“Hello Happy Fishes, I see we have a big group of guppies this fine morning!” A woman in baby blue shorts, a fish with the name of the aquarium print dyed into the shirt. She was smiling way to much as if she is actually excited at giving the Avengers a tour of a fish museum because they are giant children who have problems being alone for more than one day. As in the Avenger team at the Manor. As in the team that has more issues with each other the bad guys with them as a whole.
Tony was told that he and every fucking Avengers Team, including the west coast team, would be needed to come for a team bonding experience because of the chaotic shit that they only seem to only work together when it comes to mutual destruction of another person, team or enemy withstanding.
No Tony, was not amused at an aquarium. He has important shit to do. He has a lot of important crap that does not involve staring at, learning about, and watching stupid fishes. He can already feel Rhode's wide grin at the thought of him even being around fishes that might make him question what the hell was evolution doing? Did it get drunk… No. He won’t rant. He won’t.
Holding his boyfriend's hand he tuned back into their guide of what the morning was talking about.
“The New Aquarium is excited to have the world’s and country heroes here visiting this fine morning. As pre to the Accords request, we will be splitting you all up into groups. An ecosystem is only strong as its smallest plankton.” The woman put on a brighter grin that outshines everyone else's sleepy or half-aware faces, she continued on unphased, “We have,” She flipped her clipboard still beaming at the fact she was giving some of the avengers a whimsical tour of the aquamarine, “We have Mr. Stark, Colonel Rhodes, Miss Maximoff, Vision, Mr. Barnes, Mr. Barton, and Mr. Rogers as a group.”
James felt himself mumble about this being the most toxic group to put together in a group excursion. He guesses that is the fucking point. He listens further to the groups being split. It is the oddest fucking split and groups he has seen. He can feel his boyfriend flip his hood up, put his blue sunglasses in place, and leaning against Rhodes who was in a good mood. James sometimes envies that Rhodes is like a rock. Hard to move. Only when something forces him to move. Then again, he doubts Steve would even actually say anything to make things difficult. Bird eyes, he has little hope to make this outing an easy one. The Witch, he is having his own experience to avoid her. She has been letting all her magic loose, even she says she is learning, he feels she just doesn’t care where it let loose on. One time he saw black rose petals all scatter and wilted. He knows she did it. Even as he picked up the petals gently.
Feeling Steve at his side, James looked to Anthony who was talking quietly to Rhodey about the school thing of groups.
“I mean, we did have that schoolyard brawl two years ago. You and Barnes did the kid thing of…”
“Ah, shut it. You, honey bear, my sweet pea, are a menace to my health.”
Rhodey laughed into his elbow looking at Tony, hands deep in his sweat jacket. He was wearing a turtle neck underneath his jacket, “Bad, horrendous use of nicknames, but remember Fiji.”
Tony blew a raspberry tilting his glasses down to stare his big brother in the eyes, “Yeah Fiji.” Squeezing Rhodey’s wrist he sighed, “You are excited… I am not going to rant.”
“Oh, you are. They have a lot of fun learning exhibits.” Rhodey pointed out grinning more. He loves when Tony rants. Rants about fishes. The ocean. Nothing gets the guy fuming beside his roommates is fish. He wonders if he even let Barnes knows that he has a thing about the oceanic creatures.
“I can’t believe Mama Rhodes thought you were the calm one.”
“I am the calm one, but I also know my little brother and his wildly dislike for really dumb-looking animals.”
Tony threw his hands out already gearing up, “Rhodey, come on you can’t tell me I had no right to fume at the dumbass guide rules for what makes a fucking fish a fucking fish. Yet you have the shark. The shark!”
“Is in fact a fish, Stark.” Wanda interrupted.
Vision looked pleased to be visiting a new place already ready to walk in. He was not in a guise because he was amongst his team and family. Feeling comfortable even when their tour guide eyed him warily. Looking to Wanda, he felt Tony giving him a reassuring look, “Wanda… calm down.”
The Witch look at Vision, she wasn’t even sure what was happening with each other but it made her feel disconnected from the man in question. She knows on the way here, he wanted to talk to her about something. She felt it can be on anything that is what worried her the most.
