| DC/Marvel: Age of Infinite Heroes | ||||||||||
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Tony Stark's flying car is parked out front right now, and he has gotten out to knock on the front door of Mellie's home. He forgot to remove the heavy jacket he was wearing in the ice skating rink. He completely left Rogers behind.
Though Rogers with his own Avengers ID card can track Stark, seeing where he went as the man has Iron Man's ID card on him. And the location...may greatly surprise Rogers.
The knock at the door is answered by a woman calling from inside. "Just a minute." Aunt Mellie has only a remnant of her British heritage in her accent, only cropping up once in awhile.. usually when she gets riled.
When the door is opened, an adorable little redhead stands in the entrance, looking up at the much taller man. Her soft ringlets frame the girl's angelic features. She might be recognized from Sawyer's funeral, not looking much different, except maybe half a foot taller.. but that time was fleeting, and thoughts were elsewhere. "Hello." Tanya smiles and says, not really remembering the man on the front porch either.
Mellie comes up behind Tanya, already chiding the girl for opening the door, as she wipes her hands on a dishtowel. "Tanya, what have I said about opening the door to strangers?"
Then Mellie looks up, and stops short. It's a face she's seen in the media.. not one she could easily forget.. but also one she hasn't seen in person for almost a year. She puts a hand on Tanya's shoulder. "Mr. Stark. What a surprise to see you. I didn't expect a visit.. though I suppose I can understand.. since it'll be a year, tomorrow.." The year anniversary of Sawyer's death. She had kept track, and was planning a visit to the grave site tomorrow. A vase of flowers can be seen on the table in the entryway, all prepared for her visit. Since you hadn't stopped by, or called to check on her, Mellie had put you behind her. Without Sawyer, she didn't have much reason to be in contact with you anymore.
Steve had let Tony have his peace. The billionaire had issues and needed privacy but when Steve open up his Avenger's Id card it had revealed Iron Man's location. He frowns, "What's he doing out in Queens?" He'd muttered to himself. Then started pressing buttons and bring up on the information. It wasn't a testimony to Cap's technical abilities but how user friendly the id card was. "That can't be right. That's no good."
Stark is staring at the child, the one that sat on his knee at the funeral. He blinks slowly, and at Mellie's voice he looks up. There is panic in his eyes, "A...year." It has been that long, though some days it felt as if yesterday. He did not realize, it did not click. Could he be going mad because he sub-consciously realized...
"I'm sorry," he says, his voice sounding a bit strained. His eyes flickering about, noticing the flowers. He hasn't been to the grave site since the funeral. He could never make himself go and see that cold, unfeeling stone again. He stares at them a bit, before he finally looks back at Mellie, "I shouldn't have come."
Jarvis would sometimes call, not that he ever told Stark that. Jarvis with his cookies he would send for the child, and just to make sure Mellie was doing alright. Jarvis did not block it away and hide from it, like Tony tried to.
Aunt Mellie has always been the perceptive sort, but it doesn't take much deduction to realize that something is up with Tony. A hint of concern touches her features, and she urges Tanya to step out of the way with her. "Please, Mr. Stark. Why don't you come in."
Tanya looks back and forth between the adults, not quite sure if she should be upset from being chastised, or if it's okay, since Aunt Mellie seems to know the person. She looks back at Tony, wrinkling up her nose and brow as she concentrates. It takes a few seconds, but then her face brightens, and she's quick to grab his hand. "Yes.. please.. come in. You can let me sit on your lap again. Please.. please." She bounces a little, her curls springy, in her youthful enthusiasm.
Mellie can't help but smile. "Now that she's seen you, you'll have to come in, or risk breaking a little girl's heart."
Stark would be more surprised the child remembers him if he had hits wits about him. But then again, he is used to Asia who remembers little. His hand is taken however as he obedient comes into the house with the little girl's guidance. He can rarely tell Asia no, how can he tell Tanya no? He reluctant comes into the house, feeling the weight of it. This is where he was after the funeral, there was food and drink, but he only touched what Pepper made him. How can Mellie stay here?! Stark redesigned his penthouse and still rarely sleeps there.
Stark isn't sure what to say, how to say anything, or generally what to do, so he follows the little girl's lead. It seems...safer that way. He tries to force a smile to his face, not succeeding very well, "I wouldn't want to break her heart. She's got too good of one for the likes of me."
