For all their talents you'd think that the Avengers were unstoppable, able to diffuse even the worse of situations with relative ease. This is mostly true. But it could be agreed that there was one obstacle that even they couldn't hurdle so easily but it drove them like nothing else could; emotions. It's a gift and a curse. Presently, it seems the universe was in the mood to be a bit cruel and thus five of six Avengers were gathered around.

It was a peaceful day. Amazingly so considering how just yesterday-or early this morning, depending upon one's preference for time-there had been a mass attack on Stark Tower. Tony would be fuming, if he had the energy to.

"JARVIS"

"Right away, sir." The AI ringed out and shortly afterwards, the fifth pot of coffee made its way around the (former) table. It was Clint who finally broke the silence. "I figured you'd be a little more upset about this, Stark." He muttered before pushing back in his chair as a rafter fell through the remnants of the roof.

"Yes, Anthony," Thor boomed as he raised a pot that had become his standard mug, evoking a subtle eye roll from Tony. Honestly, couldn't he talk like a normal person? "It might be many days before all has been repaired and even for one with such wealth as you, it seems it would be quite costly."

Tony shrugged and moved on to raid the fridge. He poked through the now door-less freezer for Eggo's with one hand and waved the other dismissively. "Eh, I'll just ask the 'Fury Godmother' to patch things up."

"Really?" Natasha asked in a clipped tone. A perfectly arched brow rising.

"He owes me some favors. And if that doesn't work, you can persuade him for me." He would later lament the loss of one of his sideburns by means of a jam smeared butter knife. Natasha took a bite out of her toast.

Tony, not having become the awesomeness that he is without being a little persistent quipped back that she lives here too.

She gave a slight shrug. "I have other places." She slides off the counter and heads for the doorway. "Pepper pays me well, and not just because she likes my ass." Which she pokes out slightly before pulling an "evil-she-ninja-move", as Tony liked to call them, and disappearing.

"Well everyone has their day jobs." He emerged victorious and dropped four near freezer burned waffles into the toaster. "Well, I guess I'll just have to ask the Cap to do it."

"Speaking of which, where is Steve?" Bruce finally chimed in. "He's usually here before all of us." He flipped through the paper.

"Well, he took quite a beating, he's probably resting." Clint stated simply.

"Yes but, he's been acting strange lately." As someone so hyper aware of his own feelings, Bruce had somehow acquired the ability to read others' just as well.

"What do you mean? Do you believe him ill?" Thor frowns slightly, at both that possibility and his empty mug/pot.

Bruce contemplated for a brief moment as he flipped another page. "Yes and no. I believe the best way to put it would be 'heartsick'."

"Are you most certain, doctor? While I'm aware the Captain is thought of as naïve due to his mannerisms, he is no maiden."

"No, he's not. But he's a sweet guy, just barely grown up and too fast." Bruce paused, as if he had just had an epiphany. "JARVIS, what is today?"

"It is the thirtieth of June, Doctor Banner."

"Ah, so that's it."

"Care to fill in the peanut gallery, doc? Did some famous battle go on today or something?" Clint stole a waffle and dunked it in his coffee.

"No. And I thought you'd know your battles a bit better. Although you seem to have no trouble remembering Budapest." He teased lightly.

"Never talk about Budapest, doc." He deadpanned.

Bruce chuckled and pulled off his glasses to clean them. "Does no one keep track of birthdays around here?"

"This was the day the fair Captain was born? No wonder he hasn't shown himself today. He must be offended that there is no celebration in place for him."

Bruce chuckled once more before taking on a more sober tone. "I doubt that, it takes quite a bit to get him upset." Lucky him. "No, no. I mean he must be feeling…strange." He finally settles on that word. "This is his first birthday since being unfrozen. And everyone he cares about is long gone, I bet. He must be feeling pretty lonely, out of place. He's technically ninety three going on ninety four."

"That's very old in Midgardian years, is it not?" Thor always felt saddened by the short lifespans of humans. He'd lived through their meager years many a time and could even revive if he so chose whiles these poor people, they only had one opportunity. He thought of Jane and suddenly the urge to refill his pot was gone and there was a bitter taste in his mouth.

Bruce nodded. "Usually at this age, we've completely settled down, think back on our lives and all the sweet things we can remember. Spend time with family members and start preparing for the end." Not that that was likely for any of them, was it?

