Remember this: I'm forcing this whole story into Stark Tower. He still has his cool lab/garage.
Steve sat cross-legged on the couch in the rec room, elbows braced on his knees and hands folded under his chin. He hadn't bothered to shower or change out of his sleeping pants yet, it was much too early for that kind of effort. He'd stayed up late eating dinner with Tony, and afterward they had relaxed on this very couch and watched the Expo coverage before the genius had to leave for DC.
Well, 'watching' was a loose term. They spent most of it enjoying each other's presence, his arm along the back of the couch behind Tony while the other let his hand wander. He'd caressed the soldier's thigh almost thoughtfully, searing the skin with his warmth and bringing out some very interesting feelings.
JARVIS had awoken him an hour ago telling him that Tony's conference was to be televised, excusing the early hour but sure the super soldier would want to watch it. Steve had thanked him and rushed down here, the remains of an orange scattered on the table in front of him.
Tony looked great (as always), though thoroughly annoyed at being there. He recognized Rhodey from that gala and the man seemed to be trying to do what he could for Stark. From what he understood they wanted to take the Iron Man suit from him and claim it as a government weapon. From a military perspective he could see where they were coming from, but as Tony's best friend he knew the genius would never let such a thing happen.
Tony had said he'd rather melt down the suit and rip the core from his chest than let someone else have it. And that particular thought scared him more than anything else.
After Senator Stern and Rhodey tangled, Tony saw fit to assert himself into the situation. Steve watched in helpless anxiety as Tony commandeered the screens with his handheld JARVIS-like device. He'd tried to show Steve what it did a few times but it was still kind of a mystery to the hero. He turned the images from picture of supposed suit-camps into video clips of horribly failing robots. North Korea, Iran, and finally Hammer Industries.
From what Tony told him that Justin Hammer was a real snake in the grass.
The videos were full of failure and hilarity, some of the bots barely making it two steps before collapsing. Steve winced and almost looked away when the suit from Hammer Ind. twisted all the way around, probably killing the poor pilot. Even when the screen was shut off, the horror remained. The people in the courtroom were starting to rebel, chattering amongst themselves and getting out of their seats.
On TV, Tony spoke out.
"You want my property? You can't have it!" Tony was adamant, he didn't bother to filter his words "But I did you a favor!" he stood, turning to face the crowd "I have successfully privatized world peace."
Peace signs and the business-face. No one could say Tony Stark didn't put on a show.
"What more do you want for now? I tried to play ball with these ass clowns!"
"Fuck you, Mr. Stark. Fuck you, buddy."
Steve dropped his face into his hands, sighing heavily.
"Howard" Steve prayed quietly "Let Tony know what he's doing. God give me the strength to have trust in your son. He's so like you..."
"And I will serve this great nation at the pleasure of myself. And if there's one thing I've proven it's that you can always count on me to pleasure myself."
"...but so not."
xXx
Tony clapped his hands. At his command music started pouring out of the speakers and his computer screens started appearing. He gave a sharp whistle and snapped his fingers, more and more appearing, the preliminary scans starting up.
"Wake up. Daddy's home."
"Welcome home, sir. May I properly congratulate you on the opening ceremonies. They were a such a success. As was your hearing."
One of the screen split into YouTube and the stock app, showing the conference.
"And may I say how refreshing it is to see you in a video with your clothing on, sir."
Tony chuckled lowly, "I can only imagine how Cap took it."
"As well as can be expected."
Tony rolled his eyes when he heard the blender rattle around and spray, "Hey!"
DUM-E whirred around and knocked the blender over, flexing it's grips curiously.
"I swear to God: I will dismantle you, soak your motherboard, and turn you into a wine rack."
DUM-E seemed to pout, lowering itself.
Tony poured the contents of one of his thick water bottles into a glass, sneering at the dark color, "How many ounces of this gobbledygook a day am I supposed to drink?"
"We are up to eighty ounces a day to counteract the symptoms, sir."
Tony downed most of the glass, hissing a bit and snapping his chops like a dog with peanut butter. He tugged one of the spare medical scanners out of a drawer, setting it on the table.
"Check palladium levels" he commanded, pressing his thumb to it. The prick was sharp and quick, leaving a dollop of crimson on his skin.
"Blood toxicity: twenty four percent."