Captain America sets off not as Cap but as Steve. He makes his way to small two-seater Porsche convertible at his home. Not the usual motor cycle nor the jeep he normally drives. The dark blue European sports car reeves to life and goes flying out of the garage and onto the fall streets of Brooklyn.
When you come with her, it delights Tanya to no end, and she skips into where the dining table is and a plate is set in the center with freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. A paper towel is set at one place, with a few cookies, and a glass of milk. Tanya leads you over to this one and urges you to sit, so she can climb up into your lap.
Mellie manages a little smile as she watches Tanya lead you off, and she closes the door, turning to follow. "She is a rather sweet little girl.. dear little thing is always warming up to men." She comes close enough to murmur.. enough for you to hear, but not the little girl. "Her Daddy's been in prison, and asked not to see her. He didn't want Tanya to see him in that place." A little louder. "Can I get you a glass of milk, Mr. Stark? I'm sure Tanya would be willing to share the cookies with you."
It hasn't been easy for Mellie. Sawyer's refurbished bike has been in the garage with a tarp over it. The only thing that's made it bearable for the woman, has been Tanya's presence.. and the young girl's need for someone to love her and take care of her.
Sawyer followed Stark.. easy to do with the man distracted.. especially when she realized where he was headed. She almost slipped up as her anger rose, realizing the damned Skrull was headed directly toward Aunt Mellie's. Her new training allowed her to be able to keep up with him.. and she parked a block away, approaching the house on foot. She knows the lay of the land, making it even easier to keep herself hidden.
There was spies and then there was spies with all the best toys. Steve turned off into an alley ducking in making sure there were no residents or drug dealers in the alley. Okay it took him a bit. Then putting the top up on the car. He reaches over flipping open the ball of the manual gear shift hitting a button. The wheels of the Porsche turn and seem to point down like the time machine in the back to the future movies. Then the car lifts up into the air and up into the sky.
Stark raises a hand to ruffle the little girl's curls. Asia's Mother is in prison now...so many complications. He merely nods at Mellie's words, not really commenting on them as this isn't the time or place. He is looking tired, but he says, "Well, I always got room for cookies, if someone is willing to share," and he smiles slightly. He has a soft spot for children, always did...even if he is definitely not the good father-figure sort. He makes a good Uncle though when he can manage to remember.
There is a window in the dining room, the curtains pulled back and the blinds pulled up to let in some natural sunlight. Stark still hasn't taken off his somewhat heavy coat, having let the girl drag him about like a puppet and climb into his lap as Asia sometimes does.
Stark is still working through things in his head in how to approach all this. He felt drawn here, but he isn't sure what to do with it.
Tanya is all too happy to crawl up into your lap, making herself comfortable as she scoots her paper towel over a little so you can reach one of the two cookies. "Aunt Mellie let me help make them." She takes one, holding it up for you, then reaches for her glass of milk. "You can have some of my milk to dip your cookie in, if you like." There are bits of cookie floating in the milk that have broken off from the previous cookie she dunked.
Mellie smiles. "I'm sure Mr. Stark appreciates it Tanya, but I'll get him his own glass of milk." She excuses herself to disappear into the kitchen, returning with a full glass of milk for you, and another one for herself. She sets the one glass on the table for you, before taking a seat opposite you, drawing the plate of cookies closer. .. .. Sawyer loved Mellie's chocolate chip cookies.
Tanya is oblivious to the adult's demeanor, just happy to have your lap to sit in. She takes the other cookie, and lifts it to her lips, taking a bite. "When we're done with cookies.. would you like to come see my dollies? I have some pretty ones, and they can sit on your lap too." She speaks while she chews, leaning back against your chest and snuggling in.
Mellie tsks softly. "Tanya, you shouldn't speak with your mouthful." She then looks over at you, going quiet again. Surely, whatever brought you here, you would tell her in your own time, in your own way.. if you wanted to. She's not going to push, but her gaze is studious.. keen on picking up on body language.. as she tries to discern things.
That open window is a perfect opportunity to observe, especially since there's a thick bush just beneath it. Sawyer, carefully surveying the area, wriggles between the bush and the house, trying to peek in surreptitiously.. to keep an eye on her loved ones. If that Skrull tries to hurt them...
Seeing Tanya having crawled up in Tony's lap, Sawyer tenses, her hand feeling at her hip for whatever weapon of choice she managed to bring with her this time... just in case.