"He barely even got to have his beginning." Clint noted. "All he's ever been up until now was a weapon." Not to say they all hadn't to an extent, but thinking of Steve, it seemed all the sadder. "That's no life." Not that he'd been handed things on a silver platter himself, but he had Natasha and that was more than enough for him. "And maybe his being single is a part of it." His eyes slid over to Tony, acquisition evident, before drifting back to the safety of his lap. There was silence once more and Tony was feeling beyond awkward.

Tony isn't a touchy-feely kind of guy. He is a man of science. He doesn't do real relationships save for Pepper and Rhodey. It was a simple fact. Everyone knew that. So when he'd overheard Coulson grumbling ever so slightly about how Steve had mentioned how impressive Iron Man was and "Maybe I misjudged him" in regards to that stunt he pulled in the battle against Loki, he'd smirked and decided to try his luck. He enjoys competition now and again. Nothing but good, clean, fun is all. And being himself, he knew it would work out. He already had his standard, foolproof plan. Little gifts here and there. An invitation to some social event. Allowing Steve (insert name here) to take a peak in his lab and marvel at his cars.

Child's play, really. Tony applauded himself. He was like a snake charmer. And charm he did. Part of the fun of pursuit was seeing people make fools of themselves. Losing their heads and acting like giddy schoolgirls. It was hilarious. It really was, until it became endearing. Ugh, Tony can already feel a lame flashback coming on.

Steve was different from the normal targets. (Clichés aside, he is male and not a reporter and/or working for some rival company, and that's his real hair color, too.) Steve would blush ever so slightly whenever Tony entered a room. He'd try to sit close but not too close to Tony. He'd seek advice from everyone they jointly knew. He bought some nice jeans and got highlights. He even learned how to text. All of these were seen as pleasant changes by Tony. But there was one thing that if even JARVIS had told him it was coming-which he did at exactly 1:16:49 AM on the third of last month after they'd engaged in their first snogging-, he wouldn't have believed it.

Steve had smiled sweetly and said "What a great anniversary this has been." He looked down to fish in his pocket while Tony tried his best to keep from cracking up. At which point JARVIS discreetly informed him that these outings had been going on for exactly one year, sir and had it occurred to him the implications of such an outing notably a gala opening followed by a luxurious dinner and now stopping for gelato in a quiet little park while the moon sprakles brighter than one of those Twilight vampires that all the young ladies were on about lately? Or that he hadn't bought home many guests over the past few months? (Which causes Tony to remember that whoa, it's been two, three weeks since he got laid.)

"Sir, you have yet to clarify your relationship with Master Rogers. While this behavior is normal and socially acceptable today, he was raised in a different era and thus has different expectations, May I suggest-"

But that all became background noise as he thought back to the curvy tailors' daughter and how by the end, he'd gotten fitted for more than just his suit. Or the cute chef that had excelled when filling his "special order" and made sure his steak was a perfect medium rare to boot. Or even—

"Happy Anniversary, Tony. I hope you like it." And in front of him, there was a tiny scrapbook with a heart frame on the cover and a picture of them slid into it. Along with some nice cuff-links. (Someone really ought to teach him about gift-giving.) "I…I love you." The words were soft and sweeter than the most expensive dessert money could buy. And they hit Tony harder than Hulk could smash through a wall.

"Um, wow. This…This is…" It was one of those rare times that words wouldn't come as he flipped through the pages. Many pictures, stubs and teensy knick knacks greeted him. Everything was so detailed; he must have spent quite a while on it.

When there was no real response, Steve began to apologize. "I guess I should have known you weren't that into this sort of thing." His eyes faced downwards and he rubbed his neck sheepishly. "I just wasn't sure what I could get you that you couldn't get yourself and well, there's nothing and—" And then Steve felt lukewarm, unchapped lips and the little tickle of hairs and the scent of lush cologne. He flushed and returned the gesture shyly. He'd learned a lot about kissing today and was finally getting accustomed to having his space invaded.

"You could've told me to stop talking." He panted slightly.

"Then stop talking." And their lips meet again.

One of them finally realizes that they're back at the tower and they start to part.

