ericadawn16 (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
ericadawn16) wrote2012-06-07 01:01 am
ericadawn16) wrote2012-06-07 01:01 am
Friends to the End: Season Two
Title: Friends to the End: Season Two
Author: Ericadawn16
Prompt: The wonderful mash-up of Friends and Avengers
Character/Pairing(s): Phil/Clint, Clint/Natasha, Pepper/Tony, Phil/Natasha, Clint/Natasha/Phil, Steve/Peggy, James/Rae, Thor/?, Reed/Susan, Loki/?, Senator Stern/?
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Nah, nothing worse than the film.
Spoilers: Post-Movie AU
Summary: What does Clint do, what's Loki's secret and who's this mystery woman?
Beta: BIG Thanks to![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
lavendergaia and valoscope
The One where Clint Finds Out
September 3, 2014
"Ever plan on telling him? It's been five months now," Pepper spoke before sipping her coffee.
"But it's Clint and Tasha," Phil spoke. "I told her I wasn't going to do anything. What if they end up being perfect for each other?"
He drank his coffee, too.
"Besides, how long did you spend pining away for Tony?" Phil pointed out.
"True," Pepper agreed, but he didn't like that look. She was plotting something.
**********************************************************************
"Pepper, this isn't a good time," Natasha spoke into the phone as Clint kissed his way up one arm.
"I know I shouldn't be doing this but Phil does have feelings after all. He just doesn't want to ruin anything," Pepper spoke. Natasha was skilled at hiding her feelings so Clint wouldn't be able to read what she was thinking. He wore his resting look. Natasha had wondered whether Phil had changed his mind. His behavior did seem a bit preoccupied.
"Oh, I'll come right over," Natasha spoke and Clint pulled away.
"What is it?" he asked. Natasha didn't even need to think about her answer.
"Girl stuff," she spoke. It worked like a charm every time.
**************************************************************************
Phil was reading when there was a knock at the door. He was surprised to see Natasha.
"You don't like coming to my place," he pointed out.
"But he's not here right now," Natasha spoke, walking in. "Why do you stay?"
"It's nice and quiet," Phil answered and she walked across to the open window.
"There's a naked man in the building across from us, interesting," Natasha stated.
"It has other perks," Phil agreed.
"I wish you had told me," Natasha spoke and he knew she didn't mean the naked guy.
"Doesn't matter now," he said with a shrug.
"It does to me. The problem is Clint. If I dump him, you'll be the rebound relationship which never works. If he finds out, then he won't want to dump me because he's too nice," Natasha spoke and he nodded.
"Is there a third option there?" he asked.
"Yes," she said, leaned over and kissed him. He pulled away from instinct. She was a friend. However, he would be lying if he said he hadn't thought about it. There was a moment of indecision and then, he kissed her.
**************************************************************************
"Threesome? Really?" Clint asked as they approached the hotel room.
"Might be fun," Natasha spoke, "if it's someone we already know."
"Except I don't want to do most of the people we know," he reminded her.
She smirked. Natasha was always scariest when she smirked. It was that moment when she knew she had you. After Natasha inserted the keycard and pulled open the door, Clint followed Natasha inside to see Phil sitting on the couch.
Phil? Did that mean he knew? Did he feel the same way? Were they just too chicken shit to tell the other one?
Clint felt Natasha's blue eyes on him. She was waiting for his next move and for once in his life; he wasn't sure what that should be. With a roll of those same eyes, she moved to the couch and put her arm around Phil. They'd always been close but this was different. Tonight, it was all going to change.
She began kissing Phil and Clint sat beside them, watching. Part of him was jealous and part of him was turned on. He went to go for her earlobe but she broke from the kiss then and he got her cheek instead. Natasha threw off her heels and changed her position so that she was in Clint's lap with her legs across Phil's lap. It was his turn. He leaned towards Phil who met him halfway. It wasn't quite how he had imagined it. Phil was timid yet inviting; such a contrast to his professional self. He was letting Clint and Natasha lead. Clint started to relax.
**************************************************************************
"They're really close friends," Steve commented about Phil, Natasha and Clint on the couch, entwined with each other.
"Yes, friends," Tony spoke.
"It's nice. They seem happy," Bruce commented. "Now, if we could just hide Steve's guitar."
"I'm getting better," Steve complained.
"Not the singing part," Bruce pointed out.
*****************************************************************************
Phil was reading the latest Avengers comic on the couch. It was amusing how wrong they were about things, like Phil's hair was a lot lighter than real life. Well, there had been the blond phase to look like Steve but that was the 80s. Everyone had bad hair then. On one hand, he was extremely pleased to be included in the comics but on the other hand, it seemed like a security breach. His best guess was Tony. Natasha was taking a shower and Clint was writing something on his laptop.
"Why won't it print?" he asked.
"It doesn't usually print here. I think Loki did something," Phil explained. Clint glared at the screen. "You want me to look at it? Or Tasha? Tasha's the best at that sort of thing."
"No, no, that's fine. I'll print it later," Clint insisted. Phil assumed he was trying to print out photos of Ben so the reaction was strange. He laid the comic on the coffee table and went over to him.
"No!" Clint yelled as Phil saw that it was a Word document with two columns. One with his name and the other had Natasha on it. Clint went to shut the laptop but Phil spun the machine before he could do it.
"Tasha! Tasha, come out here!" Phil called out. True to form, Tasha was in a bathrobe and armed with a gun in five seconds.
"What is it?" she asked.
"No, you have to read what Barton wrote," he said and noticed how Clint cringed at the surname usage.
"This is us. This is a pro and con list for Phil and I," she said with a glare at Clint.
"I can explain." Clint spoke, "I'm tired of having to share everything. It's bad enough I have to share my son. I'm tired of sharing you, too."
"So, you wrote up a list like you were debating vacation plans? We're people," Phil complained.
"I know that," Clint argued.
"No, you don't," Phil spoke. The situation was almost as unbelievable as what he was about to do next. "I think you should leave."
***************************************************************************
"If this Voldemort fellow has come back, how is an eleven year old supposed to defeat him?" Steve asked, looking up from his paperback at Pepper. "I mean, it's not like he's an Asgardian or something? It's regular fictional magic?"
"Right, it- um, it actually takes seven books for him to defeat Voldemort and he's nearly 18 by then," Pepper told him. His mouth gaped open.
"There are more of these. Are they short like this one?" he asked.
"Well, no, they get longer and longer," Pepper explained. He set the book down.
"I'm not sure if I want to pursue this. There was a book I really liked about a little woodland creature on an adventure by an English writer. Babbit or bobbit or-"
"Hobbit," she corrected and almost looked like she was smirking. "I think Tolkien may have written a few more after that."
"Oh good," he said but wondered why she was smiling like that.
*****************************************************************************
Natasha hated the waiting. Any minute now, the terrorists would make their move. Naturally, they had picked what must have been one of the most rundown parts of Prague. She was poised on a rickety roof. Phil was on a similar roof three buildings down while Clint was on an old water tower and Steve was around somewhere along with extra soldiers. Then, the shooting started.
