Pyromaniacs (Watty Awards)

[]Chapter 12[]

I lounged in bed, listening to music and browsing a fashion magazine in a state of complete boredom.  A depressing song came on, influencing the mood, and I realized just how much I missed the guys. My patience was running thin. 

A knock startled me out of my strange, moody daze, so I rose tiredly and wandered towards the door. I figured it would just be Banner, asking me another question about girls. Yes, girls. He had met one in town that he liked, and they had a date tomorrow. I had been left alone in the museum while he and her had talked. I didn't mind too much, thought.

I opened the door, and had a heart attack when I saw who it was. "Steve!" I shouted pulling him into a tight hug. He lifted me off the ground, spinning me slightly. I giggled slightly, then made an abhorrent face. Since when did I laugh like that?

Steve smiled. "I missed you," he said, still holding me in the air. Reluctantly, he let me down. "Cute laugh by the way," he added. 

I shook my head. "I hate it. Haven't seen that laugh in a while. Thought it was dead and buried by now," I responded, already missing the heat of his body pressed closed to mine. "So, did you get the plant?" I questioned, changing the subject.

He coughed, and nodded. "Sure did," he responded, pulling the plant from behind his back. It was in a cute flower pot, with little ladybugs painted all over it. I covered my slender mouth with my hand as I fought to not laugh uncontrollably. 

"Don't worry, it was a 'gift' from Tony after I bought him the baby blue one with a cat face on it," he informed me, and I let myself laugh. In fact, I fell against him and couldn't stop shaking. I couldn't wait to see Steve's "gift" to Tony.

I started choking on my laughs, and Steve patted my back. "Hey, I just got back. Don't die on me," he stated, chuckling with me.

I recovered, my laughter dying slowly. The tears were wiped from my eyes and I pulled back out of his grasp once again. "I don't intend to die on you," I replied, grinning like a fool. I must've looked horrible, as I had absolutely no makeup on and was wearing just my PJ's.

Tony came down the hall, smirking. He opened his arms and I ran into them, hugging him. He lifted me the same way Steve had a moment ago, then set me down. "I finally got what my dad always wanted- immortality," he commented, pride across his face. 

I gave him a weird glance, slightly offended that those were the first words out of his mouth. I knew this was not the Tony I was used to. 

"So, let's go talk to Banner and see how you use the plants to gain immortality," I suggested, changing the subject. I could tell Steve didn't like the change he saw either, and I was glad I didn't stand in such a position.

Tony nodded and stepped in front of me, swaggering towards the lab. Yup. Definitely not a good change. Steve and I glanced at each other, and I knew if Stark's attitude didn't change, I'd be choosing Rogers. Screw test results.

~<>~An Hour Later~<>~

Well, good news was- it's an easy process. Just take one of the hollow leaves, cut it open, and pour the juices inside into a alcoholic beverage. Bad news- the amount of alcohol was enough to get both men drunk. Boy, did things get weird.

The three of us sat in the cafeteria, after everyone else had retired to their rooms. Unfortunately, I had to babysit these two.

"You know, Shania, the cat suit of yours is sexy," Tony slurred, tipping back in his chair. I rolled my eyes after receiving several of such said comments as I sat there. 

"Yeah, Shania. Tony's right!" Steve agreed. I suddenly had the brilliant idea to record this, and show it to them tomorrow.

"Why are you recording us? We should record you in your sexy cat suit," Steve stated, pleased with himself. 

"Yes! You know what would make that better?" Tony questioned, looking at Steve.

"No. What?" he responded cluelessly.

"A motorcucle and a leather jacket!" he finished, standing up and bowing, then sitting back down. They both roared in laughter.

I shut it off, deciding this was just what they needed to see. The two men suddenly grew quiet. I glanced up worriedly, hoping they didn't die or something.

They both just sat there, staring at opposite walls. Obviously the affects of the alcohol had gone down, leaving both of them exhausted. The "hangover" faze was starting up. I remembered how badly it had affected me, and felt sorry for the two.

"Alright, it's time to go to bed Steve, Tony," I spoke in a higher voice. They both nodded and followed me to their rooms. Tony first. I led him in, set him in his bed, and told him a story. 

Hungover men really could be children sometimes. Today was no exception. I guess I'd get used to it, after all, I was going to live forever. There would probably be quite a few more nights like these.

I walked Steve to his room next, repeating the process. I didn't even need to tell the story, he fell into a deep sleep the second his head hit the pillow. The story was fun to tell however, so I quickly told it and headed towards my room.

My PJ's were still on from earlier, so I simply turned the alarm system on and climbed into bed, feeling soothed beneath the furry covers. I fell asleep as quickly as Steve had, and I wasn't even drunk.

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Stick around for the next chapter, so you can see their reactions to the tape! I'm excited to write it, but I'm too tired to do it now. Therefore, it's coming tomorrow.