Tony's jaw clenched, he looked up at the screen that held the record of his vitals.
"It appears that the continued use of the Iron Man suit is accelerating your condition. Another core has been depleted."
"Tell me something I don't know" Tony grumbled, lifting his shirt and digging his fingers into the arc reactor. He cringed and turned it, disengaging it from his body. He pulled it out and put pressure on certain points, getting it to power down and reveal the fried palladium core. A few seconds without it and he was already feeling short of breath, the ache in his sternum deepening.
"God, they're running out quick" he tried to joke but it came off bitter, he pulled the core out to find it smoking and and seared all the way through.
"I've run simulations on every known element and none of them serve as a viable replacement for the palladium core."
Tony flipped open the wooden box that held the pre-made cores, snatching up the next one and replacing it. He rucked his shirt up again and eased the reactor back in, gasping lightly.
"I'm afraid you're running out of both time and options."
He tapped one of the screens to bring up the scan analysis, snatching the bottom between his teeth and holding it out with his hands to reveal all of his chest.
"Unfortunately, the device that's keeping you alive is also killing you."
Tony gazed at the dark lines spidering out from his reactor, going through scar tissue and nearly spanning his entire pecs. It made him nauseas, and the thought of Steve seeing it made him gag.
"Sir, if I may, I suggest you tell Captain Rogers."
"No way in Hell" Tony growled around his shirt "Speaking of which, how's the progress on CAP-100?"
"Eighty-five percent."
"You're slacking, Dum-bot" Tony snarked, getting a whine from the robot "I better find all those plates perfectly aligned and the joints secured when I check it next."
"He would understand and want to help, sir."
Tony released the hem of his shirt, tugging it back down, "Steve can't do anything for me. If I tell him and he's helpless...it'll drive him crazy."
"He worries about you."
"He shouldn't" he took another mouthful of that damn concoction "He shouldn't have to worry about anything ever again. I have to make everything perfect."
JARVIS had another pause, as if truly contemplating his next words, "He loves you."
"That's why it needs to be perfect" Tony leaned against the desk, scratching across the back of his neck "If I can't stop this, if something happens...he needs to be protected. He's still alone in this world."
Tony hated how sappy he sounded, "And you better not tell him anything or you'll end up the selection screen on my new DUM-E wine rack."
"He deserves to know" JARVIS was silent for a long moment after that "Miss. Potts is at the staircase. Will you at least tell her?"
Tony cast a glare at the ceiling, "Mute."
xXx
Tony barely sipped his champagne, leaning in and brushing Pepper's shoulder.
"You really do deserve this" he assured her once more, her face still a mask of disbelief "Stop looking at me like that."
"Sir, Captain Rogers is approaching."
"Crap, I forgot about him" Tony half-lied. He threw his entire glass away in the nearest trash can, wincing when he remembered he hadn't called or texted since their Thai food dinner before that little sham of a case.
"You need to leave" he grabbed his new CEO, pulling her off the couch and pushing her towards the door "Now. Seriously."
"Tony, wait, we have to talk about this!"
"Not now" Tony pushed her out the glass door "Go, shoo. Me and Junior/Grandpa need to have a chat and you need to be gone."
Pepper glared at him, still standing on the steps, "What did you do?"
"Fire you from your new job if you don't get out" Tony gave her a dirt look "I'm dead serious right now, Pepper. He's going to be angry and you need to not be here."
"Fine" she downed the rest of her drink, taking the stairs two at a time "But I'm going to design my office however the hell I want and you can't butt in."
"Whatever you want, just don't say anything to him" Tony went back to his desk, running his hands through his hair in hopes to fix it. He smoothed down his shirt, checked his body for grease, then turned towards the stairs.
"How do I look?"
"Positively rugged."
"Good" he nodded to himself, then stopped short "Right? Good? No, I'm fine."
Steve appeared, quick to eat up the stairs and practically punching in the code. He shoved open the door, looking around until his glare found the inventor.
"You're giving Pepper the company?"
Tony dropped his head back, scartching through his beer, "Fucking hell, Pep."
"The conference was reckless enough" Steve stomped over, eyes ablaze "It was amusing until you called a senator a...a...well, I'm not sure what you meant by it."
"An assclown?"
