Disclaimer: If you recognize it then it isn't mine...
Captain America looked around at the damage caused by the latest battle and glanced over at Natasha who noted that Tony's building had been damaged once more. "He is not going to be happy." She grinned, "You're going to get it when you get home." As though the damage had been Steve's fault.
A slight grin took over Steve's features as he idly glanced around and noted several civilians moving about with cameras. "Yeah. Wouldn't be home without such amusing confrontations." A chuckle escaped.
"You'll have to make it up to him somehow." Natasha started walking towards the SHIELD vehicle that held Coulson who was more than likely mourning the fact that his lack of paperwork had come to an end. "Good luck." She winked and walked away as Steve called after her.
"Thanks for that!" the tone was slightly sarcastic and filled with good humor.
"What is it with this city and maniacs?" Hawkeye lamented as he took out another crazed robotic deer. "Who the fuck creates an army of robotic deer?" he paused, "STARK! This better not have been you and you're just fucking with us!"
Iron Man blasted by and flipped him off before spiraling to the left to blast one of the larger creatures. "Please. I could do so much better than deer. He should have aimed higher…like robotic velociraptors with a more advanced AI! Now that would strike terror in to the hearts of New Yorkers everywhere." There was almost a wistful note to his voice as his mind began to actually design these velociraptors.
"Stark I will shoot you." Coulson's voice cut in over the comm and was followed by BlackWidow's laughter as she dove onto the back of the attacking robot in front of her. A blade to the back of its neck and the lights died before it crumpled. "You will never be able to create another AI. This I promise you." The voice was clearly working to convey seriousness.
"You're no fun, Agent! Just think of the poss—"
"No."
"Fuck no, Stark! You would send one of those damn things after me…I just know it." Hawkeye sounded vaguely petulant. "I will take a blow torch to Dummy—"
"You touch my bot and I will end you Barton. I will torture you in ways you couldn't even hope to imagine and then I'll go a step above that. Dummy is off limits." Iron Man dropped from the sky in hopes of smashing into a deer only to take Captain America's shield to the chest. "Fuck!" he grunted as he was flung backwards through the air and into a parked school bus. The deer charged him with all the vengeance of a scorned woman and Tony knew all about scorned women.
"God! Tony are you ok?" Steve's voice registered over the comm as he picked up his shield and killed the robotic deer charging Iron Man.
"Strike two, Capsicle! That is the second time in a month you've taken me out with your shield." Iron Man slumped into the ruins of the bus.
"Excellent aim as always, Captain." Coulson's voice sounded smug.
Tony glared in the basic direction of where Coulson was located. "You're off the Christmas list now! No vintage Captain America ANYTHING!"
"Tony you're going to make him cry." Hawkeye laughed as he took aim and killed another deer. "Hey guys…one left!"
"Make that zero, Barton. Learn to count." Natasha's voice came over the comm and was filled with glee. "Maybe I should take up hunting"
Tony shuddered at the thought of Natasha going out into the wild to kill things. Those poor defenseless animals. Maybe he could invent something to help them defend themselves…it seemed only fair.
"Ah…reporters are swarming. Let's go get something to eat…I'm starving." Iron Man removed his helmet as he allowed Steve to pull him from the wreckage. He started walking away from the others with a noticeable dent in the armor. Steve predicted several long nights with Tony working on fixing the suit or just moving on to another upgrade all together.
Natasha walked up to him with Clint following close behind her as she watched Tony move to avoid the reports with ease as he carefully lifted up into the air above their heads. Several did not look amused and more started towards the Earthbound Avengers. "Ugh." She muttered, "So how are you going to make it up to him this time? Not only did you miss that event that you promised you were going to attend, but now you've gone and destroyed one of his toys."
"I'll go with him to the charity event that I have been trying to dodge." He moved away from the reporters and followed after Tony as the reporters scrambled after them.
Two weeks had passed since the robotic deer terrorized the citizens of New York City and Steve Rogers AKA Captain America had been all over the news. Wild speculation about him having a fiancé had begun to circulate. Reporters were trying to find out any news on who this mysterious person was and the fact that they had not heard of Captain America being in a relationship only added more fuel to the fire. Clint was enjoying the reports far too much and Steve had taken to ignoring the various printed news stories that Clint had begun to hang around Avengers' Mansion. Steve was finally cornered by a small horde of reporters all clamoring for the story. For answers and for a piece of Captain America.
