Nothing But Grey

We didn’t really talk about what I thought almost happened the night of my birthday. We went to the arcade then got drunk and ended the night at a karaoke bar. At one point Happy had joined in and then the night was a blur.

We all woke up passed out in the living room to Rhodey putting down three cups of coffee. That was how I met Rhodey. Suffice to say he was not surprised that was how he met his best friend’s soulmate.

Week 23…

I didn’t have therapy the week of Thanksgiving which was great because seeing as I was the only person currently in the house that knew how to cook, Thanksgiving prep fell to me. That didn’t mean I didn’t make Bruce and Tony come with me to the grocery store and farmers market to buy everything.

“Do we have to?” Tony whined after I dragged both him and Bruce out of the lab.

“I don’t think we’d be much help.” Bruce said.

“You’ll be plenty of help. Even if it’s just helping me carry everything or saving my place in line.” I said. “Besides you two need to get out more.”

“We go out all the time.” Tony said.

“You go out once a week for therapy.” I said. “And Bruce, when was the last time you went out?”

“Uh…” Bruce said having to think about it.

“Exactly.” I said. “Let’s go. We have a lot of stops to make.”

“You could just give Jarvis the grocery list and get it all delivered.” Tony said.

“No if you want it done right you have to do it yourself.” I said.

“But why spend the day waiting in lines and rushing around when we could be doing something fun.” Tony said. “Why don’t I just hire a caterer and we can go do something else?”

“Like what?” I suggested.

“I don’t know I could think of a few things.” Tony said with a flirty smile as his fingers gently linked in between mine. Then Bruce cleared his throat as if to remind Tony he was still there.

“We’re going.” I said taking Tony’s hand and leading him out before he tried to get away and looping my arm with Bruce’s. “You two need the lab break.”

“Yeah but a crowded grocery store?” Bruce said.

“I mean the press…” Tony started

“I can see it now…Superheroes they’re just like us.” I said. “People will love it. Now let’s go we need to find a turkey big enough to feed everyone.“

“Let’s just get catering.” Tony said again.

“Sure, I can get Will to do it. He’d be more than happy to..” I started.

“Let’s Go!” Tony said suddenly very eager to go get groceries.

“Who’s Will?” Bruce asked confused.

Surprisingly Tony had never been grocery shopping. I mean not surprising considering he was a billionaire and had people that did this sort of stuff for him. The one downside was that it was like shopping with a four year old. He was pacing all of the aisles grabbing random things. Then we hit the cereal aisle and he apparently didn’t know how many different types of cereal there were.

“People actually eat this stuff?” he said picking up boxes of sugar cereal. “I can’t even pronounce half of these ingredients. Is this English?”

“They do because its tastes good even if it’s basically poison.” I said putting one of said boxes in the cart. What can I say? It’s my comfort food. “Okay we got the butterball turkey, just need a few things for the stuffing.”

“Like stuffing?” Bruce asked offering me a box.

“No I make my own stuffing. That stuff is way too dry.” I said before looking at my list. “Also gravy for the mashed potatoes, and butter to make the pies. Macaroni for the mac and cheese…”

“So how’d you learn to cook?” Tony asked.

“Did your mom teach you.” Bruce asked and Tony cleared his throat trying to warn him not to say the M-word.

“Ew no… It doesn’t matter what universe you’re in Lillian Marin cannot cook. She once started a fire trying to make toast.” I said.

“That’s one way to do it.” Tony said.

“Coming from a guy that once made an omelet that was both raw and burnt.” I retorted.

“I didn’t…” he started and I gave him a look. “Seriously? That too?”

“There was lots of character development.” I said. “For both of you.”

“I’ll take your word for it.” Bruce said.

“Okay, dessert. I’m thinking pie unless either of you had any requests?” I asked.

“Pie’s nice.” Bruce said.

“You sure you don’t want me to just hire a caterer?” Tony asked.

“You want Will’s number?” I retorted as we stared at each other trying to get the other to crack.

“I still don’t know who Will is.”  Bruce added still confused.

It was around mid afternoon before we finally made it back to the house carrying back everything we had gotten.

