Chapter 39
It was a good week between Christmas and New Years. Nothing happened which in this universe was a really good thing because when things happen people die and with my track record it would probably be me.
New Years was a quiet night in. We had a game night and quickly learned that Monopoly with a billionaire was not a good idea.
“This doesn’t even make sense. Has no one heard of rent control?” Tony said.
“There’s a housing shortage.” I retorted as I collected my rent. “Speaking of real estate, we should start buying that up.”
With the offices and most of Tony’s appointments not being scheduled until the week after New Years I had some time to kill.
Which means I decided to get some work done on the Hydra/Bucky front. Of course, Steve and Natasha were already on it.
“Hanna!” Thor greeted me when walked into the common room.
There was one tiny thing that had become rather apparent in the last week. It was taking me a bit of an adjustment to get used to being Thor again. When we were in a group and all joking around it was fine. He was his usual happy, go lucky cheerful self but when he snuck up on me or caught me by surprise it was a bit harder from me to tell my Thors apart.
“Hey you…” I said. “I was looking for Steve and Natasha.”
“They were called away on a mission.” He said.
“Really? That explains the lack of breakfast.” I said. “Oh well.”
“Were you in need of assistance?” Thor asked.
“No I just wanted to ask a question.” I said.
“If you’re not busy it is a lovely day outside perhaps we can go on a walk?” Thor asked.
“Uh… Thanks but I actually still have some paperwork to do for Tony. He really let it pile up while I was away.” I said.
“Another time then.” Thor said smiling even though I could tell he was disappointed. That was a gut punch. There’s nothing like having the happiest sweetest giant of a guy give you the kicked puppy look.
“Ugh.” I groaned once I was in the elevator.
The doors closed and I heard the elevator make a loud thug. Oh come on? If this elevator plummeted and killed me I was suing Tony.
I closed my eyes waiting for the inevitable end when the elevator roof opened and Clint jumped in.
“That was painful to watch.” He said. “What did Thor do?”
“Are you freaking kidding me?!” I said taking a deep breath. “You couldn’t have just walking in the elevator like a normal person?”
“It was faster...” He said with a smirk but when he noticed the panicked look on my face he immediately stopped. “Sorry. I was in the vents.”
“Uh huh.” I said.
“You okay?” Clint asked.
“Yeah, just really glad the elevator isn’t going to crash down and kill me.” I said.
“I should have warned you I was coming in.” He said. “Nat and Steve should be back later. It’s a short mission.”
“Hydra?” I asked.
“Not sure but it came straight from Fury so could be.” Clint said. “Since we’re here now’s a good time to go over a few things.”
“What things?” I asked.
“You should grab a jacket it’s cold outside.” Clint said pressing the button for my floor.
I didn’t have anything better to do so I went along with it. I went into my room and grabbed a burgundy wool wrap coat.
“This is yours.” Clint said handing me a flip phone.
“Burner phone?” I asked.
“Yeah. Don’t make any calls. Only answer and get rid of it after the call’s over.” He said.
“Alright.” I said putting it in my night stand.
From there Clint insisted we walk and take the subway to Grand Central Station.
“It would have been faster to drive here.” I said.
“Where’s the fun in that? Besides it’s hard to keep a low profile in a sports car with vanity plates.” Clint said. “Don’t draw attention to yourself and don’t run, walk.”
“Steve and Natasha are going to have a very similar conversation in a few months.” I answered as we walked into grand central station.
“That ceiling is the same in my universe.” I said looking up at the ceiling. “And a few others.”
“Is every world that similar?” Clint asked.
“Some. Others it’s pretty obviously different. Different color. Cracks.” I said. “Best way to tell them apart is to grab a newspaper. Are we going anywhere?”
“No.” He said. “Just need to show you something. I was going to wait for Nat but it’s probably better to show you this sooner than later. Especially if things go sideways.”
I followed him to a set of lockers and the ones furthest away out of sight he quickly opened a locker.
“It’s the same as before. IDs, cash, and instructions. You grab everything and you don’t wait for anyone.” Clint said. “One of us will come get you when it’s safe.”
“And if no one comes?” I asked.
“There’s a plan for that too.” He said.
“Which is?” I said.
“You’ll find out if it happens.” Clint said. “It’s better if you don’t know everything.”
“Okay.” I said. “I still don’t see what was so urgent about doing this today.”
“You looked like you needed to get out for a bit mostly to get away from Thor.” He said. “What’s going on?”
“It’s nothing.” I said.
“You avoiding Thor is not nothing. What did he do?” Clint said.
“He didn’t do anything. It’s all me.” I said.
“It didn’t look like that.” he said. “It’s been a week.”
“Thor… This Thor didn’t do anything.” I said and Clint looked at me confused. “Not every universe I land is… good. There was the zombie universe, the robot that took over the world and killed all life on earth…”
“So which one did Thor screw up in?” Clint asked.
“The last universe I was in, Loki was the good brother.” I said.
“Oh.” Clint said trying to imagine what I was saying.
“Whatever you’re imagining, it’s worse.” I said. “Imagine our Thor and now imagine him being the complete opposite. He invaded Earth with the armies of Asgard and won. He enslaved humanity and it just gets worse from there. He killed me by shooting a bolt of lightning straight to my heart.”
“And that’s why you’re so weird when you’re alone with him.” Clint said.
“Yeah. I know Thor would never… but there is a version of him that did.” I said. “It’s taking me a minute to get over that last death.”
“I can see how that might be a bit weird. Have you thought about telling him about it?” Clint asked and I gave him a look.
