**Post Iron Man 3, Pre-Avengers: AoU**

A/N: Hi again! Of course as a disclaimer: I don't own Tony, Pepper, Jarvis or any of the characters from Avengers, Marvel, Agents of SHIELD or their likenesses. I do, however, own the mystery woman in his dreams and a few other OCs that may find themselves in the story. Who knows?

Here is chapter two. Thank you for those who have looked at my story, liked, followed and/or favorited it and a big thank you for the review LilyMayRose! That means the world to me. Please read, review and let me know what you think. I appreciate it!

"Anthony…"

At first this woman sounds surprised when she says my name.

"Anthony?"

Then she sounds confused. Questioning. Breathy, soft, concerned…

"Anthony!"

And all of a sudden her voice is adamant, knowing. She knows who I am… I just wish I could put a face to her voice.

"No let me see him!"

Her voice was hoarse, terrified. Like she had been sobbing for my sake.

There was always a lot of yelling and incoherent, inaudible words being said in the background. Just jargon, and I could never focus on anything else but the voice of the mystery woman of my dreams.

It was an eerily beautiful voice… Probably belonged to a beautiful woman. Like a siren, or a succubus. She had the hint of an accent… from somewhere in the UK? Maybe…

She also spoke with such authority. She sounded very important, someone to be respected. It always surprised me when I awoke, hearing the clear pitch of her voice ringing in my thoughts. She had my attention. It was so vivid, for everything else being so vague.

"Please, officer, I know him."

"Ma'am, you need to step back. You are not authorized to enter this area!"

"But—yes I am! I can help him… Just let me try!"

"We have medical professionals attending to Mr. Stark, this is your last warning. Leave this area."

"Anthony!"

It echoed. On and on and on…

Always the same dialogue, always the same scream….

There was always commotion when I heard this female voice calling my name. Always chaos, but no picture. Everything was always dark. Everything was auditory. It always felt like I had been blinded, forced to rely on my other senses while my sight was wiped out.

That scream… again and again. The woman I couldn't place. The voice I have never heard—at least I don't think I have heard it before—yet sounds so familiar and sweet to my soul. Like I should know it… It's soothing in a strange way, music to my ears. Everyone knows how much I love music.

I was jolted awake long after the sun had risen. Drenched in cold sweat, and wide eyed. My arms were raised defensively… I have become quite accustomed to this stance, exhaustively. I stumbled, trying to orient myself. Rubbing the sleep from my bloodshot eyes. I pushed myself up, and tried to get out from the ocean of sheets piled on the bed that I was sleeping in. They felt too claustrophobic, too suffocating.

Where was I again? This didn't feel like my bed. It was much taller than mine… more bouncy. Nope not my bed. It was too soft, frilly… and colorful. Oh, hey, I was in Pepper's room. That's right, we fell asleep together after she got home!

I glanced over at Pepper, who was still sleeping soundly and snuggled to a body pillow and her comforter. Then shifted my gaze over at the clock on her nightstand, reading seven-fifteen in the morning. I had been asleep… for maybe a whole four hours total. That is a record for me. Looks like sleeping next to my girlfriend this time helped somewhat.

Or maybe it didn't have anything to do with my being beside Pepper?

I did still have a nightmare after all. It was a nightmare, though not as terrifying as many of them have been in the past. I am sure it qualified.

I was just being haunted by a woman that I cannot see. That qualifies in my book. I have been around a lot of supernatural stuff lately with being a part of the Avengers and around S.H.I.E.L.D, but haunting… ghosts, figments of my memory… whatever you want to refer to it as, this is new to me. A beautiful disaster.

Wait, Pepper called me Anthony last night as she fell asleep… didn't she? I wonder if that triggered the dream. Fucking subconscious. Something was always the trigger. Never fails.

I shifted over to the window overlooking the city, watching as Jarvis displayed one of my screens telling me the time, weather, news… without saying it aloud. Just a typed message as a good morning. He obviously picked up on the fact that I didn't want to wake her.

I don't know how long I was standing there before I realized that Pepper had woken up; I saw her reflection next to mine. Which startled me, not going to lie. But I tried not to show her that. She was watching me, with her usual look of concern. Worried eyes, wringing her hands in a circle over and over. Apparently, I made her anxious. I guess I can't really blame her… I make myself anxious, too.