She wasn't sure which side started it. The sound of how the gun fired should have been a giveaway but they were also hitting the ruined buildings and they were giving way. The noise was tremendous and she started running before the roof collapsed under her feet. Her balance was thrown off by the decreasing weight. She hesitated for a second to adjust and it became too late.
After recovering from the shock of the fall, she checked for major injuries. Finding none, she tried to crawl to her feet. Her face was bleeding and her wrist was sprained. However, she could still shoot her gun or defend herself. Natasha started crawling out of the wreckage. Then, there was a blue gloved hand helping her out.
"Are you hurt?" he asked.
"No, where's Barton and Coulson?" she questioned.
"Coulson's roof collapsed, too. He went after him. Come on, the terrorists are getting away," Steve spoke and they started to run. Natasha almost looked behind. She knew Clint would get him. She just didn't know whether he'd be as lucky as she was.
Phil had to be okay. She couldn't lose him a second time. Natasha steeled herself and refocused on the mission at hand. She couldn't appear weak. All this time and that training had stuck with her, refusing to leave. She couldn't appear weak.
***********************************************************************
"Again? This is your fifth tardy this week," Maria Hill complained. Peter smiled and shrugged his shoulders. She noticed that he was avoiding looking at her face.
"I can't help it if villains always seem to attack me before school," he said. She resisted the urge to sigh.
"Next time, just call us and get to class," she said.
"But-"
"No, you have detention all next week," she spoke.
"Is that detention or 'detention'?" he asked, using air quotes.
"Detention, now leave," she spat. Almost as soon as Peter left, then their substitute science teacher came in. Bruce's shirt was a bit singed.
"I may have had a little accident in the classroom," Bruce spoke which was followed by the fire alarm. She wished she had alcohol.
"Go!" she commanded and shook her head. "I don't know how Coulson does it. He better be back soon."
***************************************************************************
The One with the Third Nipple
December 12, 2014
"Promise me that you'll say you saved him," Clint whispered because Loki was there.
"Why?" Steve asked.
"Because otherwise, it might make things...complicated," Clint spoke. "He doesn't need complicated right now."
Steve didn't completely understand but he didn't seem to understand a lot when it came to Barton, Coulson or Romanov.
"Fine," he agreed. Then, the door opened again and Tony, Pepper and Thor walked in.
"Hurray, everyone's here," Loki snarked. Steve could tell it hurt Thor that his brother didn't treat him as such.
"I'm not sure how restful this is for him," Pepper spoke with concern.
"We shall be quiet. I just want confirmation that son of Coul is okay," Thor spoke.
"How sweet," Loki spat.
"Like you even have a heart," Steve told him.
"Don't," Thor spoke.
"Some of us are trying to sleep," Phil complained and everyone turned to see him just outside his bedroom. He was leaning on a crutch with his shoulder in a sling and his eyes narrowed more than usual. Steve had heard there was a skull fracture involved.
"Sorry," Steve apologized.
"Steve was the one who pulled you out," Clint spoke.
"Really? I don't remember much after falling," Phil explained. "Thank you."
"Are you certain that's how it happened, Barton?" asked Loki with a grin. He had heard them anyway.
"Yes," Clint confirmed.
"I think that you're lying because you still have feelings for him and you know he still has feelings for you. Oh, mortals and your...problems," Loki spoke, smirking.
"What?" Phil asked.
"He's telling the truth," Natasha spoke. "Steve helped me out. He told me that Clint was getting you."
"You did that for me?" Phil asked and Clint shrugged. "You could have gotten yourself killed."
He limped along on his crutch in Clint's direction until Clint started walking towards him. Phil let go of the crutch and grabbed Clint's shoulder.
"That was incredibly, incredibly stupid," he chastised Clint. "Thank you."
Then, he kissed him.
"Aww," Pepper said and he saw her look at Natasha who looked a bit pleased as well.
"Success, now everyone can leave," Loki said.
"Someday, we'll find out a secret about you," Tony threatened.
"None exist," Loki spoke.
"Really?" Tony asked in his voice that Steve had learned meant that he took it as a challenge. This wouldn't end well. He made eye contact with Thor.
"Loki has a third nipple," Thor spoke.
"Thor!" Loki spat and was suddenly in front of him.
"It is true," Thor argued.
"I think we should leave," Pepper spoke and Natasha nodded. Steve agreed that it wasn't the best of ideas to provoke Loki. He saw Natasha kiss Phil on the cheek and whisper something to them. She didn't look back.
"This isn't over," Loki promised before shutting the door. Steve wondered what he was planning.
*****************************************************************************
Tony hated this time of year. He wasn't surprised at finding how much Steve loved it. Steve insisted on singing Christmas carols and putting up a tree. Thor had been intrigued and Coulson had joined in but the rest of them grumbled. However, right now, Steve was on his phone...again.
"Me, too. Goodnight," he said and hit the button.
"Who do you keep talking to?" Tony asked.
"Peggy," he answered. "It's so nice to have someone who understands me; someone from...before." Tony understood everything except Steve's girlfriend being really, really old. Tony hadn't talked much with Peggy. He'd just assumed she idolized his dad like everyone else.
"Steve, I'm going to show you one of the scariest things known to man," he spoke and took out the envelope.
"It's not a yellow telegram," Steve spoke with confusion. Tony shook his head and took out the invitation inside.
"This is a wedding invitation from Rhodey. He's getting married in two months. He addressed the invitation to myself and Pepper," Tony explained.
"How is that scary?" Steve asked.
"Because it's a wedding," Tony stated. Shouldn't it be obvious?
"Eventually, we all have to marry and have children for the good of the country and for God," Steve explained. Tony tried not to stare with his mouth open.
"No."
"You're practically married to Pepper. You should just make it legal already," Steve spoke.
"Pepper and I have an understanding. She understands that I hate it and never ever want to actually do it," Tony told him.
"Then, it shouldn't scare you," Steve spoke and left the room. Actually, it wasn't that at all. Rhodey used to be his best friend. Then, he got pulled into the Avengers Initiative and Rhodey was more and more involved with the military. Now, they hardly saw each other as it was. What if he got married and Tony never saw him again?
*************************************************************************************
Phil was going to be happy when he was completely healed. As it was, he still had a cane so no walking very fast, much less running. It's also how he ended up babysitting Thor who wanted to see the Zoo.
"We can go anywhere but not the penguins. They scare me," Phil spoke. He wished sarcasm wasn't lost on Thor.
"What are those?" Thor asked.
"Polar bears. They're deadly. There's a placard to tell you more," Phil spoke, pointing.
"Can you ride them?" Thor asked.
"I don't know. I don't think so," Phil spoke, checking to see if that was on the sign. Then, there was screaming and laughter.
"Son of Coul, something has happened!" Thor exclaimed. Phil turned around to see that Thor was naked even though he had clothes a minute ago. He started to take off his coat and shirt to cover him.
