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cap_ironman_fe ([personal profile] cap_ironman_fe) wrote in [community profile] cap_ironman2010-12-27 11:16 am

Happy Holidays, [livejournal.com profile] red_savage!

Title: What Are the Odds
Author: [livejournal.com profile] angel_inoshi
Rating: G
Universe: Marvel Adventures (for the sake of fluff)
Pairings: established Steve/Tony

Word Count: 2,500

Beta: Unfortunately, just me, myself and I...forgive me (>_<)'
Warnings: Corny humor? Shoddy knowledge of Belmont Park and all that is horse track racing. The internet was my friend in 90% of the research.


It was a beautiful day at Belmont Park – picturesque even. Steve's nostrils flared with the warm scent of fresh cut grass permeating his senses. The smell never ceased to remind him of fond memories, both distant and recent. For a few more moments Steve relished in the peaceful atmosphere lost in his thoughts. Birds chirped in the early afternoon sunlight that traced the treetops, highlighting a mired of greens and yellows. Bellow lay soft shaded knolls – beckoning for passersby to stop and rest. Steve's fingers twitched reaching for his absent sketchbook.
Instead, his hands made their way up to his neck and adjusted the confining tie. Steve didn't bother to hide the small sigh that escaped his lips. This was not what he wanted to be doing today. His vision wandered over towards his left to look at Tony. Both of them were dressed in formal attire. He in a simple blue suit with his black polished dress shoes that he hardly ever wore, and Tony decked out in gray, a blue silk shirt, and the finest “Italian” (as Tony liked to emphasized) shoes that all together more than certainly cost more then anything Steve owned.

“You know...” Steve began as they continued to make their way through the park. “When you asked if we could have a day alone together – I didn't think we'd wind up here.”

Ahead was a simple stripped white and green canopy marking the main entrance. The beige building with it's elegant arches and flying buttresses resembled that of the fancy country club he visited with Tony just last week. He watched as similarly dressed men and women flitted about. Some carried binoculars and others various sheets of stats, odds and other bits of information that was lost to him. There was a buzz of excitement in the air, but the truth was Steve would have preferred something more...intimate.
As corny as it sounded, a bit of dancing and dinner would have been ace. Jan had mentioned a new swing club that just opened near upper Manhattan. The thought of twirling Tony in his arms made Steve long for it that much more.
“Oh come on, Steve.” Tony grinned easily breaking Steve out of his thoughts. “We live in New York, but how often do we actually see the sites?”
“But a racetrack?” Steve's tone reflected both skepticism and disbelief. “You know I don't like to gamble. Why are we dressed up anyways?”
A look of uncertainty crossed Tony's features for a brief moment, but his charming demeanor quickly fell back into place. “Elegant attire has long been a tradition here.” He motioned enthusiastically toward the entrance. “There is much more to horse racing then meets the eye. It's an equestrian sport that has been practiced for a millennia or more. Besides. I think you'll enjoy this place. It's one of the finest racetracks in America after all.”

A twinge of guilt made it's way through Steve's stomach. Tony really wanted him to enjoy this and have a good time. Maybe he was being too judgmental. As long as he was with Tony, what did it matter where they were? Being here, watching Tony smile and just enjoying the day...yeah, that wouldn't be so bad. Plus, he always appreciated Tony in his Sunday best.

