Clint Barton stood in the training gym, firing off arrow after arrow never missing his target.

He barely heard the arrival behind him but once he did an arrow slipped at the familiar growling.

"Bruce," he whispered, turning his head.

Bruce came up behind him, his throat rumbling in Clint's ear. "Missed you," he growled, kissing Clint's neck.

Clint shivered, closing his eyes. "I thought you might."

Bruce licked his skin. "You were expecting me."

Clint smiled. "Yes. Took about five minutes longer than I calculated but…"

AUTHOR'S NOTE: The scene I wrote as was is against the site's guidelines so I've posted it to my LJ and the editor for the site will not allow me to post a link though there is one in my author profile. My LJ name is kinneytaylor. There will be MANY scenes in this story I will have to do the same to, but I don't want to try and CENSOR them INTO SOMETHING MORE tame so this will have to do. Sorry.

Bruce smiled and shrugged. "I already did."

Clint sighed, smiling. "I love it when you go wild."

Bruce ran his hand through Clint's hair and whispered, "You're okay, right?"

Clint nodded. "I need to listen to my own instincts, ignore everything else. This is what I want. What you want. Fuck everyone else."

Bruce kissed him on the mouth and said, "Exactly. Now let's go take a real shower. I'm sticky."

Clint laughed as they walked into the shower holding hands.

T'Challa smiled at Natasha when she brought the baby in to get looked over. "She's beautiful. I never did congratulate you both, it's been…a busy few months."

She smiled at him and little Enzi in his arms. "I know. I've seen the look on Nick's face lately. I assume you are both well?"

He nodded, looking away. "Yes."

The doctor looked over Enzi and then moved on to Antonia. "How is James?" T'Challa asked.

She smiled, her eyes changing as she spoke of him. "He's been…wonderful. I'm thankful every single day for what we have."

T'Challa looked at his son. "So am I."

The doctor smiled at her. "She looks perfectly healthy. Just as good as a nearly two month old should be. The last blood test confirms she has begun to develop antibodies similar to yours and Mister Barnes's own which heavily attributed to her quick growth."

She frowned. "Is she all right?"

He nodded. "It's not uncommon for parents with abilities to pass them on to their child," he indicated T'Challa, "Enzi has latent mutant abilities that he will develop later in life but for now he is a very quick healer as well for being a year old."

Natasha frowned at T'Challa. "And he is all right?"

He nodded. "Better than. Do not worry."

She sighed, smiling. "Well that is good to hear. Thank you both, I will go now. James is due back from his mission any minute now."

Both men waved to her as she left with Antonia, walking towards the bedroom. When she got about halfway she got a beep on her comm. "Yes?"

"Natasha, it's Nick. Something has…happened."

"What is it?"

"We were infiltrating the building and Bucky has not yet called in or gotten to the rendezvous point. There was a lot of gunfire but…"

She gasped, shaking her head. "No. You cannot…"

Nick sighed. "We're waiting for him to arrive but he hasn't checked in for more than an hour and it's not like him."

She shook her head. "Nicholas, please."

"The mission…"

"FUCK YOUR MISSION!" she yelled, causing the baby to start crying.

Several heads turned their way and she stomped down the hall towards their room.

"I'm going to bring him home to you, honey. I promise."

She got to their door and closed her eyes, leaning her forehead against it. "Please."

Once she got inside she calmed her daughter and fed the baby from her breast, letting the tears come. "Oh my James, please."

The comm beeped again. "Yes?"

"Natasha?"

She closed her eyes, letting out a long sigh. "James. Thank goodness I…"

"I'm okay, lapochka. I was surrounded and I lost my comm but I'm good now. We're heading home. I love you."

"I love you too, darling."

"Kiss Toni for me."

She opened her eyes and smiled. "I will."

Steve Rogers woke up and turned, staring as Tony slept beside him.

It was his birthday today. He was officially 99 years old. He sighed, reaching out and touching Tony's cheek.

The other man turned towards his touch and he smiled, caressing his lover's skin.

He never expected himself to be here.

When he'd grown up he remembered sitting at home with his mother wanting to marry someone exactly like her and here he was lying in bed with a man who just two months before he'd contemplated marrying.

His mother must be spinning in her grave.

Steve sighed, lying back on his pillow and staring up at the ceiling.

"Penny for your thoughts, old man?" Tony asked.

Steve turned, frowning. "I'm not old."

Tony leaned over and kissed him softly. "Happy Birthday Gorgeous, and yes you are," he whispered, slipping out of bed naked and heading for the bathroom.

