Disclaimer: I' so sorry for not updating for almost a month! I was too preoccupied with this writing contest I am trying to ace; and on top of that homework and final assignments! The winner of the contest gets to go to the Hunger Games premier, Hope you guys understand how sorry I am. Hopefully I'll get back on track soon. I think you should all know by now that I do not own The Avengers, S.H.I.E.L.D, or any other characters except my OC. And no, I'm not advertising for "The Sage Room", I just googled restaurants that were kind of-ish close to Tony's house; planning on using that for afterwards (hint hint). Thank you all for taking the time out of your day to read these little stories of mine. Enjoy 3 and May the odd be ever in your favor!
It took us less than five minutes of going through heavy metal doors and multiple elevators to reach my room. It turns out my room was an old shooting range in the west wing, that they turned into my living quarters, lucky me. Nick led me to the door and gave me the key, he said he would go talk to Tony for a second, and then he would come back to take me to the limo outside. A limo? How fancy is this place, and how long do I have to get ready?
As quickly as I could I locked the door, took a quick glance at the room; it was actually pretty decent for an indoor shooting range. There was a bedroom, a bathroom and a living area with a flat screen TV mounted on the wall. I found the bedroom, there was a simple double bed set off the side of the room, along with a small walk in closet, a book shelf, and they actually had my dresser brought here. My dresser weighed a ton; when we first moved into the house when I was eight, it took my dad, the entire moving crew, and a few of the neighbors to get it up to my room. That day we had to pay them an extra fifty dollars per worker, and a little something for the neighbors.
I went to explore my closet; they had everything I owned organised from casual to black tie event, I can't tell whether or not that's creepy. But I couldn't find my blue shoulder bag; it kept my laptop safe and sound. You can ask Nick about it later, just go get ready!
Shifting from one hanger to another, I found the red fifties dress my mother made me wear to her charity ball. It was a hot red, party dress that I never really liked because of the way it fit me. But, I kind of liked it now that I was older and it fit me better, especially the belt that hugged my ribcage; when I wore it to the party it kept slipping down to my hips.
I threw the dress onto the neatly made bed, and as fast as I could I nearly ripped off my clothes off out of fear that, if I was late they would torture me or something. Better be safe than sorry. I threw everything everywhere with no remorse, what once was neat and tidy was now my room.
First my sweater, then my tank top, my jeans. Clink! I heard something metal hit the floor, right over where I threw my jeans. Maybe I knocked something over? It doesn't matter; you can clean it up later! You're running late, c'mon! I threw on the dress, and tied my messy brown hair into a pony tail that bobbed back and forth. Alright, good enough, I looked at my watch, Nick told me to be out of the room by 7:25, it was 7:24. Okay, you just made it, good job Andrea. I was about to open the door when I heard something squeak. I still had my converse on! At the speed of light, I managed to kick off my shoes and toss them who knows where, stripped my socks off my feet and dashed to the closet again. There was a medium sized, metal shoe rack at the bottom that held all my shoes, even the ones I forgot I had. I found the black pair of flats that I only wore during the summer, but right now I had to make an exception.
I ran past my dresser one more time to make sure I was decent enough. I didn't get to shower; let alone brush my teeth, I had hair sticking out from all sides, and I stunk. So, to solve this problem, I showered myself with perfume everywhere, combed my hair a little bit to tuck away any fly aways. As for the breath I just gargled with mouth wash like there was no tomorrow. When I was done, I realized that there was now two thirds of the bottle missing, oh well.
Knock, knock. "Andrea, are you ready yet? Happy and Tony are waiting outside in the parking lot." Nick shouted through the door. Crap! Please don't kill me!
"Just a minute, I'm almost done!" I hollered back. I wiped my mouth from the mouthwash with the small, white towel that lay next to the bottle. Fixing my flats, I made a dash for the door, grabbing the black purse my mother gave me for my last birthday.
I don't know what it was, but something made me look down at the floor where my crumpled, blue jeans lay. I found out what made that small clink that I heard before, it was my phone! I guess they hadn't raided my pockets while I was unconscious for a whole day.
"Andrea c'mon, Tony isn't a man of patience." Nick said. I snatched my phone off the floor and tucked it into my purse, along with some lip gloss, the key card, and a small bottle of perfume; maybe it could be used as a substitute for pepper spray.
"Okay, I'm ready!" I opened the door to Nick, trying to hide the mess that I've created.
