for a moment, but he was relaxing into the touch soon enough.

Tony smiled as he felt Steve's reaction. “I’m glad you didn’t leave earlier,” he said softly.

“I’m glad I didn’t either.” Steve replied, pulling his head back to look at Tony, admiring how at ease he seemed.

Tony smiled to him and looked straight back into his eyes, grateful for the company now that the Athenian, of all people, was by his side.

Chapter Text

Steve tilted his head. “Are we done with the experimentation for tonight then?” he asked. “You look about ready to fall asleep.”

“Do you want it to end?” Tony asked as he looked at him, still rubbing his chest lightly.

“In truth?” Steve asked, looking at Tony.

“Yes, the truth," he nodded.

“Then not really, I mean, I have an inquisitive mind,” Steve said, “Especially with modern cultures and customs.”

“So do you want me to show you more?” Tony asked, pushing up to support himself on one arm. “You can always say no if you don’t like it.”

Steve blushed shyly before nodding. “Can you,” he asked. “Please?”

Tony nodded in return, moving to settle himself on top of Steve, his long hair covering the side of his face.

“Just tell me if you want me to stop, all right?” he asked again.

Steve looked up at Tony, confused as to why he'd moved, searching his face curiously as he nodded once more.

Tony looked down at him before he cupped Steve's face, leaning down to placing a kiss on his lips. He didn't pull himself back this time around; instead he carried on kissing him, licking his lips so desperately and so slowly, breathing through his nose so he didn't have to pull away.

Steve felt so relaxed, feeling the kisses over his lips, tilting his head up to kiss Tony back. But he felt something deeper in each kiss, craving him more and more, as though Tony was pouring all his emotion into it.

Tony stayed close, and Steve clearly wanted this as much as he did even though he'd just told said this was nothing more than friendship. Surely doing such intimate things with someone meant something more, at least in Tony’s eyes. But now wasn't the time to think about this. Steve had asked Tony to show him, so Tony tried to, lowering his hand to rub it across Steve’s chest, sliding their tongues together.

Steve tilted his head as he felt his lips part, Tony’s tongue pushing forward. The moment it did, Steve let out a small sound of surprise at the warmth of Tony’s tongue filling his mouth, the taste of wine that Tony had drunk. Steve’s hands reached up and brushed through Tony’s curls, Steve didn't know what to do with his hands so he reached up and brushed them through Tony's curls because he was being touched, his body was being appreciated in ways he’d never imagined, and he wanted to touch back.

Tony only pulled back from the kiss to lick his lips, enjoying the feeling of Steve’s hands in his hair, nodding a little as a signal for Steve to keep his hands where they were while he leaned forward once again. He moved his hand, finger trailing down Steve's neck before he followed his finger with his tongue, slowly and carefully, waiting for Steve.

The blonde’s mouth opened, letting out another small murmur as he felt the wetness along his neck, tilting his head to one side to give Tony more access to his porcelain skin, his hands gripping tighter ever so slightly.

Tony sighed happily as his own hands roamed Steve’s chest, moving over it while his tongue carried on, licking every possible part of Steve’s skin he could find to taste his skin, the smell of oil and old parchment from Steve's scrolls filling his senses, as well as the sweet smell of Steve himself.

Steve’s fingers began to slip a bit lower, stroking the nape of the Tony’s neck as he stared at Tony, cheeks pink.

Tony’s own fingers moved lower, too, his hands sliding down onto Steve’s waist to hold him in place as his tongue moved lower, licking the base of Steve's neck, looking up to Steve for his reaction a moment later.

Steve tried to meet Tony’s eyes, his mouth still slightly open, and his breaths were coming faster as he swallowed down the knot in his throat to move into Tony's touch.

Tony dragged his tongue down the centre of Steve's chest, hands rubbing Steve's waist gently as he breathed heavily against Steve’s skin. “Steve...” he murmured.

Steve raised his head and looked at Tony, biting his lip. “Tony, this is, It’s...” He said at a loss for words.

Tony smiled at him, humming against Steve's skin to get him to stop talking, moving his tongue around Steve's nipple instead, and his tongue hot over the sensitive flesh.

Steve gasped loudly, chest rising against Tony's mouth, and he looked down at Tony with his brow furrowed. He'd never felt that before.

“Do you want me to stop?” Tony asked in a low voice as he pulled back, his mouth close to the other nipple.  But he was waiting for Steve’s reply first, before he did anything, and Steve looked at him.

Steve's felt dizzy, his mind felt uncoordinated, and he let his hand slide down Tony’s neck and across his shoulders. “I... I’m unsure...” he murmured as he hunched his shoulders a little, his meekness returning without Tony's mouth for distraction.

Tony pulled up again; watching him carefully as he stroked Steve's flushed cheeks softly. “You can think about it all you want,” Tony reassured him, pressing a soft kiss to Steve's cheek, “I’m still going to be here waiting."

Steve tilted his head, eager to meet Tony’s lips since he was comfortable with kissing, and he traced the other man's lips with his tongue before locking their lips together.

Tony held their faces together, kissing Steve deeply in return as his back tensed to keep him.  He really didn’t mind if Steve was unsure; this was far more than he had ever hoped for, and he was enjoying the man’s affection the way things were.

Steve’s pushed at the fabric of Tony’s tunic, wanting to feel more of his skin down his back. After a while, Steve pulled back from the kiss and nodded slowly, feeling a strong bond between them that he had never felt before.

Tony watched Steve carefully and nodded when Steve allowed him to continue, leaning forward to trail his tongue over the man’s defined muscles, worshipping every muscle of his body, admiring how well-built he was for someone who didn’t even follow such a strict training as himself.

Steve's muscles coiled and moved at each small movement and he leaned his head back, shutting his eyes though the lashes fluttered as Tony moved on.

Tony kept looking up as he ran his tongue over Steve’s stomach, rubbing his head against Steve's skin, his hand reaching lower to rest on Steve's lower stomach. He kept his hand there, fingers playing with the hair, giving Steve time to process what was going on.

Steve's eyes slowly fluttered open as he watched Tony hovering by his hips, chest heaving enough to make his lips turn dry. “W-what’s next..?” he asked faintly.

Tony looked up to him, keeping his hand in place as he watched Steve’s flushed cheeks, smiling at him faintly. “Don’t tell me that you never did this before?” he asked, one eyebrow raised. “On your own?”

 
Steve gulped and shook his head, wondering if he should be concerned. He held back the sounds he longed to make, and Tony smiled.

“You truly are pure and innocent, untouched...” Tony muttered as he kept his hand in place, not wanting to move and scare Steve off. He rubbed Steve's cheek with the back of his hand. “I can stop. We can just sleep together, just like we planned."

Steve nodded firmly, taking in a couple of sharp breaths as he tried to stop his body shaking. “Can we..?” he asked meekly.

“Of course. Anything you want," Tony said with a nod. He felt protective, sensitive towards the young Athenian, not wanting to hurt him in any possible way, not when he was so innocent and pure. Tony wasn’t going to taint Steve with his own ways; Steve deserved to be treated in a delicately, carefully.

Tony let go and moved to his earlier position instead, resting his head on Steve’s chest. “This is just as good,” he said.

Steve heard the jingle of the medallion around Tony’s neck as he moved closer to rest on Steve again, and he relaxed a little, his heart slowing back to its normal pace without the fear of having to go further than this. “I’m sorry...” he murmured, looking down at Tony.

 
“Why are you sorry?” Tony asked, meeting his gaze with a smile. “You let me in, Athenian. That’s more than I could ask for already.”

Steve did his best to curl his body around Tony's. “I wish I could do more.”

“Why? I’m glad with what we’ve done already," Tony replied.

Steve gently nudged Tony off him and moved, leaning over Tony the way Tony had done for him, to kiss him deeply, tangling their tongues together whilst his hands trailed down Tony’s body, hands gliding over the medallion and touching the dark haired man’s skin.

Tony let Steve do as he pleased, lowering his own walls and just letting Steve to hold him and kiss him, clearly in not so friendly a fashion any more, his own hands wrapped around the man’s waist as he kissed him, tongue so warm in his mouth.

Steve moved himself on top of Tony, flicking his own hair back as he moved his tongue clumsily down Tony’s neck, trying to mimic what Tony had done to him. Tony moved his fingers to Steve’s head, moving through his golden hair as he threw his head back, appreciating Steve’s efforts, and then let out a yelp of surprise when Steve's mouth reached his nipple, his grip on Steve's hair tightening. “Oh... Steve...” Steve kept going, licking around his nipple before taking it into his mouth, sucking at it, following by example, and Tony's whole body tensed at the feeling.

Steve moved from one to the other eventually, sucking at Tony’s body, taking his time in tasting how sweet it was.  He gazed up at Tony for his reaction, licking his lips as he continued to kiss down Tony’s beautifully shaped body, along his olive skin.

Tony lowered his gaze, watching Steve’s tongue moving across his skin, giving him an encouraging smile. “Steve...” he said again, stroking the top of his head as Steve continued.

Steve eventually stopped as he reached Tony’s hip bones, moving back up to kiss him again, starting to become accustomed to their tongues sliding together as they kissed. Then he pulled back to lie by Tony’s side instead, his hands continuing to smooth up and down his torso. “How was I?” he asked.

Tony sighed in satisfaction. “Not bad,” he said as he leaned forward to kiss Steve's lips softly, “not bad at all."

Steve tucked himself around Tony, kissing him gently in return before he rested his face by the man’s neck, his hand still circling the other man’s torso, fingertips moving along his dark haired chest and down to his medallion.

It felt so nice to lie down next to Steve, of all people, and Tony enjoyed Steve's company and comfort more than anyone else's in his life. It was so strange that he'd come to like him so much, how he wanted him there to feel more encouraged to follow his heart, and maybe Steve was the cause of it, maybe his presence did make him more human like in the end. “Steve?” he asked again.

“Hmm?” Steve hummed, closing his eyes as nuzzled into Tony's neck.

“Don’t leave before I wake up?" Tony asked, closing his own eyes.

“I would not do such a thing,” Steve said, breathing softly against Tony's warm skin. “I am a man of manners.”

“I’m glad,” Tony sighed, rubbing his head against Steve's chest. “It wouldn't be nice if you did."

Steve held Tony closer, slowly drifting into a deep sleep, comforted by the warmth next to him. He felt the small movements of the man, the closer he would get, the more he would cling throughout the night. Steve didn’t know how their bond was formed so quickly, despite their arguments, but it was clearly one that was meant to be.

Tony slept soundly next to the man, drawing comfort from the warm body beside him. It was strange how right it felt, how the man seemed to fit right there, next to him, despite their first meeting.

Chapter Text

Steve woke up to the feeling of Tony’s hair brushing against his cheek, slowly raising his head as he rubbed his eyes. Everything was blurry at first but cleared up as he looked around, the rays of sunshine streaming through the windows.

He looked at Tony, a man of such power looking so powerless at that moment, looking so childlike and vulnerable. Steve nudged him lightly, “Come on, my pupil, the day breaks.”

Tony opened his eyes, blinking a couple of times, adjusting to the light. He looked up to Steve and smiled lazily, hugging him closer. “First day of teaching, huh?” he asked.

“We must learn while our minds are fresh,” Steve said, sitting up and adjusting to the grip around his waist, “while Apollo still rides his chariot across the sky; his presence will bless us.”

“Don’t worry, I’m used to being up early for training and school," Tony reassured him, rubbing his eyes. “How was sleeping in a Spartan bed?”

Steve shrugged. “Not bad, for something Spartan made,” he said.

“Oh, you’ll be surprised more than just once during your stay," Tony chuckled as he sat up.

Steve stretched, looking at Tony and running his hand down the man’s chest, rubbing it sensually. “I’m sure I will,” he said. “I’m enjoying learning thus far.”

“I know you are,” Tony said with a smirk, placing his hand over Steve’s. “You made me proud last night."

“I made you proud?” Steve asked. “How?” He rubbed his hand down Tony’s chest to his stomach, appreciating the definition of the muscles there.

“You learned pretty fast," Tony said simply, lowering his gaze to watch Steve's hand on his stomach.

“Being the son of the goddess of wisdom does have benefits,” Steve replied continuing with the gentle strokes.

“I knew it had something to do with that," Tony teased. “You know if you carry on doing that...it’s going to be really hard for me to actually get off the bed," he said softly.

“Oh? Why so?” Steve asked curiously, continuing as he was, feeling each bump in Tony’s muscle.

“Because I’m really enjoying sitting here with you, just spend time together," he replied, sitting back again to let Steve touch him.

Steve shook his head and laughed. “Come on, we must study, you wish to learn the arts do you not?” he asked, his hand moving down the centre of Tony's torso. “Your body however, fascinates me. The anatomy is a wonderful marvel.”

“Yes teacher, of course I want to learn," Tony nodded, blinking at Steve’s comment. “You find my body fascinating?” Steve nodded, and Tony smiled. “Thank you,” he said, focusing on how Steve seemed to take in everything. “That’s the result of year of Spartan training. Cruel training."

“Tell me about your training,” Steve said, his fingertips moving along Tony’s ribs, finding himself eager to touch him more.

