Chapter 23: Stark Tower

A/N Okay I know I've already done this to you, but again, important little bit at the end. Now enjoy!

            “Fury!” I hear from the other side of the glass. I look down at the floor with a smile and wait for the oncoming storm. The door swings open and bangs against the wall as Romanoff stomps in. Before she can shove me to the ground, Barton and Rogers pull her back. She shouts, um let’s just say angry words, at me and Fury, in Russian. I’ll save you your innocence and not translate it. Barton grips his way around her waist and Rogers lets go. Barton carries her to the back of the group and whispers something I can’t quite hear in her ear.

            “Nick, are you sure about this?” Rogers asks stepping up to Patches.

            “Do I look like I’m not, Captain?” Fury rebuttals.

            “I understand where you’re coming from Director but are you sure this is the right way to approach this?” Banner asks.

            “As sure as I was, Doctor, about 6 people coming together to save the world.” Fury says in the same tone he’s been talking in for the past 10 minutes. Peter walks up to me and embraces me gratefully. I return it and lean into him. Maybe now I can feel good when I look at him, instead of like I just kicked a puppy. We pull away when Fury addresses us all. “Jade Leiton will live in Avengers Tower and I trust that you will accept her in training her as an agent.” He finalizes. Before he leaves he collects the papers and file on the table and hands them to me. “I suggest you go over these before you fully accept.” I give him a nod as I take the papers, and with that, he leaves. I skim the papers and see that they’re several agreements and contracts along with a few pages about what I was really getting into. I close the file and look back up to the group. Red and Big Bird are still in the back; she’s calmed down, Thor, Stark, and Banner stand in front of them and the door, with Rogers next to Peter. At seeing all their faces, I can’t help myself.

            “Hey roomies.” I say with a smile. Stark rolls his eyes and leaves with Rogers and Banner following. Romanoff and Barton leave without giving me a second glance and Thor gives a quiet laugh as he shakes his head and exits the room as well.

I look up to Peter with a smile and he returns it while putting an arm around me and saying, “Come on.” We walk out of the room and catch up to the Avengers and walk back to the jet.

***

“So we gonna keep this awkward silence, or…” I trail off as we fly back to New York.

“One day, my ass.” Stark mumbles as he walks to a control panel.

“If I had known this was Fury’s plan, I wouldn’t have said that.” Widow says meeting him. “He doesn’t tell me everything.” She says.

“Good to know you’re all happy about this.” I grumble while leaning further back into my seat.

“Well how would you like it if someone just invaded your home?” Stark retorts while turning to me.

I give him a ‘really’ look along with “Gee I don’t know. Why don’t I ask my door? Oh wait I can’t it was kicked off its hinges and now lies on my living room floor.”

“Right.” Is all he says. The rest of the flight is silent. We land about 30 minutes later and Stark brings me into the elevator for a tour. “The first 50 floors are mainly for Stark Industries so stay clear of those.” He says pressing the 88th floor button. “Up here is Thor.” And before I can walk out the doors shut and go to the 87th floor. “Bruce; there’s also a lab here for him. That’s where we took you.” 86. “Barton. He’s also got his own shooting range.” 85. “Tasha. There’s also a specific training area for her here.” 84. “This is just the standard training room for all of us, feel free to come here.” Stark says as the doors open. There’s no hallway this time, but a giant room with a few punching bags, the center of the room is padded and to the left seems to be a weapons wall. The doors slide shut again and we skip the 83rd floor. “Peter usually stays down here, but Cap lead him to the room you’ll be staying in last night.” He says. The doors open and Peter is closing a door down the hall.

“Peter!” I shout and slip through the doors. I was pulled right into this tour and haven’t been able to talk to him about all of this.

“Hey, what do you think so far?” He asks meeting me halfway.

“Big.” Is all I say as we walk back to the elevator where a foot tapping Iron Buns waits. We step in and head to the 83rd floor. “So you usually stay in Avengers Tower?” I ask Peter.

“Stark Tower, and SHIELD sometimes dumps him and other super heroes here.” Stark corrects and answers me.

“No one else is here right? I’m not gonna run into Wolverine or anyone am I?” I ask. 7 super heroes is enough for now, thank ya very much.

“Nope. It’s just us, right now at least.” He mumbles the last part. I take he doesn’t like house guests very much. He must be loving me right now. We walk and everyone is either in the kitchen or sitting on a couch. “You’ll be this floor, with me and Steve.” Stark says walking over to the bar.

“Alright.” I say stepping out of the elevator with Peter. He goes to sit down, but I grab the back of his shirt; he changed out of his suit. “Can I talk to you?” I say in a hushed tone.

