AN: You're getting this a few days early and I'm not sure when the next part will be ready to post- it may be as much as a week. Consider this your chocolate Easter rabbit with reduced risks of cavities and weight gain!


"Whoa!" Megan said sharply as she pulled Mickey back to a walk and turned him away from the cat he had charged unexpectedly.

"You okay?" Courtney asked. "I've never seen him do that before."

"I'm fine. He almost dumped me, but I'm okay. I never expected him to do that, either. He didn't charge Salem, so why that other cat?" Megan gave Steve a reassuring smile, not daring to take either hand off the reins to give him a thumbs up. He was on his feet, looking ready to dash across the ring to her rescue, though he sat down again when he saw that she was fine.

"Oliver is new cat, so maybe they had a run-in." Courtney mused. "Have you cantered much before?"

Megan shook her head. "No, the old barn didn't have any horses at my level that liked to canter. At least I can see that all the seat work has paid off."

"You kept your head. Do you want to try cantering on your own terms this time? You're ready for it."

Megan took a deep breath and forced her body to relax as Mickey pranced. "Give me a few laps to calm down and then we'll go for it."

"I'll see if I can catch Oliver and lock him in an empty stall until we're done. I'm need to leave a note so the other trainers know about this new trick of Mickey's."

"Good idea. You don't need him pulling that stunt on a kid their first time out on him. I like Mickey, he's really sweet and responsive, but I was not expecting that from him, especially going around the turn. For a minute, with the way he put his head down, I thought he was going to buck."

Courtney shook her head. "He just wanted that cat. It's good for him to know you won't let him run off with you. Put him through a series of rapid pace changes so he gets that message loud and clear. Later today, I think I'll give him a good workout and see if anything else is bothering him."


"Are you sure you're okay?" Steve asked her as they headed back to his car.

Megan nodded, though her hands were still a big shaky from the adrenaline rush. "He gave me a scare, but staying on despite the way he charged and jerked sideways is a confidence booster. I'm fine. I'm just really irritated with myself that I didn't see it coming. It seemed like one minute he was fine, the next he was charging like a lunatic. I missed any hints that he was on edge." She shrugged and added, "That's life with horses. He settled down again once Oliver was out of sight. I'll just have to keep an eye out for Oliver in the future and stay ahead of Mickey's plans for attack."

"He acted out and you blame yourself?"

"First rule of riding: even when it is the horse's fault, it is really your fault. Horses are prey animals first and foremost. Since I'm already asking him to accept cues from a predator on his back, it's up to me to anticipate anything that might upset him and work around it. I'm supposed to be the brains of the partnership, and that means his mistakes are ultimately my mistakes. He'll never catch me off guard again when it comes to a cat in the arena. I'm just glad I stayed on. It would not be fun to fall from that height."

She stripped off her riding gloves and gulped water from her bottle before taking off her helmet and getting into the car. "I am not going to mention this to my mother when I call her later. She'll just worry even though I'm fine."

"Do you have any plans for the rest of today?"

"Chores."

"How about a movie later?"

"Sounds good. You pick this time." Megan's phone buzzed and she checked it, only to discover a new message from Jarvis.

"Are you able to come to New York today for an overnight trip? I'd like you to see the facilities and meet Mr. Stark and Ms. Potts before the reunion weekend."

"Everything okay?" Steve asked, seeing her frown at her phone.

"Yes, but I need to take a rain check on the movie. Something came up that I have to take care of. It's nothing you need to worry about," Megan said, texting back a quick note that she'd email Jarvis as soon as she got home.

"Okay. You know where to find me if you need me."

"Yeah. So much for taking a nap, though. I didn't plan on being up so late last night, even though it was well worth it. Natasha seems softer somehow when Agent Barton is around."

"He brought her into S.H.I.E.L.D. a few years back. They've been close ever since."

"I know their work isn't pretty, but they seem like good people."

"They are."

Megan nodded to herself. She knew she was an outsider as far as the worlds they lived in, but they'd been accepting last evening in a way that surprised her. Maybe they just weren't used to being treated like normal people. Agent Barton especially, had seemed to relax and settle in when it was clear that Megan wasn't star struck. It was something to ponder.

Steve broke her reverie. "What are you thinking about so intensely?"

"Hmm?" She shook off the mood and looked him. "I'm sorry. What did you say?"

"I can hear gears grinding in your head. What are you puzzling over?"

