Hello! I am sorry it took me so long to get this, but the next Chapter turned into a Monster. Over 14,000 words beast. So I split it in half. haha. You will get the second half once my Beta gets it back. So you will get two chapters in a short time!
Same Copy right apply. Do not own Marvel. Don't sue me.
Also, A reviewer once asked me what Actress I would see playing Toni, and I could only thing of two possible people. I was thinking either Rachel Emily Nichols or Roxanne McKee, but I don't know.
haha, what do you think?
Chapter 34:
The Choice
Toni was practically falling asleep in the car as Steve drove the Audi back to the tower. It was a battle in and of itself to allow Steve to drive her finely tuned vehicle back, but after stumbling a few steps, she knew he was right. She was too exhausted to drive or pilot-even with JARVIS as her co-pilot. "So you ran the whole way to the cemetery?" she asked tiredly.
"I needed some air, and running clears my head," he said, looking forward. He had a goofy smile on his face that could make anyone smile, including Toni.
"Yeah, probably because you don't have a driver's license, old man," she said with a small smile - all she could muster in her exhausted state.
Steve chuckled. "I have a license."
Toni leaned back in the passenger seat, feeling the warmth from Steve's hand on her knee. She wasn't sure when Steve had placed her hand on her knee, but she enjoyed the feeling. "What, from the 1940's?" she asked.
"Does it matter? Do you really think they're going to give Captain American a ticket?" he asked, as they pulled into Avenger's Tower.
It felt strange to be here, even if this place was her home. It was also weird to see all of the bright colors and moving signs after being trapped in the 40's for so long. It was bizarre to see how differently people dressed and acted. Granted, she grew up and created the technology around them, it was strange to be around it again after being stuck in the past for so long, but it felt nice being back, even if she felt out of place. "Oh, you're pulling that card?" she asked, laughing hard. "Never thought you would do that, Captain."
"I wouldn't," he replied, pulling into a parting spot. He had such a big smile on his face that Toni couldn't pull her eyes away from.
Toni turned to him, still laughing. "Oh, Old Man! I didn't know you had it in you!"
Was this how Steve felt when he awoke in the future? Did he feel out of place? Feel weird in his own skin — clammy hands, shaky nerves, dry throat? Did he still feel out of place? Sure, she felt weird after being in the past, but she belonged here. She would be her regular self in no time, but what about Steve? Did he feel at home here? Was this torture to him like the past had been for her? Did she make a mistake by not telling her father? Maybe, he would've been happy there — if she had told them all everything from the beginning. He would've been happy with his best friend still alive, Bucky; he would've been happy with a woman like Peggy by his side. He would have been brilliant, could have been, should have been.
Steve's smile turned into a smirk as he reached over to Toni, cupping her soft face in his rough hand. "Oh, you think of me of an old man, really?" he asked, holding her in place as he covered her lips with his. It was a simple kiss, but Toni just melted into him. His hand dropped to her neck, gently pulling her closer.
After a few seconds, Toni broke the kiss and pulled back slightly. His kiss was able to wipe her mind completely, and she couldn't help the smile that formed on her face, never thinking that Rogers would be this touchy. Seriously, who would've thought? "Geez, Rogers. Never knew you had it."
He gave her a look before closing the distance again, but just as he placed his lips on hers, there was a loud, rapid knock on the car window. Steve let out a heavy groan as he broke away from Toni. "Natasha," he breathed out, noticing the master assassin.
If Natasha was uncomfortable at the scene in front of her, she didn't show it, though she wasn't exactly looking at them. Standing sideways, she was staring at the elevator with an intense look. "Stop making out and get your asses upstairs before they kill each other."
Toni let out a sigh as she sat back in her seat. "Geez, Romanoff, did anyone teach you how you shouldn't interrupt a make out session?" she asked, putting on a goofy smile. She didn't want to think about the 'party' that awaited her upstairs, knowing it wasn't going to be any kind of fun. Plus, she wasn't emotionally ready for that conversion. She was still struggling with her guilt. "Kill each other?"
"Yes, kill." Natasha's eye twitched as she stepped away from the car. "Oh, God forbids, I do that."
"Oh, yes! A crime against nature," Toni cried, as she reached for the door handle. Without wasting a second, she pushed the door open and chased after Romanoff. "A crime, I tell you."
Steve was smiling, as he pocked the keys and got out of the white Audi to follow after them. His eyes were on Toni, watching the Genius' every step as if she was the most important thing in the world to him. "Easy, Toni," he replied, stepping on to the elevator. He was truly smiling.
