Used to be All We Are. I turned it into a one-shot instead.
3rd POV
Pepper spent the whole afternoon cooking, it was a hobby that she picked up a few weeks ago. Cooking through her mother's cookbook brought back memories that she was fond of and often missed. Instead of going out this Friday, she was hosting a get-together. Of course, Tony didn't mind if he picked the wine. Steve couldn't turn down a home-cooked meal besides, Pepper was the only girl that he could talk to without blushing. Bruce as usually didn't have any precedent plans. Agents Barton and Romanoff just finished a mission in Dubai and were given a few days to themselves. Tony's door to any of the Avengers was always open. In which the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents were thankful for a place to crash, but not enough to say anything to add to Tony's ever growing ego. The only one missing was Thor, who was spending time Jane.
"Thank you for all coming, nearing the holidays always makes me a sentimental fool according to Tony. I just wanted to," Pepper addressed her hungry guests who all have had long weeks before her phone began to ring. Glancing down at the table she could see it was Rory, Tony's little sister who had been studying abroad for a semester in Dublin. Pepper had been worried because she had not been responding to her texts for the past few weeks.
"I'm sorry if you guys would excuse me for one moment. Dig in," She continued her sentence picking up the phone taking a few steps away from the table.
Tony groaned pouring himself some more wine.
"I have been so worried about you," Pepper snapped keeping her voice down.
"I can't say the same thing about you, darling Pepper," the venomous voice hissed back which was not Rory.
Shocking her like she wanted, the voice grinned on the other side pleased with the gasp the redhead produced. Pepper held her hand to her mouth in shock, pleading to God that Rory wasn't with her former torturer.
"Pepper, what's wrong?" Tony demanded not liking how pale his girlfriend was before instructing Jarvis to pick up the call so he can talk to whoever was on the other side of the call.
"Who's calling?" Tony questioned setting down his drink pulling Pepper gently to her chair.
"It's been awhile, baby. Tell me do you miss me?" The woman purred which made some at the table cringe.
"Whitney, what a pleasant surprise. What have you been up to, plastic surgery or stealing candy from kids?" Tony responded to his crazy hostile ex-lover who tried to kill him and Pepper a few years ago. Meanwhile, snagging Pepper's phone telling Jarvis to track the call while keeping her on the main sound system.
"Well, actually, I have had the best past few weeks with your sister," Whitney sneered wishing she could see Tony's face.
Getting punched by the Hulk without his suit would be immensely better than what the billionaire felt at the moment. He knew he shouldn't have let her go off by herself to Ireland. Steve and Bruce were surprised they knew nothing of another Stark, unlike Clint and Natasha who had heard of her when reading Tony's file.
"Your little Aurora has guts. She's been refusing to contact you even when I asked her to. I wished I learned Russian so I could slap her for the names I think she has been calling me. If she refuses to talk, I guess her screams will do instead," Whitney threatened, running the tip of her dagger down the girl's side.
"Wait, what do you want?"
"I want you to be heartbroken when you find her lifeless body knowing it was your fault."
Tony slammed his hands down, the table cracked underneath his fists. His fellow Avengers were not used to seeing him lose his cool. Hissing a slur of vulgar profanities, Tony wouldn't hesitate to murder Whitney Frost if she killed Aurora despite the consequences.
"You were always dramatic, Frost, but you have made a grave mistake if you do not release my sister I will bring down the full force of the Avengers until I have you alone in a dark room for the rest of your life," Tony warned darkly not caring that others were present.
Whitney laughed.
"Now, what do you want?" Tony demanded raising his voice to nearly yelling.
"3 billion cash within the next 8 hours wired to the account I send to you," the kidnapper deadpanned finally conveying the deal that they had planned at the beginning.
"I want to speak with her first," He insisted not evening caring about the money.
"Speak English or I will slit your throat," Whitney held the knife level with Rory's chin lengthen hair.
Rory glared at desperate ex of her brother.
"Little bear to big bear, do you copy?" Rory croaked dehydrated.
Her voice brought tears to Tony's eyes before he cleared his throat.
"Rodger, I'm coming little bear," Tony whispered.
"Phoenix Park, don't do anything stupid like being armed," Frost cut off, ending the call.
The silent table taken back by what just happened were all thinking that if under different circumstances that the conversation between the siblings was heartwarming.
"Tony, we'll get her back," Pepper whispered reaching for his hand.
"Wheels up in thirty," Tony hissed typing furiously on Pepper's phone getting prepared to transfer the money when the time came.
"What's the plan?" Bruce asked curiously pushing his plate away not hungry anymore.
"I give her the money and get my sister back."
"No tricks?" Steve astounded that he didn't have another plan.
"None, this time, Cap," Tony admitted drumming his fingers on the glass table.
Clint and Natasha exchanged wary glances.
"She speaks Russian?" Natasha asked curious of his sister.
