ᒪITTᒪE ᗰEᖇᗰᗩIᗪ " ѕιяєη " | σℓ∂ тαℓєѕ ѕqυα∂. (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
bubblesong) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
synthneon2025-08-04 12:54 am
bubblesong) wrote in synthneon2025-08-04 12:54 am
Entry tags:
🫧 mcu/nikke || ❝ there's so much on my mind i don't know where to start. ❞
Mr. Stark is currently still in the workshop and nearly complete with a replacement arc reactor. Should I tell him that you are on your way?
No, that's okay. It's fine... thank you, JARVIS.
[ Little Mermaid quietly walks through the hallway leading to the workshop within Avenger's Tower. Barefoot, just as she would if they still lived in Malibu. The Tower has become home... in that sense it's the place they live. It's not really home to her and never has been. What makes it anything close to "home" is that Tony is here.
And, that Peter Parker loves coming to the Tower and working on things with Tony.
Little Mermaid pauses and frowns. She looks down at her hands. She's not mad that Tony snapped at her. Yelled at her, pushed her away. She understands something happened, and it's something he doesn't want to talk about. Something he doesn't want to talk about with anyone. The arc reactor was damaged and she didn't have the chance to offer even helping fix it as he had already snapped at her and had gone straight to the workshop.
She told Peter that he did a good job. Everything he needed to do in Berlin he did exactly as he should have. He kept more or less out of danger, and came home safe. Those would be the things that mattered the most to Tony even if he would never really say it out loud. Then again, he hasn't said much to anyone since Berlin and since coming back "home" from... wherever it was that he found Steve.
With a slow exhale, Little Mermaid continues walking down the hall. She holds her hand up above the door, letting JARVIS properly identify her, then opens it. JARVIS doesn't announce her entrance. Not that he would need to, as Tony most likely already knows she is in the room. Her hand gently pushes the door shut behind her, making sure it makes no sound whatsoever. She isn't naive enough to think that Tony hasn't noticed, because he always notices when she walks into the workshop no matter how quiet she tries to be.
She looks over at the familiar robotic arms and gives them a small smile and a little wave. At least it means Tony had more than JARVIS to keep him company over the last day or so. That's good--it means he wasn't entirely alone. It also just highlights in her mind how much she relies on Tony's company. She's missed not seeing him for the last twenty four hours. Of course, she misses him just as much when he has to be Iron Man, or when he does press meetings with Pepper far away, or has to go on business trips. This feels different... because he feels farther away than when he's physically not there.
The extra chair that usually she (or Peter) occupies is near by. She quietly takes a seat in it, using the ball of her foot to move backwards just enough to give him the distance she feels he wants. He's pushed the press, his teammates, his friends away, but never her. It's uncharted waters; a new dynamic to their relationship. She doesn't want to enter his space entirely until he invites her back. Even if he tells her to leave? At least he will know that she is still there and doesn't plan on leaving no matter the harsh words or tone he's used with her. They've been through so much already. Why would she leave now?
Couples argue.
That's normal.
Isn't it?
Her amber eyes lift towards the overhead screens that show the details of the arc reactor. A tilt of her head. Is that a new design? Maybe she's just not as familiar with the inside of the arc reactor as she thought. The outside design is one thing of course. She is very familiar with that--intimately familiar.
Little Mermaid's shoulders sag slightly as she looks back across the workshop one more time. There are pieces of his newest suit, which tells her once again it needs repairs or an entire retrofit. She can see from where she is at that the chest piece took direct damage from a slash motion. Which is why he would of needed to repair the arc reactor. She glances down with a small frown before glancing back over at the suit. Near the suit, she can see a hint of a blue and red circle with... claw marks? Her eyes dart once more back to the famous hardware her fiancé wears into battle.
She feels her heart sink as she realizes what it is and what it means.
Her hands flex but she folds them together. No. She has to wait until Tony invites her into his space. He has to feel it's okay for her to be there. That it's okay for her to see him like this. This isn't being frustrated at his company, or business, or politics. This isn't a panic attack. This is something else she doesn't know very well about him. Another piece of the puzzle she's been constructing for a few years now. Something else to learn about him and his life before she entered it.
Uncharacteristically for her, she has remained silent since she entered the workshop. Not even her customary sounds have been heard. ]
No, that's okay. It's fine... thank you, JARVIS.
[ Little Mermaid quietly walks through the hallway leading to the workshop within Avenger's Tower. Barefoot, just as she would if they still lived in Malibu. The Tower has become home... in that sense it's the place they live. It's not really home to her and never has been. What makes it anything close to "home" is that Tony is here.
And, that Peter Parker loves coming to the Tower and working on things with Tony.
