God...this is just gonna be so hard as I get into the battle of Sokovia. I don't really know how I'm going to write Pietro's death, or if I'm going to save him. The thing is I REALLY want to save Pietro, but at the same time, I always follow the Marvel movies. I mean...who knows? I think Pietro has a good chance of coming back to the MCU. No one ever really stays dead in the Marvel universe. I mean...except Uncle Ben from Spiderman- -but that's besides the point! I'm sorry, I'm rambling now! I just feel so fucking conflicted! Anyway, enjoy this chapter!
We made it into the city that Dr. Cho's place of work was and going as fast as we possibly could. We couldn't waste any time, mostly because we knew the people in the area were likely to be in danger. Plus if Ultron succeeded in creating this body...
We were all screwed. Literally and figuratively.
I went with Steve to find Dr. Cho as Natasha stayed with Clint in the Quinjet, who was ready to take any course of action should we need her assistance. I could only hope that we would get there in time to save Dr. Cho and stop Ultron. Ever since figuring out Ultron's plans to get himself an actual body, my stomach was in a nervous frenzy of unsettledness. It was that gut feeling that I couldn't shake off not matter what I tried to tell myself.
The one where I just knew that something bad would happen.
It was hard to keep focus on the task at hand because my mind kept wandering over to the twins. For some reason I kept feeling betrayed by them although I couldn't figure out why I felt this way.
But I hardly even knew them!
Was it because I wanted to help them? Was it due to the visions I kept having prior to us actually meeting each other? Maybe, deep down, it was because I wanted to save them from becoming a weapon or considered a monster.
Like me.
It hit me like a ton of bricks that we were so close in age, and it only served that they were too young to be dealing with shit like this. I wanted to take away their pain and suffering. Was it partly because of Stark Industries, because of a weapon my father created, that I felt such guilt for these two?
I need to focus on Ultron. The Maximoff twins tried to fucking kill me using the Hulk against me. I can't trust them.
There were so many things I knew I should be focusing on, but again, could only feel so conflicted. When it came down to it, I knew I would have to fight them again, no matter how much I wouldn't want to. At the same time though, I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to hold back and that they would see the monster that I now was and that they it would define their thoughts that all Stark's were just monsters. Everyone might say that I've only done good things in my life, but there were so many moments where I almost slipped away completely and let the madness take over.
I felt like a different person when that happened...I felt like a real monster.
The first time I killed someone, which I actually think was a Chitauri, everyone said it was justified because of the horrid beings they were and how they would have killed innocent lives anyway. After killing so many Chitauri, I felt numb inside after the battle of New York. After a while, killing people, the 'bad' guys, actually got easier and the thought terrified me. I only ever killed someone in either defense or if they really threatened anyone I cared about. However, Aldrich Killian was the man that truly broke me. He almost succeeded in killing my father, a woman who I've come to think of as a mother, and a family friend that's been with us for a long time.
Although, I can't help but feel like that the Maximoff's were right about Stark's. Maybe we were just horrible, all of us.
"Dr. Cho!"
I'm snapped out of my thoughts as I see Steve run over to Dr. Cho. The entire place is a wreck, and I see unconscious bodies scattered.
"He's uploading himself into the body." Dr. Cho choked out.
My eyes widened in worry as I feared the worst.
We have to stop Ultron. We've only just missed him, there's still time!
"Where?" I questioned quickly.
"The real power is inside the cradle...the gem. Its power is uncontainable, you can't blow it up. You have to get the cradle to your father." She told me.
"First we have to find it." Steve said.
"Go."
Steve gently eased Helen down from his arms before we both ran out of the lab as fast as we could.
If Ultron got away with the cradle, we were so fucked.
"You guys copy that?" Steve tapped on his earpiece.
"We did." Clint replied.
"We got a private jet taking off across town. No manifest that could be him." Natasha said.
"There. It's the same truck from the lab." Clint deduced. "Right above you guys, by the bridge. It's them. We got three with the cradle and one in the cab. I could take out the driver." Clint offered.
"Negative, if it crashes, the gem could level the city. We need to draw out Ultron." Steve said.
Steve looked over at me and nodded to signal me to get going.
He wants me to go after Ultron? Well shit.
I sighed as I turned on my rocket boots. I roll my eyes at Steve and grab onto him and ignore his look of surprise.
"I don't know why you think I'd leave you here. Let's go."
I take off in the air and fly over to Ultron's direction. As soon as we get to the truck that Clint mentioned, I dropped Steve and saw how he immediately got blasted out of the back of the truck by an outraged looking Ultron.
