[ the past and the future; the beginning possibilities and the historical relics of what once existed. at times, it merged together to create something nearly unstoppable but other moments it ripped things to shreds and only left destruction in its way. if only, Steve knew how to predict which way things would swing when it came to the two of them. with his Tony, at least, the one in front of him seemed different in so many ways, especially with how he regarded him. not at all adversarial, just waiting for something to spark into an inferno. it should have made him pleased, shouldn't it? but it only made him sad because it nearly felt like a scene out of 'it's a wonderful life'. just in an opposite way - others being better without his presence rather than worse off.

if only things were different with Tony, oh how he wished they found a way to connection better because when they managed it they really could take on the world and win. ]

Already feels like home. [ the words were an easy tease, only offset by the slight yearning lingering in his eyes but it disappeared nearly as quickly as it came.

he needed to remember this Tony wasn't his. ]

[ he let out a deep overly dramatic sigh. ] I mean I'll try but you know how I like to make a scene. All eyes on me. [ with a crooked grin, he started to inch closer to the temple entrance and the roaming fog. the sound of drumbeats met his ears and unsettled him for some reason. deeply unsettled him, actually. ]

What about Anthony? [ the words felt muffled the further he stepped into the fog and his eyes stung something fierce. bracing himself, he arrived at the entrance, his head tilting up to see the ancient markings. Hmmm. ]

Do you hear anything?