Little Mermaid pauses and frowns. She looks down at her hands. She's not mad that Tony snapped at her. Yelled at her, pushed her away. She understands something happened, and it's something he doesn't want to talk about. Something he doesn't want to talk about with anyone. The arc reactor was damaged and she didn't have the chance to offer even helping fix it as he had already snapped at her and had gone straight to the workshop.
She told Peter that he did a good job. Everything he needed to do in Berlin he did exactly as he should have. He kept more or less out of danger, and came home safe. Those would be the things that mattered the most to Tony even if he would never really say it out loud. Then again, he hasn't said much to anyone since Berlin and since coming back "home" from... wherever it was that he found Steve.
With a slow exhale, Little Mermaid continues walking down the hall. She holds her hand up above the door, letting JARVIS properly identify her, then opens it. JARVIS doesn't announce her entrance. Not that he would need to, as Tony most likely already knows she is in the room. Her hand gently pushes the door shut behind her, making sure it makes no sound whatsoever. She isn't naive enough to think that Tony hasn't noticed, because he always notices when she walks into the workshop no matter how quiet she tries to be.
She looks over at the familiar robotic arms and gives them a small smile and a little wave. At least it means Tony had more than JARVIS to keep him company over the last day or so. That's good--it means he wasn't entirely alone. It also just highlights in her mind how much she relies on Tony's company. She's missed not seeing him for the last twenty four hours. Of course, she misses him just as much when he has to be Iron Man, or when he does press meetings with Pepper far away, or has to go on business trips. This feels different... because he feels farther away than when he's physically not there.
The extra chair that usually she (or Peter) occupies is near by. She quietly takes a seat in it, using the ball of her foot to move backwards just enough to give him the distance she feels he wants. He's pushed the press, his teammates, his friends away, but never her. It's uncharted waters; a new dynamic to their relationship. She doesn't want to enter his space entirely until he invites her back. Even if he tells her to leave? At least he will know that she is still there and doesn't plan on leaving no matter the harsh words or tone he's used with her. They've been through so much already. Why would she leave now?
Couples argue.
That's normal.
Isn't it?
Her amber eyes lift towards the overhead screens that show the details of the arc reactor. A tilt of her head. Is that a new design? Maybe she's just not as familiar with the inside of the arc reactor as she thought. The outside design is one thing of course. She is very familiar with that--intimately familiar.
Little Mermaid's shoulders sag slightly as she looks back across the workshop one more time. There are pieces of his newest suit, which tells her once again it needs repairs or an entire retrofit. She can see from where she is at that the chest piece took direct damage from a slash motion. Which is why he would of needed to repair the arc reactor. She glances down with a small frown before glancing back over at the suit. Near the suit, she can see a hint of a blue and red circle with... claw marks? Her eyes dart once more back to the famous hardware her fiancé wears into battle.
She feels her heart sink as she realizes what it is and what it means.
Her hands flex but she folds them together. No. She has to wait until Tony invites her into his space. He has to feel it's okay for her to be there. That it's okay for her to see him like this. This isn't being frustrated at his company, or business, or politics. This isn't a panic attack. This is something else she doesn't know very well about him. Another piece of the puzzle she's been constructing for a few years now. Something else to learn about him and his life before she entered it.
Uncharacteristically for her, she has remained silent since she entered the workshop. Not even her customary sounds have been heard. ]
no subject
My apologies, Mr. Stark. Would you prefer I reallocate memory to suitable security upgrades for a potential new home? It would, of course, require the information on what sort of home you would be building.
[ Little Mermaid glances at the ceiling. It seems like everyone is doing their best to adjust to how Tony is at the moment. His hurts are more than surface level. At least now he is letting people in to some degree. JARVIS is Tony's oldest friend. She and him can work together to try and help Tony navigate all of what has happened. Once he falls asleep? She may even ask JARVIS to show her the footage from the suit.
"...the only one who's stayed."
Tony Stark is a multilayered puzzle and she has learned how to read when he says certain things. Just as he's learned to read her as well. He says certain things in certain ways that truly shows what he is thinking and feeling. Abandoned, she thinks. Maybe even betrayed. Trust extended and when it mattered most to him? Broken. That's her read on the situation with what information she has.
Something happened between Tony, the Winter Soldier, and Captain Rogers. She doesn't want to make him relive it... so she hopes if she asks JARVIS for the information that he won't be angry.
Her thumb gently brushes against his cheek in hopes of not aggravating the bruise underneath the eye. Maybe the hot tub will help after he sleeps for awhile?
The reason he can keep going at all... ]
You don't always need to say things for me to hear them, Tony. [ She knows he is aware of it. Sometimes though, he needs to hear what he already knows. ] But... I'm glad to be the one that helps keep you going... and that it's not someone else...
[ She hopes that's okay for her to admit. Territorial isn't the word that she would use to describe it. Tony has so many people he could pick from to be that special person to him. The fact he picked her--and let her be that person? It's something very precious in her mind.
