Disclaimer:
We do not own Young Justice and Avengers nor its characters.
Without further ado…
Lethe
Chapter 6.2
Avengers Universe
June 23, 2016, 11:17 am
When Tony left, Marina anxiously tinkered with her comm. The news reels played updates about the confrontation in Bucharest. From Tony's message, they're meeting Barnes, Steve, Sam, and T'Challa at Berlin. Secretary Ross called FRIDAY multiple times already, even opting for their home number. She didn't pick up.
Marina gnawed on her lip. The news didn't get any further updates in Berlin. She wondered what the Avengers were doing now.
"Is Pepper here? Where's Marina?" Steve asked. He looked around. For a second, Tony's face twitched in pain.
"Pepper and I– We're kinda…" He fumbled to explain. "Well not kinda–"
"Pregnant?" Steve suggested. He shifted in his seat, bringing out his phone. It lit up to show him the time. He and Marina grinned back at him before the screen dimmed. "Marina should be excited."
A look of horror crossed the billionaire's face. "No, definitely not. We're taking a break. It's nobody's fault."
"I'm so sorry, Tony. I didn't know."
"A few years ago, I almost lost her. So, I trashed all my suits. Then, we had to mop up HYDRA. Took Marina in. It was fine then. Pepper was ecstatic. Then, Ultron. My fault. And then, and then, and then, I never stopped. Because the truth is I don't wanna stop."
Tony looked down. A rueful smile crept to his face. "Can you imagine living with two insomniacs? According to Pepper, Marina is just like me…"
Steve nodded. Tony's smile dropped, "And I don't want to lose either of them. I thought maybe the Accords could split the difference." Tony leaned back on his chair before standing up. "In their defense, I'm a handful. Yet, Dad was a pain in the ass, but he and Mom always made it work. Marina is doing her best with the joint custody thing."
"I'm glad Howard got married," Steve began as Tony fiddled with his tie. "I only knew him when I was young and single."
"Oh, really? You two knew each other? He never mentioned that," Tony drawled sarcastically. "Maybe only a thousand times. God, I hated you." He shrugged on his jacket with little difficulty.
"I don't mean to make things difficult."
"I know, because you're a very polite person. Wish Marina learned a thing or two from you…"
"If I see a situation pointed south, I can't ignore it."
"Well, I guess she did learn something from you," Tony interjected. But Steve continued.
"Sometimes, I wish I could."
"No, you don't."
Steve chuckled airly at how well Tony knew him. "No, I don't." He spoke honestly. "Sometimes…"
"Sometimes, I want to punch you in your perfect teeth. But, I don't want to see you gone. No one does. We need you, Cap. Marina needs you."
Steve's features softened when he remembered who wanted him back in New York. Tony followed up, "So far, nothing's happened that can't be undone, if you sign. We can make the last 24 hours legit. Barnes gets transferred to an American psych-center instead of a Wakandan prison. Marina can have another Christmas with all of her family."
"She deserves that much," Steve agreed, thinking about it. He took the pen case in his hands as he stood up. "I'm not saying it's impossible but there would have to be safeguards."
"Sure." Tony straightened, energy filled him. "Once we put out the PR fire, those documents can be amended. I'd file a motion to have you and Wanda reinstated–"
"Wanda? What about Wanda?"
"She's fine. She's confined in the compound currently. Vision's keeping her company."
"Oh, God, Tony. Every time I think you see things the right way–"
"It's 100 acres with a lap pool. It's got a screening room. There's worse ways to protect people."
"Protection? Is that how you see this?" Tony's jaw tightened. "This is protection? It's internment, Tony."
"She's not a US citizen–"
"Oh, come on, Tony–"
"And they don't grant visas to weapons of mass destruction."
"She's a kid!"
"Give me a break!" Tony looked away, gathering his composition. He glanced back at Steve, straight in the eyes. "I'm doing what has to be done… To stave off something worse. For my kid."
"You keep telling yourself that," Steve said quietly. He waved the pen in his hand. "Hate to break up the set." He laid the pen by its case before waking out.
Tony placed on his sunglasses as if donning his indifferent billionaire playboy facade.
Marina nervously paced the Stark workshop. Despite the rock music playing, she didn't feel at home. Her nerves shot. She shifted through her notes pile for something to do.
