I'm not one for cupcakes, let alone sweet things in general but Pep claimed that she had a "craving." Ten blocks later at we're at this little cupcake joint nestled in between a mac store and game stop. Odd choice in real estate but somehow it fits. Again, I don't like cupcakes so I left Pepper to her own devises when it came to picking what sugar over loaded hell she wanted to stuff her face with. What I really wanted was to get back home and modify my latest acquisition, a 65' Shelby CSX Cobra. The previous owner, an idiot, managed to let the car sit outside for moths and it's got several rust spots from where the paint's chipped.

"Tony, are you even listening?"

Nope. Then again, I never really listen to most of the things that come out of Pepper's mouth. "No, what were you saying?" I shifted my attention to the red head who's mouth was stuffed with cupcake.

"Of course you weren't."

I could've have been in a different room and still feel the force of that stupid eye roll she does when she's irritated. I shrug, what does she expect from me? We're in a cupcake shop for fucks' sake.

"I was saying that we should bring home a few for Bruce." She poked me with the prongs of the fork.

"Was that even necess-" My eyes studied her as I stood up, "I hope that goes to your ass."

Pepper groaned, sliding the remainder of the cupcake away from her. "Seriously, Tony?!"

What can I say? I'm hilarious.

The blonde behind the counter had a grin that could be a mile wide if I had the time to measure. "Hey, ah..What's good?"

He laughed, awkwardly shifting between his feet. "Well, everything."

Of course everything is good. It's his job to say so. I smile back at him, "How about you pick out four of your favorites." I'm sure that he has a decent taste in cupcakes if he works here. A big plot twist would be if this guy doesn't like cupcakes. Hah.

"Sure thing." He unfolded a pale blue box and neatly dropped in the four cupcakes of his choice.

At the register, he sealed the tiny box with a sticker fashioned with the store's logo and name. "Coney Island Cakes"

"You guys have cakes to?" I asked, looking around the rather small shop.

"Yes sir, they're made to order." He answered, a faint blush growing on his cheeks. What a cute kid.

I handed him a twenty, "What's your name?"

His smile grew even wider, "It's Steve." Steve. I held out a hand, "Tony Stark." He shyly reached over the counter, shaking my hand before handing my change back.

"I know who you are."

Of course he does. Everyone knows who Iron Man is unless they've been living under a sopping wet rock deep within the forest of hell. We exchanged awkward smiles with one another until he came around from behind the counter, hold his cell phone out.

"Can I get a picture with-"

"Of course." I motioned for Pepper to join us and she reluctantly walked over, still butthurt over me teasing her. "Here," I took his phone and handed it off to Pep.

"Alright." She held the phone out in front of her, "One. Two. Three."

The younger man enthusiastically wrapped his arms tightly around my waist and planted a firm kiss on my cheek. The look on Pepper's face when the flash went off was priceless. I could safely say that neither of expected such a personal photo.

She handed the phone back to the blonde who was beaming as soon as he saw the picture. Curiosity struck me and I pressed up on my toes to look at the product of his rather surprising kiss. He looked..in love. I fought back a smile and stepped away. "It was nice meeting you, kid." Pepper took me by the wrist, a sour look on her face. I took one last glance over my shoulder, catching the young man sweeping his fingertips across his bottom lip, still staring at the phone.


"Hey, we have that fundraiser tonight."

"Can't we do it some other time?"

"Not exactly. Tony. Get up." I pulled the blanket over my head, shielding myself from Pepper. I can hear her swearing under her breath and can't help but smile at her frustration.

"It's like I have my own child."

"A hot child." The blanket quickly came off as Pepper yanked it from her end, revealing everything and she moved to shield her eyes.

"Really, Tony?!"

"You should know I sleep commando."

She turned around, her back now to me and I can't help but silently mock her. I placed a hand on my hip, mouth silently mimicking her every word.

"Get dressed and I'll see you in the kitchen. Hurry up." And with the last word, she was gone.

Hurry up. She's crazy. I'm Tony Stark and I will take my time. Who rushes when they're taking a shower? Oh yeah, Pepper Potts.


As usual, I arrive fashionably late. Of course, Pepper is barking in my ear about how I hold no regard to others. And her point is? I'm just here for the alcohol and girls so I don't see how being here early would benefit me. The women aren't even buzzed and they don't break out the good stuff until late.

She grips my arm, reminding me to be careful and not make a mess that she'd have to clean up in the morning. Okay, mom.

I easily found the bar. "Black Label and you can leave the bottle, good sir."

A firm hand clasped on my shoulder and I braced myself for a scolding from Pep for taking a bottle instead of just one tiny, insignificant glass. Instead, to my surprise, it was that blonde from the bakery that Pepper and I visited several weeks ago.

"Tony Stark." There was that smile again. This time, I managed to fully take the younger male in. His eyes were bright, filled with the same wonder as the day back at the bakery.

I remembered his name. I deserve a second bottle for that one. "Steve." And we exchanged smiles as I took this strange relief in seeing him again. I'd be lying to say that I haven't thought about him. He's hard to forget.

"So what brings someone like you to a boring fundraiser?"

"Cupcakes." He admitted bashfully, thumbing towards the huge tiered cupcake rack. Of course, the cupcakes. "Speaking of, did you enjoy the ones I picked out for you?"

I took a sip from my glass, "Actually, I didn't try one. They were for my friend. I don't really like sugary baked goods."

Steve looked surprised that there were actually people who didn't like cupcakes. "Oh."

"I will tell you this, Steve." I furrowed my brows, polishing off my first glass. "If you made a cupcake that tasted like this, I'd buy them all."

He laughed, rubbing the stubble of his chin. "I can actually make that happen." I stared at him blankly, was he serious?

"You're serious, right? Because, joking about scotch flavored things I can eat is no joke."

He nodded. "Of course, you'll have to come down and be my official taste tester." Well, it appears that coming to this fundraiser was not a waste after all.

"You sir, have a deal." I shook his hand before pouring another glass. "Want one?" I waved the bottle around and he enthusiastically nodded. Awesome. I grinned, thrilled to now have someone that was willing to share the bottle with me.

"Why do you even have a bottle?" Steve laughed, taking a drink.

"Because I'm Tony Stark."

He rolled his eyes, a smirk on his face. "Of course."

Soon, he's hanging off of me, arms loosely draped around my neck. Lightweight.

"Tony Stark." He hummed into my ear, purring against my skin.

"Oh my." A startled voice came from behind me and I looked over to see a man just an inch or two shorter than Steve.

"Hello." I raised a brow, steadying the shit faced boy with one of my arms.

"Buckyyy." Steve cooed, poking the man on his nose. I snorted as the darker haired man looked at me, embarrassment written all over his face.

"Mr. Stark, I apologize for him." He began, helping Steve to his feet.

"Tony." Steve pursed his lips at me, "This is my boyfr-" He hiccups before he can finish the sentence and giggles. The man, Bucky shook my hand, apologizing once more before commenting how how it was a pleasure to meet me. He then left, with Steve stumbling next to him.