"Yes! That!" the soldier gestured grandly "But then you disappear for two days and don't tell me or Pepper where you are. I find her at the top of the stairs and you know what she tells me? Hm?"
Tony tried to smile it off, "Well, I can only guess-"
"She says you've been down here! You've been hiding from me. You didn't even bother to tell me you were home" Steve accused "You made JARVIS lie for you again! One call would've sufficed. Anything could have happened to you."
"Now wait a second" Tony frowned "JARVIS is technically mine. Just because you two are buddy-buddy, doesn't mean-"
"And she says you've appointed her CEO!"
"-that he has to listen to every thing you say. He does that on my request, so you know."
"Tony!" he grabbed the inventor by the shoulders, searching his face "You're giving away Stark Industries. Your life's work, your father's work."
Tony's mouth twitched, "So it's about him again, is it?"
"No, of course not" the soldier was gritting his teeth, obviously holding back "It's about you. It's only ever been about you. Everything's about you, remember?"
The brunette nodded, "Well, yeah."
"So why in the world are you giving Pepper your legacy?" Steve inquired "You love this company. You're single-handedly turning it around, truly making it your own, and then you want to just sign it away? She's capable, but this is your baby. Have you lost your mind? Have you been drinking?"
"Actually, no" Tony grabbed the blonde's hands, lacing their fingers "Wanna see something cool?"
"What?" Steve tried to pull his hands away but the man had a firm grip "Are you kidding me?"
"Steve" Tony pulled the super soldier closer, brushing a brief kiss over his lips "Remember how we promised to start trusting each other? Well now would be a pretty good time to start."
Steve pursed his lips, mind whirling in hopes to come up with a defense. He couldn't think of any reason not to trust Tony, at least not with this. He didn't really have a mind for business. But he damn well knew strategy and this didn't seem like a good one.
"Now, again" Tony let their cheeks touch, savoring the contact "Do you want to see something cool?"
Steve slowly wet his lip, dropping a kiss just below the scientist's ear, "Of course."
"Over here."
Tony led his friend over to a large silver suitcase, pushing him in front of it. Steve's brow creased at the strangeness of the situation but obeyed the silent command. He popped the tabs and flipped open the lid, jaw falling in shock. Slowly, as if afraid it wasn't true, Steve dipped his fingers past the curl of material and lifted out the first half. The material was royal blue and silver-white, red and white stripes and a zipper to hold it together over his stomach. It seemed to latch at the collar and across his chest, and just there...a great silver star. He shifted through the box, pulling out a cowl with a stark 'A' on the top. He pressed on the material, grinning when he found that was bullet proof as well.
The moment he found the boots he kicked off his shoes and started shoving his feet into them. He zipped them up, bouncing gently in them, then jumping lightly.
"These are perfect!" he declared, pulling out the rest and laying them out on the table "It's just like you said it would be. It's just...oh, Tony!"
Steve picked the scientist up by the waist, spinning him around. He slanted his mouth across Tony's like they were a gal and fella back in those cheesy black and white movies, dipping him and threading a hand through his hair. He kissed him long and hard, almost branding him with his touch. This brilliant man was all his. He couldn't let another have this. It hurt to think of another man holding Tony like, or a woman getting dipped and bedded by the billionaire.
No way, not again, not while he was here.
Tony's hands dug into his sides, groping for purchase and friction. The man groaned and arched into his embrace, kissing back just as eagerly. Steve only parted a moment for breath, then dove back in and tasted the scientist. This was his first time initiating a kiss like this and he didn't want to screw it up, being careful with his tongue and trying to remember everything Tony had ever done to him.
"Damn" Tony panted when they parted, getting back on his feet "That was...wow..."
Steve's smile was confidant, "I learned from the best."
"You bet your sweet ass you did" the inventor was actually breathless "So are you going to go down on me when I show you the other thing?"
Steve's breath stuttered at the mental image he got, "I-I...we're n-not there yet, are we?"
"My pretty soldier" Tony purred, pressing up against the blonde's chest and carding his fingers through soft tresses "We'll get there soon, don't worry. No rush, remember?"
Steve let their noses bump, "No rush at all, Mr. Stark."
Fuck, why did the sound of his name like that make him so hard?
"There's this over here" Tony kept a hold on the blonde's hand, leading him over to the only covered suit tank "Now it's not finished yet, but it's damn close. I've been working on it as much as could between plans for the Expo."
