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synthneon2025-06-10 12:40 am
bubblesong) wrote in synthneon2025-06-10 12:40 am
Entry tags:
🫧 mcu/nikke || ❝ is this the love that i've been searching for? ❞
[ Little Mermaid slips quietly down the stairs into the glass doors of the workshop. Golden colored eyes scan the workshop, realizing that the lights are off. That alone is unusual for the ungodly early hours of the morning when it comes to the Malibu mansion, but also because there is no music.
Or sounds.
She can account for every car being in it's place from where she stands.
Her hand raises to unlock the door and she slips inside. Since the room is already quiet, she decides to not make any jarring noises if possible. Both hands quietly ease the door shut and she practically tiptoes through the usually loud and bustling workshop. Her hair is braided in an attempt to keep it from dragging on the floor, but yet it still manages to touch it with the ends regardless. ]
Uhmm... ooo.
[ The nervous hushed sounds come from her as she continues her tiptoeing search through the workshop. She's nervous to call out to the man she's looking for in case it startles him.
Everyone is aware that things haven't been the same since they returned from New York City those months ago. Little Mermaid had been overjoyed to return to the Malibu mansion, but made sure to keep the emotions to herself. Especially at seeing how rattled Tony Stark had been. Of course, he had been his usual abrasive, sarcastic, funny self, but they could all tell something was different. Rhodey tried to help when he could, but was brushed off. Pepper does what she can when she stops by after being at Stark Industries all day, but generally the conversations always break down into work and what not to do or what to do with the direction of the company.
She's wanted to help too. She's always wanted to help.
But, does someone like Tony Stark need her help? Does a hero like Iron Man who can fight along side people from other realities, spies, massive shapeshifting men, and even the original super soldier need her help? She's was designed to be a support not an attacker to her squad. The squad that was deemed such a failure it caused the Goddess of Victory project to come to a close. The squad that had been forced apart in their mission that was supposed to redeem them and rewrite their ending. She couldn't even take the hand of her dearest friend when her friend needed it the most. How could someone like Tony ever really need her help in anything?
That was why the comments from the interviewer had rattled her so much. She doesn't want to be a failure or just another woman that Pepper takes out of the house one day. She wants to be helpful, to have a place she belongs, to be more the failure she had been labeled. She wants to be special like Pepper is to him. Not the exact same, as one can never truly replace another, but she wants to be apart of his life.
Maybe one day she can truly earn the title of "Goddess of Victory" to someone.
Tony doesn't need a Goddess of Victory. He's his own maker of victories.
Little Mermaid stops at one of the work tables.
Then, she leans over it slightly.
Tony is sitting on the floor, pressed against the work table, breathing heavily and shaking.
She bites her lip to keep from saying his name in relief that she found him. Instead, she carefully and quietly, tiptoes around the side of the work table. Then, she moves down to be on her knees. She hasn't moved to be exactly next to him. There is still plenty of space to give him room. Her eyes drop to his shaking hands before looking back up at his face in what she can make out in the darkness. The light from his arc reactor is dimmed through his shirts, but she can at least make the outline out in the darkness.
Slowly, one hand reaches out to rest beside him. She hesitates with her fingers curling slightly. He hasn't reached out to her--should she even reach out to him first? ]
... Tony? [ Little Mermaid speaks in a whisper as to try and not startle him.
The notion isn't hard. There had been a time when that was all she could speak in. ]
Or sounds.
She can account for every car being in it's place from where she stands.
Her hand raises to unlock the door and she slips inside. Since the room is already quiet, she decides to not make any jarring noises if possible. Both hands quietly ease the door shut and she practically tiptoes through the usually loud and bustling workshop. Her hair is braided in an attempt to keep it from dragging on the floor, but yet it still manages to touch it with the ends regardless. ]
Uhmm... ooo.
[ The nervous hushed sounds come from her as she continues her tiptoeing search through the workshop. She's nervous to call out to the man she's looking for in case it startles him.
Everyone is aware that things haven't been the same since they returned from New York City those months ago. Little Mermaid had been overjoyed to return to the Malibu mansion, but made sure to keep the emotions to herself. Especially at seeing how rattled Tony Stark had been. Of course, he had been his usual abrasive, sarcastic, funny self, but they could all tell something was different. Rhodey tried to help when he could, but was brushed off. Pepper does what she can when she stops by after being at Stark Industries all day, but generally the conversations always break down into work and what not to do or what to do with the direction of the company.
