Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Other Volumes of Tony’s Little Black Book can be found at.

1. Original Black Book - Complete
2. Tony’s Little Black Book (Law and Spyzone) Complete
3. Tony’s Little Black Book (Night in front of the TV) Complete
4. Tony’s Little Black Book (Shades of Grey) 

Entries

1. Clint Barton/Hawkeye (The Avengers Movieverse) 
2. The Black Widow (The Avengers Movieverse) - Sequel for Mrs DiNozzo
3. Batman (Superman v Batman) - Festive Sequel - Hard to buy for
4. Tony Stark/Iron Man (The Avengers Movieverse)
5. Oliver Queen 2 (Arrow TV) - Sequel for The Bad Boy of Starling ... tamed? 
6. Matt Murdock/Daredevil (Daredevil (TV) )
7. T'Challa (Black Panther)
8. Davis Okoye (Rampage)
9. Arthur Curry/Aquaman - (Justice League) 
10. Steve Rogers/Captain America - (Marvel)
11. Nick Fury (Marvel)
12. Dr Bruce Banner/Hulk (Marvel)
13. Agent Phil Coulson (Marvel/Agents of SHIELD)
14. Stephen Strange (Dr Strange)
15. Dick Grayson/Robin/Nightwing (Titans 2018)
16. Stephen Strange 2 (Marvel Avengers: Endgame) Sequel for The Mysterious Spouse
17. Steve Rogers/Captain America 2 (Marvel) 
18. Dr Charles Xavier/Professor X (X-Men: First Class era)
19. Templeton 'Face' Peck (The A-Team: Movie) 
20. Dr Charles Xavier/Professor X 2 (X Men: Apocalypse)  - Follow up for What will I be? 
21. Wolverine/Logan (X-Men: Days of Future Past)
22. Thor (Marvel)
23. Evan 'Buck' Buckley (9-1-1) 
24. Sam Wilson/The Falcon (Marvel)
25. Scott Lang  (Antman)
26. Phil Coulson 2 (Marvel/Agents of SHIELD) - Follow up for Marriage of Suits
27. Owen Strand (9-1-1: Lone Star) 
28. Sam Wilson/Falcon 2 (Marvel)  - Follow up for Drunk in Vegas (Marvel)
29. Phil Coulson 3 (Marvel) Follow up for Marriage of Suits and Family is What you Make of it
30. Bobby Nash (9-1-1) 
31. David Levinson (Independence Day) 
32. Officer Tim Bradford (The Rookie)
33. Tim Gutterson (Justified) 
34. Detective Elliot Stabler (Law and Order franchise)
35. Malcolm Bright/Whitly (Prodigal Son)
36. James 'Bucky' Barnes/Winter Soldier (Marvel)
37. Bucky Barnes 2/Winter Soldier (Marvel) - Sequel to Two Perfect A**holes 
38. Matt Casey (Chicago Fire) 
39. Peter Petrelli (Heroes) 
40. ADA Rafael Barba (Law and Order: SVU)
41. David Levinson 2 (Independence Day) - Sequel to Coming out with a Bang
42. Hannibal Smith (The A-Team (2010))
43. Eddie Diaz (9-1-1)
44. 10th Doctor (Doctor Who)
45. Charlie Hudson (Hudson and Rex)
46. John Constantine (Legends of Tomorrow/Constantine)
47. John Constantine 2 - Sequel to Dead Don't Rest
48. Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell - Top Gun Movies
49. Hannibal Smith 2 (The A-team) - Sequel to Herculean Labour 
50. Admiral Beau 'Cyclone' Simpson - Top Gun: Maverick

Chapter Text

The Good and Bad of Budapest for Clint Barton

Tony could not for the life of him explain how he ended up in Budapest. He’d followed Gibbs to Washington and done the short course to transfer as an Agent as he was already a cop. At FLETC, he’d gained notice for his undercover prowess and, as a result, was shunted between the agencies whenever they had a dicey operation that needed to be handled.

So right now - he was on loan to Interpol and his cover was a Blues Singer in a criminal bar. The bar, called Utolso Dal had a less than law abiding clientele but they sure were amusing. His job this time was to sing, look pretty and collect surveillance footage through a handy camera on his shirt.

His boss was an odd guy, an ex-pat from Ireland. Allan O’Malley and Tony's first meeting was - different.

*~*

“So you are who Interpol tapped?”

Tony shrugged. “I think it was because I can hold a tune.”

O’Malley smirked and didn’t care. “If I was going to be blackmailed I may as well get something from it.”

Tony wasn’t involved in the particulars so he didn’t care to comment. “Do you want me to mix drinks?”

“You can do that as well?”

Tony’s grin was almost sarcastic. “I am an all action agent, play the piano too.”

O’Malley chuckled. “It is good that you have a sense of humour. You are going to need that so two final things. One, you should be carrying a weapon at all times, for your protection. Two, if the punters get rowdy ... you need to play My Heart Will Go On.”

Tony was pretty sure that this a hazing moment. “You mean the Celine Dion song?”

“Aye, that’s the one. I told the last club singer, only they were too slow and they got shot in the crossfire. The song has a calming effect on them. Hand on my heart, God as my witness - it will work every time.”

Tony wasn’t convinced until his first evening session when a Ukrainian drug smuggler and his sworn enemy both decided to have a drink at the same time. Tony figured what the hell and followed Big Al’s advice - and much to his surprise, it worked.

*~*

Tony’s career as a singer was certainly going better than Clint Barton’s week. Clint was almost certain that Fury was still punishing him and would keep doing so until well after the millennium. He was currently being fitted up for a black cocktail dress - and that wasn’t a metaphor.

“How can you fight in this?” Clint said as he kept twisting around to see his backside. He added, “And where is the rest of the dress?”

His partner, the Black Widow (it was made clear, that if he was going to bring home a super-spy, she was his responsibility), appeared amused. “I would do it but I lack the equipment to attract this mark.”

Barton sighed. “Do I have to wear the dress?”

Natasha shrugged. “Lavrov has particular tastes. And besides, it looks good on you, really makes your eyes pop.”

~*~

So that is how Agent Clint Barton met his future husband, in drag in a cocktail dress.

Clint was at the bar of Utolso Dal using all the signals that Natasha had taught him to ensnare his mark. It worked too. Sergei Lavrov was now all over him. As he was pawed by the drug dealer, he could see Natasha blending into the background and listening to the talented singer.

Clint shivered as the singer started singing New York State of Mind, it was his favourite song. Lavrov, ever the opportunist, pulled Clint onto his lap. “Do you like the singer?”

Clint was smart enough to know that the honest answer was not the way to go. Instead, he went for vain flattery and misdirection. “It is your lap I am sitting on.”

“Yes, yes, you are but if you keep wiggling I won’t be responsible for my actions.”

Clint smiled wickedly, remembering to the play part. “Is that supposed to stop me?”

Maybe not, however Lavrov’s enemy, Sweizerowicz did have something to say. Barton was lucky that the first bullet missed him by millimetres and old instincts kicked in. He dived to the side, ass in the air as the dress left nothing to the imagination.

Clint swore he must be having a bad trip as the first stirrings of My Heart Will Go On started to play. He didn’t care, he was just focussing on making sure his own heart went on. The singer seemed to be on the side of angels as he shot Sweizerowicz. Natasha shot her way toward Clint.

“This singer is committed.” Was all she said, as he continued to sing his song.

Clint snickered. “Who the fuck cares, the goons are here and this dress!”

Natasha rolled her eyes, “Well, split it then, just don’t stop shooting.”

“I’m out of ammo,” Clint replied.

“Well, pick your next gun.” Natasha replied as if she was talking to someone simple.  

Next gun! How the hell was he supposed to have a second gun? It would have ruined the line of the dress and been spotted. He slipped the two knives he’d strapped to his legs instead. They were not arrows but he could still throw them and hit a target.

It would appear that Sweizerowicz’s workers objected to his death as they kept coming at them. He ducked a fist and threw both knives - hitting their target, the shooters’ throats. As he turned to check on Tasha, he got suckered by a kick to his chest. He went flying, landing by the singer who seemed to take exception to his song being interrupted by shooting Clint’s kicker - in the heart.

The fight was over and the patrons seemed too used to similar actions as they simply picked up their tables, dusted themselves off, and shouted their next drink orders. Clint found himself being picked off the floor by the deadly singer. Clint looked closer and realised this was an agent. “Thanks.”

Clint found himself licking his lips. Of course, he would meet a cute guy while looking like a hooker dragged through a bush backward. He was going to hold this over Natasha’s head forever. From now on, she could seduce the rich guy.

The singer had a sexy smirk. “Hi, I couldn’t let a lady get hurt now could I?”

Clint snickered. “Stupid operation is a bust.”

Tony had a wicked grin. “Not a total bust, you met me.”

Clint couldn’t disagree. “So coffee?”

Natasha rolled her eyes, she’d taught him KGB seduction techniques - and this was the line he was using. Still, her friendship with Tony was cemented by his next comment. “I’d prefer Vodka.”

Natasha grinned at Clint. “I like him, we should steal him for SHIELD.”

Clint wasn’t averse to this idea. “I think we should find out his name first?”

Natasha snorted and turned to the sexy singer. “He doesn’t normally do things ass backward, or so I’m told. He’s called Clint by the way.”

“Tony DiNozzo.”

Big Al was looking at all three of them. “What the hell happened here?” He saw the scant situation of Clint’s clothes and blanched. “And this is not one of those clubs. Go down the road!”

Tony shrugged, “Hey Boss, you know what? I don’t think I can explain this but good news ... my assignment is done.”

Natasha shrugged. “You can come back to the apartment whilst Clint changes.”

*~*

Clint knew Fury would be pissed that they’d picked up a new stray but this was not his fault. He was glad that Tony was there to help him explain what had gone on. Fury would probably highly doubt their report without external verification.

“So before we get raging drunk, we need to make a report to our bosses, who can then pass it on to your boss.” 

Tony shrugged. “Sure thing.”

Natasha handed him a glass of vodka. “No one says you can’t quench your thirst while you do.”

Tony smirked as he sipped the drink down, damn, it was a good thing. “I love your rationale.”

The screen was filled with an unassuming man in a suit and a guy with a leather duster and an eyepatch.

“Report.” Fury tersely demanded.

Clint sighed. “Well, we went and completed the mission, only we ran into complications.”

Coulson queried. “Was the information wrong, did he not want Barton in the dress?”

Natasha shook her head. “No, that was fine. Only, we didn’t know the watering hole was his enemies favourite dive bar too.”

Fury sighed. “So are they both dead?”

“Very,” Natasha replied.

“And where does Agent DiNozzo fit into this. And tell me, why is an NCIS agent in Budapest?”

Tony had a wry grin. “Well, I keep getting loaned out whenever an undercover agent is needed.”

“So you were the singer?”

Tony shrugged. “I can hold a tune, Sir. Also, I was there so Interpol could gain surveillance on certain criminal elements. Big Al gave me two instructions - sing My Heart Will Go On when things go loco. Oh, and to remain armed so when Agent Barton started getting shot at... I rendered aid.”

“And you still sang the song.”

Tony frowned. “Yes, I commit to my role.”

Fury hummed. “Romanoff - did you notice Agent DiNozzo before everything went south?”

Natasha shook her head. “No sir, I was focussed on protecting Agent Barton’s ass as ordered.”

“It’s not my fault - so much of it was on show.”

DiNozzo snickered. “I don’t know. You looked hot. Very Bella in Twilight, only I hope you have a better choice in men. Sparkly stalker vampires just seem weird.”

“I have no idea what you just said but welcome to SHIELD, Agent DiNozzo. You have a bonus, there are no Frat Regs.”

Tony felt, even more so than earlier, that he’d taken a trip down the Rabbit Hole. He was beginning to wonder when he would see the Cheshire Cat.

Tony soon found out that Nick Fury was a son of a bitch and also went by a new title, Tony’s boss, who realised that he now had a male undercover agent who could rival their newest recruit. He decided to pull favours and as they were such a winning team - he saw no reason to change a successful formula.

Chapter Text

Clint saw Nat look at her phone and smile. There was only one person in the world that made Nat smile that way. “Is he in town?”

Nat smirked. “Who?”

Clint gave her a droll look. “I know better.”

He did, Natasha truly trusted two men in the entire world and Clint was in the room so that left Anthony. Her husband was just as devious and as good at undercover roles as Natasha and had none of the red-room training. The couple amazingly managed to soften the edges of each other - unless you want to mention Budapest.

Natasha smirked and almost twirled out of the room. “If you say so.” She wasn’t going to confirm or deny her private life until she was ready and had to. It was nothing personal towards the Avenger’s team but you’re taught as a spy to not let personal attachments be known as they could be a way for an enemy to attack you.

Clint sighed. “Great, he’s coming to town.” It wasn’t that he didn’t like her husband - it was just that he had the most perverse kind of luck.

The rest of the Avengers were looking worried. They felt they should be scared of anyone that Clint was wary of but made Natasha smile like a giddy schoolgirl. Tony Stark didn’t know that Natasha had that look in her repertoire. He was man enough to admit that he was a little freaked out, not enough to suit up but he did want to check for the nearest exits.

As the boldest of the Avengers, Stark was the one to ask. “Who is coming to town. Legolas?”

Clint smirked, knowing his answer would cause a freak-out. “Her husband.”

Now that stopped breakfast conversation cold. “She’s married? ”

Clint smiled fondly, remembering their wedding. He would always be glad they’d got married in Vegas as it had been how he’d met Laura, his own wife. “Happily so.”

“And just who would be brave enough to marry the Black Widow?” Tony asked because he kept picturing someone with the physique of Thor but maybe Russian looking.

Tony DiNozzo didn’t have the muscles of Thor but he did rock a suit like no other. He wasn’t any kind of slouch in the looks department either, although he would concede the hair to Thor. The man should take up the L'oreal contract.

~*~

Natasha was waiting on the sidewalk for Tony. She was calling bullshit on Nick if he made Tony stay at NCIS any longer. It was unnecessary as Tony had already found out how the secrets were being lost from the Agency. Stupid naive woman - thinking that Hydra would save her from her cancer. Once they’d got what they wanted, they’d let her die in a Mexican standoff in the desert. The new director had sent him on what should have been an Agent Afloat assignment and Tony had politely, or not so politely, told him to go and fuck himself. Natasha knew it must have been a good resignation because Nick had been smirking as he let her know Tony would be returning.

She would wrangle the story out of her husband when they were alone.  Although they did both accept long assignments as part of being a SHIELD Agent - six years was a long time. The fact that Tony set himself up as a ladies man, meant she could at least visit him. They had great fun, she would dress up in many different disguises to visit her husband and help maintain his cover. Plus neither one of them was adverse to a bit of role play when the opportunity presented itself. It was kind of a win-win situation.

Tony breezed up dressed in his preferred Zegna, it was also Natasha’s favourite suit. Although she had never been able to decide if she preferred Tony in the suit or out of it.

He waltzed up to her and the grin upon seeing her spoke volumes. Natasha could read micro-expressions very well, she had to for her job - there was relief, relaxation, and love. He whispered in her ear. “Are you looking for me, Mrs. DiNozzo?”

She jutted her chin out. “No, I was looking for my husband. Mr. Romanov.”

Tony snorted and pulled her in for a hug. You had to love New York, the world just went on around you as you embrace a loved one. “Well, you found him.”

Natasha snickered, and pulled him into the tower. She kept her arm around him and he did the same to her. They tended to be tactile upon first meeting after a mission as they were never too sure how long they would have until their next meet up. Still, it wasn’t all bad - it kept their marriage fresh... and they always had the most interesting stories to tell when they met back up.

He waited until the lift closed and they were on their own before he crowded her against the wall of the lift. “So the Avengers, huh?”

She shrugged as she hitched herself up, wrapping her long legs around his waist for balance. “Well, you were playing agent man,” like that explained everything. The ironic part was for this couple it was all that needed to be said. 

Tony pouted as he leaned in for a kiss. “I am an agent.”

She had a wicked smirk on her face as she turned her head away, avoiding his lips. She did so enjoy teasing him. “Yeah, but you were slumming it.”

Tony threw his head back laughing, just imagining what the people back at the MCRT would think if they knew that the Black Widow considered their premier team to be slumming it. The meaner part of Tony would delight in letting Ziva and Natasha meet. His mind started to put plans together to try and make it happen.

“What are you smiling at?” Natasha asked, knowing that grin meant nothing good, or perhaps something very good. It had, in the past, resulted in explosions that would make Stark grin.

Her Tony had a wicked grin on his face as he explained to his wife. “Just thinking about you schooling Eli David’s arrogant daughter in who is a real ninja.”

Natasha sneered, she hated the whole family. They reeked of judgement and overestimation of their abilities. “Does she still think you are in love with her?” Her eyes narrowed at him.

Tony held his hands up, forcing her to hang on tightly or risk falling on the floor. “Hey, not my fault she is deluded.”
With his hands now free, Tony trapped his wife’s face with both hands and dived in for a so-glad-to-see-you-again kiss and then released her gently as she slid her legs back down to stand on her own.

That was the last moment of privacy they had for a while as the door opened to the communal level of the Avengers floors. Sure enough, the gossip of Natasha being married had reached all of the Avengers so they were all waiting to catch a glimpse of her Tony. They would have to settle the issue of names soon. She just knew the idea of two Tony’s would get confusing all too soon, especially if her husband got to stick around.

Clint moved forward to warmly greet Tony as it had been a while and he’d missed his friend. “Hey, Trouble. Come back to the big leagues?”

Tony pouted. “Hey, it was an assignment. I would not leave you pair for anything else.”

All three SHIELD Agents noticed the fact that the other Avengers were just staring. Tony stepped forward. “Hi. I’m Tony, Natasha’s husband, and fellow SHIELD Agent no matter what some rumours may suggest.” He finished enigmatically.

Tony Stark started to twirl around him and Natasha like he was making a decision. His summary was a little weird in that his opening greeting to him was. “You are not a Russian Thor.”

Tony laughed as that wasn’t the weirdest thing that had ever been said to him. “No, I am an American of Italian-English descent. So what?”

“You’re the Black Widow’s husband.” Stark said as if he was still trying to comprehend this. Tony got that a lot and it was a good job he was secure in who he was.

Tony smirked and couldn’t help but tease Stark . “Sometimes I am Clint's husband too, that was a great way to leave Budapest.” That was truly a tale for the ages, but one that all three of them had sworn never to tell.

Natasha pushed forward so that she could at least sit on a chair with Tony while her teammates asked questions of the couple. She curled up into Tony’s side like it was a place made for her. It was one the of the things she loved most about Tony, he never felt threatened by what she could do and instead treated her like a capable woman. The value of being treated like that and not a soldier or weapon was incomparable. She did smirk at the way her Tony’s comment seemed to break Stark, Bruce, Steve.

Not Clint, he’d been there and as a result, he added fuel to the gossip.  “Yeah - but Laura and Nat are stingy and won’t let us play together.”

Tony shook his head at the sheer impressive level of sexual suggestion implied in his voice. Oh my god, Captain America was blushing as he looked at him. Tony sighed at his friend. “Dude, you will give the Avengers a bad opinion of me.”

Stark shook his head. “Nope, not a bad one. You were brave enough to marry Natasha, you managed to have a threesome with the deadly duo ... and you made Captain America blush without saying anything dirty. I think you’re my hero.”

Rogers snorted. “Stark, I was doing USO tours, it is so cute that you think I don’t know about anything promiscuous. They were very helpful towards me when I told them I was a virgin and they wanted to help me fix that oversight.”

If the idea of Natasha hadn’t broken Stark then that little tidbit caused him to lose his whiskey. Tony smirked but hid it by kissing Nat’s shoulder. Who would have thought that Captain Steve Rogers was such a troll? Tony could guess that Stark was completely fooled by the angry old man mask. “You know, Captain Rogers, I think I would like to hear some of those stories.”

Steve nodded. “It’s Steve and I would be happy to, Agent DiNozzo.”

“No, call me Anthony, please.” The others were confused and Tony snorted.

“Well, it is going to be confusing having two Tony’s in the tower. As it is the man’s tower I figured he should be allowed to call himself whatever he wants.”

Stark raised a glass. “Thank you. Are you sure you’re SHIELD?”

Tony snickered. “Don’t be fooled. I am whatever Nick Fury needs me to be .... like , I am your new handler.” It was intriguing to see the people’s reactions: Steve looked pleased; Tony aggrieved but curious; Bruce relieved and Natasha was grinning. So Tony guessed they were not unhappy by the news. So he told an icebreaker. “I made Nicky mad so he said something about this being a punishment.”

Clint had a manic grin just thinking of the potential mischief they could cause. He and Natasha would tend to cause destruction wherever they went, Tony was the one who could justify it so they avoided trouble or punishment. It was an enviable talent that Clint had never managed to pick up . “We’re going to get into so much trouble.”

Tony shrugged. “He invited me to come and play with the Avengers - he reaps what he sows.”

Natasha snorted. “True.”

~*~

It didn’t take long for the Avengers to realize Anthony DiNozzo, or Romanov depending on his mood, was one the best people they met. He was almost a male Natasha when it came to being undercover. He also had the happy knack of being able to manage superhero egos and keep them working as a team.

Tony managed to avoid a civil war with some fast politicking and having more dirt on the Secretary he was only too happy to release. He’d picked up a few useful skills from his wife, having a dossier of dirt on the major players that could affect his team was standard practice. He also used his Communications Doctorate to spin the Winter Soldier into what it should have been. A terrible victim of Hydra and a war hero who needed support, not their condemnation.

When all the dust settled and the team were still together, Stark had a custom made Zegna suit (in red and gold of course) with a tie proclaiming him to be the Avenger’s Hero. He didn’t want to be their hero, all of them were now an insane, dysfunctional family and he would fight like crazy to keep working with his wife - he rather liked it.

Chapter Text

A Question of Outrageous

“No, Master Bruce, I mean seriously outrageous.”

Bruce contemplated what that might look like. He thought last week had been pretty outrageous. He’d gone out to dinner with gorgeous supermodels and rather than settling the check - he’d bought the hotel so they could swim in the hotel water fountain.

He pinched his nose. “So what exactly are the press objecting to?”

Alfred was looking at him with the expression of he did not get paid enough for this shit . “Well, Master Bruce, you have people wondering why you are having one date and then, poof, they are gone. Ordinarily, this is not a problem but we don’t want people investigating you any closer.”

Bruce sighed because that was a point they could agree on. “So do you have anything in mind?”

“How secure are you in your sexuality or should I say, where do you rate on the Kinsey Scale?”

Bruce snorted. “Wherever it suits me.”

Alfred still broached the idea carefully. “Well, if you dated a few males, the press will more than likely think you are having a sexual identity crisis.”

Bruce rolled his eyes, he’d realised at sixteen that he liked both sexes. “Present a story and control the narrative.”

Alfred grinned. “Exactly, Master Bruce.”

Bruce didn’t dismiss the idea out of hand. It was not the craziest thing he’d heard. The trouble was it would require a level of trust, or explanation that he didn’t want to give. A secret like Batman was not one that could be shared with all and sundry or it would fail. Still, he’d often found that when he ignored his mentor’s advice - it would backfire on him.

~*~

Danny, his partner, had betrayed Tony in the worst possible way. Tony now had decisions to make, big ones. Did he take up the offer to be a Fed? Or find somewhere else?

Tony looked at his cell phone as it rang. “And how is my favourite billionaire.”

He heard Bruce snort. “You know me, and Oliver. There is no competition, Tony.”

Tony couldn’t disagree. He’d escaped one toxic rich family and he had no intention of getting wrapped up in the Queen melodrama. “So how is Gotham?”

“A cesspool of crime and corruption.”

Tony laughed. “Wow, you really know how to sell a place. The city should let you write the tourist brochure.”

Bruce had an errant stray thought about Batman writing one but shook it immediately. “Come visit me, maybe you could fix the police department?”

Tony looked around his own dark, damp apartment. “Sure. Why not? I can give Alfred a rest from your voice.”

~*~

Bruce was waiting on the tarmac as his jet touched down. There was no perfunctory handshake - this was one of Tony’s oldest friends. He hugged him close. “I am glad you’re here.”

Tony grinned. “Well, you asked so here I am. You can help me with my job hunt and I will help you with your brooding problems.”

Bruce smirked at the way he got to the heart of the matter. “Sure thing, Tony. So what happened in Baltimore?”

Tony waited until they’d reached the limousine to explain and Bruce’s heart broke for his friend. Tony kept having his trust betrayed, over and over. “I’m sorry. It’s a small comfort but I will happily ruin him both financially and professionally.”

Tony choked back a laugh because that was typical Bruce. He would shelter you while you recovered from whatever mental or physical hit you’d endured but then he’d offer to destroy whoever had saddened you. “Easy tiger, unless you will let me do the same for your press here in Gotham.”

Bruce shook his head. “No. They have a conceived image of me that I want to keep although they now believe that because I date a beautiful woman only once there must be something wrong with me.”

“Your basement makes it a little difficult to have a relationship.” Tony said in a wry tone.

Bruce’s wicked grin was the reply. “Well, unless you want to be an outrageous fiance to help me play with the press,” he said it half in jest, half in seriousness, “then no.”

Tony’s mouth sometimes had a habit of running away from him. This was not one of those times. He could tell Bruce was stressed and he could understand as being Batman was kind of the mother of all secrets. He was not always too fond of Bruce’s methods but couldn’t deny that in a city like Gotham where the law was at a breaking point - sometimes you needed an arbiter.

“Okay, but I refuse to wear a dress even for you, Bruce.”

Bruce’s head snapped around from where he’d been staring out the window. “You’re serious?”

Tony smirked. “Well, we’re both attractive, we know each other very well. This is probably really dumb but if we add sex into the mix - it could be something brilliant.”

Bruce couldn’t disagree with any of their points. “I thought we said it was an experiment.”

Tony smirked. “Ah, we were young and stupid.”

“Alfred would state that not much has changed.” Bruce finished with a wry smile. As he said it the car pulled up in front of the impressive mansion and Alfred was there to greet them both.

“Master Bruce, young master Tony, it is so good to see you.”

“You too, Alfred, you too.” Tony responded and it was. There were few elder male figures in his life that had remained steadfast and a good role model. In fact, the list was one - Alfred. “So you up to helping me plan a scandalous wedding?”

“You’re getting married?” Alfred said as if he was trying to check his facts.

“Yes, that’s right.” Tony was grinning. “And it was your idea.”

Alfred just shook his head and realised what was going on here. He could say something against the plan as all good prudence would suggest he should. And yet he remained quiet, why? Well, he actually thought that the two men could be very good for each other. Tony had the strength to stand up to Bruce’s brooding and Bruce had the strength to be a stabilising influence on Tony. There was a vain hope that they might take less stupid risks with their lives but that was unlikely.

~*~

Bruce and Tony had a plan, there was a benefit this evening that they would attend together. Tony was wearing a blue Zegna striped suit and Bruce a standard tuxedo that was perfectly tailored.

“You ready to break a few minds?” Tony asked with a wicked grin.

“How is that different to any other day?” Bruce said deadpan.

And that was the opening shot the press had of Tony, laughing so much that Bruce is helping him stand up. It was a great candid shot and it sold extremely well around the world. Of course, the Press all decided that Bruce’s big secret was the secret love affair he was having with his oldest male friend.

“Bruce, baby, I had no idea that you swung for the home team.”

Tony who hadn’t moved an inch from Bruce’s side smirked. “I can play with his bat, no one else.”

The double entendre there was not where most would assume and Bruce found himself smirking as a result. “And what a wonderful show you’ve put on for the arts, Lexie.”

Tony had to smirk at vapid-Bruce. He was glad Bruce only used the act in front of others because he would not be able to take the man seriously if he tried it when they were on their own. “Yeah, I mean I would love to play that piano soooo much.”

Lex just looked at Tony indulgently. “Well, anything for a friend of Brucie’s.”

Tony smiled as vacantly as possible. “Really?”

Lex nodded with a smirk, that suggested he thought it would be a car crash. Good enough, that the Gotham celeb paparazzi would write about it. Tony led Bruce to the piano, dragging him by the hand and Bruce following. Tony sat down at the instrument reverently. It was a beautiful grand piano from a time gone by kept in fantastic condition - it deserved the reverence.

Bruce nudged him. “Play like I know you can.”

“That will make people talk.” Tony reminded him.

Bruce had a wicked grin. “All they will talk about is how talented my new guy is with the piano. Forget about the others and play, Tonio .”

And Tony did. He ran through a few of Chopin’s etudes losing himself in the music. He didn’t notice the fond look on Bruce’s face. Lex Luthor did though, and a few of the villain’s plans changed. If he needed Bruce to fight Superman - maybe there was another way?

The crowd of rich elite gathered to watch the impromptu show. There was more than one to comment on the fact that Bruce appeared to be smitten with the latest flavour of the month. Just maybe this one was going to last?

As he stopped playing the ivory keys the applause started, surprising him. He blushed and took a bow to the crowd. Bruce chuckled, pulling him close. “And that is why we are getting married.”

Wow. Tony had wondered what it would take to get this crowd to be dead silent and now he had his answer. You just had to announce his engagement to a renowned playboy billionaire.

Who knew?

~*~

The trouble with some people is they ran to stereotypes. They assumed that Tony was the weaker submissive partner to Bruce’s billionaire. Well, this wasn’t shades of grey. Tony woke stiff and tied to a chair. He tested the flex of the binding and wanted to whoop for joy. The fucking amateurs had given him some slack. He played up the injury to cover his movements to untie himself. He didn't want the jackasses to know he was free until he knew why he’d been snatched and what their end goal was.

He would have to work quickly or Bruce would crash the party. As much as Batman was a fighter, Tony didn’t feel like playing the damsel tonight.

“Youch, so what hit me?”

“A real man, pretty boy.” Came the sneering reply of one Lex Luthor. Tony looked him up popping his jaw to make it crack back. Wow, with the whole hammy villain routine, the guy really should be wearing a black cape, not a white suit.

Tony pouted. “Don’t hate on me, coz I am pretty.”

Lex rolled his eyes. “You just sit back and think of Bruce. I just need you to stay right where you are so your precious fiance does one little thing for me, go up against one person.”

Tony rolled his eyes back at him. This guy was three fries short of a happy meal, not that he was likely to know what one was. “You think Bruce will fight someone? He will just throw money at them!”

Lex gave him an indulgent patronising grin. “Come now, we both know that he is more than that, sweetheart.”

“Hey, is this some aggressive flirting thing? I’m sorry but this is not my shtick besides I love Bruce, you asshole.” And the damnedest thing was, Tony realised that he spoke the truth then. Whatever the reason, he did love Bruce and would do a hell of a lot more than just marry the guy.

“No, you don’t get it! I need him to kill Superman.”

Tony rolled his eyes. “Now look here, I love the guy but don’t inflate his ego anymore. Alfred and I have a hell of a time keeping it in check.”

“Are you listening to me?!” Lex shouted right in his face.

Tony pulled back, not out fear but to snark in comfort. “How now, if you’re rich why does your dental hygiene routine suck?”

Lex pulled back to punch him obviously aggravated with Tony’s sass. Perfect. Tony had buried his knife in the asshole’s hand before it could even launch. “What right do you have to play god?”

Tony stood up quickly as his feet hadn’t been secured. It might have been they were inept, didn’t expect him to fight back. Tony didn’t much care why but before Lex could recover from the shock, he’d followed the attack up with a kick to the gut.

“You are such an asshole. It was date night and I was going to put the moves on Bruce, we’ve had a tough week. And now to top it off, you thought to kidnap me.”

Lex was scrambling back but Tony stalked forward still aggravated with the situation. There was a raspy laugh, and there was something Tony didn’t know Bruce could do in the Batman outfit - laugh. If he was having to describe it in a word he would use macabre.

“Hey.”

“You got yourself a party and you didn’t invite me.” Batman replied.

Tony shook his head. “How much did you hear?”

Batman responds. “Enough to want to drop him off at Arkham Asylum under a pseudonym and enjoy date night.”

“Then let’s go.”

It turns out that Date Night went physical and the couple was scandalous together. Tony got bored of playing house husband and started to work for the Police. He’d finally found in Jim Gordon an honest partner he could handle. There was the odd bit of hazing for having a male husband, however, there were two factors that stopped it going too far. One, Bruce, decided to donate the latest combat armour to the Police Department for free, on the grounds that he wanted Tony safe. It earned Wayne Industries major kudos points. Oh, and one the brave guy who mouthed off calling him a fag-loving poof - Tony responded by knocking him on his ass.

Life was good - too bad he never returned that Agent Gibbs’ call. Although he still kept rule nine about a knife as with his, Bruce’s and Batman’s enemies - his life was never dull.

Chapter Text

“What do you mean?”

Tony could not believe what he was hearing. It was inconceivable and ridiculous. So much so that his anger was simmering nicely. What he found the worst part - was where he was just supposed to accept it.

Gibbs said it again. “This is Officer Ziva David and she is to be our liaison with Mossad.”

Tony’s fury was so great that he didn’t bother to hold back. “We’re letting the woman who indirectly led to Kate’s death become part of it!” 

Gibbs shrugged. “It’s a done deal, don’t make waves.”

Tony chuckled but it was dark and scornful. “Oh, I haven’t even begun to make waves... yet.”

Little Miss Mossad sat on her chair all smug. “You cannot take on Mossad, Tony.”

Tony’s smile was cold and she flinched. “Oh, sweetheart, my real black book is just full of friends.”

Gibbs growled, sensing that he was losing control of his SFA. “Are you questioning me?”

Tony snorted because he thought that was more than obvious. “Nah, I am quitting. I won’t work with a Fed Killer .”

Tony knew what he was doing, he’d made sure that everyone could hear what he was saying. He wanted the others to think twice about working with her. It was the only thing he could do and he felt lighter as he’d made his decision. There was a line and his version had been crossed. Tony opened his desk and pulled out the letter he’d stored there after Pacci. He handed it to Gibbs with a smile on his face and walked right out of the door.

“Get back here, DiNozzo!”

Tony turned back. “Fuck you and the blind horse you rode in on, Gibbs. She is a goddamn spy. This won’t end well.”

His piece said, he left. 

It was midday and there was only one thing to do in a situation like this. Whiskey - the older the better.

Before he did that, he started to flex his contact book. JAG was his first call. “Hey, AJ. I have a question. Who would object most to a Mossad officer being placed on the MCRT?”