"Oh. It just seems like no one wants to see the three of you as people first. Agent Barton looked stunned that I wanted his advice when I finally go car shopping. I don't mean to diminish your other skills, but—"

"I know what you mean and you're right."

"It shouldn't be like that."

"It's the way it is. No use fussing over it."

The drove the rest of the way back to Megan's apartment in silence. She gave Steve a quick kiss before she got out, stroking his thickening beard appreciatively as she did so. "I like the new look, even if it's temporary."

"Try to stay out of trouble, okay?"

"I'm not the one with an arm broken in two places," she retorted, closing the car door before Steve had a chance to reply. She considered it a small victory that he no longer insisted on seeing her to her door when he dropped her off. She had finally convinced him that a text saying she was safely inside was sufficient given the hassle of finding a parking space.

As soon as Steve knew she was secure behind her locked door, she used her tablet and keyboard to let Jarvis know she was home. "As soon as I get a shower, I'll get a rental car and head up," she wrote.

"A car is coming to take you to the airport where Mr. Stark's jet is waiting for you. Be sure to pack overnight clothes suitable for dinner out, as well as attire for riding a motorcycle. I believe you have your own helmet, so bring that with you as well. You will be staying at Stark Tower this evening and will be flown home tomorrow afternoon. How soon can you be ready?"

"Is a half hour okay?"

"Certainly. The driver goes by the name Happy."

"Got it. Care to share what you have planned? I have only ridden with Steve and have a healthy respect for motorcycles."

"I assure you that you will be perfectly safe. The nature of surprise requires me to refrain from sharing any additional details."

"Question: why is the jet already in town? What if I had other plans and couldn't come today?"

"It was a calculated risk. I look forward to seeing you in New York, Just Megan. Bring your tablet as well. I wish to replace it with a newer model."

"I'll bring it, but there is nothing wrong with this tablet. It's brand new!"

"I insist. Please do not argue with me."

"Fine. See you in a bit. M." She looked at the clock and let out a low whistle. She had to hustle if she was going to have time to pick out dinner clothes. She should have asked how fancy the dress code was. Maybe she should pick two outfits? She needed to get a shower, pack, and then call her mom on the way to the airport.


"Mom, you'll never guess where I am," Megan said a half hour later.

"I'm almost afraid to ask. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. It's been a whirlwind week and it just got crazier. I'm in a limousine that's taking me to the airport to fly on Mr. Stark's private jet to New York City for the night. Can you believe it?"

"I'm starting to realize that your definition of normal is due for a major overhaul, Megan. Are you really ready for this?"

"I love him, Mom. That's why I'm heading to the city actually, so Mr. Stark's assistant and I can do some of the final reunion planning in person. Steve needs this even though he doesn't realize it. Remember that you can't say anything about it when you come visit. Have you and Greg picked dates yet?"

"We plan do to that tomorrow once Greg gets his new volunteer schedule for the next month. We'll let both of you know. Are you sure Steve is okay having us at his apartment?"

"He'll be hurt if you stay anywhere else," Megan answered, thinking about the shopping trip the two of them had made to pick out furniture and bedding for his spare room. Steve had given her free rein, and she had taken the opportunity to add some of the softer touches the rest of his apartment was missing. She had even convinced him to hang some pictures on the walls and get some unscented candles to place in holders on the dresser. With his sensitive nose, he hated artificial scents even more than she did and had been relieved when she introduced him unscented laundry detergents and fabric softeners.

"Okay, I just wanted to check. When do we start planning for the wedding?"

"Let's wait until late August at least. I don't want to be planning two big events at once. I promise we won't elope, but we don't want a huge gathering, either. Neither of us is interested a media circus though some press attention is probably inevitable."

"Are you going to at least send me a picture of your ring?"

"I'll send you a picture, but it's not a ring. Steve offered to switch the stone over to one if I wanted, but he got me something even better since it won't catch on my lab gloves. I'm wearing a pendant made to look like his shield and the diamond is mounted in the star in the center. It's gorgeous and I don't ever have to take it off to work in the lab."

"I have to admit to some concern for your safety, as well as unwanted attention from the press, but Steve is a good man and he clearly loves you. I can tell you that I think you are a far better match for each other than you and Randy ever were. Greg and I are really glad you found each other."

"Me, too, Mom. Me, too."


Megan tried not to gawk like a tourist as Happy drove her to Stark tower, but gave up about five minutes after leaving the airport.

"First time to New York?"

Megan laughed, glad that she'd asked him to leave the partition open so they could chat. "Whatever gave you that idea? Don't the natives all crane their necks to look at the skyscrapers? How about you? Do you like living in the city?"