If that smile was anything to judge, maybe he was happy? She hoped so. Toni gave him a look before leaning against the left side of the elevator. "Oh, you don't know what you have gotten yourself into, Rogers."
Natasha chuckled as she shook her head. "I need some popcorn for this," she said, standing at the back.
"Don't worry. I can handle you," he smiled, leaning against the other side. His eyes were on her, never leaving her.
"Oh, you think?" Toni shook her head, as she left out a chucking sigh. "JARVIS," she called out.
The AI answered immediately. "It is nice to see you again, Miss Stark. It is good to have you back."
"Mommy didn't go far," Toni answered. She sighed, knowing she better get this reunion over with because the longer she waited the worst it would be. "Take me to my subjects."
"As you wish, and I must say that would be wise. Tensions are on the rise. Colonel Rhodes and Agent Baron are seconds away from a fist fight, Miss." JARVIS replied.
Natasha straightened herself up as she glared. "Seriously?" she asked, angrily. "Child."
Toni could feel her heart race as she didn't know if she could handle this right now, not now. Granted she knew Steve and her father were right about her guilt; it was still a struggle, a struggle not to hate herself. And with her emotions all over the map, she wasn't sure that she could deal with people, not a crowd of them anyhow. "So this is what happens when I leave? Geez, People. Geez."
Steve's hand twitched at his side as he eyed Toni. "Let's get a move on, then," he said.
Toni sighed as she nodded. "JARVIS."
*O*O*
Toni's heart was still racing when the elevator reached the penthouse level, and it took everything she had to step out into the hall. She could see the door to the lounge, and she could hear Rhodey's raised voice, but she couldn't find it in her to move. Hearing them fight over her did nothing to calm her nerves.
Natasha walked past the stilled Toni, giving Steve a look. The Captain had yet to move as he eyed Toni. "I'm going to go in before they kill each other." Without waiting for a response, she disappeared into the room. The genius could hear the room silenced at the sight of Romanoff, and Toni had to give it to her; Romanoff could control a room with ease. It just took a single look to do it.
Toni closed her eyes, no longer able to hear any more yelling; however, she knew it wasn't going to last once she entered the room. She wasn't sure what her reception will be, considering everything that had happened. One being: she had ejected Rhodes from the Suit. She was regretted it now. Her best friend, her oldest friend, could've been killed because she was being childish. She was being stupid and put him in danger for no reason. He could be injured, and it could be her fault. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Why had she been so stupid?
"Toni," Steve called as he stepped to her. His arms were wide as he reached for her.
Before he could reach and pull her into his arms, Toni stepped out of his reach, though regretting it a second later. She could see the hurt look in his eyes as his hand hovered near her, and it only made her feel worse. "Sorry."
"I can see the gears in your head spinning," he replied, remaining close to her. "Talk to me."
For a few seconds, she just stared at him. She studied the mixture of emotions on his face, and each was something she didn't know how to handle. "Just thinking," she said with a deep breath. "You know me."
"Yeah, I do," he said, stepping forward, so close that he could wrap his arms around her. "Are you okay?" His arms were twitching at his side, as he itched to hold her.
"I…" she started with a deep sigh, as she turned to the door. "I don't know if I can answer handle questions right now." It wasn't a complete lie, because she wasn't really yet to talk about what happened. It was all so raw in her head. "Not all at once. I don't know if I can answer them." She didn't know if she wanted to answer them.
Steve took a deep breath as he gave in and finally pulled her into his arms. "I won't let them do that," he said into her hair line, as he held her close. "I won't."
"You promise?" she asked, softly.
"Yes," he said. "I will be your shield."
Toni chuckled into his chest. "You have been dying to say that, haven't you?" she asked.
A slight pink shade formed on his cheeks. "Maybe," he said, slowly. "But it's true."
"Okay, Cowboy, lets head in before they're anymore antsy," she said, laughing at him. She pulled out of his arms completely as she turned to the door.
Steve laughed. "Okay, my damsel."
Toni's eye twitched as she turned back to him. Ignoring the fact that he had lifted her spirits in the matter of seconds, she was glaring at him. "Don't you dare!" she said, turning back to him.
The Super Soldier was now smiling at her. "Well, if the slipper fits."
"Don't make me kick your ass," she said, stomping back to him. "You know I can!" She may have glaring at him, but it was fading, as she stared down Steve's smile. Her left eye was twitching as she ogled his prefect smile with his prefect teeth. "Goddamn it," she cursed. "That smile should be illegal!"
