Lost in Time

Forty-Two

Elle was nervous, but kept the smile on her face as she mingled at the party. She knew Ultron would show in the next couple of hours, and she couldn't be here when he did, well, she would, just not that anyone would see.

'Here..'... Nat slid a drink in front of her at the bar... 'I don't know what's got you thinking so hard, but you look like you could use this..'

'Thanks. It's just..'.. Elle sighed, looking down at the drink... 'So much to do, and I feel like there's not enough time. I took Jace to my parents, adoptive parents for a few days..'.. She picked up the drink, taking a sip and humming in approval... 'Figured it would be best he stay with them, cause the next few days are going to be brutal..'

'Anything we can do to help?..'.. Nat asked, leaning on the bar from the other side.

'Not really. Pretty sure you lot are busy keeping the world safe, no need to worry about little problems like mine..'.. Elle smiled at her, setting the drink down... 'I need to know what's in this, its delicious..'

'Widows secret..'.. Nat winked, then lowered her voice... 'Are you worried about Jaces father?..'

'I'm always worried about him. This time next week, we'll be together again, though I'm not sure how he's going to take the news about Jace being his. I do know he's going to be pissed at me for not telling him sooner, but-..'..

'But nothing. I may not have known you as long as Tony, but from what I do know, you're not the type to have kept the news out of spite Elle, you had reasons. Just because you haven't told us what the reasons are, I'm sure they're justified..'... Nat put a hand on Elles... 'I know you said that one day, you'll bring Jace around here, but I can tell you now, he'll be the safest, most protected kid in the world..'

'Oh, I have no doubt about that. Jace is already smitten with you..'.. Elle laughed... 'I think he's a little disappointed he's not old enough to steal you away from doc..'

Nat laughed, patting Elles hand... 'Guessing he's a little charmer..'

'You have no idea. That kid has a way of getting his way often, with only a smile..'.. Elle chuckled... 'He gets that from his dad..'

'That he does..'.. Elle turned, seeing Tony join them at the bar... 'You know, I do have bartenders Romanoff, but while you're there..'.. Tony slid his glass to her with a smile. Elle caught the eye roll from Nat, but she still took the glass to get him another... 'Whats going on?..'.. Tony dropped his voice for Elle.

'Not here, not now. Tomorrow, ok?..'.. Elle patted his back.

'Promise?..'.. He narrowed his eyes at her, assessing.

Elle took a deep breath, tilting her head to him... 'Tomorrow..'

'Yeah, I guessed as much..'.. Tony shook his head as Nat joined them again.

'Something you two want to share?..'.. She asked, setting the drink down for Tony.

'Just business, that's all..'.. Elle waved a hand, and picked her drink up with the other, drinking it down in one. She set the empty glass back down, smiling at the two of them... 'Well, I have my hands full with work, which I'm behind on, so I got to go..'.. The tapped the bar and got off the stool... 'Love you both..'.. She gave a nod and headed through the people, towards the elevator.