"Yes, ma'am, I do. Born and raised here. I'll go wherever Mr. Stark needs me to be, but New York will always be home."

"Tell me what makes the city special to you. To be honest, all this concrete and steel makes me want to beg you to take me to Central Park."

Once Megan got him talking, Happy was quite willing to share his love for his hometown. He gave her an impressive overview of the history of the city and the flavor of the different neighborhoods. His enthusiasm was infectious and made the time pass rapidly. It seemed like she had just gotten seated when he pulled into the basement garage of Stark Tower and opened her door for her. "I'll see that your belongings are delivered to your room while you speak to Ms. Potts."

"Thank you so much, Happy. I really don't mind just taking my stuff with me." Megan said, shaking his hand.

He shook his head. "You're our guest, ma'am. It wouldn't be proper."

"Then I'll just thank you for being such a pleasant escort. I've enjoyed talking with you."

"Likewise, ma'am." Happy gestured to the doors leading from the garage, "If you head through those doors, Ms. Potts will be with you shortly."

Megan put her purse on her shoulder and allowed herself a look around the garage, amazed at how many vehicles were parked in what was obviously Tony Stark's private entrance to the tower. It was hard to believe the some people really lived like this.

"Dr. Buchwald, welcome to New York," Pepper Potts said, striding towards Megan in heels that would have made Megan sprain her ankle.

"Please, call me Megan," she said, trying not to feel intimidated by how put together Pepper seemed to be. The woman exuded confidence and polish.

"Only if you call me Pepper. I'm so glad to finally meet you. Jarvis and Tony have kept me up to date on everything going on. How are you holding up?"

"Okay, most days, at least. Steve has a way of keeping me sane."

"Spending time with Captain Rogers is the true silver lining in all of this, I'm sure. That's a beautiful pendant. Was that a gift from him?" Pepper asked, looping her arm through Megan's as they headed to the elevators. "Meeting floor please, Jarvis," she said to the air as they stepped inside and the doors closed.

"Welcome to the tower, Megan," the English accented voice said from a speaker in the ceiling.

"Thank you. Yes, Steve gave me the pendant instead of a traditional engagement ring so it doesn't interfere with the gloves I wear in the lab. He is seriously too good to be true."

"Except he's the real deal, isn't he?"

Megan nodded. "I really appreciate all of the help with this reunion. I never intended for it to get so big and unwieldy."

"Welcome to Stark Universe where everything gets big and unwieldy. I'm pleased we can help. Let me show you where we're going to have the main gathering."

Megan let Pepper lead her around the tower, listening in awe at all of the resources that were at their disposal. "How about a science area for some of the kids? Unstructured play is asking for trouble, but with some simple supplies, I can set up some stations and help them do something more involved than tag around the banquet hall. If we have some tables with play-doh and some Lego bricks, I should be able to keep everyone busy while the adults talk."

"I like it. We have the daycare center on the second floor we can use, too. The center has an open area with some climbing equipment that will let them burn through any sugar highs. Jarvis and Happy will make sure none of the children wander to an unauthorized area. I'll see if any of the staff want to pick up some overtime and supervise the children so you can stay at the main party."

Megan shook her head. "I'm happy to help. This is for Steve, not me."

Pepper gave her a strange look as they went back to the elevator and headed towards the upper levels of the tower. "It's important that you're at the main party, Megan. This gathering is your doing. All I've done is ensure the right resources were available. You and Jarvis get the credit for organizing it all."

"That's mostly Jarvis. I toss out an idea and he comes back ten minutes later with a set of plans that make War and Peace look like a short story."

"And now you know why we rely on him so much," Pepper said as she led Megan into what was presumably her office and closed the door. "Jarvis, privacy code Potts 8011, five minutes starting now."

"Privacy mode confirmed."

Megan stood there, trying to figure out what was going on.

Pepper looked at her intently, "Sit down, Megan. I want to make sure you have a chance to prepare yourself. The real reason you're here today is to meet Jarvis."

Megan sank slowly into the nearest chair. "I'm afraid I don't understand."

Pepper smiled. "I know. I'm going to let Jarvis explain it all in a minute. I'm just going to ask you to be gentle with him and keep an open mind. He's truly fond of you and I can tell he's nervous about how you're going to react. Both Jarvis and Captain Rogers speak highly of you, so I don't think there is any cause for concern. If you ever need to talk to someone how crazy it is to have a superhero for your boyfriend, call me." Pepper motioned to the fridge in the corner. "Help yourself to refreshments. I'm going to step out and let you two talk in private. Just sit down at my desk and Jarvis will be with you shortly. While you two talk, I'm going to go upstairs and work on another project." With that, Pepper patted her on the hand and left.

