Chapter Text
The next morning, Aveline and Tony left Bruce's suite as quietly as possible. Both were very much aware they had woken up in the guest room. The very same room Clint was supposed to have been occupying. After changing into dark glasses, t-shirt's, and jeans, they decided to make their way to the kitchen. Both made sure they kept their voices low and the conversation light.
“So glad I'm not cooking breakfast, I'm getting on the plane and going to sleep.” Aveline adjusted her sunglasses, glaring at the softly chuckling man beside her. Frowning in mock frustration, she pointed an accusatory finger at Tony. “It's not funny, you..you..alcoholic enabler! Why, why would you mix them with more alcohol than ice cream?!” She groaned softly, rubbing her temples to fight off a headache. "I really do not like you, sometimes." She muttered at Tony's wolfish grin.
“J, start the coffee, we need something to help us survive a zombie apocalypse.” Tony grinned at Aveline, baring his teeth at her frustration. “Both of you needed to relax and I wanted to drink, so, there we have it.” Adjusting his own shades, Tony frowned at the glare of the sun through the windows. “God, why is the sun so bright this early? Is it always like this, exactly what time is it again?”
“It's eight in the damn morning and have what happen, exactly? All of us hungover before we leave the country?! For godsakes Tony, I knew I should have just gone to my suite after the first two shakes but..” Aveline broke off, shaking her head as she reached for the softly beeping coffee pot. “At least this will make the day somewhat better.” She murmured under her breath. “Here, you're such an ass for making those drinks that strong.” She poured two mugs, adding sugar and cream to one. Holding a mug out towards Tony with a soft smile, Aveline took a sip and hummed in pleasure. “Thank god I got to it before you or we'd be comatose the entire way there.”
“Bruce was upset and we weren't going to leave him alone.” Matching her tone, Tony reached out, taking the mug and sighing in relief. “This will help with the hangover but I need your help with keeping Bruce calm.” At her look of confusion, Tony sighed. “He's been stressed lately and I'm hoping that this trip to Morocco will help him relax. Even if it is mostly for business.”
“Maybe we, um, maybe we should leave for Sumba instead of Malibu? I mean, nothing's left yet and it's not a hassle to make the changes to the itinerary.” Frowning, Aveline tapped a finger against her lips in thought. “We would relax better if we felt safe and yes, you have done that here but even you, my dear cousin, need a break.” Aveline cut off Tony's soft protest with a hug. “It would help all of us. The beaches are beautiful and the water is far warmer. It would really help us relax and prepare for the shows.”
Tony nodded, taking a sip from his mug. “We'll tell everyone once we're on the plane. If we tell them now..”
“Tell everyone what, when, and why are you two the only ones up this early?” Pepper yawned as she stood in the doorway of the kitchen. She was dressed in a pair of faded blue jeans and an oversized t-shirt. “Good morning to both of you, by the way.”
Turning, Tony grinned at the sleepy looking red head. “Well, good morning to you, Pepper, my sweet, I trust you slept well?” At her soft smile, Tony chuckled. “And to answer all of your question's, we have made some travel changes.”
Pepper frowned, looking from Tony to Aveline before shaking her head. “Well, as long as you know I can't be gone to long.”
Tony chuckled as he leaned over to give Pepper a quick kiss on the cheek. “Well, being your bosses, I'm pretty sure we can make some exceptions.” He grinned at Pepper's sigh of frustration.
Shaking her head, Pepper returned Tony's grin. “If I know you both, I'll be out of the office for at least two months.” When they remained silent, Pepper looked at both of them, her smile slowly falling. “I am not taking two months off of work. What could possibly be so important..”
Cutting Pepper off with a soft sound of frustration, Aveline shook her head. “The attempt on Clint last night was an attempt to get to one of us, which means..”
“You, Rhodey, Nat, or Wade could be next.” Tony cut in, letting out a rough sigh. “We can't take any chances at not being prepared.”
Pepper shook her head as the two in front of her talked over each other. “Ok, so say you two are right, which, yes, you usually are.” She raised a hand to cut them both off. “I can't simply take two months. Please, I need both of you to be realistic here! You both own companies, multi-billion dollar companies, companies that I happen to manage. If I take two or three months..”
“You'll have the most fabulous tan out of everyone in the office.”
Tony looked up with a grin as Rhodey walked into the kitchen. “Well, good morning, sleeping beauty. Nice of you to grace us with your presence.” He grinned wide as Rhodey gave him the finger. "Aww, did grumpy wake you up this morning?"
