Tony had better things to do than listen to grown adults squabble like schoolchildren.
Here he was being generous and opening his home to his new teammates for a little team bonding and instead of being grateful that they didn't have to stay in a SHIELD-sponsored barrack they were arguing.
Great. Just Great.
"Where have you been all day then? Buried in your lab too good to debrief to Fury with the rest of us?" Steve condescendingly said, looking at Tony from his spot in the center of the room.
Tony leaned back in his seat, setting his drink down on the side table, before looking at Steve. "Actually I spent the day meeting with FEMA and the Red Cross to see what I could be doing to help the most in rebuilding the city. Then I spent some time spending money to bring in construction crews from across the country to speed up the process so the displaced citizens can return to their homes and jobs."
"Spending money is what you are good for." Natasha drawled from where she stood by the bar.
"We can't all make our careers on killing people." Tony shot back, getting annoyed. Thankfully JARVIS took his chance to interrupt. "Sir."
"Yes JARVIS?" Tony was grateful for the distraction.
"Harry has alerted me that he saw the news and he would be home tomorrow." JARVIS seemed a little too cheerful at that news, dread settled in Tony's stomach.
"Ah… Did I remember to call him back after the invasion?" Tony asked warily.
"No sir, you did not."
"Damn. How mad is he?"
"Harry's tone was quite clipped when he contacted me."
"Double damn." Tony sighed, he was going to get his ass handed to him.
"I was also told to inform you that you are not to run away to Malibu to avoid your punishment."
"I wouldn't do that… now."
"Who the hell is Harry and why is he coming here Stark?" Natasha asked with narrowed eyes.
Tony rolled his eyes and took a swig of his drink, trying to avoid the question. He had no desire to explain his personal life to the likes of Natasha Romanoff. But he knew it was only a matter of time before he would have to face the music.
"Don't get your knives in a twist. Harry is harmless to everyone but probably me." Tony deflected.
"Fury would not like a stranger coming here without the proper clearance." Clint decided to butt in from his perch on the far side of the room.
"I'm sorry? Since when did my tower become a military-run base? Oh, that's right, it isn't. Fury can get as upset as he wants. He has no say in who comes or goes from my own building." Tony snapped.
"And what If this person is a danger to the team? Or when Banner gets his stuff moved here and potentially becomes a danger to a civilian?" Steve asks stiffly.
"Again. Harry isn't a danger. He definitely isn't a civilian you need to worry about protecting Captain, especially from Banner who won't be a danger to anyone. Now if we are done with this interrogation I have better things to do." Tony huffed as he stood, grabbed his drink, and made his way to the elevator.
"I will be telling Fury about this!" Natasha shouted at his retreating back.
"You do that!" Tony shot back, getting in the elevator and instructing JARVIS to take him down to his lab. He might as well get in some lab time before Harry got home and grounded him.
"Stark! What is this I hear about you bringing a civilian into Avengers business." Fury griped as he entered Tony's lab unauthorized.
"Intruder alert! Why are you here Fury? JARVIS we will be having words later on who you can allow into the tower." Tony complained, setting down his tools to turn his attention to the one-eyed wonder pirate invading his space.
"An answer Stark. I want one, I do not ask questions for my health." Fury ordered.
"You sure? Maybe if you ask enough questions you'll regain use of your bad eye." Tony grinned, enjoying poking the bear. "In answer to your rude invasion of my space and impromptu questioning. None of your business. Just because I offered to fund and house the Avengers does not mean you have sudden control over the entirety of my tower. If you are so worried feel free to stick around, Harry should be arriving soon."
"I thought you understood that the Avengers were not open to the public and there are security risks for inviting a civilian amongst the team." Fury skillfully ignored Tony's sarcasm like the killjoy he was at heart.
"Well Captain Sparrow, if Harry is considered a civilian then I am not the richest man here." Tony snidely muttered.
Fury's frown only grew worse, "The safety of the team and this tower is my responsibility. I will have to run a background check and clearance before Harry can be allowed to stay here."
Tony laughed. "Yes. You do that and tell me how it turns out for you. Now remove yourself from my space. Go entertain the assassin twins if you want to be here when Harry arrives. I will introduce you to him with pleasure."
Fury huffed, clearly not pleased with Tony's dismissive attitude but eventually left the lab. Tony couldn't help but chuckle to himself as he watched Fury leave. The man just couldn't handle not being in control. But Tony was determined to hold onto his autonomy, even if it meant butting heads with the head of SHIELD.
Tony let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding as the elevator doors closed, grateful he didn't have to deal with Fury's presence any longer. He turned back to his workbench, the gears in his brain already turning on how to improve the new Iron Man suits he had been working on.
As he worked, his thoughts drifted back to Harry. He hadn't seen him in months, not since before the invasion had happened. Harry had never liked the risks Tony took as Iron Man, never liked the danger it posed to him. But Tony had always been stubborn, always convinced that he could handle anything that came his way. He never expected to be fighting aliens when he had claimed to be Iron Man during that press conference years ago. Harry was going to be mad, that much was certain. He had neglected to call him back after the invasion, and now the man was coming home finally and was undoubtedly going to chew him out.
Shaking himself out of his reverie, Tony went back to work, determined to finish his project before Harry arrived. He didn't want to be caught with his pants down when his lover arrived.
Hours flew by in a blur of metal and circuits, and before Tony knew it he was so consumed in his work that he didn't hear the elevator ping or the footsteps that approached him until he heard a voice from behind him.