Steve frowned, staring at his hands and wondering what they'd look like with wrinkles.

Tony came out five minutes later wearing a pair of khakis and nothing else, his muscles as wet as his hair. Steve licked his lips. "You look amazing."

Tony grinned, blushing. "Thanks, gotta go into the New York office today. Pepper has some meeting planned but I'll be home tonight to wine and dine you. Deal?"

Steve smiled, trying not to look hurt. "Okay," he said, the kiss Tony gave him as a goodbye lingering long enough that Tony had to step away.

"Nuh uh, Captain Rogers. Save your energy for tonight," Tony said, leaving him.

Steve stared at the empty room and tried not to feel completely alone. He could call Bucky, but the man was probably busy with the baby and whatever SHIELD business Nick was throwing his way.

He could call Sharon, who Tony hated but reluctantly respected as someone that made him feel at home because of her close appearance to Peggy. But he barely knew the woman, had only asked her help with his proposal to Tony because he knew Bucky wouldn't approve and Natasha couldn't keep a secret.

Steve sighed, lying back down on his pillow.

"Happy Birthday to me."

The mission had been successful and Wakanda was now free from tyranny.

Nick Fury stared down at the briefing sheet in front of him, frowning.

There was no need for T'Challa and Enzi to stay.

He took a bottle of scotch from his drawer and opened it, taking a swig.

His relationship with T'Challa was stronger now, they'd built up trust over the last few months and he was getting to know his son who he couldn't fathom living without. T'Challa kept talking about relinquishing his kingdom to his younger sister Shuri, which Nick knew he wanted to do but now that things were resolved but he hated to be the one to keep the King from his people.

He took another swig and looked down at the sheet, sighing.

"I know that sound, Nicholas. And the answer is no."

Nick looked up, frowning. "You don't even know what I'm going to say."

T'Challa smiled at him, raising an eyebrow. "Oh? I do not know that my ashiki is going to push me away again and tell me to go back to Wakanda? I do not know this?"

Nick reddened, looking down at the desk and muttering, "It's what you should do."

T'Challa reached out and raised his chin. "I have already given up my crown, Nicholas. It is too late to save."

Nick shook his head. "T'Challa…"

T'Challa smiled, taking his hand away and walking around his desk, "Do not defy me, Director Fury, you know I will win this fight."

Nick sighed. "You gave all of that up? The money, crown, all that…and you gave up your powers to Shuri?"

T'Challa climbed over him, his voice a purr as he pressed his lips against Nick's throat. "Yes, my stubborn ashiki….there is no panther god here….only the Black Panther I already am."

Nick pulled his head off of him, his eyes full of tears. "I never asked you to do that."

T'Challa kissed him, their tongues entwining and when he pulled back he hugged Nick tightly to him and whispered, "I never expected you to."

Nick closed his eyes and said, "I love you."

T'Challa laughed, pulling away and kissing him again. "I love you as well, ashiki. Come, let us rechristen your office once more now that I am an ordinary man."

Nick touched his cheek and said, "You'll never be an ordinary man, ashiki," he kissed his lover and whispered, "Never to me."

T'Challa smiled. "Let us find out just how true that is."

Nick grinned. "I thought you'd never ask."

Steve sat down on the couch, the remote beside him. He'd spent the past several hours there after calling Nick who told him to take the day off since there was no immediate crisis that needed averting.

Bucky's call came just after his fourth to Tony, who had yet to call him back even once all day.

Steve smiled when he saw his friend's name on the caller ID. "Bucky, hi."

"Happy Birthday old man."

Steve frowned. "I'm not that old….and you're one to talk. You're next."

Bucky groaned. "Don't remind me. Has Stark been showering you with affection and gifts for the past 15 hours? Am I interrupting….wait, don't answer that."

Steve sighed. "No. Tony had to go into the office at 9:30, he…he isn't answering my calls."

Bucky paused. "That asshole! It's your fucking birthday Steve!"

Steve ran a hand through his hair nervously. "He's busy, Buck. I get it, I just…"

"It's almost three! He never goes anywhere without that phone and he's ignoring you? How the hell could…" Bucky said, sounding angrier by the minute.

Steve sighed again. "Bucky, don't. Just…don't."

Another pause. "I'm coming to get you. We'll go out, Natasha won't leave Toni's side but you and me can go…"

Steve smiled. "I'm fine, okay? Just…thank you for calling."

Bucky paused again, and then sighed. "Steve, don't be like this. It's your ninety ninth birthday. We have to celebrate both of us being alive, let alone being here."