"Good, you didn't forget you key card did you?" Nick asked. I pulled out my card in response. "Okay then, let's go."
We began to walk down the corridor to the parking garage on the main level in silence, when I brought up something I shouldn't have. "So Mr. Fury, I was just wondering, how exactly do you know me? I mean, out of all the people in the world to kidnap, you chose me, why?"
"I've already told you, we stepped in before you could have been abducted by the enemy, and then God knows what they would have done too you." Nick said.
"What would they have done to me?" I asked.
"That's classified." Nick replied.
"Will you tell me more about these bad guys, why would they take an interest in me? I'm not special."
"There isn't a lot I can tell you, but they have been a threat to S.H.I.E.L.D ever since they discovered you still exist."
"What do you mean still exist? Did they think I was dead?" I asked while trying to keep up with his pace.
"They did until you opened that link, up until now they hadn't a clue about you; however we always knew you were still alive." Nick said. We both stepped into an elevator heading down to the parking garage. This conversation was going nowhere, clearly I couldn't pry any information from him, and so I changed the subject.
"What happened to my parents? Where are they?" I asked.
"That's classified." He said, I stopped dead in my tracks.
"What do you mean classified? What did you do to my parents? Did you kill them?" I said; my voice filled with panic and fear for the people who had raised me.
"They're not dead, where they are though is classified." He said coolly.
"Well, are they still in the building?"
"Yes, but I can't reveal where."
The elevator stopped on the floor marked 'PG' which stood for parking garage. We stood before a long limo with Mr. Stark calmly leaning against the door.
"'Bout time." He began. "Why is it women take longer for us to get ready than us men?" Clearly he wanted a response from me, but I was too nervous to give him one. But could you really blame me? He was an extremely successful business man and a genius too, with the head of a government agency as a companion; I wasn't going to make a fool of myself in front of them both at the same time.
His chauffer courteously opened the door of the limo for us; I nodded slightly as a thank you, wanting him to notice, I didn't want to seem rude. I've always hated that, whenever I don't thank someone for something they did, it just makes me feel guilty. People don't think I'm rude, but I do in the littlest ways possible. Like if someone holds a door out for me and I don't thank them, I automatically think they think I'm a brat.
I took a seat in the back of the long limo, in between Mr. Fury and the door on the right. In an instant the limo was on its way out of the garage.
"Well, you're dressed awfully nice on such short notice." Mr. Stark beamed. My God, seriously what is with this guy and smiling at me like he's crazy? Is my face funny to look at? Did I forget to put my shoes on? Was I naked, because I've had those dreams before? "Doesn't she look nice, Nick?" Nick cocked an eyebrow in his direction, as if saying are you serious? "You know you didn't have to get all dolled up, right?" Tony said.
"What are you talking about? You said that the restaurant was a bit on the fancy side."
"No, I said it was a bit on the classy side; classy as in the 50's." What?
"Then why did you tell me to dress up a little?
"You've been in the same clothes for two days straight, and you're telling me that you don't want to change?" He had a point there, even though with all the perfume I had on I still felt disgusting.
"Then why did you say 'great' when I told you about my dress?"
"Well, then I need to listen more often." Wow. I thought. When I pictured meeting a genius, playboy billionaire, I have to say I was expecting different. Who am I kidding, no I wasn't.
"So, where is this place, Destino's?"
"It's actually pretty close to where I live; just on the opposite side of the pacific highway. It's an Italian 50's ; their burgers, amazing. You know, they recycle the oil they use to fry the meat; now that is genius."
"Eeww" I shuddered.
"Wow, first the Sloppy Joes, and now Destino's? You are just too hard to please. If you're not into it, we can go to one of those fancy places if you want; you're dressed for it anyways." I was instantly yelling with panic at myself in my head. Oh God, was I being too picky? Was I being a brat? Oh, please don't hate me! I just got here a few hours ago, I'm still new to this whole thing!
"Okay." I said stupidly, hesitating out of fear. Both Tony and Nick looked at me puzzlingly.
"Why are you so nervous? There's no need to be afraid." Nick said slowly.
"Yeah," Tony began. "We don't bite . . . that much." He said, sending me a sly smirk.
I sighed. "So, where are going then; since we're skipping out on Destino's?"
"Um, how about we go to the sage room? Pepper told me about it, so I'm expecting the food will be excellent." Pepper? What's a Pepper?
