"I think I'm a bit overdressed for this place." Bruce self-consciously adjusted his tie.
"You think?" Natasha hid a smirk, looking at the outside of the old-fashioned burger joint.
"Well, you did say we were going somewhere nice. I thought a suit would be appropriate."
"I meant a nice place to be. They have the best milkshakes in town. It's also a great place to relax and just have some fun."
He let out a self-deprecating laugh and scratched the back of his head. "Then I guess it's my fault."
Natasha shook her head good-naturedly, "Just a little miscommunication. No big." She stood in front of him and undid his tie, slipping it off of his neck, folding it carefully, and putting it in her purse, then undid the first two buttons of his dress shirt. She could feel Bruce's heart rate increase ever so slightly, which made her heart ache in a way that was wholly unfamiliar.
Looking up at him, she grinned, "There. Now you look casual enough to grab a burger. You ready, ace?"
"Thanks," he breathed. "Although, this is a fifties diner, and the term 'ace' was primarily used in the forties." Nat raised an eyebrow, and Bruce chuckled nervously. "I mean, uh, what's a dolly like you doing without an escort?" He mentally kicked himself. He wasn't so good at this flirting thing. Or whatever it was.
In an old-time accent, Nat replied, "Looking for a handsome dreamboat to buy me a nice meal."
Now it was his turn to raise his eyebrows. Handsome? Dreamboat? Surely, she was playing with him. And pay? Was this a date? He had no objection to paying for her meal, but he hadn't been on a date in years…
"Ease up, soldier," Nat said, grabbing his hand and leading him through the entrance. "I'm only playing with you. It's a joke. We'll split the check."
Was she only joking about the check? Or about the other stuff as well?
Clearing his mind, for once Bruce decided to enjoy it. He flashed her a lopsided grin and imitated her accent, "All right babydoll."
"Bruce?"
"Yeah?"
"Never call me babydoll again."
"Yeah, I figured… Sorry."
She squeezed his hand affectionately, "It's alright, you big dork."