So Chapter 11. It's crazy long...sorry. I was writing it and it came out to over 20 pages in word and I was like shit I can't cut it in half because I promised certain things in chapter 12 and this would screw it up. So long chapter it is. Oh and Chapter 12 is half done...just an fyi.
Survival Tip #137 - Briefings and debriefings are not optional. Do not treat them as such.
Survival Tip #293 – Agent Coulson is not a ghost. Do not poke him, lobby projectiles at him, or attempt to put your hand through his head. Do not star at him when he walks; he does not float. And he will take the necessary steps to ensure you cannot poke anything or anyone else again, should you continue to do so.
Survival Tip #319 – Commenting on any aspect of Agent Romanov, good or bad, around Agent Barton is most likely to end with a threat or worse, and if it's worse you won't see it coming.
Survival Tip #466 – It is inappropriate to call Captain Rogers the following: Captain Ass, Captain American't, Captain Virgin, the 90-year-old virgin, or Tony Stark's Bitch. Any harm that comes to you by his hand, or that of any of his teammates, is your fault and SHIELD will not be responsible for it.
Darcy sat in the rehab room with a book, eying her father every so often as he worked to walk again. Loki's scepter had nicked his spine ever so slightly; he wasn't paralyzed but he was going to need quite a bit of physical therapy to be able to get back to work.
She smiled as she looked up and caught him watching her with a grin, "So…how has life been?"
"Ehh," She shrugged in response, "Fury's got me working 24/7 lately. Why do think I'm hiding in here with you?"
"I thought you just wanted to see me," Phil replied with a smile, leaning his arms onto the bar support to smirk at her leisurely.
"Well yeah; I do miss you but Fury's got me doing both our jobs until your back on your feet," Darcy huffed, throwing her book upside down on the bench before moving to the man and assisting him to his wheelchair, "So hurry up and get better."
"I can hear the compassion in your voice," Coulson smirked, shaking his head as he settled into the chair that she'd outfitted special for him.
"Ha ha," Darcy scoffed, programming the chair to head to his room before running to the bench and grabbing her book, catching up with him as he made his way down the hallway.
"So has Fury talked to you yet," Phil questioned curiously, earning an odd look from the girl.
"I don't really know what that means," Darcy responded, cocking her head to the side slightly in confusion, "I mean; he talks to me all the time…well yells, but…"
"If he told you already, you'd know it," he smiled; shrugging his shoulders as the chair weaved around the Agents in the corridors, Darcy following along behind him when the hallways became congested to walk side by side.
"So have you seen any of the Avengers since New York?" Phil questioned as they neared his room.
"Nah, Nat and Clint are both in Brazil hunting Ben Donovan and some lady named the Black Lotus and Steve's been trying to get retrained with the rest of the new recruits, none of which will talk to me anymore, but Tony keeps Skyping me for some reason. He's trying to talk me into moving into the tower. He says that we can blow stuff up together."
Coulson paused, blinking nonstop as he tried to process the statement, "You and Tony hit it off?!"
"Actually yeah, I mean he isn't as big of a douche as I thought he was," she noticed her father's look of disbelief and rephrased, "Okay he's still a douche, but he's like a kindred spirit kindof douche. We eerily have a lot in common."
"You don't like him do you?" Coulson asked, cringing as he did so.
"God no," Darcy sputtered, "He's old enough to be my Dad. He's like that really cool uncle that let's you get away with shit, that's it." She paused, hitting him in the arm hard with her book, "God, you're so gross."
Phil laughed, "I'm glad you think it's gross."
"Let's never bring up this conversation ever again," Darcy winced, her nose wrinkling at the thought.
"Agreed," Phil smiled, rubbing her arm comfortingly before the wheelchair made its way into his room, "You better go see Fury; I think he has news for you."
oOo
"Hey," Darcy asked curiously, getting up to Central Command to find no Fury, "Have you seen Fury?"
"No," Jessica Drew scowled annoyed, "Don't you have him on speed dial or something?"
"I doooo," Darcy drawled out with a wince, "But that's beside the point; I was just asking if you'd seen him. Is there a problem?"
"Yeah, there's a problem, you're a traitor; a spy."
"I'm pretty sure we're all spies. We are Agents of SHIELD. According to Stark 'we are thee spies'."
"No that's not what I mean," Jessica snarled, "You were spying on us the whole time. You pretended to be our friend but you were always in Fury's back pocket."
"I'm sorry, WHAT?" Darcy shouted; the entire room now turned away from their computer screens to eye the fight happening on the helm, "I wasn't spying on anyone."
"Like I'm gonna believe anything you have to say."
"Fuck you," Darcy growled, her face contorting into disgust, "I don't know what the hell your problem is but you better just settle your ass down."
"You need to get out of my face before I make you," Jessica huffed, her finger eerily close to Darcy's nose.
"You better take your own advice," Darcy replied icily, "Don't think I won't send you flat on your ass."
"I bet you could take her," Karl told Jessica, coming up beside her, "I bet Hawkeye and Widow threw all those training fights when they went against her just to make her look good."