Steve's smile grew as he closed the distance between them. He softly cupped her face as he kissed her. It was a soft, quick, but it was filled with love. "Oh, you love it."
"Shut it," she said, against his lips.
He leaned his forehead against her, still cupping her cheeks. "I mean it, Toni. I'm here for you through everything."
That scared the genius. It really did. She never had someone like Steve, who was willing to do anything for her. What if she screwed this? No, she would screw this up, because that was who she was. "Let's go before they break through the door."
Steve's hand dropped from face to her arm. "We wouldn't want that."
*O*O*
With a deep breath, Toni followed Steve into the lounge, fighting the urge to reach out and grab his hand. It was difficult to focus on anything but his hand, his strong hand. She wanted to place her hand into his and hold on tight. She wanted to feel his strength as he held her. He was her rock, keeping her calm, and even with her overwhelming guilt, he was keeping her sane.
Toni stepped to the right of the Super Soldier, glancing around the room. Dugan, Jones, and Trip were sitting on one of sofa, and not too far from them was Bruce. They were deep in conversion about something, but their voices were too soft to make out. Every once and awhile, they would glance over to the bar, eyeing the group there. In the corner by the bar, Romanoff had separated Rhodes and Barton by stepping in between them. She was giving each a deadly look that only a fool would cross.
However, it was Pepper who caught Toni's eye as it looked like she hadn't slept in days. It could be the way the light hit her, but the CEO looked tired as she spoke with Romanoff, granted everyone looked exhausted. They all looked like they were on edge, like no one had been sleeping. Was this all because of her?
Steve put on his Captain's face as he took a step forward. There was a change in his stance and posture as he put himself between the room and Toni. "Guys," he called.
Toni could feel his voice cut through the tension in the room, as everyone shifted their attention to Steve. It was only a second later before they noticed Toni standing behind him. Her shoulders stiffened with every eyes on her. "Hey, guys. You miss me?" she asked with a smile.
"Toni!" Pepper uttered as she made her away toward the Genius.
Rhodey wasn't far behind as he rushed across the room. "Tones."
Steve gave them each a harsh look as he blocked their path to the time traveler. "Not all at once," he said in his cold Captain's voice. "Give her some space."
Pepper gave him a glare of her own. "Move," she said in a calm, demanding voice.
The Captain glanced down at her before scanning the room. Clint had taken several steps forward but he stopped halfway through the room. Natasha hadn't move from the corner of the room; however, Bruce was on his feet, but he hadn't moved either. The Commandos were still on the couch, eyeing the scene in front of them. "Stand back," he said.
Reaching for Steve, Toni stepped forward and placed a hand on his biceps as if to tell him to stand down. If it was just Rhodes and Pepper, she could handle them. "It's fine, Steve."
Steve turned to Toni, eyeing her, before he stepped aside to let Pepper and Rhodes by. In a matter of seconds, Toni was in Pepper's embrace. "Toni," she said, crying lightly.
"Pep," she called, wrapping her arms around the CEO. "It's fine. I'm back."
Pepper pulled back slightly but kept Toni in her reach. "Don't ever do that to me again!" she yelled.
Before Toni could respond, Rhodes ripped her out of Pepper's embrace into his own. "Rhodes, can't breathe," she muttered in his chest. His grip on was tighter and stronger than Pepper, and there was no way she could break from it.
"Rhodes," Steve called. There was a soft warning in his voice, but it was firm. "Easy."
The Colonel, not letting go of the Genius, glanced up to Rogers. "I got it, Rogers." His voice was anything but friendly.
They glared at each for a few seconds before Toni struggled in Rhodes' arms, sensing the rising tempers. "Still need to breathe, guys!"
Looking away from the Captain, Rhodes glanced down at the genius in his arms and his expression soften at the sight of her. He loosened his hold on her but kept her close. "Sorry, Tones, but I've been so worried," he said, tenderly. "Though, I have a bone to pick with you. You revoked my access to the Mark 7, while in combat, Toni."
"Oh, that," she said, putting on an innocent smile. "Well, don't take my stuff." Yes, she regretted it, but she wasn't going to tell him that. That one of the lessons that her father taught her: never admit when you're wrong.
"Can't be mad at you," Rhodes muttered as he pulled her back into his arms.
"Oh, I can," Pepper said, pulling the Genius from Rhodes' arms and back into her arms.