"This was fun." Tony slides out of his coat and tugs away the tie. He stretches and cracks a bone or two. "Ah, that feels good." He declares and pushes the door open. "Well, I'll see you later. Night." He gives a singular wave and makes for an elevator, fully intent on changing and tinkering with his laptop for a bit when he felt a tug on his wrist, hesitant but firm. When he turned, he saw the look. The one Steve only had when he was dead set on something, that thing usually being an enemy which left Tony wondering if he needed to make a dive for his suit.

"There was one other thing I wanted to give you." He cleared his throat and straightens up, looking full of resolve. Uh oh, time for a morale boosting speech. "Tony," He began. "You know how much things like trust, fidelity, and commitment mean to me."

'I do?' Tony thinks but merely nods. "Yes, yes, you're practically a saint, dear."

"Which is why I believe marriage is such an important thing. But even though you're not the type to commit to something like that, I trust you. I mean, if we're really being honest, you've been with a lot of people. A lot."

'Is this your polite way of calling me a manwhore? If so, then you're real slow on the uptake there, liberty bells.' Tony was astonished with how his filter had improved. "It's a fact that no one can resist a philanthropist-playboy-billionaire-extraordinaire combo, yes." He nods and strokes his beard like he's a psychiatrist observing a patient.

"But even so, you've still stayed with me this long. And you've never tried to rush me. I feel safe with you, Tony and I haven't felt like that in a long time. I guess what I'm saying is that, I'm ready."

Now being the genius he was, Tony had an idea or two, but even he couldn't read minds (it's a work in progress, rest assured) and not wanting to possibly get chewed out for having his mind in the gutter by Pepper, he feigned cluelessness. "Ready for what exactly?"

Steve's nerves finally caught up. "Ya know. That. 'Go all the way', if that's the right phrase…"

"You mean sex?" Tony even had the nerve to act appalled by the idea.

"Of course that's what I mean. " He worries his pouty lower lip.

"Calm down, stripes, I just didn't want to take things out of context." He was about to decline for he knew what could happen when you fool with a coworker (see BLACK WIDOW), when he decided to have a bit of fun. He deserved it after spending hours rotting away internally from looking at paint splatters made by people who had to die to even get any recognition and not a one near his own level of success, thank you. "Well, I'd be honored but I need to hear you say it just so we're clear." This ought to be good.

"I want to give you my virginity." Was what Steve tried to say although it really sounded like blabbering from someone who had misplaced their dentures and lost their voice at the same time. But one thing got Tony's attention; virginity. Even more than cars, and coffee and pizza, and even sarcasm-okay, maybe not sarcasm, but it's a close second- Tony loves virgins. In his mind, it's similar to hardware. Now, while there was nothing wrong with repurposing (i.e. Afghanastan), especially if it's a nice piece, there's nothing like getting something that's shiny and new. Getting to mold it into exactly what he desired. Oh, just the thought sent tingles to everywhere from his fingertips to groin. He had to slip his hands into his pockets to avoid from groping right away.

"Well then, let's begin."

Tony was able to quiet the hormones enough to not shred the suit that he'd bought Steve but enough remained to where his hands were coming up with creative ways to bother the sensitive skin resulting in his mind and mouth both being filled with nothing but "wait's and "stop's and "ooohhh"s and "T-that's dirty!" and something uniquely Steve.

"Although I usually like to jump right into it, I'll give you a chance to 'boot up'." Oh yeah, only he can work technology into the bedroom without sounding totally desperate. And only a moment later was Steve on the verge and Tony had to withdraw his fingers. Hmm, so all that glorious stamina hadn't quite carried over to the bedroom. "Now to remove the bloat ware." This was followed by a semi-strangled cry from Steve and a flurry of thrusts courtesy of Tony until things became more pliable. "And now the fun starts. I'll show you, there's nothing like good programming." Five positions later (all of which had never occurred to Steve) and Steve couldn't help but agree. He wanted Tony to 'upload his data' all night long, but even super soldiers have their limits and Tony decided that the recycling bin had been emptied enough since there was nothing left to empty. Time to shut down.