“Well that was a learning experience.” Tony said.

“Yeah, who would have thought that sunglasses, a baseball cap and a hoodie really did work as a disguise.” I said.

“Quick and easy way to hide in plain sight.” Bruce said making me laugh.

“So meme worthy,” I said. “Since we did groceries I’m thinking takeout for dinner?”

“Chinese?” Tony asked.

“Chow mein sounds good.” Bruce said.

I was half expecting Bruce and Tony to run back downstairs until dinner arrived but they surprisingly decided to stay and make it a movie night. Though then came the half hour debate over who got to pick the movie. Most of the movies I wanted to watch wouldn’t be released for at least another five years.

“Okay I know how to settle this. An all around favorite.” I said.

“You’re going to say rom com aren’t you?” Tony said.

“Not that there’s anything wrong with that.” Bruce said trying to be neutral.

“No but When Harry Met Sally is a classic and we will watch it at some point.” I said. “How about Star Wars?”

“Sure but which one…” Bruce started.

Without thinking Tony and I said it at the same time.

“Empire.” We said before turning to each other.

“Unless you want to see Return of the jedi. Leia in a bikini…” He said zoning out before noticing the look I was giving him. “It’d a good idea for Halloween. No? We’ll come back to that.”

“Doubt it.” I said.

Early the Next Morning…

I had never really been into the holidays. When I was a kid every holiday ended with an argument at the dinner table and someone throwing their plate at the wall before storming off. As an adult I was either working the holiday to keep a roof over my head, hunting down my sister in law to make sure she didn’t over dose and maybe if I was lucky I’d make it in time to a bar for whatever holiday dinner special they were offering.

It never really mattered to me. It was just the one time a year I ate very dry meat and was grateful for it as I scarfed it down with loads of water but for some reason this one mattered. It mattered a lot.

So much so that I woke up at 4:30 in the morning to start cooking. Natasha, Steve and Clint weren’t going to be in until around noon which by then I would probably only be about half way done with everything.

I slipped on some earphones and got to work. Seasoning and greasing the turkey, prepping the stuffing and prepping the extra broth to baste said turkey on top of all the sides and the pies.

By the time Bruce and Tony were up I was in full on dancing around the kitchen kicking things closed and chopping things into pans and bowls.

I may have been singing to some one hit wonders when I turned around I just saw tony and Bruce standing there sipping their coffee smiling as they watched me.

“Oh hey!” I said slipping off my earphones.

“Hey.” Tony said with a grin.

“Morning.” Bruce said.

“How much of that did you see?” I asked.

“Oh nothing really.” Bruce said.

“Nothing at all psycho killer.” Tony said. Oh fuck that was like three songs ago.

“This is a lot of food.” Bruce said.

“You’ve seen Steve and Clint eat.” I said.

“Do you need help?” Bruce asked.

“Nope I got it all…” I started before slapping Tony’s hand away from the chocolate filling.

“Ow!” Tony said.

“Don’t stick your finger in the chocolate.” I said before handing him a spoon. “Use a spoon.”

“Yes mom.” Tony said before trying the chocolate. “Oh wow.”

“Okay I need to baste the turkey every hour so it doesn’t dry out even though it will still be dry because it’s turkey. The pies can go in while we’re eating but I need to work on the crusts so it will rest a bit, so sides go in first…” I said.

“Should we…” Tony asked.

“No! I’ve seen you try to cook. Hydra, Aim, and the mandarin are already going to try to kill us don’t beat them to it.” I said and Tony raised his hands backing away.

“Okay we’ll just be in the lab if you need us.” Tony said.

“Or we can stay here and keep you company?” Bruce offered.

“No, you two go, this turkey is going to need my full attention.” I said.

“You don’t want us to see you dance do you?” Tony said amused.

“No.” I said immediately. “Maybe. Don’t piss off the person doing all the cooking.”

“Okay, Pretend we were never here.” Tony said backing away.

“See you at dinner.” I said before popping my earphones in and getting back to it.

I have to say I was in the zone. Chopping, basting, stirring and just getting it all done.

