NOTE: To whoever wrote me the guest review on the last chapter, thank you! I'm actually quite picky about OC's also, so I try to incorporate the regulars as much as possible. I don't like drifting off too much about Gunnar because I don't want people to be turned off or get bored. Since there has been so much drama and action the last few chapters, this one is going to be a lighter chapter. I also noticed that I completely forgot Pepper the entire story. She's just around. haha
BACK AT AVENGER'S TOWER:
It was late afternoon by the time Steve and Gunnar had arrived back at the tower. Natasha had gotten called out on a mission that morning and would be due back within a week.
After they had changed back into civilian clothing, Steve joined Gunnar who was sprawled out comfortably on one of the couches in the living room. Bruce also came down from his study and joined them.
"So how did it go?" the doctor asked.
"Coulson said we did great. We didn't set a course record or anything but he said we have made real progress and we get to stay partners. Now we have proven what we can do together, I'm no longer on probation." Gunnar replied.
"Great, I'm glad you get to stay." Bruce said with a smile.
"So am I." Gunnar concluded.
At that moment Tony walked in and Gunnar repeated the news.
"Well I think we need to celebrate." Tony said as he started making his way to the bar.
"No drinks, Stark." Steve warned.
"Why not, the kid did great!" Tony exclaimed. "He deserves a little something."
"He just got off probation. We don't need give Coulson reasons to put him back on…" Steve said with concern.
"I have a 30 year single malt scotch that would be perfect." Tony replied.
Gunnar looked at him with wide eyed desire. "At least I'm not underage…" He mumbled.
Steve stood up and walked out of the room down towards his bedroom. He decided it would be the perfect time to sit out on the balcony and draw. He wanted to unwind and enjoy his break. They had worked hard the last few weeks and he was ready to enjoy silence and relaxation.
When Steve was out of ear shot, Tony moved closer to Gunnar and said: "Grab Barton and meet me on the roof after dinner."
The sun was going down when Steve finally stood up from the lounge chair on his balcony. He decided it was time to go get something to eat and find Wells.
He headed into the kitchen and it looked as though everyone had already eaten. Since Thor and Natasha were gone, they didn't eat together for every meal and usually just fended for themselves. He made himself a couple sandwiches and sat down at the table. After reading the paper he noticed nobody was around. Usually in the evening they would be in and out of the living room or doing something as a team.
He checked all the rooms and couldn't find anyone until he reached Bruce's room. He was sitting on his oversized chair reading a thick novel.
"Hey, where are the others?" Steve asked.
Bruce sighed and closed his book partially. "Don't be mad…" Bruce said calmly.
"What are they doing?" He replied hastily.
"They're on the roof… celebrating…" Bruce answered.
"Damnit, Stark!" He said angrily.
"I made them promise to take it easy!" Bruce interjected and after Steve stomped off, he shook his head. "I hope I don't have to fix anyone up tonight." He said to himself.
Steve could hear the hooting and shouting as he got closer to the doors to the roof. He opened them and wasn't surprised by what he saw. There was a 24 pack of IPA's on the table and a couple bottles of liquor. A few bottles of the beer had already been emptied and scattered about. Gunnar was sitting against one of the buildings vents and Tony and Clint were sitting on the lounge furniture.
"What did I say?" Steve asked.
They all just started laughing and then Gunnar shushed them and said "We're being careful Cap, I promise."
"I specifically said no drinking tonight." He replied.
"I've had 3 beers. I'm Asgardian! I'm fine…" He said with a smile.
"Lighten up on him Cap. He deserves a night of fun." Tony said raising his glass of scotch in the air. "Join us Captain! I know you can't get drunk, but these drinks are delicious."
"No thanks Tony." He answered.
"Aww come on Cap!" Clint whined. "At least stay up here with us and have some fun."
"I guess you guys do need a babysitter… Fine. I'll stay. But I'm not drinking anything." He gave in and pulled up a seat next to them.
"I brought up a 6 pack of root beer just in case you came up." Gunnar said. He popped the cap off and handed it to Steve.
"Thanks bud."
"I'd like to propose a toast, to Wells and our dear Cap here, for not screwing up their test and being an awesome team!" Clint shouted. They clinked their glasses and chugged down their drinks.
SEVERAL DRINKS LATER:
"I just had the best idea ever. You two could go by… Captain America and Spangles! It's perfect because it goes together. You're a team!" Clint drunkenly said.
"That's right Wells! You don't have a codename. I personally agree that Spangles is fitting…" Stark slurred.
"Really guys? Spangles? That's the best you can come up with?" Gunnar said tipsily.
Steve was starting to regret coming up here, but at least he could keep an eye on them.
"I like it." Clint said.
"Me too." Tony agreed.
"I'm too tipsy right now to fight back…" Gunnar replied. He stood up and swayed as he got another tumbler full of scotch.
"I think you guys are done." Steve said.
"No Steveeeee! We're having fun!" Gunnar whined.
The conversation died down and they were enjoying the silence and view of the night sky.
Breaking the silence Gunnar said "I'm glad to be here guys. Really, I love living here and I love all of you."
"You are so done. Come on, let's get you to bed." Steve answered with a laugh.
"I can go by myself thank you." He said with a huff. He morphed into a dog and nearly fell over
He let out a tremendous howl and everyone looked surprised.
"That's new." Tony said.
"Goodnight Spangles!" Clint yelled.
Gunnar stumbled down the hall and disappeared down the stairs to the living area.
"I guess we should call it quits too…" Clint said as he got up. Steve cleaned up the bottles and watched Tony and Clint disappear downstairs.
When he got down to the living room a few minutes later, Clint was waiting for him.
"Your dog is in my bed…" Clint laughed.
"I'm sorry, do you want me to try and wake him up?" Steve asked.
"I wouldn't go in there." He said with a smile.
"Why not?" Steve inquired.
"Because he morphed back into a human, and he's buck ass nude." Clint laughed. "I'm just going to sleep in Nat's room since she's still gone."
"Thanks Clint." He said and then headed to his room. He left his door open just in case one of the drunks got sick or needed him.
As soon as his head hit the pillow, he sighed and fell asleep.