The soldier's brow creased, "Is this what you've been working on for the past few months?"
"Oh yeah" Tony placed him several feet in front of the convered container "Stand right here, don't move. I want to see your face."
Steve stayed still but he could help but try and hide his wide smile. It was refreshing to see Tony so excited about something, especially something that he wanted to share with him of all people. Sure, they meant a lot to each other, but Steve still felt like he could fully appreciate the man's genius. And here he was about to see his new suit...and he wouldn't understand it in a million years. He could read every book and manuel in this room and never understand how one of these marvels worked.
Tony stood off to the side, eyes trained on the pretty soldier, "JARVIS. Reveal suit: CAP-100."
Tony tugged the sheet off in time to see the glass doors parting and sliding back in the wall. The platform under the suit moved forward, slowly rotating and radiating light to reveal it's display. The suit was a close copy of the latest Iron Man suit, a dark blue plate replacing the fire red. The face plate was silver, and when it turned completely around Steve could see a similar silver running down the back of it in arches.
Steve took a step closer, the rotation stopped once he touched the suit. It was cold beneath his fingertips, sleek. He ran his digits along the pattern, mind working on just what it reminded him of.
"Are these...?"
"Wings" Tony was almost reluctant to admit it "Modern...more robotic, abstract wings. It's just a paint job choice, we can change it."
"It's up to you, it's your suit" Steve replied without thinking.
"Actually, this is the CAP-100, the first line in a couple suits I'm planning out" Tony circled around the suit, eyes still locked on the soldier "And they'll all...be...yours, Steve. See how broad the shoulders are on this one? It'd be like wearing football pads for me."
Steve ran his hands along the familiar shoulder line, jumping a little when the suit lit up. Unlike the white light that radiating from Tony's suit, this light was red.
"I couldn't stand to think of you in a red, white, and blue suit" Tony confessed "So I gave it just enough to say 'Captain America'. It doesn't affect your vision at all."
The soldier was still speechless. He picked up one of the hands of the suit, extending it's fingers and showing off the flight stabilizer in the palm. It matched his palm, the arm the same as his own...the suit almost the exact shape of his body. Enough room for him to get inside, enough wiggle room, but a perfect suit nonetheless.
"I can't believe it" Steve was breathless "This is...Tony...I couldn't drive one of these things with all the training in the world."
"It's not that hard, trust me" Tony waved away his concern "Once I think it's safe enough to drive we'll test it in here, then on the roof, and then the city. It'll be another month, but I thought now was as good as time as any."
"You can't just give this to me" Steve shook his head, trying to wrap his head around the day "This is...it's too much. I'm better on the ground."
"This is a Just-In-Case kind of thing" the genius gestured to the suit "Say if we needed you in the air. Here you go! I think it's one of my better ideas, don't you? Much better than rocket boots."
The other eyebrows shot to his hairline, but he didn't stop beaming, "You wanted to give me rocket boots?"
"For about a minute...once or twice" Tony replied flippantly "The thing that matters is...do you like it?"
"I love it" Steve couldn't stop smiling, dimples in full glow "You really are the..."
I think you're just the living end
His own words flitted through his mind, he faltered for just a moment.
"Well" he thought about it for just a moment "You're the most brilliant man I've ever met. Have I told you that?"
Tony looked damned pleased with himself, "Yeah, but I never get tired of hearing it."
Steve laid his hand across the man's shoulders, bringing him close, "So does this mean one day soon I'll be up there in the sky with you?"
Tony leaned into the touch, "You and me, Cap."
"Side by side?"
Tony pulled him into a proper hug, giving into the urge for once. Steve seemed a little taken aback was was pleased, holding him tight against him.
"As long as as I live and breathe" Tony promised, the light in the reactor fading to a dull glow.
Steve licked his lips, catching a taste of something, "Have you actually been drinking?"
"No, it's, uh, chlorophyll."
"Strange" Steve pulled back enough to kiss him again "I like it."
xXx
The work out room was the best thing Tony had ever done to the Tower. But having Happy be his trainer? Terrible idea. He and Steve hadn't even gotten in the ring yet when Happy had intervened, complaining that the two heroes wouldn't get anything done besides ogling and would hold back.
Steve had agreed, which was why the super soldier was at the punching bag and he was stuck sweating and boxing with his driver.