As I was dancing around and twirling around carrying dishes and pies I was so distracted I didn’t even notice Steve, Natasha and Clint come in and just sit at the counter watching me.

I had just tossed a pecan up in the air and was going to try to catch it in my mouth when it instead landed in between my boobs and went down my shirt.

That’s when Clint started laughing and I realized the three of them were there.

“Ah!” I jumped back. “You’re here.”

“Been here.” Natasha said.

“It smells great.” Steve said.

“Uhuh…” I said awkwardly.

“Did you miss us?” Clint asked.

“You guys were gone?” I teased.

Clint looked almost offended when I said that before I scoffed before I hugged him taking him by surprise.

“Oh.” Clint said surprised as his arms hovered over me. “She’s hugging me.” Clint whispered a bit too loud making me realized I was probably invading his personal space and started backing off when he hugged me back and pulled me back. “First hug, not letting go yet.”

“Okay.” I said leaning against him enjoying the hug. I don’t remember hugs being this nice. Then again I don’t get a lot of those.

We only broke apart once the alarm went off.

“Turkey!” I said slipping away from Clint and going to the oven. I opened it up and basted the turkey.

“That’s a big turkey.” Natasha said.

“Biggest one we could find.” I said closing the oven, resetting the timer, and picking up a dish rag. “You can take a guess at who picked it out.”

“Do you need some help?” Steve asked.

“Nope, I’ve got this handled. Why don’t you guys go relax, it was a long flight.” I said.

“Not that long.” Clint said.

“Clint broke the air traffic speed limit.” Natasha said.

“The jet can handle it.” Clint defended.

“I don’t think that’s the point of it.” I said as the second egg timer rang. “That’s the pie dough timer… I recorded all the new episodes of Dog Cops for you, Added a few things to your queue Steve also I stopped by the farmer’s market and got you that pumpkin loaf bread you like Nat.”

“You sure you don’t…” Steve started.

“You can check to make sure Tony and Bruce haven’t blown each other up accidentally?” I suggested.

“Uh… I’ll just look at that queue.” Steve said.

I quickly got back to work by the time the last baste alarm went off almost everything was ready. I took that as my cue to go upstairs and get washed up for dinner. I think Natasha had a feeling I still hadn’t decided what I was going to wear because a short red and black knit mini dress was laid out on my bed with black textured tights and black suede Manolo Blahnik heels.

I made it back downstairs just as the last alarm went off. I took the turkey out of the oven and put it down to rest before I started setting the table.

“Jarvis can you let everyone know dinner is about to be served?” I asked.

“Right away Miss.” Jarvis said.

“Thank you.” I said.

“Whoa.” Tony said walking in.

“What did I forget something?” I asked.

“Uh no you made everything…” Tony said.

“Yeah, did you ever use the oven? There was still plastic wrap in one of them.” I asked.

“I don’t know the only people that come in here are you or whatever caterers I hire for parties.” He said. “You look nice.”

“Not bad yourself.” I teased.

“Is that pie?” Steve said with wide eyes as his eyes landed on the apple pies on the counter.

“Yeah they’re still hot.” I said.

“The food looks great.” Natasha said.

“Let’s hope it tastes as good as it looks.” I said before bringing out a dish placing it close to where Bruce was going to sit. “Bruce, I know you don’t eat meat so I made some tofurky. I’m not entirely sure if it’s supposed to look like this or what it tastes like it but its here if you want to try it.”

“It looks… good.” He said not entirely sure himself.

“There are a lot of sides too.” I said.

“Thank you.” Bruce said with a smile.

“Okay let’s eat.” I said sitting down but then Steve cleared his throat loudly getting anyone’s attention.

“Uh shouldn’t we say grace?” Steve said and everyone turned to look at him as if he had grown another head.

“Tony thanks for buying dinner.” I said.

“Thanks for making it.” He said putting a glass of wine in front of me. Everyone mumbled a thanks before they started serving themselves.

“Cheers.” I said clinking my glass with his.

“Oh ma gah…” Clint moaned when he took a bite. “Thish is ama…”

Which I took to mean ‘OMG this is amazing.’

“Wow. I’ve never had a turkey this juicy.” Tony said.

