AN: Hi, hope everyone is well, keeping ok. Thanks for still reading and commenting This chapter brings us up to speed with some events from Civil War, so some parts will be familiar, I didn't want to just write extracts, always find that a bit dull, so it's told from another PoV, when applicable.

We pick up where we left off, Bucky told to go home and sharp, Amelia hyperventilating, Steve fumbling over his resignation and Andi drinking her pain away.

Standard disclaimer applies.

Chapter 31: Virtually Reality

Amelia sits on the couch, her shoes abandoned and her dress rolled up around her knees, Steve pacing back and forth. 'Sit down, please?' Steve looks at her, 'you're sure? You're sure that's what she said?' Amelia sighs, 'Steve, I'm pregnant not a raving idiot. She said she kissed him, as well as some other awful things, gross things. Then that he pushed her away. Honest. I know what I heard. Amazing dress though and she seemed genuinely nice, I'm very confused, I'd want to be her friend.' Steve looks at her perplexed by this turn in events, hoping aloud 'this is surely enough to get it dropped?' Amelia shrugs, 'you'd hope, but we all know it's down to Tony, or HR and the powers that be, whoever they are!'

Amelia reaches for a magazine and fans herself with it, tugging at her hair extensions and dumping them on the floor. Steve appears horrified, 'it's clip in, don't panic.' Amelia looks down at herself, 'ugh, I've done my bit, can I go to sleep now?' Steve gets closer, a little too firm 'no, you need to tell Tony word for word.' He bends beside her, wiping hair from her face. She swallows nervously, feeling the pressure, doubting what she did hear. He begins to stand and pauses 'Steve?'

He looks back and she appears worried, toying with her hands.

'I can't do this, another two months, I can't, I don't think…' Steve smiles at her, 'of course you can, I know you can. But you need to take it easier, no more parties. No more detective work. Earlier nights. No more vacations to your dad's.' Amelia relaxes slightly, nodding and trying to make things lighter 'ugh, there's that dirty talk again, early nights, you know what l like.' Steve blushes at her and stands up straight.

Andi and Tony step out of the elevator. Tony waves his hands, 'what is going on? I didn't bring Pepper, she didn't want to come.' His eyes follow his PA, as she runs off down the hall. 'Where is she going? Is the party really that bad?'

Andi runs for Bucky's room, swinging the door open. She's relieved to find it unlocked and empty, bed made and no evidence they were ever there. She sags, exhaling in relief. She stares at the empty apartment, all his belongings shoved in that one duffle bag. She hasn't been here since he was suspended and her minds flicks back to the girl in yellow just downstairs. Parading her happiness, while Bucky sits at home, torturing himself. She feels emotional thinking about times they spent here, missing his laugh and the sparkle in his eye. The way he carries her to the bed and how he makes coffee in his boxers. When they would talk about his childhood or play cards. She sighs, hoping they will have that again, turning and walking back to the lounge sadly.

Tony kicks the hair piece on the floor, 'what the hell is this? You're malting now?' Amelia pulls her dress down around her legs and sits up normally, 'sorry, that's mine.' She grabs it and clutches it in embarrassment. 'You calmed down a bit now, mama?' Tony asks, with a pat to her shoulder and Steve looks between them, confused. 'I'm fine, thank you,' she mumbles.

Tony glances to Steve, 'not one of your best speeches, gotta say.' Steve keeps his eyes down in shame and Tony continues, 'so, what exactly does being a God-parent entail?' Steve snaps his gaze back to Amelia and she shrugs awkwardly, mouthing 'I didn't know what to do.'

Andi returns, her red dress flowing behind her. 'Right, what's this about, better be good news, just about had enough at this point, not enough free alcohol for much more. Even one of Tony's all you can drink ragers downstairs can't cheer me up.' Steve encourages her to take a seat and she squeezes past her sister, sitting knee to knee with her. Amelia can't help by envy how beautiful her sister looks, poured into her form fitting dress. She looks down at her own dress and reminds herself this expanding version of her will pass.