“Are you saying that has happened!?”

Tony sighed. “Yep, it’s why I resigned this morning.”

AJ growled. “She won’t be for long. What are you going to do now?”

Tony perked up knowing that AJ Chegwidden would kick over a hornet’s nest to fix this. “I am going to Al’s to find a whiskey older than I am.”

~*~

Al’s was where the rich went to drink in peace, which was perfect. He’d smashed his phone and dumped it in a trash bin on the way as he had no wish to field angry calls. Tony was a great believer in that if he walked away from a situation - he did it with his heart and soul.

“McCallen 35 and leave the bottle.” Tony handed over the 100 dollar bill and just got a nod. He wasn’t even paying attention to the other guy at the bar.

Stark sighed. “This isn’t helping.”

Tony looked up. “A rare $1000 whiskey is not helping? Damn, and I thought I had problems.”

Stark frowned. “You’re too hot for me to be depressed sitting here.”

Tony snorted. “Thanks, I think. But aren’t redheads more your thing?”

Stark looked at him. “I am Tony goddamn Stark, I am everyone’s type.”

Tony chuckled “Well. Your ego is secure but you know what your problem is. The question is are you going to fix it.”

Stark frowned not expecting that response. “What?”

Tony rolled his eyes. “I know I may have been busy as an NCIS agent but even I heard about the accords.”

Stark sighed. “Yeah, but we’re dangerous and we need checks and balances.”

Tony snorted, “You’re a businessman, not a politician. Don’t give me a soundbite.”

“You don’t care that you’re talking to Ironman.”

Tony sipped and savoured his whiskey. “Should I be?” 

Stark stared at him and started to laugh. “I like you. So as I may have already said, I am Anthony Stark but please call me Tony.”

Tony had a wry grin. “Anthony DiNozzo Jr - but for the sake of less confusion call me Antonio.”

Stark raised his glass. “To new friendships.”

~*~

Stark woke the next morning to a body sleeping next to his. Oh, now he remembered the cute agent from yesterday who he’d argued with about the accords - only they’d fallen into bed at the end of the night. So it was way more fun than his fights with Steve on the matter. “Antonio.”

“It’s too early - surely a billionaire player can sleep in.”

Stark grinned. “I could but I have to call Ross.”

Now DiNozzo was awake because falling into bed they’d kept arguing. “Why?”

Stark kissed him on the lips. “To tell Ross to stick his accords and that I am going to do my level best to watch them burn.”

Antonio was grinning now. “Attaboy. What’s next?”

Stark was buoyant. “You’re going to find me Cap and his tin man.”

Antonio sat up, uncaring that he was naked. “Why me?”

“Well, you’re an investigator and I have a challenge for you.”

Tonio flopped back against the bed. “You want me to find two fugitives when the world’s best and brightest have failed?”

Stark snorted. “They don’t have Jarvis to help them.”

“Yes, Sir. And I like you already, Mr. DiNozzo, as you made Sir, sleep.”

Tony quirked an eyebrow at the way Stark blushed at the words emanating from the room. It was too adorable for words. The crazy thing was Tony never left the Washington Mansion. There was always something keeping him there - primarily Tony Stark who showed him a vulnerability that he knew would shock the world.

~*~

Steve got back to his dingy hotel in Budapest to quite the shock. He was feeling despondent as it was, as he was no closer to finding Bucky. “Tony and ?”

Anthony DiNozzo often wondered how he would react to meeting one of his heroes. He never imagined it would be walking on proverbial eggshells doing his best to help mediate a massive dispute that had global security implications.  “For simplicities sake, call me Antonio.”

Steve nodded. “Okay, so why are you here?”

“I want the superhero boyband back together and that will not happen until you two really sit down and talk.”

Stark leant closer to Steve and whispered like he was confessing something. “He is so hot.”

Steve guessed that this was a romantic couple but he adored the way that Antonio didn’t seem to put up with any crap. He showed them his sense of humour. “If you’re with Antonio then I don’t think there is a good answer.”

And that was how a civil war and a certain airport scene was avoided.

Chapter Text

This story is a follow-up to the original short - The Bad Boy of Starling ... tamed? 

Tony’s giddiness hadn’t abated. He couldn’t believe Oliver was back with him and alive. This was a dream come true. He hadn’t let go of Ollie’s hand, so sure that he would disappear once again.

“How?”

Ollie smiled softly. “I was shipwrecked and when a boat passed by in a storm, I took my chance.”

Tony’s investigative mind could pick holes in that story wider than anything. He ignored it, for now, just grateful that his fiance was still next to him. “I can’t believe you’re here.”

“I’m here for good.” Oliver promised him, squeezing his hand to assure him that he was physically with him and it wasn’t a dream.

Tony was just beginning to realise this was true and yes, he was here to stay. “Follow me.”

The Navy yard had some grassy areas and Tony was canny enough to know there would be protection here from the cameras that weren't available outside the perimeter. They sat under the tree, Oliver arranging it so that he was leaning against the trunk with Tony sitting between his legs, leaning back against him.

Tony knew what Oliver want to do even if he hadn’t said it.  “You want to go back home, don’t you?”

Oliver tightened his grip around Tony, kissing his shoulder. “I do but I want my fiance to return with me. If he is still my fiance?” He said a little less sure of himself.

Tony twisted in his arms, kissing him soundly. They broke apart when oxygen became an issue, stupid decreased lung capacity. Still, Tony licked his lips as he confirmed. “You’re lucky no one has measured up to you.”

“Yes, I am.”

Tony grinned and with his emotions running high, got to his feet. “Let’s get me out of here then.”

~*~

Director Shepard had little choice but to meet with Agent DiNozzo and his fiance after the commotion earlier. She’d heard the moaning from the MCRT but frustratingly no actual details.

“Congratulations on being found, Mr. Queen.”

Ollie smiled. “Thank you, Madam Director. As soon as I could, I tracked down my fiance.”

She looked at her agent and could see the love and awe on his face. She was a little jealous. “Forgive me, track him down?”

Tony chuckled. “Yeah that’s my fault, I went by my birth father’s name, rather than Paddington.”

Jenny detected the change in his accent. “British?”

Tony smirked. “I was raised there but born here, it is messy. Now talking about my contract, I would ask that I be allowed to leave here and now, I have masses of time not taken for holidays and sick leave. If need be, I will buy out my contract.”

She sighed wistfully. “Not a leave of absence?”

Tony shook his head. “No Ma’am, Oliver is unable to extricate himself from Starling City and I don’t want to be away from him. Long distance won’t work after the last five years.”

“I can imagine. Maybe it is the romantic in me but I will sort it that you don’t have to come back. I assume we can agree that pay can be severed here as well. It will make things smoother with HR.”

Tony nodded. “Yes, Ma’am. I have a trust fund or two I can raid. Thank you for everything.”

“Godspeed and I wish you happiness.” She finished as one would expect in polite company.

Tony had a cheeky grin. “As an engagement gift, could you arrange for the MCRT to be out of the bullpen?”

Shepard smirked as she wouldn’t mind helping out just this once. “I can manage that.” She picked up the phone. “Control, assign the next case coming into Gibbs’ team.”

She paused, “No, any case.”

Tony snickered as it could be as simple as a robbery and that would annoy Ziva and Timmy more. They had to wait less than five minutes for the call to come and Gibbs to bellow for his team to move out.

By the time the team returned from the call out, Tony’s desk was empty and a handwritten note was left on only Gibbs’ desk. Abby and the others were fuming but Gibbs was never in the habit of helping people find out what was right in front of them.

~*~

Tony had, within twenty-four hours of arriving in Starling City, somehow become the proud owner of a nightclub. It was a little unexpected and it was definitely a fixer upper but this was the first time he’d seen Oliver excited about something other than their relationship.

He was sure that this was so Oliver could extricate himself from Moira Queen’s smothering presence. They sat in the middle of the dusty main room. “You okay? Or are you thinking of how you’re explaining this to your mom.”

Oliver smirked. “I was going to blame you.”

Tony rolled his eyes because Moira had been angered to see Tony step off the plane with Oliver. She was aggrieved when Ollie announced that their engagement had not been broken so why wouldn’t he go and get his fiance.

“She is going to really love me, I will need to start wearing Kevlar to the family dinner.” Tony said tartly.

Oliver chuckled but kissed him, it was part love you , and part sorry for the crazy mother-in-law . “She will warm to us, and I want us to make a serious go of this.”

Tony had done a  few missions as a bartender and had studied business before so he figured he’d be able to give this a solid go. His Uncle Clive would be delighted, if not disappointed by the scale of the operation. They could always open up more venues if it worked.

“You’re doing fifty percent of this buddy.”

Oliver smirked. “Yes, dear. You going to get Bossier when we’re married?”

Tony kissed him. “Of course I am.”

Oliver grinned crookedly. “I can handle that.”

~*~

Tony had been married for a week when he went to the underground of the club and found Oliver’s lair. Tony sighed looking at the green outfit. He had so many questions, he didn’t know where to begin. This was ridiculous; Oliver was the Green Arrow. The law man in him wanted to scream and boy did he. At the moment, he wasn’t an agent or detective - he was a husband.

The club was teeming above - a true success - but right now he didn’t care. The blood was pounding in his ears. He listened to the footsteps as they came down.

“I can explain.” Oliver said quickly.

“Oh really? Because I can’t wait to hear it.” Tony was impressed that his voice was so calm right now.

“You’ve seen the scars.”

Tony nodded. “Yeah, I have and I knew you weren’t alone on that island. You don’t get gunshot and stab wounds from an animal infested island. I also know I said you could keep it secret until you were ready.”

Oliver took a deep breath, taking the hood out of Tony’s hand and placing it back in the ancient box. He guided his husband over to the comfortable sofa. “I need to explain everything that happened and you may not like me after.”

Tony rolled his eyes. “Oliver, I love you, you stubborn ass. I may make you sleep on the sofa for a day or two but I won’t fall out of love with you. Now, what on earth possessed you to turn into a vigilante?”

“My father gave me this book. It’s a list of all those who’ve wronged the city. They are too powerful, too corrupt for the system to take care of them. There needs to be another player free from the law.”

Tony sighed. “That is the part that worries me. If you’re free from the law, well, all things start off with good intentions, Ollie.”

Oliver froze for a second because this wasn’t a denial, or a demand to quit. “What do you suggest?”

Tony rubbed his hands over his face, thinking through the problem. “You need allies and you need a contact within the police department. You need to find a way to be in two places at once to throw off suspicion. Plus, you need someone capable of running comms and checking intelligence.”

Oliver nodded as this was all good advice. He was a fighter and that was what he knew. “Will you help me?”

Tony looked at his husband and had an impossible choice to make, to support his husband or to uphold the law.

Wait.

Tony had a brainwave - he needed to call Nick Fury. There may be a way for him to have his cake and eat it too. Oliver wasn’t going to like it but it would give him the legitimacy to carry out his operations and not end up in jail.

Thank god for building up favours.

Tony took a deep breath. “There will be rules and you will follow them or so help me, I will up stakes and go home to England.”

Oliver kissed him soundly and the relief in the kiss was palpable. “Yes, dear.”

The Arrow kept the city safe and all it took was Tony and Oliver agreeing to work for Nick Fury. They could stay in their city - they just had to agree to help SHIELD in times of true emergency.

Chapter Text

Tony was from Long Island, and after Philadelphia and Peoria he had two offers - one was Baltimore, the other New York.

A flip of a coin - heads will see him in Baltimore; tails would be New York.

Tails won - He was heading back to New York.

~*~

Matt Murdock was in Marcy’s, she was his favourite bartender for her sheer inability to judge. She slid his beer down the bar. “You know drinking can turn you blind.”

Matt smirked. “Thanks for the warning but too late.”

Marcy was funny and never tiptoed around his condition. He may be blind but he was by no means defenceless. She added dryly. “Just doing my best for the neighbourhood’s lawyer.”

Matt raised his glass “You’re all heart.”

Matt was waiting for his best friend and partner in their law firm, Foggy. Whilst Matt may be blind, his other senses were by no means muted. In fact, with the thanks of a brutal mentor, Stick, he’d developed something like thermal imaging in his head. It was not like he’d ever seen it to confirm his suspicion though. After all, technology had come along way since his eighth birthday.

Marcy wolf-whistled seeing their newest patron. Matt paid attention too as this was a scent and aftershave that had not been here before. He would know, it was about three or four income brackets above the usual patrons.

“What can I do for you, handsome?”

“Whiskey.” Came the reply from the newbie. Interesting, Long Island natives didn’t tend to come to Hells Kitchen.

“Coming right up.” Marcy promised.

Matt had to smile. Marcy must have taken a real shine to the new guy as she’d actually picked a whiskey from the top-shelf (one that wasn’t watered down). He spoke up. “Wow, Marcy actually likes someone.”

This got a reaction from the new guy. He could sense the amusement on his skin. “I’m a likable guy. Tony DiNozzo.”

“Matt Murdock.”

Matt was waiting for the inevitable comment about his lack of sight - only it never came. It was rare to find people who didn’t judge.  For once, he found himself asking something just so he could carry on the conversation. “So what brings you to Hells Kitchen?” 

Tony smiled and kept on sipping his drink. “I had the misfortune of needing to see my father and I knew there was no way he’d follow me into Hells Kitchen.”

“Long Island is about as far as removed from Hells Kitchen as it can be.” Matt commented. Matt could appreciate the way it was said as though a statement of fact, no derision or sarcasm.

Tony huffed not making a deal out of the fact he’d picked that up. After all, Tony was aware of the fact when you lost one sense you tend to pick up acuity in your other senses as compensation. “You’re good. I thought my years away had hidden the fact.”

Matt snorted. “The thread count on your suit suggests otherwise.”

Tony actually laughed at that retort as he threw back the last of his whiskey. “Damn, you’re more observant than my probie.”

Matt smirked. “Well, I’m blind so that is tragic.”

Tony threw his head back and roared with laughter. He could just imagine the rookie Detective if he made that pronouncement. “You might be right.”

Matt shrugged. “Let’s not talk about law, that’s our day jobs, even if I am a wicked lawyer let’s relax tonight.”

Tony snorted. “I don’t see no horns.”

Matt, tongue in cheek and with a certain amount of irony, answered. “That’s in my other suit.”

Tony was sad to see that their glasses were empty and he wasn’t going to let that stand. “Marcy, my lovely lady, can we get a refill?”

Now Matt was more than a little impressed. Usually, when people attempted to flatter Marcy, they just got no joy and a higher bar tab. For Tony, she smiled and reached for the good bottle. “You do have a way with women.”

Tony shot straight back. “Is it working on you?” 

Matt grinned crookedly. “It might be.”

~*~

Matt’s something with Tony helped him in ways that he couldn’t define. Tony was loud and talkative and dragged him into the living world with a force of nature unparalleled. Tony; who accepted his close friendship with Foggy, who never said a word about his condition.

It was night and Foggy and Karen were drinking beer in his apartment. They’d taken the reveal of his activities and abilities with reluctant acceptance. Translation - they didn’t like the danger he put himself in but they couldn’t convince him to stop.

“What’s that grin?” Karen asked, and it seemed her new job as a reporter was doing the world of good to her confidence.

Matt had a crooked grin. “Tony.”

Foggy got interested in this conversation. “Is this green eyes that Marcy actually likes ?”

Matt nodded. “He is, he’s a Police Detective, Unit Chief of Organised Crimes was what lured him out of going to Baltimore. Oh, and he does not know of my activities. ”

The knock at the door interrupted any further discussion. Foggy really wished to have a further conversation. “Hi, you must be Tony.”

“Guilty. And I take it you are Foggy and Karen?”

They exchanged the standard greetings and then Matt and Tony moved with ease to the one smaller couch whilst Foggy and Karen took the other one.

Tony could see the fondness the two friends had for Matt. They seemed to like him, which was good. He was under no illusion because if the best friends didn’t like him then their relationship was going to struggle. He settled into the sofa a little deeper. Christ, he was tired. He yawned and looked a little sheepish. “I am so sorry, I really want to get to know you but I am about to crash after a long case.”

Foggy shrugged it off with a dismissive wave. “You got the bad guy. That’s the main thing so go sleep, we won’t feel bad. Plus, I want to see Marcy actually like a human being.”

Karen stood up. “Actually, you owe me a drink, Foggy.”

Tony was impressed with how quickly they left the apartment with huge grins on their faces. He turned to his boyfriend. “Sorry.”

Matt waved him off. “Don’t be, I’d rather be in a bed with you than losing sleep and possibly my liver with Foggy.”

Tony wasn’t so sure but was actually too tired to care. “If you say so. I am going to wake you up way more pleasantly in the morning though.”

Matt chuckled as he stripped out of his clothes. “I won’t say no.”

Tony leant in closer, and they both soon fell asleep. He drifted off with one last thought, he was so glad he picked New York over Baltimore.

~*~

A month later, and Tony was cursing the fact his time in the Philly PD hadn’t come up for discussion. This was such a joke, Tony never thought that the Mob from Philly would try to get him in Hells Kitchen. He also could not believe they would pick a late night alleyway when he was on a date with Matt. He tr to to play it cool as he figured out angles and potential strategies. “Hey, I’m on a date.”

“The contract on you doesn’t care.” Goon one announced with a smug smile that Tony dearly wished he could wipe off his face.

Tony sighed. “Come on, that contract only stands if I am killed in Philly and this is Hells Kitchen.”

Goon One shrugged. “Yeah, I don’t really care. You’re an excuse for a good fight.”

Tony groaned. “I am going to hate filling out this paperwork so much.”

Matt knew there were five opponents and he had no doubt Tony couldn’t prevail but he’d rather his lover not get hurt. He only had his walking stick with him but it would do as a way to take out two of them. He changed his stance ever so slightly, coiled ready to spring into action

And then there were no more words. Tony stepped in front of Matt, which was sweet but unnecessary. Tony shot the first in the leg, his gun having been drawn quicker than Matt had expected. Matt didn’t think, he reacted to the punch, ducking out the way of goon three. Tony was punching out goon four who hadn’t expected a physical response.

Matt had just laid out goon five when he turned back to Tony with a sheepish grin. “I took self-defense classes.”

Tony huffed and whispered in his ear. “ Purlease, I have had your ass in my hands so I can definitely recognise it in red leather. You have some explaining to do but so do I so stop freaking out.”

Matt breathed a sigh of relief as that did not sound like a breakup. “Yes, dear. Can we do it back at my apartment rather than this alley.”

“Sue, after we’ve called it in.” Tony said, thinking like the cop he was, he knew how to make this work and let Matt know how it would work. “Ok, you took out goon four and three with a wild swing of your cane which served as the distraction for me to finish the job.”

“What if they talk?” Matt asked, biting his lip. He’d always fiercely protected his identity knowing the consequences of not doing it.

Tony snorted. “Nah, no way these big tough killers are going to admit to getting beaten up by a blind guy. I mean, just think of what a joke they will be when they’re inside.”

“We won’t do time.” The one goon who was tougher than the others tried to add for bravado.

Tony bent down low, getting in his face. “You tried to kill a cop and his boyfriend, a lawyer. Matt will prosecute this one for fun. Just think of it, the blind lawyer you callously went after all because of a job his boyfriend did. Wow, I can’t wait to see how many years they will add to your sentence.”

The goon coughed, spitting out blood. “There is no way he is blind.”

Matt sighed and just for a brief second took off his glasses. “Are you sure?”

There were no more words said as the goons started to gain their bearings, just in time for the police to swoop.

Matt and Tony had a serious talk that weekend in the apartment, never leaving his bed. They wrestled back and forth, not holding anything back. This was too serious not to but Tony wrestled with his own feelings, and in the end, he wanted Matt in his life. He didn’t serve in the police district covering Hells Kitchen and decided the Devil of Hells Kitchen was their problem. He had his hands full with his boyfriend and never regretted a single moment.

Chapter Text

Tony had kept one of the biggest secrets in the world for years and he didn’t mean his undercover work. He didn’t regret keeping the secret because he loved T’Challa with all his heart. As a result of his love, he’d gained the true knowledge of Wakanda but kept the vow of silence. For now, he stayed in America as King T’Chaka would allow their marriage to take place if, and only if, they could show they could place their duty over their love for one another.

Thank god for Kimoyo beads and their advanced nature.

Tony was back from work when he saw his bead activate. Tony quickly keyed in his code. “Hello, my prince.”

Tony enjoyed the way his lover always shivered when he used his title.

“Beloved.”

And Tony knew it was his turn to blush. He’d not had a relationship like the one with T’Challa, it encapsulated everything and as equals. “How is home?”

Tony knew the question would make everyone at NCIS be confused because DC had not been home in a long time. T’Challa shrugged. “We are to go to the UN tomorrow.”

Tony quirked an eyebrow because unless things had changed drastically, Wakanda had always been very isolationist in its thinking. He understood better than anyone knowing just how the world would take the potential threat of the Vibranium that Wakanda had so readily available at its fingertips.

“Too bad it’s Vienna and not New York.”

T’Challa chuckled. “I thought the same thing but it seems our route home will take us to DC for a few hours tomorrow evening.”

Tony grinned widely pleased by that - he’d had a long few weeks and he would love to see his fiance in the flesh for a few hours. “Is that so?”

“It is indeed.”

Tony smiled. “I look forward to it, beloved.”

The time difference was such that they soon closed out the conversation - both needing sleep. However, it was sleep that came easier for both of them having had some contact.

~*~

Tony was at work when the bombing of the UN building came on the screens. All were looking but Tony’s heart was in his mouth. He knew that T’Challa had the benefit of the heart-shaped herb and the gifts it left on his body. Tony kept telling himself that he would know if his fiance was part of the dead.

The list of dead was already being bought up and Tony steeled himself for the news. He saw his soon to be father-in-law’s name on the list. Tony wished he was by T’Challa’s side, his lover would be beside himself with grief. Tony wanted to be there to anchor him.

“What’s wrong with you, DiNozzo?” Gibbs asked with a glare.

Tony shook his head. He hadn’t told Gibbs about T’Challa before the bomb and his treatment after his return from Mexico definitely hadn’t led him to sharing secrets with Gibbs. “It doesn’t matter.”

McGee looked up in surprise, he hadn’t seen Tony look that sad - ever. Not once in the time Gibbs had gone, or when the Director gave him a hard time over something that Tony had refused to share with the group. He had simply weathered whatever crap was thrown at him.

Tim could see the grief was still there but there was a new fire in Tony’s eyes. Tony whipped a box out of his bottom drawer and started to put his belongings into it. “Er ... Tony?”

“What, McNosey?”

Tim felt lost but asked in a quiet voice. “What are you doing?”

“Packing, what does it look like? I swear I made you a better investigator than that.” Tony responded, as his mind was clearly elsewhere.

Now that got people’s attention.

“YOU WHAT!” Gibbs bellowed.

Tony looked up, showing more defiance than he had in a long time. “I am packing and resigning. I’m done with this place, your attitude and I want to be there for my fiance. I can’t do that and keep this job so there you have it, Gibbs. You are free of what you perceive to be a useless second.”

Gibbs was frowning, there was something wrong and he didn’t know what. This bugged him more than anything. He knew in his heart that he didn’t want DiNozzo leaving. The idea shaking him to his very core but he couldn’t remember why. This was beyond frustrating and as a result, he had been taking his mood out on the agent.

“You leave when I say you do.”

Tony snorted and his eyes were focussed on the top of the stairway. Bast sake , he must have taken the ship. T’Challa obviously was going to stop hiding so perfectly because he would have to explain how he’d gotten here so quickly.

Tony smirked seeing Okoye and Ayo, they were his two favourite kickass Dora Milaje. They walked toward him in the traditional red and gold garb. He greeted them in English to begin with. “Hey, ladies, I am packed but need to hand my resignation letter to the Director.”

Okoye glared at this would be team. “He is already up there.”

Tony grinned. “Well, let’s not wait.”

Ziva stood up. “What is going on?” She went to grab Tony’s hand but found herself staring down Okoye’s spear. She sneered but couldn’t move without having her throat sliced. She hissed at Tony. “Do something.”

The woman said something in Xhosa with a glare of contempt. Whatever it was made Tony laugh. His response to the woman was in the same language. They were seeing a different side of Tony. This was a man who was comfortable in his own skin, confident and in charge. The two guard women followed him up the stairs.

“What just happened?” Tim asked.

Ziva looked thoughtfully. “We just saw the real Tony DiNozzo.”

Gibbs raced up the stairs only to be blocked by the two women from entering the director’s office by twin spears blocking his way.

~*~

Director Jenny Sheppard had thought she’d seen it all. What she never expected was to see an African King demanding she release the SFA of her MCRT as he needed to come home.

“You mean Agent DiNozzo is your intended?”

The man nodded regally. “Correct. Do not make waves on this, Director. I have a gift of understanding for you.”

She saw the dossier and her eyes went wide. This was everything she needed to bring down Benoit. “Why?”

He sighed. “I want my partner by my side as I ascend the throne and you have the potential to make that difficult. I could, of course, return the favour but this is a much more ... beneficial way. Don’t you think?”

He said this but unaware to her, this folder had also been released to the Secretary of the Navy. It was not his job to police the Americans but he would put the information in their hands.  “Agent DiNozzo.”

“Madam Director.” Tony greeted his fiance in the traditional greeting of, “Beloved.” Tony ignored his soon-to-be-ex-director in comforting his fiance. “I am so sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you, Beloved, but I have to be strong for Wakanda.” T’Challa replied squeezing his hand.

“You will be, your father prepared you and you are ready. You know you will be a great King.” Tony remarked fiercely, not wanting to see any self-doubt. He was well aware in Wakanda how the tribes interacted and could be difficult if they perceived there to be any weakness.

“Thank you. Well, Madam Director?” T’Challa asked.

Jenny sighed, knowing from what she’d just seen that there was no point in keeping the agent within the agency. “I assume that envelope is your resignation?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Tony replied but he hadn’t let go of the King’s hand.

She sighed, bowing to the inevitable all whilst privately being glad that she hadn’t forced the Benoit investigation on to DiNozzo after his initial refusal. Of course, now knowing he was engaged to a foreign prince or King made more sense. She stood up to shake his hand. “You have kept the MCRT on an even keel for many years.”

Tony smirked. “They don’t think so and it is time for them to sink or swim. May I make a suggestion though?”

“Of?”

“Bring in Cassie Yates as the SFA. Agent McGee is not mature enough for the role and you need someone who can tell Gibbs no.” DiNozzo finished.

She matched his grin. “I think that’s a good idea, although she might not thank you for it.”

Tony snorted. “I am about to become a King’s consort and a diplomat. I’ll survive.”

Jenny Sheppard had no doubt that Anthony DiNozzo Jr could adapt to any role he wished. She did feel though that this would be different. She had seen the looks between the couple, this one was for himself. “Yes, you will and I wish you luck in your marriage and future endeavours. I thank you for your years of service.”

Tony accepted the handshake and she noticed the beads on his wrist. It was at odds with the rest of his outfit but matched the kings claw-fashioned necklace.

When the couple left the office they found General Okoye issuing particularly inventive ways to skewer both Gibbs and Ziva to the wall. Tony kind of would have liked to have seen Ziva’s face when it happened. As much as the idea amused him, they were needing to leave.

Tony snorted but let the others have an inkling of what was said. “As much as I would love to see you skewer her to a wall I believe the King needs to attend his coronation and I need to prepare.”

“Yes, Consort.” She responded in English for the first time.

Tony smiled at the title, he could get used to this. He would have done a lot more for T’Challa but right now he was free to love his fiance openly. He would support him through the grief of his father. He left the team and NCIS without a backward glance, he thought about speeches but in the end, he knew it would be futile. He would speak to Jimmy separately but knew the man would understand.

It was a good thing too because Tony dreaded to think what would have happened if he hadn’t been there. He helped T’Challa see that his father could be a good man and make the wrong choice. Things could have gone very wrong if T’Challa had accepted the challenge without letting the council know just what N’Jadaka intended to do. As a result, the council forbade the challenge, stating if N’Jadaka had wanted the throne he should have challenged on the same day as M’Baku.

Chapter Text

Tony heard the screams and had seen the reports. He knew a part of his life was about to become very apparent at NCIS and it looked like he would have very little choice in the matter. His private life had been nice whilst it lasted.  “Oh man.”

Gibbs looked at him. “You okay, DiNozzo?”

Tony was going to give his husband so much shit because he hoped like crazy that this worked. If not, Davis was sleeping on the couch forever. “Yeah, boss, I’m going to need you to take a few steps back and make sure that McGee and Ziva don’t do anything stupid. Please .”

The roar and the shooting of bullets in the near distance let him know that George, Raymond’s beloved rescue pet, was on his way to him. This was too damn odd. George should have headed to Davis if he was running on instinct, not Tony. The only reason why he would run to Tony was if he felt scared. The sanctuary had found it hilarious when George had dubbed Tony, Davis’ Jane .

He never regretted watching King Kong with Davis and George but straight afterward the dialogue and people were bought into the sign conversations between Davis and George. It was perhaps odd to say but it really was endearing to watch his stupidly muscular husband have a sweet conversation with a five-hundred-pound ape.

Tony did frown because there was something up with the news report he remembered just now. “How big did they say George was?”

Gibbs frowned at him, and there was a look which was definitely questioning his sanity. “Who?”  

Tony forgot that other people wouldn’t know his name, they’d just seen the report about a dangerous primate on the loose. Tony huffed and added, “The primate.”

“15 feet and pushing a 1000 pounds, DiNozzo. He’s going to flatten you like a pancake if you don’t move.” Gibbs growled.

Tony chuckled because damn it, he wished he could see the Ape for himself. He knew that George wouldn’t hurt him if he was in his right mood. “Honestly, boss. I need you to trust me and keep your weapon down. Please. ”

Gibbs had no clue what was going on but it was game time. The Navy Yard was the latest target for one of the three oversized creatures. It was like a crazy video game; an overgrown ape, a wolf that could fly, and a 30 ft crocodile. The ape looked fierce and even its roar was causing property damage. The damn thing just kept shrugging off bullets.

Tony, proving just how crazy he was, shouted - “Hey, George. What has Davis been feeding you?”

Much to the shock of everyone, the ape made a complicated series of signs. Tony though, responded, with similar motions and spoke calmly and rationally. “You’re scared ... I bet you are. Can I take you to Davis?”

To the crowd, he shouted. “Keep your weapons down. NOW!”

George said something else, then laughed. The sound made several people flinch, which in turn made Tony laugh. “You have a twisted sense of humour, just like Davis.”

Gibbs groaned because things were going well, he defined well as no property damage. “Don’t insult the nice ape, DiNozzo. You’ve been doing so well.”

Tony rolled his eyes but never actually took them off, George. Gibbs hadn’t seen that smile on Tony in a long time but it wasn’t directed at him but rather the monkey. “Yeah, I can because I’m part of George’s family.”

The massive ape held out a huge palm which just served to highlight the massive changes. It was crazy but Tony let himself be picked up. He hoped there were not too many video’s shot of him like this - he could just imagine the headlines.

“Boss, make sure the nice people don’t shoot at us. I’m perfectly safe.”

Gibbs could see that he didn’t understand it but he knew Tony was telling the truth. All he knew was this ape had flattened everything and anyone in its path - well until it came to Tony. Of course, it was friends with DiNozzo .

“New friend?”

Tony snorted because he did love Gibbs’ ability to roll with the punches. He offered only a flippant. “Nope, he was best man at my wedding.”

The funniest part of that sentence was it wasn’t even a lie - he had the wedding photos in his apartment to prove it.

McGee looked as pale as anything. “Tony - what do we do?”

Tony sighed because George was getting agitated. George hated when people got stressed around him and would often to scare them to the point where they peed themselves as a ‘joke. Tony memorably issued his last order from atop George’s palm. “You do nothing. I need to find Davis.”

“Who the hell is Davis?”

Tony wished that there wasn’t a crazy crisis because he kind of wanted the chance to savour this. Oh well, sometimes you don’t get to pick your moment. “Dr Davis Okoye, my husband. Alrighty then, bye for now.”

Ziva and McGee raced to Gibbs side. “What do we do?”

Gibbs was watching his SFA ride a damn ape into the distance. “Follow them, carefully.”

~*~

Davis had been dragged somewhere by a random agency that had no name. He’d met more than a few whilst he’d worked with the Government directly before he’d ended up with the conservation programme at the National Zoological Park.

Russell, the Agent, was looking at him speculatively. “Come with me.”

Davis found himself intrigued, wondering what the hell was going on, and just where the hell his friend was. He saw the satellite image and he would know the person on top of George’s shoulder without any doubt in the world. He so wanted to be wrong.

He rubbed his face, just to make sure he was certain the image was real. “Fuck me, you have got to be shitting me. He went to Tony.”

Agent Russell and the Colonel in charge of the military looked askance at him. “Tony?”

Davis knew how ridiculous this sounded but right now he was never so glad for his husband’s ability to charm everyone, including his rescue ape. “My husband, Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo, NCIS.”

“He’s our Jane?” The Colonel asked, almost as if to check the answer was correct.

Davis groaned because if Tony found out that nickname had made it into general populace he was going to be in the doghouse forever. “Yeah, he’ll get George to come to me.”

“He was feral!” The Colonel reminded him.

Davis shrugged because trust his husband to calm his friend down. After all, he had daily practice at calming a beast - only he went by Gibbs and not George. Of course, he said none of his thoughts out loud as he needed to keep the respect of the crisis room. Davis decided to go with logic and reason. “Ask your Agents on the ground. He broke from the wolf and went to Tony. Right?”

The Colonel in charge of operations, Blake, nodded but he was so far out of his comfort zone that he had no idea what was going on. As much as it burned him, he was more than happy to listen to advice if it stopped his men dying. “What do we do?”

Davis thought through the information. “Okay, so what is the building they were initially all heading to?”

Colonel Blake answered as he pointed to an image. “It’s this one, the Wylden building.”

Davis frowned knowing that they were one of the richer corporations but not wholly familiar with their operations. “What do they do?”

“Genetics.”

Davis snorted because seriously? “I am not an investigator like Tony but that seems fishy.” He freaked a little. “Can I take this? It’s Tony.”

The two men, not having a better idea just nodded, they were confused by the whole situation and only too happy to go with something that would help. “Sure. You talk to the Kong whisperer.”