She collected possible sketches of different inventions to edit and redesign. A decked out interior for one of Tony's cars. She thought of one that collected dust but tossed the design aside. She didn't want to go to that stuffy garage.
She contemplated on her AI-framed glasses linked to the Stark satellites. Marina pitched it to Tony a week ago. She shrugged, placing it back to her pile. With the supposedly built in security and defense system conducted by an AI, creating it now will only cast more fires with the government and Secretary Ross.
Her eyes landed on a comm design. She got the initial idea from Pepper's story of Killian's live feed to the brain. She set the paper against the table top. She whipped out a pencil. Drawing a triangle ear piece, she wrote notes at the margins. Connected to FRIDAY. Can connect to vision to display live data and feed. While receiving transmission from the others like a normal comm.
She thought of ways to improve it further– Run diagnostics of the body like the Ironman suit? Goes through internet search in 0.01 seconds?
Marina sighed, crumpling her paper. She hit a dead end in terms of design and functionality. She searched for fresh paper. A stack of them caught her eye. She pinched the corner sticking out and pulled. To her dismay, she had a crisp thick book in her hands.
The Sokovia Accords headed the front page. FRAMEWORK for the REGISTRATION and DEPLOYMENT of ENHANCED INDIVIDUALS. Marina stared at the material. She dropped back on her chair.
She flipped to Section 12– In Regards to Enhanced Individuals Minors. Marina inhaled a shuddering breath.
"Before their eighteenth (18) birthday, any enhanced individuals will be free from government supervision. However once this age is reached, enhanced individuals associated or with the intent of becoming a member of the Avengers must sign their powers and skills to the designated United Nations Panel. The enhanced individuals will operate directly under said panel.
Any violations against this subsection or any vigilante activities done by enhanced individual minors will elicit revocation or withdrawal of any American citizenship and/or be barred entrance from all hundred-seventeen (117) countries signed with the Sokovia Accords.
If the enhanced individual chooses NOT to join the Avengers as a member, hero, or otherwise, they will be granted freedom from the decisions of the United Nations Panel. Their career choice will be left to their own discretion. "
Marina frowned at the words. Despite the legal wording, her choices remained the same. She had to wait until she turned eighteen to be controlled by the UN. If she chose otherwise– living as a normal citizen- she will still be under the watchful eye of the government and the media.
Secretary Ross' words rang in her ears, "No one likes a power that they cannot control–" It would only be a matter of time before someone would try to manipulate her. Although he has not directly said it, Tony's actions were loud and clear. He wanted her to live a normal life.
Tony went through great lengths to hide her from the public. He shielded her from the scrutinizing and criticizing gaze of the US government. So did the other Avengers. But it didn't stop the rumors, mobs, and paparazzis. At first, Marina felt suffocated and trapped by the rude gazes and narratives made by the media. When she was mobbed with Tony for the first time, she had a full-blown panic attack that nearly brought her to a dark place she never wanted to be in again.
Steve and Natasha did their best too. They taught her to compartmentalize her fear and learn that the past was just it– the past. They trained her in the Avengers Compound to be a hero and the joy of helping others for a change. Instead, of wreaking havoc and chaos. She bit her lip while she massaged her palms.
She was taught to help others. Be a hero. It may have sprung from her guilt but aiding others cemented its place in her heart as her life. She could see Tony's desire for her to start another life as a normal person but she couldn't see her life without helping others.
Marina exhaled deeply. She took up the pencil again. She twirled it between her fingers. She could find a way– albeit less fulfilling- to help others. A cloud of thoughts fogged her brain. She sought for light. What is your ultimate resolve?
Screams and whimpers rose from her memories. Marina flinched. She shook her head to disperse the noise. Silence was left. Along with her answer. She pressed the lead to paper. Lines twisted to make an M but it didn't continue. She took the other end of the pencil and erased it.
She stepped back from the book. She gathered her senses. Marina still had four more years. She shoved the Sokovia Accords into the bottom drawer and closed it. Until her eighteenth birthday. She would think about it until then.
Marina checked the time. She called out, "FRIDAY, call Tony please." On the second ring, he picked up. The holographic light projected Tony. Marina jumped to her feet when she saw his bruises.