Her hand moves from his cheek up into his hair. Her fingers start to comb through it, moving the strands and trying to ease him. They weave in and out of his hair, then back down. They brush the parts she's de-tangled from the gel down. She's glad he grew it out again because it makes it easier to do these sort of things. ]
You make so many amazing things for everyone. If I can make a hideaway, even if it's just a bubble mattress? I want to. Sometimes even Tony Stark needs things made for him.
no subject
JARVIS, reallocating memory to ‘suitable security upgrades’ sounds eerily like code for "World War 3 is on its way". Hopefully that doesn't happen, but... you know what? Yeah, look into security upgrades, if you don't mind. I'll whip up a more comprehensive plan later, but it's got to be somewhere by the water but it also needs a workshop and a swimming pool. [ In case the ocean's too choppy for a swim.
Sometimes Little Mermaid leaves him speechless, not knowing what to say or how to put what he's feeling into words. Right now is one of those times. He lets his head tip back into her hand and for a second he allows himself to be small and human and selfish. ]
You don't have to say things for me to hear them either, but I'm glad you do anyway. You're glad it's not someone else? [ He huffs out a quiet laugh. ] I don't know who else would put up with this whole hot mess thing I've got going on here.
Believe it or not, I'm actually really kind of fond of your bubble mattresses. They don't need to be fancy, they don't need a hundred bells and whistles. Who would've thought that a bed made of bubbles would be so great?
[ He chuckles, clearly amused by the irony of all this. ] Maybe there's something to be said for liking the simpler things in life. [ He could buy the fanciest, most expensive bed available, but here he is saying that all he needs and wants is a bubble mattress. ]
no subject
Seeing his destroyed hologram had been heartbreaking. While the Avengers focused on Tony and being angry? She could only see the horror Ultron had done to Tony's oldest friend. How no one could see that Tony was shaken and scared.
It's obvious they still don't see that. No matter how long they spent with him, or the missions, or the money. They don't see it.
Why? He doesn't hide it... he sends so many signals and no one sees but JARVIS and I...
Her hand moves with his head and her gaze returns to him. ]
It doesn't need to be by the ocean. [ Even if she would love to rebuild a home overlooking it like they had before. ] You could of picked anyone... and you picked me.
[ That old romantic in her swells at the idea of it not being so simple as "picking." If they were destined to be together. Stars aligning, strings or invisible forces tying them together. She knows Cinderella would have described the idea in magnificent ways. But... romantic notion are hardly realistic. Tony isn't the kind for fairytales. ]
They're warm! It makes it easier to relax on. I could make it as firm or soft as you want! Sometimes... I think you just need something to help you relax. [ Her fingers brush down his hair. Then, her hand moves to rest over the bubbles wrapping his arm. Does he want her to take it off now? ] I'll keep making them whenever you need them! Or, when you want them.
[ She glances down at the bubble mattress. Then, slowly and delicately, she lays down beside him again. The hand remains on his arm to see if she needs to remove the bubbles. Her head hesitantly rests in his shoulder. She'll move if it hurts too much. ]
Uhmm... oooh... what do you hear? The words I don't say.
no subject
You wanna know what I hear? [ He says while half-grinning to try and keep the tone light so he doesn't feel like he's spilling all of his guts to her. ] I hear your core humming like an orchestra that's slightly out of tune when you press in close.
I hear that hitch in your breath (kind of cute, by the way) when you're holding a hundred things together. I hear the stubborn little marching drums nobody else notices, the terrified bit that worries you'll get left behind and I hear the part that says "I'll build a bed out of bubbles if I have to" just to prove the world wrong somehow. That's you, loud and clear.
Oh, and you know what else? I hear promise. I hear sleep, when you let it. I hear me, stubborn and annoying, vowing to keep coming back. I hear "not alone." And I hear myself sounding like the world's corniest asshole, but at least this time, that's not wrong.
And yeah, I picked you, and I'd pick you again, a hundred times over. That pick is never getting rescinded, not for anything.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kon6GRfTHCE (le mood music)
He mentions her core and she shifts slightly into him, curling slightly as if to tilt her core away from him into the bubble mattress. There had been a time where she hardly thought of it, and even considered it to be something like his arc reactor. After the attack on the mansion, however, how she viewed it internally changed. How she views herself has changed. At one point the woman who was so ready to become something greater--to become a Goddess of Victory--thought trading her humanity would be a worthy sacrifice. Now, Ariel, wishes more of her humanity was in tact. If she had never become a NIKKE she never would have met the person she considers the love of her life. She and Tony wouldn't have been able to bond over the similarities that keep them alive. It's...
