UMH: Tower Adventures 1

(Y/N) Your Name
(H/C) Hair Color
(H/L) Hair Length
(E/C) Eye Color


FIRST DATE

(Your POV)

You: “Red, or White?”

JARVIS: “White is generally reserved for fish sir. May I recommend this spanish Red from your brothers collection?” An image of the recommended bottle appeared on the holo-mirror.

You: “Good choice, go ahead and bring it up. How’s the veal coming?’

JARVIS: “The oven is sitting at an optimum temperature of 350 degrees. Your pre-set timer is coming into its final two minutes and it is almost time to add the tomatoes.

You: “You’re a lifesaver JARVIS.” I looked back to my reflection in the mirror, turning to judge myself from every possible angle. “Do you think this is too much?” I was wearing my usual black three-piece suit. A crimson shirt and black paisley tie layered underneath.

JARVIS: “You look as dashing as you always do.” I sighed.

You: “I meant for a first date JARVIS.” He wasn’t so quick to respond this time.

JARVIS: “Perhaps shedding the jacket and tie would appear more casual sir.” I agreed, tearing the jacket and tie off, then tossing them to the bed while undoing the top two buttons of my shirt. “Better sir.” I smirked, finally feeling comfortable enough with my appearance to head down to the kitchen. As I descended in the elevator, I went over my mental checklist of everything that needed to be done before she arrived, tallyinging off items as I went along. Soon after, the elevator stopped, opening to reveal my Mark 4 armor standing on the opposite side, holding a bottle of wine. “Just in time sir, your timer is up.” JARVIS had taken the liberty of remotely controlling my C.B. suit to help out today. Something I was greatly appreciative of considering I was still recovering from my surgery.

You: “Fantastic, go ahead and take the bottle up stairs to the observation floor. Set it in the ice bucket and keep an eye out for her.” The suit nodded, then traded places with me in the elevator. As JARVIS ascended to set the table, I made my way to the stove, putting the finishing touches on the nights dinner.

JARVIS: “Sir, Ms. Romanoff has just arrived. She is currently heading up the elevator.” Shit.

You: “I’ll need at least five more minutes, greet her at the observation floor and help her settle in. I’ll be up as soon as I can.”

JARVIS: “Of course sir.”

(Natasha’s POV)

Happy: “......... So… you and (Y/N) huh?”

Natasha: “Yeah… me and (Y/N).” Most. Awkward. Drive. EVER… It was certainly nice of (Y/N) to send a car to pick me up. I just didn’t realize he would be sending Mr. Hogan. “Hey… it’s Harold right?” He looked at me through the rear view mirror.

Happy: “Yeah… but most people call me Happy.” The silence was suffocating. “It’s… Natalie right? Natalie Rushman?” Right, he’d only ever heard my cover name.

Natasha: “Natasha actually… Natasha Romanoff.”

Happy: “Oh!...” He started snapping his fingers repeatedly. “You’re the spider chick Tony’s always complaining about!” The revelatory smile that had grown across his face disappeared instantly when he realized what he had just implied. “Oh… well that is to say that’s what TONY says… uh… (Y/N) has NOTHING but nice things to say about you…” He began tripping over his words in an effort to backtrack on his negative implication

Natasha: “It’s alright Mr. Hogan… I know Tony doesn’t have the best view of me as a person right now.” He sighed lightly in relief. “I just hope I can change that… and soon.”  

Happy: “Why’s that?” I sighed… unsure if I should confide in him or not. On the one hand, (Y/N) obviously trusts him… On the other, I’ve already lied to him before… screw it.

Natasha: “I don’t want to be a problem between him and (Y/N). I don’t want to be the reason the two fight.” I hadn’t realized my breath had hitched as I spoke, something Mr. Hogan had caught. He pulled over slowly, then turned in his seat to face me head on.

Happy: “Hey… I’ve known both the Starks for over seventeen years. I’ve seen them fight over a lot of different things… but if there’s one thing they’ve always cared about, it’s each other's happiness.” He made a bold move, taking one of my hands from my lap and holding it. “Tony may not be your biggest fan… but if (Y/N) likes you, Tony won't get in the way of that, and he’ll find a way to accept it.” He smiled warmly at me. Now I see where (Y/n) got it from. I smiled back.

Natasha: “Thank you Mr. Hogan.” He chuckled before maneuvering back into his seat.

