That Stark Charm
"So we're just below Steve and just above Rhodey. We all have a level to ourselves. Tony's got the top floor, and floor 17 is the communal area. We tend to spend most of our time there anyway. Especially recently. Tony's lab is in the basement, the parking garage just above it. Fourth floor is for board meetings and conferences, essentially providing everything the business side of things needs. Bathrooms are on every level, as well as fully stocked fridges and pantries. If you want a certain snack or anything else, you can always ask F.R.I.D.A.Y. Tony insists on paying for everything, so cost is no matter. Overwhelmed yet?" Natasha was talking at a million miles a minute and you struggled to keep up. You mind was still hazy from the lack of sleep the night before. "I was overwhelmed when I came in for dinner." She laughed quietly. The two of you stood in front of the elevator in silence, before your curiosity got the better of you. "What, um, what's the full story. You know, behind Thanos, and the infinity stones or whatever? I got the basic gist, but the details have really only been given from media outlets. Not the most reliable source."
"You're smart, I'll give you that. There's a lot to it actually. It's better if I just showed you. Tony had diagrams and videos down in his lab, they may help a bit more." You were sure Nat noticed the perceptible relaxing of your shoulders. You couldn't help it. Research was your happy place. "You're sure Tony won't be there?"
"He shouldn't be. He was in pretty bad shape after his space tour. If he knows what's good for him, he should be resting on his floor." You nodded silently, entering the elevator once again. Nat pressed the button to enter Tony's lab, the A.I. scanning her for security clearance. The doors opened and your jaw dropped. Half this technology you couldn't have imagined, let alone seen a physical machine for. Natasha walked ahead to the control panel as you admired what could only be described as tomorrowland. You reached out to run your finger along the cold iron of one of the old Iron Man suits, just making contact when--
"Who the hell is she?" You jumped, startled by the masculine voice behind you. Oh. My. God. It's actually Iron Man. You struggled to find your voice as Nat answered for you. "Y/N. What the hell are you doing down here Stark? You're supposed to be resting."
"Apparently keeping Y/N from demolishing my lab. Six inches up activates and detonates about...fourteen different security protocols." You quickly pulled your hand away from the suit, clenching it in your other one, just in case it somehow grew a consciousness and wanted to return to the suit. "Does Y/N speak?" You shut your mouth, a bit taken aback. Natasha walked towards you, slightly blocking you from Mr. Stark. It was a protective gesture that didn't slip your radar. "Quit being an ass Stark. Take your butt up to the communal area, I'll call Rogers down and we can explain some things to you there." He narrowed his eyes and nodded reluctantly. The three of you entered the elevator once again and began a very awkward ascent. You could feel Mr. Stark's eyes on you the entire ride, assessing you from every angle. Probably sizing up all your strengths and weaknesses. You tensed. "Leave the poor girl alone."
"I haven't done a single thing to her Romanov." The elevator DINGED and you let out your breath, happy to not be confined to the small area. Steve was already waiting for you, worry and scepticism apparent on his face.
"I'm sorry, I must have a space rock stuck in my ear. She's WHAT?!" Tony's volume made you flinch and take a step back. Steve rubbed his stubble, exasperated. "She's our last hope Tony. Maybe try lowering your voice and we can talk this out like adults."
"I'll do no such thing. I'm in a wheelchair Rogers, not a stroller. Don't treat me like a child."
"Then don't act like one! Fury clearly knew something we didn't. Hell, she picked up Thor's hammer like it was just a paper weight." Natasha added in her two cents, "Are you two done bickering, there are more important things we should probably discuss."
The three of them all began to yell over one another and you were getting dizzy just trying to keep up.
"Me, Dr. Magician, and StarKing all couldn't take him down together and now you're putting all your faith in a civi?" "Put your ego aside a minute and just try to understand where we're coming from here." "Will you two stop screaming at each other and look at the big picture here?"
The dizziness only amplified and as the tension grew and grew, blackness swallowed your vision as you slowly went down...
Slowly blinking your eyes open, you were met with Captain America staring down at you, his hand brushing your hair from your face. The recent events came flooding back and you blushed. Averting his gaze, you noticed you had been placed on a cot and everyone else had exited the room. You closed your eyes, further embarrassed by the scene you caused. "I'm...sorry. I'm not usually the fainting type, I swear."
"No need to apologize. That was... a lot. And I'm sure the lack of food and sleep didn't help" You sat up and sighed. "Nat told you?"
"She didn't have to. You're skin and bone with bags under your eyes."
"I've noticed, Thanks." He chuckled to himself. "Well, you reacted better than most. That Stark charm is a real acquired taste" You rolled your eyes. "Noticed that too. It's a real shocker what with the media painting him as a sweetheart and all." Another smirk from Steve. "Glad you still have a sense of humor."
"It's still a coping mechanism."
"Better than nothing. Just, don't give up on Tony yet. I was planning to ease him into you, not blindside him. He's calmed down upstairs, so tomorrow we can--"
"I want to talk to him."
"....I'm sorry. What?"
"Mr. Stark. I want to talk to him myself. Now." Rogers raised his eyebrows. "You continue to surprise me Y/L/N. Let's go." He gently grabbed your arm and rested a hand on your lower back, helping you to stand. You did feel a bit off balance, but this attention was getting on your nerves. Yes, you were broken. Yes, tragedy had crapped all over you this past month. But you weren't fragile. And you were about to go have some words with Tony Stark to prove it.