“How would that conversation go? Thor I’m avoiding you because in another universe you killed me.” I said. “Then knowing Thor he would get very loud, swear over and over again that he wouldn’t hurt me, treat me like I’m made of glass and… I’d rather just not.”
“And avoiding him is better?” Clint said.
“I died eleven times in a row right before someone I could say I’m close to killed me. How would you feel if Natasha tried to kill you?” I said.
“She actually did.” He said. “More than once.”
“Clint if she really wanted you dead, you wouldn’t be here right now.” I said. He looked like he wanted to argue the contrary but knew I was right.
“So what are you going to do? It’s kind of hard to avoid someone you live with and loves you.” Clint said.
“We’re not like that.” I said making Clint snort.
“You’re not. Thor on the other hand…” Clint said.
“We’re not having that conversation.” I said.
“Nat said you were in denial but I didn’t think it was this bad.” He said.
“I’m not in denial. This situationship is there, it’s just not going anywhere.” I said.
“It’s not going anywhere because you don’t want it to.” Clint said.
“Please tell me this isn’t an l-word confession because we both know we’re not...” I said.
“Of course not. We’re just following your lead. No pressure.” Clint said and I could tell he totally meant it.
“Do you really buy into the whole soulmate thing?” I asked.
“You went from seeing everything in black and white to seeing every possible color in a second.” Clint said. “I’ve been Natasha’s partner for years and I had never seen red before I met you.”
“Interesting problem to have considering your job.” I said.
“I didn’t think I was going to ever see red or meet you. I don’t deserve… you.” Clint said.
“Me and my bottomless pit of emotional baggage?” I said. No one would ever understand the irony of that statement “No one deserves to be stuck with that.”
“I’m an assassin.” Clint said. “And I’ve fought aliens. You’ve never killed anyone.”
“Unless you count the 25 times I’ve killed myself. Well 20 ish… there was the mandarin, the mugger with the butter finger trigger finger, Thor’s ex-girlfriend and evil Thor…” I said and Clint just shifted uncomfortably. “Too soon?”
“A bit.” He said. “When you’re not with us… I mean when you’re not here anymore do you stop seeing colors?”
“No. I can still see all of them. Even in my world. Though it’s just as grey as it was before I could see color.” I said.
“Everything gets a bit darker. For most of my life I never knew what red looked like and when I did things were, brighter. I didn’t think one color could make that much of a difference so when you died the first time, everything didn’t just look darker, it felt that way too.” He explained. “I grew up knowing soulmates were real, I knew that one day I’d see a color I never saw before but I never knew it would make that much of a difference.”
“Not what you expected?” I said.
“Things happen the way they’re supposed to happen. You just have to learn to roll with it.” Clint said. “It’s worked out for me so far.”
“Is this what you would have picked if you had the choice?” I asked.
“Yes.” Clint said without hesitating. “You think too much, some the best things I've ever done were just gut feelings. You hungry? I’m in the mood for Noodles or Dumplings?”
“Dim Sum?” I offered making Clint smile.
“I know a good place not too far from here.” He said taking my hand and leading me out of the train station.
It was a pretty fun and relaxing afternoon. After Dim Sum we ended up at a bar playing darts and pool. I was pretty sure Clint was going easy one me even when he said I was really good at both. I guess I was having a lucky day.
We got back home, just in time for dinner and Steve was back which meant the best cook in the tower was making dinner.
“Mashed potatoes.” I cheered as I saw the bowl of them on the counter.
“Wash up, dinner’s almost ready.” He said.
“How was the mission?” I asked.
“No work talk at the dinner table.” Steve said.
“That bad huh?” I asked.
“It’s just a mission.” He said.
“No Bucky?” I continued as he moved around the kitchen to set the table.
Steve stopped and put down the salad bowls.
“No Bucky.” He confirmed.
“Sorry.” I said.
“We’ll find him.” Steve said.
“I give it another 3 to 4 months. That’s when Hydra made their big move. You should tell Fury to start wearing Kevlar everyday.” I said.
“What makes you think he doesn’t?” Natasha said popping up behind me.
“Fuck!” I said jumping in surprise. “You have got to stop doing that.”
“Pay more attention to your surroundings.” She said.
“You know how in period movies about royalty there was that guy that called out the name of whom ever walked into a room. We should get one of those.” I said.
“What should I buy?” Tony asked.
“Hanna thinks you should hire a Herald.” Natasha said.
“I’m pretty sure I’ve hired more than one Herald. They’re either in Accounting or Legal. Maybe both.” Tony said sarcastically.
“Not Helping.” I said.
“Has the feast begun?” Thor declared as he walked in.
“The one guy who will never sneak up on you.” Clint whispered low enough for only me to hear.
“Almost.” Steve answered.
“Hey sunshine how’d the date go?” Tony asked with a smirk.
“Not a date.” Clint and I answered at the same time.
“You were both out?” Thor said.
“It was an errand.” Clint clarified.
“Housekeeping nothing big.” I said.
“And Hanna apparently has great aim.” Clint said.
“I just have practice and you were going easy on me.” I said.
“I told you I wasn't.” He insisted.
“If you say so.” I said rolling my eyes. “Homemade meatballs, Score!”
You know, as a kid I always preferred to eat alone because if I ate with the family it would always turn into a screaming match with someone grabbing my plate and smashing it against the wall as they tried to hit the other person.
As a teenager I avoided eating with other people, mostly due to either my parents fighting, my mother criticizing my food choices and being the unlucky one in the family that had to wear orthodontic gear and my dad cheaping out of normal braces by going to the discount orthodontist that used more traditional (Outdated) techniques which also made it very hard to eat normally.