Happy: “You can call me Happy Ms. Romanoff.”

Natasha: “Well Happy, then you can call me Natasha.” He pulled the car back into traffic, and I couldn’t help but notice it was a very different ride all of a sudden. “Seventeen years huh? That means you would have known (Y/N) when he was… what… ten?” Happy started chuckling.

Happy: “Tony hired me on as his bodyguard/ (Y/N)’s babysitter when (Y/N) was just turning ten yeah… I’m proud to say I had a hand in raising him, at least a small part.”

Natasha: “So… you’d have stories about him then… right?” I implied suggestively.

Happy: “I would… none I could share… but I would.” I deflated, slumping back slightly in my seat. “That’s a threat to my employment I’m afraid. If (Y/N) found out I told you embarrasing stories, he’d have me fired… then toss out of the top floor window of Stark Tower.” Yep, that sounded like something (Y/N) would do… or at least threaten to do. We ended up making light small talk for the rest of the drive. WHen we made it to the tower, Happy came around and opened the door for me, then helped me out with a smile.  “This’ll take you straight up. “He directed me to the elevator door he had parked near.

Natasha: “Thank you Happy.” He nodded, then made his way back around to the driver's side of the car. “Oh… and uh… sorry about pinning you the way I did the first time we met.” He looked up at me, laughing nervously.

Happy: “Oh that? Yeah, don’t even worry about that… I uh… Well you just caught me off guard that day so.. Uh, I gotta go.” He jumped into the car, speeding out of the parking lot as quickly as able. I shook my head, and entered the elevator, turning my mind to what may be waiting upstairs.

JARVIS: “Welcome to Stark Tower Ms. Romanoff.” The sudden appearance of the disembodied voice startled me out of my train of thought. I looked around the small space, not even a speaker.

Natasha: “Uh… Hello?” Then it clicked. “Oh… you’re Tony’s U.I. system… JARVIS right?”

JARVIS: “Indeed I am Miss. Mr. Stark wished for me to inform you that dinner is going to be a few minutes late. And that until then you may simply make yourself at home.” I smirked.

Natasha: “Well thank you JARVIS. You can tell (Y/N) not to rush, I don’t mind waiting a bit… There wouldn’t happen to be a mirror in this elevator would there?”

JARVIS: “Behind you Miss.” I turned, finding the back of the elevator shimmering into a reflective surface. Tony and his holograms. For the fourth time today, I looked myself over, making sure nothing was out of place. Hair curled around my face, just a little messy. Light makeup to accentuate my eyes. Form-fitting black, ankle length dress with a slit up the left leg…

Natasha: “JARVIS, do you think this is a bit much for a first date?” I was worried he’d say yes. Wasn't like I could run home and change if he did,

JARVIS: “You look stunning Ms. Romanoff. And I am certain Mr. Stark will agree.” The elevator came to a stop, the doors opening to reveal (Y/N)’s C.B. Armor standing on the other side.

Natasha: “If I knew it was that kind of date, I would have at least brought my thigh holster.” I joked, assuming (Y/N) was in the suit.

JARVIS: “Actually Miss…” The visor snapped open, showing an empty suit. Apparently I had assumed wrong. “Mr. Stark is currently down in the kitchen finalizing dinner. I was instructed to finish preparations up here.” Great… I just flirted with a computer system. “This way if you please.” The visor snapped closed again as the hollow suit directed me out into the floor. It was rather tasteful, warm, inviting colors painted the walls in harmony with the leather couch and glass coffee table in the middle and the grand bay windows peering out into the city. There was a bit of the floor still indented from where the Hulk had smashed Loki, likely left if only out of spite for the Demi-God.

    The empty suit led me to a table that had already been set for two. A simple white cloth draped over it with a bottle of Red wine chilling next to it.

JARVIS: “Mr. Stark should be up in a moment. Enjoy your evening Ms. Romanoff.” The suit bowed lightly, then walked off, leaving me in relative silence. Rather than just sit at the table, I decided to take in the room. It looked a lot better than it had the last time I saw it. Then again, it was blown near to pieces last time I was here. Most of the bottles had been replaces at the bar. SAve the dent Loki made, the floor had been replaced with new tile, as had the glass to the large windows. I walked up to it, watching as the sun set over the horizon of the city. Even in disrepair, New York was still gorgeous to see. I heard the elevator open behind me. I turned, watching as (Y/N) stepped out with two covered serving plates in his hands.

