Pietro found Wanda alone at the top of Stark Tower. She stood like a shadowy wraith against the night as she overlooked the New York's unflinching lights and unwavering traffic, her hair fluttering behind her in the wind. When he shut the door she glanced back at him, mouth a tight line. "I am sorry," he spoke in Russian, eyes downcast. Shame prickled his chest.
"I know," she answered.
He shot over to her. "Why didn't you tell me?" Brushing her hair upwards into the wind, he slipped the tulip behind her ear. Scarlet. When he let his hand down he wrapped his pinky around hers.
"Because you can't stop me from doing it," she answered, the twins finally meeting each other's gaze. Pietro opened his mouth to argue, but she shook her head. "I want to take them from you. I want you to be happy, brother."
"I can be happy with the nightmares. I want you happy, too. I want you healthy, safe."
"I am happy, I am healthy, and unless you push me off the tower right now, I am safe," she said with her lips twitching. Pietro smiled back. Wanda stepped forward and hugged him, her wind-blown form cold against his chest. "And you know I will never leave you."
He returned the gesture, placing a kiss on her head. "I know. I'm sorry I yelled. I was just..."
"Scared." He nodded. His grip tightened on her. He never wanted to lose her - he never wanted to leave her. "But you don't have to be. You will never be alone. That's why we are a part of the Avengers."
"I'm sorry I left you alone." She looked up at him and shook her head. She had no words, but she understood the swirl of emotions roiling through his mind, chest, stomach. The flash of the sacrifice, the terror, the few moments of guilt as he realized what he was powerless to change, and then the death. And then she felt a spark of protectiveness. "He treats you well?" Pietro asked. He knew the answer already. He just had to ask it.
"Of course," she answered with a slight laugh. She didn't need him to say his name to know that Pietro was talking about Steve.
He makes you happy, he added her unsaid words to himself, turning his head to look at the city. Once again, he thought maybe none of this was so bad. Movement drew his eyes to the ground, and he smirked when he saw two tiny figures making their way to the bottom of the tower. Tony and Grey. "Took them long enough," he stated.
Wanda peered down and let out a laugh. "You left them?"
"You were more important than them."
Wanda tilted her head a bit. "You and Grey?"
Pietro shrugged. "We will see."
Wanda nodded slowly. "A word of advice, brother." Pietro looked at her expectantly. "Do not treat her as you did other women in Sokovia. I do not think Fandral would take kindly to it, and therefore Thor. And if Thor does not take it well, I fear the rest will turn on you."
Pietro laughed. "You make it sound so deadly. It is just fun, sister. Do not worry. I will be fine."
Tony shoved Grey out of the way and held his flower out to Pepper. "I'm sorry I'm an ass," he said. Startled by their sudden appearance, Pepper just stared at the flowers. "For earlier," he reminded her. She shook her head and smiled at him, biting back a laugh. Tony stepped forward and kissed her, slipping the flower into her hands. Some quiet, intimate mumbling passed between them, and Grey tried to pretend like she couldn't hear every word. Damn her wolf hearing. And then Tony gestured widely to Grey, announcing, "Fuck Up Number Two has something they would like to say."
She stepped forward and extended the flower. Swallowing, Grey opened her mouth to begin, but Pepper threw her arms around Grey and crushed her to her chest. "I'm so happy you're safe," she whispered. Grey returned the bone-crushing gesture, closing her eyes and letting out a soft sigh, flower forgotten. "Thank God you're here. Now you need to tell me everything. I want to know everything you've done in the past five years - I missed watching you grow into a woman."
"I'm sorry."
"You're forgiven." She kissed Grey's cheek and then stepped away to survey her niece. "Let's make some tea?"
"Gross," Grey said with a wide grin. Their difference in beverage of choice had not changed.
Pepper laughed. "Coffee it is. Let's go talk."
"Wait!" Tony cut in before the two women could go to the kitchen. "Before it gets too late, we should discuss sleeping arrangements," he said. Pepper nodded, waiting for him to continue. A wicked smile touched his face. "We only have one spare room."
