Layla finds Tony in a central console office, overlooking screens and staff members mapping battle locations. She wordlessly walks in and takes a seat.
"I take it you want to talk to me about before?" Tony states the obvious.
"You know I do." Layla replies. "I want to know why you have such an issue with me Tony."
Tony stares at her for a beat before replying.
"Why I have an issue with you.....right....." He gestures to the seat opposite Layla and moves the chair out. "I'm going to sit there OK." As he sits he rubs his hands on his legs, clearly nervous about this impending conversation. "Listen....Jones." He begins again, this time giving a wry smile at Layla as he starts speaking.
Layla interrupts. "Two things- don't call me that, and, don't smirk at me."
"Right, OK." Tony says, slowly being defeated by Layla's mood.
Layla sighs. "Tony, why don't you want me on missions? You must have a reason?!"
Tony swivels the chair round, and stands once again. "You think that? It's not that Layla."
"OK then, what is it?" Layla asks, her voice slightly calmer now.
Tony goes to speak, but then thinks better of it, choosing instead to pause, then answer.
"You know what, it's nothing. I just don't want you hurt is all."
"That's all this is?!" Layla asks, her hands flailing in frustration. "All of this, for all of this time, for that one reason?!"
"Yup." Tony nods. "That's it-that's the reason."
"Well, for the record, I'm a damn fine agent Tony. I know my limits and I know I can do this."
"I don't doubt that." Tony agrees. "And Loki, you've met someone like him before right?"
Layla feels herself anger once more. Sarcastic Tony might be just as bad as passive aggressive Tony.
"Don't do that. Don't patronise me or assume I've put no thought into this." She says bluntly.
Tony shrugs. "Honestly Layla, I really don't think you have. Thor didn't want to ask for our help himself, for a reason. This brother of his-"
Layla puts her hand in the air to stop Tony in his tracks. "THIS BROTHER OF HIS NEEDS HELP! Isn't that what we do Tony?! We profess to help! That's what this team does!"
"HE IS DANGEROUS LAYLA!" Tony replies loudly. "He's a weapon. You cannot-"
Once again Layla interrupts.
"I cannot?!!!" That's where you're wrong STARK. I can, and I will! With or without your help, or the teams for that matter!"
"Well...." Tony says sounding defeated. "That's that then. I'll say no more on the matter Miss Jones."
Layla feels herself blow out a breath she didn't realise she was holding.
"That's probably best. I'll see you later Tony."
With that, she stands, pushing her chair backwards and not bothering to put it back under the table before walking confidently out of the room, and away from Tony.
YOU ARE READING
The Evil Within
FanfictionAn Avengers POV story, starring Layla Jones-a strong willed woman who has to fight for her right, to fight, to trust and to be trusted Along with her Avengers team, can Layla save Loki, Brother of Thor, from himself, and earn her place on the team s...
