A/N: Hey everyone! Sorry for the small delay! I had a hard time coming up with inspiration to write! But, I finally finished and here is the next chapter for ya'll! Enjoy! :)
Disclaimer: I do not own the Avengers.
Chapter 3
"Sir, someone is trying to request entrance to the lab," JARVIS informs Tony.
Tony looks up from his latest project and wipes the sweat away from his brow. "Is it Steve again?"
"No, sir, it is Doctor Banner. He says he has a message for you."
"Let him through, JAR."
The main door to the lab opens automatically and Bruce walks through, looking around with interest. The scientist doesn't visit Tony's lab often seeing as he is incredibly busy, but he's always up for a change of scenery. Tony sets aside his tools, picks up the rag he keeps beside him at all times and wipes off his grease covered hands. "Brucey!" he says with enthusiasm, moving away from his lab table and meeting the scientist halfway. "What brings you to my humble abode?"
"Steve's making breakfast, and wants to know if you're coming up," Bruce answers.
Tony smirks. "He's sending you to do his dirty work, now?"
Bruce chuckles. "He said when he tried to get you to come up for dinner, you threw a wrench at him and screamed "Get out, I'm busy.""
The billionaire pauses. He does remember seeing Steve a few times, but he isn't sure if he was hallucinating or not. "Wait, that actually happened?"
Bruce gives Tony a startled look. "You don't remember?" He raises an eyebrow. "You don't remember how long you've been down here, do you?"
"It's only been a few hours, right?"
Bruce gives Tony a shocked look. "Tony, it's nine a.m. on Friday morning. You've been down here for two days straight!"
"Really? Are you sure?"
Bruce nods his head. "You're wearing the same outfit you wore to Costco and Coney Island."
Tony grabs his shirt and sniffs it, noting a slight musty scent. "Huh; how about that?" At the scientists raised eyebrow, he says, "Oh come on, Brucey, it's easy for me to lose my concept of time down here. It's not like I haven't done this before."
Bruce snorts. "Trust me, I believe you. I know how it is. Now, are you going to come up or not? I think Steve is making pancakes."
"Not," Tony answers, ignoring Bruce's stubborn look. "But, while you're here, I have something to show you and, well, give to you."
The scientist raises an eyebrow, face full of curiosity. Tony leads the man over to his lab table. "I, Tony Stark, present to you, Bruce Banner, the latest in Stark Technology! Behold— The Stark Bot 1.0!" Tony lifts a panel on the back of the robot and presses a few buttons before the bot whirls to life. The genius replaces the panel and watches the small bot lift from the table and hover over it. The robot is small, about the length of an average adult male torso. It has a small screen for a face and two arms on either side of its body. The bot is painted red and gold (Bruce snorts at the coloring), and the entire underside is open, allowing heat to escape and for the bot to hover. "The Stark Bot 1.0 is the first in advanced robot helper technology! He or she will listen to your orders and assist you with projects without fail! Okay, scratch that, since this is a prototype so I don't know how much fail it will be but . . ."
Bruce shakes his head at the bot that was still hovering over the table. "Tony . . ."
"And, the best part, he or she is all yours for no fee!" Tony had locked himself in his lab right after the team had returned from Coney Island, apparently two days ago, claiming he had things to do. He'd actually tried to get some work done, but he couldn't get Bruce's face in the limo earlier that day out of his mind. The poor man is lucky that he never remembers any of the battles he fights as the Hulk, but seeing it right in front of him . . . Tony made a mental note via JARVIS to call that news station and give them a piece of his mind.
When Bruce doesn't speak, Tony says, "Did I mention that he's smarter than Dummy over there?" At the sound of his name, Dummy beeps and rolls towards Tony only to bump into a table and knock some equipment over. Tony rolls his eyes. "Oh, Dummy, look what you did. Pick everything and put it back exactly how it was before," he scolds as the robot helper moves his arm to pick up each item.
"Tony, I—I can't except this little guy," Bruce says flustered. He looks over the little bot with barely suppressed wonder as it hovers around Bruce's head.