Steve Rogers goes flying through the night sky, this was the quickest way to travel other than web sling but it would still take time to go from Brooklyn to Queens. Though in front of another house in Queens that another doting aunt fixes wheat cakes for her favorite nephew, Steve's flying car lands. He drives through the streets of Queens and pulls up not far from Mellie's house. He'd met the woman once or twice in passing. He checks the review mirror and says to himself, "Alright Steve it can't be that bad." Then he makes his way up to the front door pressing the door bell.
A chuckle comes from Stark, "Thank you Aunt Mellie," still calling her 'Aunt', even though she's likely younger than he is. "Asia helps Jarvis make cookies all the time. She's my niece." Sawyer was always failing at cooking, and getting Mellie to help her out. And Mellie's baked goods were fought over at the Avengers Mansion.
Sawyer never really got to know Tanya, so seeing the girl interact with Mellie may hold some surprises for the young woman. Stark picks up a cookie and pauses a moment, before going to dip it in the milk. He never ate his cookies like this before, but Tanya suggested he try! He takes a bite out of it, and nods as he chews, waiting to swallow before saying, "They are really good when you dip them in milk. You are really smart, you know?" At the mention of dollies though, "Umm...I guess. I don't know much about dollies though, more about robots and soft-light technology." A pause, "I mean robots." Like the girl is going to know what the hell soft-light technology is. "And armors. I gave Asia a flight suit last Christmas, but she got too small for it too early." A pause, as Stark realizes nothing he says likely makes sense and he tries again, "Asia gets big during the spring and summer, and small during the fall and winter. She's a plant girl, and is really cool and nice. A very good climber." Ya, that sounds like kiddie talk. Yays, success! He actually feels a little proud of himself. See, practicing on Steve Rogers helps!
Still, it's a struggle to keep the smile on his face as his eyes turn toward Mellie again. He seems about to say something, when there is a knock on the front door.
Tanya is abundantly delighted, despite the comment from Mellie about talking with her mouth full. Her eyes light up to see Tony dip his cookie too, and she dips hers again, a little milk dripping down the side of her hand as she lifts it to her mouth. This time, she remembers to chew and swallow before speaking. "My dollies like to sit on laps too." She reminds him, though his mention of robots has her tucking her feet up under her, and turning so she's kneeling on his lap, looking into his face. "You have robots?!" Cookies just barely trump cool toys, and she's already had a few. Her tiny hand braces against Tony's chest, crumbs rubbing into his jacket, as she braces herself. Milk and crumbs from the cookie in her other hand, drip and drop onto his lap. "Can I come play with your robots.. and your neice? Is she nice? I like to make new friends."
Mellie smiles at the girl.. and gets up to try and clean you up from the crumbs. "Careful Tanya.." Then the bell rings. Saved by the bell? "Hmm.. all sorts of visitors this evening." She excuses herself and crosses to the front door. She peeks out the peephole, a hint of surprise on her features. "More illustrious guests." She murmurs, opening the door. "Good evening. I apologize.. I haven't seen you since the funeral.. and I don't quite remember your name. You're a friend of Mr. Stark, yes?" She steps aside to let Steve in. "He's not lost and you've come to find him, have you?" She can't help but smile at the thought, but the vibes she's been getting from Tony, it wouldn't surprise her. "He's at the dining room table with Tanya, enjoying chocolate chip cookies and milk. Would you like to join us?"
When the bell rings, Sawyer startles, and she ducks down out of sight. The window has a direct view from the door, and it wouldn't do to be seen here at Aunt Mellie's house. She probably shouldn't even be here.. but she couldn't risk the Skrull being here, and possibly endangering her Aunt.. and not be there to do something!
Stark doesn't seem to mind being made a mess off, but he does smile a bit, "Of course. I'll arrange a meeting with Asia. She could use another playmate." He doesn't think it be particularly dangerous. America, Asia's sister, got what she wanted from Asia, and her mother is still in prison. If that changed though, that would be another thing altogether.
Though when Mellie speaks to someone else from the funeral, Stark turns half way in the chair and tries to look down the hall, then stops trying cause it doesn't work that way. Stupid walls and not having X-Ray vision! Stark sighs and grumbles mostly to himself, "Yay, what a great night," being obviously sarcastic.
"Steve Rogers, ma'am. I'm sorry to interrupt your evening Ms. Mason. I afraid I have. His locator beacon seemed to indicate that he was in some type of distress." He was for sure older than Mellie but wouldn't look it a bit. " He nods, "I would be honored, ma'am." He walks in and looks at Tony, "You alright Mr. Stark. You seemed distressed last I saw you and your locator beacon indicated you were in trouble."