Steve awoke first to the smell of food and then more when he felt the dull throbbing from below. But he ignored it when he saw a perfectly rationed brunch of chilled honeydew melon, pan-fried sausages, fried tomatoes in cream gravy, cornmeal muffins, coffee, and milk. Seeing as how last night's dinner had been a bit smaller than what was needed to feed a body like Steve's, he made quick work of it. He was just about to finish sopping gravy up with his muffin when he saw Tony come in, dressed to impress. He stopped to preen in the mirror before He noticed Steve in its reflection. "Mornin'."

"Good morning, Tony." To call his voice anything less than affectionate would be a flat out lie. "I see you're in a hurry right now, but later I was thinking that we could—"

"Let me stop you right there, big guy." Tony cut in. After near constant counseling (read: harassment) from JARVIS since he'd awoken, Tony had decided that just maybe Steve could have gotten a bit confused and now he had to set the record straight.

"Look, Cap, I don't know how exactly it got into your head that we're going "going steady", is it? But I thought you should know that I'm not one to stick with something too long. I know what you're thinking, "how flighty!-or whatever the hell type words you use-. But truthfully, it's just good business skills. I never give things time to become outdated, that's how you have to play the game." He attended to a few stray hairs and adjusted his tie one final time before smiling and wiggling his eyebrows at himself. He turned and started to walk backwards out the room. "But hey, no hard feelings, right?" He pointed both his pointer fingers like guns and clicked his tongue.

All Steve could do was nod slowly.

"Ah, that's my man. See ya, Stripes!"

And he disappeared, all guilt erased and not a care in the world until he noticed how JARVIS had not said one word to him all day.

"JARVIS?"

"Sir."

"What's with that?"

"…"

"JARVIS!"

"The other Avengers are all awaiting your arrival, sir. Miss Romanov appears to be particularly upset with you," And he quickly amends with "More so than usual."

Sure enough, everyone sans Steve was waiting near the door.

"You're in trouble." Bruce mouthed from behind his coffee cup and headed out. The Hulk didn't need to see any more violence than he had to.

Clint merely shook his head. "That was a dick move, even for you." He got up. "I think Coulson wanted me." And thus he performed an "evil-bird-ninja" move and was gone.

"I do not understand how you could betray the Captain so." You could call Thor many things that he would willingly own up to, but cheater was not one of them. "And you dare call my brother the trickster? Hmph! Charlatan!" The disappointed look he gave could have put many mothers to shame. And Tony could swear that he felt a few sparks between them, and not the good kind.

"I believe you mean a 'Charmander'!" He called behind him. Well. There went all the witnesses.

"And then there were two." He attempted to lighten the mood and went to search for leftover pizza. When he shut the door, she was right here. Arms crossed and fingers drumming.

"What? C'mon mom, you didn't even get a call from the principal today and I even got some nice grades on my report card." Said principal being Pepper who Tony swore paid Natasha extra to harass him when she couldn't.

"No. But I have a right mind to punish you anyway. What were you thinking last night? Or better yet, all these months?"

Ah, so that's what this was all about. "Look, I don't really see how this is your business." He holds two pieces in his mouth and two in hand while the other hand worked to open a cupboard and pull down a plate. He tossed it in.

"JARVIS."

"Right away, sir." Even JARVIS sounded snippy. The traitor. (Insert Portal/Terminator/Matrix/any movie with Will Smith reference here. Hmm, he could go for a movie. Maybe later. What's Pepper doing tonight?)

"Since when have you and the Cap been BFFs? And I don't recall anyone ever giving a damn who I sleep with before."

"I for one have always found your sexcadapes disgusting." She slapped Tony's hand away as he went for the microwave door. "And we may not be that close, but he is my teammate and I trust him like I do Clint. So when he came to my room nearly crying this morning with no idea what to do, of course I should care. I didn't even know what to do for him." Turning on the DVD player so he can watch the Wizard of Oz and shovel down apple pie for three hours isn't exactly conducive in her book.

Honestly, he couldn't imagine Steve acting like that. As girly as he was in Tony's own humble opinion, he still had his pride and never showed any emotions besides happiness or those that came paired with his "battle mode" persona. "So I've caught the great Black Widow off guard? I must have a damn good web." Not his best comeback. He'd have to practice more banter with the Natasha simulator he and JARVIS had cooked up.

"Oh, not even close. I knew this was coming long ago."

