Hope ya'll enjoy! :D
After the Battle of New York City, there was some backlash towards the "Avengers". Some people saw us as saviors and heroes, while others saw us as a danger to society as well as the world. Also, SHIELD became much more known because of this entire thing. We were all on thin ice with the government at the moment due to the fact that we handed Loki over to Thor to receive trial on Asgard. However, I didn't want Loki on Earth anymore longer than he had to be and thought he was still very well a huge danger to us. All of us were questioned relentlessly, however, me and Clint received more harsh questioning because we were so close to Loki the entire time. Clint didn't remember anything regarding his time with Loki, but remembered how it felt being under mind control. When it came to me, I was being accused of being in league with Loki this entire time. I was nearly in tears from that ordeal.
It took months of clearing that shit storm up for government officials to back off as I gave them my official statement, not including the parts where Loki...sexually abused me. It was hard to believe that almost months had passed by in that time, and I wasn't sure where I was at life right now, but I tried keeping myself busy. Me and my father worked hard in making sure that New York was being restored and that we gave our money to those that needed our help. It wouldn't fix everything, but our efforts could help everyone understand hopefully. As for the team, my dad had allowed everyone to recuperate and relax at Stark Towers on our leave of absence from SHIELD and the government. Surprisingly enough, everyone actually took my dad's offer.
So here I was, looking into getting an apartment somewhere in California near my family's Malibu mansion. As much as I used to love New York, all I kept getting were painful reminders. All I kept feeling was despair from the lives that were lost, anger from the time I spent with Loki, etc. Then, I kept thinking about whether or not I still wanted to be apart of SHIELD or turn in my resignation. I shut my laptop in frustration, before going to lay down on my bed and getting some rest
I hold my hands over Phil's gaping wound in his chest and watch as they're slowly coated in blood. Phil's gasps for air, and cries of pain as I try to stop the bleeding. I'm shaking uncontrollably as I press down on Phil's wound, on edge as I frantically searched around for Loki every few seconds.
"You...you did this to me..." Phil groans.
My eyes are blurred with tears as I shake my head at Phil.
"N- -no, Phil! I swear, I- -I tried t- -to help!" I argued.
Suddenly, Phil's strength increases as he grips my arm and pulls himself up until our faces our an inch apart. Phil's face morphing into something dark and terrifying as he screams.
"YOU LET ME DIE!" He roars.
I screamed as I woke up from my nightmare, inspecting my hands and body for any signs of blood. I shake as I hug myself and cry silently.
Shit...that nightmare felt more intense than usual.
Bruce burst through my door, his expression full of worry.
"You alright? I heard screaming." Bruce asked.
"...just had a nightmare...sorry if I scared you...you can go back to whatever you were doing."
I got out of bed and began heading out my room with Bruce following me. There's a living area of sorts that I head over to, especially when I see a minibar in my sights. Immediately, I'm grabbing a small glass and pour some vodka before offering Bruce some, who shakes his head as he politely declines. I'm still shaking as I have nearly two glasses of vodka, and then move on to scotch. The silence becomes almost unbearable until Bruce finally spoke up.
"Tyra...do you want to talk about it?"
"...it's not gonna help...talking never really helped me much..." I merely reply.
I take another long swig from my glass before setting it down on the counter again as I attempt to calm my nerves.
"You'd be surprised." Bruce meekly smiled.
When I move on to my third glass of scotch, Bruce sighs and takes away the bottle before putting it away.
"That's not a good habit, Tyra...just talk to me...I know I'm not that kind of doctor, but you've got me worried now."
Bruce grabbed my arm and led me over to the couch and away from the mini bar.
"...I keep having nightmares..." I slur.
"About?" He gently urged me to continue.
"I keep seeing Phil die." I barely utter.
"Agent Coulson?" Bruce asked.
I nodded in reply before finishing off the glass of scotch.
"H- -he just...I saw him die in front of me and I was...was completely helpless to stop it, t- -to stop Loki." I slurred. "He was a huge part of my life, you have no idea...he...he believed me when no one else did a- -an'...an' he convinced me to join SHIELD, he was jus'...always there, y' know?"
"I understand, Phil was a big part of your life...and now he's left us. It's hard to accept the fact that he's gone..." Bruce acknowledged.
"I...I fuckin' f- -failed him...he always...believed in me...a- -an' I let him die. He's always tellin' me that in my nightmares..." I cried.
Bruce puts his hand on top of mine in a comforting manner.
"You know that wasn't your fault. That was all Loki..." Bruce assured me.
Yeah right, I mean sure, Loki killed him, but I could have prevented it. I just let it happen...
I snatched my hand away from Bruce and glared at him.
"That's such bullshit! I let myself become a victim and let Loki get away with so much shit!" I cried angrily. "I showed fear and it cost Phil's f- -fucking life!"
I could have saved him...it's all my fault...
I'm filled with anger and sadness as I grab the shot glass and chuck it at a wall nearby. The glass shatters and is scattered all across the floor. I breathe rapidly and hug myself tightly as I begin ranting.
"I- -I could have been faster! I was just so fucking drained after fightin' Loki! And then...I didn' wanna make the same mistake twice! My dad almost died because of me too! A- -and he was the one who was supposed to put tha' nuke into the portal! B- -but I had to change that! I couldn't let it happen- -"
Bruce stares at me with wide eyes as he carefully makes his way over to me before pulling me in for a hug.
"You have to stop putting the blame on yourself...Phil wouldn't want tha- -"
Again, I cry out after pushing Bruce away again.
"How would you know what Phil wants?! He's dead." I spat out. "He's dead...he's dead and it's all my fault..." I repeated.