“I started very young, that’s what we all do, when I was around seven," Tony started to explain, surprised that Steve wanted to hear about it. “We learned how to fight, how to wield swords, how to depend on each other. They were really strict with us. And when I was of legal age I joined the army, that’s what we all have to do. I still train; I throw spears, I walk up the mountain, we carry boulders between our shoulder blades. All to make us tough.”

Steve listened to him, although Athenian training was tough, it was nothing like Spartans. They had a reputation for being trained at such young ages. He gave Tony a pensive look and then continued with the caressing of his muscles again.

“And all though I’m grateful for the toughness and discipline that I’ve learned, it’s a shame that I’m missing when it comes to reading, writing and art in general," Tony admitted, watching Steve's fingers. “I had some training but that wasn’t the primary focus.”

Steve shook his head. “We learn to be warriors but we also learn of culture,” he said. “Aspects to help our warriors live, to create doctors and great minds.” He slowly slipped out of bed, pulling up his tunic before reaching for Tony’s hand. “Come, I will explain. I have scrolls that have knowledge of our culture and art, writing and mathematics as you have asked for.”

Tony nodded to him, eager at the prospect of learning, of finding out more about what really interested him. “Really? You have all of that?” he asked as he fixed his own tunic and got Steve’s hand, standing up properly.  “And more plays?”

“A few plays,” Steve said, walking over to the scrolls and tablets. “I did not come fully prepared to teach them to the people of Thebes, so you will have to rely upon my knowledge.” He placed a couple on the table, urging Tony to sit next to him as he began to go through them, starting with mathematics, which wasn’t his forte at all.

“Well, I think your knowledge will be more than just enough," Tony said as he sat down next to Steve, his eyes darting from scroll to scroll, not sure where to start from. But when Steve pulled out the first tablet filled with numbers, his face lit up, trying to recognise what he already knew.

Steve took him through them, though it turned out that Tony was better at mathematics than he let on, so he moved from that to literature, showing Tony plays just like he wanted to learn and going through them with meanings and in depth analysis.

Tony was fascinated by everything that Steve showed him, jumping at every chance to read some of the poems out loud himself. He encouraged Steve to continue as they talked about the various meanings of words and actions of the characters, and Steve explained the background of the jokes and references. Tony was really enjoying himself, and didn’t even look outside to see the time of day; he was focusing on Steve’s teaching, replying correctly to the questions that were set to him, proud when he answered correctly.

After Steve had spent some time teaching Tony, he pulled out some brushes and dark coloured natural paints that he kept amongst his scrolls, showing them to Tony with pride. “These are the finest in Athens,” He said.

Tony raised his hands, looking to Steve first, unsure if he could have permission to touch or even attempt to draw anything with something that he valued so much. “And they belong to you? How well can you draw?”

“They do,” Steve answered, but he scratched the back of his head at the second question, “I am no artist, really.”

“Will you show me?” Tony asked again, staring at the thin brushes. “Can I see you drawing?”

“Uh...” Steve rubbed the back of his head nervously. “My skills are sub par.”

“Come on, mine are non-existent,” Tony encouraged, nodding enthusiastically. “I won’t mock you, I promise.”

Steve sighed a little and picked up a brush, dabbing it into the paint before using the back of a tablet to paint on, gently making marks. “It’s pretty simple. It just takes practice.”

“Can I try?” Tony asked as he watched Steve and the little shapes he created, taking in every detail and technique.

Steve nodded and handed him the brush, lightly taking his wrist to help guide him. “Like this...”

Tony found himself looking at Steve’s focused expression more than the writing itself, moving his hand as Steve showed him, creating the same little marks that he did. “It’s not that complicated, is it?” he asked. 

“No, not really,” Steve said. “It takes time for others to master it, though.” He took another brush and made a quick mess of shapes, trying to form a structure from his mind to render Tony from the waist up.

Tony sat back and watched him, the way his eyebrows would furrow in concentration, watching the image taking shape as time passed until he realised what Steve was doing. “Is that..?” he asked to be sure.

Steve pulled back to let Tony see the basic image. “What do you think it is supposed to be?” he asked.

“It’s me, isn’t it? That’s my beard there," Tony said with a smile, leaning closer to examine Steve's work. “It’s really accurate, if I can say that.”

Steve smiled. It felt good to be complemented; being surrounded by amazing artists meant that Steve’s work often slipped into the background. “Thank you, Tony,” he said modestly, placing his hand on Tony’s shoulder.

“It’s really beautiful, I really think that," Tony continued, trailing his fingers across the image, admiring the detail that Steve put in his work as he tried to get used to the sweet weight on his shoulder.

Steve loved the small flutter in his heart every time he touched Tony. “Well, it was an accurate representation, I hope.” he said, standing up to look down at his work from a different perspective.

“I would like to keep it, if I can." Tony said, noticing how Steve was still looking at his work without bothering to move away.

“That is perfectly fine,” Steve said, stepping closer to Tony still. “You can keep it.” After spending the night with him wrapped around him, Steve was eager to feel him again, so he slipped his own arms under Tony’s and held him around the waist, hands gathering in the fabric of his tunic.

Tony drew the painting closer, looking at Steve with a hint of surprise when he pulled him close, his arms so tight around his waist. “Uh, Steve?” he asked, practically feeling Steve’s breath against him.

“Am I being inappropriate?” Steve asked resting his head on Tony’s shoulder.

“What? No, not at all," he replied quickly. “I just wanted to say, you’re a great teacher." He felt his cheeks flushing at Steve being so intimate without even fully realising.

“So are you,” Steve replied, kissing Tony’s neck lightly, just like the night before.

“Thank you, Athenian," Tony said with a smile, tilting his head to enjoy Steve’s lips against his neck. He wanted more of the sensation.

He'd spent so long painting him, copying every small detail and shade on Tony's skin, and it made Steve realise how magnificently sculpted Tony was, as if he hadn't realised enough the night before when his lips had been his guide. He felt even more drawn to him; he wanted to explore him more. So, instead of replying, Steve continued with the passionate kisses to Tony’s neck, his long blonde hair falling to glide along Tony’s skin. Steve hadn’t felt so inspired to draw anyone, and yet Tony had managed to catch his eye right away, a muse to Steve already.

Tony couldn’t help but give Steve easier access to his neck, hand reaching back to wind into the blonde’s hair, not wanting Steve to part his lips from his skin. Nobody else was allowed that close to him, but Steve didn’t have to do anything more to have permission. Tony knew that he wanted Steve there to stay focused, to understand what was going on in his head and heart, how this simple man could change his way of thinking. And he found himself drawn to him, the man he pushed against a wall, the man who the fates wanted him to murder.

No, he couldn’t do that, not when Steve was so kind to him, teaching him so much, giving him things that no other had ever given him.

Steve enjoyed kissing Tony's skin, pushing himself up against him to lick up and down the tendons in his neck, his hands firmly in place. He didn’t want to admit that he was falling for this man, just as he had fallen for the girl before. With her, he had made no move. With Tony however he couldn’t hold himself back. Without Falcon there to stop him, to be his moral compass, he was very easily swayed. And he opened his heart to Tony; especially when it meant that Tony would protect his people instead of slay them.

He loved how open Tony was, how strong of a warrior he was, too, and how determined he was to keep Steve there despite his attempts to leave. Those attempts would have been successful, if Steve hadn't been dealing with the son of Ares, a man with a natural fire in his blood. Not only that, but he was a demigod too, one that was as pure as he was himself, and they were both experimenting and learning their likes and dislikes it seemed.

Steve saw no harm in continuing with the loving motions, as long as he refused to admit that his heart was warming to the Spartan that was destined to kill him. And he refused to admit, too, that he saw more than a killer; he saw a man who needed to be taught and needed to have company.

Tony couldn’t help but give in to this chance to be loved and love in return, even though Steve probably didn’t see it the same way that he did. They were friends above all, and that was what Tony saw them as. But he was starting to feel something, something he never felt before for anyone, just because he had let the young Athenian in, allowed him closer than anyone else.

Tony had started to develop some feelings of admiration and respect for the man but, on top of that, he wanted Steve to stay for a while. He actually wanted to help Steve's people and stop that lunatic fate that threatened them. There was no way he would march into battle against a man who showed him nothing but kindness, who held him so close and treated him in such a delicate way.

They belonged together in a way, two lost souls, lost boys who had been alone for so long and had finally found someone else to share everything with. Maybe Steve didn’t think of them as exactly that, but it was enough for Tony; he would hold on what he had and appreciate, the way he never had before.

He slowly turned around and met Steve’s lips with his own to kiss him deeply, desperately. Steve’s mouth widened to the kiss, closing his eyes to let their lips slide together, eager to taste Tony's tongue again. His hand trailed its way up from Tony’s waist to stroke his hair, and Tony moved his own hands behind Steve’s back. He stroked it gently as he carried on kissing Steve the way he knew that he liked from what he had seen so far, being careful and passionate with him, enjoying the feel of Steve's fingers in his hair.

Steve didn’t want to break the kiss, he was eager to keep their tongues moving together, tilting his head into it and sucking Tony’s tongue into his own mouth. He pushed his body against Tony’s, feeling the coldness of his medallion through the fabric of the clothing against his chest.

Tony moved back a little, dragging Steve down with him as he kept their lips connected, not wanting them to part. He had enjoyed Steve’s teaching and company throughout the day, but this felt so different. He wanted all of this as much as he wanted Steve to teach him more.

Steve moved along with Tony, his body easily swayed despite its large build, and he wrapped his arms firmly around the dark haired man, pulling back only to break the kiss and stare into Tony’s eyes with heavy breaths escaping lips swollen from the kiss.

 
Tony looked straight back into the bright, clever eyes that he couldn’t take his own eyes from for long, not sure what to expect, not even sure what he wanted from him; his mind was blurry. He just knew that he wanted to stay there with Steve to be held and comforted. He reached out and traced Steve’s lips, admiring how perfectly shaped they were.

Steve stared, mesmerised and magnetised by the man who stood there. He had never felt his heart beat this way and he tried to convince himself that he was only there for the benefit of Athens, to protect his people, even though he wasn’t doing much to ensure their safety.

It then dawned on him that perhaps this was the bargain that the Spartan wanted all along; to trade himself for the welfare of his people. Steve he had no problem with that; he was a man of self-sacrifice, and he actually enjoyed Tony’s company.

But Tony frowned at how torn Steve clearly was, not sure what he had done to cause that distress. It looked so similar to the expression Steve had worn the night before. “Steve? I have to tell you some things," he finally said, sitting up, even though Steve was still above him, wanting to come clean. Maybe telling him what he really thought on the matter would cause Steve to leave, but he couldn’t stop feeling as though he was taking advantage of the man’s innocence, a thought that only filled his heart with guilt.

“Yes?” Steve asked, reaching out to caress Tony’s jawline.

“I was wrong before; friends don’t do what we’re doing right now. Or what we did last night" Tony said with a shake of his head, holding on to Steve’s hand, not wanting him to draw it back. “But lovers do”

Steve's expression turned more serious for a while, and then he glanced down momentarily to think. He was forbidden to fall in love. But he was sure his mother would understand that he was doing what he needed to do to protect his city. “Do you wish for us to be lovers, then?” he asked.

Tony opened his mouth to reply, but he stopped, trying to consider his answer. What did he want, really? Whatever it was that he wanted needed to be shared with Steve, but he didn’t want to force Steve to do anything, or even be here against his will. “Do you? I’m not saying that I don’t, but you need to be clear with me, Athenian. Why do you keep doing this? Why are you touching me, kissing him in such intimate ways?”

Steve pursed his lips before he spoke, always truthful and honest. “You’re protecting my people. You said that you would if you allowed me to learn from you and you learn from me,” he said, “I thought that was our deal?”

Tony shook his head, taking a deep breath. “I don’t want this deal any more, I want out. I will protect your people nevertheless, but not because of a deal. I will do it because I don’t want you gone, or your city. You can show so much to us, and for that to be lost... No, I won’t allow it. You can leave if you want and go back to Athens, and I’ll still do it, I’m not going to keep you here.”

Steve furrowed his eyebrows a little. “I am a man of justice; I cannot let you spare us favours. There is always a price for kindness,” he explained. “You said you enjoy what we do? Did I make a mistake?”

“I’m not doing a favour to anyone, and I don’t want you to repay me either,” Tony answered. “No, I do enjoy what we do and I don’t want it to end, but the question here is, do you want this to carry on? Do you like it as much as I do? I want this to continue because it is wanted, not as part of our deal.”

Steve scratched the back of his head, confused. “I enjoy it, yes, but our deal...” he said, not knowing how to respond. “I have a promise to my mother too, but my duty to protect my home comes first. I would give myself up for my people, if that is what you wish.”

Tony’s eyes widened and shook his head, waving with his hands. “No, no, that wasn’t what I meant at all. Doing this shouldn’t feel like an obligation to you, Athenian. I won’t ask for you unless you really want it, and if obeying your mother comes first, I will accept it. This has nothing to do with your people, it’s just for us.”

Steve shook his head, “Everything I do, I do for my people.” he said firmly, “We are demigods; we need to look after them.”

