The thing about being broke at one point or another in your lifetime is that spending money feels like some kind of sin or betrayal to yourself. Buying things, especially things that are for personal enjoyment and aren't necessities feels like you're wasting the little money you have. But Tony's been working hard and his paycheck was bigger than they needed. He had a whole seventy-five dollars to spend on whatever he wanted to, but he was scared to spend it in case it was needed.

Carol had been very angry when she found out, telling him that he needed to spend it on something for himself. That he deserved it after spending the last five years spending all his money on food, rent, and Peter.

He had no idea what to buy.

Until he got a text from Steve telling him he had a lot of fun getting coffee.

He acted wholeheartedly on impulse, asking Steve out on a date. He could spend the money on buying dinner for Steve instead of something for himself. He was sure it still counted as for him because it was for his night out with his new 'friend.'

Carol's already agreed to take the night off as well to babysit Peter for the night, for free because he had no money to give to her after deciding to spend it all on a fancy dinner. He's taken the day and the next morning off work just in case he has too much wine at dinner or in case he spends the night with Steve, which is truthfully what he's hoping for.

Steve had immediately agreed, sounding just as hyped over the phone. He said that it's been way too long since he's been on a real date, Tony agreed, refraining from telling Steve he'd never really been on a real date like this. Tony never had the money to spend on restaurant food, but he was always expected to pay for it because he's the 'man in the relationship' and also because he's still known as being the son of millionaire Howard Stark. People always assume that he has access to all that money when truthfully, he lives from paycheck to paycheck.

He finally has the money to properly treat someone to a real date with fancy restaurant food. He's not sure if he'll have enough to cover the whole meal, so he makes sure to spend the week fixing up as many cars as he can. He pulled a couple too many late nights, but he doesn't mind if it gets him the extra cash to pay for the dinner. He doesn't want to have to ask Steve to pay for half the meal.

When the night finally comes around, he dresses up in the nicest clothing he can find, a button-up white shirt, a pair of black jeans and a black jacket overtop. It's not the nicest, most of it having been bought from thrift stores, but it'll have to do.

He hugs Peter and kisses Rhodey and Carol on the cheeks before ducking out the door to their car. It's not the nicest car, a small silver Chevy with dents and scratches and cracks, but it works thanks to having a mechanic living with them.

He pulls up outside an apartment building a few minutes later and Steve emerges from the doors with a big smile, hopping into the passenger seat.

"Hi!" Tony exclaims, smiling in return. He's more relaxed than he thought he'd be. The nerves have all but faded, leaving him with simple contentment to be seeing Steve again.

They small talk on the way to the restaurant, the cash burning a hole through the pocket of his jeans. He's nervous, to say the least. He's never really had feelings for a person before. It seems unnatural. It's way out of his comfort zone, but he knows he deserves. The cash will be enough for the dinner and hopefully enough to buy Peter a new toy.

When they get to their booth, they've fallen into natural banter like they've been friends for years. It's easy and Tony's happy until he sees the prices on the menu.

"Is everything okay?" Steve asks, running a hand through his soft blond hair. He's casually leaning against the soft, red, plush of the backrests of their booth with a smile.

"Yeah!" Tony exclaims. He doesn't want Steve to know that he's not well-off financially. He doesn't want Steve to feel obligated to get something cheap or help pay for the food. "I'm going to go to the bathroom. Order some wine for us?"

Steve nods as Tony ducks into the men's washroom. It's big and white, cleaner than any bathroom Tony had been in before. And it's empty which is a huge relief for Tony.

"Hey, Rhodey... I, um, I need your help," Tony mumbles shamefully. He didn't want to call a friend for help on this one. He thought he could do it by himself, but his cash will only cover half the meal at most.

"Is your date a psycho?" Rhodey asks immediately, concern filtering into his tone.

"No, he's not a psycho, Rhodes. I just need some money... I overshot. It's too expensive and I can't afford it right now."

"Just ask him to help you pay," it's more of a question than it is a statement, filled with confusion.

"I'm not going to ask him to pay for the date I took him on," Tony says angrily. He rolls his eyes and leans back against the marble wall. "I just need like a hundred bucks."

"One hundred dollars? Are you fucking joking? I don't just have a hundred bucks lying around. We've just bounced back from the electricity bill mishap and we need that money to keep on top of groceries and rent."

"Please?" Tony says. He knows it sounds pathetic. He knows he sounds like a kid who doesn't know how to budget, but he feels like the guilt is punishment enough. "I really like him, Rhodey. He's so sweet and I just want to do this for him. I swear, I'll pick up extra shifts and I'll fix as many cars as I can. I'll get the money back as soon as I can. I just... I need this."

Rhodey sighs heavily, obviously giving in. He's always had a soft spot for Tony. He feels like an older brother to him and he's not going to let the night be ruined.

"Fine, but you better have the money back to me when I need it. I'll pick up some extra shifts too. I'll transfer the money to your bank account."

"You're literally the best. Thanks, honeybear!"