She's wanted to help too. She's always wanted to help.
But, does someone like Tony Stark need her help? Does a hero like Iron Man who can fight along side people from other realities, spies, massive shapeshifting men, and even the original super soldier need her help? She's was designed to be a support not an attacker to her squad. The squad that was deemed such a failure it caused the Goddess of Victory project to come to a close. The squad that had been forced apart in their mission that was supposed to redeem them and rewrite their ending. She couldn't even take the hand of her dearest friend when her friend needed it the most. How could someone like Tony ever really need her help in anything?
That was why the comments from the interviewer had rattled her so much. She doesn't want to be a failure or just another woman that Pepper takes out of the house one day. She wants to be helpful, to have a place she belongs, to be more the failure she had been labeled. She wants to be special like Pepper is to him. Not the exact same, as one can never truly replace another, but she wants to be apart of his life.
Maybe one day she can truly earn the title of "Goddess of Victory" to someone.
Tony doesn't need a Goddess of Victory. He's his own maker of victories.
Little Mermaid stops at one of the work tables.
Then, she leans over it slightly.
Tony is sitting on the floor, pressed against the work table, breathing heavily and shaking.
She bites her lip to keep from saying his name in relief that she found him. Instead, she carefully and quietly, tiptoes around the side of the work table. Then, she moves down to be on her knees. She hasn't moved to be exactly next to him. There is still plenty of space to give him room. Her eyes drop to his shaking hands before looking back up at his face in what she can make out in the darkness. The light from his arc reactor is dimmed through his shirts, but she can at least make the outline out in the darkness.
Slowly, one hand reaches out to rest beside him. She hesitates with her fingers curling slightly. He hasn't reached out to her--should she even reach out to him first? ]
... Tony? [ Little Mermaid speaks in a whisper as to try and not startle him.
The notion isn't hard. There had been a time when that was all she could speak in. ]
no subject
Rose Hill? Quaint little place: snow, friendly but annoying local kids, crazy murderous people who just wouldn't die... You know, standard Stark vacation package. Found some crumbs on the Mandarin though, a real trail of bread crumbs kind of thing. Guess we'll see if I’m Hansel, Gretel, or just the witch's next meal.
As for the suit, I know you don't want it. Hell, you probably don't even need it. But... [ He hesitates, and for just a second, all he does is keep moving his fingers on the back of her hand. ] For me, it's... It's insurance. Peace of mind. A way for me to stop seeing worst-case scenarios every time you walk into the room. But here's the thing: you already are armor. I'm just giving you something to match the shine.
[ Her quiet words of gratitude makes him falter for a second. ] Hey, don't thank me. I’m selfish. I just don't wanna lose you, and if that makes me a control freak, well, I've been called worse.
[ Then JARVIS brings up the picture, and Tony freezes. His hand stills on hers. Howard’s face on the screen, alongside a stranger with wild blonde hair and sharp eyes. The breath catches in his throat, bitterness suddenly cutting in sharply. ]
Unbelievable. More of Dad's greatest hits, huh? More secrets, more mysteries buried in files.
[ The words seem to hang in the air before he blinks, takes a breath, and then glances back at Mermaid, priority sliding back into place. ] It doesn't matter; Dad's secrets can wait, but you can't. What matters is keeping you safe, fixing what needs fixing. That's where my focus is. That's where it stays.
Although, I'm just gonna say that I wouldn't mind learning more about Abe and your teammates. Seems like we just got our first lead. [ And if it helps Mermaid find who she's looking for, Tony can put aside his issues with his dad and help. ]
no subject
Her shoulders lower slightly.
Hansel and Gretel... I miss them too. But, would they even want to see me again? They wanted nothing else to do with humanity...
And here she is desperately wishing she could be human enough for the man holding her hands.
She exhales slowly, trying to control the hitches in her breath from the pain in her hands and her side. A compromise then. ] I don't want an Iron Man suit. That's yours and that's you. If it was something more like the one I had when you found me? That would be better. Something strong to act like another layer of protection... would that be okay?