~*~

Tony knew his team were following him in the car but at least they were not in the range of George’s arms. He was settled and unless George decided to have a fight with the wolf who he was calling Wally in his head, he should stay safe. He picked his cell phone out of his pocket and was glad it had survived the melee at the office. Tony didn’t let his emotions leak out. “So Davis, anything fun happen today at work?”

He got a nervous chuckle down the phone and listened to the reply of, “Seems George ate something that didn’t agree with him. He’s angry and scared.”

Tony snorted, his husband’s capacity for understatement exceeded even Gibbs’ and he didn’t think that was actually achievable. Tony gave him an update. “He is listening to me but I don’t think much of his new friend.”

“No kidding. He’s definitely not allowed at the sanctuary.”

Tony though, knew when to seek advice. “Where are you, babe? George is calm but this is your skillset, not mine.”

~*~

Davis thought this through, the Wylden corporations weren’t stupid. If this was a science experiment running amok then they would have built-in safety features. Was that why the animals were heading to their building?

“Convince George to head to the Wylden building - I’ll meet you there.” Davis offered, the answer had to be there. If he had to he would pound people into the ground until he got the answers they needed.

Tony sighed. “Is that where the other gruesome twosome are going?”

“Ziva and Tim are science experiments?” Davis asked, trying to lighten the mood.

Tony did laugh. “You know, I’ll have to check as that would explain some things. Davis - just get here, yeah?”

~*~

Tony was a big bad agent but when a monstrous wolf and crocodile decide to have a throwdown, he got the hell out of dodge. He hoped that they killed each other, or at least damaged the one to the point where George could kill him easily.

“You gonna back me up, buddy?” Tony had to ask because his team were trapped by debris so he was on his own.

“Nah, I thought I would lend a hand.”

Tony grinned wide seeing his husband, and as much as Hollywood would dictate a running kiss, this was not the time. They needed to end this. “You’re late but love the gun.”

Davis shrugged. “I can carry it.”

Tony didn’t mention the fact it was usually attached to armoured vehicles because of its weight. “That you can. Showtime .”

~*~

Tony was actually lying under Davis. The protective son of a bitch must have covered him when their chopper crashed to Earth. The details were fuzzy. Wait. George had saved their asses. He scrambled to his feet, coughing from all the dust in the air. The building had collapsed and Davis’ stunt had saved their asses.

George was badly injured and struggling. Tony struggled over to him. “Hey, big guy.”

George managed to open one eye. He signed that he was hurt.

Tony choked back a sob. “I bet you ache all over, buddy.”

He looked weak and Tony hoped for a miracle. After all, if he could survive the plague, George should get to survive this - he probably just saved Washington. “No, don’t mess with me. Play with Davis’ feelings but not mine. You’re okay, right? George, come on ... open those big eyes.”

Davis looked gutted but put a comforting hand on Tony’s shoulder. “Tony, it was too much.”

Tony snorted. “Davis, look at his chest.”

“YOU SON OF A BITCH, YOU’RE PLAYING DEAD.”

Everyone who’d made it late to the party were watching the couple with the large ape. They didn’t get it but it was clear that ‘George’ would listen to them, and only them.

Tony was laughing now, what else could you do when George gives your husband a middle finger. “You gotta love karma.”

Davis was buoyant. They were okay, Washington was safe, so now he did what he’d wanted to do from the very beginning. “Come here.”

Tony knew there was probably more than one camera on them and yet he didn’t care. He’d just survived his craziest day yet and considering his past - that was saying something. He would face any assholes who wanted to make comments.

There was only way to end the day - with a kiss, and a monkey hiding his face as his family made out in front of everyone. Guess he got his Hollywood ending after all.

Chapter Text

Lost Atlantean 

Tony watched the car plummet into the icy waters. He cursed Gibbs and his inability to share anything relevant from his past. If his lone wolf tendencies weren’t about to get a civilian killed Tony wasn’t sure what he would do. No, he was lying to himself, he would still do what he was about to do. He knew his lungs were going to regret this but he had no choice.

Instinct took over and he ran, firing on the two threats in front of him. They were going to stop him from rescuing his boss not to mention the innocent young girl in the car with him.

Tony dived into the icy water of the river. The car was sinking quickly. Damn it. Couldn’t he catch a break? He was trying to get the door but it was wedged shut. He had about one more minute before he would be forced to the surface to breathe. If that happened then it was all over for Gibbs and Maddie Tyler.

He renewed his focus when all of a sudden a pocket of air formed around him. Tony looked around, trying to figure out if a - was he hallucinating and b - if he wasn’t then how this could be happening. It wasn’t normal as this was Washington DC, not Metropolis.  He was greeted by the most attractive man he’d ever seen. Damn, now was not the time to flirt. He still had to get Gibbs and Maddie out of the car and back to the surface. Still, this ripped guy had literally given him the breathing room to manage it.

“Thank you, can you help me get the car open?” Tony asked. After all, the hot guy looked like he could split the car open with his bare hands. That type of power and physique could send shivers down a guy’s spine.

“Your friend is an idiot.” Was the gruff reply.

Tony chuckled at that summation as he didn’t disagree with it at all. “That idiot is my boss and the civilian doesn’t deserve to die just because he is an idiot.”

Cutie smirked. “You have a point.” And he promptly tore off the car door.

Tony just knew that strength was going to be part of his fantasies for days. “That’s cool.”

Arthur shrugged. “Came with the water tricks.”

“I dig it.” Tony answered. Okay, so it was surreal that he was in the river and protected by someone who legitimately looked like a Greek God. Still, he would take the win for what it was. “Will I see you again?”

Cutie shrugged. “I like the land just as much as the water.”

Tony figured that was as close to an answer as he was going to get. He appreciated the fact Cutie helped him get the two out of the car. He was also kind enough to keep the air pocket around them until they were close to the surface. Tony pulled back to thank Cutie one more time ... but he was gone.

Shame

Still, Tony was professional and focussed on making sure Gibbs and Maddie were breathing. He’d rendered aid as the air pocket hadn’t gotten rid of the water already breathed in. There was nothing that could remedy that in the short term but good old-fashioned first aid-

After ensuring that Maddie was breathing he turned his attention to Gibbs who finally started to cough and splutter as the water worked itself free. He was so lost in that moment that Tony made a mental note to watch him closely - he didn’t like the flash of disappointment. “Hey boss, you shouldn’t take an early morning swim this time of year. You know the water is cold.”

It was to a soaking wet, scowling Gibbs that McGee and Ziva managed to arrive on the scene. Tony saw their shocked look at the dead perps and his dishevelled appearance. “Bag and tag and arrange for the dead perps to be collected. Boss needs to go the hospital and so does Ms Tyler.”

The young woman looked shell-shocked. “What about you?”

Tony smiled sweetly. “Don’t you worry but I need to see my own doc. I’ll be fine.” He assured her. He would need to see Brad Pitt, who was definitely not going to be impressed with his stunt. When Tony noticed the crowd gathering, he saw his Greek god helper who winked at Tony and disappeared into the crowd.

Tony shivered - it must have been too long if he was affected by just a mere look.

Ziva was giving him a strange look. Tony decided to call her on it and it would help distract him from his mysterious stranger. “What Ziva?”

“You shot those criminals and then dived into the water to save Gibbs and the girl.”

Tony didn’t blink. “Was that a question or a statement?”

She trailed off clearly deep in thought. She was looking at the technicians taking the bodies away. “You should have been more careful of your lungs.”

Tony grinned cheekily. “Oh you know me - nothing keeps me down for long.”

It was the perfect sidestep and they dismissed the thought from their minds. It was like they couldn't handle the idea of Tony being competent and wanted to dismiss the event as unimportant.  Tony didn’t mind as he didn’t want them digging too deep and discovering his cute helper. He got the sense that Cutie didn’t want to come forward.

~*~

Below the sea level, Arthur had found himself a quiet grove to think. He’d gone for a swim and ended up in Iceland. So he must have needed a lot of time to think. It was the green eyes of the man from today that he couldn’t shake from his thoughts. He’d been impressed with the no-nonsense attitude and Arthur didn’t want the guy to fail.

What shocked him was how easily he’d revealed his powers to the man. The guy hadn’t responded with fear or hate - just kept him at ease.

Was he wrong to judge all mainlanders so? Arthur shook his head. He didn’t think so, what he had done was clapped a device on green eyes to track him. He had a feeling the guy got into trouble rather than avoiding it.

~*~

Mera was staring at him judgmentally. “What?”

“You ran into one of us?”

Arthur had no idea what she was talking about. She was not his biggest fan, always alternating between wanting to kick his ass and kissing him. She was hot and he digged that but it got confusing at the same time. It was probably why he’d never pursued a full relationship.

Arthur frowned. “Did I?”

“Do be serious!”

He snorted. “Look, Lady, I helped a mainlander rescue a guy. That’s it!”

“How in good Atlantia did you do that?” Mera asked, not seeing how that would have worked.

Arthur explained. “He was rescuing two other stupid mainlanders who’d let themselves get stuck in their pod.”

She hissed. “So you revealed our ways?”

Arthur swam closer to his General. “Don’t get your tail in a twist. I was already curious about him and now you’ve answered a question I had.”

“HOW?”

Arthur knew it in his bones, he’d bet his tail on it. There had been something curious about his cutie and now he knew the answer. Cutie was like him, and oh that changed things. He’d intended to go drinking in the fishing village in Iceland, they worshipped him enough to give him free booze.

“Where are you swimming to now?”

Arthur whipped around. “You wouldn’t let me leave a newbie as he comes into his tail, would you?”

She sighed. She was glad for their King’s return but by the sea, did he choose to make her life as difficult as possible. “Take a guard with you.”

It was now Arthur’s turn to roll his eyes but he let it happen.

~*~

Tony had discharged himself from the medical centre but he was for once regretting the decision. He was struggling to breathe and knew that Dr Pitt was going to give him so much shit. He’d known diving into the river he was going to be in trouble but he couldn't leave the girl to die due to Gibb’s stupidity.

A knock at the door made him think that finally at least one of his team had finally turned up to check on him. It wasn’t, it was the cutie from this morning. If he’d been in a rational mood he might have freaked out about the fact his acquaintance somehow knew where his very private bolthole was. At the moment though, he was just trying to drag oxygen into his scarred lungs.

Cutie took one look at him and picked him up bridal style. “Hey, I am … no da ...damsel.”

Arthur snorted. “Say that again when you don’t need to gasp for every breath.”

Arthur was so glad for being the King of Seas as he was about to use his powers to get them back to the coast. “This is going to feel weird, but trust me, you’ll feel better.”

Tony started to thrash, the last thing he needed was to go into the water. It was the water that had hurt his lungs. His stranger just sighed. “You’re one of us, you reek of Atlantean and that means you need to get into the water, right now. I will explain everything later but trust me, you will be able to handle it.”

Tony had no idea why he believed him but he did. He stopped thrashing. “If you’re wrong I am going to haunt you.”

Arthur smirked. “And if I am right?”

Tony smiled weakly in between another coughing fit. “Kiss you stupid, if you’re agreeable.”

Arthur had never been the type to see gender and he was more than agreeable. “That is a bargain I can live with.”

What do you know? Tony had to follow through on his promise and kiss Arthur but he was okay with it because the man was as talented as his muscles were big. And not even a year later, he was threatening to stab billionaires if they didn’t return his fiance.

As for NCIS - Tony didn't say a word. It turns out the investigators couldn’t handle it when all the trails stopped cold at the waterfront. After all, none of them would imagine the agent would be living happily in the water.

Chapter Text

There were days where Tony DiNozzo regretted taking Coulson’s offer - today was not one of them. If there was one thing he never lacked for at SHIELD - it was variety.

He was sure he’d heard his boss correctly and yet he still found himself asking. “Excuse me?”

Coulson was grinning. “We found Captain America ... Alive.”

Tony had not expected that answer. This was a game changer. He was aware that there were regular expeditions to try and locate the plane and to repatriate the body. No one had ever really thought they would find him alive though. “Do you still want me to go after Natasha?”

Coulson shook his head. “No. Director Fury has put me in charge of Captain America’s recovery.”

Tony sat back trying to comprehend the sheer devastation the man would be feeling. “The man’s lost everything.”

Coulson nodded. “In terms of experience, only you or Natasha would come close.”

Tony had never heard anyone put his past in such a positive way.

Christ, just another day at SHIELD. He headed in the direction of the hospital wing, knowing from the report given to him by Coulson that it wasn't going to take long for Captain Rogers to wake thanks to the serum healing kicking in once they’d elevated his temperature safely.

Tony saw the room they had the man recovering in and wanted to start yelling. This was a joke - only they were supposed to be funny. It was ironic, as all Americans grew up on stories of Captain America and yet very few spoke of the man - Steve Rogers.

Tony watched as the nurse walked in, and he saw that the moment the man woke he was suspicious. His patience, already limited, snapped. He ordered the Doctor. “Get her out of there NOW.”

“She is highly trained!”

Tony rolled his eyes, there was an advantage to being high up. He answered to Coulson, Hill or Fury and that was it. So rather than arguing with the man he walked straight into the room. “Nurse, leave. Now.”

~*~

Steve Rogers was clearly wary and confused. He was also about to hit out but this new man stopped him.

“Agent DiNozzo.” The Nurse warned.

The man shook his head, “Yes, yes, you want to protest but this was just stupid ... Your pantyhose is five years too early at least. Oh, and the game playing was one that Captain Rogers actually attended.”

That made Steve relax, the cute agent knew what he was doing. In fact, Steve found himself smiling. He always liked competent people and the man reminded him a little of Bucky, they both had the same debonair charm. Steve risked his voice. “What is going on?” He then winced at both the gravelly sound and feel of his throat.

The man rushed forward to hand him an ice chip. He smiled softly at Steve. “It’s been a while since you’ve used your voice.”

Steve could guess that much by how raw his voice felt, even with the serum. “How long?”

“You’ve been asleep for nearly seventy years. It’s 2011.” The agent broke the news to him as gently as he could.

Steve felt himself crumple. He’d gone into the ice expecting to die but okay with his decision. It would save Peggy and the country. He could do it hearing her voice but now everyone was dead. How was he supposed to adapt? Steve went with his tried and tested form of defence - Sarcasm. “Damn, and I finally had a date.”

Tony chuckled. “Director Carter is one helluva of a lady but she is upset with you that you’ve aged so well.”

“It’s the serum.”

Tony put his hand on the man’s shoulder. “I cannot comprehend what you are going through but I will make you the promise that I will be here for you; I will show you every decade’s best music, movies, key figures and technology updates. You have a perfect memory so that will help.”

Steve snorted. “And if I don’t want to?”

Tony smiled full of enthusiasm. “Oh, I am told that I am a good friend to have. Plus ... I am kind of stubborn when it comes to important things.”

Steve wondered if Bucky was laughing up in heaven. Steve had used very similar words in one of his arguments to Bucky.

He smiled shyly. “I’d like that.”

~*~

Nick Fury watched as the National Icon destroyed a gym, all whilst Agent DiNozzo sat on the bleachers keeping up a steady conversation with the man, like it was a normal day at the office.

Coulson was standing with him in the observatory. Fury had to ask. “So why is Dr Blair moaning exactly?”

Coulson snorted. “DiNozzo took one look at the setup and trashed it. To be fair, the charade wouldn’t have stood up to inspection. They picked a game he actually attended.”

Fury sighed. “And?”

“Captain Rogers told everyone to leave him alone and will only interact with Agent DiNozzo. He will be to one to give him a crash course in the last seventy years.”

Fury noticed the way the two men seemed at ease. He wasn’t sure what DiNozzo’s plan moving forward was but for now, he would let it play out. Rogers was integral if he was going to get the Avengers off the ground. The better Rogers was adjusted to the twenty-first century, the better it would be when shit hit the fan.

~*~

Rogers listened as Barton and Romanov told stories that would make many have their hair curl. Steve just laughed. “Barton, you should have seen what they made me do on the tour. Plus, where do you all get the idea I am a shrinking violet? The girls were very happy to help me out of any first times I hadn’t yet experienced.”

Barton looked like he’d killed a puppy which made Tony collapse into his side, trying to contain his laughter. Steve found that he didn’t mind when Tony touched him. In fact, he was painfully aware that he was touch-starved but so many treated him like he was just Captain America that Steve couldn’t trust them.

Barton huffed. “Oh come on, you can’t tell me you didn’t think the same.”

Tony smirked. “I think a good undercover agent doesn’t assume anything. Plus, he was raised in Brooklyn and I don’t care what decade that is... you can never be a shrinking violet in that case.”

Romanov just smiled softly. She had been so sure she would have to set Steve up with someone but now she realised it was pointless. She would just let nature take its course. It was obvious, at least to her, that DiNozzo and Rogers would figure it out soon enough.

She wondered what the action that would spur them on to admitting their feelings would be. She hoped that DiNozzo didn’t get proper about this and followed his heart.

~*~

Two months later, Natasha would get her answer. Steve and she were leading a session to deal with some pirates and DiNozzo was leading the operation in the Helicarrier. The Strike team accompanying them were so cocksure of themselves and Steve just let them talk. He’d always been of the opinion that talk was cheap and it was your actions that showed who you were.

“Right - I got the leader.” He stepped out of the plane, using a free dive.

All Natasha heard over the comms. “Did he take a bloody parachute?”

Natasha saw the Strike guys freaking too. “You know it’s cute how you go all British when mad. Maybe you should just kiss him.”

Tony grumbled. “Keep him alive so I can do just that.”

Natasha snorted. “I’ll do my best. I think you are the one date he won’t turn down.”

~*~

It turns out that Steve was excellent at free parachuting against a sea but bullets could hurt even with the serum. What it did mean was that he survived whereas the three Strike soldiers wouldn’t. 

Tony had been at the bedside the minute he finished in surgery. He would be there the minute Steve woke, knowing it would disorientate him. Plus, they’d had to drop his core temperature in order to make the surgery possible to repair his kidneys and liver.

Tony had heard the doctor’s assurance that in a few days he would be as good as new. Tony sighed because the doctor missed the bigger picture, physically Steve would be okay - he wanted to make sure that was mentally as well.

Tony fell asleep waiting for Steve to wake up. He awoke a few hours later to the feeling of someone stroking his head.

His opening sight was a grinning Steve - he had such a mixed set of feelings. Happiness, relief and the overwhelming urge to smack the smug smile off his face. “You are something else.”

“Says the man who is sleeping on my bed.”

Tony pouted. “Natasha told me I should kiss you stupid the next time I saw you ... only I couldn’t as you were full of bullet holes.”

“I’m all healed now.” Steve remarked and pulled Tony fully onto the bed in a show of strength that Tony shouldn’t have found as sexy as he did.

Tony played it cool even though his heart was racing. This was crazy - it felt like his first time. “How can I be sure?”

Steve could play this game and he was nowhere as innocent as everyone believed. He’d been on tour with the USO and been raised in Brooklyn. “You’re welcome to check.”

The Doctors gasp told them that they were no longer alone. Tony rested his head against Steve’s and whispered. “Soon, when we have no voyeurs.”

Steve whispered. “Agreed.”

And from that day if you wanted Captain America and couldn’t find him - look for Agent DiNozzo and vice-versa.

~*~

They kept on working together and sharing their lives in their minuscule amount of time off together too. Today was supposed to be the start of their vacation - they’d planned to bike and road trip across America. Instead, they’d been called in due to a rogue unknown alien, who was calling himself Loki.

Tony was at a monitor with Steve reviewing the footage of their hostile in Germany of all places. He watched as Stark waltzed onto the Bridge as if he owned the place. In the billionaire’s defence - he did kind of build most parts for it.

“So, Fury, I thought you picked agents based on competence, not looks?”

Fury huffed but he would enjoy the reveal on this. “ All my agents are picked based on competence, Stark.”

Stark shook his head and let his sunglasses drop off his face. He intended to stare unashamedly. “Nah, Agents Hotcakes and Muscles are too pretty not to be ogled.”

Muscles didn’t care, in fact, he smirked. “Thanks - but I’m in a committed relationship with Hotcakes, as it happens.”

Stark could tell he was being mocked, and that he was missing a joke. Fury though, annoyingly, was the one to let him in on the joke. “I swear to god, Rogers, that we should never have let you near DiNozzo. You’re both terrible influences on each other.”

“Hey, he got the plague when I was on ice,” Rogers attempted to justify in vain. “Literally. See - he is good for me, I can joke about it now.”

Stark’s mind was a whirl. He’d seen pictures of someone who looked very similar to Muscles. Then when you factor in the fact Fury had mentioned muscles, Ice and the name Rogers... “Are you telling me someone dug up Captain America from the ice?”

Hotcakes grinned and finished. “That’s right, Mr Stark, and now we need your help to keep the world spinning.”

Stark turned back to Fury because he could handle that more than - Hotcakes and Muscles. “You found him?”

Fury rolled his one eye. “He is right in front of you.”

“You let Agent Hotcakes corrupt a National Icon.” Stark muttered, shocked and slightly in awe.

~*~

Tony was well aware that they had a major situation. He was also in the know when it came to the Avengers initiative. These personalities were all too big and they needed someone who could call them on their shit and get them on task. He’d learned his lesson on that one and the days of sitting back passively were over.

Tony groaned at the big green comment. “Wow. Okay, stop and at least pretend you’re adults. Okay, Stark, you are a genius, Steve, you know tactics not to mention your other assets.”

Banner hissed. “And what about me?”

Tony countered simply. “You know nothing about exotic waves?”

“Of course I do!”

Tony merely smiled, not reacting in the least. It concerned him seeing the tiny flash of green peek through but he was determined to keep the focus where it needed to be. “Well, there you are then... you and Mr Stark have the skills to track the damn cube and Steve and Prince Thor can beat Loki at his own game.”

“Looking forward to it.” Steve muttered darkly.

He was more than pissed at the damn energy source once again being in the open and having the ability to threaten the world at large once more. At least he could be grateful that the Red Skull was dead - it was a small mercy.

Tony just uttered the last words quietly. “Just don’t die on me or take a plane on sea dive.”

“I’ll do my best, doll face.” Steve promised as he followed Thor out of the control room.

“I am so not a dollface, you sexy bastard.” Tony called, much to the shock of the others close. He didn’t give a damn, they all needed to stop mixing up the hero with the man. He loved Steve Rogers and he was going to raise hell if he didn’t survive.

Thankfully - He did.

Chapter Text

Tim and Ziva were once again gossiping with Abby as they relaxed with drinks after work. Abby wished she’d gone to see the sisters if she’d known that all they were going to do was bitch about what they saw as the ‘New Tony.’ She’d had to put up with so much whining that it was killing the 80 proof Tequila she’d ordered.

“He is being ghostly .” Ziva complained.

“Spooky, Ziva.” Abby rolled her eyes as she downed her next shot. “And you’re both clueless. He’s in a relationship. How can you not see the signs?”

McGee snorted as he didn’t think Abby would be flippant about this. “This is Tony, different woman a night, Tony..”

Abby glared. “In this, Timmy, you know nothing.”

Ziva caught more than Tim and saw an opportunity to dig for information. “What makes you say that?”

“You never knew Tony when he first came to NCIS, that bitch broke his heart.” Abby said fiercely. She was thinking back with nostalgia at all the fun she and Tony used to have. In fact, she got up, leaving Tim and Ziva.

“Where are you going?”

Abby sighed and was a little bit tipsy. “Going to see Tony. You are not invited.”

“What? Why?” Tim looked bewildered.

Abby rolled her eyes and left. She needed a taxi and she hoped that Tony would listen to her.

~*~

Tony had listened to his husband bitch about his plans. “Stark is someone who, when it comes to personal things, will run a mile. Think of me when you first met me.”

He heard the knock at the door. “Listen, Nicky, I gotta go. Sort this out so we can spend some time together. I love you.”

His husband huffed. “Will do, and I love you too.”

Tony smirked as the call closed, he couldn’t believe that Nick had said that whilst in the SHIELD building. He was guessing that only Hill was in the room with him, or he’d ordered the room empty to have his call.

He was at his door and checking to see who it is. He could admit to being surprised at seeing Abby at his door. “What’s wrong, Ab’s?”

She flung herself at him. “I am a terrible friend, I’m so sorry.”

Tony found his arms returning the hug and hushing her. He was confused as anything but there was a small part of him that was glad to hear the words. He sighed, knowing that he would forgive her at least because she’d always been like his little sister and he didn’t want to ever forget her. “We’ll be okay, Ab’s. What brought all this on?”

She told him of the drinks after work and how bored she was listening to their whining. As bored as she had been it had been a great help towards clearing her mind. Tony chuckled. “They see what they want to, Abby, and they always will. I’ve made peace with that fact.

“It’s not right!” She hissed.

Tony shook his head. “Life is what you make of it, Abby, and you know that.”

She pouted. “You’ve grown sensible.”

Tony smirked. “You don’t know the half of it.”

~*~

Tony’s phone bleeped and he smiled softly. “I am out of here.”

“A date, DiNozzo?” Gibbs asked, lightly.

Tony decided that he was done hiding - he’d discussed it with Nick. His response was glorious in its simplicity - “I don’t give a fuck what people think. Besides, if they say something stupid I can shoot them.”

Tony could argue that he was channelling Nick. “Well, no, we’re a bit past dates. We have reservations for our anniversary.”

Wow. Silence.

Tony could have said more but instead, he chose to use the distraction to disappear from the bullpen. He would take the silence, shocked as it was, for tacit permission. His paperwork was done and would much prefer to spend his time with Nick instead.

~*~

Abby rolled her eyes listening to the latest ridiculous request. “You need to trace where Tony is?”

She cocked her head to the side as if she was contemplating it. “Why?”

They both looked affronted by the question but relented realising she wasn’t going to do a damn thing without a reason. “He says he is getting married. This is absurd.”

Abby snickered. “Oooh, please say that around Nicky. Just let me get popcorn.” She didn’t correct them over the fact that they were already married.

Tim perked up. “You know them?”

“We’ve met and Tony will tell you when he’s ready.” Abby said firmly.

“Why has he told you and not us?”

Abby had to check that she’d just been asked that. Then the news of the attack on New York filtered through. Her hand was on the phone. “Stop Agent DiNozzo at the gate for me, tell him I have urgent news.”

How the hell do you break a thing like an alien attack on New York?

~*~

Many people had wondered if Nick Fury had a love life. The overwhelming opinion was there was no one in this world, or any world for that matter, who would be crazy enough to date, marry or live with the man.

And then Aliens in New York happened and they got to find out.

Tony Stark was exhausted. He thought that he’d experienced exhaustion in his ill-spent youth, not to mention the binges of drinking that lasted for days. Yet he didn’t think he’d ever felt quite so weary to his bones.

They’d won the battle of New York but at what cost?

Natasha and Steve looked like they wanted to curl inside themselves. Banner looked like he wanted to hide from the world but that was nothing new. Thor looked like a cross between a sad labrador puppy and a hair advert. Stark had no idea how he managed to pull it off - it was probably something to do with being the Prince of Asgard.

“Nicholas Fury, you son of a bitch!”

The Avengers reached for weapons but froze seeing the honest-to-god besotted smile on Fury’s face.

“Hey, I was going to call.” Fury responded.

The look on the stranger's face had all the Avengers wince in an  oh-god-he-did-not-just-say-that way. “You know, I am pretty sure we had an agreement after the plague that we would call each other when one of us was close to death. You insisted on it in our vows.”

Tony Stark’s mind was one of the quickest of his generation. There was only one conclusion one could arrive at when it came to vows and a couple. “Wait. Vows? As in Matrimonial?”

The newbie looked at Stark as if he was stupid and let his sass have a good reign. “Well, it wasn’t the Oath of Office.”

Steve was laughing quietly. It was obvious that the genius was shocked into silence and it was more than likely that many people would feel that it was impossible to happen. Steve didn’t bother to hide his mirth as he said, “Nick, I think you’ve broken Tony.”

The stranger’s smirk was positively wicked. “Only if he asks nicely, and since my bastard of a husband won’t introduce us, I’m Anthony DiNozzo Jnr. Nice to meet you all in person.”

“How?” Stark’s mind was still stuck.

Tony laughed softly as he never imagined he would be able to break the infamous genius’ mind with something as simple as his marriage. “Well, Stark, when two agents love each other but need secrecy to protect their jobs and loved ones, you utilise your skills to keep your marriage hidden.”

“So this is real, not a cover?”

Fury rolled his eyes. “Stark, go away.”

“What? It’s a legitimate question. I mean I never watched the Hollywood movie where Dr Eyepatch walks off with the hotcake Agent.”

Fury stood closer to his husband and they got to see all the visual clues that you don’t need to be told. How well they fit inside each other’s space. “I prefer real life where I tell you all to fuck off to a Shawarma joint so I can go sleep with my man.”

Tony smirked. “And we lived happily and sexed-up ever after. You really are a genius.”

Stark groaned, realising that Fury did, in fact, have a significant other and worse, they completely suited each other.

Chapter Text

Battling Oneself

Bruce Banner was at a crossroad and he hated that yet again he was facing one. He didn’t know what he should do. It was stupid - he had all those degrees and education and yet he couldn’t win an argument with himself. It was a simple one - to stay or go - only he wasn’t the only one involved in the argument but it was tricky to argue with your alter-ego when he was a giant green rage machine who could flatten the block without much effort.

He had no idea why he was in a bar - only the thought of the park had scared him. He had hated the idea that big green might make an appearance and squash children and dogs. It was a legitimate concern. Plus, he’d crazily thought that maybe some alcohol might help as it seemed to be Stark’s default choice.

“That’s quite a frown for someone on his eighth whiskey.” A new amused voice announced.

Bruce snorted and faced the man. “Why?”

The man grinned at him and Bruce was reminded of Stark’s charming personality. “Well, you know what they say - usually it’s one whiskey, two whiskeys, three whiskeys and then it’s the floor . You’re on your eighth and look terrifyingly sober.”

Banner looked morose because that had been the plan and it failed epically - stupid gamma rays . Still, he answered with the truth.  “I have a thing where I burn the alcohol off without really getting to enjoy more than the original burn.”

The man cocked his head to the side, still not afraid even though he’d been told he was sitting with the Hulk without saying the actual words. “I can’t decide if that is a great or tragic thing.”

“Depends on who you are. I’m Dr Bruce Banner.” Bruce held his hand out, marvelling at the fact that there was someone who wasn’t scared of him. After all, even the Black Widow was scared of him. He wondered just who this man was but quickly got the answer.

“Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo. I prefer Tony though.”

Banner was suspicious but didn’t remove his hand. “You’re not SHIELD, are you?”

Tony scowled in mock offence. “Hey. NCIS. Navy Cop essentially, so don’t be rude. I’m guessing you are not a willing Avenger?”

Bruce chuckled hollowly. “You got that right but when New York got attacked what was I supposed to do?”

Tony slid closer so they would be able to have a private conversation. Damn, even his aftershave was expensive, Bruce noted.

“I’d say you did the right thing. So why the long face in DC?”

Banner didn’t know what made him talk so freely but he could honestly say it was probably the fact that he needed to talk to someone. And this man who’d come out of nowhere, was willing to talk to him like he was an average human and not a grenade. So he explained some of his feelings. “Tony wants me to work for Stark Industries and the Avengers.”

The man smirked before adding cheekily. “I’m guessing you mean Stark. Can we call him that so as not to confuse me? I hear Tony and I start looking around.”

Bruce actually did smile at the request. “Sorry, I was just imaging T...Stark’s face when he was told he should be called something other than Tony.”

“Hey, I may not be a billionaire science genius but I am a charming, cute if I do say so myself, agent and I’m told I am a fantastic listener.” Tony finished with a straight face. There was a lot to be said for confidence in most conversations.

“You don’t care you’re sitting down to drink with the Hulk?”

Tony played it nonchalantly, finishing his drink. He could tell that Banner was feeling skittish towards human contact. “Well, if the eight drinks don’t put you on the floor they should have just at least mellowed out the Hulk.”

Bruce found himself laughing despite himself. “You know, I was determined to be miserable.”

Tony was back to frowning. “But why? Sure, you have problems but you’re hot and a brainiac, so rather than moping surely you could devote your brain to helping people.”

“Are you always this forward?” Bruce asked, curious and relaxing more and more. Dare he think it, he was feeling comfortable in his own skin.

Tony grinned at him, eyes alight with amusement. “Honestly, when it is someone I want? Yeah. My life is a little crazy so I try and seize every opportunity.”

“How crazy?” Bruce asked curiously. It must be pretty bad if the Hulk didn’t make him blink. The man didn’t appear crazy but Bruce had learned in the last few days that there was a spectrum of crazy and you should never judge where someone might fall on the spectrum.

Tony smiled softly and pointed outside. “Shall we take a walk outside and share stories? I’m guessing you don’t like being cooped up and I need the exercise. It’s not like the 80 proof is doing its job right now.”

Bruce found himself agreeing and shared stories of Brazil and India, plus, his annoyance at how he was dragged from India. Tony didn’t judge him or offer anything but a willing ear. Christ, this man was good, even the Hulk inside him was chilled out.

“You caught the plague and you’re alive?” Bruce asked, horrified as his mind ran the odds.

Tony knew he was lucky. “Hey, my bossman said I couldn’t die. You don’t defy a marine.”

Bruce snorted. “I think that was like Cap telling Hulk to behave.”

“And did the big guy?” Tony asked hoping to sneak the question in.

Bruce thought about it and frowned. “Yeah he did, he liked the man. He was a good leader.”

Tony was nonchalant. “Sounds like the big guy isn’t as crazy as you think.”

Bruce stopped. He was in the park, in as much nature as you could find in DC. “You are a sneaky man, Tony DiNozzo.”

“Only when I have to be. Let me ask you a question ... What do you want to do?”

Bruce sighed because that was the $64,000 question. “I want to live and not in fear.”

Tony suggested they sit under the tree in the park. “So how do you achieve that?”

Bruce shrugged because for all his smarts that was one thing he’d not been able to figure out. “I don’t know.”

Tony stood up. “Well, I vote you take me to lunch tomorrow and you can let me know what you’ve figured out.”

Bruce stood up pouting. “You have to go.”

Tony kissed his hand, he didn’t know how well it would be received to kiss the man’s lips. He said as much. “I wanted that to be your lips but until I know how the big guy reacts to stimuli I’ll behave.”

“Where?”

Tony grabbed his phone. “I’ll be at the Navy Yard and just message me when you’re ready to go. I’ll meet you out front and we can sit outside under a tree.”

