Thaw

Five

"So, who's this Pierce guy?" Tony took a long drink of her coffee while Coulson leaned back in his chair and observed her. "I don't remember introductions taking place in that briefing," he replied calmly.

She snorted in response, heartily finishing off the chocolate croissant she'd ordered on a whim. "You wouldn't remember much of anything, Agent. Pretty sure you passed out cold when you heard the news about Capsicle."

"Ms. Stark."

"I ran into him afterward. Somewhat literally."

"What did he say?"

"Um, nothing really, seemed to know me though." Tony slouched into the seat, glancing down at the flaky pastry bits stuck to her plate before continuing. "Which was a little creepy."

"You own and operate one of the most powerful and advanced companies in this hemisphere. Not to mention you seem physically incapable of keeping your personal exploits out of the spotlight."

She chuckled, acknowledging the truth of that statement with a nod of her head. "He just introduced himself and said he looked forward to seeing more of each other. I thought that was a pretty tired pick up line, but he is like eighty so I guess I can forgive it."

"You're incorrigible."

"You love me."

Coulson sighed and shook his head, and Tony smirked. "He doesn't deny it."

"She wouldn't listen."

"True." She leaned back precariously in her chair, staring her lunch date down. "So? What's his deal? Should I be concerned?" He studied the brim of his coffee cup for a moment, and looked up to her seriously. "It's above my pay grade."

"Coulson!"

"But....should any pertinent information come to my attention, I will keep you in mind." He kept his eyes locked on hers, and she shifted uncomfortably. Something didn't feel right. Coulson always looked so impassive and blank. She asked him frequently to play poker with her, she could use a challenge. But she could read him right now, and he was on edge. It was freaking her out.

"Tony, you have to trust me on this," he said suddenly, and she twitched slightly at the words, still unused to the lack of formality he'd initiated between them. "I know it's not easy for you, especially given that I can't be completely open with you. We both know that."

"Do you trust him?"

"Not a lick."

"And Fury?"

"I don't always approve of his methods, but I trust his motives. He's a good man, Tony."

"He's an asshat."

"That too." He looked amused. "But so are you."

"You still love me."

They shared a companionable silence for a few minutes, finishing off their drinks. She had found it hilarious that the straight-laced agent had ordered a salted caramel mocha, with whipped cream and caramel drizzle and the whole nine yards. He'd glared at her when she giggled at the order, though, so she elected to tease him about it another day. Watching him drain the cup now, she bit her lip, contemplating the next words she would say. "Coulson?" His mouth twitched and he hummed in reply. "Swear to me."

"What am I swearing to, Tony?," he asked mildly, raising an eyebrow. She leaned forward on her elbows toward him, unusual gravity in her eyes. "Swear to me that you will tell me if something is wrong. That you will be truthful with me, no matter what."

He held her stare confidently, no trace of nervousness at the confrontation. "I swear, Tony."

"Swear on Captain America's life."