Grey shrugged. "Fandral and I can share."
"You sure you want to sleep in the same bed as him? Looks like he might make a move - man can't keep his eyes off you," Tony pressed.
Grey scratched her neck. "I actually sleep on the floor and he usually takes the bed..."
"Are you sure? It's a hardwood floor?" Tony lied, glancing to Pepper. She looked as if she wanted to say something, but after telling herself they had already lived a month together in a house, she let it go. Already she wanted to leap back into her motherly role for Grey, but she recognized that the 22 year old young woman did not need the same mother that she had when she was seventeen.
"Can I have some extra blankets?"
Tony groaned. "You're no fun. Not even a blush?" He shook his head and wandered out the room. "I'm going to bed. Have fun, you two."
Grey stared after him, head tilted, confused. "Ignore him. Now, tell me what you did after you left..." They started down the stairs to the kitchen as Grey began to tell her story. She was no Asgardian spinning a yarn, but she hoped she could be compelling enough to keep her aunt's attention. She missed talking to her.
Thor shook his head. "I do not understand why you do such things, Fandral," he said. Fandral shrugged, eyes downcast. Thor gazed at his friend, sensing the depth of feeling in his hunched shoulders and beaten frame. "But the time to cease them has come. Take this as an awakening, my friend. Heimdall will forgive you, as I am sure his daughter already has. Your ways are not foreign to Asgard; this is simply the first time someone has not laughed at your antics."
Antics? Fandral simply nodded.
Thor kept watching him, waiting for that sparkle of humor that so charmed everyone. But it did not come. "You have changed," Thor stated.
Fandral shook his head. "No, I've just... I've just become easier to read." He recognized the shift. Grey made him see it. She made him see the good in himself, but the lack of distraction on Midgard proved to force him to face his flaws in quiet self-reflection. He recognized now his personal issues that manifested themselves in short, nightly conquests that he could boast about and never had to perfect, because every night was completely different. The nights all blurred. He couldn't sleep alone. He couldn't stand the silence, the buzz of his own unceasing, inexhaustible thoughts.
He remembered the first night on Midgard, spending a silent night in an abandoned building in London. The beeping of cars and alarms did nothing to silence his mind, and he ended up pacing around the small room. Grey woke up and had watched him silently. Fandral had caught her gaze in the dark and halted sheepishly. "Forgive me," he had apologized.
"Naw. What's up? Er, is something wrong?" she asked, sitting up and setting an arm on her knee.
"I, uh..." He shook his head. "I'm not used to sleeping like this."
"Yeah... Sorry, I know it's not much, but it's better than getting tracked by the police... And then I'd see her if I got caught..." She scratched her head. "I can maybe find another pillow or blanket or something if you want. I've never had company, so..."
"No, no, it's not the building. It's... the quietness. The... alone. I..." He coughed. "It's nothing. I'll just lay back down."
"You sure you're okay?"
"I am fine," he had insisted. She gazed at him, unconvinced. "I am fine!"
She shook her head. "Nothing a dog can't handle..."
In a split second she was a wolf. She bounded over to him and nuzzled his knees, letting out a soft whine and wagging her tail. Fandral chuckled. She pulled on his cloak, back towards the blankets. "Alright, alright." He lay back down. She crawled under the blankets, walked in a circle, and then curled up into his side. He turned over and wrapped his arms around her soft fur. "Thank you."
Such a simple gesture. But it ended up meaning the world to him. He never had to be alone, not as long as he had her, and for the first time he felt as if he could begin making commitments. Mayhaps he could even make good on his vow to protect Asgard.
Thor watched the daze of memories in Fandral's eyes as they walked. They stayed in silence. Thor had nothing more to say, not until Fandral gave some perspective on his situation. They passed the kitchen and Fandral did a double take, breaking out of his reverie. "Grey?"
"You're still up?" Grey questioned. Fandral grinned and stepped into the kitchen, face awash with happiness. "I cannot sleep without you by my side," he told her.
