Fated Marks

“I’m worried about him.” Pepper said.

“So am I.” I said. “We talked last night and from what I heard Jarvis said he hasn’t slept in three days. I made sure he got in bed before I ended the call but who knows if he actually slept.”

“I need to do something.” Pepper said.

“What were you thinking?” I asked.

“Intervention.” She said.

“Need help?” I offered.

“You’re on vacation.” She said.

“I can be on vacation in Malibu. I could take an early flight spend the day and catch a red eye back. Will has to work tomorrow and almost everyone’s out on a mission.” I said.

“What about Nate?” Pepper asked.

“He’s in Switzerland on vacation with his family.” I said.

“Are you sure?” She asked.

“It’s only a day besides you have more important things to do than wrangle Tony.” I said.

“I’ll send the jet and a car to pick you up. Thank you Hayley.” Pepper said.

“Don’t mention it, I’ll see you tomorrow.” I said ending the video call. It was a few days before Christmas and we were all making plans for Christmas dinner and day. In the middle of planning everyone got called away on a surprise mission. They didn’t say the specifics but they had all been radio silent since they left. It was just Bruce me and Will in the tower. I was so bored.

I didn’t have to pack considering I was coming back the same day. Let’s just hope Tony actually listens.

The Next Day-

I woke up early and got in the car pepper had arranged for me to go to the airport. I thought I was flying commercial but as it turned out she sent a jet. I enjoyed the comfort of a private jet. Great movie selection, the food was better, the seats were comfier. I was starting to see why Tony never complained about long business trips.

By the time the plane landed it was ten am on the west coast. It was bright and sunny, a complete contrast to New York. I was actually wearing too many layers. I took off my coat and stuck to a wool cardigan with a flowy top, jeans and some flats.

I was surprised to see Happy waiting for me.

“Happy, it’s good to see you.” I said.

“You too Hayley.” He said.

“I hear congratulations are in order.” I said.

“Head of security for Stark International. Speaking of, you’re going to need to keep this on.” He said handing me a badge.

“Of course.’ I said putting it on. “So how is he?” I asked.

“I don’t know, I haven’t seen him in a few days.” He said.

“He hasn’t left the lab?” I asked.

“Not sure about the lab but he hasn’t left the house.” He answered. “Come on, we need to go pick up the boss.”

“Can we stop by for coffee?” I asked.

“Yeah, Starbucks okay?” He asked.

“Sure.” I said.

After a quick drive through for coffee we made it to Stark Industries.

“Badge...badge...badge. Badge, guys. I put a memo in the toilet, come on.” He said reminding all employees as we walked in. He started talking to me about the benefits of just using robots like the one tony has in his lab to improve security. “Tony has got them in his basement, they're wearing party hats. This is an asset that we can put to use.”

“I don’t think Pepper’s going to go for it, besides haven’t you seen those movies where robots go rogue and start killing people.” I said making the receptionist give me a freaked out look.

“Is he telling you about his idea to replace almost everyone with Robots?” Peper asked as she came up to us.

“Yup, Hi Pepper.” I said as she hugged me.

“Hi sweetie how was your flight?” She asked.

“It was great, very relaxing.” I said.

“What I'm saying is that the human element of Human Resources is our biggest point of vulnerability. We should start phasing it out immediately.” Happy said.

“What!?” Pepper said shocked.

“Excuse me, Bambi.” Happy said as someone passed by.

“Did you just say that?” Pepper said as happy pointed to his badge.

“He did.” I said.

“Security.” Happy called out.

“Happy?” pepper said.

“Yes.” Happy answered.

“Okay, I am thrilled that you're now the Head of Security, okay? It is the perfect position for you.” Pepper started politely.

“Thank you.” Happy said.

“However...”

“I do appreciate it”

“Since you've taken the post...”

“You don't have to thank me.”

“We've had a rise in staff complaints of three hundred percent” Pepper interjected.

“Wow.” I said.

