Tony's antics

Tony sat and watched the fearsome killer aerial attack unfold ultimately deciding the fate of the match. He clearly saw Clint's furious face at the end of the match while Natasha held her nose high in the air with a sneer. One can only imagine the evil plans manifesting within that pretty little redhead. Something else caught the billionaire's eye; now he may be a playboy of sorts but even he knew fake from real. Being the man of science his need to delve further was becoming insufferable to suppress.

"Y'know what Pep I think it's time for a little experimenting…" Pepper instantly recognized the certain glint in his eyes. The last time she saw that stare; there was a giant hole in the roof of her kitchen, which just got fully repaired by the way. She looked in the direction of Tony's gaze realizing then that he meant toying with Steve and Natasha. As much as she would like for them to be together she would rather not meddle in her friends feelings and let nature take its course.

"Anthony Stark, don't you dare mess with the Cap and Natasha, that is not your place." She retorted back.

"I like how you use his nickname and her real name…"

"Don't change the subject Tony"

"Oh c'mon Pepper something is bound to happen anyways, I'll just be helping it along…like a supplement or an extra boost."

"No let it be it's better this way, if they end up together than so be it if not than they're not but don't force them you know Steve is still trying to adjust to everything still."

"So you're telling me that you aren't the least bit interested of what might happen with a little push here and there."

"No" Pepper once again told him flat out.

"He got down how to use a computer, cell phone, and a digital camera now he can start his own Instagram account with no problems; I think he can handle a little action outside of the battlefield." Tony wriggled his eyebrows at Pepper.

"Why are you so persistent about this anyways?"

"I can't help it! Whenever I see a pathetic shy old person in need, I just have to help out!" He exclaimed, flinging his out towards the ceiling of the cabana in dramatic fashion.

"No means no" With that said she continued flipping through her magazine.

Tony slumped in his chair with a huff, "God you're such a buzz kill Pepper…"

Tony had left his comfy spot under the cabana; leaving Pepper to her comforting silence of the beach. In all honesty he did want to help the captain with his nonexistent love life. But the challenge at hand was how he was going to outsmart the solider and spy. With Steve he could easily outwit the captain with some girls, flashy lights, and a dash of his secret stash of mead he asked from Thor. However, Natasha on the other hand was going to need more than just a couple pints of beer. Tony opened his eyes taking a pause in his steps looking out the window when suddenly he spied Steve diving head first into the crashing waves upon the shore. His eyes trailed to see where he was running from and saw a certain redhead watching his retreat. Steve needs someone to love while Natasha needs someone to love her and visa versa, right? But who said I couldn't have some fun with it. The very thought made the corners of his lips curl up.

Meanwhile on the beachfront, Natasha was left to contemplate what just transpired between her and the captain. She was both very pleased, flattered, and flustered all at once. The combination of emotions bubbled something in the pit of her stomach. She was well aware of the supportive role Steve now plays in her life but she can't shake the odd sensations within her heart. Do I have butterflies in my stomach? Dammit girl get it together that was just a simple compliment that he would've given to anyone else…if he knew of their secrets and scars, maybe that was a bad idea to admit back on the plane. No this is stupid love is for children remember that, love is not real. Natasha leaned back with a sigh of frustration; of all feelings to lose control of, love had to be the first one. Ironic isn't it. Looking out towards the water she can only wonder what's going on in his head while he was running rampant in hers.

Natasha's thoughts were interrupted by a certain genius blocking her sun. She didn't even need to look up, "Scram Tony not in the mood for your jokes right now."

He scoffed dramatically, "Your words cut deeper than any knife Natalia."

The use of her first name got her attention annoyingly, "You have five second before I personally show you five different ways you can see your own ass."

"What's got you in a tizzy Red."

"Four…"

"Ok, ok I just need your expertise with something."

"The great Anthony Stark wants my expertise in something don't make me laugh Tony, what do you need another person to count how many hot rods you have."

"It's 6 to be exact and it's for Pepper, our anniversary is coming up soon and apparently I'm a horrible gift giver."

"Why not make her own an island, seems like you have plenty to spare."

"I already got that for her off the coast of Spain…and she got mad saying stuff like its too much and everything so I was thinking something more simple and a lot smaller but I don't know what cause I'm more of a go big or go home kinda guy." He was trying to be as convincing as possible praying that his act was working. Tony watched her face for any sign of agreement.

Natasha sighed, "Fine if it's for Pepper, what do you want me to look for anyways."

"See that's where you come in, you're her best friend so you know what she likes that she doesn't tell me." He said.

"Fine I got it I'll go into town to look for something okay now move you're in my sun."

Tony got on his knees to hug Natasha, "Oh thank you Red you're a life saver!"

"Hug me again and some of the family jewels will be missing tonight." She warned him. Quickly getting off her before she could pull him into a chokehold.

"Be by the docks by 4 o'clock"

"Yea I will." Natasha waved him off. Tony turned, stuck his hands in his pockets, and made on his way all while smiling deviously, my plan is a go! Now for Mr. Stars and Stripes.

Steve on the other hand, only found company in the slow churning waves and oceanic creatures that dwell in between the rocks and coral. He wasn't particularly fond nor in favor of running away from his problems but this situation was too overwhelming for him to handle all at once. Natasha was a woman that he couldn't predict at all. If he had to describe her in one word at this very moment it would be impulsive. She was always coming at him in new with new and unexpected things, making him feel alive the same way a young British girl once did. But how can someone like herself, feel for someone like me. Maybe she likes Captain America more than Steve Rogers…who can love a man out of time. The crippling sensation of doubt settled itself deeper in his chest making the need for air more unbearable. As he was resurfacing he let out a loud gasp. Bending his head back towards the sky he flattened his body into the dead man position, floating in the water he found some tranquility but the storm within his conscious was brewing. What do I do?