"They don't pay me enough, I swear." I chuckled.
"We don't pay you at all, Stark. Now get moving." Natasha teased.
I flew over to Steve quickly and help him get to the top of the truck as Ultron started to make his way over to get to us.
"Well he's definitely unhappy." Steve mumbled. "I'm going to try keeping him that way."
"You're not a match for him, Captain." Clint said.
"What am I to you people?" I threw my hands up in frustration.
"Our mascot of course."
"Thanks, Barton." I slumped as I rolled my eyes.
Ultron finally got up on top of the truck, looking furious that we were interfering with his plans. When I really thought about Ultron and his personality, he reminded me so much of my father.
Which is ironic considering he hates my old man and being compared to him.
"You know what's in the cradle?"
We ducked as Ultron fired a blast of energy at us.
"The power to make real change. And that terrifies you." Ultron told us.
"I've seen scarier things." I replied sarcastically. "I swear you're just like my dad, but in metal form!" I taunted. "Like father like robo-son!"
Ultron looked furious as he swung his arms at me, I quickly dodged and attempted to melt off his arm. Ultron evaded my attack and stood several feet away from us.
"I'll make you regret saying that." Ultron glares at me.
Soon enough, both Steve and I are fighting against Ultron who's strong enough to take the both of us on in a fight. Even with the two of us working together on such a small space, it was still hard to hold off Ultron.
"Tyra!" Steve shouts worriedly.
I don't get time to react as I'm blasted with a beam from Ultron's hands, similar to a repulsor beam. I get flung and nearly black out from the blast. It takes a minute or so that I'm able to open my eyes, only to see that I'm somehow inside a train being held by someone.
"Why is it that we always meet up like this, Tyra?" A teasing voice asked.
My eyes widened as I looked up to see that it's Pietro Maximoff cradling me in his arms.
He actually called me by my first name, how nice- -WAIT A FUCKING MINUTE!
I pushed Pietro away from me, noticing that we had somehow made it inside a moving train. People sitting on the train have already begun to shuffle away from us.
"OH GREAT! IT'S YOU! Are you and your sister here to come to try and kill me again?!" I glared at Pietro.
"Is that how you thank someone for saving you?" Pietro pouted.
"Saving me?! Why the hell would you of all people save me?! I thought you were on Robo-Asshole's side!" I yelled.
"Robo what?" Pietro looked confused.
"ULTRON!" I snapped.
"Now calm down- -" Pietro raised his hands in defense.
"Calm down?! What the hell did you just tell me?! You think you can just show up after you and your sister nearly had me killed sicking the Hulk on me with your sister's weird ass voodoo magic?!" I ranted. "Did you think that I'd just forget all about it and that we'd suddenly be the best of pals?! You can go to hell and while you're down there, go fuck yours- -"
I'm interrupted as Pietro gives a playful roll of his eyes and in a flash, connects his lips with mine. When he gives a gentle nip on my bottom lip, I can't help but open my mouth in surprise, and he uses that to dart his tongue in my mouth. I can't help but melt against him as my arms move around his neck and I begin tugging on his silvery hair. He lets out a small groan and kisses me harder.
Oh my God, I feel like I'm on fire. Holy shit is he an amazing kisser.
Suddenly, after one last nip to my bottom lip, Pietro pulls away and smirks at my delayed reaction. I'm merely stunned for several seconds as I try to figure out what the fucking hell just happened. Pietro lets out a husky chuckle that should be considered illegal, before his hand caressed my cheek.
"Is that all it takes to make you quiet?" Pietro questions.
I folded my arms and glared at Pietro as I find myself at a loss of words.
"Don't think that we're suddenly friends." I then blurt out.
"Yeah, I don't think friends kiss each other like that." Clint spoke up.
"And here I thought you were all lovey dovey for Steve." Natasha chimed in.
My eyes widen as my face burns with embarrassment. I tap on my earpiece.
"Clint. Natasha. For the love of Odin. Just shut up before I kill you." I grumbled.
Suddenly, the entire train jolts unexpectedly. People stood up in alert and got up from their seats again as they stared at us both, expecting us to do something considering who we were. After looking past all of the panicking civilians and ignoring their screams, I saw Steve trying to defend himself against Ultron after seeing that they somehow crashed into the train. My eyes widened with worry as I went to go help, but was once again pulled back by Pietro.
"Just stay here. I'll go help him." Pietro told me.