Who was his fiancé? Where had he been keeping this mysterious person? Why had no one heard of this news before? What charity event had he attended with his fiancé? Was everything ok?
Steve worked to push past the exhaustion, but even the supersoldier serum was no match for so many hours logged fighting, taking hits and a decided lack of sleep. All he wanted was for Tony to show up. He was the king of dealing with this kind of thing. "Tony would know how to handle this."
It didn't register that he had spoken that last thought out loud or that the reporters had latched onto the response with a fervor that he'd never seen or known was possible.
"Tony? Tony Stark is your fiancé?" the excited voices snapped him back to reality as his mind wheeled backwards and scrambled to find where they could have possibly gotten that answer. "When did you pop the question? How did you ask him?" He stumbled onto the possibility that he hadn't realized he was speaking his thoughts out loud. A sinking feeling took over and filled his stomach as he tried to back away. This was not good. Tony was going to kill him. There was no way around this.
After everything he'd done lately and then smashing Tony into a school bus with his shield…there was no way to recover from this slip up. He raised his hands and pushed down the feeling of panic when confronted with so many excited reporters and journalists. No PR person on the planet could save him now. Why couldn't things be like they were in WWII where the reporters were not this insane?
"I'm sorry. I…I have to leave." He stuttered and fled from the frenzied press; from the questions and the loud voices talking into their phones no doubt spreading the news that Captain America had landed the famous billionaire, genius, bachelor Tony Stark AKA Iron Man. Steve put off going home for as long as he could before giving it up.
As he neared the front door to Avengers' Mansion Steve tried to quell the nervousness that had taken over and gathered his strength because Tony was going to be furious. This was unforgiveable. Something so important and personal; Tony had been the victim of so many scandals and rumors. Now Steve had only added to it.
Carefully he pushed the door open as Jarvis greeted him. "Welcome home, Captain."
"Hello, Jarvis." He paused, "Do you know where Tony is?" Steve tried not to wince. He didn't succeed.
"Mr. Stark is in his workshop on the phone." Came the prompt response. "I'm sure he'd welcome the interruption."
"Thanks." Steve trudged towards the stairs and slowly made his way down to the sounds of movement. "Tony?" he called out as his access code granted him entry. Dummy was waving a magazine around and whirring excitedly.
Tony Stark was a whirlwind of activity and energy as he practically buzzed about his space. The place where he was in his element and Steve idly wondered if Tony was unaware of what had happened. Surely he wouldn't be in such a good mood if he knew.
"Steve! Come and take a look!" Tony waved his arm to indicate several images floating in the air; the computer screens were filled and Dummy was trying to sort the magazines that were piled up.
"What is it?" his voice came out hesitantly as he carefully advanced towards Tony. All the while his mind was working furiously on how to explain what happened, how to apologize and what the possible repercussions might be.
"I wasn't sure if you wanted an outdoor ceremony or inside at a church. I've got Pepper in contact with several excellent tailors who can custom make everything, but I need to know if you're wanting to go with a standard tux type of event or if you want to wear your military uniform. I know how important that is to you so I wanted to check first. If you want to go the uniform route Pepper is also looking into locating several individuals who can work with us." Tony indicated to the first screen on his right where an email from Pepper was clearly visible and filled with various names/contact information for tailors of all kinds.
Steve moved to open his mouth after he'd managed not to choke, but Tony was on a roll.
"Do you want a wedding in the Winter or the Spring? We have time for either of those as it has only reached the end of Summer, but I need to know now so we can start getting everything else set into motion. So far Pepper and I have managed to start a guest list, but I need to know if you have anyone I don't know about."
"Um…Tony?" it was said softly but managed to catch the attention of the bundle of energy that was bubbling up about wedding details.
"Yeah, Steve?" Tony sat down in his chair and turned his full attention to the soldier.
"You already heard about the press announcing that I asked you to marry me?" he questioned needing the clarification.
"Of course. Why else do you think I've been working on this? I've already confirmed your statement, contacted Pepper and we started gathering as much as we could to get started." It was said simply as though Tony was talking about Iron Man upgrades.
"You're…not mad? Angry? Livid? Furious?" Steve stared at the genius who was staring at him as though he'd grown a second head.
"Why would I be?"