"Tony?" I heard her ask, cautiously.

I turned to face her, trying to smile at her presence. It just didn't have the same effect as it used to. So many other things had happened in my life that weighed me down, that not even my girlfriend could bring me out of it.

Plus I had been lost deep in my thoughts, trying to picture a woman I had possibly never seen. Thinking of another woman… scandalous.

"Oh, morning, Pep," I replied, hoping to sound cheery. I kissed her cheek. I was also confused as to why Pepper had called me Anthony last night, and I wanted an answer to see if she had used that name knowingly. But I also didn't want to cause a fight, if that was possible.

I would have to be tactful. I can do that… hopefully.

I mean, I hate being called by my full first name. And Pepper had only ever called me "Tony" for as long as I can remember. It was only when I was introduced to her as Mr. Anthony Stark, the first time that we had met, that anyone had ever really called me that.

"Good morning," Pepper spoke, breaking my thoughts again. She was touching my face, searching for something. Something deep inside me. Probably the same thing I was searching for. "How did you sleep?"

The circles under my eyes were undoubtedly pretty dark because in her eyes I could see the deep sense of worry behind them. Those worried orbs, always seemed like they could well up with tears at any second regarding me and my mental health.

"I slept alright… more than I usually do," I moved slightly from her touch. Hoping to be subtle about it. Our touch last night felt fine, but right now something felt off. I couldn't put my finger on it.

Ever since she called me Anthony, I got this hostile feeling.

She raised a brow at me.

"Have you slept much recently?"

"No… besides a power nap or two, no," I didn't really want to talk about my ability to not sleep. It wasn't a surprise to anyone, least of all her. So I decided to change the subject. "Question, do you remember calling me Anthony last night?"

I watched her face fade into a paler white, and I got the confirmation I was looking for. She shifted uncomfortably. I couldn't fathom why though.

It was several minutes before she responded. We just stood there in silence, looking at each other while I waited for her to collect her thoughts. I could tell that she wanted to answer, but she didn't seem sure of what it was she wanted to say.

At least that is what I gathered from her body language. I wasn't always the best at reading her obviously, so I wouldn't quote me on accuracy.

"Yes," She looked up at me at first looking sheepish but that expression turned defensive in an instant. "Who else has been calling you Anthony?"

It was my turn to switch to the defensive. I didn't expect a question like that in return. I should have, I guess. Did she think I was cheating on her?

I mean I know my reputation isn't great, but since we started being exclusive I was a one woman man. With all flirting aside.

"What? No one," I retorted with a serious expression, "You lost me."

"You talk in your sleep, Tony, and someone or something calls you Anthony, screams your name… It could only belong to a woman," her voice trailed off, hoping that I would comply and give her the information she was looking for.

So that was what she had been searching for in me. She wanted a confirmation of sorts, just like I wanted one from her. This felt like we were going down a dangerously slippery road together. Somewhere the trust had been torn. Not entirely broken, and mendable, but it certainly wasn't a hundred percent. Peachy.

I sighed, rubbing my temple. I hated talking through my nightmares. I hate dreaming. Why do people dream? They are so unnecessary…

"I don't know, some woman, I can't see her face. It's just a dream, Pepper."

She didn't look satisfied with that answer, but I really didn't care at the moment. I was irritated that she had the audacity to believe that I was cheating on her. That was the only thing that made sense as to why she would be so concerned.

I made my way towards the door.

"Just a dream? What do you mean—" I cut her off before she got through the question. We are not going to argue over something as ridiculous as a woman I don't know. Nope.

This was not on the agenda today. I had more important things to fuss over… Like planning a date for the two of us. Although, with this hostility in the air, I don't even know if a date can patch us up.

"I can't see her the dream is pitch black, that's all. I'm going to go shower..." I muttered, leaving the room, shutting the door behind me and heading straight for my wing of the tower. I just wanted to be alone to try and collect my thoughts.

As I walked into my room, I decided to turn to my constant companion—Jarvis.