"Yeah, I've noticed," she quipped. "Can't keep up a frickin' conversation in the car, can't stay awake through Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones..."
"You run me ragged," he replied with a wiggle of his eyebrows.
"You mean I kick your ass at training."
Thor and Pepper watched the exchange, one pleased to see their friendship, the other still a bit wary of its consequences. Fandral and Grey bickered back and forth, mouths tilted into smirks and hands twitching as if ready for a fight. "Alright. Tomorrow, then," Fandral proposed. "We fight and see who the better warrior is. Who is deserving of the title as part of the Warriors Three?"
"Definitely me. It sounds like Sif could use another woman around to balance out you three thick-headed testosterone orcs."
"Orcs? Now that is hurtful, Grey! You really think this dashing face resembles that of an orc?" Fandral struck a pose, face turned into the light like an angel ascending.
Grey squinted her eyes. "No, you're right. You're more like Sasquatch with that beard and mustache combo."
Fandral narrowed his eyes. "We will settle this in a duel. I will return on the morrow." Then both of their faces lit ups and they high-fived, cheering, "Adventure Time!" Pepper and Thor exchanged a confused look.
"What just happened?" Asked an accented voice. All four heads turned to see Pietro and Wanda standing in the doorway.
"A joke only these two are privy to, it would seem," Thor informed the Sokovians. "And I believe it has become a revel in the kitchen!"
"And no one invited me?" Wanda and Pietro pressed themselves into the wall as Tony peered into the kitchen. He pouted. "When I said I was going to bed I thought you would join me," he whined.
Pepper pinched her nose. "My adopted daughter is right here, and you decide to say that?"
Tony grinned. "If it's not uncomfortable for everyone else it's not fun."
"Your personal motto, Stark?" a new voice asked.
"Captain!" Pietro greeted with a forced smile. Steve glanced at him, obviously unsure about his greeting, and then opted to put Tony in a headlock instead of thinking about his girlfriend's protective punk brother.
"Agh! What the hell?"
"I think this is a fire hazard," Grey joked, staring at the four bodies squished in the doorway behind two monstrous Asgardian bodies.
"I know I'm pretty sexy, but that hot?" Tony shrugged. "Well, maybe." He struggled against Steve's hold. "Seriously, gramps? Let go!"
"Are same sex interactions normal on Midgard?" Fandral asked Thor. The God belted out a deep laugh, swallowing up everyone's laughter at Steve and Tony's red faces.
"Not with someone that old!" Tony protested. Steve relented his grip and clasped his hands behind his back.
Wanda brushed her and Steve's arms together, still smiling. "You are right, Stark," she said. "It is fun when your are uncomfortable."
Tony scowled. "Time for bed, everyone! Go away!" He slunk from the kitchen.
Pepper hugged Grey and then followed the billionaire. She paused at the door to say, "Good night, everyone!" Everyone chorused a similar response and waved.
Thor gave a bow. "I return to Asgard. I will return as soon as I have come to an agreement with Heimdall," he promised Fandral. Then he left with another chorus trailing after him.
Grey raised a questioning eyebrow to mid-yawn Fandral. The blonde warrior nodded. "We're off to bed, too. I think. Uh... Anyone know where the spare room is?" she asked.
Steve chuckled. "I can show you. I think I'm going to hit the hay too, then."
Wanda nodded her agreement. She stood on her tiptoes and pecked Steve's cheek, sending a flush and smile across his face. "Night, love."
"Night," he returned. She left, Steve's eyes following her out.
Pietro shifted from foot to foot, fingers drumming an insane beat on his thigh. "G'night," he muttered and then shot out of the kitchen.
Steve jerked his head. "C'mon."
"Thanks, Captain," Grey said.
"Yes, thank you. It is most appreciated. It has been a long day."
Steve nodded. "It has been. Sorry about everything earlier. I know I shouldn't make snap judgements like that..."