"Yes, mostly because I didn't think she would," Tony smirked knowing where she got her stubbornness from.
The Avengers geared up except Tony who just would bring his armor just in case. Being a personal mission, Tony had a hard time keeping a level head, the others noticed. A tense silence filled the plane, Tony rested his head in his hands. Thoughts clouded his head of failing to protect his sister. His parents would be ashamed.
"Stop beating yourself up, Stark," Banner laid a hand on his shoulder.
"If you sister is anything like you, she is a fighter," Cap added trying to comfort his fellow teammate.
"That's what I am afraid of," Tony retorted dryly wishing he had a drink right now. Circling the park, scouting out for a place to land. They were a few minutes early and started going over back plans if something went wrong. Natasha kept an eye scanning the park looking for Frost aka Madame Masque.
The light snow and freezing temperatures made the area scarce of anyone. Aurora Eliza Stark stumbled over the icy ground. She could feel herself being carried by two goons. Blindfolded and hands tied behind her back which she kept struggling against nearly breaking her wrists. When they finally stopped walking, her blindfold was taken off. She blinked adjusting to the blinding light to see snow falling and a black jet was a small distance was from them.
Tony.
He wasn't alone catching a glimpse of red-haired women and a dark blonde haired man standing next to her. The women scarily beautiful while the man appeared stiff and rigid.
"They're here," Natasha announced looking at the tattered-clothed girl.
Tony hurried down and out to get his sister. He took note of how pale she was, the bags underneath her now dull blue eyes. Tony's heart twisted seeing her torn clothing and dried blood. His eyes darkened looking at the collar around her neck.
He took out his phone transferring the money over before Whitney moved the money to her master's account.
"Let her go. Until we meet again sweetheart. Oh, I almost forgot if you follow us, pop goes the daisy. You can deactivate while you fly back far away from here," Whitney grinned before her guards shoved Rory forward. Too weak to catch herself, she slid on the snow-covered ice. She cried out as the cuts reopened, leaving red smears on the ground.
Tony lurched forward taking her in his arms vowing to get revenge. He glared at the monster of his ex before walking away with the limp body of his sister. He looked down at her bloody face, eyes closed, she was muttering nonsense. He caught a few words as he brought her up on the plane.
Dream. Please. Blood.
"Rory, stay awake, I need to deactivate the collar around your neck," Tony instructed setting her down as gently as he could.
She didn't reply in a haze of delirium and exhaustion.
Clint passed over a set of tools he always carried just in case. Tony quickly went to work on the bomb.
Steve, Bruce, Clint, and Natasha gave them some space despite how they wanted to help.
A sharply pained gasp left Rory's lips before the ear piercing scream did. Tony pulled back, pinning her shoulders against the metal wall. She jerked away in pain.
"Calm down, Rory, you're safe, just breathe," Tony urged his hands covered in blood.
Shaking her head violently, she struggled against the imposter of her brother not being able to calm down.
"This isn't real. It's in my head. Another dream he created," Rory rasped closing her eyes trying to wake up from her belief of being trapped in another nightmare.
"I'm so sorry," Tony whispered tears rolling down his face.
"I can't, get away, I can't," She cried banging her head against the wall.
Tony put a hand behind her head to stop her from hurting herself. This frightened his sister more, who thought he was going to kill her. Struggling against him, throwing kicks and screaming bloody murder, Rory's foot connected with the left side of his face making him fall backward.
Shaking violently, she looked up at the Avengers fearful of what was going to happen. Even if she was in another dream, the guilt of attacking her brother resonated deep within her.
"Miss Stark, we are just trying to help. My name is Clint Barton. Can I deactivate the collar around your neck?" the archer asked setting his bow on the ground.
Looking into his eyes, they looked calm and in control like his soft baritone voice.
The youngest Stark tilted her head back. The agent crouched in front of her quickly finishing what Tony started. Tony pulled himself up and stepped away watching with dismay. The collar fell to the ground, Rory kicked the thing away from her. Curling into a ball, mumbling to herself that the dreams aren't real. Clint moved away from the traumatized girl.
"Tony?" Steve wasn't sure what their next move was.
"Natasha, can you try and see if she's injured. The rest of us will get this baby in the air," Tony instructed.
"I could help, I have some medical training," Bruce pulled out a small kit he brought with him.
"Sorry, but I have no intentions of letting you see my sister shirtless," Tony smirked tossing the kit to Nat before dragging the others into the cockpit.
The Black Widow's skill set didn't including genuine comforting, but maybe she could make an exception. Getting on her knees, she hummed an old Russian lullaby.
Aurora's throat burned while getting a grip to recognize the words of the hymn. Her breathing eventually slowed when the song ended.
"You're the Black Widow aren't you?" Rory asked in a small voice.
"Yes, please call me Natasha, can I check your wounds?" The dark redhead stated softly feeling bad at of how rattle the girl was.