'Look, what is this, what's going on?' Tony asks impatiently, 'I don't like ninety percent of the people downstairs, but I should still be there. This is the kind of thing Pepper hates. She always thinks I'm up to stuff and for once, I'm not. You lot are.'

Steve proceeds to tell them what Amelia overheard; she chimes in correcting him every so often. Andi looks up at the new information, hope flooding her. Tony folds his arms, unmoving.

Amelia shuffles forward, 'there's no doubt, she told me, plain as day. I got her name, I saw her with Sam, she said point blank that she kissed him and he didn't reciprocate. I'll write it down, make a statement, swear on a bible...' Tony waves her off, 'yes, ok, calm down, Mrs Cap.' He doesn't react any further and Andi covers her face, exhaling rapidly, 'this must be enough, surely? It's proof! Tony, please?'

'Well?' Steve asks rationally and Tony looks between the three of them. Andi bites her thumb nail, watching her boss. 'I need to discuss it with everyone's favourite demon Human Resource manager, but I imagine disciplinary procedures will be halted and Barnes will be slapped on the wrist for some of the other stuff. Most likely free to return and we can forget this misery. Good job, Sherlock. You looking for a job?' He winks at Amelia and she smiles softly, half tempted to say yes. 'Now, I need to get back to my party. Rhodes needs a wingman and I need a drink. Do me a favour, no more personal drama for like. six months? Tell Bucky with the good hair, but no reunions until it is all in writing, ok? You know I make no promises.'

Andi looks up, 'what about her?' Tony pauses, 'that's above your pay grade, leave it with me and by me, I mean Pepper. The advice still stands, say and do nothing! You were lucky to get away with it last time.' Steve agrees and eyes her sternly, 'he's right.'

Devices can suddenly be heard buzzing and FRIDAY warns Tony of an important incoming message. 'Now what…' Steve pulls out his phone and stares at the screen. He freezes, his jaw clenching. He mutters lowly, 'Rumlow.' Amelia looks on confused, unsure, is that a name? A place? Andi reaching for her hand and she wonders what she's missing. Tony nods at his friend and colleague, 'this one's all yours, Cap.' Steve doesn't acknowledge him, or even move.

Steve nods distantly and Tony swings closer, patting his shoulder 'this is it, what you've been waiting for.' He looks at the two women, suggesting, 'blondie, let's get back down there,' Andi follows her boss, taking the hint. She turns to her sister, 'come find me, when you want to go home.'

Amelia watches them leave, no jokes, no chat as they enter the elevator. She looks across and Steve is still staring at his phone and Amelia asks worriedly, 'what's happening?' He stares back at her, despite her bump, she looks small, her feet curled under her, a cushion on her tummy. 'I have to go. We got a tip. Something I've been waiting for. For a real long time.' Amelia's mouth forms an oh shape and she shuffles further into the couch, suddenly feeling cold and worry washing over her, 'is it… safe?' Steve shakes his head slowly, 'it's never safe. I can't lie to you about that.' She nods, 'but you'll be back? Can Bucky join you now?'

Steve finally looks up sharply, 'probably best he doesn't.' The subtext is clear, and she agrees, 'oh, ok.' She wipes her eyes quickly, hiding her tears and forcing a smile, 'so, are you staying here tonight? Or..' Steve shakes his head, 'I need to go now, we need to be there in the morning. I'll speak to Tony, see if Happy or someone can drive you home.' Amelia just nods, 'when will you be back?' He doesn't answer, reading further information off his phone and she sighs. Spinning and struggling to get up, 'could you?' He looks up firmly and she balks, 'don't worry, could you lend me a sweater?' He nods and leaves before she can say anything else. She manages to pull herself up and stands there awkwardly, straightening her waist belt and looking about the room.