“Yeah, of course.” Peter says while guiding me out of the room and down the hall to my room.

“I just… I wanted to apologize again for not telling you any of this.” I say while sitting on the bed.

“Jade, it’s fine. We both kept secrets from each other. I’m-”

“No Peter! It’s not fine. You didn’t tell me you were Spider Man to protect me. I never told you I was Viper because I didn’t trust you.” I shout, unable to keep it all in anymore. He sits next to me on the bed.

“Jade, you’ve told me everything about your past, what made you think you couldn’t trust me?” Peter asks trying to hide the hurt in his voice, but I know it’s there.

“Because I thought you would have turned me in, and I couldn’t risk going back in a cell” I say looking at my hands. Peter wraps his arm around my shoulders, pulling me closer trying to comfort me.

“Jade, I know what you’ve been through. I could never understand it, but I know what it’s done to you and I would never put you through that again. I will always protect you.” At his words, I finally break. I wrap my arms around his torso and release silent tears. I bury my face in his shirt feeling ashamed, and I know he feels my tears because he begins rubbing soothing circles in my back and he’s put his other arm around me. After a few minutes my body releases an involuntary sob. Peter finally whispers a, “Shhhh…” and I manage to choke out, “Peter, I’m sorry. I can’t say that enough, but I’ve trusted you with my past and I’d trust you with my life. You know that right?”

“Yes, Jade, I know.” Peter reassures me. I sit there and cry for what I’m sure is at least 10 minutes. I finally pull away from Peter and wipe my eyes and nose. Peter makes what to me looks like the “rock and roll” sign and a web shoots out of his sleeve and onto a tissue box that’s one of the bedside tables. It comes back to him and he hands it to me. I take one of the tissues and wipe my eyes, crumbling it into a ball and sweeping it under my nose as well. We sit there in silence with the occasional sniffle from me. I pat Peter’s knee as I stand and walk to the bathroom. I toss the tissue in the trash can and turn on the faucet. I cup my hands and fill them with water; rinsing my face. I dry my hands and pat my face dry with the towel. At least now I don’t look like I cried. I walk back out and see Peter leaning against the bed frame. He lifts his head and wears a small smile. I return it and walk next to him. After a few seconds pass, I look back up at him.

“You know Spider Man saved me once?” I say with a smile.

“Oh, really? When?” He jokes, as if he doesn’t remember, but his smile tells me he does.

“Yeah, it was about 6 months ago. That Rhino dude had gone all crazy in Times Square.” I say.

“Hhhmmmm… I don’t seem to recall.” He still jokes.

“Oh, come on. That little boy ran out dressed in a Spider Man suit.” I say.

“Aw, yes, I think I also remember a brave young women running out to collect that little boy.” Peter says swinging an arm around my neck.

“Right, well that brave girl also had a car chucked at her that she in no way could have avoided without you.” I say poking him in the stomach.

“True.” Peter says modestly. I smile and give him a hug. Maybe letting in one person wasn’t such a bad idea.

He returns it and as we stand there I say, “Thank you. I love you Peter, you know that right?”

*Peter’s POV*

I hug Jade and she says, “Thank you. I love you Peter, you know that right?” I sigh and kiss her forehead.

“Yeah, I know.” I say rubbing her back. “I love you too.” And I do, I know Jade loves me, but… not the way I want her too. “Come on, we don’t want the others to worry.” I say.

“Actually, I think I’ll just stay here.” Jade says letting go of my torso. This is a lot to take in and after our talk she’ll probably want to be alone.

“Okay.” I simply say walking to the door. “Dinners at 6 by the way.” I say walking out.

“Okay.” She says as I close the door and walk down the hall. I think about that fight with Rhino. I do remember saving Jade. After I talked to that boy, she ran up and took him back to his mother. As if having tons of civilians around wasn’t enough, knowing Jade was there too made me have to get the situation under control even quicker. Which I did, but Rhino still had thrown a car with that stupid horn of his and it was headed straight towards Jade. I remember swinging to sweep her out of the way and shooting another web to catch to car. I knew I couldn’t talk to her because she’d recognize my voice so as she thanked me I stayed quiet. She had asked me who I was and right then, I was tempted to just pull off my mask, but I remembered Gwen and what happened when I told her. Plus Rhino was still terrorizing the people… That was the last time I had seen Jade before everything happened.