When Mellie and Rogers enter the dining room, Stark says, "My beacon?" He reaches into a jacket pocket and finds the Avenger ID card. It...he quickly realizes it was remote accessed. He looks suspiciously at Rogers as he tucks it back away. The little girl may or may not have caught Iron Man's image on the Avenger Holo-ID card.
"I'm...fine, thanks for being concerned Rogers." Stark isn't, he's acting strange.
Mellie smiles, nodding. "I'll try to remember that next time.." Though she can't help but wonder if she can hold on to it for another year. She closes the door as Steve enters, raising her brow at Steve's words. "Distress?" She shakes her head. "The only thing Mr. Stark is in danger of here, is getting chocolate cookie crumbs ground into his clothing, and possibly several milky kisses from a six year old." She chuckles softly to herself, ushering Steve to the dining table. "Let me get you a glass of milk. Please, have a seat and make yourself comfortable." She heads into the kitchen to fetch another glass of milk.
Tanya squeals in delight when she sees the card slipped from Tony's jacket pocket, even though she didn't see the image. "Oooh.. can I play with your card? I have cards in my room, but I only play the matching game. Do you know how to play the matching game?" Memory. A simple game for a six year old little girl. Of course, her attention is distracted when another man enters the dining room, and she's quick to turn around on Tony's lap and grabs for another cookie. If Tony isn't careful, he might get an absently placed foot in the groin, before she slides from his lap and rushes over to the stranger to offer him a cookie. Of course, not the half eaten, milk dripping cookie in her other hand. Then, of course, she realizes she doesn't have a free hand to lead her new friend to a chair of his own, and looks a little befuddled as to what she should do.
Steve Rogers nods, "I can see that ma'am. Though I'm just following procedure. I don't need Ms. Potts yelling at me for not confirming that this was not a kidnapping attempt and the whole house hold was in danger." It sounded like something Pepper would yell about. He moves to find a seat not far from Tony. Steve giving the man an innocent grin that was, I'm Captain America. I don't do things like that.
A grunt, a wince, and Stark reaches down with a free hand and 'adjusts' the child carefully. He forces a smile to his face. "It...is an Avengers Holo-ID, how Rogers tracked me." He finally remembered to mentally turn off the tracer at least. "Not a toy, sadly. And you can just eat one," Stark says practically once he realizes the difficulty the child is having as she stares at her full hands. He sounds just a touch breathless, but that's because he got nipped by a knee to the groin. Sawyer may take some self-satisfaction from that. Yep, Stark isn't that used to children.
Stark glares at Rogers, blaming him for his pain at this moment in time, instead of the child. But he clears his throat.
Mellie missed the the 'groin' shot, but if she had, she would have been apologizing profusely for the child. Instead, she notices Tanya's predicament as she returns from the kitchen with another full glass of milk.. and fortunately.. another paper towel as well. "Here Tanya, why don't you put the cookie on your own towel. I have another one for Mr. Rogers." Just saying it brings a smile to Mellie's face. She remembers Mr. Roger's Neighborhood.
Mellie comes over to Mr. Rogers, laying the paper towel on the table in front of him, along with the milk. "Please help yourself to some cookies." She moves across to re-take her seat. "So, to what do I owe the pleasure of your company?" She addresses this to Tony.
Meanwhile, Tanya sets the cookies down, and moves over to hold her hands up to Steve.. in the universal gesture of children wanting to be picked up. "Hi.. I'm Tanya. What's yours? Do you like to hold little girls on your lap?" A dirty mind could have all sorts of fun with that question.. even with it coming from the mouth of an innocent child.
Sawyer dares to peek back in the window, just in time to see the doppelganger-Tony wince from the knee to the groin. A smile tugs at the corners of her mouth.. 'chalk one up for the kid'. "Good going Tanya." She whispers to herself.
Stark just thinks knee to groin, "Oh, it's fun, you should totally try it Rogers." He grins manically at his friend. "Here she is," and he carefully lifts her up and unless Roger really finds it, finds his lap filled with a little girl. He really hopes she nails him one!
Stark then sits back down, struggling to hide his exhausted expression as he picks up another cookie to dip into milk and eat it. He still has to answer Mellie. He knows he isn't going to dodge out of it forever, she is patient, but she knows when to poke and prod. He is still struggling with how to word it however!