“The trick is basting regularly.” I said.

“Where’d you learn to cook?” Steve asked.

“I read a lot of cook books and I hung out with a chef a few times.” I said making Tony choke on his wine.

“You said it was one date.” Tony said.

“Yeah one date date but we did see each other in non-date like settings and the guy really likes to talk about food.” I said.

“But one date right?” Tony said.

“We’ve talked about this.” I said.

“What’s going on?” Natasha asked.

“Is this about that Will guy?” Bruce asked.

“What Will guy?” Steve asked.

“He’s a guy I went on a date with in my old universe.” I said.

“That she ran into on her birthday and he asked her out again.” Tony said.

“He what?!” Steve and Natasha said at the same time.

“We missed your birthday?!” Clint said more upset about that than anything.

“It was a few weeks ago.” I said shrugging it off. “I don’t really see what the big deal is. It didn’t work out before and honestly the guy was more interested in the chicken we had for dinner than me.”

“Yet we’re still talking about him…” Tony said.

“He taught me his secret to the perfect turkey which we’re all enjoying.” I pointed out. “Why are you being so weird?”

“I’m not being weird.” Tony said.

“Yeah you are.” I said.

“I’m not the one who brought up my ex.” Tony said.

“It was one date with the alternate universe version of the guy which didn’t go anywhere so technically he’s not an ex. In fact I don’t have any exes.” I said.

“He asked you out again.” Tony said.

“He did?” Everyone said.

“Yeah but I said no. You’re making a big deal over nothing.” I said.

“Am I?” Tony asked.

“Yeah.” I said.

“Do you really not get why this might bother us?” Tony asked.

“Think of it like this Tony. Do I make a big deal about you still being friends with Pepper?” I retorted.

Tony was about to say something but then he thought about it.

“Uh… But it’s not the same thing!” he said not sounding completely sure.

“But it is.” I said.

“No its not.” He said.

“Yes it is.” Everyone said.

“You guys are no help.” Tony said.

Once we were done eating and I was starting to feel tired since I was up so early, I went to sit on the couch while everyone else cleaned up.

I was starting to drift off when Natasha came over and nudged me to sit up so she could sit on the couch of course then she put a pillow on her lap and nudged me to rest my head on the pillow while she ran her fingers through my hair.

I started drifting off again when Clint came over moving my feet off the couch so he could sit. I groaned but then he slipped off my heels and started rubbing my feet.

“Mhmm.” I moaned at how good it felt.

“Want me to stop?” Clint teased.

“I will kick you.” I mumbled making him chuckle.

Tony put on a movie and I knocked out before in the first ten minutes.

The Following Morning…

I woke up in my room still wearing my dress from the night before but tucked in under my favorite blanket.

I don’t know which one of them carried me up to my room last night but somehow that detail was what I found most touching.

Either way I got up and jumped in the shower opting to change into something a bit more casual. Some cut off jean shorts and a vintage ACDC band tee. It was a bit big and I don’t remember where the hell it had come from but it looked comfy so I put it on.

My hair was up in a messy bun as I really didn’t feel like trying today.

When I headed downstairs I was surprised to see everyone already up.

“Morning.” I said.

“Actually its afternoon.” Bruce said.

“Really?” I said looking at the clock in the kitchen. “Whoa talk about a food coma.”

“Those are the best.” Clint said putting a cup of coffee in front of me in my seat next to Tony.

“Nice tee shirt.” Tony said with a smug grin.

“Thanks. I found it in my closet. I don’t remember picking it out but its comfy.” I said.

“Yeah… I’m pretty sure that’s mine.” Tony said.

“What?” I said.

“Hold on.” Natasha said before checking the tag. “It’s a men’s shirt.”

“Oh must’ve gotten mixed up when I did a load of laundry.” I said. “I’ll wash it and give it back later.”

“Keep it.” Tony said smile. “Looks better on you.”

“Thanks.” I said taking a plate of leftovers from Steve. “So what are you all doing today?”

Of course at that moment the TV suddenly let out a very long high pitch ring before the ten rings logo appeared and footage of an exploding building too over the screen.

