The War Within | A Tony Stark Series

c: A Promise

"Stay down. Final Warning"

"I can do this all day"

Monroe's POV

Their voices echoed in my head as the events replayed in my head. I could hear the clinking sound made by Steve banging his shield into the red and gold suit. I was helpless all over again, watching as Cap made his final strike. I jolted awake with my hands moving straight to my head to maintain a piercing headache. I looked down at my torso remembering my injuries, but my wound had healed. My hands traced over the fabric of my catsuit as the sudden flash of Tony's accidental beam played out in my head, causing my eyes to close. My eyes fluttered open at the sound of footsteps coming closer. I looked up ahead of me noticing Steve leaning on the doorframe.

"Where are we?"

"Off the grid."

"Why did you bring me here? This is the last place I want to be."

"What? Safe?" Steve retorted.

"With you," I stated harshly as my eyes burned through his skull, metaphorically of course. I slid off the bed, walking toward the exit until Steve caught my arm. "Let go of me," I demanded through gritted teeth.

"They'll have you arrested."

"I don't care." I pulled my arm away forcefully and took one more step forward until Barnes stopped me in place. No contact needed, his presence was enough to paralyze me through anger. I narrowed my eyes at the assassin and opened my mouth to speak. However, the captain decided to stand between us before another war broke out. I laughed in disbelief, running my hands through my hair.

"Just hold on for a sec-"

"Don't you get it? It's over. You lied to me, Steve. Barnes gets to walk away knowing you had his back the entire time, but Tony..." I dropped my gaze to the floor. "Tony thinks he was alone in all of this. Maybe you can live with the fact that he risked everything to help you and you turned on him like it meant nothing, but I can't. He needs me. And I need him. Maybe one day this all goes away, but right now... I need to go home."

"What about Nat?"

"You don't get to bring her into this," I whipped my head up to make eye contact. I sighed and calmed my tone before continuing. "She knew from the beginning that we played this wrong. I didn't agree with Tony's decisions either, but I'll always choose him in the end. As for Nat, I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure they don't find her. I suggest you join her. Stick together. Protect each other."

"We will."

My mouth twitched as I failed to give a smile. I avoided eye contact with Barnes as I walked past him, not wanting to acknowledge his existence. I turned around one last time, still needing the closure.

"Why did you bring me here? You know I can't stay with you after everything. I won't"

"I needed your help. Not all of them got a free pass."

"You're breaking them free..."

"Sam and Wanda-"

"Vision won't let her leave without him you know?" Steve nodded in understanding. I pressed my lips together, taking a moment to ponder. "Why did you really bring me here?"

He stood there in silence which only confused me. I slightly tilted my head, visually acknowledging that I was going to peer at his mind. The memory of what had happened before the airport battle snuck its way into my head. I don't want to hurt Steve, even after everything. My heart belongs to Tony and nothing will ever change that. Maybe it was the fact that we were there for each other when no one else could be, but we can't let vulnerability cloud our judgments.

"I-"

" Don't. Forget I asked." I stopped him before the situation escalated to a level it didn't need to be taken to. He only feels this way because I'm all he had left at the time, but he'll come back to his senses once he's reunited with everyone. I can only hope they find Nat so she's not alone out there. I averted my eyes, bringing back my focus to the main point. "I'll see what I can do. No promises."

***

It had been a few days after I left the super soldiers to form their plan. It took me a while to make it back to the compound where I'd find Tony. I walked around the corner of the building, spotting a FedEx van by the entrance. I snuck in past security in case there were orders to arrest me on sight. As I walked closer, still hidden, I heard the delivery guy yelling for a name.

"Are you Tony Stank?"

I chuckled quietly as I heard Rhodes play along.

"Yes, this is- this is Tony Stank. You're in the right place. Thank you for that."

I blocked out the rest as I watched the old man get back in the van. The man looked back out his window and stared back at me as if he knew I was there the entire time.

"You're gonna make him very happy sweetheart," he smiled. I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion but found myself smiling back light-heartedly. Strange old man. Adorable.

The van eventually drove away and left me in plain sight. I looked down at the package that was dropped off and brought it up to me with a motion of my finger. I nearly forgot the reason I was there until I heard his laugh.

My attention was brought back to Tony as he turned around. Our eyes locked on each other. It felt as if time had stopped as my heart raced. I couldn't take it. I began walking toward him and wrapped my arms around him. Fortunately, Tony returned the gesture. I let out a breath of relief as I closed my eyes, letting myself sit in his embrace for as long as I could. His hands stroked my hair in such a comforting manner. No words needed to be exchanged at this moment. Our moment was interrupted by the unfortunate third-wheel, Rhodey.

"Do I get some love too?"

My eyes opened as a small laugh escaped my lips. Pulling away from Tony's embrace, I walked over to Rhodes to give a quick hug with the package still in my hands.

"I'm glad you're okay." I looked over at Tony. "That you both are."

I pushed out my hand, presenting the package. Tony's eyebrows twitched in confusion before grabbing the package lightly with saddened eyes. I followed him into an office area where he ripped open the package. He pulled out a letter and sat down to read it.

Tony,

I'm glad you're back at the compound. I only hope that you don't push Jess away once she's made it back. We all need family. She's a part of yours. The Avengers are yours. Maybe more so than mine. I've been on my own since I was 18. I never really fit in anywhere, even in the Army. My faith's in people, I guess. Individuals. And I'm happy to say that, for the most part... they haven't let me down. Which is why I can't let them down either. Locks can be replaced, but maybe they shouldn't. I know I hurt you, Tony. I guess I thought by not telling you about your parents I was sparing you, but I can see now that I was really sparing myself. And I'm sorry. Hopefully one day you can understand. I wish we agreed on the Accords. I really do.

I walked up behind the billionaire in his chair and rubbed his shoulders as we continued to read. Skipping ahead, I caught sight of his closing phrase. Out of curiosity, I walked over to the open box and tilted it to see if anything was left behind. A flip phone fell right o the table causing Tony and me to share a look. FRIDAY suddenly made herself known to inform us about an incoming call from Secretary Ross.

"There's been a breach at the Raft prison."

I've tensed at the AI's words, hoping Tony would do the right thing. The line was put through, but Ross barely got a word out with Tony's interruption. A promise is a promise. Tony pressed that hold button to show a blinking light, turning back to face me. I smiled and nodded in delight.

I know you're doing what you believe in, and that's all any of us can do. That's all any of us should. So no matter what... I promise you. If you need us... if you need me...

I'll be there