Stars And Stripes Forever

When Pepper walked into the living room to see Tony holding a bag and snickering, she was afraid of what was to come. "What's in the bag, Tony?"

Tony tore his eyes away from the bag. "Just an early birthday present for Cap. When will he be back from Brooklyn?"

Jarvis replied, "Captain Rogers is about three minutes away from the Tower, returning from his trip. Would you like me to call him for you?"

"No thanks, J. He won't answer until he gets back, anyways. He's riding his motorcycle." Tony chuckled once more, setting the bag on the coffee table.

Pepper wondered idly what was in the bag that would make Tony laugh so much, and that he'd give to Steve. The list was quite long, actually.

When Steve exited the elevator into the living room, he greeted the pair with a nod. "Pepper. Tony."

Tony grinned. "Capsicle, I got you an early birthday present. Don't worry, you're also getting a normal birthday present, but I couldn't wait on this one." He handed the supersoldier the mysterious bag.

Steve took it hesitantly, then opened it and pulled the object inside out. He looked baffled. "Tony, why did you get me a candle?"

Pepper was confused as well. A candle had made Tony laugh? That was weird, even for the genius.

Tony looked exasperated. "Read the scent."

Steve turned the jar to read the label. "What kind of a scent is 'Stars And Stripes'?"

Tony laughed, and Pepper chuckled. "I don't know, Steve," Pepper said. "But I do know that that's the most harmless prank gift Tony's ever given."

Steve shook his head, smiling. "Well, thank you, Tony." He set the candle on the coffee table. "Maybe we can all burn it tonight after dinner."

He left the room, probably to go find Natasha and request a sparring match. Tony huffed. "I was hoping for a more surprised reaction. I mean, seriously, all I got was a 'what kind of a scent is this'. I figured he'd go all patriotic on us."

After dinner...

The dishes were done and the tiny amount of leftovers put away before the Avengers gathered in the living room. They'd unofficially declared the half-hour after dinner as social time in the living room, a time where they could have a guaranteed talk with anyone, even if they didn't see them at all the rest of the day.

"Hey Cap, don't forget about your candle," Tony commented from his position sprawled in a recliner.

"I didn't. I'm going to light it right now." Steve stood up and walked over to the coffee table where his early present was situated. "Does anyone have a lighter?"

As soon as the words were out of his mouth, Pietro streaked out of the room, only to return a second later, a lighter in hand.

"Thank you, Pietro." Steve lit the candle before returning to his spot, and Pietro returned the lighter where he'd found it.

However, when he returned, he wasn't too careful as to where he stepped. He tripped over the coffee table, knocking the candle to the floor. The flames spread to the carpet at an impressive pace.

"Where's the fire extinguisher?" Steve hurriedly asked Tony.

Tony didn't even have to think. "The lab! Pietro, run and get it before the whole Tower burns down!"

The Sokovian didn't have to be told twice. Soon, a bright red fire extinguisher was in Tony's hands and he was fighting the now-raging fire. Once it was all out, he sprayed the last bit at Pietro, who didn't manage to dodge all of it. "What was that for?!"

"That was for making me have to get new carpeting!"