“America you should be afraid. You should be very afraid.” The Mandarin said. “Your reign of terror is coming to its end.”

With that the transmission cut off.

“Well shit.” I said.

“Does that happen in the movies?” Bruce asked.

“I don’t know the specific targets he takes out but yeah.” I said and then Steve, Natasha and Clint’s phones went off.

“It’s work.” Natasha said.

“They’re going to make us go back.” Clint whined.

“He wants to take down America. He needs to be stopped.” Steve said and I know he was serious because it was a very serious situation but I couldn’t help but start laughing at that.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry but you just sounded just like the Captain America Action figure my nephew used to play with.” I said laughing but everyone just looked at me like I had grown another head. “Terrorists bad… got it.”

“Anyway…” Natasha said. “We’re going to be sent out. Kabul, Baghdad…”

“My money’s on Pakistan.” Clint said. “Might get some good shawarma out of it.”

“Or if you know something…” Steve said.

“Bad Tan guy… Tony’s one night stand…” I started making Tony groan. “The Mandarin is actually an actor that works for the guy and he’s in Miami.”

“Miami?” They all said.

“Oh and the bombs aren’t really bombs.. they’re people that have been injected with a knock off super soldier serum that turns them into fire breathing dragons that’s super unstable and makes them explode created by Tony’s botanist one night stand.” I said and Tony groaned louder.

“Can you stop with the one night stands?” Tony said.

“What else can I call them?” I asked.

“Women I may have spent a fun night with.” He said.

“It’s a bit of a mouthful.” I said.

“Guys.” Natasha said snapping us out of our side conversation. “Dragon super soldiers?”

“The company bad tan guy works for… well not really a company more of a think tank. AIM.” I said.

“That sounds familiar.” Tony said.

“Well digging into them might be a good start. You know before they give war machine a makeover.” I said.

“Give Rhodey a what?” Tony said.

“You should call him.” I said.

So Natasha, Clint and Steve left for wherever SHIELD was going to send them. They didn’t say where due to it being classified but I made sure to pack them plenty of leftovers.

Week 24…

Here I was back on Elaine’s couch. It felt like it had been a while since I was last in her office when really it had only been two weeks.

Thought for some reason things were different. Something about this place was off.

“Hanna?” Elaine said.

“Did you repaint?” I asked.

“What?” She asked.

“Something in here is different.” I said.

“What do you mean?” Elaine asked.

“I don’t know the room just seems different. Brighter maybe?” I asked.

“It’s the same as it’s always been.” Elaine said amused.

“You sure?” I asked.

“Are you trying to distract me?” She asked.

“Distract you from what?” I asked.

“Thanksgiving. Clint, Natasha and Steve leaving early. Did it bother you?” Elaine asked.

“Why would it bother me?” I said.

“Because you missed them?” Elaine said.

“I got used to having them around.” I said.

“And you missed them.” Elaine said. “You woke up at the crack of dawn and spent hours slaving away in the kitchen to prepare a thanksgiving feast.”

“Yeah and now I don’t have to worry about cooking until Christmas.”  I said.

“They left a day later.” Elaine said.

“They had work. You make it sound like I’m supposed to be really needy.” I said.

“Hanna they’re your soulmates.” Elaine said.

“And? That doesn’t mean we’re… you know going there.” I said.

“So you have thought about it?” She said.

“Not as much as you apparently.” I said. “There’s nothing going on with us.”

Meanwhile Down the Hall…

“And she just keeps bringing it up!” Tony said. “I mean I get it I’ve made some mistakes and did I have one or two wild night out when I was a bit younger! Yeah who hasn’t had one of those weekends in Vegas, Cabo… that one spring break in college when I went to Amsterdam but that doesn’t count because it was before her and I’ve grown as a person. I mean I’m in therapy.”

“This really bothers you.” Tony’s therapist said finally able to get a word in.

“You think?” Tony said sarcastically.

“Tony when Hanna brought up your…” he started catching himself before he said today’s trigger word, one night stand, “old daliances… was she being malicious about it?”

“What? No. At least I don’t think she was. Hanna’s hard to read sometimes.” Tony said.