"Any idea how this could have happened?" Phil asked.
"Loki," Thor answered. Phil understood being upset over the nipple thing but he would have preferred a less public retribution.
"I can't take you anywhere," Phil muttered as he helped Thor cover himself as they left.
*****************************************************************************
"Ben, why don't you show everyone what you can do?" Clint asked in the main room of the mansion.
"No," said the toddler, shaking his head.
"But they'd love to see it," he argued.
"No."
Clint tried to think of something else.
"Look, there's Aunt Tasha!" he pointed out and Ben ran to her. Clint raised his arms in success. Everyone clapped and cheered which backfired. Ben began to cry.
"I don't do crying," Natasha complained. Clint hurried over to him and picked him up.
"It's okay. Everyone is just so proud of you," Clint tried to explain. His son kept crying and he rubbed his back. "Maybe he needs a nap."
He carried him up the stairs.
"Shh," he told him. "They can be scary sometimes but they're pretty cool once you know them."
Ben was getting so big. Clint couldn't believe he would turn one year old next month.
*****************************************************************************
The One with James and Rae's Wedding
February 14, 2015
"Should I ask what you're doing?" Phil asked as Thor typed so earnestly on his laptop at his apartment. Phil was still getting used to the idea of Thor with a laptop.
"Steve has been showing me how to use it," Thor explained. Phil cringed. It was the blind leading the blind.
"Pepper would be a better choice," Phil suggested.
"I thought if I had a woman, then you wouldn't have to worry about me so often," Thor spoke. "Bruce explained about dating on here."
He pointed to prove his point.
"Online dating?" Phil clarified.
"No, you're not in a line. It's on the internet," Thor spoke and Phil felt a headache coming on. "I've already found someone to converse with."
"I need to get ready for the wedding," Phil spoke and headed for his bedroom. However, he didn't like the way that Loki was eyeing Thor's laptop.
After putting on a fresh suit and a fancier tie, Phil stepped out and his phone began to ring. He had a foreboding feeling especially with the way Loki was giggling.
Shit. It was Director Fury.
"Coulson here," he answered.
"Where's Loki?" Fury asked.
"About six feet in front of me," Phil answered.
"And who the Hell gave him a laptop or cellphone?" he asked.
Phil glared at Thor before questioning, "Did you give your brother your laptop?"
"He said it would only be a moment," Thor argued. Phil sighed.
"Thor. What did Loki do?" he asked.
"He let loose a virus on the internet that has hit every single government and crippled them for the time being, made easier by the fact that he used YOUR account to do it!" Fury screamed in his ear. It took all of Phil's reserve not to crack. Instead, he calmly turned to Loki.
"Why did you use my account?" Phil asked. Loki could have broken into anyone's email. Thor still used "PASSWORD" as his password.
"It was easier. You already have such high security clearances," Loki explained. Phil felt his brow furrow. "How bad is it exactly?"
"We're bringing in Romanov, Hill, Sage, Pryde, anyone who could possibly help to crack it, even Pepper. Right now, even the president is watching alternating clips of Nyan cat and something referred to as the world's most annoying cat," Fury explained.
Phil once again turned to Loki, asking, "What is it with you and cats?"
"They're evil and serve no purpose," Loki explained.
"You can't even ride them," Thor added.
"Exactly," Loki agreed. Normally, Phil would have basked in the amazement of Thor and Loki agreeing on something but he was still too pissed.
"Do I need to come in?" Phil asked.
"No, go to the wedding. Keep an eye on it but come in two hours earlier tomorrow. We have to redo all your security protocols," Fury answered.
"Yes, sir," he answered and hung up. He glared at the two Asgardians.
"You two, I can't leave you alone for five minutes! Even Barton's toddler has more self control," he chastised. Thor looked remorseful while Loki smiled. "And since I can't leave you alone, I'm having someone come while I'm at the wedding."
"Miss Romanov?" Loki asked. Phil was pretty sure he shuddered on the inside.
"Why?"
"She bested me twice. She's the only one of you almost worthy of my company," Loki explained.
"No, I'm asking Bruce," Phil spoke and liked that fraction of a fraction that Loki paled more than usual.
"My lady has gone," Thor complained. "She says she has to work."
"Yeah, you can probably thank your brother for that," Phil told him and prepared to call Bruce. He should be able to work here just as well as headquarters.
********************************************************************************
Steve watched as Franklin Richards chased his sister along the pews of the church. He watched for them to be reprimanded but nothing came. Times were different. The last time he saw Valeria was at Phil's failed wedding when she was still just an infant. They certainly grew fast. Her blonde hair flew behind her as she ran.
"They're cute, aren't they?" Peggy asked beside him. She clutched his hand. Steve nodded. "They're always cute at that age. Even my grandchildren have grown up now."
"You could always move back here," Steve suggested.
"I could," she agreed although she didn't sound excited about it. She looked gorgeous in her dress. Steve tried to concentrate on that.
"Dop it!" Valeria screamed. Steve caught sight of her just as she disappeared.
"I can do that, too!" Franklin screamed. Then, Steve couldn't see him anymore. There were some screams from the guests.
"That's not so cute," Steve stated.
***********************************************************************
"I really hate when you do that," Bruce complained, covering the plastic piece coming off his head. Thor backed up from reading over Bruce's shoulder. He just wanted to help. Son of Coul seemed really angry at him. Loki moved forward until his head was almost resting on his shoulder.
"But I'm not going to get angry for you," Bruce clarified. Loki backed away. Despite the blank expression, Thor could tell he was disappointed.
"Who is this person?" Thor asked at the name.
"No touching! If you touch my screen, you can activate something. This isn't like the cheap laptop we let you play on. Tony and I worked on this. Go on your computer," Bruce complained. Then, he let go of the plastic piece.
"I just want to know who that is. They have the same user name as my lady," Thor explained. Compared with the other internet names, it had seemed unusual to him. He could be wrong but it seemed that way.
"Fine," Bruce spoke and covered the plastic piece again. "I don't remember her name. I've only met her once before. She's one of the people they brought in to clean up Loki's mess. Her user name references some set of geographical coordinates or stars or something. If I promise to introduce her, will you leave me alone?"
"Yes, you have my word," Thor agreed.
"I'll do it when we're finished," Bruce told him.
"I'll retire now," Loki spoke, heading for his bedroom.
"You do that," Bruce called after him. Thor barely noticed because he was too busy thinking about his lady and meeting her tonight.
*********************************************************************
Clint looked at his watch. The wedding was fifteen minutes late and still no Phil. Then again, he hadn't seen Pepper either. Had something come up? He checked his phone but there was nothing there. The only reason he was even here was to be Phil's date. He didn't know the groom or the bride. Phil was the one who took care of these military types. Tony stood near the groom. He knew they were good friends. Everyone seemed ready. Clint fidgeted some more. He hated wearing suits and being in these types of situations. It was another good reason why he and Jessica had eloped.