I felt tears strolling down my face. When I start pulling at my hair, Bruce is trying to whisper words of comfort, but they do nothing for me at this point. I just felt broken, to the point of no return. I wanted to die. I wanted to bring back Phil. I wanted so many things that just weren't possible.
"Tyra, don't do that. Just breathe deeply and calm down."
"I- -I can't...I can't d- -do this anymore- -" I breathed rapidly.
I'm completely unaware that Clint's walking into the room, wondering what the hell is going on as he glances between Bruce and I.
"What's going on?" Clint questions.
"I think she's having some kind of mental breakdown." Bruce seemed nervous.
"I can't handle this...it's all my fault..." I repeated.
Suddenly, I feel like I'm back in time as I see Loki standing next to Clint with the scepter. Clint's eyes turning blue as he gazes at me with a grim expression. My eyes widen like a deer caught in headlights, my breathing becoming more rapid as I stare at Clint and Loki in pure terror.
"Tyra!" Clint shouted.
I flinch at Clint's tone, tears strolling down my face as he walks over to me.
"Why's Loki here?! I thought he was gone!" I scream fearfully. "WHY?! I FUCKING HATE YOU!"
Clint's eyes widened dramatically when he realizes what's happening to me, and he gently grabs at my hands, putting them down at my sides before he hold my face in his hands.
"No, no...I'm right here...Loki's back in Asgard with Thor remember?" Clint assures me. "It's alright, kiddo. I'm right here."
"...I'm gonna go get Tony." Bruce ran out the door.
"Just look at me Tyra...you're okay..."
I sob uncontrollably as I'm completely overwhelmed, unsure of what to believe. I shove Clint as hard from me as I can before glaring over at Loki who just smirks at me.
"What the hell do you want with me?! You've already done enough! Stop using everyone I care about!" I shout angrily.
'Oh darling, did you honestly think I'd ever be done with you?' Loki laughs.
Loki nods over at someone behind me, and I feel a touch on my shoulder again. Immediately, I remember a move Natasha taught me and grab the hand on my shoulder tightly before using all of my strength to throw said person over my shoulder. That's when I run, desperate to get away from Loki as much as possible.
"Where is she?" Bruce asked.
Clint moaned and picked himself off the floor, holding his side as he looks around the room.
"Shit...that fucking hurt..." Clint winced.
"Where is she?!" Tony questions worriedly.
"She hit me and took off...she's still in the room most likely..."
"Tyra? Where are you?" Dad called out for me.
I held in my breath like Natasha had taught me and sunk down to the floor as I crawl over to the liquor cabinet, trying to be as quiet as I possibly could.
Oh god...Loki had dad too...maybe if I'm quiet enough, they'll go away and I won't have to hurt them...
"Tyra...we're not going to hurt you! Loki's back in Asgard! He's in prison!" Clint yelled.
I grabbed a bottle of wine from the rack slowly and quietly as I get ready to attack.
"How did this even happen?! What are you guys doing out of bed?" Tony glared at Bruce and Clint.
"She had a nightmare about Phil's death. Apparently it's been going on since Loki was taken away." Bruce answered. "Tony...she was screaming...I thought I could at least try to get her to talk about it, make her feel better."
"And look how well that turned out..." Clint mumbled sarcastically.
Bruce glares at Clint and dislikes his tone of voice.
"Don't make me Hulk out on you..." Bruce said.
With that being said, Clint shut up.
"Jeez...this isn't good...Pepper's supposed to get here in the morning and she's gonna go all momma bear when she hears about this." Tony ran a hand through his hair. "Tyra! You're starting to scare me! Get out here, please!"
I hear footsteps around the room, and I grow scared that Loki will find me.
'Come on out, darling. I promise I won't kill you...this time.' Loki calls out.
When someone steps very close to the minibar, I grow desperate and then jump up, throwing the wine bottle at whoever is there.
"Shit! Bruce! Incoming!" Dad yells.
Bruce quickly moves and jumps to the side and avoids getting hit by the bottle. Then while everyone is distracted, I grab another wine bottle, and smash it on the countertop to create a makeshift weapon/dagger. Clint looked surprised, impressed, and extremely worried, possibly a combination of all of the above.
"I think me and Tasha created a monster." Clint mumbled.
"Just hold her down! She's gonna hurt someone!" Tony told them.
The three ran at me from around every side of the mini bar. I panic and jump onto the countertop to evade them before jumping back onto the floor. That's when I looked around frantically for the exit and I sighed in relief as I found it. I then found Natasha coming in also looking exhausted as well as angry.
No...not Natasha too!
Loki stands there next to Natasha and points at me.
'After her, Romanoff. Subdue her.' Loki orders.
No no no no no!
"Tasha! Stop her!" Clint screams.
Natasha perked up at Clint's order and glanced at me as she tries to quickly assess the situation. After getting a basic idea of what was happening, Natasha runs for me and I begin charging right at her to just bump her out of the way. When I succeed and roughly shove Natasha to the floor, she skids along the surface and hits a wall. By the time I get to the door, I run right into Steve.
"STEVE! Grab her!" Bruce breathes out.
Steve's eyes widened as I tried running out of the room and he pulls me in for a bone crushing bear hug after disarming me with my makeshift weapon. It was almost impossible to break free, and by now, I was in full panic mode.
"Let me go!" I nearly sob.
Clint, Bruce, and Tony all came over looking out of breath. Natasha got up from the floor and looked at the three men with a skeptical look.
"Okay, before I get angry, what happened here exactly?" Natasha folded her arms.