After about an hour or so later Steve re-emerged from the water carrying no fish this time around though, he couldn't bring himself to catch anymore. He noticed that everyone already left the beach front probably to not burn in the sun. The captain sighed to himself and begun to gather up the remaining items his team left behind in the beach.

"Hey cap!" Tony shouted loudly behind him in hopes of trying to scare Steve, alas his efforts did not work.

"Hey Tony what can I do for you?" Steve asked.

"Actually funny that you ask, I need your help with something buddy do you mind lending me a hand?"

"Sure I got time."

"Great!" Tony swung his arm around the captain's shoulder leading him off the beachfront.

"Alright out with it, what do you need me to do?" Steve went straight to the point.

"Well Pepper and I's anniversary is coming up soon and I have no idea on what to get her."

"What, you've known each other for god knows how long and you still don't know what to get?! Tony, I have to say I'm a little disappointed in you, you're a man with all the riches in the world yet you need someone else to rummage for your diamonds." Steve went in full old man philosophy causing Tony to zone out on his wise words of the day. He sighed to himself and tried to get back the genius's attention by snapping his fingers at him.

"What happened, you lost me there…oh yea well last time I tried she said it was too extravagant for her and she wants something simple and not as expensive as a private yacht so I have no idea honestly."

"Fine I'll help you out, when are we leaving?"

"Great! Be by the docks in another hour and half, kay ciao." Tony made off into the house once the conversation ran its courses, ultimately leading to Steve's agreement to his plan.

It didn't take long for the captain to become impatient after his encounter with Tony. He just couldn't pinpoint why he was so irritated with himself. Steve arrived at the docks ten minutes ahead of time all dressed and ready to go. He decided to continue his wardrobe adventure by sporting a simple white and blue baseball shirt with ¾ quarter sleeves, a pair of dark wash boot cut jeans, and to end it off a very classic pair of black converse chucks. He found this look while looking online for the trendiest clothing items for the males of this day and age; it was one of the only outfits that didn't include skinny jeans. Apparently he found that a lot of young men liked having the feeling of their crotch being constricted. Steve kept tapping his foot and glancing at his watch every minute or so, contemplating on whether or not this was one of Tony's tricks again. But it wasn't too long after when he heard footsteps leading towards the docks.

"Finally Tony what took you-" Steve's words were cut short when he realized who those footsteps belonged to. Walking up to him was the one person whom he would rather not see for now or even the rest of this trip. Her scarlet tresses lightly bounced with each step. Although Steve thought women of this century were showing a bit too much he was regretted ever thinking that. Natasha wore a black high-low tank top accompanied with a pair white jean short. Her expression was hidden under the large set sunglasses she brought along. Steve couldn't tell if she was just as surprised or displeased with him being here.

"Well I see Tony forgot to leave out the fact that he already had company." She stated matter-a-factly. Nat titled her shades just enough for the captain to notice her peeking actions. "You look really good cap, who knew you can dress like a regular person."

"Ha ha very funny Natasha but clothes are just clothes I don't really care what I wear as long as its decent."

"I must say the twenty first century is at its peak of fashion when you're the one wearing it captain." Her eyes meet his and he quickly looked the other direction a bit flustered.

"Where is Tony by the way?" she asked.

"I don't know I've been waiting here for the past ten or so minutes and he hasn't shown up yet."

"Guess the billionaire is too good to go out shopping with the commoners" Natasha bent down for a fake curtsy, she could feel the tension between them and it didn't sit well with her. When she heard him chuckle she knew it was all right to play a bit further. "Why good evening sir I didn't see you there."

It didn't take him long to play along in teasing Tony. He gave a dramatic bow while gently grasping her hand," Indeed it is milady"

"I say where is Sir Stark?"

"I cannot say I know but it's all right, a man like that doesn't have time for us peasants."

"Oh if only his presence could grace us once more than everything would be all right." She frantically fanned herself with her hand. There was a moment of pause before their laughter filled the docks.

Steve wiped his eyes, "God we are so bad."

"Well I see how happy making fun of the man who houses you and pays for everything makes you feel." Steve and Natasha whipped their heads around as if they were children getting caught. Tony wasn't as amused by their antics or maybe he was.

Steve cleared his throat, "So what's the plan Tony?"

"The plan is that you two are gonna go find the gift" He pointed at them.

"What?! Shouldn't you be coming along as well, Pepper is your fiancée" Natasha couldn't believe that Tony was using them his personal errands boys while on vacation.

"Yea I know that but something came up dealing with the tower, apparently I need more parts in order to fix the air con system." He lied. " So off you go, here's the keys, my card, and a list of some personal stuff that might help you find the perfect gift." Tony pushed his credit card and keys into their hands before shoving them into the boat as well.

Steve was still a bit confused on the situation," But Tony-"

"I believe in you cap", was the last thing Tony said before running off the docks.

"Looks like we're on our own for this one, let's go Steve no point in dwelling on that man's mind sometimes." Natasha reeved the boat to life while Steve unhooked them from the docks. Little did they know that Tony was close by watching the couple speed off towards the mainland. Tony paged in Hawkeye, "The birds have left the nest, the plan is a go."

"Copy that." Clint replied.

Hey guys, I'm back :) aha I am so very sorry that it took so long to post these chapters. So much has been happening in my life lately, mainly college related stuff but I won't bore you with the details. Thank you so much for sticking it out with me and I am so pleasantly surprised with the popularity of this story. It honestly makes writing all the more rewarding, to see everyone enjoying the thing you created. Thank you again for the favs and follows, please remember to R&R :)