"Do you ever get the feeling that, maybe things aren't the way they are supposed to be? Like it was all a dream, or rather a nightmare. Or maybe I'm just crazy, could be crazy, not unusual for me. But usually that's when I'm drinking, but I'm not drinking, so...maybe thinking I should." Stark is being crazy Stark, where he isn't sure what is up or what is down, and is in panic mode.
Steve Rogers excepts the cookies, the milk, and the child. Though he's not sure of what to do with the last one. "Uhm, Hello little Miss. I am Steve." He says then taking a bite of the cookie. He wipes his mouth gulping it down, "Thank you very much. These are very good."
Mellie hasn't really touched her milk, or the cookies, her attention being more focused on Stark, and as a side, Tanya. She can't help but smile to watch the little girl, and waits to see how Steve will respond to her. She's infectious, and Mellie has found that very few.. unless they despise children.. are able to resist those striking blue eyes, and angelic face framed by red ringlets.
Her attention is drawn back to Tony, however, when he begins speaking.. or rather.. rambling.
Mellie has a wonderful way of conveying compassion, and managing to have a penetrating gaze that makes the watched feel as if she can see through to their very soul. She reaches her hand across for Tony's, holding it lightly in one hand, while patting with the other, if he doesn't pull away. "I know it's hard.. and coming up on the anniversary.. I can imagine you must be feeling some anxiety." Her eyes begin to glisten as tears begin to gather. She fights them back.. for Tanya's sake, not wanting to cry in front of the child. "I haven't seen you out at the grave site.." Mellie visits at least once, or twice a week. ".. but I could have missed you. It doesn't help to try and forget.. to push things to the back of your mind.. to avoid what brings you pain. Maybe it would help.. you can join me when I go tomorrow. I have fresh flowers. It might help." You didn't actually /say/ you thought you saw Sawyer.. but as you were rambling.. Did the woman take psychology in college?
Tanya is oblivious to Mellie and Tony at the moment, with a new male to capture her attention. "Do you like little girls Mr. Steve?" She asks, making herself comfortable on his lap. She leans in, wrapping her arms around his neck and giving him the tightest squeeze the little girl can muster. "I miss my Daddy.. can you tell me a story?" She asks as she sits back, leaving milk and cookie crumb residue on Steve's collar.
Steve Rogers listens to Stark and keeps quiet. Though at Tanya he nods, "Sure do, Mr. Stark has a friend named Asia is a real sweet heart. It's nice to meet you Tanya." He considers for a moment. "I could try, I don't ever think I've told one, I do know Little Red Riding hood, and then there's the three little pigs."
There is bitterness in Stark's tone, "That isn't /HER/," meaning the grave site. "She's not in it. It's just burnt waste." The coffin was symbolic, but there wasn't a body...rather just ashes. A very Stark comment there. He won't go, not if he can help it. And why would that make what he is seeing any better anyway?!
Stark raises a hand and runs it through his hair, messing it up. He looks at Tanya, his expression softening. Sawyer would have made a great big sister. "You really think she's gone Aunt Mellie?" How many people know Stark calls her Aunt Mellie?
Tanya wrinkles her nose at the mention of the age old fairy tales. "I heard them before. Do you know any new stories? Anything about princesses? I want to be a princess some day." She reaches for a cookie, but she left her milk over in front of Tony. She ponders for a minute, then gets up on her knees to stretch over and dip her cookie in her glass of milk. Knees and feet both going any which way, if Steve isn't careful.
Mellie sighs softly, shaking her head. "No, her spirit isn't there anymore.. but have you truly said goodbye to her.. or have you pushed it away to the back of your mind, refusing to face it?" Her tone takes on a more motherly manner. Jarvis should be proud of her. Her voice softens slightly, and she reaches for Tony's hand again. "You were there Tony." Yes, she now uses his first name. "You saw.. you held her. You tell me."
Steve Rogers hands move to catch Tanya around the waist and moves to let her dip her cookie in the milk without putting her knee in his groin. You don't outfight Bartoc the leaper without being able to out maneuver a 6 year old. As the conversation becomes heated, Steve considers, "Let me think on one. Tell you what, how about you show me around and when we get done. I'll tell you a story." Steve didn't want Tanya to see Tony and Mellie arguing or discussing Sawyer's death. He sure didn't want it to get around that a security guard is the one that hospitalized Sawyer's assassin.
As Steve gets up with Tanya to walk on a tour about the house and to be shown her dollies, Stark falls silent. His stomach is in knots and the cookies don't feel so good now. "I...don't know." When Steve enters one of the rooms with the girl, he says more low-pitched, "I think I'm seeing things. Have...you seen anything strange or unusual?" There is a certain level of hope in his tone.
