Damaged - Chapter One

Have yourself a merry little Christmas, let your heart be light.

From now on, our troubles will be out of sight.

Christmas. The eighty-second floor of Stark Industries: Manhattan was decorated with towering eight-foot, snow-topped trees and glittering lights. Quiet holiday songs and jingles played out over the speakers. Light flurries of snowflakes drifted down from the skies. And from the view high above the bustling streets of Midtown, Anna Wellington watched as last minute shoppers raced the avenues and in and out of shopping malls and centres. December 18th, 2012. One week before Christmas. Six days before her twenty-eighth birthday.

"Hey, Annie? Got a sec?"

She turned. The voice rumbled through the speaker of her smartphone, and the brunette stared at the device in annoyance - she hadn't even answered the call. And with a sigh, the systems analyst scraped back her hair and tied it into her signature knot at the back of her head. "What?" she asked, biting back a smart retort. She picked up the phone and held it in her hands, glaring at the familiar face displayed on the glass screen. "Did you re-programme my phone to answer your calls even when I hit ignore?"

Tony Stark paused. And for a short second he looked contemplative. "Maybe," he hedged. "You really hit ignore? On me?"

Anna frowned at the look on her friend's face. "Maybe," she mocked. And despite her irritation, she offered him a small but exasperated smile. "Can it wait?" she asked, placing the technology down on the coffee table as she shrugged her arms into the black jacket. She tugged at the over-sized sleeves of the garment. "I'm leaving the offices."

"Got a hot date?" Stark's face was now plastered on the fifteen glass monitors that surrounded the living space of the floor. It was mid-afternoon in Malibu, and the genius looked haggard. Most wouldn't have noticed the signs, but Anna spied the lines and dark circles lining Stark's bottom lashes.

Anna massaged her temples. "Something like that," she mused. "What is it you want me to do?"

Stark's answer was blunt. "Coding. And lots of it."

"It's Christmas-"

The billionaire held up one finger to quieten his employee. "Speaking of Christmas," he diverged, "your gift is outside."

Anna spared a glance at the snow-coated ground outside, expecting to see something large and obnoxious sat on the sidewalk. Last Christmas, Stark had presented her with an over-sized twelve-feet tall and four-feet wide teddy bear named Jasper. She was pulled back to the present by steady footfalls echoing on the marbled floor. And with a short smile, Anna greeted Steve Rogers with a wave of her hand.

The monitors creaked as they swivelled. And the built in front-facing cameras zoomed in on the hero. "Rogers?" blinked Stark. His expression was one of surprise. "He's there?" And without warning, the four secondary monitors sparked to life - and four more Tony Starks greeted the Research and Development floor.

Anna watched as Steve blinked in wonder at seeing the number of faces surround the working space. "Stark," began Steve, nodding his head in greeting. His tan leather jacket was dusted with snow flakes, his skin washed a light pink from the cold.

"Captain." And Stark turned back to face his employee. "Your gift," repeated Stark, "outside. Don't forget. See you soon, Sunshine." The monitors faded back to clear glass.

"Soon?" echoed Steve, throwing his hands inside his pockets. He fell into stride beside the analyst, keeping her in his gaze.

In the aftermath of the attack on New York, Steve Rogers had been a constant in Anna's life. He often loitered outside of the building when not in contact with SHIELD, waiting for confirmation from the analyst to enter the offices. The relationship between the two had remained static - no more than the brushing of fingertips and the feel of Steve's lips upon her forehead. Anna was thankful for Steve's reluctance to move forward in their relationship.

Steve never questioned her desire to remain closed off. Nor did he mention the parallel blue lines etched into her skin.

Anna refrained from sighing. "Lights, JARVIS," she interacted. The floor was bathed in darkness as the two moved toward the private elevator. Hitting the buttons and scanning her ID, Anna elaborated. "He's been trying to get me to spend the holidays with him and Pepper in California. Christmas by the beach with champagne and grills? I'd rather stay here with a blizzard and hot cocoa." The two exited the high-tech elevator, strolling through the lobby without hindrance. It was only when they stepped onto the sidewalk that Anna bit out a groan. "Happy?" She walked forward, barely suppressing a curse at the sight of her friend and fellow employee of Stark Industries. "Happy, what are you doing here?"

Harold "Happy" Hogan - a rare sight to see in New York City. The portly man frowned, and he gestured to Steve's towering form behind the analyst. "You got a badge?" he asked, crossing his arms over his chest. "All visitors need a-…". His words died as the soldier produced a laminated visitor's card from the breast pocket of his leather jacket. Happy shook his head. He turned back to the analyst. "You ready to go? Flight leaves in thirty minutes."

The woman bristled. "What?"

"Your bags," continued Happy, and he reached into his pocket and pulled out a flight ticket wrapped with a glimmering golden bow. "Flight bags. Have you even packed?"