[ His hands immediately still and her eyes snap open. A brief moment where she wonders if that her idea wasn't one that was good--not a compromise. Then, the comment about his father follows. It's not a good comment. Bitterness is certainly there, but almost maybe even a layer of ire? Did Tony hate his father?
Little Mermaid forces herself to raise her head. She forces her amber eyes to move to the picture that JARVIS brought up. Of course, she recognizes it as the one the AI had found for her already. Now she simply knows who the man is besides Abe. With a quick glance at Tony, and then forcing herself not to read the information on her? She looks back to the picture. ]
Oooh... [ a gentle sound of realization. She can see the resemblance now. ] I saw him talking to Abe often... and Cinderella, and .... Red Shoes. [ Her own bitterness leaks into her tone for just a moment, then it's gone. ] Hansel and Gretel avoided him, and I tried to keep them company when he visited. Uhmm... he wasn't happy about them.
... maybe he wasn't happy about any of us.
[ Thinking back at it? There was a time in which the tone of the room would change when Howard Stark visited shifted. Instead of curiosity and perhaps even being impressed? He was stern. Disapproving. He argued with Abe often starting then. Something he learned changed his perception, but she has no true idea what that could have been.
She blinks a few times as if trying to put the pieces together when she doesn't have enough of the puzzle. ]
Abe was authorized to make three second generation Fairytale Models. Red Shoes, Cinderella, and me. She made Hansel and Gretel without permission. That was what Agent Oswald said. It was part of why they wanted us to bring both Abe and Cinderella back... [ A low sound of discontent manages to leak out. They're not good memories. She forces herself to look back up at Tony and be strong. Try to keep the pain to herself. ] Uhm, Abe didn't make the first generation--the Goddess Squad. She didn't even make the prototype NIKKE. She just made us five.
If I may, Siren. [ JARVIS speaks up once more. Amber eyes lift to look up at the ceiling as if trying to make physical contact with the AI that has been with Tony longer than anyone. ] I am aware the matter is quite... sensitive. Delicate. I mean no offense in my corrections, simply to inform you. Using the term "made" seems to be incorrect based off your scans.
[ Little Mermaid's hands grip onto Tony's tightly. Her head lowers again, eyes shut once more. She deosn't want to know what they took from her to make her into a NIKKE. She doesn't want to see how much of a machine she is now. How no humanity remains... ]
Perhaps a better word would be "converted." [ JARVIS pauses and then continues when he gathers that she has yet to lose her sense of self. ] Mr. Stark. I'm not certain what this element is, but, it would be suffice to say that NIKKEs are the result of a human woman being injected with this alien substance. From what I can tell, Siren? Everything biological inside you ... well, is you. Your DNA.
[ Little Mermaid stills almost like a statue for a long moment. Then, her eyes open. They slowly lift once more to find Tony's face. Her hands tremble just a tad more. The expression leaves it to be obvious that she had no idea. What she had told him about being cybernetic and--that was what they had told her of the process. Why nothing would have been left of the human woman before. ]
no subject
He forces himself to look back at her, because old pictures don't matter. Howard doesn't matter; the old files don't matter, and he'd even go as far as to say that whatever JARVIS uncovered doesn't really matter in the end. No, what matters is holding onto Mermaid, keeping her hands in his, and seeing that look in her eyes and how she responds when she hears she's still human, more human than she thought. ]
Hey, you know you're still you. JARVIS knows it, I know it. It's not just a sales pitch, it's a fact. JARVIS doesn't run on wishful thinking
[ He keeps rubbing his fingers over her hand even while his other hand holds onto hers firmly. ] I don't care what they did, what they told you, or how they tried to describe it. How they tried to describe you. You're not a machine they built, you're a person they messed with. But you know what else? You're still standing here, still you, and that's what counts with me.
[ Then, as if remembering what he was saying about making a suit for her, he adds: ] For the record? Protective layer, shield, armor, whatever I end up building for you, it's yours. It's not going to be a knockoff Iron Man suit. It's something that works for you, period, the end. No strings, no branding, no Stark logos unless you want one for some reason. I'm not in the business of turning people into merchandise.