"J, lock the doors. Do not let anyone in. Not Pepper, no one. I want to be alone and that's final." I made my way through my wing. "And start the shower, my usual temperature. The hot one. I need a good soak… let the steam and hot water release the tension of my muscles. I have a headache."

With that I entered my bathroom and peeled off the clothes I had fallen asleep in, still slightly damp from sweat. My body ached and felt clammy. I really needed out of this tower, I needed away from these people for a bit. We had all been cooped up here for a tad too long.

If Pepper and I are going to salvage our screwy relationship, I need to find some answers.

"Whatever you say, sir. It is done."

He did everything I requested of him, and today without any reprimand. I was incredibly grateful for that this morning.

I stepped into the large shower I had designed myself. Like many of the other windows in the tower, I had designed them so that nothing could see inside but anyone inside would have the ability to see the outside world.

One of the walls to my shower was designed this way. I liked to get a sense of the world outside my walls, while still being comfortably alone and tucked away.

The waterfall shower-head poured out water, as I moved under it. Jarvis always got the temperature just right. Not quite scalding, not enough to burn the skin, but almost that hot. I needed it to massage out the knots in my body. Everything was tense. From my jaw to my toes.

I glanced down at the people of Manhattan bustling about, buzzing along their lives. I had never really been a people watcher. Most of the time the only person I paid much attention to was myself.

Recently that hadn't been the case. I was always watching others, trying to figure out if a random woman would stand out and make sense of the voice in my dreams. I may be slightly voyeuristic…

It was probably just a silly notion, but I got the feeling that I did know this woman, from some part of my life. I just don't know what part that was, nor did I recall the woman which left me lacking memories. Hard to remember someone you cannot see.

I sighed, leaning against the glass. It was a cool contrast to the hot water flowing over my body.

This part of Manhattan was home to a lot of businesses, and the Avengers Tower stood tall over many of the shops nearby. We got a lot of gift baskets and edible arrangement-type assortments trying to win our loyalty and business. Basically my money and connections.

Many of course had been utterly unsuccessful, save for a few boutiques that Maria, Pepper and Natasha liked to shop at, and a salon where most of us got our grooming done, and the ladies enjoyed the manicures and pedicures as often as they could.

That salon also did massages… I wonder if that would help.

I glanced down again. Maybe that was what I needed, some relaxation, and a massage. Quality time to get back into a good state of mind.

"Hey, J, see if the salon across the street can fit me in for a massage. I think some time away from the tower will be good for me," I spoke to my invisible right-hand man. He ran my life as much as Pepper had in the past.

"I am making the call now. Would you like to speak with them yourself or shall I book the appointment for you?" he asked as I heard an echoing ring in the background.

"Book the appointment. I don't need the women there going gaga because I am in the shower."

"Of course; I am on it."

With that I finished cleaning myself, and stepped out of the shower wrapping a towel around my waist as I listened to Jarvis expertly book me a full body massage with the salon a half an hour out.

I checked the clock. By now the sun was bright and cheery, and it was a quarter 'til nine in the morning. I would probably be one of their first customers.

That also meant I wouldn't be bothered by as many people. And when I say people, I mean women. Fans of mine, fans of the rest of the Avengers. People bombarded me constantly. Don't get me wrong, most of the time I enjoy the attention. I love being the center of attention, the lime light hog… but right now, I just want to blend in for a moment and truly be able to relax.

I dressed in sweats, one of the copious amounts of band shirts I own, and a hoodie, expertly rocking some designer shades and sneakers. I never really just blend in, but hey, this was as close as it was going to get. I just want to be comfortable.

"I will let the salon know that you are on your way," Jarvis informed me as I grabbed my wallet, keys and phone.

"Thanks, buddy. I am going to walk across the street since it is so close. I've got you booted up on my phone, so keep me posted on how Pepper is. She should still be in her room. If she asks, I am planning for tonight. She will know what that means… and if she doesn't tell her to call me."

"Noted, I shall inform Ms. Potts promptly. Enjoy your massage."

I nodded hearing him, as I walked out of my space and jabbed my thumb into the 'down' button to the elevator.

The rest of the tower was fairly quiet today. Not much was going on for anyone to need the Avengers, and we didn't really have anywhere else to be, so it was just a lot of… this. Us, here, all the time.

