The Avengers: A Change of Fate

Chapter 7

Tony came out and threw a blanket over her shoulders. He sipped on warm coffee that steamed in the cool night air. Stella hugged the blanket tightly around her.

"You're going to get hypothermia," Tony informed.

Stella responded with a shiver, "Come inside and get warmed up."

Stella followed Tony inside. He guided her to the couch and had her sit down. She curled up, shivering.

"Let me get you some dry clothes."

Tony left, but came back with fresh clothes in hand. He gave them to Stella.

"Go get changed," Tony commanded.

Stella got up stiffly and lumbered to the bathroom. She changed into her clothes. Her fingers and lips had turned purple. Stella ran her fingers under the hot water of the sink until she had feeling again. She walked out of the bathroom and found Tony sitting on the couch waiting for her.

"How is it so cold outside?" Stella asked.

"A cold front from the North dropped night temperatures to fourty-six degrees. The dew made you wet, which only made you colder."

"Thanks for coming to get me. I didn't realize I was out there that long."

"Yeah. You really do get lost in your head sometimes, don't you?"

Stella sat down beside him on the couch, "I think it's a therapeutic response really. My brain just shuts off after so much trauma. I don't even think of anything. I just feel numb."

Tony took Stella's hands and looked them over, "Well, you're lucky. You don't have hypothermia."

"I am tired though."

"Here lay down. I'll get you warmed up."

Stella laid down with him and used his chest as a pillow. He rubbed his hands up and down her arms and then took her hands and rubbed them in his. He wrapped her tightly in the blanket and put his arms around her. Soon she was nice and warm. She fell asleep in his embrace. Stella awoke to an alarm beeping. Tony stirred behind her.

"What is that noise?" Stella groaned.

"You have a meeting to attend at Avengers Mansion," J.A.R.V.I.S explained.

"Shi-it," Tony cursed.

He let his head fall back against the couch arm. He rubbed his eyes with his free hand. Stella sat up reluctantly, still wrapped up in the blanket.

"It's too early," Tony groaned, rolling over.

"I'll make some coffee," Stella informed.

She got up and walked sleepily to the kitchen. The smell of coffee woke her up as she made it. She took a fresh thermos to Tony, and he drank it eagerly.

"Stella, you are a life savior," Tony thanked her.

Stella laughed, "So are you."

"You know. I think I have a problem. I'm addicted to coffee, but it's so good."

"Well, everyone has their flaws. It's better than an alcoholic."

"It sure is. See, I told you I was improving."

Stella stretched, "Well, we better get ready. We don't want to be late."

They got dressed and drove out in Tony's baby blue Corvette. When they got into the conference room, the meeting had already started. They were met with annoyed glares when they entered the room. Tony ignored them and walked casually to his seat.