#marvl

You had noticed Marc starting to pull away, seeming to do more missions for Khonshu more often than anything. He’d be gone for days, sometimes weeks at a time with no updates on if he were alive. It hadn’t bothered you at first, Steven would send a message letting you know how things were going, no matter how brief, they always helped put you at ease.

There were some nights you met the third alter, Jake Lockley. He’d nearly begged you not to tell the other two, and that he would in due time. So you kept your mouth shut and kept going about your daily life. But when Marc hadn’t been home for nearly two months, Steven stepping through with his phone pressed to his ear, you could feel things falling apart.

Until one day, they finally did.

“It doesn’t fucking matter! It’s not the first time I’ve had to leave in the middle of the night, why is tonight so different?” Marc was seething, hands clenched into fists by his side.

“You can’t be serious, you know exactly why tonight is different!” It’d been your anniversary, one year with the man who had two different alters.

You’re still not sure either of them know about Jake, neither Steven or Marc have said anything about him.

“You know what? I didn’t want to say this, but this? This means nothing to me,” Marc gestured between the pair of you, brow still furrowed as he stared at you.

“What?” Your voice was barely above a whisper, unfortunately that did little to deter Marc.

“I’m still in love with Layla, hell so is Steven! This wasn’t supposed to last, you were just filling a hole until we could figure things out with her. But instead of that, you’ve practically moved yourself in, how fucking blind are you?” Marc’s words cut deep, deeper than any knife ever could.

Your eyes slowly filled with tears, the realization that you truly were not loved like you’d hoped, washing over you like a bucket of ice cold water.

Marc! What the bloody hell are you doing?!

“It’s always been Layla for me, I’ve seen the way Steven looks at her, he’s never looked at you the way he does for her. We love her,” Marc continued to ignore Steven’s angry protests, his hands shaking by his sides. “Why would I marry someone I’ve never loved? With Layla things were different, we loved one another. You? You were nothing more than a body to warm my bed at night, filling a hole until things worked out between her and I. You really think Steven loved you, with the way he’d look at her? I’d never marry someone as stupid and blindly ignorant as you. I deserve better than that.”

“Okay,” Your voice was devoid of any, and all emotion.

The tears had begun to slide down your face, dripping onto the collar of your shirt as you begged to pack the few things you’d moved into Steven’s flat.

Marc had expected you to scream, to hurl insults at him as if it were as easy as breathing. This truly terrified him. Layla would have screamed at him, demanded answers he’d refuse to give.

Give me the goddamn body! I can’t fucking believe you!

Once you had everything packed into your bag you turned back to face Marc, your eyes were blank, almost hollow as you stared at the other man. The smile that pulled up your lips didn’t reach your eyes at all.

“I’ve never been anyone's first choice, and I’ve come to terms with it. So I’m sorry for wasting your time,” You turned towards the way, gripping the bag tighter as you walked out of the flat.

Steven was still screaming at Marc, desperate to speak to you even if for only a moment. Marc was still dumbstruck, feet planted on the floor. He’d made a huge mistake. 2 Years Later Marc wasn’t entirely sure when things between him and Layla had changed, when she started to spend more time away than at home. Sure, they weren’t living together anymore, and he’d left behind the life he had with you. “I met someone, it’s been going surprisingly well for us, he makes me really happy,” Layla’s voice sounded faraway to Marc’s ears. When had his life managed to fall apart this badly? “Oh, that’s great, I’m really happy for you,” Marc had assumed things were going great between them, they’d spent nearly everyday that neither of them were busy together.

It’d been nothing but a pipe dream, a hopeful idea that Marc was worthy of being happy for once, that the things his mother said were all lies.

“I’ve already signed the papers, so you’ll need to find a lawyer,” Layla seemed almost nervous as she sipped her wine, glancing over at Marc.

“That’s fine, I’ll take a look tonight and see what I can do on short notice,” Marc’s voice had an edge of pain, and guilt.

You had always been on the back of his mind, Steven refusing to front for nearly three months while Marc picked up the pieces, lied to Layla about where he’d truly been. Gods, you both deserved so much better than Marc could ever give you.

“I’m sorry things ended this way, Marc, you know I want nothing but the best for you,” Layla frowned, placing her hand atop of his own.

Nothing mattered anymore, he’d lost everything.

Marc had nearly wanted to let Steven front, let himself be hidden from the pain and suffering he’d have to endure every time they met with their lawyers. Unfortunately Steven’s handwriting was too nice compared to Marc’s chicken scratch of a signature. So he toughed it out, met with Layla and her lawyer, Matt, each week until the decision was final. They were officially divorced in a little over six months, Layla getting the house they’d bought together while Marc packed up his things and left.

Steven didn’t mention that he’d miss working at the museum, even if Donna would get on his case over the smallest inconveniences. Marc sure as hell wasn’t going to miss it, not when he’d accidentally front during one of Steven’s shifts and have to finish the day for him.

They were working in tandem most days, switching much easier than before. They still had the occasional blackout, unsure of what was happening to the other. Knuckles bruised, skin torn enough to show the tendons and muscle beneath the layers.

“Maybe I should see a therapist, then again they’d probably think I was insane for even trying to mention you,” Marc muttered to his reflection.

Steven stared back at him, a frown pulling down his face as he struggled to figure out how to approach the subject. How did someone who couldn’t physically comfort someone, truly comfort them?

“People suffer from our condition Marc, they wouldn’t think you’re crazy at all,” Steven said, shrugging his shoulders as he watched Marc pace around the apartment.

“Steven, just drop it for now, I have to go grocery shopping since someone didn’t do it when I asked,” Marc glared over at the mirror once more.

The duo had a schedule they stuck to almost religiously, it was easier than fighting over who took care of what chore. Well that was before Jake showed up, that threw a wrench in their plans before either alter could blink.

