After five minutes, I finally entered the garage. Jim's arm was still frozen, and Aida was hunched over some chemicals. "Where've you been?" Tony asked, "not stealing my stuff again, right?" I forced a smile, trying to push away the thoughts of the conversation I had just heard. Trying not to look at Aida, I walked forward. "Just stopped at the bathroom," I managed, taking a seat next to Jim.

He gave me a strange look, then took my hand. "You okay?" He asked, and I stiffened, squeezing his hand. "Of course I am, jimboree," I said. Tony chuckled at my choice of words, but Jim gave me wide eyes and a small nod. It was our secret code. I never call Jim, jimboree, that's ridiculous. Instead, it means that I'm not okay, and we need to talk later. 

"You guys can flirt later, kinda in the middle of something," Aida chuckled, obviously joking. Except due to recent circumstances, I took it a different way. "Really? Usually it doesn't bother you and Jay," I spat without thinking. She looked up from her work, a flash of pain passed across her face. I inwardly faced palmed, "sorry no I- I'm just stressed," I sputtered.

She added a yellow liquid to a blue solution, causing it to turn blood red. "Done," she announced, walking over with the tube. "So do I?..." He made a drinking gesture. Aida began to snigger, "oh god no! Do you like the idea of melting your organs?" She exclaimed. Jim gave me a distressed mien, causing me to almost laugh out loud. "Got a paintbrush, Tony?" She asked, swirling the tube.

"On it," he called back, rummaging through a drawer. He pulled up a soft, bristled brush. "Heads up!" He shouted, tossing it over to Aida. She caught it with one hand, then proceeded to kneel in front of Jim. "We've gotta for this fast," she explained, hovering the brush above the tube, "3, 2, go,"

A horrifying sizzling commenced as soon as the brush touched the liquid the color of flame. She began to coat his arm in the substance, the ice turning crimson. It melted off his arm in globs, disintegrating before it touched the floor. "I've never seen technology like this before... JARVIS run origin scanners please," Tony asked, placing the cuff onto a scanner.

"I seem to have found the scientists responsible for creating the technology," JARVIS answered, pulling up a file on the holographic table. "Leopold Fitz, and Jemma Simmons," Tony muttered, quick reading their information. "Impressive... Do you know them?" Tony asked. Jim glanced up, "yeah, I do actually," Tony shrugged, "they look like nice kids..."

"They are," Jim said, startling me, "they were the ones that befriended me," Tony paused, "they became your friends?" Jim rolled his eyes, "do I need to say it again?"

Tony snatched the broken cuff, and placed it on a different table. "We need to work fast, now," he ordered, tinkering on the second one. "What do you want me to do?" I gasped in surprise. "If it makes that noise before it ices him, smash it off," he explained, twisting a screwdriver. Suddenly, the panels opened like doorways to freedom, and the constricting bands slipped off with no problem. Tony set it next to the other one.

"I got it now," he grunted, getting the third one on Jim's ankle. He got both off in ten minutes. As soon as the last one had released, Jim sprung in the air, stretching his arms across the rooms and slingshotting to the other side. I felt tears of joy prick my eyes like needles, as I laughed at the old Jim finally returning.

His arms reached towards me a few feet, bringing me into an embrace. I laughed into his shoulder, just as Tony cleared his throat. "Sorry lovebirds, but you can do that later. We have a situation," he explained, tapping a few buttons. We jogged over next to Aida, trying to peer over Tony's shoulder. "What's the matter?" Jim asked, giving his previous restraints a nasty glare. "It seems that the cuffs have an embedded tracker, yet it hasn't gone off yet," Tony shrugged, scratching the back of his head.

Jim muttered something under his breath, groaning. "See those red dots?" Jim questioned, stepping forward and pointing to a small section of the cuff. "Put it inward, connecting," he directed, letting Tony arrange them. A small blue light in the middle began to glow, suddenly projecting a holo video in the air.

Fitz and Simmons appeared through the air, smiling. "Hello there..." Simmons started, not sure what to say. "If you're watching this, congratulations! We knew you could do it," Fitz smiled, glancing at Simmons. "Basically, it means you've gotten the cuffs off, and that means you've escaped," she said, looking around the room. "We would definitely appreciate if you didn't say we've contacted you, I'd prefer not to go to prison," Fitz explained.

"By our orders, we are supposed to put a tracker. Now, since you've unlocked this message, the tracker will not be deployed," Simmons said, "because that would be-"

"-a mess," Fitz finished for her. "We've got to go now... Off to Peru," Simmons smiled. "Yeah, classified stuff. We're in that now," Fitz said, reaching forward as if to end the video. "Oh and by the way!" He continued, "might want to stay back when this finishes. It's gonna self destruct," he finished shrugging a little.