Steve returns with a pale grey hoodie and he helps her into it slowly. Amelia watches him tug at the toggles and make sure she's wrapped up. She smiles a little, but it drops quickly. He stares down at her bump for a while and she shuffles awkwardly, he looks up and strokes her cheek, kissing her lips softly. Her eyes flicker closed, and she could easily get lost in him and forget the scenario and the setting. When she looks back, he's watching her, straight faced, 'you need to go home.' She nods, 'yeah, uh, I'll just call a cab…' Steve cuts her off, 'Happy's waiting, when you're ready. FRIDAY…'

'Steve?' He looks up, focusing on her, 'you'll come home, right?' She shivers as she hears her own words, he barely nods, 'this is it, Amelia. This could be my one last thing I need to put to bed. This might be it for me.' She appears shocked, 'ok, so it's big?' He doesn't answer.

She looks at the ground sadly, 'I'm not normally here for this bit, I don't like it. If I refuse to go, will you stay?' She looks at him with a weepy grin and he confesses, 'no, I still have to go.' Amelia agrees, 'it's still my job and this is one I've been waiting to find. I'll be back, I swear. Couple days, tops.' Amelia relaxes a little, that's the reassurance she's been waiting for, 'love you.'

He kisses her temple, stepping away, 'I have to go, stay safe,' he bids as he steps into the elevator, 'tell Rosie goodnight.' Amelia watches the doors slide shut and she sighs, thinking this might be the most dramatic night of her life.

Andi and Amelia let themselves into the house. They don't speak and their home is dark. Amelia stops Andi, 'will he be ok? Do you know something?' Her sister nods and hugs her close, 'yes, like all the other times. You should get some rest, go to bed. Will you be alright? I can come in if you like? Keep you company?' Amelia giggles a little, 'no, go tell Bucky the news, I'm going to get some water.' Andi agrees sadly and steps away, 'night. Uhh, hey? Thanks for tonight, for making me come and for being nosy in the bathroom.' Amelia chuckles, 'thank you for coming, night-night.'

Andi kicks her heels off and groans, taking the stairs slowly. Letting herself into her bedroom, she spots Bucky sat on the bed. He's fully dressed as she left him at the start of the evening, no suit in sight, just the haircut to give him away. She sighs and just looks at him, strolling past and removing her jewellery.

'Say something,' he demands sadly, and she shrugs, 'what you did tonight was reckless.' Bucky scoffs, 'you're not Steve, Andi. You are the queen of reckless.' She sighs, 'maybe, but not so much when it comes to everything I know. You have so much to lose, why do it? And roping a six-year-old into it! Really?' Bucky looks embarrassed by the last part, 'ok, I accept that. She's a great accomplice though, asks no questions. Too happy to oblige with any madcap scheme.' Andi drops onto the bed, struggling to reach for her zip. 'Don't be mad,' Bucky pleads, she snaps 'I am mad! You jeopardised everything.' Bucky looks at her in shock, 'I did it for you, to see you, to cheer you up! Don't you think I feel bad about this whole mess? Look at you. You've had enough.'

Andi wipes her face, smudging black make-up down one cheek, 'there's more…' Bucky looks up at that. 'Amelia overheard your friend boasting how she kissed you, she was in the restroom, not being very subtle. Tony needs it confirmed but he thinks it could be enough to get it all dropped. Slap on the wrist for the shouting parts.' Bucky watches her, his pupils flicking about the room, trying to calculate this. She waits for his reaction and when nothing happens, she looks back at him, 'it's good news, Bucky. You're allowed to be happy.' He doesn't move and she waits on him. 'I should still face the charges.' Andi rolls her eyes, 'there are no charges, it's a work hearing, you should be delighted, why would you still face it? You didn't do anything, she admits it's on her.' Bucky shakes his head, 'the letter, the things she said, I did those things, not the kissing, but the other parts, that was me. She was describing me, I should answer for that.'

Andi is frustrated and exhausted, 'there's something else.' Bucky's head shoots up, 'Christ, what else?'

