Chapter 5
Bruce slowly surfaced from the fog of deep and restful sleep. He couldn't remember the last time he had felt so rested, he didn't feel the weight of Shelby on his chest anymore. He looked down past his now laying form to see his feet tangled with hers as she watched TV and ate from a bowl of sliced fruit in her hands. If this was how he could feel… it was more than he could think of at the moment. For now he and the other guy were content. As everyone gathered around, with breakfast or beverages in hand, it became apparent that two people had yet to join them.
Clint and Natasha stepped out of the elevator dressed in full combat gear, the same they had worn just days before while saving the world. Every voice fell silent as they took in their teammates serious expressions, coupled with their attires painted a grim image. "Tony how serious were you about a place to stay for a while?" Natasha asked. Instead of answering Tony called up to his ai "Jarvis?" The British voice answered smoothly "besides Mr Stark and Ms Potts, the only people with residential access to the entire building are the people in this room now. Mr Stark has also had me submit a change of address form on everyone's behalf listing the tower as your current residence. I have also been instructed to assist you in any way I am able, as I currently do for Mr Stark and Ms Potts." Tony cut through the other ways Jarvis was listing that had been prepared for permanent residents "pretty serious".
The Captain was the first on his feet, already in command mode "what's the situation" he asked his teammates. "easy there cap there is no situation, unless you count Natasha's drama queen tendencies" The atmosphere had eased slightly at Clint's reassurance, it broke completely when Natasha hip checked Clint as she passed. "So… what's up with the suits then?" Asked doctor Banner. Clint shrugged, "figured we'd give Cap and Shelby a hand this morning". While he had said it very casually, it was obvious the tension this decision was causing both Hawkeye and the black widow. With the grace of a toddler herding cats Tony pointed out the elephant in the room "gonna out yourselves as super heroes on live TV? It's been done before, I should know, I was the one that did it. Tell you what, just to ensure at least one camera catches it, I'll stand behind you" it was self-serving, ego inflating, and egomaniacal but that's just how Tony showed he cared. "Hey don't use code names either, at least until the lawyers have had a go first, wouldn't want to lose out on a lucrative copyright claim"
Clint hadn't dealt with the billionaire much, but even a surface glance told him that Tony wasn't lying, but he had more planned. Not just for their big reveal, but also legal protection too.
The streets around Stark tower had become a city, a city whos soul purpose was to provide relief. The media camped around the main entrance to the building were the exception. For the last few days, at least one hero of New York had emerged from the building to help with clean up and rescue efforts. Today something different was happening, several large men came out and placed a simple podium on the top step. Pepper Potts, long time suspected love interest of Tony Stark and CEO of Stark industries, stepped out and addressed the crowd. "The avengers would like to say a few words" stepping back she turned to the doors just as the entire avengers team stepped out. It was the first time anyone had seen them all together since the battle ended. The flashes of individual cameras melted into one bright light that blinded everyone. With the accompanying shouted questions, a flash bang grenade wouldn't have been noticed. Stepping forward in his full iron Man armor Tony began "ahem, first off, get off my lawn." He joked, earning a laugh from the crowd. It was a trick he developed long ago, becoming more serious he started in earnest, "many of you may remember a few years ago when I successfully privitized world peace, since then I've expanded a bit, behind me stands the team that is the future of world security, not just from home grown baddies, but we stand ready to defend the earth from any threat. So without further ado may I introduce 'The Avengers'". Tony waited until he could be heard over the crowds cheers. "I give you Hawkeye, black widow, Thor, Captain America, the hulk (sorry guys this is his mellow mode), and...
A/N seeking beta. Also please help, I didn't plan a super hero name for her.