[ He'll leave that to the people who try doing that with the Avengers. He doesn't like it, but if that's how people want to be? Fine. That's not his problem. Honestly, he'd like to just take a bunch of Iron Man merch and light it on fire, but that's something even he figures he shouldn't say out loud. ]
You know what I do want to do, though? I want to make that suit look like something an actual mermaid would wear. I was thinking figuring out a way to make it look like it's made out of scales. Shiny ones. [ Because what he wants is to make a suit that looks good on Mermaid. Never mind that he thinks anything she puts on would look good. ]
no subject
She closes her eyes with relief on her face. Eyes that are her real eyes. Hands that are her real hands. She doesn't expect Tony, or JARVIS, or any of thr Avengers to understand. They shouldn't. No one should have to question if they are still who they are.
Her fingers curl around his tightly. It causes pain to shoot up through them again despite the dull ache that has been lingering. A shaking and painful exhale leaves her. She opens her eyes again, pain still lingering in her gaze, but that quiet determination is there. The one that shines when she has made her mind up on a path to take. One that shows unquestionable and unwavering faith and trust in the man that often calls himself a mess and unreliable.
He's more reliable than he realizes.
Ariel nods. ] Okay. Once we've stopped the Mandarin? We'll make a suit. [ Then, a small smile. ] I... thought you didn't like fairy tales or silly stories about mermaids.
[ She wonders if he likes the idea of a challenge. It would be something else from his usual building. Something personally made for one person versus the suit for him or War Machine--Iron Patriot--for Rhodes. ]
[ Another shaking painful exhale. ] Y-you said patching up first...?
no subject
Hey, just stop, okay? You're not doing anything wrong, but I don't think moving is good for you right now. You gotta- just stop and think about yourself for five seconds. And I don't mean literally five seconds. Stop for as long as you need to stop.
And who the hell cares about the Mandarin right now? He's not important; you are. We take care of you first, then think about other stuff. [ He levels her with a stare; it's not angry or upset, just a stare that's looking at her with no small amount of worry behind it. ] Maybe I didn't before, but you know what, they're winning me over. You're making them win me over.
Yeah, we're gonna get you fixed up, but hey, if you need a break, that's fine. I can stop.
[ He doesn't want to come at her all guns blazing to get her fixed up; she's a person, not an object. What she wants matters too. In fact, it matters more than what he wants. ]
no subject
Ah.
The Mandarin is important. He needs to be stopped and whatever charades he has afoot need to come to an end. People are in danger. Lives are in danger. It's simply clear to her that Tony is only thinking about one life in that exact moment.
She moves.
A slow but purposeful movement. Her head tucks underneath his chin. Her hands squeeze his in order to gently wrap around his frame. A small fraction of her body weight leans into him. Enough so he can hold and prop her up at the same time. Protecting her.
Little Mermaid closes her eyes. ]
It's okay. I'm here. [ She smiles into his shoulder. ] We both made it out alive.
[ Maybe he doesn't need the reassurance she is alive and okay. She had injuries, but, she is alive. ]
no subject
Whoa, okay. That's- not new, but new to us. Kinda. [ He knows he's not making a lot of sense, but he's more rattled than he wants to admit. ] And surprisingly heavy on the trust factor. [ He's not really used to that, either, not from people in general. But he squeezes her back, just enough to let her know she's got him, no matter how much chaos is spinning outside their little sphere of... whatever this is. ]
We both made it out alive, huh? You're right. High-five for survival. Preferably without the blood, but hey, could be worse. But you had injuries, from the looks of you. I was half-expecting to find you in worse shape, and yeah, not gonna lie, I was worried. Not gonna lie. You're not exactly replaceable, not to me.
[ His tone shifts, sharp and serious for a few seconds. ] But here's the deal: the Mandarin? That guy? I don't think he's done, which means lives are still on the line. And me? I'm... well, believe it or not, I'm not exactly great at chilling while someone's still out there being a dick. So yeah, we made it, but it's not over yet. Though maybe it should be, for you. I mean, maybe you should stay right here, where it's... marginally safer.