By the time I got to college and was raising Jamie, I was too busy juggling school, work and childcare to have an actual sit-down dinner. When I actually remembered to eat it was either on the go or whatever Jamie left on his plate.
This however was nice. It was loud, and yeah we didn’t always get along but everyone genuinely respected each other enough to make it through dinner without belittling each other or breaking plates over each other’s heads.
My universe hated me and loved to remind me of it constantly. This universe… seemed to sort of like me, or at the very least not crap all over me and kick me while I’m down.
So what if an evil version of Thor tortured and killed me in another universe? The Thor in this universe always makes sure that I get my favorite seat at the table, I get to serve myself first and he always leaves the biggest brownie or slice of pie for me. I could definitely get over someone that looked just like him killing me. It wasn't like I actually stayed dead.
I could make this second or… 26th chance work.
Yeah tomorrow was another day.
The Following Morning…
Tomorrow was another day, which also happened to be my first official day at work. After Tony moved it because I missed my real first official day of work due to me dying, again.
I woke up extra early to get a light workout in, came back to my room and showered before going through my closet to figure out which pre-sorted outfit would be the right one for today.
Thank you Natasha.
Finally I found a hanger with a note taped on that said ‘Wear me First!” On the hanger was a dark purple pencil skirt that was almost back and a silky black lace camisole that went under a black 3 buttoned v neck tailored blazer.
I slipped on my heart monitor gold custom bracelet I got from Tony and finished the look with a simple pair for stud earrings and a thin chain necklace.
I kept my hair in a simple half up half down hairstyle.
With one last look in the mirror I grabbed my tablet and pulled up Tony’s calendar to see what was on the books for today.
A few meetings nothing too urgent. A lunch with Pepper and he was free all afternoon.
Me on the other hand. It wasn't even 8am and I had 150 emails that had been bounced to me from Tony’s email.
As was expected. That did not change my plans for my first day on the job.
I headed up to the common floor to make Bruce and Tony their morning doses of caffeine.
Steve, Clint, Natasha and Thor were already awake having obviously done their morning workout/training together.
The second I walked into the kitchen everyone went quiet.
“Morning.” I said going straight for the coffee maker.
“M-morning.” Steve stuttered.
“Hanna look radiant.” Thor said.
“Thank buddy.” I said giving him a smile before I continued preparing the coffee. “Early morning?”
“Uhuh.” Clint nodded as they all kept staring at me.
“You saw the post it?” Natasha asked with a smirk.
“Yeah and what you did to the rest of the closet. Thank you, If it had been up to me I’d be wearing a tee shirt and slacks everyday.” I answered.
“I know.” She answered. “Today’s your first day.”
“Yup. I’ve got to make a good impression on the boss.” I said.
“I don’t think that’s going to be a problem.” Clint said.
“Obviously. I’m adorable.” I said steeping the tea leaved in the hot water while I waited for the espresso to finish brewing.
“That’s one word for it.” Natasha said.
“Okay. I’m going to run these down. See you later.” I said
“Yeah…” They all said still staring at me.
“Thanks for that Nat.” I heard Clint said to Natasha.
“Lab please Jarvis.” I said.
“Of course Miss.” Jarvis said. “The dry cleaning should be arriving within the hour.”
“Perfect.” I said. “Lunch reservations have been made at the usual place.”
“They are confirmed.” Jarvis said as the elevator doors opened. The glass doors of the lab were vibrating with the sound of Tony’s loud music. It was very obvious he had pulled an all nighter.
Bruce on the other hand was in his corner wearing sound proof headphones while he quietly looked at slides under his microscope. I walked over to him and quietly placed his chai tea latte out of his way where me could see it and would not spill it.
He smiled and said a quiet thank you before getting back to work.
Tony on the other hand had not looked up from where he was working on… some circuit or something very tiny and delicate. He looked… not put together and like I should really not give him a double espresso.
“Tony.” I said and he did not look up. He probably couldn’t hear me over the loud guitar solo playing from the lab speakers. I’m really glad the walls are sound proof.
I took out my tablet and turned down the speakers to almost zero.
“Jarvis don’t turn off my music.” He said.
“Not Jarvis.” I said.
“Oh Hi… Wow!” He said.
“Good morning to you too.” I said as Tony looked me over up and down. “I have a couple hundred emails to go through but before I get on those I need to get our priorities for the day sorted.”
“Sort away.” Tony said smiling.
“Number one you have a late lunch with Pepper at 1PM usual spot. Reservation is confirmed for 2.” I said.
“You should make that for 3.” He said.
“No, Your CEO has some things she wants to go over with you before the board meeting. I already have my to do list for that.” I said. “You don’t need any distractions.”
“What makes you think you’d distract me?” Tony said.
“The fact that you haven’t stopped staring at the neckline of this top since I walked in.” I said bluntly making him finally look me in the eyes.
“Hi.” He said.
“Hi.” I said finally spotting the coffee in my hand.
“Is that for me?” Tony said.
“It was.” I said before I took a sip making it my coffee.
“You look nice.” Tony said.
“You look tired.” I said with a smile. “All nighter?”
“I was working on…” He said. “You look really nice today. Not that you don’t always look…”
“One more comment about how I look and I’m going to HR.” I said.
“Sorry. Priorities for today?” Tony continued.
“Lunch with Pepper at one. You have an 11:30 with marketing about the conference in Tokyo next month. Your afternoon is clear to continue… uninterrupted tinkering.” I said.
“So I’m free until 11:29.” Tony said.
“No, right now you’re going to go upstairs and take a power nap for the next 3 hours.” I said.
“I don’t need a nap.” He said.