Pietro sped away and shoved Ultron away from Steve, and makes it to the other side as he lands a hard attack on Ultron. Before Ultron could attack Pietro next, some of the train was being pulled apart and manipulated into a fence to keep him away from Pietro with a familiar glowing red energy. I turned around to see Wanda standing behind me, a look of determination on her face.
"Please...don't do this." Ultron pleaded with Wanda.
"What choice do we have?" Wanda asked.
Wanda blasted Ultron, who was blasted away and out of the train just before it derailed. I see Ultron flying away, and I could immediately tell where he was headed towards. I tap my earpiece again and grow frantic as I yell to warn Clint and Natasha.
"Natasha! Clint! Ultron's gone! He's going after the cradle again!" I shouted.
We didn't really have time to think as the trains derailed, but Steve got up quickly and took control of the situation as he glanced to Pietro.
"There are civilians in the way." Steve told Pietro
Pietro nodded, speeding off as he used his ability to move people in danger from being hit by the train.
"Can you slow it down?" Steve turned to Wanda.
"I can try." Wanda nodded.
Wanda focused a lot of her power in trying to make the train slow down, and soon enough, we came to a crashing stop. After helping everyone out of the train, I go over to Steve and make sure he was okay. I noticed Steve hunched over, gasping for air, looking exhausted and probably because of his fight with Ultron.
Poor Steve. Can't even imagine how he feels right now.
I tackle Steve into a hug before pulling away to inspect him for any wounds. He returns the hug before batting my hands away.
"I'm alright." Steve assured me.
After separating, Steve glanced over behind me. I followed his gaze and now look over to the twins as well. Pietro was catching his breath with Wanda watching over him as she rubbed his back. I followed Steve as he stormed over to the twins, the both of us demanding answers. I couldn't really look at Pietro without blushing though, as I'm reminded of our little moment on the train.
"I'm fine...I just need to take a minute." Pietro breathed out.
"I'm very tempted not to give you one." Steve spoke up.
"The cradle! Did you get it?!" Wanda asked worriedly.
Wanda looked nervous as she stood up, standing near her brother for support. Wanda's eyes met mine and for a brief second I could see a flash of guilt before she turned to look back at Steve.
"Stark will take care of it." Steve replied.
"No...he won't." Wanda mumbled softly.
Wait...you mean...
"You don't know what you're talking about. Stark's not crazy." Steve shook his head in denial.
Well...I wouldn't say that exactly.
Wanda glanced over at me in what seemed to be desperation, knowing that I had to have known what she was talking about because she was aware of the bond my father and I had. In a manner of speaking, I knew my father better than anyone else.
"He will do anything to make things right." I muttered.
Wanda nodded frantically in agreement as she came over to me and grasped my hand with hers.
"She knows what she speaks of. She knows her father more than all of you. Listen to her, if you won't listen to me." Wanda told Steve.
I felt my heart hammering in my chest, knowing that my dad would indeed try something. Steve kept trying to contact my dad through our earpieces, his anxiety growing when he wouldn't pick up. When Steve looks back to me, he's giving me a desperate look as if he's expecting me to dissuade him into believing this. I can't help but shake my head at Steve.
He'll probably try to upload JARVIS' matrix into the cradle, so that we'll have a fighting chance against Ultron. But what if it doesn't work?
"Wanda's right. We need to get back to the tower, Steve." I squeezed Wanda's hand.
It was like a race against time as we rushed to get back to Avengers tower. I was worried more than anyone over my dad, worried that he'd fail and make something even worse than Ultron. I didn't want to believe it, that anything would be worse than Ultron, or even Loki, but I was just scared. When I was scared, I couldn't help but have doubts and I often thought irrationally. The fact that Wanda also informed me that she saw horrid things in the mind of the new body inside the cradle didn't help either.
Just please let me be wrong. Let it be successful...
"This framework isn't compatible." Dad grew frustrated.
"The genetic coding is at 97%. You've got to upload the schematic in the next three minutes." Bruce told Tony.
Steve stormed into the room, with Pietro, Wanda, and I following right behind him.
Huh...where's Clint and Natasha?
"I'm going to say this once- -" Steve started.
"How about about nonce?" My dad retorted.
"Shut it down!" Steve ordered.
"Nope! Not gonna happen!" My dad shook his head.
I stared at the cradle and slowly walked forward over to it. I looked down at the body inside, realizing how familiar it looked.
Wait...is that...Vision? The one from my 'vision'?
"You don't know what you're doing!" Wanda yelled at them fearfully.
"And you do? She's not in your head?" Bruce glared at Steve and Wanda.