"What happened?" Marina almost shrieked. Tony flinched at her volume. Natasha waved hi to Marina, with a fair share of bruises specifically around her neck.
"I didn't narrowly escape death at Barnes' hand to die from a heart attack."
"What?!"
"Barnes went full winter soldier. Broke out of containment and now, he, Wilson and Rogers are all missing." Tony drawled. Marina's eyes widened. Her mouth opened and closed. Tony shot her a disapproving stare. He gestured to his side. "Have some decorum, Marina. The Secretary of State is in attendance."
Marina scowled, her blood boiling. "I don't give a rat's ass about Ros–"
Tony cleared his throat. Ross stepped forward. "I don't suppose you have any idea where they are?"
"We will," Tony replied. "GSG 9's got the borders covered. Recon's flying 24/7. They'll get a hit. We'll handle it. Marina, can you find out where they are?"
Marina bit her lip again. Ross scoffed. She snarled at him before answering Tony. "My skills to find persons of interest aren't what they used to be. But if they're in hiding, I'll see what I can do."
"You don't get it, Stark," Ross droned. "It's not yours to handle. It's clear you can't be objective."
Marina barked out a laugh, "And you can? Losing your shit after Banner broke your daughter's heart?"
"That's a different issue."
"Really? It looks the same to me." Marina waved her hands to emphasize her point. Natasha shook her head.
"I'm putting Special Ops on this," Ross declared. Natasha crossed her arms.
"What happens when the shooting starts?" Dread pooled in Marina's stomach. "What, do you kill Steve Rogers?"
"If we're provoked. Barnes would've been eliminated in Romania if it wasn't for Rogers." Ross explained simply. Marina was at a loss for words. Internally, the only thing she heard was "When you step out of line, you'll be next."
She squeezed her eyes shut. She tuned out the noise opting for a more tranquil balance. She opened her grey eyes again. Marina closed her fist, counting her breath.
"All due respect, you're not gonna solve this with boys and bullets, Ross." Tony sat down. "You gotta let us bring them in."
Before Marina could jump at the opportunity, Tony held up a finger to her hologram. "By us– I don't mean you." Marina protested but Secretary Ross seemed to be satisfied with Tony's clarification.
But the old man was still displeased by Tony's suggestion. "How would that end any differently than last time?"
"Because this time, I won't be wearing loafers and a silk shirt. 72 hours, guaranteed."
"36 hours," Ross announced. He walked out of the glass conference room. "Barnes. Rogers. Wilson."
"Thank you, sir." Tony nodded. He glanced to Marina before massaging his chest. He let out a deep exhale. "My left arm is numb. Is that normal?"
Marina had enough. "FRIDAY, prepare the jet now. I'm leaving for Berlin."
"No." Natasha and Tony exclaimed. Marina scrunched her eyebrows together.
"I beg your pardon, Ma'am. But, you are not authorized to use the jet." At the sight of Tony's exhaustion, she overlooked it. She dropped in front of Tony's hologram image. She examined him. He was worse for wear, tired from more than just the physical battle. It broke her heart.
Natasha moved closer to Tony, resting a hand on his shoulder. "You, alright?"
"Always." Marina's frown deepened at Tony's reply. "36 hours. Jeez."
"What will we do now?" Marina asked in a small voice.
"We're seriously understaffed." Natasha spoke. Marina had a double take. She cleared her throat.
"No, not you," Tony pointed to her. He slid a hand down his face. "No. I will not allow you to fight Rogers."
He stressed the name. Marina faltered. Cap was like another father to her. She felt thankful and dread simultaneously. Tony wasn't asking her to go against Steve, which she was grateful for. But her heart cracked at the prospect that the others will have to.
"It'd be great if we had a Hulk right about now. Any shot?"
Nat shook her head, "You really think he'd be on our side?"
"No."
"I have an idea."
"Me, too. Where's yours?"
"Downstairs. Where's yours?" Tony smirked at Nat. Marina waved her hand.
"Hello? I'm still here, you know." They glanced at her. Tony stood up, tugging on his unbuttoned shirt. "Wanna fill me in?"
Tony shot her a grin. He lifted the phone into his hands. His face drew closer. "Queens."