"Well, well, well. Look who's been avoiding my calls." The voice was like honey, smooth and sultry, with just a hint of amusement. Tony froze at the sound, not quite ready to face the music yet.
"Hey, Harry," he said, turning with a forced smile. "I missed you so much?"
"Is that a question or statement Anthony." Harry drawled, his green eyes sparking with both amusement and annoyance.
"Statement. I definitely missed you, my love." Tony said a little softer, it was nice to see his husband again.
Harry clearly hadn't stopped to get changed out of his dragonhide armor and official gear before coming to see Tony. He was even still carrying the utility kit he took on all of his missions. Tony did thoroughly enjoy seeing his husband look like a badass in his full work attire, but it just made him that more intimidating for the lecture he was likely to now receive.
Harry's face softened a little stepping close to Tony to wrap his arms behind Tony's neck. "I missed you too. You are still in trouble though. I had no idea if you were alive or dead until I saw the news! You called me to say goodbye, ripped my heart out of my chest as you flew that nuke into the portal, and then didn't call me to tell me you were okay?!"
Tony winced, feeling bad for putting Harry through so much, pulling the wizard closer to him. "I am sorry. I swear I was going to call you. I thought I already had. I don't have a good excuse other than I was busy babysitting pretentious superheroes and trying to help rebuild."
Harry sighed but didn't pull away, instead burying his face into Tony's neck. "I know, I know. I'm just glad you're okay," he murmured. "But seriously, Tony, you need to be more careful. I don't know what I would do if something happened to you."
Tony nodded, feeling guilty for worrying his husband so much. "I know. I promise I'll be more careful from now on. No more nukes, I promise."
Harry chuckled, pulling away to look at Tony with a smirk. "Good. Because I'd hate to have to kick your ass if you pull another stunt like that."
Tony grinned, feeling relieved that Harry was taking it all in stride. "I'd like to see you try," he teased, pulling Harry in for a kiss.
But before their lips could meet, the elevator pinged again, signaling the arrival of someone else. Tony groaned, not wanting to deal with any more interruptions. "Can't we just have a moment alone?" he muttered, already irritated.
Harry rolled his eyes but didn't protest as Tony kissed him fiercely even as two sets of feet approached the lab.
Tony looked over Harry's shoulder and was greeted by the sight of Natasha and Fury, both looking equally annoyed.
"What the hell is going on Stark?" Fury barked out.
Tony groaned, annoyed. He did not want to deal with Fury so soon after making up with Harry. But needs must. "Nick Fury, Natasha Romanov. I would like you to meet my husband. Harry James Potter-Stark. Harry this is eyepatch and assassin #1, better known as the Director of SHIELD and the Black Widow."
Harry's smile was just a little too bloodthirsty for Tony's comfort.
"Potter?" Fury frowned, seeming to recognize Harry vaguely.
"I am Director Harry James Potter-Stark. Head of the Unspeakables Team International. I would say it is nice to meet the both of you, but I would be lying." Harry helpfully informed them.
"You're married Stark? Since when?" Natasha glared at them, seeming disbelieving of what she was hearing.
"Not that it is any of your business but I have actually been married for a couple of years now. And I can't believe you are glossing over the fact that Harry works for an organization called UTI. Unironically called UTI. You can't get much funnier than that." Tony drawled.
Fury now recognized who Harry was and did not have time to stop Natasha from opening her mouth.
"Like anyone would want to marry you Stark. Enough with the jokes, who is this man." Natasha growled.
Harry's eyes narrowed dangerously at Natasha's rude comment, his wand already in his hand before Tony even had a chance to react. "I suggest you watch your tone, Miss Romanov," Harry said coolly, his magic crackling off his wand.
"How about we all take a minute and calm down," Fury suggested, trying to placate both Harry and Natasha. Although Natasha didn't seem surprised at seeing a wand, she also didn't look impressed by it.
"I suggest you teach your pet assassin some manners and not go mouthing off to those bigger than her." Harry snarked, slowly putting away his wand. Tony just sat back and enjoyed the show. He had been looking forward to watching Harry put Fury in his place.
"Is now the right time for me to mention the Avengers will be living in the same building as us dear?" Tony sweetly interjected.
"Will they? Well, let's hope the rest of them are house-trained because I have no problem kicking superheroes out of my house if they piss me off." Harry nearly purred, keeping his eyes on Natasha as he leaned back against Tony.
Tony couldn't help but smirk at Harry's response. He knew that his husband was not one to be messed with, especially when it came to protecting their home or their relationship..
Fury seemed to sense the tension was still rising in the room and cleared his throat. "As much as I'd love to continue this little spat, we have a bigger issue at hand. We have a lot to discuss and plan for the future, and we can't do it if we're all at each other's throats."
Tony nodded, feeling grateful for once for Fury's level-headedness. He knew that they needed to work together if they were going to protect the world from any future threats.
"Fine, but let's make one thing clear," Natasha said, her tone cool and collected."Just because you are fucking Stark, doesn't mean you have any say in any Avenger's business."
"I think you will find Miss Romanov that I have plenty of say in the Avengers and none of them have to do with my bedroom activities. Although I am sure you will have to receive permission and clearance from your betters to know that." Harry smiled a poisonous smile. "Now if you will excuse us, I haven't seen my husband for months and I plan on tying him to our bed for the foreseeable future. I am sure the both of you can find your way out."
Tony laughed at the looks on Natasha and Fury's faces as Harry dragged Tony to the elevator. Tony was so happy that Harry was home.
