There IS slash in this chapter. Nothing out right explicit though…the lead up will be pretty obvious if you want to skip down to the page break which will be the end of it.

"Why are we doing this?" Tony demanded as Natasha dragged him down the streets of New York City. "What kind of evil did I do?" he flashed a smile at someone staring at them before returning to his current companion.

Natasha stared at him clearly unimpressed, "Fresh air is good for you. You've been down in your workshop for almost a week. I'm quite sure only Steve and Peter have seen you recently. Mostly because they keep going down there to make sure you're alive." She glanced to the side at one of the windows they were passing, "I just ask JARVIS if I should worry and then I'm good for the day." A smirk followed the comment as Tony gave her a mock hurt look.

"Tasha, you wound me. My heart bleeds; my soul weeps. How can I ever go on?" his hand flew up to lay across his Arc Reactor which was essentially his heart anyway.

A slight grin caused her features to soften before she noted a child walking toward them, tugging his mother. "Looks like you've got a little fan."

Tony turned his head and beamed at the child who was now standing in front of them with a look of awe. "Hello." The whining and mocking sorrow was quickly wiped from his tone; Natasha could only marvel at how Tony Stark reacted towards children. Truthfully when she'd read his initial file prior to observing him she'd figured he would be terrible with children and have an aversion to them. It was the opposite. Tony Stark loved children and they loved him as well.

"You're Iron Man." The little boy wasn't shy in the least before turning to look at Natasha, "And you're BlackWidow, right?"

It always surprised her when someone actually recognized her and wanted to interact with her. She was used to looks of fear. SHIELD agents still ran from her whenever they could. One had cried when she'd glared at him. She'd earned the reputation with good reason and felt no need to change it. Natasha felt her features soften a little more as she crouched down closer to the boy's level. "Yes, I'm BlackWidow. But I also go by Natasha. Who are you?"

The mother appeared to be slightly embarrassed, but Natasha could see her checking Tony out. It amused her especially when she thought of the interactions between Tony and Steve. In that relationship it was clear who was leading and it wasn't the billionaire playboy, but the morally sound soldier out of time.

"My name is James." He grinned at her before looking over at Tony who had also gotten down to the boy's level. "I love the Avengers." James was absolutely adorable and Natasha found she enjoyed interacting with these types of 'fans'.

Tony flashed a bright grin, "Do you have a favorite?"

Now James was looking at his feet shyly before glancing up, "I like all of you…but I like the Hulk best." And now Tony looked absolutely delighted. Natasha found great amusement at how Tony was constantly advocating for Bruce/the Hulk. It had been one of those things that had only further endeared Tony Stark to her. But she wouldn't let him know that.

"Would you like to meet him? At least the Hulk when he is a normal guy like me?"

James' eyes were wide with excitement, "Really? He gets small like me?"

"Not quite as small as you, but close to Tony's height." Natasha amended, "His name is Bruce Banner." Tony cocked his head to the side as he glanced sideways at Natasha with a sly grin after she'd said Bruce's name.

"I can meet him?" the boy's mother appeared quite shocked at her son's request.

"James…" she trailed off when Tony turned his charming smile on her. Natasha almost felt sorry for the other woman, but decided that at this point the other woman should be able to hide that kind of reaction. The blush was beyond obvious.

"You can both stop by the Avengers' Tower and your son can meet the others. It won't be any problem." Tony turned on the charisma and it was obviously working.

"If you're sure. I wouldn't want us to impose…"

"Nonsense. And it does Bruce good to meet someone who isn't afraid of him." Tony was grinning and ruffled the boy's hair. "I'm sure he wouldn't mind meeting the others as well. You don't have to worry…the big guy shouldn't make an appearance. Also Captain America's shield is something all kids should get a chance to see."

"Ok." She smiled back and her son let out a whoop of excitement. "Is there any time that would work best?"

Tony turned towards Natasha, "Tomorrow should be fine, right? Nothing going on that I don't remember?"

"Yes…it should be fine."

"Excellent!" he proceeded to explain to the mother about parking, what times were best and asked for names so he could clear them through. Tony watched as the little boy was vibrating with excitement, "I'll see you tomorrow. If you have anything you want someone to sign or pictures feel free."