The single word surprised Marina. She immediately understood what– or rather who- he meant. She nodded. "Alright, I'll prepare the case. If you leave now, we can make it in time for his dismissal."
Marina gave Tony a once over. Her guess was correct, judging by the glint in Tony's eyes. "And, I'll bring you a new suit and fresh cheeseburger when we pick you up. You don't look too hot."
Tony plastered an indignant expression at her last sentence. He peeked at his wrist watch– no time to pout. "Thanks. See you in a bit, kid."
Marina sat awkwardly eating her walnut date loaf as Tony flirted with May Parker. Tony laid on the charm. Marina's eyes darted around the apartment's living room. The pictures that decorated the metal shelves drew her attention. Peter, who she already saw through her research, composed most of the frames.
Rustles came from the front door. Marina straightened her posture. She looked at the occupied Tony before focusing on the door. It swung open and a boy her age passed through. Peter Parker. Their potential recruit.
He didn't notice them, with earphones stuck in. "Hey, May." He grunted, swinging his backpack over his shoulder again.
May adjusted her position on the couch to greet her distracted nephew, "Hey!"
Tony looked over to Marina. They shared a stare. She nodded– nothing to suddenly startle Peter.
"How was school today?" May asked. Peter crossed the kitchen's threshold.
"It was okay," He fiddled with something in his hands. "This crazy car parked outside." He paused when he saw the other people in the living room.
Marina placed on a charming smile from her seat by the lamp. Tony feigned surprise, "Oh, Mr. Parker."
Bewildered, Peter removed his earphones. He glanced at Tony, Marina, then his aunt. He stammered. "What are you doing…" He fumbled as he stepped closer to Ironman. His hands floundered around. "Hey! Uh, I'm Peter."
"Tony." He gestured to himself with a walnut date loaf in his hand. He waved to the girl behind him. "Marina."
"What are you– What are you doing here?" He crossed his arms.
"It's about time we met," Tony said. Marina winked at the boy to catch on. He flushed at her action before focusing again on Tony and Aunt May. "You've been getting my emails, right?"
"Yea– Yeah," he nodded unsure. "Regarding the…"
"You didn't even tell me about the grant." Aunt May declared, examining her nephew. He gave a nonchalant shrug.
"About the grant–"
"The September Foundation," Tony interjected.
"Right," Peter sighed.
"Remember when you applied?" Tony egged on.
"Yeah."
"I approved, so now we're in business." May gestured excitedly to Peter. The boy her age glanced at Marina. She smiled at him reassuringly as Tony blankly stared at him.
Marina shifted forward on her chair. "Your application specifically stood out to Stark Industries. Your marks and interests in math, coding, and even chemistry were especially notable."
"You didn't tell me anything! What's up with that?" May leaned on the couch's backrest. "You keeping secrets from me now?"
You have no idea, Marina hummed to herself.
Peter stuttered, "I just know how much you love surprises so I thought I would let you know… Anyway, what did I apply for?"
"That's what I'm here to hash out." May looked at Tony with a tilt of her head. Marina cut in.
"Well, you know, we just simply sent out forms to those interested in technology." Marina explained to May. May's brown eyes lit up in understanding. "We wanted to narrow down who met our qualifications."
"It's so hard for me to believe that she's someone's aunt," Tony declared. May blushed, turning her attention back to the billionaire. Marina stifled an eyeroll to Tony's flirting.
"Yeah, well, we come in all shapes and sizes you know?"
"As if your destinies spelled out M-A-Y or T-O-N-Y," Marina muttered underneath her breath. "Actually, this should be G-R-O-S-S."
Tony nudged Marina's foot with his shoe. He continued, "This walnut date loaf is exceptional."
"Let me just stop you there," Peter said. His face showed that his mind was running a million miles a second. "Is this grant got money involved or whatever? No?"
"Yeah, it's pretty well funded."
"Yeah? Wow." Marina's palm met her forehead.
"Look who you're talking to."
"Maybe, you two can talk about the grant," Marina suggested. "While I fill Ms. Parker in, if she has any questions. Since I am spearheading this Foundation, afterall." May nodded, looking back at Marina.
Tony clapped his hands in agreement. He stood up, "Can I have five minutes with him?"
