DISCLAIMER: Damn, I wish I owned them. But, as always, I don't. I would buy like, 20 Tom Hiddlestons if I did.
Chapter 2: Disney… World?
Steve was confused. And it was evident. "Disney… World?"
"Yeah!" Tony said, barely able to contain his excitement. "The happiest place on Earth. It's basically a group of amusement parks—they did have amusement parks in your time, right?" Before Steve could even nod, he kept talking. "And there are all these rides, and you stay at resort hotels and you can stay super close to the park and there are 4 parks are 2 waterparks and—"
The opening of the elevator doors abruptly interrupted his rant, which was evidently confusing Steve even more.
"Hey Cap. Is Tony bothering you? Because I can make him help me with the systems analysis in the lab, if you want him to go away."
Bruce shot an incredibly knowing smirk in Tony's direction. Dammit, dammit, dammit! Of course Bruce knew, how could he not. His science bro understood him. He knew things about Tony that he would never admit; he observed things that Tony hadn't even realized that. He understood him better even than Pepper.
Especially even Pepper. She was never… there; actually… she was just along for the ride. Some ride. He felt terrible about the way he treated her; he never really appreciated her. No, he was a downright bastard in their relationship. Giving her time off to spend with Happy was the least he could do.
But Bruce saw through Tony's "mindless" flirting with Steve… and he would see right through this trip, too.
Steve, still trying to understand Tony's rant, responded, "Oh no Dr. Banner, I'm not being bothered. Tony was just explaining to me what Disney World is."
"Oh?" Bruce arched one eyebrow, giving Tony a look that seemed to say, 'I don't know what you're up to, but I'm gonna find out.'
"Yeah," Steve replied earnestly. "We're going tomorrow. It'll be really fun; it's all the way in Florida you know. I've never been to Florida!"
Now, Bruce—along with Clint, Nat, Thor and practically all of the S.H.I.E.L.D agents—had always had his suspicions about Tony and Steve. Tony had always denied it, mostly because he hadn't even realized it himself. Not to say that he hadn't thought about it… but Steve was perfectly oblivious. Hell, he was still trying to create a new life for himself in the 21st century. Romance was out of the question, for both of them.
Tony's flirtations… well, they didn't go unnoticed, but Steve just shrugged them off. Stark was so drunk most of the time, that nothing he said between 6pm and 9am should be taken seriously.
But as Natasha so eloquently put their make believe relationship, "It would be so super super adorable!"
(She was intoxicated at the time, so that shouldn't have been taken seriously either.)
While Steve continued to babble on about his love for Mickey Mouse and Disney cartoons, Bruce took one look at Tony's gaze—which was at the moment directed at Steve's ass—and knew exactly what was going on here.
What was amazing about Bruce and Tony's relationship was that they could just look at each other and have a conversation without speaking a word.
Seriously Stark? Bruce seemed to say, once he redirected Tony's stare. Disney World? What are you trying to pull here?
What are you talking about? Tony asked with a questioning glance. He's never been, and God knows a little vacation would do him good.
That's not what I'm talking about, and you know it.
Oh, that again? I've told you before Bruce, there is nothing. The "flirting" is just to mess with Capsicle.
Oh, really? I see the way you look at him… just because I'm in the lab all day doesn't mean I'm a complete social outcast. I know when someone has a crush.
Don't be ridiculous. Tony shot back. I'd stick to the lab, if I were you.
Look, Tony… I'm not gonna get through to you, and I know that. But if you're not careful, then someone's gonna walk away from this trip hurt.
Oh lighten up, Bruce. I'm Tony Stark. I don't get hurt.
If you say so.
"… And from what Tony tells me, there was nothing even close to this back before I was frozen… Dr. Banner? Bruce? Are you listening?"
"What?" Bruce said a little too forcefully as he was broken out of his other 'conversation.' "Oh, sorry Cap, I just faded out there for minute. It's really so much fun, it'll be a great experience for you. I remember going there as a kid, it was like a second Christmas."
"Yeah, I'm… psyched. Is 'psyched' the right word?" Steve asked with a slight grin.
"Yeah, 'psyched' is perfect." Bruce said grinning back. "But Tony?"
"Huh? Sorry Bruce, what?" Now Tony was the one to be snapped out of his daze.
"Don't do anything you might regret. That being said," he added with a smirk, "Disney World is the… happiest place on Earth."
As Bruce went back into the elevator, knowing full well what he had just set in motion, he left behind him a slightly pissed Tony, a super confused Steve, and two guys who now had no idea what this coming week was going to entail.