"Red Room," Tony's sister rambled shutting her eyes trying to decide if the memory was real or another nightmare.
The Widow gasped in surprise, Clint stuck his head out glancing at his partner, studying the threat level and if he needed to step in.
Aurora's head throbbed painfully blocking out Natasha's rolling questions. Agent Romanoff reached for the girl wanting to find out what she knew not ready for the kick in the stomach she received.
"Enough," Natasha hissed pulling the vial from her boot, injecting the girl.
"What the hell did you do?" Tony roared storming over to catch his sister falling limp on the floor.
"She'll wake up in a few hours with some needed sleep," Nat grounded untying Rory's wrists.
"You had no right, this is just going to make things worse," Bruce interjected checking her weakened pulse.
"We have to take her to Shield if she tried to hurt anyone, Fury's orders," Clint called from his seat at the front of the plane.
"Fury can fuck off, he isn't keeping my sister prisoner," Tony warned pressing a bandage to the gushing cut on her back.
"She needs help, clearly with whatever happened to her. I don't think you should do it on your own," Steve agreed, knowing all the resources at Fury's fingertips.
Tony scowled holding his sister closer, stubbornly agreeing saying that he could be there at every step.
The staff worked with Rory; her back was stitched up and her wounds covered. Keeping her sedated and pumping her with fluids, the doctor sent a blood sample to the lab. All of this happening with a worried billionaire looming over their backs.
The team debated who to send in when she woke up. Despite Tony's argument, Fury assigned Barton and Romanoff to the task. Bruce was called away to the lab while the others gathered outside Rory's room.
Rory's POV
Waking up on my belly, my body aching, feeling like I had been hit by a freight train or maybe even a hulk. My head pounded trying to remember the past events that were hazy. My shoulder and leg ached from the itchy stitches I presumed were there. Muttering profanities, I pulled myself up, swaying slightly from a head rush and nausea. Where the hell am I?
I could see a mirrored wall which usually meant that there are people on the other side. I yanked the IV out of my arm, not trusting that the clear bag was just fluids. This caught their attention, two people entered the room. They were from my last dream, or maybe they rescued me. I applied the sheet down on my arm to stop the bleeding.
"Miss Stark, can you please state your full name for us?" Natasha questioned standing tense not the same person who had sung me a lullaby.
"Aurora Eliza Stark," I answered softly looking into the agent's eyes.
"Can you tell us the last date you remember it being?" The archer asked smiling reassuringly.
"If you are referring to the day I was kidnapped, it was December 4th. Is Tony behind that glass?" I retorted, staring at the glass blankly imaging Tony's grim expression.
"Yes, along with others, including Director Fury," Red Widow answered crossing her arms.
"So the good cop bad cop act trying figure out what I know or can I go?" I asked imaging Tony's smile wishing to see him.
"Please tell us everything you remember," Clint suggested rubbing the back of his neck.
"Her cover was that she was a physics grad student working with our professor on her thesis. Whitney hung around my group of friends I had. Besides, I should have noticed a red flag when she asked me about Tony. I didn't worry because a lot of people have obsessions with you guys. Anyway, our exams finished and she offered for us to join her at a two-week retreat before returning to the states. Someone stole my phone a few days before we left. I couldn't recall Pepper's number off the top of my head. My pride stopped me from calling Tony because I had lost my birthday gift he made me. I didn't worry because I was having fun. Telling myself that it would only be for a few days, I went along with them.
The second night someone broke into the lounge, which was also out in the boonies. The men slaughtered mostly everyone, taking a few of us, including Whitney, to their master. I was roughed up a bit. I woke up strapped to a table when Whitney told me who she was. The bitch asked nicely to tell her everything I know about Tony, Pepper, Shield, and even the Avengers. I stayed silent for the first two days until she lost her patience. Setting her goons on me, I figured out being punched sucks. She figured out that hurting me didn't do the trick. Bringing in my friends, she made me what as they tortured them, trying to get anything out of me. A few more days passed until she began to feel guilty. She began sneaking me water and food, even letting me out to use my legs for a bit. She explained how it was nothing personal. Finally, I asked her why playing the whole 'I thought you were my friend' act. She clearly loved this master who she referred to. He promised her revenge against Tony and Pepper, as well the rest of you. It was that night that her master graced me with his presence. After being blindfolded and cut up a bit, he began to touch my forehead. He chuckled and injected me with something before touching my cheek.
That's when the nightmares would start, but they were different from any I have ever had before. I could feel the pain that occurred in them. They felt hand selected like I was trapped in all of my worse fears that I couldn't have ever thought possible," I wiped away the hot tears burning my cheeks, swallowing the lump in my throat before continuing, "After however long they lasted Whitney would come in putting my phone in my hand. I would refuse to call for help then he would come back in, starting the dreams again. This happened for God knows how long until the lines of reality blurred. Then I attacked my brother and you. Now, I'm here and starving," I dropped the bloody sheet on the bed.