“Fuck you, Tony, it's to damn early for your shit.” Rhodey glared at his friend, shaking his head at the dark glasses and rumpled hair. “You look like hell, by the way.” He chuckled softly as Tony's grin widened.
“Well, I guess that makes us twins because you look the same.” Grin wide, Tony gave his friend a small salute with his mug before turning back to Pepper. “Bruce has been stressed, more than usual and we need this break. Pretty sure our kidnappers or attempted murderers won't mind us leaving for some rest and relaxation.” Glancing over at his cousin, Tony gave her a small wink. “An early break would do us all some good. Besides, the board would love an all expense paid vacation.”
Nodding in agreement, Aveline sighed. “If you can't take two or three months then at least consider one? Please, Pepper, you know you want a vacation as well and it would help me finish the swimsuit line.” At Pepper's sudden look of interest, Aveline grinned. She knew her friend couldn't resist the idea of finally seeing the summer line. “Pepper..”
“Fine, I'll take at least a month but I also get to pick my own swimsuit and dress for the show.” Pepper looked from Aveline to Tony. “Both shows, I'm not required to be at the science fair but I'll still be there to support Bruce.”
Tony laughed as Aveline did a small dance. “We can live with that.” Setting his mug down, Tony leaned forward and gave Pepper a hug. “Thank you, this trip is going to be perfect.”
“Oh, I know, you and Jim owe me brunch since we had to cancel dinner.” Smile soft, Pepper hugged Tony back. “Speaking of Bruce, where is he? He's usually..”
“I'm right here, just hung over from someone's idea of ice cream shakes.” Bruce slowly walked into the kitchen, giving everyone a small smile. Turning to Tony, his eyes narrowed. “Don't yell or shout and don't you dare slam one drawer or cabinet.”
“Now why in the hell would I do that and I'm just as hung over as you? Only reason I don't look like it now is because of this lovely third cup of coffee.” Reaching for his mug, Tony grinned. “Come to daddy, you beautiful cup, show me just how much you love me.”
Shaking her head, Aveline grinned at Tony before making a cup of tea for Bruce. “We're trying to convince Pepper that taking at least a month, or two, or three, off from work won't sink the companies.” She held the small cup towards Bruce, smiling as he took it.
Nodding in relief, Bruce looked from Aveline to Pepper in confusion. “Where are we going for a month?”
“Sumba, we were thinking about going to the islands.” Aveline smiled at the look of relief that crossed Bruce's face. “Bruce?”
“I could go for more than a month.” Bruce could imagine the warm breeze moving across his skin. Swimming in the warm waters of the ocean and hearing the sounds of the jungle. “We leave..” He took a sip of tea, humming in pleasure at the warm liquid.
“Once we fix this issue with the restaurant. We'll head there for about two or three months.” Smiling, Aveline wrapped an arm around Bruce's waist. “Good idea?”
Chuckling softly, Bruce nodded. “Great idea.” Glancing over at Tony, he sighed. “You're worried?”
Shrugging in nonchalance, Tony grinned. “Well, you seemed stressed so..” He watched as Bruce slowly relaxed. “You'd finally get a chance to study the birds and brush up on your Indonesian as well.” At Bruce's small grin of pleasure, Tony turned to Pepper and Rhodey. “It's decided, we're headed to Sumba once we leave Morocco.” Letting out a soft sigh, he shook his head before looking up at Rhodey. “Honey bunny, can you get two months? I mean, I can always find a reason why you should be given the time, but..”
Grinning, Rhodey shook his head. “I've got the time, so let me take care of it, alright?” When Tony nodded, Rhodey chuckled. “Question is will Peter have the time because Wade isn't going to want to leave without him.”
“I'm going where, when and why would it be without my Petey pie?” Yawning, Wade walked into the kitchen, grinning at the small group standing around the island. “Good morning ladies and gentlemen, let's get this trip on the road!” Grinning, Wade didn't miss the small flinch from Tony and Aveline. Turning to Bruce, however, he paused, taking a small step back. “Ok, so..”
“If you keep yelling, you're going to piss me and the other guy off.” Voice tight, Bruce glared at Wade. “We don't want to piss the other guy off now, do we?”
Holding his hands up, Wade shook his head. “Nope, wasn't on my agenda so early in the year.” Taking a step back, he stopped at the feel of the counter behind him. “I swear, Bruce..”
