Superman, Firebrand, and the Metropolis Gang in... the World's Mightiest Duckling

[stands_for_hope]

[continued from here]

It took a few weeks, but soon enough, the apartment had become an entirely settled little commune between the five of them. Steve's things had arrived as Clint had promised, they'd been installed in the new apartment, and the group had made the changes they'd discussed for everyone's comfort with one addition: with Steve bunking with Jim, the room he'd initially intended to take had become a general office/library/art room for everyone to use when they felt like a bit of time alone. For as silly as the concept sounded, all of them had ended up using the room a time or two and it had definitely kept things peaceful despite the addition of two new people.

Considering that the apartment was home to four superheroes and a world-famous journalist, it was amazing how easily they all fell into a routine. Jim, Lois, and Clark would usually leave for work around the same time and Steve, always an early riser, had taken to making them something to munch for breakfast on the way after he returned from his morning run. Having also gotten a position at the community center (teaching kids art and art history), Steve would leave with Diana an hour or so after that. Everyone filtered back into the apartment at different times and whoever was feeling up to cooking would usually start dinner when they got in. If no one was feeling up cooking, one of the two 'old' men would treat takeout.

Today, however, Jim's site was currently closed for due to an issue with the plumbing contractors and some unfortunate flooding that had occurred overnight. That was why Clark texted Jim and invited him to come visit he and Lois at the Daily Planet offices and go out for lunch together.

Comments

[justakidfrombrklyn]

"I almost shaved it off for tonight. Wanted to look smart for you," he admitted with a little grin, "but then I thought of how irritating it'd be if we got interrupted. Because it's been great for keeping people from recognizing me."

[kolodnoykovki]

"You look smart with a beard," he promised. "It suits you. And it's got softer so it doesn't rub as much when I kiss you now." He let go of his hand, eyes gleaming as he signaled and carefully parallel parked. They were there - and the restaurant was a hell of a sight with a clear view onto the water. Their suits, judging by the people walking in, fit in perfectly. He'd have to thank Lois later.

[justakidfrombrklyn]

"I didn't like it at first, but I've gotten to like it. Like you putting your fingers through it anyway."

Then he was peering out the window at the restaurant with wide eyes.

"...huh."

That was a bit of old Steve's wonder. There'd been parties and fundraiser and everything that came along with knowing Tony Stark and being Captain America, but being out with Jim, out as Steve... it was so much fancier than what he would ever be used to and he felt all the more special for it.

[kolodnoykovki]

Jim smiled as he dropped the car into park and turned the engine off. "Fancy enough for you?" He leaned over, stroking his knuckles over Steve's side. "I thought it might match your suit."

[justakidfrombrklyn]

"The hot dog stand is fancy enough for me," he admitted with a laugh, slipping out of the car and straightening out his clothes.

"You look pleased, though."

[kolodnoykovki]

He climbed out, hit the button to lock it, then circled to meet Steve on the side nearest the restaurant. "I wanted us to have a big night out," he murmured. "The kind neither one of us could've had before. I remember scrapin' pennies for potatoes. I remember working in the back of restaurants like this and my stomach growlin' the whole time I was washing dishes. This time, I want to be out front, giving my best guy what he deserves."

[justakidfrombrklyn]

"And your best guy would kiss you for it right now if he could," Steve said low, pitched just for Jim. Because he remembered Bucky coming home after working at those places, making stew out of those potatoes, smiling about a bit of bacon he'd managed to wheedle out of Mr. McManus, the grocer, because it meant that stew would taste that much better.

"For now, though, you and me, we get to live the dream, eh?"

He gestured for Jim to lead.

[kolodnoykovki]

"Exactly." A brush of a touch to Steve's back and he headed for the door. The restaurant was just as pretty inside as out, with its granite bar top and impeccable white tablecloths. He gave them the name, that they had a reservation, and asked if they could possibly have a window seat. When they were seated, it was beside a beautiful view on the water with two menus and a wine list.