“I said I was going to do it tomorrow, we have plenty of food to last the night anyway,” Steven didn’t want to argue with Marc, lord knows the man was too hot headed for his own good.

Ignoring Steven entirely, Marc grabbed his coat and wallet, trudging out of the apartment with an annoyed huff.

The shop was thankfully quiet, barely anyone walking around as Marc perused the different aisles. He obviously wanted to get more vegan options for Steven, even if he himself was still eating meat. 

If Marc had been paying closer attention, he’d have noticed you about to collide with him. The box of cereal you were carrying dropped to the floor along with the plastic basket he’d been carrying. Steven immediately fronted, unsure if Marc had slipped into the headspace due to shock or not. You timidly reached down, picking up the box before someone could kick it away.

“Y/N?” Steven’s jaw dropped open, how the hell were you here? Hadn’t you gone back home to be with your family after the breakup?

“Oh, hey,” You bit your lip gently, looking over your shoulder for a brief moment before catching Steven’s gaze.

Marc had forced himself to front, to prove to himself that he could face you once more. Steven wasn’t too pleased to be put on the back burner during one of your conversations again.

“Hi, long time no see,” Marc mentally kicked himself, gods he sounded so dumb.

“That was the point, Marc, you told me I meant nothing to you, so why would I stick around?” Your voice sounded harsh even to you, it was all due to Marc’s ignorance.

“Look, I messed up, I know that now. Is there anywhere we could talk?” It was a shot in the dark, a sliver of hope that he’d hold onto for the rest of his life.

You went to open your mouth, to tell him you’d moved on and found someone else to spend your life with that wasn’t him. Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on whom you asked, the answers would differ.

A man walked up behind you, arms wrapping around your waist in a tight embrace, lips pressed against your cheek. Marc had no right to be upset, he’d been the one to break your heart, to say those awful things like you’d never truly meant anything to him. Yet, standing here watching this man embrace you cut even deeper.

“Hola mi amor, ¿de quién es tu amigo?” The man glanced over to Marc, brow raised as he looked him over.

“Behave yourself, this is an old friend of mine, Marc Spector,” So you never told him the truth, or maybe you were ashamed of how things ended.

Marc held out a hand to the other man, though he wanted nothing more than to run off like a dog with his tail between his legs. The man, whom Marc had presumed was your boyfriend, took his hand in a tight handshake.

“Santiago, it’s nice to finally meet you,” His smile was friendly enough, but Marc could see the fire deep down in his gaze.

He was a protector, ready to throw Marc back if it meant keeping you safe.

“Marc and I were just catching up, if you want to finish getting the rest of the stuff we need?” You pouted your lip at Santiago, a brightness in your eyes Marc had never seen before.

Is that what you actually looked like when you were happy? Without a care in the world to your surroundings.

“si por supuesto mi amor,” Santiago pressed a kiss to your lips, pulling your bodies flush together for a brief moment.

You giggled when he pulled away, grabbing the cart to head off to a different part of the store. If Marc had paid any more attention he’d have noticed the ring sitting on your left hand. It wasn’t until Steven forced himself to front that he took notice, the diamonds shining even in the dimly lit store.

“You’re engaged?” Steven hadn’t meant for it to sound too rude, as if you had no right to marry anyone besides himself.

“Yes, our engagement parties this weekend, you should come,” You knew you were goading him, waiting to see what he’d finally spill free.

Steven wanted to scream, to beg for you to come back into their lives, that he did indeed still truly love you. It was too late though, he’d made his bed and now he had to lie in it like a big boy.

“I’m not sure how much Marc would like that,” Steven fidgeted with the jacket Marc had thrown on before leaving the apartment. It was a habit he couldn’t quite break.

“I’m not asking for Marc to be there, Steven,” It was never subtle that you were closer to Steven than Marc. That didn’t mean you treated them any differently, you just had an easier time with the Brit than the army brat.

“Y/N, you know we’re part of the same body, I can’t do that to him,” Steven would do anything you asked of him, no matter the consequences.

“If you end up changing your mind, here’s the invite,” You reached into your bag, handing him a small envelope.

Both their names were written across the slightly aged paper, had you planned on inviting them, after all that had happened? You truly were too good for them.

“I have to go, Santi and I are babysitting tonight and need to be home before the kids get there,” Steven could only nod and watch as you went in search of your fiance.  ~~~~~

Santi had been watching you all night, the way you talked with his friends so easily, Frankie’s daughter Lilly hanging off your hip like it came so naturally to you. You’d told him about the invite, and that you weren’t entirely sure Marc would even show up. He’d helped calm you down before the kids were due to show up, holding you tight to his chest as you cried.

That was the night he learned the truth about Marc, about the horrific things he’d spewed as if he were talking to someone he truly despised, rather than you. Santiago knew deep down that you were still hurting, trauma like that takes years to overcome, and he was determined to help you through it all.

“Uncle Santi! Lilly’s calling for you!” You sing-songed as you walk over to him, hands cradling the nearly ten month old.

Santi opened his arms, taking the squirming baby from your arms with a smile.

“Well hello there gorgeous, did you miss your Uncle that much?” Lilly had clung to Santi like a bee to a flower.

There had been times people mistook the pair of you as her parents, though you always corrected them and said you were simply the Aunt and Uncle of the little bundle.

It was something he’d never given much thought to, considering what he used to do for work he couldn’t imagine putting that pressure on you. So he pushed it to the farthest corner of his mind and babysat whenever he could.

“You look good with a baby in your arms,” Your smirk was downright devilish, sending a shiver up his spine.

“As do you, mi amor,” You could never get over whenever Santi spoke Spanish to you.

It would be playful when you were in public, or with friends, mainly because Frankie also spoke Spanish and didn’t want to hear your gross thoughts.