Then, the wedding march started and the bride came walking down with her mother. Everyone stood up which is when the doors opened again. Phil entered and tried to sneak in, using the outside of the pews.
"Excuse me. Sorry. Excuse me."
His whispers seemed so loud despite the music. Clint felt so bad for Phil. Finally, as the bride was given to the groom, Phil squeezed in beside him.
"You made it," Steve whispered and Phil's face reddened further. Clint was hit with the urge to laugh. A few giggles escaped before Phil hit him with a glare. Then, he noticed Tony giving him the death stare, too. Clint laid his arm around Phil's back.
********************************************************************************
"I'm sure nobody noticed how you came in late and upstaged the bride," Tony spoke before draining his glass afterwards.
"Everyone noticed," Phil spoke. "I shouldn't even be invited to these things. It's always a disaster."
"I'm okay with not doing any of these again," Clint offered. Tony checked his phone for the umpteenth time. It was almost cute how lost he was at a social occasion without Pepper at his side.
"No, the disaster was inviting all of us in the first place. We somehow make these things a disaster by our very presence," Tony explained. "How long is that thing supposed to last?"
"I don't know. It's Loki. Did you want me to get you a laptop?" Phil asked. Tony seemed to consider it.
"No, I have a Best Man's speech in fifteen minutes," Tony spoke. "I should get back there."
Phil, Clint, Steve and Peggy had a table near the back while Tony's empty chair was right up front near James and Rae. The doors opened and Phil turned his head to look. It was second nature. However, he didn't recognize the woman. She was extremely tall and slim with long black hair. Her green dress hugged every curve.
"Who's that?" Tony asked.
"I was going to ask you," Phil told him. They watched the strange woman come closer. Was she coming towards them?
She stopped at their table and leaned in. Something about her eyes seemed familiar.
"I got tired of Bruce so I decided to come out and have some fun," she spoke. Phil felt his mouth gape open and saw that everyone else had their mouth open, too, except Peggy. "There, already begun."
With a smile, she left the table.
"Who was that?" Peggy asked.
"Loki," Phil answered with a sigh.
"Did we know he could do that?" Steve asked and Phil shook his head.
"It's mentioned in the Old Norse mythology but we weren't sure whether any of that was actually useful," Phil explained. "I don't want to cause another scene but..."
"No, we can't do that," Tony argued. "I'm Best Man and I'm putting my foot down. We're not going to ruin Rhodey's wedding day."
"But he's dangerous," Clint argued.
"As a man, but he's currently a woman, how bad could he be?" Tony asked. The rest of the table glared at him. "Fine, I'm curious. Pepper's not here and I'm bored. We could wager on who kisses him first."
Phil still didn't like the idea of willfully putting everyone in danger.
"Twenty bucks on that guy there," Peggy offered from her purse.
"Senator Stern? You have yourself a deal. I'll put twenty-five on Aldrich Killian a couple of tables over," Tony said with a grin. Then, he left for his actual table.
"This can't end well," Phil spoke. Loki seemed to be flirting with the entirety of one table. Then, his phone rang.
"Coulson here," he answered.
"It's finished," Fury spoke and hung up. Coulson allowed himself a little smile.
"They finally broke Loki's virus. Everything's back to normal...almost," Phil told them.
****************************************************************************
Thor couldn't help pacing as Bruce made his call. He had promised to introduce Thor when this was over. An oath is not something to break lightly. However, Bruce's expression was troubling.
"What?" Thor asked, not able to contain his patience anymore. Bruce put the phone down.
"I'm sorry. They said she left. I'll try to get her phone number. Do you want to share a cab back?" Bruce asked and Thor shook his head.
"I will stay here," he said. He felt restless but not enough to go back to the mansion.
"Sorry," Bruce apologized and left.
*****************************************************************
"Coulson! I wasn't sure you'd even come, considering what happened at your wedding and all, but then, you made that memorable entrance and everything. Nice!" Johnny Storm told him.
Phil just nodded. He wasn't worth it and he had his own ways of getting even.
"Johnny, have you met that woman over there? She was just telling me how hot she thought you were," Clint spoke, pointing at Loki.
"Really?" he asked and when Clint nodded, he ran a hand through his hair before walking over. Phil smiled and Clint grinned. Peggy laughed.
*******************************************************************************
Tony swirled the liquor around in his glass. It took some persuading to get the good stuff. Rhodey walked up to him.
"Tony, I know we haven't been as close the past year or so, but...thanks. It really was a beautiful speech earlier," Rhodey spoke.
"No problem," Tony told him.
"Rae and I should have you and Pepper over more often," Rhodey suggested. Tony nodded and added, "Rae seems like a wonderful woman."
"Well, look who just walked in," Rhodey spoke and Tony looked over to see Pepper. He couldn't help the grin that appeared on his face.
***********************************************************************************
"Looks like you won, Peggy," Phil stated. Loki definitely had his tongue down Senator Stearns' mouth.
"Why does he even do that?" Steve asked.
"Because he finds it funny to prove he's better than everyone else and we're just stupid," Clint explained.
"It's over," Phil whispered in Clint's ear.
"Sometimes, it feels like yesterday," he stated with a faraway look in his hazel eyes. Phil took Clint's hand and squeezed. Sometimes, he needed that reminder that Phil was fine now, but he knew that didn't make up for the people that Clint had killed.
"Come home with me," Clint whispered. Phil looked at his watch.
"I have to get up in three hours," Phil spoke which is when Clint started rubbing his leg against his. "Fine, but you will have to get up with me and part of those three hours will constitute sleeping."
Clint nodded.
"Goodnight," Phil spoke in a much louder voice for Steve and Peggy to hear. Phil and Clint went to track down the guests of honor so they could leave.
*****************************************************************
Steve watched Franklin and Valeria. They were being cute again. Both were asleep: one on Reed's lap and the other on Sue's lap.
"Steve, I've loved this and if this were seventy years ago, it would be perfect but I can't keep you like this," Peggy spoke.
"What are you talking about?" Steve asked.
"You want that; children and everything. Don't deny it. We both talked about it back then. I had it and you deserve that, too. You deserve someone who can give you all of that," Peggy told him.
Was she breaking up with him?
"What? No, I have all the time in the world for that," Steve argued.
"You say that but none of us knows for sure," Peggy argued. He couldn't come up with a retort. She kissed his lips. It felt like the end.
"Goodbye, Steve. I never forgot you and I never will. You're a good man and you will meet a wonderful woman someday," she promised. Peggy squeezed his hand before getting up and leaving. Steve just watched her walk away in shock.
***************************************************************************
Thor lay on the couch when there was a knock at the door. He wasn't sure who that could be as he went to answer it. When he opened the door, he couldn't believe his eyes.
"Thor!" she exclaimed and held out her arms.
"Jane!" he called and hugged her before kissing her.
"I...I thought that was you that I was chatting with, but I wasn't sure but then, I heard you. I heard you talking with Bruce and I knew that it was you and I had to see you," Jane rambled. Thor kissed her again, pulling her inside and closing the door.