“Thank you.” Happy said proudly.

“That's not a compliment.” Pepper said.

“That's not a compli...? It is a compliment! Clearly somebody's trying to hide something.” Happy defended.

“I...” Pepper started before she was interrupted by her assistant.

“Excuse me.”

“Yes?” Pepper said.

“Miss Potts, your appointment’s here.” She said.

“Thank you.” Pepper said.

“Did you clear this four o'clock with me?” happy said.

“Happy, we'll talk about this later. But right now I have to go deal with this very annoying thing.” Pepper said.

“How so?” Happy and I asked at the same time.

“I used to work with him, and he used to ask me out all the time. So it's a little awkward.” Pepper said.

“I don't like the sound of that.” Happy started.

“I’m sorry about this Hayley, I’ll try to get out of this as fast as I can.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll just hang out here with Happy and if you need a save send me a text and I’ll get you out of it.” I said.

“I may have to take you up on that.” She said.

As we stepped inside her office a man in a white suit stood up. “Pepper.” He greeted.

“Killian?” Pepper said surprised.

“You look great. You look really great.” Killian said.

“God, you look...you look great. I... I...I can't... What on earth have you been doing?” Pepper asked.

“Nothing fancy, just five years in the hands of physical therapists. And please, call me Aldrich.” Killian said.

“Uh...you were supposed to be issued a security badge.” Happy interrupted.

“Hey Hap, weren;t you going to show me that thing you mentioned in the car. You said it had a glitch…” I started.

“Oh right.” He said.

“We’ll leave you to it.” I said as Pepper shot me a grateful look before we walked out,

“So where is it?’ I asked.

“It’s a security glitch it’s been fixed we’re going to linger.” Happy said before looking at a guy sitting in the waiting area. “Hey, guy.” He pointed at his badge and the guy picks up his badge from the table next to him

“Merry Christmas.” The guy said.

We sat down in the waiting area and Happy was practically glaring at the guy. I took my phone out and started looking through emails when I got a message from Clint.

Look who got in the Christmas Spirit.

It was a picture of Thor asleep on the quinjet with reindeer antlers on along with a red nose.

I couldn’t help but laugh.

LOL That’s my new contact picture for Thor. Aren’t you supposed to be flying the jet?

He texted back right away.

Mission was a bust, I let the new guys get some practice in. Looks like we are having Christmas on time.

I smiled.

As soon as I get back to New York I’ll start planning.

Instead of a text back I got a call.

“Hello?” I greeted.

“You’re not in New York?” Clint said.

“Yeah, I’m in Los Angeles.” I said.

“You’re not supposed to be working.” Clint said.

“I’m not.” I said.

“Where exactly are you right now?” Clint asked.

“I’m at the office.” I said knowing I was going to get lectured.

“Damn it Hayley.” Clint said.

“I’m not working I’m just waiting for Pepper to get out of a meeting so we can go drag Tony out of his lab.” I said.

“And how is this different from what you normally do at work?” he said.

“There was a private jet involved.” I said. “Look I know you’re all worried but I’m fine. I’m not doing any actual work, and the heaviest thing I’ll be lifting will be any shopping bags I end up with. I’m heading back tonight on a red eye.”

He sighed. “No work or stress.” He said.

“None I promise.” I said.

“I guess I’ll see you tomorrow morning.” He said.

“Say Hi to everyone for me and if anyone else falls asleep…” I started.

“You’ll get all the pictures.” Clint said with a chuckle.

“Bye.” I said.

I looked over and saw Pepper and Killian looking at some hologram of what looked to be a brain. I had to admit that looked cool. Then Happy’s Tablet started ringing.

“It’s Tony.” Happy said.

“I’m not here.” I said.

He took the tablet and held it up high.

“Hello?” Happy said.

“Is this forehead of Security?” Tony asked and I snorted.

“What? You know, look, I got a real job. What do you want? I'm working, I got something going on here.” Happy said.