"I think Tyra has Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder." Bruce breathed out.
"She's seeing Loki." Clint pants.
"Jesus Christ..." Tony breathed out. "That girl is gonna give me gray hair before I turn fifty at this rate...fuck...this is bad."
"What do we do...about this...problem?" Bruce tried choosing his words carefully.
I continued to thrash around in Steve's arms, afraid of what they were going to do to me.
"Based off of what happened and how she panicked...I'm pretty sure that she thinks that we're being controlled by Loki." Clint guessed.
"What? But Loki's in- -" Natasha starts.
"Asgard, we know." Dad cuts her off.
Loki stands nearly inches away from my dad and I begin shaking when Loki whispers in his ear while maintaining eye contact with me.
"How do we snap her out of this? She's shaking like a leaf...she's scared, guys." Steve said.
Steve continued to rub circles on my back, trying to calm me down as I struggle in his grasp.
"Just...just let me think for a minute..." Dad mutters worriedly.
Dad snaps his fingers before running off and returning not even two minutes later with a metallic case. He grabs a vial and a syringe.
"I've been developing a type of tranquilizer for subduing the baddies. It's non-lethal and lasts for thirty minutes." Dad informs everyone.
Bruce nods in agreement and inspects the notes for the components of the tranquilizer.
"Yeah...yeah it looks completely safe, like administering benadryl almost. Okay...so how long have you been working on this?" Bruce asks.
"About three weeks, but I've found the perfect solution. I haven't uh...exactly tested it out yet though."
"You're seriously going to drug her?!" Natasha glares at them.
"It's harmless and we need her to calm down before she gets worse!" Bruce argues. "She just needs a light sedative and it's not like we have access to anything else at the moment!"
Clint begrudgingly gives an agreeable nod.
"I say do it." Clint mutters. "She's dangerous right now, 'Tash."
"It only lasts a half an hour, and by then, she'll probably stay asleep." Tony assures everyone. "We can...we can figure this out in the morning. I'll take her with me to my bed tonight and keep an eye on her."
Finally, and reluctantly, Steve nods in agreement. Dad approaches me slowly with the syringe in hand and I fight against Steve with all of my strength. I cry out when the needle pierces my skin, and stop fighting when I suddenly feel completely drained of energy. Steve's hold loosens on me when he takes the syringe from my father, who's moving to pick me up bridal style.
"It's alright, baby..." Dad murmurs into my hair. "I've got you."
I can feel myself fall asleep to the soft hum of the arc reactor.
"Holy shit...that was...intense." Clint sighs. "Haven't seen anything like that for a long time."
"She definitely displays signs of PTSD." Natasha mutters sadly.
"She's too young for anything like this..." Bruce said.
"I'll get her to my bed..." Dad sighs. "I'll keep you guys updated...thanks for uh...helping."
"No problem." Steve mumbles.
Slowly and reluctantly, everyone goes their separate ways.
"She hasn't been the same since New York, since...since Loki kidnapped her. I figured as much obviously because...well...Loki was one seriously messed up individual and I can't even begin to imagine what he could have done- -"
"Have you actually asked her what's he's done to her?" Pepper cuts him off.
"Her behavior on the Helicarrier showed enough...I wanted to talk to her about it later when all of this was over." Tony replied.
"Well what's stopping you, Tony? She clearly needs you right now."
"I've been...afraid and having nightmares myself. I saw something I shouldn't have...and...I just.." He mutters.
"What did you see exactly?" Pepper listens intently.
"I installed cameras in the armor, to record just about anything for analysis purposes and after accessing Tyra's armor feed... I uh...I saw the portal...when Tyra went in. I found the footage. It was massive and the army was almost infinite, and I could hear her gasping for air after the armor shut down in space and...it's- -"
"Tony!"
Tony snaps out of it when Pepper places a hand on his arm and rubs it soothingly.
"I can't stop thinking about it. About her being so alone and scared when she needed me the most- -and I...I wasn't there. She almost died, for me, for us- -" Tony barely utters.
"Hey..."
Pepper places a loving kiss on Tony's cheek and lays her head on his shoulder.
"It's gonna be okay, Tony. We just...we need to figure out where Tyra is at right now. And I just need you to know...that none of this is your fault and it never was, or will be, strictly your fault." Pepper reassured the genius. "Also...we need to figure out where you're at, because you're clearly not doing so fine yourself."
"I'll just keep myself busy, then I won't have time to think about it." Tony smiles faintly.
Pepper sighs and leans into her boyfriend.
"Tony, that won't solve anything. I need you to know that." Pepper mumbles.
I smirked and finished my final touches to the upgrades of the suit given to me by my father. It took me a long while to calculate and compute, but with the programming I did, followed with adding our new element into the coating of the armor, I'd be able to deflect anything from the armor. I merely have the arm piece attached to me as I test out the quality of my little project.
"Miss Stark, I would advise you not to do this..." JARVIS told me.
"JARVIS. Sometimes you gotta walk before you can run." I joke.
"Did you just quote your father, miss?"
I did? Huh...
"Just do it!"
When JARVIS is properly hooked up, he fires a repulsor beam at me. Immediately, I throw my hand out in front of me defensively, but the beam never impacts on me. It was almost like hearing a ricochet of a gun, when I realized, it bounced off of the armor, and impacted the wall.
I'll have to work on it so it's not as dangerous.
"Yeah, I'll just make adjustments to it. But it's good to know that it works..." I mumbled to myself.
"Miss Stark, your father and Dr. Banner would like a word with you. It seemed urgent..." JARVIS then informed me.
"Uhhh...okay then?"
"They're in the lounging room area of the living quarters."