"Sure." I said.
"Nick?" Tony asked.
"Alright." Nick said.
"Good," Tony said. "Happy?" Happy? Okay, now I'm confused.
"Yeah, a lot thanks." I said, trying to sound as confident as you possibly; could while being surrounded by the man who kidnapped you, and a cocky, playboy billionaire with more than enough bombs to blow the earth to smithereens.
Tony smiled at my ignorance. "I wasn't talking to you; I was talking to my chauffer, Happy."
Oh. Great now I looked even dumber, I actually wouldn't mind someone drugging me now I thought.
With that the chauffer tapped some co-ordinates onto the GPS holstered on the limo's dashboard.
From then on the limo drove on in an awkward silence; damn I've always hated those, they were the worst. "Hey, can we turn on the radio, please?" I asked Happy. At once, he turned on the radio. I recognized the station, it was my favorite; kiss 92.5. It was playing wild ones by Flo Rida and Sia.
Hey, I heard you were a wild one . . . . Oooh
If I took you home,
It'd be a home run
"Is that what you like listen to?" I nodded. "Do you mind?"
I wanna shut down the club,
With you
"Um, okay." I said.
"Happy, would you play Back in Black please." The chauffer pushed a button on the stereo. "Thank you." Tony replied. All of a sudden, the sound of a loud electric guitar filled the limo; it made me jump a little. Stupid! It took me a few seconds to realize he was playing Shoot to Thrill by AC DC. I didn't mind the old school rock music too much, but my kind of rock was kind of gothic. I liked to listen to stuff that would make me feel like I was falling and spiraling into chaos; Tony's kind of music was just plain loud.
The three of us sat in an awkward stretch, and listened to the lead singer scream various words in which I couldn't make out too well. It was like someone was tazering him as he sang, and judging from his voice I bet he was a very heavy smoker. Soon enough, we arrived at a large, 3 story building with a sign that said "The Sage Room" written in neon lighting on the front. Wow. I though, it was so V.I.P looking, with the velvet rope at the entrance, and a grey old man in a tuxedo standing behind a podium.
"Well, here we are." Nick said, Tony's chauffer stepped out of the car to let us out of the vehicle. Then, I got to get a good look at the building. It had black bricked walls all around, tables outside in the warm California air, and a quaint little balcony on the third floor. To me this seemed very high class; so high class, even Oprah probably wouldn't be able to get in.
"Table for 3, please." Tony said to the man behind the podium, the man nodded and escorted us to a table on the balcony. Cautiously, I played follow the leader with Tony and Nick to the table; most likely, to other people we looked like a family of ducks. I could smell so many wonderful things brewing in the restaurant: fresh, warm garlic bread, the fizz of champagne at the bar just ahead, fresh basil on hot, Alfredo sauce, I could even smell the lemon in the water! I must be really hungry if my nose can pick up scents even police dogs couldn't pick up.
After the few flights of stairs to get to the top of the building, we arrived at our table. I was a beautifully clothed round table, with each place mat perfectly set, and a lit candelabra in the centre; a bit much don't you think? But either way it's still very beautiful. There was an orchestra playing, setting a calming atmosphere that reminded me of the Titanic; I was expecting any moment now to see Jack leap into the room with Rose at his side. Jack, I'll never let go.
Tony, being the gentleman he is, beat Nick at being the one to pull out my chair for me. I was a bit confused though, that being the first time anyone has done that for me. Nick took the seat next to me on my right, and Tony on my left.
The first thing I take note of is Tony ordering the waiter to fetch us a bottle of champagne to make this occasion more "festive" he said. Festive? I don't get this at all. When will I wake up? That's when he ordered the bottle of sparkling grape juice for me and Nick to have. And this was before anyone made any sort of conversation; I deduced that: either he was a raging alcoholic, or that I was very bad company and he didn't want to remember this at all; but I was going to go with raging alcoholic anyway.
"What do you think, better?" Tony asked.
"Better." I said. "But you act like this place is nothing compared to where you usually go to." I replied.
"Because this is nothing compared to where I go to. I'm not a big fan of 'calamari with squid' or 'strawberries and soy sauce' or whatever. I prefer-"
"Sloppy Joes from S.H.I.E.L.D's cafeteria?" Nick said.