The bedroom however was a different story, the filthy things he’d whisper in your ear as you laid between the sheets, bodies pressed flush together.

“Well, we’re getting married in a few weeks, you change your mind on kids?” It was a mutual decision between the two of you to not have children until you were ultimately ready. If the time never felt right, you’d still be happy together.

“Maybe I did, I want nothing more than to put a baby in you,” Gods, who let Santiago out in public with a mouth like that? As soon as you went to retort, the door opening caught your attention. Unfortunately the person stepping inside was neither Marc, nor Steven.

“I didn’t think you were going to show, but I guess you proved me wrong,” You turned to face him, hands on your hips almost defiantly.

Jake raised a brow, staring you down.

“Bueno, hola a ti también, me diste una invitación, ¿recuerdas?” So that’s how things were going to be?

“No, I gave Marc the invitation, I didn’t give it to you Jake,” You wanted nothing more than to slap the other man. It was clear neither Marc, nor Steven wanted to come.

“You can’t be serious, you’re actually upset with me right now?” Jake could see your fiance watching from where you’d left him.

“Yes! This is my engagement party Jake, if the other two didn’t feel comfortable coming at all, you shouldn’t have done this to them,” It nearly pissed you off, but you weren’t going to let him ruin your day.

“Sabes que esto te extraño, ¿verdad? Eres todo lo que pueden hablar,” That truly wasn’t what you needed to hear. “I moved on, Jake, they don’t get to decide things for me anymore,” You were tempted to get Santi to throw him out, or maybe even Frankie and Benny.

“Layla asked for a divorce, Marc’s been blaming himself since that night, no matter how much Steven and I tell him you won’t take us back,” Jake looked uncomfortable now, as if he was spilling his darkest secrets.

And maybe he was, because you’d always assumed things between him and Layla worked out, and that they were happy again.

“That’s not my problem, Jake, Marc was the one who pushed me away, he doesn’t get to have his cake and eat it too,” Maybe it was the wrong thing to say, you never wanted to hurt any of the boys, but goddamnit you were hurting!

Jake opened his mouth to reply, closing it instantly as Santi walked over, wrapping an arm around your waist.

“Is there a problem?” Santi leveled Jake with one look, arm kept tight around your body.

Jake looked nervous, something you’d never seen on his face ever in your life. He was the strong one, the alter that took over whenever the other two were overwhelmed.

“Not at all, just talking about the past is all,” Jake smiled, shoving his hands into his pockets without a second thought.

“You alright babe?” Santi looked at you, to truly assess the situation. You’d always tell him if you’d been uncomfortable. “Yeah, just a misunderstanding, parties almost over anyway,” Everyone had started to pack up their things, getting ready to head out for the night.

“I’m gonna help clean up, call if you need anything,” Santi pressed a kiss to your cheek, heading off to help clean up.

Jake watched as Santiago walked away, hands balled into fists in his pockets. He’d always dreamt of coming in and sweeping you off your feet. That wouldn’t happen though, not with this newcomer in his way.

“I love him, Jake, he treats me like an actual person. Please don’t ruin this for me,” You’d hoped your voice wouldn’t crack, that tears wouldn’t spill down your cheeks anymore for the man standing across from you.

“Just, don't tell the other two when you get married, okay? I’m not sure how well Marc would handle it,” Jake knew that if Marc found out how soon you were getting married he’d do something reckless.

“Alright, I won’t tell them,” You muttered, turning back towards Santi.

“If you want me there, I’ll go, but I don’t want to upset them. You deserve better than Marc’s anger,” You scoffed, where had that mentality been when Marc was berating you in the old apartment?

“Don’t do this to me, I didn’t deserve any of what he did to me, but here we are,” You crossed your arms over your chest.

This would just delve into another argument, neither of you winning what seemed to be a dick measuring contest. Jake had always been the absolute worst when it came to seeing reason, worse off than Marc when it came to actually talking about any issues.

“Look, I’m going to leave so I don’t ruin the rest of your night, okay?” Jake pulled you into a hug, tightening his arms as yours wrapped around his waist.

“Siempre seras mi favorita,” Jake’s words cut deep, how could they do this to you? 

“I’ll see you in a few weeks, make sure to wear something nice,” You patted his side, stepping back to give you a few feet of space.

Jake waited for Santiago to swoop back in, to show everyone that you were with him, it made him feel uneasy for a brief moment.

“I’ll wear my best suit,” Jake nodded before turning to leave.

To your surprise Santi gave you space, knowing full well that something had happened and he hadn’t wanted to upset you further. This was a sensitive time for the both of you, and the last thing he needed was an argument, especially one fueled by an ex.

Things were going to be just fine.

Wedding Day

If anyone had asked how you felt the day you married Santiago, you’d smile to yourself and tell them you felt truly happy. Butterflies were swarming your stomach, fluttering around like crazy as you had your hair and makeup done.

Your bridesmaids and maid of honor had already gotten ready, putting all the focus on you, taking as many photos as they were allowed to. Santi wasn’t allowed to see you at all until first looks, breaking the ice that would hover over the two of you until you each walked down the aisle.

“I can’t believe how gorgeous you look, he’s going to cry the moment he sees you,” Your bridesmaid, Kait, was rushing around you to get all the finishing touches done.

You’d already shed a few tears, taking pictures to remember for the rest of your days alongside your husband. What would your children think when they saw the photos?

“He better, I’ve been up since six,” You laughed as she placed the “something blue” in your updo.

It had been a gift from Frankie, something his wife had worn for their own wedding. He’d mentioned how Santi had bought it to give to Frankie, and said she deserved something nice on their wedding day. It was a playful dig at his friend, and now you were adorning the same piece.

