Author Notes:

Okay guys so some of you might know that a few weeks ago I published a oneshot titled "Stay Stay Stay" based on the song with the same title on Taylor Swift's new CD "Red". And I got good reviews on it and one guest ('Bruce Stark') reviewed it and gave me the idea to write a Bruce/Tony oneshot for every song featured on the album "Red" and I loved the idea. And so here we are! This is the first oneshot. I hope you all really like it! This is dedicated to 'Bruce Stark' whoever, and wherever you are!

Also I'd like to give a big thanks to my Beta and one of my bestest friends Melissa. Without you, this story wouldn't exist!

Please review if you get the chance! And don't worry "Stay Stay Stay" will be inserted into this story soon!

~Also, the songs are out of order! They are in the order that I put them in to create a somewhat coherent story!

I do not own Marvel, any of it's characters, or the rights to Taylor Swift's music.

Begin Again

Tony stood at his bathroom sink and stared at his reflection in the mirror. He took a deep breath and ran a shaky hair through his still partially wet hair. He nervously studied himself, trying to make sure he looked just right. His beard was perfectly shaven, his red dress shirt pressed and smooth, his hair fell just perfectly atop his head, but something was missing.

Tony remembered what he had forgotten... His tie. He ran out and grabbed the gold tie off his bed. He walked back into the bathroom and could feel himself starting to shake as he fixed his tie.

"It's just a date," Tony whispered to himself, "only a date. I can do this."

Tony forced a smile and nodded to his reflection, "Yeah, I can do this."

"Sir?" Jarvis asked as Tony began to brush his teeth.

"Yes?" Tony asked as he spit out a mouthful of toothpaste.

"It's just before 11:30, sir. If you want to arrive on time to your date with Dr. Banner I suggest you leave soon." Jarvis advised.

Tony smiled but on the inside he was scared to death. "Thank you."

Tony leaned on the sink for support as he tried to calm himself down. He had never been so nervous in his life. He had been on dozens of dates before but this one was... different. This was Bruce Banner, the man Tony had been utterly infatuated with since the moment they had met on the helicarrier. He had formed quite an attachment to the doctor after spending all those countless nights with him in the lab. Even while Tony had been dating Steve the thought of Bruce had sent shivers down his spine. He couldn't deny the feelings for the other man even if he tried.

Tony admired Bruce. His genius, his humor, his personality, his wisdom, the way that he carried himself. If Tony didn't know better he would assume he had a crush on Bruce. But Tony did know better... He knew it was more than just a crush.

Tony took one last glance in the mirror and walked out of his bathroom. Through his bedroom, out the door, down the hall, and finally into the elevator.

He exited the elevator once he reached the level of his garage. He took the keys to his Charger, his most 'normal' car, and walked over to it, whistling as he did. Tony was surprised to see Pepper leaning against the driver's side door.

"Come to humiliate me?" Tony asked her.

Pepper smiled. "No, Tony. I just came to wish you luck."

She frowned when she saw he had tied his tie sloppily. She stepped forward and undid it with ease.

"I'm so nervous." Tony confessed in an almost inaudible whisper.

"Why?" Pepper asked as she retied his tie.

"You know exactly why." Tony snapped.

Pepper tightened the tie and looked up at him. "Tony... it's been eight months."

"I know that, Pepper." Tony reminded her, a hint of sass in his voice.

"Bruce isn't anything like Steve." Pepper reassured him.

Tony winced at the mention of Steve's name. It had been eight months, but that time had not helped ease the pain. It was an awful breakup, the worst Tony had ever experienced. The breakup had changed him, it was fairly obvious. He had been quiet about it for the most part, keeping to himself much more than usual. Tony didn't go out, he just stayed home and drank. He had become more quiet and even sort of shy. It was an extremely painful experience for Tony.

Pepper tugged on Tony's tie. "Hey, you better get going. You don't wanna be late."

Tony nodded, butterflies fluttering in his stomach.

"It'll be fine. I'm sure you'll have a great time." Pepper smiled.

Tony nodded again, a tiny smile stretching across his face.

Pepper leaned in and kissed his cheek. "Enjoy yourself, Tony. We'll talk later."

Tony pulled her into a hug. "Thank you."

Pepper smiled into Tony's shoulder. She felt as though she was letting her son go out on his first date. She was so happy he was finally moving on. She had watched him suffer in silence for far too long. After spending so much time with depressed Tony, she actually began to miss annoying, stupid, childish, cocky Tony. She was thrilled by the fact that he could back to his old self again.