[ Then he tilts his head slightly, teasing but warm. ] Just try not to get too comfortable leaning on me. I might get used to it and start expecting this level of loyalty everywhere I go, and... well, people aren't as great as you are, Ariel.
no subject
Now that she thinks about it? Having seen her be pushed down into the workshop by a missile must have been horrifying. Maybe he hasn't even processed it all because Tony is always going. ]
Of course it's trust. You asked me to marry you! [ Her head tucks down slightly more to afford him more of the ability to curl around her and shield her. ] It's just my side and fingers, I promise. I was able to dissolve the missle with my bubbles. The energy was dispersed over the ocean after Natasha and Clint found me.
I was worried that JARVIS couldn't activate my bubbles... and that you didn't land safely when the suit took off. [ She gently presses her forehead further into his shoulder for a moment. ] I didn't think you were dead, even though everyone else thought you were! I was worried you were too hurt...
I can help somehow! Even if it's just letting JARVIS order my bubbles. You don't have to do it alone! [ Ignoring, of course, how her fingers are so damaged she can barely make a bubble at the moment. She'll find a way to make it happen. ] I know you gave out the address, but, it was still our home he broke.
[ Little Mermaid doesn't take it lightly at all. It was a place where Tony could filter out the world and feel safe in--if only for a few hours at a time. The Mandarin took it away (even though Tony invited the trouble). She won't let that fact go nor will she simply let the damage she knows it's truly caused go unpaid. Tony may not see it. It may not register. She sees it and knows. ]
You don't need to expect it from anyone else! Even if it's just me? That's at least one person who will always have your back.
[ She closes her eyes and leans into his arms more. Settling there as if she's truly protected from the outside world. Someone that Iron Man can shield. ]
no subject
You dissolved a missile. Of course you did. Out there, fighting, and I— [ He knows it wasn't entirely his fault that he got pulled away from where he was needed, but... then again, wasn't it his fault? He programmed JARVIS to respond that way, after all. ]
That missile wasn't supposed to be anywhere near you. It wouldn't have been if I'd clocked it sooner, if I'd taken care of it. i should've been faster, accounted for that quicker. I should've...
[ He stops himself, biting back the guilt spiral trying to drag him under. He's shaking just a little. Only someone holding him this close would feel it.
When she says she didn't think he was dead, his breath catches again. ]
Yeah? Well, I thought you were.
[ It comes out small, raw, and he immediately presses his cheek against her head, like he's trying to hide the vulnerability that just slipped out. ]
You're the one thing I can't lose. And then that bastard took the only place you ever looked safe in and turned it into confetti, and it's my fault.
no subject
She moves quietly and slowly. Her knees pull up more against him, despite her side screaming in pain. It's okay. Tony is hurting more than she is right now. She can handle it. Now that she knows more of her is... well, her. She will be okay.
She doesn't point out that it technically wasn't fighting. The details that he was arguing with the woman from his past and couldn't have known the missles were coming and that he couldn't have suited up that quickly aren't important. He already knows that somewhere inside. Tony is a genius! He knows so many things even if he never comments on them.
Instead? Little Mermaid tucks her head lowers. Her hands slide down to rest around his waist. She leans into his hold entirely as they sit on the floor in the examination room. That way he can hold her as tightly and as close as he feels he needs to. An anchor when his world once again has spiraled out under him.
"You're the one thing I can't lose."
That's more telling to her than anything else. ]
No, he didn't. [ Her fingers press into the unfamiliar shirt on his frame. ] This is the place I've felt the safest. Right where I am right now... and that place came back to me.
[ Just like he said he always would. ]
no subject
Don’t say it like that, like it’s something you had to earn back. I was supposed to keep you safe. That’s... that’s kind of my whole thing. Big glowing reactor, billionaire brain, lots of explosions, very reassuring package. [ There’s a ghost of a joke there, but it kind of falls flat. ] And every time I screw it up, it feels like the world proves me right for being scared.
If this is where you feel safest, then I’ll stay right here as long as you need. Floor, walls, stupid workshop and all. I’m not going anywhere, and it's not going anywhere either. Well, it won't once we fix it up.
And if I gotta say it again, you’re the one thing I can’t lose. Not just "can't", but won't. No one's getting between us again, not if I have anything to say about it, so I’m gonna keep fighting like hell to make sure they don’t.
no subject
Her fingers press into his lower back in recongition of the joke that doesn't seem to have his usual humor.