"Well, let's fix that kid," Tony answered elbow propped on the door frame.
I smiled limping over to him. He ruffled my greasy hair, pulling me close. Tony tried to get me to sit in a wheelchair to push to the dining hall. Clint and Natasha left to go get something to help with the pain I still had.
"Nice to meet you, Ma'am," A handsome blond man greeted with a curt nod.
"Please call me Rory," I responded holding my hand out.
He took my hand in a soft grip, flashing me his perfect teeth.
"Steve."
"You must be a patient man to work with my brother," I greeted the man I assumed to be Director Fury.
His lips turned up in a smirk.
"You must be the sister Stark tries to keep secret. Nice to finally meet you, if only under different circumstances. This is my second in command, Maria Hill," The Director greeted, the tall, dark haired and eyed woman nodded at me.
Sitting down at the table, I felt exhausted. Trying to keep my eyes open, I watched Tony and Steve go through the line getting looks from other agents. Drinking the glass of water which Tony set down in front of me, I realized how thirsty I was. Tony pushed a full plate of chicken, potatoes, and veggies in front of me. The smell of gravy made my mouth water. I took a bite, groaning. We were soon joined by Bruce, Clint, and Natasha. Clint sat down on the other side of me setting a plastic cup with a few pills in it. I took it, going to grab Tony's glass instead Steve pushed forward his untouched glass. I smiled at him taking it thankfully.
"So what did you get Pepper for Christmas?" My eyes were directed at Tony. A small worry formed in the back of my head that I had missed Christmas.
"I was going to propose to her," He replied eyes astray on the line forming in the line for food.
I squeak loud enough to catch the surrounding tables' attention. Holding a hand over my mouth, the others wore surprised expressions too.
"I have never been more proud of you," I gushed smiling like a madwoman.
"With everything that's happened I was going to put it off until her birthday," Tony admitted playing with his fries.
"No, everything that has happened in the past weeks, nothing would make me happier."
"Are you sure?"
"If you don't, I will ask her for you."
Tony rolled his eyes at my answer. Natasha and Bruce exchanged smiles at our conversation. I wonder if they are a thing. I could easily imagine it.
"When is Christmas by the way?" I asked no one in particular.
"A week from tomorrow," Clint turned to me still rocking the tight leather suit.
"We can host a party on Christmas Eve. A ton of lights, Pepper and I can cook, you pay for the booze, and we have a perfect party. I am already planning the menu in my head." I replied thinking when to go shopping.
Tony groaned at my antics putting his head in his hands. Steve and Clint laughed at him.
They ended up wanting to keep me for observation, but Tony convinced them that it would be best for me to go home. Pepper was attached to my hip the moment we arrived. She cried holding me close. I patted her back soothingly while looking at Tony pouring himself a drink. Bruce, Clint, and Natasha stayed at Shield doing god knows what. Steve leaned over whispering something to Tony, making them both chuckle.
Escaping to my room to rest before dinner, a thought passed through my head that a shower could make me feel better. Clipping and painting my nails my favorite dark blue color, sapphire, was something I hadn't done since summer. Shaving my hairy legs made me feel less Chewbacca-like for sure. The steaming water felt glorious on my skin, moving my hand to turn off the faucet, a barrage of water hit me in the face. Crying out at the familiar feeling, I tumbled backward landing awkwardly, screaming when the stitches in my right leg seared a hot flash of pain. Stupidly trying to catch myself, my wrist twisted helping break my fall.
My heart in my ears, I moved my legs to see how bad the damage was. The bandages were soaked a crimson red that didn't look like a good sign. Cradling my injured hand to my chest, I dragged myself to lean over to reach for my robe. The door swooshed open and shut in mere seconds, Pepper gasped, wasn't sure if it was because of the blood or me being nude. The red-haired assassin stepped out from behind her taking quick action to reach for a towel to cover me.
"Hey, guys," I croaked shakily holding onto the towel tightly.
"What the hell happened?" Tony asked through the door.
"I slipped," I called out, Natasha propping me up and with Pepper's help to put a robe to cover me.
I ripped off the bandage on my leg. Nearly cutting my lip open from biting down, a few of the stitches were torn out. I sucked a gasp, standing on my one good leg. Using the two women as crutches, I limped outside to the chair. Tony scooped me up taking me to the infirmary. I pouted, passing the Clint, Steve, and Bruce pausing to stare at me, stopping their conversation with the bulky God wearing a red cape. I waved at them. Tony picked up his pace.
"Jarvis, call Dr. Kylar. Tell her it's an emergency and that I will pay her double to make a house visit," Tony instructed setting me down in the medical bay bed.
"Yes, Sir," The familiar British accent answered.
