So this is the second half of 10, hope everyone enjoys it. Sorry I made you wait. But I told you I'd have something for you on the 14th, so consider all of 10 my promise fulfilled.

Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the Stark Expo

Steve had taken one look around and breathed, "Ritzy."

He'd arrived in a limo with Pepper, cameras flashing all around them. Every reporter wanted a scoop on the Vice President of Stark Industries and the blonde Steve that had been seen on Mr. Stark's arm for the past few months.

"There are so many people" Steve had whispered past his smile, leaning in so only the fiery haired woman could hear him. He held her arm like a gentleman but they both knew she was the one grounding him and keeping him from running back to the limo.

"Just breathe, Captain, it'll all be okay" Pepper replied just as softly, letting the cameras get their fill.

Pepper led him through the crowd and off to the side, going through a hidden entrance into the stadium the main part of the Expo was taking place in. It was a giant building with a huge platform inside, a screen bigger than two elephants taking up the wall. The words "Stark Expo" were glaring there, little balls like atoms swirling around it.

"You're gaping" Pepper slipped a finger beneath his jaw, closing it "I know it's a little more than you're used to, but the last Expo was so amazing that it left people talking about it for years. Howard never did another one after that, he passed away before he could even plan one."

Steve's heart ached at that, but he managed not to let it damper his excitement, "Is that why this thing is taking up blocks of the city?"

"Try all of Flushing" she pulled him past the large crowd, rolling her eyes when she saw the novelty hand-lights that were made to imitate the suit "If you could see it from the air it would make you sick. But...it's good publicity."

"But there's fireworks!"

"Mm-hmm" Pepper looked up to said fireworks, a warm smile curling her lips "Tony's doing a good thing here. Scientists from all over the world are showing off their goods. Tony deserves to show off. He's got to show he's the best. Tony's been out to prove himself since Stark Industries stopped producing weapons."

"Okay. So it's a...technology fair" Steve nodded, trying to think of a way not to sound stupid, "He's doing what, exactly? I mean, besides running the whole thing and the Iron Man suits."

She greeted a man he'd never seen before, shaking hands with him before pulling the soldier away.

"Clean energy" Pepper whispered in his ear "Soon, Stark Tower. Then, the world. He's the leading pioneer with it."

Steve nodded again, feeling so ignorant, "And this Expo is to...what, exactly? I know the one in the 40's was to promote technology."

"Same thing" she assured him, patting his bicep.

Steve sighed, smoothing out invisible wrinkles from jacket, "I'm going to make a fool of myself, aren't I? I don't know why I let him talk me into these things."

"Awe, sweetie, it's because you love him" Pepper teased, the soldier blushed brightly "Don't worry. You just stand next to me and look pretty."

"The fact that everyone tells me not to worry makes me worry" Steve ducked his head when a few pretty girls waved at him "Oh wow, they're pretty."

His companion's eyebrows shot up into her hairline, "So this little relationship between you and Tony is...open? That's so unlike you, Steve."

"No, no!" Steve blathered "I appreciate beauty in all forms, Miss. Potts. You yourself...w-well, you know you're...Tony even says you're, you know-"

"Steve."

The blonde took a deep breath, holding it in for a long moment before continuing, "No. I don't believe in these new 'open' relationships. If something were to happen between Tony and myself...it would be private and exclusive."

Pepper's chuckle was good-natured, "Nothing with Tony is private."

"There's no harm in trying" Steve tightened his grip on her arm "I'm hoping to keep my identity under wraps for as long as possible. Thankfully my face wasn't leaked to the public. Even when Captain America's reintroduced to the world, Steve Rogers will still be safe."

"Exclusive and private..." Pepper let the words roll off her tongue in a purr "Honey, you're going to rock his world."

xXx

"And now, making a special guest appearance from the great beyond – to tell you what it's all about – please welcome my father: Howard."

Tony walked backstage, disappearing behind the curtain. He grabbed his water bottle off the stool, forcing down a few mouthfuls of the nasty concoction JARVIS had made up for his blood. It tasted like grass but he needed something to buy him time. He pulled his counter of his jacket, pushing his thumb to it and wincing when the small pinprick took a sample.

Blood Toxicity: 19%

"Fuck" he breathed, stuffing the device back into his jacket pocket. Already?

"Tony!"

Tony looked up in time to see a bright smile and a flash of perfectly coiffed blonde hair before he was snatched in a hug, covered in warm super soldier before he could voice a protest. He smiled faintly and hugged back, breathing in deeply. Wow, vanilla smelled amazing on Steve's skin. He took a moment to congratulate himself on switching out all of the soldier's shampoo and soap for vanilla bean scented product. Perfect.

"Tony" Steve pulled back, still beaming "I can't believe you did all this! It's fantastic!"

Tony slapped on his signature smirk, "It was nothing."

"You don't give yourself enough credit, this is everything" Steve gestured around wildly "The girls were beautiful! The dancing, the lights, the people, the fireworks! Jeez, Tony...I don't know how you did it. It's too much. And that entrance? Your suit is amazing, have I told you?"