"I know you're angry- -" Wanda looked apologetic.
I peered down at the red skinned android inside of the cradle, inspecting the body, and also noticing the gem on his forehead.
So I did have a vision about this! Is that...an infinity stone? You mean the scepter contained an infinity stone this entire fucking time?! No wonder Loki was such a tough opponent!
"Oh we're way past that. You almost got me to kill someone I care about. I could choke the life out of you and not change a shade." Bruce spat out.
"Banner, after everything that's happened- -"
"Is nothing compared to what's coming." Tony cut Steve off.
"You don't know what's in there!" Wanda protested.
Pietro had enough of everyone's bickering, unhooking everything from the cradle in under three seconds flat. He grabbed the last cord and held it in his hands.
"No, no...go on! You were saying?" Pietro raised an eyebrow.
Pietro dropped the last cord to the floor as he folded his arms, getting fed up with everyone's frantic behavior. Pietro looked puzzled for a fraction of a second as he saw a bullet coming through the floor, not realizing it had broken the glass floor he was standing on. In seconds, Pietro fell through the floor, groaning as he rolled onto his back as he stared up at Clint angrily.
"Pietro!" Wanda yelled worriedly.
"What? You didn't see that coming?" Clint mocked him as he towered over him.
Vision...we needed him...he's a good guy. He's very kind. He's the opposite of Ultron. We need his help to defeat Ultron...
I snapped out of my thoughts, realizing what I had to do.
"SHIT! Guys wait!" I shouted. "We need him! My dad was right!"
Everyone continued to ignore me and bickered with each other until I finally had enough. I needed to give Vision energy or he would die. I ran around the cradle, hooking everything back to the cradle as quickly as I possibly could, in attempt to give Vision the energy he needed to live. I used my rocket boots and ignored everyone's shouts of anger and worry as I flew past them and hooked the cables back to their proper place on the cradle.
I had to do something, or we would lose against Ultron!
Suddenly, Thor came crashing into the room and stood on the cradle. He nodded at me gratefully and summoned lightning to help boost up the energy the cradle needed. It was after that, that everyone stopped arguing and stared at Thor and I in surprise. After several more seconds, the cradle opens, and the red android flew out before shoving Thor to the side. It managed to stop spiraling out of control before it collided with the window. The red android flew back over to us slowly after that, as it summoned a greenish uniform that formed around his body in seconds. When the red android observes Thor briefly, he suddenly summons a cape to his own being.
"I am very sorry, that was...odd. Thank you." He spoke.
"Thor, Tyra, you helped create this?" Steve asked us.
When everyone glances at me suspiciously, I can't help but shrug and give a shake of my head.
"I didn't realize what this...being was. But I'd had a vision of this happening, but I had no idea what it was. I couldn't make sense of it until now. I...I know that we need him to defeat Ultron...he's different. I promise. That stone on his forehead isn't for show. It's an infinity stone. It's made him a sentient being. I've come in contact with these powers before. The Tesseract, the Aether..." I glanced at Thor.
Thor nods at me, confirming that I'm correct about all this so far.
"Tyra is correct. I also had a vision, a whirlpool that sucks in all hope of life. And at its centre, is that." Thor pointed at the gem in Vision's forehead. "This is the mind stone, it's one of the six infinity stones." Thor answered. "The greatest powers in the universe, unparalleled in its destructive capabilities."
"Then why would you bring- -"
"Because Stark is right." Thor told us as he refers to my father.
"It really is the end times..." Bruce muttered.
Vision took a step forward with caution as everyone stood on guard, watching him closely.
"The Avengers cannot defeat Ultron. Not alone." Vision spoke up.
I felt myself growing sad, now fully realizing that JARVIS was gone forever and remember how much JARVIS meant to me, remembering how long he'd been in my family for.
He may not have been a person, but I always loved JARVIS. He was family to me.
I can't help but stare at the android with wide eyes and move forward before placing a hand on his cheek.
"I- -I can't believe it...you sound just like JARVIS." I mutter softly.
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Ms. Stark. I know how fond you were of the Artificial Intelligence known as JARVIS, but I can assure you that I am not the Artificial Intelligence you once knew. You may call me Vision. I believe it suits me since you and Mr. Odinson both had a vision of me and made me come to life." The red android smiled at me warmly
I remove my hand and feel my eyes blur with tears.
"S- -so...JARVIS i- -is gone?" My voice wavers.
I can feel everyone's eyes on me, and I can't help but look down at the ground as I try to regain my composure. Vision's smile faltered as well as he moved to tilt my head up and wipe away a tear with just his thumb.