Anna frowned. "What are you talking about? Why would I have packed anything?"

"Your Christmas present," he explained, "it's in California-"

"What-!"

"Hey, don't shoot me," said Happy, holding his hands up to defend himself against the brunette. "I'm just the messenger. Stark's orders."

"You've got to be kidding me," muttered Anna, turning to Steve with an apologetic look. "Happy," she implored, watching as the man turned back to face her. "It's Christmas. I want to spend it here." Christmas in Malibu just wouldn't be Christmas. She needed the snow-coated sidewalks and the over-sized tree by the Rockerfeller Center. She needed the comfort of her apartment and the company of Steve Rogers. It was Steve, however, that made the decision.

"Go."

"What? Steve, no-"

"It's Christmas," he said. "And you should spend Christmas with your family-"

"And what about you?" She folded her arms across her chest, staring the hero dead in the eye. "Who are you going to spend the holidays with?"

Steve said nothing, he merely shot the analyst a smile and placed his hand on the small of her back, pushing her toward the open car door.

"Steve-"

The soldier nodded his head. "I'll be here when you get back." He gestured to the streets painted white. "And so will the snow."

"This is ridiculous. Happy?"

"Gotta go, sweetheart." He turned to Steve and shook his hand, not letting the two friends say goodbye. "Happy Holidays, pal."


Have yourself a merry little Christmas, make the yule tide gay,

From now on, our troubles with be miles away…

The flight from JFK's secondary private airstrip to California was short-lived. Nestled between plush ivory armchairs and the Head of Security, Anna clapped her hands and watched in satisfaction as the built-in computer screens slid out from beneath the coffee table. And with a click of her fingers, and the clear pronunciation of her name, words began to flit across the screens.

- - - - Anna J. Wellington - - - - Stark Industries Research and Development - - - - Division - - - - 12 18 2012 - - - - 1754 - - - - Authorisation Passcode Needed - - - - * * * * - - - - Action Verified - - - - J . A . R . V . I . S . - - - - Authorisation Granted - - - - Good evening, Dr. Wellington. - - - - A car is waiting for you. Shall I inform Master Stark of your safe arrival? - - - -

Anna's fingertips worked along the keyboard as she tapped out her response, jumping in fright as the plane lost its altitude. Before she had time to comment on the descent, a hand thrust itself toward her - a crystal glass of water trapped between long, wide fingers. She accepted the drink with greed, gulping the water down in seconds. She continued to stare at the glass screens until the jet planted itself upon the Californian tarmac. Breathing in through her nose and out through her mouth, the young woman turned to her right and gave a slight nod to Happy, thanking him for the glass of water.

Happy, despite his tiresome habits, had a heart of gold.


Faithful friends who are dear to us, gather near to us once more.

Through the years, we all will be together if the fates allow,

And have yourself a merry little Christmas now…

"Gotta make one stop, Anna."

Anna lifted her head and looked to her left. She had insisted upon riding in the passenger seat of the SUV, disliking the thought of sitting in the backseat and having Happy act as her chauffeur - the man was her friend, not her employee. With a nod, she watched as the familiar scenery passed, knowing the road that would lead them to Stark Industries' California base. "Are you spending the holidays with us?" she asked him, turning her gaze back to her friend.

He shook his head. "Who's gonna protect you and the company if I eat turkey with you?" A grin tugged at his lips.

"Oh, yes," said Anna, a laugh in her throat. "Congratulations, by the way. Head of Security," she teased. "That's a big responsibility. Sure you're up for it?"

Happy offered her a playful glare. "Someone's gotta make sure you don't go getting kidnapped again-"

The atmosphere in the vehicle changed dramatically. Silence followed. Anna didn't dare let out the breath she was holding in. She closed her eyes, memories flashing in and flooding her thoughts. She gripped the sides of the seat, allowing herself to exhale whilst Happy babbled his apologies and swore.

"Shit. Anna," he started, and he steered the car toward a lay-by and turned off the engine. "I didn't mean it. I swear to God-," he back-tracked. A wince fell over his face. "No, no gods. Probably shouldn't mention gods, right? Shit. I didn't mean it like that. I just… I should shut up, right? Shut my mouth and just not talk-".

"Happy-"

"-because Tony told me not to mention it! And I wasn't there like I should've been. And Anna, sweetheart, I-"

Anna placed her hand on the man's arm. "Forget about it, OK? It's OK," she told him, giving him a gentle squeeze. "I'm OK."

"Sure?"

She forced a small smile. "Positive."

He remained unsure. "Really sure? Because I don't want to go back if-"

"Happy?"

"Yeah, Hon?"

"Just drive." She closed her eyes and wished the thoughts away. "Please," she finished, her voice quiet.

"OK," breathed Happy, and he started the engine and continued down the freeway. "OK. Just drive," he said, his words coming out in short mumbles under his breath. "I can do that."