I'm not sure what to think when I start cleaning up around the workshop and lab before going to see Dr. Banner and my father. I tried thinking of the possibilities the conversation could lead to, or what it would be regarding to, but I was mostly at a loss. Then, I couldn't help but grow anxious from not knowing. I see my dad huddled up with Bruce at the mini bar talking casually as he shows him something on his cellphone. When dad spots me, he starts fidgeting, even acting nervously around me as we all move to sit down together. That alone, had me concerned.
"Hey, how're you feeling?" Dad asks carefully.
I give my dad a look of confusion, but answer him regardless.
"I'm...fine. Why?"
My dad lets out a sigh as he exchanges a look with Bruce. Bruce gently nudges my dad, and the conversation continues.
"So...how much of last night do you remember?"
I relax a little, thinking that perhaps me and my father got into a little mishap over some alcohol.
"...did we get drunk or something?" I let a small chuckle. "Not gonna lie, my memory gets a little fuzzy whenever you get out the scotch."
Dad lets out an extremely nervous laugh, causing me to frown when I realize it's about something else.
"Not exactly no." Dad mutters. "Listen uh...I honestly don't know how to say this- -"
When I look between my father and Bruce, that's when my eyes widened.
"You're cheating on Pepper with Bruce?! What the fuck, dad?! I was kidding when I made that comment about Bruce! I didn't expect you to- -"
Dad's eyes widened comically and he tries shushing me.
"NO! I was just- -"
"You had a mental breakdown last night!" Bruce blurts out.
The three of us fall into awkward silence. I stare at Bruce in surprise and worry.
"You had a nightmare, about Agent Coulson's death and I tried helping you and- -and when I got you to talk about it, it triggered something and you were having hallucinations,a- -and thought that Loki was controlling all of us. You nearly hurt everyone on the team trying to get away." He explained.
Uuuhhhhhh...that's...that's a lot to take in.
My eyes fall to my lap as I desperately try to remember anything regarding last night, but nothing came to mind. I begin fidgeting and playing with my hair to distract myself from the anxiety I now feel, my hands shaking uncontrollably.
"I don't...I- -I don't remember any of that." I stuttered.
I see dad getting up from his spot before joining me on the sofa I'm sitting on and wrapping his arm around my shoulder to comfort me as he pulls me closer towards him. I immediately tense up against him, unable to think or formulate any clear and rational thoughts.
I just feel so...unnerved...how do I not remember something like that?
"Listen baby, you were...you've been showing signs of PTSD since I came home from Afghanistan and it got worse after Loki...I should've done something about it sooner. I want to...I want you to start seeing a therapist, to help you work everything out."
At the mere mention of the word therapist, I blink away tears and shake my head frantically.
"Hey hey! It's not gonna be like Obadiah!" Dad assured me. "I promise you that I'm not sending you away or calling you crazy. You just need someone qualified to help you work through this."
"I- -I can't! N- -no! Not again!" My voice trembles.
Dad's rubbing my back as he holds me in his arms.
"I don't like seeing you suffer, honey. I need you to see someone."
Later that day, after being alone with nothing but my thoughts, nothing could distract me from the thoughts of being a danger to those closest to me. In a panic, I get in my armored Iron Man suit and go to the one place that felt like home: the old mansion in Malibu. Despite not having been here for so long because of the work Pepper, my father, and myself had done for Stark Industries, I felt at ease and much more calm. JARVIS already greets me as soon as I make my way into the garage and into the old workshop and my small art studio. I make my way over, touching an unfinished painting of Loki, from one of my visions that I'd had prior to my kidnapping. I blink away tears as I grab a painting knife on the table nearby and start stabbing it through the canvas in pure anger. After it's ripped to shreds, I feel so much better and toss it into a giant garbage bin nearby and make my way upstairs to calm down, being as that was my main purpose in coming here. I experience pure nostalgia as I walk into the living room, and can't help but feel much better.
"Welcome back, Miss Stark. I have already prepared a bath for you in your old bedroom. Shall I order you chinese food as well?" JARVIS asked.
I smiled faintly as I start making my way upstairs, taking my sweet time as I take in my surroundings.
"That would be great JARVIS...thanks..."
When I get to my old bedroom, nothing has been touched since I'd left including the old laptop that was hidden under my pillow. I begin to go through the files I'd hidden from everyone, like secret projects I'd been working on on my own but never finished.
A prototype body for JARVIS...why did I never finish this? It actually looks really good, just needs a few adjustments.
I shut my laptop and plug it into its charger before going to the bathroom, but freeze as my hand hovers just above the door handle. Immediately flashes of Obadiah creep their way into my mind, and I feel uneasy almost immediately.
"The doors are locked... right, JARVIS?" I spoke nervously.
"Yes, Miss Stark." JARVIS replied with assurance.
Again, I relax, going into the bathroom before I strip off my clothes and get into the bathtub. I sigh in pleasure from the warm bathwater, and feel myself sinking down until I submerge myself under water for a few seconds. When I come back up I hear the annoying vibration of my cell phone nearby, and do my best to ignore it as I close my eyes.
"Miss Stark, you have an incoming call from Miss Potts. Shall I answer?" JARVIS asked me.
I massaged my temple as I sunk into the bathtub a little more.
"Might as well get this over with...go for it JARVIS." I grumbled.
"TYRA ELIZABETH STARK! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW WORRIED WE ALL WERE ABOUT YOU?!" Pepper shouted.
I winced at Pepper's motherly tone.
"I left you guys a note..." I merely replied.
"Which none of us were able to find until the next following day. You were already long gone by then." Natasha spoke up. "You planned it out very well."