"Sure." Tony and Peter moved down the corridor, disappearing in Peter's room. Marina turned her attention to May again.
"I have a lot of questions," May scooted closer to Marina. Turning on her training, Marina confidently braced herself. "Firstly, why Peter? I-I mean that he is an amazing kid. Top one of his entire math class. And he makes those Star Wars models so it's clear that he is detail-oriented."
"Well, Ms Parker," Marina started. "The September Foundation is a program funded by Tony Stark to nurture and invest in schools and young prodigies in their education. We wanted to look beyond our already partnered schools such as MIT to give chances to promising students in public schools. Among all the candidates, which took time to look through, we picked Peter."
May took a moment to digest Marina's words. She let out a laugh, amazed. Marina continued, "I can vouch that this program has its own benefits. Tony and I will personally make sure that he is integrated well into the program."
May melted into the couch in relief. She stared at Marina for a while. The young girl held her ground. "Do you have any more questions?"
May straightened. She looked around, hesitant to ask. Marina encouraged her, "Don't worry. I'm willing to answer any question you may have."
May gathered her courage. She directly stared into Marina's eyes. "Can I ask why you entered the program? I know you're Tony Stark's ward or adopted daughter but I don't think he forced you–"
"He didn't. Inventing…" Marina had half a mind to lie but she chose to tell the truth. "After my parents died, I thought that I was better at destroying things. But–" She sighed.
"But, when Tony took me in, he taught me that these hands can create something better– something that can change the world. I can create good things by myself. So, I entered the September Foundation to do just that."
A silence hung between them. Marina's gaze lowered to her hands. She wasn't sure that she scared May away from agreeing to Peter's "grant." A hand covered hers gently. Marina looked up into May's warm eyes. Genuine appreciation shone through.
"Thank you for telling me," May's voice wavered. She sniffled. She blinked back the tears. "Sorry… Peter also lost his parents. But I'm glad he has their intelligence as something to remember them by."
Marina patted May's hand. They sat in comfortable silence. The two boys exited the room. Tony clapped his hands. "Would it be alright with you if Peter joins our Stark Internship Retreat?"
May blinked in shock. She glanced between Tony and Peter then to Marina. Marina gave her a reassuring nod. "Sure!"
Marina received a text message from Tony's former bodyguard. A man spoke German on the airport's PA system. She understood it. Please evacuate the airport.
She whipped out her phone and read Happy's message. In his Ironman suit, Tony stepped beside her. Natasha adjusted her Black Widow uniform behind them.
"Peter's in position. Happy relayed your instructions– Underoos, really?" Tony shrugged. Marina tugged her clothes. Civilian, today she was dressed as a civilian.
"Are you sure that we can't talk it out?" Marina begged. "It's not too late. If both sides meet in their suits, you're only asking for a fight!"
"Ross gave us 36 hours to bring them in. And that was 24 hours ago," Tony patiently pointed out. "I think we're done with talking."
"That's a first," Nat teased Tony. He rolled his eyes. His helmet slid close. Eyes lit up. Tony hovered over the ground.
"It's time," He said. He looked back to Marina. "Do me a favor and stay out of it?"
Marina gazed at the airport tarmac. "Fine," Another round of evacuation instructions played across the airport. Tony and Nat shared a look. Marina waved her hand. "Go ahead. I left something inside the quinjet. I'll make it to the main building in five."
The two nodded, moving out of the hangar together. They had to check one last time that all civilians and airplanes were away. Marina entered the jet. The inside hummed with life when she switched on the controls. She settled into the captain's chair, fingers flying across the panel.
This might be the last time she'll see her Avengers family together. The blaming game created division between them already. She did not need to add anymore when she understood where both sides were coming from. Marina sighed when she clicked the displayed Record button.
"Steve," she began. Her palms pressed together. "For a long time, I thought I would never have a family again. Especially when… When I've done some things that are… Unforgivable. But you taught me that forgiveness should not be sought externally. It should be internal. Forgiving yourself is the most difficult truth, so I can get what Bucky is going through.
I understand that you have to do this. You are my family. And you're every bit of a family that Bucky has left and vice versa. Don't worry about me. I still have Tony, Pepper, Uncle Rhodes, and even Vision.