"If it's any consolation, JARVIS will always be with you. In your heart, within your memories..." Vision told me.
Damn it...he's really gone.
I nodded as I felt myself crying.
"I'm sorry f- -for, y'know, it's just...I just..." I stammered.
"JARVIS was always there for you, you thought of him as more than just a Artificial Intelligence. I know that you've always intended on building him a body because you thought of JARVIS as your friend, a member of your family. I understand completely, Ms. Stark." Vision nodded in understanding.
Everyone stared at Vision with curiosity as he wrapped his arms around me. I was puzzled by the gesture and slowly embraced him as well and reluctantly accept the hug.
Huh...this is new...but I'm not entirely against it.
"I believe this is what you do when you comfort someone, am I correct?" Vision asked.
"Yeah...it is."
Maybe Vision wasn't all that bad. He seemed more kind than I believed him to be at first.
"Thank you." I mumbled softly.
I turn towards my dad as I step away from Vision, feeling indifferent about the situation but wasn't as upset.
"You...you used JARVIS for this?" I asked my father.
For some reason, dad doesn't look guilty as he nods at me.
"We reconfigured JARVIS' matrix to create something new." My dad answered.
"I think I've had my fill of new." Clint sighed.
"You think I am a child of Ultron." Vision said.
"You're not?"
"I'm not Ultron, I'm not JARVIS, I am...I am."
"I looked into your head and saw annihilation." Wanda stared at him in disbelief.
"Look again." Vision replied.
"Her seal of approval means jack to me." Clint spoke up.
I can't help but get irritated at this point, and give Clint a small glare.
"Well right now, I trust her. So put a sock in it, Barton." I said.
Wanda looked surprised that I even defended her, but nodded at me as some sort of a thank you. Clint shifted uncomfortably, but also nodded at me as well as he trusts my judgement.
"Their powers, the horrors in our head, Ultron himself came from the mind stone and is nothing compared to what it can unleash...but with it on our side." Thor brought up.
"Is it? Are you on our side?" Steve looked at the android suspiciously.
"I don't think it's that simple." He mumbled. "I am on the side of life, Ultron isn't. He will end it all."
"What is he waiting for then?" My dad spoke up.
"You." Vision answered.
"Where?" Bruce asked.
"Sokovia. He's got Nat there too." Clint told us.
Wait what?! Natasha got captured?! How come I didn't know about this?!
"If we're wrong about you, if you're the monster that Ultron made you to be- -" Steve started.
"What will you do?" Vision interrupted. "I don't want to kill Ultron. He's unique...and he's in pain. But that pain will roll over the Earth, so he must be destroyed. Every form he's built, every trace of his presence on the internet. We have to act now. And not one of us can do without the other. Maybe I am a monster...I do not think I would know if I were one. I'm not what you are, and not what you intended. So there may be no way to make you trust me."
Vision went over to a table nearby, grabbing Thor's hammer and handing it over to him.
WHAT. THE. FUCK?!
"But we need to go." Vision finished.
Thor gave Vision a nod of approval as he took his hammer from Vision, knowing he could now truly trust the android.
"Right. Well done." Thor smiled.
"H- -how- -I don't- -I can't even- -...what?!" I stuttered.
"Three minutes. Get what you need." Steve told us.
Everyone scattered as I stood there frozen.
"Is no one going to say anything about this?!" I looked at everyone in disbelief. "I'm literally in complete shock right now!"
Pietro suddenly appeared right in front of me, smirking at my reaction.
"What? You did not see that coming?" He grinned.
"Really? You're going there?"I rolled my eyes.
"Don't you two kiss now." Clint called out to us teasingly.
I felt my face heat up as I glared at Clint.
"In my defense...I didn't see it coming." I grumbled. "Great. Now he's got me saying it."
"Me and Wanda need some gear. Would you care to help us?" Pietro grabbed a piece of my hair and played with it. "Unless you want to spend our three minutes in a closet somewhere..." He lowers his voice.
I put my hand on his muscular chest, easing him away from me as I sighed.
"Not a chance, Maximoff. Like I said before, I have standards." I mumbled.
God this is so unfair...damn him for being cute...
I grabbed Pietro's hand as I led him and Wanda to get some new gear on to prepare for our final trip to Sokovia. I sighed as I sat down on a bench and got ready for the battle myself, changing my outfit and getting new rocket boots. Soon enough, I felt myself staring at Pietro, my mouth nearly watering as I saw him without a shirt on.