“Okay was she lecturing you or rubbing your face in it?” He continued.

“No she was just… stating facts.” Tony said.

“And before this had she ever mentioned that it bothered her that you were so… experienced?” He asked.

“No she said it showed character growth.” Tony said.

“Then it doesn’t bother Hanna as much as it bothers you.” he said.

“But she keeps bringing it up.” Tony asked.

“Why does it keep coming up?” He asked.

“Because of… work and Pepper.” Tony said not at all feeling like explaining that his soulmate was from another universe where he was a comic book character in a movie.

“Now tell me something, how often do you bring up that friend of hers. The one she went on one date with?” He asked.

“There was something there right?” Tony said.

“By the sound of it Hanna could really not careless about the guy.” He said. “In fact she really doesn’t date much and maybe that’s what bothers you?”

“No just… It should bother her right?” Tony said.

“Everyone has a past Tony and you are obviously going to have more than her. There is a rather significant age gap between the two of you.” He said.

“Are you calling me old?” Tony said.

“And you’re deflecting again.” He said taking notes. “Alright tell me this have you talked to Hanna why it bothers you that she saw that guy…”

“Will.” Tony snarled. “What kind of name is that? Like your parents lost the will to write the whole name down?”

“Tony. I think its time you talk to Hanna.” He said.

“I talk to her all the time.” Tony said.

“No it’s time you really talk to Hanna. About your feelings for her.” he said.

“Is now really a good time for that?” Tony said.

“She’s not a mind reader Tony. She’s not going to know what’s going on with you until you tell her though I’m pretty sure she should suspect something it going on with you.” he said.

“We’re talking about the same Hanna that took months to accept the fact that we really were her soulmates.” Tony said.

“Even more reason to tell her.” He said.

“That’s the worst idea ever.” Tony said.

“What’s the worst that can happen?” He retorted.

“She’ll say no and leave.” Tony said. “Or she’ll laugh in my face.”

“Judging from what you’re told me about her that would actually be a really good sign of progress…” he started making Tony groan. “She’s not going anywhere. Just put it out there and no matter what happens at least she’ll know and you can go from there.”

“So how do I do it?” Tony said.

“You tell her.” he deadpanned.

“Just like that?” Tony said.

“Your life is complicated enough, you don’t need to add to it.” He said.

A While Later…

I had gotten out of my session early. Well at the usual time but Tony’s was running long. Which was weird but it was none of my business.

So I was on my phone smiling at the top vines of the day. The one plus side of being stuck ten years in the past is reliving and getting to enjoy all the stuff that no longer exists in the future.

I knew it was dumb but it was the little things that made all the difference.

“What’s so funny?” Tony said appearing next to me.

“Uh.. just a video.” I said locking my phone. “All good?”

“Just the usual.” Tony said giving me a weird look.

“Okay then.” I said waiting for him to move but he just watched me. “You wanna…”

“Oh yeah.” He said smiling.

 We had brunch at the usual café but Tony hadn’t said anything. Like at all. They must’ve had some kind of breakthrough or his therapist had hit a nerve. I was the one doing all the talking while he stared at his espresso.

“You know Will really loved this spot. The espresso was his favorite.” I said trying to get a reaction out of him.

“Uhuh…” he said.

That was it. I kicked his foot.

“Ow!” Tony said.

“Oh good you’re not having a stroke.” I said.

“Why would you…” He started.

“It’s been an hour and you haven’t said a word since we left therapy. Is there something wrong?” I asked.

“No.” Tony said a little too fast.

“Want to try that again?” I asked.

“How’s the waffle?” Tony asked.

“Delicious. Same as last week.” I said.

“Want to grab dinner?” He asked.

“We’re having breakfast and you’re already thinking about dinner?” I retorted.

“I don’t know, thought it’d be nice to go out.”  Tony said.

“Want to do something right now?” I offered.

“Right now, now?” he said.

“Unless you have somewhere to be?” I asked.

“Nope. All yours.” He said. “Where we going?”

“How do you feel about rollercoasters?” I said.

“I fly around in a suit of armor that can go faster than a fighter jet.” Tony retorted.