"Fitz wait! One more thing," Simmons shouted, having Fitz sit back down. "All that stuff that you said about Emily, of course she'll forgive you. You're a great guy Jim," Simmons said sympathetically. "If you guys are as close as you say your are, you'll work it out," Fitz finished, winking.

I blushed, glancing at Jim to see him do the same. We both met each others eyes, and quickly looked away just as the video ended. I looked at the floor awkwardly, just as someone called my name. "Emily, the self destruct!"

Just as the cuffs exploded, someone barreled into me, pushing me to the ground. Rolling away from the explosion, I ended up leaning half on the person. Groaning, I shifted off of them. "Jesus Christ..." The moaned. Looking over to my side, I see Tony, getting up. "Thanks," I sighed, rubbing my head. "No problem, but I would appreciate if you didn't daydream around bombs," he said sarcastically, pulling me off the ground.

"Alright Stretch, feeling better?" Tony said, turning to Jim. "What?" Jim said, squinting at Tony. "Well, you're gonna be apart of this aren't you? The Redeemers? I've got your costume all set out, and even got a name for yah," Tony beamed, which in turn made Jim look slightly more fearful. He gave me a 'help' look, before turning on his heels and heading towards the elevator. "We will talk about this when I've had some sleep," he groaned, leaning dramatically against the elevator wall.

As soon as the doors shut, I turned like a top towards Tony. "When were you planning on telling us this?" I hissed, furrowing my brow in disapproval. Aida raised her eyebrows, not glancing up from her sudden inspection of her fingernails. "Tony, I'm serious. That was uncalled for," she agreed. "You guys are a team now," he shrugged. "You mean we're going to keep doing this?" I asked, gesturing in the air.

"You thought we were only going to rescue Jim?" Tony scoffed, "I know no ones going to bring it up anytime soon... But what was that cold spot person?"

Aida raised an eyebrow towards me, "I think-"

"Sir, there are people at the door," JARVIS interrupted. Tony opened up a video to a group of people outside, angry people. "Oh shit,"Aida muttered, giving me a distressed look, "our parents,"

*****
Why am I awake at three in the morning, clutching onto a coffee cup for dear life?

Because my genius friends didn't answer their god damn phones.

We had seven angry parents outside the door, about ready to bust it down. Tony was able to calm them down enough to offer food, while my friends sat huddled together in fear. I looked over our guests, trying to estimate how big the explosion would be.

Ms. Rodriguez had her arms crossed defiantly, she was staring dead on at Jay, while he pretended to be interested on a piece of artwork. His dad, Mr. Rodriguez, seemed more relaxed. He had a single eyebrow raised, and was glancing around the room in awe. Jay looked almost exactly like his father. My evaluation from 1-10 on anger explosions? Mr. Rodriguez was about a 6, while the Mrs, a 10.

Mr. And mrs. Collins were desperately clasping hands. Ms. Collins short, above the shoulder blonde hair bobbed as she moved. Her husbands curly jet black hair contrasted hers, yet both had striking green eyes, which gazed worriedly towards Ben , in obvious thought. How could their quiet, do-good, normal son get mixed up in all this? I'd say both of them about a 5.

Ms. Gerald had a tan complexion, her wavy brown hair in a half ponytail. Her bottom jaw was slightly jutted out, her eyes narrowed at Aida. They suddenly flicked towards me, so I looked towards her husband. He had a hand placed on her shoulder, tired eyes giving a concerned, side glance. Smiling crinkles creased at his eyes, but exhaustion seemed to turn them down a little. Ms. Gerald about an 8-9, her husband maybe a 7-8.

Mr. Madison had his elbows propped up on his knees, hands shakily clasped together. I felt guilt bubble up inside like a slow boil, and looked away. I already knew he was having a lot of trouble being a single dad, Lea's mom had passed away 5 years ago. He was an art teacher, his shirt slightly covered in paint blots. He should be sleeping now, having to get up at 5:00 in the morning to then deal with ruthless high school students... I rate him a 7.

We waited for Tony in the penthouse floor, the anxiety palpable in the air. I tried to shrink into a small ball, but realized I better stop thing hard enough because I had started to turn into a mouse. I shifted uncomfortably from my wedged position between Jay and Jim.

"Sorry for the wait," Tony said, barging in, "had to harvest a fossil," he joked, pointing to a trailing Steve. Steve sighed, "I'm sorry, maybe we can clear up exactly what's going on?"