“And you would do that during a precious break.”

Tony grinned widely. “Sure would, Doc. Be safe and try not to smash anything or anyone.”

Bruce huffed. “Funny man.”

Tony now had the perfect exit. “Oh, I am much more than that.”

He walked away with a spring in his step. Life was good today and he hoped that he didn’t scare the good doctor away.

~*~

Tony had been in the bullpen all morning, quietly humming and ensuring that all necessary work was done. He’d finished the monthly paperwork and was now working on a cold case. He liked the puzzle and the lure of solving the unsolved - it was the fun of the challenge.

“What’s got into you?”

Tony looked up. “Huh?”

“Well, you’re calm and quiet.” Tim finished off, although as he said it he trailed off almost as if he felt stupid saying it. Good self-awareness is always a good thing.

Tony looked confused. “And that’s a bad thing?”

“Well, no. Just unusual.”

Tony smirked. “I’d take the blessing if I were you.”

There was no chance for any further conversation as his light was being blocked by a black leather trench coat. “Director Fury. How can I help you?”

Gibbs was standing up ready to start snarling. Tony used a hand to wave him down - he got this. He knew that if he was to be serious about Bruce, and he’d thought about nothing else all night, Then he would need to be able to handle this.

“You can tell me what your interest in Doctor Bruce Banner is.”

Tony stood up. “This isn’t the place for this discussion.”

“Why not?”

Tony growled. “It’s my place of work, you dread-pirate knock-off. Now if you want to have a professional conversation the conference room is this way.”

Fury found himself liking this agent more and more. Since he’d been given the information of a new potential love-interest for the Hulk he’d done his research. He’d liked what he’d found and he wouldn’t be averse to pinching an agent capable of being the Avengers liaison, especially with Coulson’s demise. “After you.”

Ziva and Tim immediately stood up. Fury snorted. “Sit the fuck back down. I don’t need a computer geek or pet assassin thanks and as I have a sniper or two, you’re also surplus to requirements, Gunny.”

Tony would forever remember where Fury, despite the fact he was a manipulative bastard, had secured his forever adoration (in a platonic work way of course) and this was it. “After you.”

~*~

Fury stood, waiting for DiNozzo to start speaking but all he got was a stony stare. “Well?”

DiNozzo snorted. “I’ve yet to hear a question, Sir.”

Fury sighed and made a mental note to ensure Hill oversaw the transfer of DiNozzo to their agency - whether he ended up with Banner or not. “You seemed to hit it off with Dr Banner yesterday. You can imagine how that might be concerning to us.”

Tony rolled his eyes. “Well, your two agents that were trailing him just watched as he tried to drown himself in whiskey and didn’t act.”

“They were there to observe.”

Tony chuckled darkly. “So you had an asset trying to drown his sorrows in alcohol and you didn't think that wasn’t worth intervening?”

Fury groaned. “Are you always going to be a pain in my ass and challenge me?”

Tony’s grin could only ever be described as shit eating but if someone fed you such a perfect line. “Depends. What are you planning? And why would I work for you?”

Fury figured he wouldn’t need Hill after all. “I think you could manage a certain boyband I’ve just put together.”

Tony’s eyes widened. “You want me to be the Avenger’s handler!?!?! What? Why would you think I would be a good fit?”

Fury chuckled. “You mean you don’t have experience of working under immense pressure. You don’t have a list of contacts in all layers of law enforcement and no experience in handling different personalities ... even if they have no idea they are being handled.”

Tony pouted. “Hey, the team is working at peak efficiency.”

“And they have no idea that you pulled all the strings to make that happen.” Fury countered.

Tony shrugged. “Look there is a very big difference between me asking Bruce on a lunch date and suddenly switching agencies.”

Fury nodded because he did agree with that but he never played. “Hey, you can stay here … underappreciated and overworked ... or you can do that for SHIELD and work alongside superheroes and investigations that just might lead you out of this world. Pick the life you want to lead.”

“You son of a bitch - this was always a recruitment speech rather than a shovel speech wasn’t it?”

Fury chucked a phone. “Welcome to the Avengers ... Don’t tell me any details about you and Banner and for god’s sake don’t have a domestic unless you are in a concrete bunker.”

Tony sat down as Fury saw himself out. His mind was whirling taking in all the new facts. This was stupid. He was thinking about changing his whole life on one evening ... but it had felt so right.

Gibbs burst into the room after a few minutes. “What the hell is going on?”

Tony asked the question softly. “When did you know with Shannon?”

“She asked me if I was a lumberjack. Why?”

Tony looked up and for few seconds. “He was drinking eight whisky’s and I asked him what his deal was.”

“But an egghead?”

Tony nodded. “Oh yeah, it was a job offer and I want to take it.”

Gibbs held out his hand. “Then go. You’re a hell of an agent. Don’t overthink this, go tell Vance and follow your gut but don’t forget to bring this Banner around.”

Tony bit his lip. “He’s so shy and skittish so let me get a few dates in first.”

Gibbs smirked. “You playing the long game here?”

Tony nodded. “No game, just he can take this at his pace.”

Gibbs clapped him on the back. “I better be invited to the wedding.”

Tony shouted. “We haven’t gone on a lunch date and you’re already talking about our wedding.”

“Is this a bad time?”

Tony jumped hearing Bruce’s voice but he was glad to see his scientist. “Hey, I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s go eat and I cannot wait to compare mornings... Mine’s been a doozy.”

The worst of it was Gibbs and Fury were right. He did adore being the Avenger’s handler and thanks to his more observant focus certain events never came to pass. For example, Ultron - what Ultron? He’d read the files and made Stark see a therapist for PTSD but Stark didn’t go alone, he made Rogers go with him. It certainly helped team relations when they learned to get along - whether they were kissing or not.

Chapter Text

A Marriage of Suits

Tony handed his husband a cup of coffee as he stepped into their kitchen. It was part of their morning routine on a rare day where they were both at their home with no emergencies. Tony thought still couldn't shake what he’d been told the night before. “I got the nickname of what now?”

“The Cellist.” Phil remarked with a smirk on his face.

Tony couldn’t see how and that was frustrating him. “But I play the piano!”

Phil chuckled as he could see this was actually vexing Tony. “I know that, and you’ve used that to your advantage on more than one occasion.”

Tony was unrepentant and his smirk showed his feelings on that subject. It was so not his fault that Phil couldn’t resist him when he played and he was only too happy to take advantage of the fact.

Phil responded. “I have no doubt you would be excellent in playing the cello if you chose to.”

Tony kissed his cheek as he plated up their breakfasts. “Flatterer.”

“I speak nothing but the truth.” Phil assured his husband.

Tony rolled his eyes, he knew when Phil was being a sarcastic git. He wasn’t ever fooled by the suit persona. Then he asked the follow-up question that was bugging him.  “Oh, and how did Long Island end up Portland?”

Phil shrugged because in that respect - he didn’t have a clue. He replied with a faux-innocent look. “Well, I am an emotionless suit so when they saw the ring on my chain people started to come up with their own theories as I said nothing. I hadn’t managed to talk to you and I wouldn’t break our agreement.”

Tony reeled him for another sweet kiss using his tie. “I love you and I don’t care who knows. It’s about time I shed a few of my own masks anyway. I’m done hiding.”

And that was the end until a few days later.

~*~

Coulson was so done with his day. He was reminded of the conversation he’d had with Tony and texted him to ask him to pick him up. He hadn’t felt this bad since Loki had stabbed him.

“You cannot drive.” May nagged him. “And Lola is not in the hanger.”

Phil looked up and rolled his eyes. She was his best friend and he adored Melinda May like very few people in this world. “I know, Tony’s coming so quit nagging.”

May looked like Christmas had come early. “You’re introducing Tony to the kids?”

“It is about time, I think.” Phil responded. It was the truth as well, he could tell that the group of agents on their bus would be a close-knit group.

May shrugged and added lightly. “I just can’t wait to see you break their minds.”

She picked up his bag wanting to be helpful but in reality, she was just going to use it as her excuse. Sure enough, she found Grant and Skye waiting at the end of the hangar bay as well. Skye was frowning. “Where is LOLA?”

Phil smiled softly. “About to arrive?”

“You let someone drive your hover-capable cherry-red 1962 Chevrolet Corvette?” Skye asked, astounded. She could tell Grant was too, he just didn’t know how to voice it. She was more outgoing so she had no problem voicing the query.

May was the one to answer. “Oh, Tony is the exception.”

“TONY?!”

Grant didn’t know a Tony, and he was sure there was no one in the upper echelons of SHIELD called Tony or Anthony for that matter. He focussed on trying to get a good view of the person driving the car closer to the hangar.

The car pulled up at the bottom of the aeroplane and out stepped a man wearing a perfectly pressed grey Armani suit, crisp white shirt and sunglasses. You would be forgiven for thinking movie-star but the gold badge and gun in the shoulder holster made you reevaluate your opinion. Skye was fanning herself and damn, Coulson was definitely the man.

“Going my way Mr Superagentman?” 

Phil had his trademark half-smile amongst his shocked colleagues. “Thinking about it.”

“How about I sweeten the deal with a kiss first?”

Phil pouted. “Only one?”

Tony pulled his shades down. “I’m sure I promised forever.”

The looks on Grant’s and Skye’s faces were akin to a child discovering that their parents must have sex. It was hilarious.

Melinda was grinning now. “Hey Tony, don’t let him fool you. His left clavicle had a fight with a bullet and lost.”

Tony winced as he’d suffered that image and it sucked. “Been there, don’t worry, I’ll look after him.” He gently tugged Phil toward the car. “Let’s get you home.”

And Coulson carefully waved his other hand to say goodbye.

~*~

Phil gladly lay on the bed. “You don’t have to do this.”

Tony just rolled his eyes. “You know, I’m sure I made promises along the lines of sickness and health.”

“That didn’t mean to this degree.”

Tony smirked. “Hey, granted I enjoy peeling you out of your suit - it leads to such interesting times - but you’ve been shot so I am going to take care of you. End of discussion.”

And it was. What Phil really wanted was to sleep with Tony next to him. He wanted comfort. Tony slid carefully by his side letting him know that he must have said it out loud. “It’s never a hardship to sleep next to you.”

Phil smiled softly. “Love you too.”

Tony whispered. “You can return the favour the next time I get injured at work ... and I won’t make a fuss.”

“I will hold you to that promise.” Phil replied.

~*~

Phil didn’t think he’d be getting the chance to repay the favour so quickly. “He has the what?”

The nurse at Bethesda was saying it. “He has been admitted with the pneumonic plague. You really should make your way here as soon as possible.”

Phil checked with Melinda in the cockpit, his mind already trying to figure out the best way to handle the crisis. He was glad that his mind was falling back on training. “How quickly can you get me to DC? Tony’s just being admitted to hospital.”

“What for?”

Phil tried to keep his voice steady as he replied, “The plague.”

Melinda’s heart went out to the man. “I’ll make it as quick as possible. Go and get Fury to give you what you need to cure your husband.”

Phil chuckled weakly. “That was my next stop and failing that I was going to set the science twins on him.”

May snorted. “Both. In a situation like this, there is no such thing as overkill.”

“Agreed.” Phil sighed. “I need to go and talk to Fury.”

“Go.”

~*~

Fury nearly choked at the news because even with their usual freaky cases they’d not dealt with the plague. “The plague?”

DiNozzo was Coulson’s dependent so the minute he was admitted, he got flagged. Fury answered his phone guessing there was only one person who would be talking to him right now. “You know we can cure it and we will. If we do this, though, he will be working for us full time and he will be at your level so one can mention the word fraternisation.

“Alright, the plague. I will send you the serum cure we’ve engineered from Bruce and Steve ... but if he gets it he will have to work for us.”

Phil took a deep breath. “You’re going to use this to get him into the agency?”

Fury snorted. “Phil, we need good, honest people and there is no way he can stay in a normal agency with a strain of the super-soldier serum running through him. We won’t know the long-term effects but we are the best placed to help him. He will survive and that is the main thing.”

Phil sucked in a breath, thinking through the full consequences because yes he wanted Tony to live but this was huge. So many thoughts were racing around his head - and they would continue to do so until he saw Tony and got him on the road to recovery.

~*~

Tony was in no state to greet when him when he arrived. Phil hadn’t seen many people look as rough as his husband and he’d been at ground zero for the Battle of New York. “Hey, trouble. I thought we said no dying this month.”

“Who the hell are you?”

Phil looked at the older man and offered a bland smile, shuttering any emotions he’d had on his face. “Agent Coulson. Strategic Homeland Intervention Enforcement and Logistics Division. Now if you could step aside, I would like to talk to my husband.”

“HUSBAND!” Came the shocked gasp from the female on the other bed. Phil knew this was Kate and he had very little time for the ignorant woman. His priority started and ended with his husband at the moment.

Any further complaints were cut off by Tony’s very raspy. “Darlin.”

Phil pushed passed Gibbs. “I’m here.”

“You shouldn’t be. Could be infected.” Tony gasped out.

Phil rolled his eyes because that was so typically Tony. He was infected with the plague and he was still more worried by others. “You let me worry about this. You need to listen. I can cure you but you have to come and play for my team.”

Gibbs and Kate both shouted and Phil never took his eyes from Tony. After all, it was not like he viewed them as a threat. There was no way you could play handler to Romanov and Barton without knowing how to handle business.

“Why?” Tony asked and despite the pain in his eyes, you could tell he was compos mentis.

“You were always so fond of Captain America.” Phil answered, giving a hint that would give Tony a clue being read in but vague enough for the others that they wouldn't have a clue.

Tony was weakening and had to take several deep breaths using the oxygen machine. Phil hated that this was one enemy that he had no way to fight. He would have to trust in the medicine. He needed Tony to make a choice and soon.

“I trust you, Darlin.” Tony finished.

Phil knew then that he would do it. He’d seen the powers of the serum being used for good (Rogers), bad (Sergeant Barnes) and just the plain unlucky (Banner). This version was weakened - meant to just heal the injuries for their heavy-combat assets but he was aware that no plan was perfect.

Dr Pitt stormed in. “What the hell is this order?”

Phil stood calm, in the sea of all the emotions. “Orders from SHIELD. My husband is to be transferred to our facility. Now.”

“He is ill with the plague!”

Phil wished people wouldn’t keep saying that - he was not stupid, nor was he unfeeling. “I’m aware. We can help him but this is non-negotiable. You have written orders and on top of that - this is my husband and I have power of attorney. I’m more grateful than you can ever imagine but I will not lose any more time.”

Gibbs and Kate were confused. “You’re married?”

Phil nodded.”Yes. Since before you recruited him to NCIS but he will be transferring.”

“I will block it.” Gibbs growled.

Phil half-smiled. “You know, I welcome the oncoming confrontation but I am pretty sure Nick Fury will win and I am also sure he’ll welcome the challenge.”

After that, the confrontation - if you could call it that - petered off into an anti-climax. Phil was calm and rational using his best suit impression to counter any and all hostility. It was as effective as the masks his husband used at work. Tony had once said that theirs was a marriage of suits and masks. Phil agreed but knew the reason he wanted to marry Tony was that between them there were no masks.

It turned out there was no such thing as a watered down version of the serum.

Chapter Text

Dr Nicodemus West was infuriated. The arrogant bastard had made him look stupid - again. He was no stranger to cockiness but Strange was the biggest bastard out there. The worst of it was there were people who liked him - so much so that one of them put a ring on it. He couldn't imagine the person who would willingly bind themselves to Dr Stephen Strange. They must have the patience of a saint - or be the Devil.

Dr Christine Palmer was the ER attending who was forced to listen to the rant. It seemed because Stephen was able to talk to her civilly she must be the go-between for the other staff at the hospital and Stephen.

"Are you sure he is married?"

She snorted as she heard that comment at least once a week. "Yes, and before you ask it’s a real person who likes Stephen just the way he is."

"Why?" West asked with genuine confusion, as if it was an impossible thing to happen.

She shrugged as she honestly had no idea why. She'd met Tony and the man was charming, suave and wore a shoulder holster. She kind of hated Stephen a little for meeting Tony first.

"I have no idea." She replied honestly. However she was not in the mood to pander to the idiot's anger as her shift in ER was not over for another five hours, "but I still have five hours in the pit so excuse me."

As she turned around, Strange was waiting to hold the door open for her. The smirk on his face told her that he'd heard every word.

He asked her. "What's the matter with him?"

She rolled her eyes, the man was a genius so he knew very well what was wrong with him. "You made him look stupid again. You won't make any friends being blunt."

Strange sniffed in disdain. "Why would I want to make friends with a sub-par surgeon?"

She looked at him with a knowing smirk. "And if I told Tony you made him nearly cry?"

Stephen snorted. "He'd say ... the man needs to grow some balls. I deal with my boss just fine. "

Christine rolled her eyes because she'd heard all about this mythical Gibbs. She was kind of curious to meet him to see just who the bigger bastard was between him and Stephen.

She just didn't understand why Tony kept asking her to dye her hair red first. He always said it was for science but that made no sense.

~*~

Tony was whirling his wedding ring around his finger as he walked into the bullpen. He'd been debating heading to New York full time. Kate's death was one he couldn't seem to shake, she'd been like his little sister and it hurt.

Ziva 'bloody' David was sitting at her desk and he saw red. "What are you doing here?"

She appeared startled by his blunt tone but Tony didn't give a shit. She did reply with a smirk on her face. "I work on the team now. So I need a desk, yes?"

He didn't care if she posed it as a question. It wasn't going to happen but there were bigger problems. "You what?"

"Your director has approved my liaison request."

Tony was processing this and it wasn't computing. "And Gibbs knows?"

"That's right. Why?" How dare she sit there looking like a canary who was sipping on cream.

Tony shrugged it off, playing it cool while inside he was seething. McGee must have clocked onto something being wrong.

"Tony!"

Tony waved him down. "Relax, McGee. I just need to go and talk to Madame Director. I assume Gibbs is with her?"

"That's right." McGee answered with an unsure tone. He knew something was up. After all, he knew that a quiet and calm Tony was usually a destructive one.

“What is his problem?” Ziva asked.

Tony heard the Probie’s response of. “Who knows?”

He was about to throw a fit of epic proportions. So bad that Stephen would be indulgent and proud.

~*~

“Come in.”

Tony took a deep breath before he walked into the Director’s office. “Oh, perfect, you’re both here.”

“Agent DiNozzo, what can we do for you?” The Director asked with a false smile.

Tony quirked an eyebrow. “You can explain why people felt it was a good idea to put a Mossad spy on the MCRT. It is not going to end well, and worse - will jeopardise our cases and that is unacceptable.”

Gibbs snorted. “You’re being dramatic.”

“Am I, Gibbs? She is not trained in investigative techniques, she profiled us and got that wrong for her bastard brother. She is not a US citizen and we often work with cases that involve state secrets. Plus, we can’t let her touch the chain of evidence until she passes her FLETC courses, which judging how comfortably she is sitting at Kate’s desk makes me think we’re not sending her on it. So yeah, you’re right. I am probably being over-dramatic. I can’t wait until Admiral Chegwidden chews you out for gross stupidity. Let me know when it’s happening so I can have popcorn at the ready.”

“You are out of line.”

Tony looked at his Director with a sneer. “I’m really not, Madam Director, but I am guessing that not a single valid point I raised will be listened to.”

“Well, you are not the Director of this agency.”

Tony smiled sweetly. “No, I am not, and nor am I worker for this agency. I refuse to work with an agent killer and it was crass to think that myself or Agent McGee should work with her.”

“It was Ari that pulled the trigger.” Gibbs pointed out.

“Don’t split hairs, Gibbs. She was the one to hand our profiles to Ari on the order of Daddy dearest.”

They both flushed at that comment. So they were not naive, just egotistical. Well, this was going to be a stack of cards that was going to fall but he did not have to be a part of it. “I’m going to take Morrow up on his offer. He said he’ll organise the transfer paperwork as soon as I said the word.”

“What will give as your reason?”

Tony snorted, knowing what was being asked without the words being said. “I intend to say I would like to be in New York with my husband unless you give me reason otherwise.”

“Why would you do that?”

Tony shook his head in disappointment at Gibbs. He had no idea what the Israeli Agent had on Gibbs but he didn’t ask. Gibbs had helped him get over the shitfest in Baltimore so he’d walk away without bringing everything down around him. He could give the man that, mainly because Tony knew what was starting to develop - the corruption creeping in would eventually see everything fall down. He’s decided to grab that lifeline to get away from the fallout. This, however, was another shitfest in the making that he wasn’t going to be a part of. Guess his decision was made after all.

~*~

Tony walked down the steps to Gibbs’s bellow of “DINOZZO!”

Tony was on the phone to his old boss, who was soon-to-be his new boss once more. “Hey, Tom. You know that offer? I’m yours and I would love you forever if I can be in the same city as Stephen.”

The call was brief as Tom just said. “Finally, Tony. I’ll start the paperwork now. Oh, and you should know I passed on your concerns to a rather concerned JAG.”

“You’re the best boss.” Tony finished because he didn’t want justice to suffer for people’s petty egos.

“Don’t walk away from me!”

Tony whirled around. “Look, I have no intention with working next to someone who profiled us to decide which one should be shot to hurt you. She might not have been the one to pull the trigger but she practically handed Haswari the loaded gun and told him where to aim.”

“She’s on the team.”

Tony shrugged. “I don’t care because I’m not on the team anymore. And fuck you, Gibbs, for thinking I should have to work with someone who helped kill my partner.”

Tony looked at his desk and decided that fresh starts were great and there was nothing he wanted to take. “You know what, Gibbs? Here are your medals. Keep them or ditch them, I don’t care.”

“You have to work out your notice.”

Tony smirked. “Nope, I don’t. Morrow’s organising a transfer.”

He walked out with his head held high, more importantly with his integrity held high. There were some lines you shouldn’t cross, and if he’d given ground here, Tony was scared he’d lose sight of the line.

~*~

It was an award evening and Stephen was grinning. He couldn’t wait for this evening as Tony was going to be dressed in black-tie. It was perfect. It would be quite something to have his husband in the same city as him, and permanently. He was a selfish man and he wanted it all; the career, the husband, and now he could have it all.

“I know that smile.”

Stephen whirled around. “No, you don’t.”

Christine snorted. “Oh, I do. It’s a Tony face.”

Stephen sighed. “He will be there this evening. Happy?”

Christine squealed because she was pretty sure that meeting Tony would break most of the hospital staff. They had all built an image of what his husband might be like and Tony would shred every one of those thoughts to pieces. It shouldn’t make her happy but it did.

“He’s meeting you there?”

He nodded. “He’s walking through the airport as we speak. Apparently, he caused a stir.”

Christine snorted. “Tony would cause a stir on the red carpet. I keep telling you - you’re batting way above your average.”

Stephen shrugged. “Maybe, maybe not. He likes me mean and twisted, remember?”

“I do.” She smirked because it worked for them and in the long run that was all that mattered.

~*~

Only Stephen never got to see Tony in his tux as his car was clipped by a drunk driver. He couldn’t remember the crash or feeling anything as he was flung through the windscreen. He could not save himself, it was going to be up to someone else.

And that annoyed him even more.

~*~

Tony’s face had blanched, his mood had gone from ecstatic and that the thought of finally being reunited with his husband, to hearing he’d been in a severe car crash. What followed was the longest 12 hours of his life. Christine was a godsend telling him what was going on and explaining it like he wasn’t a surgeon.

This one guy had spoken to him like he was an alien. If he hadn’t been so worried about Stephen he would’ve decked the guy. “We’ve had to pin the bones in his hands. They will need to stay in the support weighted system for at least four weeks.”

Tony’s heart plummeted. Christ, it had damaged his hands. He knew how important operating was for Stephen. “Okay, he is not going to be awake for a while so lay it to me straight. Will he be able to cut again?”

West looked worried. “No one can say for certain but the odds are not in his favour - 95 to 5 would be the split.”

Tony rubbed his face, feeling every hour that he hadn’t slept. This was going to hit Stephen so badly. He’d lash out, trying to avoid anyone seeing him vulnerable. He could try with Tony but he’d ignore every tactic. There was no way Tony would allow Stephen to push him away. In truth, Tony would take every moment of Stephen’s bullshit because it would mean his husband was alive.

~*~

“He’ll awaken soon.”

Tony looked up and managed a weak smile. “Good, he’s had enough beauty sleep.”

Christine snorted. “He is not going to take this well.”

Tony chuckled. “Don’t worry, I know my husband. He is going to be a bastard, rude, drive everyone to distraction and even after all his bluster I will still be here. So he can throw what he likes at me, it won’t work.”

“You make the rest of your gender look bad.”

Tony shrugged. “There are good men at there, and sorry nope, no brother. And you know Stephen doesn’t share.”

She smirked. “Hey, do you think us proposing a threesome will get him to wake up?”

Tony laughed, which shocked him a little. He’d been so worried about Stephen that he hadn't thought about anything else. “Oh, if there is anyone, Doctor Palmer, it would be you.”

Stephen rasped. “Nope,” there was a coughing fit. “Ur mine.”

It seemed like just saying that had taken all his energy. Tony didn’t think he’d ever been so happy to hear such a possessive statement that he’d usually give Stephen so much shit for.  “Yeah, I am, and you’re going to be in a world of pain but know this, no matter how nasty your words are... or what shit you try to pull during your recovery. I will not leave, I’m loyal.”

Stephen couldn’t argue, he slipped back into unconsciousness but Tony’s words had been prophetic in more ways than one.

First, there was the whole retreat to Nepal and then coming back with magical powers, and a snarky cape. He could adjust. No, seriously fuck his life, it was crazy.

But he wouldn’t change a damn thing. Stephen was alive and relatively whole. He had a good job in New York and all he had to do was put with the odd magical villain. It was cool though, in the New York Sanctum that Stephen had taken over - an artefact, an antique gun that never missed its target decided Tony was his rightful new owner.

Chapter Text

Dick Grayson had no idea why he’d agreed to go to the stupid conference. No, actually, he did. He wanted out of Gotham and to a place where he had a small amount of anonymity. It was a strain to keep a triple life as the Gotham Prince (as the papers dubbed him),  as Detective Grayson and as Robin.

He was going insane trying to keep all of the versions of himself going. He had to though, and he knew it was vital because he couldn’t let anyone down.

He might not agree with all of Batman’s methods anymore but Batman in Gotham was a necessary evil. He just wished he could sleep at night.

“For someone who’s three whiskeys into a session you are looking terrifyingly sober.”

“Tony Paddington. What are you doing in town?” He found himself saying in shock, as well as feeling a pang for missed opportunities.

Tony smirked as he slid onto the bar stool next to him. “I go by Agent Anthony DiNozzo now.”

Dick frowned because all of the things he’d expected that wasn’t one of them. “You’re willingly using your father’s name?”

Tony shrugged, trying to make it seem like it wasn’t a big deal. “It was the agreement I reached with my uncle.”

Dick snorted because Tony had been as tempestuous a teen as he and they’d run their guardians ragged. He felt bad about it in some ways. Bruce had done the best he could but he’d been an orphan who’d watched his parents die and he was angry at the world. Tony had watched his father murder his mother through abuse and then watched as the authorities hadn’t investigated thoroughly.

Clive Paddington couldn’t save his sister but he ensured that he got custody of his nephew. The man had just lost his sister and at the same time, an accident had taken his wife and child. All that grief had taken a long time to work through but Clive hadn’t been as oppressive as Bruce as a guardian.

“Guess the surname helps you keep a low profile?” Dick countered. He only wished he could be so fortunate. He’d never gone by ‘Wayne’ and yet everyone knew that Richard Grayson was Bruce Wayne’s ward.

Tony snickered because he was just imagining the MCRT finding out his true net worth. Gibbs himself was only aware of the one trust fund. The Director was aware of his full history but he made it clear he wanted people to know him, not his trust fund - plus if his value became common knowledge it would make his current line of work impossible. “They have no clue. They think my father spoils me and that I’m a skirt chaser.”

Dick nearly spat out his expensive whiskey. “Hey, this is the good stuff.”

Tony rolled his eyes. “Bruce always did mistake expensive for taste.”

Dick smirked. “Careful, your inner Brit is showing.” He was wistful because he wouldn’t have changed a thing about Tony and they were good friends but at one point they could have been more. Unfortunately, they were too young at the time to figure out the logistics of how they could make a relationship work between Gotham and London.

Tony held a glass out. “Try that and see if you’re still going to take the piss about my Britishness.”

Dick swallowed the amber liquid and almost cooed. It was smooth, with the thorough afterburn of a fine scotch. It was divine. “Damn, okay but you gotta tell me how they don’t know you’re into men. You’ve met Dawn and Diana and you didn’t even look at them. You liked my ass more than theirs.”

Tony sipped his drink and snickered. “Hey, I love them both but if I looked at them wrong they would feed me my balls. Plus, you still have a fine ass even if you are not an Amazonian.”

It was the turn of the phrase in the casual chat, Richard couldn’t pinpoint it. It wasn’t even the casual flirting that always interlaced their conversations. “You know, don’t you.”

Tony clapped a hand on his back and raised his glass for a toast. “Leave your angst out of the bar. We’re friends catching up and we can deal with the world tomorrow. Tonight I want to know how Richard is and tomorrow we can deal with the other crap.”

Dick met the toast and tried to relax. It was a foreign idea. He’d never known how to because he was always trying to hide at least one aspect of his life.

“You okay?”

Dick looked perturbed, and he could hear Donna laughing in his head. “I don’t think I know how to relax.”

Tony just looked at him and rolled his eyes. “What, did Bruce set you a bad example? Or too worried about upsetting your mentor.”

Wow, so that was a less subtle hint. How had he figured out Batman and Robin’s identity when everyone else had been fooled. “Both.”

Tony snorted as he sipped the last of his whiskey. “You are still too good looking for your own good.”

Dick rolled his eyes. “Says the man who Bruce said he’d change his Kinsey Scale for.”

Tony had to laugh at that one because Dick had been so horrified when he’d said it. It had just been funnier. “Hey, what can I say? I know how to turn a head.”

Dick raised his glass because that was one he couldn’t deny. “Why didn’t we ever get our shit together?”

Tony knew the answer and it was honest. “We were young and dumb.”

“We’re not so young now.” Dick reminded him.

Tony got lost in his eyes but there was too much alcohol in Dick for him to even consider doing anything more tonight. “The question is how dumb are we still?”

Tony would not leave Dick on his own tonight, however. He might have a high tolerance for alcohol, or so he claimed, so he decided to take Dick home to his and let him sleep it off on his couch.

~*~

Dick woke up and it wasn’t in his hotel room as expected. It was a luxurious apartment and one like he had in Gotham. Guess he and Tony were more alike than he thought. He turned his head to see the other man sitting on the opposing couch. “What?”

“You decided to follow me home and you looked like a lost puppy and you looked too sad for me to reject you.”

Dick chucked the pillow that he’d been using to sleep - it hit with deadly accuracy. “Dick.”

“No, that’s you - but I imagine you prefer Grayson.”

Dick rolled his eyes. “Yeah, I did establish my preference on the force early on.”

Tony had a grin on his face. “You know violence is not the answer, you are meant to be an officer that encourages peace.”

Dick snorted, even as he gratefully took the coffee he was offered. “You know, I get that, I do. Still, there are some assholes that the law can’t handle. You’ve been to Gotham, you know what I mean. You just have crazy politicians; we have crazy psychopaths. Our asylum is full.”

Tony knew all of this. He wasn’t blind like the rest of Gotham. He’d never seen Bruce and Batman in the same place and the one time it did happen Batman had not moved in the same way. In fact, he’d moved suspiciously acrobatic as Dick could move from his childhood. “Hey, that’s between you and your conscience.”

Dick collapsed back on the sofa. “And that’s the problem. Bruce has always had a code, but I was the one who would stare at the ceiling, unable to sleep.”

“Who are you without the masks?” Tony asked him.  

Dick looked up at him, vulnerable and for a minute trusting his whole friend. It was so stupid but he needed to talk to someone and, out of everyone, he knew that Tony would understand it best.

“That’s the thing I don’t know.”

Tony looked at him. “You know Police Detectives can move precincts and states. I did. Three times in fact.”

“You picked a fight with the fucking mob!”

Tony didn’t deny it even though it hadn’t quite gone down that way. “Hey, you didn’t have anything to do with the rest of the outfit being stuck to the precinct wall.”

Dick snickered as that had been fun. Lucius was glad that he’d field tested the new adhesive he was making for Wayne Industries. “I can neither confirm nor deny but it didn’t see the end of the bounty on your head.”

Tony was grateful for that because it was upon hearing of the end of the bounty that he’d finally stopped looking over his shoulder. “Don’t evade.”

Dick sighed. “So where should I go?”

Tony smiled softly. “It has to be your decision.”

“What about if I want you to say something?”

The atmosphere was charged. Tony knew he’d love the opportunity to explore something with him. “Go and have your conference and ... I’m at the Navy Yard if you need me.”

~*~

Dick had gone back to Gotham but not before Tony had shown them just how explosive they could be together. He was re-entering Gotham airspace feeling a lot more relaxed than when he’d left it. He’d met up with Tony again and realised that reinventing himself was perfectly acceptable.

Alfred was who he chose to speak to because the man was a stalwart in his life. Always there, always ready to do whatever was need to protect Bruce or his wards. “Hello Master Richard, Master Bruce is not here.”

Dick was relieved because things were still not sorted between him and Bruce. “That’s good. It’s you I could do with talking to ... I could use some advice.”

Alfred put down what he was cleaning. “Well, then let’s head to the kitchen for some cocoa and you can tell me all about it.”

Dick took a sip of the hot drink and it was truly restorative. It didn’t matter that he was a grown-ass adult with a career of his own - you sometimes need a quality talk with someone you trust. He adored Alfred for his uncompromising ability to offer advice, even when it was advice you don’t want to hear.

“I saw Tony in DC.”

“Ah, young Mister Paddington. How is he?” Alfred asked in curiosity.

Dick smiled. “He’s good. He’s a Federal Agent in DC. We caught up and I ...”

Alfred sat down, “You thought about what might be?”

“He suggested I should figure out who I am without my masks.”

“Well, he may only be a half-Brit but that is good advice.” Alfred remarked with a smirk. He’d seen the two boys orbit each other in their youth but the timing had never been right.

“I can’t be Robin. The violence that I’m willing to do when I wear that mask scares me.” Dick confessed.