Now this was more than he'd expected.

[justakidfrombrklyn]

"This is beautiful, Jim," he said quietly as they took their seats.

[kolodnoykovki]

"This is fancier," he admitted, "than I thought. But it is really nice, isn't it? Wonder if we should decide on wine first, then food, or the other way around..."

The restaurant was heavy on seafood, and he read thoughtfully, testing each dish against his appetite.

[justakidfrombrklyn]

"I'm up for trying a little of everything," he admitted, "since I don't think I've ever tried half of this stuff. It all sounds amazing, though."

He looked around the restaurant.

"Maybe we ask the server for a suggestion?"

[kolodnoykovki]

Jim nodded. "Probably the smart thing to do. I can read everything on here, but I don't know what half of them taste like."

The server arrived just moments later with water and a smile. "Good evening, sirs. Would you like to choose your wine or an appetiser or do you need a few more minutes?"

"We were just talking about that, actually. We'd like to ask your advice."

[justakidfrombrklyn]

The server smiled, obviously excited at being able to help.

"The mussels are really good, and I'm a big fan of the crab cakes, but that's me. Can't go wrong with the lobster soup either if you like soup. Wine? The house white is actually really good this week, but I'll just point out the most expensive one on there and tell you that honestly, we don't have a bad bottle on the list."

[kolodnoykovki]

Jim smiled. "Okay, let's start with the mussels and a white wine... Um, whole bottle - this one from Long Island? And I think I'll have the sea bass with the lobster sauce."

[justakidfrombrklyn]

"Ok, sounds good. Can do. And you, sir?"

She looked at him a little longer, almost as if she was trying to figure something out. Steve knew that look and got to ordering.

"The swordfish and tuna steak, please."

"And how would you like the tuna cooked?"

Steve blinked because... It was fish. However you cook fish. The server took pity on him.

"Wanna try medium? It's pretty good that way."

"Sure! Whatever you say."

"Trust me. It's really good." Then she turned to Jim. "Appetizer before or at the same time as the entrees?"

[kolodnoykovki]

"Before, please," he smiled, intentionally layering on the charm. "Thanks." And then, with perfect organisation, he stacked their menus and handed them over. "We appreciate your help."

When she went, Jim gave him a look that bloomed into a smile. "Little bit of a close call."

[justakidfrombrklyn]

"A beard can apparently only do so much," he said with a shake of his head.

"I don't know how Clark does it."

[kolodnoykovki]

"The secret seems to be glasses," he teased, nudging his shoe against Steve's under the table. "Maybe we should get you a pair. You might be cute with wireframes. Make you look smarter than you already are."

[justakidfrombrklyn]

"I've got a pair of horn-rimmed glasses that I use at the community center, but I wasn't about to wear them out for a night on the town," he said with a little smile and a nudge under the table.

[kolodnoykovki]

"Well, I appreciate it," he murmured, eyes gleaming. "I like seeing your beautiful blue eyes." He was careful to keep his voice quiet when he said that, but he couldn't help the smile.

[justakidfrombrklyn]

Steve flushed a little with the praise and even preened a little.

"Wouldn't want anything to block my view of you," he said in reply.

[kolodnoykovki]

Lifting a hand, he flicked a wave out of his forehead, his hat already placed aside. "I do look pretty damn good tonight, don't I?"

[justakidfrombrklyn]

Steve's lips twisted in a smile that was a little more wicked than impish for once.

"You look damn good. Though I'll admit, my favorite part's the smile."

[kolodnoykovki]

"Really? 'Cause my favourite part's the vest. I think it makes my back look hot." He could tease just as easily as Steve could.

[justakidfrombrklyn]

"Your back's hot enough already. Not gonna lie, Jim. When I used to give you a rub down after a long day at the docks? I, uh... mighta enjoyed it almost as much as you did."

He hadn't done anything improper, but he wasn't going to deny it'd been a rush to get his hands along the smooth planes of muscle.