Toni glanced to Steve for help, and their eyes met, but Steve didn't make any movement. He just smiled at her like the traitor that he was. If they're dating, then it was requirement for him to come to her aid whenever she needed it, and she needed it now. "I t-think I'll be the f-first one to die from hugs," she said. Her voice muffled in Pepper's chest.
Pepper only hug her tighter. "Oh, you. Never do that again."
Unlike Steve, Clint took a step forward as Pepper started to rock back and forward on her heels. "Maybe, you should let the genius breathe? Her face is turning blue."
The CEO stilled, as her grip loosened on Toni. Spinning ever so slowly, Pepper gave Barton a cold, harsh look before she turned to Toni, leading her away. "I need to talk to Toni alone," she said.
Steve narrowed his eyes at Pepper before he turned to Rhodes, eyeing him. Those two were hovering close to the engineer, cutting her off from the rest of the room. "Miss Potts."
Bruce took a step to them. "Pepper," he called. "Let's all take a step back."
There was something in his voice that Toni couldn't place, but with Pepper's hand on her back trying to lead her away, she wasn't able to give it much thought. However, the tension in the room was hard to miss. "What's going on?" she demanded, looking between Pepper and the rest of the room.
"I need to talk to you alone," Pepper repeated. There was something in Pepper's voice that grabbed Toni.
Natasha remained silent as she took a step forward, but she was giving Steve a look, a telling look. It was if she was telling the Super Soldier to do something, but Steve didn't move. He just stared at Pepper as she led Toni to another room. His eyes were narrowed, calculating, but he didn't move. Bruce glanced around, standing perfectly still. There was a clear struggle on his face as he glanced between Rhodes and Pepper, but he didn't say anything either. However, Clint was anything but silent. "Why? So you can spout your bullshit? Too afraid to admit it in front of us?"
Toni's eyes widen at Clint's icy tone. What the hell was going on? "Um, did someone die?" she asked. "Did World War III happen when I was away?" she asked. "Did someone eat the last piece of cake? I know c-"
Rhodes placed a firm hand on her shoulder, drawing her attention. "Tones, let's talk for a second," he said, leading her in the same direction of Pepper.
"Is someone getting a divorce?" Toni asked, still trying to figure out what was happening. Seriously, it was a war zone going on in this room with the Avengers one side, and Pepper and Rhodes on the other.
Clint took a step forward. "Why don't you say what you want to say here? No need to talk behind closed doors. Why-"
Toni's head was spinning. Yes, she expected to be overwhelmed, but she didn't expect this. "Stop," she howled, feeling ill. Her head started to hurt.
At that, Steve finally moved with a look of pure protectiveness on his face that no one could deny. "Stop," he ordered in his Captain's voice. It was hard to ignore his firm, unforgiving voice as he spoke, giving no room to protest. "We can't be fighting each other." His eyes drilled into everyone, almost daring someone to say something.
Toni almost let out a sigh of relief as Steve took control, but with the angry Pepper beside her, she knew she had to deal with her now. It was only way to settle the CEO. "Pep," she said, turning to her. "You want to talk? Let's talk. Let's go Rhodes." She could see the rest of the room step forward at that, but she didn't let them interject as she left.
*O*O*
Before Rhodes or Pepper could say a word, Toni had disappeared into her private bathroom for a quick shower. She barely got her hair wet, only staying along enough to rise the dirt off, and once she got most of the dirt off, she got out. Not bothering to dry herself, she wrapped a towel around her and vanished into the closet, and it wasn't until ten minutes later that she came out in an oversized MIT sweat shirt and yoga pants. The sweatshirt's neck line hung low on one side, exposing the soft skin of her shoulder and the thin black strap of her bra. Her arms were drowning in the sleeves with her fingers barely poking out. It was almost like a dress on her, as it hanged just below her butt.
Still not saying a word, Toni scanned the room before flopping down on her soft, huge bed next to Rhodes, who had taken a seat at edge of the bed. Pepper was stiff and unmoving, as she stood in the center of the room. Her quietness could silence most people, and it was no different now. However, it was so much worse than before as Toni didn't know what brought this quietness on.
Did she shoot someone's puppy? Kill someone's pet? "So…" Toni started, feeling like she had did something wrong besides the usually. She rolled to her right side to look at Rhodes and Pepper.
Rhodes smiled slightly as he looked at her. "We're just worried about you."
Toni's eyebrow raised, because she knew it was more than that. "What's going on? What is it, Pep?" she asked, noticing Pepper's stiff shoulders. She pushed herself up slightly, to get a better view of her CEO.