"Excuse me," Darcy replied, her eyes growing wide and narrowing at the same time, "Hawkeye and Widow haven't thrown a fight with me since I was 14."
"Sure," Jessica replied, a sarcastic smirk on her face.
"You're askin' for a tase more and more each second," Darcy gritted out.
"Ohh, hear that Jess," Karl mocked, "She might tase you, you better apologize or she'll make you eat Fury's shit."
"Your right," a voice stated from behind the group, "You better apologize; though your punishment will be decidedly worse than eating my shit." The silence that filled the room that second made everyone uncomfortable but no one seemed to have the balls to break it. Fury had arrived at some point during the argument, Steve a couple of steps behind him. "I've been looking for you," Fury told her curiously, "I thought you were with your father?"
"I was but he told me that you needed to talk to me so I've came here looking for you. Apparently the new recruits don't wanna be very helpful."
"It seems your right," Fury agreed, "They'll be making up for their insubordination by scrubbing every inch of this ship with a toothbrush." A couple of the agents groaned but most remained silent, too afraid to make a noise, "They need to learn to show respect to a Level 8 Agent." At this everyone gasped, apparently they hadn't expected that.
"It's whatever, I don't give a shit what they think of me," Darcy shrugged, moving away from Jessica and Karl to be closer to Fury and Steve, who was oddly close to Fury already.
"Well, they will respect you whether you care or not," Fury stated, almost more to them than to her, "But that's beside the point; I needed to talk to you, come with me." She shrugged again, but followed him and Steve out of Command Central and randomly down a hallway.
"I need you to pack your bags," Fury suddenly stated, not bothering to turn and look at her as he continued on down the hallway.
"I'm sorry what?" Darcy questioned confused, running around Steve to block Fury from continuing.
"You need to pack your room," he repeated, "You're moving."
"What do you mean I'm moving?" Darcy huffed, "Is it because of what they said? 'Cus I'll go beat the shit out of all of them right now to prove my worth if I have to."
"That's not what I meant," Fury replied, a smirk crossing his face for a second, "You're moving to Stark Tower."
"I'm doing what now?" Darcy asked confused, looking between Fury and Rogers confused.
"We need an official liaison for SHIELD and the Avengers. It was originally supposed to be Coulson as he has the most connections to the group but seeing as he's going to be incapacitated for a while that leaves the job to you."
"I…but…who's going to watch Dad and get him back on his feet?" Darcy questioned, grasping at straws.
"I'm sure he'll be fine," Fury replied, rolling his eyes, "Are you telling me you don't want to go?"
"No…I mean…yes…I mean I don't mind going, I just can't believe that I'd be going as official liaison. I'm pretty sure I'll fuck it up."
"You'll do fine," Fury laughed, "Stark likes you and if you and Stark can get along then you're qualified."
"Those are sad qualification," Steve mentioned with a shake of his head.
"I agree with Cap," Darcy scoffed, "But it's cool. I'll go or whatever."
"Good," Fury replied, "Because it wasn't up for discussion, your expected to be there tomorrow at 1600."
Darcy stood outside Stark Tower…Avenger Tower with a sigh; Tony had decided the rename it after the battle, saying it was fate that only the 'A' still stood. She had her suitcase wheeling along behind her and she felt like it was her internship all over again, especially since they'd transferred Jane Foster to the building once the labs were back up and running; she was staying in Thor's currently vacant room, though no one suspected that she'd relocate once he'd found his way back.
Darcy was happy that she'd be able to see Jane again, she considered the woman a close friend. She didn't have many female friends other than Natasha…and Anna and Mal, who she occasionally emailed or messaged on Facebook about trivial things like cool bands and weather. But Jane seemed to be a true friend, even if she was still in the dark about who Darcy really was, though she planned to tell her soon, if only to clear the air.
So she walked into the Tower, everything new and clean as though the war had never even happened. Passing the receptionist who eyed her and her suitcase curiously, she made her way to Stark's Private Elevator to take her up to the higher levels. When Tony had rebuilt everything he changed his personal elevator to the Avenger's personal elevator and had changed the upper levels into apartments for everyone, though the main living area was still the same if only to have some common room for them all to gather and mingle with one another.
She scanned her new badge in the scanner and smiled as the doors opened for her, practically throwing her suitcase into the contraption, tired of fighting with it. It bounced off the walls of the elevator before landing awkwardly on the floor of the lift.
"Having some trouble Ms. Lewis?" the disembodied voice she recognized from her heist asked curiously.
"Jarvis, right?"
"Indeed," he responded, "Do you need any assistance; I'm sure that Mr. Stark…"
"It's cool, I can handle it, I just don't want to. So what floor am I on?"
"Living quarters are on the upper floors and I believe that you and Agent Coulson share 51."
"Is that a thing because of Area 51 and Coulson's fondness for suits and sunglasses?"
"I don't think Tony had thought of that, most likely he would have placed Thor and Jane on there if he had been aware."
"Very true," Darcy smiled, her grin growing wider as the elevator dinged.