Tony shrugs. "Sure, you can," he says. "I already have the basic code and schematics down and saved, so I can build more if needed. Like I said, this is a prototype and it needs to be tested." While it is true that the bot is a prototype that he has been developing for weeks now, Tony is content to keep to himself that the other reason he's giving Bruce the robot is to, hopefully, take his mind off everything that happened the other day. The billionaire won't admit it willingly (or sober) that he does care for each member of the team, even if they break his things, run up the electric bill, eat all his food, scale the side of the tower, drag Tony out of his lab, and are extremely loud. This is the part where Pepper would be "aww-ing" and saying that Tony does have a heart after all.
Yeah, right.
The scientist looks at the bot, joy creeping over his features. He looks at Tony with a grateful smile on his face. "Thank you, Tony," he says. "And, um . . . thank you for what you said the other day. . ."
Tony waves the other man off. "No sweat, buddy, I know you would have done the same for me. We're not called the "science bros" for nothing."
Bruce chuckles. "Wasn't Clint the one who came up with those ridiculous names?"
"It wouldn't surprise me if he did. I had overheard Nat talking to Pepper about it," Tony says, a grin on his face.
Bruce shakes his head and Tony nudges him lightly. "Go on and get. You and your little buddy here have got a lot of bonding do to."
Bruce snorts turns to leave, smile still present, and his new hover bot following behind him. The scientist pauses in the doorway and turns back to his friend. "Just so you know, you're a hero too, Tony." He gives the engineer a small smile before leaving the lab, the bot hovering behind him.
Tony freezes, not expecting those words from his friend. Him? A hero? He snorts. The day Tony Stark is considered a hero is the day that the world ends.
A loud crash pulls Tony from his thoughts and he turns to see Dummy, still standing one of his lab tables, knocking over more items than picking them up. "I can't take my eyes off you for a second, can I?" he says, standing from his stool and walking over to the robot. He picks up everything off the floor and sets the items on the table. He turns to Dummy sees the robot hanging his arm in shame. Tony rolls his eyes. "Come on, we've got some work to do." Dummy beeps happily, his arm lifting as he rolls around Tony and positions himself by the engineer's usual lab table. Tony shakes his head, smiling, and joins the robot before getting lost in his latest designs.
*Ring*
*Ring*
"Hello?"
"Tony?"
Fuck.
"Pepper? Hey, what's up?" Tony says in a strained voice already regretting answering the phone. He really needs to remember to check caller ID. Whenever Pepper calls, it's usually to yell at him or tell him to get to work.
"What's up? Tony, you have a meeting today—and no! You can't skip it because you've already skipped the last four meetings."
Tony sighs. "Pep, I'm in the middle of something right now."
"I don't care, Tony, get your ass to this meeting. You have one hour."
The billionaire opens his mouth to protest, but Pepper hangs up. Tony waits a beat before sighing and standing up. "JARVIS, save everything and shut down the lab," he orders as he leaves the lab and heads for the elevator. Tony yawns as the elevator doors automatically open. He presses the button to go to the penthouse and watches the doors close. He can already feel exhaustion settling in from going days without sleep. Hopefully, a quick shower, fresh clothes and nice steaming cup of coffee will wake Tony up.
The doors open on his floor moments later and Tony exits, heading for his room. He opens the door to his bedroom and walks to the closet. Opening the double doors, Tony quickly scans his clothing before pulling out a navy blue pinstripe blazer and matching pants. He also grabs a white pinstripe button up shirt, an orange tie with blue stripes, and a clean pair of boxers. He wanders away from the closet and lays his clothes out neatly on the bed taking care to make sure he doesn't wrinkle his suit. The genius strips off his clothing, and tosses the items in the direction of the hamper, shrugging when the clothes miss. Tony pads towards the bathroom and tells JARVIS to turn on the shower.
The spray turns on automatically. Tony pauses by the sink to grab his toothpaste and toothbrush before climbing under the spray and letting the water wash over him. He flips the cap off the toothpaste and applies a pea-sized amount onto his brush. Tony sets the toothpaste on a small shelf in his bathroom. He slides the brush into his mouth and starts brushing his teeth, thinking over the last two days . . .