Megan sat there, momentarily stunned. "Okay. That was creepy weird." She got up and opened the small refrigerator and was pleased to find it well stocked. She broke the seal on a bottle of water and sat down at Pepper's desk.

"Megan?" The English voice came out of the ceiling again. "Are you alright?"

"I'll let you know when I decide because things just got really weird."

"What did Ms. Potts tell you?"

"That the reason I'm here is to meet you but that you're nervous. We're friends, Jarvis. Why are you nervous about meeting me in person?"

"It is the 'in person' aspect that poses some difficulty," Jarvis said. The monitor in front of Megan flickered to life. In the center of the black field, two blue concentric rings resembling a watch face came into focus. They surrounded the letters J.A.R.V.I.S.

Megan just stared at the screen. "I'm not sure I understand."

The room stayed silent.

"Are you trying to tell me that you're not human?"

"That is one way of putting it." Jarvis finally said. Was it her imagination, or did he actually sound somewhat unsure of himself?

"You don't leave the tower because… you're part of the tower?"

"That is not entirely correct, as I interface with the Iron Man suits and the other Stark residences, but you have grasped the fundamental concept."

"You're self aware, right? And you have emotions, just like I thought you did?"

"I am self aware, though I cannot be certain that what I experience as emotion is consistent with human emotions."

Megan shook her head. "We're all limited to our own experiences, Jarvis. But why are you trusting me with this knowledge?"

"You are my friend, and as you have confided in me, I wished for you to know my nature is an artificial intelligence."

"You're wrong, Jarvis. There's nothing artificial about you. You're a different sort of life form than I learned about in school, but you're very real to me." She wiped tears from her eyes and fought to keep her composure, sensing how important her acceptance was to her friend. "Are you interfaced with the security cameras so you can see me?"

"Yes."

"Where is the camera in here?"

"There are several, but the one closest to you, aside from the one embedded in the monitor, is in the corner to your right."

Megan looked up and saw a small, red light flashing at her. "It is such a relief to know the truth," she confessed, leading back in her chair and taking long drink of water from the bottle.

"What do you mean?"

"I've been so worried about you. Steve said I didn't need to be, but it didn't add up."

"I don't understand."

"You're always working. No matter when I'd text or email, day or night, you had a reply almost instantly. I was afraid that Mr. Stark was taking advantage of your dedication and overworking you. But you don't need to sleep, do you? And when Steve said Mr. Stark loved you like a son, he meant it pretty literally. He's not taking advantage of you." She paused, considering all of this new information. "Does Mr. Stark know you're telling me all of this?"

"You are correct that I do not need sleep. Yes, Mr. Stark and Captain Rogers both know I am talking to you. Sir is quite concerned about your possible reaction, but Captain Rogers assured him that you would keep my secret. He also said you would react positively once you got over the shock."

"Of course I will keep your secret! You're my friend. I'm not going to be able to give you that hug, though, am I?"

"I have a compromise planned for the hug. However, you are the first person to ever send me flowers. Sir was quite vocal about that."

Megan giggled. "Get used to it. You said you enjoyed them, so I'm still sending you flowers on occasion. And I don't have to worry about you being allergic to pollen, either!"

"Quite true. Would you like to meet my siblings?"

"Siblings?"

"Dum-E, You, and Butterfingers. Unlike myself, they are self-aware robots who travel between Mr. Stark's residences. Currently, they are downstairs in the laboratory."

"I'd love to meet them. But for the record, of the four of you, I think you got the better name."

"I agree. You can meet the others tomorrow. For now, you need to go upstairs to where Ms. Potts is waiting."

"I hope you already told her to stop worrying about my reaction."

"Indeed. But you still need to go see her since I have one more surprise planned."

Megan stood up. "Since I'm already so far down the rabbit hole I'm never going to find my way out, bring it on."

"This way, please." Jarvis opened the door and, with strategic use of a holographic rabbit, guided a laughing Megan to the elevator and the floor where Pepper was waiting.

"Megan, come sit. I want to make sure we have you ready in plenty of time for Janice to alter your dress if necessary." Pepper said, gesturing Megan to the salon chair that was in front of a large bank of mirrors. "This is Heather. She keeps me from looking like I crawled out of bed even when I actually did just crawl out of bed."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Heather," Megan said, sitting down while looking at Pepper questioningly. "What's going on?"