I'm a big girl now. I can handle myself. I hope that you and Bucky find whatever you're looking for. Good luck… I'll miss you…
Every second that passed by the last couple of days felt like an eternity. And the hell that unfolded felt even more so. Marina stood, watching Rhodey enter an MRI machine. Vision remained speechless beside her. The Avengers officially broken. Its members fractured.
Numbness radiated from her center, her heart cleaved in two. But it wasn't as soulless or as agonizing as the sensations she experienced before. All of the Avengers did what they had to do.
Tony entered the examining room behind the one way mirror. He crossed to Vision's side. He whispered, vehemently, "How did this happen?"
Keeping his eyes on Rhodey, Vision answered, "I became distracted."
Tony scoffed, pulling himself from Vision's side. "I didn't think that was possible."
"Neither did I.'' Tony quickly left. The pain on his face clearly showed that he couldn't stand looking at Rhodes incompacitated this way. Marina massaged her tense shoulders.
"I… never anticipated that this would happen," Vision spoke again. He stared directly at Rhodes.
"We know," Marina rested a hand on his shoulder. "We all know that you didn't mean for this to happen."
"It is inconceivable. Unimaginable–"
"It's human," she cut the android off. Finally, Vision looked at her. Marina shrugged. "Distractions, guilt, mistakes. It's like you're becoming more human."
"I am at a loss," Vision returned his gaze to the MRI scan. "Whether becoming human is a blessing or a curse."
Marina didn't answer because she didn't know herself. All she knew was that this hospital was suffocating. She stepped out of the building for some fresh air. She paused by the door when she heard Nat's voice.
"Steve's not going to stop. If you don't either, Rhodey's gonna be the best case scenario."
Tony incredulously replied, "You let them go, Nat."
"We played this wrong." Marina pressed her back against the wall.
"We?" Tony scoffed. "Boy, it must be hard to shake the whole double agent thing, huh? It sticks to the DNA." Marina flinched at his words.
"Are you incapable of letting go of your ego for one goddamn second?"
"T'Challa told Ross what you did, so they're coming for you."
"I'm not the one who needs to watch their back." With that Natasha stormed off. Marina stepped forward.
"Nat. Nat, wait!" The former assassin marched out of sight. Marina pivoted to see Tony fully regretting his words. "She might be right, you know?"
Marina tried her best not to sound condescending. She leaned against the metal railings. Tony grimaced. Right then, Tony's watch beeped. He tapped on the screen twice. A project lit up of a man, dead and slouched on the ground.
"What am I looking at, FRIDAY?" Marina adjusted her position to look at the picture better.
"Priority upload from Berlin police," FRIDAY answered. Chogs in Tony's mind turned.
"Fire up the chopper." Tony walked off. For a second, Marina hesitantly shifted from one foot to another. She jogged to catch up. Tony opened his mouth to protest Marina from coming with him. Marina held up a hand.
"I'm not going with you," she said. Tony blinked at her in surprise. "You're taking the chopper so… No thanks."
Tony rolled his eyes. Of course, that was her reason. But Marina stopped in her tracks. "I need to deal with the damage here." Tony's gaze softened. With his free hand, he pulled Marina into a gentle embrace. She hugged Tony back, careful of his sling.
"I'll make this right."
Marina thanked the doctor before he stepped out of Rhodey's hospital room. The US officer has a confirmed L4 through S1 shatter. While it is possible to walk again through rehabilitation and therapy, it seemed unlikely. Columbia Medical might have better findings. Rhodes accepted the news with grace.
Marina settled on the seat by his bedside. She made herself more comfortable, drawing up her legs onto the seat. She unconsciously could not sit still.
"Marina," Rhodes began. He raised a brow at her. "Any other news you have to tell me?"
Marina hesitated. There's only so much bad news a person can handle. Instead, she sighed when Rhodes pinned a glare on her. She quickly tapped her phone to show the pictures FRIDAY collected.
"The Task Force called for a psychiatrist as soon as Bucky was captured. The UN dispatched Doctor Theo Broussard from Geneva. When he went to his car, a man met him..."
"And?"
"And," Marina swiped the air to show the profile. "This is Colonel Helmut Zemo. Sokovian Intelligence, who ran Echo Scorpion– a Sokovian covert kill squad." She stifled a wince but goosebumps covered her entire body.