“But not everything you do has an impact on them,” Tony said, rubbing his temples. “This should be exclusive to you, to me, Steve. All we do, what we share between us, that’s just for us, not for anyone else. That’s how I want to see things, Steve. If you wish to carry on, I want it to be because you feel it, you really feel it. It’s not part of a deal, or obligation.”

“I owe you, son of Ares. I want my people to be safe, that’s why I came here. I said I would teach you to be more human too, is my teaching not enough?”

“If you want to pay back a debt you can send gold, goats, anything that you deem appropriate, but being intimate with me isn’t repaying that,” Tony said. “Is that why you’re staying? To save your people, after I told you that I’m going to do it anyway? Your teaching is more than enough; consider this my being a human.”

Steve sighed. “So my debt is repaid? And you will ensure my people are safe? I have taught you enough?” he asked.

Tony found himself torn. He wanted to learn more, keep Steve there, but was lying to him worth it? No, his teaching said that it wasn’t acceptable, and he had to show Steve that he had learned from it. “Your debt is repaid, yes. I will do everything in my power to save your people," he nodded.

Steve nodded too. He didn’t know why he felt so sad about it. He had done what he had come to Sparta to do and he should have been happy. But he didn’t want to leave Tony; he liked his company.

Tony hesitantly pulled back, lowering his gaze. “I’m glad you came, Athenian. No matter what happens, I hope that our paths cross again.”

Steve felt his heart sink at the words, looking down at the table before gathering his things together in his arms, taking Tony's words as a polite way of saying he was to leave. 

Chapter Text

Tony watched him as he started to gather his scrolls, the same scrolls they had read together just a short time before. He didn’t want Steve to leave, but Steve seemed eager to go now that Tony told him his people would be saved anyway, that Steve didn’t owe him anything. He tried to convince himself that perhaps it was better this way, but he couldn't believe it. He stood up and looked around, not knowing how to act. “So you’re leaving?”

Steve kept his eyes down on the scrolls. “Do you not want me to?” he asked.

“If I said no, would you stay because of me?” Tony asked. “Or because you really wanted to?”

“I can’t let my need for companionship clouds my duties,” Steve said softly.

“So you need a companion but don’t want to forget your duties?” Tony asked, moving a little closer. “And who said that you can’t do both?”

Steve stared at Tony, trying to think of an answer. “I always wanted to have a friend, but it can be nothing more if I am to continue my duties.”

“But you were comfortable doing what we were doing at that time knowing that it passed the boundaries of simple friendship?" he asked him.

“I didn’t know.” Steve said shaking his head, his long blonde locks moving with the simple head movement. “I thought you have a different custom here, you said we were friends.”

“We are friends; at least I want us to be,” Tony replied quickly. “If you want that too."

 
“I do.” Steve said softly, hugging the scrolls to his chest.

“Then I don’t want to lose this,” Tony said. “I want to be friends with you, Steve."

 
“So, as friends, we aren’t allowed to do anything we did?” Steve asked.

“I want us to do those things,” Tony said, rubbing the back of his head. “Can we?”

“As friends?” Steve asked, “Is it possible?”

Tony looked at him for a couple of moments, thinking about his answer. He wanted Steve there, more than anything. He wanted to be Steve's friend, but he wanted to keep doing what they had done together, to feel Steve's lips against his own, Steve's arms around his chest. “Yes we can," he nodded. Who knew? Maybe they could be like this and share their bond, and Tony would be all right. “I want us to be like this”

Steve nodded. “I’d like that,” he said, glancing up at Tony.

Tony walked a little closer, hesitantly hugging Steve’s waist to resting his head on his chest. “I like this very much, I don’t want it to change.”

Steve placed down his scrolls as Tony moved forward giving him space to embrace him. As he gently raised his arms around Tony, he felt his lower lip quiver slightly in sadness, knowing that deep down in his heart he wanted it too.

Tony didn't move, not wanting to move away. He deeply wished for something more, something that Steve said that he couldn’t give, even though his words contradicted his actions, but Tony couldn’t say that out loud, not when Steve said he wanted to be his friend.

Steve held Tony close, looking down at him. “Now what?” he asked.

Tony raised his head slightly, looking at Steve. “I don’t know. Are you leaving?” he asked.

“I... Don’t want to be alone again.” Steve said, “I do want to return home but. It’s going to be lonely.”

“I don’t want to be alone either," Tony agreed, thinking for a couple of moments. “Do you want me to come with you? Do you trust me enough to let me inside your city walls?”

“I do, but why would you wish to come to Athens?” Steve asked.

His first reply would have been ‘to be with you’, but Tony decided the second reason was safer, for now. “So that you can teach me more about your people, experience everything first hand.”

Steve nodded. “But if they see you with me they are most likely to become uneasy.”

“So, what do you suggest?” Tony asked, tilting his head at Steve’s observation.

“I’m just not sure,” Steve said, biting his lower lip.

“I can come in disguise?” Tony suggested, not wanting to part ways with Steve even for a moment.

Steve laughed, kissing the top of Tony’s head lightly. “Do you wish to stay with me still? Even if I return?”

“I want to visit Athens, will you stop me?” Tony said, scoffing at the soft kiss on his head. “And be with you. I mean, enjoy your company."

 
“Well if you wish so then it will happen,” Steve said, smiling down lovingly at Tony.

“Do you want it as well?” Tony asked a smile curving one corner of his mouth. “I mean, me coming with you?”

“I do,” Steve said, brushing a strand of hair out of Tony’s face.

“Then that’s all the reason I need to go to Athens," Tony nodded, leaning forward to place a gentle kiss on Steve’s cheek. “Looks like I’m coming with you.”

Steve smiled to the kiss, looking up and noticing the telescope. “Oh, you never showed me what this does,” he said, leading him over. “Where did you get this?”

Tony let go of Steve and approached the telescope, patting it gently. “This? I made it myself, I saw some before and I sat down to make it. I can take it with me and show you tonight if you want to see what it does?”

 
“You made this?” Steve asked with surprise, seeing how well-crafted it was. “You have a talent my friend.”

“I told you I’m making more than just weapons," Tony nodded, taking it in his hands to show Steve how the front could spin at will. “And, thank you, it means a lot coming from someone like you.”

“Someone like me?” Steve said, kneeling to take a closer inspection of the device.  “Please, I wish I could make such things.”

“But you drew me so well, I hardly saw anyone with such skill before in my life,” Tony said excitedly, waving his hands to emphasize his point. “And the way you wield your shield; those skills were just fascinating."

“My shield?” Steve said, laughing at Tony's enthusiasm. “Well it is practically a part of me now, I’m very attached.”

“Can I examine it later? Just from the point of a view of a weapons creator, it really is one of a kind. A gift from the Gods, perhaps?” he asked.

“Only if you tell me more about your medallion,” Steve said, gesturing to it. “It glows so brightly it’s become hard for me to keep my eyes from it.”

Tony lowered his eyes and held his medallion up for Steve to examine. “Did you notice it glowing it in the night? You were probably exhausted but it is bright enough for me to walk outside during the night and see in front of me. That’s not its primary function, of course; it keeps me alive," he explained. “Without it, I’m pretty defenceless. I don’t think I could survive all this training without it."

“What does it do?” Steve asked, “How does it keep you alive?”

Tony rubbed the back of his head. He always told people that Hephaestus gave the medallion to him because of his services, and that was partly true. In reality, Ares requested it to save Tony from mortal wounds. “It keeps my heart beating. If I take it off, I’m...” He stopped. “You get the picture; tragic old injury, near death experience, godly construction keeping me alive. I can’t take it off," he finally said.

Steve stepped closer to him, rubbing Tony's chest lightly, just over the chain. “Then I am grateful for it.”

“You’re glad because I’m alive?” Tony asked, holding onto Steve and enjoying his soft touch.

“Yes,” Steve said, looking down to meet Tony's dark blue eyes. “I wouldn’t have made a friend if you weren’t.”

“In that case, we both need to thank this little thing," Tony smiled as he tapped on the medallion, looking up to Steve again to see how calm and relaxed his expression was.

“I should go to the temple of Hephaestus and give him an offering, to show my thanks,” Steve said. “Without him I wouldn’t have met you.”

Tony smiled widely to him, looking down for a bit. “And to whom shall I express my gratitude, then? For meeting you?”

“As a child, I was very sick and my mother is the one who pulled my soul from the river Styx, before it had met its end,” Steve said. “Before the fates could sever my thread entirely, she saved me. So I am in her eternal debt, as her son.”

“It may be forbidden for me to ever praise Athena, but I’m going to pay my respects to her temple for keeping her son alive for me to meet,” Tony said. “Maybe our parents did want us to meet after all; maybe we can help them solve their differences."

“Do you think that’s why we’re here?” Steve asked. “Why I am so drawn to you?”

“I don’t know,” Tony said, shrugging lightly. “Maybe? Maybe it is fate after all. You are drawn to me?”

“Yes,” Steve said. “When I touch you I get this strange feeling, as though I am supposed to be next to you. I don't know what that feeling is, but perhaps it is the fates, as you said, pushing us together to help our parents. Many soldiers feared coming to Sparta, but I refused to show fear and I needed to face you, even if it was for you to turn me down.”

Tony blushed faintly. “I feel strange when you touch me as well,” he said, unused to talking in such a gentle way, “but not in a bad way. It feels right, as though it’s meant to be. You are a brave man, Athenian, and your bravery has rewarded you the safety of your people.”

Steve’s beamed at him, wrapped his arms around Tony tightly. “And for you saying that, I am eternally grateful.”

“Of course I would say that,” Tony said, moving into the embrace. “You, a lone Athenian came into Sparta and challenged me. That shows great bravery."

Steve laughed, “Challenged and lost, initially.”

“But you can’t say it was a lost battle,” Tony pointed out. “Your technique was really good; I’ve never seen anyone using a shield as an offensive weapon before.”

“Well, it was to throw you off guard,” Steve said, pulling back gently.

“And you managed to do that,” Tony said, looking around for the thing he would need to gather for their journey and his stay in Athens. “Perhaps we can practise at some point, teach other some tricks."

“Yes, of course,” Steve said, brushing back his blonde hair to look over at his scrolls.

Tony smiled in gratitude as he picked up some of his gadgets, tying them together carefully before looking around the room. “I think I’m ready to go.”

Steve nodded as he gathered his things. “Come, let’s make haste,” He said, walking up to Tony to kiss him lightly on the cheek.

Tony nodded, making sure forgotten anything, and walked towards Steve. “To Athens then," he said with an excited nod.

“Shall we go by chariot or by foot?” Steve asked.

“Your city, your rules,” Tony replied. “Whatever you decide, I will follow."

 
“Then by foot,” Steve said, leading the way out until he reached the doors of the large palace, letting Tony lead whilst they were in the public eye.

“I see how it is," Tony nodded as he led Steve, walking through the city and out of the large, city gates, following the path that he knew that was going to take them to Athens. “So, you came here on foot before?”

“Yes, I tend to walk most places,” Steve said softly, flicking his hair back.

“Is that so?" Tony smiled.

They kept walking, stopping from time to time to rest under the shade of trees, or even share to their bread together while chatting animatedly. And Steve enjoyed the journey with Tony; it was very rare that he would have company of any sort.

Eventually the sun set and the stars began to shine bright in the sky. Steve found a resting spot, kneeling down by a tree. “We should probably rest,” he said.

Tony followed Steve, sitting down beside him. “Let me take care of this," he muttered, and he disappeared.

When he came back, he carried pieces of wood, and he set them down and worked at them until orange flames jumped up, lighting his contented smile.

Steve watched him until he had started a fire, and then he sat closer to it. “You are quite practical.”

“So I’ve been told,” Tony said with a chuckle as he held his own hands to the fire, sighing in relief when he felt warmer again. “You need to learn how to survive, right?"

“Ah yes, your intense training,” Steve said, lying by the fire with his weight on one elbow.

“Did I bore you already?” Tony asked with a smile, doing the same and just watching Steve.

“No no, not at all, I’m just fascinated,” Steve said, watching the fire light up Tony’s eyes, stretching his legs out as he lay there.

“Really?” Tony said with a soft smile, moving a little closer to him. “I thought you were joking."

“Why would I joke?” Steve asked. “Your training is admirable, and you’re keeping us both warm.”

“I just, I don’t know, it really means a lot that you think that what I do is admirable,” Ton said, shrugging his shoulders. “I try, you know.”

“There is no need to try, you resonate a natural determination,” Steve said as he stretched a little.

Tony smiled widely at that comment; it was different when it came from such an admirable man, and he was really grateful for the compliment. “Thank you, Athenian,” he said. “I hope I won’t disappoint you any further.”

“So far you’ve done nothing but redeem yourself in my eyes,” Steve said gently, straying his hand through his hair.

“I’m glad,” Tony nodded as he poked at the fire with a stick. “It takes a lot to undone certain things. And I wouldn’t want to risk our friendship.”

“You seem very keen to remain friends, even though our time together has been brief,” Steve said, sitting up a little.

“I can say the same about you,” Tony pointed out. “You seemed eager to have me in Athens as well.”