“I know it is…” Tony began feeling Barton shoot him a glare and Roger sighing. Closing his mouth, the short male huffed looking away from the others. He didn’t stop because of them. No. He felt a grateful ping from Vision. It was for Vision.
James squeezed his boyfriend reassuringly while giving Steve a look that had the blonde sighing letting his head fall back. The Winter Soldier looked over to Rhodey who gave a grateful smile of his own.
The tour guide, Matt, was pissed off he got probably the most fucking toxic group of them all, Kristy, a peppy fucking woman got Carol, Black Widow, Jessica, Hope, and Loki. Probably the least petty group. Or at least he hopes. He isn’t thinking they would be easier to deal with, but at least he can ignore the quiet judgment pouring from each other.
“Can I get you all to follow me? We have a long day.”
“Like my attention span.” That was Mr. Barton. He thought it would be Stark, but seeing how the man went to conversing with his boyfriend quietly, he can already feel the double standards from here.
“Right… come on, we will be starting in The Epipelagic Zone.”
The group of superheroes followed the tour guide into the first zone. Clint asked what that word meant and the tour guide in-depth that it means the upper-level ocean. With all the fishes that live within these zones. From sharks to the stupidest looking fish.
Tony's eye twitched so often when he looked at some of the fishes that lived within this level of the ocean. He doesn’t hate fishes, he just wants to ask who thought it would be good for the fish to be that way? Then they learn about the ancient that creatures that may have once swam, scuttle, and hid within the waters of the zone.
He can hear Rhodey asking questions. He wonders what Rhodey is trying to do with his questions. He won’t get Tony to rant.
“You are being cheeky,” Tony mumbled out.
The colonel looked way too innocent but his wobbling lips were fighting not to smile bigger than a great white shark.
“Yes, there were sharks that live within different zones. Sharks are probably the most well-known species…”
James listened to what Matt was saying, but he looked at some of the fishes along with Vision who was way too enamored with the little angelfishes and lionfishes. The clownfishes. Upper Ocean Angler Fishes. Everything. James felt himself a little distracted by the bounty of sea life. Most of these fishes get returned back to the wild once they have reached the end of their rehabilitation. Other fishes who were born here, stay here. Their young eggs, sometimes are split off, study in the open ocean and see if they can thrive right off the bat.
The super snipe is beginning to see also, where his boyfriend continuing face twitches and glares at certain fishes is coming from.
The man and the others in the group got to see the super genius, well let loose. It was Bird Eyes fault. Bird eyes notice it. Sunfish.
“Fucking stupid-looking fish. Let me fucking tell you. I don’t care if they have an actual function or use to the life of the sea. Hell, the Lion’s Mane has more use than that stupid fish. It can’t even swim. The fins aren't that functional. What is it Nemo on crack? And it didn’t even get fucked over by a barracuda. I am not a Marine Biologist. I don’t think I can even deal with the amount of ungodly, stupid things in the ocean. Rhodey! Why would something so big and dumb be alive? What was so cruel to that damn fish and who told it… HEY! You can produce over 100, 000, 000 eggs. You ungodly stupid fucking fish. What does it do besides be a feeding ground for other fishes and… ugh!”
James blinked staring at the man who laid against him. Rhodes was biting his fist to stop from laughing.
Wanda looked annoyed that Stark would complain about stuff he has no hope of understanding. He should stay in his lane about the science thing. She looked to Vision seeing how the Synthroid who looked actually amused. A small quirk of a smile on the handsome red face.
Vision looked at a picture of the Ocean Sunfish. Vision can see where Tony would be upset by the general look of the fish. It was rather… over cumbersome. Covering his mouth, he felt like actually laughing a little.
Steve stared at the fish picture over the android shoulder. He thought Tony was complained to complain because the tour took too long. No… no. From what he heard, accidentally eavesdropped, the short genius really fucking hates fishes. Steve felt the itch to draw it but then he felt an itch anyway to draw all the fishes. He might come back next time to get a better time to draw. Hearing the Colonel breaking down in wheezes and laughter. He coughed into his shoulder to hide his blush.
