Battle Scars

Chapter 11

You were the first one up the next morning, which didn't surprise you in the least. Dressed in pajama pants and a loose t-shirt, you made your way into the kitchen and pushed the button to start the coffee. You tapped your fingers on the counter as you waited for it to brew. As soon as you had it prepared the way you liked it, you padded into the living room.

"Mr. Stark on the line for you."

That brought a grin to your face as you settled on the sofa. "Put him on, J."

Tony's face immediately filled the screen. His eyes ran over you and the corners of his mouth kicked up. "God, you're a sight for sore eyes."

"You haven't been gone that long, Tony," you said, smirking over the top of your coffee cup.

He shrugged. "What's that got to do with anything?"

You shook your head. "I doubt you called to chat, so what can I do for you?"

"I got a phone call this morning." That was all he said before looking at you expectantly.

"Okay?" There was something you were obviously missing.

He shifted his weight. "Let me rephrase that. I got a phone call from Fury this morning."

"Oh?" You tried to sound surprised but were certain you failed miserably. You'd kind of hoped Tony would never find out about that conversation. For one thing you loved your job. For another you loved your boss. Despite numerous indications to the contrary you really weren't trying to piss him off.

"Oh, she says." He looked to someone off screen and gestured toward you. When he turned back he licked his lips and his smile widened a bit. "Did you really threaten court action against SHIELD if he didn't return your call?"

"No," you corrected. "I told Coulson that he could call me back when he chose but that I would be at the courthouse to file papers this morning. I just happened to decide not to after we came to a mutual understanding."

He looked at you for a moment before laughing, the action making him look years younger. "I've got to hand it to you, sweetheart. You never cease to surprise me."

"You have no idea," you muttered.

He tilted his head. "What was that?"

"Nothing. Why did Fury call you anyway? Our discussion had nothing to do with you." You were curious but you also just wanted to change the subject.

"He let me know in no uncertain terms that he would be displeased if you lost your job with the team. He's rather fond of you. And I don't think he's fond of anyone." Tony sounded slightly shocked as he made the admission.

And if you were honest, you were pretty pleased with yourself. "He likes Maria."

"Hill? Yeah, I guess he does." He glanced off the screen again. "Yeah, I'm getting to it."

Your lips twitched. "Is there a reason everyone is off screen but you?"

"Well, I was trying to have a conversation with my girl but they all want to know what happened and apparently don't trust me to tell them later."

A little thrill went through you when he called you his girl. You couldn't help it.

He leaned forward and turned whatever device he was using so you could see everyone else on the other side of the room. They all said hi and waved to you while you waved back. After a moment he turned the camera to the original position. "So, what exactly happened? Fury didn't go into specifics."

You sat your now empty coffee cup on the table in front of you and pursed your lips. "I found Dr. Bradford harassing Wanda. She didn't defend herself because she didn't want to violate the terms of her probation."