“What? Harassing interns?” Tony asked. It was partially true.

“Let me tell you something, you know what happened when I told people I was Iron Man's body guard? They would laugh in my face.” Happy said making Tony laugh in his face.

“I had to leave while I still had a shred of dignity. Now I got a real job, I'm watching Pepper.” Happy defended.

“What's going on? Fill me in.” Tony asked.

“For real?” Happy asked.

“Yeah.” Tony said.

“Alright, so she's meeting up with this scientist. Rich guy, handsome.” Happy said.

“Right.” Tony asked.

“I couldn't make his face at first, right? You know I'm good with faces.” Happy said

“Oh, Yeah, yeah. You're the best.” Tony said and I could here him rolling his eyes.

“Yeah. Well, so I run his credentials, I make him Aldrich Killian. We actually met the guy back in... where were we in '99? The science conference?” Happy said.

“Um...Switzerland.” Tony answered.

“Right, right, exactly.” Happy said.

“Killian? No, I don't remember that guy.” Tony said.

“Of course you don't. He's not a blond with a big rack.” Happy said making me laugh. “At first it was fine, they were talking business, but now it's like getting weird. He's showing her a big brain.”

“His what?” Tony asked.

“Big brain, and she likes it. Here, let me show you. Hold on. See?” He said turning the camara.

“Look at what? You watching them? Flip the screen and then we can get started.” Tony said.

“I'm not a tech genius like you. Just...just trust me, get down here.” Happy said.

“Flip the screen, then I can see what they're doing.” Tony said.

“I can't! I don't know how to flip the screen! Don't talk to me like that anymore. You're not my boss.” Happy said as I moved over covered the camera and switched it so Tony could see in the office.

“Now was that so hard?” Tony said.

“Alright, I don't work for you. Now I don't trust this guy. He's got another guy with him, he's shifty.” Happy said.

“Relax.” Tony said.

“Seriously?” Happy asked.

“I'm just asking you to secure the perimeter. Tell him to go out for a drink or something?” Tony said as I received a message from Pepper asking if I could come in for a second opinion. “If things get out of hand go in.”

I hacked into the Office and made sure the privacy settings were activated before getting up.

“What just happened?” Tony asked.

“I don’t know I think we’ve been spotted.” Happy said.

“Security breech.” Tony said.

I knocked on the door and walked in. “You asked to see me?” I said.

“Hayley this is Aldrich Killian he’s the head of AIM, a private think tank.” Pepper said.

“Nice to meet you Mr. Killian.” I said shaking his hand, It was really warm.

“The pleasure is all mine, I have friends at the Computer Science department at Columbia. It’s good to finally meet the genius I’ve heard so much about.” Killian said.

“I’m not a genius.’ I said.

“You’re the first person to ever beat the Advanced Programming Assessment, that makes you a genius.” He said.

“Well thank you.” I said.

“Aldrich was just showing me one of AIM’s most recent projects and I wanted to hear your thoughts” Pepper said giving me a look. I knew that look, it was the one Tony and Pepper made at a pitch meeting when they already knew they were going to turn it down but couldn’t be rude and give an outright no.

“Imagine if you could hack into the hard drive of any living organism and recode its DNA.” He said and I knew why Pepper asked me to come in.

“It would be incredible.

“Mm.” Killian said.

“Unfortunately, to my ears it also sounds highly weaponizable. As in enhanced soldiers, private armies, and Tony is not...” Pepper said as she slid over to me the file in front of her. I skimmed through it and saw what she meant.

“It’s really unstable. The results are great but the side effects make it really risky. The thing about altering the genetic code is it’s a domino effect. You change one thing you alter something don’t the line.” I said “I don’t think Mr. Stark…”

“Tony. Tony. You know, I invited Tony to join AIM thirteen years ago, he turned me down. But something tells me now there is a new genius on the throne who doesn't have to answer to Tony anymore, and who has slightly less of an ego.” He said giving us a look. Kissing ass, what’s the end game?