Natasha watched as Tony Stark just made that little boy's world and then as James skipped off with his mother looking back over his shoulder frequently a smile wide on his face. "I'm always amazed." She murmured as they resumed their walk down the sidewalk.

Tony raised an eyebrow, "Of what? My awesomeness?"

She shook her head, "You're good with kids."

"No I'm not." He was quick to deny because for him that didn't make sense. Where would he have gotten the ability to be good with kids when he had no real example in his own life?

"You are, Stark. Accept it. Now you're going to be taking me to lunch. I'm thinking Italian."

A pained sigh escaped, "I swear you all use me for food."

"And here I thought we'd hidden that fact…pity."

"What's Ebay?" Thor asked looking over the back of the couch at Clint who was walking by the doorway. Steve's head snapped up at the question as he turned to regard Clint as well.

"Ebay?" and Clint saw an opportunity. The question was if he was going to take it. The answer was yes. He really was. "Ebay is where you compete with others for items you want. They have all kinds of treasures on Ebay that you can buy. But you have to beat others in order to get them."

Thor's eyes were wide as he stared at the archer. "You battle for treasures?" the interest was plain in his voice and Steve leaned forward with a furrowed eyebrow.

"How do you compete for them?" now he was interested. It wasn't something he'd heard of before, but there were so many references he still didn't get. The other week it was some music Tony had playing in his workshop. Apparently Tony had something for him later. Steve was curious.

Clint strolled into the room and hopped over the couch. "You bid. Each item has a time limit and whoever manages to get in the last bid…the highest bid wins the treasure."

"Can you show me?" Thor questioned not looking away from Clint who was holding the attention of both men.

"Sure." He grinned as he scooped up Steve's Starkpad. "Mind if I use this?"

"No."

It didn't take Clint long to bring up the page and start creating an account for Thor; though the god had to go get his 'card' and information that Tony had provided him with in order to fill out all the information. "What should we look up?" he muttered to himself when everything was set up. Information carefully written down so Thor could later access Ebay as Clint was going to feed his interest…there was far too much potential for entertainment. "I know!" he typed in Captain America.

The screen was quickly filled with all things Captain America. Vintage cards, comics, books, posters, action figures etc. There were even several autographs up for sale. If the day provided nothing else of note for Clint he would be able to live off the expression on Steve's face for months. Words couldn't describe it.

"Captain! I did not realize there were so many treasures of yours." Thor grinned widely. "Are there weapons?"

"Thor. Big guy. Of course there are weapons. Anything you can think of I'm sure we can find on Ebay."

Thus began Clint teaching both Thor and Steve Rogers how to bid, buy, comment etc on Ebay. He ended the lesson with the creation of an account for Steve. Clint was very sure that Phil was going to kill him. When he left the room Thor was browsing weapons and Steve was looking at various art related items.

He found Phil sitting at the island in the kitchen. Reaching forward he pulled the other man close to steal a kiss grinning into it when he felt the mild surprise at the suddenness. When he pulled away the tie was skewed and the typically pristine suit slightly wrinkled.

"What have you done?" Phil eyed him with suspicion as he fixed his tie and moved his hands carefully over the suit to smooth it out.

Clint dropped into the chair next to him and gave an innocent smile, "Why do I have to have done something? Can't I just make a move with no motive?"

Phil narrowed his eyes and gave Clint a sideways look, "In this case…no."

A pout, "I haven't destroyed anything." It felt like an accomplishment. Phil didn't get a chance to say anything else as Peter wondered into the kitchen to make a beeline for the fridge. He finally pulled back with arms full and stared at them.

"What?" it was defensive, "Don't judge me! Thor and Steve put it away as though food is going to be extinct any day now."

"I said nothing."

"You're beginning to take after Stark. That kind of defensiveness and paranoia makes me question your actions." Phil turned his eyes on the teenager. "Where have you been this morning?"

"My room…"

Clint smirked, "Sure you have. You were in the shooting range! I saw you head in there."

"Natasha said I had to practice!" Peter scowled, "Tattle-tale."

"YOU WILL NOT DEFEAT ME MORTAL!" came a booming voice from the direction of the movie room.

Clint bit his lip and turned his head slightly to hide the smile that was threatening to take over his face. It was going to be interesting.

"How do I keep getting outbidded this quickly?" Steve's voice followed and Peter turned to stare in the direction of the doorway in slight horror.