I can't help but wonder if he's doing this on purpose. Damn strip tease...
Pietro changed into an under armour shirt, feeling it was appropriate to wear since he would be doing a lot of running. I noticed Wanda smiling at me knowingly and I immediately looked away as my face heats up again.
So you do have a crush on my brother. How sweet.
I hid my face in my hands from embarrassment.
Please stop, Wanda.
Why? I find your behavior cute. You should tell him that you like him. I can see that you have good intentions.
And just why are you suddenly being nice to me? I thought you hated me considering you've tried killing me before.
...I was wrong about you before. I am deeply sorry for my actions, Tyra Stark.
I finally looked over at Wanda, this time in surprise. I gave Wanda a small smile and nodded at her.
I forgive you.
"What are you two talking about? I can see the looks you are giving one another." Pietro stared at us suspiciously.
"It is nothing of importance. We just...how you say...made up? We are friends now."
Wanda returned a smile as she sat next to me and held out her hand to shake. I rolled my eyes and pulled her in for a hug and catch her by surprise this time.
"Yeah...friends." I mumbled.
I can't help but feel slightly emotional at this moment in time, but given everything that's happened over the course of twenty minutes or so? I think it was a little warranted.
I could die in Sokovia after all...who knows if I'll make it? I could use some more friends anyway...especially some my age.
"Let's get going."
We all gathered in the Quinjet, preparing ourselves for Sokovia. We were all tasked with different jobs. While Bruce and I were tasked with searching for Natasha, the rest of the team including the Maximoff's would be evacuating people from the city. We wanted no casualties when Ultron would decide to make his final move.
Not today.
I can't help but feel my body shaking, whether from anticipation or anxiety, it was hard to tell. I'd tried meditating as Bruce had suggested to me in the past, but it wasn't something I believed to work on me. Instead, I decided to pace around the Quinjet and had my earbuds in as I played rock music loudly. I went from AC-DC to Guns N' Roses, before settling on Queen because it usually improved my mood and even got me pumped up. I'm stopped pacing around as I feel a light touch on my shoulder. I nearly jump until I see that it's Wanda looking at me with concern. Wanda communicates with me telepathically as I still listen to my music, but I pause the song to listen to her better.
Tyra. It is alright to be scared, but I believe we have a good chance at winning this battle.
I felt Wanda grab my hand, gently squeezing it as she tried to comfort me.
Yeah...I just can't help but have doubts, you know? What if something goes wrong? Something always goes wrong for us.
Whatever happens will happen. However...we can always be cautious and prevail against Ultron regardless. You are an Avenger, yes?
I chuckled and finally took off my earbuds before placing them in my pocket securely.
"Why are you being so nice to me?" I asked.
"Because you tried being nice to me before despite the circumstances. You didn't want to fight us...you actually seem like you care for my brother and I." Wanda responds. "We haven't had someone like that for a long time."
Wanda fiddles with her hair as she withdraws her hand from me.
"You know...we've only had each other since our parents died. While I still hold negative feelings towards your father...I know you are different from him." Wanda told me. "When this is all over...perhaps we could- -maybe...remain friends."
I wipe at my eyes before I realize it as I find myself stunned into pure silence. I give Wanda a warm smile and place a hand on her shoulder gently.
"Yeah. Of course. Hell, you can come live with us at Avengers Tower if you'd like. I'd like it if you...if you decided to stick around."
I felt a gentle tap to my shoulder and noticed that Pietro was standing beside me. I looked up at his smug little face as I tried figuring out what he wanted.
"Does that invitation extend to me as well, printesâ?" Pietro smirked.
"I dunno. You seem like you could be trouble." I teased. "I'll put in a good word for you though."
My eyes widen when he picks me up and I instinctively wrap my legs around his waist as to not fall on my ass. He glances down at me in amusement as he carries me over to a seat and finally sits down. I find myself sitting on his lap and blush at our position. As Wanda sits next to us, she can't help but give a dry chuckle as she shakes her head at her brother.
"There. Now I can be with my precious sister." Pietro mutters.
"Oh really?" Wanda raised an eyebrow. "Or did you just want Stark in your lap, so you could tease her?"
"What? No...of course not!" Pietro grinned.
"Aw...she's blushing!" Wanda giggled.
This is so fucking weird! I can't handle all of this teasing! My heart literally feels like it's about to burst and I don't know why! Fuck that!
I move to get out of Pietro's lap until his hands dart around to keep me there. When he makes eye contact with me, he gives me a wink.
"Please let me go before I get teased relentlessly." I blurted out.