"Goodnight Bucky."

"Steve…"

Steve hung up the phone. "Jarvis?"

"Yes, Mister…"

"Call me Steve, Jarvis."

"Yes, Mister…Steve."

"If anyone calls that isn't Tony, don't patch them through. And if someone tries to get in that isn't him, lock the doors."

"Yes Mister Steve. And sir?"

Steve closed his eyes, leaning back. "Yes?"

"Happy Birthday."

As if the day couldn't get more depressing.

"Thank you."

Not even a minute later Jarvis interrupted the silence. "Sir, it's Mister Stark."

Steve's eyes opened. "Tony's here?"

"On the phone."

He frowned and whispered, "Oh," picking up an earpiece, "Tony?"

"Steve? Oh god, I'm SO SORRY! I've been swamped all day and I know I promised we'd do dinner but…" Tony said, sounding as tired as Steve felt.

Steve swallowed back tears. "It's all right, Tony. We can do dinner another night. Don't worry."

"No, no! I'm sending a car and they're gonna take you to the airstrip, and then one of my jets will fly you out here. I'll be done in a couple of hours and will wait for you to land. Sound okay? Don't pack anything, I have it covered!" Tony said, sounding excited now.

Steve smiled. "You don't have to do this, Tony."

"I've been dying to see you all day, Rogers. Don't stand me up," Tony growled.

Steve felt a tear slip down his cheek. "Okay. I'll see you in a few hours."

"I love you, Steve."

Steve nodded, another tear falling. "I love you too, Tony. See you later."

Tony made a kissing sound and the phone was dead.

Steve grinned, letting out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.

"Mister Steve, the car will be here in approximately seventeen minutes as requested by Mister Stark."

Steve stared down at himself and sighed. He was wearing a pan of jeans and t-shirt. "Seventeen minutes? Any time for a shower?"

"Negative, sir."

He ran towards the bedroom and started to get dressed.

Fifteen minutes and eleven seconds later he was dressed, showered and shaved, and wearing one of the blue Armani suits Tony loved him in. He walked to the door and opened it, calling out, "Lock the door behind me please, Jarvis."

"Good evening, sir."

The door closed and he sat on the porch, tapping his feet. Once the car pulled up he got in and noticed the driver was one he had not seen before. "Hello."

The man smiled at him. "Mister Stark requested me to drive you, Mister Rogers. I'm…a big fan. We've never met, I'm…"

Steve smiled. "Happy."

Happy Hogan blushed. "How did…?"

"Tony talks about you sometimes, I know you're Pepper's driver now. How did…?"

"Lou has the night off and we need to get you to the jet as soon as possible. Hold on," Happy said, speeding off.

They were at the airstrip in record time and Steve was in the air by three fifty five and touched down at eight fifteen. He fell asleep halfway through the flight and an attendant shook him. "Mister Rogers, we've arrived."

Steve blinked at the woman and then jumped up. "Thank you, I…"

She smiled. "Enjoy New York City."

Steve wanted to explain that he'd grown up here but there was no time so he simply nodded, nearly running to the door and stepping out.

His heart fell when he saw a frowning Pepper Potts waiting for him in front of limo.

"Steve…"

Steve sighed and walked down the steps, stopping in front of her. "He's still busy."

Pepper looked apologetic. "I'm so sorry, the shareholders…"

He put up a hand. "I get it. I'm tired, I just…I take it Tony has a house here?"

She nodded, gesturing to the open door. Steve got inside and she did as well, sitting on the other side of him still frowning. "Tony was so sure that…"

Steve put up his hand again. "It's fine."

Pepper nodded, and they spent the rest of the drive in silence.

He zoned out, staring out the window and watching the world go by, trying not to be disappointed. When he'd got involved with Tony Steve knew that every aspect of their lives would not be easy to grow accustomed to, but he was determined to try to pull through being alone sometimes. Besides, it was only one day.

His birthday.

"I forgot to wish you a happy birthday," Pepper whispered, breaking the silence.

Steve's smiled was forced. "Thank you."

Pepper leaned over and put a hand on his knee. "Tony feels awful. He told me to tell you he'll make it up to you when he's finished."

Steve lifted his phone from his pocket and saw that it was nine o'clock New York time. There wasn't much of his birthday left. "I'm sure he will," he whispered, looking towards the window again.

The buildings didn't look the same, they were bigger and shinier all over, making him miss the way he remembered them.