I walk into the kitchen still thinking about Jade. Her smile. Her smile is beautiful. And I don’t mean the one she gives when she’s sarcastic or anything, but the one she has when she’s laughing. Her laugh is perfect too. I haven’t heard it since I’ve seen her. The last time I did was over a year ago when she stopped by the house and May and I were arguing about my laundry. May liked Jade too. She said that Jade was a good influence which she is. I guess Viper isn’t though… But Jade is probably the sweetest, nicest, funniest, goofiest and most beautiful person I’ve ever met. I mean, I loved Gwen when we were together. She’ll always be my first love, and if it weren’t for Harry, I’m sure we’d still be together and I wouldn’t have these feelings for Jade. I just… I wish Jade knew that I had these feelings and how much I actually care for her. I know she thinks our relationship can’t be what it used to be, but I know it can be stronger. I was thinking so much about Jade I don’t even see Tony right in front of me.

“Kid, kid, hey Peter! Earth to Web-Head!” He’s shouting and waving his hands in front of my face.

“Huh, oh what?” I ask coming out of my Jade-daze and opening the fridge.

“We’ve been calling your name for almost 10 minutes now.” Tony says gesturing to everyone sitting on the couches. “What were you thinking about?” I grab a water bottle and kick the door closed.

“Oh, uh, sorry and just… Jade and how she’ll react to all this.” I semi-lie while walking past Tony and to the couch. I sit next to Bruce and take a swig from the bottle.

“Well this must be a lot for her to take in.” Bruce says. I’m sure she’ll get used to it after a few days. We all will.” Bruce reassures me while patting my shoulder.

“So I’m assuming you’ll be staying here while Leiton is?” Tony says. I give him a nod as I’m swallowing another gulp of water. “Excellent.” Is all he says while rubbing his hands together as if thinking. I look around at everyone before he runs off. Clint’s laughing, Steve, Bruce and Thor simply grin and Natasha rolls her eyes. I’m about to ask what that was about, but before I can, everyone seems to have gotten up and are all walking to their respective floors. I brush off whatever Tony meant and go down to my room to get some more sleep, considering I only got a few hours last night. After I change, and by change I mean kick off my pants and throw my shirt somewhere, I practically fall onto the unmade bed. It’s not until now that I realize how fatigued I really am. I fall asleep, happy with Jade only a floor above me. 

A/N Okay, I know what you're thinking. Maddie this chapters short and why are you writing when you still have a fractured writst? Well, this chapter (and the next one) will be kinda short, but I promise they're important. Also, my wrist is still fractured, but that doesn't mean I can't tediously peck the keys on a computer! Yeah, so hopefully I can keep that up and keep everyone happy and updated! 

Now, what do you think? Jade's living at the tower now, Jade and Peter talked, and Peter has feelings for Jade! Yeah, yeah, I know "But you already told us that." But whatever. So how do you think Jade will react to living with the Avengers? How do you think they will react to living with Jade? I know I've kinda already asked you this, but I guarentee what will happen will surprise all of you! Suspense! Oooo I love it!!

The picture attached is... Okay let's be honest if you don't know who that is then just get out. And it's attached cause I like pictures, and Robert Downey Jr. And it's my story and I do what I want. 

Okay, now the important part. So, I got several more questions on the actual Q/A chapter. Now, the only reason I'm answering them is because a friend of mine, we actually know each other, in the real world, not just online, asked them. I am aware that that is incrediably biased, but again, it's my story and I do what I want. Plus I don't think anyone will complain about a little bonus Q/A. And there actually rather good questions. 

Hey! Characters! Why don't you pop a squat and let's have another chat.

Tony: Didn't we already do this?

Me: Yes, now you will sit and be polite or I will use my author powers once more on thee.

Tony: Okay, okay, let's just make this quick.

First question, all from my dear friend @4_Marvel P.S. You all should go check out her books they're awesome!!! Seriously, she's a fantastic writer!! 

Jade: I realized every one was asking what Spangles over there thought of you well, what do you think about him? We all know you have a thing for him.

Jade: First off, nice use of the nickname, respect, second, I do not have a "thing" for him. And because you've stated that, previous respect reprieved.

Clint: Okay, well that's all fine and well, now answer the question.

Jade: What question?

Steve: Now that's not fair, I had to answer mine, so you have to answer yours.

Jade: ... Fine! Now that I know how he actually feels about me, I suppose Cap is an asshole that I preferably can keep my distance from.

Peter: Jade...

Jade: What? I do think he's an asshole!

Thor: Well that may be true Lady Viper, but I believe you've revieled multiple times that you have other feelings for him. 

Jade: ... Well, so what if I think he's one of the few decent guys still left in the world. He still insulted me and it's obvious our feelings are mutual for each other. If he doesn't want to show that gentlemanly charm to me then fine. It's not like I haven't gone without it. ... Besides, I'm not even his type. There's no way in hell a guy like that would want a girl like me.

