-In which, despite Indigo and Bucky's shattered and bruised state, their love for each other is the anchor that prevents them from completely crumbling.
Mature Content 18+
[Book Two]
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Indigo grabbed a slice of pizza and practically stuffed it into her mouth, making an effort to steer the conversation away.
"Did you hear about Julian Blackwell? He was murdered two nights ago," Pepper asked.
Indigo sat on the floor while Tony and Pepper occupied her couch. They had come over with pizza and wine to catch up with her. She appreciated having them around, but right now, she'd rather swing around the city with Peter and his webs of doom than sit here and discuss Julian.
"Yeah, I did see that. I don't feel sorry for him one bit; he was a corrupt man," Tony said, his gaze fixed on Indigo.
Indigo glanced down at her pizza, taking another quick bite.
"Does anyone want more wine?" Pepper asked.
"Me," Indigo and Tony chimed in simultaneously. They didn't mean to startle Pepper; they just wanted a moment to themselves.
"Ok, I get the hint. I'll be in the kitchen for five minutes, hurry up with whatever conversation my 'sensitive' ears can't handle," Pepper said, rolling her eyes.
Indigo watched as Pepper walked into the kitchen, leaving her and Tony alone. She turned to Tony, who was giving her a look of surprise.
"Julian Blackwell? Really, Willow. I thought you were better than killing a low-life politician," Tony said.
Indigo rolled her eyes. "Fury needed him gone, and I needed a deal, so I did it. Besides, I helped the world at the same time. So..."
"Does this 'deal' have something to do with the phone call I got from Agent Hill?" Tony asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Indigo lowered her gaze to her hands, conflicted about how much to reveal. She knew Tony well enough to anticipate his reaction, and she didn't want to disappoint him.
"Tony," she began, her voice softening as she looked up at him, "I've been in this game for twenty-seven years. By the time I was five, I knew more ways to kill a man than most people learn in a lifetime." She let out a sigh, her expression weighted with the weariness of her experiences. "I'm just... tired of it all. It feels like I haven't really lived yet. Those six months with James were the closest I've come to normal, to happiness. I want more of that."
She paused, searching his face for understanding, hoping he would see the desperation behind her actions.
"Oh, my sweet Willow, come here," Tony said gently, patting the couch beside him.
Indigo stood and moved to sit beside him, feeling his warmth as he took her hands in his and held them firmly.
"You could have just asked, you know," Tony continued, his voice soft and reassuring. "It's okay to want to move on and find other things."