It felt like you were rushed through the first looks, Santi’s eyes misting over as he took you in fully, hands sliding over your arms as he pulled you tight against him. Too soon though, your maid of honor was rushing you off to get ready to walk down the aisle.

Frankie was walking you down, seeing as your own father wasn’t in your life and Frankie stepped right up to the plate. It was nothing short of an honor to have one of Santiago’s best friends walk you down the aisle.

You’d each cried, facing one another as the justice of the peace declared you husband, and wife. Santi pulled you close, kissing you so passionately you felt almost faint.

There was no one else in the world except for the two of you, held tight in an embrace of love and passion.

“I love you, so much,” You pressed your lips to his once more, grabbing his hand as you ran down the aisle.

Santiago kept a tight grip on your hand, following close behind as he stopped you both, picking you up bridal style.

You’d both agreed to have photos done somewhere else while everyone had cocktail hour at the venue you chose. It was the smartest choice, and thankfully everyone else seemed on board. You didn’t go too far from the venue, choosing the closest, and nicest, park to commit photos to memory.

“You look gorgeous, Mrs. Garcia,” Santi smirked, pressing a gentle kiss to your neck.

“As do you, Mr. Garcia,” You gripped the lapels of his tux, leaning your head back slightly.

“Let’s head inside, gotta keep showing off my gorgeous wife,” Santi pulled you flush to his side, waiting as the Dj announced the wedding party first.

Once your names were called you made your way inside, laughing as people wolf whistled, cheered, and clapped.

This was a day you’d dreamt about for years, planning it in your head since you were a little girl, how things would go.

You refused to let the thought of Marc ruin your day. If he’d truly loved you he wouldn’t have pushed you away, he wouldn’t have made you feel so worthless. Today was about you, and the man you were hopelessly in love with.

Of course making your rounds went by faster than you expected, you hadn’t had much in the way of family or friends to invite, and those that did come you’d already seen earlier in the day. Once your eyes landed on Jake you frowned, you weren’t sure he’d actually show up, yet here he was, watching you closely.

He stood up and made his way over to where you were, Santi in a deep conversation with Frankie about something you couldn’t quite figure out.

“Jake told us, I’m sure you weren’t expecting me,” Your eyes widened, Marc had come in Jake’s place?

“No, I definitely wasn’t expecting to see you Marc, though I’m glad you came,” You just hoped he wouldn’t cause a scene.

He pulled you into an embrace, pressing a soft kiss to the crown of your hair.

“You do look gorgeous, I can’t deny that,” Marc sighed, holding your shoulders as you pulled back.

“Thank you, it means a lot to me,” Things would work themselves out, you were sure of it.

“Just promise me I can get at least one dance?” Marc looked so hopeful, brown eyes shimmering in the dim light.

“One dance, later though, I need to go eat,” You didn’t want to pull away from him, but you knew deep down had you stayed, you’d have been upset the rest of the night.

Dinner, and the cake cutting went off without a hitch, both you and Santi feeding one another gently. He’d refused to shove any cake in your face, claiming your makeup looked too pretty to be ruined.

“I’ll ruin it later tonight, that’s a promise,” Santi’s whisper sent shivers through your entire body.

Gods you were so thankful you managed to bag that man.

Before the end of the night you searched for Marc, promising him one dance before you left for your honeymoon.

He was nowhere to be found inside, or outside of the venue.

What Tony hadn't expected, was for Steve's demeanor to completely change for barely a microsecond. He changed from cold and stoic to reassuring and heartfelt before slipping back into his earlier mask. But it was enough, and suddenly Penny looked better. Her eyes didn't dart around in fear, her steps and face nervous, instead she grew confident, holding her ground. He wondered what had happened the past few weeks.

Penny leaped.

Tony had known that Penny was quick, but he barely saw her as she darted across the cage, landing a kick on Steve's stomach. She attempted to take the momentum and jump off of him, but Steve grabbed her ankle and swung her into the wall. Penny stumbled, but only for a moment, gripping the chains and swinging herself to the top.

They fought and fought and fought. It felt as though it would never end.

Sometimes they swung off of chains, using the cage as a jungle gym, other times they did quick hand-to-hand combat, moving so fast their limbs were nothing but a blur. Tony's arm shook the entire time, even as he noticed something peculiar about their movements.

Despite the intensity of their fight, nothing had really happened. There had been pushes and strikes that knocked each other back, but neither showed any hint of truly being hurt. Steve was refraining from hurting Penny. The most obvious show of it was when Steve launched to strike Penny in the face--which was bruised deeply around her left eye and the bridge of her nose--and then his posture changed. Painfully obviously, he slowed, allowing for Penny to grab his arm and throw him.

Tony's chest loosened.

Steve was protecting Penny. He shouldn't have expected any less. The man didn't think the soldier was perfect or the most morally upright person, but he was Steve. He was Steve who protected those who needed his help. He was Steve who was known for his goodness and his support. That might not have been extended to Tony, but it clearly had for Penny.

He knew he needed to get on with the plan, but with both Penny and Steve out here, there was little to do until their fight ended. He couldn't just snatch them out of plain sight. This was a stealth mission, and he hadn't shaved for nothing.

Still, Derrick and Collis made an effort to get closer to the bar, doing their best to stay under the radar. And, all Tony had to say, was that not being noticed had never been his forte.

He looked away to glance back at Penny for a fleeting moment, which was apparently long enough to smack right into Norman Osborn.

Collis recovered first, practically pushing himself in front of Tony as if he knew that the man was straining from attacking Osborn, "Excuse us, sir. I'm very sorry, we didn't see you there."

Norman squinted, but then he plastered on a smile, his gaze lingering on Tony for a second too long, but he held out a hand to shake all the same. Collis and then Derrick, who felt as though his hand were burning the entire time, "It's no problem at all. Are you enjoying the show?"