And have yourself a merry little Christmas now...

Stark Industries California was a modern building built into nearby chasm. With crisp white outer walls and fascia, tall glass windows, and sleek chrome and iron lettering, the building was hard to miss as the blacked out Stark Industries SUV crept closer. As she stared at the brickwork, the analyst glanced at the windows and was surprised to find that she could spy numerous Stark Industries employees milling around the foyer and building.

The inside of the California HQ was littered with high-tech hardware and glass screens reading the latest developments in Stark Industries technology. Herded inside by the Head of Security, Anna stared around the base in undisguised appreciation.

Behind the main desk in the foyer, an aged blonde held out her hand. She was smartly dressed in a black jacket and suit combination, her golden hair pulled tight across her scalp, with bright Hollywood red lipstick staining her thin lips. "ID," she requested, eyeing the analyst behind her glasses.

Anna frowned. She was so used to not having to flash her ID back in New York, she hadn't thought to have brought it with her. She turned to Happy, her frown deepening. The large man shook his head, reaching the desk to lean against it.

"Hey, Mrs. Mayer. How're you today? Dr. Wellington," he explained, "she's with me-"

"ID," the blonde receptionist repeated. Her lips were pulled tight, and her expression was one of exasperation with the pair. "No ID, no entry." A roll of the eyes. "As Head of Security, you know the rules-"

"Mrs. Mayer-"

Anna curled her fingers around Happy's arm. She smiled at the blonde, biting her bottom lip to halt the harsh insult resting on her tongue. As Happy turned to face her, she shook her head and instead lifted her head and spoke to the cameras dotted around the ceiling. "JARVIS?"

"Welcome, Dr. Wellington. How was your journey?" The AI's voice sounded around the foyer.

She smiled and ignored his question. "ID, please, JARVIS."

"Of course, Miss. Uploading your identification to the foyer computer now." A second. "Miss Potts is finishing her phone call. She'll be with you momentarily. Shall I inform Master Stark of your ETA?"

Anna nodded her head, knowing the AI's body scanner would pick up the movement. She was standing on the balls of her feet as she turned back to smile at Happy, ignoring the receptionist's dark glare. She straightened herself out, flattening the plum coloured sweater she wore, and bit her lip once more. "Stop," she instructed.

Happy's brow crinkled. "Stop what?"

"You're thinking about what you said in the car," she observed, watching his expression. "And you're worrying. You didn't mean anything by it. And I know that. So stop," she repeated, sending him a small smile. "New York was months ago. I'm getting over it." And with a sigh, she corrected herself, repeating her earlier words. "I am over it."

"OK," agreed Happy, flashing her a short grin. He lead the two of them through the halls and corridors of the base, tapping his badge as they passed employees and visitors. The two weaved in and out of throngs of businessmen and women, Happy constantly tapping at and pointing to his identification clip. "Badge," he informed a woman as she sauntered past them. "Badge," he repeated to a thirty-something dark-haired male. "Badge. Badge. Badge." He shook his head at a group of researchers. "Badge, guys," he called.

The analyst kept quiet as fellow Stark employees skirted around the Head of Security, eager to avoid his endless tirade. "Hey, Hap," she said, keeping the smile on her face, "you're loving this, aren't you?"

Happy shook his head and rolled his shoulders. "I take this job very seriously, Dr. Wellington," he said, straightening his suit jacket. "It's why Tony gave me the job."

And keeping the smile on her lips, Anna bit back her reply and agreed with him. They rounded a corner and suddenly an arm was wrapped around the analyst's small frame. Anna blinked and look down, seeing flashes of cream and red - Virginia Potts.

The redhead smiled and kissed the brunette's cheeks. She wore a beautiful ivory suit and held two black files in her hands. "Anna," grinned Potts, keeping the analyst close. "Happy Holidays! We've missed you. How are you? How was the flight?" And without leaving time for the woman to answer, she continued, "Have you been getting enough sleep?"

Anna returned the grin, though it was half-hearted. "Mm," she hummed, raising her brows. She chose to ignore the last question. Questions lead to difficult answers. "You missed me so much you dragged me across the country-"

"No," corrected Potts, holding up one slim finger to halt the analyst. "Tony dragged you across the country. I wanted to give you a stress free Christmas back in New York, with a decreasing workload, but-"

"He didn't listen," finished Anna, nodding her head. She eyed the men and women in suits and skirts, glancing at their workloads. "What is all this?" she asked. "New projects?"

"Meetings," corrected Potts. "Lots and lots of meetings. He's in his lab at the house," she told her, speaking of the missing genius. "Meddling with his toys."

"Meddling?"

Potts sighed. "Playing," she amended.