"Then why didn't you try and prevent it then instead of coming up here acting all high and mighty now? I don't need this from you of all people." Really, couldn't a guy have a snack without being cross-examined? And that damn beeping was going to drive him crazy. Yes, he is aware that his food is ready.

"Because I had hoped you would change."

"Change? Like you and Clint? I'm not a bad guy with a guilty conscience (anymore), I'm the good guy. Where would we be without my technology?"

"With one less war on our hands?"

"What were you expecting to happen? That we would run off and get married then go riding into the sunset on his 'deathbike'?" Tony doesn't trust that thing.

"I don't know!" She finally bellowed. "I was hoping. I mean him, Pepper, god knows who else. I thought maybe you'd finally cut this frat boy crap and grow up. You know what? This was an absolute waste of time. I don't care what you do but if Captain America's performance suffers Fury will pin you up by the balls and I'll do worse if you pull this bull again." She was right on him, practically boring holes through him.

"So patriotic." He pulled her back into the conversation. No way was he losing this argument.

"Hardly. It's Steve that I care about. You just couldn't have left him alone, could you?" God, she made him sound like some fatty that couldn't keep his hands out of the cookie jar. Tony couldn't help humming the melody. He needs to go to ITunes and see if they have any new songs out. Gym Class Heroes was about as far as he would deviate from his beloved rock music. Oh wait, Natasha is still talking. And she's always on his case for not knowing when to shut his mouth. Double standard much?

"-He has practically nothing left in this world. That was all he had left that mattered."

"You make it sound like I raped him!" Like his reputation needed anymore tarnishing.

"That's not what I'm talking about." She poked him harshly in the arc reactor. "I don't know if you've forgotten, but there's this thing called a heart. It's what keeps us humans going. It's very strong but at the same time, it doesn't think. It's innocent. Good. When it gets hurt like that, bitterness and pain spread like a virus and unlike you, most of us can't just replace it on a whim."

"Not wanting to die is whimsical?"

"For a genius, you sure are stupid."

"Are we done talking?"

"Yes, we are. And we will be until you fix this." Ninja poof.

"Is that a threat or a promise? Jesus." He sighed and reached behind him to pull out the plate. "GAH!" He cried out and dropped the plate to shake his hand rapidly. "JARVIS, what were you trying to heat? We're not synthesizing elements here." The cold water would not turn on.

"JARVIS, stop dicking around, this hurts!"

"I apologize. I was in the process of shutting down." The water became cold as liquid nitrogen and hurt even more. Ok, maybe that was an exaggeration but it still hurt!

"Why?" He said as he shook his poor hand.

"I've been listening to Master Rogers all day and can honestly say I know every line of the Wizard of Oz by heart; I was questioned by Miss Romanov very intensively might I add; and Thor broke another toilet. I've reached my limit."

"JARVIS, you can't be fatigued. It's impossible. And you don't feel either so I don't know why you're giving me the cold shoulder."

"Sir, if I felt, I think I would be feeling rather sympathetic. And quite disappointed in how you handled that situation. I've prepared your scotch and downloaded those files you requested. I wish you a pleasant evening. I'll inform you of your schedule in the morning."

Tony sighed and tended to his hand. He nibbled on the pizza only to find it was almost cold, hard and the sauce had all but evaporated. He left it and just stood there. He didn't see anyone else but Bruce for a few days.

"So have I become S.H.I.E.L.D enemy number one yet?"

"I think you've always been there on Fury's list and now I'm certain you are in Coulson's mind; you're just disregarded when there are bigger fish to fry."

"Well, I hope someone chooses to come to Earth for a fishing trip soon." Believe it or not, if he didn't feel like enough people were concerned with his goings on, a great chunk of his ego would fall through the floor. But this was getting to be pretty old.

"The world is homeostatic; things will eventually work themselves out." He scribbled something and swirled a test tube. "Or you could do something about it, if you wanted to."

"Not likely."

Thank god that was over. Tony hated revisiting the past unless it involved food or women.

"Good morning, Steve." He heard Bruce say.

"Good morning, Doctor Banner. Thor."

"Captain." Thor nodded.

"Tony." Steve added and went for cereal.

"Well, well, well. 'O Captain! my captain!' we were wondering if you'd gone AWOL on us."