"This is the main floor with which the kitchen, living, and dining areas are located. Ms. Potts, Mr. Stark, and Dr. Banner are awaiting your arrival. I will have your bags sent to your room."
"I don't care what they say about you Jarvis; you're all right by me."
"Thank you Ms. Lewis."
Darcy laughed, and exited the elevator spotting Tony, drink in hand, with Pepper standing by his side staring in her direction excitedly. Bruce was sitting on a bar stool beside the two, looking incredibly tired. God, she was going to be the intern forcing people to bed and fetching coffee again, she could see it already.
"Is it supposed to smell like sweaty workmen in there…is that a thing?" Darcy questioned Tony as she made her way closer, throwing a thumb back to the elevator.
"See," Tony huffed, turning to the strawberry blonde beside him, "I told you."
Pepper seemed to bounce in her heels before bounding toward the shorter woman and wrapping her arms around her, "I'm so happy to meet you. I've heard so much about you; more than you know."
Darcy winced at the woman's affection, "I feel like that was oddly cryptic…and you're squishing the tatas."
"It sure took you long enough to get here," Tony scoffed, moving to sit beside Banner and offering the man the drink in his hand. Bruce just shook his head with a look that said, 'are you kidding?'
"Yeah well, that's what happens when you have to pass a place that sells frozen yogurt on the way to this building, I was not about to pass on frozen yogurt. You think I'm nuts?"
"You ate it all already?" Banner questioned curiously.
"It was frozen yogurt and it's like 100 degrees out; it was either eat it fast or drink it slow."
Pepper smiled, "I can see it. It's so cool."
"What?" Darcy responded in confusion, "What do you mean you can see it? Do I have frozen yogurt on my face? How long have I been walking around with frozen yogurt on my face?"
"No not that," Pepper assured, "Sorry. It was just something your father told me a while ago."
"Since we do you and my dad 'talk'?" Darcy responded confused.
"That's what I said," Tony smirked, pushing off the bar counter to stand beside Darcy; Pepper only clasping her hands together and giggling like a school girl on crack at their proximity.
"Is this normal 'cus it's really freaking me out," Darcy asked Tony curiously, motioning to Pepper with her hand.
"No…that's not normal at all and it's freaking me out too," Tony whispered to the girl. He turned to his girlfriend asking, "Are you okay?"
Pepper scoffed, shrugging the question off with a flat reply of, "I'm fine Tony."
"Suspicious," Darcy responded aloud, "But I don't care. I've got an actual real apartment, I mean I'm still down the hall from Dad; thanks for that one Tony but I mean it's mine."
"Actually its mine," Tony countered, "You know, since the building's mine."
"This fist is gonna be yours in a second," Darcy responded, waving it at him.
"Don't kill my boss Darcy," a voice stated flatly before a giggle escaped. Darcy knew that voice without turning but she did anyway,
"God Jane you look like hell. What's Thor gonna think if he comes back and sees you like that. You look like Banner; no offense."
"None taken," he responded with a slight chuckle.
"What is it with you scientists? Sleep."
"There's no time for sleep Darcy," Jane replied, rolling her eyes, "I need to get a new Einstein Rosen Bridge going so that Thor can transport himself back and forth."
"Make sure you shape it like a donut," Darcy told her friend thoughtfully, "You don't want him busting it when he lands." Then she muttered under her breath, "Learned that the hard way."
"Darcy, I think I know more about Astrophysics than you. No offense."
"None taken," Darcy replied, throwing up her hands in defeat.
"Why are you here anyway," Jane asked curiously, "Not that I don't mind you around, but I mean…your internship's over. I figured you'd be working as some assistant to a senator or something."
"Apparently I know too much so Coulson and Fury decided to toss me in here to help you lot."
"Good, I could certainly use the help; and who's Fury…is he the guy who wears all the leather?"
"Yeah," Darcy laughed amused, "The guy with the leather."
"Why would you be working for a senator?" Tony asked confused.
"She's a poly-sci major," Jane told the genius, "She was the only one who applied for the internship so I took her and she was a great intern but she wasn't super knowledgeable about Astrophysics."
"You majored in political science? I think I just lost all respect for you," Tony scoffed.
"Oh settle yourself judgy. I've already gotten my PHD in Computer Science and my Masters in Engineering. I just got the degree in Political Science to get Fury's job when he retires. I am MENSA certified."
"You what?" Jane paled, not expecting that news.
"That makes more sense," Tony nodded, excited by the knowledge, "You better be ready to build in the lab Lewis."
"Can't I settle in first?" she questioned curiously.
"No time," Tony replied, "Jarvis?"
"Ms. Lewis' lab is now up and running, it is connected to both yours and Dr. Banner's."
"See, that may be mistake number one," she heard a voice she instantly recognized as Clint's call out, "Darcy tends to blow things up."
"Or set things on fire," Natasha added a step behind him.
"Hey you're back," Darcy shouted excitedly, running up to hug the two assassins who had walked through the door covered in bruises.
"Yeah we arrived at the Helicarrier to hear Fury inform us that you've been reassigned," Clint smirked.
"And apparently we have too," Natasha added.