Author: Ericadawn16
Prompt: The wonderful mash-up of Friends and Avengers
Character/Pairing(s): Phil/Clint, Clint/Natasha, Pepper/Tony, Phil/Natasha, Clint/Natasha/Phil, Steve/Peggy, James/Rae, Thor/?, Reed/Susan, Loki/?, Senator Stern/?
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Nah, nothing worse than the film.
Spoilers: Post-Movie AU
Summary: What does Clint do, what's Loki's secret and who's this mystery woman?
Beta: BIG Thanks to
lavendergaia and valoscopeThe One where Clint Finds Out
September 3, 2014
"Ever plan on telling him? It's been five months now," Pepper spoke before sipping her coffee.
"But it's Clint and Tasha," Phil spoke. "I told her I wasn't going to do anything. What if they end up being perfect for each other?"
He drank his coffee, too.
"Besides, how long did you spend pining away for Tony?" Phil pointed out.
"True," Pepper agreed, but he didn't like that look. She was plotting something.
**********************************************************************
"Pepper, this isn't a good time," Natasha spoke into the phone as Clint kissed his way up one arm.
"I know I shouldn't be doing this but Phil does have feelings after all. He just doesn't want to ruin anything," Pepper spoke. Natasha was skilled at hiding her feelings so Clint wouldn't be able to read what she was thinking. He wore his resting look. Natasha had wondered whether Phil had changed his mind. His behavior did seem a bit preoccupied.
"Oh, I'll come right over," Natasha spoke and Clint pulled away.
"What is it?" he asked. Natasha didn't even need to think about her answer.
"Girl stuff," she spoke. It worked like a charm every time.
**************************************************************************
Phil was reading when there was a knock at the door. He was surprised to see Natasha.
"You don't like coming to my place," he pointed out.
"But he's not here right now," Natasha spoke, walking in. "Why do you stay?"
"It's nice and quiet," Phil answered and she walked across to the open window.
"There's a naked man in the building across from us, interesting," Natasha stated.
"It has other perks," Phil agreed.
"I wish you had told me," Natasha spoke and he knew she didn't mean the naked guy.
"Doesn't matter now," he said with a shrug.
"It does to me. The problem is Clint. If I dump him, you'll be the rebound relationship which never works. If he finds out, then he won't want to dump me because he's too nice," Natasha spoke and he nodded.
"Is there a third option there?" he asked.
"Yes," she said, leaned over and kissed him. He pulled away from instinct. She was a friend. However, he would be lying if he said he hadn't thought about it. There was a moment of indecision and then, he kissed her.
**************************************************************************
"Threesome? Really?" Clint asked as they approached the hotel room.
"Might be fun," Natasha spoke, "if it's someone we already know."
"Except I don't want to do most of the people we know," he reminded her.
She smirked. Natasha was always scariest when she smirked. It was that moment when she knew she had you. After Natasha inserted the keycard and pulled open the door, Clint followed Natasha inside to see Phil sitting on the couch.
Phil? Did that mean he knew? Did he feel the same way? Were they just too chicken shit to tell the other one?
Clint felt Natasha's blue eyes on him. She was waiting for his next move and for once in his life; he wasn't sure what that should be. With a roll of those same eyes, she moved to the couch and put her arm around Phil. They'd always been close but this was different. Tonight, it was all going to change.
She began kissing Phil and Clint sat beside them, watching. Part of him was jealous and part of him was turned on. He went to go for her earlobe but she broke from the kiss then and he got her cheek instead. Natasha threw off her heels and changed her position so that she was in Clint's lap with her legs across Phil's lap. It was his turn. He leaned towards Phil who met him halfway. It wasn't quite how he had imagined it. Phil was timid yet inviting; such a contrast to his professional self. He was letting Clint and Natasha lead. Clint started to relax.
**************************************************************************
"They're really close friends," Steve commented about Phil, Natasha and Clint on the couch, entwined with each other.
"Yes, friends," Tony spoke.
"It's nice. They seem happy," Bruce commented. "Now, if we could just hide Steve's guitar."
"I'm getting better," Steve complained.
"Not the singing part," Bruce pointed out.
*****************************************************************************
Phil was reading the latest Avengers comic on the couch. It was amusing how wrong they were about things, like Phil's hair was a lot lighter than real life. Well, there had been the blond phase to look like Steve but that was the 80s. Everyone had bad hair then. On one hand, he was extremely pleased to be included in the comics but on the other hand, it seemed like a security breach. His best guess was Tony. Natasha was taking a shower and Clint was writing something on his laptop.
"Why won't it print?" he asked.
"It doesn't usually print here. I think Loki did something," Phil explained. Clint glared at the screen. "You want me to look at it? Or Tasha? Tasha's the best at that sort of thing."
"No, no, that's fine. I'll print it later," Clint insisted. Phil assumed he was trying to print out photos of Ben so the reaction was strange. He laid the comic on the coffee table and went over to him.
"No!" Clint yelled as Phil saw that it was a Word document with two columns. One with his name and the other had Natasha on it. Clint went to shut the laptop but Phil spun the machine before he could do it.
"Tasha! Tasha, come out here!" Phil called out. True to form, Tasha was in a bathrobe and armed with a gun in five seconds.
"What is it?" she asked.
"No, you have to read what Barton wrote," he said and noticed how Clint cringed at the surname usage.
"This is us. This is a pro and con list for Phil and I," she said with a glare at Clint.
"I can explain." Clint spoke, "I'm tired of having to share everything. It's bad enough I have to share my son. I'm tired of sharing you, too."
"So, you wrote up a list like you were debating vacation plans? We're people," Phil complained.
"I know that," Clint argued.
"No, you don't," Phil spoke. The situation was almost as unbelievable as what he was about to do next. "I think you should leave."
***************************************************************************
"If this Voldemort fellow has come back, how is an eleven year old supposed to defeat him?" Steve asked, looking up from his paperback at Pepper. "I mean, it's not like he's an Asgardian or something? It's regular fictional magic?"
"Right, it- um, it actually takes seven books for him to defeat Voldemort and he's nearly 18 by then," Pepper told him. His mouth gaped open.
"There are more of these. Are they short like this one?" he asked.
"Well, no, they get longer and longer," Pepper explained. He set the book down.
"I'm not sure if I want to pursue this. There was a book I really liked about a little woodland creature on an adventure by an English writer. Babbit or bobbit or-"
"Hobbit," she corrected and almost looked like she was smirking. "I think Tolkien may have written a few more after that."
"Oh good," he said but wondered why she was smiling like that.
*****************************************************************************
Natasha hated the waiting. Any minute now, the terrorists would make their move. Naturally, they had picked what must have been one of the most rundown parts of Prague. She was poised on a rickety roof. Phil was on a similar roof three buildings down while Clint was on an old water tower and Steve was around somewhere along with extra soldiers. Then, the shooting started.