"This has to stop," was Pepper's cold response.
At that, the Genius pushed herself up in a sitting position, as her eyes widen. "What are you talking about? Me time traveling?" she asked. "Because trust me, I have no interest in doing that again." The very thought of it made her uneasy. She could feel her skin start to crawl at the thought of it.
"You're going to get yourself killed at this rate!" Pepper yelled, still not moving. She looked too angry to move.
Toni really wasn't afraid of her death as much as Pepper was, but Toni wasn't going to mention that to Pepper. She wasn't going to mention her guilt either, because that would make it worst. "Pepper."
"I'm taking you back to Malibu. Right now!" Pepper replied, coldly, pointing to make her point. Without another word, she moved to the closet and pulled out a suitcase.
While Pepper moved from the closet to Toni's dresser, the genius eyed Pepper, her closest dearest friend, in shock. For once, she was speechless, unable to think of something to say. What could she say? She didn't want to start a fight with Pepper, not after everything. She couldn't lose another person in her life, not right now. Not so soon after Bucky and her father.
Rhodes looked at Toni for a few seconds, before getting to his feet. "Pepper," he called softly. "Slow down. Let's talk about this."
Pepper crossed back to the closet and pulled an article of clothing off the hanger. She folded it as she walked back to the suitcase on the ground. "There's nothing to talk about," she replied, quickly. "We're leaving now. Do hear me, Toni?"
Toni slapped back to reality at the sound of her own name. "No, I am only pretending to listen as I always do."
The CEO froze and turned to Toni ever so slowly. She was anything but happy. "This is not up for debate. You're coming with me."
As the words started to sink in, Toni started to shake in anger as she got to her feet. "Despite what everyone thinks, I am not a child, and I can make my own decisions. You are not my mother. You work for me, Pepper. Not the other way around."
"Guys, this is not the time," Rhodes said, putting a hand on Toni's shoulder. It was a firm grip that the angry, tired brunette couldn't break free of. "We just got her back. We don't need to fight now."
Pepper dropped a different item of clothing into the suitcase, before she stomped to Toni. "I'm done with this, Toni. Do you hear me? I'm done. I can't stand by and watch you kill yourself. My body cannot handle stress. Let the others continue this battle."
"I'm not going to let them risk their lives while I sit on the sidelines!" she replied. This was the same conversion that they always had. Pepper hated that Toni risked her life on a daily basis. Hated it.
The blond stepped toward Toni, her eyes drilling into her; however, when Pepper spoke, her voice was soft. "Please, Toni, come back with me. I can't take this. If anything happens to you, I don't think I could handle it. Do you know hard these past few weeks were for me? Hard. I thought I was never going to see you again, and I had to keep it all inside. No one to talk to because no one else could know you were gone." Tears started to form in her eyes. "I had no one."
Toni felt her anger drain from her body. "Pepper," she uttered.
"Please come back with me," Pepper responded.
Toni didn't know what to do or say, because it wasn't just her anymore. Her decisions affected more than her, it affected everyone; she had think about them, which she never had to think about before. Plus, there was someone else she had to think about, and that was Steve… She couldn't leave him, not after he had been there for her. "Pepper."
Pepper stepped to Toni and grabbed her hand, softly. "Please."
It was difficult to tell this woman no. "I can't…Not now."
There was sharp intake of air next to her, reminding them that Rhodes was in the room. He glanced between the two before he took a step forward. He could see Pepper's face morph into anger, and it scared most who came across her. "Pepper," he said.
The CEO gave him a nasty look before she turned to Toni. Her fists were balled at her side, and she was shaking. "Toni," she sneered out.
"Take a few deep breaths." Rhodey stated.
As if his advice was for her, Toni took a few deep breaths, racking her brain for the right thing to say. In these situations, she never knew what to say and always had the habit of saying the wrong thing. Steve could attest to that as could…Bucky. Stop, she thought to herself.
"I'm done, Toni," Pepper yelled, still shaking. "You either come with or not, but I'm done. I can't handle the stress. I can't handle the lies. I can't handle any of this."
Toni breathed in sharply. This was nothing new, having heard this speech many times after becoming Iron Man. Before she hadn't been scared to hear it, but now, it scared her, as it sounded like she meant it this time. "This sounds…" Toni asked, drifting off.
Rhodes closed his eyes before reaching for Toni, resting a hand on her shoulder. He squeezed her shoulders softly as he glanced toward Pepper. "Let's drop this. We don't want to say something we will regret."