“So why not be someone else? NightWing, Capeman, DarkAngel - Pick a name that fits and roll with it.” Alfred suggested, some of the names more silly than others. “It’s hardly like Master Bruce has any room to make a comment.”

Dick chuckled because it was so true. “I like Nightwing. It’s got a ring to it.”

“Well, there you are then. So if you are keen on Mister Paddington ... then how are you going to pursue him.” Alfred asked, making him think upon the question.

“I want to do it carefully. He can be skittish.”

Alfred chuckled. “The same could be said about you too, Master Grayson.”
Dick wanted to protest but he couldn’t when it was the truth. He figured he had some things to do - the first being calling Tony.

It had been the right advice. Dick started the paperwork to move but he was honest with Tony and they were discussing what they wanted and where they wanted to settle. They were too old to play long distance for too long. Tony had given him the idea for them to settle in a new city, a fresh start for both of them.

~*~

Tony absently reached for his ringing phone. He was hating his day job right now, especially with Gibbs back and seemingly needing to tear down him at any available opportunity.

“Hey, how are you doing?” Dick asked.

Tony sighed. “Wishing to see you in person.”

Wow. That told Dick a lot. Tony was tired and worn down if he was willing to admit to vulnerability. “How about this weekend?”

Tony’s face lit up. “Are we doing this?”

Dick had to smirk. “Well, I like to think I’ve got smarter as I’ve got older. How about you?”

You had to marvel at the way they could have a serious conversation and no one would understand that it was.

Tony answered quickly and without hesitation. “Yeah, I am smarter. You better not drink so much this time. No more wasting a good opportunity.”

“Now why would I do anything to miss out on that sort of invitation?”  

~*~

Tony made good on his promise and they both started a romance that had been years in the making. It was lasting well and they were talking about moving in together. Surprisingly, it wasn’t scary for either of them.

In fact, the timing was perfect as Gibbs had come back so Tony leaving wouldn’t leave the MCRT in trouble. It might also stop Tony from slaughtering his co-workers with all their insolence. He was having to dig deep into his reserves not to lose it. In fact, he might ask to borrow a batarang or two. He was sure that he could convince Dick to give him a few. No, that was a bad idea. Dick was angsting at the moment and deciding if the caped cowl was something he wanted to keep even as Nightwing. It was difficult for Tony, he knew his lover was a good man. It had taken Tony a while to reconcile his feelings with the vigilantism

He’d come to realise that Batman and Robin were in response to the city. He might not agree with the tactic but the crime rates soared whenever they’d gone into hiding.  He’d come to see that sometimes, as much as might disagree that they were necessary evils, he couldn’t judge them on Washington ideals.

“You look like you could do with some good food.”

Tony looked up to see Dick there, his badge visible and a smirk on his face. He might not like his adoptive father too much right now but he did have some of his mannerisms.

Tony wanted to kiss him right there and then. “You know what, you are right.”

“You’ll take lunch when I say, DiNozzo.” Gibbs growled.

Tony looked at Gibbs in disbelief and drew a line in the sand. “You know, I’ll take my lunch now as there are no active cases, or I might convince my lovely lunch date to run away to Detroit with me.”

Dick tilted his head to the side, contemplating the idea. “We could probably buy a hightower there with our funds.”

Tony grinned at the casual mention of money knowing it would shock his colleagues but he was done hiding. They didn’t deserve to know the real him but he was going to find peace with someone who did. “You just want to make your step daddy jealous. Let’s discuss ideas.”

Ziva was prowling around Tony’s new found ‘friend’. “Hello, we haven’t been introduced.”

Dick replied evenly. “Oh, I know all about you, Ms David. Good day, Agent McGee, Agent Gibbs.”

“And just what is Gotham’s Prince doing visiting DC?” Gibbs asked, finally recognising their visitor. He was stalling, trying to figure out the connection between him and Tony.

“Trying to seduce your SFA away from you and you know what? I might just have a chance,” Dick retorted confidently.

Tony adored him, and he looked hotter by the second. “I say we look at apartments we’re going to use to drive our families nuts. And what do you mean seduce? You already did it.”

The pair left the bullpen without any further comments. They were lost in their own private conversation and that was perhaps the most annoying part. You can’t attack or belittle someone at all if they will not listen to you.

Tony’s resignation hit Gibbs’ desk the next day. He left no forwarding address and after he was seen in the society pages - well it was made clear they were no longer running in the same circles.

Chapter Text

Then

Stephen woke up screaming. The nightmare, the sounds, Christ he’d felt himself dissolving into nothing. Strong arms surrounded him, bringing him back into the now. His husband Tony was so crucial to him and kept him in the here and now.

“Stephen, speak to me.”

“The pain, the suffering.” He whispered, not able to shake the vision of the future.

Tony shook him gently. “Stay with me. Whose pain? Who is suffering?” He needed information if he was going to help.

“Everyone, the whole world.”

“Jesus, how?” Tony had never ever seen Stephen this bad. His husband wasn’t even this broken by losing his hands, and the loss of his first career as a top surgeon. That had been a rough few months.

“I can’t put this burden on you, love.” Stephen said, kissing him softly.

For all his arrogance and abrasive nature. Stephen was truly grateful for having Tony in his life. The man had kept him sane after the crash, and focussed on his recovery. Even when Stephen had been at his worst, Tony had weathered it and stayed by his side. He vowed to never put his husband through something like that again.  

Tony though was having none of it. “Fuck that. You never get this shook up by anything. You need to tell me. I can handle it. For better or worse, remember?”

“Thanos is coming.” Stephen whispered. He’d finally given a voice to the name.

“Okay. So - a bad guy? What’s his aim?”

“He wants to unite all the stones.”

Tony’s eyes widened. He was well aware of what his husband was referring too. He couldn’t believe anyone would be able to do it.”

“What’s the aim?” 

“To wipe out half of the galaxy.”

Tony would have fallen off the bed in his shock but Stephen pulled him back down. This was not the pillow talk of ordinary folk. “How?” 

Stephen couldn’t get the words out. “He,” he froze. It was silly but it was as if he could deny it if he didn’t say it aloud. It was childish and he knew that life didn’t work that way but damn, did he want it to.

Tony wasn’t going to let Stephen bear this alone. “What happens?” 

Stephen looked at so many timelines. It was his burden to know all of the futures and all of them end in bloodshed. He’d found one that didn’t but that wasn’t exactly a happy ending timeline. Thanos would succeed in wiping out half of the planet and the rest of the world would be left to carry on alone. 

“The Avengers don’t manage it. He is too powerful. He will unite the stones.”

“In how many of the timelines?” Tony asked, still poised on the outside even if he was freaking out on the inside. Thank god for training but he needed to keep it together.

“All but one.”

“So what’s wrong with it?” 

Stephen blanched. “We have to let him win, he succeeds in wiping out half the universe. If I don’t give him the stone - he wipes out more and it won’t be undone.”

Tony pulls him into a hug. The idea of Stephen giving up the stone that he’d sworn to guard with his life would be killing him. His husband took his duty as seriously as he did in upholding the law. “What’s happens?” 

“If I give him the stone, I along with so many will disappear into the ether. It will take five years before the Avengers figure out how to fix the timeline.”

Tony clutched his husband close and he wanted to say so many things. He’d not known true love until Stephen. They weren’t perfect but they were real. The idea of living five years without him was horrific. He’d have managed it before when he was unhappy at NCIS because he didn’t know any better - now he did. “Five years?” 

Stephen pulled him down for a deep kiss, it was full of desperation and love. “Yes.”

“And we will survive?” 

Stephen had tears in his eyes. “Yes.”

Tony wiped the tears from his own eyes. “What do I need to do?” 

Stephen knew Tony was at Homeland. “Get the Avengers who remain alive working together. Their personalities are too big, and there is too much bad blood at the moment.”

Tony snorted because he had some experience in fixing things like that in the past. He’d never tried the same thing with superheroes but he would do it for his husband and the world. “You survive this right?” 

Stephen nodded. “I will come back when the battle needs me most.”

Tony snorted finding a moment of dark humour. “You’re not King Arthur, you know?”

“I’m not. No, I’d prefer Merlin. He was the more badass one of the pair.”

Tony knew their levity was a bad thing. “When?” 

Stephen kissed him once more, this time with more urgency. Tony knew then what was not said. It would be today. The whole world was going to be reordered and no one knew.

There was just no time.

He couldn’t have done anything even with more warning. “I won’t tell anyone but if you’re lying to me, I will find a way to resurrect your ass and will kill you myself.”

Stephen used his powers to levitate the lube. It was a misuse but he was going to be dusted today so fuck the rules. “Know that all of time and space will not stop my love for you and I will come back for you.”

“Shouldn't that be the World?” 

Stephen shook his hand, even as he prepared his husband. “No, for I have no world if you are not in it. It is going to be bleak but you can do it, and know if there was any other way I’d be by your side.”

Tony just pulled him back into a desperate kiss. He memorised each second of their lovemaking knowing it was going to be a long time before he’d be able to reconnect. He hoped he could do this for Stephen - if he failed, the whole universe was at threat. So that was some pressure.

~*~ 

Now

The Avengers returned from killing Thanos, and even if they couldn’t get Thanos there was at least some comfort. They didn’t expect the suited guy sitting at their briefing table.

Steve frowned, flashing back to the last suit who sat comfortably with their group. “Who are you?” 

“Tony.”

Steve didn’t flinch but it was a near thing. “And why are you here?” 

“I have a job to do, you see. The world might be going to shit but you all still have a job to do and I promised my husband that the one in 14 billion timelines ending chance we have would succeed.”

Romanov tilted her head to the side. “You’re DiNozzo, right? Strange’s husband.” 

Tony nodded. “Yes, and the world is going to go to shit once they realise the ramifications.”

“We have a chance?” Bruce was the one to ask it.

Tony nodded, he was going to carry the burden of both the truth and the inevitable sacrifices alone. His job was to corral and provide hope for a group that was pretty much lost.

“Yes. Just one. It won’t happen today, hell it might be years but Thanos can and will be defeated but none of you can get lazy and not be ready.”

There was a gleam to the group's eyes. It wasn’t a fix, unfortunately, Tony couldn’t just snap his fingers like Thanos and fix everything. He dearly wished he could but that was not real life.

He could do this because failure was not an option. He would do whatever it took to get Stephen back, oh, and save the world.

Chapter Text

Tony had never considered what his type would be. If asked, he would have given a trite response about busty and blue eyes. When he was working at NCIS his teammates would have said the same thing with a roll of their eyes.

Well, it was almost true... sort of.

In fact, his lover did have blue eyes and his pecs were chiselled like a god. He could see why people wondered just what was in the serum when Steve ended up looking like a Greek God. Tony didn’t care because as hot as his partner was, it was his heart and loyalty that made him stunning.

Well ... that and his ass.

Tony though didn’t care about any of this as he grabbed his lover close. Steve was still in his SHIELD strike outfit and it must have been designed by Romanov or Stark. Tony was sure of it because it was sculpted to his body. He couldn’t help but pull Steve into a devastatingly passionate kiss.

Although, he was rudely interrupted with a shout of, “MY EYES!”

Tony and Steve had blocked Stark’s voice out, just focussing on being together once more. Their time apart due to missions sucked. Big time. Tony had been on Asgard for two weeks soothing diplomatic relations after Sitwell screwed up and angered Odin.

Tony was the one to say it. “Screw you, Stark. I’m saying hello to my fiance.”

“You corrupted Captain America.” Stark said accusingly. “Plus, you were not saying hello.”

Tony kept himself inside Steve’s arms as, quite frankly, it was comfortable. He was just sad that he couldn’t manage it and keep his hands on Steve’s ass. Oh yeah, he was no longer a bust man; Steve’s ass deserved a place in a museum. Maybe he was tired? “Corrupted! Bitch, please. Steve grew up in Brooklyn, he taught me a thing or two.” He finished with a wicked grin on his face that was suggesting all kinds of fun and naughty things.

If you wanted to know what you need to say to ever render Tony Stark speechless - that was it. Never let it be said that Tony couldn’t seize opportunities presented to him as he grabbed Steve by the hand and dragged him to their floor. They had a lot of catching up to do.

~*~

Tony and Steve had soon figured out if they wanted a quiet date, they needed to do it away from the tower. They’d figured it out after the third night of being disturbed. So Tony had figured out they should get out and enjoy themselves. Tony had found a perfect place, one of the old cinemas in Brooklyn had been renovated and restored back to its 1920’s glory.

Tony was waiting for Steve, barring any world disaster they were heading to a cinema showing old 1940’s movies for a matinee. Tony had dressed carefully in jeans and a white Armani shirt. He knew how to look good but Steve appeared and he suddenly wasn’t interested in the movie anymore.

“That’s not fair.” Tony said with a pout.

Steve smirked at him. “You said to dress casually. Did I get it wrong?”

Tony snorted as he wasn’t suckered in by Captain America’s innocent face. “Those jeans are painted on and I didn’t say I object.” He didn’t, truly Steve’s ass was perfect and he could just fit his hand inside Steve’s pocket. His fiance returned the favour and they walked to the elevator uncaring of anyone else.

~*~

The night had gone so well and Tony couldn’t help but keep close to Steve. They’d not kept their hands off each other but Tony was mindful of Steve not liking public displays. Well, now they were back in the Avengers tower - Tony didn’t have to be so shy. He reeled Steve in for a dirty kiss just as the doors opened.

Stark had come up from the lab - more like he was dragged up by Lewis. She was cackling at the way Stark was pointing and spluttering at the two agents. She really liked DiNozzo’s style. The man knew what he wanted and had chased Steve Rogers until he gave in.

“Darcy, you need to have words. He is dirtying up Capsicle.” Stark said.

Tony couldn’t stop laughing at Darc’s smirk and comment of, “Hey, he is a red-blooded man doing his patriotic duty and keeping the Capsicle a happy man. You should be proud of DiNozzo, not berating the man.”

Stark pouted because he couldn’t deny the truth of the words. You didn’t have to be a hero or a genius to see that DiNozzo made the Cap happy.

~*~

It turns out it wasn’t just his fiance who was obsessed with his ass. Steve was trying to lead the mission review. One part of it was to review the fighting and strategies employed in the battle. Steve knew how important it was to evaluate and see if they could refine their approaches.

They had great powers but needed to employ their strengths carefully or they could cause untold damage. He’d managed to cause untold damage to a few Hydra bases with just a SHIELD and a fit of righteous anger from his best friend’s capture.

Natasha was a good woman and partner for missions but she knew how to tease him. “It’s America’s ass. Look, you even had Doom staring after it.”

Steve groaned because there was no good way to respond without this escalating into something he wanted to avoid.

“I’m pretty sure it’s my ass.”.

Natasha shook her head. “Nope,  it’s the angle they have of you in the Smithsonian exhibit too.”

Tony had glided into the mission room having finished off his own mission. There were some days he regretted switching agencies but not when he could go home to Steve and keep semi-sensible hours with his lover.

“You’re all wrong, it’s mine.” He said definitively, not looking at the team but rather Steve. He had a wicked smirk on his face knowing just what to say to get Steve to go with his plan. “Now didn’t we have that pudding to try with chocolate and whipped cream?”

You could tell from Tony’s tone that he had no intention of eating dessert but something much more fun.

Darcy looked at Clint and Natasha. “He has sound ideas.”

Natasha smirked. “The two of you may be able to handle me.”

“I doubt it,” Darcy said, showing she was the one with sense and reason. Yet she still happily followed the two super spies out of the room. So a mission debrief that had started with most of the Avengers, was now left with just Stark.

This wasn’t right! He was the fun one who did the corrupting. He was being outclassed by a Centenarian. He was so going to find Pepper and reclaim his honour.

Chapter Text

Charles Xavier was being asked to come to a hospital to see a young federal agent by a Dr Pitt. He wasn’t quite sure how he, as a geneticist, could help him. “Dr Pitt, you specialise in tropical infections. I fail to see how I could be of any use.”

There was a pause. 

The Doctor explained why he was requesting the consult. “Well, I have no idea how to explain the results I have so I would welcome any consults I can get.”

Xavier didn’t need to read his mind to know that something was wrong. “We will take the jet and be there ASAP. It just so happens Hank is here and likes a good mystery.”

“Well, this one is a doozy.” Dr Pitt finished dryly.

~*~

Hank had put the ship on autopilot so he could address the file. He was looking at it on the conference table that was built into the Blackbird. It was designed so that they could work on last-minute briefings and use up to the minute accurate satellite data. 

“So he had Y-Pestis? And he’s still alive?”

Charles was reading the same thing. “Yes, only yesterday during a coughing fit he clutched his chest and apparently managed to heal his own lungs. They’re sure it is his own doing because the nurse reported a blue light emanating from his hands just before.”

“So he’s a healer? What’s the mystery?” Hank asked. He didn’t mean to be dismissive, it was just that didn’t seem like such a big deal. 

Charles looked through the rest of the notes. “A colleague tried to visit and he also disintegrated the chair they were supposed to sit on.”

Hank snickered. “So what? Yin-Yang powers?”

“I suppose he could call himself a variant of Kali.” Although Charles doubted the agent was thinking of much right now apart from surviving the day.

Hank was fascinated. “You don’t usually see twin powers of such opposites.”

Charles shook his head. “No you don’t, and hence why we’ve been called.”

~*~

Tony was still in the blue room because they were monitoring his miraculous recovery. It was unexpected and, for scientific types, it had clearly freaked them out. He was no longer hooked up to every monitor known to man, a fact he was truly thankful for. 

He didn’t expect his visitors. He recognised the infamous Dr Xavier, but he wasn’t expecting him or Dr McCoy.

“Howdy.” Tony said a little flippantly but hey, up until yesterday he’d been dying of the plague. 

Xavier smirked back at him. “Not who you were expecting?”

Tony shrugged. “I want the blue lights gone and I want to get out of here.”

“You are recovering from an incredibly serious complaint.” Dr McCoy reminded him. He was unsure how the man could be so casual about the plague. He was blue but he wouldn’t make light of the plague.

Tony rolled his eyes. “You can say it. I had the plague but now I don’t. I got over it.”

“Just like that?” Charles challenged him. “You don’t think that should be investigated?”

Tony shrugged because in truth, yes he did. However, he’d seen what he’d done. “I heal or destroy. So in truth, no, I don’t want to be in a hospital.”

“Would you be willing to come back to Westchester?” Xavier asked him.

Tony wasn’t naive and he was well aware of who Charles Xavier was - you would have had to live an igloo in the Arctic to miss him. “How would a Fed fit into a school?”

“I don’t know. You could teach quite a bit, Dr DiNozzo.” Charles said lightly. 

“I’ve not told anyone about that.” Tony confessed, biting his lip.

Charles smirked, knowing where his agitation came from. “Yes, but I am a geneticist by stock and trade and your paper was fascinating. No mind reading needed.”

Tony blushed but could admit it was nice to be recognised professionally. Christ, had it been that long? 

Charles couldn’t help but add. “You will find teaching children does wonders for your ego. You will have the highest highs and the lowest lows and it can happen all in one day.”

“And yet you wouldn’t change a thing, would you?” Tony remarked astutely. 

~*~

Hank was confused by everything. The man in front of him was impressive for a newly online mutant with his control. He was calm and aware of his actions. He was debating with the Professor and it seemed the professor was aware of DiNozzo professionally. 

What was most interesting were the hormones coming from both of them. He couldn’t wait to explain this to Mystique. He was sure she would have a lot to say.

“So what would a Fed do at the school?” 

Hank challenged him. “The youngsters would welcome the protection of you.”

“Anyone tries harms a child and I won’t be healing them.” Tony remarked with fierce determination written all over his face. “That’s a promise.”

Hank’s grin showed his more mercurial side, that he tried to keep hidden. “That’s the spirit. Shall we go and get your paperwork sorted?”

“What about my day job?”

Charles asked him gently. “Do you want to stay?” 

Tony thought about it. His thoughts were racing so fast and he couldn’t help it. He weighed all those moments that led up to the white powder fiasco. He realised that no, he didn’t. It was time to move on and this could just be the fresh start he was looking for. “No, but I probably shouldn’t make life-changing decisions whilst having just suffered from a near-death experience.”

Charles chuckled. “Come for a visit, take a tour of the school, offer some PE classes if you’re willing and once your powers are settled and you feel more like yourself then you should make the decision.”

Tony liked the idea of making an informed choice and didn’t realise just how grateful he was just to have the offer made. “Okay. You win, Professor.”

“Call me Charles. When I am called that I expect to see students.”

Tony blinked as an image of him in role play with the professor flashed through his mind. “I can work with that.”

Charles exhaled slowly as he shook off the image of Tony teasing him with his mouth in his study. “Yes, you can. You’re going to be so much trouble.”

“The worst - but I am memorable,” Tony assured him with a grin.

~*~

It was a month since Tony’s arrival and Hank had finally read the former federal agent’s thesis and it was incredibly intricate. It was impressive in that it balanced the use of chemical analysis with psychiatric elements whilst still maintaining quantitative research analysis. 

He couldn’t help but be curious but right now he was pouting. “You want me to run?”

Tony nodded. “Yeah, Doc. I do. You see your brain is beyond compare but your fitness needs to keep up.”

“You did remember the bit where I turn blue and beast-like at will?” Hank asked sarcastically. He hated running and tried to shake it off whenever possible. 

“No. I’m aware and if it is so easy, come and catch me.”

Tony raced out of his reach and Hank chased after him with a growl. 

~*~

Charles was sitting on the balcony area of the mansion watching Hank get increasingly frustrated. Raven walked along to greet him, he was so glad that she was willing to talk to him once more. They’d managed to do a frightfully adult thing and talk through their problems. They’d realised that ideologically they might not ever agree but they were family and that mattered more. 

Charles was personally of the opinion that Hank being around was influencing Raven’s decision to come home. “You haven’t looked at anyone like that since Eric.”

Charles sighed. “He was too full of rage to pursue anything. Plus, you know, the whole bullet thing.”

He had some personal growth regarding the incident that had seen him paralyzed. He’d worked hard to keep his legs but that was more because it dampened his powers and he’d slowly come to accept that his powers were his joy and burden to maintain for all of them. They held great benefits to balance the burden - he could see that now he’d worked through his anger. 

Raven hummed watching Tony stretch and jump out of Hank’s way. “He is nimble and quick. Plus, there is the whole can handle Magneto in his worst mood. ”

Charles couldn’t help but sigh. “There is no me and Eric, Raven. You know this.”

Raven snorted. “You know when I was in the brotherhood your name came up a lot. It was not said in a he’s my enemy way. It was more I wish I’d fucked him when I had the chance. ”

“RAVEN!” 

She snickered as she sat down next to him. “You know you should go for it - if you want it.”

Charles looked at Tony. “He is young and his whole world is a mess.”

She rolled her eyes. “He can destroy or heal anything in a blink of an eye. He doesn’t need a protector but he is keen on you as a partner. He’s smart and under all those looks he is hiding a doctorate. Not unlike yourself, brother.”

“I never hid my doctorate.” Charles protested.

“No, you didn’t. You are curious about him though and you have tracked him with your eyes the entire run.” Raven observed.

Charles sighed but was honest. “He is very pleasing when he runs.”

“You think he’s wearing those clothes for just a run.” She giggled in disbelief. Her brother was one of the cleverest people around until it came to romantic relations. “He has loose joggers you know.”

Charles smirked and figured he could return Tony’s earlier teasing image. The benefit of being a telepath, he could send them to others. Tony stumbled and landed ungracefully, delighting Hank and making some of the young X-Men startle in surprise when he yelled.

“That’s cheating, Charles!” 

Only Tony took it a step further than Charles had projecting his own image. The heated making out session over Chess that Charles imagined went one step further. Tony showed himself slithering onto Charles lap and taking the makeout session to something decidedly hotter.  

Charles flushed and Raven clapped her hands with glee. “Oh, he can beat you at your game. I really like him. You better not let Eric scare him off.”

“Eric is happy on Genosha and I am con...happy here.”

Raven squealed in glee. He didn’t say content like he’d originally thought - he’d gone with happy. Oh, she would kiss Tony if it wouldn’t make both Hank and Charles jealous. 

On second thoughts, she would save that for the right moment. 

~*~

Tony had gotten changed into a suit after his run before he went to find Charles. “You know I swore to myself I wouldn’t chase you as you have enough on your plate what with trying to get mutants accepted.”

Charles snorted because it was no small task but thankfully being rich meant he had political capital and money reserves to burn in that respect. “And I swore that no matter what tempting thoughts you had I would leave you alone as you are too young and gorgeous for someone like me.”

Tony frowned. “Shouldn’t I get to make that choice?”

Charles knew what surrender felt like but this time he was more than okay with it. “Yes, you do. So what’s next?”

“Let Raven and Hank take the kids on a training exercise and we go on a date.” Tony said as if it could be that simple. 

Charles found himself excited for the evening. “Where would we go?”

“Out, or we can stay here. Wherever you feel comfortable.”

Charles knew he wanted to stay here for their first formal date. “Picnic on the grounds?” 

Tony grinned because he could definitely work with that. “Absolutely, just not under your favourite tree.” He was thinking of the greenhouse he’d disintegrated in his first week.

Charles chuckled. “You’re lucky you’re cute and I can replace things.”

Tony smirked. “I’m a Paddington, darling. I can pay my own way.”

Charles said nothing to that revelation, knowing from previous conversations how much Tony still grieved for his mother who passed away when he was so young. “How about we take care of each other?”

“Sounds like a plan.”

Of course, they didn’t count on it being tested so soon - Eric had kidnapped Charles again. Only this time, Eric hadn’t planned for Charles’ boyfriend. 

Now with a sequel Don't Take My Man 

Chapter Text

“Is there anyone who has resisted that face?” Murdock asked, listening to the story. 

The four of them were huddled in a motel in the middle of the desert hoping they could avoid detection. It was a miracle that they’d made it back into the US without being detected but they still needed to clear their names. Hannibal doubted that they could blame Lynch for their escape, as the shadowy agent always seemed to walk away from any situation smelling of roses. 

The question was how would they get a distraction to work. Hannibal had encouraged the brainstorming session as it would need to be a spectacular idea if it was going to get them out of their current jam.

The question from Murdock had BA snickering and Face pouting. Of course, Hannibal couldn’t resist teasing his second. You see, unlike the others Hannibal knew there was one person who could resist Face's charms. “There is one, isn’t there?” 

Face sighed, adding sullenly. “Let’s not talk about Tony.”

“Why not?” Bosco now got in on the conversation, suddenly keen on the gossip. This sounded like a story he couldn’t wait to hear. He’d seen Face’s seduction routine on both genders and it seemed like the man had a foolproof game.

“He tricked me!” Face exclaimed. It was five years later and he was still sore about the day. It was the one time in his career he’d been conned instead of the other way around. It was a humbling experience and ultimately a lesson he’d thought he’d learned until Baghdad.  

Hannibal patted Face on the shoulder in a weak attempt at showing camaraderie. “It was a good life lesson for you to learn.”

Face just gave him a look, knowing the real truth. If he’d truly learnt it - he’d have shot Lynch before he even spoke to them. As far as Face could see - there was only one silver lining in the clusterfuck. “It’s a good job we’re Army.”

“Why?” B. A didn’t like being behind the rest of the class. 

Face chuckled. “Oh, Tony works for NCIS now. If we were marines they would’ve likely sent his team to try and capture us.”

Murdock had a suspicious look. “Are you still buddies with the guy who conned you?”

Face shrugged. “Tony is awfully pretty and a fantastic agent.”
He had other attributes but he wasn’t willing to share them in present company. He did believe that some things should remain private. 

Hannibal though was thinking through a scenario. You needed the right weapon for the job and you didn’t need to be a Colonel to know that it was just common sense. “Was it a bad break up?”

Face shook his head. “No. In fact, when I was in his neighbourhood I would crash with him.”

“By crash, you mean...” Murdock asked with a grin.

“Do beautifully debauched things to each other much to our mutual satisfaction.” Face explained with a salacious grin. He did adore Tony as he was as uninhibited as himself. 

A blushed and held his hands up. “I don’t think I’m adult enough for that conversation.”

Face’s smirk spoke volumes. In reality, no one was adult enough for that conversation. 

~*~

“Hey, Baby.” Face offered as a greeting. He was thanking Christ that Tony actually picked up a blocked number. 

It was only years of experience that meant Tony didn’t react the way he wanted to in mixed company. 

“Hey, Doll. I just need to get somewhere with a clear signal.”

Face waited as he heard Tony was on the move. He could take all the time he liked if it would give him a shot at protecting and defending his name. He could hear Tony muttering a few things but it wasn’t quite distinguishable. It was probably for the best. 

“You got a lotta nerve phoning me.” Tony hissed into the phone.

Face winced, hoping that Tony would be still in the whole we’re cool friends with benefits rather than you were court-martialed . “I thought we were friends.”

Tony didn’t raise his voice but he didn’t bother to hide how pissed he felt. “Friends? You broke out of jail!”

Face knew he was splitting hairs but he wanted to at least say it to someone. “Technically I was kidnapped by Hannibal and had no foreknowledge of the escape.”

Tony snorted in derision. Face had never done anything in his life if he didn’t want to. “How exactly did you get the sunbed in your prison cell?”

“I’ve always had the gift of the gab.” Face replied with a wicked grin. 

Tony couldn’t see him but there was definitely a smug smirk on his beautiful face. There was a small pause as Face assimilated what the question actually meant.

“Wait? How did you know?” 

Now it was Tony’s turn to pause awkwardly. “I kept track of your movements so I could punch you in the face when you got free.”

“How about a kiss instead? We always worked better with pleasure.” Face asked, knowing he was tempting fate but that was just who he was - he couldn’t help it. 

Tony was a sly one, quickly asking, “Why are you in the US?”

“Now you know I can’t reveal the location and it is a burner phone, and I will be long gone.” Face warned him. He was desperate but he wasn’t stupid. 

“What do you want, Face?" There was a weariness there that surprised Face."I’m assuming you’re not looking for a good time?”

Face snorted at the cheeky question. In truth, he'd love a weekend between the sheets but there was still the awkward federal fugitive thing. Still he couldn't resist flirting with Tony as it was a pattern they usually fell into. “Baby, I am always looking for a good time. I need your help. We were set up and we need your help to prove it.”

Tony paced around the floor of the stairwell. He could go claiming a family emergency and it wasn't like he didn't have stored up vacation days. It was just this thing with Face had always been casual due to their careers. “This is dumb and if you’re lying to me I will shoot you in your pretty face.” Tony had to promise him. 

Face went serious for a moment letting Tony understand that he knew the stakes. “We will gratefully take any help we can get.”

“I’m on my way.”

Face groaned when he realised he hadn’t given Tony his location and yet he still knew. 

~*~

It was now Face's turn to be pacing the floor much to the bemusement of the other A-team members. “How did he know?”

Hannibal shrugged because he couldn't answer his protege. “DiNozzo is an operator at the highest level, kid. You sure do know how to pick them.”

A knock interrupted the pacing and Murdock looked through the door. “Cute guy, rocking a thousand dollar suit.”

Face snorted. “That’ll be Tony.”

The door opened and Face got sucker-punched. He just recovered his footing from the punch to be pulled into a biting kiss. His bruised lip stung but he didn't stop kissing Tony. He broke the kiss only when oxygen became an issue for Tony. He could tell the team were bemused and alarmed. He felt his split lip and grinned, feeling they might have a chance. “Good to see you, babe.”

“Don’t babe me. You let yourself get fucking arrested, you moron.” Tony hissed, letting his annoyance show about the whole situation.

Murdock looked spooked and scared, and hid behind Hannibal. "Is he actually a friend?" 

Tony snorted, "Biblically, one might say. Now tell me just how you managed to fucking get framed." 

Tony listened to it all. He heard it all about the General and the mysterious agent Lynch. He heard about them naively trusting the system and ending up incarcerated. Tony did have to smile at the way Murdock ended up in the psychiatric hospital - there was a man who was rationally insane. 

"He is a spook, right? I mean, Lynch is." Tony could guess. 

Hannibal nodded before lighting a cigar. "Oh yeah, walks around with a bunch of Blackwater cowboys." He added with a sneer. *Frat boys with guns." 

Tony had a plan forming in his mind. "So you need a distraction." 

Face grinned, knowing that look all too well. Unlike the others, he knew about Tony's past being raised by a businessman who was more con-man than legitimate "You thinking 3 D's?" 

"Oh yeah." Tony grinned as a plan was needed. This might even be fun. Still when it ended he wanted to make sure they ended up freed. He was not going to let them do all the hard work and see them thrown back in the clink because they’d embarrassed too many people.

Bosco was confused. "What are the 3 Ds?" 

Face's grin was angelic. "Why - distraction, diversion and finally division, of course." 

Hannibal could see the plan forming and helped nudge his protege. "Lynch is a man who operates in the shadows." 

Tony looked contemplative but knew what he would do. "You know they say the whole world is a stage." 

Hannibal smirked. "So?" 

And the plan formalised into his mind's eye, Face could see it perfectly and with a shit-eating grin explained. "So let's get him in a place where the whole world sees him." 

The team listened as Face explained his plan in the entirety. Tony didn’t blink an eye at the mention of an ex because he was secure enough to know Face had asked for him over a pretty woman. 

~*~

Plans are good, they mean you should survive but in the end - sometimes you just need to wing it.  Like right now, the docks had gone to plan until they didn’t.

So now they were working on the fly. 

Lynch had fallen for the trap and Hannibal could say he enjoyed beating the shit out of the smug bastard. Bosco had taken out the bastard who'd almost killed Face. Sousa, Face's ex-girlfriend, had arrested Lynch with relish as she'd been demoted in the same fiasco. 

As soon as the crate had been lifted up, having given the authorities the evidence they needed, Tony had scrambled from his sniper perch. 

It was obvious that she hadn't accounted for the A-team being rearrested. Tony had. He'd guessed certain agencies would see them back in jail. It had only taken a few words in the right ears to see the justice issue overturned. It had also seen a few other things change - but hey, maybe it was time. 

He’d been uncertain but said yes, not liking the idea of an injustice continuing. However one look at the dejected look on the A-Team’s face he knew he’d take whatever promotion was necessary. 