“It's gonna be a no, Aldrich. As much as I'd like to help you.” Pepper said leaving no room for argument. We all walked out of the office and walked Killian to his car.

“Well, I can't say that I'm not disappointed. But then as my father used to say, 'Failure is the fog through which we glimpse triumph.'” He said

“That's very deep.” Pepper said.

“Mm” He said.

“And I have no idea what it means.” Pepper said.

“Well, me neither. He was kind of an idiot, my old man.” Killian said making Pepper laugh. I was starting to get that off feeling Happy was getting.

“I'm sure I'll see you again, Pepper. Miss Adams if you’re ever looking for a change of careers feel free to reach me at anytime.” He said handing me his business card.

“Thank you but I’m very happy here.” I said shaking his hand.

“Happy...” Pepper said as Killian kissed her cheek goodbye.

“The car is ready, if you're ready to go.” Happy said looking concerned.

“Yes. I just um...God, I forgot my other thing, so I'm just gonna...” She said walking back in the building probably buying time to calm down.

“Plates.” I coughed.

“What?” he asked.

“License Plates.” I coughed.

“Oh.” He said quickly taking his phone out and snapping a picture. “I thought you…”

“Let’s just say I got a vibe and my vibes are almost never wrong.” I said.

“I’m ready to go.” Pepper said.

“I’ll see you later boss.’ Happy said.

“Right, Shall we?” She said.

“Course let’s go drag the man child away from his toys.” I said.

“I knew I liked you for a reason.” She said.

Pepper drove us to the mansion where there was a giant stuffed rabbit in the driveway.

“What the hell is that?” I said.

“Tony trying to get me to not nag at him.” Pepper said.

“But a giant bunny?” I said.

“After all these months does it really seem out of character for Tony?” Pepper asked.

“True.” I said getting out of the car. “Where do you even get one of these? How is he even…”

“Hayley,” Pepper said.

“Oh right.” I said.

We walked in and we were greeted by Tony in the Iron Man suit. It was a new model, the one he had tested during our video call.

“hi hi sorry I’m late, I’m ready for lunch and what is that?” Pepper said noticing the suit. “You're wearing this in the house now? What is that, like Mark 15?”

“Actually.” I started.

“Hales, you’re here? What are you doing here?” Tony said.

“Oh just visiting, stopped by the office but you weren’t there.” I said. “Oh new suit give it a spin.”

“If you insist.” He said taking a few steps and spinning. I noticed right away by the sounds of the footsteps that the suit was empty. “Just breakin' it in. You know, it's always a little pinchy in the gooey bag at first, so.”

“Can I use your restroom?” I asked.

“It’s down that hall.” Pepper said.

“Be back.” I said. As I was leaving I heard them talk about Pepper’s Christmas present. I found the stairs to the basement and hacked my way inside.

“I don't wanna harp on this, but did you like the custom rabbit?” I heard him say as I tip toed in.

“Did I like it?” Peppers voice came out of the speaker.

“Nailed it, right?” Tony said.

“Busted.” I said making him spin around so fast I’m surprised he didn’t get whiplash.

“Hayley!” He shouted surprised.

“Tony!” I heard Pepper shout in the living room.

“What are you doing here?” Tony asked with a tense smile.

“We need to talk.” I said.

“This is a new level of lame.” Pepper said.

“I agree.” I said.

“You’re supposed to be on vacation.” Tony said.

“I am, Pepper sent a private jet to New York for me. You know what some people on vacation do? They go visit family or friends especially when said friends are starting to worry the people around them and not sleeping for days at a time.” I said. “This is an intervention.”

“We’re worried about you.” Pepper said.

“You look like crap and you haven’t left the house in days.” I said.

“I went out this morning.” Tony said.

“I know, Rhodey called, he’s concerned. You left after having a…” Pepper said.