"Sooo, Donovan?" Darcy questioned.
"Taken care of," Clint assured, "Looks like you'll be stuck with us for a while."
"Not opposed to that," Darcy smiled, "I've been getting soft lately. I need my training."
"We've only been gone for a month," Tasha smirked.
"Yeah well…there's frozen yogurt a block from here."
"You only got here today…that's not an excuse," Bruce spouted off from the back.
"Hush, you," Darcy shouted, "I feel like I'm being ganged up on."
"I heard this wouldn't the first time," Natasha questioned.
"I don't wanna talk about that," Darcy grumbled, "I'm glad to be away from them though."
"Darcy what happened?" Jane asked sympathetically, despite not understanding what was going on completely."
"Nothing," she grumbled.
"The new recruits found out she wasn't who she said she was and ganged up on her."
"They thought I was spying on them for Fury," Darcy huffed annoyed, "Then Fury and Rogers had to walk in during it and Fury defended me like I couldn't take care of myself. It was humiliating."
"I could pay them a visit," Natasha smiled, connivingly.
"NO," Darcy insisted, "It's over and I'm not even there anymore. I really don't care; I could use a drink though."
"NO," Clint sputtered as she reached for Tony's, who was more than willing to hand it off, "You know how you get when you drink."
"Fun?"
"Destructive," he corrected.
"I know how that goes," Pepper huffed, glancing at Tony.
"I feel like you're talking about me," Tony scoffed.
Pepper said nothing, just stared at him as though it were obvious.
Darcy laid out on her back on the couch in the living room, it seemed that Tony had wanted to create a 'family' atmosphere amongst the team and had deemed it necessary to have each person's room only outfitted with a bedroom and bathroom. All common areas were just that…common. Darcy didn't really mind though, it felt more like a real house that way rather than how SHIELD had been, all closed off.
Clint and Natasha hadn't really gotten used to it yet but they were slowly coming around. Otherwise everything seemed to be good. She barely even saw Bruce, Tony, or Jane; too engrossed in their labs to be sociable. Darcy bounced between the three mostly, she found herself falling into the routine of feeding the scientists snacks and ensuring that the coffee was made and full, then ushering them to bed when it was obvious that they needed it.
Not that she minded; it was just that between assisting the three and conferencing with Fury and her father, she didn't have much time to tinker herself. So with this two hour break Darcy decided to lie out on the couch in the living room on her back; her music blasting into her ears while she read a book.
So it goes without saying that she hadn't noticed the man in the suit leaning over and eying her curiously; though she hadn't needed to see him to know that he was there and spying on her. With all the skills she'd learned from Tasha, it had only taken a second to toss the man up over the back of the couch, over her, and onto the coffee table on the other side. The force in combination with his weight caused the table to buckle; sending both the man and the wooden table sprawled flat on the ground.
Darcy sat up quickly, yanking the headphones from her ears just in time to hear him groan and sputter out, "Tony!"
"Oh god, I'm sorry," Darcy apologized quickly, her eyes wide.
"Jarvis just told me what happened," she heard Tony's voice shout from the elevator, his footsteps coming closer and closer, skidding to a stop as he leaned on the back of the couch and grinned, "I can't believe I missed that. Jarvis you get it on tape?"
"I did sir," Jarvis replied.
"Awesome," Tony smirked, "Sorry Happy, but this is just too good."
"I came in here looking for you, ya know," Happy huffed annoyed, moving to try and sit up without getting a splinter from the broken wood.
"Totally makes it worth ruining a four thousand dollar table."
"Four Thousand!" Darcy huffed in disbelief, "That's insane."
"What's insane is that this isn't the first time a SHIELD agent threw him around like a rag doll," Tony laughed.
"Can we not talk about this?" Happy huffed.
"I don't think I can talk about anything else," Tony smirked.
"Oh god…Happy are you okay?" Pepper shouted, concern written across her face as she ran toward him and helped him to stand despite the tight skirt and high heels.
"I'm so sorry Pepper," Darcy sighed, her eyes sad, "I just…he sort of snuck up on me."
"I didn't mean to," Happy huffed, straightening his suit, "I announced myself."
"I was listening to music and reading a book."
"Your eyes were closed…you were asleep."
"None the less," Darcy grumbled, "You snuck up on me and that's what happens."
Darcy huffed, pulling her dad's shirts from his dresser in complete distress. She'd neglected to wash her clothes for almost three weeks and was completely out of things to wear. Her dad was still at the Helicarrier, more-or-less wheelchair bound for another couple of weeks but he still had half his clothes already moved to make the transition easier. The problem was that all his leisure clothes had something to do with Captain America and all his work clothes were stuffy suits.
This was how Darcy Lewis just about walked into Steve Rogers while wearing an extra baggy tee-shirt donning a giant Captain America Shield that held the caption, 'I want you for US Army.'
"Nice shirt," he grinned, dropping his duffel bag onto the floor of the living room outside the elevator with a smirk.
"Not a word, I don't wanna hear a word Capsicle."
"I didn't realize you were a fan," he smiled, trying to fight the laugh that was beginning to spill over from his lips.