"Amazing, fantastic, unbelievable" the billionaire ticked off "I pretty much got it."

Steve pushed at the other's shoulder, "And what was that line about not coming across anyone man enough to go toe-to-toe with you? I bet I could take you."

"Sure, yeah" Tony rolled his eyes "The day I get beat by Captain Pomp and Circumstance is the day moon goes mint green."

"Alright" the super soldier cocked his head "Next time you make it to the gym, how about we go a few rounds?"

Tony's smirk was heated, "How about the next time we go home, we go a few rounds?"

That stopped Steve's cockiness short, he looked away and tried not to blush, "Tony..."

The billionaire belted out a laugh, "I take it you're enjoying yourself?"

"So much" Steve smoothed his jacket, obviously embarrassed by his outburst "Pepper is a great date, but I believe my arm was promised to someone else."

"Consider yourself mine for the rest of the evening" Tony dared to step closer, running his hand up the soldier's arm "You know me, Cap, I have to have everyone's attention...and what better to do it than show up in style?"

"It was flashy" Steve agreed, breath stuttering as the man got closer "You had everyone's attention, trust me."

The brunette ran his thumb just under the other man's strong jaw, "Did I have yours?"

Steve nodded, tilting his head as if to offer his mouth, "Always."

Their mouths met slowly, still so tentative even after the past few weeks. The captain's pale cheeks flushed at the thought of them doing this in public, but he had to remember that he was Steve – not Captain America. It was accepted now. And if nothing else he knew Tony would never put him in any real danger.

Pushing those thoughts aside, Steve pressed closer and slid his hands across the genius's hips. He moaned softly when his mouth was plundered, tasted thoroughly in a way that was almost claiming.

He loved it.

Tony ran his nails along the back of the blonde's neck, pulling him in harder, taking what he could. How did he live without this before? How did he resist for so long? Steve was so sweet and pliant, yet strong and sure beneath his fingers. There was so much power in this body...damn, this body. Once they got to that point he was sure they'd explode. Every position, on every surface, in every square inch of the tower. They could switch...

Tony kissed harder, driven by the thought of their dynamic. The solid hands on his hips could easily pin him down, he would easily give it up just to hear one dirty moan from that pink mouth. Or he could fuck Steve, part the blonde's thighs and force him to take every inch of his cock.

Tony pulled away, a bitterness tarnishing the fantasies.

/If I live that long./

"I will never get used to that" Steve sighed, running his fingers along the other's lapel.

Tony scoffed, "What? Kissing another man?"

"No" Steve dipped back in, taking the genius by surprise with the tender brush of lips "Kissing you, Mr. Stark."

A shot of heat ran up Tony's spine, fingers twitching as he thought of grasping the soldier once more and pulling him into a kiss. But his dad's video was wrapping up and he needed to get back, he needed to shoot this thing off right.

"Did you see him?" Tony nodded toward the screen "It must be weird seeing him this old."

"Tony, you don't get it" Steve tisked, grasping Tony's bowtie and adjusting it back in place from where it had slipped during their kiss "I came at your request to see your Expo and your work. I came for you."

Tony heard the video wrapping up, "You know what? Let's get out of here."

The blonde seemed surprised, "What? Don't you have to-?"

"It's my event, right?" he raised an eyebrow "Then let's go. I promised you dinner, didn't I?"

"Hours ago."

Tony checked his watch, pulling a face, "Close enough."

xXx

"This way, sir" Happy stopped in front of the double doors, giving Steve a once over "Captain Rogers? Pepper said you'd be staying to enjoy the Expo. She just texted me."

"I'm sorry if it's inconvenient" Steve sounded sincere "But Tony insisted."

"We need to get you a phone, Cap" Tony shot his driver a glare "Wherever I go, Steve goes. You know that."

Happy nodded, an easy smile coming at the sight of the flustered captain, "I'm just worried about him. There's a lot of people out there, and the girls-"

"Well let's go and deal with them" Tony put a hand on Steve's back "Ready, darling?"

He got an eye roll and a sigh in return, "I don't really have a choice. Besides, how bad could it be?"

Bad. Real bad. Steve was seeing spots just seconds into it. Tony's hand disappeared from his back for only seconds at a time, shaking hands and patting shoulders of colleagues and supporters. He tried to keep his smile on but he was getting dizzy, he could hear the whispers of his identity behind all the noise of the smaller crowd.

"Hey there" a young man in a jet black suit appeared out of the siding, grabbing Steve's arm and twirling him around to face him "You're stunningly handsome. Has anyone ever told you that?"

Steve blushed, the man's grin grew even more, "Well, thank you."

"I know being Tony Stark's arm candy is glamorous, but have you considered an alternate career?" he inquired, his perfect white teeth catching the light "You've been the talk of the fashion world since you appeared in that magazine. Dozens of magazines would grovel at your feet for the chance to have you on their cover. I so happen to work for a magazine that's willing to grovel and pay you bundles."