“Rhodey’s exaggerating.” Tony said and I gave him a look. He just looked at me and shook his head. He wasn’t going to say anything in front of Pepper, he didn’t want to worry her.

“Then prove it. I’m here until what was it 1:30 am?” I asked Pepper.

“That was what I told the pilot.” Pepper said.

“Okay spend the day outside of this lab and we’ll know you’re okay.” I said.

“I don’t want to draw crowds…” he started.

“Then pull a Steve and put on a baseball cap and a hoodie.” I said.

“There’s no way that actually works.” Tony said.

“Let’s find out.” I said.

“I’ll go see what I can find.” Tony said heading upstairs.

“You do realize that this isn’t going to solve what’s really wrong right?” Pepper said.

“Course not but at least this way he’s out of this place at least for the day. I’ll try to get him to talk see what’s really bugging him. And in the meantime…” I said hacking into the house servers and locking down the lab and shutting it down. “Not letting him in until he get’s a good night’s rest.”

“Why didn’t I call you in sooner?” Pepper said with a smile.

“I believe the whole I worked myself to the point I forgot to get my appendix checked out was the reason.” I said.

“No heavy lifting and charge everything to Tony’s credit card. Take him shopping he has great taste. Make sure he eats.” Pepper started listing out my to do list.

“Pepper, relax I can handle one day out with Tony. I’ll keep him out of trouble and I get a free tour guide. Now go relax, or hell take a day off and spend it with Daniel, you said he was in town?” I said.

“We haven’t had date night in a while…” She said.

“Now’s your chance.’ I said.

“Okay but if you need anything…” She said.

“You’re on speed dial.” I said.

“Good luck.” she said walking out of the house.

“Jarvis how’s he doing?” I asked.

“Sir is feeling a lot more chipper since your arrival.” Jarvis said.

“I meant how long he’s been awake, has he eaten, and panic attacks?” I asked.

“I am not at liberty to divulge that information.” Jarvis said.

“Would I have to hack you to get the answer?” I asked.

“That is very likely Miss Adams.” Jarvis said.

“And there’s my answer. Is he having one now?” I asked.

“No he is on his way down.” Jarvis said. Not thirty seconds later Tony came down in jeans a t-shirt and hoodie and a baseball cap with some sunglasses.

“Ready?” He asked.

“Yup.” I said

“Where to first?” He asked.

“I haven’t had breakfast yet…” I started.

“I know just the place.” He said.

We ended up driving to a place on the side of the highway. I made sure he actually ate something along with his coffee. I would have made sure he didn’t get any since I ready it could actually increase his chances of an anxiety attack but I’ve tried cutting him off before, he literally threw a tantrum that would give a four year a run for their money.

We were sitting down in the booth in absolute silence. I just kept looking at him.

“Just ask already.” He said.

“Don’t know what you’re talking about.” I said sipping my coffee.

“I know you know so just save us both the time and stop with Romanoff’s staring trick to get me to break because it’s not working it’s only creeping me out so I’m just going to say it, I may have had an anxiety attack when I was out with Rhodey and I may have locked myself in a suit and flown back to the mansion but I’m okay.” He said.

“You’re not okay.” I said.

“I know.” he said “But can we not do this now? You’re here in LA, and it’s not because we’re here on business… Come on Hales Please?”

“We are going to have to talk about this before I leave.” I said.

“Absolutely.” Tony agreed.

“No deflecting, no lies.” I said.

“I promise.” He said.

“Okay, so what should we do first?” I offered.

“I’ve been working on this…”

“No.” I said.

“Come on it’s pretty neat.” Tony said.

“I’m sure it is but I didn’t come all the way here to lock myself in a lab. I’m on vacation. No work no lab. I promised everyone.” I said.

“Right, so what do we do?” he asked.

“I’ve always wanted to see the Hollywood sign or the Griffith observatory. Walk of fame.” I said.

“Tourist traps.” He muttered.

“You have any better ideas?” I said.