The drive to Coney Island only took about half an hour, but it felt like so much longer considering whom his teammates are. Clint stuck his head out of the window this time, whistling at everyone who passed by, much to their amusement. He only stopped when Natasha leaned over Tony and Bruce, and whapped the archer on the back of his head. The man rubbed his skull and mumbled angrily while Happy parked the limo in Coney Island's crowded parking lot.
Once inside the theme park, the team immediately spilt up. Bruce and Natasha went off on their own, Thor, Clint, and Steve eagerly discussed which ride they wanted to try out first while Tony talked with Happy. The genius was about to suggest to his friend that they should get something to eat, but Steve and Thor grabbed Tony by his shirtsleeve and dragged him towards Luna Park with Clint leading the way and Happy's cheerful laughter following them.
Tony spits out the toothpaste in his mouth before cupping his hands under the spray and drinking the water. He swishes the water around in his mouth for a bit before spitting. He grabs a small tan loofa and pours his favorite body wash over it before lathering and soaping up his body. He remembers that throughout the day, his three teammates took turns trying to coax Tony onto each ride and every time he shut them down telling them, he was completely content watching from the sidelines. He eventually gave in when the group passed by the Coney Island Raceway and Steve fixed the genius with his infamous kicked puppy look complete with the sad eyes and the pouty bottom lip. Seeing the smile on Steve's face after he agreed was almost worth sitting the sweaty seat and getting his car rammed repeatedly by Clint.
The engineer steps under the spray, washing all the soap off his body before being to shampoo and condition his hair. Once again, the genius actually found himself having fun, despite the heat and Clint's obnoxiousness. This could mostly be in part due to Steve, who always made sure that Tony was included and having a good time, something the brunet actually found himself appreciating. Plus, the man's excitement about being there was contagious. Steve was sharing a part of his past with the team and Tony couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm.
However, his favorite part of the day came when Clint decided to hit the water. Tony didn't get in the water because he still has a slight fear, but instead he lounged on the beach while sitting in his rented beach chair. He glanced between fiddling with his phone and watching his teammates splashing each other with water. The genius openly gave his new friend a once over, silently thanking Doctor Erskine for creating the super soldier serum. Steve is one fine piece of man candy and Tony ogled the man, knowing damn well that every single person on that beach was doing the same damn thing.
Tony furrows his brow and shakes his head, causing water droplets to fly everywhere. Ever since the Avengers trip a few days ago, Tony finds himself thinking about the blond a lot and he can't seem to figure out why. It could be because Steve is stupid fucking hot and looks incredible without his shirt. Tony had a huge thing for Cap when he was teenager, recalling the numerous times he jerked off with the soldier's image behind his eyelids and orgasmed with Steve's name on his lips. But, it's not just his looks—Tony actually finds himself liking Steve as a person, which is weird because Tony doesn't like people. Sure, they got off to a rough start on the helicarrier, but in his defense, no one was in their right minds thanks to Loki's scepter.
Tony ducks his head under the water and rinses the conditioner out of his hair. He almost wants to blush at the way he came onto Steve before Costco. Tony never volunteers himself for anything, so why did he volunteer to be Steve's painting subject? He wasn't lying when he said he wants to get to know the soldier more and after spending most of the day with him, Tony finds himself wanting to hang out with Steve more. The engineer thinks that his subconscious has ulterior motives, but he's not entirely sure. There's nothing wrong with wanting to get to know your teammate better.
Right?
Tony turns off the water and climbs out of the shower, grabbing one of the clean red towels hanging on a rod near the shower. He dries himself off and wraps the towel around his waist. The engineer walks over to the sink, and applies deodorant before entering his bedroom. He drops his towel on the ground and dresses himself in his suit. Tony moves and stands in front of his wall length mirror. He finger combs his slightly damp hair and fixes his tie before sighing. The billionaire grabs his phone and wallet and leaves his room, quickly entering the elevator and pressing the button for the living room. When the doors open on his floor, Tony exits the elevator and enters the kitchen, immediately hearing Steve's disappointed tone.
"Clint, don't play with your food," Steve scolds. The soldier is wearing an apron over gray sweats and a white t-shirt, blond hair still damp from his shower. He is standing in front of the stove, currently flipping pancakes.