Tony stepped forward amongst all the chaos, blocking the access the van meant to send the A-Team back to prison. He had his arms crossed against his chest. "Go slither back under your rock, Agent Jenkins. These men have been pardoned for any crimes undertaken in order to retrieve the plates that Lynch and General Morris stole in the first place." 

He showed the piece of paper to him. Jenkins looked up in shock and it was obvious that his face had fallen. There was no air of superiority any longer. "The Secretary of Defense and the Attorney General have signed it." 

Tony shrugged. "I like to be thorough." 

Face was staring at him like he hung the moon. "We're free?" 

Tony smirked at his shock but could guess why. "I struck a deal. You'll run missions for NCIS but your records are clean and you know I will never screw you over." 

Hannibal couldn't resist the opening. "Oh, I suspect Face enjoys it. You didn't expect to end up in charge, did you?."

Tony chuckled because that was an understatement. "No. I had no idea that SecNav wanted a covert secret ops team for delicate operations."

Hannibal looked at the other members of his team. He knew Face would follow his lover regardless of the rest of the team. "Okay, kid. Let's see what trouble we can get in together." 

Chapter Text

The sequel for the Short: What will I be? 

Tony had adjusted to a lot in his life - some good and some bad. He’d even managed to come into mutant powers late in life. 

It had seen a career change as in the end, he’d never left the Westchester mansion. His official title was Security Chief but in reality, he ran point for the X-Men missions.

Charles was smirking at him from their bed. “You know that suit makes you look particularly delectable.”

Tony played it coy. “Well, I am going influencing in Washington so have to look my best.”

“I shall miss you.”

Tony leaned over to kiss him. “And I shall miss you but feel free to talk to me mentally. I have no doubt that I will be bored out of my mind.” He added with a wicked grin. “It’s for the best - who knows what I might destroy if I am bored.”

Charles chuckled because he was in awe of Tony’s power and his acceptance of all of Charles’. His lover had allowed Charles free access to his mind and complete trust. It was humbling and something he swore to himself to never abuse. There was also the part where his lover could excite all molecules to create new things, or destroy them by breaking the bonds between the atoms so it would be extremely unwise to upset him. 

~*~

Tony was in DC once more. It was odd how this no longer felt like home. After his run-in with the plague, he’d found out who his friends were pretty quickly. Abby, for one, felt mutants were unnatural and no longer talked to him. 

NCIS didn’t have an exclusion policy against mutants per se, but he’d found himself retired on ill-health grounds before he could make a decision. It was probably a good thing as it made his decisions a lot easier. He was now a mutant and had the skillset to support their rights in more than one way. 

He was working his contact book for a few lobbyists that could be useful in stopping a bill that would enforce mutant registration. Tony didn’t mind there being a force to police them in the same way as every other American But what he didn’t like was the idea of there being a deliberate database of skills - as there was nothing to stop them then forcing other laws in place if they got too scared. As far as he could see it was a slippery slope. He might have been more optimistic if he didn’t know about the weapon X programme involving mutant experiments by the US army. 

Try to be positive dearest - Charles chided him. 

Tony smiled as he would leave that to Charles. That’s your job but I will do what I can to support your goals. 

He would too because Charles had lofty goals even if he didn’t agree with all of them. They needed equal rights with no conditions placed on them that no other American citizen had. If they were worried about Mutants going off the reservation misusing their powers then it would be prudent to set up a Federal agency to police them. 

Make your case for it whilst you are there.

Tony snorted, I just might. How are the kids?

Tony paused in his conversation with the senator as something was wrong. Charles had flooded his mind with worry and then the connection between them was cut completely. Tony tested their link from his side but it was cold. There was only one way for that to happen and that was for Charles to be truly unconscious. He had to leave this lunch quickly without offending or risking a new leak. 

He got his phone out and fake checked his messages. “You will have to excuse me. It seems we have a new charge who needs help.”

The senator had a smile on her face. “Go. Children are precious and you do magnificent work helping those who are abandoned when they need adults the most.”

Tony managed a magnanimous smile. “Thank you, Senator.”

Tony managed to stay calm until he left the club and got on the phone. “Talk to me, Hank!”

“It was Magneto and three other horsemen . He snatched Charles.”

Tony growled because there was no way that little psycho was going to steal his Charles. The stupid bastard had been dumb enough to throw Charles away - Tony wasn’t going to let him sink his claws back in.  

“I’m heading straight back now. I knew I shouldn’t have left.”

Tony slipped out of the club and heard. “Tony.”

Tony sighed because this was sucky timing. He kept a tight rein on his temper because as gratifying as it would be to disintegrate McGee’s ego he didn’t have time to listen to the lecture he would get. 

“Agent McObtuse. Lovely to see you ... not. Now, thanks to being forced to retire on medical grounds I’m not obliged to listen to what you have to say AND I’m in a hurry.”

Kate scowled having just caught up. “There’s no need to be rude, Tony.”

Tony snorted in derision. “So what I said was rude but being told I was unnatural and having no one visit me in the hospital was polite? Pardon me, I just never quite grasped social norms. Oh, wait, no, I do. I confused myself with McGee. Bye for now.”

Tony took a deep breath and centred himself. He needed to be on top form if he was going to get Charles back from Magneto. Thanks to Hank’s cutting edge auto-pilot he spent the trip back to the mansion centring his mind making his sure his powers were ready to react to the barest instinct.

~*~

Raven and Hank were waiting for him with a brunette he was unfamiliar with. “Who are you?”

“Agent Moira McTaggert.”

Tony was immediately suspicious. “And what brings the goddamn CIA to the mansion? “

She quirked an eyebrow but didn’t remember him from the mansion during the time before Cuba. “Do I know you?”

Tony shrugged. “Tony DiNozzo. Now, will someone please explain why Magneto stole my lover exactly?”

Raven snorted. “It wasn’t jealousy. There were four of them and there is... get this... A legitimate prophecy with a power-crazy Egyptian mutant who has awakened and needs a powerful mutant to house his body and powers.”

Tony counted backwards from twenty in Italian just to breathe. He’d like to think his life was normal before he’d come into his powers but that would be a big fat lie. 

The powerful mutant would be Charles because, despite his physical limitations due to the paralysis, his mind would be a conduit to every living being on the planet should he ever put his mind to it.  

“Perfect.”

~*~

Tony was in the Blackbird giving a playbook to the X-Men he’d brought along while Hank and Raven focussed on getting them as close as possible to where the horsemen had kidnapped Charles. 

He’d been explaining the rules of combat. “What are you going to do if this En Sabah-Nur has taken over the Professor?”

Tony could see the worry of the senior class and managed a winning smile. “Get him back. The Professor is mine and remember, kiddies, I can destroy just as easy as I heal.”

They seemed to settle. Raven shared a look with him and Tony just gave her a reassuring nod. There wasn’t much more they could - it was clear that the bad guy was making his stand in Cairo so that was where they were heading. 

“What are the powers of the other mutants he surrounded himself with?”

“Psylocke, Storm, and Angel.”

Tony read through the brief and the fact that once this Apocalypse as his modern-day equivalent would be called - usually embued his closest followers with extra gifts. “So how has he tricked up their powers?”

Hank turned around having been the one to review the mansion feed. “Storm now has vast control over the weather. Magneto can now tap into the magnetic field that surrounds the Earth’s core. Psylocke is a fighter and, from what I could dig up from government sources, she was an enforcer.”

Tony remembered seeing her face. “She was one of Kaplan’s enforcers. He was a mutant slave trafficker. Bastard.”

The rest of the team shared his sentiments. Tony though was separating his focus trying to see if he could get Charles’ attention.

Tony 

Tony didn’t react in the Blackbird but mentally he was joyful. Where are you? 

He is too strong. 

Tony hissed because the last thing he could afford was Charles giving up before they could get there. You’re the strongest person I know. 

No, he is overwhelming 

Tony snorted and added with a mental sneer. So you - the world’s strongest telepath is going to lose a fight? That does not sound like the man I love, the one who protects his students with every ounce of his fibre.

A new voice interrupted. I will let him live if that will secure your submission.

Tony doubted that very much. Especially as Tony loved Charles, not the jumped up megalomaniac. Stay strong - we’re coming. 

And if I take your lover’s mind? You left a link for me to exploit. 

Tony saw it and felt it. It was glorious. Charles was done wallowing and he was taking control of the mental space. In fact, he stood up out of the chair, which was odd for Tony as he’d never seen Charles walk. 

You’re in my mind and you threaten my love. You must be very stupid to come into my mind. 

Tony cheered even as Charles forced the link to be closed for the moment. He got a few odd looks from the others but he couldn’t find it in himself to care. He had a crooked grin as he said. “Charles is fighting back.”

The others still found it odd when they heard the professor called by his actual name but Tony replied it was different for him. They all cheered though and it did the best thing possible - it gave them hope. 

~*~

The scene they came upon was like something out of a disaster movie. Tony could see the megalomaniac carrying Charles up the steps of the pyramid. So he going through with operation body snatch. Bastard. 

Raven sighed. “We can’t get through that metal field any time soon. It’s interfering with the Blackbird.”

Tony didn’t blink. “His metal game is strong.” He put all his thoughts of worry and fear into his emotions and felt along the air. “Mine is stronger.”

The metal field that had been spinning and blocking entrants from getting inside the area was disintegrated into dust and Tony, knowing that even as metallic dust it could be used, turned it into sand. 

Raven smirked. “I think you have their attention. Cyclops - you’re up and make sure we don’t get invited back.”

He took his glasses off and went after the weather-wielder. She was too dangerous to leave in play. He managed to watch her throw into the side of the wall but took a magnetic lash to the back. 

He smiled, though, hearing the growl at his back. He was more than happy to go toe to toe with anyone if he had the beast at his back. 

Across the street, Psylocke was locked in battle with Raven and Jean Grey. She was quick but they were working as a team. She understood her role - it was to keep Apocalypse free to complete his ritual - as once he had his true body, he could set in it completely. 

Tony had his progress toward the steps checked by Magneto hurling things at him. Charles should be glad he was being considerate enough to only disintegrate the weapons and not him directly. Although he was reaching his patience level. “If Charles is your old friend ... why are you letting that bastard take his body.”

“He offers freedom.”

Tony snorted. “Purlease, nuclear weapons kill indiscriminately and I refuse to see Charles disappear for your mad agenda. He still believes in you.”

Magneto tilted his head. “But not you.”

Tony shrugged. “I was a Cop and a Fed before I was a mutant and you are one angry ball of issues. You will only change if you seek help that you’re too stoic to get. I had a boss who you sort of remind me of, in fact.”

Magneto sneered. “You want me to believe this is love.”

Tony smiled serenely. “I say this with absolute truth in my heart. I love that man in there with every fibre in my body and I do it better than you ever did as it is without conditions.”

Magneto had pain in his eyes for just one second. “We’re at an impasse.”

Tony shook his head. “Look around, the kids are winning and I am about to go up those steps. If you’re here when the authorities get here you’re back in a plastic cell.”

“You’re letting me go?”

Tony rolled his eyes. “You still don’t get it. My focus is on one thing - Charles.” He said nothing else and instead rolled up the steps to the inside of the pyramid - what Magneto did next was up to him. 

~*~

Charles was lying on the plinth and whatever he was doing to keep Apocalypse at bay had cost him all his hair. 

Tony was vindictive, the bastard was lying on another plinth seemingly trusting his four horseman to keep them undisturbed. Well, Tony always did adore bing the wildcard in a plan. 

So he disintegrated the plinth knocking the bastard back into reality. 

“You dare disturb me!”

Tony was unruffled by the bluster. “I do. You have my lover.”

Whatever reply he was about to utter got cut off when he froze. Tony looked behind Apocalypse to the plinth which Charles was resting on. 

Charles had his eyes open and was staring straight at Tony, and the strain was so visible in the blood vessels around his eyes. I can hold him for only a second. 

Tony took the distraction and focussed on taking him out from the feet up. Let go now. He isn’t going anywhere.

He is powerful. Charles argued with him even fighting exhaustion and a power drain. 

Tony sneered at the rapidly disappearing villain. And I’m pissed. You don’t need to feel his end. 

And so despite all the fear and prophecy - it came to ashes and dust. Tony refused to let fate or anyone else take the family and lover that made him feel like himself. He would fight and battle anyone who wanted to challenge that assumption. 

~*~

He waited until the last atom was dust before he sprinted to the table where Charles lay and broke the cuffs that were keeping him fully immobile against the table. 

Tony leaned down and rested their heads together. “You scared the shit out of me.”

Charles licked his lips feeling parched as anything. “You came for me.”

“Always.” Tony promised, and it was an absolute truth. 

He didn’t care what life threw at them. Charles had helped him get back his sense of self and Tony in turn loved the man who knew everyone but never let anyone close. 

Chapter Text

Find anything?

Logan had a hell of a headache. He literally was the only person to remember an entire timeline. What a shit one it was too!

The public freaking out about dangerous mutants had created sentinel robots that had gone all Skynet on them and killed them just as easily as humans. It was ironic even if it was tragic. Still, he’d fought the good fight and done what Chuck had asked him. 

What had it got him? 

A monumental headache and still no idea about what happened for 10 years. 

~*~

“ Are you okay, Logan? Shouldn’t you be teaching History?”

Charles could see that Logan was disorientated and a quick scan of his mind would have had him believe it was a different man. “

“Yeah, about that. I may need some help with the facts.”

Charles tilted his head to the side. He pulled his chair around so that he could look at Logan truly as his mind was whirling of emotions and confusing thoughts. “Whatever is the matter?”

“I may need help with everything after 1973. It’s a bit of a mess after that.”

There was a dawning light in his eyes as he understood what had happened. It seemed the time continuum had finally caught up. “Welcome back, old friend.”

“You and I have a lot of catching up to do.” Logan said with no small amount of bemusement. He remembered going back to the past but not what happened at Salt Lake. “You know I still don’t know what happened at Salt Lake.”

Charles could honestly say he deeply regretted not being able to get the memories of that time for Logan. There was only one other thing he could think to do. “I believe I know someone who might be able to help that because he is one of us and an exquisite investigator. He can find anything.”

“What, even my memories?” Logan had to ask.

All he got was an inelegant shrug. “It will be a first, so a new challenge, but I have no doubt he will rise to it.”

“Who is this wonder guy? He sounds too good to be true.”

Charles smiled and it was clear to Logan that he was fond of whoever this acquaintance might be. He just hoped this old friend was a little more stable than Magneto. Logan was not so fond of the psychopath as he liked to play with the metal on his skeleton.

Charles, though, knew Logan too well and knew that his old friend would need more information before he would willingly take the risk. “Anthony DiNozzo. He is an old family friend from my childhood . He works for NCIS but he isn’t out at work.”

That statement these days could be interpreted in different ways. “As a mutant, or gay?” Logan asked boldly, not seeing the point in being coy.

“Both.” Charles replied. Tony didn’t care for labels but it was best to be aware rather than speak out of turn.  Logan for all his gruff nature wasn’t going to be a dick about something affected his day job.

“Good to know.”

~*~

It had taken four days for them to set up a suitable meeting time as Tony had a case that ran long. Logan had dressed casually in jeans and his leather jacket. It was what he wore when using his motorcycle, which he had taken from the mansion . The bar was full of suits and he stuck out like a sore thumb - too bad he didn’t give a shit about their opinions. 

He saw one guy sitting in a booth reading Catch 22. It was the way Logan was supposed to identify his contact. It was a little cloak and dagger but if it got him some answers then he was willing to play along. 

“You DiNozzo?”

The man looked up from his book. Logan’s first thought was that if investigating didn't work out then GQ would take him. The guy’s response distracted him from the man’s looks. 

“Yeah, I am. Charles said you’d lost something pretty intrinsic.” Tony responded, in order to let Logan explain things at his own pace. After all, Logan wasn’t a hostile witness or someone he suspected of a crime so it would require a softer tack.

Logan sat down opposite the guy and explained as best as he could. “Thirty years to a timeline realignment and memories of how I ended up like this?” Logan let just the tips of his adamantium claws show, not wanting to cause a ruckus in the bar. 

Tony mentally winced but showed no outward expression. He was guessing that pity would not go down well. “I can see why that might bug you. However I would be remiss in pointing out that the brain tends to shut out severe trauma for a reason.”

Logan snorted because if that was his case he shouldn’t remember anything from the time he manifested the bone claws . “My entire life is littered with sad events. I can’t explain it but I feel it’s important to get the answers.”

Tony nodded in understanding. It was a man’s right to his memories but he would be a bastard not to at least point out the facts, such as they are. “Then we’ll get them back. I’ll be in touch.”

Logan wasn’t convinced that it could be that simple. Still, if he was as skillful as he was charming then Logan wouldn’t be disappointed. 

~*~

Simple it wasn’t, tracking down the information, but after 48 hours there was some success. Tony had asked him if he was willing to take a trip to a location that may have the answers Logan was seeking. 

Logan wasn’t left in the dark for long. He’d say one thing for the professor’s friends - they travelled in style. He had the joy of being second off the plane so got to watch Tony and - oh boy - the man looked good in jeans.  “I didn’t think you owned any clothes that weren’t suits.”

Tony smirked, letting his sunglasses fall on his face. “I’m not just a city slicker, Logan, and don’t let the mask fool ya. Now let’s go and find the creepy laboratory.”

Sadly, that wasn’t Tony trying to be funny. He’d done a lot of quiet off the books digging into the Weapons X programme. He’d found something that concerned him greatly. He said nothing because he had no idea if they’d kept their experiments alive. 

Logan was watching the easy hike of the agent. It was obvious that he was more than just a suit. “What’s your gift?” He finally asked, having not figured it out from simple observation as yet.

Tony looked back with a grin. “Pattern recognition.”

Logan just gave him a glare. “That is not a mutant power.”

Tony chuckled and looked back at Logan with his glasses slipping onto his head. “It is at the speed I can do it, and just what my brain pulls together. I’m less Detective and more inbuilt Matrix in my head.”

Logan shrugged as he could imagine the man was a good detective but he was also distracting as hell in those jeans. Logan lit a cigar, he really needed to get laid. The smirk he got suggested that DiNozzo knew exactly what he was thinking. What he didn’t get a clue was whether or not Tony was receptive to his flirting.

~*~

The pair had to stop for the night as they’d walked until daylight had run out . If you wanted to walk forever and ever it was stupid to do it without fuel but also in the dark around a forest. The two worked well together and Logan started a fire as Tony dug out some food supplies. While Tony cooked them up something that smelled far better than you could expect from camping, Logan made the tent up. 

“There are worse places to spend an evening.” Tony mused, looking at the stars. Logan had been looking at DiNozzo more than the stars but responded. “Yeah, they are something.”

It was a good job he had been staring as in the midst of their conversation he caught the shivering of Tony as the temperature started to drop. Huh, guess it was colder than he thought. Well, it would be poor form to let his new friend freeze, plus, the professor would be disappointed. Logan rummaged in his own backpack looking for something to help . He was triumphant as he chucked Tony a flannel shirt. “Put it on under the leather.”

“We haven’t even slept together, big guy.” Tony remarked with a smirk. Tellingly though, he slipped his leather jacket off and added the flannel underneath. Logan didn’t comment on the fact he looked very comfortable in the flannel and seemed to be snuggling into it .

Logan snickered at the comment . “Sex outdoors is just uncomfortable no matter what movies suggest. You shouldn't freeze, though, and layering will keep you warm in the best way.”

Tony pouted. “Don’t ruin all my fantasies.”

Logan shook his head at the sass but it seemed the agent wasn’t unreceptive to his attention . “We need some sleep. We still have two clicks before we reach the facility.”

Tony grinned wickedly. “Well, I will have sweet dreams to keep me warm anyway.”

Logan smirked back, knowing the steps to this dance. “You know I think you should always wait for reality. I am so much better than a fantasy.”

Tony rolled over having slipped into his sleeping back so his face was in profile thanks to the fire. “Is that so?”

Logan doused the fire, “Oh yeah, hotshot. I can make you forget your own name.” Logan may have let it go dark but his mind was racing with thoughts of what he might find in the facility tomorrow. Oh, and this Agent with laughing green eyes that was flirting with him despite knowing how messed up he was in real life. 

~*~

The last two clicks had been fairly easy to cover compared to the previous day. It was clear that while it may have been a secret bunker at one point - it was now abandoned. The doors of the plant had to be pulled open by Logan using his strength to their advantage . “This place is a health violation waiting to happen.”

Tony nodded in agreement. He was glad the activation of his X-Gene, thanks to the mutant plague he was given, had helped heal him. It was like his body could put together all the elements to heal him quicker too. He checked the blueprints he’d unearthed. “We need to go this way.”

Wolverine froze at seeing the tank at the end of the hallway . This was the contraption that had made him what he was with the adamantium skeleton. His head was filled with memories of standing and being dunked in the tank. “This was the room. Stryker made sure I was a participant.”

Tony stood close to him and put a hand on his shoulder . “I know. It’s right here in the records. He had you assigned, took you off a death sentence and made you part of an elite team of mutants that worked on behalf of the army.”

Logan swallowed, finding it hard to speak all of a sudden. “You knew this?”

Tony shook his head and turned to face Logan so he could see the absolute truth of his words . “I found a paper trail of circumstantial evidence but the real evidence will be in that control office there. This is not something where conjecture and suspicion would ever cut it, Logan. I respect you too much to ever bullshit you that way.”

Logan clutched his head as a few more memories slipped into his mind. He could feel the pain of the metal-binding to his skeleton. He was startled to find out he could remember, “Jesus Christ, I was awake.”

Tony couldn’t say anything in response to that as it would be hollow, “We’re nearly at the office , Logan.”

The two walked down the hallway silently until they stood in front of a closed-door at the very end.

“I’m not sure if I should open the box.” He finally said as he looked at what was potentially the holy grail of answers.

Tony touched his hand gently, giving him plenty of choice to back out. Logan accepted the touch and couldn’t remember the last time anyone had touched his hands. For the most part, they shied away, too scared of what was beneath his hands .

“For what it’s worth - I don’t think hiding from it will help you heal.”

“I have an advanced healing factor.” Logan responded but he knew that it wasn’t everything.

Tony just gave him a look that was almost through him. He was not used to people calling him on his bullshit - usually, his nature and claws put people off. “Not everything is fixable ... you know that better than most.”

Logan rolled his eyes as this conversation was too deep for his liking. He wanted to go back to beer, cigars, and rides . “Come on, sweetcheeks, lead the way. Let’s go and see what Pandora has to say.”

Tony’s eyes sparkled. “My ass does look fabulous in these, I know.” If Logan needed to be distracted, he was more than happy to flirt with Logan. A nun would take a shot at a man that looked like Logan.

“You are so full of it,” Logan remarked but he had a grin on his face to let Tony know he was only teasing. 

“In the best possible way.” And because Tony was secretly evil, he had made it sound like the dirtiest possible promise. 

Logan found himself whetting his tongue, imagining what it would be like seeing how Tony fulfilled his promises. 

~*~

The office was dank and abandoned and smelled twice as bed . Things did not make much sense in Tony’s mind. If you had a super-secret lab you don’t leave the secrets lying around. The files should have been fried beyond recognition. And yet, everything was just left as if it was abandoned in a hurry. The facility didn’t look like much right now but it would have been state of the art twenty years ago.

“Why did they just leave?” Tony asked the question aloud as it was bugging him that much.

Wolverine snorted but did give an answer of sorts . “They didn’t ... I woke up from the tank and was a little cranky.”

Tony nodded in understanding. He was guessing that he’d awoken from the procedure that had bound the adamantium to his skull causing the amnesia. “Did you ever think they opened Pandora’s box instead of you?”

Logan chuckled with a small amount of satisfaction . “I think they should have been careful what they wished for.” His voice trailed off as he could hear something in the background noise of the area . “I hear some machines still running .”

Tony sighed because the place had been abandoned for years. “Let’s go and check it out.”

Tony didn’t have inbuilt claws but his gun skills were still on point. Logan didn’t care if it was odd - he put a hand on Tony’s shoulder and made the request ,  “Let me lead. The bullets won’t kill me.”

Tony hissed at the request because it didn’t sit right with him . “They will still hurt.”

Logan didn’t know if he would ever guess what this man was thinking. “Kid, I was getting shot at before you were born.”

Tony smirked at the sarcasm . “Okay, old man. You can have it your way but I am no damsel in distress.”

Logan smirked back, whispering in his ear. “No you aren’t, and that is hot but you need to be alive to have fun.”

In spite of the fact they were going into an unknown risky situation, Tony was tempted to press the other man against a wall and give in to temptation. 

~*~

The noises Logan could hear were coming from one room where there was a tube full of scientific fluids but more importantly, a girl who looked to be in suspended animation.

Logan felt his hand slip on the glass trying to let their hands touch together . He recognised her scent, under the medical fluids - it was like his own. 

He whispered it. “She’s mine, isn’t she?”

Tony was flicking through the files, reading as quickly as he could to get answers . “Kayla, Weapon X 2.0, is what they designated her.”

Wolverine didn’t get it. The majority of the government hated mutants and regularly stirred up society’s hatred of them. Then, they turned around and experimented on them in facilities to make weapons. The hypocrisy was off the charts in his mind. “How did they do this?”

Tony grabbed his hand. “We’ll figure it out together.”

Logan snorted with disbelief. “You were looking for a good time, not an amnesiac with a mystery daughter.”

Tony rolled his eyes, “What can I say? I have a soft spot for bad-tempered amnesiac old-men with mystery daughters. You should know that being a single dad will up your hotness factor. You’ll need me to keep the soccer moms away.”

A lot was being said, and not too subtle promises. What Logan did know was the agent wasn’t running away - which was a good start. In fact, he hadn’t let go of Logan’s hand. It was anchoring him to the here and now which was something Logan desperately needed. 

He needed to find out who did this and then he was going to make a list of people who needed killing. Logan hadn’t realised that he’d spoken out loud until Tony’s reply. 

“Oh babe, I’m going to compile it for you and will help take them down.” He stopped for a second because he was aware of how dangerous a path vengeance could be. “ You have a little one to think about now.”

Logan sighed because - fuck him. He was now a single dad. He just might be starting a new relationship and he had a list of people who needed killing. 

Tony kissed his cheek, and he still couldn’t take his eyes off the tank. “We got time, big guy.”

Time for once - and Logan was looking forward to it. 

Chapter Text

Tony was running. It was late at night but he could not shake the last case from his mind. He’d been handcuffed to a serial killer who had very nearly ended his life. He knew something had been bugging him. The worst part of it all, he actually liked the guy. Still, he wasn’t stupid and refused to let anyone kill him. 

The thunderstorm had come out of nowhere and he’d had no choice but to turn around and make his way back home. As he was running, he hoped to beat the lightning storm that would soon be following.  He wasn’t stupid nor naive. He knew that being outside with lightning was stupidly dangerous. 

He could feel the hair on his arms raise on end. He stopped running to crouch down, doing his best to minimise his large frame. He felt the strike hit the road. It hit with a thud so hard it made the sidewalk ripple. 

Tony looked up and saw a man lying in the middle of the road where the strike had hit. “Jesus Christ.”

Tony had no idea what was going on but he knew that there had been no man there before the lightning blast. He ran over, the guy looked dressed for a medieval revival. Tony would say one thing - he wore it well . If the revival business didn’t work out - weight lifting could be a legitimate career.  He checked the guy’s pulse, not expecting it to be there but surprised to find it beating strongly beneath his fingertips. 

Wow. 

This guy was a tough bastard. He had to be as he was still alive and now Tony was faced with what to do with him. Looking around, he saw there was no-one visible on the deserted street and a quick check of his phone showed that the electronic device seemed to be dead. No surprise there. Something in him baulked at the thought of leaving to get assistance and, following on from that thought, Tony realised he didn’t want the man out of his sight. Ever. Shaking his head at himself he decided to tackle the difficult task of trying to move him. He supposed he was about to test his new training regime, more than ever. “Come on, big guy. You gotta work with me.”

Tony managed to prod him into a fireman’s hold. He groaned, “Maybe a gym session or two can’t hurt.”

Tony knew this was probably a dumb idea but not knowing what else to do he took mystery guy back to his apartment. He could have done without having to lug the hammer with him. 

Who the hell was this guy?

~*~ 

Thor woke up with a start. “Where am I?”

It felt like he had a two-day festival in the halls of Valhalla. It was not the first time he’d woken up somewhere unfamiliar but it was different somehow.  He could smell something delicious. He seemed to be in some sort of dwelling but he couldn’t remember the events that led up to him waking here, wherever this was. It was the last time he’d go out drinking with the Three. 

A man who was dressed rather casually answered his demand. “Washington DC. What’s your name, hammer time?”

Thor frowned, recognising her was on Earth. “I am Thor.” He looked at his hammer resting there by his side. “ Mjolinor . How did it get here?”

The man seemed unphased, or perhaps was unaware of the significance of his actions.  “I picked it and you up and brought you both here. It wasn’t like I’d leave either of you in the middle of the road where you landed.” Tony then tilted his head consideringly.  “I felt compelled to bring it with me. It was surprisingly light considering it looked so heavy. You - not so much.” He added with a smirk.

Thor wondered what weight you assign a person's character. It seemed the man's personality might match his looks, unlike Fandral. 

Tony then asked quite politely considering how indisposed Thor had made him.
“So, Thor, is it? Just how did you end up taking a lightning bolt to DC?”

Thor frowned at him and looked suspicious of Tony for being nice. “You are very accepting.”

Tony smiled right back, knowing the reason. “I am a believer in following your gut. Plus, one minute, I was alone on an empty street and then bam, lightning bolt and then you were there.” He slid the plate of food over before adding. “I have no idea how - hence the question.”

Thor looked sheepish and remembered the manners his mother had scolded into him when he was younger. “I am Thor, the God of Thunder, Prince of Asgard, and I am aware I am on Midgard.”

Tony smirked and was glad he could place the face. “We call it Earth, my Prince.” He wondered how this was his life but he’d learned to be adaptable a long time ago.

Thor was looking around his apartment and was fascinated by everything given how he was gazing at it.

Tony, though, thought he was like a giant puppy and if he wasn’t built like a linebacker he might even use the word adorable. 

“I have no idea how I got here, I was battling the orcs, you see.”

Tony didn’t have a frame of reference for that and he was unlikely to ever do so. In fact, he was trying to figure out what should happen next. He had to get work before Gibbs pitched a fit but he wasn’t sure what the protocol was when a Norse Prince falls to the ground next to your feet. It certainly wasn't how any fairytale went that he knew.  

The knock at his door wasn’t wholly unexpected. 

Tony did not expect to see a dread pirate at his door. He caught the ID in his hand which had been thrown by said pirate.  Glancing down, he was surprised to find his own face staring back from the leather wallet. “Hello, what is this?”

“DiNozzo, you just became my newest favourite person.” The Pirate offered as an explanation.

Tony looked at the ID and gone was his NCIS badge. “This says Strategic Hazard Intervention Espionage Logistics Directorate ." He took a deep breath and asked in what he hoped was a reasonable tone. "Since when did I say I was switching agencies?” 

Fury smirked. “Well, it happened when you played good Samaritan for Thor here. And don’t worry the initials are getting an update ... I think it will be Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division. ”

Tony frowned because he’d heard the phrase no good deed goes unpunished but this was ridiculous. “That shouldn’t be enough for you to want to make me an Assistant Director for you, Fury.”

Tony thought he was being reasonable in this whole affair. He hadn’t expected all this when he’d gone out for a run last night. His file would see him perhaps be a lead investigator so there was more going on. 

Thor spoke up, giving him the angle he was missing. “He saw you pick up Mjolnir.”

Fury pursed his lips but was honest. “Yes, we saw him on the satellite feed. The very hammer not a single other person, including Agent Rogers, could pick up.”

Tony hated not being clued in on what everyone else seemed to know. “So - big deal?”

Thor smirked and spoke with a power in his voice that showed he was more than just a human. “The one who wields the hammer of Mjolnir has the power of Thor.”

Tony freaked out. “I could have electrocuted myself?”

Thor chuckled at his cute reaction. “No, if you’re holding Mjolnir you would have been energised by a burst of energy, not harmed.”

Tony just offered faintly. “Good to know.” He finished his coffee. “If you're snatching me for your agency, you can break the news at NCIS - and where do I need to head to?”

Fury quirked an eyebrow. “Just like that?”

Tony smirked. “Like I told Prince Thor here, I am adaptable and I know your type. You don’t take no as an acceptable response and will make my life difficult until I accept. Or, I should accept the promotion ... then aim to make your life miserable if this doesn’t work out for me.”

Fury actually chuckled. “Come on. Let’s go and say goodbye to your former co-workers.”

Thor stood up. “I am coming with you.” He didn’t mention his unease at the thought of Tony out of his sight.

“Sure, why not.” Fury wanted the ties to be cut as he had a new job in mind for Tony. 

~*~

It went well. 

Fury swept into the bullpen in all his leather coated glory. “Pack your shit up, we gotta go.”

Tony pulled a bag out of his bottom drawer. “Done.”

Thor clapped his hands. “Excellent, so now we can see Stark.”

Tony smirked. “Is he the one obsessed with picking up Mjolnir? ”

McGee found his voice first. “What? Who?”

Tony stepped forward to make the introductions. “This Director Fury, and this is Prince Thor. You saw him on TV after New York.”

Kate stood up and just barely stopped ogling him. “Why are you going with them?”

Tony’s grin was set to shit-eating and he wasn't the least bit sorry. “Reasons.” He then faced Gibbs. “Boss, I’m being transferred. I’ll try to stay in contact.”

Gibb stood up. “You leave when I say.”

Tony snickered and knew when to retreat. “You know what, I’m going to say goodbye to Ducky and Abs and let you have this conversation. Hammer-time, come with me and meet some of my favourite people.”

~*~

Thor followed him down the stairs. “So what does this Abs do?”

Tony smiled. “Her full name is Abigail and she’s a forensic scientist so when a clue comes in from a crime that is too small for us to see she can step in.”

“That is quite the feat.”

Tony nodded. “As a cop or a federal agent, I adored the information I could glean from good forensics collected.”

“You sought justice for those who could not.”

Tony nodded, liking that as an explanation. It was perhaps a little more prosaic than he might have described it but fitting nonetheless. “I like to think so.”

“Are you objectionable to the change in roles?” Thor asked and he let his unease show. 

Tony could sense from the blond prince that if he said yes, then he would argue with Fury. He gave the question the thought it deserved. He had not enjoyed the operation he’d just finished where he’d been handcuffed to Jeffery White. It wasn’t so much the op as sometimes you got bad information. It sucked but it happened. It was what happened after that bothered him. 