She wasn't sure which side started it. The sound of how the gun fired should have been a giveaway but they were also hitting the ruined buildings and they were giving way. The noise was tremendous and she started running before the roof collapsed under her feet. Her balance was thrown off by the decreasing weight. She hesitated for a second to adjust and it became too late.
After recovering from the shock of the fall, she checked for major injuries. Finding none, she tried to crawl to her feet. Her face was bleeding and her wrist was sprained. However, she could still shoot her gun or defend herself. Natasha started crawling out of the wreckage. Then, there was a blue gloved hand helping her out.
"Are you hurt?" he asked.
"No, where's Barton and Coulson?" she questioned.
"Coulson's roof collapsed, too. He went after him. Come on, the terrorists are getting away," Steve spoke and they started to run. Natasha almost looked behind. She knew Clint would get him. She just didn't know whether he'd be as lucky as she was.
Phil had to be okay. She couldn't lose him a second time. Natasha steeled herself and refocused on the mission at hand. She couldn't appear weak. All this time and that training had stuck with her, refusing to leave. She couldn't appear weak.
***********************************************************************
"Again? This is your fifth tardy this week," Maria Hill complained. Peter smiled and shrugged his shoulders. She noticed that he was avoiding looking at her face.
"I can't help it if villains always seem to attack me before school," he said. She resisted the urge to sigh.
"Next time, just call us and get to class," she said.
"But-"
"No, you have detention all next week," she spoke.
"Is that detention or 'detention'?" he asked, using air quotes.
"Detention, now leave," she spat. Almost as soon as Peter left, then their substitute science teacher came in. Bruce's shirt was a bit singed.
"I may have had a little accident in the classroom," Bruce spoke which was followed by the fire alarm. She wished she had alcohol.
"Go!" she commanded and shook her head. "I don't know how Coulson does it. He better be back soon."
***************************************************************************
The One with the Third Nipple
December 12, 2014
"Promise me that you'll say you saved him," Clint whispered because Loki was there.
"Why?" Steve asked.
"Because otherwise, it might make things...complicated," Clint spoke. "He doesn't need complicated right now."
Steve didn't completely understand but he didn't seem to understand a lot when it came to Barton, Coulson or Romanov.
"Fine," he agreed. Then, the door opened again and Tony, Pepper and Thor walked in.
"Hurray, everyone's here," Loki snarked. Steve could tell it hurt Thor that his brother didn't treat him as such.
"I'm not sure how restful this is for him," Pepper spoke with concern.
"We shall be quiet. I just want confirmation that son of Coul is okay," Thor spoke.
"How sweet," Loki spat.
"Like you even have a heart," Steve told him.
"Don't," Thor spoke.
"Some of us are trying to sleep," Phil complained and everyone turned to see him just outside his bedroom. He was leaning on a crutch with his shoulder in a sling and his eyes narrowed more than usual. Steve had heard there was a skull fracture involved.
"Sorry," Steve apologized.
"Steve was the one who pulled you out," Clint spoke.
"Really? I don't remember much after falling," Phil explained. "Thank you."
"Are you certain that's how it happened, Barton?" asked Loki with a grin. He had heard them anyway.
"Yes," Clint confirmed.
"I think that you're lying because you still have feelings for him and you know he still has feelings for you. Oh, mortals and your...problems," Loki spoke, smirking.
"What?" Phil asked.
"He's telling the truth," Natasha spoke. "Steve helped me out. He told me that Clint was getting you."
"You did that for me?" Phil asked and Clint shrugged. "You could have gotten yourself killed."
He limped along on his crutch in Clint's direction until Clint started walking towards him. Phil let go of the crutch and grabbed Clint's shoulder.
"That was incredibly, incredibly stupid," he chastised Clint. "Thank you."
Then, he kissed him.
"Aww," Pepper said and he saw her look at Natasha who looked a bit pleased as well.
"Success, now everyone can leave," Loki said.
"Someday, we'll find out a secret about you," Tony threatened.
"None exist," Loki spoke.
"Really?" Tony asked in his voice that Steve had learned meant that he took it as a challenge. This wouldn't end well. He made eye contact with Thor.
"Loki has a third nipple," Thor spoke.
"Thor!" Loki spat and was suddenly in front of him.
"It is true," Thor argued.
"I think we should leave," Pepper spoke and Natasha nodded. Steve agreed that it wasn't the best of ideas to provoke Loki. He saw Natasha kiss Phil on the cheek and whisper something to them. She didn't look back.
"This isn't over," Loki promised before shutting the door. Steve wondered what he was planning.
*****************************************************************************
Tony hated this time of year. He wasn't surprised at finding how much Steve loved it. Steve insisted on singing Christmas carols and putting up a tree. Thor had been intrigued and Coulson had joined in but the rest of them grumbled. However, right now, Steve was on his phone...again.
"Me, too. Goodnight," he said and hit the button.
"Who do you keep talking to?" Tony asked.
"Peggy," he answered. "It's so nice to have someone who understands me; someone from...before." Tony understood everything except Steve's girlfriend being really, really old. Tony hadn't talked much with Peggy. He'd just assumed she idolized his dad like everyone else.
"Steve, I'm going to show you one of the scariest things known to man," he spoke and took out the envelope.
"It's not a yellow telegram," Steve spoke with confusion. Tony shook his head and took out the invitation inside.
"This is a wedding invitation from Rhodey. He's getting married in two months. He addressed the invitation to myself and Pepper," Tony explained.
"How is that scary?" Steve asked.
"Because it's a wedding," Tony stated. Shouldn't it be obvious?
"Eventually, we all have to marry and have children for the good of the country and for God," Steve explained. Tony tried not to stare with his mouth open.
"No."
"You're practically married to Pepper. You should just make it legal already," Steve spoke.
"Pepper and I have an understanding. She understands that I hate it and never ever want to actually do it," Tony told him.
"Then, it shouldn't scare you," Steve spoke and left the room. Actually, it wasn't that at all. Rhodey used to be his best friend. Then, he got pulled into the Avengers Initiative and Rhodey was more and more involved with the military. Now, they hardly saw each other as it was. What if he got married and Tony never saw him again?
*************************************************************************************
Phil was going to be happy when he was completely healed. As it was, he still had a cane so no walking very fast, much less running. It's also how he ended up babysitting Thor who wanted to see the Zoo.
"We can go anywhere but not the penguins. They scare me," Phil spoke. He wished sarcasm wasn't lost on Thor.
"What are those?" Thor asked.
"Polar bears. They're deadly. There's a placard to tell you more," Phil spoke, pointing.
"Can you ride them?" Thor asked.
"I don't know. I don't think so," Phil spoke, checking to see if that was on the sign. Then, there was screaming and laughter.
"Son of Coul, something has happened!" Thor exclaimed. Phil turned around to see that Thor was naked even though he had clothes a minute ago. He started to take off his coat and shirt to cover him.
"Any idea how this could have happened?" Phil asked.