“Okay then, let’s go find the tallest, fastest scariest rollercoaster closest to us.” I said.

“I know just the place.” He said throwing down way more cash than was needed to settle the bill before leading me back to the car.

That’s how we ended up spending the day at Six Flags. Sure we had to wait in line but everyone was too busy getting on rides and being to scared that they didn’t even notice Iron Man was waiting in line with them.

“You sure you want to do this?” Tony said.

“Why are you scared?” I retorted.

“I flew a nuke through a wormhole.” He said.

“I fell through space and through that wormhole.” I said.

“I fought aliens.” He said.

“I jumped off a building without a parachute.” I said and the smile fell off Tony’s face. “Too soon?”

“It’ll never not be too soon.” Tony said.

“The point is… there are scarier things than rollercoasters out there.” I said as the line moved and it was out turn. We got into the very front seat and slowly the ride started going and we started going higher. “You know why I asked to come here?”

“Because you’re an adrenaline junkie?” he said anxiously hanging onto his seat for dear life.

“Because it’s impossible to think about your problems when… AH!” I started before screaming my lungs out as the ride let us fall before speeding and twisting and turning making us go upside down, sideways before finally slowing down and leaving us to get off.

“That happens.” I finished as I laughed.

“You do this a lot?” He asked.

“Not often enough.” I said laughing. “Oh look the line for the big one is short.”

“That’s what she…” He started before I pulled him along.

It was late in the afternoon when I started getting hungry but not hungry enough for a full dinner that we grabbed a funnel cake with ice cream.

“You sure you don’t want to grab some real food?” Tony asked as we split a funnel cake.

“We’re kind of at the wrong place for real food don’t you think. Besides its part of the experience. Did you have actual food when you went to came to places like this as a kid?” I asked.

“I never really came to places like this as a kid.” Tony said. “I kind of skipped a few grades.”

“So not a lot of friends?” I asked.

“I had friends.” He said pausing before giving me a weird look. “A lot of girlfriends too.”

“That’s good.” I said.

“Really?” He said. “That’s it?”

“Did I tell you about an almost 13 year old me seeing you up on a big screen hooking up with…” I started.

“Would you stop with that?!” He exclaimed.

“Stop eating my funnel cake? The ice cream is going to melt.” I said.

“Hanna.” He said. “Can you just be serious for one minute?”

“I am being serious.” I said.

“It really doesn’t bug you that I’ve hooked up with many many women…” he started.

“Including all of Maxim’s 2008 cover models except for Miss March but it’s okay because you made up for it with December’s twins?” I said.

“Ah!” he groaned.

“Tony it’s okay…” I said. “So you used to be a total man whore, that was a long time ago and you’ve grown up a lot since then or is this buyer’s remorse?”

“I never paid for that.” Tony said. “I like to keep it classy.”

“That’s debatable.” I said before he gave me a look. “So you’re experienced. That’s a good thing. Honestly I’d be more worried if you were this close to hitting 40 and couldn’t get any.”

Tony spat out his water.

“The 40 year old virgin is a hilarious movie but in reality if that’s the case them you’re either a monk or something isn’t working right down there.” I said making Tony laugh.

“So what do you think is wrong with Rogers. He’s pushing a hundred.” Tony said.

“Steve isn’t a virgin.” I said making Tony spit out his drink again making the table next to us glar at us in annoyance.

“What?” Tony said.

“Yeah, Steve lost his virginity to a girl on the 1943 USO Tour.” I said making Tony stare at me.

“How do you know that?” Tony said.

“A clip of a fan asking that at a convention went viral and the main producer of the movie series answered her. They were going to make it cannon later on.” I said.

“I’m sorry people actually asked about that?” Tony said laughing. “Oh please please tell him that next time he comes to visit.”

“No, I practically traumatized him when he walked in on my game of thrones marathon.” I said finishing the funnel cake. “Okay I think its time for the big one.”

“Now? Right after eating?” Tony said.

“Yeah, why are you afraid?” I teased.

“Afraid you’re going to throw up on me.” He said.