"What are they doing?" he asked as the items in his arms were deposited on the counter. "What are they bidding on? Who is Thor battling? Who did this?" Peter demanded staring at Clint before pointing an accusing finger. "It's you! I thought there was a meeting or something about you not introducing them to new…anything!"

"YOU WILL NOT BEST THE MIGHTY THOR!"

Now Phil was staring at him and the beginnings of an eye twitch were on the horizon. Clint just knew it.

"It's only Ebay." He muttered as another shout interrupted them; a few hours later and he realized that when it came to the Avengers it was never 'only' something. Everything was a raging battle that needed to be fought and won.

Coulson stood in the doorway of the movie room staring at Thor and Steve. This was all Clint's fault. All of it. Steve Rogers was stretched out on the couch with his sketch pad and his Starkpad next to him. It was set to alert him should someone outbid him as JARVIS had been more than happy to help both Steve and Thor in their new interest. Thor was going through a huge sandwich and browsing Ebay for more treasures. He too had his set to alert him should someone 'challenge him'. The remains of a Starkpad lay on the floor near him. It had been one of the earlier versions Tony had given Thor when he'd first introduced the god to Midgard technology. Peter had been more than happy to go get a new Starkpad for Thor who had been furious that some mortal was repeatedly beating him in his quest because that weapon was his.

"Come on Phil…Peter will keep them safe." Clint grinned as he grabbed onto Phil's tie and began dragging him towards the elevator. "I can think of so many other activities we could be doing instead of playing babysitter."

They made it to the elevator before the doors slipped shut and Clint was pushing Phil against the wall. His lips were demanding and searching. Hands were roaming and Phil's suit was rapidly losing its pristine state. "Phil…" it came out as a moan as the other began to respond to Clint's advances. Clint felt the teeth at his neck and allowed himself to be shoved against the opposite wall. Steady hands were all over him and then the door was opening. They fumbled down the hallway towards Clint's room with Phil knocking the door shut behind them. Sometimes it was good to just lose that steady control. "Yessss." It came out as a hiss and Clint was more than happy to let Phil take the lead. His legs hit the back of the bed and as he fell onto it he made sure to drag his lover down with him. A short laugh escaped as he rolled them as hands moved to pop open buttons. His hands removed the tie before going back to undressing Phil. At the same time Phil's hands were moving about and instead of focusing on Clint's shirt they moved towards the clasp on his pants. Clint raised his hips to help because all he wanted was to feel every line of Phil's body against his own. Moving together. He wanted every single one of his senses filled with Phil because how was it possible to need someone this much? With others it had been slightly meaningless, but full of wandering hands. With Natasha it had been frantic and wild; with Phil it was frantic, wild, passionate, needy, powerful and everything he needed.

Soon it was nothing but skin, roaming hands, warm lips and whispered words. His breath hitched when there was nothing between them. When they were finally connected on every intimate level imaginable. "Fuck…Phil." He dragged the other man down to his lips as they continued to move together. "Love you." He murmured against the other man's lips. "You better never leave me…"

"I doubt I could get rid of you that easily." Phil smirked at him before Clint was rolling them across the sheets once more. There were hands everywhere, a constant fight for dominance and wandering lips. The thrill Clint experienced every time was something he wouldn't trade.

"Just wait." Clint panted as he met Phil in a steady rhythm. "Before the day is through I'm planning on making you scream." He flashed a cocky grin. "I'm thinking we haven't christened your library yet…that desk always looks so lonely."

Phil moved them once more, "It's all just words…I prefer action."

"See…fresh air is good for you!" Natasha smugly grinned at Tony who was once more muttering under his breath. She'd lost track of how many pictures had been taken of them and the number of questions about his relationship with Steve Rogers Tony had been asked.

"One more question…I swear." It was said darkly as Tony actually kicked his foot at what appeared to be a rock. "It is old news. Honestly those pictures came out over a month ago. A MONTH."

"It's big news when Tony Stark is suddenly dating Captain America. This shouldn't surprise you since you're always all over the news."

Tony scowled, "It's only dates and making out. Honestly."

Her eyes went soft again and Tony was wondering how they'd transitioned from her stabbing him in the neck with a needle to ribbing each other while walking down the street. Nothing in his life was ever cut and dry. Nothing.