"Too late," Toni uttered, shaking off her best friend. "If she wants to leave, let her leave." She hated when people made her chose. "I don't need her."
"Toni," Rhodes yelled. "You don-"
Pepper raised her hand, stopping him. "Enough, James," she said. "I get it. She made her choice."
It was correct. Toni had made her choice, and she would be sticking with it, even if she wasn't hundred percent sure. "I wouldn't say it was me, who made it, Pepper. It was you. You made the choice. Don't put this on me."
The CEO gave her a look before she made her way to the door. "If you excuse me, I have a company to run," she said.
My company, Toni thought angrily.
Toni didn't move as Pepper walked past her and to the door. Holding as still as she could, she stared at the wall with her hands balled at her side. There were so many things going through Toni's head that she was afraid of what she would say if she opened her mouth. She was filled with both angry and grief at the thought of Pepper leaving her.
The Colonel's eyes lingered on Toni for a few seconds before he followed a few feet after the angry CEO. "Pepper, stop." He glanced back to the Genius. "Look, we've been stressful time. Let's not do this. Let's not walk away angry. We can't fight. Not the three of us. We have been through too much for this."
Pepper stood still but she didn't turn back. "I'm not doing this because I want to. I'm doing this, because I have to. I'm doing this because Toni is important to me. She will always be important to me and I would do anything to make her happy; however, I have to think about myself. I have to, or all I am going to have is regret and hatred."
Toni closed her eyes, knowing it wasn't fair to Pepper. She knew it all along, but she didn't care. She kept being selfish, asking the impossible from her; she knew it was unfair to Pepper, forcing her to do things by using their friendship. She thought she would always be there, no matter what. "I know," she said, softly. "And I'm sorry, but I can't leave."
Surprised, Pepper spun around quickly, stepping back to Toni. "Toni," she called, as the tension died in her shoulders. In a few long steps, Pepper pulled Toni into her arms and hugged her tight. "I love you, and even if I can't be there next to you, I will always love you. Always."
Toni hugged her back. "I know," she replied. "And I am sorry." They remained in each other's arms for quite a while, not moving, as they each knew what was about to happen.
*O*O*
There wasn't a lot of things that Steve hated, but he hated this. He absolutely hated this, and it took all he had not to follow Toni as she talked with Potts and Rhodes. He knew why Pepper wanted to speak to Toni alone, and though they weren't specifically trying to take Toni from him, they were trying to take her from them, the Avengers. From him.
"I'm surprised there isn't a hole in that door yet," Clint said, taking a slip.
After Toni had disappeared behind that door, Dum Dum and Gabe had taken their leave, though Steve would've loved to have spent more time with them. He would've loved to have heard stories about their lives after the war, but it was time for them to leave. It was starting to get awkward with Clint, Bruce, and Natasha hovering over their shoulders, and this situation with Pepper only made it worse.
Plus, Gabe said his daughter was probably going to call the search team if he didn't return soon, which Trip laughed at in agreement. Dum Dum also mentioned that Nancy was probably worrying and fretting about him not being back yet, which Steve eyed in confusion. It took him a few seconds to remember that this was the Nurse, who Dugan fancied and followed around like a lost puppy in the nursing home. It made Steve laugh as he wondered how that Nurse put up with Dugan. Serious, this woman must be a saint or something.
Natasha's eyebrow rose as she eyed the still Captain. "How long do you think it'll be before he storms the castle for Stark?" she asked.
Maybe after all of this was over, Toni and he could visit Dugan and Jones. Just the two of them without anyone else. It would nice with just the two of them, as she would understand. She would understand what he went through. She would understand what these men meant to him, without him having to explain it. It felt amazing not to have to explain it, because she was there. It felt amazing that she understood.
Bruce, sitting in front of the fire place, eyed the Captain as well. "Did something happen?" he asked, seeing a change in him.
Natasha smiled as she brought her glass to her lips. She said nothing as she took a long slip. Clint gave her a look before eyeing the Captain. "You have to tell us now!" he replied, loudly and annoyed.
Laughing, Bruce asked, "Oh, really? Did they now?"
Clint's eyes snapped to Bruce, trying to read his face. "Really what? Come on! Someone has to tell me what happened?" he asked with a pouty face. "It's not fair you two have this silent communication going on! Nat!"
Snapping back to reality, Steve suddenly turned from the door and faced this three teammates. "What are you three talking about?" he asked, having not paid any attention to them.