"Yeah! Thanks for giving us all a heart attack!" Clint added.
"I'm on speaker aren't I?" I sighed.
"Correct-a-mundo, my friend." Bruce answered.
"Why the hell would you up and leave that?! We're already worried about you enough as it is!" Dad yelled. "Bruce and I suggest that you go see a therapist and you go do something this rash and careless without thinking!"
"Well at least I know who I get that from." I retorted.
I heard Clint go, "OOH!" in the background and I stifle my laughter. Seconds pass as silence fills the bathroom, and I'm wondering if the call was disconnected.
"...well played sweetums...well played. You really are a Stark." I could imagine my dad smirking.
I finally burst out laughing.
"Are you seriously encouraging her right now?!" Pepper yelled.
I heard a loud smack in the background and laughed even harder than before.
"Oh god...laughter really is the best medicine..." I wiped a tear from my eye.
"Tyra, this is serious. Why did you leave?" Steve asked.
For a brief minute, I'm silent as I contemplate my answer. Finally, I gather the courage and speak up.
"I needed to get away from New York for obvious reasons." I answered.
"I can tell that's a partial answer, but alright. I can understand that." Bruce mutters.
"So what was your other reason for just abruptly taking off the way you did?" Steve questions me.
I find myself getting a little peeved at Steve's tone, but then I understand how worried I must have made them.
"Because I don't need everyone treating me like a fragile china doll because of your theory that I have PTSD! I already feel like shit about me supposedly attacking you guys and not remembering a thing of it! So excuse me, for wanting to take a step back and try to focus on other shit so I don't drive myself insane with worry and anxiety about accidentally hurting any of you!" I snapped. "I get questioned by enough people about my 'loyalties' to Loki, and I'm treated like a fucking villain by the public!"
"Hey, you're not a villain!" Pepper cries out. "You were a victim of- -"
"No one seems to think that way! I fucking hate Loki and I hope he dies for everything he's done to me and everyone I care about! For almost destroying and taking my home! Is that enough therapy for you guys?! I've opened up enough don't you think?!" I shout angrily.
"Tyra wait a minute- -!" Dad starts.
"No! Just...no! I need a minute to myself that isn't dedicated to SHIELD or to New York! I'll think about coming back tomorrow if I'm in the mood! But for now, I'm taking a few hours to relax, which will probably end up in failure anyway because that's what I seem to be good at! Failing! JARVIS! End the call!" I finished.
I ignore the tears strolling down my face as JARVIS does what I ask. I start angrily cleaning myself and washing my hair before getting out of the bathtub and storming over to my closet to grab some Iron Man PJ's gifted to me by my father. Then, I stop, and pause. I stand in my bedroom, nude and shivering from the cool air as anger just rolls off of me in waves.
"You know what? I'm going out. Fuck this." I nearly growled.
"Miss Stark, I don't mean to sound paternal, but I don't advise you going out while you're so troubled. Perhaps a night watching one of your favorite movies and having a cup of tea would help ease your stress." JARVIS spoke up.
"I love you, J. But I think I need this."
"But you absolutely despise going out, Miss Stark." JARVIS reminds me.
"Well you know what? I always get told by Pepper that I need to step out of my comfort zone. So I'm gonna do just that." I replied.
I go back and rummage through my closet to find a very beautiful mid-length navy blue dress with matching stilettos. It was something Pepper had gotten for me, but I'd been too self conscious about my body to think about wearing it.
Until now that is.
I put it on before going to do my hair and makeup which takes me roughly thirty minutes. By the time I inspect myself in the mirror, I feel much more confident in my body. I go to the garage, inspecting all of my father's cars before choosing my dad's 1969 Chevrolet Camaro. I adjust the mirrors and smirk at my reflection before taking off.
I'm not sure where I'm going, until I spot a specific club my dad went to once. I don't know why it appeals to me, but that's where I decide to go, stepping out of my car at the entrance before shoving a $100 bill at an employee of the establishment before handing him my car keys. His eyes widened when he recognizes me, and hurries to go park my car for me as he graciously accepts the tip I give him. I try my best to ignore the eyes on me as I walk to the entrance as people wait in a long line to get in. The bouncer looks up from his list and also looks at me in shock. I glance over at the people waiting in the line, and I walk over to some of them.
"How long have you guys been waiting to get in?" I ask them.
At first, no one says anything because of their surprise, until one girl slowly raises her hand as if she's in school. I smile at her and remain patient.
"About two hours." She answers.
It's my turn to be surprised as the woman tells me this, and immediately, I grow angered.
"How long has everyone been waiting in this line?" I address the crowd of party goers. "Don't be shy!"
Immediately, I get answers from as long as an hour and a half to almost three hours. For the seven people that were waiting the longest, I hand pick them from the line and ask their ages as to not get into trouble. When I know they're all legal to drink, I go up to the bouncer and give him $300. Again, he stares at me with wide eyes and struggles to form a sentence as I go in with the random group of people I selected. I tell the party goers to go do their own thing since I got them inside, but some of them insist on hanging out with me as the others walk off. I can't help but smile as we go to straight to the bar and order drinks, and from there, we all introduce ourselves.
"Well, I'm sure you guys all recognize me. Tyra Stark." I point to myself.
"I- -I'm Sherry Nelson. Thanks for getting me and my sister in." The blonde smiles.
Sherry's sister is a petite dirty blonde girl, not as dolled up as her sister, but still beautiful in her own way. She gives me a polite smile and also a wink.
"I'm Caitlyn." Sherry's sister tells me.
