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

Chapter 125 Finding some Middle Ground

After our one night stay at the hotel, and more conversation about my stay with Mama Rhodes and us, we headed back to the tower. There were no more secrets, or unshed fears about where we wanted to be, or where we were headed. Just the knowledge that we loved each other enough to find some middle ground for the busy lives we led.
I made him aware I needed him, not just emotionally, but physically, which he got a kick out of. It wasn't just about sex, but the need to touch him, and feel him. It seemed so minuscule, but his touch had the power to help me, anchor me through the chaos, plus, who doesn't want to be around the person they love? I couldn't get that if he spent most of his nights in different states. It was never about getting him to stop working, in fact, I encouraged him to take on what we wanted too, build and help whoever may need it, no this was about having a relationship with each other versus a phone. Plus, I worried about how much he was taking on, and his ability to handle all of it. He needed sleep, and time to relax just as any other human being, and I was determined to make him see that.
He also reiterated, once again, that he wasn't a mind reader, and reminded me of his ability to get lost in whatever he was doing. I already knew those things, but agreed with his insinuation.
I promised him I wouldn't run anymore, or at least try not too, and I made myself that same promise, but the habit was going to be hard to break. I'd been running for years, every since I left home, but Tony was the reason to finally take notice and stop. My home layed with him, I've known that for years, but to finally utter the words, and believe them, was eye opening, for both of us.

The next few days were spent in front of the Foundation Board, and news cameras, since the board thought it would be prudent, and good for the foundation, if I went over what happened. I wasn't prepared, and still a little tired from all the excitement, but I delivered what was asked, and tried to take everything in stride.
It wasn't easy though, some questions bordered on turning me and the foundation into bad guy's, but I kept my composure, and let men, who knew nothing of war, try to persecute me. Tony actually stepped into one news conference, and answered questions pertaining to his foundation, and I was grateful. He seemingly surprised everyone, but his easier attitude seemed to alleviate a lot of tension.
It almost took a week before things settled down, and I finally had time to visit the facility, while Tony made a conference call. The week barely gave me time with Tony, or anyone else, but he went with me to most of these question and answer conferences, and we stayed in hotels all over Manhattan, and Wasington.
We still had a long way to go, but after a week, I was content on where we were headed.