“Actually, you seemed eager to come with me,” Steve reminded him. “In disguise if need be.”

“Point proven, but you still want me around, right?” Tony asked.

 
“Yes,” Steve answered. “But it’s because I enjoy your company now. I don’t know you enough and I want to get to know you.”

“And if you wish to know me, you shall. Take all the time you want," Tony nodded reassuringly, leaning back to put his hands behind his back, watching stars in the sky.

Steve watched Tony and then tilted his head up, looking up at the stars too. “I wonder if I have changed the tapestry of fate, by telling you what I knew.”

“You could have told me and then not attempted to form this friendship with me, I think our actions change the fate, not what we know or wish we knew," Tony said, not taking his eyes from the night sky. “You know, I’ve never been this far from home before.”

“Really?” Steve asked. “I thought you would have marched with your army?”

 
“Around Peloponnese, yes, but closer to Athens?” Tony said with a shake of his head. “Not really.”

Steve let out a small, contented sigh. “Well now you shall expand your horizons.”

 
“I’ll take this as a whole new learning experience then" Tony said with a firm nod. “The stars look prettier from here. We’re blessed with a clear sky.”

Steve moved next to Tony and looked up, watching the gentle sparkling of the golden stars. “They look even clearer tonight.”

“I know. You can spot everything from here,” Tony said as he raised his hand, trying to point at the constellations. “The North Star, Orion’s Belt. I’m sure I can see more.”

Steve gazed, following Tony’s finger and piecing the constellations together. “I don’t see many but they are beautiful. One day I wish to touch one, just to capture their beauty,” he said. “You know, when you see something so beautiful you just need to hold it?”

“Do you wish to touch a star? Well, I’m going to build something, better than Daedalus, and bring the brightest star for you to hold. Then we can place it back to the sky," Tony said with a bright smile, looking over to Steve.

Steve smiled just as brightly, “Do you mean that?”

“Why wouldn’t I?” Tony nodded, pleased with Steve’s happy reaction.  “You’ve showed me so much; I should be able to do the same."

“You credit me for more than I’ve done,” Steve said.

“That’s what you say; I think you’ve done a lot more than you can possibly imagine;" Tony corrected him.

“You say that but I’m sure you’re flattering me,” Steve said, moving to rest his head in the grass, still staring up at the sky.

“I was sure you would say that,” Tony said with a small pout, getting himself more comfortable. “It’s not flattery, I reassure you.”

Steve shut his eyes again, taking in a deep breath as the night breeze swept by and sent a shudder down his spine as he moved a bit closer to the fire for warmth. “Not just flattery,” he said. “Very beautifully worded flattery.”

“It seems that your way with words is rubbing off on me then," Tony replied but he saw Steve shiver. “Are you still feeling cold?”

Steve nodded, “I’m sure I will warm over time,” he said.

 
Tony looked at him and sat up before moving closer to him, wrapping an arm around Steve to bring him close. “Here, is this any better?” he said as he rubbed Steve's shoulder.

Steve leaned into Tony’s touch, nodding with that uncontrollable faint blush.

Tony smiled in return, making sure to keep Steve warm as he rubbed his nose against the man’s cheek, enjoying the feeling of their bodies against each other, protection from the cold.

Steve smiled even more, his dimples on full display as he curled his arms around Tony too, trying to keep him just as warm.

“I don’t regret coming out here with you," Tony said after a couple of moments of silence, slowly drifting to sleep, kept warm by Steve’s body.

“And I do not regret bringing you with me,” Steve said, resting his head by Tony’s neck, his eyes closing as he felt the soft movements every time Tony inhaled.

Tony hummed at Steve’s reply; he couldn’t be any happier, and he still didn’t know exactly why. Why was this man making his heart flutter with a simple smile or the words he said? But it didn't matter why. Tony didn’t want it to go away, and he held onto Steve tightly, shutting his own eyes and letting Morpheus come to him.

Chapter Text

Steve rested against his warm skin, tangling their legs together as he moved closer to Tony, brushing their lips together even as he slept by the fire. 

Tony woke up early the next morning, always used to his morning routine back in Sparta, careful not to wake Steve up when he realised that they were sleeping next to each other. He slowly let go and stood, glancing at the remnants of the fire before rummaging through his supplies to find his bow and arrow, along with a skinning knife. He walking into the wildness and found easy prey, killing and skinning the hare at the spot. When he came back, he setting a fire once again and began to cook the hare for Steve and himself. He walked over to the large section of plants, rubbing his fingers on the leaves to smell them, making sure that they could be used on their meal before carrying on with the cooking.

Steve woke slowly, rubbing his eyes, missing the warmth of Tony as his arms tried to move to feel for him. All he felt was grass and, once his vision cleared he looked up at Tony, preparing food for the both of them, which was a pleasant surprise considering how independent he usually was. Usually, Steve cooked and cleaned, preferring to not let anyone serve him due to his demigod status.

Tony was finishing preparing their meal when he noticed Steve, and he shook his head at him. “Good morning, I hope you’re hungry," he said as he passed him the meat and cut a piece of bread from their supplies, handing it to Steve. He bit on the hare's leg himself, used to doing those sorts of things; during his army training he had to look after his fellow soldiers and cooking for them was just a simple way to fulfil that duty.

Steve reached over and took some of the bread, along with the meat, taking a bite into it and nodding. “This isn’t bad at all Spartan,” he said, tilting his head in delight.

“Did you ever doubt my skills?” Tony asked, raising his eyebrow as he ate from his own portion of food.

“Just that your cooking skills, from what I had heard,” Steve said, taking another bite. “You have a reputation for not being the best of cooks. Though apparently what I heard was wrong.”

“Well, you have now proudly disproved, those myths and you know that my cooking skills are apparently some of the best around Greece," Tony said with a chuckle.

He finishing up his food in no time, and drank some water from their flask.

“Not the best, but getting there,” Steve said, finishing his food quite quickly.

“So are you implying that you’re any better? I expect to see that," Tony teased as he began to clean everything up and pack once again.

Steve got to his feet and helped Tony, neatly packing everything away. “I’m sure I will demonstrate that to you,” he said.

“I’ll be watching out for you then," Tony nodded as he stood up as well. “Ready to hit the road again?”

He nodded and yawned widely before standing beside Tony. “Ready to go.”

 
Tony stretched a  little and finally set off, letting Steve lead the way while walking close to rivers, stopping to rest from time to time and carry on, always chatting on their way to Athens about all kinds of things and experiences.

When they finally reached the city walls, Tony was amazed by the marbled structures and columns, walking through the different places in the Agora, already hearing so much. Even the way the people talked was slightly different to the way he was used to. Nobody seemed to really pay attention to them, as they were busy themselves, and he found himself wandering around with Steve having to pull him close in order to not get lost.

Tony kept asking questions, asking where the famous philosophers were talking at that very moment, but Steve seemed eager to lead him back to the temple.

They went past the temple of Hephaestus and promised that they would return later, and they slowly began their ascent to the hill, watching the Parthenon from afar, nearing it with each step. In no time, they had reached the top, the amphitheatre of Epidaurus at their feet. And then they were looking down at the beautiful city of Athens.

Tony didn’t expect to be so star struck by the size and glory of the temple, staring at it with an open mouth. He had never seen such a beautiful and well-tended temple before in his life.

He followed Steve inside and kept silent in order not to disturb anyone who was praying with the echo of his voice, looking around at the different statues. He stopped in front of a giant statue of Athena, looking proudly down at him with her helmet on, a large shield and spear to hand, along with her trusty owl. She seemed really intimidating and wise, much like her son.

“Doric Style marbles,” Tony muttered as he walked along inside the Temple.

He admired everything, having heard about Phidias’ work, but he'd never had the chance to see it up close before.

 
Steve took Tony everywhere he could, wanting to show him around, thoroughly enjoying Tony's company. While they were at the temple, Steve took the time to look up at the large statue of his mother, internally questioning why he should feel this way about someone if she had forbidden him to love.

He hadn’t felt this way before, ever, not even with the woman he admired from afar. This time he had experienced touch, and savoured it. He didn’t understand what he felt; it felt like a yearning, a want for this bond that they had formed instantly, but he wanted more than that, praying that it wasn’t greed or lust that was settling in his mind.

Tony seemed as though he was keen to protect Steve's people, which Steve loved, and the man was determined, smart and charismatic, all magnetising qualities that drew Steve closer and closer each time he spoke.

He watched Tony's curious eyes, gazing around wherever Steve took him, and Tony seemed at ease. Of course, Steve spotted women looking their way, mainly looking at Tony, but such was to be expected, especially due to Tony’s dark looks. His olive skin and dark hair, along with his rugged beard and sharp eyes that were framed delicately by long eyelashes, were a novelty in Athens. How could someone considered to be a demon be so beautiful? Now Steve could see the human in him, and much to his concern, he was falling for him.

Tony spent so much time looking at everything, admiring the beauty of a different city. It has been so foolish of him to want to ruin a place so promising, when everyone, including his people, could learn from this part of Greece. Instead of fighting, they could learn from each other. There was no need to ruin what made each city different.

From time to time, he noticed Steve looking at him carefully, perhaps having second doubts about bringing him along. But something about the way Steve smiled seemed to ease his doubts. “You know, I can understand why you like living here,” Tony said after a while, walking next to Steve once again.

“You can?” Steve asked, lightly resting his hand over Tony’s shoulder as they walked.

“Yes, it’s really beautiful here, it gives you a strange sense...” He scratched his head, feeling again that familiar buzz at Steve's touch. “I don’t know exactly how to say this. It brings you close to Mountain Olympus in a way, even if I have no relations to Athena."

 
“Well one day we will both stand by our parents on that mountain,” Steve said, taking him to a small armoury where they kept his and the other soldiers’ armour, walking inside to be acquainted with his shield,  “once our duties here are done, and when the people no longer need us here.”

 
“You know, sometimes I wish for that day to come sooner," Tony said with a hint of sadness in his voice, following Steve. His eyes widened as he saw all the weapons and armour, and he stood by Steve's side to admire the shield before him. “Is that, can I..?”

“You sound as though you wish to leave your people,” Steve said, picking up the shield to hand it to Tony. He never let anyone hold it, and yet he trusted Tony, even though he had been the last man to feel its strength in combat.

“No, not leave them,” Tony said, running his fingers over the shield. “I just wish we didn’t have the responsibilities that our names bring upon us." He turned the shield in his hands, knocking it while turning it around, admiring whoever had crafted that glorious weapon. “I must say, I spent many years working in Hephaestus’ workshop and I never laid eyes on such a beauty," he said as he gave the shield back to Steve.

Steve smiled proudly, placing his most beloved possession back from where he had retrieved it. “I’m honoured you say such things,” he said, picking up his helmet which was a faint blue. The metal had been tinted as it was made, with large silver wings either side and he put it on, turning to look at Tony. “I tend to like being around my items of protection,” he said proudly.

“I know how you feel,” Tony said, “that’s exactly how I view certain items in my possession.” He stood on his toes to inspect the helmet carefully. “Does that helmet have a story? What are the wings for?”

“I’m unsure; my mother has wings on her helmet too,” Steve said. “I suppose it represents swiftness, freedom, elegance - the last of which I quite obviously do not possess.”

 
Tony chuckled at his comment. “Why are you so sure of that? I’ve seen how women look at you; clearly they value you a lot. And elegant is one of the countless compliments that you receive, I’m sure.”

“I am not renowned for my grace,” Steve said, removing his helmet to place it back. “In fact I’m known for quite the opposite.”

“Really?” Tony asked, folding his arms across his chest. “Since when was that even applicable?”

“Since I used to run around with legs that had minds of their own. Someone would think I had stolen Hermes’ sandals and tried to run in them.”

“Really?” Tony asked with a soft chuckle. “I kind of want to witness that, I bet it’s not as bad as you make it to be.”
“Oh trust me, it was,” Steve said, picking up his shield again with the strap he had made, tying it to back to leave the armoury with Tony. “I wish not for you to witness that.”

“I’m going to see eventually, right?” Tony said, following Steve closely with one last look at everything in the armoury. “I mean, if I stick around for a while."

“Perhaps, if you’re lucky,” Steve said, taking Tony out and sitting outside on top of the large hill.
“I think luck has been on my side so far," Tony said. He smiled as he joined Steve, looking down at the beautiful view.

From the hill they could see the lights of fires lit in people’s homes and the other buildings, the small dots flickering now and then. Steve would go there to think when he needed space, knowing that few people were able to enter the armoury or make the long voyage to get to it. “You seem to be good with luck,” he said. “I mean, you have a lot of it, it seems.”

“I would like to believe that you helped a lot with that," Tony said with another smile as he looked down, enjoying how peaceful it was up there, and how private they could be if they wished to.

“Hm? How so?” Steve asked, looking at Tony.

“You changed the way I think regarding many things,” Tony admitted. “You know, you might have been true that you Athenians think in a more revolutionary way.”

 
“That must have taken you a lot of effort to say,” Steve said, staring at him.

“You have no idea.” Tony muttered, turning to look at Steve when he felt his gaze. “What about you? Did you change upon meeting me?”

