Title: None of Us Stand Alone
Fandom: Marvel Cinematic Universe
Rating: PG
Length: 681 words
Content notes: This is post Endgame
Author notes: My grandmother used to say 'Charity begins at home' because she never gave anyone anything.
Summary: Tony has a surprise for Steve at his charity ball.



Tony remembered his father saying it over and over. “Charity begins at home.” He’d always thought it was just an excuse to keep his money. Most rich men he’d known were, deep down, stingy and greedy. His father was not that different from the others.

Pepper rang him. “Are you ready for the ball? You know this night means a lot to many people.”

“I am all but my bowtie. You know I can’t properly tie these things.” His tux was black as was his bowtie. He admitted that he cleaned up rather well.

“I’ll be right up and tie it for you.”

She made a hurried entrance a few seconds later. "Happy is bringing the car around. You’ll pick up your companion then go to the ball. I’m coming with Jim and we’ll see you there. Is my dress all right?”

She twirled around in her sea blue evening gown. Tony thought she looked exquisite.

“You are the most beautiful woman there.”

“We’re not even there yet.” She protested but her smile said something else.

They took the elevator down to meet Happy. He held the door for Tony. “You look lovely, Miss Potts,” Happy told her just before she got into the limo behind Tony’s.

The event for the night was the Maria Stark Foundation Annual Ball. Tony did believe in charity, as had his mother, and tonight, he would give away millions in scholarships and grants to the brightest and best from all across the country. There would be drinks and hors d'oeuvres, then dinner and Tony’s presentations followed by dancing and more drinks.

First, he had to pick up his date.

They drove all the way out to Brooklyn. Tony called Steve. “We’re here,” Tony said. Moments later, Steve Rogers came through the glass doors of his apartment building. He made Tony look like a high school boy going to prom. He was dressed in a black tuxedo with a deep blue tie. His hair gleamed in the evening light. He smiled at Tony when Happy opened the door for him to get in.

“I’d give everything to charity to see you like this every day.”

Steve had the good graces to blush a little at Tony’s compliment. Steve leaned close and kissed Tony. “You don’t look too bad, either, Mr. Stark.”

They caused quite a stir when they arrived. Everyone in New York, may be even the whole country, knew that Tony Stark was in a relationship. Until tonight, most had assumed it was with Pepper Potts. This was their first time in public as a couple, their coming out party, as it were.

They drank and ate, then Tony took the stage.

He gave out 25 full scholarships to students in all areas of study and from all over. He gave 10 grants to innovative companies that were manufacturing in more environmentally sound ways.

“The Maria Stark Foundation Award for service and excellence is given every year to a person of great character and who has given their all for the greater good. This year I have the privilege of awarding my best friend and partner, a man who has saved many lives and who came from another generation to save the world – I give you Steve Rogers, Captain America.”

Steve was surprised, shocked even. Tony and Pepper had carefully kept the identity of the winner from him. He stood from his seat and made his way to the dais.

“I want to thank Tony for this and want to remind everyone that he was more responsible for saving the world than me, many times over. None of us got here by ourselves and none of us stand alone. That is how it should be. Thank you, Tony.” He leaned close and kissed Tony’s cheek before returning to his seat. The attendees roared with applause.

“Now all of you drink my liquor and eat my food and enjoy!” Tony said to everyone and took his seat by Steve.

“That’s how you do a charity event,” Tony told Steve as he kissed his lips this time.