"Of course, sir," Tony forced out, biting his cheek, "They both know how to pack a punch."

He hummed, "There's a little too much dodging for my taste. I'll have to see about getting Parker's cell changed."

Tony and Rhodey glanced at each other. Rhodey asked, "What's wrong with their cells?"

"Parker and Rogers were placed together a few weeks ago. We were hoping for some infighting, but they've grown very close. Much too close, if you ask me. Which you should, since I run the place."

"I think it makes for an interesting dynamic," Tony dared, accepting a beer from a nearby waitress as he turned back to watching the fight. This time trapped next to Osborn.

Penny and Steve's fight lasted for what felt like hours, but when he glanced at the watch on his wrist, hadn't been more than ten minutes. The crowd was clearly enraptured by the two's battle, every eye hinged on every kick and every right hook. Cheers erupted at every punch, and, as Tony found out, the two could only protect each other for so long.

Eventually, Penny began to stumble. Her moves became slower, her whole body trembling with the effort of staying upright and continuing to fight. The length of the fight and her stay at the Starry Lights Hotel were clearly taking a toll on her, something that Osborn clearly didn't appreciate.

When Penny went down, sprawling onto her knees and then dropping to the ground completely, one billionaire's face was filled eith malice, and the other's with strained sorrow.

Tony hated himself for taking advantage of this, but now was the time, maybe the only time he'd get. He nudged Rhodey, who gave him a nod, moving forward to distract Osborn as he dashed to the bar. The door behind the counter was practically within his reach, but the bartender would be too suspicious if they watched Tony go through it. He doubted it was open to customers.

"Hey!" he called out to the bartender, forcing an angry customer into his voice, "Someone threw up over there. Are you going to clean it up or not?"

"Yes, sir. I'll go get it now."

They grabbed a mop and ran off, the side door swinging open. Tony dashed through the counter, slipping through the door and into the next room. Well, hallway.

It was bright, glaringly so, yellow lights lining the long hallway all barely a foot away from each other. Clearly, they didn't want anybody to be able to hide.

Tony pulled his glasses out of his pocket, tapping them awake and watching as the building was broken down in front of him. There were so many rooms, and so many filled with people, hunched over or splayed on the ground limply or slumped against the wall of their small closet-like rooms. He swallowed, beginning to make his way across the hall.

"Which way, Fri?"

"I cannot, at this time, detect Miss Parker, but a heat signature matching Captain Rogers is in the hallway to your right."

"Good. Lead me to him."

He took the right turn, flinching at the echoing sounds of his footsteps. They must've already had Penny moved to a different cell then, but why couldn't Friday detect her? Surely they wouldn't have moved her out of the building already? But the way Osborn had squinted at him, suspicious, didn't assure anything in him.

Tony had been walking for a couple of minutes before he ran into anyone.

He heard the footsteps echoing behind him, making his heartbeat pick up. He picked up the pace, scrambling to find an open door to slip into. He jangled one knob and then the other, but they refused to budge. He thought briefly about his gauntlet watch, but that would create too much noise. It'd bring more attention to him than if the people in the hallway noticed him.

He tried one last door before the owners of the footsteps rounded a corner, spotting him immediately.

"Hey! What are you doing back here?"

Tony turned around, glad that at least he wouldn't be recognized, "I got lost. I've been looking for a bathroom for the past ten minutes!"

The two exchange doubtful looks. The first one said, "What's your name?"

"Derrick Coleman," Tony answered immediately, holding out his hand to shake, which they did on instinct, "CEO of Coleman Associates up in Chicago. We provide the trucks down here for transporting the cargo."

"Colemen?" the second one asked, "I thought Osborn had banned you from coming down to the hotel. He said you were a scamming snitch"

Well, shit.

Before the men could rip the guns off their hips, Tony had already drawn back his fist, landing a heavy punch on the blond one's face. The man stumbled back at the hit, and Tony flicked his hand at the pain of the punch, though he didn't let it stop him from kicking the other one in the crotch.

He groaned, dropping his weapon and reaching down on instinct. Tony punched his nose, knocking the man to the ground, and snatching the dropped weapon off the ground.

As his hand clasped around it, he realized it wasn't a gun, but rather a shiny spear, electricity thrumming underneath it. It extended into its full size at his touch, and he could feel the power the rather simple looking tool possessed. Clearly, these people had some access to that flying vulture guy Penny had been so concerned about.

With no time to be wistful or guilty, he swung the weapon at the blond man, who had stood up and was attack ready but dropped immediately as the spear touched his skin. Like a sack of rocks, he was on the ground, down for the count.

So. That hadn't really gone how he'd hoped it would.

Tony swallowed, thinking quick as he tried to find a place to hide the body, but he could already hear more footsteps. Either more people were coming down route or he'd caused too big of a commotion. Either way, Tony couldn't stay here and figure it out. The man took a moment to retract the spear and then dashed off to Steve's cell, following Friday's instructions as quickly as possible.

Which was made even more fun as a shrill alarm began screeching through the hallways, reminding him of a school bell. So much for the stealth mission.

"Take a right here," his glasses instructed, "Take another right. And then the third door on the left."

God, this place really was a labyrinth.

By the time Tony approached the door that supposedly led to Steve, he was out of breath with how much running he'd been doing. He never had liked cardio, and he could hear more footsteps still. They thundered throughout the halls, quaking.

Tony extended the spear, twisting it in his arms as he stood in front of Steve's cell. It thrummed with power, the tip glowing a bright blue. He placed it against the doorknob, which sparked and flew off at the touch. It was actually a pretty interesting weapon, and an image of placing it into the tips of the Iron Spider suit crossed his mind.

If Penny would ever want to speak to him again, that was.