Then, a guy and his friend smile eagerly at me.
"Oh my god, this is fucking insane. I'm a huge fan of yours, Tyra."
I merely raise my hand and he pauses before he can rant.
"Thank you very much." I sincerely tell him. "Just tell me your name, dude."
"Charles...people call me Charlie though. This is my boyfriend Eric."
"Thanks for gettin' us in, luv."
Charles and his boyfriend Eric are both fairly tall people, also well built. Charles is an African American with long dreads and Eric is Irish from what it seems due to his red curly hair on top and also his accent.
An interesting couple, but they're really cute together.
Finally, there's another woman, a complete bombshell brunette that looks like she's from a fucking Victoria Secret magazine.
Jesus Christ, she's almost on Natasha's level of beauty...
She saunters up to me, casually draping an arm around my shoulder as she kisses my cheek.
"Thanks, Stark. Those dickheads wouldn't let me in. Never thought I'd get saved by my own little superhero." She purrs in my ear.
I can't help but shiver against her, before I raise my hand and order us some drinks.
"So what's your name?" I ask her.
"Whatever you want it to be." She smirks.
When she senses my confusion and uncertainty, she gives me a playful roll of her eyes.
"It's Victoria. I go by Vicki."
As we get our drinks, I dip my finger in mine and taste it, making sure it's not drugged. Natasha had taught me what to look for, and had also gifted me some nail polish that changes color to indicate if a drink was drugged. When I see that it's good, I take a swig of my drink and relax against Victoria who still remains practically glued to my side.
"So no offense, mate. But what the hell are ye doin' here?" Eric asks.
I can't help but laugh at Eric's bluntness, as Charles gently nudges him and gives him a small glare.
"Needed to get away from everything." I answered. "I've never been to a club, thought I'd try it out."
"Really?" Sherry asks in surprise.
"Dude, just because I'm a Stark, doesn't mean I'm a playboy like my old man." I chuckle.
"Yeah, you're far too timid and shy from what I've seen." Caitlyn adds.
"Very observant, I like you." I tease.
Caitlyn blushes and takes a sip of her drink.
"Well how are you liking this club so far? Is it nice for your first time?" Victoria winks. "I mean, it's fucking hard to get in this place, but you seem to be doing alright on your own."
"Not like it has anythin' to do with bein' a fuckin' Stark." Eric jokes.
"Well let's see where this night takes us! I've never hung out with a celebrity before!" Sherry grins excitedly at me.
"Hey, as long as we're all having a good time, I'm down for it!" I said.
From then on, the night consisted of plenty of drinks, dancing, and showing off for and entire room of strangers I didn't even know. I could honestly see what had my father so enraptured by this type of scene, but I didn't know if I'd be comfortable enough to be doing it all the time like he previously had when he was younger. However, it was a great distraction right now, and something I felt that I needed after the shit I'd gone through.
The next morning, I woke up with much difficulty as my head pounded like a drum. When my eyes open, I find myself anxious when I'm in an unfamiliar environment. I observe the bedroom I'm currently in, and notice that it's full of luscious pink and white decor. I rub at my eyes tiredly and reluctantly get out of the bed before making my way out to smell some food cooking. I drop by the bathroom first, only to notice that I'm not wearing my dress from the night before, but that I'm only in an oversized T-shirt. Surprisingly, my makeup is still intact, but my hair is all over the place. I find a hairbrush on the counter and use it quickly before making my way out to the kitchen. I find Victoria with a pink silk robe on, bobbing her head to the radio playing. I can feel my face heat up as I'm distracted by the sway of her hips, the small robe barely covering her behind. I cough awkwardly and Victoria pauses in her dancing before glancing back at me, a playful smile dancing on her lips. Even without makeup on, she's still radiates absolute beauty.
"Hello sleeping beauty. Have a nice rest? After last night, I was positively wrecked. Slept like a baby."
Oh dear lord in heaven- -
"Um...what happened last night? If you don't mind me asking..." I smiled nervously.
"I mean, we ended up taking the party here after 2 AM and uh...had a little fun of our own, if you know what I mean." Victoria smirked.
Whoa whoa! What?!
"Y- -you mean...that we- -?" I stuttered.
Victoria seemed unabashed as she talked about last nights events.
"Oh relax...it was all consensual. I barely had to do any begging, Tyra. And you seemed to enjoy the hell out of it too, if it makes you feel any better."
"What did we do exactly?" I nearly squeaked.
"Well..." Victoria purrs. "It all started with some kissing, before you ate me out like a starving man with a little guidance from me. I didn't know you had it in you, but you surely surprised me."
She turns up the music on the radio as she sauntered over to me, her hands sliding up from my stomach, to my chest, and slithering around my neck all too sensually before pressing her body to mine. I'm at a complete loss of words when her lips graze mine, and I gasp as my hands gently grip her waist. Victoria smirks before gently pressing her lips to mine, slipping her tongue into my mouth with barely any resistance on my end. For once, I find that I'm...enjoying myself. It didn't feel forced and I didn't hate the contact with Victoria at all, which surprised the hell out of me. For some reason, it just felt natural, unlike the moments with Loki where he forced himself onto me. I'm practically moaning into her mouth before she pulls back, pressing light kisses to my neck, and gently nibbling along my neck and shoulder. Then, as quickly as it happens, it ends when she pulls back.
"As much as I would love for this to continue, I'm afraid I have work today. I made us some breakfast though."
Victoria grabs my hand before bringing me to sit down and fixes two plates of scrambled eggs with cheese with bacon on the side.