Smiling, Aveline moved around Bruce, shaking her head. “Go grab some coffee. We're going to Sumba after we leave Morocco and wanted to make sure Peter would be able to join us.”
Wade's wary gaze moved from Bruce to Aveline as he nodded. “He's on break because he's so far ahead in classes and his current projects.” Expression slowly turning thoughtful, Wade grinned. “Pretty sure Morocco and Sumba will make things right, though. He could get some really great shots for Jameson, get him off Petey's back about getting something exciting and new.” Tone sarcastic, Wade reached for the cup of coffee Pepper offered him. “Plus, I'll get to see Petey in his swim suit.” Grin widening, Wade winked at Aveline. “Swim line ready yet?”
Laughing, Aveline shook her head. “No and you have no say, Pepper already beat you to it.” At his mock look of hurt, she shook her head. “Besides, Peter already agreed to be in the show.”
“Yes! Even better for me.” Wade grinned as he took a sip of coffee. “Maybe we'll get to catch the fruit trees in bloom, Pete's a fan of fresh fruit. Fishing wouldn't be to bad either and I still get to see Petey in swim trunks.” He grinned at the soft huffs around him. “Don't hate because he prefers me over any of you. Not my fault that all of this..” Wade waved a hand over himself, grin wolfish as he looked around the room. “Is exactly what he likes.”
“God, I'm going to the helipad. This..” Rhodey waved a hand towards Wade. “It's to early for this.” He grinned at the mock sound of offense. “Besides, I'm all for going as well.” Giving Pepper a wink, Rhodey turned towards Tony. “Come on, I have a feeling you've left more than you need to.”
Tony shook his head as Rhodey led him out of the kitchen. “Nope, we made sure everything would be packed and ready to go. No stress for Bruce and us.” Pausing in the doorway, Tony turned back to Aveline. “What ever we didn't bring we can pick up there if we can't make it.” At her short nod, Tony grinned. “Come on honey bunny, my head is killing me and I need someone to sing me a gentle lullaby.”
Rhodey frowned, nose scrunched up in distaste. “I love you, Tones, but I am not singing you anything. Especially not a damn lullaby and not in front of everyone.” Throwing an arm around Tony's shoulder's Rhodey led him toward the stairwell. “Besides, we'll be sleeping on satin once we get to Morocco. Until then, it's a bumpy plane ride for you.”
Tony shook his head, back to the elevator doors. “Nat and Clint are the best pilots in the world, the ride will be as smooth as my ass.”
“That's an interesting analogy to walk in on, glad I'm not the one who has to verify that though. I will, however take the compliment about my flying skills.”
Turning, Tony blinked at the grinning red head. “Hey Nat, we were just singing praises about you.” Giving her a quick kiss on the cheek, Tony grinned. “Headed to make sure I didn't forget a toothbrush, or six.”
Nat smiled as she shook her head. “Well, as long as you didn't use any to clean your ass, I don't care.” At Rhodey's laugh and Tony's soft chuckle, Nat's grin widened. “Anyway, long night? Only time you three wear dark glasses is..”
“Is if you're hung over or beat up and I know no one was beat up, so hung over it is!”
Tony flinched at the loud voice, scowling as Clint walked up behind him. “Bruce is not in a good mood so I wouldn't yell if I were you.” Tony warned softly. He glanced towards the kitchen, listening to the soft hum of voices filtering out of the room. “Wade almost got Hulk smashed for being to loud.”
Clint grinned as he patted Tony on the back. “He wouldn't smash me, well, not like that anyway, but thanks for the warning. Kind of figured when I found both bourbon and vodka bottles this morning.”
Rhodey frowned, hand moving to Tony's neck. “Bourbon and vodka, Tones? You told me it was just the bourbon, if I had known..”
Tony flinched, glaring at Clint as he walked away, grin wide, gaze innocent behind his glasses. “It wasn't much and the vodka belonged to Clint! I admit we drank both but..”
“Let him go, Jim, they deserve a break after yesterday.” Nat gave Tony a wink before turning to the kitchen. “Besides, he's paying for our shoe expedition once we reach Morocco.”
Sighing in mock frustration, Tony shook his head. “Fine, fine, since you all seem to not want the latest Davpremont designs..” His grin widened as Nat paused. “She's got outfits for everyone ready and work on the summer collection has already started.”
Nat nodded, expression thoughtful. “Good, means I'll get to be sexy and deadly all at the same time.”