"Loki," Thor answered. Phil understood being upset over the nipple thing but he would have preferred a less public retribution.
"I can't take you anywhere," Phil muttered as he helped Thor cover himself as they left.
*****************************************************************************
"Ben, why don't you show everyone what you can do?" Clint asked in the main room of the mansion.
"No," said the toddler, shaking his head.
"But they'd love to see it," he argued.
"No."
Clint tried to think of something else.
"Look, there's Aunt Tasha!" he pointed out and Ben ran to her. Clint raised his arms in success. Everyone clapped and cheered which backfired. Ben began to cry.
"I don't do crying," Natasha complained. Clint hurried over to him and picked him up.
"It's okay. Everyone is just so proud of you," Clint tried to explain. His son kept crying and he rubbed his back. "Maybe he needs a nap."
He carried him up the stairs.
"Shh," he told him. "They can be scary sometimes but they're pretty cool once you know them."
Ben was getting so big. Clint couldn't believe he would turn one year old next month.
*****************************************************************************
The One with James and Rae's Wedding
February 14, 2015
"Should I ask what you're doing?" Phil asked as Thor typed so earnestly on his laptop at his apartment. Phil was still getting used to the idea of Thor with a laptop.
"Steve has been showing me how to use it," Thor explained. Phil cringed. It was the blind leading the blind.
"Pepper would be a better choice," Phil suggested.
"I thought if I had a woman, then you wouldn't have to worry about me so often," Thor spoke. "Bruce explained about dating on here."
He pointed to prove his point.
"Online dating?" Phil clarified.
"No, you're not in a line. It's on the internet," Thor spoke and Phil felt a headache coming on. "I've already found someone to converse with."
"I need to get ready for the wedding," Phil spoke and headed for his bedroom. However, he didn't like the way that Loki was eyeing Thor's laptop.
After putting on a fresh suit and a fancier tie, Phil stepped out and his phone began to ring. He had a foreboding feeling especially with the way Loki was giggling.
Shit. It was Director Fury.
"Coulson here," he answered.
"Where's Loki?" Fury asked.
"About six feet in front of me," Phil answered.
"And who the Hell gave him a laptop or cellphone?" he asked.
Phil glared at Thor before questioning, "Did you give your brother your laptop?"
"He said it would only be a moment," Thor argued. Phil sighed.
"Thor. What did Loki do?" he asked.
"He let loose a virus on the internet that has hit every single government and crippled them for the time being, made easier by the fact that he used YOUR account to do it!" Fury screamed in his ear. It took all of Phil's reserve not to crack. Instead, he calmly turned to Loki.
"Why did you use my account?" Phil asked. Loki could have broken into anyone's email. Thor still used "PASSWORD" as his password.
"It was easier. You already have such high security clearances," Loki explained. Phil felt his brow furrow. "How bad is it exactly?"
"We're bringing in Romanov, Hill, Sage, Pryde, anyone who could possibly help to crack it, even Pepper. Right now, even the president is watching alternating clips of Nyan cat and something referred to as the world's most annoying cat," Fury explained.
Phil once again turned to Loki, asking, "What is it with you and cats?"
"They're evil and serve no purpose," Loki explained.
"You can't even ride them," Thor added.
"Exactly," Loki agreed. Normally, Phil would have basked in the amazement of Thor and Loki agreeing on something but he was still too pissed.
"Do I need to come in?" Phil asked.
"No, go to the wedding. Keep an eye on it but come in two hours earlier tomorrow. We have to redo all your security protocols," Fury answered.
"Yes, sir," he answered and hung up. He glared at the two Asgardians.
"You two, I can't leave you alone for five minutes! Even Barton's toddler has more self control," he chastised. Thor looked remorseful while Loki smiled. "And since I can't leave you alone, I'm having someone come while I'm at the wedding."
"Miss Romanov?" Loki asked. Phil was pretty sure he shuddered on the inside.
"Why?"
"She bested me twice. She's the only one of you almost worthy of my company," Loki explained.
"No, I'm asking Bruce," Phil spoke and liked that fraction of a fraction that Loki paled more than usual.
"My lady has gone," Thor complained. "She says she has to work."
"Yeah, you can probably thank your brother for that," Phil told him and prepared to call Bruce. He should be able to work here just as well as headquarters.
********************************************************************************
Steve watched as Franklin Richards chased his sister along the pews of the church. He watched for them to be reprimanded but nothing came. Times were different. The last time he saw Valeria was at Phil's failed wedding when she was still just an infant. They certainly grew fast. Her blonde hair flew behind her as she ran.
"They're cute, aren't they?" Peggy asked beside him. She clutched his hand. Steve nodded. "They're always cute at that age. Even my grandchildren have grown up now."
"You could always move back here," Steve suggested.
"I could," she agreed although she didn't sound excited about it. She looked gorgeous in her dress. Steve tried to concentrate on that.
"Dop it!" Valeria screamed. Steve caught sight of her just as she disappeared.
"I can do that, too!" Franklin screamed. Then, Steve couldn't see him anymore. There were some screams from the guests.
"That's not so cute," Steve stated.
***********************************************************************
"I really hate when you do that," Bruce complained, covering the plastic piece coming off his head. Thor backed up from reading over Bruce's shoulder. He just wanted to help. Son of Coul seemed really angry at him. Loki moved forward until his head was almost resting on his shoulder.
"But I'm not going to get angry for you," Bruce clarified. Loki backed away. Despite the blank expression, Thor could tell he was disappointed.
"Who is this person?" Thor asked at the name.
"No touching! If you touch my screen, you can activate something. This isn't like the cheap laptop we let you play on. Tony and I worked on this. Go on your computer," Bruce complained. Then, he let go of the plastic piece.
"I just want to know who that is. They have the same user name as my lady," Thor explained. Compared with the other internet names, it had seemed unusual to him. He could be wrong but it seemed that way.
"Fine," Bruce spoke and covered the plastic piece again. "I don't remember her name. I've only met her once before. She's one of the people they brought in to clean up Loki's mess. Her user name references some set of geographical coordinates or stars or something. If I promise to introduce her, will you leave me alone?"
"Yes, you have my word," Thor agreed.
"I'll do it when we're finished," Bruce told him.
"I'll retire now," Loki spoke, heading for his bedroom.
"You do that," Bruce called after him. Thor barely noticed because he was too busy thinking about his lady and meeting her tonight.
*********************************************************************
Clint looked at his watch. The wedding was fifteen minutes late and still no Phil. Then again, he hadn't seen Pepper either. Had something come up? He checked his phone but there was nothing there. The only reason he was even here was to be Phil's date. He didn't know the groom or the bride. Phil was the one who took care of these military types. Tony stood near the groom. He knew they were good friends. Everyone seemed ready. Clint fidgeted some more. He hated wearing suits and being in these types of situations. It was another good reason why he and Jessica had eloped.
Then, the wedding march started and the bride came walking down with her mother. Everyone stood up which is when the doors opened again. Phil entered and tried to sneak in, using the outside of the pews.