'Steve has been called out, he didn't say where, he just said a name.' Bucky turns cold, looking at her. 'What name?' He dares to ask and she recites 'Rumlow. I didn't let on to Mia, but we both know this is big.' Bucky stands and pulls at his sweater, 'I should be there.' Andi shakes her head, no energy left to fight him. 'No, not a good idea.' Bucky blanks her and starts to get changed, 'Steve doesn't want you there!' Bucky pauses, her comment hurting him. 'You're too close and your judgement is clouded right now, tonight proved that you make bad choices.' Bucky shakes his head, unbelieving that she's telling him this, trying to tell him what to do.

'Like proposing to you?' Bucky regrets it the moment he's said it, just wanting to hurt her like her words are wounding him.

Andi stills. Bucky steps closer, reaching for her 'I didn't mean that, you know I didn't.'

She stands up, grabbing a tatty t-shirt from under her pillow, 'I'm going to sleep in with Mia tonight, she asked me to, she's scared.' Bucky tries to stop her and she just looks him up and down. 'You should… yeah, ok, see you in the morning, or not, whatever.' She leaves and Bucky follows her to the door, but she closes it firmly and he bangs a fist against it. Dropping his head on the white painted wood and mentally kicking himself. He looks to her empty bed and thinks there's nothing left to do but wait.

Andi stands in the hall, shivering from the cold and sniffing in deeply. She jumps at the thump behind her. Creeping to her sister's room, she finds her curled up on her side, still in her dress. They don't speak as Andi climbs in next to her, facing the opposite way and crying softly into her pillow.

It's been two days and nothing. Amelia watches Bucky and Andi awkwardly move around each other over breakfast, as she pours her own cereal. 'Anything from Stark?' Amelia finally braves and they both shrug and mumble, 'no.'

'Steve?' Bucky asks and Amelia shakes her head, 'nothing.' Rosie comes skipping in, grinning 'when can I try my dress for the wedding?' Andi casts Bucky a long solemn look and Amelia steps in, 'ummm, at the weekend?' Mommy's got to pick her dress up, you want to come?' She nods and gets comfy at the table. Amelia sorts breakfast for her and eyes Bucky, 'nice haircut, by the way.' He touches it faintly, forgetting that he did that.

With Amelia gone, Bucky stares across at Andi, she's dressed for work and waiting on the toaster. He looks her up and down, she looks smart, must be going somewhere with Stark. 'You look nice.' She blanks him, half looking down at her deep green pant suit.

'Are you ok?' He asks and she closes her eyes. She doesn't respond, he mutters 'are we still getting married?' Andi remains still. Toast pops out and she spreads the top of both pieces, passing it to him. 'I'm going to be late for work.' Bucky thinks about making a joke, but she looks fed up and not in the mood. 'Hey,' he catches her arm, and she looks at him slowly, 'thank you… for, for the toast.' She frowns at his efforts, 'I'll speak to Tony today, find out about this hearing. Get it in writing.' Bucky nods appreciatively. His eyes fall to the calendar, nearing the end of the month, creeping up to their big day, only about five weeks away. When he refocuses, she's gone and he sighs, taking the toast and sitting next to Amelia at the dining table.

They look at each other and then focus on the child chatting across from them. '…Harrison is having a clown at his party, a real clown and his dad has a swimming pool…' Amelia marvels at the turn around and envies the resilience of kids. 'You really want to go to this party?' Her mother asks and Rosie nods, 'yeah, I can't wait.' Bucky is confused, he thought that was the bullying kid.

Amelia stares at her cereal sadly, watching as it drops off the spoon in an unappealing goo. 'How you doing?' Bucky asks and she sighs, 'fine, heavier by the day. I have another scan early next week, just to check everything's ok.' Bucky pauses, eyes flicking to Rosie, 'I didn't mean about that.' Amelia nods, wiping the table of dust, 'fine, everything's fine. I should be asking you. Did you have fun at the party?' Bucky stills and he wonders how she could know, unless she saw him, or Andi spilled.

