A/N I just had to tease you guys with that, didn't I? I thought, I'm going to make Steve and Tony kiss, but in a way it's not actually official. So I thought, mouth to mouth isn't exactly a kiss, and then I thought, I am evil. I'm so very grateful for the reviews, and I'm sorry if you've been waiting for this chapter and are disappointed every day you check to see if I've updated, but I'm going to make this chapter as long as I can to make up for it.

Lolsotrue: "This bag is so full of chips!" Said no one ever.

Chapter Fourteen

Tony Stark is not one to follow advice, which is why he goes straight to his lab as soon as he gets home, instead of lounging around upstairs, waiting for his ribs to heal. There's a reason behind not wanting to sit around "resting" and that's because if Tony doesn't occupy his mind, thoughts about Steve are going to flood in and Tony really doesn't want that right now.

His main thought is on how Steve reacted after Tony teased him about being a good kisser – which he actually meant but nobody needs to know that – and what Steve was clearly imagining. Was he imagining them kissing or something?

Whatever it was, it made Steve uncomfortable, so he quickly left and now he's somewhere in the tower. Tony's using all his will power not to ask Jarvis where Steve is and what he's doing, and not to show that yes, ok, maybe he does actually "care" for Steve.

And yes, ok, maybe Tony is going to end up thinking about Steve no matter what he's trying to distract himself with – but really, who could blame him?

xxXXXxx

'Are you ok, Steven?' Steve blinks up at the tall Norse God standing over him, peering at him in a concerned manner. They've just been sparring and Steve's thoughts had drifted to Tony, so he was caught off-guard and Thor had sent him stumbling backwards and he fell over.

'Yeah, no I'm good.' Steve accepts the hand Thor holds out and he rolls his shoulders a little after he stands up, finally feeling the full affect of sparring with a God for two hours. 'But can we take a break?' Thor nods and grins and claps Steve on the back to show good sportsmanship or something. Steve collapses on the bench nearby and guzzles down water from his drink bottle.

'You are a fine lad, Steven.' Thor says suddenly, sitting down beside him.

'Uh, thanks?' Steve half-smiles, setting the bottle down and wiping his brow with a sweaty hand.

'In fact if you were a few feet taller, you'd pass for a God.' Thor tells him, and Steve knows that in Thor's mind, he still views them all as "tiny" – with the exception of Bruce Banner when he's angry, of course.

'Are you going somewhere with this, Thor?' Steve wants to know, but he puts it kindly.

'I think,' Thor starts slowly, 'that any maiden in this realm would fall for your good looks and the good man that you are, and I also think that some men feel the same.'

Ok, Steve might have an idea of where this is going and whom this is most definitely about.

'What would Jane think about that, Thor?' Steve teases.

'What? Oh! Not me, friend Steve, for that is all you are to me, a good friend.' Thor smiles. 'I was talking about Tony.'

'I know.' Steve sighs, resting his arms on his knees and passing his drink bottle from one hand to the other. 'I'm sure he's noticed . . . my looks, and I'm sure he's recognised my leadership and all that, but how could he ever . . . actually like me? I mean, I like him, but he still infuriates me sometimes. I was a close friend of his father's, and his father respected me and liked me, and Tony knows that because he grew up listening to his father talk about me.'

Steve gets tired of fiddling with his drink bottle and he puts it back on the bench beside him.

'How can he not dislike me for that? His father seemed to like me better than he liked his own son. I'm just a reminder of his father's neglect, and who wants to be around someone who reminds them of that? No wonder he gives me a harder time than the rest of you.'

The soldier looks down at his shoes, his hands, anywhere but at Thor, who is surprisingly a good listener but Steve still feels a little . . . embarrassed about talking about it.

'The other thing is, when he pisses me off on purpose, it drives me crazy, but when he's nice, it drives me crazy because I just want him to . . . I just want him and it drives me crazy how that's just not going to happen. You know how I had to give Tony mouth to mouth because he wasn't breathing? After the debriefing session, he joked that I was a good kisser, and all I wanted to do was pull him into another kiss and show him how I can do better. But all I thought was, what if he rejects me? What if he laughs in my face or he just gets disgusted? I'm going mad from these thoughts, I don't know what to do or think!'

Steve just sits back with an exasperated sigh. It feels good to get that off his chest though. Maybe Thor can confirm that he's not actually going crazy.