Tanya is delighted at the assistance, and dips her cookie, bringing it back to her mouth for a bite. The raised voices has the little girl's brow furrowing a bit, and when she sits back in Steve's lap, she looks up at him, biting her lower lip. Her expression is worried.. but the request to show him around seems to please the little girl. She takes another quick look over at Aunt Mellie, but the woman's attention is now fully focused on Tony.. so she can't say yea, or nay. "Okay.. but I'm bringing my cookie." She slides down from Steve's lap, reaching to take his hand. "We can start with my room, and I can show you my dollies." It used to be Sawyer's old room.. but when Tanya moved in, Mellie renovated it to be more fitting for a 6 year old.
Mellie's expression changes at Steve's words, feeling chastised upon seeing Tanya lead the man to her bedroom. She, of all people, should know better. She takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly, turning her attention back to Tony. She continues to hold her hand out to him, waiting for him to put his hand in hers. There is sympathy in her eyes, and she shakes her head. "No, Tony, I haven't. Now, I come to see why Steve appears to be worried about you. Have you really taken the time to grieve for Sawyer?" That name.. finally spoken aloud. "It's not surprising for you to think you're seeing things.. if you haven't given yourself a chance to grieve properly." She leans forward, this time truly reaching for your hand. Apparently, human contact is important to Mellie. "I'm starting to worry about you too. I realize you're an important man, and shoulder a lot of stress.." She doesn't know the half of it. ".. and if you had half the feelings my niece had for you.. her death couldn't have been easy for you."
Stark doesn't seem worried about Steve being alone with Tanya at all, least it doesn't register he should even be. He winces at the touch, but he doesn't jerk away. "It's...not like that. I thought...I thought I could move on, but. I'm NOT crazy, not really, I can't be!" Stark sighs at that and raises a hand to pinch the bridge of his nose. "As fucked up as this sounds right now, she's not the first girlfriend I had to bury. And no, I wasn't planning on dating again, don't want to, not sure I can. People die too easily, it's part of the risk of the community I'm involved in. But...people accept those risk, are trained to /deal/ with them. Sawyer didn't have any training, no protection, or even a quarter of a chance," finally speaking her name again, though his voice breaks at it.
"I can't, I /refuse/ to go through that again. It's just practical. If you don't like the cycle your life is on, break it," Stark states.
Mellie squeezes your hand in a gesture of comfort, then after a heartbeat or two after you've stopped speaking, she even gets up to come over and pull you into a hug... and she's pretty hard to resist, in her mothering manner. It's just Mellie's way... and after all, Sawyer loved this man.. so to her, he was someone to comfort and look after.. even if it was Jarvis & Pepper's job, not hers. They weren't here right now, and she is. She murmurs, in a comforting way. "But.. did you feel about them, the way you felt about Sawyer?" There is no condemnation in her voice, only sympathy, for a man who seems to be cracking up in her dining room. "She loved you Tony, and would do anything for you. I don't think I ever saw her more miserable, than when the two of you were apart.. other than when her parents died." She gives him an extra squeeze, before taking a step back.. if he didn't completely rebuff her hug. She still makes an attempt to hold his hands. "She would want you to be happy.. and it would devastate her to know you were putting yourself through this." Yes, Sawyer would have been jealous if she were still alive.. and didn't think you /weren't/ Tony, if you were with another woman.. but truly dead, she /would/ want him to be happy. "You're not crazy.. your heart and mind are just trying to grieve.. to be able to let her go."
And yet.. that window.. Sawyer can see some of what's going on, when she's not trying to keep herself from being seen that is.. and when Mellie rises to give you a hug.. the young woman's eyes flash.. and if Tony is looking in the direction of the window.. he might.. just might.. catch a glimpse of her face before she 'disappears'. She just can't take another minute of watching, and makes tracks to head straight back to Hydra. Something MUST be done.. and MUST be done soon. She can't possibly allow these Skrull into her family's lives as well. This is just too much. They HAVE to die!
Stark swallows hard, and doesn't pull away, but only one hand comes up to cup Mellie's shoulder. As they pull about, a movement outside has him looking out the window as the sunlight has faded into dusk. His brow wrinkles, and he feels unsteady again. He falls silent, not sure what to say, what to do, and it takes all his effort to pull his eyes from the window and to bow his head, slipping fingers into his hair and holding his hand there as he stares down at the table his elbow now rests on. He really is going mad.