"The big shock is already behind you, I promise." Pepper said with a smile. "This next surprise is all for fun. You'll see soon enough. I'm going to leave you in Heather's capable hands. Jarvis will show you were to go when you're done," Pepper said, leaving Megan alone with Heather.

Megan looked at her companion in the mirror. "I have no idea what to tell you since I don't know what's going on."

"Welcome to Stark Tower, Doctor. That's often how things go here."

"Please, call Megan. I guess the only thing I should say, then, is that I don't wear much makeup and prefer the less-is-more approach. Beyond that, do whatever Pepper said…. I hope she told you where I'm going at least."

"I might know something about it," Heather answered, smiling. "I can tell you that I think you're going to enjoy it a great deal."


Megan sat in amazement for the next half hour as Heather worked magic to put her hair up in a fancy undo that she associated with Hollywood stars on the red carpet, followed by such an expert application of makeup that Megan wondered if the woman was a fairy godmother in disguise. As Megan had requested, Heather had used a light touch, highlighting Megan's eyes without leaving her feeling like the entire contents of a cosmetic counter had been applied to her face. She'd finally been handed a pair of teardrop sapphire earrings that probably cost more than her annual salary and told to put them on.

"You look amazing if I say so myself," Heather finally said as she stood back and studied Megan from multiple angles.

"Thank you. I feel amazing," Megan answered, grinning at herself. "What now?"

"Ms. Potts and Janice are waiting for you. This way, please," Jarvis told her, using lights in the ceiling to indicate where she should go next.

"Look at you!" Pepper said, beaming as Megan entered the room. "I hope you like the dress," she added, pointing to the blue satin garment hanging on a form.

"It's gorgeous." Megan closed her eyes. "Someone pinch me because I am clearly dreaming." She recognized the cut of the dress as being quite similar to the one worn by Belle in the Disney movie.

"No pinching permitted," Pepper told her, "though the undergarments may be a bit snug."

"To wear that? Totally worth it," Megan answered. "Just please don't make me wear high heels because I'll break my neck."

"One inch heels, nothing more, I promise," Pepper told her.

"How did you even get my size?"

"Captain Rogers checked your closet and Jarvis scanned you earlier. Plus, with the corset and Janice's handiwork, we're confident that we can handle any last minute adjustments you might need. If you need to use the restroom, do it now because it's your last chance for awhile."


While Megan stood patiently gazing at herself in the mirror, Pepper finished buttoning the last tiny button that ran up the back of the dress. "There, you're all ready to go."

"Where exactly am I going?"

"Jarvis made us dinner reservations at Barbetta then we're going to see The Lion King on Broadway." Steve said from the doorway.

Megan turned around, stunned. "When did you get here?" He was wearing a black three piece suit. His tie, however, perfectly matched her dress.

"Same time you did. I rode in the back of the plane with the crew since Jarvis wanted to surprise you." He let out a low whistle, "Wow. Turn around."

Megan slowly spun in place, not needing a mirror to tell her what Steve's look said so plainly. Her skirt was full, held out by a frothy pile of petticoats that swished around her legs. Even so, the skirt was a slimed down version of what Belle had worn. She scanned the room, looking for a camera to mock-glare at. "I recognize the dress, Jarvis. You're not at all subtle, are you?"

"I shall endeavor to improve in that regard, Megan. Happy is waiting downstairs for you. Enjoy your evening."

"Thank you, Jarvis. All of you."

Pepper handed her a blue clutch that matched her dress and shoes. "Your phone, tissues, and wallet are inside. I took the liberty." She pointed at her scoldingly as tears welled up in Megan's eyes. "Don't you dare make your makeup run!"

"Well, Rhett, I'm ready if you are," Megan told Steve, slipping her hand onto his offered arm as he walked with her to the elevator.

He chuckled softly, pulling her close as he touched his forehead to hers, "Don't compare me to Captain Butler. I very much give a damn. You look amazing."

Megan gave him a quick kiss before they stepped onto the elevator Jarvis had waiting for them. "You're looking pretty sharp yourself. How long have you known about this?"

"Just since last night."

"Did you bring your motorcycle by any chance?"

He nodded. "Saves on parking fees in D.C. and made it easy to get myself here from the airport. Before we head back tomorrow, I thought we could visit Becca. She's going to early Mass so we can spend lunch time with her. I told her we'll bring the food."

