Small World After All

by neojedigoddess

In an effort to help Steve, Natasha sends him to California to sit in on a college class taught by a former SHIELD operative to give him "perspective". He's surprised to discover the professor is the niece of his old friend and Howling Commando, Dum Dum Dugan. From that fateful meeting Steve discovers that he's not quite alone as he thought he was. (Steve/OFC)

2. Chapter 2

Author's Notes in Chapter 1

Tony POV

"So this was your idea? To have him come out here to meet Holly?" Coulson asked Red as they sat in a van of all things out in the parking lot of a diner, watching Capsicle and Holly talking inside. He couldn't believe people owned things like this. No style, nothing. He doubted it could even get above 60 without the engine straining. It had a tape deck. TAPE. Did Ferrari make a van?

"It was only a matter of time. And with finding out Barnes is alive, he needs a distraction from being in his own head. He can talk about the past with her and she'll understand better than most of us what the hell he's talking about."

"That's true. I'm curious as to her reaction finally meeting him. Hard to believe it took this long."

"It's not like there has been that much downtime for him since he got thawed."

"Point."

Tony move up quickly, his eyes locked on the diner. "Is...he's holding her hand! Hey! That's like second base for an old fart like him! And in public! Has the man no decency? I fully blame you, Red. You corrupted America."

He ranted until he got exactly what he wanted. Frustration from his favorite former Agent turned Director and the very slightest smile from his former fake assistant. He knew he amused Natasha, or Natalie as he first knew her. He appreciated her complete honesty on most things though to be honest, she scared him a bit and he knew she enjoyed that. It was a fine balance.

"She held his hand first, Mr. Stark." Coulson said with a sigh. Tony loved frustrating the man, even more after they found out he wasn't quite dead anymore. His excuse? Had to make up for lost time. "She brought up Sergeant Barnes' reappearance."

"How do you know that?" They watched as the discussion apparently went to Holly being a mutant, something Tony knew she'd never keep from Steve Rogers of all people as she effortlessly floated both his coffee cup and coffee. Rogers, for his credit, seemed impressed but didn't react strongly in either direction. Though it wasn't exactly unexpected.

"I can read lips." The man said with another sigh.

They watched for a few more minutes as Holly told Capsicle something that had him looking rather amazed but a bit creeped. It was strange to see her looking so familiar with him. They'd just met and here they were talking like old friends. But part of that had to be her SHIELD training, right?

"Are we about ready to go in?" Coulson touched the earpiece he seemed to live to wear. "May, let's send in the newer agents to clear out the restaurant. Why don't you two go in..."

Tony was already halfway out of the van and heading toward the door. No time like the present. And besides, the tacky interior to the van was making his skin crawl.