They looked up at him in awe, and heard a few mumble some unintelligible words, among "oh my lord it's Captain America,"

"Last time I checked, my daughter and her friends, we're sleeping over his house," Ms. Gerald hissed, jabbing a finger at Jay. He gulped, tapping his foot aimlessly. "And you," Ms. Rodriguez snarled, "were supposed to pick up your phone,"

He gave them a nervous smile, while Jim, Lea and I glared at him. *the picture is this scene by the way. Hope you like it! A/N over* "her eyes just changed," Mr. Rodriguez commented, "they're reddish purple now," he finished. "I think we can all determine that Emily was that girl on the news," Ms. Collins said calmly. "The one with the powers," her husband continued, as if it weren't clear.

The parent gang began to mumble, and I sank lower into my chair, hoping that maybe my morphing powers could adapt to a seat cushion. Mr. Gerald cleared his throat, "now let's not get ahead of ourselves," he raised his voice, silencing the chorus of voices, "I think we've deduced that Emily has powers. And I think I'm safe to assume, Jim is in the same boat as her," he paused, in which Jim bit his lip and gave me a look, "but... We know these kids. Both of them have been to our houses more than once. They're sweet and caring and obviously, they're here for a reason," he continued, smiling at me, "after, all- Tony Stark doesn't let any kids just hang out in his house," He concluded, looking up at Tony.

Tony smiled, "you're right! I don't let any ordinary, messy, clumsy teens play in my high tech tower," he said, leaning on his knees. "I'm going to tell you something every parent already tells their child," he paused, looking everyone in the eye. "Your kids are special,"

The parents furrowed their brows in confusion. "What?" Ms. Gerald choked out. "They're are extraordinary," Tony beamed, causing a few of my friends eyes to light up. "Of course are kids are spec-" Ms. Collins began, but Tony groaned cutting her off. "No! No. Just- you're not-" he exhaled deeply, rubbing hands over his temples as he stood up.

He walked across the room, and held out his hand in mid air. "Jim! He has super stretch powers! Come on Jim, give me a high five," Tony shouted. Jim turned scarlet, shakily lifting his arm. He glanced back at me, pleading with his eyes. I nudged his arm, and he turned back to Tony. He stretched his arm, high fiving the man across the room, before quickly retracting it.

I heard a few intakes of breath, and clenched my jaw. Tony didnt seem to notice, because he skipped right over to me. "Emily as you know, can morph into any beast in the universe," he chirped. He moved behind the couch, putting his hands on Jays shoulders. "Great aim with a gun. I've only seen one better; and he's an avenger!" Tony exclaimed, now leaning in between Jay and Lea.

"This girl," he said slickly, "this definitely soon to be intern of mine -and you will be when you're done with your little group- is one of the smartest kids I've seen since... Well... Me," he smiled, now spinning over to Mr. And Mrs. Gerald. "Your daughter is a master gymnast, and a chemical genius. You should be proud," he concluded, clapping them on the back.

He finally went over to Ben, sitting on the armrest of our long couch. "Now Ben is something I've never seen before. I think we can agree," he said, smiling at his parents. They opened their mouths and furrowed their brows. I saw something in their eyes I knew that shouldn't have been there, not when talking about their son.

Confusion.

I frantically turned to Steve, who from his distant eyes understood. "Tony..." He muttered, in which Tony finally let his smile fall. "They don't know... Do they?" I sighed, turning guiltily towards the floor. "Know what?" Ms. Collins screeched, frantically turning towards her husband. "Ben I-" Tony sputtered, facing the moping teenager. "What the hell is going on!" Mr. Collins bellowed.

"I'm like them!" Ben blurted out, clenching and unclenching his fists rapidly. "What's wrong with your hands..." Mr. Madison whispered, breaking the silence he had been holding the entire meeting. "It helps me control..." Ben managed, abruptly getting to his feet.

"Control what," Ms. Collins choked out, probably running the options through her head. A single tear escaped her eye. In a blink of an eye, or a wipe of a tear, Bens arms grew, hardening into tear colored stones, the edges sharper than a fresh blade. I sucked in a big breath, turning my eyes towards the ceiling.

"Since when," Ms. Collins whispered, turning her eyes away from her son. "I was born with it," he uttered, his imploring eyes searching his family's face for acceptance. "Who knows who my birth parents were," he stated, letting the rocks soften into flesh. "No!" His father shouted, causing everyone to jump a mile in their seats.

"It doesn't matter who your birth parents are," his father forced out, "we are your parents,"

Ben stumbled towards his shivering family, embracing them in his arms.

They didn't even flinch at his touch, and I couldn't help but be jealous at how that must feel. At how it must feel to be accepted. "Tony, I think we should explain the Redeemers," Steve jutted in. Tony nodded his head, "Yeah of course so he-"

"-without... The Redeemers," Steve jutted in. "Is that our cue to leave?" Jay replied awkwardly. "It would seem so," I replied, while Jim muttered "no shit, Sherlock,"

Steve walked us to the elevator, as Tony began to conversation. "Just go to the living kitchen thing Tony has, it'll be over soon," Steve explained in a hushed voice, practically shoving us into the elevator. "He should put some music in these," I heard Steve mutter, before the elevator doors closed in my face. "So..." I started, "how's school been?"