They took a quick break. Once he was sure Happy was distracted he leaned against the ropes and observed his soldier, grinning around the rim of the bottle that held his special drink. Steve was giving it his all, sweat slicking his skin and making his shirt cling like a second skin. He'd gone through two punching bags and his third round of tape across his hands, movements sharp and accurate. His focus was only on the motions, on the attack, and he didn't seem to notice the genius working.
Tony grinned, he couldn't believe how nice Steve's ass was. It bounced with every punch, giving the billionaire his own private show. Hair in disarray, broad shoulders on display, face scrunched up in effort...it was beautiful. He bit his lip and tilted his head, admiring the curves of that fit body almost shamelessly. These little grunts were escaping the soldier, only fueling his fantasies.
"Okay, lover boy, back to work."
Tony moved to stand in front of his driver but he couldn't quite tear his eyes away, getting a buff across the head with a mitt. He turned and glared, finding the other grinning.
"That's the first rule of boxing" Happy supplied "Never take your eye off your opponent."
Happy came at him. Tony reacted on instinct and dodged just enough to let the momentum take the other down a bit, and in response he drove his elbow right into his driver's forehead.
"Whoa!"
"Sorry."
"What the hell was that?" Happy barked, clutching his head.
"It's called mixed martial arts" Tony replied flippantly, bouncing on his feet to stay loose "It's been around for...three...weeks. Whatever, it's new."
Happy gave him a hard look, "It's called dirty boxing, there's nothing new about it."
Tony shrugged, "Same basic concept."
"The notary's here" Pepper called as she entered the room, pursing her lips when she found him working out instead of ready "Can you please come sign the transfer paper work?"
"I'm on Happy's time" he replied hastily "Not now."
Happy was still rambling, but the genius caught the tail end, "A nice ass is no reason to get yours kicked."
"I'm sorry, my ass kicked? I think I was the one who just gave you a minor concussion."
Happy rolled his eyes, exasperated, "Besides! You can't stare at Captain America like that. Jesus, Ton', don't you have manners?"
"You know" Steve huffed, unraveling the ruined tape with an exhausted smile "You could stare at me all you want if we sparred together."
"Don't tempt me, gorgeous" Tony shot him a wink, watching with hungry eyes when Steve slowly ran a towel down his neck to wipe away the sweat.
"That's inappropriate" he scolded the genius, cheeks warm from more than the work out.
"No more inappropriate than those sinfully tight sweats" Tony gestured with his glove "Tell him, Pep. We should make a new house rule: No pants that show off your tight ass like that unless we're at a party or you're in my bedroom."
"Tony!" Steve's smile broke through his scolding "Please. I don't believe either Miss. Potts or Mr. Hogan want to hear about your less-than-Christian thoughts about my body."
"I wouldn't protest" came a silky purr.
Heads turned toward the shapely fiery-haired woman entering the room, full-lipped smile friendly and open. Her heels clicked on the stairs, the room quiet except for the soft panting of the exerted men.
"After all" she continued sweetly, flipping open her ledge book and handing it over to Pepper "Captain America's body is legend."
Steve flashed her a smile but then glared at Tony, "I'm sorry, you must have me mistaken for somebody else."
"Isn't that what he just said?" the woman seemed sure of herself, giving a pointed nod towards Happy "Please, I don't mean any harm by it...but I've heard the rumors, and the you fit the body type..." she blushed prettily "I'm sorry, I've overstepped my bounds."
"No, it's quite alright" Pepper was used to damage control "It's a little under wraps at the moment. One of those 'can't confirm or deny' kind of deals. You understand."
"I signed the privacy contract for a reason" Natalie bounced back, showing her white teeth in a smile "Speaking of contracts..."
Steve cleared his throat, "Back to work."
Both men went back to their work out, sneaking glances at the new woman for completely different reasons. She was talking quietly with Pepper, showing her where to sign on the contract that would give her control of Stark Industries. But once Tony caught a glimpse of smooth skin he got distracted, licking his lips while Steve stripped off his shirt and went back at the bag.
"This is the last time I'll ask you to sign over your company" Pepper was sure she was just talking to herself, but she was sure if she needled him long enough he would do it to shut her up. Or Steve would make him do it.