"Everything okay over here?"
When I see Steve walk over to us, my eyes widen scandalously and I feel as if I've been caught with my hand in the cookie jar.
Oh my God can I just crawl in a hole and die somewhere please? I can't...I literally can't right now.
"Yeah, uh...I was just...uh..." I stuttered.
Wait a minute...you harbor feelings for Rogers don't you?
YES! MAYBE- -I DON'T KNOW! STOP PLEASE!
In a matter of seconds, Wanda gives a small wave of her hand. She thinks I don't notice the red aura on her hands until both men are frozen.
"I would hurry and move." Wanda told me.
"Wait...what did you just do?" I whispered.
"Well, I am erasing their memories so that we can think clearly before the battle so to speak. I'll remind Pietro to keep his hands to himself." Wanda smiled at me.
"Thank you so much, I thought I was going to die of literal embarrassment." My face heats up.
"Thank me later." Wanda chuckles.
After landing just on the outskirts of Sokovia, we all make our way out of the Quinjet. We start heading off in different directions, knowing what our task was. Bruce pauses in his steps as Pietro speeds in front of us, or rather in front of me.
"Star- -Tyra."
It was the first time Pietro had ever said my first name, but for some reason, I felt my heart flutter when he said this.
"Be careful, yeah?" Pietro muttered.
Time seems to slow down as he drags a hand across my cheek, and I find myself rooted to the ground in surprise as he displays such...affection. It wasn't like his constant flirting before, but different somehow.
"Y- -yeah...o- -okay." I stutter.
Pietro gives me a serious look when his hand stops.
"I mean it." Pietro spoke more firmly.
"You don't have to worry about me, speedy." I give him a small smile. "At this point...I don't know if I can die."
At this, Pietro frowns, recalling how I was still able to stand regardless of nearly getting crushed by the Hulk. He lowers his hand from my face before giving me a small nod.
"But thank you anyway. I appreciate the uh...the sentiment." I mumble.
After realizing that Bruce was just waiting for me, I move towards him again, until Pietro grabs my hand.
"You are different." Pietro blurts out. "You are the first person aside from my sister that I have come to care for, dragoste."
I find myself at a loss of words as Pietro admits this.
"Just please...don't...don't do anything reckless. I know you care about saving the lives of everyone here. And I understand that. I admire that about you. Just...please don't..."
I give Pietro's hand a gentle squeeze and smile warmly at him.
"I'll try to be careful. But the same goes for you too, okay?" I said.
Pietro nods, and releases my hand as he allows me to leave with Bruce. Pietro has this look of concern on his face, and I'm puzzled as to why. I continue on with Bruce, who looks awkward as he watched the exchange between us. Then, we're both interrupted again, when not even five seconds later, Pietro's in front of me once again in a millisecond. Before I can get a word out, Pietro grabs my upper arms and swoops his head down to crush his lips against mine. I tense up at first, before once again, I find myself melting against him. After several seconds of passionate kissing, Bruce coughs awkwardly and Pietro takes this as his cue to pull back. He licks his lips as he glances down at me and pants softly. Then, he gives me a small smile and looks at Bruce briefly before giving him a small nod and takes off in a flash.
"You okay there?"
Bruce waves his hand in front of my face and snaps me out of whatever daze I'm in, and we start heading towards the castle towards Natasha's location.
"That was uh...something." Bruce mutters awkwardly. "You and uh...Pietro huh? I thought you had a thing for Steve."
At the mention of Steve, I feel a pit of mixed emotions whirling around in my gut.
"I don't know where Steve and I are actually." I confessed.
Bruce actually gives me a look of surprise as I say this.
"Wait, something happened with you two? When?" Bruce blurted out.
"Uh...during my little HYDRA unveiling." I replied.
"Shit really?" Bruce's eyebrows raise up. "I uh...well okay then. And uh, what happened?"
"Why are you so curious about my love life?" I chuckled.
"I mean- -"
"It's okay Bruce." I lowered my gaze with a smile on my face. "Well I'll tell you all the juicy details since I trust you."
We continue our trek throughout Sokovia, getting closer to the castle that was once Strucker's base of operations.
"I was at an all time low, after everything that had happened with Killian and Extremis to my undercover mission for over a year and in the midst of taking down HYDRA, it was taking its toll on me. Steve was just...he was just there after we managed to get to a safe house, a friend of his that helped us taking down Project Insight. After that, everything just unfolded and I was just...I could barely process everything that happened because it all happened so fast and I- -" I stop and take a deep breath. "Well the point is, I was in a dark place, and...Steve was there. And...and we kissed. And it felt right, but...we haven't said anything about it since."