The force of the doorknob flying off cracked the door open, revealing nothing but pitch black inside. He hesitated as he pushed the door open, stepping in. He moved to click his glasses, wanting Friday to light up the room in front of him, but was stopped as a hand grabbed him.

The hand clutched a fistful of his shirt, tearing him through the door and against a wall in the damp, dusty room. He was lifted against the wall, his head knocking against it and making him see bright colors. It was the only thing that was different than the smothering black of the room.

Escaping from the darkness, he heard the low growl of Steve's voice, "Who are you and what the hell do you want?"

"Well if you would turn a light on and put me down, maybe you'd find out," Tony snarked back on instinct. The grip on him loosened, disbelief evident in the way the soldier's breath caught.

"Tony?"

"Yeah, asshole. Now put me down." Steve let go instantly. Tony dropped, grunting as he made contact with the ground once again and squinting as a lightbulb was flicked on. Steve glared at him in confusion, an eyebrow raised as he took in Tony's appearance, "Oh, yeah. My bad."

Tony pressed his finger to the invisible button above his ear. The face he wore melted away, and Steve's face softened. Humor tickled in his eyes, and Tony knew it had to do with the loss of his goatee.

"You, uh--you look--"

"Yeah, yeah," Tony interrupted, "Now you have a beard and I don't. Get over it, Hagrid."

"Okay, okay. Sorry," Steve placated, taking a step back.

Tony glanced around the small cell that was nothing more than a broom closet. Was this where Penny had been the past few weeks? Stuck here in this small space? She must have been losing her mind. He'd seen the footage of her in the Storage Vault where she'd had practically a mansion and an entire suit to play with. This place would've been hell for her.

"What are you doing here?"

"Partying," he snapped, "I came to get Parker. Do you know where they put her?"

Steve shrugged, his face darkening, "They started taking her away about a week ago for experiments. I don't know where, just that she won't be back until morning."

"We don't have until morning. Are you good to fight out of here?" Steve hesitated, "What? You said they're experimenting on her! Put whatever arguments we have aside because I'm not letting her go through any more pai--"

"It's not that," Steve snapped, his brows furrowing in frustration, "I don't want that kid here any more than you do, Tony, but I didn't just randomly get kidnapped. This is a mission. I've been collecting evidence against this place. The team isn't here yet and if we don't get the rest of these people free--"

Tony pressed his glasses, "Friday. Get a message to the rest of those assholes to get over here. And to Rhodey and Vision too. We're raiding, right now."

"Tony--"

"It's the best possible time. Osborn's here, right next to Rhodey. He'll keep that asshole here, you have names that I'll take a list of later, and we can get this entire place cleared out. Besides, I'm not leaving Penny here any longer, and you can bet your mission is over once they realize Iron Man has taken one of their prisoners back. Either we work together or we don't."

Steve sighed, "Fine. Let's go."

 ---

 Norman had known something was terribly wrong once he'd run into Derrick Coleman.

Coleman was an arrogant man, not exceedingly smart, but even he knew better than to return after the billionaire had explicitly cut him off. Not only the man but his entire company. He didn't tolerate people messing with his business.

So when he'd ran into him again, he'd forced on a smile and pleasant friendliness. He was sure the man with a poorly covered interest in Captain America and recent failure Penelope Parker, and a voice that was too familiar was bound to cause some trouble. No need to make a scene about it.

But then he'd been gone, and barely ten minutes later, the intruder alarm had gone off. As he'd dashed off--not noticing the pursuing figure of Collis Jones--he'd known instantly where he'd recognized that voice.

Tony Stark.

He should've prepared better for this. He should've known that Stark wouldn't abandon his little pet, even if he had been mad at her. Parker was too powerful to just let go, and she was especially too powerful to let the competition have. Though he'd expected sooner resistance.

Stark must have taken his sweet time finding the secret of the Starry Lights Hotel.

"Send as many guards as we can to Dr. Octavious' room. Nothing gets through to Parker, do you understand me?" he ordered to a group of men surrounding him. They nodded and rushed off to follow his orders, a handful staying behind to escort him to said room where Parker was being held.

He grit his teeth.

Nothing would take his Little Spider.

 ---

 Penny grit her teeth at the sound of the alarm ringing around the room, wishing she could bury her head underneath a pillow and try to block it out. That's what she usually did with sensory overloads anyway, not that it had ever held much success. Still, the prospect of being to lay in her bed beat her situation now. Even cuddling up next to Steve would be better, no matter how embarrassed she always was when she woke up.

Steve was warm, but the metal table she was strapped to was cold. Her entire body shivered with dreadful anticipation, waiting for whatever they were going to test on her today. She wondered if it had something to do with the alarm going off, but she couldn't think. She was too tired, her body too racked with pain to think about anything other than: When will I be safe?

The answer didn't seem to be soon.

With a tremble up her spine, Norman Osborn strutted through the doors.

It had been a few days since she'd seen him, though she'd heard him during her 'tests' yesterday, while on a call with the Man in the White coat. He was the one who usually injected her with things or cut out pieces from her body. She hated every second she was in the room with him. Not that Osborn was much better.

The room felt like it shook with the force of his anger, and Penny shrunk back the best she could, her wrists clanging against the metal cuff. She wanted to be back with Steve. She wanted to go home.

"Mr. Osborn," the Man in the White coat greeted cautiously, closing out of a hologram that showed some interesting details about an octopus. She always tried to read whatever glimpses she could catch. Octopi were pretty cool, "What's going on? I was just about to administer--"

"Forget that serum. Today we're testing that little sixth sense of hers."

"That one isn't ready! We haven't even finished examining its effects on our rats. It could kill her."

She swallowed down a fearful whimper, making her eyes a stony glare as the two glanced at her. She could be brave. She could be brave. She could be brave.

"Then it'll test out her healing as well. Go get it."