“You pulled an all nightery.” I said. “You haven’t slept in…”
“51 hours and three and a half minutes.’ Jarvis answered for me.
“Over 2 days.” I said. “You need sleep.”
“I just need some coffee…” he said trying to swipt the cup from my hand but I moved it out of his reach.
“No, you need sleep.” I said.
“I feel fine.” He said.
“And you’ll feel even better after you get some sleep.” I said.
“Hanna.” He said.
“Mister Stark.” I said staring him down. It was quiet for a minute.
“One hour.” He said.
“Three.” I countered.
“Two.” He said.
“Three.” I said staying firm.
“Two and a half.” He said seeming as if it was the best offer I was going to get.
“Deal.” I said. “Have a nice nap.”
“Okay…” He said “See you in two hours.”
“Two and a half.” I corrected.
“Right.” Tony said before leaving the lab.
“That was good.” Bruce said.
“Almost.” I said. “Jarvis please don’t let Tony into the lab in the next two and a half hours.”
“Yes Miss.” Jarvis said.
“Now I’m good.” I said. “You didn’t pull an all nightery too did you?”
“No. I was in the lab but I did sleep.” Bruce said pointing at the lump futon.
“That does not look comfortable.” I said.
“It does the job and I’ve had worse.” He said.
“Haven’t we all.” I said going to the desk to log in to the computer. “Before you put the headphone back on, are there any special supply orders you want me to request?”
“I’ve got everything.” Bruce said. “Thank you.”
“Okay,” I said answering emails. It was all boring stuff mostly emails directed to Tony that Jarvis had defaults to redirect to Tony’s assistant’s email, herego me.
A few emails I answered with a polite we will get back to you at a later date. Others Seemed more like spam and then finally I came to one from Pepper directed to me specifically.
To Hanna,
You have done an amazing job getting things in order. To help you fill in the gaps I left you something on the bottom right drawer of your desk that will tell you everything you need to know.
My assistant will reach out to you to set up a time for us to get drinks and catch up next time I’m in town.
Thank you for doing this. I know Tony is a lot but he is lucky to have you.
Looking forward to working with you,
Pepper.
Everything I need to know about how to do the job?
That was definitely worth taking a look at before I do anything else.
I pulled open the drawer. I thought it was stuck but really the binder was just that big and heavy.
That shouldn’t be surprising. Tony was a very busy, important, and rich guy. Obviously there would be a lot to manage.
So I started going through the binder that Pepper had meticulously put together for me.
Tony really did not pay that woman enough for all that she did for him.
In this binder I had a summary of Tony’s personal information such as his social security, medical information, bank accounts, properties, jets and who to call to set up a flight for each one.
From there came profiles of every person on the board as well as the major players within Stark industries and personal notes such as their likes, dislikes, dirty laundry, and mistresses and how to handle any interactions.
It took about an hour to get through the entire thing mostly due to how big the entire thing was, but I went through it once and now it was all in my head.
I really needed to take some of those emails out of the ignore folder.
The rest of the morning flew by.
I grabbed the dry cleaning and another espresso for Tony to greet him once he was awake. I went up to his floor which made me realize I had never been Tony’s penthouse before.
He was just coming out of his room. Freshly showered and dressed when I was about to knock on the door.
“Good Morning Mister Stark, how was your power nap?” I greeted as I went to the side door of his walk in closet to hand his dry cleaning.
“It was good.” he said surprised to see me.
“Good to hear. Coffee.” I said placing it down on the table closest to him so he could pick it up.
“Uh Thanks?” He said. “You didn’t hand it to me?”
“You don’t like to be handed things.” I said. “I have the agenda for your meeting with Marketing. You really only need to be there for the first two things, after that you can excuse yourself and I’ll take notes.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Tony said picking up his coffee.
“Alright then.” I said heading to the elevator.
“You know after this I’m going to have lunch with Pep, you can take off early…” He started.
“No I can’t. I have back to back meetings.” I said.
“You do?” He said surprised.
“I do.” I said. “But you are still free for free lab time. Speaking of need me to special order any supplies for anything? If we get them in by the end of the day they can be squeezed into last quarter’s expenses.”
“You can just charge it to…” He started and I gave him a look. “Right. Jarvis has my list. Put a rush on it.”
“Of course.” I said taking notes.
The rest of the day flew by. I was running up and down the building introducing myself to people to follow up with emails in person. Bombarded with their requests for me to forward to Tony who had been blowing them all of for months and as I was starting to realize was the case for some people, for very good reason.
All I wanted to do after the day was over was kick off my heels and fall into bed… but the emails did not stop coming.
“Miss Marin dinner is ready.” Jarvis said.
“Oh shit, it’s 7 already?” I said. “Where has the day gone?”
“Alright then.” I said slipping my heels back on before heading upstairs. Of course the second I walked out of the elevator everyone was running out of the room.
“Whoa!” I said.
“Hanna!” Steve said picking me up and moving out of the way of Thor, Clint, Natasha and Bruce.
“Where’s the fire?” I asked.
“Ship in the Atlantic.” Natasha said.
“Lemurian Star?” I asked.
“Not sure, we’ll know more after the briefing.” Clint said.
“Sorry, dinner’s ready. Rolls are warming in the oven.” Steve said letting me go to get in the elevator.
“Don’t wait up.” Natasha said with a wink.
“Okay…” I said. Dinner for one then. I walked into the common room about to kick off my heels when Someone cleared their throat behind me.
“Ehem.” Tony said.
“Oh hey thought you were…” I said pointing to the elevator.
“And fly commercial? Ew.” Tony said hiding one hand behind his back. “I’ll just suit up. It’s faster but before I do…”
He took his hand out from behind his back and offered me a cupcake.