'I told mommy that I cut your hair and we sneaked into Uncle Tony's tower.' Bucky should have guessed, the little girl leaning up and over the table, grinning at him proudly. 'Amelia, I'm…' She stares at him, 'it's fine, but you are a fool. Also, please don't kidnap my daughter again.' Bucky nods in shame, she's joking but there's an edge to it. 'Not my finest moment, but I've outdone myself since then.' Amelia winces and shifts, 'you want to feel something weird?' Bucky looks over in concern 'do I?' She nods and takes his hand, she places it low on her tummy and he feels a little embarrassed. He looks shocked as her belly ripples under her shirt. 'What is that?' Amelia smiles, 'baby, she's waking up.' Rosie runs around, 'me, me, me, let me feel.' She speaks to the bump, shouting 'hi, baby!' Bucky gently removes his hand and Amelia watches him, 'please sort this out, get your job back, get your girl back, finish planning this forsaken wedding and if you could bring Steve home, I'd be grateful, thanks.' Bucky shrugs, resuming his now cold toast, 'no pressure then. You make it sound way too easy.' Rosie has both hands and an ear pressed against her mother's bump. Amelia sighs, 'Bucky, we don't want to talk about what's hard right now, bear in mind all of this, is going to come out of there.' She waves at her tummy and then points lower. He straightens, looking away with a blush.

Andi strolls into R&D, undoing her jacket and re-tucking her shirt. Tony appears, dressed for business for once, not like a horny teenager in a band shirt. Andi greets him quietly and he sighs, 'good weekend?' She just moves her head around, 'hey, come on, cheer up, I'm here now.' She can't hide the small grin that graces her face. 'So, I spoke to HR and we are going to issue Barnes with a written warning for conduct. Shouting, cursing and the like. We are going to drop the sexual harassment allegations and he can come back from tomorrow. To live, eat, whatever else he does up there, brood? And the arm can be scheduled for whenever.' Andi watches him, stunned and amazed that this worked out in the end. Tony repeats 'and he can come back tomorrow! Blondie, can you hear me? You aren't talking, it's most off putting.' She shakes herself, 'yeah, I'll let him know.' Tony shakes his head, unsure of her demeanour, 'no need, letter arriving today. I thought you would be happier?' Andi nods, 'I am, just… Bucky, you know?' Tony agrees, patting her shoulder warmly.

'You ever been to Massachusetts?' She brightens, pushing her concerns to one side. 'No, tell me all about it.'

He grins, 'on the jet. Also, it's my exploits that are the fun bit. Trust me, this presentation is going to blow your mind today. It will certainly blow Captain Bumble out the water.' Andi looks up, laughing, 'yeah, what was that about the other night?' Tony shrugs, doing an impression of Steve's fumbling speech.

Amelia is at work, trying to sneak her second Danish pastry from the tray without being spotted. She looks about and spies a group of people watching a screen, she takes her opportunity and grabs, fine, her third pastry. Wandering over, she tugs at her maternity black dress, this is the sleekest she's felt in weeks. Enjoying the sound of her heels on the ground, and pushing her brown locks over one shoulder, she gives it an hour until the shoes are switched for the ones in her desk drawer. Steve's away and she made an effort. This is what's known as putting a brave face on and Amelia's painted this to perfection. Pushing through, she spots Natalie, 'hey, what's…'

'Oh, Mia, thank God, why didn't you say something?' Amelia is confused by Natalie's panicked tone, she looks damp eyed and Amelia questions, 'say what? Huh?' Natalie points at the TV and Amelia's mouth falls open, looking up she can see reports of explosions in Africa. 'Oh my God, that looks bad.' Amelia follows the headlines as they scroll across the bottom. Phone footage playing scenes of numerous Avengers and people she knows well, fighting in the streets. Explosions, a car crash, a marketplace destroyed. She covers her mouth as a building is blasted by a fire ball. She looks for Steve, no evidence he was there, but this has to be it, this has to be where he went. Natalie hugs her close, 'is Steve there?' Amelia shakes her head, unable to respond and process, unsure of the answer.