Happy's punch to the back of his head was firmer, rudely jolting him out of his fantasies.
"I told you" Happy grinned "You can't let your guard down for anything, including – oof!"
Happy staggered back and lost his breath from the heel kick that knocked him into the corner of the ring. A few more rapid strikes at his head got him down.
"That's it! I'm done!"
Tony turned to face the captain with a triumphant grin, finding his soldier had been watching him the whole time, "You like what you see, Spangles?"
Steve returned his grin with an edge, stepping back for just a moment before delivering a swift strike to the punching bag. It flew off the chain and smashed into the wall, cracking the plaster before falling to the floor with a dull thud. Tony found himself stunned. The genius was gaping openly, water bottle hovering near his mouth.
Steve kissed his fist, a rare sparkle of lust in his eyes, "I could ask you the same question, Mr. Stark."
Tony was about to reply when he heard the soft laugh, he looked over in time to see the red haired woman dropping her gaze and stifling her amusement. The super hero found him interest peaked, especially with the way she was staring at his soldier. No one was allowed to ogle that serum-enhanced super-body but him.
"What's your name, lady?" Tony called, pointing at her.
"Rushman. Natalie Rushman."
"Front and center" he gestured "Come into the church."
Pepper's warning bells went off, "No. No, you're seriously not going to ask her-"
"If it pleases the court" he cut her off "Which it does."
Natalie smiled at the new CEO, "It's no problem."
"I'm sorry" Pepper rubbed at her temple, fighting off a headache "He's very eccentric."
Tony held the rope up for the notary, bottle clutched between his teeth. She eased in, showing off every curve of her body in the process. Her gaze was unwavering, he returned the stare while he took a heavy drag of the tonic from the water bottle.
"What?" he asked sharply, wondering just what this woman was thinking. She didn't answer, but her eyes lowered a bit.
"Darling!" Tony waved at the super soldier, who was in the middle of mounting a new punching bag "Why don't you give Miss. Rushman here a free lesson? She's a big fan of yours."
Steve's brow furrowed, but he was already making his way to the ring. He slid in gracefully, coming to the genius's side before he realized what a bad idea this was.
"Miss. Rushman" he held out his wrapped hand.
"Natalie, please" she slid a crimson ringlet behind her ear "Captain, it's an honor."
"It's just Steve right now" Steve's charm was in full blast, he glanced over to see his friend leaving "Tony?"
"Show her a few moves" Tony encouraged him "You two behave."
And just like that they were left alone in a ring.
Tony made his way over to Pepper, sitting down beside her on the small couch, "What?"
"Who is she?" his tone was serious, he sat the bottle aside on a glass table.
"She is from legal" Pepper flipped open her phone, scanning through her email "And she's potentially a very expensive sexual harassment lawsuit, if you keep it up."
"Or a pricey gag-order on Steve's identity" Tony countered "I need a new assistant, Boss."
She crinkled her nose, "Yes, and I have three excellent potential candidates that are lined up and waiting to meet you."
"I don't have time to meet up with anyone, I need someone now" Tony bit the inside of his cheek "And I think it's her."
"No it's not" Pepper sighed "You either want it to be here because: One, you find her attractive and want some eye candy around while you work. Or two, you want her close to you so she won't blab about or go after Steve. Who, by the way, is one of the hottest men I've ever seen. Miss. Rushman seems to like him a little too much."
Tony tried not to make a face, "Are you implying that I'm jealous?"
"I'm implying that any competition for Steve's attention makes you jealous. Including sketching."
"That's not the point" Tony gestured toward the ring, watching the two of them talk "Look at them, they're getting along. Steve seems to like her, I like her, she qualified, what's the problem?"
Tony clapped, one of his baser computer system materializing in the glass table, "Search: Natalie Rushman."
Pepper snapped her phone shut, "What are you going to do? Google her?"
"It's only fair, she 'ogled' my property" Tony started to flip through the profiles that came up, actually impressed "Very nice. She's fluent in French, -"
"You're so predictable, you know that?"
"Italian, Russian, Latin – who speaks Latin?"
"No one speaks Latin, it's a dead language."
They kept talking over one another, arguing in whispers about Latin and modeling, a lovely picture of Miss. Rushman extended on the screen. Tony was almost on autopilot as he looked down at the photo, a worm of worry wiggling into his heart. She was gorgeous, the kind of classic beauty Steve would really go for. Full lips, curly hair, pale skin...anyone's type. What if...?