"Mr. Osborn," the Man in the White coat consoled, "This is the only test subject we have. If something happens to it, we won't be able to carry on--"

Osborn shoved past the scientist, pushing the man aside, who stumbled and barely caught onto his desk. The billionaire tore open a cabinet in the wall, pulling out a pink bottle almost half a foot in height and attaching a too long and too thick syringe to it. Penny had always hated needles, but she'd only ever had her flu shot or blood drawn by a butterfly needle. Before this place anyway.

Whenever she got out, she hoped she'd never have to see a needle again.

Penny shivered away, but couldn't escape the man as he stood beside her, not a sliver of emotion on his face. She tried to twist away, but his hand gripped her face, forcing her cheek against the chill of the table. She flinched as the cold metal pierced her skin, swallowing forcefully as it dug into her neck, the contents of the vial emptying into her blood stream.

Immediately she felt woozy, her vision drifting and the alarms around her fading. As her vision dimmed to nothingness and her ears felt as though they were filling with fuzz, there was a clang! of the doors opening, the force knocking the doors into the wall and reverberating around the room. Neither she nor Osborn moved a muscle, the needle still in her neck as the vial emptied, and, while her vision was gone, she could hear well enough to make out a familiar voice.

"Let her go, Osborn."

Mr. Stark?

No. It couldn't be... She'd been here three weeks. No way Mr. Stark was here. She wasn't his responsibility. She wasn't his mentee anymore, not that she really had been to begin with. Why was he here?

Osborn still hadn't let go of her face, but she savored her ability to still hear at the moment. She hoped that the serum's abilities would allow her to keep her hearing. Her vision was already gone--her chest shook with fear and adrenaline, tears biting at her eyes. She didn't like dark--but she could still at least hear. However fuzzy and vague it sounded.

"Stark. Rogers," the man responded coolly, and she could practically feel his smile, "I wouldn't take another step. I am the one with a needle in poor Penelope's neck."

"Hiding behind a child. Real brave move there," Mr. Stark spat, "Now move away from her."

"It's too late, Stark. You gave up the little spider. If you'd wanted her more badly you should've protected her more. Besides, you didn't create her."

"Neither did you," Steve said.

"She became mine when she destroyed my spider. I spent millions on that. Gone in seconds. But she's still got the spider in her. So, tell you what, once I've got what I wanted, you can have your pet back."

"You'll kill her first," Mr. Stark said. She shivered, "So step away and tell us--"

She couldn't hear. What was he saying? Where had he gone?

"Mr. Stark?" she felt more than heard herself say, flinching at the pain of the needle as she talked. But it didn't stop her, "Steve? I can't--"

The hand on her face gripped harder, his nails biting into her skin. She stopped talking immediately, reduced to waiting. She was a superhero. And she was waiting like some kind of damsel in distress. She waited for what felt like hours, occasionally interrupted by flashes of pain, but, in her panic induced haze, was probably nothing more than a few minutes.

Her spidey sense ran up her spine once again, but this time it didn't feel like a threat. It felt like safety. Was she safe?

A moment later, the needle was taken from her neck, and the sense of danger receded. Osborn must have stepped away. Or been knocked out. Either worked with her.

The feeling of safety grew closer, like a warm blanket, as she felt a hand touch her hair. She leaned into the touch, which disappeared quickly only to be replaced around her wrists, breaking the metal clasps holding her down. Two different hands encased in metal shattered the equally cold metal around her ankles. And then she was free. Well, free of the table.

Penny immediately sat up, swinging her head around as she tried to make sense of the world. She couldn't see and she couldn't hear, but she guessed Osborn had been right. Her senses lead her.

She reached out a hand, "Steve?"

Calloused hands gripped her own, a calm thumb rubbing up against it. She could feel the vibrations of him talking, but his words were lost upon her.

"Steve? I can't--I can't hear. Or see. Are you okay?"

The thumb paused, and she thought Steve and Mr. Stark might be talking. She still didn't understand. Why was Mr. Stark here? Did he know about the mission?

One of the hands clasping her own let go, tracing up her arm and eventually onto her cheek, clearly in an attempt to not startle her. She thought it was Steve's hand, it felt familiar. He had warm hands that were twice the size of her own, and this one covered nearly her whole cheek. The other hand took her own and placed it up to his face, her fingers brushing up against a bushy beard.

Steve.

She clasped his hand tighter, "Hi, Steve. Sorry I had to kick your ass earlier."

She felt a ghost of a smile pressed against her hand. Both of them knew it was total bullshit, but neither mentioned it out loud. After a moment, he let go of her cheek, her hand pulled away as well, before someone else replaced him.

These hands were smaller and rougher, but no less gentle as they followed the same motions as Steve had. They traced the bruise underneath her eye, stopping immediately when she winced at the pain. When her hand was placed against the cheek of who she assumed was Mr. Stark, she pulled back in shock.

This wasn't Mr. Stark. Mr. Stark had a goatee. This person didn't.

Her face twisted in confusion, reaching back out, "Steve? Who is...?"

Steve retook her hand after a moment, tapping against her hand. It took her a moment to recognize that it was Morse code.

T. O. N. Y.

She furrowed her brows, "What? No. Mr. Stark has a goatee."

Steve shook with silent laughter beside her.

S. H. A. V. E. D.

"What? Why? What?"

Steve started to tap something else out, when he stopped suddenly. She felt a tremble of danger run up her spine. They weren't safe.

She felt herself release a yelp of surprise as she was suddenly scooped up, hugged close to Steve's chest.

They ran.

 ---

 Tony glared at the man in front of him, the spear held aloft in one hand and his gauntlet whining in the other. Steve aimed the gun he'd looted from one of the many men they'd taken down on the way here. Tony's ribs ached even thinking about the amount of fights they'd gotten into on the way here, and his heart tightened as he glanced at Penny.