"What happened?" Clint questioned concerned, the others joining us.
"I slipped," I repeated staring at the ceiling feeling pathetic and a burden taking up their time.
"Any reason why?" Bruce pushed rolling up his sleeves.
"Because I have two left feet and tubs are slippery," I defended getting a little snippy.
"You have two left feet?" Steve asked innocently, moving to get a look at my feet.
Laughing, I realized he was being serious.
"It's an expression for someone is clumsy," I answered moving my toes.
He nodded in understanding.
"Sir, Dr. Kylar is on her way," Jarvis interjected.
"You guys don't have to wait for me. I'm sure there's avenging to do or, at least, dinner to eat," I murmured wanting fewer eyes staring at me.
"Lady Stark, if you are injured, that holds the utmost urgency," The God of thunder urged setting down his hammer.
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Why did he have to say something so kind?
Finally, after twenty minutes of small talk, Melissa arrived. I liked had always liked the woman who did my yearly check ups. Keeping her hazel eye's on me, putting on gloves she asked me what happened. I explained once again. Gingerly, she examined my shoulder, wrist, and leg. She started me on an IV and stuff for the pain. Putting a strap-able cast on my wrist telling me to leave it on for three weeks. My shoulder stitches were tender she told me while working on my leg. I closed my eyes going to my happy place.
My childhood vacation home in Canada that was only reachable by snowmobile.
My body relaxed and warmed at the thought.
"So how your senior year going?" Melissa asked looking up from her work.
"Good, I've gotten a dozen job offers from Tony's competitors, but keeping my options open," I answered keeping my eyes shut smirking at Tony's reaction I knew he had.
"When are you going to accept my offer to work for me? I offered you the job on day one, doesn't that count for something?" Tony addressed rolling his eyes.
"Maybe, I want to start my own company and put you out of business?" I dragged playfully feeling the soothing feeling from the medication kicking in.
Tony's hearty laugh filled the room, receiving a few laughs from others.
"So I fixed your leg up. Not that I should have to tell you, but be careful for the next few weeks. I will leave you something medication for the pain," She pulled some pills out her bag setting them in my hand. She departed with a quick nod in Tony's direction, scurrying off to go home.
Pepper followed me back to the room. Hovering like a mother hen as I got dressed, she stopped me from heading to the kitchen to run a brush through my wet hair.
Taking my seat on the other side of Tony, Steve helped Pepper carry out the Italian food they ordered. It was from my favorite place across town. Thor passed me the chicken Alfredo which I took a healthy helping of, Thor smiled pleased.
"A healthy appetite, glorious, say why haven't we meet before if Stark is your kin?" He questioned reaching for another piece of garlic bread.
"I have been at college year round and Tony mainly visits me on campus," I replied twirling my fork to gather pasta before stabbing a piece of chicken.
"What's your major?" Bruce asked before taking a sip of iced tea.
"Computer Science," I answered taking another bite.
"Shield always has positions open," Natasha stated glancing slyly at Tony.
Tony made a disgusted sound.
After dinner, Tony, Thor, Bruce, and Natasha settled in the living room for a drink with sports playing in the background. Clint and Steve were helping clean the table with Pepper. I tried to help the best I could.
Wincing, I applied too much pressure to my leg trying to put a dish on a higher shelf. The warm solid presence pressed into my back as he grasped the glass putting it up in the cabinet. Clint's warm breath made my cheeks blush at his proximity. I turned away to notice that we were alone. Hanging the wet towels on the rack, Clint leaned against the counter crossing his arms watching me.
"Do you remember the battle of New York?" He asked his jaw locked.
"Vividly," Remembering, Tony's panicked phone call before climbing to the tallest building to see him falling out of the sky.
"Following the weeks up to the battle, I was under the mind control of the lunatic behind it all. It was a nightmare that I couldn't wake up from as I did terrible things. All the people I killed, it still haunts me sometimes. I don't discuss it with people knowing that they wouldn't understand, but I don't want you to feel like you have to keep it to yourself. My door is open to you if need someone vent to," He offered smiling slightly, a look that I could get used to.
"I'm sorry that happened to you," I replied leaning next to him. I knew what it felt like to have your mind played with.
"Shit happens," He admitted smirking charmingly.
Rory's POV
Everyone is asleep except me, curling up underneath a blanket on the couch, I've been watching the history channel for officially four hours now. My eyes couldn't stay shut for more than thirty seconds from the fear of horrendous nightmares returning. Hearing footsteps, I looked over my shoulder: Clint.
He sat down, our shoulders touching.
"You should be in bed," He whispered keeping his eyes on the television
"I could say the same to you," I replied turning to look at him.
"Well, I am used to sleeping in increments for patrol, it's a hard habit to break. You know you're safe here, Tony would never let those monsters take you again."
"I know that's not what I'm afraid of."
"Then what?"