“Of course, I was stuck in my ways and in my perceptions about Spartans until I met you. Of course, you are most unlike the man I had expected, and nothing like the man I said you were.”

“I’m glad about that,” Tony nodded, not really knowing what to say. “It’s nice to see that my influential skills are growing.” This was Steve’s territory and, without wanting to admit it, Tony felt strange to be in the very same city he'd sworn to burn down before.

Steve smiled and looked at Tony, noticing the look in his eyes. “Do you wish to return to Sparta?”

“My heart belongs to my city, that is true,” Tony said, “but I really want to see how living here is, if you would care to show me.”

Tony’s words surprised him, and he tilted his head in return. “I wouldn’t wish for you to stay where you don’t want to be. You look as though you want to go back, I can see it in your eyes,” Steve said, reaching over to place his hand under Tony’s chin, turning his head to see his face.

 
“I enjoyed walking in your city so far, Athenian, you should know that,” Tony said as he met Steve's eyes, cheeks growing warm at Steve's touch. “And your company is what keeps me here the most.”

Steve smiled. “I’ve said this a million times before, but I love being in your company,” he said, “so much so that the Gods blessed me with visions of you in my rest last night.”

 
Tony smiled at him, but Steve’s last words surprised him. “What do you mean by that?” he said. “You saw me in your sleep? I hope it wasn’t a nasty game played upon us by Morpheus...”

Steve laughed. “No, it was a nice vision,” he said blushing slightly ad he pulled his arms back to wrap around his own chest.

“Nice? In what sense? What happened?” he asked, more interested with each passing moment.

Steve looked away, looked down and reached to play with a small tuft of grass, being sure to keep his eyes on it as his cheeks reddened. “It was just, pleasant,” he said. “I’ve never had a dream like it before.”

“Really? What happened?” Tony asked again, and then he saw how shy Steve seemed to be. “You know, dreams are mostly signs sent from the gods.”

Steve couldn’t help but smile as he lifted his hand to his face to rub it over his mouth. “Perhaps I should rather not say,” he muttered.

“I thought it was a pleasant dream?” Tony said, moving to sit opposite Steve as his curiosity grew. “What’s the matter?”

“Oh, it was very pleasant indeed.” Steve said, closing his eyes as he lifted the fabric of his tunic over his mouth to hide his smile.

“I think I’m starting to piece things together,” Tony said with a cheeky smile, admiring Steve’s bashful reaction. “Why was it that pleasant?”

Steve opened his eyes and peered over his hand at Tony. “I’ve never had that sort of dream before... You and I...” he said, biting his lower lip.

“You saw us? Together?” Tony said, trying to get Steve to tell him as he moved closer. “That doesn’t seem so bad.”

“We were together, yes, in your chambers,” Steve continued, looking so young in his shyness, as much as he was trying to hide it.

“We were together in my chambers before” Tony pointed out; unable to resist raising his finger to stroke Steve's flushed cheeks. “We didn’t do anything out of the ordinary...”

Steve tucked in his lower lip, giving Tony a shy smile. “Well we were in your place of rest, together...” he said, taking a deep breath and closing his eyes to hide from the embarrassment as he made up his mind. “Our bodies were tangled together under your linens, my legs and yours...” he said, a small cough following his words.

Tony heard his words, the rest leaving little to the imagination, understanding why Steve seemed to be so shy. After all, if Steve hadn’t brought up the duty to his people and mother, maybe his dream could have become true when they were together back in Sparta. “And did you like what you see?” Tony asked him in a softer voice, approaching him even more, warm breath against Steve's skin.

Steve laughed a little, nervously. “I... I did,” he said, hunching his shoulders as he recalled the images from the dream. “Your expression and your voice...”

Tony chuckled softly, giving him a brief kiss. “Well, what do you think of it?” Tony asked, raising one eyebrow. “Could it be a sign? If you want to see all this in real life, you only need ask."

Steve felt better for admitting what he had dreamed. “A sign?” he asked, enjoying the brief kiss and relieved that Tony hadn't been scared away. “Of what?”

“Perhaps your mother is giving you a permission to carry on and do what you want,” Tony said with an encouraging smile. “Not being limited to having just friends in your life."

Steve's eyes widened at the revelation. “Do you think? That she’s allowing me to love?” he asked with hopefulness in his voice.

“Maybe. It would depend on whether or not you really want to, wait, do you want to be able to give love?” Tony asked in return.

“Of course,” Steve said. “I’ve always wanted to, but with you, I feel as though you understand me.”
“I...I think I feel the same, you know,” Tony nodded, his heart racing. “It’s different. It feels so real, when you touch me, when you talk to me. It’s all different from anything I’ve felt before, about anyone. And if you decide to let me in, I promise I’ll give you nothing but the best - fitting for a proper demigod."

“I expect nothing more than to be cared for,” Steve said, mulling over the idea that it could be a sign, praying that it was the approval he had sought from his mother so badly. “I want this, Tony.”

 
“You want what, Steve?" Tony asked him, trying to make sure.

“I want to be allowed to love you.” Steve said.

Tony was taken off guard by that the confession, and he took his time in replying. “I really want that too, you know," he said finally, and Steve smiled softly this time.

“I just think that the time we’ve had together despite our differences, has been very eye opening,” he murmured.

 
“I couldn’t agree more” Tony agreed, stroking Steve's cheek with the back of his hand. “I’m glad you came all the way to Sparta, despite everything that happened between us. I felt that we bonded, in a way.”

“We do have a bond, don’t we?” Steve said, leaning in to Tony’s touch.

“I’m pretty sure we do, you know. I felt it," he nodded, getting closer to Steve as he smiled.

“It’s why I couldn’t get my mind off you the moment I met you,” Steve said, curling his arm around Tony in invitation. “And before that, going to visit you required so much planning...”

“So you never stopped thinking about me?” Tony smiled, moving closer to Steve's chest. “I’m flattered. And your dream kind of gave it away...”

“It felt so vivid, so real,” Steve said. “As though I could feel the way your skin felt, the way your lips tasted...”

“Do you want to relive that?” Tony offered, trying to be careful with his words – Steve was so innocent, only now learning to admit to things out loud. “Because I can make it work...well, if you want me to take over from where we left it back in Sparta.”

Steve nuzzled Tony’s cheek. “I would like that,” he said, “but in Athens my only place to rest is within the temple, and I would much rather have our own.”

Tony looked at the temple overlooking them and nodded. “I understand. You don’t have anywhere else to stay?” he asked. “Amongst friends or anything similar?”

“I don’t think the places I may stay would appreciate me bringing another man to lie with,” he said, “but we could go back to Sparta, take the chariot.”

“Would you ride with me all night to get back to Sparta?” Tony asked, wanting to be sure he understood correctly. “Just to be with me?”

 
Steve nodded. “I want that,” he said. “Do you?”

“Of course I do!” Tony said. “I just wanted to make sure that you know what you’re asking for."

“It is a sign, it must be,” Steve said, staring at Tony, not wanting to move from where they were.

“I tend to follow my heart far more than following signs,” Tony said confidently, giving him an encouraging nod. “And my heart tells me that I should go whenever you want me to go."

Steve kissed the top of Tony’s head. “My apologies for all of this, having to deal with the son of virgin goddess must be difficult for you.”

“Why are you even apologising?” Tony said with a soft smile, closing his eyes at the kiss. “That’s not difficult at all, I consider myself incredibly lucky. If you think about it, I have to be special to have you deal with me, right?”

“You have a way; you could have anyone you please with your charms,” Steve said.

“And yet I chose you,” Tony smiled. “Of all people, I chose the Athenian, an enemy of my people and my father. And yet I can’t seem to be able to run away from him."

 
“Your father and my mother are one and the same,” he said. “They both like to ensure we follow their plan. They give us gifts, but we have debts to pay.”

“And yet they are connected by blood,” Tony answered. “They have their disputes despite belonging to the same family. And you’re right; it’s time to do as we please for once. We’ve served them for so long, it’s time that we follow our own dreams, our own desires."

 
“I want to promote freedom amongst my people, and yet I’m not free myself,” Steve said, moving to touch one of the silver bracelets that were around his wrists, rubbing at them.

“You know, you need to experience everything that you preach,” Tony said, taking Steve's hands in his own. “And if getting you to Sparta for now will set you free, I will do it. In fact, I’ll release you from everything that holds you back.”

“I love my people... Tony... But I try and do everything I can for them, I just... Perhaps I need to be away, to think,” he said. “To be with you.”

“Perhaps we both need each other in order to be better people,” Tony nodded, rubbing Steve’s hands. “It feels right to do this, to be with you, nothing else.”

Steve nodded. “We do. Come, let’s go; we need to rest after today.”

 
Tony nodded, getting to his feet and taking their supplies with him again, glancing at the view once more. “Lead the way to the chariot then.”

Steve stood too. “Come, I’ll take you,” he said, taking Tony’s hand to lead him to where they kept the horses.

His horses were white and very tall and proud looking, delegated specifically for him along with a beautiful silver chariot with intricate patterns.

Tony smiled when Steve took his hand, arriving at where the chariot was kept. It was truly fitting for him, and Tony patted the nearest horse’s mane, admiring how different they were from his own black ones. “Those are beautiful stallions, and the same goes for this chariot. The craftsmanship is remarkable," he noted.

Steve patted the horses lightly, hearing them make a happy neighing sound as he jumped into the chariot. “They were gifts when I was younger,” Steve answered. “They’re quite old but they are the closest I’ve had to friends, without my mother intervening.”

“Well, you have me now, so don’t worry about that. Not that I will replace you, guys," he said to the horses as they huffed, getting on the chariot behind Steve to hold onto his waist.

Steve had already opened the gate, and he tugged lightly on the reigns before the horses began galloping out of their holding area and through the streets of Athens.

As they made their way, Falcon, who stood by the temple gates, saw the white horses and chariot pass by, catching a glimpse of Tony and Steve as they passed by. He frowned, heading in to the temple to inform the goddess that he guarded.

Tony held on to Steve as he led the horses out, driving past the same sights they saw when they first arrived on foot. He leaned against Steve and rested his eyes, patient as he was, eager to go back and get close to Steve once again.

Steve led the horses back to Sparta, through the long journey under the already dark sky, his hair flying back as they moved with speed. Occasionally, he glanced over his shoulder at Tony, giving him that warm comforting smile to reassure him he was safe as he held on.

Tony let go as soon as they reached the familiar gates of his home city, jumping off to lead Steve to his stables, helping him take care of the horses and his chariot. And, when they eventually resided in his chambers yet again, it was particularly late, the place in complete darkness. The city seemed to be sleeping.

“Was it worth it then?” he asked as he closed the door of his room. “To travel here?”

Steve held Tony’s arm lightly, looking at him in the moonlight that shimmered through the window and outlined his features even in the darkness. “It was worth it, just to spend more time with you.”

“You were going to be with me anyway,” Tony said, reaching out to push Steve's hair back out of his face. “I think you meant more time alone. Right?”

Steve looked down at Tony, smiling as Tony’s fingertips moved through his hair, and he cupped the side of Tony's face in return, stroking his jaw. “More time for us, for once.”

“And you know, I have nothing against that, for once," Tony said with a smirk, shutting his eyes to rub his cheek against Steve’s hand, enjoying every subtle touch.

Steve placed his other hand on Tony’s waist, sliding it down. “How do you manage to be so alluring, Spartan?” he asked softly.

 
“Alluring?” Tony said in a low voice, shivering when he felt Steve’s fingers on him, pushing himself closer.  “You know, I would give credit to the stunning Athenian in front of me as well. You are simply beautiful."

“Give credit to me?” He asked, leaning close to Tony. “For falling for your charms?” 

“Maybe,” Tony said, breathing against Steve's chest. “But no, I mean, you completely stunned me. And you made me try to be more, just for you.”

“More?” Steve asked. “No, Tony you just found a different part that was within you.

Tony smiled. “I’m really on good terms with that, if that means that I’m getting you as well," he nodded, placing a kiss on Steve’s jaw before pulling back to look at him.

Steve scraped his teeth over his lower lip at the feel of Tony's mouth on his skin, and then he made up his mind, forgetting his caution and his shielded nature to duck his head and kiss Tony's neck. Why should he hold back, especially after that sign in his dreams?

Tony wrapped his arms around Steve and held him close, tilting his head to give Steve better access, his fingers later moving up to Steve's head and into his hair as he let out soft whimpers of satisfaction.

Steve bit lightly down on the skin of his neck, pushing his chest up against Tony’s as he shut his eyes, and Tony was taken off guard by the pleasant surprise of Steve's teeth, letting the man do as he pleased, closing his own eyes and focusing only on rubbing his hands on Steve’s back, enjoying the sudden show of affection that he was receiving.

Steve soothed the marks over with kisses once more. All this time he’d been yearning to love someone and now he finally could. What was more; the man was a fellow demigod, who shared responsibilities just as he did. Tony was someone who he could pour all of his emotions out to and Steve kissed his skin over and over, enjoying the faint blush on Tony's cheeks.

Tony was truly amazed by Steve’s ability to switch from the light bites to the deep, longing kisses, enjoying every moment of them as he pushed his head closer. “Steve. Can we..?” he asked with a soft gasp.