Shaking his head, Tony grinned up at Rhodey. “Pepper and Nat are happy, now let's go see if we can make you happy. New upgrades were installed on your suit, so..” At his friends sudden look of interest, Tony grinned. “Come on honey bunny, let's go check out the toy boxes.”
Tony missed the blond and brunette who exited the elevator. He didn't see the bright, sky blue gaze following them as he and Rhodey took the stairs.
“Sounds like everyone is in the kitchen.” Bucky watched as Tony and Rhodey left through a side door before turning to Steve. “Stevie?” He studied his friends expression, a memory slowly floating forward. “It's not the same, Stevie, he didn't see us.”
Steve glanced behind him, giving Bucky a small smile. “I know, Buck. I was just wondering where they were going, that's all.” And why was Tony dressed in jeans and a t-shirt instead of a suit? Shaking his head, Steve smiled at Bucky. “Come on, lets go see what we're dealing with today.” Turning towards the kitchen, Steve tried not to think about how well Tony's jeans fit him or just how good he looked in his shirt. Hair rumpled from sleep, face flushed in pleasure..Letting out a soft breath, Steve forced the thoughts back as he followed Bucky into the kitchen. “Good morning everyone.” When everyone returned the greeting, he grinned at the woman in front of him. “Long night?” He tilted his head in question towards Aveline and Bruce.
Nat nodded, taking a sip from her coffee mug. “Bourbon, vodka, and ice cream. They'll more than likely sleep half way there then start working.” Giving Steve an appraising look, she nodded. “I hope you two are ready for this. We thought we were, turned out we were not.”
Steve nodded as Bucky walked towards him with two mugs. Smiling in relief, he sighed at the strong aroma. “This smells so good.”
“Tony makes it as if he were the only one drinking it. Thankfully, I got to the machine before him, so we're not stripping our throats.” Aveline smiled at the happy expression across from her. “We also have cream and sugar if, umm, if either of you want any.” Turning towards the fridge, Aveline gave Bruce a small smile. “Bruce?”
“Don't be nervous, you know that tonight is going to be fine, right?” Bruce studied Aveline, smiling at her soft smile. “And the show is going to be great so don't be nervous.” Brushing a comforting hand across her back, Bruce shook his head. “He gets nervous when you're nervous and I think that may be a bad thing for someone.” Glancing over at Bucky, Bruce studied the blank expression. “Now, before we go, bring out the platter's you had pre-made so we can load everything up and get out of here.”
“I wish we could just head straight to the islands. This trip to Morocco shouldn't require my presence, at all.” Opening the fridge, Aveline pulled out a platter. “Wade, come take this one. Make sure all of it makes it to the jet or else.” She grinned at her friends soft huff of laughter. Pulling out the other tray, Aveline turned, surprised to find Bucky standing behind her. “James?”
“Is this one going with us as well?” Bucky took the platter, a crooked grin curved his lips at the smiling expression in front of him. “Did you make something for us to eat, angel?”
Letting out a soft breath, Aveline relinquished the platter, eyes wide as Bucky smiled at her. “It's, umm, it's just the boxes Tony and Nat had made yesterday.” As his grin widened, Aveline felt her face heat. “It's a long flight and..and we may not get much time to relax and eat.”
Bucky couldn't help smiling as Aveline flushed. He held the wide, green gaze, stomach fluttering at her smile. “Well, I'll take these and Stevie can grab whatever else you have.” At her small nod, Bucky stepped back, turning towards Steve with a grin. “Always help a lady in need, Stevie.”
Steve nodded as he looked at the two bags now sitting on the counter. He gave Aveline a shy smile at her soft greeting. “Good morning, Aveline.” Steve couldn't help noticing how similar her outfit was to Tony's, all except the glasses and her hair. “Are these going with us as well?” When she nodded, he grinned before picking up the bags. “Bucky and I packed our packs last night, we'll take these and our bags to the jet if that's alright.”
“Thank you, Steve. We'll be up in a few, tell Wade I said to stay out of the platters or I'll cut his fingers off.” Aveline grinned as Steve's smile widened. “He tends to sneak food, which starts a fight with Tony and Clint.”
“Hey, I'm right here and not starting any fights today.” Clint grinned as he walked over to the island. He held the smiling gaze hidden behind dark glasses. “I think I'll be on hangover detail today. Maybe get a chance to enjoy a few sandwiches as well.” He smiled at the blushing man now standing in front of him. “Besides, Nat always likes to take off, says she does it better.”