He was studying the buildings so closely that when the landscape changed to be more familiar he frowned. "What in the…"

"Is everything okay?" Pepper asked.

Steve stared out the window, his frown deepening. "I just…I couldn't sworn I just saw an old grocery store I grew up by back there and I…"

He rubbed his eyes.

There was no mistake.

"This is the diner where I got beat up behind. I," he turned to look at her "What's going on?"

Pepper smiled. "I'm sure I have no idea what you mean."

They went by another building and he yelled out, "STOP THE CAR!," throwing open the door and running across the street to stand on the sidewalk.

It was the old movie theater where he saw his last movie.

He looked behind him, tears in his eyes.

Pepper leaned over the open door and smiled. "Happy Birthday Steve," she whispered, closing the door and driving off.

Steve looked around, noticing now that there were people walking around wearing clothes right out of the forties. He swallowed and looked around, his heart pounding.

"Tony."

He didn't see the man anywhere, but he knew this was his doing. Steve felt tears on his face as he walked, nearly pushing people over until he stopped, hearing a cane tapping that was coming from behind him.

Steve turned and gasped.

Tony Stark was walking towards him wearing a brown double breasted suit and a matching hat, all while brandishing a cane that he twirled with relish. When he stopped not a foot from Steve he took off his hat and bowed. "Good evening."

Steve swallowed and whispered, "How did…?"

Tony grinned. "I fooled you, didn't I? I bet you were pissed."

Steve laughed. "I was so…Tony I," he tried to throw himself at the man but Tony put out a hand to stop him.

"Not yet," he said, and then went down on one knee.

Steve's heart was beating frantically now and his breath was coming out in gasps.

"Tony," he whispered.

Tony pulled out a box from his pocket, setting his hat down on the sidewalk before he opened it smiling up at Steve.

"Steve," he swallowed, his eyes full of tears, "when we met I hated you. I couldn't stop obsessing over how perfect you were, how much everybody loved you and how no one was paying attention to me," he took a breath, "And then suddenly you smiled at me and I knew why. From that day on I couldn't look away and I never want to ever again. I've never been in love before, never expected to fall so hard and go through so much to be here but I know this is it, this is right. There's nowhere else I'd rather be right this second then here on my knees begging you to let me wake up beside you every day and love you just as much as I did the day I fell for you. I know I'm an idiot, I know I fuck things up and I…I promise to spend the rest of our lives making up for the many, many times I'm going to fuck up again. I love you, I want you, I need you. Steve Rogers, will you marry me?"

Steve stared at him, his eyes full of tears and barely able to stand up. Tony frowned.

"Steve?"

Steve launched himself at Tony, nearly knocking the other man down and kissing him with all of his strength. They held each other tightly, both men only pulling away to get breath.

Tony grinned. "I take it that's a maybe?"

Steve kissed him quick and whispered, "It's a yes. God, yes Tony. I can't even…"

Tony kissed him quiet and when they pulled apart Steve pressed their foreheads against each other. "I love you so much," Tony said breathlessly.

Steve nodded. "I'm so sorry I doubted you would make my birthday perfect."

Tony smiled, lifting his head and brushing a hair out of Steve's eye. "I had to. A man can only celebrate the love of his life's ninety ninth birthday once."

Steve hugged him again, kissing his neck and whispering, "I'm so glad you ruined my proposal. I never would have been able to see what you could do for me."

Tony laughed. "You're welcome?"

Steve pulled back and nodded seriously. "Thank you, Tony."

Tony grabbed his hand and said, "Shall I?"

Steve nodded and Tony put his ring on, the gold band glistening in the moonlight. "It's beautiful."

"It cost me 70,000 dollars. It better be."

Steve frowned. "Tony, you shouldn't have..."

Tony kissed his hand and looked up, grinning. "Kidding."

Steve sighed, smiling. "You're ridiculous."

"Only for you, baby," Tony said, standing and holding Steve's hand in his own.

The two men walked down the reconstructed street, watching the actors that passed them by. Steve laid his head on Tony's shoulder and asked, "Did Bucky know?"

Tony laughed. "Bucky and Dad helped me set all this up. Who else would I know what the diner you got your ass kicked in looked like? Hell, he helped me find pictures."

Steve squeezed his hand, smiling. "He was so angry and I just kept defending you," he whispered.

Tony kissed his forehead. "I know, Cap. I'm the luckiest man alive because no matter how much of an asshole I am you'll still defend me."

Steve lifted his head. "Always. But there are limits."

Tony grinned and kissed him again. "We'll see."