Steve nodded lightly, not wanting to part his lips from Tony’s skin as he smoothed his hand up and down the man’s sides.

Tony’s eyes lit up at the soft nod, and he nodded towards. He wanted them to move together because he wasn't going to move an inch away from Steve. Not now that they were together again, now that they had all the time in the world to dedicate towards each other.

Chapter Text

Steve led the way over to the bed, pulling back from the kisses hesitantly, and he pulled the strap off his back to take the shield off and let it rest on the ground near the bed as he stood by the edge of it, holding Tony and looking down at him with wide blue eyes.

Tony looked right back to him, not sure what to do, or which of them should act first. “Do you want me to..?” he asked softly, giving Steve's arm a light squeeze

Steve didn’t really know what he was doing. He was trying to do what he’d learned before, which in truth wasn’t very much. Kissing was pretty much all he knew about. And his mind was pretty creative, which was where the dream had come from, but he knew nothing specific. Even the dream had just been their bodies gliding together.

He nodded lightly, reaching out to push Tony’s hair back and out of his face.

Tony nodded in return, lightly pushing Steve back on the bed, taking his moment to appreciate the man’s beauty. His face was so full of emotions; fear, agony, even adoration, but all for him. He rubbed Steve's cheek once again before moving his hand lower, to his chest, and then he placed his lips over Steve’s neck to press soft kisses against the warm flesh.

Steve tilted his head to the side, trying his hardest to keep his eyes open despite Tony's actions, making a soft murmur the moment he was placed down. He breathed deeply, through his heart raced, and the sound roared in his ears.

 
Tony took in all the sounds that Steve had made so far, encouraging him to keep going, wanting to take things slowly just to give Steve enough time to see if he really wanted all of this. And when Tony's hands finally reached his front, Tony stopped them to rest them just above it, continuing to reassure Steve with his soft kisses.

Steve's hands rested on top of Tony’s head, fingers brushing through his curly hair as he felt the kisses, and he closed his eyes the moment he felt Tony’s hand along his front. His tunic slipped off his shoulders, down to his waist, and he gasped a little, opening his eyes to peer at Tony once again as he pursed his lips together, cheeks flushed.

Tony looked up at him, always looking for that kind of approval. He didn't want to hurt Steve, or scare him away when he'd been so expressive lately. “Steve?” he asked in a husky voice, his other hand moving up to rub those naked shoulders as he admired the man’s structure and pale skin. “Is everything all right?"

Steve swallowed the knot in his throat, trying to breathe past the nervousness that had gathered up in his chest. “Y-yes....” he said with a nod, trying to reassure Tony as much as he was soothed by Tony's touch.

Tony wanted to make sure that Steve was comfortable enough before he carried on with the soft caresses on his shoulders, leaning to press soft kisses to the man’s chest instead, his hand still resting by Steve’s front to give him time to get used to the feeling.

Steve had to draw in a deep breath, exhaling smoothly to calm himself as his body trembled mildly. He wanted to appear as calm as he could though his mind was plagued with anxiousness, and Tony’s touch to his front made the heat rise to his cheeks. As he attempted to become accustomed to it, he focused more on the kisses as he gazed through his long eyelashes at Tony, and his every movement.

Tony kept looking up, unable to prioritize anything but Steve’s comfort. He wasn't sure himself what this felt like, but he didn't want to hurt Steve by being clumsy. “I can stop if you want?” he asked, moving his hand up a little, further away from Steve’s front. “I can just kiss you all night long. Everywhere.”

“No...” Steve protested quickly, “I-I want to...” He looked down at Tony and trying to smile, but his nervousness was quite obviously shining through.

Tony took a moment to look at him, stroking Steve’s cheek gently. “Don’t be scared. I’ll take care of everything,” he said with a soft whisper, lowering his hand again to start rubbing slowly, watching Steve’s reaction, leaning forward to press a number of kisses to Steve's skin when he noticed Steve's shoulders move.

Steve's eyes closed, his head tilting back, eyebrows twitching and furrowing in an almost confused way, feeling this sensation for the first time. His legs moved restlessly, rubbing his feet together, his shoulders tensing up straight away, which didn’t go unnoticed by Tony.

Tony slowed down his pace; breathing softly as he noticed Steve’s reaction, giving him small, quick kisses. “It’s all right,” he murmured, “I can do this.” He pulled away and focused on Steve’s mouth again, kissing him deeply and slowly. Would Steve want what he planned to do next?

Steve kissed Tony just as deeply, feeling the intense emotion that he was putting into the kiss, their tongues moving together. The moment that Tony kissed him, he took the time to re-open his eyes to admire Tony’s face, his leg movements slowing down as Tony's kiss calmed him a little.

Tony broke the kiss to lick his lips, wanting to go further. But he decided to focus fully on Steve instead, rubbing his nose against Steve’s cheek. “We can either stay like this...or you’ll have to turn around," he said to him, with a shake of his head. “Around will be less painful. If you want this. Either way. I’m fine with whatever you choose.”

Steve nodded, letting out a couple of short breaths. “S-shall I..?” he stuttered, sitting up a little.

“How do you want us to..?” Tony asked as he pulled back slightly, giving Steve time to think.

“You know best,” Steve said nervously, wondering if what he was saying was right. “I’m unsure, perhaps I should turn.”

“I want to see your face, but, I don’t want to hurt you," Tony muttered, torn between the choices he had in mind.

Steve placed both of his hands on Tony’s face, either side of his jaw, to stare deeply into his eyes. “I wish to make you happy and feel loved,” he confessed. “That’s all l want.”

Tony gave him a careful look, smiling both at his words and the courage required to confess such thing. “You are loved either way, don’t you ever question that. We can do it the easier way, then. Another time, we’ll work it out.”

Steve nodded, giving him a warm smile, slowly adjusting himself to turning around, lying down on the bed with his face tilted to the side so that he could still take the occasional glance over his shoulder at Tony.

Tony watched him turn, gently slipping the rest of his tunic off before reaching around Steve to place his hands on Steve’s stomach and help him up to his knees. He held onto Steve's body lovingly, unable to resist admiring his muscular build on full display. Tony took his time to trail his lips on Steve's bare back, still holding firmly onto him to feel him shivering and trembling slightly under him.

Steve lifted his body up to Tony’s hands. His knees felt weak but he had to hold himself up, even though he wasn’t quite sure what he was doing, and Tony guided his every move. His shoulders shifted anxiously, the tension moving from one side to another, but the second Tony trailed his lips down his back, the tension slipped away and he dipped his back slightly, fingers grasping the sheets.

 
Tony focused on kissing Steve’s back, his free hand resting just above Steve’s entrance and approaching it slowly, not wanting to scare Steve.

When Steve seemed more relaxed, Tony pulled his lips away for a second to lick his own fingers, coating them with saliva before moving back again, his index finger pressing slightly inside Steve.

He kissed Steve right away to ease him but Steve’s eyes widened and he inhaled, gasping sharply as he felt the finger, letting out a loud shocked sound with the breath. “Tony?” he asked, needing the reassurance as his body tensed.

“I’m here, Steve, everything is okay, I can stop any time,” Tony said slowly, stopping the pressure when he felt Steve tightening around him. “Just relax. Breathe,” he said, kissing Steve's tensed back.

Steve tried to take deep breaths in through his nose, to exhale them through his mouth, but he let out shaky breaths each time he did. He felt dizzy, resting his forehead against the bed, but he kept his lower body raised, trying to relax his muscles as much as he could, feeling every movement of Tony's fingers.

 
Tony gasped at how warm Steve was, slowly but steadily managing to move his finger deeper inside, feeling Steve's body draw him in. “Just listen to me, focus on me," he said again, giving Steve as soft kiss of encouragement before bringing a second finger close to his entrance, waiting until Steve stopped squirming to press it just below the first one to let Steve get used to the feeling.

Steve let out a shaky moan, feeling his lips quiver as his eyes shut tightly, his toes curling. He was trying to listen to Tony as much as he could but he could feel his muscles being stretched out to the intrusion.

“I’m here, I’m here with you don't worry," Tony kept repeating, knowing Steve needed the reassurance more than anything. He starting to scissor his way inside him, slowly at first but then settling with a nice pace, and he could feel Steve’s every movement under him - the way his muscles would tense, how his back would ache, feeling Steve's stomach concave where he was holding him. “Tell me when you’re ready.”

Steve bit down hard on his lower lip, so hard that it turned white, and he looked over his shoulder to nod at Tony as he shifted on his knees in response to the pressure on his lower back. He wanted to signal that he was ready, but it was hard to keep his moans quiet as he felt Tony's fingers moving inside him, trying to fight the tightness of the muscle.

Tony noticed Steve’s nod and carried on anyway, wanting to make sure that Steve really was ready for him, for what was going to come afterwards. “Just hold on to me," he said as he pulled his fingers out, giving Steve another reassuring kiss before repositioning himself, helping Steve up so he could use his palms as extra support, himself getting a grip of his hips. “It’s all right. All is all right. I promise," he said, before bringing his length close to Steve’s entrance.

He slid himself inside just a little, before pulling back out again, starting to coat his length before attempting to push inside again.

Steve tried to hold himself up, thought he moment Tony pressed himself inside he made another sharp gasp, his mouth opening this time, unable to restrain himself as he let out a whimper. He tried to focus ahead, but his long hair fell forward, covering his eyes with the sudden movement as he jerked at the second attempt. This time, he gritted his teeth tightly, trying to accommodate Tony by being more relaxed, but it was hard to do.

Tony bit on his lower lip and huffed as he could feel Steve's discomfort, rubbing Steve's hips to soothe him, leaning forward as he pushed himself deeper inside. “Talk to me. I’m right here let me hear you," he said softly, wanting to reassure him, wanting to know that Steve felt better as time passed. He couldn't imagine how hard it must be for Steve.

Steve gritted his teeth tightly, letting out another whimper in response even as he did, taking another breath and swallowing hard, hoping the pain would turn to pleasure soon he panted heavily, chest heaving.

Little by little, Tony finally managed to fit himself inside, gasping against Steve's skin. He was already wound up at the heat of Steve's body, at what he was doing to Steve. “Are you ready?” he asked, wanting Steve’s permission before thrusting inside.

Steve shut his eyes tightly, feeling Tony deep inside him, trying so hard to keep his head up when he just wanted to collapse under him. “Y-yes...” he stuttered, quickly gritting his teeth again.

Tony groaned in return, holding firmly onto him to start thrusting inside, drops of sweat already forming on his forehead at the tight heat of Steve around him. “Steve...” he growled after every thrust, wanting to keep hearing the sounds the man under him was making.

The heels of Steve's palms were digging into the bed as he threw his head back to the thrusts, feeling his body being pushed forward with the weight of them, his back tensing up. It was taking more and more effort to keep himself up and his hair swung messily as he opened his mouth, his eyes half lidded as he groaned loudly, still getting used to the feeling. But it was more about the bond, the fact that his man was inside him, that he found more pleasing.

Tony let out another huff when he could hear Steve, loud and clear, clearly intrigued by what was happening, and he cursed himself internally for not being able to see Steve’s beautiful face at that very moment. He shut his eyes and tried to imagine him instead, trying to comprehend that he and Steve were actually together, so close, after finally confessing their attraction for each other. “Steve...”

Steve’s blush covered his face and he panted heavily, strands of his golden hair beginning to stick to his skin as his strong arms buckled, and he used his elbows to prop himself up instead, raising his lower body for Tony. The sound of their bodies against one another was exactly like in his dream, and he let out another round of moans, his mouth opening widely as the pleasure slowly started to kick in, encouraging his lower body movement even more.

Tony picked up his pace, encouraged by Steve’s moans and soft groans, focused on pleasuring Steve. He gritted his teeth at every thrust, unable to form any other sentences than Steve’s name, and he felt Steve push himself aback against him, enjoying this more now that he was used to it. “Do this for me," Tony said as he leaned forward, whispering against Steve’s ear.

Steve moaned even louder as he felt Tony’s breath against his ear, tilting his head back to try and feel him on his cheek. “Tony!” he cried out, encouraged by the pleasure surging through his body, and by Tony’s words, trying his hardest to push back to feel him deeper. His eyes would roll back if he were in any more pleasure.

Tony moved one of his hands to hold Steve’s chin, turning his head back and bringing him closer as he heard his name being called. It encouraged him to thrust in deeper, aiming for that sweet spot that he was aware that it would send Steve into pure pleasure. “Just a little more," Tony groaned, breathing heavily against Steve's ear.

Steve’s fingertips tangled in the sheets and, as Tony raised his chin, he opened his mouth, desperately seeking Tony’s lips. He whimpered, needing Tony, arching his back as he tried to put more effort into pushing back against him, breaths coming hard and fast.

Tony didn’t waste any further time; the second that Steve opened his mouth, he pushed his tongue inside, hungrily sucking on his tongue, trying to thrust in deeper with every single one of Steve’s pushes. The sounds Steve made were music to Tony's ears. “More," he groaned in pleasure.