“Happy first day.” He said smiling.
“Thank you.” I said taking the cupcake.
“It’s after 5. You look beautiful.” He said giving me a quick hug. “And now I really have to go.”
“Tony wait!” I said grabbing his arm. “If the pirates are Algerian or French or if one of them is named Batroc, Fury hired them because the ship is dirty.”
“How do you… Right.” He said. “French or Batroc Got it.”
“And be careful.” I called out.
All I got was a thumb up before he jumped into a suit and flew off.
Dinner alone… I should feel horrible for feeling so relieved they were out because now…
I kicked off heels and unhooked my bra.
“Ah… that’s the best feeling in the world.” I said before going to the kitchen to see what was on the menu for dinner. I saw some sort of mushroom chicken, grilled veggies, and a salad. There were also rolls in the oven.
Plus my cupcake.
A quiet night in alone. It had been a while since I’ve had one of those. Though I still desperately needed to get out of this outfit into something more comfortable.
Thirty minutes later I was flicking through channels trying to find something to watch while I had dinner. I considered raiding the bar but if my day was at least half as busy as today I could not afford to be the least bit sluggish.
Was this what my life was going to be like when the world was in danger or the next bad guy showed up because there was no shortage of those.
Maybe the more important question is, am I truly okay sitting around wondering if they were all going to make it back?
Would it ever come to a day that I would have to open that locker at Grand Central Station?
Maybe having dinner alone was not such a good thing.
The tower was cold. Looking around I spotted a red blanket thrown over the back of the couch.
It was a thin material but once I draped it over me it was really warm, but not to the point I was sweating. I think I found my new favorite blanket. It also helped that the couch was very comfy so comfy I ended up falling asleep on it.
Somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean…
The team was listening to Maria Hill give them their mission briefing. Thor was looking all over the jet and fighting the entire time.
Once the call logged off he started going through all of the compartments of the jet.
“Looking for something Pointbreak?” Tony asked.
“It’s nothing.” Thor said.
“Doesn’t look like nothing.” Steve said.
“If you tell us we can help you look.” Bruce offered.
Thor continued going through the compartments until he realized he wasn't going to find it.
“I seem to have… misplace my cape.” Thor said.
“You lost your cape?” Tony said.
“Isn’t it like attached to your armor?” Natasha asked.
“Yes but after the last party I had to have it cleaned.” Thor said.
“You had your cape dry cleaned?” Clint asked.
“No of course not. I sent it to Asgard and it was sent back to me but I don’t remember where I placed it.” Thor asked.
“Is it important? Do you lose your powers?” Bruce asked.
“No, I just.” Thor said turning a bit. “I feel rather naked without it.”
“We’ll look for it when we get back.” Steve reassured Thor.
“Now that Hill’s offline. We should talk. Hanna told me to look out for a couple of things.” Tony said.
“What things?” Natasha asked.
“Pirates, if they’re French or if there’s a guy named Batroc?” Tony asked.
“Batroc?” Natasha asked.
“Do you know him?” Steve asked.
“He’s a mercenary.” Clint asked. “Works for the highest bidder. If it’s him someone else is calling the shots.”
“Funny you should mention that.” Tony said. “If he is there, Hanna said Fury’s the guy that hired him.”
“Why would he do that?” Bruce asked.
“I don’t know but I don’t like it.” Steve said.
The Following Morning…
The world continued to spin on as it revolved around the sun and I got to see another sunrise in the same universe I fell asleep in.
Everyone was still out on their mission so it was quiet.
That didn’t mean I didn’t have work to do. Once I made coffee and made sure the kitchen was clean I took my new favorite blanket with me downstairs to get ready for the day.
There were more emails and more meetings to take on behalf of Tony. I had to improvise a lot more than I was comfortable with but sometimes it’s better to ask for forgiveness instead of permission and if I had really screwed up Pepper probably would have come down to tell me.
By the time dinner came around I still hadn’t heard anything from anyone and this probably sounded really needy, but I felt lonely. This tower was not meant to be for just one person and I was not cut out to be a stay at home gir…
Whoa!
Okay I most definitely needed to get out, like now!
As soon as the clock struck five I went upstairs to my room dug through my closet and pulled out the most appropriate going out outfit.
I wasn't going to go crazy or anything just try to see something other than the same 4 walls I’ve been in for the past week or so. I picked out a pair of black lace up high heel sandals, a pair of dark wash jeans and a dark grey silk with black lace trim camisole. It was still a bit chilly out so I grabbed a camel colored wool coat and a scarf.
The plan was find a nice place to have dinner, maybe a bar with some good food options. I’d have a beer. People watch while I enjoyed dinner, then walk back home.
It shouldn’t have been more than an hour.
I had Jarvis pull up a list of recommendation and I went to the closest one. It was an Irish Gastropub called O’Malley’s and since it was the middle of the week they had Happy Hour specials.
I sat in the corner and sipped my drink slowly. Within the hour the bar started filling up. People grabbing after work drinks with co-workers, a couple of freshly turned 21-year old’s trying to get drunk… the usual turnout at a bar in the middle of the week.
It almost felt like being home. We practically raised Jamie in a bar while we were in school. Who could possibly forget dive bar Christmas. Good times.
I was almost done with my beer when the last person I ever thought I’d ever see again walked into the bar.
“You have got to be fucking kidding me.” I said to myself as my son’s birth mother walked into the bar looking really fucking trashed.
“Can I get you anything else? Or would you like the check?” The waitress asked.
“Uh…” I said ready to go but at the same time I couldn’t look away from that trainwreck. “Can I get another beer?”