Bruce chuckled, while Natasha just shook her head. Clint let out an annoyed huff as he eyed the Captain. "You, Cap," Clint replied. "But I guess we all know what your mind is on…or rather who is on your mind."
Steve could feel the color form in his cheeks as everyone knew about his feelings for the Brunette. Everyone knew how hard he had fallen for Toni. "We've other things to worry about," he replied, choosing not respond to Clint's jest. "We still need to figure out if this is related to the items stolen from Blackhawk."
"Oh, it seems like we have our Captain back. Oh, Captain. Oh, Captain," Clint said, smiling.
Natasha also had a grin on her face as she shook her head. "We need to alert Fury to Toni's reappearance," she replied, putting on a serious face.
Steve had to hold back his glare at the sound of Fury's name. He didn't want to alert Fury just let, because he wanted to talk to Toni first. He wanted to give her time to adjust to being back. "Let wait a few more hours before we do that." He replied.
"You know he won't like that," Romanoff said, morphing into agent mood.
"I know, but-" Steve didn't finish as the door that Toni disappeared through opened, silencing the room. He eyed the door, waiting for someone to walk through. He sucked in his breath and held it as he waited perfectly still. Toni was always able to do this to him, even when she wasn't try to, and this time was no different.
"There will be no calling the Pirate!" Toni said, stepping through the door with a smile on her face. "This is a pirate free Zone. Besides it takes too long to debug the Tower after his visits."
"Toni," Steve uttered, automatically taking a step to her. He scanned her over, looking for some kind of clue to what had happen between Pepper and her. However, he didn't notice anything but the change of clothes. She was dressed in an old, worn-out, oversized MIT sweat shirt that was a dress on her. She looked so small in it that he wondered if it was ready hers; however, even in the old, discolored item, Steve still found her attractive.
Natasha rolled her eyes. "We need contact Director Fury."
Clint stepped past Steve, not waiting for a respond. "Where's Potts?" he asked.
Toni waved him off. "She has a company to run, Bird Brain. She can't stay here forever."
"And the Colonel?" Clint asked, giving her a look. It was clear that he was not a fan of the nickname.
"He'll be back. Just taking Pepper to the airport," Toni replied, stepping to Clint. "I'm not looking forward to that lecture, but they can't be as bad as Rogers'." She said with a smile as she grabbed Barton by the shoulder.
Steve felt his eye twitch as even now she throwing shots at him; however, this was one of the reasons why she was Toni. One of the reasons why he loved her. "Hey, my lectures are well deserved."
"I don't-" Toni was unable to finish as Clint yanked her into his arms. "If you ever do that again, I'll put an arrow in you," he said.
Toni chuckled as she pushed against his chest. "Note to self: Stop making arrows for Barton."
"NO!" The Agent replied in a playful note. "I need my pretties!"
Bruce got to his feet and stepped toward them. "You better give them to him, Toni, or else we might find something in the air ducks. It probably won't be pretty."
Waving him off, Toni let out a sigh. "Okay."
Natasha put on her glass down and stepped to them as well. "Does this mean you aren't going to Malibu?"
"What? You knew about that?" she asked, stepping to Steve. Standing a mere feet from the Super soldier, her hand closest to him twitched at her side.
"Clint guessed it," Bruce replied, eyeing how close Toni had stepped to Steve.
Toni snorted as she folded her arms across her chest. "A warning would've been nice. What kind of team members are you?" she asked, pretending to be hurt. "Can't trust anyone, can I?" There was playfulness in her tone that wasn't here when they got off the elevator.
"Are you okay?" Bruce asked, worried.
"I am p-" She started, but the words died. "What the hell is he doing here? I thought I said no Pirates!" she yelled, stepping away from Steve and toward the windows. Her eyes were on the helipad, glaring at the black helicopter that was landing. There was no mistaking the Shield symbol blazed on the side of it.
Clint followed her to the window and peered out. "He's the leader of the top Spy Organization. I would be surprised if he hadn't found the President's Book of Secrets yet."
Toni narrowed her eyes at him. "You watched National Treasure, didn't you? Is that what you did when I was gone? If so, you need a life!" she said, looking back to the helicopter tapping down. "You're supposed to party when mom's away."
"Yea, but Dad was still here," Clint chuckled.
Steve glanced toward Natasha, giving her a confused look. "Dad?" he asked.
Bruce laughed. "He means you."
For a few seconds, Steve was silent as he gawked. "What?" His response only made Bruce and Natasha laugh harder.