She supposes once the conditioning of how she saw herself broke, it never repaired. Just as how Tony was never the same after he learned how his company had been run and what the weapons he made did to people across the world. ]
You're not corny. [ Her tone shifts into the one that usually accompanies the look that shows her true age. ] Talking from your heart... how you feel when it's the two of us? There's nothing corny or horrible about that.
[ If anything? She is the silly dreamy romantic of the two of them. The one dreaming of a prince to save her if her friends couldn't find her. The one who wants to believe that they truly are each other's magnets, and not just in the nice verbal sentimental way. She wants to believe so badly that they would have found each other no matter what... because the alternative would mean the two of the would have gone through their pain and loneliness for no other reason than the world is a cruel place.
Her hand curls against his arc reactor as he has planted his hand atop hers to make she is grounded beside him. She blinks once or twice, gaze not quite meeting up to his in the barely lit workshop of the Avengers Tower. Should she say it? He has no problem with her sharing the emotions that always flow out of her as if she was made of water or truly a mermaid. He asks in his own little ways how she feels if he hasn't figured it out on his own.
But, this... would it be too much? Would he think it too silly, too naive, too fairytale of her? He had asked her years ago on his birthday if she had a prince. He has made passing jokes and comments about royalty and princesses because of her name. Never to be mean. Even when he snapped at her when he came back the day before? It wasn't to be mean or cruel at her. She simply pressed when she shouldn't have. He needed space and time and she acted too quickly.
She tilts her head down to hide her face with her bangs at the angle she's at. Turned into him so that her core tilts away from him. Trying to hide those things in fear he might somehow, even now, reject them. They have known each other for five years now. He would have a long time ago, she knows that. He knows how her body works on a mechanical level thanks to the missile. He knows these things, and she knows he knows, but some human part of her is still afraid he might find her too... naive. Childish. Not grown up enough to deserve the title of 'Mrs. Stark' one day. She's just silly stupidly too good Little Mermaid after all. ]
I... [ she pauses to try and control the emotions that suddenly flow into her voice. A mild sound of frustration and embarrassment at herself. ] I don't think... I picked you... I ... I think I was always waiting for you. E-even if there was a crowded room filled with famous people? Scientists a-and builders... you'd be the only person I'd see. The only person who could be my prince... because there's no one else who is my prince.
[ Little Mermaid gently nudges her cheek into his shoulder to brush her tears away. She does so carefully, as to not aggravate the numerous injuries he has from Captain Rogers and the Winter Soldier. ]
I'm sorry. You should get some sleep. It'll help with your wounds. [ Her weight purposely sinks into the mattress before can even insist she stays with him. ] I'll be here if you need me.
no subject
Hey, look at me for a second. [ His voice sounds rough, as if he's strained his voice somehow; maybe he did some yelling when he thought no one was looking, or maybe he just talked to an empty space long enough venting all his frustrations to the point that he made himself sound like he has laryngitis. ]
Maybe you didn't pick me; maybe you weren't like the groupie type looking for their idea of their Mr. Right. You're definitely not some starry-eyed kid looking up at a poster of their favorite superhero. But you know what you are? You're solid. Consistent. You've been here. You've stayed, even when the room got really crowded and really ugly. Honestly, I'd ask you where you learned your patience from, 'cause I wish that I had half of what you have.
[ He pauses for a moment to give his voice a break. ] And for the record? Prince? Never been one. Not even close. Just a guy with some tools, some scars, and a bad habit of pushing people away. If I'm your prince, it's because you let me be that. That's it.
[ He shifts slightly, testing how much he can move and trying to find a spot that doesn't hurt when he draws her a little closer. ] Tell you what. We give the mattress a break before we wear an us-shaped dent into it. There's a hot tub three doors down. Jets, steam, no one to barge in on us. Might even get the old arm to behave and make you feel better too. [ He pauses for a second, tilting his head to one side before he asks: ] Come with me? We can keep talking there. Or not. We can just sit there and not talk.
no subject
Together.
He brushes his thumb against the back of her hand. His forehead to hers. Little motions that they use to ground one another. Connect to each other when things are spiraling out. Amber eyes open and immediately lock onto his as he requests.
A smile tugs on the corner of her lips. She is a little starry-eyed when she looks at him. More than that, of course, but it is one of the many emotions she has to him. He didn't just save the NIKKE, but the woman he named Ariel. He may never see himself as heroic for that. It's okay. They don't need to agree on little things. Just the big ones.
Little Mermaid curls her fingers gently around the new arc reactor. Holding it gently as if she's holding onto his heart while his thumb moves along the back of her hand.
"Remember, Siren. You need to keep your hair shining. It needs to be as beautiful. Let your inner beauty look come through it. You never know when your prince will walk into the room and see you for the first time! You need to let that beauty be radiant!"