"I'd never abandon my team." The words were icy, resolved. He paused for a moment and Tony noticed his eyes change slightly but it went quicker than it came. He returns the bowl and cereal. "I think I'll go out instead." He says to no one in particular, sounding a bit dazed. This was odd but becoming more frequent, since the days after he'd gotten dumped.

"Oh no, every time since you've started saying that, we can't find you for a few days at least."

"Tony does have a point. Last time we could've really used you but no one could find you." Bruce said.

"I may be old, but I'm not senile yet, I'll be fine guys. Bye."

"Perhaps he's adjusting still? I thought you wanted him to 'get out more'." Said Thor. "And does he not seem most cheerful after these outings?"

"He's very cheerful." Tony wheels around." So cheerful that it makes a clown look depressed. I want to know where he goes." He hits the table repeatedly.

"Tony, that's a big invasion of privacy. And I thought you said you didn't want to know anyone else's business if it didn't affect you."

"I've got to stop saying things around you people." He plopped down at the table. "Now don't tell me you people aren't the slightest bit curious where he goes?"

"I prefer grey matter to gossip."

"I admit, it is most intriguing, but it is best to leave men to their own devices."

"Fine. I'll just go see myself. JARVIS, start tracking him."

"As you wish, sir."

"Where are you going?"

Tony fell out of his chair. "For f**k's sake, woman! Stop that!"

Natasha merely shrugged. "I think you do enough damage around here when left unattended. If you go, I go."

"So now you're a nanny too? I don't recall that on your resume."

"I doubt you even looked at my resume. Are we going or not?"

"Are you going to try and pick out my clothes now?"

Much cajoling and whining on Tony's part later, he was in one car with Bruce, Natasha and Clint in another and Thor, well, presumably flying to the location.

"May I ask a question?"

"Do you expect an answer?"

"I'll ask anyway. Think of it as food for thought. Why do you care so much about what Steve does?"

"I'll dignify that with an answer." He says and slows as he spots the brown leather jacket. He pulls into a near parking garage and prays that nothing happens to "Scarlett".

("Scarlett?"

"Yes, Scarlett. Y'know, after Scarlett Johansson? God, that woman is beautiful."

Bruce chuckles. "If you say so, Tony. She kind of looks like-"

"Please don't ruin this for me, Doc.")

Dressed down (i.e. clothing not of European origin) and with sunglasses perched upon his nose, Tony hoped-for once in his life- that no one would notice him. "Now where are you going?" He muses aloud as he watches Steve flow and ebb within the crowd.

"I believe he has gone into that Dairy Queen." It was one of the older ones in design.

"Dairy Queen." Tony said, dissatisfaction coloring his voice.

"Well, they were founded in the forties." Bruce shrugs.

"I don't care." Begin sulking now. "Let's go."

"Well, I'm in the mood for a burger."

"Isn't it too early for lunch?"

"This coming from the man who will eat pizza for breakfast?"

"It encompasses all of the food groups in one convenient slice! But I guess a burger would be good." Even if it's not Burger King.

So they went inside and were soon seated with a heap of burgers and fries.

"I told you he wasn't up to anything." Natasha said from their booth behind them. Clint was too busy slurping his milkshake to taunt.

"Well, it is good to know that the Captain is well. Besides, this food is delicious. I would take my meals here as well." Thor had gone through several burgers and soft serve cones already. "I'll have the cook prepare more." He stood up.

"Make sure you give them the right kind of currency this time, big guy."

"But they seemed most pleased with my coins before."

"Because gold and platinum are very precious here. I'll go with you just to be sure."

After shelling out another hundred dollars, Thor happily agreed to carry the tray for Tony. He was recounting something as usual when he bumped an unmoving Tony with the tray. "Anthony?" He followed Tony's gaze. His grip on the tray slackened.

"BROTHER!" He thundered.

Hi there. If you managed to make it through all that, good. Thanks for sticking with it even though it was waaaayyyy long. Don't know how I feel about this intro but at least it's a start. I'm sorry if the format or narration very wonky. I'm still trying to figure that out. I tried to adjust with the character so I guess it's omniscient. Sorry if it's OOC. The only thing on purpose would be Tony. In my mind, I feel like he'd go back to acting like himself (like Iron Man 1/2) and also that he has some quirks like those written above. If there are any weird things/grammar errors, let me know. And if you leave a review, that would be awesome too. Until next time.