I was so glad that I wouldn't be hanging around here for a few.

The elevator ride was short and sweet. I only ran into Bruce, and we gabbed a little about a project we were working on together to help him with the Hulk for our missions. Luckily that was short lived and he was once again off to the R&D sector to do more research, and I was happily off to the salon for a full-body massage.

It was going to be glorious.

The weather outside was crisp and clear, a little breezy and cool but it felt amazing. The tower could be stuffy when all anyone ever does is stay cooped up there. Being outdoors was like a breath of fresh air.

I walked the short distance across the main street from Avengers tower to the little salon across the way.

It wasn't a big chain, but was more upscale than a mom-and-pop shop. Felt nice, clean, I can see why the girls like it so much.

The receptionist looked extra cheery when I arrived and signed in.

"Good morning, Mr. Stark, we are happy to see you. I will tell Glenda that you arrived, she will be your masseuse for today. Feel free to take a seat and she will be right up to bring you back," the petite woman piped with a squeaky voice. "Would you like water or coffee?"

Well, at least it wasn't her in my dreams.

"Thank you," I glanced at her name badge, "Lydia. Coffee actually sounds great. Cream and sweetener. Dark roast if you have it."

"Our pleasure! I will bring that to you, sir."

She got all giggly when I said her name and bounced off to apparently tell this Glenda lady that I was here and grab my drink. I shook my head and took a seat in the lobby area.

There were already several women back in the salon getting one of the various services, and some waiting their turn. Who knew this place got booked that fast?

I pulled out my phone to busy myself while waiting, taking a subtle glance around the establishment. Some of the women enjoying their spa treatments appeared to be high-class housewives or businesswomen. So this was a classy place huh? There was a guy or two back there. They looked like lawyers or other various high-end, possibly rich bachelors.

None of them looked very interesting to me, but they all did look to be having a good time, enjoying the relaxing atmosphere. Which was comforting.

Then in the back corner of the salon, a particular woman piqued my interest. I could only hear the subtle Irish accent as she spoke to the person waiting on her. It was the voice…

I took off my sunglasses, aware that I was probably staring. The woman didn't really look familiar to me, but she was gorgeous. She appeared to be having a spa day, wrapped up in a fluffy robe, getting a pedicure currently, and talking amiably with two other women who looked very similar… possibly sisters.

Surely this couldn't be the mysterious woman of my dreams? I must be going crazy.

Before I could get up to try and speak to the woman, a friendly middle-aged lady with plum hair was in my face greeting me. She had a mug of hot coffee in her hand for me, just as I had requested it. Must be Glenda.

"Hello, Mr. Stark."

I gave a polite smile and shook her hand. "Call me Tony, please, it's less… overt."

Shaking my hand, she seemed to understand.

"Anything to make you comfortable, Mr… I mean, Tony," she sounded slightly awkward as she spoke it, but complied nonetheless, and still smiled the customer service plastered grin, "Please follow me and we will get you situated for your massage."

"Sounds like a plan," I stood, following Glenda towards the back rooms of the salon where they had the massage tables. Taking a sip of the hot liquid, I definitely needed the caffeine pick-me-up.

I stole a peek back at the corner where I thought I found the woman in my dreams, relieved that she hadn't seen me staring earlier. In fact she didn't seem to be paying much attention to anyone but her intimate little spa party.

I just wanted a better look at her, but that would probably have to wait… unfortunately, because I was being ushered to a locker room to change and prepare for the massage. I needed to talk to her before she left her spa day though. Somehow I gotta make that happen.

Complying I changed, keeping only my undergarments on and tied the robe provided around the rest of my body. Then I slipped on some flip flops also provided and locked my shit up, keeping my phone on my person.

Glenda was waiting outside patiently. She smiled as I returned, but her expression hinted that she had something to tell me.

"Comfortable?" she asked, guiding me towards the back room. I was hoping it was more secluded, and not one with multiple stations for massages.

I nodded, prompting further conversation.

"Quite, and looking forward to relaxation."