Richard watches her from across the group, arms folded, cool expression. People awkwardly look to her, waiting for her reaction. 'I umm, I don't know where he is.' Natalie takes the pastry from her hand, throwing it in the trash, 'you're ok, come on, let's get you a water. Take a seat.' Amelia's eyes trail back to the TV and Natalie pulls her away, 'this isn't doing you any good, he's fine. He's always fine.' Amelia is reluctant to go, waiting for confirmation he's ok, 'all those people,' she mutters.

'What were they even doing there? Seems to me they are just creating issues these days, still, keeps us busy, I guess' Rich offers from across the group. A silence falls over the team and Amelia stares at the ground, 'I need to… uh… I'm… I can't…'

Everyone looks at Richard and he just waves his hand, 'oh, come off it, we all know the Avengers are going to be fine, it's normal people like us who are paying with their lives, it's only a matter of time before it's in our back yard again.' Natalie looks at him indignantly, 'you need to check your facts and get back in your box, no one wants to hear your point of view right now.' He chuckles bitterly, 'I'm just saying, they are verging on lawless, lines between good guys and bad guys blurring.' Amelia tries to shut him out, thinking about Steve, how to get hold of him. 'I mean, a divide internally, street fighting globally, wherever the hell they fancy. Death tolls on the rise, office sex scandals…' Amelia looks up, brows pinching, wondering how he knows and failing to hide her shock. She can't process this. She looks at Natalie and the older woman blushes, 'I said nothing, maybe he overheard us?' Amelia turns back to the smug producer, Beth stepping forward, 'Rich, come on, you saw it...' She points to the screen, his eyes still trained on Amelia. She shakes Natalie off, 'I need to go, I'm going to go…' She rushes for her desk, grabbing up her bag and hurrying for the stair well, keeping her head down.

She can hear voices behind her, she hurries, wanting to be alone. She grabs the rail and jogs down a few steps before tripping on her shoe and flying down the last two steps. She reaches out her two palms, taking the brunt and trying to protect her bump. 'Ah, shit.' Amelia crumples and reaches desperately for her skirt, feeling for blood or damp. She rolls onto her side on the cold shiny floor, reaching down to her knee and feeling blood there, 'crap.'

It stings and she shifts, looking for her phone, the contents of her bag spilled all over the floor. Finding her device, she presses the home button and it lights up. An alert from FRIDAY filling her screen, confirming Captain Rogers' safe return to the compound. Amelia rolls onto her back and uncaringly drops her phone, breathing out. It feels like she has been holding her breath since he first left. 'Owwww,' she whines over her sore knee and covers her eyes, just lying there. She hears a door behind her, she can't even find the energy to move, she hopes the person doesn't see her, or has the decency to step over her.

'Oh crap, are you ok?' Amelia says nothing, closing her eyes. Tears drip down her temples and the voice becomes firmer, 'hey, come on, get up!' A hand appears in view, waving avidly and she accepts it, sitting slowly and with difficultly. She peers up at Beth and the woman nods firmly. She begins collecting Amelia's stuff and placing it in her bag, 'you ok? Need a band aid for that knee? I have a box in my desk.' Amelia watches her, amazed by the kindness she's showing her, they have always inherently disliked one another. 'I'm not a monster, Amelia, we don't get on, but I'm still a decent person. You are pregnant, after all.' Amelia crawls onto her front, climbing two steps and finding the ability to stand. Beth looks down at her bump, 'congrats by the way.' Amelia nods, struggling to calm her breathing 'umm, thank you.' Beth just shrugs, Amelia turns away climbing the steps back to the office, Beth's voice halting her 'I see what he's doing, you know. It's not… well, it's nothing to do with me. I don't know why I am telling you this… but we slept together. Obviously, everyone seems to know that bit. I thought it was a little more than that but he quickly put me right. He then proceeded to sleep with the new weather person and Diane from the front desk. But honestly, I think he's just hell bent on being top dog, he talks about you and work non-stop. He's obsessed.' Amelia knows who she's talking about, just nodding slowly, 'you can do better, Beth.' The anchor laughs a little, 'maybe, maybe not, but you and I aren't that good friends, definitely not at the point of discussing relationships. So, get back to work!' Amelia rolls her eyes, technically she's Beth's boss.