"Yeah, simple stuff like that. No, oh, you need to eat this in a freezer or else it will spoil, or if you don't put the thousand dollar sauce on the steak the flavor won't dance on your tongue, waaa." Tony taunted in the most ridiculous voice I've ever heard, he took a swig of his scotch. The voice he used was so stupid, I actually giggled a little bit; both Nick and Tony beamed at me and dorky little laugh. "There is a difference between art and edible." Yeah, I'm going to need to lower my expectancy of this guy a little.
"Hello, welcome to the Sage Room, my name is Tristan; I will be your server tonight. So, Mr. Stark, how are you and your associates this evening?" The waiter standing beside Nick said. Just by the tone of his voice and the way he looked at Tony made me smile to myself; He was gay.
"Fine, thank you very much." Tony said quickly, I was trying my best to keep from laughing at Tony's discomfort. It was too funny; Tony, the straightest man in the world, being hit on by a dirty blonde gay man. Tony cleared his throat. "We're ready to order, please."
I actually hadn't looked at the menu since we got here; all I saw was the electric blue martini, with the little pink umbrella on the cover. I examined the laminated menu, scrolling each carefully listed entrées:Roasted Pork Tenderloin, Polenta, Champagne Poached Scallops, Lombardy, Almond Crusted Tuna,Reserve Rib eye; and so on.
I could over hear Nick ordering his meal while I was still scrolling.
"I will have the 'Braised Beef Short Rib', extra sauce please.'
Nick nudged me gently in the arm. "Your turn" he said, it caused my eyes to jump up from my menu. I kind of panicked a little inside because I've always hated when people have to wait for me; it just makes me feel uneasy. Without a second thought I ordered the first thing my eyes came across. House Fillet seemed good enough choice for someone who's never had this kind of food. I mean, I was so used to craft dinner and my Mom's home cooking, I've never really tried anything like this.
"Nice choice, that one seems popular tonight." Tristan smiled. "And for you, Mr. Stark?" He said slowly, the end of his pen in his mouth. Oh my God! I was trying my hardest not to smile, but it was so funny seeing a man like Tony being hit on my a man like Tristan. I was gulping down my water to keep my mouth occupied, but I almost spit it out and snorted like a pig.
"I will have the 'Roasted Pork Tenderloin', no cabbage." Tony said out in discomfort.
"Ooooh, looks like someone is a bit picky with his vegetables." Tristan came close to his face "I like that." He said. Tony's expression changed drastically. I could tell that he would have a fight or flight reaction; but most likely he would run for his life.
With that Tristan was off to fulfill our order, but first he went over to another server holding a tray; a girl with hair the colour of bread crust, to do a little dance and jump up and down like school girls. He was pointing to our table and kept saying "Oh my God!" over and over again.
Stupid me, I was the first one to open my mouth. "Looks like you got some fans, Mr. Stark. " I said, giggling with laughter.
"Can you not say anything right now, please?" He begged me.
"What's wrong Tony? I can't tell whether you're embarrassed or flattered." Nick teased along.
"Can we just change the subject? Andrea, don't you want to know why Nick had to bring you here?" Yes! Finally! Some answers! Thank you gay people everywhere!
"Yeah, it's about time I knew." I said with anxiousness. "Will you please, tell me who these people are and why they're after me? I get that they're bad guys but that's not good enough." Tony opened his mouth to speak but Nick cut him off.
"Andrea, you already know the answer, I'm sorry but it's classified information that I can't disclose with you or anyone else without clearance." Nick said.
"But it involves me, doesn't that count as clearance? This is a situation that involves my life and my safety." I said angrily.
"I'm sorry, but that's not good enough-"
"I don't care if it's good enough or not! If you won't tell me I might as well find someone who will!" with that I got up and stormed out of the balcony, leaving a bitter hot wind behind me. I didn't know what I was thinking at this point. Did I just break up with two guys I just met today? Now what? Do I Call the police? Do I call a cab and go home? Do I wake up in bed soon hoping this is all a dream? For now, I needed some counselling, so I called a cab off the street and jumped in. Oh my God, Tony and Nick are chasing after me! "Go, go, go!" I screamed at the driver.
"You need to pay in advance, Miss" he said with a smooth southern accent.
"I'll pay you later! Just go!" I screamed, most likely I scared him shitless because the cab went skidding down the highway in mere seconds. I was safe for now, having a staring contest with the driver through the rear view mirror. His eyes were particularly strange, though. They were almost . . . yellow. Well, people do have contact lenses these days, just don't speak.