Steve clumsily tried to lock their lips together in the type of kiss Tony had taught him. He groaned every time Tony thrust into him, and heard Tony's demand for more. He panted, pulling his hips back, rocking them back and forward harder and faster to meet Tony's thrusts. Now Tony was starting to reach his sweet spot with each thrust, and it caused him to call out Tony’s name enveloped in a long, drawn out moan.

Tony reacted to Steve’s every move and kiss, trying to meet Steve’s demands and stay in control, showing Steve how to do everything, pleased when the man seemed to be enjoying himself, wanting more and more.

That last moan really did it for him and with one last, deep thrust, he pulled his mouth away from Steve, letting out a loud cry along with Steve’s name as he climaxed inside him, dropping his forehead against Steve's back, panting heavily, cheeks all flushed.

Steve’s eyes widened as he felt Tony push deep inside, and then Tony was filling him, some dripping down his thighs as his own release followed. He collapsed on the bed with a loud thump, panting heavily. Never before had he been in such pleasure and he lay there with his knuckles bright red from how tightly he had clutched the sheets. His palms were red too, along with most of his body, his pale, delicate skin covered by patches of heat and sweat as he closed his eyes in satisfaction. He didn’t want Tony to pull out. In fact, he loved the feeling; it made him feel complete.

Tony was still panting when he felt the man beneath him jerking forward, following his example, and Tony fell with him, still holding on him with his hands on the man’s side, not pulling out just yet. He was exhausted by the journey from earlier, but this had pleased him as much as it had tired him, which was all he needed.

He pulled up slightly; placing soft kisses on Steve’s back, not saying a word just yet just to enjoy the quiet, powerful moment they shared.

Steve relaxed, tilting his head and peeking over his shoulder to try and see Tony, but he could only see the tips of his curls, smiling at the comfort that sight alone brought. He let out a happy murmur as he felt the kisses to his skin, sighing softly.

After he appreciated every visible muscle of Steve’s body, Tony lifted his head up again, smiling at Steve and leaning forward to give his lips a soft kiss. “How are you feeling?” he asked gently.

Steve smiled at the kiss, giving him a lazy smile instead, quite visibly tired. “Loved,” he was relieved to admit, reaching for Tony’s hand to hold.

Tony couldn’t keep his eyes away from Steve’s beaming face, rubbing his chin softly as he held tightly on the man’s hand. “You know, that’s how I feel as well.”

Steve shut his eyes, resting his head on the pillow, adjusting himself just a little under Tony and glad that he was still so close to him. Tony's warmth was comforting.

 
Tony rested his head on Steve’s back, smiling dazedly at him, his cheek against Steve's back. “You know, I don’t believe that this was wrong. At all,” he said.

“I don’t either, it felt...perfect,” he said, “to trust myself in your hands. And you really looked after me.”

 
“Perfect?” Tony asked, lifting his head to give Steve a soft kiss. “You really felt that way about it? I was worried; you are after the son of the virgin goddess, I had to take good care of you, you really deserve the best."

The blonde let out a happy sigh. “You think so highly of me, despite me being an Athenian,” he said with a smile.

“I think I can manage to see past where you were born, Steve," Tony said with a soft chuckle, enjoying how cheerful Steve seemed to be.

“True,” Steve muttered, keeping his eyes shut as he pressed his face against the pillow, his body exhausted.

Tony let out a quiet sigh as he admired the man’s beauty yet again, not managing to get over how handsome he looked in such a state. “Do you want me to, uh, lie next to you?”

“If you wish,” Steve said, even though he was quite comfortable with the way they were.

“I’m asking because if yes then, I’ll have to move, you know," he said, hoping that Steve would get the hint.

Steve frowned a little, enjoying the feeling a little too much. “Do you have to?”

“I don’t have to.” Tony said, and then he decided, shifting himself to make himself more comfortable, head rubbing against Steve's skin. “Well, I take it that you like it more this way then. I think I’ll be fine here.”

“If you’re uncomfortable...” Steve trailed off.

“I’m fine, don’t you worry," Tony reassured him, giving his back a soft kiss. “Just tell me if you want me next to you.”

Steve nodded and took a deep breath, ready to fall asleep any second now.

Tony watched how sleepy the man was, smiling at him even though Steve's eyes were shut, gently stroking his hand over Steve's skin, enjoying his company and the warmth of another human being next to him for once. “You know, I really like you," he said as he closed his own eyes, not sure if he wished for Steve to listen to him.

“I ’like’ you too.” Steve whispered in return, smiling to himself.

Steve’s reply made Tony smile, and he was finally able to rest, eyes closing as he slowly drifted to sleep, still holding onto Steve.

Steve fell asleep and throughout the night they moved around until they were finally lying next to one another, with Steve curled up with his arms tightly wrapped around Tony, nuzzling up to him contently as he slept.

Chapter Text

The next morning came soon enough, and the moment Tony opened his eyes, he saw Steve sleeping right next to him, his golden hair hiding his eyes, a peaceful smile on his face. He couldn’t help but press his lips against Steve's, his fingers running through Steve's hair, thinking of what they had done the night before.

Steve smiled even more as he felt Tony’s lips, raising his own head to kiss Tony in return. It was one of the most pleasant wakeup calls he had had in a very long time.

“Good morning, Athenian," Tony finally said as their lips parted, their foreheads still touching, enjoying how close they were at that very moment and how Steve didn’t seem to pull away either.

Steve grinned and climbed on top of Tony, lying over his body and waving his own feet in the air playfully. “Morning, Spartan,” Steve replied, kissing Tony’s lips softly.

Tony blinked in surprise at Steve’s actions, even though it was pleasant. “How was your sleep?" he asked, wrapping his arms around Steve's body to kiss him back, pushing his hair out of his eyes.

“Spectacular,” Steve said, smiling as he lowered his lips to Tony's neck. “I haven’t slept so well in my life. You, Spartan, are truly gifted.”

“I wouldn’t mind hearing that from you more often," Tony said with a soft chuckle, tilting his head to Steve’s touch of his lips. “And what about last night?”

“It was... amazing,” Steve said eagerly, kissing down Tony’s neck to his chest, nuzzling the medallion softly.

Tony sighed contentedly as his fingers moved up to Steve’s hair, running through it as Steve carried on with the soft kisses. “If you liked it, we can do it again.”

“We can?” Steve asked, his interest piqued as he glanced up from the kisses.

“Of course we can,” Tony said with a subtle grin, noticing Steve’s interest. “There’s no set rule for that.”

Steve moved lower, kissing Tony’s torso and moving to suck the skin on his chest softly, just as he was ‘taught’.

Tony smirked down at him as his grip on Steve's hair tightened, letting his head fall back to enjoy the soft sucking Steve was doing, appreciating every twirl of Steve’s tongue and every time that Steve decided to bite him just a bit.

Steve sucked on Tony’s nipple, groaning softly at the familiar taste that he’d enjoyed. His other hand stroked Tony’s well defined stomach muscles, trailing along each small bump and dip.

Tony was surprised that it took Steve so little time to understand exactly what he enjoyed. But if Tony thought about it, they had been together for a couple of days now, and each other’s company just seemed so natural, not forced like others. He let out a pleased sound, a soft whine as he felt Steve's mouth closing around his sensitive nipple.

Steve continued with the soft sucking, his eyes shut so that he could focus on pleasuring Tony. But just as he did, there was a loud bang, and the doors swung open.

Falcon and a couple of others walked in - one of the men was tall and broad with longer blonde hair and a long beard to accompany it. Another was a man with shorter brown, scruffy hair, carrying a quiver on his back with a bow resting in it.

Tony’s eyes darted to the door, widening as he noticed a number of people he had never seen before marching into the room, led by Rhodey, who didn’t seem happy at all. He sat up, not bothering to cover his body, as he gave everyone a look. “Why didn’t anyone bother to knock?” he asked, looking straight at Rhodey. “What’s the meaning of this, Rhodes?”

“I’ve lead these men here,” his friend replied calmly. “They were looking for you and the Athenian."

Steve raised his head, looking over at the men before grabbing his tunic to cover his body and Tony’s.

“We have come to correct you, to save you from yourself,” The large voice of the blonde man boomed, and then he gestured over to the brown haired archer, tugging him by the ear. “Or correct the mistake of this foolish demi god.”

“And who exactly needs saving here?” Tony said, giving him another look, the side of him that Steve had tamed coming to the surface again. “Who are you, even, showing up in my private chambers like that? If you know who you’re talking to, you know who my father is."

“And you must know who my father is!” The blonde said once more, a clash of thunder accompanying his words.

Steve’s eyes narrowed slightly and he remained huddled over Tony protectively, glaring at the two men. “I know who you are...”

Tony shook his head, the bolt of thunder answering for him anyway. “The son of Zeus. Yet another son of the all-father," he said, even though he didn’t dare to add a snort to his sentence; threatening the gods was never admirable. “And the Cupid behind you? Who is that?” he said, pointing at the smaller man, wrapping an arm around Steve.

Steve kept himself protecting Tony, glaring almost like a lion, with his golden hair framing his face.

The son of Zeus gritted his teeth, slinging a hammer by his side, spinning it threateningly as the dark haired man spoke.

“I am the son of Cupid,” he growled, “and this isn’t my fault, I was doing as I was told.”

“To make two demigods fall in love is not the right thing to do, especially these two,” the thunder god's son said as he shoved Cupid's son forward. “Now fix it.”

Tony rubbed his head, startled by the blonde’s words. “What do you mean fall in love?” he asked with a growl. “I’m not, I didn’t feel any Cupid's arrows on me," he started to say. Maybe that was why he had starting to feel the sudden adoration for the Athenian.

“See? He says it himself, he didn’t see me or feel me," the smaller man replied stubbornly, leaving the blonde to frown and turn his gaze to the men in the bed yet again.

“He’s responsible for, this, and you shall stop before you’ll be forced to suffer the consequences of your actions. Do you want to face divine punishment?” he asked them with a striking voice.

Steve’s eyes widened slightly, looking over at Tony with a confused look. “You’re... Not in love with me?” he asked with a shocked expression. All this time he was led on to think that Tony was, and hearing his confession suddenly made his heart plummet.

“See, Son of Athena, your wisdom has failed you,” Falcon said with a stubborn sneer, always blunt with his words.

Steve looked over at Falcon, and then at the other two men as he quickly sat up, away from Tony, holding his tunic to his chest.

Tony reached for Steve as he pulled away, wanting to say so more, but he couldn’t with everyone else in the room, with everyone accusing him of doing something that could bring the wrath of the Gods to him. “Wait, Steve I- didn’t say that, I said that it wasn’t him," he said, pointing at the archer. “Will you leave us alone?” he snapped, ignoring Rhodey’s disapproving gaze on him.

Steve pulled away, getting out of the bed to wrap his tunic around his waist clumsily before darting over to Falcon, grabbing his shield from the floor as he did. “This is was a misunderstanding,” he said in a flustered tone.

The son of Zeus stood before Steve and looked at him, giving him an inspecting stare. “It is a low day when the son of Athena loses his purity over a ‘mistake,'” he snarled.

Steve had never felt so embarrassed in his life, holding his hands up to his face as he tried to run past them, only for Falcon to grab his arm.

“I will return you to your mother,” he said. “Perhaps you can grovel to her for forgiveness.”

“See, told you it wasn’t my fault,” The dark haired archer muttered, only to receive a glare from the son of Zeus.

Tony felt his heart racing. All he knew was that Steve was pushing himself away, away from everything he had wished for. He actually cared for Steve, yes, he actually loved him, and he hadn't realised until it was asked out loud. And yet, he couldn’t bring himself to say it, especially when everyone seemed to disapprove.

“Steve, wait!” he called again, standing up, only to be stopped by the blonde who stood in front of him.

“You’ve already done enough, son of Ares. You will lead the Gods to a war amongst themselves if you carry on courting the son of Athena, and that is not advisable.”

“Let go of me!" Tony hissed, trying to release the arm that the blonde held firmly.

“You are staying away from him, do you hear me?” the blonde said firmly. “You’re not to see him or even talk to him again."

Tony didn’t reply, even though he knew that, as a son of Zeus, the man had more power over him.

He loved Steve, he realised it. He truly did, and now he had just ruined every chance of letting him know that. “At least let me talk to him now, to say goodbye," he asked, only to get another glare. “Steve! Come back, please!" he said, surprising even himself. He had never pleaded before.

 
“Leave him be!” Falcon yelled back, trying to be the guardian that he was meant to be, his large red wax wings, similar to those of Icarus’, shielding Steve as he ushered him out of the building quickly, Steve hiding his face in shame.

Tony saw the man shielding Steve away, and his heart sank. He realised that this was probably the last time he would see the man’s golden locks, his lips when he laughed, and those bright blue eyes that seemed to be filled with so many emotions, so much knowledge and passion.

He pushed the two men out of the way, chasing after Steve and Falcon, only to spot the man spreading his wings, ready to fly away. “Wait! Listen to me!” he cried out.

Steve wrapped his arms around Falcon’s shoulders, keeping his head down, his long hair falling over his face as the guardian carried him into the air, taking him back to Athens, where he belonged. Though as they took flight, he raised his head, taking a glimpse of Tony, his heart aching. He couldn’t believe he had fallen in love, and the feeling wasn’t mutual, even after he had given himself to him.