Thor puts his hand on Steve's shoulder and says, 'I don't know what to say exactly, apart from what I think, which is that you're just telling yourself that Tony can't like you and you're making these reasons up to convince yourself, because . . . you're hopeful that he returns your love, but you're afraid of reaching out to him in case he doesn't. That's why your thoughts of wanting to be with Tony and your fears of being rejected are just circling around in your head. I believe it's normal, and not a sign that you are going crazy.'

'Maybe.' Steve meets Thor's gaze and gives a small smile. 'Thankyou, Thor, for listening, and for not telling me I'm loosing it.'

'I'm happy to be here for you. Do you want some more advice?' Thor asks. Steve just looks at him expectantly.

'You should tell him.'

'Tell who what?' Steve says dumbly.

'Tell Tony that he drives you crazy.' Thor smiles.

'Oh, he knows that, at least.' Steve shakes his head.

'No, tell him why he drives you crazy – like you told me. You want him, but you're scared of being rejected.'

Steve ponders this. Pepper already advised him to tell Tony – Steve can't remember what happened to that, except for the fact that he was mad at Tony for telling Thor they were together, because Tony may or may not have known it but it was cruel, or that was how Steve had felt anyway.

'Ok.' Steve stands up determinedly. 'I'll tell him!'

'Good luck, friend Steve!' Thor stands up as well.

' – tomorrow.' Steve adds, grabbing his drink bottle, winking at Thor and then walking out of the gym to go take a shower and change.

xxXXXxx

Saying, "don't worry, I'll do it tomorrow" is procrastinating because then you can keep saying, "like I said, I'll do it tomorrow" because in reality, tomorrow is basically a figment of our imaginations – it never appears because it only exists in our minds and therefore is a great way to get out of doing things – like telling someone you love them and have ever since that one time you thought they were dead and then they woke up and said, 'have you ever had Shawarma?'

But Steve isn't procrastinating, as such. It's just that it was getting late by the time Thor and Steve had finished their talk, and if Steve tells Tony in the morning, both of them will have a clearer head to think and talk about it.

And if Tony rejects him then Steve will have the remainder of the day to move out – well, maybe that's the worst-case scenario. Best-case scenario – Tony kisses him, tells Steve he loves him more than he could possibly imagine, and then they tell the team who are overjoyed, and there's love and hugs and rainbows everywhere. Steve wonders if there's such a thing as middle-case scenario, because somewhere in between would be great – aka less rainbows, but no rejection. There are so many hurdles Steve can see in the future if Tony does actually feel the same way, but he decides he'll burn those bridges when it comes to it.

Meanwhile, he has this one heck of a bridge to burn down – find Tony (easy enough) and confess his love (the hard part).
But Steve has done so many things that have terrified him more than admitting to a crush, and he's bared the pain of losing Bucky, and then losing everyone he's ever known.

Compared to that, this should be a piece of cake. Should be, but Steve's hands still sweat and his heart still beats faster than normal as he makes his way to Tony's lab, where Steve assumes he'll be.

xxXXXxx

Steve should probably check with Jarvis first, to make sure Tony is free to talk, but he's decided to take a deep breath and just take the plunge and not worry about anything else.

Steve gains access to Tony's lab, eyes flitting around the unorganized space.

'Um, Tony?' Steve calls, slowly walking around Tony's tables and boxes and tools and things Steve can't even name. 'Jarvis where's –,' and then Steve spots Tony. The brunette is lying on his back behind the table Steve has just walked past, lying there unconscious.

'Tony!' Steve is immediately by Tony's side, his fear of talking to Tony now replaced with the fear that those two head injuries have taken their toll on Tony and he's in a coma or something. 'Tony!' Steve puts his hand on Tony's chest, feeling his heartbeat and seeing that the arc reactor is glowing brightly. That's a good thing, right?

'Jarvis, what happened?' Steve unconsciously switches to his demanding, Captain America voice.

'Do not panic, Mr. Rogers. I assure you sir is merely asleep.'

'Asleep?' Steve relaxes slightly, but doesn't draw his hand away from Tony's chest.

'Mr. Stark has been working since he got back from your debriefing session last night and has been working non-stop since then and because he is not 100% he passed out on the floor an hour ago.'

'And you didn't tell someone?' Steve asks in disbelief.

'My readings showed me that sir was in no danger and there was no need to inform anyone.' Jarvis replies.

'So . . . he's not unconscious, as in, hit his head unconscious?' Steve asks.

'Merely asleep.' Jarvis repeats. Steve suddenly lets out a laugh of relief, all the while stroking Tony's hair fondly.

