C79 - Tony is Sick?

'Inner dialogue/thoughts'

"Normal dialogue"

[System]

[Diary entries]

(Word Count: 1,313)

~ With Fury ~

[Speaking of in a few days, it's been a few days since Tony has returned! There aren't any major deviations to the timeline for him, other than the fact that apparently SHIELD hasn't made contact with Tony just yet.

I am fully certain that when Tony returned on my world, Phil was sent by Fury to debrief him about how exactly he managed to escape. But since Steve is awake, and knowing how much of a nerd Phil could be about Captain America, Phil was probably sent to take charge of retrieving and monitoring Steve.

Natasha's been with Steve as well during her days off, and Clint doesn't do well with these types of missions. So, the only other person should be Maria Hill. But she's Fury's second in command, which means she probably wouldn't have been sent just for that. Does this mean that Fury hasn't sent anyone then?]

'His analytical skills are somewhat applaudable. He's right, I didn't have the time to send someone yet, not with the battle, the captain and the kidnapping all happening back-to-back.' Fury thought, appreciating Luke's deductive reasoning.

[Most likely. Pepper's been complaining about how government agencies like the DoD, FBI and even the CIA, has been pestering her about getting in touch with Tony to ask about the kidnapping and his subsequent escape. But no mention of SHIELD. Without SHIELD sending someone, then Tony might die to Stane. . .]

Fury's eyes narrowed, not liking the latest revelations from the entry.

[Actually, maybe not.]

'This motherfu-'

[Stane had somehow gotten hold of Tony's armour he used to escape and had configured it to suit his own needs. The first armour was rather big and clunky, but more than made up for it with its sheer firepower and durability. It's a long story, but by the end of it, Stane had managed to get his own armour in working condition.

Although Phil was aware and had brought backup, what would SHIELD be able to do to the armour that the kidnappers could not? Moreover, SHIELD would have to think about collateral damage, so their options were limited. Thankfully, it was Tony who saved the day and defeated Stane, saving Pepper and Phil in the process.]

'So, our presence can be minimal. That's good, we're already spread thin with HYDRA lurking within SHIELD.'

[But now that I think about it, the issue wouldn't be during this period, but after these events have taken place. To keep an eye on Tony, Fury had sent Natasha to be an assistant to Pepper. That way, she would have the perfect excuse to monitor him since Pepper was almost always around Tony.

But Natasha was sent to work here with me. And both Natasha and Pepper already know each other, so who can he send in her place? It was only because Natasha was constantly around Tony that she realized that Tony was dying due to the palladium poisoning of the arc reactor.]

Fury's lone eye twitched at the mention of Tony dying once again, as he had enough of Luke playing with fire. First, he said Tony would die to Stane, and then said he wouldn't. And now he says Tony is still dying anyways.

[Forget it. Tony doesn't even realize he is dying yet, adding to the fact that he hasn't found out that it was Stane who ordered the kidnapping too. I'll just wait until after the battle between Stane and Tony. And if by that time Fury still hasn't made his move, then I'll have to figure out a way to tip Pepper off about Tony's condition.]

Fury waited, and after not seeing the diary being updated further, he closed the diary and began thinking of what he could do now that Steve was already out and about, and with Phil now available.

~ The following morning with Steve, in the Peach Blossom Café ~

Steve had arrived earlier to the café today. He needed to see if Luke would be able to answer the questions that he had. Although Luke's past should have had nothing to do with himself, Steve was getting more uneasy as time passed by without him knowing. He could not explain it. It was as if there was something. . . Familiar, about Luke.

Walking into the café, he noticed that the employees were already getting ready for opening hours. Seeing Natasha, he called out to her, "Good morning, Ms Romanoff. You don't happen to know where I could find Luke, do you?"

"Please, Steve. If you're already calling him Luke, then just call me Natasha, or Nat for short. As for Luke? He's in his office above, why?" Natasha answered.

"It's about that talk."

Natasha nodded, knowing what he meant. "And what have you figured out on your own?" She asked curiously.

"Not much, except that there seems to be some history between Luke and some of those around him. History that would have made no sense, unless he wasn't from around here." Steve said in a hushed tone.

"I see, well he's up there alone so now would be the best time for that talk."

Steve gave his thanks before making his way towards Luke's personal office. Knocking on the door, he heard Luke's voice coming from the inside, "Come in."

As he walked into the room, he was greeted by the sight of Luke working on a stack of documents. "Good morning, Luke. Did I come by at the wrong time?"

"Oh, good morning, Steve. This? Nah it's just some documents to sign for the procurement of more ingredients. With Mr Stark back around, I'm expecting a larger influx of tourist and office workers to come and dine in the café, especially since I have it on good authority that Tony Stark might visit personally." Luke said, comical dollar signs appearing in his eyes.

Steve raised his eyebrows, confused about how Luke would know about such information. He knew who Tony Stark was, considering that he personally knew his father, Howard Stark. "How would you know that?"

"April told me. And Pepper told her. So. . . It's such a wonderful thing when I have a dedicated employee like April who would sell out information given by her friend. Obviously, this totally has nothing to do with April wanting to prepare for a possible influx of customers." Luke revealed, nodding his head at his self-deluded reasoning.

"But anyways, how can I help you, cap?"

"Isn't it dangerous to call me that when there could be people listening in?"

"Oh please. . ." Luke scoffed. "You walk around in public without a disguise, and no one's bothered enough to walk up to you and say 'Hey, you look like Steve Rogers, the Captain America'. As for the privacy thing? Don't worry, this café is as secure as it could get."

'Right system?' Luke thought to his system, wanting to confirm his statement.

[Responding to Host, host's assumption is correct. No listening nor visual device would be able to function or capture any events within the café. Additionally, any magical means or the sort is prevented as well.]

'I love the protagonist luck!' Luke celebrated internally.

Seeing that Luke was being serious about the privacy aspect, Steve did not suspect it too much as he already had the feeling that Luke had some tricks behind his sleeves. Without wasting another moment, Steve narrowed his eyes as he turned serious. Sensing the shift within Steve, Luke turned serious as well.

"Who are you exactly, Luke Sullivan?"

- End of Chapter 79 -

Next time in *C80 - Is this a Date?

Acknowledging their responses, Crystal took a look around, then leaned in. "By the way, where's Pietro? I thought he would always be by your side since I've never seen you two separated. Like, ever."

Sensing an opportunity, Luke smirked. "Oh? Do you miss your boyfri- OW! What was that for?!" However, before he could finish, Wanda had kicked his shin from under the table. Seeing Luke's accusing stare, Wanda did not back down and stared right back at him as she squinted her eyes and spoke, "Be. Nice."

[A/N]