Everyone: .........

Steve: What?

Jade: Hmm?

Tony: Gentlmanly charm?... And did you just say you think Capsicle is out of your league? Cause sweetheart, if he can land a girl like you, I might just have to stop making fun of him for not getting laid in 70 years. 

Jade: What?! I said nothing of the sort! Please, if I wanted him, which I don't, I would've done so by now. 

Bruce: But that's not what you said. 

Jade: Look his steroids might have made him hot, but that doesn't make a difference. Yes, he has pretty eyes, but I don't care. If he's gonna insult me whenever he feels like it, I don't want him in my life. 

Steve: Don't I get a say in this?

Jade: NO! I think you've said enough. 

Natasha: So, basically, you think he's hot, but a douche at the same time?

Jade: *duh tone* Yeah. I mean, it's obvious you're all super hot, but that doesn't mean I'm just gonna be all nice to you. That's a two way street. 

Clint: Why thank you, and I think we can move on.

Jade: What do you think about Peter?

Jade: Um, he's my friend... And probably the only person here that I don't want to smack. 

Peter: Thanks.

Clint: You know, the more I think about it, I don't think that's exactly what the question implied. 

Jade: Huh?

Tony: Like what do you think of the Web-Head? 

Jade: *Blushes* Well, I guess I... I don't know, he's smart. Defiently hilarious, obviously brave, trustworthy, and I mean I'm glad he's in my life.

Peter: Well thanks. *Smug smile*

Natasha: Now, looks.

Jade: We're really doing this again?

Everyone, especially Peter: *Nods, Peter quite vigerously.*

Jade: Okay, well I'm not going to say anything bad. He's got a nice head of hair, those big puppy dog eyes that everyone loves, and his stupid smirk always makes me smile, despite my mood. 

Peter: *Smiling*

Everyone: *Looks at Peter.*

Clint: Huh, I never noticed those things before.

Jade: That's because you've only done business. Sticky Fingers is actually pretty fun to be around when you know, there's no caos, or something... Good?

Peter: Good. *Still smiling*

Peter: If Ancient Flag and Jade got married (you know what I mean) how would you feel?         

Peter: ... Um... 

Jade: Ancient Flag! That's a good one!

Tony: Yeah, I might even have to use that. 

Steve: Okay, I get it. I walk around in patriotic colors and am 95 years old. There's no need to tell me. And what kind of question is that? We've already gone over that me and Leiton will never happen.

Jade: Pointing it out is just so much fun though. And apparently everyone wants that stupid idea to happen. Even Becca and Flair haggled me about it. 

Natasha: Whatever, Peter?

Peter: Um, well. It would be weird, but if they were both happy... If Jade was happy... I wouldn't have much choice but to be happy too. 

Jade: Awwwww Peter! *Hugs* 

Peter: *Hugs back* Well it'd be the right thing to do... 

Thor: Peter, are you alright?

Peter: Huh, oh yeah! Why wouldn't I be? 

Bruce: Well it just seems like this question made you uncomfortable.

Peter: I just know Jade has had her heart broken before and if she ever did end up with someone, I'd have to make sure he would be good to her.

Jade: Aw, but Peter, that was a long time ago and I can take care of myself.

Tony: Wait, wait, wait, Handsy has had her heart broken before? By who? When? Where? Does that mean she's fondued?

Jade: What, no! I don't recal any such thing... *Slightly glares at Peter*

Peter: *Silently apalogies* 

Jade: Anyway, what does fondue mean?

Clint: *Whispers in Jade's ear the story behind "fondue"*

Jade: Woah!! Dude you really were innocent! 

Steve: *Blushing* Well... Wh-what do you expect of someone who had never heard of fondue before. Especially when it came out of Stark's mouth. 

Jade: What?

Bruce: Howard Stark. Tony's dad. He helped Steve and his fleet. He also helped conduct the Super Soldier program. 

Jade: Oh... And to answer your question, Metal Head, it's none of your business. 

Tony: Oh, come on! 

Jade: Why do you even want to know that!!?

Tony: *Snicker* It's important.

Jade: It's nasty... But to get you off my case about it... Yeah, I've... fondued...

Tony: *Clapping and laughing too much to respond* 

Everyone: *Eye roll*

Natasha: I don't get what's so funny. 

Thor: Neither do I...

Clint: Stark's just weird.

Tony: Damn straight!!

Me: ...... O...Kay... Well that's it. Hope everyone enjoyed this!!! Please vote and comment!! Thanks again Lily!! 

=_= }{":?>