Tony may not agree. He may not see it as he was going to be her prince. That's another thing they can disagree on. She can believe the one to believe that they're destined to find one another and be together. Even if it makes her too childish and too naive to be seen as 'Mrs. Stark.' ]
I'll hold your hand when you reached out. Even if you don't physically hold it out. I promised. [ She tilts her head just enough to rest her forehead against his. Just enough for contact. Not more weight pressed to his injuries or his concussion. ] A promise is real. It means more than a contract. It's us.
[ She quickly glances down at his side when he suggests moving. The look in her eyes asks if he can move. The concussion is one thing, but the various amounts of injuries from Captain Rogers and Barnes is another. How he phrases it says he has already made up his mind that he wants to move to the hot tub and wants her to join. ]
Okay. [ A nod. ] After the hot tub? We'll try to move to our room... and I'll bring the bubble mattress upstairs. JARVIS?
I'll make certain the lab remains under complete lockdown, Siren. All calls will remain rerouted.
Thank you.
[ Little Mermaid slowly pulls away from Tony in order to stand up beside the mattress. Her hands extend to him, offering to ease him into standing. Her arm remains around him to help support his weight. The other directs the mattress to collapse back into a bubble and float along beside her. ]
My swimming suit is in our room though...
no subject
You know, you've been holding my hand a hell of a lot longer than today. You might be the only one in the room who still wants to, so congratulations, you win the lifetime achievement award. Perks include... well, me, mostly, but also 24/7 access to a hot tub and swimming pool.
[ He shifts, testing his range of motion and when it becomes obvious that said range is barely anything at all, he does his best to mask the wince behind a lopsided smirk. ] You know what they call a hot tub? 100% medically necessary. [ He nods a few times as if to emphasize his point. ] And you know what else is medically necessary? Not sitting in it alone. You know, I read in a medical journal that hot tubs are 87% more effective with company, and you're company. Also, part of that is you in a swimsuit, and I guess I should probably get some swim trunks too. [ Never mind that changing into said swim trunks sounds like it'd be a headache, but what's a headache when already dealing with a whole host of bruises?
He draws a careful breath and braces against her arm as she helps him stand. ] I'm totally fine, you know. Absolutely not a walking X‑ray of bad decisions and bruised ribs. Yep. Just your average billionaire disaster after a bad field trip.
So, stairs first, right?
no subject
A brief nod to show she understands the unsaid things. ]
You haven't been this injured before. [ Her eyes open and she locks her gaze with his. ] New York, Tennessee... Sokovia? You never came back this badly hurt. I think you need your hand held more.
[ Especially when so many of the Avengers left.
A smile. ] I agreed to marry you, Tony. I already signed for you for a lifetime.
[ A gentle press of her forehead against his to make the statement final. He's stuck with her.
She giggles just a bit. 87%? She feels he is making up things now. Tony has found his stride of humor again. That's good. ]
Huh huh, very normal. [ Another nod along with his banter as they begin to move.
One foot in front of the other. Out of the workshop. Down the hall. Into the part of the gym that has the hot tub and pool attached. Then, she eases him down onto the bench besides the hot tub. ]
Uhm, the bathing suit and shorts are up in our room... I can go get them real quick. Will you be okay here for a minute? [ Little Mermaid has the bubble settle down beside him. Tony hates being handed things. ] I'll leave this here until I get back.
no subject
Gee, point out the obvious, huh? I was trying to go for subtle, because no one likes a whiny, dramatic patient. [ Not that he's a patient, but he figured she wouldn't like it much if he actually let how badly banged up he is show. Or maybe that's just his own thoughts on the subject talking. Vulnerability and Tony don't go hand in hand, after all.
Her comment about hand-holding earns a tilted head and a small smirk. ] Only if it's you doing the handholding. I don't let just anyone do that, you know. [ He wouldn't admit it out loud, but he finds himself thinking to himself that the world's becoming a lot emptier than he thought it was, and well, his suits aren't enough to fill in the gaps. Not that he'd ever admit out loud that he misses Steve or anything like that, but when they managed to at least cooperate, he wasn't half bad to have around. If they could look past their disagreements, that is. It seems as though they both found the dealbreaker. ]
It's not too late, you know. I don't often write in clauses for an exit, but- [ He lets the silence say what he hasn't put into words. Maybe someday the shoe will drop and she'll leave. But instead, he asks: ] But did you read the warning label, though? "Contains sarcasm, mild self‑destruction, and occasional explosions. No refunds, no exchanges, and definitely no extended warranty."
[ But then he glances down at the bubble settling in beside him, and with the barest hint of a protective note in his voice, he adds: ] Don't think you have to dash off because of me. Take your time, grab the suit or whatever you need. I'll be right here when you get back, bubble queen. I'll do my best to not look so much like roadkill when you come back.
no subject
A really bad brawl.