“Okay,” he replied with a smile. “Lets head in.”

~~~~~

Inside the ambiance within the grandstand sparked with energy. It wasn't unpleasant, Tony observed as he and Steve made dodged around other people. He had reserved box seats with the best vantage point of the track – one that overlooked the entrance of the the horses and their jockeys. He had contemplated renting out the Clubhouse which sat a stand above them. It was a private, luxurious room with it's floor to ceiling glass windows and plush furniture. But there was just something different about sitting in the stands – the roaring crowd pulsating, the aroma of dirt and the subtle sounds of the horses snorting.
Tony could see Steve was slowly starting to relax ffter the first few initial races. Steve was actually getting into it. They would each guess which horse would win, place or show. Tony, himself, pointed out the finer details of what the different symbols on the Tote board meant, how to tell if a horse was foreign bread, and the importance of being a horse being a mud-runner.

“See. Not so bad right?” Tony asked after the 5th race.

Steve paused before offering a smile. “All right I admit...this is nice.”
“Yeah, it is...” Tony said, blue eyes never once lingering away from the blond's form. Tony liked memorizing every aspect of the other man.
Steve really was something with his golden hair, eyes the deepest shade of blue (more of a cobalt really), broad shoulders and well muscled figure. Absolute human perfection, and a part of Tony wondered if that applied to everything as his eyes began to wander downwards. He coughed roughly to focus his thoughts.

“Tony?” Steve's worried gaze washed over him.

“I must have something caught in my throat,” he cleared his voice and stood abruptly. “Why don't you stay here and I'll get us something to drink.” Tony inwardly cringed at the use of such cliched lines.

“I don't mind coming with yo--” Steve trailed off when Tony placed a hand on his shoulder.
“It's fine. I'll just be a minute.” Tony replied already making his way toward the aisle before Steve could protest.

Tony walked steadily through the main lobby, taking note of the gift shop and the other various vendors. People constantly darted between tote boards, chatting amongst themselves, questioning odds brokers and placing bets with bookkeepers. Tony stopped to contemplate. He knew Steve didn't approve of gambling – probably came from growing up in the Depression. Plus he spent most of the day showing Steve how horse racing was much more then just about betting. But still...betting was pretty fun too. Maybe...just one couldn't hurt.

With that Tony sauntered over to the bookkeeping window, making a few mental notes, factoring odds and the condition of the track thus far. He studied the tote board and blinked at some of the names. “The Wife is Always Right”, “Don't Quit Your Day Job”, “Boom Chika Boom”, and several other elaborate names made Tony chuckle as he approached the bookie.
“May I help you?” the young woman asked, sweeping a lock of brown hair away from her round face.
Tony nodded and pulled out his wallet setting down a few hundreds. “Yes, two thousand, straight bet on--” he stopped suddenly, and his eyes widened comically in disbelief, “--Steve?”

Who in their right mind named a thoroughbred race horse Steve? Not that he didn't like the name...especially since a certain attractive super soldier happened to make his mind race, but that was beside the--

“Yes, sir.” Came a short reply snapping him back to the present.

Tony stared dumbly. “Wait – what?”

“Next!” the bookie dismissed him and looked over at the next costumer.
He took his ticket walking away awkwardly. Well, that was slightly more then embarrassing. He smiled wryly reading the printed ticket as if it were written in Skrull. No one else saw that, right? Maybe Steve somehow foresaw his actions and manipulated the universe to mess with him. But maybe there was a chance that Steve the horse was actually a good bet. He chanced a glance at the odds and he felt his insides slightly plummet.

The odds were 50 to 1.
Damn...Steve kind of sucked.
~~~~~

A few minutes later, Steve perked at the site of Tony holding two water bottles. He realized that it was kind of silly to be happy just by seeing Tony, but at the moment he couldn't care less. He took the offered water and watched Tony plop down in his seat.

“So,” Steve began awkwardly, “that took a little long.”

“Long line.” Tony answered with a sigh before laughing. “Sorry about that,” he continued and stared unfocussed across the track.

Steve swore if Tony possessed a tail, it would be drooping in dismay. There was a visible slump to Tony's shoulders, but he decided not to push. If it was important Tony would tell him.

“Well you're just in time for the next race then,” he voiced lightheartedly earning a small grin from Tony. They both straightened at the sound of the bugle trumpeting and the announcers voice coming over the sound system.
[[ Ladies and Gentlemen! Welcome to the 10th race here at Belmont Park! And here they go!

Jumping out on the lead is Jusfriends followed by Brothers in Arms

Here comes Romance and Affection followed by Domestic-Bliss
Romance and Affection quickly over taking Jusfriends ]]
Tony's eyebrows shot up to his hairline in surprise and Steve...Steve wasn't sure what he did, but he was pretty sure he was blushing through a slack-jawed expression. That was...it was just a strange (very strange) coincidence and nothing more. He peeked shyly at Tony, the tingles of his blush still trailing down his neck.

“Some of these names right?” Steve offered awkwardly.


[[ And here comes Commitment followed by Vows and Happy Ever After

Coming down the backstretch Happy Ever After up in front of Romance and Affection ]]

He could feel Tony's eyes on him, and he turned to look at Tony, mirroring his look. He could feel his heart racing as Tony's fingers gently slid against his knuckles in a tentative touch. They were so close he could see Tony's lashes, and they were only moving in closer. The smell of Tony's aftershave and the gentle pressure of his breath against his lips--
[[ But coming in strong is Forever followed by I Love You, Commitment and...Steve! ]]

--was cut short by Tony's head snapping back towards the track.

Tony stood abruptly to lean over the railing. “What?” his awestruck voice echoed lost in the noise of the crowd and pounding hoof beats.
[[ Steve challenging for second going into the club house turn! ]]

Tony grinned widely his fist clenched in excitement. “Yes, come on baby!”
Meanwhile, Steve took a moment to process what just happened. Did he just get passed by for a horse – also named “Steve?”

[[ Passing on the rail is I Love You taking in the lead followed by the Forever, Don't You Know, and Always Will ]]
Steve leaned back on the bench watching in silence as Tony cheered on the other “Steve.” It was weird. Tony wasn't this excited before. His eyes narrowed in suspicion and looked – really looked – at Tony. Judging by his stance, Tony was tense with anticipation, his left hand floating over his coat pocket briefly.