Steve kept the small talk going with the woman, though there was a growing sense of 'wrong' building in his stomach. She held herself strangely, not quite like a soldier but certainly not like a civilians. She had a forced softness to her, a set to her jaw that he'd often seen in his own. This woman was on a mission. And though her flirtations were for him, her eyes kept drifting back to Tony.
Steve couldn't let this go on, he had to know.
The soldier threw a punch at the woman, slow enough for her to see it coming and light enough so not to bruise. Her reaction was quick and precise, she seized his wrist with both hands and twisted his arm back. He kicked at her knee, she dodged, he flipped her over his back with sheer strength. She landed, she tried to disable his arm, he swung his forearm like a club and let it land in her stomach. Natalie grunted and actually jumped, wrapping her strong thighs around his neck. He staggered but didn't fall, the lack of blood flow to his arm making it go numb while he choked for breath.
Steve fell forward, knocking the breath out of her when she slammed onto the mat.
"Oh my God!" Pepper yelled, the thump resounding through the gym.
Steve managed on pure muscle to pry her thighs apart, slipping out and covering her as quickly as he could. Natalie was quick and efficient, making it to the edge of the mat and grasping for the rope. He grabbed her by the ankle and yanked, pulling her beneath his broader body and holding her down with weight. She got a few good shots in, leaving bruises he'd feel for hours, but he managed to pin her legs down with his own and twist both her arms up behind her back.
Steve leaned in, lips brushing her ear, "You're different."
"So are you" she replied, a note of amusement in her voice.
"I know what you are" Steve watched Pepper and Tony approach, both worried "I might even know who you work for. All I care about is this..."
He twisted her arms harder, he could feel her bones grinding even if she didn't say a word, "Are you here to hurt Tony?"
She turned her head, catching his eyes. There was honesty there now, the persona of smart assistant gone in favor of something more real.
"No" her reply was firm, voice deeper "I'm here to help, Captain Rogers."
Steve immediately let her go, getting up and offering his hand.
"I didn't hurt you, did I?" Steve's smile was back, her mask was on when she rolled over "You're pretty good, Miss. Rushman."
"Thank you" she allowed herself to be let up, brushing off her pants and straightening her blouse.
"Whoa, whoa, what as that?" Pepper had her hands up, ready to either strangle Steve or break them apart "Steve! You can't attack someone from Legal. Are you insane?"
"That's what I'm talking about" Tony was grinning, maybe even a little turned on (okay, a lot turned on) "We have a winner."
Steve got out of the ring, Pepper immediately grabbed him by the ear and drug him to the side to scold him. He tried to explain himself, saying it was just some fun, but she was having none of it.
Natalie slipped out of the ring like a cat, landing in front of the billionaire, "I need your impression."
That threw him off, "You have a quiet reserve, you were a ninja in a past life. I don't know, you have an old soul-"
Her flirty smile was on him now, she picked up the ledger she had sat aside earlier, "I mean your fingerprint."
Pepper slipped up beside them, "So...how are we doing?"
"Great" Tony gave his thumbprint "You're the boss."
"Will that be all, Mr. Stark?" Natalie inquired.
"No" was swallowed up by Pepper's insistent, "Yes, Miss. Rushman, that will be all. Thank you."
Natalie nodded and walked away, hair bouncing quite enticingly across her shoulders.
"I want one" Tony looked to Pepper, pouting "Please?"
"No" she hissed, pinching his side "Do you realize how much money she could sue us for right now?"
"I think you should do it" Steve walked over beside the genius, busy unwrapping his fists "She's lovely, she's smart, she's strong – I don't see why you don't hire her."
Pepper's eyebrows shot up into her hairline, "Are you joking right now? Aren't you worried she'll be a little distracting for Tony?"
Steve grabbed Tony's chin, tilting his head a bit to take a quick kiss, "Tony's a big boy. If he wants Miss Rushman as his assistant, I don't see why I should protest."
"See? Totally fine with it" Tony turned back to the woman, head spinning a little "Get me one."
So here's another chapter. Nothing too raunchy, but we'll get to that soon enough, don't you worry. They're still working on it. Did I mention the slowness? Yeah, that includes sex.