“Happy hour’s over.” She said.
“I’ll pay full price.” I said before the waitress scurried away.
I stayed in the corner of that bar watching Grace get sloppy drunk on tequila and any drinks she flirted out of the bartender or drunk undergrads.
There were so many mixed emotions watching this.
Of course that was when the people this universe thought I belonged with decided to call for the first time in two days and it wasn't just a call, it was a video call.
“Yeah.” I said putting the phone down against the napkin dispenser.
“Hello…” Steve said pressing his ear to the phone.
“Cap, it’s a video call.” Tony said as they started bickering over the phone. “Oh hello didn’t know we were having one of those calls…”
I quickly tilted the phone up so they would see my face.
“How are the pirates of the Caribbean… or should I say Atlantic?” I retorted.
“Not as fun as the Disney ride.” Tony said before he noticed I wasn't at the tower. “What are you up to?”
“I went out.” I said. “Did you need something?”
“Yeah, your little tip about the ship?” Tony asked. “Are you at a bar?”
“Yeah, ship’s dirty. It’s a substation that connects to Satellites that manage the targeting system of the Heliarriers Hydra’s going to use to wipe out all its enemies. Or try to.” I said as Grace sauntered over to the jukebox to start picking music.
This was not going to end well.
“Okay how sure are you?” Steve said.
“We can’t just call Fury out on…” Natasha started.
“The ship is the Lemurian Star, you’re going to find the bald beady eyed skuzball…” I said.
“Sitwell?” Clint said surprised.
“Yeah he’s Hydra, really buddy buddy with your favorite senator.” I said.
“Shit.” Tony said.
“Yeah… anything else?” I said as I continued to watch this dumpster fire of a human being at the beginning of her downward spiral that suddenly made me realize something.
If the only difference between my world and this one was that Superheroes are real and on a smaller scale closer to Grace, I was never born then all choices outside of that would still be the same. Meaning that back in 2014 in my world while I was struggling to put food on the table, take care of Jamie and make it through my freshman year of college while I thought Grace was going through rehab for the first time, that jerk was living it up in New York City.
“That fucking bitch!” I said forgetting for a second that I was on a call with my… housemates.
“Uh Hanna?” Bruce said.
“Love…Ow!” Thor said before yelping.
“I have to go.” I said hanging up and following Grace out of the bar with some drunk co-ed.
I was starting to walk the very thin line between concerned citizen and just straight up stalking. I realized the irony of what I was doing considering I basically tore Tony’s head off for doing the same thing. Frankly I shouldn’t even care. The Jamie of this world was going to be raised by a guy that actually stuck around. Sure he was a man-whore no matter what universe he was in but in this universe he stuck around and Jamie was going to have rich grandparents that were obviously going to pick up the slack.
There was no reason for me to get involved. I didn’t owe Grace anything… other than the fact that she brought my son into the world. But, this wasn't the same Grace and Jamie was safe and loved with his real dad in another universe. Plus considering my track record with New York alleys I should really not follow them.
Well there was always a third option…
I grabbed my phone.
“Jarvis place an anonymous tip to the police that there’s a drug dealer working out of an alley across the street from McGee’s on West 55th Street about to attack a woman.” I said.
“Are you in trouble Miss?” Jarvis asked.
“Not me.” I said walking away.
“Police are on their way.” He replied.
“Now where is the closest froyo or gelato place near me.” I said. “Hopefully one where I won’t run into anyone I knew in another universe.”
“There should be a shop about two blocks down with rave reviews.” Jarvis said.
“Great and can we make sure this little outing stays just between us? I do not need your dad or the others to start getting any ideas.” I said.
“Of course Miss.” Jarvis said.
It was around 9PM by the time I got back. The tower was sill empty so I resorted to watching re-runs on my living room couch while I was wrapped up in my new favorite blanket. I had no idea where Tony bought it from or what brand it was considering there was no tag on it but it was the strangest thing. The blanket itself was a lot warmer than it looked and the material was not that thick. Maybe it looked like linen but felt like fleece.
I hope Tony didn’t miss it because I was not giving it back.
I wonder where I could get one in another color. The red was fine but maybe it’d look better in grey or maybe darker red… like a maroon color?
Night Three…
Day three was when I realized why Tony paid his Personal Assistant so well. It was a day when everything that could go wrong did go wrong and I had to scramble to put out fires.
By the time 10PM came around I was still in my corner of the lab working. I didn’t know if I was making things worse or not. I think I may have accidentally started the process to buy one of Stark Industries’ competitors.
I really hope I didn’t accidentally put Tony back in the weapons business.
I was so busy I didn’t even realize I hadn’t had anything to eat all day. Obviously, I wasn't in the mood to cook so I out together the faster dinner in existence, a bowl of cereal.
That was the last thing I remember before I fell asleep watching some sitcom on TV.
That Same Night…
“That was not what I was expecting when Hanna said the ship was dirty.” Tony said.
“Stolen weapons not dirty enough for you?” Natasha said.
“After three days flying around in circles I thought we’d be making some headway on HYDRA.” Steve said.
“These things take time Cap.” Clint said as he started landing the quinjet at the tower’s landing pad.
“And we got try out the new jet.” Tony said tapping the wall of the plane as the landing got a bit bump. “Easy. We’re a hundred floors up.”
“It’s just the landing gear.” Clint said as he flipped a switch to open the back doors.
“I crave tarts of pop.” Thor said.
“I just want to sleep on a real bed.” Bruce said following them out.
“Jarvis let Hanna know we’re back.” Tony said.
“Sir Miss Marin is currently unavailable.” Jarvis said.