You: “Sorry I’m late, dinner took a bit longer to…” He stopped dead in his tracks, his (E/C) eyes trained on me. I blushed lightly. A bit embarrassed at how I had been able to stun him to silence.

(Your POV)

I couldn’t believe how amazing she looked. Her bright, emerald eyes shining against the setting sun. The light framing her face, glowing like a halo, pure and beautiful. The dress she wore left little to the imagination. It was form fitting, cut low to accentuate her body. A long slit cut into the side, revealing much of her leg. Her ruby lips were moving… oh god she was talking to me, and I was just staring like an idiot.

You: “I’m… I’m sorry… I was… distracted. What did you say?” She chuckled, humored by my momentary lapse in logic. She sauntered up to me, her hips swinging enticingly.

Natasha: “I said… I’m glad you like the view.” She draped her arms around my neck, kissing me lightly on the cheek. I couldn’t move, paralyzed by even her touch. She chuckled again, then turned to the table. “Gotta say, my view isn't so bad either.” I was still dazed, taking more than a few moments to realize she had complimented me. She sat at the table, one leg crossed over the other, and a sultry smirk on her lips. I just smiled back, I didn't dare try to match her smirk if only because I didn't want to look stupid. I could barely walk as it was, I wasn’t about to shoot her a goofy grin while trying to be alluring.

I set the plates on the table, lifting the covers and setting them aside.

You: “Osso Buco, served with chopped Parsley and Saffron Risotto, with a Ribera del Duero wine pairing.” I poured her a glass before pouring my own, then sat. “I hope you like.” She cut into the veal, taking a bite of the steak and Risotto. She audibly moaned as she chewed.

Natasha: “This is delicious!” Her eyes widened as she exclaimed her approval. I chuckled as I dug into my own food.

You: “Better than the Helicarrier cafeteria food?” I asked. I had a feeling I already knew her answer, but I still wanted her to confirm.

Natasha: “By Miles.”

You: “Glad to hear.”

Natasha: “Where did you learn to cook?”

You: “Happy actually taught me.” She paused in eating, a look of surprise crossing her features. “What? It’s true.”

Natasha: “No I’m sure. It’s just, I figured it would have been Ms. Potts, or your brother.” I nearly choked on my food. “What?”

You: “Sorry, just the thought of Tony cooking, it’s laughable. Pepper did teach me a bit, but yeah, it was Happy.”

Natasha: “You’ve known him a long time huh?” I whistled lowly.

You: “I was… nine, turning ten when Tony first hired Happy. He’s been a great friend ever since.”

Natasha: “Sounds more like a Father then a friend.” I chuckled.

You: “I suppose. I, a way, Tony’s friends have become a kind of family.” I looked up from my plate, finding her eyes misting. Shit, family must not be a great topic. “So… Why don’t you go by Natalia? It’s such a beautiful name.” She cocked her eyebrow at me. “I mean, not that Natasha isn’t gorgeous, it is. I just… uh…” She started chuckling.

Natasha: “Relax (Y/N), I know what you meant.” I sighed in relief. “Natalia was the name my parents gave me. I don’t use it because it reminds me of them.” That relief was short lived. Somehow, I had managed to bring up her lack of family twice in less then a minute. Good job (Y/N), way to kill a first date.
(Natasha’s POV)

Poor guy probably thinks he just ruined tonight. Sure, it bugged me that I didn’t know my parents or family, but it wasn’t the worst thing in the world. He was currently groaning into his hands, likely berating himself over his clumsy comments.

Natasha: “Hey…: I reached over, taking his hand and pulling it away from his face lightly. “It’s ok, yeah my parents are a sore topic, doesn’t mean it ruined the night.” He smiled, squeezing my hand lightly.

You: “Sorry… nerves I guess…” I smirked.

Natasha: “I know… I’ve been nervous about tonight too.” His eyes lit up a bit.

You: “Really?”

Natasha: “Yeah… I want tonight to go well too.” I squeezed his hand, smiling as reassuringly as I could. He smiled back.

You: “Well… Let’s make sure it does then.” He winked, returning to his steak, eliciting a soft laugh from me.

We ended up talking through most of the night, about just about everything under the sun. We laughed, we drank, and when the night came to an end, we kissed. Just as passionately as we had before. All in all, it was a wonderful first date.