"What did I say," Darcy glared, "What did I say?"
"I can't help it, it's just…has Tony seen you wearing that shirt?"
"No, I just put it on," Darcy huffed, her hands moving to her hips, "I'm out of clothes, so I raided Dad's wardrobe. It was either this or a man's suit."
"Hey Cap," Tony shouted, "I just heard you decided to come join the rest of us. Looks like you already got a welcoming party though; hey short stuff."
"Hey Tony," Darcy waved, watching as his face contorted to shock as he moved closer.
"What are you wearing?" he scoffed, "Trying to seduce Captain Virgin over here?"
"No," Darcy huffed, "This is the only thing I could find that was clean."
"Did you just call me Captain Virgin?" Steve glared, eying Tony angrily.
"I call it like I see it," Tony shrugged, "I mean; I bet you're even a hand virgin."
"That's enough," Steve glared, glancing at Darcy who was snickering behind her hand, "And you're only encouraging him."
"I'm sorry Steve," Darcy huffed, tears beginning to stream down her face, "But is he wrong?"
"I'm not dignifying that with a response," Steve huffed, grabbing his duffel bag and moving toward the elevator, "Where's my room?"
"You are on the 52nd floor Mr. Rogers," Jarvis responded, earning a jump from the man, which only caused Tony and Darcy to laugh harder, "Right above Ms. Lewis."
"Hey Darcy," Tony laughed, "Your under Steve."
"I don't think he'll try anything, even if he is on top," she commented back, Tony bursting into a fit of giggles. Steve rolled his eyes and sighed as he moved into the elevator and furiously pounded on the close door button.
"Don't take your sexual frustrations out on the elevator," Tony called out, "Jarvis doesn't swing that way."
Steve rolled his eyes again and let the doors close in front of him, Tony and Darcy bursting into a new set of giggles as the doors closed Steve off from them.
"I can't believe he's agreeing to live here," Darcy cried out.
"Me either," Tony agreed, laughing along with her.
Darcy sat in the lobby of Avenger Tower with a slight scowl on her face. She was still waiting for Fury to show up; and he was now 3 hours late. Tony had refused to give the man access to the private elevator and it was now Darcy's job to use her credentials to get him where he was supposed to be when they had a meeting; so until he got here she was required to wait around for him. The reception desk people were starting to give her dirty looks.
She pulled her phone from her hobo bag and shook it when it showed that there were no missed calls or text messages. Was Fury seriously showing her up? She was going to kill him; she felt like that girl waiting for her date at the dance only to be a big old joke all along.
"Miss Darcy?" a voice questioned curiously from behind her. It had startled her more than she would've liked, causing her to jump like she'd been bitten by something before swinging her legs over the backless bench so she could face him.
"Mr. Steve," Darcy replied.
"You don't have to call me that ma'am," Steve smiled awkwardly, Darcy simply raising her eyebrow at him as a challenge. "Fine," he conceded, "Da…Darcy. Sorry that just feels rude."
"You could use a little rude;" Darcy smiled. Steve shook his head at her but smiled none-the-less.
"So what are you doing down here anyway?" Steve questioned curiously, "I've been looking for you."
"You draw the short straw?" she guessed with a huff. He shook his head at her and she laughed, "No, its cool. I'm actually just waiting for Fury."
"Fury?" Steve questioned confused, "He's been upstairs with Stark and Barton for the last 3 hours."
"What!" Darcy screamed, standing from the bench and throwing her bag to the floor; the room of Stark Industry employees freezing to stare at her like she'd thrown bleach on an anthill, "He's up there? He specifically told me that I was supposed to meet him in the lobby."
"He arrived on the Helicopter Pad on the roof," Steve shrugged, "You were supposed to meet him down here?"
"Yes," she growled, crossing her arms and scowling, "What an asshole. You know what; I'm not going to that meeting."
"Fury sent me to find you specifically for the meeting."
"Well," she mused, "Sucks to be him I guess. Let's do something."
"Like go to the meeting?" Steve guessed hopefully.
"Nice try Cap," Darcy smirked, "No, we are going to explore New York City. Have you been around New York yet?"
"Yes."
"Where at?"
"Times Square."
"Well that's pretty cool; where else?"
"Well…"
"That's it?"
"Well Fury sort of found me in Times Square and set me up in an old style gym with a loft apartment above it. I've was just keeping to myself there until he came and got me for the Avengers."
"That is just sad," Darcy replied, "Okay, we are going on a tour of New York, come on."
Darcy grabbed him by the wrist and practically dragged him out the clear entrance doors of the Tower, spotting Happy leaning against the black town car reading a magazine.
"Happy," Darcy smiled, waving excitedly to get his attention.
"Darcy?" he questioned confused, squinting his eyes in confusion, "What are you doing out here?"
"I'm gonna show Steve around New York," she declared proudly, "Can you take me to one of those Double Decker Bus Tour ticket buying places."
"I thought you were going to be the one doing the tour?" Steve responded slightly confused.
"Nah," Darcy huffed, "I've never really been here either unless it was with Dad for a meeting, and then I was left in the hotel room. I wanna see the big apple as much as you do."