Tony hangs up the phone, pumping his fists into the air excitedly. He knows it'll be hard to bounce back from this, it's a lot of money going into one date, but he needs this. He needs to have fun and be out of the house with someone other than Peter.

Plus, Steve's amazing. He's kind and he's funny and he's sweet. Tony doesn't want to ruin what he's got right now.

He heads back out with a smile and sits across from Steve.

"Hey. Everything okay?" Steve asks again. Tony's heart swoons at the blonde's caring behaviour.

"Yep! It's great. Let's order."

*

Tony manages to pay the bill with a whole thirty dollars to spare, which will immediately be going back to Rhodey. Most of the money went into their dinners and the wine. They shared three bottles between the two of them but spent nearly two hours there.

They're walking around the city together now, talking about anything and everything. Tony still hasn't told him about Peter, but he promises himself he will if there's a third date.

Steve reaches out and laces their fingers together with a big smile. His hands are much larger than Tony's and sends a shiver up his arm. He can't wipe the smile from his face.

"I've had a really nice night," Steve says, shoulder brushing against Tony's as they walk down the sidewalk.

"Me too, but next time, you're paying," Tony replies with a quiet laugh.

The crescent moon hangs overhead in the starry sky, making the puddles on the side of the street sparkle.

"Next time?" Steve replies, turning to look at the shorter man. Tony blushes under his gaze, the smile faltering.

"If you want to, of course."

"I would be honoured. I'll call you?"

Tony leans against Steve as they walk back towards his car. "Sounds great. But, fair warning, I'll be busy for the next couple weeks with work, so it'll be a while until I'm free."

"That's alright. I'm heading to my friend's place for a couple of weeks anyway. He lives in Germany, so it'll be a while until I'm free as well."

They get into Tony's car, basking in the AC when it turns on and fills the car. Tony immediately takes off to Steve's apartment, feeling a little bad because he's had a little too much wine to be driving, but neither of them questions it.

They park outside Steve's apartment complex and Tony turns to the passenger.

"I had a really good time," Tony repeats. "This won't be the last?"

There's a moment of silence where Tony feels like his heart is going to explode out of his chest before Steve leans forward and presses a kiss to Tony's cheek.

He pulls away with a sparkling smile, making his blue eyes light up with his joy.

"Of course not. I'll call you or you call me. I had fun. We'll do it again sometime," Steve replies. He opens the car door after unbuckling his seatbelt and is about to get out of the car before Tony stops him.

He grabs onto the blonde's wrist and when Steve turns to him, he kisses him straight on the mouth. Steve immediately cups Tony's face with his free hand, pulling the mechanic closer to him.

When Tony pulls away, his dark eyes are sparkling with the cliché fireworks exploding inside his head and his jaw is dropped.

"I'll call you," Steve repeats before getting out of the car and disappearing into the building.

Tony sits in his car for a few minutes longer, trying to get his heart under control enough to breathe evenly. He feels flushed all over from the wine and from Steve.

"Come on, Stark. He's just a guy," Tony scolds himself, starting his car again. "Just a guy."

*

"He's not just some guy, Carol!" Tony exclaims when he gets home and collapses across the couch. "He's the best guy."

"Behind me, right?" Rhodey questions. They're both obviously happy for him. It's been a long time since he's looked this happy about his life. He's obviously brought happiness from his kid and from his best friends, but he's finally got something besides the three of them.

"It's a close tie," Tony says teasingly. "He's so sweet and considerate and his lips were-"

"We don't want to know the details, Tony," she says, rolling her eyes. "I'm surprised you didn't stay the night with him."

"I don't want this to turn into a one-night stand and to never talk to him again. I need the other parts of it first. I don't want to rush this for once."

"I'm glad you're happy, Tony," Rhodey says. "But you better get that money back to me, okay? Or we'll be going off ramen noodles next week."

"I will, I will. I promise. I don't regret spending that at all. I'd prefer to work my ass off all the time than to not go on another date with Steve again. He's amazing," Tony gushes. The wine is fully hitting his system now and he's so dazedly happy with everything.

"It's a little early to be falling in love, Tones," Carol says with a laugh.

"He's so sweet, guys! He's so... so sweet," Tony continues.

"Okay, let's get you to bed. You've had enough fun for one night."

*

"Tony! Tony, you have to wake up. Right now," an angry voice says, shaking his shoulder. He's immediately hit with a headache as he blinks his eyes open.

Rhodey's standing over him with a stern expression. A pair of Advil and a mug of coffee is pushed into his hands.

"Get up. You need to get downstairs now. Carol's distracting him and Peter's playing in the backyard. We need you down there," Rhodey says, motioning for Tony to hurry up.

"Who's here?" Tony questions, jolting awake very quickly at that.

"Your father is here. He showed up just a few minutes ago saying that he needed to talk to you. It's urgent or something. He wouldn't say how he knew where we lived, but he's here and Peter's confused and worried, and Carol's trying her best to distract him. We need you up and ready to talk to him. Right now."