She kneels down in front of him, her hands gently resting on his thighs. The Accords are a complicated affair that they will tackle after Tony has rested and is more healed from his injuries. She doesn't agree with everything in them, but the core idea of it is one she can understand. That wouldn't be a reason even on her radar for her to leave him. Not that she plans to ever leave his side. Not unless one of them meets their end. They aren't officially and legally married yet. That doesn't stop the 'until death do we part' sentiment being one she already believes in. One she truly has believed in on some level after they became friends. ]
Tony. [ She gives him a gentle but understanding smile. ] I said 'yes' in so many words. Even when you asked if that included the suits and the hot mess. That hasn't changed. It won't change. [ A hand raises and her fingertips gently rest on the cheek sprouting the bruise around his eye. ] So...
Yes. All of it.
[ The smile turns fond. Bubble Queen. Hehe. She thinks its cute.
Little Mermaid moves her weight forward. A kiss is gently placed on his lips before she stands. ] I'll hurry so you don't have to wait long. I don't want to make the 87% success rate of sharing a hot tub go down to 86%. The bubble can watch over you while I'm gone! Just tell it what it should turn into, and it will.
[ She then quickly leaves the recreational area. Absurdly quick even for her. Fingers pressing into the elevator, then the floor number, then moving to their quarters. She passes a few members of staff and barely acknowledges them and hardly answers their questions about Tony. The look on her face should say enough after all. Tony Stark doesn't want to be disturbed and he hasn't figured out how they should move forward now.
She grabs her suit (that she is fairly sure Tony rather likes more than he says), his shorts, and two towels. A change of clothes, because Tony has certainly bled all over the ones he is in currently. Then, she is back to the elevator, down the hall, and opening the door to the recreational room with the fabrics bundled in her arms.
A few steps as the door shuts and locks. The glass tints before she even has to ask JARVIS about it. She stops in front of Tony and smiles triumphantly. ]
Do we want to change here or...?
no subject
Well, that's not ominous at all. Add in some tense horror theme music and it'd be the entire slasher movie package. [ It's probably a reference Mermaid won't get, but he'll explain it if she asks. ]
Hey, would you look at that: express delivery. Amazon's got nothing on you. You even beat their one-day shipping policy. But hey, you really didn't have to sprint like that. I'm not going anywhere. Closest I'm getting to moving right now is blinking.
[ But then he grins widely at her, hoping the expression doesn't look too weird with the bruising and everything else he's got going on. ]
At least now we can pretend we're taking doctor’s orders: soak in hot water, avoid catastrophic thoughts. Pretty sure that's medical science. And since you asked, changing here's fine by me. Privacy field's up, bubble's standing guard, and JARVIS will pretend to avert his sensors like a gentleman. Right, buddy?
Of course, sir.
[ Tony's grin widens and he tips a wink at Mermaid. ] See? Nothing at all to worry about here. But you might wanna turn around though; wouldn't want to scandalize the bubble, or you, but mostly the bubble.
no subject
A certain look is given to Tony at his quip. She knows he is joking. However, she wants him to feel safe and cared for. Most would say they are already married, regardless if they have the legal binding contract or not. ]
It isn't that you would be going anywhere. You've been in pain since you got back... and had to fix the arc reactor. You need to rest now. I shouldn't take my time when you're hurting. [ She pauses. ] I know you needed time to yourself to work through things; that you needed time to let me back in so you didn't lash out again. I don't want you to wait in pain any longer than you need to... that's all.
[ She smiles back at him. Far from a grin, and instead, the sweet and loving smile she gives him in the moments he needs tenderness.
With a tad of a teasing look in her eyes, Little Mermaid turns so her back is facing him. Her arms reach up and pull off the shirt she wears. Then, she takes off the leggings. She half-turns to him with the same smile on her face. ]
Uhmm, did you want to help or should I keep going? I can help you too!
[ It's more than just a gentle sensual tease. It's also a test to see how his range of motion is. How much he wants to move. If he would rather she simply help him get ready. ]
no subject
He'd never admit it, but the words he'd use to fill up the space have basically run out. He's coming up dry, and he doesn't know what to do about it. ]
Damn, you really know how to make a guy feel like the biggest screw-up ever, while somehow making said guy feel like the most special guy on earth. Look, I screwed up by snapping at you. Sorry. I know sorry doesn't mean a damn thing, but I mean it. You'd think by now I'd learn, but I always do the same thing. Get mad, let it all bottle up, lash out- maybe I am like my dad. Did he do that kind of thing? I don't know, maybe. I got it from somewhere, didn't I?
How should I make it up to you? Fancy steak dinner in a three star Michelin restaurant? I can do that. Design you the most powerful, most capable armor ever? I can do that too.