Pausing, tears in my eyes, I didn't want to say it out loud. He didn't pressure me for an answer but focused on the cheesy car commercial.
"Earlier, when you were talking about the battle of New York, I was actually there. Tony doesn't know that I had some files to pick up from his office and I was on my way when the army invaded. I was being held in a train station until Steve came in. Soon after, we were left out and guided to safety, but Tony called me. He told me he loved me and wanted to make sure I was safe. I lied saying I was at the library. After the call ended, I snuck past the cops to get to a tall building. By the time, I reached the top I could see him go into the massive hole in the sky carrying a missile on his back.
Those moments waiting for him to come back were the worst of my life. I tracked you guys down, checking to make sure he was all right before heading back to campus.
The first dream I had when being held captive was that one, but instead Tony never came back. I don't ever want to relive that ever again that's why I don't want to go to sleep."
"Then don't."
Eventually, my eyes drifted open and close, despite my best efforts. My head rested on Clint's shoulder, he didn't seem to mind. My breathing waned, my present anxiety of late faded, easing into the background. My last memory being a strong arm wrap around my shoulder.
Waking up to the wonderful smell of coffee, lifting my head from the warmness surrounding me, I see a puzzled Natasha nursing her coffee. I pushed myself up, jumping up at the groan that came from beneath me. Clint was still half asleep, his expression utterly adorable. His arm tightened around my lower back, Natasha raised her eyebrow in question.
"Steve is making breakfast. The others will be up soon," She explained sitting down in a leather love seat.
"Wake up, bird boy," I muttered stumbling out of his grasp.
Clint sat up rubbing his eyes. I walked away, cheeks rosy with embarrassment, to my room to clean up for the day.
Tony decided to borrow me for the morning; updating me on his works in progress and asking for my input. Pepper finally convinced him to lend me to her so she could go present and dress shopping. Tony agreed as long as Natasha tagged along.
A wave of warmth walking into the training room. Thor and Steve were duking it out in a sealed room while Clint and Natasha were sparing hand to hand on an open mat area. Observing them was fun because it was like they knew each other's moves a thousand times over. Clint glanced in our direction, being tossed down onto the mat from being distracted. Taking a water break, Pepper begged for Natasha to join us. She agreed, asking to meet us in a few minutes after she cleaned herself up.
"So, what did Tony whisk you away to show you this morning?" Clint asked wiping the sweat from his neck with a towel.
"Just to show me some prototypes and upgrades. He asked for my opinion on some, nothing unusual," I replied sitting down on an empty bench.
"Most of the time when Rory is here, they spend most of their time working on projects. I can't count how many pizzas they have gone through the years in that lab," Pepper remarked crossing her arms.
"You're telling me that, Tony Stark, the invincible Iron Man asks someone else for input of his own creations? I never thought I would see the day." Clint joked cracking a sly smile at me.
Laughing with Pepper, I was relieved that Clint wasn't acting awkward or standoffish from the events this morning.
"I didn't get to ask you this morning, but did you sleep all right last night?" Clint asked innocently catching me off guard with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
I nodded nervously, biting down on my lip to keep from laughing.
"How about you?" I returned the question feeling my cheeks flush.
"The best I've had in awhile," his smirk grew.
Pepper looked at us strangely before Natasha came back in the room in different clothes.
"Have a good time, ladies," Clint exclaimed sauntering off towards the exit.
Sorting through racks of dresses looking for the perfect one for Pepper, I strayed away from Pepper who was trying some on dresses while Natasha had a call to take care of.
I grabbed a black lace dress hoping that Natasha would be willing to try it on. Feeling the hair stand on end scanning the store to see nothing unusual. Feeling like I was being watched, I hurried back to the dressing room to hand Pepper more dresses.
"Is everything okay? You look frazzled," Natasha asked coming out of nowhere making me jump and drop the dresses in surprise.
"Yes, I just had this weird feeling. It doesn't matter; however, I did find a dress you might like." I handed her the dress to find she approved sliding into a dressing room.
"Pepper?" I called out laying the dresses over a lounge chair.
"What do you think?" Pepper twirled around in the mid-length purple dress.
"Good, but I think like the lace navy one better," I answered handing her more dresses.
Natasha strutted out looking like a total badass, no twirling necessary.
"You look gorgeous, Nat, Bruce won't be able to keep his eyes off you," Pepper stated reaching a maroon dress of a close rack.
So they are a thing! Part of me was relieved for a reason I didn't want to admit to myself. Trying the dress on Pepper handed me, it fit me like a glove, it was perfect, not too short and exposing a little, but still classy.
"I like that color on you. I bet Clint will too," Natasha murmured back in her regular clothes.
"I knew it!" Pepper's voice was muffled by the dressing room, she rushed out dress in hand, "That whole 'how did you sleep conversation' earlier was bizarre."