She wonders how much of their home and the workshop is even left. ]
It can be any room. Just, here. [ She shifts in his arms to make her point. ] We'll see how much damage was done to our home once the Mandarin is stopped. I'll be better by then, so we can look.
[ After all, Tony will help fix her. He'll be able to understand what Abe did. Between him and JARVIS she'll be fine. ]
I'll fight too. [ A firm nod. ] If something happens again? I'll make sure to call your suit somehow... or call JARVIS. That way you know I'm okay. If you want, I'll make sure I have bubbles at the ready for JARVIS to command! If they didn't cause any problems for your suit...
[ Another tremor of pain spikes through her. She suppresses the sudden yelp that almost leaves her. Instead, she seems to lose the strength to hold herself up against him. All her weight in his arms. The last time that had happened? He carried her out of Stark Industries and down into his workshop for the first time.
She would apologize, but another tremor shoots through her.
A soft sound escapes her: ] Aoou...
no subject
Hey, I've got you. You’re not going anywhere.
[ He shifts just enough to keep her comfortable, trying to be careful of where she’s hurt. ] Yeah, any room works. You're right. You're basically always right. We’ll deal with the house later. Walls can be rebuilt. Labs can be replaced. You? You're not replaceable.
[ When she says she’ll fight too, his jaw tightens, not angrily or dismissively, just subtly protective in a way he never admits to in so many words. ] I know you will, and yeah, I know this is highly ironic given it's me, but you don't get hero points for pushing through and collapsing on me, okay?
[ At the mention of calling the suit or JARVIS, he nods once. ] Deal. Bubbles, beacons, flares, whatever it takes. I just want to know you're- [ He breaks off midsentence the second he realizes she's having a flare-up.
He quickly adjusts his position so he can hold her without aggravating anything more than it already is. ]
Okay, that's it, we're getting you somewhere you can lie down, got it? No arguments. No exceptions. And definitely no fighting, not right now. Maybe not for a long time.
no subject
[ Tony may never understand why she sees him as her prince. He doesn't need to be real royalty or even princely. He saved her and helped her find the strength to keep going. Especially when she couldn't find Cinderella or Abe. She still has someone that loves and needs her. She'll find a way to rewrite her ending, keeping her promise with squad, even if they are long gone.
She just hopes Tony doesn't mind being a part of that ending; being the main part of it.
A strained nod. No heroic points. Sending messages how she can to him that she's okay if something ever happens like this again. ]
O-okay.
[ Another aooou leaves her as she lets him direct her body. A trembling hands lifts and gestures to the examination table behind him, but, he may want to move her to the workshop. Or somewhere he will have his tools. ]
no subject
Hey, that wasn’t an order.
[ He adjusts his grip, guiding her without forcing her anywhere. He notices the gesture toward the table and doesn’t take it immediately, like he’s giving her time to change her mind if she needs to. ]
You don’t have to keep proving you’re fine, and you don’t have to prep me for worst-case scenarios. Oh, and speaking of other things you don't have to do, you definitely don’t have to downplay yourself just because it might make things easier for me. That's not how this works. It's not how I work; and besides, when have I ever wanted easy?
[ He adds: ] You being irreplaceable isn’t a bargaining chip. It’s a fact, one I’m not negotiating with the universe about.
[ He finally moves to the table to put her on it. ] No hero points today. Just us making sure you’re okay. That’s the only mission I’m running right now.
no subject
A strained laugh leaves her. Of course Tony wouldn't want anything but the truth. Even if it scares him! She doesn't want him to worry about more worse case scenarios than he already does. Especially with the Mandarin still at large. ]
I'll make sure to remind the universe. Promise. [ A weak nod as if to cement the idea. ] And it doesn't get to bargain with you either.
[ The familiar cold of the examination table hits her back and she shudders slightly. Part of her is surprised he didn't move them to the workshop. Maybe because thats for projects and she isn't a project to him. A blink and her amber eyes slide back to him. A strained smile shows on her face. ]
I would presume that the technology within Siren would be programable, as a nanomachines might be. Without further information or notes from the Goddess of Victory program, however, it is an educated guess at best, sir. As for flushing her systems, it may require her fingertips to be opened. Unless her body can reabsorb the liquid metal.