[ He watches her as she turns around and begins undressing. He's not leering or being disgusting, just watching her without really thinking about anything in particular. Maybe that's one of the hallmarks of knowing something's wrong: when his mind is just blank or going bzzzt. ]
Do I want to help? You bet I do. [ He manages to inject some of his usual swagger in the words and he steps closer to her. Her shirt is already off, but he brushes one hand against her shoulder and debates for just a second about leaning his head against her shoulder. ]
no subject
[ Her intention hadn't been to make him feel worse. She looks down slightly before nodding to herself and raising her head. Tony is working through everything and she knows it. It doesn't hurt and he hasn't been mean to her. He's simply voicing what is on his mind. She isn't upset.
He leans his head against her shoulder. Little Mermaid pauses and turns her head slightly. She waits a moment, letting him rest. Then, she turns. Her arms come up around him and she holds him. Not tightly, not pressing him to her to aggrivate his injuries. Just simply holding him and letting him have the moment of rest he needs. ]
You can make it up to me by getting better! [ A knowing smile touches her face. ] But, I know that won't be enough for you! So, once you're better? We can go out for a date. Wherever you want to go. Even if we have to travel for it!
[ Tony doesn't show his love and affection for people like others would assume. It's by making them things, sometimes even spoiling them in his own ways. So, she thinks it best for him to decide what is enough in his own measure. Him letting her in again and accepting her help has been more than enough to make up for how he reacted. Even though she doesn't hold it against him. ]
We still need to design the suit you wanted to make me. [ A gentle brush of her hand through his hair. ] But, that can wait. We need to get you and Rhodey better first... and designing our own home! Once all that is started? We can make the suit.
[ And she will need to keep in touch with Peter to make sure he is doing okay. ]
no subject
[ She holds onto him, and he feels something inside himself almost recoil, but he pushes that feeling away. Out loud, he says: ] I'm fine. I'll be fine. [ He knows that's not what she means, but he's never been good at being anything but fine. ] But yeah, a date. We'll make it a really fancy one. Really special.
[ His mind is already thinking about what they could do on that date, because it's something else to think about, something not related to any of the crap that's going on. Was going on. Whatever. ]
The suit. Yeah, that's something I want to do. [ He's about to ask JARVIS to pull up the rough schematics he started working on when she says it can wait, and he feels himself hesitate. He wants something to do, something to work on that will distract him, but something tells him she won't let him go headlong into inventing mode. ]
But you probably want to do something else, don't you? [ It's not said in an accusatory way; he's just asking a question, or making a statement, because he's kind of in a headspace of just going along with things. If she says there's something she wants to do, he's not going to turn her down. ]
no subject
I guess I have to say it out loud after all. ]
I forgive you, Tony.
[ Sometimes both of them just have to verbalize the things they notice. ]
I want you to rest. I know you're fine. But, you can barely move. You have a concussion. You have to rest for a little bit. Okay? Then, we can go out on our date. We can plan the new house on the date! When it's done? The first thing we can build in the new workshop will be my suit. [ She smiles brightly at him. ] So, let me help you get ready and into the hot tub. I'll sit beside it and we can talk about whatever you want to talk about.
[ She feels as if being in her underwear is most likely as far as he wants her to go right now. Maybe she's wrong. She brought the bathing suit, but, she isn't going to push far into any direction. He can set the pace and direction. ]
no subject
She rests her hand on the side of his face, and he figures she can probably feel all the tension there. He'd push it away but he can't help but be tense right now. He always said he was great at compartmentalizing, or maybe he just thought he was, but right now, there's so much crap going on that even he can't box all this stuff up into neat little squares and throw it over a cliff.
She forgives him, and somehow... somehow, that makes it worse. He can't explain how or why, but he just has this terrible feeling inside, a feeling of just wanting to scream at something, to punch something, to do anything that would distract him from this feeling he doesn't know how to handle.
But punching and screaming wouldn't be the right thing to do, not now when she's trying to help. When she's suggesting things that they can do that are normal, things they can do together. She says she'll sit beside the hot tub and he just shakes his his head. The hot tub feels like a pointless idea, but he knows she'd say otherwise. So, if he has to sit in it, he wants her in it with him.
Maybe she won't pick up on that, but he's not getting in there by himself. ]
no subject
Little Mermaid frowns. Usually she is so good at reading Tony; deducing what he needs and what he is saying without him needing to use the exact words. Not this time it seems.
Usually the direct approach helps release the invisible valve that Tony keeps on his emotions--the ones he doesn't let people see. It seems all it does this time is tighten everything inside him.
Maybe talking isn't the right thing to do now.
She gently brushes her fingers along his cheek and places a soft kiss to his forehead.
Okay.
Little Mermaid makes certain he is alright to stand on his own, then quickly changes into her bathing suit. She helps him with his shirt, pants, and getting into his swim trunks. Then, she steps first into the hot tub. Her hands extend to help him into it, offering to shoulder his weight and balance given the injuries she can see.