Paying for the dresses with Tony's card, we left departing from the mall with a few bags. Getting back to the tower, Bruce asked to check my vitals and for a blood sample. After answering his questions, I caught up with the rest of the group who were deciding where to get dinner. Going with the flow, I freshened up meeting the others in the garage. I offered to drive, wanting the chance to race Tony to the other side of town. Sitting down into Leona, my midnight blue corvette, Natasha sat in the passenger seat while Steve and Clint were in the back seat.
"Ladies, first," Tony urged through the speaker system.
"When have you ever considered me to be a lady?" I questioned looking over at his dark shaded eyes a few cars over.
"True," Blaring AC/DC his silver baby peeled out with me on his tail.
Steve reached for the upper handle of the car when I took a corner hard skidding a bit.
"Don't worry, I will get you there alive, maybe a bit shaken, but alive," I assured him speeding around Tony, grinning like mad, taking a sharp corner before weaving through traffic. We ended up at the pizza joint at the same time, leaving both of us happy with a tie. Walking through the crowded place to a booth in the back, the Avengers received stares. I trailed behind Tony with Clint behind me.
Someone reached out, grasping my arm, I went rigid with panic. A cry left the person's lips, Clint had the arm twisted and the person pressed to the table. Recognizing the man from his familiar brown eyes, it was my study partner from university.
"Jesus, Rory," Simon hissed struggling against Clint.
Gasps erupted from his family members, Nat dropped the arm she had put in front of me.
"Let him go please," I choked my fear dissipating, "I will join you guys in a minute."
The others moved along to slide into a booth a good distance away.
"I'm so sorry, Simon."
"I'm fine," He replied introducing me to his family members. After some small talk, I stopped a waiter slipping her my card to pay for their meal.
"Who is the boyfriend?" Tony coughed hitting me with his elbow.
"That is Simon, my study partner, who has a boyfriend," I replied looking over the drink menu.
"Does he now? So I don't have to dangle him off a building so he keeps his hands off you?" Tony threatened with a smile.
"Shush," I warned the waitress approaching our table.
Getting home, I spent hours, going through my room looking for a picture from Tony's Christmas present. Tears pooled in my eyes looking over all the memories, oh how things have changed. A knock in the background of the music I was listening to, giving a come in I rubbed my face. Clint steps in, scanning the mess I had made.
"Getting a head start on Spring cleaning?" He toyed sitting on the corner of my bed not filled with stuff.
"Nope, just looking for a picture for Tony's present. Did you need something?" I asked flipping through pictures.
"I wanted to apologize for my behavior earlier," Clint revealed, his eyes honest.
"It's fine. If that was an actual bad guy, I would have been screwed. I froze," I admitted mad at myself.
"Don't beat yourself up. Give yourself some credit for what you have gone through, most people would have given up the information they knew to save their own skins, unlike you."
"Found it," I beamed holding the photo of Tony and me as kids.
My mom was taking a picture of Tony working on some engine for some paper when I had jumped on his back. Wide grins plastered on our face captured in the moment. Soon after he tickled me until I couldn't breathe. Mom laughed at us taking a few more photos. I hadn't seen this picture in years.
"Nice pigtails."
Clint helped clean my room up, I hovered over his shoulder so he didn't find any pictures from my middle school years.
Getting ready for bed, a resounding pit formed in my stomach. I kept the lamp on getting underneath the covers.
"Good night, J," I whispered smiling at the ceiling missing Tony's best creation.
"Pleasant dreams, Miss Stark," the AI system replied.
I hope so too Jarvis.
…
"How could anyone love you?" Tony spat clutching a scalpel, "Father doesn't, Mother sees you as a nuisance, and I wish you were never born. The only thing you have caused is our family to fall apart. You aren't a Stark. You're baggage with a beating heart for a few more minutes,"
The blade pierced my skin.
…
Screaming, I clutched my heart to finding it trying to escape my chest. Staggering out of bed, I had slept for a half an hour. For some reason I didn't want to explain to myself, I stood outside Clint's room. I groaned at myself before heading to Tony's lab to find something to work on.
3rd POV
Tony sipped his coffee wrapping an arm around Pepper, who was eating the pancakes that Steve made for everyone. His sister usually didn't sleep this late, but she did need rest.
"Jarvis, is Rory still asleep?" Tony asked setting down his mug thinking about bringing her breakfast in bed.
Clint felt his stomach drop, wondering if she had nightmares. He forgot to wake up to check on her like he had planned. Natasha noticed her partner's countenance change at the mention of Stark's sister. The female shield agent liked the girl, she was resilient, but she didn't like how forthcoming of information she was. Normally, she is able to manipulate information out of anyone, but this situation was delicate with Tony being involved.
"Miss Stark had been in the lab since 11:32 p.m. since last night, Sir," Jarvis responded.
Tony stood leaving to check on his sister.
He found her over a massive amount of circuits.