*****

It's been 45 minutes.

The longest damn 45 minutes of my entire life.

As soon as we had gotten out of the awkward confinement know as an elevator, it was a battle over the couch. Apparently, sitting down didn't count as actually 'having' the seat. I learned the hard way when Jay practically crashed me out the window while he battled Ben for the corner seat.

Defeated, I had quickly slunk over to the fridge, pouring myself a glass of milk. By the time I returned, Lea was stretched out on the long part of the sectional, her head resting on the corner of bens lap. Aida sat scrunched in the middle, her arms wrapped around her knees. Jay was lounged out on the corner, his back leaning slightly on turtle like Aida, while one of his legs hung over the edge of the couch.

Jim was the king of the remote, quickly surfing Tony's endless bank of movies for a reasonable option, gaining the love seat all by himself. He must've noticed my standing there, because soon after he patted the spot next to him with a smile. That's when I knew our friendship would be alright. As if nothing had ever happened, I threw myself on the couch,  snuggling up to my best friend as he chose Finding Nemo.

Now back to the present.

Current update: 46 minutes, 2 sleeping teenagers, another two thumb wrestling, one actually watching the movie, and me, slowly counting the seconds in my head.

And...

47 minutes, congratu-freaking-lations.

I sighed in frustration, before quietly getting up. "I'm getting some water, want?" I asked Jim, who's eyes were glued at the TV screen. "No thanks," he murmured. I passed the couch, smirking slightly as Ben groaned in defeat once again. Aida- 15, Ben- 2.

Welcome to the thumb war arena.

I contemplated maybe putting Jays hand in warm water, or drawing on Leas face, except I don't want to die young.

I let the cold water run down my parched throat, before letting an annoying thought come to me head.

50 minutes.

Just as my brain began to count to another 60, the elevator doors pried open. "Hey, we finished," Steve called out, waltzing into the room. "Thank god!" Ben cried out, "I can't stand the humiliation anymore!"

Aida giggled to herself, "we'll continue this later, Collins,"

Ben poked Lea's stomach gently, causing her to stir. "They're done, let's go," he whispered, as she slowly opened her eyes. I walked past the couple, until I came across Aida trying to get up. She looked up at me with an exasperated sigh. "He seemed to have wrapped his arm around me and now death grip has been activated," she explained, poking at the arm locked around her waist.

I scoffed at the situation, "oh please,"

I licked my hand, before wiping it directly on Jay's slumbering face. Aida gave me a delighted smirk, stifling a laugh. Jay jumped a little, his arm loosening before he stiffened. Slowly his eyes peeled open, furrowing his brow. "Noooooo..." He groaned, sitting up. "Come on, again?"

"Again?" Aida shuddered, scrambling away from Jay with disgust on her face. Just as Jay shot up from his seat I sprinted towards the elevator. Squeezing next to Jim, Jay joined the group rubbing a towel over this face. Jim raised an eyebrow, in which Jay just sighed. "She woke me up with the spit to the face," he moped, rubbing his face once more.

"Again?" Jim asked, turning to me with a small smirk. Aida gave us a dumbfounded look, "How often does this happen?"

"One time too many," Jay muttered, stepping out of the finally descended elevator.

"What's going on?" Aida asked, suspiciously glancing at the line of parents. "They've agreed to let the Redeemers continued," Tony announced.

We began to cheer, fists jumping through the air. "But your parents want to speak to you each, privately," he added, making the cheers turn into groans and winces. "See you all in hell," Jay murmured, before trudging towards his fuming mother.

Even though I was slightly glad at not getting yelled at, I was also saddened by the thought. Jim and I stood alone as our friends got scolded. The only thing is that they were being scolded because they were loved. I frowned slightly before walking next to Tony. "Anything I can do for yah?" He asked, crossing his arms.

"Maybe you can yell at me for not picking up my non existent phone?" I asked sheepishly, trying to be humorous. He smiled sadly at me, "trust me, the whole being reprimanded thing isn't all it's cracked up to be," he tried to assure me. I gave him a weak upturn of my lip. "I'm heading to bed," I replied simply, scurrying away before any one had the chance to stop me.

Soon, I was crawling into bed for seemingly the hundredth time in the longest night of my life. Just as I drifted off to sleep, my brain had one more god damn thought.

60 minutes.

A/N

Wow, really long chapter. I felt like the middle dragged along but then it picked up. That pic is of the glaring scene! I hope you like it!

Please comment who you might ship in the group. I actually haven't really decided, but I want to hear what YOU think too!

Please vote as well! And stay awesome!!

- :)