As I get back home to the old mansion, I find myself checking my phone to find pictures of last night in the gallery. Not surprisingly, I saw pictures and videos of myself on social media outlets as well regarding last night. Christine Everheart already has an article with a photo of Victoria pressed up against me in the club titled: Like Father, Like Daughter. Then, I find various text messages from Pepper and my father, along with Natasha and Clint. I skim through them, noticing that they're mostly all about our little conversation last night, along with seeing the news outlets this morning. I roll my eyes as I delete all the text messages and start going through my photo gallery. I smile at the selfies I'd taken with Eric and Charles, along with Caitlyn and her sister Sherry. But my face heats up when I see the ones of Victoria and I together.
The first time I bed a woman, and I can barely remember any of it.
"Miss Stark, I am getting a call from an unknown number. Shall I answer?" JARVIS asks.
An unknown number huh? Probably Director Fury.
"Go for it, J." I muttered.
"Agent Stark." Fury's voice sounds through the room.
"What's up, Nick? Any alien armies coming to Earth I need to know about?" I sarcastically question.
"Well, actually, there have been some unnatural disturbances in Norway. After seeing photos of you in a club last night, not really your usual scene by the way, I figure you have some free time to go and investigate." Fury retorts.
"I thought I was taking a leave of absence." I chuckle. "Delivering a nuke through a portal not good enough for you?"
"Stark. You're beginning to sound like your father and I don't like it. Rogers told me what happened." Nick lowers his voice.
"Regarding what?" I ask skeptically.
"The vision you had...you intercepted the nuke to save your old man. I can't even imagine what you saw or what you went through on the other side of that portal. Frankly, I'm skeptical about sending you on this little recon mission. But given all the insight Loki has given us about your possible lineage, I felt you to be the most qualified." Fury explains.
"I fucking told him not to tell anyone." I grumbled.
"Don't worry, no one will ever know about this aside from the three of us. Don't blame Captain Rogers. I made him tell me." Fury said.
"So you think because of the possibility of my mother being an actual goddess, you want me to explore what in Norway?" I asked confusedly.
"There have been anomalies in the atmosphere. I'm sure you can recall the team Dr. Selvig worked with were exploring these very same anomalies in New Mexico." Fury answered.
"You mean the ones that led to Thor coming to Earth?" I sit up straight.
"Exactly. I just need you to do some searching around the coordinates I'm going to send to you. And I want you to report back to me if you find anything." Fury told me.
"I guess I'm your girl then." I mumbled.
"Stark..."
There's a silent pause in the room for almost ten seconds, before Fury exhales a sigh on the line.
"I'm really sorry about the Tesseract Project. I...I honestly didn't realize what it would lead to. And...I apologize that I didn't do enough to prevent your capture. I know this is something you probably don't want to hear, but if you ever need to talk to someone...I'm here. Or I can hire one of our therapists. What you tell them will never leave the room. They can help you if I can't."
I find myself surprised completely at Fury's apology, and I can tell how sincere he actually is. I never realized that he probably felt such guilt regarding the Tesseract and the events leading to New York with Loki and the Chitauri.
"...thank you Nick." I murmured softly.
The line disconnects briefly after that and I go to my email on my phone to find a private message from Fury with the coordinates attached.
The trip itself wasn't so bad, it was nice to fly in my Iron Man armor, even if it was for two hours. However, I find myself wanting to call my father and ask him about my mother, but I don't bother.
He'd probably lecture me about last night.
I begin wondering how Christine Everheart even got the photo of Victoria and I together, or if someone sent it to her(?). Then, as if by coincidence, I receive a message and look at it through the holoscreen inside the helmet.
Hey, Stark. You busy with anything later tonight?
I then have JARVIS record my message back to her.
Victoria? Is that you?
Seconds pass before I see the response.
Who else would it be? lol
Oh. I didn't realize I gave you my number.
Well, you did so...
...
Right, sorry. The one night I get hammered and I barely remember a thing.
I'm a little busy right now, but I'll get back to you about tonight?
Oooh...
Doing some top secret stuff, are we?
;)
Not that I should be telling you, but yes. :)
So if by any chance I can't make it back for tonight...
I'm really sorry.
...
Bring me back a souvenir? ;)
Pretty please?
I can't help but smile at Victoria's message and reply quickly.
Of course.
I finally make it into Skarsvåg, Norway not even ten minutes later, eager to already get back to California.
Never thought I'd be dating someone...or that it'd be a woman.
"Should I talk to people about the reports or what? What am I supposed to be looking for exactly?" The face piece slipped back on. "JARVIS, give me some more information about this place, please."
"Skarsvag is the northernmost fishing village the world. It also has the northernmost camping site in the whole world. The main attraction would be the close to 3km climb to Kirkeporten from where we are standing. This rock formation is a geological wonder; a fissure several metres wide in a cliff overhang shaped like a big gate. The midnight sun shines through this gate between midnight and two in the morning as I've gathered from an online travelling site. Is that helpful, Miss Stark?" JARVIS said.
A big gate huh? Interesting...
"So this place is pretty much a tourist attraction?" I ask.
"I believe so."
"Hey JARVIS...where's that cliff you mentioned? The one that looks like a gate?"
"It's a 3km climb from where we are standing, Miss Stark." JARVIS repeated.
I flew over to this cliff that JARVIS mentioned and surely enough, there was a cliff shaped like a gate. I was majorly impressed with the structure considering it looked like you could break it easily. I went over to the cliff and scanned the area immediately.
"As Director Fury has mentioned previously, Dr. Selvig and his associates were exploring anomalies and changes in the atmosphere. The director had taken the liberty in sending you data regarding their research and findings in your email of which I have already accessed for you." JARVIS informed me.
