Temporary Precautions
From Bruce: I know you’re going to want to go on a date with your new girlfriend (congrats btw) but you should probably wait at least a week to let your dad have a chance to process this.
Sage was suddenly very glad that she’d gone to the bathroom to check her texts halfway through eighth period. If Bruce had sent her a warning text, that mean Tony was freaking out. Damn it, she’d really wanted to take Addy out tonight.
---
“So, do you have any plans for tonight?”
The blonde turned to Adeline, seeing that the other girl had waited for Baylee to finish at her locker before asking the question. She grinned. “I don’t, but I recieved an SOS text during eighth from my Uncle Bruce. Apparently Dad’s having a hard time wrapping his head around the idea that I have a girlfriend.”
Addy took her hand cautiously, giving it a light squeeze. “Is that gonna be a problem?”
Sage looked down at their hands, unable to repress a small smile, and shook her head. “No, he just needs, like, a week to realise that this won’t really change anything. I’ll have to schedule a game night or something. And hey, even if it was problem, it wouldn’t matter. As much as I love the song, you’re not going to be my dirty little secret.”
Adeline threw back her head and laughed loudly, causing Sage to start giggling. “A- are you sure?” She asked, after they’d both calmed down.
“Positive. He’s gonna love you.”
“Yeah? And what about you?”
“Mmm… I’m undecided.” Sage responded with a grin.
“Ouch. I’m hurt.” Adeline put her free hand to her chest in mock-affront.
Sage giggled again and let go of her hand reluctantly. “I should head out.”
“Yeah, okay. Walk me out?”
“I thought you’d never ask.”
After a quick stop at the office for her flowers, Sage climbed into the car, opting for the front seat, and waving to Adeline as they pulled out.
“Is that the girlfriend?”
She looked at Happy in surprise, not remembering having told him, and he rolled his eyes.
“You changed your relationship status on Facebook during fourth period, kid. Besides, Tony’s been calling me nonstop because he’s freaking out.”
Sage winced in sympathy.
“Everyone’s freaking out because Tony’s freaking out. What they’ve all seemed to have forgotten is that Tony has never been good with change.” The corner of Happy’s mouth quirked upward. “I’ve known Tony longer than anyone in that damn tower. He always does this, the difference this time is that he’s letting people see him freak out. Depending on how bad his week has been, Tony will do this because he burnt his own damn toast, but lock himself in his workshop before anyone finds out.”
“That…”
“Doesn’t sound healthy?”
Sage nodded.
“It isn’t. He’s been doing a whole lot better about it, though. He’s stopped drinking as much. I don’t know if he’s quit completely, but there’s something to be said for lessened consumption. Having you around helps. You and Loki, as much as I don’t like the guy. You’re good for him, all of you. You’ve just gotta give him some time.”
Sage nodded again, looking thoughtful, then grinned. “So that’s all it takes for you to talk to me, huh? Tony having a crisis?”
Happy chuckled. “Don’t start counting on it, kid.”
---
As soon as Sage stepped out onto the common floor, she was bombarded with questions.
“Did she give you those? Oh, they’re gorgeous.” Wanda cooed.
“Do they mean something? Does anyone know anything about flower language?” From Steve, which caused Bucky to crack up.
“You should have been a florist, Rogers, damn.”
“Was she polite?” From Natasha, who had a vaguely muderous glint in her eye, and a dozen ther questions from every side that she couldn’t keep track of. Then Clint called from his perch on top of the fridge,
“Was she a good kisser?”
Sage rolled her eyes and sighed, setting her flowers down on the island. “I will answer everyone’s questions individually later, except for Clint.” She couldn’t help but laugh when he booed her. “For now, is Tony in the lab?”
“Yes, love, he’s been down there all day.”
She offered Loki a bright smile and nodded. “Great. That’s where I’ll be if anyone needs me before dinner.”
“Welcome back, Miss Ahlers. Congratulations.”
Sage grinned. “Thanks, JARVIS.”