The archer, who is making a smiley face with his eggs and bacon, rolls his eyes. "Okay mom," he mutters sarcastically, ignoring the glare Steve shoots him in favor of shoving a piece of bacon in his mouth.
Steve huffs and returns back to cooking before noticing the engineer out of the corner of his eye. He smiles. "Good morning, Tony. Are you going to be staying for breakfast?" he greets as Tony moves through the kitchen, grabbing a piece of toast and coffee mug.
"Can't; I have to work," He responds.
"Wait, you're actually willing to go into work?" Steve asks with an adorably confused expression on his face right as Natasha enters the room clad in an oversized shirt and sporting bedhead. She yawns and plops down in the chair next to Clint and rests her head on her folded arms.
"Pepper will actually kill me if I don't," Tony yawns and finishes pouring his coffee before taking a hearty sip. He turns away from the coffee pot and nods at Steve, who has a plate and mug in his hands that Tony assumes is for Nat. He takes a bite of this toast and leaves the room, heading for the elevator.
The instant Tony arrives at Stark Industries New York headquarters Pepper meets him in the lobby and begins yelling at him in a hushed tone for being late. The engineer half listens to what his friend is saying as they head to the boardroom, where today's unnecessary meeting is taking place. One of these days, Tony needs to fire his entire board staff and hire people who actually have good ideas.
The pair arrive to the meeting room in record time. The particular room chosen is has three plain white walls and one ceiling to floor length window that showcases a spectacular view of New York City. The rectangular wooden table is littered with graphs, charts, stocks, and a variety of other items that Tony is assuming will be used during the meeting. Tony follows his friend to the table and slides into one of the only available seats, which is at the head of the table. Pepper sits on his right and a woman with light brown hair, green eyes, and a light gray suit jacket and matching skirt to his left. The woman— Caterina? Catalia? Tony doesn't remember her name— gives him a small smile before turning her attention to the front where the first presenter, a man in his fifties or sixties wearing a black 3 piece suit and sporting a comb over is about to begin speaking.
Tony knows this meeting is going to be boring. It already is and it's barely started. He'd rather have Clint use him for target practice or try and teach Thor the wonders of technology. Hell, he'd even sit through one of Steve's "back in the good ol days" tales or attempt to take the man clothes shopping and listen to him exclaim, "that shirt costs how much?" Tony smiles to himself before frowning and shaking his head. There he goes thinking about Cap once again. For some reason, Tony can't get the blond out of his head.
"Can't get who out of your head?" Pepper whispers, her voice filled with curiosity.
Tony falters, his eyes widening. He glances at Pepper and sees nothing but genuine concern and curiosity in her expression. He panics when he realizes he's been talking out loud. Glancing around the boardroom, he notes that the other men and women are arguing with each other and not paying any attention to what's happening around them. Based on this, Tony is assuming that the only person who heard whatever he said is Pepper and while Tony is able to breathe a small sigh of relief, he's still worried. The engineer can't even explain to himself how he feels about Steve, much less attempt to tell Pepper. He snorts and waves the redhead off, watching her face twist into irritation. Irritation is good. He can handle that. Tony turns back to his employees who are continuing to argue and huffs in annoyance. This is going to be a long day.
That evening, Tony returns to the tower completely exhausted. He wanders through the lobby and over to the elevator doors. A quiet ding is heard and the doors open. Tony steps inside and presses the button that will take him upstairs. The doors close and the elevator rises. Tony sighs, loosening his tie and unbuttoning the top two buttons of his dress shirt and running a tired hand through his hair.
A few seconds later, the elevator opens on the Avengers living area floor. He steps out and wanders into the living room. Clint is standing in front of the couch dressed in a fitting black t-shirt and loose gray sweatpants. The archer is holding two Wii remotes (one white, one black) and eagerly chattering to Thor, who is wearing similar attire. Thor nods along to Clint's words, giving the smaller man his full attention. Tony glances around the rest of the room, noting that both the Wii and the television are on. He raises an eyebrow. "Clint, what are you doing?"