"And what did you find?" I find myself curious.
"I believe Director Fury was right in sending you here. I have gathered enough data from your scan to indicate that there are such changes in the atmosphere. So do be careful, Miss Stark. If Director Fury was correct in mentioning that these changes were similar to that of Thor's first appearance on Earth, I would advise caution." JARVIS said.
"It is the Man of Iron..." A deep voice growled. "One of the Midgardians that was able to defeat the Chitauri."
Are you kidding me?! Right as JARVIS fucking tells me- -
I froze upon hearing the voice nearly a few feet behind me and turn around to see two strangers clearly not form Earth. Upon looking at them, they could easily blend in like an Asgardian could. I carefully observe the two muscular men before me and get into a defensive stance. One was tall and had dark brown skin with light hazel colored eyes, while the other was practically his polar opposite with fair pale skin and platinum white hair, with blazing green eyes that reminded me all too much of Loki.
"Reveal yourself Man of Iron." The tall one spoke.
Man of Iron? Wait...they think I'm Iron Man, my father.
I unhooked my helmet and took it off, my hair splaying around my shoulders and back as I stare defiantly at them.
"Yeah, I'm not a guy...I'm actually a woman." I spoke up.
The two look at me in surprise before the tall man starts getting on his knees and bows down to me.
"Freyja? You are residing on this realm?"
"I- -I'm not- -" I stutter.
"She is not Freyja, brother...though her appearance is strikingly similar. Perhaps she is related..." His companion notes.
The taller male stands back up immediately, giving me a small glare as he desperately fights a blush forming on his face.
"Who are you?! Speak!" He demanded.
"I'm...I'm Tyra Stark. The uh...the daughter of the Man of Iron." I stammered. "Are you two Asgardians by any chance?"
This is literally just my luck huh...why did I take on this mission again?
"We are not of Asgard. We reside in Vanaheim, west of Asgard." The white haired one answered.
"So...why are you two here? Have you been causing the uproar in this place?" I questioned them.
"It is none of your concern, mortal." The taller man spits out.
The white haired man put his hand on the other ones shoulder in attempt to calm him down.
"Brother, there is more to this mortal than meets the eye."
As the pale muscular man makes his way towards me, I get ready to attack at any time.
"I would not find it wise to fight me. I mean you no harm." He assured me.
Before I can comprehend what's happening, he's already made his way over to me, and grabs my chin lightly before pressing his forehead to mine. I gasp against him as he uses some kind of magic, and I can feel that familiar tingling sensation along my forehead.
FLASH!
In a brightly lit stark white cell, tables are turned over, chairs broken, and stains color the wall. Then, below all the mess, is a disheveled Loki Odinson.
"You must be truly desperate to come to me for help."
Loki smiled weakly at Thor.
FLASH!
A brunette woman that holds her head high, angrily storms over to Thor and his brother Loki. It's a moment of shock for everyone that she has the sheer audacity to slap Loki across the face. His head turns, his long raven black hair covering his face as seconds of awkward silence pass. Even Thor gets into a defensive stance as he prepares to stop his brother from hurting the woman he loves dearly.
"That was for New York!" She glared at him.
However, Loki simply raises his head, turning over to smile at his older brother.
"I like her."
FLASH!
The man pulled away and stared at me in what I thought was admiration and wonder. I was never really good at reading people's emotions.
And this is why I partially envy Natasha.
"It seems that she is a Vanir...we have found a daughter of Freyja." He barely whispered.
"You speak foolishly, brother! She cannot possibly be related to Freyja! I do not recall such tales of her having a Midgardian child." The darker male hisses.
"She possesses the ability to gaze into the future. Do not question me, brother. She is truly a Vanir."
Finally, he sighs and gives his companion a nod.
"Shall we bring her to our home?" He asked.
Whoa what?!
"Hold on there! I can't just leave Earth! I- -"
"You do not have a say in this, woman." He snaps.
"The name is Tyra and I'm not leaving!" I argued. "You don't get to tell me what to do!"
The pale man intervenes and steps in front of his companion, as he gives me a small smile.
"Please do not resist, Lady Tyra. It will only make the trip more tiring for us."
For them or me?
I give them both a look of disbelief as panic begins to set in.
"I can't just leave though!" I blurted out nervously.
"We can assure you that you will return to this realm safely." He assured me.
I guess I have no choice in this do I?
"Alright, fine...just let me make one call before you whisk me away to wherever you're from." I sighed in frustration.
They both nodded, but seemed confused. I put on my helmet again and stepped a few feet away from the two extraterrestrials.
"JARVIS...I need you to leave a message for Fury...now."
"Of course, Miss Stark. You may begin your message." JARVIS said.
"Fury, I'm being taken from Earth temporarily by two extraterrestrials. They've promised my return, and hopefully I won't be long. So...I guess I need you to leave a message for my old man and the others. Just tell them that...tell them that I'm sorry for snapping at them." I sighed. "I'm still in a dark place...and hopefully when I get back, I can...I'll think about that whole therapy thing. I was, or rather still am, very angered about a lot of things, and yes...they're all related to Loki and the Battle of New York. Things...happened. Things I felt that I could have prevented...I just...I wasn't strong enough." I mumbled softly.
I then took off my helmet after JARVIS recorded and delivered my message to Director Fury. I walk back over to the two aliens hesitantly.
"Shall we?" I asked.
I dunno where I was going with this...I just thought that this would be cool or something. It was a weird idea that I hatched up, I don't know if it was good or bad. Let me know what you guys think though! And PLEASE be nice. I'd do the same for all of you!