Tony raised his hand, as if he was trying to catch Steve back, his fist closing tightly as the men set off. But not before he had met Steve’s eyes yet again, seeing the pain, disappointment and betrayal in them. He had never felt so guilty before in his life. He had killed before, he had destroyed homes, and yet breaking Steve’s heart seemed far worse. “I love you,” he said in a low voice as his eyes met the ground, shaking in frustration, letting out a loud cry and dropping on his knees, remaining there for a moment before grabbing a spear and running from the city.

The son of Zeus stepped up to Tony, giving him a passing warning glare, always one to uphold the rules. And then he was leaving with the son of Cupid alongside him, practically being dragged out by the demigod with a hammer.

Chapter Text

Steve was taken back to Athens and locked in one of the rooms of the temple to pray for forgiveness. On his hands and knees, he pleaded to her for her help again, but received nothing in return trying so desperately to repent but his efforts were fruitless.

Meanwhile, Tony was out in the wild, not caring that the cold of the night would bring out predators; he would give anything to keep his mind busy, to keep him thinking of anything but the way they had held each other just a few hours ago, and the sadness in Steve's eyes later.

He had done it yet again, whenever there was the slight chance to escape a life that was set for him, he managed to ruin it, by either saying too much or too little. In this case, he blamed his inability to express his true feelings, whether they were caused by the arrows of the cupid or not.

He was lost in his thoughts for so long, that he almost didn’t hear the snarls and growls of the wolves that circled him, and he stood up to defend himself with his spear, launching forward for attacks. The rest of the pack ran away when he finished one of them and Tony growled right back.

Steve was gone and he was turning into the savage beast that he was before he met him, yet again.

He started to cut off the fur, keeping himself warm as he looked at his bloody hands; the son of Ares, that’s who he would always be. Why had he even thought that a simple demigod could change him, that he could even love someone? No, he was destined to be alone and carry out his father’s thirst for blood, just as expected.

Steve took a long time to recover, not hearing one word from his mother as a consequence for his actions. He was now impure, and would have to redeem himself.

He trained as a warrior, standing side by side with the generals as they prepared themselves for the impending war. Tony had promised to keep Athens safe, and yet days after his return, Sparta had made it clear that they would attack Athens - with or without Tony.

Steve wore his finest armour, placing his helmet on, readying his spear and shield as he stood by his men, awaiting the attack from the rival city.

Despite Tony's words and demands to stop the attack, the Spartan king and leader of Greece’s finest army decided to march on war, sending Tony deeper into his pit of aggression and regret. He'd promised Steve that he would protect his people and beautiful city, and yet, his own people were preparing for war, walking for days and revising their plan of attack.

He couldn’t stay behind; the prophecies spoke clearly when they said that Steve would die because of him, and Tony had to be there to ensure that the Athenian would survive the attack at least. It was his time to wear his armour, red and gold, in the colours of his city, his eyes filled with emptiness as the feeling of rage overtook him.

He was angry with everyone, and yet he wanted to protect Steve.

The moment that he spotted the walls he had only seen once before, he held more tightly onto his spear, the medallion feeling so heavy around his neck.

Steve stood proud and tall by the gates of his city, shield in his hand as he watched the vast army approaching, their battle cries sending shivers down the spines of his people. Steve encouraged them to stand strong with his powerful words that he was famed for, that resilience returning to him as he was pushed back into the army to fight with his people, to save and protect him, as it was the only thing that he knew and he was now bound to his duty, though trying to wrestle with his deep feelings for the Spartan, trying his hardest to put them behind him and keep on a stern face, his efforts to teach them had indeed proven pointless.

Once the Spartans came into their territory, they stood, and Steve narrowed his eyes, raising his head as their general signalled the attack. He charged forward, knocking men back with his shield, trying not to kill them but simply to maim them.

Tony heard the order given and moved forward in an attack, looking out for Steve in the crowd. It wasn’t hard to spot him - his bright colours and unique armour made him stand out - and Tony started to make his way towards him, avoiding the arrows of the Athenian archers, spearing anyone who was in his path. If he couldn’t protect Steve, he could at least make his father proud once, seizing the city he wanted so desperately under his control.

Steve fought the men, trying to push them back, trying to defend his land. His silver and blue armour sparkled in the red sun that gleamed over them and, as he ran forward, he stopped in his tracks. He spotted Tony amongst the men, the golden and red armour shimmering ever so brightly, stained with blood splatters from the battle. He should have done it, he should’ve charged forward just as he did when they had first met, but he couldn’t. His body felt numb and his heartache returned with a vengeance.

And then their eyes met.

Tony could have sworn that the battlefield was slowing down, that all he could really see was Steve and the confusion and despair in his eyes, standing there watching him as people were slaying each other around them in a battle that they couldn’t stop. “Steve!” he cried, even though he wasn’t even sure if he could be heard, and then one of the Athenian spearmen managed to get past him, dropping him to his knees.

Tony managed to strike back, killing the man, but he watched his own spear fall. He wasn’t truly wounded, and he looked up for Steve again, trying to decipher anything at all in his eyes.

Steve heard him call out in the voice that made his heart throb with agony, watching as his own man had run past only to be slain. He was conflicted. He saw his man being killed and yet he couldn’t help but run up to Tony, quickly looking down at him with tightly gritted teeth. “You promised me... my men would be safe,” he shouted, with a mix of rage and sorrow in his voice.

Tony coughed and stood on his legs again, hearing the rage in the man’s voice, the same tone that he had used against him before. “I did everything I could but it was not good enough! I can’t stop wars, Steve, I’m a war bringer, the son of Ares, remember?” he cried in return, his arms spread as the killing around them resumed.

Steve could feel his lower lip trembling, holding up his shield to knocking away a spear that was aimed at him. “You were more than that I fell in love with more than that!” he screamed back at him, eyes welling up as he pivoted on his foot to use his shield to knock away a Spartan that charged toward him.

Tony was taken off guard by the man’s words, not having realised that he was in fact going through the same dilemmas and worries. “And that’s because you’ve changed me, you showed me the way, a different path! That’s how you made me fall in love with you, you took me out of this dark pit full of war and killing," Tony yelled in return, avoiding a wave of arrows aimed at them.

Steve held his shield over Tony, defending himself and the man from the arrows. “You... You don’t! You don’t love me! You would’ve said it in front of them if you did!” Steve yelled back.

Tony stayed behind the shield, shaking his head in despair. “I did, I loved you! I still do, listen to me! I was trying to chase after you, to say it! I didn’t realise until you stepped away, and I was stupid to let you go! I love you, I don’t care what any god says or what even the fates want to do!” he screamed, hitting against the shield.

Steve drew the shield back and looked at Tony, staring straight into his sapphire blue eyes, “Why didn’t you... Why were you so ashamed, after I gave myself to you?” he said.

“I wasn’t ashamed, I could never be ashamed! I was lucky, so lucky to have you for myself, even for a night," he replied with a shake of his head, struggling with his next words. “I was...I was scared, all right? What if you laughed? If this wasn’t mutual at all?”

“I thought I made myself clear. I didn’t want you to leave me...” He said softly, holding his shield up without even looking at the man who charged at him, protecting himself with his large weapon.

Tony gave him another look, pulling Steve away from the main line of fire, the medallion healing most of his wounds already. “I...I love you, Steve, and I didn’t want to come to this, to this massacre," he said, gritting his teeth to stop himself from pouring any emotion into that moment. “We can stop this now, together.”

“How?” Steve asked, moving closer to Tony, looking down at him with his light blue eyes filled with emotion.

Tony thought carefully, trying to look around for inspiration. “We’ll get somewhere when they can see us, and shout,” he said with a nod. “They are bound to at least listen."

Steve stared at him for a moment, “My mother abandoned me, Tony, and there is very little chance of my people listening to my words. This was meant to be my redemption.”

“We’re just Steve and Tony now, no gods are behind our words, we’ll act on our own," Tony replied firmly. “And I don’t care if she did; I’m not abandoning you, here or anywhere.”

Steve nodded, his faith restored in the man whom he thought had broken his heart, and he placed an arm around him. “Not once did I regret falling in love with you, Tony.”

Tony nodded at him with a smile. “If we fall today, we’ll fall together," he said as he helped Steve up. “We started this together; we’ll end it like that.”

Steve gripped Tony’s hand tightly, leaning close to him, their armour clattering together as he lifted his helmet slightly to kiss Tony’s lips again, desperate to do so. “You’re all I have now, Tony.”

Chapter Text

Tony held onto that kiss. He had thought he'd never get the chance to do it again. “And I will be more than just enough, I swear," He reassured him.

“I know you will...” Steve said, facing Tony as he stood opposite him, staring into his eyes. He lowered his brightly painted shield, wrapping his arms around the man.

And, just as he did, he felt a sharp pain in his back and his eyes widened.

The sharp sound of his armour being pierced echoed through his ears and he could feel his heartbeat. He gasped, pulling back to look down. The tip of Tony’s spear protruded through his chest plate - only that spear, crafted by Hephaestus, could pierce his armour. One of the Spartans had grabbed the spear when Tony let it fall, and had struck him from behind, the warriors face covered completely in red as he let out a loud battle cry.

For that second, Steve saw his life flash before his eyes, and he held Tony’s hands tightly as he kept his eyes on him, dropping to his knees by Tony’s feet. He looked up, staring at Tony and staring up, his hands untangling from Tony’s grip as he reached up for him, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth with wide blue pleading eyes.

Tony had had his eyes fixed on Steve when he uttered those words until he noticed Steve's eyes widening, the man behind Steve holding his own very spear - a gift from the gods themselves – where it pierced through the dark armour.

He screamed in agony as Steve fell, falling with him until their grip loosened. He could see the blood that covered Steve's chest, right where his heart was.

With another loud cry, he grabbed the spear from the man and stabbed him with it, kicking the body away as he dropped to his knees, letting Steve hold on to him as he scanned the wound with his eyes. His hands trembling as he placed them over the wound, trying putting pressure on it, but his hands only grew bloody in a matter of seconds.

“Steve. Steve! Stay with me, no!” he kept yelling, looking around for something, anything, that would save him. But he received no help. “No, no, this is not happening. I can help you, Steve..! Steve!” The blood from his hands dirtied the man’s golden mane as soon as he took of his majestic helmet, the colour draining from Steve's face.

Steve felt the cold overwhelm him, coughing up more blood as it began to pool in his throat, his body shaking. He looked up at Tony. “You... Always wanted to go...to Olympus together. M-maybe... I’ll... get there before you,” he said with a small, weak smile. He coughed a little more, trying to hold onto Tony’s hand. “I... I love you Tony... I fell... for you...” he stuttered, becoming weaker by the second.

Tony held on Steve’s face so desperately, bringing Steve's hand to touch his own cheek, Steve's words ringing in his ears. “No... No we’re going together, you hear me? Together, that’s what we agreed, didn’t we?” he cried out, the weak smile on Steve’s face only making his anger and frustration worse. His eyes caught sight of medallion hanging down around his neck. With a sharp pull, he ripped it off his neck, placing it on Steve’s wound.

“Please. Please bring him back. Do something, father, please!” he yelled, looking at the sky, then down to Steve, leaning to press their foreheads together. “No... No... We’re going together; we’re walking those gates together. Together...” he said, his heart instantly feeling weaker the moment that he removed the one thing that kept him strong.

Steve looked up at Tony. “Together... I promise...” he said, “I’ll wait for you...” His grip was loose over Tony’s hand and still he tried gently to stroke it, to feel Tony's warmth again.

“No... No you won’t. I said we’re going together...now, we’re going together, just like we promised," Tony cried, shaking his head, holding Steve’s hand over his cheek, feeling him getting colder. He was having trouble breathing himself.

And then the first arrow hit him in his shoulder, another right in the centre of his chest, and the medallion lost its glow on Steve's body. Tony looked down at the blood spots forming on his chest, smiling at them.

“Together,” he smiled. “I promised, didn’t I?" He fell forward, eyes fluttering as he tried to meet Steve’s own, weak eyes.

Steve tilted his head up ever so slightly to try and kiss him, but he was far too weak. Instead he just brushed their lips together and shut his eyes. “Together...” he whispered, finally falling limp as the blood pooled around him from his wound, his arm resting over Tony as his life slipped away.

Tony breathed into him, Steve's lips against his own all he wanted to feel before his last breath left him, Steve's last words echoing in his ears. “It’s been an honour fighting...by your side.." he said as he reached for Steve’s hand, placing his own on top of it as his eyes closed, the loud noise of the battle around them barely audible any more.

The bodies of the two demigods lay in the battlefield together as their souls rose together to Mount Olympus, hand in hand, staring down at the cities that they once sought to protect battle for supremacy.

Although their words weren’t heeded by their people, their self-sacrifice did not go unrewarded. In the end they ended up together for eternity, resting with one another despite the quarrels of their parents, in their own peace, their differences set aside in favour of the overruling love that they had for one another. They were destined to be together forever in bliss and harmony.

They were free to love and free from pain, together forever.

Free.