"You're welcome." Pepper said gently.

They let go of each other and Pepper left, walking over to the elevator.

Tony climbed into his Charger and turned the car on. He turned the radio on and found himself singing along to "Ice Ice Baby", a song Steve never understood.

Finally Tony felt his heart rate turn back to normal and he realized how truly excited he was. Not just the fact that he was going on a date... But he was going on a date with Bruce. And he hadn't seen Bruce in months.

Tony revved the engine and took off, heading towards the cafe and towards thrilling uncertainty.

XX

Tony walked in expecting Bruce would be late but he had gotten there early. Bruce stood up and waved to Tony with a smile on his face. Tony smiled back and walked over to the table.

When Tony arrived at the table he felt his heart begin to race again.

"Hey Tony." Bruce said blushing as Tony pulled him into his arms. "Long time, no see."

Tony wrapped his arms around around Bruce and hoped he couldn't feel his erratic heartbeat.

"Too long." Tony agreed, letting go of his friend. "I've missed you."

Bruce blushed a deep red and Tony felt himself begin to melt. Bruce always looked so damn cute when he he was so easy to make blush. It was one of Tony's favorite things about him.

"I've missed you too." Bruce confessed in a bashful whisper.

They let go of each other and both blushed deeply. Bruce pulled out Tony's chair so he could sit down. He helped Tony in before sitting down across from him. Bruce didn't realize how nice that was and how much it meant to Tony but it truthfully meant a lot. Steve had never done that before.

They began to talk instantly. They talked and caught up as they drank and ate. Both just loving each others company.

While they were talking Tony made a tiny science joke without the intent to be funny. But Bruce threw his head back laughing like a little kid. Tony laughed too as he watched Bruce but was truthfully a bit shocked. He found it strange that Bruce thought he was funny because Steve never did. Steve never understood his science or pop-culture jokes but Bruce did and it gave Tony a bigger sense of hope... of love. With every moment that passed and every one of Bruce's blushes and every laugh Tony could feel himself falling harder for him.

When Bruce finally stopped laughing he looked at Tony and gave him a loving smiled.

"You know," Bruce grinned flirtaciously. "I've never met anyone who had as many microscopes as me."

Tony choked on his drink and burst out laughing. "Well I do."

Bruce sighed contentedly and took a sip of the water he had ordered.

They told stories and Bruce couldn't help but feel as if Tony was coming off unusually shy. It was very unlike him to be so quiet. Bruce knew Tony to be loud and obnoxious and an ass and well... Tony.

Tony knew he was being a bit shy. He was still being guarded, he was still healing. It had been eight months and although Tony loved being with Bruce and he could feel himself falling for Bruce, he could still feel the pain from Steve's leaving.

But being there, with Bruce, on a date, was a milestone. It marked a new beginning for Tony. It showed he was taking the first step to move on from Steve. Away from the pain and the hurt and towards Bruce. Towards love and understanding and uncertainty.

Bruce paid for the meal much to Tony's dismay and they left the cafe still deep in conversation.

"Where'd you park?" Bruce asked once they shuffled out the door.

"Just down the block." Tony said. "Thanks for lunch. I had an incredible time. I hope we can go out again soon."

Bruce laughed. "Hey, you aren't getting rid of me that easily. I'm walking you to your car."

Tony shook his head and smiled. "You don't have to."

"No, I don't." Bruce grinned. "But I want to."

Tony just smiled and grabbed Bruce's hand, intertwining their fingers. Bruce looked up at Tony smiling with a light blush dusting his cheeks.

As they walked down the street Tony's mind was in Steve overdrive. He almost brought him up but then Bruce started to talk about all the movies he watched every single Christmas and Tony laughed. He jumped into the conversation and forgot about Steve. And for the first time the past was past.

XX

When Tony got home Pepper was waiting for him on the couch. He walked over and sat down beside her, a blush glowing on his face.

"So?!" Pepper asked excitedly.

Tony took a deep breath and chuckled when he saw the excited look on her face.

"I've been spending the last eight months thinking all love ever does is break and burn and end. But today in that cafe... I watched it begin again." Tony grinned, happy tears sparkling in his eyes.

Pepper squealed with happiness and pulled Tony into a hug. Tony smiled knowing now, everything was different. The heartbreak was over. Everything was beautiful and scary and exciting and new.

Now, everything was Bruce.

XX

Okay guys, so I hope you enjoyed this! Please review if you can! Be harshhhh!

Thanks again to 'Bruce Stark' and Melissa!

New chapter will be up soon!