On the jet, Andi sits across from Tony, scanning his diary on her phone. 'What's going on with you?' She looks up, 'huh?'

'Well, you're working, so that's new and you look like someone ran over your puppy.' Andi grimaces at that thought, 'I'm just tired…' Tony raises a brow, 'thought you'd skywrite the good news to Barnes, reason you didn't?' She just sighs, 'you told me not to bother!' Andi sinks in her seat and looks out the window.

'What will happen to Victoria?' Tony shuffles, 'uh, written warning, I believe, I'm shelling them out this week, want one?' Andi laughs a little, looking down at her lap, 'that seems wrong, an eye for an eye. More like a poke in the heart and a prick to the pinky finger, it's bull. What did she even gain?' Tony shrugs, 'I don't know, but don't let it beat you.' Andi bristles, 'I'm not.' Tony just eyes her, 'sure, you're not. You're still getting married, right? Better be, I bought a gift!' She stares at him, 'fine, Pepper did. Can't exactly ask my PA, can I?' Andi giggles, 'guess not, plus she has very expensive taste.'

'Call him, when we get there. You will regret it.' Tony says no more, and she watches him, 'you're a good guy, you know?' Tony huffs, 'you say that now…'

Arriving at the university, Andi is blown away by the facilities.

'Mr Stark, it's so nice to see you again.' A man shakes his hand and Tony introduces Andi. She looks around, amazed by the campus. They follow the man to the theatre for the presentation and she gawps at the surroundings, 'you go to college, little Miller? I can't recall.' Andi nods, embarrassed, 'yeah, I didn't finish.' Tony suddenly remembers, 'photography! Yes, that's what got us in all this mess to begin with. You still do it?' She looks despondent, 'hardly and not professionally.' Tony strolls beside her, waving at people who pass them staring over in shock. 'Hey, don't give up on your dreams, it's never too late.' Andi's brows shoot up, 'well I'm not on any honours list, don't see me going back any time soon.' He looks over, joking 'you got knocked up and dropped out, to raise a kid?' She smiles, she should be offended 'yeah, something like that. Best thing I ever did.'

They arrive in the dark of the auditorium and Andi pokes her head around the corner, looking out from the wings. 'Holy shit, that's a lot of people.' The man showing them around looks at her in shock, Tony explains, 'interns, hey?'

'Sir, it's all set up as you asked, if we can just attach a microphone.' Tony nods and holds his arms out arrogantly. Andi smirks at him, 'you ever get tired of this kind of thing?' He beams, 'no, wait until you see it.' She grins and he asks 'you call him yet?' She looks hesitant, 'you should, otherwise you will force me to say told you so, after you see what I have up my sleeve.' He jokingly looks up his jacket arm and she backs away, 'fine, but I'm doing it for you.' Tony watches her leave and smiles to himself, 'can I get a little gel?' He asks the guy with the mic, 'no? ok.'

Andi finds a corridor backstage, a cold white brick walled hallway. She dials Bucky's number, but he doesn't pick up. Hanging up she thinks that's typical and maybe a sign. But then she decides to have another go, his voicemail cuts in, automated, not his voice and she sighs.

'Hey, it's me, I'm at MIT, some fancy presentation thing for Stark. I just wanted to say, I'm sorry I was so hard on you over the party and what happened. I… I love you and if you're in, I still want to marry you, of course I do. Tony says you can come back, from tomorrow. There should be a letter in the mail, I know you don't go in for that sort of thing, but just open the damn letter, yeah? Then come back to work, let's just go back to normal, please? I have to go, Tony's got something special planned, he claims. Umm, there's an envelope on my desk, you should take a look.'

She slides her phone away and returns to the stage, just in time to see Tony greeting the crowd. She claps with the students and smiles across at him. It feels more like an Aerosmith concert. Watching him control the audience, he's arrogant and pedantic, but admittingly good at what he does. She grins listening to him speak with confidence and humour, she looks out at the sea of faces, dazzled by his appearance.