Toni glanced back at Steve and smiled. With fondness in her eyes, she observed Steve before she turned back to Fury and Agent Hill, who had stepped out onto the pad. The rotors came to the stop as the Director and Agent made their way to pad's doors. A nameless shield agent sat at the pilot seat, while another climbed out and stood guard. "Seriously, who invited him?"
Before anyone could respond, Fury and Hill walked through the room. Their eyes went straight to Toni, and stayed on her. "I see you're in one piece, Stark."
"Yes, I am, Eye Patch," Toni replied, giving him a look.
Even when Steve and Toni were fighting, she had never looked at him like that, and Steve knew why. It didn't take a genius to know that she didn't like Fury. She didn't trust Fury, and Steve had to admit that he didn't trust or like Fury as well. "Director," Steve said, making his way over to Toni.
"How did you know I was here? I didn't take out a flyer," she replied. Her eyes shift to Steve for a second as he approached her.
Fury glanced between the Soldier and the Engineer. "Well you and Soldier Boy are on all the gossips sites, Stark. It's kind of hard to miss."
Clint's eyes brow. "Gossips sites?"
"Oh, they don't know?" Fury replied as if he had something smelly under his breath. He could out stink eye anyone.
Steve closed his eyes as he could feel the blush forming in his cheeks. He wasn't stupid, knowing exactly what Fury was referring to. Natasha had even said that picture of them kissing would be on the 6 O'clock news, granted he thought she was joking. Why would anyone want to see a picture of him and Toni kissing? Why would anyone care?
"Well, I'll show you," Fury said, taking control of the massive television wirelessly with a device in his pocket.
Toni's eye twitched as the screen flicked on. "JARVIS," she called. "I have to update your security that was way too easy for Fury."
"Yes, Miss. I have to agree," the AI replied as an image appeared on screen.
Steve turned to the TV, knowing what would be on the screen, but the image took him by surprise, and he couldn't help but stare. He couldn't help but smile either as he looked at it. Toni had her arms wrapped around his neck, while his hands were on her hips, holding her close. He realized he wanted a copy of that picture. He wanted multiple copies of it, and he wanted it everywhere.
Clint was trying not laugh and it was clear to everyone around, but after a few seconds, it busted out. He couldn't keep it in, and it turned into a laughing fit. "So… that's…what…you meant!" he chuckled at Romanoff and Banner. "Mommy and Daddy are together."
Toni glanced at the snickering man before turning to Fury. "Okay, so Rogers and I kissed, so what? It wasn't the make-out session that I wanted, but there's next time." She spun to Steve and winked. Again, her hands were twitching at her side, itching to reach for him.
Fury's look was anything but friendly as he glowered. "We don't have time for your kissy face, Stark. We need to discuss what happened."
Steve could see the expression morph on Toni's face, and he didn't like it. "This can wait, Fury," he said, reaching for her. He could see her flinch slightly as his hand made contact with hers, but she didn't pull away. "She needs to rest."
"Rogers," Hill started, stepping forward. "If we could wait, we would, but we need to find the items stolen from Black Hawk."
Fury's eyes narrowed. "Someone was stolen from me, and I want to find out who. I need to know who."
Steve stepped closer to Toni and put a protective arm around her. "We can do this later," he said, in his Captain's voice. It was a voice that very few disobeyed. Toni leaned into his touch, and Steve couldn't help but smile at that. However, it did nothing but drove his protectiveness. He knew Toni could handle herself, but he couldn't help it.
Natasha stepped forward as she morphed back into Agent Romanoff, Master Assassin. "Rogers," She said. "She's correct. We need to figure out if this is connected."
"And we can do this later," Steve sneered.
Toni let out a sigh as she patted Steve on the upper arm. "It's fine, Cap," she replied. She took a step away from him and toward Hill and Fury. "These two aren't anything I can't handle."
Barton was looking between Rogers and Stark, eyeing the physical contact between the two. Even without the physical contact, it was clear to all that there had been a change between the two, and that picture of them kissing sealed it. "I don't know if I can handle those two together," he said, whispering to Banner in a chuckle.
Bruce tried to hold back his smile as he eyed Fury and Hill. "At least, Steve won't be so gloomy."
Steve's could feel his eye twitch as he caught Clint and Bruce's Comment. He was not gloomy. "Fury," he said, focusing on the Director. "Fine, but you're on a short leash."
The End for now,
Don't worry you will get the second half of this chapter soon! haha.
And what do you think? Think Pepper and Toni will end on on good terms?
Anyhow, until next time!