Their tour guide watched them all, looking at the rather weird group dynamic. He can most definitely that none of these people should be heroes if he saw them in a civilian-type setting. Clearing his throat he tugs the invisible leashes onto the ocean fauna.
As if a switch was turned Tony was all over the plant life. The sea plants and everything that comes deals life of the ocean. He asked questions. Stared at plants and took pictures.
James posed with Tony inside the plastic Sea Anemone face popping out the clownfish's face. Then Rhodey took a photo behind the great white shark body. Steve, Clint, and Vision were in the school of fishes. Wanda took the image with the Moray Eel.
Tony already spoke about getting a toy or souvenir for his family. Maybe even get a little sea tank sent to his momma full of sea plant life. He sure she would be excited. He was excited. James smiled at his partner then a new idea popped up. He had it but he wanted to get this idea good.
Nudging on Rhodes, as they enter the twilight zone for fishes. He waited till both of them were in the very back. Rhodes was calm, cool, and relax. Anthony talking to the tour guide asking more questions about the plan of living in this zone. Steve was taking pictures stopping every few seconds. Bird Eyes was with Steve bored out of his mind.
“What you need Barnes?”
“Help.”
Rhodey looked at the long-haired brunette then back at the short male. Tilting his head towards his little brother's exciting figure in the light blue glow effect halls he got a nod from his brother’s boyfriend, “On?”
“A date idea. I know he doesn’t do…”
“Holidays? He does them when the mood strikes right.” Rhodey looked at an angler floating around looking for food.
“What about a New Year’s Eve Date?” James asked hand sticking in his thick sweater. The faintest blush emerged on the otherwise pale face. The only way to tell the man was shy about asking was the way he held himself alone.
Blinking at him, Rhodey thought about it. He knows Tony would be impressed even by the littlest things if it comes from people he cares for. He knows Tony would be kind even if it was shitty, then he gave his little brother a sweater (he practically stole it when they were in college) and he still has it. Rubbing his chin then tapping fingers on his face, he looks at James, “It can work. He usually spent New Year's working, drinking wine, or whatever didn’t have him looking to the sky at night with flashing lights.” He looked to the male who was staring at the foliage in the water, “What you need?”
“Advice and the best suggestions. Anything from his family.”
The pilot of the gunmetal suit nodded already knowing he will be calling Lilli, Pep, and Meili to help with this. Inadvertently this would lead to all of the cousins, and siblings ready to help. Might as well Jennie. She does the party planning thing either way. “Anything else?”
“Yeah…”
Vision looked behind seeing the Colonel and Barnes in deep conversations. The ex-assassin looking determine, a sheen in his eyes even when his facial movements then match the gestures in the eyes. He looked to himself then the fishes in the tank. Looking back to Wanda, he thought it would be a good time to ask what he wants to ask, “Wanda…”
“Yes, Vision?” Wanda looked up to the tall droid. She gave a small smile. It has been far to long since they really spoke. They exchanged a few words, but he clammed up when it came to him talking about his counseling appointments, about what was going in that big brain of his. She hopes he would open to her soon. She wants him to know that he can open up to her.
Vision shook his head a little, “Wanda, words.”
“Sorry, I am getting better at stopping the whole, seeing what your mind is pushing out there.”
The red droid nodded giving back a small smile but the nerves he was beginning to feel seem to fit his worriedness when it comes to what he is going to ask, “Wanda, I know you and Tony…” He saw her eyes darken and her guard go up, “No, no, listen, please. I know, understand that you and Mr. Stark do not like one and another. You may never, at all. That is what he said to me at the Zoo a while back.”
Scarlet Witch tried to keep her facial expression from showing her frustration, internal screaming that MAN, up there acting all sweet and shit, got Vision to talk about what this is about first. Was she so hard to communicate with? She is not hard. She is stubborn. She is strong-willed. But she can communicate. Conversate.
“I’m listening.”
Sighing, the Synthroid rubbed shyly at his cheeks, “Wanda… I want you to talk to Tony. Please,” He didn’t make a move to grab her hand or anything to avoid her from running away. He wants to explain his request the best he can. Seeing her already speeding off, he tapped on to her mind frowning, “I want you two to talk. Find a common boundary. I want to know him more, a part of me does. Needs to. Another part wants you… in my life.”
