The Avengers - Stony request - Before I kissed you

The Avengers team was on a mission. Tony stood in his Iron man suit in an aircraft, next to him Captain America and Thor. Natasha was piloting, while Clint and Bruce were already on the place, waiting for the rest. Captain was explaining strategy. And Tony wasn't listening. Why he should listen? He had his own strategy. He drifted away in his own thoughts, remembering to pull down his face plate first. Pepper already made it clear that it was showing on Tony's face when he wasn't listening, and he wanted to avoid another talk from Captain Serious here. Oh yeah, Pepper..

Lately it was Pepper who was on Tony's mind. He thought that she was the one for him. But as their romance started from friendship it soon got back to friendship. It just burnt out, after the passion was gone. Tony thought that it was just need, he needed someone to go back to at the end of the day. Luckily, Pepper thought the same, and as if after the break up it was awkward between them, they managed to get back to being friends. In the meantime it was even more awkward as she started dating Happy. Tony just threw on a brave face and pretended he didn't mind and was happy for them. Not because he was jealous of Happy or something. He was jealous that Pepper managed to find her happiness while he was coming back to an empty apartment. Again.

"Stark, could you focus for a while?!" a low bark from Captain made him come back to Earth. He looked surprised at him. Not that Steve could see his face anyway, but how did he know he wasn't listening?

"We're getting close, Thor, you go first, stick to the plan," Steve ordered, putting on a parachute. Tony shook his head. It must have been Captain's lucky guess. Because when did Tony listen to him?

some time later

The mission ended with success. Tony, as usual, followed his own rules. But it all ended well, so why should he care? He just got out of his suit in the lower floors of the Avengers tower and was walking into elevator direction. To his floor, to get a drink. He spotted Steve, leaning over the wall, still in his Captain America outfit. Obviously waiting for him. Tony turned around, he didn't need a talk from him. He could take the longer route.

"Stark, wait!"

Tony growled. What did he want this time?

"Listen, Captain, maybe it didn't occur yet to you, but I'm not good at taking orders. Besides, we made it, so let it go," he said, turning around, irritated. Steve gained on him and stopped in front of him. Tony expected him to have a stern face, but his features were kinda soft. Not relaxed. Embarrassed?

"It's not what I wanted to talk with you about."

Tony was looking at him. He lifted his eyebrows and waved his hand, urging Steve to talk.

"I know we started this off wrong foot. And that you hate my guts, although I don't exactly know why, but can we just try to be civilized to each other? I'm not asking you to be my friend or anything, but we are on the same team, live in the same building, and it would make life much easier if we were at least on speaking terms," he said in a calm voice, observing Tony's reaction.

Tony looked puzzled at him. He didn't exactly hate him. No, scratch that back. He hated Captain America. The whole concept of Captain America - the perfect soldier, the perfect American citizen, just Mr. Perfect. And Steve.. He didn't know Steve. Maybe it was time to change it?

"For the sake of the team," Steve added.

Figures.

"Okay, we can try that," he said after a longer while. Steve smiled timidly. He had a nice smile.

"So let's start this again," he asked taking off his glove, reaching his hand to Tony, "I'm Steven Rogers, but you can call me Steve."

Tony gave him a pitiful look. The guy was so simple.

"Tony," he said, accepting the hand. Steve had a firm grip, but still it was gentle. Soft. Warm. Big hands. When Tony withdrew his hand he had a slight blush on his face. He quickly looked to the side, hoping that Captain didn't notice it. But if he would look at Steve he would see that the same blush was on Steve's face.

"I.. I'll see you around, then," the blonde said meekly, turning around.
"Wait!" Tony said, before he could think it through. Why did he ask him to wait?Steve turned around.

"Yes?"
"Um.." Tony started. Think fast, think fast. "How did you know that I wasn't listening during your speech?" It was the only thing that came to Tony's mind. Steve smiled slightly.

"Body language."
"What?"
"Your body language. Each time you stop listening and drift away, you sway your left hip to the side and and put your hand on it. I noticed it some time ago."

Tony looked with eyes wide open at him. Did Steve just admit to staring at him? The blonde must realize what he just said, because he blushed, looking to the side. Tony smirked at that. Maybe the guy wasn't so bad. Maybe he could even hang out with him.

"What?" Steve asked.
"What?"
"Did you just asked me to hang out with you?"

Tony made a surprised face. Crap. Did he say that out loud? There was no turning back now.

"Well, yeah," he flashed a cocky smile at Steve, "Maybe you didn't notice yet, but I'm like way ahead of this time, while you are still stuck in the 40's. We could balance each other and meet somewhere in the 80's or 90's." He congratulated himself for getting out of this one. Smoothly played.

Steve was looking suspiciously at him for a moment, trying to sense if the brunet was honest. Finally he smiled shyly, making Tony feel weak in the knees. But why?

"Sure, I would like that. But no tricks, Tony."
"Can't promise that."

Steve laughed. He had a nice smile, nice laugh, what else? And why Tony was suddenly noticing all this stuff?

"See you later," Steve smiled and turned around. For a moment he looked like he wanted to pat Tony's shoulder, but must have decided it was too soon for that.

"Yeah, see ya.." he answered, looking at Steve as he was walking away. Tall. Muscled. Nice broad shoulders. Oh, and hello there..

Tony quickly turned around, blushing and irritated. Did he just think that Steve has a really nice ass?

He shook his head and continued walking. As soon as he started walking, Steve turned around. Tony didn't feel his gaze on his back.