"They have never seen you with another guy before. It's always big news when something new happens. People love guessing."

"So?"

"Besides Clint was telling me the two of you have a Facebook page."

"What?!" it appeared as though she now had his full attention.

"A Facebook page. You have fans of your relationship with Steve." Where was a camera when she needed one? That look on Tony's face was priceless. "A lot of people fully support your relationship. Apparently they think Iron Man and Captain America make a good couple."

"I'll kill you…why haven't I been informed about this? Who makes a Facebook page about that?"

She opened her mouth to respond before stopping. Carefully Natasha turned her head towards the soft noise that had caught her attention. When Tony went to open his mouth her hand came up to silence him before she began moving away, careful to be quiet. "Shhh."

And then she was bending down and picking something up. Something small. Something furry. Something alive. Tony cautiously moved towards her and then he could hear it. A soft mewing.

"He is adorable." She murmured stroking the kitten carefully as it shivered in her hands. "Hello there." She smiled at the kitten who stared at her with bright blue eyes on a small little face. "Are you lost?"

Tony Stark stared at Natasha Romanov—BlackWidow, superspy, the triple imposter, SHIELD agent and all around badass scary ninja—cuddling a kitten. His world had just been turned upside down.

And then she was turning those normally lethal eyes on him and they were clearly saying one thing. I'm keeping the kitten.

"Tasha—"

"I want him." It was simple. There was no request and he could see that she wasn't giving the fluff ball up.

"Fuck." He muttered, "Do you have any idea what kind of things it will need? Food, toys, litter box—can I just say EW—a bed, shots, checkups…there is an entire list! What if there are allergies to him? What then? And the litter boxes are not good…they involve scooping and don't get me started on those 'littermaids'…seriously? Those things are horrible. A toddler could make a better product!"

But she wasn't listening and was once more resuming the walk towards Avengers' Tower with Tony following. Damn. Now he needed animal…things. And Natasha was so engrossed in the little fur ball. Talking to him. Cuddling him. Petting him. And promising many things. Pepper would know what to do. She would know about kitten things. After all she'd had kittens before. Tony pulled his phone out.

"Pepper? I need kitten…stuff." He didn't even lead into the request. There was no point. Who would believe this without proof? Tony didn't and he was still watching it happening in front of him.

"Why?"

"There may or may not be a kitten living in Avengers' Tower now…"

"You can't even take care of yourself and now you have a pet?"

"It's not mine…" there was a noticeable whine in his voice. "Natasha found it…"

"I'll have stuff sent over. You have a meeting Saturday at noon. Be there." The line went dead.

"Fuck me."

The odd procession continued as they headed back towards Avengers' Tower. Natasha stroking the kitten and speaking to it softly as Tony followed behind tapping at his Starkpad. Occasionally he'd be stopped for a picture or an autograph; sometimes both.

Natasha dropped down onto the chair Bruce typically claimed with her new little friend. "What are they doing?" she asked as Thor began threatening his Starkpad and Steve was tapping on his with an intent expression.

"They're bidding on Ebay." Peter promptly responded from his spot in front of the TV. His character let an arrow fly and a big number 10 filled the screen. "Yes." He smirked at the screen before aiming once more.

"Ebay?' her hands stroked down the kitten's back as it began to purr louder. Tony came into the room holding onto a cup of coffee having already changed into something more comfortable than his previous outfit.

"I AM VICTORIOUS! YOU HAVE LOST MORTAL!" Thor was beaming at the screen as Steve glanced over at him with a frown.

"How did you already win?"

"Probably chose an auction that was close to closing." Peter responded without even looking up from his game. "How much time does yours say?"

Steve glanced at the screen, "17 hours."

"Then you're going to want to have the highest bid in 17 hours. I suggest putting in the highest amount you're willing to spend and it will bid for you each time someone tries to outbid you. Then if someone happens to reach that limit you'll be informed."

"Oh." Steve frowned slightly before closing his eyes and trying to imagine what would be the highest amount he'd be willing to pay at this point. It still surprised him when it came to prices and money when compared to his original time. Blue eyes opened and he carefully began to input his bid. Tony took a seat next to him before placing his cup down on the coffee table.

Brown eyes flicked over to the remains of a Starkpad before flashing back to Steve, "Who broke my tech?"

"Thor."