She continued, "He's the fake doctor that examined Bucky in Berlin. And the real Broussard was recently found dead in a hotel room. A wig and facial prosthesis similar to the appearance of Bucky was discovered with the body."
Rhodes reclined into the bed's mattress. He muttered out a curse. His palm connected to his forehead. Rhodes looked up to the hospital's ceiling. "I signed these Accords because it was the right thing to do. And I don't regret it."
Marina silently watched him. "You did what you had to do–"
A knock sounded. The door creaked open and a nurse stepped into the suite. Marina peeked at the older woman. The healthcare worker shot them a sad smile. "I beg your pardon but Ms. Marks, visiting time is over."
The nurse stood by the door. Marina nodded, sliding her hand into Rhodes'. She squeezed, "I'll go with you tomorrow."
Rhodes squeezed back. Before Marina left the bedside, Rhodes jerked back her hand. She glanced at the tight grip on her wrist before meeting his serious gaze. "Marina… I understand how Tony can get…"
"Obnoxious?"
"Frustrating," he corrected. "But… Ironman is still human. He makes mistakes. He doesn't like being alone."
Marina faltered. She placed her free hand over Rhodes' grip. "I know that… I'll update you when he gets back. See you tomorrow."
oOo
That night or the days after, Marina didn't sleep. She stayed up late in the Compound workshop. When Tony came back with a broken suit and more bruises, she said nothing. Because nothing can appease his pain or guilt. They decided to stay here rather than their apartment, designing leg braces for Rhodes.
Marina worked on the transmitter. With the rest of his spinal cord disconnected to his brain, Marina fashioned an electrical signal that controls the movement of his leg braces. Though it is the first of its kind, Marina looked forward to how this can change the world. There was still room for improvement.
She fiddled with the engineering computations and designs in the Compound's workshop. She left Tony and Rhodes alone to discuss their next steps. Literally. The Compound had a lot less life in its walls. She didn't dwell on it.
Tony came knocking on the workshop's double doors. Marina glanced up to see him with a FedEx package in hand. She dropped the wrench back into its tool box. Wiping her hands on a clean rag, she approached Tony.
He looked better. The wounds left scabs, but he'll make it. He held out the box for her. "No name or return address."
Marina tilted her head. No one knows the address of the Compound other than government and SHIELD agents assigned here. She took the package.
"I'll leave you to it," Tony said, waving his own box. She nodded.
"Thank you." Before he walked out of the room, Marina spoke. "Wanna have Luca's lasagna for dinner?"
Tony looked over his shoulder with a smile. "Haven't we just had that last week?"
Marina shrugged, "Yes and?"
Tony laughed for the first time in weeks. He waved, "Sure. Order my regular."
"Happy will pick it up at quarter to seven." Marina added without missing a beat. Tony smirked at her one last time before he closed the doors behind him. Marina sat down at her worktable, laying the package on top of her blueprints.
She tore a strip from one of its sides, effectively opening the small box. Her brows furrowed when she flipped it upside down, dumping its contents onto her table. A white envelope with her name and a picture fell out. She turned over the picture first.
In it, she and Steve smiled at the camera. Cotton candy and hotdog in their hands respectively. It was when they went to Coney Island. She set it gently on the table top before ripping open the letter.
Marina. I'm glad you chose to stay with Tony. I know that you both don't see eye to eye at times but you're home. With your family.
In the last two years, it was a privilege to watch you grow into a fine young woman. I hate to admit it but Tony and I seemed to have forgotten that you are no longer a child. You can take care of yourself but it doesn't mean that you always have to.
I know I hurt you and your trust. I can't stay at your side when you have nightmares– not now. Maybe, when I see you again, you will no longer have them. We don't know. But I want you to know that I am proud of you and all you have and will accomplish.
And if you need me, if you need us, I'll be there.
Marina took the photo into her hands. She returned Steve's smile in the picture. "See you."
Author's Note:
Hello! We hope that you enjoyed this continuation of Chapter 6 as much as we did. The next chapter will be back to the present in the YJ universe.
Drop some reviews and show Lethe some love. Thank you for reading! :)
See you next time!