“I can think of a few.” He said.

We started off by going on a drive to Hollywood and then going up a road to a mountain. We parked on the side of the road and then started walking.

“Was not expecting a workout today.” I said.

“Nothing bothering you?” He asked.

“No, fully healed, sometimes it itches but that’s normal.” I said.

“How’s Nate.” He said putting emphasis on his name.

“He’s good, perfect skiing weather in the Alps.” I said. “We talk or text at least once a day.”

“That’s good and absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Tony said.

“I’ve heard the same thing.” I said giving him a smile. “So This is it.”

“Griffith Observatory, looks better at night but still…” He said.

“I thought it’d be more packed.” I said.

“This close to the holidays people tend to go out of town.” He said.

“What do you normally do for the holiday’s?” I asked.

“Fly off somewhere or just stay in,” He said. “You?”

“Don’t really celebrate it, It wasn’t until I moved to New York that I started again. Mostly because Will goes all out. Christmas music all day, Stockings over the fireplace buying a ton of gifts, speaking of Your gifts in New york…”

“You got me a gift?” He said.

“I got everyone gifts.” I said. “First Christmas I buy gifts for someone other than Will.”

“I look forward to opening it.” Tony said.

“You’re a hard person to shop for, what do you get the man that already has everything.” I said.

“I don’t have everything…” Tony said and I gave him a look. “I do have a lot of stuff.”

“That you do, what’s next?” I said.

“Donuts.” He said.

After a few more placed we got back to the manor and I cooked dinner. I also found out how hopeless Tony was in the kitchen.

“Are you sure you don’t want any…” He started.

“Step away from the knives and fire.” I said.

“Okay.” He said. “Wine?”

“I’ll stick with water.” I said.

“It’ll make it easier to sleep on the plane.” He offered

“After Thanksgiving I think I’m okay without it.” I said.

“Thanksgiving was a rare circumstance and you and Will were having a bad day.” He said.

“Still, it’s probably best if I’m sober for our talk.” I said.

“Oh.” He said.

“Forgot about that huh.” I said.

“I was kind of hoping you would.” He said.

“You have to talk about this, if it’s not me someone else. Locking yourself up here or in the lab and going days without sleep it’s killing you Tony. I’m not the only one that’s noticing this. Pepper, Rhodey, Bruce… we’re worried.” I said.

“I keep having the same dream and it doesn’t stop. Every time I close my eyes and I see that portal and I fall into that grave.” Tony said.

“You ever see who’s standing above you?” I asked.

“I always wake up when I get to that part.” He said.

That’s a really creepy coincidence. I get the chills just thinking about that face.

“You okay?” He asked.

“Yeah I’m fine, but you need sleep. After dinner you’re going to bed and don’t even think about going downstairs. I had it locked down until at least 8am tomorrow morning.” I said.

“I could always just hack in.” Tony said.

“You think I didn’t think of that? You can try but you’re not getting in.” I said. “I’m not always going to be around to do this and I’m not going to be okay if something happens to you so I need you to promise that after I leave you’re actually going to take care of yourself. I’m talking two or three meals a day, six to eight hours of sleep a night, no building potential weapons of mass destruction and trying them out without reading the safety briefing and please whatever you do, don’t go looking for trouble cuz if you have another…” Before I could continue Tony came up to me and hugged me.

“I promise.” He said.

“But I’m not…”

“I get the idea, don’t do anything to get myself killed. It’s boring but I get it.” He said kissing the top of my head before letting me go.

“That was a lot easier than I thought it’d be.” I said.

“Talking helps” he said. “Anything you want to talk about?”

“Not really, My life is hunky dory.” I said turning off the stove and getting some plates.

“You’d tell me if it wasn’t, this talking thing goes both ways right?” Tony said.

“Of course.” I said. “Steak, mash, and green beans. Since that talk is done can I have that glass of wine now?”

“Got the perfect one.” He said.