'I'm on the floor and I hear laughing. That's not a good sign.' Tony says groggily, opening his eyes slowly. 'Oh, hey, cap.'

'Tony you idiot.' Steve can't help scolding. 'What were you thinking? You told me you needed to rest, but all you did was work all night until you passed out from exhaustion! Why would you do that to yourself?' Steve keeps stroking Tony. Tony can't say he minds.

'I just . . . couldn't sit around doing nothing.' Tony struggles to sit up, Steve sitting cross-legged next to him. 'I've had something on my mind lately, so I had to distract myself.'

'You could come and talk to any of us about whatever's on your mind, you know. Thor's actually a great listener; I was talking to him last night. Get if off your chest next time, rather than do this to yourself.' Steve gestures at Tony's dazed look and messy hair.

'Why were you laughing?' Tony changes the subject.

'Oh, it . . . was nothing.'

'Jarvis?'

'Mr. Rogers was greatly concerned for you when he found you lying unconscious. He had reason to believe you were not well rather than just sleeping.' Tony looks at Steve smugly and says, 'oh, Steve.'

Steve just blushes as Tony laughs. Tony licks his lips absent-mindedly, wondering why exactly Steve was down here in the first place.

'Why were –,'

'I wanted to –,' they both start. They grin and Steve says, 'you go.'

'Ever the gentleman.' Tony teases, not breaking eye contact with Steve. 'I was wondering what you were doing down here in the first place.'

'I wanted – I want to talk to you about something. Or not even talk, you don't have to say anything, you just have to hear me out and then I'll leave.' Steve looks away.

Tony looks down and sees Steve's hand resting palm down on the shiny, hard floor. He puts his hand over Steve's and says, 'I'll hear you out. But you know me, I don't ever shut up, so I'll probably reply.'

'That's . . . what I'm afraid of.' Steve says truthfully, looking back at Tony.

He takes a deep breath and takes the plunge.

'Tony, I. . . I like you, as in, I love-like you, and you need to know that, because . . . you have a right to know, and I also need to tell you because it's been driving me crazy – I don't know what to think or do or say about anything to anyone and oh god I'm screwing this up aren't I? I've wanted to tell you, but I'm scared – terrified – that you're going to laugh in my face or not even like me as a friend anymore. So . . .' Steve trails off, his face red, his eyes scanning Tony's face, which is unnervingly blank. 'That's it. Yeah. I'll . . . leave now, like I said.'

Steve stands up and surprisingly, so does Tony.

'And like I said,' Tony grabs Steve's arm, 'I can't go a minute without talking, so I'm not just going to remain quiet.'

Steve's heart flutters as Tony pulls him closer and looks him in the eye. No, this is just cruel. Tony's going to make sure Steve's heart is definitely ripped in two before he leaves – how can his response be anything but negative?

But Tony doesn't respond, at least, not with words. Sure, he uses his mouth – and oh, boy does he use his mouth – but it's not to form words, it's to kiss Steve.

Kiss Steve. Tony Stark, kissing Steve. It's . . . amazing. Tony's tongue is currently exploring Steve's mouth and Steve's heart basically bursts with joy and he swears he sees those rainbows. And then Tony's arms go around Steve's neck and he pulls him down, closer, and Steve wraps his arms around Tony's waist so that their bodies are pressed together, warm and flushed and wanting, just like their kiss.

Tony pulls back, but barely, their lips separated but their foreheads pressed together and he grins and says, 'Steve, you had me at "I love-like you".'

'So . . .' Steve breathes, blushing, 'I'm guessing that you feel the same way?'

Tony doesn't reply straight away. He turns them around and pushes Steve up onto the table and stands between his legs and cups Steve's face in his hands.

'You're still not sure? Even if I do . . . this?' Tony kisses him on the lips again, but it ends too soon. 'What about . . . this?' Tony's hands move to Steve's thighs and they're dangerously high and it sends a good feeling through Steve's body. Tony leans forward again and pecks a trail of kisses up and down Steve's neck.

'God, Steve.' Tony moans happily, and Steve can't keep the smile off his face. Tony pulls back and smirks at Steve's "you-found-my-puppy!" grin.

'I don't suppose you need more convincing?' Tony teases, after fondly pecking Steve on the nose.

'I just . . . I didn't know. I didn't know that you liked me.'

'I did. I do. In fact, remember yesterday, when I came in to the lounge room where you were with Pepper, Thor, Natasha and Clint and you seemed upset?'

'Yeah, how could I forget.' Steve frowns.