'Let me show you something I made earlier…' he casts her a wink, and she grins, throwing him two thumbs up.

Gradually the white boxes surrounding him change. A projected image covering them, like painted scenery and suddenly he's stood inside a house that she doesn't recognise. Andi's amazed and she swallows, intimidated by the technology. Tony takes a step out of a virtual door and gradually the image continues to fill, like a digital painting. A blonde woman sits at a piano and Andi questions who it is and what's happening. When a white-haired man walks in who looks like an older Tony, she realises who the couple are. She questions if they are actors, paid look-a-likes. The man lifts a blanket and she watches as a baby faced Tony Stark pulls himself up. Andi gazes at him, cocksure and arrogant as he is now, but petulant as only a teenager can be. She watches the trying relationship between him and his father, his mother smoothing it over where possible and she reflects on her own parental relationships. Smiling when they mention the Bahamas, she's beyond amazed. It feels real, like she could step in and have tea with them.

'That's how I wish it went…' Andi's smile slips and she listens as he explains what happened next. He steps away and the images fade gradually. She shakes herself as he addresses the audience. Her thoughts stray to his parents and his childhood. She's woken by another round of applause, 'did he just give them money?' She asks someone backstage, he nods, 'ohhhh yeah!' She panics, she daydreamed through the important part. Too busy crushing on his dad.

'Wait, lots of money?' She checks her notes, he didn't mention that bit. She looks up and he's talking about eggs, and then he's coming towards her, applause filling the room.

Andi quickly claps with the others, 'well, that was…' She wants to poke fun, but she can't help it, 'that was incredible.' Tony bows a little, a colleague removing the clip-on microphone. 'Pretty good, hey? Even you're impressed.' She laughs in bewilderment, 'understatement, I'm speechless, your parents, they were right there, you were there, a young you. I felt like I could have reached out and touched you.' Tony laughs, 'don't, he'd enjoy that way too much.' Andi starts again about how amazed she is, the mic guy looks at her and Tony jokes, 'she only been here two weeks.'

Tony bids everyone goodbye and they wander backstage, 'see? Now you know why you needed to make that call. There isn't always a Monday to look forward to.' Andi sobers, 'thank you.' He waves her off and starts walking, 'you hungry? I spied a… on our way in.' He looks about and she ignores him, rambling on about the presentation. 'Oh hey? Can I have some money?' Tony stops and looks at her, 'for what?' She shrugs, 'I dunno. To build a time machine? I'm inspired.' Tony smirks, 'I already pay you the big money.' She laughs bitterly, 'I'm living with my sister, you do not, trust me.'

'Any way you never told me your dad was such a fox, I've seen him as a young man, but woah, look out. Honestly, total smoke show.' Tony looks her up and down, 'you would have probably been his type.' Andi turns sad, 'how can you say that? Your mom as well, she's beautiful, I'm flabbergasted.' Tony stops and looks at her, 'you can try the tech out sometime.' She brushes him off, 'no, by how attractive your parents are and nice!' He rolls his eyes and nods to a vending machine, 'even if you're not hungry, I am.'

He looks down the hall and notices a woman. Andi grins, 'I'm going to use the restroom, get me a bar of something. With chocolate.' Tony frowns back at her in confusion, 'you're my PA!' She runs ahead to the toilet and he looks back at the lone woman, wondering what she's doing there.

When Andi returns, she's smiling, thinking about the presentation still. She walks out the door and asks, 'hey, can you play piano?' She looks over to see Tony, dazed and staring at his reflection in the machine. 'You ok? What happened?' Tony shakes his head, 'umm nothing, just… Just a woman whose son we killed.' Andi swallows, looking around, but there's no one there.

She feels a buzzing against her leg. Rummaging in her pocket, she pulls out her phone, 'hang on, it's FRIDAY… shit. Something's happened.' Tony snaps back to reality, 'now what?'

AN: Obviously Pepper and Tony are together and happy in this version, not like the film, hence no auto-prompt awkwardness during his presentation.

Thanks so much for reading. Stay safe, see you next week! x