He doesn’t need another tiger. Especially so soon after having acquired the first. But now that people are talking about hunting, he thinks maybe he should keep an eye on the local tiger population, make sure they’re not depleted on the off-chance that this plan of his actually works and they need more of them. Not what the greatest technological genius – after Howard Stark – in the world should really be spending his time on, but beggars couldn’t be choosers.

Plus, it helps to keep an eye on the town. Unlike so many of the others who seem to be growing complacent in their lives in the town, Tony hasn’t and he still wants to go home. And he wants to find Steve. Which is what his thoughts inevitably turn to as he walks along the edge of the forest, scouting for signs of anything that could help him.

When movement catches his eye, he almost ignores it as his imagination. Until some sixth sense urges him to turn his head. He comes to an abrupt halt, eyes narrowing at the sight of the man walking toward him. It can’t be. It can’t be.

It better fucking well be.

“Steve?”