Tanya is having all sorts of fun with Steve back in her room, and the short book doesn't take long to get through.. and.. a 6 year old's attention span isn't very long to boot. When she starts digging into her dollies' clothes to get Steve to help her play dress up with them.. it might be a little much for the man.
Steve reads books, and looks at dolls, but he doesn't play dollie dress up. His ear listening to the people down stairs. He looks at the little girl when she suggests dresses up. He counters with drawing. He tells the little girl to go get some paper and pencils. If she will draw him something he'll draw her something.
"Will you come to the grave site with me tomorrow?" Mellie asks, sincerely believing it will do the man some good. Worry creases her brows as she watches him, her hand resting on his shoulder. "Can I get you something?"
Tanya looks a little disappointed her new friend doesn't want to play dollie dress-up, but drawing is just as much of a favorite of hers, as are her dollies, so she scampers off to her desk and pulls out crayons and a roll of paper on a reel, waddling back over to the table, trying not to drop the roll and reel that's almost half as big as she is.
"No," the answer is short and blunt. But Stark then sighs, "No, thank you though Aunt Mellie. I don't want to ever go to another grave-site again. I've seen too many." Way too many. "I guess I just need sleep, I haven't been sleeping well." Excuses.
Mellie shakes her head slowly. "If you don't get a handle on this.. you'll be no good to yourself, or anyone else who needs you." Mellie's had to be strong before, despite grief. She understands how important it is when people are relying on you. Many more people are relying on Stark.. though it's even more than Mellie realizes.. and she hates to see the man her niece loved so much, crack up.
"I'll handle it." Stark moves to stand. "I'm...sorry for coming here unexpectedly." He the looks about, "Hey, Rogers hasn't come running out screaming, impressive." It's as if he just registered how long Rogers has been gone for.
Mellie doesn't even make an attempt to smile this time, the worry evident on her features. "You've always been welcome here Tony." She says softly. "I know it's not anything fancy, not a society party.. but it's homey." Despite the fact that there are reminders of Sawyer.. there's Tanya too. She refrains from saying the first thing that comes to her mind, instead, falling back on... "If you need anything.." Not that there's anything she can offer, that you can't get elsewhere. ".. don't hesitate to ask." Here, a small smile tries to form. "I'm glad you stopped by.. unexpectedly or no.. it was good to see you." A connection for her, to Sawyer. She treasures those.
Stark nods, "Well, depends if I can sweet talk a pie out of you." He smiles a little lopsidedly, though tiredly. He then moves to call up the steps, "If she conned you into watching a Princess moving, I'm tattling on you to Asia!" Stark does everything he can to dodge out of /those/. Rogers would know Stark is ready to leave by that teasing statement.
Stark hrms slightly, not seeming particularly worried, though he does say, "Jerk, now he's better with kids then me." But he smiles slightly. Their friends, that much is clear to someone observant like Mellie.
Steve Rogers moves to help the little girl with the roll of 'butcher paper.' He rolls it out over her little table. He smiles at crayons as he cuts and tapes the paper down. Then he rises her and goes to her little desk. He retrieves a yellow number #2 pencil and forgoing the chair he sits down on the floor, "Alright... I'll tell you what. You draw me your favorite superhero and I'll draw you what ever you want. Deal?"
Mellie even goes so far as to chuckle a little at the pie request. "Just let me know what kind, and when - so I can have it ready when you get here - and you've got a deal.
Tanya is in her glory, sitting down with Steve, and drawing. The challenge is a hard one though.. and when tasked to draw her favorite superhero, she's stumped. What she wants you to draw comes quickly to her, however, and it's a pretty unicorn. For her picture, it takes a little while, and when she does finish the picture, she holds it up for you. It's difficult to tell what it is, the 6 yr old no child prodigy.. but it appears to be a woman, because of the 'dress', but she has no hair.. and there are lines coming from her body as she lays in a bed.
Stark nods, "Cherry sounds good," he suggests, "Or maybe chocolate mousse? I don't know, surprise me?" He grins. "I like whatever you fix anyway. And anytime you have the time, I know you got to be busy with a little one."
Steve puts his arm around the drawing where the little girl can't see it. You know like you were suppose to in elementary school because of tests. He works intently and looks up though to eye Tanya's drawing, "That's very good drawing. I know a few of the Avengers but I don't think I've ever met her."