"Oh…I don't know. Maybe because we've never even started a relationship with each other? Never indicated we wanted to. I basically told the world that we were engaged and didn't deny it. Never asked you if that was ok or what your thoughts or feelings were on it." Steve sounded so distressed that Tony stood up carefully and placed a comforting hand on Steve's shoulder.
"It's ok. If I found it such an offensive idea I would have the entire PR Department dealing with this. And trust me there is a reason I have a whole Department for PR." He grinned and began leading Steve up the stairs. "We'll get through this!"
They walked through the doorway, "CONGRATULATIONS!" the huge sign was hung across the kitchen and the room was filled with Avengers plus Coulson. Clint had gotten party hats and confetti that he threw at them when they walked into the room.
"What the—?" Steve stared around at the most ridiculous display his fellow Avengers had been involved in….well except that one time.
Thor beamed and strode across the room to scoop them both up into a hug. "I'm so happy to learn of this joyous event and future joining of my SHIELD brothers!" he set them down before wiping a tear from his eye.
"So…when is the wedding?" Clint asked with a gleam in his eyes. "Is this going to be a long engagement or a quickie?"
Steve turned red as Clint leered at him. "We haven't decided." Tony took the lead and tugged Steve further into the room. "We were actually going over details."
Coulson walked up to Steve and stared at him with complete seriousness that was slightly hindered by the bright red party hat on his head. "If your life is being threatened or you are under some kind of duress don't hesitate to inform me. Stark has been known to leave a path of destruction in his wake."
Tony pouted, "And to think I wanted you to be my flower girl."
Bruce, who had managed to maintain composure throughout, lost it and began laughing until he had tears streaming down his face. "Did you already have the dress picked out?" he joked.
With all the seriousness of a funeral director Tony responded, "I was thinking purple…maybe lilac."
Clint doubled over and was using Natasha for support who was currently laughing into the counter. "Lilac." It started off a whole new round of laughter as Coulson stared Tony down.
"Supernanny, Carpet. Drooling, Stark."
Tony mock saluted him before quipping, "Is that a no on purple?"
It had been one month since the insanity had begun. Everywhere Steve or Captain America went reporters swarmed him with questions about the big day. How had he proposed? What kind of guest list was there? Where was he getting married?
He'd already been fitted for his suit and had not yet seen Tony's. The tailor had allowed them to take the suits home and when it got closer to the day he could see if adjustments were needed. Steve was losing his mind and Tony continued to make wedding plans, to confer with Pepper and Clint had continued to relentlessly tease him.
Thor began to regale them with tales of such unions on Asgard and how his mother had blessed their future union. He'd also returned with mead from Asgard as a gift for the 'future couple'. Steve had tried to explain that he couldn't get drunk and Thor had informed him that this alcohol was designed for Asgardians. Tony declared that they would know when the perfect moment would be.
Tony had already gotten the rings. When he'd first asked Steve about them, looking over designs the soldier had explained he would rather have a ring that meant something and that no one else had. Brown eyes had turned thoughtful and then lit up. The rings Tony was currently showing him were gleaming silver and moving his fingers over the simple band he could feel the unyielding strength in the metal. But before he could inquire about the material used the Avengers were called to Assemble once more, this time in Boston, to deal with some kind of radioactive scientist. It had taken two hours to contain the area and get the man into quarantine. More reporters were already clamoring to get close despite the danger and Steve could only stare at them in muted horror.
"I need to get out of here." it was said with the desperation of a man watching his life slip by without any control.
Tony took in the expression of fear on Captain America's face and then the weary expressions of his teammates. A brilliant idea. Something new and a lovely change of pace for Steve. Gambling always made everything better. And alcohol…lots of alcohol. A wicked grin stole over his features. Asgardian alcohol.
"I have an idea." Those words coming from Tony Stark could strike fear into the hearts of mankind.
The jet touched down and Steve Rogers looked at the vehicles waiting. He had little time to stand there staring as the others were trying to push him forward. Thor was practically bouncing with obvious joy at the experience and holding a large bottle.
"This is it?" Steve inquired staring at the lights and activity in slightly awe.
"Yep. You're going to love it!" Tony leaned closer to Steve as he peered out the window as well. "Thor! Where is this mead I have heard so much about? The good Captain could use a drink."
"We could all use a drink." Clint muttered as he stared at the bottle in Thor's hands as Natasha collected glasses from the bar inside the vehicle.