“Because I do.” Nat smiled as soft laughs echoed around the room. “Now, we need to get going if we're going to make it there by brunch. Pretty sure we'll have a nice and quiet trip.” She smiled over at Pepper, giving her a small wink before heading towards the door. “Fifteen minutes ladies and gentlemen or I leave without you.”
Pepper watched as Nat left, a small smile curving her lips. “Well, looks like we'll be doing some shopping before we head to the Islands.”
Aveline grinned, hugging Bruce before heading towards Pepper and the door. “Come on, if Tony and Jim get the front seats we'll have to listen to hard rock when we wake up.”
Pepper laughed softly, glancing back at Bruce and Clint. “I'll see you two in a few?” When Bruce nodded, she gave them a smile before leaving the room.
Bruce watched as Pepper and Aveline left before turning to the man beside him. Giving Clint a shy smile, Bruce felt his heart rate pick up. “How did you sleep, did I wake you at all?”
Clint smiled at Bruce, slowly moving around the island. “I slept fine, sweetheart, how about yourself? The dark glasses really make you look hot. Like, in a, I want to fuck my professor, kind of way.” When Bruce flushed, Clint's grin widened. “You know, you're absolutely gorgeous when you blush.”
Bruce let out a soft breath as he slowly backed away from Clint. “I, umm, w-we need to head to the roof.” He felt the edge of the counter pressing into his lower back, stomach fluttering at how close they now stood. “Clint..”
Clint groaned softly, reaching forward and pulling Bruce closer. “Come here, I'd like a good morning kiss first.” He pressed their lips together, sighing as Bruce immediately responded.
Non amo nessuno più di quanto amo te.
Tightening his hold, Clint slowly pulled back, smiling as Bruce followed him. “Come on, Professor, before Tony and Aveline send out a search party.”
Bruce nodded, eyes slowly opening. “We're going to Sumba.” He followed Clint as they left the kitchen, hand held by the other. “As for our sleeping arrangements..”
Clint felt his stomach flip as he looked back at Bruce. “Want to share, big guy? The bungalows were big enough to sleep four.” He grinned as Bruce's blush darkened. “Think we can turn one of the rooms into a theatre room?”
Bruce grinned, pushing his glasses up as they boarded the elevator. “I'll make sure it's ready by the time we get there.” Pulling Clint closer, Bruce sighed, pressing his nose against damp, blond hair. “Non amo nessuno più di quanto amo te.” He whispered, unaware that Clint understood what he said. “I'm glad you're able to come with us. Pretty sure I'd miss out on a number of good movies.”
Clint couldn't help laughing as the elevator took them to the roof. “I'll make sure we get caught up on all the new movies. Even the ones without the explosions.”
Bruce grinned, happy to have this moment before all the chaos. He sighed, enjoying the feel of the silent man pressed against him. Letting out a soft hum of pleasure, Bruce let his eyes drift closed as the elevator continued to rise. He couldn't deny the pleasure thrumming along his nerves. The heady feeling of peace made him hold Clint tighter as they finally stopped.
“Well, big guy, looks like we've reached our destination.” Clint grinned, leaning back to look at Bruce. He smiled at the soft expression watching him as the doors opened. “Bruce?” Clint was aware of the group behind them, felt his face heating as Bruce held him tighter. “Sweetheart?”
Bruce leaned forward and kissed Clint, moaning softly at the other's response. He could hear the whistles and cat calls and ignored them. Pulling back, Bruce smiled at the expression in front of him. “Once we reach Sumba, I'm all yours.” At the small nod, Bruce slowly moved back, pulling Clint with him. “Other than the science fair, I have no other plans unless they involve you.”
Clint grinned as they left the elevator and headed towards the jet. “Well, let's get this show on the road then. The sooner we get to Sumba the more time we'll have to get a tan.”
“Come on you two, if you don't hurry up Nat's going to leave you both!”
Bruce looked up to find Wade grinning at them, Peter standing beside him with a smile. “She wouldn't leave us, we're part of the main group!” Laughing at the wide grin, Bruce slid an arm around Clint's waist, keeping him as close as possible. “No matter what, nothing else matters once this is done but spending time with you.”
Clint nodded as they boarded the jet. “I'm all for that, big guy. Can you taste the fruit already?” Shaking his head, Clint chuckled. “I can't wait to see what Av cooks for this years show.” At Bruce's soft agreement, Clint shook his head. This was one vacation he was sure he'd never forget.