She lay stiff on the table, her head pressed roughly against it, and so clearly afraid. The needle pressed in her neck had yet to leave, Osborn still pressing the pink liquid down.

Osborn scowled, "She became mine when she destroyed my spider. I spent millions on that. Gone in seconds. But she's still got the spider in her. So, tell you what, once I've got what I wanted, you can have your pet back."

"You'll kill her first," Mr. Stark whispered, putting as much cold threat into his voice as he could, "So step away and tell us what the hell is in that via--"

"Mr. Stark?" Penny called out, her voice wobbling with fear as she flinched, "Steve? I can't--"

She cut off as Osborn's hand pressed up against her face violently hard. They took a threatening step forward.

"It's okay, Penny. We're right here," Steve tried to assure, but Penny didn't acknowledge the man's reassurance.

"You're cornered, Norman. What's in the vial?"

"Hm? Oh, this? Y'know, I'm not completely sure. Dr. Octavious?" Norman lied through his teeth, a twisted smile shining through his teeth. Tony hesitantly shifted to look at the so called scientist, glaring at the man.

Dr. Octavious shot Osborn an angered look, but with no other options, he complied, "It's an experimental sensory tamper. It should make her blind and deaf, if it doesn't kill her."

"Excuse me!?" Tony demanded.

"Temporarily, temporarily!" Dr. Octavious rushed, "It's not permanent! Probably just a day or so."

Tony grit his teeth. Osborn smiled.

"Perfect. Should be long enough to move her."

"You're not going anywhere," Steve said, his voice steely.

"Oh, and you're going to stop me? One wrong move and..." Osborn fiddled with the needle, and he saw Penny squirm in pain, a low whine escaping her throat. His eyes darkened and he couldn't stop himself from looking away, forcing himself to take a deep breath.

Tony caught a door at the other end of the room slipping open out of the corner of his eye. He refused to give any indication of his relief, instead glaring down the billionaire in front of him.

"You're trapped, Osborn. Let her go," Tony ordered.

Osborn scoffed, "You and what army, Stark?"

The click of a gun rang across the room. Osborn froze, his face dropping comedically.

Rhodey's face melted into view, the blue mask disappearing with a soft click, revealing Rhodes' stony expression, "I think you should be asking yourself that question. Now, take the needle out and put your hands in the air."

Tony and Steve both approached, weapons raised, as Norman did as told, his face sour with defeat. Rhodey called Octavious over as well, and together, the billionaire and the colonel tied the offenders up. Steve stepped over to Penny. Tony heard the soldier mumble, 'Hey, kid,' as he dumped the two men against the wall, promptly knocking them out.

"Tony, come help me with her cuffs," Steve said, and he marched over, using the gauntlet around his wrist to shatter the metal holding the kid down.

Once free, she immediately sat up, her head swinging around in confusion. Clearly the serum had worked. Her eyes stared around emptily, though they hadn't lost their usual sharp intelligence. Penny reached out a hand towards Rogers instinctively.

"Steve?"

He grabbed her hand gently, rubbing it soothingly, "Hey, kid. It's okay. Me and Tony are right--"

"Steve? I can't--I can't hear. Or see. Are you okay?"

Steve paused, glancing up at Tony and Rhodey with a lost expression, "Is there anything we can do to fix this?"

Tony picked up the vial, breaking off the needle and examining the last of the pink liquid inside before shoving it in his pocket, "Not here, not now. We're just going to have to lead her out of here until I can get her to the Medbay. Or for whatever this is to wear off."

The soldier nodded, and Tony watched with sharp eyes as he traced one hand up her arm and then onto her cheek before taking her other hand and placing it on his own face. Her eyes widened with recognition and comfort, squeezing his hand tighter.

"Hi, Steve. Sorry I had to kick your ass earlier," she murmured, tilted humor in her voice.

Steve smiled.

Tony's chest panged with guilt and regret. He'd known Penny for three months, and he hadn't even been able to give her a compliment without the kid dipping away from him and not asking for help. She'd known Steve for three weeks and reached out for him as though she'd known him for years. She felt safe with him. The Avenger knew it wasn't Penny's fault, but rather his own. He hadn't been the mentor she'd needed, a good mentor. He'd been proud of her from afar. He'd kept her safe from afar. Not that she knew any of that, or that he'd even done a particularly good job.

After a moment, Steve stepped away, gesturing to him. Tony looked at him in confusion.

"She said your name too. And I think she'd be glad to know you're here."

Not sure how to react to Steve's kindness and sappiness, he rolled his eyes, but stepped to kneel in front of Penny nonetheless, taking her hands just as Steve had. He followed Steve's motions, letting Penny know where his hands were at all time as he traced up to her cheek, his fingers resting just below a bruise on her cheek. He traced a cut that rested below it, small and precise. Surgical.

He lightened his touch when she winced in pain, moving onto letting him know who she was by placing her hand on his cheek. Unlike her reaction with Steve--filled with trust and recognition--she instead pulled back, as though burned. She called out for Rogers once more.

"Steve? Who is...?"

Steve gave him a wary look, uncertain, but retook her hand, tapping against in Morse code. He recognized his name as it was typed out, and so did Penny, her brows furrowing in confusion.

"What? No. Mr. Stark has a goatee."

Steve shook his head while Rhodey barked with laughter. Even Tony couldn't help but huff out in amusement as she sputtered in confusion. Steve tapped her arm again, but Penny only looked more confused.

"What? Why? What?"

Humor bloomed in the room, but it was stamped out quickly by the sound of moving troops. All heads turned towards the door at the sound of thundering footsteps and the charging of weapons.

Rhodey poked his head out, immediately retreating with a panicked expression, "We need to go."