“It’s not even… oh yeah it’s late. Get us some pizza and make it snappy.” Tony said walking into the common room. “Romanoff is in desperate need of carbs.”
Tony suddenly walked into a wall but realized it was actually just Thor who was standing in the middle of the common room staring at the couch.
“Kind of in the way…” Tony started.
“SHH!!” Everyone shushed him before he turned to look at what they were all looking at.
There on the couch was their soulmate asleep using a very familiar red cloth as a blanket.
“Found your cape.” Tony said.
“Shhh!” Everyone shushed him.
“She looks tired.” Steve said.
“Cereal for dinner.” Natasha said looking at the coffee table. “Long day at the office.”
“Her back is going to kill her tomorrow if we leave her here.” Clint said.
“Who’s going to wake her up?” Bruce asked.
“In a minute.” Thor said smiling.
“Keep it down.” Hanna mumbled as she pulled the blanket over her face. “It’s too early.”
“It’s actually late.” Tony said.
“Ugh…” She said pulling the blanket off her face. “Hi.”
“Hi.” Tony said smiling.
“How were the pirates?” She asked.
“Amateurs.” Natasha said. “And they weren’t French.”
“Or hired by Fury.” Steve said.
“Bummer.” Hanna said sitting up as Thor just kept staring at her like a love struck puppy.
“Did we miss anything?” Tony asked.
“The usual. I should probably tell you, you’re going to get a lot of angry phone calls from one of your board members.” Hanna said.
“Which one?” Tony asked.
“The annoying one.” She said noticing Thor’s staring.
“That… narrows it down?” Tony said checking his phone.
“Do I have something on my face?” Hanna asked Natasha.
“No you’re just using hi…” Clint started before Thor nudged him out of the way and took Hanna’s hands in his.
“Three days of not being graced by the sight of your beauty felt as if I was drowning.” Thor said taking one of her hands.
“Uh… there are pop tarts in the kitchen.” Hanna said not knowing how you were supposed to answer something like that. “I’m calling it a night. Welcome back.”
With that she rushed out of the room.
“Is she alright?” Thor asked.
“Yeah… you’re just laying it on a bit too thick there buddy.” Bruce answered.
“I do not understand.” Thor said.
“Maybe try being a bit more… subtle.” Steve suggested.
“Hanna is our soulmate. On Asgard one must make their intentions clear if one wishes to court a lady and if it is one’s soulmate they must devote their entire being…” Thor started.
“No.” Natasha said shutting him down before he started quoting Shakespeare. “This isn’t Asgard and Hanna’s… not from here.”
“Or a universe where soulmates exist.” Clint added.
“Then how shall we proceed?” Thor asked.
“We follow her lead.” Steve said.
“Though maybe a little nudge here and there…” Tony said.
“Tony.” Steve warned him.
“Like Thor said. She’s our soulmate and we have to put everything we’ve got into this.” Tony said.
“Yeah but there’s 6 of us and one Hanna.” Bruce reminded him. “Going all in might be a lot.”
The Following Morning…
My morning started off… late.
Well not late late. More like my first three alarms didn’t ring and my internal clock had to wake me up barely in time to make it into the office at the right time. I had to have Jarvis order coffee from the Starbucks in the lobby instead of making it myself.
I didn’t even have time to properly pick out an outfit this morning. I grabbed the first two things within reach which ended up being a simple black business skirt and with light blue button up blouse. I had no idea where I kicked off my heels last night so I slipped on the only heels I had left by the elevator.
Jarvis had whomever was working the cashier in the lobby leave the drinks in a carrier in the elevator.
I made it to the lab with five minutes to spare. I was so late.
“Good morning.” I said running in.
“Hann…” Bruce started but I continued.
“I’m so sorry I’m late but my alarm didn’t go off and the back alarm and the back up to the back up…” I said handing out coffees.
“Hanna.” Tony said.
“I didn’t know Jarvis could fall asleep on the job, I think he may be glitching you should really…” I continued until Tony put a hand over my mouth.
“Morning.” Tony said with a smile. I took his hand and moved it off my mouth.
“Morning.” I said.
“I was trying to give you the morning off.” Tony said.
“I don’t need the morning off.” I said.
“You had a big day yesterday.” He said taking the tablet and his coffee from my hands.
“You just got back from a mission.” I said taking back the tablet to bring up today’s schedule of meetings.
“That was a milk run.” Tony said.
“There are bullet holes in your suit.” I deadpanned. “We have back to back meetings all day today. We’re going to have to split up so think you can handle actually paying attention today since I’m not going to be there to take notes?”
“I cancelled them. If anyone asks I’m still out on a mission.” He said swiping across the screen to clear his schedule.
“That only works if no one see’s the giant jet land on the roof.” I said swiping across the screen in the opposite direction to put all the meetings back on the calendar. “Your first meeting is actually a call with Scrooge McDuck. Sorry I’m not sorry.”
“Who’s Scrooge McDuck?” Tony asked as I got into the elevator.
“Donald Duck’s rich uncle? Big Mansion, gets visited by the ghosts of Christmas past present and future in the Disney version of a Christmas carol? I thought you guys have him here.” I said.
“I meant the board member.” Tony said.
“The annoying one.” I said as the elevator doors closed.
“Still doesn’t narrow it down.” Tony said before his phone buzzed.
“Miss Marin has sent you some notes for you to review before the call.” Jarvis said bringing them up.
“Oh… the really annoying one.” Tony said. “Shit.”
Hours later…
I thought I was going to have a break at lunch but unfortunately, I had a lunch meeting with marketing again and by lunch meeting I meant everyone ate but I couldn’t eat because I was leading the meeting, answering questions, or asking questions.