Happy eyed the blonde solider before turning back to Darcy, "No can do; I'm waiting to take Ms. Potts to the airport. She had a meeting with someone in development and then she needs to head over to Malibu."
"Well, do you know where the bus tour station things are? Darcy asked with a huff.
"Yeah, there's one just three blocks down," Happy replied, pointing his gloved hand in the general direction.
"Then it won't take long for you to take us there and then get back to pick up Pepper."
"Darcy," Happy sighed, wincing slightly.
"Darcy," Steve added, "Maybe we should just let him do his job?"
"Well it's too late now," Darcy smiled, peaking her head out from inside the vehicle, "I'm already in the car so I think it would be faster to take us there than to fight with me instead." Happy grumbled under his breath by non-the-less moved to the driver's door of the car shouting,
"Hurry up and get in Captain, I'd really rather not keep Ms. Potts waiting." Steve nodded quickly, scrambling into the car beside Darcy and glaring at her; a perfect grin seemingly permanent on her face.
oOo
Jane sat in the corner of the L shaped couch, Bruce on her right and Tony on her left. Natasha sat on the arm beside Tony, leaving plenty of room between them, while Clint sat beside Bruce on the other end, staring at the carpet, flinching at every sound he heard. Fury simply stood stoically by the large windows of the living room, pacing slowly; not having much else to do.
"Yeah," a voice suddenly shouted excitedly, "And then the guy's running from the giant T-Rex and you've got the Easter Island head that really wants gum. Plus the pharaoh comes to life to, we'll have to watch and then go back to the museum."
"Yeah," the other voice confirmed, "That really was a cool tour. I couldn't believe they actually let us tour Yankee Stadium. It looked so fresh and everything was so bright and colorful; I mean did you see all the team shops, it was like a tiny city in there."
Darcy laughed, "Yeah, if we have time tomorrow we should do the Downtown loop. We did pay for the 72 hour tour after all."
"We definitely should," Steve agreed, "I can't believe that they charge $125 per ticket. We really need to get our money's worth."
Darcy laughed and nodded simultaneously, "Totally."
They had been headed toward the fridge when Darcy spotted Fury, glaring at her in all his black leather glory. After having spent the rest of Darcy's paycheck on the tickets and not being able to buy anything to drink at any of the overpriced areas they had determined that they were going to scavenge off Tony.
"Hey Nicky," Darcy smiled, trying to act as nonchalant as possible, her face scrunching up innocently..
"No," Fury replied, "You don't hey Nicky me. It is 10:30 at night right now. We've been worried."
"Ohhh?" Darcy questioned raising her eyebrows as though this news was perplexing to her.
"Why weren't you in the meeting?"
"What meeting?"
"The meeting at Noon today."
"Oh, you mean the meeting where you had told me to come to the lobby for so you could get into the conference room; that meeting?"
"Darcy…" Fury grumbled trailing off with a sigh.
"I was waiting for 3 hours before Steve found me," Darcy glared, "I was waiting for you for 3 hours and you were already here. Do you know how messed up that is?"
"It was faster that way," Fury explained.
"Really, an excuse but not an apology; interesting. Whatever," she shrugged, taking in a yawn before turning to Steve, "Tomorrow, Downtown noon okay?"
"Okay," Steve agreed nervously, earning glares from the group the entire thing.
"Night guys," Darcy called out as she boarded the elevator.
Tony stood stock still as the explosion rocked the ground below his feet. His eyes dancing around nervously and he heard fire doors slamming shut and the power flicker. His head whipped towards the glass windows lining the hallway and time seemed to move at half speed as he spotted Clint run down the hall as fast as he could, Natasha only seconds behind him, shouting "Darcy" as loud as her lungs could handle. He knew it had to be loud because he could hear it despite the sound-proofing of the room and the fact that his ears were still ringing from the explosion.
Tony felt himself drop his wrench then hit the ground running, bursting through the door and heading down the corridor to Darcy's lab. He paused to catch Steve bounding into the hall from the emergency staircase, probably from his room and running alongside him,
"What happened?"
"Don't know but I heard Widow scream Darcy's name so that must mean something." They skidded to a stop as they reached the first window lining Darcy's lab, the pane itself completely blackened. He looked down the hallway to find that all four windows panes were coated in explosive ash.
"This is bad isn't it?" Steve winced, nervously.
"I'm sure everything's fine," Tony stated aloud, more to himself than anyone else. He'd come to see that girl as kindred spirit, the daughter he never had. To have her dead, just like that, well he wasn't sure he could take it.
"Darcy," they heard Clint shout desperately, "Darcy where are you?" The two moved to the door of the lab where Natasha was already standing, trying to catch her breath. She glanced back at the two before quickly looking back to the wreckage that Clint was wading through trying to find her.
"That was bigger than I expected," they heard a voice say from behind them…a voice that sounded like Darcy's.
"I told you that you used too much dynamite," Bruce informed her with a roll of the eyes, a slice of cake in one hand and a fork in the other, "What did you expect?"