Once he is settled in the hot tub, she stands in front of him. One hand gently rests on the side of his face again. She can see the damage to the casing that holds the arc reactor, as well as the bruises and cuts that have built up from whatever happened when he left to find Captain Rogers. Her frown settles deeper but she remains quiet.
The comfort she wants to give is a silent offer. Asking him if it's okay. Does he want her to hold him, or play with his hair? Would he rather just sit there and close his eyes and have her next to him? She isn't sure what is best for him right now. What he wants her to do.
She'll do whatever it is!
She just doesn't want to make him feel worse again. ]
no subject
Hey, you didn’t make anything worse. That dubious honor should go to me. It does go to me, actually.
[ He finally looks at her then, actually looking tired for about five seconds before he shoves that look away and covers it up with his usual too easy, to practiced smile. He knows she'll know it's not the one he gives her, because it's not genuine. It's rehearsed, it's something he does out of habit. But it's about all he can manage right now.
He doesn't really do very much as she changes into her bathing suit, and then helps with getting his swim trunks on. It should feel wrong, almost embarrassing, but somehow, it doesn't. It's not usual, but it's not embarrassing, and he really doesn't mind it. What does embarrass him slightly is how she has to help get him into the hot tub. He doesn't like needing help, and he doesn't like even thinking about getting old, but right now, he feels old, and worse, he knows he'd probably trip or faceplant if he had to do this himself.
But either way, he ends up in the hot tub thanks to her help, and once he's in it, he can't really stop the sigh that escapes him. It feels good being in the hot tub, and it feels good having her there with him.
She makes a wordless offer about what to do next, and while his answer would be something along the lines of "all of the above", there's one thing in particular that he wants, even though he doesn't really know why.
He reaches for her free hand, not gripping it tightly or uncomfortably, but just enough so that he can halfway raise it in a gesture that's meant to be him asking her to play with his hair. It feels ridiculous, and it probably is a ridiculous thing to want, but- well, he can be ridiculous sometimes.
Maybe part of him feels like he's earned the right to be a little ridiculous right now. And it's not until a minute or so later that he realizes he's mirroring her own silent communication with his, because apparently neither of them need words to actually say what they mean. ]
no subject
Still... it usually feels like it helps more.
Maybe this is just something that will take a long time to heal. If it ever does.
Her head tilts at his usual Tony Stark smile. She returns it with her own again, noting the more tired expression he had given her. Tony always signals how he feels in different ways from most people. Sarcastic self deprecating comments versus truly saying how he feels. Comments that can be flippant and maybe even hurtful to the party listening to it. That's just how he is. People who know him will understand most the time what he is really doing or saying, but, she has realized there is a limit on that from others.
She isn't vain enough to say she is the only one who can really notice him... but it seems that way sometimes. Especially now.
The comments made about the young man whose mother abused them at MTI, the jokes about his shoulder. The flippant remarks about Captain Rogers and his father. Little Mermaid has been watching them stack up, up and up. No one else noticed but her. Not even Natasha, who in the end, flipped as well.
She has to wonder if all Tony really has is her... despite his best efforts.
Her arms raise and gently guides him to rest against her bosum. Then, following his wordless request, she gently begins brushing her fingers through his hair. The gel easily comes apart thanks to the warmth of the hot tub. She can tell how he has already relaxed. Usually she would make a joking remark about how they were both right that the hot tub would help... but now doesn't seem to be the time to make any jokes.
They'll talk about the Avengers and the Accords once he has slept. Rhodey should be out of surgery by then. Not that she is entirely certain what happened in Berlin, and Peter could only relay what happened at the airport.
They have never really needed words to communicate. She learned a long time ago that Tony communicates what he really feels without words. ]
If you need to fall asleep for a little bit? It's okay. I'll be right here.
no subject
Yeah, that actually sounds pretty great. You know I’m not very good at the whole "rest" thing. It's driven everyone I've ever met nuts.
Brain tends to keep running diagnostics, worst‑case scenarios, reruns on repeat that I didn’t ask for.
[ He glances at her sideways. ] So I don't know how you're so good at shortcircuiting that.
And just so we’re clear, in case the thought entered your mind, you didn’t make anything worse. You never do, okay?
[ And maybe he won't actually fall asleep here in the hot tub, but if nothing else, he can just drift a bit and doze for awhile. ]
no subject
Instead, her head tilts forward. She doesn't kiss the top his head as her hand still works through his hair. Even once he's relaxed as much as he ever does? She continues the motion.
"You never do."
Her eyes close.
There's only one thing she can think to answer the question of how she can relax him. Maybe she took the idea too literally... maybe he will think she's just a silly girl who believes in fairytales... ]
I'm your magnet.