[[ Here they come spinning out of the turn I Love You out in front

Steve challenging for the lead

Steve and I Love You neck and neck! ]]

Calmly, Steve stood and deftly reached over into Tony's pocket to pluck out a ticket he guessed would be there.

[[ And down the stretch they come Steve is pulling away from I Love You by a length ]]

The spectators hummed with anticipation as “Steve” made a sudden surge forward.
Tony whistled and his hands to his mouth. “Come on move it! His voice blended with the surround cheers and hollers.

Steve, on the other hand, remained perfectly silent. His eyes studied Tony's form. Part of him was a little miffed Tony had actually snuck away to place a bet. Just because he, himself, didn't like gambling didn't mean he'd necessarily shun Tony for it. Still, now studying the ticket, what in the world made Tony bet on this horse with the odds being so...dim. Then again judging from the race...the horse could win. He doubted Tony would back a horse just because it had his name. That would be ridiculous. Great, now Steve wasn't sure what to think...


[[ Coming on strong is Always Will

And passing the pack is Don't You Know

And at the wire -- It's Steve, Don't You Know, I Love You and Always Will! ]]

Steve resisted the urge to laugh. Strange names indeed, but maybe it was a sign from fate. He wondered if Tony had heard the oddly specific message or not. If nothing else, the joyful look on Tony's face at that moment pretty much made this whole thing worth while.

“YES!” Tony's face split into a wide grin.

“You seem happy...” Steve commented as casually as he could.

Tony at least had the decency to be embarrassed. “Um well you see--” He placed a hand in his coat pocket.

The look of startled shock almost made Steve return the ticket – almost.
Tony reached into his other pocket and came up empty. “Where--” His brows drew together as he began his frantic search. Off came the jacket, turned inside out and shaken for good measure. Next came the pat down of his trousers and the opening and checking of his wallet. Finally, a quick once over of the floor with a little spin to complete the dance. “I...where did I....I could have sworn...”

“What are you looking for?” Steve's tone was neutral, though watching Tony slightly panic was somewhat cute. If Tony had a tail now it definitely would be dragging on the floor.

Tony looked at Steve with a guilty gaze much like a little child who snuck a cookie. “I sort of placed a small bet.”

“Oh?” Steve quirked an eyebrow.

Tony looked away abashedly before sighing and giving Steve an apologetic smile. “Yeah, but I supposed that doesn't matter any more. I lost my ticket.”
Steve took a step forward, the ticket hidden in his grip. “Hmm...did you check everywhere?” Steve questioned encircling his arms around Tony and letting his fingers “search” the brunet.

Tony stiffened before immediately relaxing at Steve's gentle caress. Steve wasn't angry with him. Relief flooded his mind, and his lids fell heavy. The adrenaline from before was quickly fading away. Steve's scent and warm body was overwhelming. This was much, much better then some winning ticket any day.

“Huh, here it was.” Steve's voice whispered in Tony's ear drawing his attention. Steve pulled back just enough and smiled. “It was in your back pocket.”
“My back pocket, but--”
“Don't I get a finders fee?” Steve cupped Tony's face, thumb worrying over the soft bottom lip.
Tony stared blankly before he broke into a grin matching Steve's own. He yanked on Steve's tie leading him into a soft, appreciative kiss. Yes, Tony definitely felt like a winner.

[identity profile] gogglehead84.livejournal.com 2010-12-27 01:27 pm (UTC)(link)
Omg LOL! That was too funny, those names! The owners must be trying to set Steve and Tony up too ;).

[identity profile] dinahqueen.livejournal.com 2010-12-27 04:43 pm (UTC)(link)
:D This was great- amusing, loved the horse names. :D

[identity profile] savemoony.livejournal.com 2010-12-27 06:05 pm (UTC)(link)
LOLOLOL!
penumbren: Steve & Tony looking at each other (steve/tony)

[personal profile] penumbren 2010-12-27 07:08 pm (UTC)(link)
LOL! Oh, the names, the names. That was just priceless. :D

[identity profile] mozzarellaroses.livejournal.com 2010-12-28 01:19 pm (UTC)(link)
THE NAMES XDDDD

[identity profile] clair3.livejournal.com 2010-12-30 02:04 am (UTC)(link)
awesome!!

[identity profile] red-savage.livejournal.com 2011-01-03 04:28 am (UTC)(link)
*\o/*

I <3 this story. It hits all the right spots and is just as good hot chocolate on Christmas morning -- gives me the warm fuzzies. Thank YOU!!! You have made my holiday!

Sorry for the late reply, I've been internet absent for much of the holiday.

Thank You, Santa!

[identity profile] ewanspotter.livejournal.com 2011-01-04 06:26 am (UTC)(link)
Hah! That was great!

[identity profile] fictivore.livejournal.com 2011-01-06 01:40 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh my god!! The names! I must confess, I had to actually close the browser and laugh myself sick for a while before I could continue... Amazing job!! :DDD