Grey shrugged. "You faced the aliens, not me. Just thanks for not smashing my teeth out with your shield. As cool as that would have been - teeth knocked out by Captain America! - I do really enjoy eating things beside mashed potatoes and pureed veggies..."
Steve chuckled. "I'm glad it didn't come to that. I rather enjoy having my throat intact, too. And here it is. I trust you can figure out the rest yourselves?" he joked.
Grey scratched her head. "How do doorknobs work again?"
Fandral scoffed. "A terrible joke. Go to bed and refresh that little brain of yours."
Grey elbowed him and disappeared into the room after thanking Steve. "Good night," Steve called. He moved on down the hallway. Taking a turn, he headed to Wanda's room to see if she needed anything. But his plans halted short when he saw Pietro outside her door. Pietro glanced at Steve and then looked away. He waved at the Captain and shot away in a blur. Steve blew out a breath. There was a problem he had to solve...
Grey sat up, rubbing her eyes. Suppressing a groan, she glanced over to Fandral to see his breaths come in deep and even intervals. Smiling softly, she stood from her pile of blankets on the floor and exited the bedroom into the living room. She crossed the room to stand in front of the window. It let her look over the city's nightlife, and somehow the knowledge that so many people were still awake comforted her. Curious, she glanced back at the microwave. 2:00. Blowing out a breath, she ran a hand through her hair. Long night already.
Movement caught her eye.
Confused, she looked back and froze.
Right in front of the door stood a man in a dark green cloak and a mask painted like a fox's face. His head tilted as he gazed at her. A knife glinted in his hand. "Who're you?" she growled, stepping towards the man. Her eyes flashed gold. He lifted a hand and waved, stepping backwards. Straight through the door - not a man.
Grey bounded forward and rushed out of the room into the rest of Stark Tower. She whipped her head left and right, sniffing for a strange scent. No scent. No movement. "Right behind you," it whispered. Grey yelped and swung a fist. She drew back just in time to miss the wall. When she turned again the thing hovered at the end of the hallway. The knife stuck in her shadow's head.
Snarling, she burst forth in a shower of fur, fangs, claws, and fury. The thing shot down the hall with inhuman speed, the Frost Wolf tearing after it like a dog chasing a car. She crashed into a wall when it made a sharp turn. They leaped down the stairs, right out through the front doors of the lobby. Grey drew short, claws scrabbling on the tile. She glared at the door the thing had vanished through, tongue lolling and tail still raised in challenge.
Footsteps.
Grey whirled around and snarled, ready to spring forward.
Instead Pietro faced her, hands up and body tense. "Grey?" he asked, eyes wide.
Grey shook her head and shrank back to her human form. Her bones cracked and her muscles groaned in protest, leaving her on her hands and knees on the floor, limbs quivering. "Sorry," she muttered, looking down. A shadow crossed over her and she flinched. But Pietro kneeled next to her, resting his hands on her shoulder and back.
"Are you alright?" he asked, voice thick with worry.
"Yeah, yeah... Midnight run?" she offered with a humorous smile.
But Pietro didn't look convinced. "What happened? You look..." he paused to search for the right word. "Ragged."
Grey let out an airy laugh and then moved to sit back. "Can't sleep. Nightmares... Kind of..."
Pietro glanced at the door. "The masked man?" Grey's head snapped to him. He stared at the door, beginning to feel sick in his stomach. "He was in my room... watching me." Grey stared at the door, too. They sat in silence for a minute or so, lost in thought, Pietro's hand still on her shoulder. Their breaths filled the silence. Adrenaline and fear pumped through their veins. "Want to watch a movie?" he asked.
Grey nodded. Anything but vulnerable sleep. "I don't want to leave Fandral."
"The main room is between all the rooms. We can be close to everyone from there," he pointed out. Even if Wanda and Steve were together, he didn't want to leave Wanda vulnerable, either. "We will alert everyone in the morning. Let them sleep for now." After Grey nodded her approval they got up and together started back up the tower. A long night it would indeed be.
Sorry about my absence! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Thank you for reading!