"Some mortal was trying to best me on my quest." Came the response as Thor walked over towards Peter to have the teenager show him how to complete his 'quest'.

"So you had to kill my tech? Honestly big guy…well at least if it survives you I know it's close to unbreakable." Tony leaned back against Steve's legs as the other man moved around on the couch to give him more room. Carefully he sat up and pulled his legs closer to his body as Tony moved back into the cushions.

Steve sat his Starkpad down cautiously before dragging Tony closer to him. He nuzzled into the smaller man's neck before placing a kiss there. The muscles in Tony's body relaxed as he leaned further into Steve's body enjoying the warmth and attention he was getting. Natasha gave him a knowing look from her chair as Bruce slowly walked into the room. He'd clearly been missing sleep lately and seemed to be on autopilot as he headed towards his chair. A slight frown took over his features as he noted the body in his favorite spot before with a shrug he moved Natasha over in order to drop down into the huge chair. The kitten's head popped up slightly as he looked over at the new person before carefully climbing out of Natasha's arms to paw at Bruce.

"Who is this?" his voice was soft and slightly rough as he carefully moved his hand towards the kitten that began sniffing him. He was soon rubbing against Bruce's hand and purring happily.

"Tasha's new friend." Tony piped up from the couch even as Steve began kissing down his neck, moving Tony closer to him.

"I haven't named him yet. I need to get an idea of his personality." Her hand moved over to pat the kitten's head as it leaned closer to Bruce.

Peter glanced over at Natasha and Bruce seeing the kitten. "We have a pet now?" he was moving over towards them without realizing it. "And it's a he?"

"Yes."

Hours passed and with them the kitten had fallen asleep on Bruce's chest. Natasha's head was resting on his shoulder with her body curled up next to his. Her chest rose and fell steadily. Peter was sprawled out on the floor near them with his eyes barely open as the TV played in the background. Thor had long since left the Tower to visit Jane and the occupants on the couch had not really moved much.

Peter didn't even notice when Steve dragged Tony up from the couch and was towing him towards the elevator. Steve's hands were careful as he pulled Tony closer to him feeling Tony fit against him. The Arc Reactor glowed softly under Tony's shirt and he could feel it pressed against his chest.

"Oh." Tony muttered before pulling away, "I had something I've been meaning to give you." His hands carefully felt around for the correct pocket as he pulled them out. In his hands rested seven slim music players. Starkplayers. Tony loved music and his player was far superior to the iPods. He held them out for Steve to collect.

"What are these for?" he questioned staring down at them. Each was a different color.

"You were talking about how far behind you were on music since the forties. So I went through and collected all of the songs from each decade you were asleep. Each player covers its own decade." Tony leaned closer and began pointing out which color player matched which decade. Each player was clearly labeled for its corresponding period. "It seemed like a good idea. Everything is in order from the start of each decade. You might recognize some of the earlier songs from the early forties and some of the more recent songs on the last player."

Steve looked up from the players in his hands and smiled softly at Tony. "You didn't have to go through all of this trouble…"

"It isn't fair that you've missed so much and it seemed like the best idea to introduce you to each decade of music. We've already gone over most of the major historical events and almost all of the Disney movies." The last was said with a grin as the doors opened. Tony followed Steve down the hallway as he continued to explain the different ways he'd organized the various albums on the players. He didn't even realize when Steve had opened a door as he continued to ramble on. Steve carefully set the players down on his bedside table before turning to the man still rambling on about the coding he'd used to program Steve's players; the differences between them and the players actually on the market for others.

He reached out and dragged Tony closer to him silencing the long stream of words with his mouth. A sigh escaped the other as Tony leaned closer to Steve, hands gripping the front of his shirt and allowing himself to be moved further into Steve's space. Steve moved back from Tony whose eyes were hooded. "I love you." It was soft, sure and honest. Tony couldn't breathe.

His brown eyes were staring at Steve in absolute wonder. He'd often wondered about that warm feeling in his chest and had thought the feeling from Steve first kissing him was the most intense. Tony was wrong. This was.

His heart had stopped and then fluttered. The world was still spinning and that feeling in his chest almost knocked him over. Deep blue eyes were staring at Tony Stark with such emotion. He wasn't sure if anyone had looked at him like that before Steve. If anyone would ever look at him like that. But he was sure he'd seen versions of it before…all from Steve at various moments. Tony wanted to say it back, but at the same time he wanted to wait.