“In what way?” She frowned more not like that she has to share her partner with a killer.
“I am not sure Wanda… but whether that is romantic, platonic, or a strange mix… I want you in my life. I am learning still. I don’t understand much more. But I feel… I feel better if I knew my father,” Wand stopped from lashing out on Stark not being his father, “and the woman I adore, care, and fond about is at least… cordial. I know that is a lot to ask for… but please… if you want to… talk to him. He will meet in a public setting if that would make you…”
“Fine. You pick the place. I will meet him. Only because it is for you, Vision. Not for him.” She felt her heart leap a foot in the air when the man let out a relieved sigh that echoed in her mind. Looking over her shoulder, she watched the superhero android relax. He got tense, nervous. Going back over to the man she let their hands touch gently. Keeping her face straight, the man gave a small smile returning back to view the fishes.
“I like penguins.”
“They can be cute.” Wanda shrugged, “Seals are cute too.”
Clint saw Natasha and the rest of the group who were relaxing, eating, or in the shop. Hearing Matt says they are coming to the end of the tour, they can start to break away. The archer walked off to meet up with his friend. He passed Stark without more than a half-hearted glare. He didn’t even know Stark was that into plants. He held up the whole tour. Yeah, fishes are cool, but the guy must like hearing himself talk.
Tony barely gave Barton a look as he was thanking Matt for putting up with their crazy asses. As much as he actually had fun, he had to remember it is not the fishes’ fault that some of them were born that way. He did laugh at the fact that their tour guide hated Sea Urchins. Randoms porcupines of the sea. Is it a plant or an animal? Something to eat or something fear. He side-stepped out of the way for Rogers to meet up with his boyfriend who looked content. A little giddy by the way his face is more relaxed.
“What were you two talking about?”
“Guns.” Both of them answered easily. The super genius eyed them both then rolled his eyes.
He can smell a secret, but the way Rhodey was forcing a casual facade and his partner’s eyes never letting go of his giddy relaxed expression dancing in those icy orbs. Tony smiled a little more, “I will let you guys have your soldiers’ conversation. I won’t get it to save my life.”
James sent a glare at Birds Eyes who was ready with a rebuttal. He held Tony’s pinky with his own feeling the genius relax once more. Yeah, he doubts this little trip actually cured his partner’s anxiety with these people. He sure as shit, it didn’t tamp down on their supposed feral qualities. Honestly, he understood that his boyfriend felt bad and hated fishes that have no purpose in life besides the stupid ones. That is like bugs, Hornets specifically or Mosquitoes. Hell, even fucking Parasites.
Snorting he caught the genius attention, “Doll, you made me realize I hate useless bugs.”
“Thank you! Let me guess, aphids?”
“No.”
“Grasshoppers?”
“Nope. They fly.”
“Hornets.”
“Yeah.”
Rhodey snorted hearing the Winter Soldier and Iron Man talk about the bugs that pose no true or the best purpose. He is sure that this will lead to them being gushy. He was a little excited to help Barnes with the secret project. A part of Rhodey will nuke the world if they do break up, especially if it is due to the roommates from hell.
Buying a sea turtle toy, Rhodey looked to his side seeing Sam buy the same two sea turtle toys. Both blinked at each other and Sam shrugged, throwing a shoulder in a direction of Steve who was staring at the vending machine.
“Yeah, he was talking my ear off on sea turtles. I think he like sea turtles. I mean he talked my ear off when he was talking about hyenas and lions. I blame Tony’s brother.”
Rhodey huffed out a laugh taking the straps out of his toy turtle slipping his bottle of water in the turtle then leaving 50 in the charity jar for the turtles, “I mean, at least he has favorites.”
Sam felt cheeks color as the Colonel gave a smile, left a donation heading back to the super genius and assassin who were watching the regular fishes swim in the large enclosure. Rhodey shouldn’t look handsome even with a sea turtle backpack. Hurrying back, he left his own donation for saving the sea turtles.