“Relax the only thing that can make me throw up are ten straight shots of tequila and peas.” I said.

“Peas?” Tony said.

“Yeah they’re all wrinkled and mushy…” I said starting to gag at the thought of it.

“No no don’t make that face…” He said .

“I’m good.. I’m good. Let’s get on that rollercoaster.” I said.

We stayed at the amusement park for a while before heading out to grab some dinner. Tony insisted on getting the best burgers in town. I thought he was talking about In N Out but when he pulled up behind what I was pretty sure was a michellin star steakhouse and the chef personally brought out two takeout containers to Tony I knew it was something else.

From there we drove up to the hills and parked in a nice spot that overlooked the city.

“Wow.” I said.

“Nice right?” Tony said.

“I feel like a guy holding a chainsaw is going to pop out of the bushes and murder us both.” I said.

“I’ll keep you safe.” Tony said getting up and taking a seat on the hood of his car. I sat next to him and took the container from him. “Get ready to try the best burger in LA.”

“I don’t know, I’ve had a lot of burgers.” I said.

“But you’ve never had this burger.” Tony said. “Come on.”

I gave him a skeptical look before taking a bite of my burger.

“Oh my gosh.” I said covering my mouth with my hand.

“Good huh?” Tony said with a smirk.

“So good.” I said.

“Told you.” He said.

“Yeah yeah.” I said looking out at the city. “Good to know this view doesn’t change no matter what universe you’re in.”

“A lot of your dates end like this?” Tony asked.

I just snorted.

“No, they were all duds.” I said. “One guy took me dancing at a bowling alley. Nothing’s a bigger turn off than the smell of sweaty feet.”

“Unless you have a foot fetish.” Tony said.

“Uh… I hadn’t thought of that.” I said wrinkling my nose. “But this is nice.”

“Yeah…” Tony said. “It was fun.”

We finished up out food and just sat back to look at the stars or well plane and helicopter lights.

“I think I might be going into a food coma.” I said falling back and sitting against the windshield.

“I blame the funnel cake.” Tony said leaning back next to me.

“It’s never the funnel cake’s fault.” I said making him chuckle. “You okay?”

“Me? Never better.” Tony said smiling. “We should do this more often.”

“Spend a day riding roller coasters?” I said.

“That or maybe just this?” He said.

“Wouldn’t be the worst idea.” I said.

“Yeah?” He said.

“Yeah.” I said.

Then it happened again one of those weird moments where we’re just staring at each other kind of like something out of a cheesy rom coms. I honestly thought he was going to lean in for a kiss but it wasn’t like that between us.

I mean it couldn’t be right?

Unfortunately the moment had to end when Tony’s phone started ringing.

“Uh…” He groaned before answering. “Capsicle you have the best timing.” He said sarcastically.

“I’m not at the house so you’re going to have to wait on it. How urgent…” He started. “I’ll call you back.”

With that he hung up and sighed.

“That sounded important” I asked.

“Yeah, there’s some code things Shield can’t crack and it might be Hydra related.” Tony said.

“We better get going.” I said getting off the car.

“Did I at least make it into your top five dates?” Tony said and I thought about it.

“Almost.” I said.

“Almost?” Tony said almost offended. “Is this because I didn’t get you any flowers? I knew I should have gotten some from that guy that was selling them off the freeway.”

“No, it’s because this wasn’t a date.” I said and Tony frowned. “It wasn’t a date right?”

“Right.” Tony said. “Why wasn’t it a date?”

“Well you didn’t really ask me out.” I said.

“Yes I did.” Tony said.

“You asked me if I wanted to get dinner at breakfast.” I said.

“I was making plans for us.” He said.

“You ask me that every night before we order dinner.” I said. “And I know this wasn’t a date because if it was a date I wouldn’t be wearing this.”

“Really?” Tony said with a smirk raising his eyebrows as he eyed me up and down.

“I’d be wearing a dress or maybe a cute top and skirt with some boots.” I said. “Were you…”

“You look nice right now.” Tony said opening the car door for me.

“Nice save.” I said not buying it.

“So not a date. Not a date.” Tony kept mumbling before he got in the car and drove us back to the house.