I hadn’t even had coffee and it was 2 in the afternoon.
How do non-coffee drinkers function?
I had about 3 minutes in between meetings so I snuck back to the lab to snag some cold coffee and a protein bar from Tony’s stash but unfortunately the instant I walked into the lab the fire alarms were set off by a small fire Tony and Bruce started.
I thought it was just a jet boot fire but Bruce was also working on something and the fumes set off a second alarm. Tony and Bruce pulled me ack into the elevator as Jarvis shut down the lab.
“What was that?” I asked.
“Nothing.” Tony answered a little to quickly.
“Bruce?” I said turning to him.
“There was a small fire… and it affected the reaction…” Bruce said.
“Decontamination protocol 281. We’re locked out of the lab for at least another 6 hours. You need to get out of those clothes and shower, you need to change for your meeting.” I said wishing Jarvis would hurry the hell up.
“I cancelled the meeting.” Tony said.
“And I uncancelled it.” I said. “You have 5 minutes.”
“I thought I was the boss?” Tony said.
“You can be the boss again when you stop setting things on fire.” I said as the elevator doors opened. “Shower! Suit… Not the one made out of a Gold titanium Alloy!”
“You’re no fun!” Tony called out as the elevator doors closed.
“Coffee Coffee Coffee…” I said going straight to the coffee maker only to find no coffee. “Ugh!”
“There seems to be no coffee made Miss. Shall I make another pot?” Jarvis said as my meeting reminder rang from my phone.
“Why bother?” I asked going back to the elevator.
The Following Morning…
None of my alarms rang yet again. I was so late I didn’t even bother getting dressed, I just grabbed my favorite red throw, wrapped it around me and ran upstairs where everyone was already having breakfast.
“Okay you really need to check Jarvis.” I said Tony.
“Good mor…” Steve started.
“And you have got to stop clearing your schedule…” I continued.
“Hanna.” Clint started.
“Just because you don’t feel like going to a meeting…” I continued.
“Hanna.” Natasha said.
“Does not mean you can just cancel things left and right. These are important meetings and there only so much I can do with the board. I’m already on thin ice as it is.” I continued.
“Okay.” Tony said. “Just one thing.”
“No excuses.” I said.
“Honey It’s Saturday.” Tony deadpanned.
“It doesn’t… Saturday?” I said as it all clicked.
“Yeah.” He said taking the tablet. “You need to sit down now.”
“It’s Saturday?” I said just trying to make sure I understood right.
“All day.” Clint said putting a cup of coffee in front of me.
“Oh…” I said. “Maybe I shouldn’t have sent those emails in the elevator.”
“It’s okay, no one’s going to read them until Monday anyway.” Tony said as he noticed how Thor was staring at me with a dopey look of utter adoration.
“I think I’m going back downstairs for a nap…” I said before I whispered to Natasha. “Is Thor okay?”
“He really likes Pop Tarts.” Natasha said.
“Have someone check to make sure he doesn’t have a concussion.” I said getting up.
“You sure you don’t want breakfast?” Steve asked.
“Just leave me a plate in the microwave.” I said.
Once she was gone…
“It’s really nice of you to give Hanna the day off.” Steve said.
“She had a big week.” Tony said.
“You know she's going to be mad when she realizes It’s actually Friday.” Clint said.
“Not if she sleeps until tomorrow. Which she probably will. She’s dead on her feet.” Tony said. “Still no luck getting your cape back?”
“No.” Thor said smiling. “I fear I may have to consider it lost.”
“You’re such a guy.” Natasha said rolling her eyes.
“Lady Hanna seems to really like her new blanket.” Thor said.
“Well if you are giving up the cape I have few ideas for an upgrade.” Tony said.
“There is no need for an upgrade. I shall have the royal seamere send a replacement.” He said.
“Sir you should be aware that Miss Marin has not had anything to eat since the day before yesterday.” Jarvis stated.
“What?” Tony said.
“She has been rather busy sir.” Jarvis said.
“Alright. Let us know if she wakes up. One of us will get her something to eat or have something delivered.” Tony said.
Later that day…
I slept in, like a lot. When I finally woke up it was almost sunset and my phone showed that it was 5:13PM.
To my surprised there was a knock on the door and Steve was there holding a milkshake and a take out bag from ShakeShack.
“Thought you’d be hungry.” Steve said.
“Shake.” I said reaching out for it.
“Knew you were going to go for that first.” He said offering it to me.
“So good no matter what universe you’re in.” I answered.
“I’m pretty sure anything will taste good if you haven’t eaten in 2 days.” Steve said.
“Not for lack of trying. I just didn’t have time.” I said.
“Big week?” He asked.
“Not as big as fighting pirates.” I said.
“What you do matters.” Steve said.
“Says the guy that lied how many times to get into the army?” I retorted.
“Hanna.” Steve said.
“That voice doesn’t work on me.” I said opening the bag. “Half fried half onion rings. You remembered.”
“Hard to forget.” Steve said. “We’re ordering in for dinner.”
“I thought this was dinner?” I said.
“It’s Pizza night.” Steve said.
“Pizza Night’s on Friday.” I said. “You didn’t.”
“It was Tony’s idea.” Steve said.
“Of course it was.” I said taking a bite of the burger. “Mhmmm that’s so good. Don’t tell him I said that.”
“I won’t.” Steve said with a smile.
“So no leads on Bucky?” I asked.
“Not yet.” Steve said. “We’ll find him.”
“Eventually.” I confirmed. “It’s a good practice run for the real pirates though.”
“At least I don’t get sea sick anymore.” Steve said.
“There are pills for that now.” I reassured him.