The support at coming so close to death? Non existent . He wondered if meeting Thor in a thunderbolt was perhaps an omen to move while he still could. 

~*~

“Hey, Abigail.”

She whirled around, about to give him crap about the name when she noticed their guest. “Hey, Tony, and Tony’s hot friend.”

Tony smirked because he couldn’t deny her descriptor. “He is but he usually prefers Prince Thor, Crown Prince of Asgard.”

She looked down and saw the hammer and went pale, a feat considering her gothic makeup. “I didn’t mean to rude.”

Tony pulled her into a hug. “He knows and he has looked in a mirror.”

Thor smirked. “I am blessed with my mother’s appearance and my father’s warrior skills.”

“You’re going with him, aren’t you?” She asked astutely. She didn't like this one bit as Tony was her favourite after Gibbs. 

Tony nodded. “I may have accidentally stumbled into something but Abby - I want this challenge.”

She hugged him back and glared at Thor. “You better look after my Tony.”

Thor bowed his head. “I swear it, sweet Abigail, that I shall take great care of your confidant.”

Tony didn’t quite know what to say to that but let it go for now. He knew that there would be a whirlwind of things he needed to do and quickly. He hoped Fury wasn’t going to make him be the  Avenger’s handler but it was a good chance.

He hated being right. 

~*~

Tony looked in the car mirror one last time at the all black ensemble he was wearing as he prepared to walk into Stark’s tower. His driver was clearly not sympathetic as she added dryly, “You work for the government. You are not supposed to wear expensive suits.”

Tony snorted at Hill’s witty remark. He had pushed his insecurities down knowing he would have to be on top of his performance if he was going to get the team onside. “Who says? Fury told me I had to play babysitter - he didn’t say I should have to look drab doing it.”

She shrugged. “I always ignored that advice too. You know, I don’t think you want to babysit Prince Thor.”

Tony snorted. “Have you seen his arms?”

She nodded in perfect agreement. “They are pretty godly. Too bad he doesn’t look at me the way he looks at you.”

Tony played it coy even if his heart was racing. “I’m sure it’s the hammer thing.”

She started to snicker at the inadvertent potential comment made. “The perfect thing there is you were not even trying to be funny.”

Tony groaned. “Why do I find you amusing?”

“I help you balance Fury’s mood?” She offered as she opened the door. “See you later. Stark doesn’t like Fury or myself so you are on your own.”

Tony walked into the plaza. “Tony DiNozzo to see Prince Thor.”

~*~

Tony was playing a double-edged game. He was well aware that Stark was the one calling the shots with the Avengers considering he was funding them. He was also aware that he wasn’t fond of SHIELD. 

The security leader tapped his ear piece and seemed to get confirmation. “Follow me, Assistant Director DiNozzo.”

He was barely getting used to it. 

Tony was engulfed in a glorious godly hug as he stepped off the elevator. “Tony.”

“Thor!” 

He found his feet and breath once more but Thor was asking him questions already. “You are well? and settling into your new role?”

Tony shrugged. “The role is different but I’m getting there. How is Earth faring and did you figure out how you landed at my feet?” 

Thor shrugged. “The battle was not going well and I suspect my old friend, Heimdall, interceded on my behalf.”

Tony smiled, understanding the significance of the name. “Well, I, for one, am glad as I believe all nine realms would be poorer for you not to be in it.”

Thor slid closer. “Just the realms ?”

Wow. Tony knew the moves being pulled but he was usually the seducer not the seducee. “And me.”

Thor leaned in closer and Tony wet his lips but just as they were getting to the main event... 

“HAMMER-TIME! Who’s your friend?”

Tony groaned and dropped his head on Thor’s shoulder. “Stark, you bastard, you have no right to cockblock anyone, considering your past.”

Stark looked affronted. “He’s the Crown Prince of Asgard.”

Tony rolled his eyes and reluctantly pulled himself away from Thor’s broad shoulders. “Yes, I am aware. We ran into each other in DC. He stayed at mine and I made him breakfast.”

“You’re a SHIELD agent.” Stark pointed, voice dripping in suspicion.

Tony rolled his eyes. Still, the best way to deal with a problem is to face it head on. “Newly minted, as your AI would have told you.”

“You’re too sneaky.” Stark then pointed out like it should be a problem.

Tony smirked. “I’m sure you’ll be able to keep up. Now, as you’ve already ruined the moment, will you leave so I can at least secure a date?”

Stark threw his head back laughing. “Nonsense. We’ll have group party ... let’s call it bonding to introduce the new handler.”

“So I pass your test?” Tony asked. He was uncertain because all his reading suggested that it would be a lot more difficult.

Stark shrugged. “You’re competent, won’t be boring. You were trying to make a move on Thor and you don’t exactly like Fury. That makes you alright in my book so I’ll give you a chance. It doesn’t mean I’ll make it easy though.”

~*~

The party was delayed by an attack and Tony was in the quinjet coordinating as promised. He saw something that looked suspicious. 

“Rogers, take a look at your 3 o’clock ... guy needs scrutinising.”

And Tony was right. It turned out the guy was a suicide bomber and if Tony hadn’t been around to point him out the team could have ended up injured or with a lot more collateral damage. 

Stark was the one to fly the bomb into the sky to let it detonate harmlessly far away from civilians. 

He flew back into the quinjet where the rest of the team were waiting for him.

“Nice catch, Romeo.”

Tony snorted. “Fuck you, Stark. No one is dying in my romance.”

Stark chuckled. “Bad analogy but still, good catch on looney tunes that we missed.”

Tony shrugged, playing it like it was just part of his day job. It was sinking in that this was now probably what his day job was going to be like.  “Well, Thor I have plans with and he is very attached to you all.”

Rogers choked back a laugh. “You know, I can’t help but think we’re entering Chinese curse times.”

Romanov spun in her pilot chair to join in the conversation. “Well, it is only an interesting time if you find them.”

“I thought we found them in Budapest?” Hawkeye asked. 

“You ever going to share what happened?”

Tony smirked. “I know, I have the clearance.”

“Wait. Thor’s boytoy knows but I don’t?”

Tony, Romanov and Hawkeye all had matching grins. Stark was sure they learned them at spy school as they said in unison. “Yes.”

Tony must have seen something else. “When we land you promised me a party for being a cockblock.”

“I did, didn’t I?”

Tony nodded. “And that means you can’t slope off to the labs as it won’t be a party if you’re not there.”

Stark pouted. “What about thirty minutes?”

Tony shook his head. “Nope. The Cap will be sad and you know Lewis will probably eat him.” Tony knew that Stark believed the Cap was a naive unicorn who need to have his star-spangled-awesomeness protected.

“He might enjoy it.”

Then there was a pause. “Fine. Party, my level, you all have an hour to be ready or I’ll be sending Pepper after you.”

And just like that - no Ultron. Although Tony revealed why Thor looked at him like he hung the stars when he picked up Mjolnir after letting everyone else try their luck.

~*~

What the future may hold... 

Fury was listening to the report from Maria. She was his right-hand woman for a reason. “So lay it out for me.”

She smirked. “The Avengers are trending on twitter.”

Fury pinched his nose. “For good or bad reasons?”

They’d just come back from an operation and it was not without its collateral damage. 

She had a smirk on her face so Fury knew he wouldn’t like the answer. “Well, there is a vote on the best couple.”

“We have couples on the Avengers?”

She nodded. “Oh yeah. It seems no one can decide on, Stark&Potts, or, Thundershield, or, Twohotguys, or, the Wondertwins.”

Fury quirked an eyebrow, hating that he was even uttering the words. “Who exactly would the Twohotguys be?” 

“DiNozzo and Thor.”

Fury regretted taking a drink. “They’re dating?”

She nodded. “Yes. Didn’t you authorise a trip for him to Asgard?”

Fury scowled. “Yes, for interplanetary diplomacy. He advocated for it to be a good idea to open lines of peace between us, so that if a major threat attacks us we would have useful allies.”

Hill actually laughed out loud. “Oh, DiNozzo has already opened up lines of peace between our two planets. There was something about a hammer and Stark blushed and whimpered. I couldn’t get the story out of him.”

You could tell by her tone that she desperately wished it to be different.

“Okay, I already know about Barton and Romanov. “Who would Thundershield be?”

Hill sighed. “You know how DiNozzo overruled you and sent both Stark and Rogers to PTSD therapy?”

“Yes. I don’t like being disobeyed.”

It had been humbling but DiNozzo had done it without a single regret. Telling him he could fire him but he’d do it again if it got them a stable team. According to reports, Potts wasn’t going to dump him which had been a distinct possibility before the therapy.

Hill shrugged because she’d read DiNozzo’s file. He did what was right over what he was told. “Anyway, he asked Lewis to bring him up to scratch on the 70 years he’d lost and she apparently thinks he’s cute and they’re now in a relationship. Stark tried to be rude but Thor told him to leave his shield sister alone.”

Fury got the nickname now for the couple. “Of course he would, and what about the operation?”

“The country thanked us for our intervention and wished Captain America to consider it a honeymoon destination.”

“He’s getting married now?”

Hill snorted. “No, although he seems the type. DiNozzo mentioned it as they were leaving and a comment was made about damage.”

Fury just sipped his coffee. “It seems DiNozzo is doing what he promised.”

“You employed him.”

The tone from Hill as if to say your own fault. It was true and yet despite turning his superhero group into a love nest he couldn’t regret DiNozzo’s hire as he had a stable group and that was a thing he would sell his soul for. 

If Stark and Rogers were on good terms then they just might be able to take down Hydra without telling the whole world. 

Chapter Text

Evan Buckley did not for one instance regret moving to LA to become a firefighter. He had done some growing in LA but he was now sure about what he was meant to be. He had found with one relationship that he could grow on a personal level too. 

Abby had left for Europe and he’d been listless. He’d not wanted to go back to BangandBuck for one night stands - so he’d joined a gym. He surprised his colleagues who thought that he would go back to his casual encounters. The thing with Abby hadn’t worked out but let him know what he wanted in life. 

The gym was going well and he’d met up and struck up a friendship with an FBI agent who was also new to the area. Tony was just a little bit older than him and he had crazy stories considering he wasn’t a first responder. Buck was trying to be a good guy and help him adjust to living here as the man had spent so long in DC. 

His mind was wandering to Tony as he could do with the help and perspective. It was a toss-up between calling Tony or Athena. Hell, this was so serious he intended to call both.  

He’d gotten back from a quick drink at the bar to see his sister sitting on his couch looking terrified for her life. He’d wanted to give her shit but after seeing the look in her eyes any anger had slipped away from him. It was clear that their estrangement was not down to her. 

He sat down next to her and let her pour her heart out. It all came tumbling out of her about how bad her marriage really was and how terrified she was of seeing Doug, her husband, once more. 

Buck was protective by nature and it was doubly so when it was own sister. He texts both Athena and Tony asking them to come to his apartment. 

She wiped her eyes. “I am glad you’re okay and thanks for listening but I’ll be on my way. I don’t want Doug to come here but I just need to sleep.”

Buck pulled her into a hug. “Listen to me, I have an idea and I really want you to talk to some of my friends. I know they can help.”

Buck did not like the idea of Maddie constantly running with no destination in mind. She was exhausted and scared as it was and that could only end badly. She needed to feel safe and that was understandable. She hadn’t bolted so he offered, “Hey, stay here. I have an idea, and I think you can help and still save people from a distance.”

Maddie wiped her eyes and wondered just how that could happen. It sounded too good to be true but she was low on believing in miracles. “How?”

“What about if you became a 9-1-1 operator? Think about it ... Abby isn’t there right now and your background as a nurse makes you a perfect candidate.”

She thought about it. She hated how quivery her voice was as she asked, “What if Doug finds me?”

“He won’t. He doesn’t know where I live, right?” Buck asked, trying to check a few facts. He’d quite like to take the fire truck and run the bastard over. 

She shook her head. “No. He just wanted me isolated.”

Buck hugged her. “Well, I’m a fireman so you have all of the 118 Firehouse, and then you have Athena who is a badass sergeant with the LAPD, and I just made a new friend, Special Agent DiNozzo with the FBI. He’s new in the area but he is pretty badass. I think between all of us, we can make sure Doug seriously regrets coming anywhere near you.”

She took a deep breath. “Okay. I would like that.”

~*~

Athena walked up to the door and noticed the Fed. He might be off duty but she saw the FBI badge on his belt. She didn’t know what Buck was planning but, damn, that boy got into interesting situations. “What can I do for the SAC of the LA office?”

Tony smirked. “Relax Sergeant, a friend asked me to drop in.”

“Huh. This should be good,” she knocked on the door. “Buckaroo, let us in.”

The door opened and she saw the massive grin on the young man’s face at seeing the Fed. What was more interesting was it was reciprocated. Huh. She couldn’t wait to explain this one to Bobby. 

They saw the timid brunette on his sofa. “Who is that then?”

Buck sighed and took a deep breath before whispering. “I am trying to keep my anger down but the bruise was courtesy of her husband and it isn’t the first time. She’s asking for help ... and I have no clue how to help. She’s my sister, Maddie Henshall.”

Athena clapped him on the shoulder. “Stay here, let me talk to her.”

Tony kept Buck back chatting quietly about what else he knew. This could be messy, he thought as he caught a glimpse of the sister’s face. The type of man who would do that wouldn’t stop until he had his wife back under control. 

“Talk to me, Ev.”

Evan sighed. “I remember her as being so strong and now she’s been reduced to quivering on my couch.”
Tony looked at the two women. “Being strong must be a Buckley trait. She’s asking for help and that’s the first step. You know I’ll help and the fearsome sergeant will too.”

“Athena is pretty great and she’s hooked up with my fire captain.”

Tony had to smile as that was a pretty aptly named woman. “I can see that. You get angry or frustrated and we head to the gym and I’ll tire you out.”

Buck wondered if it was exhaustion but that sounded like an invitation for so much more. 

~*~

A day later, and Buck was frustrated by both the day and the new guy who had slipped so easily into the team. He realised he was angry and tried to make amends but he knew he didn’t have a problem with Eddie. It was more his worry for Maddie bubbling over. 

He remembered Tony’s offer and he really hoped that the guy didn’t have a case. He was so relieved when he got a reply of be there in 30. 

The chance to spar was pretty perfect. 

“She is so scared of that bastard Doug.” Buck spoke, and the heartbreak was clear in his voice.

Tony was the one holding the pads, letting Buck punch at them. It was easier to shout out corrections to his form. “He’ll get what’s coming to him. You know that, right?”

“He threatened to kill her. How can any man do that to the woman he loves?”

Tony sighed because, sadly, he was a little more cynical of the world. “It happens way too often, Buckaroo. You find there are men out there who thrive on beating down others to feel big about themselves.”

Buck just sagged to the training floor. “How do I help her? I feel so hopeless.”

Tony dropped down and sat next to him on the gym mat. Buck looked so despondent that Tony couldn’t help but put an arm around his friend. “You make her feel safe. You let her take things at her pace, and suggest a few activities that will let her reclaim herself one bit at a time.”

Buck nodded. He could do that and he would be there with her every step of the way. “What if he does track her down?”

It was her biggest fear, and in all honesty, it was Buck’s fear too for Maddie.

Tony’s gut told him that Doug would make his way to LA. His type did not respond well when challenged. The fact she ran away would need to be punished. He’d spoken to Sergeant Grant and she agreed with him. “Well, you said she lived in Pennsylvania, right?”

“Yeah.”

Tony smiled because that meant he had legitimate grounds to investigate. “That means she has crossed state lines and is fearful of her life. So I’ve got cause to check him out, same for Sergeant Grant.”

“You are?” Buck couldn’t believe how relieved he was at hearing that said. “That would be great.” He sagged, finally letting go of his adrenaline. 

Tony nodded because it wasn’t a hardship. He had no love for abusive husbands and had seen the damage first hand and if he could help anyone break free - he would do it in a heartbeat. He was worried about Evan though. “You know it’s great that you want to look after your sister but don’t forget that you need to take care of yourself.”

Evan chuckled. “I sleep ... sometimes.”

Tony highly doubted it. “You know when your mind gets too crazy the gym is a great and healthy way to work through it.”

Evan had found that out in the last six months. “Yeah, and I find great guys who don’t freak out when I bring a whole host of problems with me.”

Tony chuckled. “Oh, Evan... until you catch the plague I have you beat.”

Evan pulled away in shock from the hug that felt too good. He was telling himself that Tony was just a friend and there was no way he would want more. “The plague? In DC?”

Tony nodded, knowing his distraction technique was working perfectly. “Oh yeah. You know how it goes - vengeful mothers who run genetic labs can cause havoc.”

“You’re messing with me.” Evan couldn’t believe it.

Tony shook his head. “I wish I was. You’ll notice it when we go running in winter.”

Evan had a wicked grin. “You think we have winter in LA?” 

“No, it was one of the reasons for moving,” Tony replied. He’d enjoyed the chance to reinvent himself and learn from his mistakes.  

Buck was honest. “You know, I for one I am glad you did move.”

~*~

Tony couldn’t shake how bad Buck had been the night before. His instincts told him that the situation would not end well so as soon as he’d got into work he’d hunted down his favourite intelligence asset and tasked him with finding one Douglas Henshall. 

Barrows had not disappointed him, coming back within the hour with a file for his reading, and he really didn’t like what he was reading. “You sure?”

His junior agent nodded, “Yeah, the bastard went and hit her boss from the ER and then disappeared before he could be arrested. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to assume that he’s making his way this way.”

Tony winced as this was bad news, he phoned Buck straight away. “Hey, we need to meet. It’s about the bastard.”

Buck sighed. “You know, I’ve been expecting this.”

Tony could hear what he was not saying and they’d get to that in their own time. It would be odd to be the older one in a relationship but for Buck, he was willing to risk it. “You out on a call?”

“We’re at the firehouse right now.”

Tony figured that was as good as place as any to meet. “Be there in twenty. I can finally meet your fire family that you’ve been raving on about.”

~*~

“Buck!” Tony called out as he stepped into the inside the fire station.

Buck’s head peeked over the balcony. “Hey, we’re up here.”

Tony made his way up and Buck ran over to hug him, and then turned to introduce him. “So this is Captain Nash, LAFD. The others are cleaning out the truck.”

Tony knew the name, at least he was sure he recognised the name. “Are you Athena’s Bobby?” 

“I am.” The Captain confirmed cautiously. Tony got it because usually there was no love lost between LAPD and the FBI. 

Tony offered his hand. “SAC Agent Anthony DiNozzo, please call me Tony. Athena and I are working on Maddie’s problem.”

Bobby pointed to the table so they could sit down and discuss this as Maddie was already a favourite amongst the firehouse family. He sat down. “Look, we need to talk to your sister. She’s as courageous as they come but she needs to know that Doug is on the move.”

“Bastard!” Buck shouted his frustration.

Bobby got it immediately and had to ask. “He the reason her new place has more security than Fort Knox?”

Buck nodded. “Yeah, Cap. She so wanted to stand on her own that I only made one request. She got the heavy security installed and talked to Athena and Tony.”

Tony put a hand on Buck’s shoulder. “It was a good call. She’ll still sleep with a baseball bat though, and be jumpy. After what she’s faced I would doubt her sanity if she didn’t.”

Buck felt the need to pace. “What can we do?”

“She hangs around with you guys?”

Buck nodded, “Yeah, she feels safe around us.”

Tony smiled. “Okay, so keep it up and get a photo of Doug to show the team. If he goes into stalking mode he’ll try and approach her from the left-field where she least expects it.” 

Nash nodded, it made sense. “Do you think he’ll be a threat?”

Tony sighed and as much as he wanted to pretend otherwise, the bastards like Henshall tended to follow a pattern and he was upping his ante dangerously. “Yes. Bastards like Henshall don’t tolerate being beaten.”

~*~

Buck had worked day and night and made sure that Maddie was settling into her new place. Tony had dropped by Buck’s place and threw his jacket at him. “Come on. We’re going to go and unwind.”

“I don’t think I have the energy for a gym session.” Buck confessed.

Tony smirked. “No gym. I think you need a movie to unwind and Maddie’s currently on a drive along with Sergeant Grant so we know she’s safe.”

“Movie?”

Tony nodded. “I’ll even let you pick but we’re going to the best old school theatre around.”

Buck couldn’t argue with that and the evening was perfect. He relaxed for the first time in a long while. He didn’t feel like he needed to be on eggshells or looking in the rear view mirror. The only part that was making him a little tense was deciding whether this was an impromptu date, or just Tony being friendly. 

He found that for once, he didn’t mind not knowing and would wait to see how things unwound. With all the stress about Maddie he was in no hurry to get laid, although he definitely wouldn’t say no with Tony. 

~*~

Tony dropped Buck off at his sister’s place after her first day of full work. The date had gone well but Tony knew with how protective Buck was he wouldn’t be able to concentrate on anything but knowing she was safe and happy.

He smirked at Buck’s sheepish expression. “Sorry, I know we were going so well.  Please, come up for a drink, meet Maddie for calmer reasons.”

“Okay, if you’re sure.” Tony didn’t mind like Buck suspected. He was a Federal Agent and he could more than understand being protective of others. He would imagine it was heightened for family members but had no frame of reference.

The door opened and a stunningly beautiful brunette answered the door. She definitely had found her footing and Tony was glad. 

“Hi, Buck, and Buck’s friend. I know you.”

Buck groaned knowing that tone meant he was in for teasing. “Maddie, this is Tony. Please don’t be weird.”

Tony had to smirk at the shock in her voice. It was clear she wasn’t expecting a male friend. He asked tongue in cheek. “Let me guess, not the blonde you expected?”

She chuckled but saw no point in denying it, “Buck’s type is usually more busty but I can see why he would go for you,” she finished boldly. 

Tony snickered but gave her a clue. “If you ask my colleagues they’d say the same about me.”

“You work as a firefighter?” She asked curiously because it was obvious that Buck liked Tony in more than a platonic way. He kept mentioning Tony and even Athena today mentioned him.

Tony shook his head. “No, I’m an FBI agent.”

Buck snorted, because he was so much more than that in reality. He added dryly. “He is Agent in Charge of the LA office, Maddie.”

She was impressed. “You can’t be more than thirty-five.”

“Good guess,” Tony offered, and hoped this didn’t go down the age route. He wasn’t a cliche but there was one thing he’d learnt with first-responders that it was nothing to do with age and everything to do with shared experiences. His fear was unfounded, as she smacked Buck’s shoulder.

“You always did manage to pick people way out of your league.”

Buck pouted and just sagged his shoulders, wondering if he should have just arranged to meet Tony in the car. “Hey, leave me some dignity.”

She smiled and finished making a coffee. She was aware that Tony was helping with tracking down her bastard ex. “Big sister prerogative.”

The conversation continued in the same vein for the rest of the evening. 

~*~

Tony reluctantly walked out of the apartment back to his car. He could see Buck was thinking about something. He looked back at the apartment. “She seems to be doing better.”

“Yeah, she is. She’s complaining about our hovering.” Buck remarked, looking unrepentant.

Tony had to ask. “And how are you doing, Evan?”

Buck wondered what it said that he didn’t mind Tony calling him by his first name. “I feel aggravated that the bastard is out there still causing her to be fearful but so glad I got the chance to reconnect.”

Tony smiled softly. “You should take the win. You know the team are aware of Doug will be on the watch out. Athena has put the word out at the LAPD and I did the same for the FBI.”

Buck snorted because that was a sentence he never believed he would ever hear uttered. “Just how did you get the LAPD and FBI working together? I thought it would never happen.”

Tony smirked. “What can I say? I’m a likeable guy.”

“It’s more than that!” Buck didn’t think he would ever be able to put into words the effect Tony had on people around him.

Tony shrugged. “Maybe, but if I give you all my secrets you might get bored.”

Evan shook his head. “Bored? You’re way too much to ever got bored of ... ever.”

Tony shook his head because he’d done fun and flirty and now he wanted more. He was daring enough to finally voice it.  “I have no right to be thinking about all the things I do right now.”

“Like what?” Buck challenged him. 

“You’re young.”

Buck shook his head. “I know that I want nothing more than to be a firefighter. I know that you’re hot like burning and yet I have had more fun without falling into bed with you than I have with any past conquest.”

Tony chuckled. “Same here, Bucky, same here.”

“So are you going to keep being patronising or trust me to know my own mind.”

Tony’s answer was to kiss the sass off his lips.

Chapter Text

Tony Wilson or Sam DiNozzo?


Tony woke up with a mouth as dry as the Sahara but, thankfully, no pounding head. Well, he would have been disappointed with himself if he had woken up with a headache. He hadn’t had one of those since his days in the frat house. 

He stared and then winced at the glint of gold on his finger. Huh. That had not been there the night before. Then again, neither had the hot guy who was sharing his bed. “Wow.”

The man groaned. “How can you be that loud after last night?”

Tony smirked. Even as his mind tried to turnover exactly what had happened the night before, he seemed to remember that they were both loud at different times for totally awesome reasons. He felt a tired ache in his muscles for pleasant reasons and not just trying to breathe. 

Wait, his mind went back to the ring and sure enough - there it was. Gold on his fourth finger. He wasn’t married before last night but this was Vegas. God, what a cliche, he could just imagine Kate harping on at him for his recklessness. 

“You turning into a nag this soon?” Tony had no idea how he could find this amusing - he was guessing it may have something to do with his recent brush with death. 

The man opened just one eye, he was clearly not a morning person. “Nag? ...” But the voice trailed off, catching the matching ring on his own finger. He slid a look at his bed partner and at least his drunk ass had good taste.

He started to sit up in bed, it seemed futile to protect modesty considering the muscles in his body that ached. “Damn, I don’t even know my last name.”

“Well, I am Very Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo. NCIS.”

Sam shrugged. “Huh, cool. Sam Wilson. I’m ex-paramilitary and just back home.”

Tony knew he was military from so many of his mannerisms and he vaguely remembered a conversation last night in between all the flirting, drinking and sex. “Nice. So does that make me Tony Wilson or are you Sam DiNozzo?” 

Sam chuckled. “I have no idea. Nice to meet you, hubby.” He offered a handshake. The rings clanging made this more real somehow.

Tony sat up and grinned. “Nice to meet you too.”

Tony really should be freaking out more and he was already considering all the scenarios in his head. The main one being the fact Nevada law had changed in a bid to stop drunken weddings in Las Vegas. It was simple - no annulments for a year. “So we’ve jumped like four stages in the relationship process by my count.”

“You mean dating, moving in and then engagement before the big wedding?” 

Tony nodded, not quite able to say what he wanted. “Yeah, and I will have to disclose the marriage to HR.”

Sam was trying to rack his memory for the law change. “How long?”

“One year, no quickies for us.”

Sam smirked. “You know what I think? We do the other three things and then revisit the conversation in a year’s time.”

Tony nodded as that sounded sensible. After all, he wasn’t the type to cheat. He couldn’t after watching his father destroy so many lives with his unethical habits. “Okay, so since we now remember each other’s name. What are you doing now?”

“I’m going to start at the VA hospital in DC.”

Tony found himself feeling relieved because at least his new hubby, and yep - that was still weird, was going to be in the same city as him. “So we’re going to be localish as I work at the Navy Yard.”

Sam shook his head. “My friends are going to give me shit for marrying a navy man.”

Tony rolled his eyes. “Not the fact that I am a man?”

Sam shook his head. “Nah, man. They’re not the asshole types. Plus, they would just clap me on the back and say I was batting out of my league.”

Tony’s eyes lingered on Sam’s body. “I would say the same thing. You know what, I can’t believe I am about to say these things but I think we need to dress and talk about our plans moving forward.”

Sam was reluctant but agreed. This bed felt like a safe refuge from the calm he knew he would have to adjust to but oh well, he was alive and that was the best thing about living. You needed to do it. 

~*~ 

Back in DC, Tony settled at his desk, he didn’t bother to hide his ring. He calmly logged in and accessed the monthly reports that he needed to do.

“You’re married?!?!” Kate exclaimed loudly, half horrified and half-annoyed.

Tony nodded. “Yes, I am.” He carried on typing as the disbelief and shock took ahold of the rest of his team. This might just be the best prank he ever played, and even better - he might just end up happy at the end of it.

“How?” Tim asked.

Tony couldn’t resist the smirk on his face and had to play mind games. It was one of those things where if the opportunity was offered on a plate, it was rude not to take it. “Well, when you find that special someone who you are willing to make a commitment to then you go to someone who is legally able to marry you and you make promises to each other.”

“You’re allergic to commitment.”

Tony smirked at Kate. “The wedding ring on my hand suggests otherwise.”

The silence that fell stayed in their part of the bullpen. Tony made a mental note to be as shocking as possible as he got so much work done in the tense silence. 

“Who?”

“My darling, Sammy.”

Tony wasn’t normally a fan of diminutives but knew that would let them make the wrong assumption. 

Kate looked like she’d swallowed a wasp but she choked out. “I am happy for you and her.”

Tony smiled brightly. “Thanks.” If she hoped he would say more she was disappointed. He went straight back to work. 

~*~ 

All of the MCRT and Abby had tried to find out about Tony’s other half. They had run into too many frustrations. It seemed his personal file had now been locked down and made top-secret. It didn’t matter if they directly asked Tony as they only received non-committal answers that offered no real details. 

Of course, if Tony had his choice, he would not have contracted the mother-fucking plague. 

Kate was staying with him but Tony kind of hope she would disappear as he wanted to wallow in misery. “You just don’t want me to see your wife.”

Tony smirked at seeing Sam enter the room. He managed to rasp out, “He isn’t wifey material.”

“No. I am not and how dare you think about making me a widow.” Sam declared definitively like it wasn’t an option to do anything else.

The unspoken part was before they could talk about things that were building between them. Sam had moved in only last week and things were going really well. Tony knew what might have started as a drunken mistake was rapidly turning into the best thing that had ever happened to him. Well, if he could actually enjoy it. The plague had rather thrown his plans for a loop. 

“Hey, babe.”

If Kate had any doubts about the marriage, the matching ring was a dead giveaway. 

“So, you are not what I expected.”

Sam smirked and showing how he could wind people up with the best of them. “Why? Because I’m Air-Force?”

She flushed. “No. But I deserved that, I guess.”

He quirked an eyebrow as if to say. You think?

Tony weakly raised his hands. “Don’t worry, won’t die.”

“I know because I can’t use my wings to save you.” He said and smiled. It was clear that the couple had an in-joke they hadn’t shared.  

Kate was glad to be cleared out of the room. It wasn’t that she was clear, it was that she was jealous of the couple in front of her. She had tried so hard to get a stable relationship going and yet again she had failed and Tony had one all while convincing everyone he was a player. 

Life wasn’t fair. 

~*~

Kate, in fact, changed her opinion regarding Sam and Tony’s marriage not a few months later. She had not been able to see the danger of Gibbs’ hunt. It annoyed the hell out of her as she hadn’t recognised the kill zone for what it was until the red dot landed on her chest. 

She sighed but knew that if the shot was taken she would have little chance at avoiding it - only the bullet never came. 

Gibbs helped pull her up and he knew that they’d escaped a bullet (literally in their case). 

“How are we not dead?” She had to ask, voice still shaking as her body tried to handle the adrenaline overload. 

Gibbs could only give one answer. “A sniper doesn’t take a shot for only one reason.”

A new voice smirked as he dropped something in front of them - a cuffed Ari Haswari. “My husband asked me to take a look around.”

Gibbs grinned. “Nice wings.”

“Thanks, they get me from A and B.”

Tony pulled his hubby down to the ground. “I’m Tony Wilson right now, I think.”

Sam chuckled. “You better believe it but have fun figuring this out. I was never here.”

The MCRT all nodded. They were hardly going to cause trouble for a) a team member’s husband, and b) someone who had just saved Kate’s life.

“Thanks, Darlin. I’ll see you at home.”

Kate, who now was starting to relax, smiled. “Don’t take this the wrong way but I love your husband.”

“He is pretty awesome.”

Of course, his awesome husband ended up bringing Captain America home looking like a sad puppy. He had no idea how he ended up as the Avenger’s handler but he couldn’t help but grin every time they announced his husband as Sam Dinozzo-Wilson. It was the least his hubby could do considering he kept having to deal with politicians.

Chapter Text

The battle of the Stepdads

If you’d asked Scott Lang did he think he’d be happy after divorcing his wife he would have laughed in your face, and if he’d been sober he’d have aimed to punch you. Although in fairness, he would probably have missed because he was more brain than brawn.

He hated that he’d failed in his marriage but worst of all - was not seeing his daughter every day. That had hurt because she was the most precious thing in the universe as far as he was concerned.

He’d not handled the divorce well at all - in fact, he’d contemplated doing some pretty stupid things. He hadn’t gone through with the robbery because he knew he’d be unable to look Tony in the eye. Tony was his best friend, who'd stood by him during his divorce. They had met at OSU and kept in contact even after they went on to their adult lives. 

He'd landed on Tony's couch all pathetic and miserable and his friend helped him pick himself off the ground. It turns out that Tony knew a lot of people and suddenly his master’s degree was actually getting him interviews. 

It was the source of an interview that was stressing him out. It was his day to have Cassie and he’d just been called to the second round of an interview. He hated doing this, knowing that Tony did not often get a day off. Still, he had no other choice. “Hey Tony.”

“What is it, Scottie?”

“I need a huge favour. Dr Pym has called me for a second interview but I need to pick up Cassie from school.”

Tony rolled his eyes. “You know there isn’t even a question in that, right?”

“I am stressed.”

Tony snorted. “No, you’re on the path of fixing the things in your life that you wanted to fix. You can rest easy knowing I will pick up your lovely daughter and we will entertain ourselves and wait for you.”

“I don’t know what I did to deserve you as a best friend.” Scott replied, more grateful than ever for having a true friend like Tony.

Tony answered him honestly. “You took pity on a broken jock, who was angry at the world.”

“And yet you still had to rescue my ass.” It might have been figuratively rather than literally but Scott would always be grateful that knowing Tony had stopped him from considering the robbery. He was more than aware that the whole crew had been pinched.

Tony chuckled. “And I always will. Now go rock Van Pymm’s world and we’ll celebrate later.”  

~*~

Cassie Lang, Scott’s daughter, was so curious about the whole world and Tony adored her. It was a mutual love affair and he could honestly say he adored the little girl. 