At this Bruce looks saddened and confused.
"Really? Steve hasn't said a word?" Bruce mutters. "Maybe he's just confused?"
"I don't know, but...it hurts. And I don't know what this all was with Pietro, but...I'm not against it. If Steve doesn't want to acknowledge what happened, I won't force it. The last thing I want is for him to hate me."
"Tyra- -don't be ridiculous. Steve could never hate you, far from it. He's always got this look of longing on his face whenever he sees you. Anyone with two eyes could see that you two have something going on. No offense to Pietro, but I don't trust him or his sister, and for obvious reasons. Are you sure you even like the guy?"
"I- -I don't know Bruce." I sighed. "I'm lost and confused- -and...I don't know what to say. I fucking hate this shit. I've never been in a relationship with anyone and I don't know what the fuck I'm doing. So...yeah...I guess I'm just not cut out for this shit."
"Don't say that, and don't shut me out. I'm only saying this because I care about you. I have a right to be...concerned." Bruce blurts out.
"And I appreciate it, I really do." I told him. "But I've had Maximoff in my head for months on end before we even met. Maybe it's just...it's gotten to me. I've been invested with the Maximoff's and have tried everything I could to...to help them and figure out more about their past and- -"
I pause and take a deep breath.
"I know we haven't actually known each other for that long. But you heard him just now, I don't think he's faking it. He actually seems to care- -"
"You and Steve really need to hash things out because I know this won't end well." Bruce cuts me off.
I can't help but laugh at Bruce's statement.
"For someone like me, for someone that's on the goddamn autism spectrum, I've actually tried reaching out to Steve everytime the two of us were alone. He doesn't respond to me like he used to. If he's too chicken-shit to acknowledge that maybe I've got feelings for him- -" I shake my head angrily. "I'm not gonna force him to do or say anything. I...I love Steve too much, whether platonically or romantically, to make him do anything he's uncomfortable with."
Bruce gives me a look of understanding and nods.
"I get that, I really do. You have no idea." Bruce steps in front of me. "I just really think that before you even consider...maybe going for a relationship with Pietro- -" I give him a pointed look. "That you talk to Steve first. See if he's actually got anything to say. Be as blunt as you can, Tyra. Because in the long run, all of this matters. It's going to matter for Pietro and Steve, and you. We're still a team, and we need to operate like one. We can't have any doubts or conflicts within the Avengers or some crap like this. You get me?" Bruce looks at me desperately.
As Bruce gives me this advice, I try taking all of this in and give him a small thoughtful nod.
Bruce is making some very valid points here, it's very solid advice really. Maybe...I should just pause everything with Pietro and try talking to Steve again. Maybe Steve's just scared. He hasn't been romantically invested with someone since WWII. I have to take that into consideration.
"You're right." I confirmed. "I'll...I'll talk to Steve as soon as I'm able to."
I blink away tears as Bruce smiles at me, and I can't help but feel more confused at this whole 'romantic' ordeal. Bruce was absolutely correct in everything he'd said. If I cared about Pietro or Steve at all, I needed to talk to them separately so I knew what to do. I give Bruce a hug and will myself to calm down.
"You know, before New York, before Loki...I didn't have to deal with this shit." I chuckled dryly. "I hadn't...I had never thought about it, and now that it's actually happening I don't know what to do. I was so mad that Loki took my first kiss."
Bruce tenses and his expression shifts to that of concern.
"He actually made me feel something which I didn't think was possible for someone like me, but it didn't feel right and...it can't be taken back." I muttered softly.
I continued forward towards the castle, not looking back at Bruce this time.
I have to focus on Ultron, on Natasha. I can't be thinking about this right now. I have to push Steve and Pietro from my mind entirely. People's lives depend on it.
Hey guys, I'm sorry this chapter isn't as long as the last one, but I'm just...God! I'm so nervous about what's coming next! I don't want to kill off Pietro, but I know I'll have to! Maybe I'll write an alternate ending for that? Or maybe I'll start another fanfic with little one-shots of Pietro and Tyra, where Pietro lives after Age of Ultron. I don't know! I'm so saaad! This is probably one of the hardest things I've had to do! Save the hot Sokovian, or have him die? It's such a hard choice, but I always follow the MCU! GOD DANG IT THIS IS SO HARD! WHY?! I just hope they bring Pietro back! Sorry for the ranting, but anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, let me know what you think, and please be nice about it! I love you guys!