"Wonderful, before we get started, I do have something to ask of you," Glenda started, looking at me. Her tone was soft, a little hesitant. They knew I was a big client, and I don't think she wanted to upset me with whatever the situation was.

"Shoot, I'm all ears."

Glenda took a breath, "Well since your call this morning, and as you can probably see, this morning we are very busy and booked solid for the day. We truly appreciate that you sought our salon for your business and we want to give you the best experience that we can. In saying this, we are a little short on space and were wondering how you may feel about sharing the room with another person."

Now I was hesitant. So much for privacy.

I blew out through my nose, not entirely thrilled with the idea. She could see it through my expression I am sure.

"I mean, we are trying to work around that option… but finding that extra space for a client of your caliber is just taking us a little more time. We don't want to make you wait, and we want you to be satisfied with your experience," she quickly added.

"No, it's okay. I just wasn't expecting it to be busy. I understand that it was me that wanted an appointment last minute… Um, sure, I will share. But if the other person gets weird around me, I will opt to wait until there is a space for only myself. Sound like something we can do?"

Her face looked relieved with my answer, and she nodded enthusiastically.

"Of course! Thank you," she led me into the room, housing two massage tables. "This one will be yours and another masseuse will be leading their client in for the other table. The other person is a regular client of ours, they shouldn't bother you. Please let me know if they do, however. I want you to be comfortable. That is the entire point of this experience."

I nodded hanging the robe up as I laid face down on the massage table and a towel was lain on my lower half.

"Don't take this the wrong way, but you will be the first to know if I am uncomfortable with the other person."

Glenda gave me a knowing nod, setting my coffee on a little table in front of me so that I could still access it during my massage. I heard her bustling about behind me, getting her station prepared.

I rested my face in the pillows surrounding the head rest. Maybe if I didn't see the other person, it would make this less weird.

"Is there a curtain or anything you can close between the tables?"

"Yes, I can close off our section. Would you like me to do that?" Glenda inquired.

I propped myself up for a moment to answer her.

"Not yet, I just want to make sure that there is an alternative to the wide open space here. Thank you."

She smiled and went about her work again.

"Of course. I am almost finished warming up the essential oils and then we can talk about the massage before I begin."

"Good plan, take your time."

I was partially hoping that this would help with my sleeping issues as well. This outing was serving multiple purposes today. Clearing my thoughts, helping me relax, and potentially answering some questions.

The door behind me opened and closed, and two sets of feet were shuffling in the room. I heard a muffled conversation between Glenda and the other masseuse, and then heard rustling on the other massage table.

Part of me wanted to look up and see who the other client was, but the other part didn't want to let them know that it was me.

So instead I just waited, quietly. Only looking up ahead of me to take a drink from my coffee.

It got quiet. Glenda must have left the room temporarily, and the other masseuse was addressing her client. Now known to be a woman… I took a moment to eavesdrop into their conversation.

"I am sorry Ms. Morgan, all of our other rooms are booked solid," the masseuse dropped her voice lowly, almost to a whisper, "This client is much newer than you, but he is important and we want to accommodate you both within reason. Is it going to be alright that we continue?"

The slight pause was killing me. I don't know why but I was interested in what this person had to say.

"It shan't be a problem, Jeanie, he deserves the relaxation time. We won't be bothered." Came the soft Irish accent again.

The hair on my arms raised at the interaction. It was that woman… her. Ms. Morgan? Well, that was more of the information that I needed. I grabbed my phone from the table in front of me and began typing a message to Jarvis to do some recon while I was away.

Jeanie sounded satisfied with that answer, and after another muffled conversation with Ms. Morgan, she left to join Glenda in whatever they were doing. Leaving the two of us alone in the room until they returned.

I wanted to talk to this woman, but I wasn't sure where to start and I sure as hell didn't want to come off creepy. So instead I just continued checking my phone. Jarvis had responded that he would be looking any and all information up that he could find on Ms. Morgan… Not creepy, right? Ha…

Suddenly, the woman's voice caught my attention. Pulling me immediately from my thoughts and I turned slightly to look at her.

"You must be Mr. Stark. I am sorry for all of the commotion… it isn't usually so hectic here in the mornings," she greeted me with a smile that made my knees weak. Good thing I was laying down already.