Tony throws his legs out of bed, downing the pills and coffee in seconds before heading to his wardrobe.

Soon, Tony is changed into a pair of blue jeans with an old Freddie Mercury t-shirt he got at a thrift store a couple of years back. Tony runs a hand through his hair, hoping it looks presentable before heading down the stairs as impassively as he can.

Howard looks up at his footsteps and Tony can't help but freeze up in his steps. He hadn't seen his father in years, at least four years. He's standing next to Carol whose face is covered with undeniable panic.

"Carol, could you go check on Peter? Make sure he's okay?" Tony says, forcing himself to take his eyes off his father and move them to her.

She nods quickly, shooting him a look that says good luck. She glances back at Howard once more before ducking out of the room.

Tony walks down the last few steps, keeping his chin up and back straight. Just how he was taught when he was little.

"Father," Tony greets, unable to keep the cold glare from his eyes.

"Anthony," Howard sneers. He crosses his arms over his chest, golden watch glinting in the midday sunshine. He's wearing a black suit, obviously new for the occasion of visiting his son for the first in half a decade. "I was meaning to speak to you."

"I have a phone for a reason," Tony snaps. He's angry. What can you expect? He doesn't want this monster anywhere near Peter.

"You told me not to call and this is something I wanted to do face-to-face anyway. It's about time I... apologize," he says, jaw clenching to hold back his anger.

Tony, on the other hand, doesn't hold back at the rage that explodes inside his chest.

"You don't have the goddamn right to apologize anymore! If I were still a naïve seventeen-year-old, maybe it would've worked, but I'm twenty-one, now. You can't show up after five fucking years and expect me to accept a half-assed apology! After everything I went through because of you, you don't get to apologize to me."

Howard doesn't answer, letting his head fall. His fingers twist with the material of his jacket and he bites his bottom lip. He should've expected this result.

Tony opens his mouth to continue his rant, but the back door opening cuts him off.

"Peter-" Carol's saying, trying to catch the kid that races into the room.

"Daddy, who's he? What's going on?" Peter demands, stopping at the entryway to the living room.

"C'mere," Tony murmurs, letting his anger dissolve. He scoops his son into his arms, turning to face his father with a proud smile. "Howard, this is Peter, my son. Kiddie, this is Howard, my father."

Peter's face falls, somehow partially understanding the situation and he curls his body closer to Tony.

"Why are you here?" he asks, eyebrows furrowed with childish annoyance.

"I wanted to talk to your dad and to meet you, Peter," Howard explains, voice tipping an octave higher when talking to the kid.

"Daddy doesn't want to talk to you. We have to go grocery shopping today," Peter says, nodding his head confidently. "I was promised ice cream."

"When were you promised ice cream?" Carol asks, turning to look at the kid with a teasing annoyance.

"Uncle Rhodey promised me if I was good!"

As though he was summoned by his name, Rhodey comes walking down the stairs. His shoulders are squared and he's glaring at Howard.

"Get out of our house, Howard. You're not welcome here," Rhodey says carefully. He stands at Tony's other side.

"I wanted to see my son," he argues.

"He's not your son anymore. Just go," Carol says.

Peter's expression has morphed into one of antsy fear being in the room with so many angry people so Tony squeezes him before setting him down on the floor.

"Go back outside, buddy. We'll go grocery shopping really soon," Tony murmurs, ruffling his curls.

Peter nods determinedly before setting off for the backdoor on his short legs. Halfway there, his left foot catches on his right and he topples to the floor, immediately bursting into tears.

The kid's always been sensitive, so nobody's surprised, except for Howard, of course.

"Why is he crying?!" Howard's voice lifts higher, not quite shouting but brinking on it. "Why are you crying? You just tripped! Get up and keep walking!"

Peter's wide, glassy eyes find his dad's and he stretches his arms out, bottom lip wobbling. Luckily, Carol gets there first and she scoops Peter up into her arms.

"It's okay, Petey. I've got you. You're okay. Let's go outside," she says, carrying Peter to the backdoor and shooting another look of good luck over her shoulder.

"You're raising your kid to be a fucking cry baby! He's not a Stark! Stark's are made of iron! Stark's don't cry! You're both a fucking disgrace to the name-"

Before Howard can continue, Rhodey lunges forward, punching Howard in the nose.

Tony's father trips backwards over his own feet, clutching his bleeding nose in agony.

"Maybe you didn't hear me," Rhodey says, voice hard and flat. "Get out of our house. You're not welcome here."

Tony's standing still in shock and confusion. He always thought he'd be the one to deck his father, but Rhodey beat him there.

"Fuck you. Your company will never beat Howard Enterprises. Your stupid Stark Industries will never gain enough to beat me. You will never beat me. Get that through your thick skull," Howard glares, dragging himself back to his feet. His nose is bleeding all down the front of his white button-up and coating his hands in blood.

Rhodey lifts his clenched fists in a warning and Howard does not need to be told twice, ducking out the front door and slamming it shut behind him.