Chapter Text
Tony didn't really like keeping secrets.
For one, he was bad at it. If it was something important, then sure, he'd take the secret to the grave. But if it was something stupid or silly, he wouldn't be able to keep it to save his life.
Like the time when Clint was stealing Natasha's comfy pillows to use in his nest in the vents. Tony hadn't even lasted a few hours before Clint was running for his life, shouting revenge at Tony while Natasha chased after him.
But Tony had one secret he knew he would never tell, not even a hint at what it was. He would be mortified if anyone found out about it. Not that it was particularly bad. It didn't hurt anybody. But if the Avengers found out...?
Tony shuddered, pushing away his project as he stood up feeling antsy. He had been working for the past five hours non stop since Steve had come down to check on him and give him a sandwich which sat on the workbench, neglected. It would probably sit there for the next three days too.
He needed a break. Needed some relief from the stress and workload that constantly piled up against him. And there was only one thing that helped him get that relief.
He turned away from his work, striding out of the lab door. He took the elevator up to his floor. He tapped the side of his leg impatiently with his fingers until the elevator door opened and walked out, going to his room.
He rummaged through his drawers, scowling when he came up empty handed. "Jarvis, where are my clothes?"
"On you, Sir?" Jarvis suggested.
Tony rolled his eyes. "Very funny. The other clothes," he corrected, smirking at his AI's sass.
"I believe those would be in the drawer on your left, Sir," Jarvis informed him, this time with no evidence of sarcasm in his tone.
Tony looked through the drawer he was told and smiled, finding what he needed. It wasn't much really, but he still needed it for where he was going.
Putting everything back in place, he grabbed his bag, shoving the article of clothing into the pocket and zipping it firmly shut. He slung it over his shoulders, feeling like a school kid again but quickly shook his head, pushing away those thoughts.
He took the elevator down to the common area to exit the building. He knew the others were likely to be there but if they asked him where he was going he'd just lie like he always did. Blame it on a meeting and such.
He would never tell them the truth of his random outings. His pride would kill him if he tried. No. It was better they didn't know.
The elevator doors opened and Tony looked around. He grimaced when he saw all of the Avengers there, sitting on the couches watching TV.
Movie night. How had he forgotten?
He wondered if he could just slip by them without their notice. He attempted to try just that, creeping by on tip toe but Clint walked out of the kitchen, a bowl of popcorn nestled in his arm and caught Tony red handed.
"What are you doing?" Clint spoke loudly.
Tony froze where he stood, seeing the other Avengers turn on the couches to look at him.
"O-oh, um...out? I, uh, got a meeting. Don't mind me," Tony said, forcing his body to relax so the Avengers didn't suspect anything was wrong as he tried for an easy smile at the group of heroes. "You go back to your movie now. I'll be back later."
"Tony," Steve said, looking exasperated. "It's nearly ten at night. What meeting could you possibly be going to?" He said, making Tony swallow as he thought up a quick, hopefully believable lie.
"It's one Pepper set up. Don't know much about it but you know what Pepper is like. She'll have my behind if I try to flake out of it," Tony said, shrugging his shoulders.
"Can't you cancel? We've missed you the last few days. You're always cooped up in your lab. Can't you just spend the night with us and watch a movie?" Steve said, looking slightly desperate.
Tony knew they were worried. He knew they were concerned with his health from the constant sleepless nights and Tony's terrible coffee addiction. But in reality, Tony was a lot better then they all seemed to think. He was okay so long as he was able to let off some steam. But staying here and watching a movie wasn't going to accomplish that.
He wished he could tell them all. Wish he could make them understand that he needed this to stay sane. But he couldn't. He couldn't because they would never accept it, they could never understand. They would never look at him the same way again.
"Sorry, Cap. Maybe another night?" Tony said, already knowing that wouldn't happen.
Steve seemed to relent if reluctantly. "Alright. Try and be home before twelve at the latest."
"Will do, mother dear," Tony said, knowing full well he wouldn't be back until morning. Hopefully he could sneak in without any of the other Avengers noticing.
He gave Steve a mocking salute which made the blond roll his eyes as Clint snickered before turning on his heel and leaving before any of them could try calling him back, the door shutting behind him.
As soon as he was a couple blocks away he let out a breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding as he reached in his pocket, drawing out his phone. "Jarvis, you know who to call."
"Of course, Sir," the AI replied as Tony put the phone to his ear, listening to the ringing, waiting for them to pick up.
After what felt like forever, they finally picked up, a male voice answering the phone. "Hello?"
Tony grinned. "Hey, Ty. I'm coming over to perform for tonight. Think you can save me a spot on the stage?"
The man gave a low chuckle. "For you, Tony? Always."