I sat up, pulling the towel around to perch on my lap. Giving her my full attention. She was a beautiful soul.

"Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Morgan, was it? Don't apologize, it isn't your fault in any way," I replied, offering my hand. "And please… call me Tony. Mr. Stark is so formal."

Her gaze dropped to my hand and she delicately shook it. Her eyes were a stormy bluish-gray, and her hair was a pale, honey blonde. Compared to me her skin was creamy white, but boy was she warm. That or I was cold… Her skin just radiated warmth and softness. It felt nice.

"Sarah, you may call me Sarah," she responded. Of anyone here, she seemed the most calm around me. Unfazed by my status, and completely comfortable being in my presence.

It was actually very relieving. Most people were infatuated or intimidated.

"Beautiful name," I couldn't help the smile growing on my face.

"Thank you, Anthony…"

She was sitting on the table opposite of me, gazing around in a peaceful way. But there it was… Anthony. It rolled off of her tongue like she had called me that for years. As if we were close. And finally, hearing it… putting the voice together with this woman, being called Anthony didn't bother me for some reason.

This time it just intrigued me.

"I am sorry, have we met before?"

Sarah looked at me with a surprised gaze, and her face flushed a light pink. Rosy and deep in her cheeks. I didn't think she could get prettier, but I have been wrong before.

I believe she realized what she had said when her eyes came to meet mine, and I watched her take a deep breath.

"It's a very long… complicated tale."

"I have nothing but time."

She stood and made her way over to me, and for the moment I was truly grateful for the two masseuses being elsewhere.

"I… I'm not sure where to start." She paused briefly, and I simply watched her and listened intently. "Have you ever heard… of the tales of the Goddesses of the Morrigan?"

Her question threw me off, but I shook my head. It definitely didn't sound like something I was familiar with.

"Do the Goddesses of the Morrigan have something to do with me?" I inquired, watching her closely.

Unlike the interactions with Pepper, who was always worried or uncomfortable or upset around me; this woman seemed very sure of herself and confident in my presence. I don't think Pepper felt that same way.

Sarah glanced upward for a moment, like she was thinking.

"Yes and no… like I said, the story is complex. And now may not be the best time for me to explain. Glenda and Jeanie are on their way back."

"They can wait… You called me Anthony. I sort of need to know who you are, and why…" I stopped myself, almost rambling about having dreams about this woman.

Sarah's blush deepened as the words left my mouth.

"I… I did call you Anthony, didn't I?" her tone was astounded, "You heard me? But how…"

Now she was the one to cut herself short.

Did she know of the scenario that has been haunting me? Whoa… now things were getting even weirder.

"Sarah," I started to ask her something but she touched my cheek which shut me right up.

"It's actually Serafina… Still Sera, but not the generic spelling… Serafina, one of the three Goddesses of the Morrigan. And to answer one of your questions, yes. I was there. The darkness, the screams… your nightmares, I was there. The Battle of Manhattan… I can explain everything and much more."

Before I could respond, Glenda and Jeanie entered the room amiably speaking and here I was in shock.

They just stared at the two of us, realizing that we had been interacting.

"Is everything alright?" Glenda asked while glancing from Sera to me.

"Perfect…" I responded, my mind racing a million miles an hour.

Serafina? Who the fuck was this woman?

She had returned to the table opposite of me, watching me. None of this made sense, but I was sure as hell going to find out.

Massage first.

"Let's get started shall we?"

The masseuses didn't need any further prompting and this gave me time to try and process what Serafina had just told me.

Today was going to be longer than I expected.

**A/N: And there we have it! The woman of Tony Stark's dreams… Serafina. I have had this character a long time. Her story will be explained very soon and it will tie in with some other characters that I adore as much as Tony Stark/Iron Man himself. Also, this story will tie in somewhat with Agents of SHIELD and I hope you all know who I am talking about specifically; as well as a particular Captain, and a father figure…

I have weaved a complex web that I am hoping my readers will enjoy.

P.S. I am adding a link in my profile to provide a visual element for those of you who would like to see my character while reading the story. It's just a picture I found for her likeness but that's all. Hope it helps!

Until the next chapter,

-Ebony