Steve's brow creased, "Sir, I'm not sure what you're offering?"

"Sweet and cute" the handsome man mumbled, then pulled the blonde closer and leaned into his ear "What would you say right now for a cool million for a measly one year contract as a cover model?"

"Modeling? Like pin-up?" Steve was definitely red now.

"We wouldn't offer you anything less than a classy shoot, on my word" the man produced a card "Here's my name and number. Please don't hesitate, Mr...?"

"There you are, Dimples" an arm crept around his waist, pulling him from the snake's grip "Who's your new friend?"

The blonde looked at the card, "This is-"

"Tony" the man purred.

"Arthur" Tony's voice took a steely tone "He's not interested."

"Mr. Stark" Arthur tisked "Please. You can be so selfish. This face belongs on covers across the world! Look at him! He's the finest you've had since that leggy brunette last year. She was worth a few shoots, but this is worth a year or more in the public."

Steve found his cheek touched with knuckles that felt entirely too smooth, he flinched. Tony smacked the recruiters hand away with a snarl, putting himself in front of the soldier.

"He's not for sale" he spat.

Arthur's smile faltered, "Every sweet piece you've had on your arm since you came into the scene has been for a price."

"Not this one" the recruiter was backing down under the inventor's fierce stare "You can tell the other vultures to fuck off. This face? It's mine."

Tony led the soldier away with a firm hand, leaving the other in the dust.

"You didn't have to do that" Steve whispered in the man's ear as Happy led them further into the madness "I would have said no. I can't imagine what they'd want me to wear."

"Next to nothing, I'm sure" Tony replied, trying not to snap "Like I want the public to see what I haven't."

Feeling rather bold, the soldier reeled him in to press his lips to ear, "If you wanted to see, you only had to ask."

Tony pushed down the rush of heat that came from those words, "Later."

At that moment a small blonde rushed into Tony's arms.

"Tony" she smiled and pushed a paper into his hand, leaning up as if to kiss him "Call me."

"Hey, hey, hey" Happy pulled her away by the waist, tossing Steve an apologetic look.

Tony turned and shrugged at the soldier, flipping the number away, "I'm irresistible. It's a blessing and a curse."

Steve laughed behind his fist, "I can see that."

Tony moved on with quick feet.

Steve watched with a secret smile as the genius knelt down and signed some pictures for some kids, one of the boys even had an Iron Man helmet. Tony grinned and patted him on the head, getting the little one to laugh. It made his heart melt. Who knew the flippant genius could be so sweet? That honest smile was...endearing.

Happy introduced Tony to person after person, all the names made his eyes cross. He kept close behind the pair, once and a while the other hero's hand drifted back to catch his wrist or touch his arm as if to assure himself the soldier was still there. After endless minutes Happy pushed open the doors for them both, a cool rush of night hair brushing across their hot faces.

"Wow" Steve sighed, straightening his jacket. Tony's own was draped over his driver's arm, looking sleek in plain black shirt.

"That wasn't so bad" Happy offered.

"No, no, it was perfect."

"Lookie here" Happy raised a set of keys, clicking the car alarm off "New model."

It was a small sleek silver corvette, beautiful. As was the woman who leaned against it, her smile just as fake and oily as the the modeling recruiter's had been.

Tony whistled, "Does she come with the car?"

Happy grinned, "I certainly hope so."

The super soldier sighed, /Here we go./

"Hi there" Tony reached out and shook her hand "And you are?"

Her name was sweet and easily forgotten, Tony circled around and pulled down the paneling, "I got the wheel, you mind? In the back, big guy."

Steve opened the driver's side door for his friend, gracing the woman with a smile, "Where are you from, miss?"

"Bedford" her eyes sparkled when she caught sight of the blonde "I wish I'd come sooner."

"What are you doing here?" Tony asked, gesturing for Steve to get in the passenger seat.

"Looking for you" she replied easily "I've got a little something for you, Mr. Stark."

Tony raised an eyebrow, shutting the door, "Do you now?"

"Mm-hmm" she handed him a folded piece of paper "You've been served."

"Yikes" he scowled.

"I'll take that off yours hands, miss" Steve leaned over and took the paper "He has a thing about being handed things."

"Yeah, I have a peeve."

"I'll hold onto it" the soldier promised.

Her smile was still deceptively nice, "You are hereby ordered to appear before the Senate Armed Services Committee tomorrow morning at nine am."

The inventor looked her over, "Can I see a badge?"

"He likes the badge" Happy piped up, reclining in the back seat.

She pulled it out, flashing the star, "Still like it?"

He wrinkled his nose at her, then smiled, "Yeah, sure. Thanks."

Tony revved up the car, turning to his soldier, "I think tonight we try Thai food. You like Thai food? You'll love it."

Steve nodded, worry eating at his smile, "Something nice. You'll need the energy."

Not super long, but I think it's good enough to satisfy a week of waiting. I'll have something up soon, the next part of the movie. It'll be long this time and in one piece. You guys know I love you :)