The Soldier and the Spy.

Chapter 17

***Variel***

I'm lifting weights in the gym when Bruce runs in, out of breath.

"Variel! Steve just disappeared!" he exclaims, pulling up short when he sees me. "Do you know where he is?"

"What happened?" my sister asks, walking in before I have the chance to reply.

"Steve's gone," I say, my heartbeat speeding up slightly. "But I'm sure he's fine," I say, turning back to Bruce. "Are you sure that he hasn't just gone on a mission or something?"

"Yeah, I asked Director Fury. He said that nobody is scheduled for anything in the next week!"

"I might be able to help," Natasha says. "He mentioned something about some... girl? Yeah, that's it. He was talking about some girl he was going to see in town."

My face turns bright red. Luckily, Bruce doesn't see it, because he thanks Natasha and walks out.

"What's wrong?" Nat asks me, and I burst into tears.

"He has a girlfriend?" I wail, falling into her arms. "He never told me!"

"Why would that bother you?"

"Because I like Steve... a lot." I mumble.

"Like?" she replies with a wry grin.

"Fine. I love him, okay? I just can't believe he went behind my back on this... I thought we were starting something," I finish.

***Steve***

I am laying on the couch in the rec room, still absorbed in my book, when Thor and Clint walk in talking. At first, I tune them out, and try to concentrate on the adventures of a few small hobbits from the Shire. But their words get louder and louder until I can't ignore them.

"...And did you see Variel kissing that guy?" Clint says.

I can feel my ears growing bright red, and I scrunch down further into the couch, hiding my face behind the heavy book in my hand. Variel was kissing some guy? Here? I perk my ears up to hear more.

"He was a very handsome fellow, if I do say so myself," Thor intones.

"She sure thinks that!" Clint replies. "From the way she was attached to his face... man! I wonder what his job is, though. I mean, what could make him more appealing than any of us?"

"I believe he was one of the agents that works at S.H.I.E.L.D..."

I've heard enough. I slam my book down and storm out, earning surprised looks from Clint and Thor. I need to find Tony.

***Tony***

The final piece to my machine fits in place just as Steve bursts through the door. I quickly glance at my watch- right on time.

"I need your help, Tony," Steve says.

"What about?" I ask, hiding my grin. The plan is working! "Do you need help figuring out how to turn on the TV again?" I add, making sure to deflect all suspicion by the use of sarcasm.

"No... it's about..." Steve trails off, ears getting even redder. "It's about Variel."

"Oh yeah! She has a new boyfriend, did you hear?" I ask innocently.

"That's the problem!" Steve shouts, slamming his fist down on the table for emphasis.

"And why would that be a problem? I mean, its not like she's got anything else going on in the romance department."

He flushes, embarrassed, and looks at his boots. "Yeah, well..."

"Oooh, you like her!" I taunt.

"No, I love her..." he mumbles.

"What was that? I couldn't hear you."

"I love her, okay? And if you would shut up and listen to me, I'm trying to ask for your help in getting her away from that 'agent boyfriend' of hers!" he shouts.

"Whoa, whoa man, no need to shout," I reply, a little surprised. This is the first time I've heard Capsicle raise his voice, or use a phrase as rude as 'shut up.' "I'll help you, okay, just give me some time to think about it," I say, stalling for time.

"OK," he says and walks out of the room. I smirk and report to Natasha over the earpiece. "Mission accomplished on this end. How are you?"

"I hope this plan is worth it, Tony. Variel has locked herself in her room and won't come out. She can't hurt herself, because I got rid of all sharp objects beforehand. And I'm telling you- she's going to be really mad when she finds out. I'm just going to make sure she knows it was all your idea when she comes at me with guns blazing."

"Oh come on, she can't do anything that bad."

She snorts in disbelief. "You clearly haven't seen her mad. I'm telling you, it's scary. If this backfires, I'm definitely blaming you."

"I'm sure I can handle it. I mean, I am Iron Man," I say, and with that parting sally leave the room to finish Variel's suit.

***Natasha***

I sigh, disconnecting from Tony. I wish I could tell my sister that everything will be okay, and that it's all just a joke. I hate having to put her through this. But I'm saving her from tons of heartache in the long run.

"What's on your mind?"

I jump and send a punch flying before Clint blocks it. I was so caught up in my thoughts that I didn't even notice him sneaking up on me.

"Oh, sorry. I just feel kinda bad about doing this. Variel is crying in her room."

"Don't worry, she'll forgive you. Though, she may get mad and beat all of our butts."

"Ha, there is no doubt about that. I have a feeling that Tony will get the worst of it." Just then an announcement blasts over the speakers.

"All Avengers minus Variel and Captain America to the meeting room, stat!"

We all get to the room where Fury is sitting in a chair with a frustrated look on his face.

"What do you think you are doing?"

"Sir?" I reply, not sure what he is talking about.

"You know what," he replies. "All I have to say is to stop this nonsense right now before something other than feelings get hurt. Thank you, that is all," he dismisses us with a scowl.