"Darcy," Steve breathed out heavily; Tony hadn't noticed that the man had been holding his breath. He also hadn't noticed that he'd been holding his own either. Within a second flat, Steve had her pulled into a bear hug, her plate of cake sliding from her grasp and falling to the floor; her legs no longer touching the floor as he lifted her into the air and squeezed.
"Steve, you're squishing me," Darcy wheezed, her breasts being pressed into her ribcage so hard that it was restricting her airway.
"Oh I know, this is punishment for having us all worried," Steve grumbled, squeezing her harder.
"Lesson learned," Darcy huffed out breathless.
"Not quite," Steve responded, giving her one more hard squeeze before dropping her and allowing her to fall on her ass.
"Ow," Darcy grumbled, standing and rubbing her butt in pain, "Uncalled for."
Tony caught sight of Clint making his way from the wreckage in time to whack her in the back of the head.
"Also uncalled for," Darcy winced, rubbing her now sore head from the ground.
"Don't you dare do that again," Clint glared, "Do I need to start babysitting you again?"
"I was fine," Darcy glared, "Bruce and I were just running some tests and we went to grab a snack while they were running. The explosion went off and we knew we used too much TNT."
"I knew it was too much before it destroyed the lab, Darcy. You just don't listen, it's like working with Tony."
"I know; to be honest I just wanted to watch it explode." This time it was Tony's turn to whack her in the back of the head, "God, oww."
"Don't go wrecking my lab for the fun of it," Tony lectured annoyed, "That equipment is worth millions; though now that I know that you're okay, it did sound pretty cool."
"I know right," Darcy smiled.
"Stop," Natasha glared, "You're only encouraging her."
Pepper tilted her head slightly as she eyed the sight in front of her, Tony seemingly attached to her hip, "What's going on Tony?"
"Oh," he smirked, eyeing the tiny form of Darcy elbowing Steve's shoulder from the couch, a smile on her face as he tried to hide his eyes, "She's trying to 'technotize' him."
"Steve look at the screen," Darcy huffed, elbowing him in the shoulder yet again as she sat beside him, her feet curled under her as she leaned on him for support from her lack of centered gravity.
"I refuse to watch this disgusting program, Darcy," he winced, his hands both covering his eyes and his ears simultaneously.
"It is not that bad, I mean, it's on local TV," she reasoned curiously, "Just not in the United States."
"What are you watching?" Pepper called out curiously, causing Darcy to whip around and look at the woman with a grin.
"Misfits," Darcy smirked.
"What's that?" Tony responded, slightly confused.
"Only the most vulgar show ever," Jane answered, coming from the kitchen with a glass of cranberry juice and a hot pocket.
"It's awesome, don't listen to Jane," Darcy replied, rolling her eyes, "It's about these teenagers who get superpowers but not all their powers are useful."
"What does that mean?" Pepper responded curiously.
"Like one guy can turn invisible, and one guy can turn back time, and one girl can read minds, and…"
"…and one girl makes whoever touches her, want her…you know, physically," Steve provided, wincing as he said the words.
"See," Darcy smiled, patting him on the shoulder, "You do understand it."
"I never said I didn't understand it, I said that I don't like it. There's a difference."
"Your just worried you're gonna be like that lady from the second episode and when you have sex you're gonna turn to your real age…how old are you anyway?"
"I don't wanna talk about this," Steve grumbled, standing from the couch and pushing Darcy off of him.
"Oh come on grandpa don't be like that," Darcy called with a laugh, his overdone sigh resounding through the halls.
Steve headed toward his room before spotting Bruce in his lab, staring over at computer monitor deep in thought.
"Hi Dr. Banner," Steve sighed sadly, letting himself into the room and sitting in one the stools around the lab.
"Steve?" Bruce questioned, furrowing his brow curiously, "I wasn't expecting you."
"I know, it's just you're the most sensible of everyone here, and I needed to talk to someone," Steve shrugged curiously.
"I don't know if I'd say that I was the most sensible but I'll listen if it helps. What can I do for you?"
"Well I mean it's a bit uncomfortable to talk about but…"
Bruce glanced up from his work, his eyes staring at the super soldier over the rim of his glasses, "But…"
"But…I don't want to move on."
"You've lost me."
"I don't want to move on from Peggy."
"Peggy," Bruce pondered, "The woman you worked with during the war; right?"
"Yeah, I mean she was my first real crush. Don't get me wrong, I liked girls when I was in school but it never really mattered much, I was so much smaller and weaker than everyone else. I was the one that always got picked on. Peggy was the first girl to actually like me and I really fell for her fast."
"So you still like her?" Bruce questioned, unsure of where this conversation was going.
"I don't think I'll ever be completely over her but I…I…I think I like someone else too."
Bruce paused, his mind reeling, "And this girl would be?"
"Ms. Darcy," Steve sighed, his head dropping onto the table-top with a thump.
"And you don't want to, I'm guessing?" Bruce prodded, unsure.
"I mean the girl's real swell; she's confident and daring and beautiful…all things I loved about Peggy; but at the same time she's snarky and brilliant and as unpredictable as my friend Howard had been. I can't help but like her."