"Excuse me. Sorry. Excuse me."
His whispers seemed so loud despite the music. Clint felt so bad for Phil. Finally, as the bride was given to the groom, Phil squeezed in beside him.
"You made it," Steve whispered and Phil's face reddened further. Clint was hit with the urge to laugh. A few giggles escaped before Phil hit him with a glare. Then, he noticed Tony giving him the death stare, too. Clint laid his arm around Phil's back.
********************************************************************************
"I'm sure nobody noticed how you came in late and upstaged the bride," Tony spoke before draining his glass afterwards.
"Everyone noticed," Phil spoke. "I shouldn't even be invited to these things. It's always a disaster."
"I'm okay with not doing any of these again," Clint offered. Tony checked his phone for the umpteenth time. It was almost cute how lost he was at a social occasion without Pepper at his side.
"No, the disaster was inviting all of us in the first place. We somehow make these things a disaster by our very presence," Tony explained. "How long is that thing supposed to last?"
"I don't know. It's Loki. Did you want me to get you a laptop?" Phil asked. Tony seemed to consider it.
"No, I have a Best Man's speech in fifteen minutes," Tony spoke. "I should get back there."
Phil, Clint, Steve and Peggy had a table near the back while Tony's empty chair was right up front near James and Rae. The doors opened and Phil turned his head to look. It was second nature. However, he didn't recognize the woman. She was extremely tall and slim with long black hair. Her green dress hugged every curve.
"Who's that?" Tony asked.
"I was going to ask you," Phil told him. They watched the strange woman come closer. Was she coming towards them?
She stopped at their table and leaned in. Something about her eyes seemed familiar.
"I got tired of Bruce so I decided to come out and have some fun," she spoke. Phil felt his mouth gape open and saw that everyone else had their mouth open, too, except Peggy. "There, already begun."
With a smile, she left the table.
"Who was that?" Peggy asked.
"Loki," Phil answered with a sigh.
"Did we know he could do that?" Steve asked and Phil shook his head.
"It's mentioned in the Old Norse mythology but we weren't sure whether any of that was actually useful," Phil explained. "I don't want to cause another scene but..."
"No, we can't do that," Tony argued. "I'm Best Man and I'm putting my foot down. We're not going to ruin Rhodey's wedding day."
"But he's dangerous," Clint argued.
"As a man, but he's currently a woman, how bad could he be?" Tony asked. The rest of the table glared at him. "Fine, I'm curious. Pepper's not here and I'm bored. We could wager on who kisses him first."
Phil still didn't like the idea of willfully putting everyone in danger.
"Twenty bucks on that guy there," Peggy offered from her purse.
"Senator Stern? You have yourself a deal. I'll put twenty-five on Aldrich Killian a couple of tables over," Tony said with a grin. Then, he left for his actual table.
"This can't end well," Phil spoke. Loki seemed to be flirting with the entirety of one table. Then, his phone rang.
"Coulson here," he answered.
"It's finished," Fury spoke and hung up. Coulson allowed himself a little smile.
"They finally broke Loki's virus. Everything's back to normal...almost," Phil told them.
****************************************************************************
Thor couldn't help pacing as Bruce made his call. He had promised to introduce Thor when this was over. An oath is not something to break lightly. However, Bruce's expression was troubling.
"What?" Thor asked, not able to contain his patience anymore. Bruce put the phone down.
"I'm sorry. They said she left. I'll try to get her phone number. Do you want to share a cab back?" Bruce asked and Thor shook his head.
"I will stay here," he said. He felt restless but not enough to go back to the mansion.
"Sorry," Bruce apologized and left.
*****************************************************************
"Coulson! I wasn't sure you'd even come, considering what happened at your wedding and all, but then, you made that memorable entrance and everything. Nice!" Johnny Storm told him.
Phil just nodded. He wasn't worth it and he had his own ways of getting even.
"Johnny, have you met that woman over there? She was just telling me how hot she thought you were," Clint spoke, pointing at Loki.
"Really?" he asked and when Clint nodded, he ran a hand through his hair before walking over. Phil smiled and Clint grinned. Peggy laughed.
*******************************************************************************
Tony swirled the liquor around in his glass. It took some persuading to get the good stuff. Rhodey walked up to him.
"Tony, I know we haven't been as close the past year or so, but...thanks. It really was a beautiful speech earlier," Rhodey spoke.
"No problem," Tony told him.
"Rae and I should have you and Pepper over more often," Rhodey suggested. Tony nodded and added, "Rae seems like a wonderful woman."
"Well, look who just walked in," Rhodey spoke and Tony looked over to see Pepper. He couldn't help the grin that appeared on his face.
***********************************************************************************
"Looks like you won, Peggy," Phil stated. Loki definitely had his tongue down Senator Stearns' mouth.
"Why does he even do that?" Steve asked.
"Because he finds it funny to prove he's better than everyone else and we're just stupid," Clint explained.
"It's over," Phil whispered in Clint's ear.
"Sometimes, it feels like yesterday," he stated with a faraway look in his hazel eyes. Phil took Clint's hand and squeezed. Sometimes, he needed that reminder that Phil was fine now, but he knew that didn't make up for the people that Clint had killed.
"Come home with me," Clint whispered. Phil looked at his watch.
"I have to get up in three hours," Phil spoke which is when Clint started rubbing his leg against his. "Fine, but you will have to get up with me and part of those three hours will constitute sleeping."
Clint nodded.
"Goodnight," Phil spoke in a much louder voice for Steve and Peggy to hear. Phil and Clint went to track down the guests of honor so they could leave.
*****************************************************************
Steve watched Franklin and Valeria. They were being cute again. Both were asleep: one on Reed's lap and the other on Sue's lap.
"Steve, I've loved this and if this were seventy years ago, it would be perfect but I can't keep you like this," Peggy spoke.
"What are you talking about?" Steve asked.
"You want that; children and everything. Don't deny it. We both talked about it back then. I had it and you deserve that, too. You deserve someone who can give you all of that," Peggy told him.
Was she breaking up with him?
"What? No, I have all the time in the world for that," Steve argued.
"You say that but none of us knows for sure," Peggy argued. He couldn't come up with a retort. She kissed his lips. It felt like the end.
"Goodbye, Steve. I never forgot you and I never will. You're a good man and you will meet a wonderful woman someday," she promised. Peggy squeezed his hand before getting up and leaving. Steve just watched her walk away in shock.
***************************************************************************
Thor lay on the couch when there was a knock at the door. He wasn't sure who that could be as he went to answer it. When he opened the door, he couldn't believe his eyes.
"Thor!" she exclaimed and held out her arms.
"Jane!" he called and hugged her before kissing her.
"I...I thought that was you that I was chatting with, but I wasn't sure but then, I heard you. I heard you talking with Bruce and I knew that it was you and I had to see you," Jane rambled. Thor kissed her again, pulling her inside and closing the door.