Clint pauses and turns to see Tony standing a little ways away. He grins. "I'm about to teach Thor how to play Wii Tennis! You want in?"
Tony shakes his head. "I'm good," he says. "Maybe next time." He walks around to the other side of the couch, sets his briefcase on the ground, and plops down onto the couch.
Clint shrugs. "Suit yourself." The archer hands Thor the black Wii remote and beings loading the game.
Tony yawns and looks around. "Where are the others?"
"Nat is in her room, I think, Bruce is in his lab and Steve went to this charity event for war veterans downtown," Clint explains as the loading screen for Wii Tennis pops up. Clint turns to Thor and grins. "Ready buddy?"
"I am prepared for this challenge," Thor declares as the game begins.
Tony watches half-heartedly as the two play their game. He faintly hears footsteps coming from his right. He turns his head slightly and sees Natasha slide onto the couch, clad in an oversized white t-shirt and black leggings with her feet bare and her short red bob messy like she just woke up from a nap. She curls up on the couch next to Tony, close enough that the brunet could reach out and touch her. Not that Tony is going to, of course, because not only is he still extremely wary of the redhead, but he's also pretty sure that Natasha could kill him with just a flick of her wrist. It's just unusual that she would sit so close to him, or anyone, for she usually keeps her distance. Maybe the redhead is finally starting to let her guard down. Tony doubts that is the case, but Natasha is full of surprises.
The engineer is brought out of his thoughts by the sound of shattering glass. Tony looks over and sees Thor's Wii remote sticking out of the center of the formally working flat screen. The Demi God has a guilty expression on his face while Clint looks over the scene with wide eyes. "Fuck . . ." the archer breathes out.
Tony mentally sighs. This isn't the first time someone from the team has broken something, but this is the first television. Thankfully, being the genius that he is, the engineer had moved all of his extremely valuable and irreplaceable objects to his personal floor before the rest of the team arrived almost two weeks ago.
"Man of Iron, allow me to give you my sincerest apologizes. I did not know that my strength would be such a threat during this game of racket ball," Thor says, his voice guilt ridden.
"We were playing tennis," Clint corrects quietly.
All eyes in the room turn to Tony. He sighs. "Clint, where's that TV you got from Costco the other day?"
"Still boxed up on my floor, why?" Clint asks.
"Go get it and bring it up here."
Clint looks as if he's about to protest, but Natasha shoots him a glare that effectively stops him. The archer sets his remote down on the couch and heads for the elevator.
Tony stands from the couch and walks over to Thor, who is looking deeply ashamed of himself. The billionaire pats Thor on the arm "Hey, buddy, it's alright. Like I said, accidents happen, so don't beat yourself up about it."
Thor gives Tony a confused look. "You are not angered with me?"
He's not angry, so to say. Irritated because the others keep breaking his stuff, sure, but not angry. It's not as if they do it on purpose. Besides, it's hard to be angry with Thor and the guy looks so pitiful right now, that Tony would hate himself more if he made the blond feel worse. "No, I'm not angry," he says, patting Thor's arm again. "Besides, it's just a television and it's easily replicable. I am a billionaire after all. Just . . . just be more careful next time, alright?"
Thor nods at Tony's words and a small smile crosses his face. The elevator dings signally Clint's arrival as he enters the living room carrying the flat screen television and grumbling about how he always has to give up his things. Tony ignores him and claps his hands. "Right, you guys set that up, while I go change out of these clothes." He turns and goes back over to the couch. He briefly catches Natasha's gaze, an unidentifiable expression on her face, as if she's analyzing Tony and trying to figure him out. He mentally shrugs, grabs his briefcase and heads to his room with the sounds of Clint swearing and struggling to open the television box following him.
A/N: When I was thinking about the design for Bruce's robot helper, I was thinking of something like the Robot 1-X from Futurama. Unlike the Robot 1-X, Bruce's can't speak and has to recharge every five or six hours (it is just a test run). Also, I've never been to Coney Island before and I used the website as a guide, but if I made any mistakes about anything in the park, I apologize.
A/N 2: I hope ya'll enjoyed this chapter! Please review! ^^