The night was a whirlwind of lights, machines, card tables, cheering, machines practically singing as they paid out, weirdly dressed people, words, so many words, more alcohol than Steve had seen in a life time, a warm feeling flowing throughout his body, soft voices, wandering hands, wickedly wonderful sensations, soft sheets and then blissful nothingness.
Light filtered into the suite and bathed the bed in light. A messy blond head of hair could be seen poking up from underneath the pile of covers. Steve Rogers moved his hand to his forehead and tried to will the hangover away. He couldn't remember the last time that alcohol had any effect on him, but he knew if he'd remembered the feeling of a hangover he might have been more cautious drinking so much Asgardian mead. Everything hurt and was far too bright. Carefully he moved to sit up in order to lean against the headboard, but a weight on his chest stopped him. Slowly Steve reached down and pulled back the covers to reveal Tony Stark curled on his side with an arm flung out towards him. The brown hair was wild from sleep while Tony's face was relaxed. Tony Stark was often a contradiction and this was no different.
The warmth from the night before, the feeling of rightness settled itself into his chest as he looked down at the arm lying across him. Light from the windows caught a piece of metal on Tony's left hand and the glint caused Steve to pause. His mind was not connecting the circular piece of metal on Tony's ring finger with its meaning. For twenty minutes those blue eyes stayed locked on the ring. A ring that was so familiar and yet it couldn't be. There was no way.
It was with caution that Steve Rogers looked at his left hand and took in the identical ring there. The significance of it finally sunk in. Urgently Steve moved into action and started shaking Tony.
"Tony! Tony wake up!" his voice pitched in mild hysteria. All that planning. Tony was going to kill him this time. Steve had seen movies and knew about bridezillas. Though he was sure Tony would maim him if he compared him to a psychotic bride.
"Mmmp…g..wy." Tony burrowed into the plush covers and groped for a pillow to pull over his head. "No." was said more clearly, but Steve was insistent. Tony was adorable and rumpled from sleep; a crease on his cheek from the pillow briefly stole Steve's attention before he snapped back to the reality of the situation.
"WAKE UP!"
Tony jerked up in bed as his eyes darted around the room wildly before he winced and his eyes slammed shut. "Ow. Fucking headache. Dammit, Steve. I'm hung-over. You don't yell at a man hung-over. That is a death sentence. Go to sleep. Its fuck o'clock in the morning and no one should be awake."
"We got married last night!"
"Hmm?" Tony glared at him slightly before glancing down at his hand and then over at Steve's. "It looks like we did." He sounded unconcerned. Tony looked around before he picked up the documents on the bedside table that declared him now officially Tony Stark-Rogers; husband to a Captain Steve Rogers and legally married in the state of Nevada.
"I figured we would have time…" Steve trailed off and worried his new ring. "I feel like I forced you into this." He glanced up and took in Tony's state of undress. His tie was skewed, several buttons had come undone on his shirt and his pants were wrinkled. Steve's lips twitched as his eyes finally took in the socks Tony was wearing…striped purple socks that matched nothing on the rest of his mussed outfit. His own clothes were in equal disarray. Had he been more alert he would have noticed Tony staring at him before he began moving.
Tony Stark was watching Steve looking them both over and then glancing around the room. He had made up his mind and it was time to act. His left hand shot out and grabbed onto the front of Steve's shirt. The billionaire genius pulled himself forward and pressed his lips to Steve's putting as much feeling into the kiss as he could.
At first Steve was frozen and then he began to slowly respond. Hands moved to pull the smaller man closer. They parted for air and Steve stared at Tony. His new husband. "Will you go on a date with me?"
Tony flashed him a smile of perfectly straight white teeth, "Of course. I would be a fool to turn down such an offer."
"Good. I think I've wanted to ask you that for over a year."
His husband leaned back into the pillows grinning to himself. "I think I wanted you to ask that question since the time I was watching you trying not to fall asleep while we were in that Shawarma restaurant."
Steve chuckled softly and then pressed a hand to his head as it began to pound. He caught a glance of the ring on his finger. "What did you end up getting the rings made of?"
"Oh. I used vibranium so nothing could damage them. Your shield is important to you because it was the one thing you got to keep from before and that same metal is in my arc reactor so it seemed right." He grinned slightly. "I made them and Dummy helped."
The warmth in his chest was finally identified and he looked at Tony softly. He couldn't wait for their first date…
written for prompt: steve/tony, accidental marriage
prompt located here: avengerkink. livejournal 8247. html?thread =17192247 #t17192247