As though the other man could read his mind Steve was dragging him closer once more and showing Tony just how much he loved him. His lips moved against Tony's as they were pressed close to each other and he relished in the feel of Tony so close. Carefully he moved them closer to the bed and dragged Tony down with him. He could feel the response to his ministrations and dragged his lips down to Tony's neck before pulling away. Steve pulled Tony closer and relaxed into the bed.

Tony's head rested on one of the pillows as he stared at Steve who was grinning at him. He wanted to pull Steve back into more of those amazing kisses. Steve's blue eyes were hooded and staring at him again. They were always watching him. It was something he'd realized. Steve dragged him closer once more and Tony could feel him bury his face into his hair. The rise and fall of the supersoldier's chest helped his body to relax further.

He could feel sleep closing in as it worked to drag him into oblivion, but Tony was going to fight it for just a little while longer as he continued to listen to Steve's steady breathing. "I love you too." It was whispered softly and with great care because he knew the power he'd given the other man. But at this point Tony was more than willing to take that kind of risk…he was quite sure Steve wouldn't make him regret it. And he'd taken worse risks in the past. This one seemed perfect for him.

Tony was warm and safe in his arms. It was nice to finally know what it would be like to have Tony in his room and wrapped up in his arms. But hearing those words from Tony made all the horrible things he'd seen in the War and since waking up in the future worth it. Because that small guy from Brooklyn who was constantly being beaten up had never thought he'd actually find someone he'd love so much and who would love him back. The future wasn't too bad. Steve smiled into Tony's hair and allowed himself to finally drift off to sleep.

James stared up at Bruce Banner in awe and excitement with his mother watching from afar. "You're my favorite Avenger." He grinned widely as Bruce stared down at him in mixed surprise and pleasure.

Tony Stark was practically bouncing as he moved about. It was obvious he was having trouble containing his happiness and it was radiating from him in waves. He'd been this crazed, happy mess since he'd come into the kitchen and it had been without the aid of coffee. Tony had barely mentioned the little fan that was going to be showing up before the boy and his mother were actually there.

So far Tony had managed to see Steve off to get his shield and Captain America suit but the boy before Bruce was going on about the Hulk. Bruce was stunned. It was almost like a mini-Tony. Someone who wasn't scared of him and genuinely wanted to be around him despite the danger. He'd tried not to grin when he'd seen the Hulk hands the boy was sporting when the elevator had let them in.

Peter watched from the side as the little boy met each Avenger, spoke with them and didn't lose that look of awed excitement. A small smile seemed to be etched into his features as he watched them. James' mother wandered over towards him. "Were you invited as well?" she asked quietly as James let out a squeal of delight when Steve scooped him up to place him on his shoulders. Bruce was laughing and Thor's booming laugh joined shortly after. It didn't surprise Peter that Fury frequently wanted the Avengers to go to events to get good publicity for SHIELD. Give them a kid and they were gold it seemed.

Tony appeared to have heard the question as he turned his attention from his teammates and the young fan. "Peter's my son. I adopted him recently." He grinned before turning back to the others once more.

"Oh. I hadn't heard anything about that." She flushed with slight embarrassment at the mention of Tony's celebrity. But Tony waved it off as though it was nothing. Peter wasn't sure if anything could pop that happy bubble Tony seemed to be living in today.

"I try not to let such things make it to the news. It wouldn't be fair if Peter couldn't walk down the street without being bothered or stalked by someone. Figured he could use a normal summer before school starts back up."

"Come on Stark. Where is Iron Man?" Clint was smirking at him and Tony stuck his tongue out. It earned him a chuckle and an exasperated look from Steve who had moved James back to the ground before letting him check out the shield.

But Tony couldn't resist the remark even though he planned on letting James see his suit, "I am Iron Man." It was said with a smirk and earned an amused grin from Natasha who remembered watching that press conference.

Wanted to show a little Phil/Clint because I don't really get to show much of them since I've been focusing on Steve/Tony. Hope everyone enjoys their weekend; I'm looking forward to watching the Avengers in the theater…again.

And thanks for the reviews/feedback! I'm going to try to clean up all my other chapters...fix any errors that I missed before I posted them.