"Please, at least, come and eat some breakfast," Tony pleaded pulling the circuits out of her reach.
Rory looked up, eyes drooped and bloodshot, not wanting to leave her project. She felt like shit but didn't want to see the nightmares. She didn't fight, leaving the lab walking like the dead to the kitchen. Tony said he would meet there. Rory slumped down next to Pepper, keeping her head down. Pepper looked at her, heart aching at the pain she was going through, she began to rub her back softly. Steve filled a plate with bacon, cheesy eggs, toast, and strawberries before sliding the plate toward Rory, smiling softly.
Rory smiled at the soldier, nibbling on some bacon listening to Thor recall some Asgardian monster. She connected eyes with Clint for a few seconds. Tony slid a coffee cup in front of her, which was a caramel macchiato from across the street. She drank it greedily in between bites of food.
A few minutes later, Rory crashed on the couch. Pepper covered her in a fleece blanket.
"Drug the coffee?" Natasha asked taking a sip of her black coffee.
Tony nodded picking at Rory's leftovers.
Rory's POV
The following days flew by fast, getting to know the Avengers was interesting, to say the least. Thor told me all about Jane and asked me for advice on what to get her for Christmas. Bruce spent most of his time in his lab with Natasha lingering by him. Like I was expecting, Pepper and Tony hovered around me constantly. I learned that Steve liked to sketch, and I would join him on the roof with a good book. My conversations with Clint increased, developing a nightly schedule of him dropping by my bedroom to check on me. Resulting us to have long conversations about everyday things.
Stirring dishes that Pepper and I worked on all afternoon, Clint hid out in the kitchen with me, watching me make sure everything fine.
"Does this need more salt?" I questioned handing him a small sip of my soup.
He leaned forward, placing his hand on mine to steady the spoon.
"Just a pinch more," He answered setting the spoon in the sink.
I stirred in some salt before Pepper came in, dragging me into the room of guests. Straightening out my dress, Clint was a few feet beyond me, leaving to join the others on the couch. Joining Tony's side, I meet new people and some acquaintances I haven't seen in what seemed forever. I smiled and exchanged small talk with others, my eyes catching Clint's every now and then.
"Miss Stark," a balding man dressed in a black suit greeted when Tony left to get another drink.
"Please call me Rory, Mr. Coulson," I retorted recognizing him from earlier when Tony introduced us.
"Well, Rory, my employer is very interested in your talents. Would you consider signing on with Shield while you finish your schooling?" He asked scanning the room.
Why would they want me? Others could do what I do, and that have experience doing so. I love my brother, but his shadow of success followed me because my last name is Stark; therefore, I must be a genius. Taking a long sip from my champagne, I savored the tingling in my stomach, watching as Tony sauntered over to me.
"Trying to steal my sister in my house, not cool Phil," Tony chimed in which gave me a chance to step away.
I stepped back into the kitchen with my rum and coke in hand.
"Anything we can help with Rory?" Steve asked with Sam Wilson in tow.
"Everything is done, if you wouldn't mind letting everyone take a seat, and send a few people back to help carry things out," I said while grabbing a wad of potholders.
"Jesus," I squeaked, Clint scaring me a few inches from me. He enjoyed catching me off guard with his silent spy skills.
"You look beautiful tonight," Clint stated picking up a dish.
"You're going to making me blush, Clint."
"Maybe that's my intention."
I blushed under Clint's gaze.
Sitting down between Tony and Clint, Tony ruffled my hair teasingly before he raised his glass.
"I'm not one for heartfelt and gushy speeches that usually Pepper's job. I want to thank you all for coming because I consider some of you family. Except you, Rory, because I guess we actually are. As you've grown up I see how much you actually remind me of Pepper. You two are both strong, courageous, have a wicked sense of humor, and both put up with me. You two keep me on my toes at all times. While Rory is stuck with me forever, I want to make sure Pepper is too," Tony confessed before turning to bend down on one knee, "Will you Pepper Potts do me the honor of being stuck with me?"
Pepper clasped her hands over her mouth in tears before nodding.
"Yes," She gasped before she slid the ring onto her finger, my mother's ring.
I cheered the loudest smiling so much it hurt.
A couple hours later, everyone reminisced and talked while some danced to soft music. My ears perked at the sound of The Night We Met by Lord Huron. Tony pulled Pepper to dance and everyone began to follow suit. I played with my hands seeing it was just Clint and me who were left. Clint cracked a smile at me before standing offering me his hand. I caught Tony's eyes as they wiggled suggestively before I look up at Clint.
My hands sweaty, I laughed under my breath at him nervously. I couldn't think of what to say, but nothing needed to be said.
That moment was perfect. I guess Pepper wasn't the only sentimental fool in the family anymore because I would always cherish that night. Especially, a year later when we stood in the same spot with the same song playing for our first dance as husband and wife.