"Hey, Pep," began Happy, interrupting the conversation between the two women. "Six to forty-one?" he said, referring to the new designs Anna had glanced over the past few months. "Tony has got them in his basement," he said, speaking of the suits. He went on to explain how the prototypes were gathering dust in the floors beneath the home of Stark and Pepper, and how they ought to be put to use in the business.

Glancing behind the rambling male, Potts flashed Anna an exasperated twitch of her lips. "OK," she agreed, smiling at a passing employee. The dark-haired PA handed Potts a clipboard and pen, needing her signature to file a report. "So you're suggesting that I replace the entirety of the editorial staff with robots?"

Happy frowned. "No," he argued. "What I'm saying is that the human element of human resources is our biggest point of-"

Anna ignored the rest of the conversation, uninterested in Happy's plans for the future of Stark Industries. She skirted to the side, avoiding a mob of employees that rounded the corner, chatting away to the cellphones tucked up against their ears. She fingered a branch of the large pine Christmas tree to her left, catching her reflection in the shiny gold and bronze baubles. Her was falling loose, and her eyes were tired and itching. Pulling her hair from the bun, snapping the hair-tie to her wrist, Anna came to a stop beside her friends, listening as Pepper congratulated Happy for his enthusiasm.

Potts touched the man's arm, speaking his name. "I am thrilled that you are now Head of Security, OK? It's the perfect position for you-"

"Thank you-"

"However, -" continued Potts, trapping him in her gaze.

"-I do appreciate it," smiled Happy.

"-since you took the post-"

Happy shook his head. "You don't have to thank me for it," he told the women, flashing them a rogue grin.

"-there has been a significant rise in-," Potts trailed off, turning to her right to watch as Anna stared off into the distance. "Anna? Everything OK?"

The analyst had been staring into the office space for the last twenty seconds, her eyes surveying the male lounging inside the space beyond the glass doors. The man was tall with dirty blonde hair slicked back behind his ears and a charcoal grey suit hugged his frame. "Who is he?" voiced Anna, gesturing to him with the incline of her head.

"Miss Potts?" a second voice called, pulling the three away from the conversation. "Your four o'clock is here."

Happy turned. "Did you clear this four o'clock with me?

"Happy, we'll talk about this later." Potts forced a smile. "But right now," she said, "it's very annoying. Anna?"

"Of course," muttered Anna, recognising the hidden watch him in Potts' wording. "C'mon, tough guy," she smiled, tugging at the security's arm. "Are you going to show me around this division or what?" The pull on his limb had no effect. "Hap-"

"Killian?"

The man in the office turned and flashed the redhead a brilliant white smile. "Pepper," he greeted, gazing over the form of the woman dressed in crisp white. "You look great. You look really great."

Glancing to her left, Anna and Happy shared a look of distaste.

Potts stumbled for words. "Wow," she breathed. "You look great, too."

And Happy, never one to leave a conversation without throwing in his own importance, stated, "You were supposed to have been issued a security badge-"

"Happy," smiled Potts, placing her hands on the chest of the man in question. "We're good-"

"You're sure?" his voice was low, though all in the room could hear him.

In response, the CEO nodded her head.

Anna hugged the woman one last time. "We'll be outside," she said, still eyeing the unfamiliar male. And following Happy outside, Anna allowed the glass doors to close behind her. She trailed after Happy toward the lounge area, staring at the dark look cast upon his face. And with a smile, she agreed with his unspoken words. "I don't like him either," she murmured, taking out her phone.

Half-listening, Happy pointed to a second visitor in the lounge. "Hey, guy," he called. "Yeah. You." He tapped his badge for what must've been the fiftieth time in the last fifteen minutes. And having watched the stranger flash his security card, Happy turned back to the brunette. "What're you doing?" he muttered, watching as Anna held up her phone to the glass windows, snapping a photo of the blonde. "Snatching photos of him? What is it?" asked Happy. "His charm? The hair? Thought you liked that guy back in New York-"

"Pepper said his name was Killian, right?"

"Yeah. Why?"

Anna handed Happy her smartphone, showing the body scan she had performed on the device. It had lead to a number of web page results with the same acronym: AIM. "Because I don't like the look of him," she retorted, turning back to stare as Pepper and the newcomer laughed together.


Author Note: Welcome to Damaged, the sequel to Recruited!
Not a lot of Anna/Steve in this chapter, I know. And you're probably thinking to yourself "why have you skipped the romance and jumped straight into IM3?". There will be romance - though this will be told in flashbacks of the six months time difference between Recruited and Damaged. Steve will be making an appearance in this story, too, but more to come of that later...

A HUGE thank you to the hundred of you who have already favourited and followed this story - thank you so much! Please contine to follow, favourite and review. Am hoping to have the second Ch. up on May 4th for the US release. And I implore you all to go and see Iron Man 3 - it's fantastic.

And so, without further ado, let me know what you think! Please leave a review.