Chapter Text
There was a clanking of metal in the workshop as he furiously worked. Tony had not left his workshop in several weeks not since Pepper had left him anyway. Pepper, Tony sighed inwardly. She couldn't take Tony's lifestyle anymore. Too many close calls, too many chances. He was too close to death at most times for her to bear. She was still his CEO, she still loved him but, now he was alone. It was probably better this way. Pepper deserved better. So he drank, and worked day after day, and passed out from exhaustion only to find himself wrapped in a blanket, and at his work table a pitcher of water, and meals laid out for him after each collapse.
He had thought about who this mysterious guardian angel could be. It was obviously not Thor. Thor he could imagine yelling, "My friend Tony. I have come bearing meals, and water. Come and feast my friend for your eyes look weary" as he barged obtrusively into the workshop making far too much noise. Another no brainer was Steve. Steve was obviously not one to do this. He couldn't imagine the Capsicle wrapping a blanket snuggly around him each night for a man he barely tolerated let alone cooking for him to this extent. This left Natasha, Clint, and Bruce. Bruce although kind seemed a little too timid to come into Tony's workshop unannounced. He was probably afraid to break something or to "Hulk" out in Tony's workspace. This left Clint and Natasha. Clint well, he just couldn't imagine him tucking Tony in. Natasha though had a soft side. Sure, she could kick Tony's ass any day but she did care for Tony in her own way. How she got into the workshop he couldn't figure out but she was the Black Widow for a reason. He would have to thank her later after all Pepper wasn't around to take care of him anymore. Pepper, he thought numbly. He stopped to put down the wrench, and took a deep swig of whisky that then he put back into the drawer. He then picked up the wrench and continued tinkering with his new prototype.
"Sir"
"What is it JARVIS?" Tony sighed knowing the AI was going to nag him for his drinking habits again.
"Miss Romanov is at the door, and wishes to speak to you. Shall I let her in?"
"Oh yea.Yea sure." Tony said as he went over ways to say thank you without being awkward to a woman who could spilt his spine in half with probably one touch of her fingers if he offended her.
Natasha came through the doors.
"Stark we need to talk."
"Ah Natasha excellent timing. I have something to say to you too!"
"You do? Why-ugh Stark what is that stench? When was the last time you showered?!"
"Don't know a week or so?"
"Stark, you can't just sit here and hide away forever. The team is worried about you. Steve sent me down here to check on you."
"Cap stick up his butt Cap?"
"Stark" she growled.
"Okay okay, what does Capsicle want anyway? Besides knowing I'm alive?"
"Steve" she emphasized loudly, "wants you to get out of workshop at least for dinners. He wants us to eat as a team. Besides, while you've been down in this workshop you've been missing out on a lot"
"What good things could I have possibly missed while I worked down here? I can get cable down here you know!"
"While you were drinking yourself into a stupor, not showering and ignoring your team-mates Steve found himself a girl friend. You've missed all their awkward interactions to say the least."
Tony stopped mid thought. When Natasha said he missed a lot he assumed minor things like Thor eating all the pop tarts, or Natasha beating up Clint in the training room. Steve, the frigid ice man had gotten himself into a relationship?
"The poor girl. Speaking of poor girl. Umm, thanks for everything."
"Stark what are you talking about?"
"The blankets, and food. Ah, don't make me say it Natasha."
"I'm confused Stark.You're honestly freaking me out a little."
"Thanks for helping me through this. Bringing me food, and tucking me in after I passed out. It...It helped."
"Stark that wasn't me."
"Oh umm well, this is awkward. Then it must be Clint because-"
"Clint? Clint, Stark? What kind of food was it?"
"Uhh- cooked meals. The ones a mom would make or something. Not that I would know-"
"News flash Stark. Clint can barely operate the popcorn function on the microwave let alone cook."
"Oh, uh it must be Bruce then."
"Must be. Listen Stark, you should come up and eat with us. Dinner is an hour or so and Steve is bringing home his 'gal'. You should come."
He knew Natasha wasn't one for sentiment but, she could sense a softness in her voice. As Natasha was about to leave he gathered his courage a little bit.
"Uh Natasha."
"Yes, Stark"
"Thanks anyway. You know, you're secretly nicer than you let on."
Natasha smiled, and then walked over to him. She gave him a sharp jab in the ribs with her elbow.
"Oww! What was that for?!"
"Never... Ever let people know I'm nice." she smiled menacingly and exited the workshop. The doors slide shut with a hiss.
"JARVIS"
"Yes sir?"
"I think I need an ice pack."
"I shall get one right away sir."