Natasha climbed into the back of the taxi she'd called to drive her across town to Stark Industries. It was either this or listen to Clint's complaining the whole way and that was one thing she didn't need.
She glanced quickly at her phone to check the time, getting momentarily distracted with the text message Tony had sent her a couple of hours ago. Sorry, it looks like I'm stuck here til 8. Got tied up in something. Meet me for a late dinner? Promise to make it worth the wait. X.
The text closed to her inbox and the time lit up on the screen. 7:50pm. Of course, she'd written back that it was no problem, with a flirtatious response that he'd better be worth it.
Now she looked out the window at the bright L.A. lights, taking in the familiar sights and landmarks. If she was honest with herself, she would miss the California sun, the palm trees that lined the sidewalks, and even the futuristic accommodations of the west coast Avengers complex, not unlike the mansion she'd been to many times. As much as she was looking forward to heading back to New York and getting home, this place had a certain charm.
She'd been so lost in thought by the time the cab pulled up to the curb in front of the rich property of numerous buildings all bearing the simple loud company logo that the driver actually had the clear his throat in a not so subtle hint for payment.
She smiled politely, offering a generous tip before exiting the car and jogging swiftly up the few steps to the clear glass doors.
Her Avengers security badge was enough clearance to get her through without needing to be buzzed in to the lobby and a few personnel nodded their greetings to her. Even if she didn't recognize them, they sure knew who she was. She frowned inwardly, unsure of how comfortable she was with that. It had been years since their first mission as a team and she was still mildly surprised whenever anyone recognized her as a super hero.
"Shall I tell Mr. Stark you're here to see him, Ms. Romanoff?" A young, blonde receptionist asked with a professional smile on her face.
Just then her phone started vibrating and she pulled it out of a side pocket on her jeans. "No need," she said when she saw who's picture was lighting up her screen.
She turned away from the desk to answer the call in semi private, a little surprised that he hadn't just texted her to let her know he was on his way down.
"Nat, I can't believe I'm saying this. I'll be a little longer," he said. "You're not already here, are you?"
"I am actually. Is everything okay?" As far as she knew, he still made his own schedule, much like when he was the CEO.
"Yeah. Just a stupid meeting in a couple of minutes. Pepper says I have to go. I shouldn't be too much longer. Wait for me?" His voice sounded hopeful and genuinely apologetic.
She sighed, weighing her options in her mind. It was either wait here in the luxurious lobby and have a cup of coffee, or help Clint inventory his equipment before they packed it on the plane tomorrow.
"Alright, Stark. But I'm not going to wait to eat," she teased. "What floor is the cafeteria in this place, again?"
She could practically see the relieved smile on his face.
"Eighth. I won't hold you up too much more. Sorry about dinner, but we can get drinks after."
"And you're buying?"
"Of course."
"See you later!" she chirped.
"Thanks, darling. I'll see you in a bit."
She shook her head as she made her way to the elevator, heading upstairs to see what delicacies Stark Industries had to offer.
XXXXX
Tony, it's getting really late, she typed into her phone. I'm going to head back. I'm not mad, I promise. We can do this some other time.
Hold on, his reply came a second later. On my way down. Stay put. X.
She looked up at the ding of the elevator in the otherwise quiet lobby. Much of the staff had gone home for the night, leaving just the door guard and the patrol guard.
He stepped out of the elevator, already pulling off his suit jacket and folding it over his arm, leaving him in a form fitting band tee and designer jeans and flashing a charming smile in signature Tony Stark fashion.
"Hey," he said, stepping up beside her. "I'm so sorry."
"It's fine, really. But it's kind of late for alcohol and we have an early flight tomorrow. Rain check?"
He wrinkled his nose. "If you guys are all leaving me at the same time, the least you can do is take one of my jets instead of flying commercial."
She smiled wryly.
"Come on. You're here now. At least let me give you a ride back to the compound."
She nodded her consent and he grinned wide, lightly touching her elbow. "Car's out back."
He led her through the lobby and down a short hall, using his private exit.
She figured knowing him he would've had another limo idling outside, or at least a driver waiting beside one of his fancy cars, but to her surprise he fished his keys out of his pocket.
He opened the passenger side for her first, then set his jacket down in the back before settling in the driver's seat and arranging his glasses on his face.
"I really am sorry about tonight," he murmured once he'd pulled out into traffic.
"No hard feelings," she promised truthfully. "I know you're an important guy." It couldn't do any harm to stroke his already inflated ego a little bit to drive her sentiment home.
"What kind of music do you like to listen to?" He asked suddenly, reaching for the audio deck.
"Um.. I don't know. It doesn't matter," she said, surprised by him for the second time that night. "Put on whatever you like."
He pressed a button and she fully expected a loud heavy metal tune to invade the car, but instead a slow country ballad filled the speakers.
She raised an eyebrow, gazing at him while he looked through the windshield. He was full of surprises tonight.
"What?" He asked defensively. "Can't a guy listen to a little Shania Twain to unwind after a long, arduous day spent in a corporate environment?"
She gave a light snort, then her expression straightened as she remembered something. "Do you ever listen to Celine Dion?"
"Nooo," he said, as if the question was ludicrous. "Why do you ask?"
She shrugged. "No reason."
He turned to look at her. "So, what do you really think of the new complex? Think you'll use it? Think the others will use it?"
"It's… nice," she said. "But Tony, why the extra location?"
"The Avengers are expanding," he replied. "Time to add a little more, don't you think?"
"The Avengers are a team. You can't treat us like a business, Stark."
He squared his jaw as he looked through the windshield again, his expression lost behind thick frames. "You sound like Rogers."
"I'm just trying to understand," she said more gently. "Help me out here."
"I made this location for convenience. So you'd all have a safe place to go, no matter what side of the country you're on. If you don't think anyone will use it, it's fine. I'm sure I could turn it into a very successful super hero themed car wash. Or maybe a small theme park?"
She smirked. "I'm going to miss that sassy sarcasm."
That earned her a small smile.
"Here's a new idea. Why don't you just be honest with Steve? Maybe even earn his support and encouragement in your expansion endeavor."
He was silent.
"I'm serious. Why do you always let people assume the worst in you, Stark?"
"You saying you don't think I'm that bad?"
"I'm saying I need to rest up for the trip home tomorrow," she said as he pulled into the Avengers property and stopped the car.
"Can I at least walk you to your room?"
He was out of the car and pulling her door open for her before she could answer.
She slipped her arm into his, walking across the grass to the entrance and heading to the elevator in companionable silence.
"I really am sorry about dinner," he said once they'd stopped in front of her door.
"It's alright." She reached to embrace him.
"But I wanted to spend some time with you, and you're leaving tomorrow," he said over her shoulder, holding her close as she hugged him.
"We'll see each other again, Stark," she said softly, trying to push down the feeling of sadness that had suddenly been amplified by the sincerity in his big round eyes as he gazed at her over the top rim of his glasses. It was unsettlingly similar to the feeling she'd had when leaving the other reality to come back home.
"I know," he murmured as she leaned up to place a soft kiss on his cheek. "Well, hey. Aren't you going to invite me inside?"