We ate dinner and started watching a movie. Then Tony insisted on driving me to the airport.

“If anything happens and you need someone to talk to you can call me.” I said.

“I know.” He said.

“It doesn’t matter what time…” I said.

“Hayley!” Tony yelled to get my attention. “Thank you”

“That’s what I’m here for and now I have to go because if I stay here any longer I know at least six people who will be knocking at your door in a few hours.” I said.

“Enjoy the flight, I made sure they had a bottle of the red you liked on board.” He said.

“Thanks, see you later.” I said boarding.

A Few Hours Later-

I landed at JFK and got in the car Pepper had arranged. When I got to the Tower the lobby was mostly empty except for the night shift guards. I swiped in and went upstairs to the common room. I walked in just as everyone was getting off the Quinjet.

“Morning.’ I greeted.

“What are you doing up so early?” Steve asked.

“I just got in.” I said.

“How is Tony?” Natasha asked.

“Locked out of his lab for a few more hours.” I said. “How was work?”

“It was a goose chase.” Thor said.

“False lead.” Clint said.

“At least you all get to be back for Christmas.” I said.

“We were going to ask, what happened in here?” Steve asked.

“I got bored and started going through the Do it your self section of Pinterest, I may have gone a bit over board.” I said looking at the common room that was decorated with everything Christmas related anyone could imagine.

“It’s festive.” Natasha said.

“Glad you’re all back.” I said. “It was way too quiet.”

“Where’s Will? I’m surprised he let you go to California alone.” Clint asked.

“He’s taking and extended weekend away with Jake.” I said.

“Extended?” Steve asked.

“He’s not coming back until next Monday. He’s using up his left over Vacation days.” I said. “Good for him, the holidays always make him crazy.”

“In what sense?” Thor asked.

“He gets overly emotional, Buys everything in sight and turns into a Christmas Nazi.” I said.

“Christmas Nazi?” Steve said confused.

“A control freak who turns Christmas into military operation and makes everyone miserable unless everything goes his way. Last year I moved out for two weeks to let him do his thing and then just moved back in Christmas Eve.” I said. “Normally only happens when he’s single or goes through a bad break up close to Christmas.”

“Good to know.” Natasha said. “I’m heading to bed.”

“Aye.” Thor said. “I’ll see you in the morrow Hayley.” After weeks of telling him to drop the Lady bit Thor finally got in the habit.

“Night.” I said.

“I need to blow off some steam.” Steve said.

“We’re stocked up on the heavy duty punching bags so go for it.” I said.

“Thank you. Night.” Steve said.

“Is it weird that I feel really wired right now.” I said.

“I know the feeling.” He said. “Movie?”

“Sure, I’m gonna go downstairs and get into some Pjs.” I said.

“Meet you down there so you can finally try out theater system?” Clint asked.

“You really like that couch don’t you?” I said.

“It’s good for my back.” Clint said.

“It’s orthopedic, I’ll meet you down there.” I said.

We both split up and I went down stairs. I walked into my closet and pulled out some navy plaid flannel bottoms and a white thermal top.

I grabbed a red fleece throw and went to look through the movie selection. I had narrowed it down to a few options by the time Clint walked in.

“Hey so I narrowed it down to Fight Club, Die Hard, Christmas with the Kranks, The Grinch…” I said.

“Nightmare Before Christmas?” He asked.

“I only watch that one on Christmas morning, been doing that since I was a kid.” I said.

“Really? I watch it every Christmas.” He said.

“Movie Buddies.” I cheered. “But for now, Die Hard?”

“Yeah.” He said. “You have my exact movie tastes.”

“I should get a look at your list.” I said.

“Any time, Jarvis play Die Hard.” Clint said and we started watching the movie. We put up the footrests and reclined the seats. Don’t know how long it was before I got cold and draped the blanket over me. I saw Clint started to shiver so I shared the blanket. He smiled and put his arm around my shoulders. Before I knew it I was knocked out.