Faith in her Timing

Chapter 9: The power of goodbye

"Hey, Tim! Come on, don't do this man!" Tony said in a raised voice, following the two holy men to the door. But they refused to listen to him and left with a determined look on their faces. Tony sighed deeply. What had they gotten themselves into? He sat down on a nearby chair and rubbed his temples.

Pepper walked up to him and knelt beside him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. "The Black family left to their hotel." She said in a soft manner. "I hope they'll leave without upsetting Rio more."

"Pep, why did you ask me to offer the floor beneath us to Rio?" Tony asked her as he looked up, staring into her eyes intently. Pepper averted her gaze. "We discussed that. To give them their own space."

"See, the thing is...I don't believe you. Not when you can't look at me." He threw back and tilted his head. Virginia carefully looked at him she let out a sob. "Tony, I'm sorry! But you're always with her! You are the only one that can calm her down when she's upset! What would you think?!"

"I'd think nothing of it, because I trust you!" Tony bellowed, causing Pepper to turn away from him, to hide the tears that ran down her cheeks. "Why don't you trust me, Pep? What did he say to you that was so convincing? Cause I know it was Roman that planted this idea in your head! When Rio accused you of sending that letter, I instantly knew that you didn't, I didn't even have to ask!"

"I'm scared, Tony. She's a beautiful girl. Younger than me. She understands you. I'm afraid that she knows you better than I do." Pepper confessed through her tears. Tony shook his head and wrapped his arms around her from behind. "I'm going to prove to you that you are everything to me. Follow me." Pepper nodded, wiping the tears from her cheeks.

Across town, in a small building in some shady neighborhood, Monsignor Howard banged on the door of apartment 5C, demanding access.

"Barnes! I know you are in there! Open this door at once!" He bellowed, but turned silent when he heard some movement inside. "Do you think he'll open?" The man asked Roman, who shrugged.

The door opened and James Barns eyed the men up and down, with a glare. He was naked, except for a towel around his waste. His chest was still dripping wet, as was his hair.

"You're here for Rio." He stated. Not a question, not an accusation. A fact stated with a stoic face. But then there was a smirk. He opened the door further, so they could see into this apartment. It was a simple interior with just the bare necessities. Against the far right wall, stood a large bed with a sleeping red-haired girl in it.

"You want to wake her up or should I?" He asked Timothy with a wink.

Without asking a question, Timothy punched Bucky, who stumbled backwards against a little table. It fell over and the sound woke Rio up. "Wha...what happened...Tim!" She sleepily asked before Timothy punched him again, waking her up in an instant. She jumped out of bed and threw herself between them. "Stop it! You are two grown up men! Act like it!"

Bucky rubbed his face, where he got punched, glaring at the Monsignor. The Monsignor scoffed and held his painful fist. "After that display earlier, you want to talk about being childish?"

"Don't even with me!" She warned him. "And he -goes-. I won't talk to you while he's still here." Rio continued, pointing at Roman.

"I do wish you'd start trusting me, miss Black." Roman replied to this, pretending his feelings were hurt. But on the inside he was enjoying all of this to the fullest. Rio completely ignored him, which unsettled him. But he knew his influence on Timothy was big enough.

"Roman, I appreciate your help. Can I come by the church tomorrow, to discuss what you wanted to ask about earlier?" Timothy asked him calmly. Roman frowned. So his influence was again weakened.