'After that, I sat down with you when you were sketching, and Pepper came in and remember how I asked to speak to her in private, well, that was to tell her that I liked you.'

Ok, not good. This is basically a lie. There's still the issue about Tony having known all along about Steve's crush, and Tony almost ruined the moment by telling Steve that. What he and Pepper really talked about was that Tony knew that Steve liked him.

Tony feels really frustrated and disappointed in himself that he's already started lying to Steve. Which is why his hands drop to his sides and his eyes flicker away from Steve's.

'Tony? What's wrong?' Steve feels a slight nag of fear in the back of his mind.

'Um,' what should he say? Let's call this off for now and let me think? Or does he just come out with it and hurt Steve? But how could he ruin this moment? I can't.

'I was just thinking; if we have sex, who's going to put it in?' Tony puts on a cheeky grin. Steve just blinks at him, and then his face goes red and he cracks up.

'Oh my god, Tony.' Steve grins. 'You really had me worried there.' Tony steps even closer and wraps his arms around Steve's chest and tucks his head under the blonde's chin.

'Sorry babe.' Tony mumbles, as Steve's hands go around his shoulders. 'But it's been on my mind for a while.' And ok, that's the truth, so does it matter that Tony's only saying it now to distract them both?

'Well, we'll find out, um, soon, possibly.' Steve stutters. Tony slowly eases back and looks at Steve and goes, 'oh right. Captain Purity-Ring. If talking about that sorta stuff makes you uncomfortable, just shut me up.'

'Is that possible?' Steve asks cheekily.

'You're too precious.' Tony rolls his eyes. 'Shut me up like this.' Tony closes his eyes and puts his lips firmly against Steve's, thus shutting them both up and for now, silencing Tony's thoughts.

xxXXXxx

A/N And we interrupt you with this quick message:

Did I rush that? PM if you think I should make changes to their kissing scene or anything before that. But if there are no problems, just mention that in your review XD

Also I know that there are still so many things I need to address regarding Tony and Steve's relationship and the things have just moulded into one big hill or speed bump or something but once I'm over that I promise things will be more . . . smooth? Clear? Ahem, continue :D

xxXXXxx

' . . . Like this?'

'No, Steve, grip it firmly.'

'How about now?'

'Not that firmly, Steve! Quick, pull it out!'

'Sorry! You show me. I'll watch and learn.'

Natasha and Clint glance at each other, wide eyed, as they approach Tony's lab after getting back to the tower for the first time since the debriefing yesterday.

There was the debriefing and then a non-Avengers related mission that had them up all night and they've only just gotten back around midday.

The two former assassins have more information on Dr. Doom – a possible lead that may or may not be a big deal, but either way they all have an agreement to keep the team posted. They figured going to Steve first was the best idea, him being the leader and all. Jarvis told them where to find the Captain, and they went down to Tony's lab. What they haven't bargained on is hearing Steve and Tony's voices as the pair descends downstairs – or more importantly, hearing exactly what they are saying.

'Are we interrupting something?' Clint demands as the two enter Tony's lab. He stands with his arms crossed, studying his teammates. Steve and Tony are hunched over some mechanical thing on a table, Tony holding some sort of tool and Steve looking lost.

'Oh, no,' Steve blushes, realising that they got the wrong idea, 'Tony's just trying to show me how to –,'

'Steve, don't bother with the explanation.' Clint smirks. 'For future reference, if you two end up doing something like what we thought you might be doing, keep it to the bedroom.' Tony and Steve share a glance, which Natasha and Clint don't fail to notice.

'So what brings you guys to my lair?' Tony quickly asks. 'Anything to do with nobody seeing you for fourteen hours?'

'Yes, we have information on Dr. Doom.' Natasha says.

'Where is he?' Steve demands before Tony can get a word in. I guess Steve's still holding a grudge against Doom for almost killing me, Tony thinks, watching Steve.

He wants to comfort him somehow, like hold his hand or drape an arm around his shoulders – although, Tony's not an extremely affectionate sort of guy but he does understand the power of a hug, sort of – but he's not sure that Steve would be comfortable with him doing that in front of Natasha and Clint, especially since they decided not to tell the team yet.

'While that information is still relatively unknown to us, we are aware of the fact that Dr. Doom is most likely working with Loki.'

A/N I could write more on this one chapter, but I'd rather separate it into two and give you this one as quickly as I can XD

And by quickly, I mean as soon as I have Internet access. Which I haven't had up until now so I'm sorry for the horribly long delay.

AND I WATCHED IRON MAN 3!