I'm Iron Man, And I'm Agent Coulson

Chapter 92 Nightmares and Kansas

After sending Natasha back to the facility, I headed upstairs to the lab, and stood by the open glass door while Tony worked. The rush of butterflies was immediate as he fiddled around, and talked to FRIDAY. His tailored slacks, and tight button up, fit his body perfectly, and I had to shake my head from the distraction. Rock music played as I finally walked into his lab and dropped my bags, hoping he was in a better mood. I was already planning on heading back to the facility, but sadly, I didn't want to go, I wanted to be here, with him.

"How was your day?" I spoke up.
The tools in Tony's hands dropped, and he spun around, "jesus you scared the shit out of me!" He barked.
"Sorry, I thought you heard me come in," I countered, and stepped back towards the door, noting the same tension as yesterday.
"No...but thanks for the heart attack," he snapped and continued working. He turned his music off, and bustled around his lab, staying far away from me.
"Well, I guess I'll just see you later then," I sighed warily, and cleared my throat. I grabbed my bags and headed for the door, before my eyes started to water, "I think I'm gonna head back to the facility tonight, I just wanted to check on you before I left," I blurted out, becoming more aggravated, and despondent, as he finally stopped and looked at me.
"What's in the bags?" He asked hurriedly, and fidgeted with the buttons on his shirt.
"Nothing. I just did a little shopping with Red. I guess she needed a break from the facility, probably too much testosterone," I shrugged and turned back towards him, willingly wanting to prolong our conversation, "when was the last time you slept or ate, Tony?"
"Why, you writing a book?" He scoffed, but kept his back to me while he worked.
"No, because since we came back to the tower, over a week ago, I think you've slept maybe two or three hours," I remarked, and dropped my bags on one of his counters, "that includes Oceano."
"Seven hours," he mumbled, and crossed his arms over his dark blue button up, "and I ate something earlier."
My patience was starting to thin, but I stayed behind him, and tried one last time to reach him.
"Honey, I don't know what happened between California and your tower, but..." I started, but he put his hand up.
"I don't want to deal with this right now," he interrupted, and finally faced me. His skin was pale, and dark circles manifested under his eyes. His hair was a mess, and sweat dotted his forehead.
I didn't want to push him, but I wasn't leaving, not until he talked to me. If he wanted this relationship, wanted me, then we were doing this, bad shit and all.
"Too fucken bad, cause we're gonna," I growled, and stood my ground, "I'm sure most people usually just let you sit here, and work yourself past the point of exhaustion, but luckily for you, I'm not like them."
"I don't know if I'd consider myself lucky, right now," he retorted, refusing to meet me half way.
"Ow, but you know what, I'm gonna forgive you for that quip, because I know you're still reeling from all this shit. I'm sure my bullshit doesn't help, and you have this need to push people away, but you're not the only one on this team who's made mistakes or has shit they can't let go of," I expressed, and took a step forward.
I took a deep breath, and tried to calm my own raging heartbeat. Memories of blood, and unspoken words banged against my head, but I fought through them and focused my attention on the stubborn man in front of me.
"Honey, listen to me while I say this, please..." I whispered, and tossed my pride down at his feet, once more.
"I'm not making any promises," he rebutted, and turned back around towards one of his screens.
"You still seem to forget that I CAN make you listen to me Anthony Stark," I hissed, and stalked toward. I grabbed his arm, and made him look at me, "now, like I said before, I'll stay here all goddamn night, if that's what it takes for you to listen to me."
"Fine, but I have work to do," he argued, but his threat held no conviction, and his voice cracked with emotion.

She gently grabbed his face and gave him a weak smile, "Tony, you were forged in fire, and you came out shining, literally," she stated, and point to the suits he had on display, "I know you're drowning, I've known it since Stane, and while I can sit back and keep telling you that you're not responsible for everything, cause you're not. What I can't do, is let you drown, but I can't be your anchor if you won't let me."
"Are you always going to have something poetic to say?" He asked, and tried to look away from her. Her gaze was too penetrating, and his body shook with vulnerability, but his eyes couldn't leave hers.
"My nanita used to tell me that, well something similar," she sighed and grabbed her bags again. She headed towards the door, but he locked them, and waited till she turned around, "Tony, I don't want to fight with you, but I'll be at the facility for a few days if you want to talk.."