Facility

"I'm surprised you didn't hit someone at that CNN conference," Nat remarked as I walked into facility's common room, "even Steve was surprised.."
"I know right, that's growth right there," I snickered, and plopped down on the couch, as recruits ran outside, and sparred.
"Are you feeling better, it feels like I haven't talked to you all week?" She scoffed, and sat down next to me.
"It has been a week Red, but I'm okay, a little tired, but okay," I sighed, and leaned against her, "is Rhodes here, I still wanted to be briefed on the drop, and get that situated before I head to Arizona."
"No, but I can do it, I have the files and info all set up in the conference room," she murmured, "is Tony going with you to Arizona?" She asked nonchalantly, but there was a slight undertone to her question.
I frowned, "no, at least I don't think so. He's working on a few things, and I don't have a problem going alone, it won't be for long, maybe a day or so.." I declared, and dropped my head onto her shoulder, "are you worried about me going alone?"
"Kinda," she mused, "I was just thinking about what you said when we got back, about not doing things alone, and trying to figure out how to do the things you can do, together... what if you find some answers and it's too much for you to face by yourself..?"
"To be honest, I didn't even think about that.." I lamented, "you wanna come with? Maybe raise some hell in Arizona for a few days..?"
"Depends? You paying for everything?" She giggled, and nudged my head.
"Have you always been a tightwad?" I snorted, and grabbed her hand, "but yes, I'll pay for everything, and I'm taking Stark's plane, so all we need to worry about is food, the hotel and all the alcohol we're gonna consume."
"Excellent, Imma pack a few risque things then, and we won't have to worry about drinks either," she laughed, and squeezed my hand.
"Sounds like plan...just don't get us into more trouble than we're already gonna get into," I divulged, and closed my eyes.
"And who's gonna get us in trouble? Tony, Steve, pfff," she snorted, "how're you guys doing anyways? He burst into that conference like a knight in shining armor, I was impressed."
"Actually, we're okay...really okay..we still have to work on stuff, like time together, but since we're both on board with where we want this to go..we're both trying to find some middle ground for us.." I reasoned and cleared my throat, "he said he wanted to marry me Red, sooner or later..and I want to marry him, in fact if he had a ring, I would of done it a week ago, that's how much I want this, but we still have some growing to do...why, why are you staring at me like that?" I questioned as her eyebrows went up, and a knowing smile spread over her pink lips. I knew that look, it was one she wore when she knew something you didn't.
"No reason, I'm so happy for you right now, I expect to be the maid of honor, and we're gonna have a bachelorette party, complete with strippers, big ones, the ones where we have to undo their g-strings with our teeth," she sighed, and stared off into space.
I burst with laughter and slapped her leg, "what the fuck Red.. are you gonna make me wear those stupid crowns and pass out dick lollipops too?" I laughed, and wiped my eyes.
"Yep, and can you imagine, I'm talking big big ones, like thunder from down under strippers, one for each of us, so we don't have to share," she continued, and shifted against her black jeans and sweater.
"You really to get laid, and I'm not untying someone else's g-string with my teeth, what the hell's the matter with you? Nasty ass.." I giggled.
"Um, excuse me, but all I heard was g-string, stripper, and sharing, care to explain to me what you and Romanoff are planning here?" Tony announced, with Sam and Steve following close behind him, as I looked up from the couch.
"Nothing, just Red being.." I uttered quickly, but couldn't keep the laughter out of my voice, especially with the look on Tony's face.
"I'm going with (y/n) to Arizona, and we're planning all kinds of stuff we can do while we're there," Natasha giggled, and waved a hand at the three men staring near the open walkway.
"And strippers are on that list," Sam mused, and smiled broadly at Nat and I.
"For Natasha it is, apparently," I answered, and finally leaned back against the couch. I tilted my head up as Tony planted himself behind the couch and kissed my forehead.
"Oh, so it's okay for you guy's to go to strip clubs, but we can't enjoy a little show? Shame on you guys," Red decreed, and settled her gaze on Steve, "double standards."
"Why're you looking at me, I've never been to a strip club," Steve barked, and crossed his arms over his blue button up.
"No you probably haven't, but you probably should," Tony snorted, and shrugged his shoulders, "it might alleviate some tension.."
"I can't believe we're having this conversation," I chided, still laughing, even more now that Steve's face flushed.
"Well you and Romanoff started it, and talking about strippers is tame compared to what I've heard come out of your mouths," Sam added, and sent Natasha a wink.
"Tis truth," Nat sighed, but gave the three of them a sly smile, "you know you guys could probably make some extra money if.."
"And that's the queue to leave," Tony remarked, and headed towards the hall.
"How much we talking here?" Sam asked while he tried to keep a straight face, but failed once Steve's mouth dropped open.
My eyes watered from laughing so much, and the look on Steve's face was priceless.
"I know I pay you guy's more than enough money, no need to make such a dramatic career change," Tony added, but couldn't hide his smile, "although, we can talk about making a calendar, or something.."
Steve's face blanched and he quickly moved around Sam, heading for the door.
"Oh relax Rogers, I was just joking," Tony remedied, and rolled his eyes.
"I'm crying, the look on your face.." I joked and pointed at Steve. I detached myself from Natasha and slowly got up from the couch, "let's get this over with, I need to be briefed about the drop, and send over recommendations for what we can do better next time. I want to get this done before we head to Arizona."
"Steve can do it, I need to talk to Romanoff, and fix Sam's drone, since he broke it again," Tony added, and stared pointedly at Sam.
"It was an accident, I thought I cleared the power lines," Sam admitted, and let a small pout grace his lips.
"What do you need Red for?" I asked curiously, as I stepped next to Steve.
"Talk about Arizona and the no stripper clause you forgot we had," Tony answered, while Natasha snickered behind me.
"I didn't know we had a no stripper clause, hmm, we may need to go over this imaginary list, a little later," I jested, but pecked his lips, and followed Steve down the hall.