Panthera

Speak Of The Devil

The three arrived at the common area where all the Avengers and friends would join and relax. Grey couches spotted in a large circle with little tables dotted in the middle. A large television and a few market game councils sat on the far side of the room with a pool table opposite. Lizzy walked in slowly while checking her surroundings.

The floor was too high up to have an accurate sniper spot but drones were a possibility. Most of the clouds that covered the sun made the possibility more sound. Her eyes swept across the room to count how many escape exits she could leave through or different items she can transform into weapons.

Bucky was the first to plop on one of the couches with a deep sigh. His eyes flicked to different places to check if everything was still in the same place. His own paranoia kicked in but he gestured for Lizzy to sit down too. She hesitantly sat on the loveseat closest to her in hopes that the furniture would swallow her whole.

Tony strut passed her to the small bar situated in the far corner of the room. Far enough away for her not to feel claustrophobic but close enough that he could keep an eye on her.

Before Tony could ask what the others would like to drink yelling erupted down the hall. As the noises got closer Lizzy hunched herself to be as small as possible. Bucky stood in front of her chair and squared his shoulders. His posture clearly ready to launch into battle, his flesh hand itched to grab the dagger tucked inside his boot.

Tony discretely tapped a few buttons on his watch to prepare a gauntlet to cover his hand. While the machinery worked he relaxed his posture just enough to seem nonchalant. Hands open and loose arms made him seem friendly and less likely to jump into a fight. He swirled the liquor in his glass as his eyes carefully watched the scene about to unfold.

"Hey! What did I say about trespassing? If you go any farther I'll stick as many offences on you as I can." Tony's (fore)head of security, Happy, told whoever was trying to force his way through.

"Yeah? Well it's a good thing I know a good lawyer." A low almost gravely voice spoke with just as much force. A whip sound cut through the tense atmosphere followed by a grunt.

Just as Tony started to round the bar to see what was going on a man quickly rounded the corner. Despite the speed he was going, he turned with such grace that could rival Natasha. His dark brown hair that turned red in the light was ruffled like he ran his hands through his hair one too many times. His semi-cheap suit was ruffled and his tie was pulled loose. Circular red glasses sat crooked on his nose and a stick was held whiteknucked in his hand, the other was closed in a fist ready to throw a punch. His unseeing eyes flickered across the room uselessly until they seemed to stare directly at the girl shaking from fear.

"Lizzy?" his voice was breathy in disbelief as he tilted his head to the side. His body seemed to crumple. He dropped his stick and it took everything in him to stay standing still as his knees threatened to give out from underneath him. "Is that you?" He whispered.

"Okay, who are you and how do you know her?" Tony made his way around the bar and stared down the new man in the room. He saw Bucky tense again from the corner of his eyes. They don't get along very well but Tony is beyond grateful that the soldier continued to protect someone he cares about.

Despite knowing the dangerous gauntlet in Tony's hand and the man with a metal arm seconds away from grabbing an extremely sharp dagger, he stepped forward. Only when Lizzy pushed herself into the seat further with a whimper did he halt. His face scrunched up in pain and hurt from knowing it was him she was scared of.

"Tony asked you a question." A low voice that could match Daredevil's rang through the tension filled room. The voice was obviously a threat that promised pain but he couldn't make himself speak through the lump in his throat and his quivering lips.