“SuperTony  ... Where’s Daddy?”

Tony saw the teacher’s alarm and he flashed his badge. “I’m Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo. I am on the approved list.”

She doubled checked it. “So you are, thank you.”

Tony just nodded his head knowing that the safeguarding procedures were there for a reason. Sadly, he’d seen what happened when the procedures weren’t followed or were lax. “So what do you say if we go to the Smithsonian while we wait for Daddy?”

“Yes.” She fist-pumped. Her mommy and her new boyfriend kept trying to get her princess stuff and she loved science. “That would be sooo cool and I can get some ideas for my science project.”

~*~

Around the museum, Tony was pulled this way and that way. He didn’t mind and promised they could get whatever science kit she liked. “I’m glad Daddy is living with you.”

“Are you? Why?”

She spoke solemnly. “Cuz he is happy. I know he’s happy when I’m here but he was so sad in between. Now I know that you can help me keep him happy.”

Tony’s heart was thumping because he wasn’t sure quite what to say but kept to his original vow. He would always tell her the truth or confess, he couldn’t say a thing. “I do my best, I think your Daddy is kind of the best.” He wondered why he could say it to Cassie and not to Scott.

“You think he is more than just the best, Uncle Tony.” She said like he was really stupid and had obviously missed a super-obvious clue. 

Tony didn’t trip over the small step but it was a near thing. He had long ago put his feelings for Scott in a box. Scott had been getting married and he’d wanted to be a cop. It was not safe to think about those things - so he put those types of thoughts away. Only things change, and now Tony was secure in his job and thanks to Gibbs’ mentorship could kick the ass of anyone who came after him. 

“You’re right but let me figure out the best time to tell your Daddy, sweetheart.”

She huffed. “Can you hurry up because mom’s boyfriend is kind of a douche and I want to say that I have one cool stepdad. Detective Paxton just tries too hard.”

Tony ruffled her hair even as his heart started to pound with the idea he could be a stepfather and best of all, the kid wanted him to be. “Yeah, I will get on that.”

~*~

The dinner was at Tony’s favourite Spanish place, Chiquito Plaza . He never went to Italian when he ate out because he could do that at home. It was fun to show Cassie flavours and dishes that would be exotic to her. 

“This place is great, Uncle Tony.”

“You are just saying that as you’re angling for Churros.”

“It’s true.” She said with a massive grin.

~*~

Caitlin Todd was on a date when she nearly keeled over in shock and it wasn’t because of a bill. It was seeing one of the occupants in the corner booth.  Tony was sitting at a corner booth and she got a distinctly family vibe from Tony and the mysterious male and young girl. Tony was usually so bad at dealing with children but this little girl obviously thought the world of him. 

Her date looked at her curiously. “You okay?”

She had to shake her head and get her focus back on the date. She really liked Dwayne and didn’t want to ruin it by focussing on a work colleague rather than her date. “Yeah, just saw something surprised me.”

Dwayne chuckled. “People can surprise us.”

She snorted because that was an understatement. She could never believe that Mr Ladies Man, Tony DiNozzo, would ever contemplate a close relationship with a male. She figured it was a bromance - probably. “Yeah, you’re so right. Anyway, let’s get back to us.”

~*~

Tony had no need to scan the room as he was listening to Scott regale him and Cassie with his job interview. He was so excited at the prospect of being able to use his degree. It sounded like quite an exciting prospect - and he was sure Scott mentioned something about shrinking technology. 

He knew Scott when he was joking and he didn’t think this was a joke. He said nothing because he was well aware that this was something his friend needed. He was well aware that every time Scott took Cassie home Maggie rubbed the lack of a job in the face of her ex-husband. Tony knew he was going to happily drive them back to Cassie’s moms this time. 

Focussing on Cassie, Tony could see she was getting sleepy after having enjoyed all the good food. Scott smiled softly even as she snuggled up to Tony. “I think I better get this one to her mom.”

“Let’s go.”

Scott raised an eyebrow. “You hate Maggie’s attitude.”

Tony snickered. “Yeah because she is too snarky with you.”

Scott shrugged. “I ...”

Tony cut him off. “Don’t deserve anyone trampling over your self-esteem.”

Scott’s look suggested he should practise what he preached and if he was being honest, Tony was working on it. He had evaluated some things at NCIS and he was going to be putting his foot down about certain things.  

Tony knew how to win the argument, “Anyway, Cassie wants me to wind up Paxton.”

Scott snickered as Maggie’s new boyfriend was a Detective with the PD and got all defensive around Tony. It was ridiculous because while the rivalry between Cops and Federal Agents was legendary - Tony never bothered with that crap. He’d worked both sides of the argument and ultimately he’d do what was needed to see an end to a case. “In that case, please do.”

~*~

Maggie saw the Mustang ride along the street and just knew Tony was helping to drop Cassie off. She sighed because Pax was going to be all passive-aggressive now. Perfect.  

Cassie bounded up the pathway. “Mom, Uncle Tony took me to the Science museum after he finished at work and now I know exactly how to do my science project.”

“Well, I need to get the materials.” She tried to distract her daughter. 

Cassie shook her head. “No, we got them and Daddy has a cool new job where he gets to do stuff with science and computers.”

Maggie was shocked to the core. It was one of her biggest frustrations with her ex-husband and now here he was standing all slinky leaning on a Black Mustang next to his model-worthy best-friend and she didn’t know where to begin. She actually looked closer and noticed the lack of personal space - was there something more going on?. 

“You know Paxton was going to help you. He was looking forward to it.”

Cassie rolled her eyes. “I know that Mommy and Uncle Tony just wanted to make sure I got a chance to explore some ideas. He is really cool and he took the time out of arresting bad guys to do it.”

Damn. Kids always do have a way of hitting below the belt without even trying. Maggie was well aware of Paxton having used the excuse of he was out arresting bad guys to explain why he couldn’t watch an event. She sighed because soon she and Paxton would be married and even if Cassie said she didn’t mind him it was clear she had a favourite - and it wasn’t Paxton. 

And of course, Scott was standing there looking smug. He’d won the battle of the Stepdad’s and Tony wasn’t even one yet. The saddest thing was that she knew the two men hadn’t done anything about their chemistry. 

~*~

Scott and Tony headed back to their apartment and Scott sat down, content with the world. “You know I have always said I love you for everything you’ve done for me.”

“Yeah, buddie.”

He had to be brave - he knew if he wanted things to change he would have to take that step. “I don’t always mean it platonically.”

And damn, the atmosphere got heavy real quick. 

Tony slid onto the couch next to him. There was barely any distance between them and it was adding to the tension. Scott knew it wouldn’t take much to ignite them. God, did he want it. 

“Is that so.” His voice came out low and like silk. It seemed he was once more in tune with Scott. “You know I don’t always think of us platonically but there was Maggie and Cassie.”

“Yeah, well, if you can put up with the ex-wife we still have my awesome daughter.”

Tony chuckled, and leaned forward resting their heads together. It was like by tacitly agreeing they knew where this was heading. “You know your daughter asked me when I was going to pull my head out of my ass and tell you how I feel.”

“She did not say that!”

Tony snickered. “No, but she did say that I make you happy and should continue to do so because she thinks Paxton is a douche.”

Scott let the talking die down and kissed Tony senseless. 

He had definitely won the divorce, and he may have become Antman still but his Husband and daughter would have kicked his ass if he had galavanted off anywhere without first talking through things as a family. 

Chapter Text

Coulson watched as Fitz and Gemma watched over his husband. He had never been so relieved to see the back of NCIS and their distracting nonsense. He’d always been the type to focus on the mission and as soon as he had heard the word ‘plague’ in relation to Tony he had only one goal - making sure Tony survived.

He’d known that Gibbs would cause chaos just from how Tony spoke about his days. Whilst he was more than capable of dealing with big egos, Stark was all the training he’d needed and he just couldn’t be bothered here so he’d left that to Nick to figure out. It was a gift after the man had come back from a World Security Council meeting. 

The window allowed him to see and hear everything that was going on but he still felt helpless. He couldn’t fight this disease for his husband and that was the worst part. He’d done all he could and now he had to leave it in the hands of others. 

Melinda was so in sync with him and taken over running point on missions. She had wandered down to the infirmary area when Skye had expressed concern over the fact Coulson hadn’t moved in five hours. 

She knew so many in the agency would be surprised to see the depth of love Coulson had for someone else. She’d known about them, and in fact, she’d given Phil a nudge when he’d let fear potentially get in the way of what was the best thing for him. She spoke, breaking the tense silence. “He will beat this.”

Phil hung onto that thought with everything in him.

~*~

Phil was watching Tony fight for every breath. He hoped she was right, he’d seen improvements as in the last hour after the breathing mask had come off.  He knew something had confused/excited his scientists but they’d been so focussed on curing Tony that he hadn’t demanded immediate updates. All he could say was, “I can’t fight this with him.”

Melinda put a hand on his shoulder. “No, you’ve done your bit. Now we have to wait and see how the serum will take hold.”

Phil chuckled, able to see some irony in the whole situation. “Yeah, Tony always said he should be jealous of Captain America.”

Melinda smirked. “Well, the man will have the blood of the man flowing through his veins.”

Jemma raced outside, clearly she felt confident enough to leave Tony’s side and needed some facts clarified. “You said Tony was a Paddington/DiNozzo when we did a background check for medical history.”

Phil nodded, and was frowning because he wasn’t sure how that could be relevant right now. “Yes, that’s correct.”

She shook her head and tried to explain why she was eager and confused all at the same time. “No, that’s not true. He is related to former Director Carter and his blood already is also a match to one Steven Rogers. The DNA link I would suggest is comparable to one of grandparents.”

Melinda and Phil looked at each other and could tell this was fresh to news to both of them. They’d risen to a level where they knew most of SHIELD’s skeletons. It was their job to protect them. Wow. This one had slipped them by.

Phil was making the links quicker than perhaps he expected considering his stress levels. “You mean to say ...”

Jemma nodded. “The serum has worked - his body is rapidly healing but it is taking care of all injuries as well as scar tissue, hence why he’s still sleeping.”

May gasped, which said a lot. She wanted to make sure she understood the ramifications. “The Serum is not diluted.”

Jemma shrugged because she’d agreed with the initial testing stages and work done by one of the scientists. “It should be for anyone else but I fear we have woken dormant DNA.”

May started to laugh and laugh because she’d learned sometimes you just needed to find the funny side. “Well, now you’ve got your very own super husband.”

“You’re not funny.”

May snorted because this whole situation was crazy and her day job often involved aliens. “Oh, I am. I get to tell Fury that he now has two super-soldiers even though one will need training.”

Jemma could see the start of plotting and things she had no interest in knowing. In all honesty, it was probably above her level to even know what they were thinking. “We’ll continue to monitor him but he should wake up feeling considerably well-rested and healthy.”

It was the best news possible and Coulson wasn’t sure how he could repay this because words seemed inadequate. “Thank you, Jemma.”

~*~

Coulson had been thinking about all the angles from the minute Gemma had notified him. This could and would cause his team grief but in his mind, he knew it was the right thing to do. “What do you say we take a stray on board?”

Melinda had worked with him for too long so she knew where his mind was going. “You want us to take Rogers on board.”

Phil thought about all the potential scenarios. “Yeah, I do. Fury is going to string him along or have him work with Strike.” He didn’t mind Fury as a boss but he wasn’t blind to the man’s faults. “It’s not a good fit and you know it. I’m going to have a husband who has never had super strength and will need condition training.”

“You want to do a run around Fury to stop Rogers being ignorant.” May repeated because she wanted to be certain of what they were getting into.

“I know it bothers you as much as me.” Phil pointed out. 

She sighed. “You know, I did say I was bored in that cubicle. Sure, why not. I’ll find where he is. Make sure that husband of yours is okay.”

May shouted to Skye. “Skye, find me Captain America’s location.”

“What?!?!”

Phil had to smile at the way, despite the question, she was immediately on her screen doing as ordered. 

He loved his team, just not quite as much as he loved Tony.

~*~ 

Tony’s eyes fluttered open and the first thing he noticed was the fact he could breathe. “How?”

Phil squeezed his hand and kissed it in relief. “You continue to defy the odds. You’re not only out of the woods but you’re fully healed. Fitz and Jemma showed me the scans.”

“I don’t understand.” He rasped out. 

Phil was not like Fury and knew information was key for his husband. “You were injected with a serum to keep you alive. It was made from the super-soldier serum, only it shouldn’t have had any side-effects as you were not subjected to Gamma radiation.”

Tony may have plague-brain but he was following so far. “Would you love me if I was green?”

His sarcasm caused a coughing fit. Phil was quick to feed him an ice-chip. “Of course, only your family tree isn’t as sedate as you thought.”

“What do you mean?”

Phil looked sheepish. “When Fitz and Jemma ran your DNA you were found to have a familial match with Steven G Rogers.”

“You’re screwing with me.” Tony was sitting up now. He was marvelling at the fact he was okay to do such a simple action when twenty-four hours ago he could barely breathe.

Phil shook his head. “No, I am not. We can ask him how once one of my team hunts him down.”

Tony pulled Phil onto the bed with him. “I’m sorry I scared you.”

Phil snorted. “I'm sure we made promises to stand next to each other in all battles.”

“Yeah, but the vows don’t imagine the plague.” Tony responded.

“That’s true but you’re fortunate to have a very supportive husband.” 

Tony’s response was a kiss, something he’d feared not too long ago he’d not be able to do again. “You win the best husband ever award.”

Skye raced in. “Found him, bossman. Yikes. Sorry.”

Tony collapsed into Phil’s shoulder seeing the humour in that moment if nothing else. The young woman couldn’t have sounded more like a teen who had walked in on her parents if she tried. 

Phil showing his usual aplomb. “Thank you, Skye.”

Of statements Tony never thought he would say - the next one was high on the list. “So when do we get to speak to my grandfather?”

“After I convince him I’m not dead.”

Tony winced but wondered if it said something about their life - that that wasn’t his sticking point. “Talking about death. How were things left with Gibbs?”

Phil snorted and replied in a perfect deadpan voice. “He can go fuck himself, his whole agency and whatever Mossad bint he had shadowing him.”

Tony knew that cadence and it didn’t belong to Phil. He just had to know, “Did Fury get that on tape?”

Phil snorted. “I have a super high tech plane ... we got the whole thing on tape. You know there is no way you can go back to NCIS.” 

He didn’t bother to break it gently, it was not how they worked. In their working lives, they had to hide so many truths, keep secrets that perhaps shouldn’t be kept so they made a pact to be painfully honest with each other. 

Tony didn’t think NCIS would have a training manual that would cover this whole scenario. He shrugged. “I think it was time anyway. So can you put me to work?”

Phil rolled his eyes but his eyes were alight with amusement. “Don’t flirt with me.”

Tony pulled him into a deep kiss, finally believing that he would, in fact, be okay. “You know what? We need to find a real bed. The kids can find Grandpa.”

Phil was a responsible level 9 employee of his agency but he’d just had a terrible scare and he wasn’t stupid enough to refuse such an offer. “Let me show you where we sleep.”

~*~

Melinda May was an agent who struck fear into most men. She walked to the end of the boardwalk threw her ID at him and cut to the chase. “Agent Roger’s, you’re needed on a new mission.”

“Excuse me?” He didn’t know about any new emergency and if there was one thing he loved about modern times it was how easy information could get to your fingertips.

She rolled her eyes. “Yes, you’re patriotic and shiny and good at doing what Nick Fury tells you.”

“And you work for him.”

She smirked. “Nope. I work with someone who is very eager to have a proper conversation but knows it will be difficult because of Nick Fury.”

“Who?”

“You’ve met them in New York. Look, we have complications that your unique skill set can help.”

Steve kept looking out at the water. “I know how to fight.”

“Yes, but it is the super-strength issue.”

Now Steve was taut like Hawkeye’s bow. “Who? And how? Erskine’s formula never worked again. You’ve got the Hulk as an example.”

She snorted. “Yeah, eggheads don’t learn but you know what? Your grandson needs your help and I am hoping you are man enough to help. Forget Uncle Sam and think about your own flesh and blood.”

Steve was dubious but to be honest, the mission Fury was suggesting gave him the heebie-jeebies but he hadn’t seen how he could say no. “In that case lead on, Agent May.”

~*~

Melinda had deliberately shared more about the situation regarding Tony, and felt it prudent to share the fact Coulson was in fact alive.

Steve was stunned. “Fury said he was dead.”

She snorted. “Nick will say a lot of things and sometimes they’re even true.”

Steve couldn’t help but snicker. “That is cynical.”

“Doesn’t make it less true.”

Their drive was at an end so she pulled up to the hanger. “Welcome to our home away from home.”

Steve looked around the plane. “This is where you all reside?”

She smirked. “It’s not Stark Tower but we’re not struggling.”

Steve looked up at the plane and let a moment of longing flash on his face. “This is where my grandson is?”

She nods. “Yeah, and his husband.”

“Who is Coulson, and is alive.”

She nodded because there was no denying either part. “Yes.”

Steve took a deep breath and squared his shoulders. “Lead on, Agent May.”

She had a feeling this could be good for all involved. She had read the file on Coulson’s husband and none could deny his talent or skills. She had noted that family (or lack thereof) was a sticking point for Tony. She also knew that for Rogers, who had no tangible connections with the modern world, it could be serendipity. 

She couldn’t wait to see how this played out but she wasn’t going to let Phil get away with making her an errand girl. She walked through the bay and straight to the living quarters. 

She knocked on Phil’s door. “You better be decent. I’ve got your grandfather-in-law here.”

He was - but the fun was just beginning and would see the structures of SHIELD be radically different by the time Hydra attempted to strike.

Chapter Text

Hot out Here 

Tony hadn’t regretted going to Austin, Texas. His lungs were shot and the warmer weather was just what the doctor ordered - literally.  He hadn’t expected to end up back in a Police Department as a Commander of a district but it had been a wild ride. 

Today was fun, Officer Reyes was back from his call, and ready to hand in his paperwork. “Sir, have you met the new 126 team.” 

Tony, like anyone else amongst the first responders, knew all about the old 126 team, where the majority of the team had lost their lives. It was a tragedy that had shaken them all to their core. “Is the newbie Captain an out-of-towner, like me?”

Reyes snorted. “You’ve gone native, Commander and you won’t be able to convince any of us otherwise.”

Tony shrugged because it had taken a year and he’d gone truly native. He ran his district with a firm fist but a lot of respect for the men and women who worked with him. “You might be right. Are they good?”

“The Captain and his son are from New York, and the others are transplants too.”

Tony tilted his head considering the bold choice of the Fire chief to bring in new people. He was also aware that the legendary spitfire medical captain might have a thing or two to say. “And what does Captain Blake think?”

Reyes looked sheepish because his best friend was known for giving people a hard time. “She is giving him a cool welcome.”

“Why?”

Reyes shrugged. “No idea, Sir. Here are the reports you asked for.”

“Thank you, Officer.”

Tony let the fascinating mystery of the new team leave his head for the day. He had way too many tasks on his to-do list. He would have to wait for the right opportunity to see the team face to face.

~*~

Tony cracked his back and blinked, wondering when it had gone dark. He winced, noticing that his administration specialist was still faithfully at his desk. “Sorry, Kendall.”

“No worries, Commander.”

Tony had tried the first week to break him of the habit but eventually given up with ill-grace. “File these and then go home, make sure you’ve filed your overtime.”

Kendall smirked at him. “You know I will, Sir.”

Tony needed a break and a drink to unwind before heading back to his place. He stopped at the Saloon and had to shake his head in amusement. The bar was probably being kept afloat by the services as he took in the room and didn’t notice anyone who wasn’t a fireman, cop or EMT.

The new team, or so Tony guessed, had managed to find a table. Reyes was looking at one of the newbie’s like he was dessert. He saw Blake, and he greeted her with a smile. “I hear you’re not being very welcoming.”

She smirked. “I am friendly on the job, Commander.”

“Blake, tell that to someone, who most of his officers aren’t scared of.”

She affected an innocent look, which with her fine-elven features would almost work - if he didn’t know better. “I am plenty nice to Officer Reyes.”

Tony rolled his eyes as he was well aware that they were best friends. “Are you going to help his pining ass out, I hate to see one of my officers pine? “

She chuckled. “The new captain might not thank me for setting up his son with Carlos.”

“He is a fully grown firefighter, Michelle.” Tony pointed out, letting her know she could cool the formality outside of a work setting. Plus, he was aware of how close she was to his officer. “And those looks are going both ways. Strand Jnr is just better at hiding it.”

She smirked but Tony could see the devious look in her eyes and knew his work was done. 

~*~

Tony could see the Fire Captain look bemused when he watched his son disappear. He slid a drink along the bar and tried to figure out what was the deal with Captain Strand because he was hot, sure but he was definitely aiming to keep his distance from people. It might have been a rank thing but it seemed more personal than that for the guy. 

His musings seemed to have caught his attention. “You seem more confused than I am, and I am new in town.”

Tony chuckled. “Nah, I was from DC and that was a culture shock.”

Owen smirked knowing it would have been the same for both of them. “Any advice?”

Tony smirked but offered the best advice he could from hindsight. “Give in and go native. It is easier in the long run. “I’m Tony.”

“Owen.”

It was the start of a long conversation that hadn’t gone unnoticed by either the firemen or the cops. Still as it was their bosses, no one said a word and figured the two men were bonding over their positions and life experiences. 

It may have been part of it but Tony had found himself flirting with the man. The bar got a little too loud and Tony found himself asking. “Shall we take a walk.”

Owen threw some money on the table. “Sure, you can show me the benefits of going native.” 

Tony smiled and grabbed his jacket. The talk was long and winding and covered so many things. It was funny because both of them considered themselves to be reticent about their pasts and yet with each other - it was easy. 

Owen grimmaced at a coughing fit, which left him wheezing, hunched over. He didn’t want to do it but he popped a pill. “Damn lungs.”

Tony zeroed in on the medication and let his empathy show on his face. “I’m sorry but I know you will fight ... It is in the job description.”

Owen chuckled because he could have played dumb. “You’re too observant.”

“Guess that is why they made me a Commander.” Tony replied, and offered his own story. “I still have problems after a run-in with the plague. It was one of the reasons for the move, a hell of a lot warmer weather down here.”

“You’re not wrong. It is stage 1 and it’s a battle.” Owen replied, showing some of the weariness Tony was guessing he was choosing to hide from his own team.

“All the best things are Owen but from what I can see you are invested in sticking around.”

“That I am.” Owen wanted to know more about the Police Commander. The idea of a city-slicker being so easily accepted fascinated him.

~*~

There were easy days on the job, and then there were days when the Police, and Fire and EMT departments had to do mass coordination because the whole world went crazy.

The fires started off after a stupid BBQ party that went wrong but they spread like wildfire. Tony and his officers had managed to organise an evacuation from the worst affected areas but they were cutting it close in getting out themselves. He wasn’t a fan of the heavy protective gear but was well aware that it was saving his life. 

The Fire Chief who was coordinating called it. “Sector two. Go, you are about to be incinerated.”

Tony could guess even without having Fire-Science because this fire was everywhere. He looked at his two officers, “Go.”

Reyes looked at him. “What are you doing?”

Tony’s grin was manic. “Got a hot-guy to save.” 

Reyes looked torn and Tony shook his head. “You got the son, I get the father. Don’t be greedy Reyes.”

Carlos nodded. “Good luck. Sir.”

Tony was going to need it.

~*~

If there was one thing that was useful - the firemen were equipped with homing beacons if injured. Tony was able to track Strand by the sound being emitted from the beacon.

Tony bent down to assess the situation. “Come on, sunshine.”

Strand groaned. “My foot is trapped.”

Tony was glad for the extra thick gloves, it would give him some protection from the heat. He picked up the beam but it was still going to blister. “Bet you’re glad I do weights?”

Strand snorted but was pulling his leg from under the beam. He groaned but managed to stand. “Ouch. Okay, options.”

They looked around the vicinity and the fire had closed in around them. Tony could see one gap in the flames but it was unrealistic given Strand’s damage to his leg. 

“The air is hotter than you right now. Think . Give me options city boy.” Tony challenged him. He liked Owen for a lot of reasons, and one of them was his competency.

Owen looked at the pool and took in the environment. “Let’s go for a swim.”

Tony trusted the man but this was going to be crazy. “Swim?”

Owen started to pull off his protective headgears. “We get one shot.”

Tony followed him. “You know I imagined getting you out your clothes in far sexier ways.”

Owen’s eyes widened because that sounded real good to him. The searing heat though reminded them of the immediate danger they were in. “I’ll remember that.” And pulled them into the pool. He’d timed it perfectly to the fireball dancing across the top of the water. 

Tony could see it, and he felt the burn in his lungs but he wasn’t stupid. Plus, if Owen in the midst of his lung treatments could stay calm - so could he. The flames racing across the top of the pool were as beautiful as deadly. He started to think too deeply, and Owen grabbed his face. 

Wow. Tony wanted so much at that moment that he would live to collect on his desires. The time seemed to pass in an eternity, or moments it was difficult to judge but gently Owen tugged him back to the surface. 

“Stay close to the surface, the air is still too hot and can burn your lungs.”

Tony looked worried, “You can’t afford the risk either.”

Owen had a crooked grin. “You’re cute when you worry.”

Tony shook his head in exasperation. “Why do I like you so much?”

“My brooding stare and good looks.”

Tony groaned at the sass. “When we’re safe, I am going to do something about that smart mouth.”

“Promises, promises.”

The fire had died down to a point where a safe gap had formed to the side. “Come on let’s go.”

~*~

The two men stumbled back to the triage area. Blake was the first to spot them. “Owen, you are too crazy. You are on Chemo for crying out loud.”

“Check him.” Tony ordered. 

Michelle rolled her eyes because she was going to anyway. “Sure, as soon as you sit your own ass down Commander, for some oxygen. You are not escaping without a trip to the ER as well.”

Tony looked resigned but was aware that she wouldn’t take no for an answer. In addition, when you were a leader, you needed to lead from the front even when it was hard to do. 

~*~

TK Strand raced towards them. “Dad, you are crazy.”

Owen smirked but aimed to reassure his son. “Hey, it wasn’t that crazy and Commander DiNozzo agreed with me.”

Tony shrugged at the askance look from Reyes. “I was out of options.”

“You know this will just be added to your legend, Sir.” Carlos was careful to add. 

Tony shrugged. “I don’t care.”

Strand’s son looked torn between hugging the life out of him, and shouting. “What’s your next crazy plan?”

Owen took a deep breath so that he could get the words out. “Well, I am hoping you and Officer Reyes can amuse yourselves because Commander DiNozzo threatened me with a good time and I think I deserve that after the whole fireball thing.”

TK groaned. “Dad. You can’t be serious.”

“Son, don’t be a cockblock.”

Reyes had tears in his eyes. “I will help a fellow officer out, come on, Tyler, let’s go.”

Owen turned back to his flirting partner. “So what exactly do you intend to do?”

Blake broke through the intention. “Whatever he likes after you both get checked out by a doctor.”

Both men pouted but it turns out, she was immune to their charm. Still Tony made good on his promise after a medical check-up. 

~*~

In the morning, TK had come on shift having been dropped off by Carlos and he’d grabbed a coffee. He was relaxed and sated in a way that he could get used to. 

“I thought you drove in with the Cap?”

TK shook his head. “Nah, Dad had his own plans and I was surplus to requirements.”

“What?”

TK could see the funny side now, and thanks to interrogating his own boyfriend he knew a lot more about the Commander. “Dad found his own hot cop.”

Sure enough, a black mustang pulled up and Owen slipped out of the passenger side. A quick peck of lips and a promise to catch up after shift was made. 

“So chores?”

The team groaned because it seemed even if the Captain was getting some he wasn’t going to let anything slip. 

In truth, TK didn’t care; he just needed to know one thing. 

“Are you happy?”

“Oh yeah.”

Austin may have not been the plan for the Strand’s but both father and son were finding it pretty great. They had a kickass fire team, hot cops and a fresh start, which is all anyone can ask for.

Chapter Text

This is a sequel for the short: Drunk in Vegas 

“We talked about a Golden Retriever, not Captain fucking America.” Tony managed to say as a way of greeting for his husband. 

The blond man in their living room looked sheepish. “I prefer Steve Rogers.”

Tony winced and managed to look contrite. “Of course you do and sorry for being an asshole ... long case.” He offered by way of an explanation.

“You’re an agent?”

Tony nodded, “Yeah, that’s right. This one’s husband and an NCIS Special Agent, Tony DiNozzo. Nice to meet ya.”

They all managed to land in their living room, and that was another adjustment for Tony. He’d gone from a crappy apartment that he never really stayed in - to a full home with Sam. He didn’t regret a thing about it even if Gibbs tried to give him shit about his distance from the Yard. 

“So how did you and Sam cross paths?” Tony asked carefully. He wondered if it was happenstance or in a professional capacity.

“I kept lapping him around the monument.” Steve said with a smirk. 

And Tony got it, in a hot second. “Wow, you must have so much fun trolling everyone.”

Sam was frowning at him, not quite getting what Tony was alluding to. “Did you just call an icon a troll?”

Tony shook his head but he was still laughing. “No, I am saying the man has perfected his own mask to mess with everyone. I think you are my second favourite person in this world.”

Steve pouted. “Only second?”

Tony grinned crookedly pointing to Sam. “He may not be as fast as you but he is mine.”

Steve nodded. “You two are quite something and if there is one good thing about the future is that certain attitudes have changed.”

Tony could guess there was more behind that statement than perhaps some might guess. He would let the man tell them in their own time. “Well, Steve you’re welcome to stay for dinner. It’s my night so it will be proper pasta.”

“If you’re sure, that would be real swell.”

He looked bashful about his language but Sam brushed it off. “You can say what you want in this house and anyone who says otherwise can go screw themselves.”

Tony had headed into the kitchen. “What hubby said!”

~*~

Tony and Sam shared an unexpected if not fascinating evening trading stories with a living legend. 

“So how have you had help with adjusting to the future?” Sam asked. 

Steve looked shocked by the question. “Help?”

“Yeah, I mean feel free to tell me to shut up but you got frozen for 70 years. It must have been one hell of a rude awakening.” Sam pointed out and he got a sinking feeling that the man had been given no help at all. 

“I didn’t really. Director Fury just gave me a target to fight.”

Tony sucked in a breath. “Wow. Okay, if you would like we can be guides for 70 years of history that is if you’re willing.”

Steve was hopeful but stunned. “Why would you do that for me? You don’t know me.”

Tony shrugged. “Sam brought you home which means you are important to him. Plus, I would be a terrible human if I left you to struggle after all you sacrificed.”

“I never considered it a sacrifice you know. It had to be done to end the threat of HYDRA.”

Sam grinned. “Then know this isn’t a sacrifice for us. Plus, you know we just want to grill you for stories.”

That might have been true. Yet, Steve had found over their excellent meal he had not felt like a science experiment. It was the most relaxed he had felt since arriving in the twenty-first century. 

“It will be nice to know what everyone is talking about.”

Tony grinned manically just wait until after we have caught you up on the movies and pop-culture and you can troll people in a whole new way. 

~*~

Tony was in work early as he had the SFA paperwork to finish off. A looming figure was over him. “Can I help you, Director Fury?”

“Why were you talking to my asset?”

Tony snorted. “He has a name, Steve. Plus, it wasn’t my fault you would have to blame my husband. He was the one to drag him home, I just fed him pasta.”

“He comes back to the tower and freaks Tony Stark out and all you did was talk and feed him?”

Tony looked up from his screen. “Yep, we treated him like a normal human being but because 

Sam is a counsellor he asked him about his feelings. Sorry but he can’t help it, it’s in the job description.”

Fury glared at him but he found it ridiculous with the whole eye patch - it just ruined the whole thing. “Do you think you’re funny.”

“I know I am but the last time I checked I don’t work for SHIELD.”

Fury grinned. “You made Captain America ask for a list of books.”

Tony frowned. “So the man is curious about History ... He figured he should catch up on what he missed so he isn’t ignorant, You can’t fault a man for wanting to be educated.”

Fury’s look implied that he had wanted exactly that and if that was the case the Tony was really glad he interfered. “I am going to ask Wilson to be the Avenger’s counsellor.”

Tony rolled his eyes. “All those big personalities would need it but they are in New York and we live here.”

“For now.”

“WHAT IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?”

Tony didn’t get an answer as Fury smirked and walked off towards the hidden exit. Tony took a deep breath and reminded himself that he had work to do. He would have to figure out Fury’s mind game when he had time. He didn’t regret marrying Sam in Vegas as the relationship that had formed after had been solid - even if they had done the relationship goals in the wrong order. 

He figured he would text his husband a warning at the least. 

Dread pirate is going to ask you to look after his merry band’s feelings.

-For real? 

Tony snorted and muttered under his breath. “That is what you get for bringing home a stray.”
He wondered how much fo America he would have angered by calling Captain America a dog but it was an accurate description. 

Kate frowned hearing what Tony said having arrived for her own shift. “A stray, did Sam want a dog?”

Tony snorted knowing that if he even spoke the truth about last night - it wouldn’t be believed. He was okay with that though. “Yeah, he was abandoned and all sad. I ended up giving him some pasta because Sam was all upset.”

Kate smiled. “You’re a good husband and you know I think Sam is awesome.”

Tony snorted because Kate would be forever grateful to his husband for saving her life by stopping Ari from taking his shot. “Yeah, he is.”

~*~

Tony got a call. “You’re giving Captain America a Star Wars marathon?”

Tony rolled his eyes and even though he hadn’t met the prison he recognised the voice. “Sure did but it is at my house and I don’t know if we will fit all the Avengers and sorry to say Hulk definitely won’t fit.”

Stark snorted. “How did you do it?”

Tony could hear exasperation but also a genuine question so this time he gave a straight answer. “We treated him like Steve Rogers.”

Stark sighed. “And none of us did.”

Tony shrugged because he could guess there might be baggage around Captain America and the Starks. He remembered his field trips to the museum and even if half of it would have been true - Stark’s daddy issues were justifiable. “So reach out to him, he wasn’t around for the last seventy years ... He needs help to catch up.”

Stark huffed. “Fury would have done it.”

Tony laughed cynically. “No, he didn’t because he likes his assets strong and dumb. At least that is what I inferred from our conversation this morning where he asked me what my intentions were to Captain America.”