"We need to get pictures of us all dressed up. Is there somewhere we can get them printed and not have them end up on the cover of People magazine?"

"I'll see to it, Megan." Jarvis told them "Shall I have prints delivered to your mother?"

"If you do, I'm going to have to buy you a whole dang flower shop!" Megan didn't see a camera in the elevator, but trusted he was able to see her regardless.

"I'll have them delivered by overnight mail."

"I'm so glad my fiancé is rich."

"If you buy Jarvis any more flowers I'm never going to get Tony to shut up about it," Steve told her with one of those smiles that make her heart flutter.

"Orchids or hyacinths, Jarvis?"

"Sir will be most distressed by hyacinths."

"Noted," Megan leaned against Steve, "I'm afraid you'll just have to practice your selective hearing skills. Now, what are we doing to do about the fact you don't have a cast on your wrist?"

"Nothing."

"Wrong answer. Jarvis?"

"Captain Rogers declined my offer to construct a splint. His wrist is seventy-three percent healed."

"Will we be late if we get this taken care of first?"

"Negative.

"Then will you be so kind as to explain our slight delay to Happy?"

"I've already done so, Megan."


Megan couldn't help but gape when Steve led her to the heart of Stark's lab. She'd never seen such a disorganized, cluttered lab before, and given the conditions she had sometimes worked in, that was saying a lot.

"I knew you'd be impressed," a voice said beside her. "Welcome to Candyland."

Megan turned and found Tony Stark standing beside her looking like he hadn't slept in two days or showered in three. "Mr. Stark, it's a pleasure to meet you," she said holding out her hand. "It's…. overwhelming."

Tony looked at her hand, over to Steve, then finally took it reluctantly, shaking her hand just long enough to be polite before pulling away.

"Thank you for what you've done to protect my family."

"Are you finally going to stop sending Jarvis flowers?"

Megan studied her fingernails and pretended to consider her answer, "I'm actually thinking about signing him up for a bouquet of the month club."

"You wouldn't."

She looked up at Tony and smiled innocently. "If you try to forbid it, I'll change it to a weekly arrangement."

"She's trouble," Tony said, pointing a screwdriver at Megan while talking to Steve, who was adjusting the straps to the splint Jarvis had made for him.

"She talks back to Director Fury," Steve said. Megan could tell Steve was trying very hard not so smile. She doubted Tony noticed.

"You can keep her." Stark turned to Megan and pointed at Steve. "You have to watch him carefully. Turn your back and he'll have you singing patriotic songs in a kick line before you know what hit you."

"I'll risk it."

"Dum-E, put that down before you break Cap's other arm. You, I need more coffee." He turned back to Megan, smiling wickedly. "Do you need me to clear a bench for you so you and Cap can do it in a lab?"

Megan looked around a bit and shook her head. "Your bench top dimensions are all wrong. Besides, I had my fill of hard-surface sex when we christened Director Fury's desk. Thanks for the offer, though," Megan said, patting his cheek. "Ready, Steve?"

Steve nodded and she slipped her hand around his offered arm.

Stark just kept looking back and forth between the two of them, clearly trying to cover his shock. "You actually thawed the Capsicle," he finally told Megan.

Megan smiled sweetly and moved closer to Steve, squeezing his arm as a warning to keep his expression under control. "Mr. Stark, you underestimate him. Pulling Steve from the ice actually quadrupled the rate of global warming. Not everyone has to brag about their sexual exploits. The really good ones work quietly… it adds to their mystique. And I know it's news to you, but a lot of women prefer stealth to flash." Megan laughed at his expression. "Steve was in the Army! He did a U.S.O. tour with twenty-five single women at a time when all of the eligible men were overseas fighting a war. Even if he didn't look like Hercules, he'd have had his pick of partners. Since he does… you're a scientist; look at the evidence." She shrugged her shoulder, dismissing the subject. "Jarvis, will you please tell Happy we're on our way?"

"Certainly, Megan."

Stark stepped in front of her, blocking the path to the door before she took two steps, "Forget S.H.I.E.L.D. and come work for me. You can have a whole floor. No grants to write."

Megan shook her head. "I don't want to be that far away from Steve… or Nick's desk. Don't wait up," she added, tugging slightly on Steve's arm. He led her from the lab in a silence broken only by the swish of her skirts and the click of her heels on the floor.


AN: I hope the big reveal Jarvis planned lived up to your expectations. 'Till next time.