“Here, a sea turtle backpack.” Sam held out the cute turtle bag to the blonde. The Falcon almost asked what the hell was he doing with three things of chips, a bag of skittles, and 5 apples. “What is up… you are the asshole in math questions. Damn it, Steve.”
Steve blinked blushing at the bag Sam got him, they agreed not to… try anything showing the sign next to the snack machine, “It says every 1 dollar is donated to saving the reef.”
The super-soldier of the shield took the backpack thanking Sam for it. Slipping all his snacks in the bag. He looked at Sam who went to converse with others. Looking over at Rhodey who was sporting his backpack with confidence, he can see Bucky holding a great white shark plush toy and Tony holding a dolphin toy, held loosely in his arms. He wonders if Bucky bought him the toy. He hates for the toy to be treated without respect.
Steve looked to his friend and brother seeing the man cock an eyebrow at him asking a silent question. But he hid Tony half behind him. Oh. Shaking his head, Steve turned away blushing fiercely when he heard Rhodey tell Tony Fiji. He wants a lot of things, knows things, because he doesn’t know… what any of it means. Why the secrets.
Bruce fell asleep on Thor’s shoulder not use to pulling an all-nighter then being up early for a tour guide around the fish museum. The thunder god rubbed the scientist's shoulders gently smiling more. Today is a cold day for Bruce’s body temperature. Talking to his brother, he was surprised to hear about Loki looking for his kids. Since their father's died, his nephews were scattered, or… he is not sure how it has happened. But the breaking of Asgard has led to interesting effects. So his brother has been on a search for his children. Sleipnir being the first one. One he holds so dearly, as they were the young foal mother.
“Loki, my dear sibling, brother, sister, and sometimes enemy, how is the search?”
Loki gave his brother a look then sighed, “Being here at the museum has reminded me to search the waters of every realm. Jorgmander may be hiding within the depths.”
“Could he have been the eye—”
“No, whatever that Leviathan creature was, is not my child. My children are not monsters to how Odin had felt about them or slaves.”
Thor put a hand up giving a hopeful smile, “Loki, we will find them. The Strange one said he would be assisting as well.”
Loki nodded only tinging his cheeks a flare of ice blue, “He offered to stop any magical influxes. I accepted, on the count, the young ones do not hurt them. I have spoken to Stark about allowing him to have friends, once he is found.”
“Aye, I am sure they would fit in nicely. We have.”
Loki sighed nodding again aiming to take a look in the abyss of Midgard's oceans. Better to find his kids before their aunt can.
Returning to the tower, brought a new surprise, he brought Giacomo along as both caught a ride with Rhodey, who decided to sleep over also. Bruce was still asleep. A type of quick heat conserving thing. Loki was visiting Strange at the Sanctum. As much as he knows, it deals with the new teen, he has yet to meet.
Laying on his partner’s chest, the curly-haired brunette blinked when FRIDAY open a screen to showing a formal invite from Vision, for Tony to attend to a small talk with Wanda.
Giacomo looked at the letter than at him then pulled him closer. Letting the protective arms keep him secure, he read out the invite. Already, he knew that Vision spoke to Maximoff. He said he would. As much as his instincts screamed that it was stupid and a public setting wouldn’t stop her from doing something… just something. He forced himself to think that she is thinking the same thing. He can hear his FRIDAY, VITO, Butterfinger, You, and Dum-E all ping him to be wary. Scared data pushes to him. Rubbing his head a little hummed out.
“I am going.”
Giacomo looked him in the eye than at the letter rubbing tiny circles into his stomach. Feeling the soldier and himself settle into the couch, Tony explained that he is doing it for Vision. Because Vision asked. As much as it scared the shit out of him, he gave a slow comforting kiss for the man whose lap he took over.
James kissed the bracelet keeping the man’s eyes on him, “If this even turns purple, I am coming.”
Tony snorted but nodded kissing his boyfriend's lips, cradling his head gently. Peppering mounts of kissing, “I know White Laelaps. Living up to your name. Going to appear from the corner.”
Giacomo gave him a small smile even when his eyes spoke of an interesting request. Tony would have a nice, long make-out session, maybe fall into messy clothes, but he has a breakfast date with one Wanda Maximoff.