"It's okay to like her," Bruce shrugged, trailing off, "You're a good guy and she's a great girl."
"I looked up my old platoon," Steve admitted sadly, "Peggy's the only one still alive; I just…the idea of doing that to her is hard. I can't even gather the courage to go see her. I just don't think I'm ready to move on and I'm not sure that I want to."
"That's okay Steve," Bruce sighed, placing his tools on the table and moving to the leader of their sad little team, "But I'm not sure what kindof advice I can give you. I think you just gotta figure this out yourself."
"Thanks," Steve sighed, "I know your right, but honestly, talking to you has really helped."
"Well then I guess I'm glad I could be of some help then," Bruce shrugged, heading back to his table to get some work done. He started to re-configure the test he'd been working on when he noticed that Steve hadn't moved, "Don't you have something else to do?"
"I do but I don't really wanna go back out there right now, Darcy's trying to make me watch a show that has graphic sex and swearing."
Bruce took a sip of coffee, chuckling to himself until Steve continued,
"You don't think I'd go back to my real age if I had sex right?" Bruce coughed up said coffee, drenching the computer monitor in front of him.
Darcy scoffed, standing on the front steps of city hall beside Tony in a crisp white suit, "Why am I here?"
"You're part of our group," Tony smirked, patting her on the back with a grin. He pulled down his sunglasses to eye her curiously, "Why? You shy?"
"No," she huffed, rolling her eyes, "I grew up with Coulson as a Dad, I've kind of gotten used to staying out of the limelight."
"Well that's not gonna happen," Tony smirked, "But it's a nice thought." He turned to look back at the crowd of media gathering around the steps and then turned to spot Barton and Romanov glancing around, on guard, "Though it doesn't look like you're the only one."
"They're not really good with large crowds," Darcy shrugged, "Though Bruce doesn't look very excited to be here either."
"I kind of figured that one," Tony replied with a sad smirk, "So…you ready?"
"Ready for what?" Darcy questioned confused; to which he responded,
"This." He smiled and pushed her slightly, her stumbling causing her to bump into the podium. She gripped the sides and stood, regaining her balance before turning to glare at Tony who smiled and waved in response.
"Asshole," she whispered, only to have the eight microphones pick it up and project it across the square. She felt herself shrink in embarrassment and wish she could disappear, though Tony seemed to find the entire situation hilarious.
Tony moved to stand beside her and butt bumped her to get in front of the microphones, "I am happy to present the public face of the Avengers, Ms. Darcy Lewis."
"I'm sorry what?" she sputtered out over the speakers, turning to watch Stark back away into the line of other Avenger heroes with a grin.
"Ms. Lewis…Ms. Lewis," the crowd of reporters began to shout, "Question…Question….Ms. Lewis…How is….Ms. Lewis…..Is this…..Question…..Ms…."
"Shut up," Darcy screamed, her head reeling with their questions like her mind was going to explode, "Just give me a minute here. Just be quiet….god how do you guys not piss each other off." She pulled out her phone quickly and began to play on it, the device making tiny dinging noises as she went along. Steve found himself looking at Tony, mouthing his questions curiously, though Tony had no answers, just shrugging his shoulders in response.
"Okay," Darcy finally stated, looking up with a smile, "I have now officially set up an Avenger Twitter account. So I don't want anybody shouting out questions, it's crazy annoying. If you want ask a question, send it to Avenger Question on Twitter…deal?"
The entire group of reporters seemed to drop their hands into their pockets, quickly sending in their many questions to her as her phone vibrated in her hand like a sex toy.
"Alright…calm down," Darcy told the microphone, "I'm gonna start from the first one okay?" She sighed, dragging the now hundreds of questions to get to the bottom, "First question, 'Who the hell are you?' Okay, valid question. I am government official who has been assigned to manage the group of heroes and ensure that nothing gets too….wonky I guess you'd say."
"Next question, 'Is the bow guy's ass as bootlicious as it looks?'" Darcy had to pause, covering her mouth with her arm as she continued to laugh as though she was going to die, "Um, I guess it is? Clint, turn around and shake your booty."
"No," Clint huffed, "I'm not going to do that."
"Oh come on," Darcy whined, "Shake it like a polaroid picture."
"Darcy, turn around and answer another question," he grumbled. She sighed, but listened none the less eyeing the next question curiously,
"So someone asks 'Does the hot ginger chick like it…' Okay I'm not answering that question. Whoever wrote that is disgusting." She began to speed read through the questions quickly muttering in response, "Ummm, gross, lewd, pointless, another disgusting…what is with all you people and wanting to fuck the Avengers. How would I know how big Hulk's dick is and if it would 'rip you apart from the inside'…that is a messed up question."
Bruce's eyes went wide and he quickly ducked back inside the Tower, "See, you scared Bruce. That's messed up."
"I think this meeting is over," Steve stated, quickly, placing his hand on the small of Darcy's back as he led her off stage quickly.
"Yup, meeting's over," Tony concurred, lifting his hand, "And you people are sick…hilarious, but sick."