Mellie nods, and excuses herself while she waits for Steve and Tanya to come down from her room. She comes back from the kitchen with two zippered plastic bags to pack some cookies for Tony and Steve to take along with them. "You can take some to Jarvis. He's been very sweet. Please tell him thank you for me." Though the last time she talked to him, she told him herself. Yes, she's giving the man away.
Tanya leans over to peek, her curiosity egging her on, but her face lights up when you compliment her picture. "She's not an Avenger.. she's my Mommy." She beams, very proud to say so.
A slow blink from Stark, and then he smiles lopsidedly to hide the expression. "I'll let him know." Grrr to Jarvis! Going behind his back! Not that he is really mad at the man, he is actually very grateful to him.
Steve Rogers grins, "Ah... She's a good superhero. My mom's my favorite superhero too." He looks at the drawing. "She taught me to be the man I am." He doesn't add that he lost his mother to illness. But he finishes his drawing, it's done in pencil and it's done to the quality as one of the biggest artist in the Comic book industry but it's Princess Tanya riding a unicorn side saddle.
Mellie packs the cookies in the two bags, still leaving enough for Tanya to enjoy. She didn't miss the blink.. and the cover, but she continues on as if she missed it. She hands one of the plastic bags to Tony, and sneaks in another hug. "Please come back soon." There's a faint tremor in the woman's voice. "It really was good to see you." She steps back, taking a deep breath to steady her voice, looking to the stairs.
Tanya smiles, nodding. "She fought sickness.. but she lost." Her eyes turn sad for a moment. ".. but she's still watching me from heaven." Her eyes widen, and she drops her picture to cover her mouth when she sees your picture. "I'm a princess!" She squeals, the sound even able to be heard from downstairs, and she trows her arms around Steve's neck, squeezing him as hard as she can.
Steve Rogers hugs the little girl, "My mother was much the same. I lost her too but she watches me from Heaven. Yes you are." He takes the scissors and cuts out the pictures. He'd take it down for Mellie to have framed or refrigeratored which ever was best. "Now lets go down and see about another cookie." He carries the little girl and the art back down.
Tanya is wearing the biggest smile as Steve carries her down the stairs, clutching the pictures in her tiny hands. She has one arm tightly around his neck, and waves his picture for Mellie to see. She's very proud of it. "Auntie Mellie.. lookie.. I'm a princess!"
Mellie smiles, holding her arms out for the little girl when Steve nears the bottom of the stairs. "I think it reflects you very well Tanya." She smiles gratefully up at Steve. "Thank you. It means so much to her."
Tanya looks back to Steve and holds out the picture to him. "I want you to have it."
Steve Rogers grins, "It's no problem ma'am. we both found out we got something in common." He takes the picture and makes sure to fit it next to his chest in his jacket so not to loose it. "You ready Tony? You want a ride? I brought the Porche." He nods to Tanya, "Take care. It was nice meeting you."
Mellie almost forgot when she saw Tanya, but she grabs the plastic zipped bag with chocolate chip cookies to give to Steve. "Here.. please take these with you. I hope you enjoy them." Mellie's a wiz at baking. "Mr. Rogers, you're more than welcome to come back any time as well. We love company.
Mellie ruffles Tanya's hair, and the girl reaches out her arms to Tony, wanting a goodbye hug from him too.
"But I got my own car here. I'm not going to crash land it Rogers, geez," and Stark rolls his eyes, but he does raise a baggy with cookies in them. "Got a doggie bag though." He pouts, "But Aunt Mellie likes to be fair, so guess she had to give one to you too." Least Stark is kinda acting normal.
Stark moves to give the little girl a hug. "Take care sweetcakes. I'll let Asia know you want to arrange a play date." He winks at Tanya, before he nods to Aunt Mellie and moves to take his leave.
Aunt Mellie walks the gentlemen out, giving them well wishes as they depart. Ever the mother, she mentions to Tony. "Be safe going home. I'd ask you to text me when you get home safely.. but you'd probably forget. I should just call Jarvis." Her eyes twinkle merrily.. and that little effect would be highly reminiscent of Sawyer. It's something the two women have in common.. that mischievous streak. She looks to Steve. "Please take care of him.." Her voice drops much lower, after having put Tanya down to go back to the cookies, happy with her picture. ".. for Sawyer."
Steve Rogers nods, "I will do the best I can. I just might do that." He then looks at Tony. " What ever you say Tony. What ever you say. Stay out of trouble." With that Steve heads towards the Porsche."