Born on the Fourth of July

          Steve felt a smile breaking free. He stood in the open entry of the Tower balcony, watching the gaggle of laughter and chatter. Clint and Phil had pulled out some rather comfortable looking lounge chairs and set them up in a row along the balcony. Darcy and Jane had raided Natasha’s room of her plush cushions, pillows, and blankets and had built a rather soft pallet on the ground in front of the chairs. Thor had come baring several barrels of Asgardian mead, smoked meats, and fresh cheeses. Happy had snuck Betty through security as a surprise and everyone had politely looked away when Bruce began to cry. Pepper and Rhodes had arrived at dinner bearing homemade cookies and fireworks to play with before the show.

          Natasha, wielding several lit sparklers, was chasing Clint, who was laughing merrily. Phil’s eyes followed his agents as he munched on Pepper’s cookies. Thor, Rhodey and Happy were drinking, Jane cuddled up to the god’s side as she discussed something feminine with Pepper and Darcy while twirling sparklers. Bruce and Betty had retreated to a distance chair, his arms around her hips, her head on his shoulder as they whispered to each other.

          The only thing missing was one (mad)genius billionaire.

          Steve turned into the living room and saw the remains of dinner in the form of paper plates, plastic cups, and empty platters. Steve stored the thought to clean for later and wove his way through the mess toward the kitchen. It too was empty, the left over meats and cheeses in plastic containers on the counter. Steve put them into the fridge before continuing on his search.

          Workshop or room?

          Steve turned toward the large aquarium that hid the staircase and headed down toward the workshop. The lights were on but he couldn’t see the man through the glass. Steve punched in his access code and stepped in.

          “Tony?”

          Steve stepped over and around boxes of parts, half built machines, and piles of discarded schematics. He spotted a lump slouched over one of the worktables, Dummy the robotic arm nearby. Dummy began waving cheerily when it noticed Steve. The captain smiled, patting it when he reached its side.

          Tony was snoring softly, head pillowed by an arm. His hair was a bit mussed since dinner and his shirt would surly wrinkle from his slouching. Steve reached for his shoulder and paused. Tony’s fingers were covered in globs of red.

          On the table were four canisters, red and white globs splattered over the table surface. Sitting beside Tony was a large round-thing-decorated in the red and white goo to look like Captain America’s shield. Steve looked at the canisters again. It was frosting.

          Tony had made a cake and decorated it like his shield.

          Dummy made a series of chirping sounds, waving his arm to get attention. Steve turned to find a rather large homemade card offered to him. Steve took it gingerly.

          The front was covered in a crude crayon drawling of Captain America. There were verses above and below.

I’m a Yankee Doddle Dandy, Yankee Doddle do or die,

A real life nephew of my Uncle Sam, born on the Fourth of July!

          Steve laughed softly before flipping the card open.

Happy birthday Steve!!

          The card’s inside was mottled with signatures, one from every person up stairs. There were even signatures for JARVIS and Dummy. The only one missing was Tony’s.

          Dummy chirped as he began jabbing his creator in the side, urging him awake. Tony groaned, batting at the arm with his free hand. He turned his face into his elbow, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. After a moment he sat up in his seat, tilting his head back. He looked up with droopy hazel eyes and offered Steve and even dopier smile.

          He couldn’t help it. This man was too cute!

          Hand on his cheek, Steve kissed Tony. Tony hummed happily, returning the kiss without much thought.

          “Happy birthday, Steve.”

          “Thank you, Tony.”

Disclaimer: I own nothing! Avengers goes to Stan Lee, Marvel and whoever else it belongs to that isn’t me! 

Thank you very much for reading and your comments.

Jo Manta

Hey, I know no one really knows me but I have a favor I’d like to ask of someone - anyone - willing to help. So, FFN staff is acting anal about Fanfiction and so my darling older sister and I are trying to locate new sites. I suggested AO3 to her and we discovered that to join, there’s an epic wait list and she won’t get to join until next February. If a current AO3 member would be so kind, could you invite me so maybe my sister and I can join? Please? I can try and gift-fic something for you. Please and thank you, someone?

Jo Manta