August 31 :Snippets
Title: Snippets
Author: Beriaearwen
Crossover: Buffy the Vampire Slayer / Avengers or Captain America
Characters: Scoobies, Joyce, Avengers
Rating: FRT
Word Count: 2904
Disclaimer: The characters of Buffy the Vampire Slayer belong to Mutant Enemy, etc. The characters of the Avengers and Captain America belong to Marvel, etc. All are used here without permission. No copyright infringement is intended.
Notes: Couldn't decide what to write, so I wrote a little of everything. Each of these shorts is over the 300 word minimum limit but under 815 words. Warning! Kidfic in there somewhere.
Summary: Tiny little snippets from the various series in which I've been writing.
Where in the world was Clint Barton? (option 17)
By Beriaearwen
Word count: 801
Note/Summary: Another option for where Clint was during the events of “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”.
Clint was bored beyond belief. Sure, he was a sniper who could sit silently for hours without moving, but that was on a mission. Yes, he was a spy who knew the importance of being alert at all times, but if he had to survive much more of this he was going to do something drastic.
“So what did you do to get punished like this?”
Looking to the side, he realized it was the small blonde who arrived the day before and looked about as excited to be here as he was. “What makes you think I did anything?”
She snorted a laugh. “Please, anyone with a pair of eyes can tell you're an action guy, not a 'sit around body-guarding a researcher in a remote library with no contact with the outside world' guy.”
A soft laugh escaped him. “Obvious, huh?”
She shrugged.
Looking her over with a new perspective, he could see it in her as well. She hid it well, but she was definitely a fighter. An eyebrow lifted as he realized how well she'd hidden her knives. She was as good or maybe better than Nat at that, though he would never say that to Widow's face. He enjoyed breathing too much. “What did you do?” She turned a shocked and far too innocent to be real face toward him, he couldn't help but grin. “Not buying it.”
Her face shifted into a satisfied smirk. “It was so worth it.”
“Really? Details.”
“Nuh-uh. You first.”
Their eyes met and locked in a staring contest. After far longer than most people could last, he blinked and grumbled at her triumphant grin.
“No spill.”
“Well, you have to understand, this is a total over-reaction on my boss's part and I'm really here, not because he's mad, but because he's just setting an example for everyone else.”
“Sure. I totally believe that,” the blonde agreed.
Clint snorted at her response, but continued on. “Anyway, my boss had an accident years ago and lost an eye so he wears an eyepatch. And, as you know, “Talk Like A Pirate Day” isn't quite as big as it used to be, but I may or may not have been a little drunk after celebrating my latest successful mission with my partner. Anyway, the picture the next day of him in a pirate hat with a parrot on his shoulder and a word bubble having him give his favorite saying in pirate talk, was, well, all kinds of awesome.”
The woman burst into laughter, nearly doubling over from the force of it. “Oh, that is beautiful,” she offered once she had her laughter mostly under control.
“Now it's your turn.”
“Well, mine's no where near as good as that. My little sister started dating one of my best friends,” she began.
“So, a warning went a little far and you're hiding from your sister.”
“Nah, got over that pretty quick. It was the fact they'd been dating for almost a year and hadn't bothered to tell me.”
“Well, it's not like you found out when you go the invitation to the wedding or something,” he joked and then did a double take at the expression on her face. “They didn't.”
“They did. What was worse, I was visiting another friend who is very protective of his books and happened have have a mouthful of coffee when I read it.”
“Classic spit take.”
The blonde nodded. “All over his one-of-a-kind, irreplaceable book.”
Clint winced.
She nodded. “So, as punishment I was sent here for the next two weeks while my geek helps your geek with the research.”
“So, if you work for these people, why exactly is the library two hundred feet under the surface of the earth in a remote part of the Urals with no contact with the outside world?”
The woman shrugged. “My guess is safety. Not much is going to penetrate this deep.”
“True.”
The two watched the researchers for a few minutes more.
“I'm Buffy by the way,” she introduced.
“Clint.”
“So... they seem to be getting along well enough, wanna go hit the gym.”
Clint shrugged and stood straighter, ready to go. “Sure, rather see a shooting range.”
Buffy's nose wrinkled. “Really not into guns.”
“Who said anything about guns?” Clint smiled at the sudden look of interest in her eyes. Throwing his arm around her shoulders in a friendly manner, he said, “Let me introduce you to the wonders of the longbow.”
Buffy started moving them out of the research room and toward the correct portion of the complex. “Longbow? Really? I've used a crossbow for years.”
Clint snorted. “Trust me, they're nothing alike. Let me tell you...”
End.
~--**--**--**--**--**--**--**--**--
Feelings
By Beriaearwen
Word Count: 763
Notes/Summary: Part of the “Easier Way” verse (Buffy & Steve)
Steve had followed along behind Buffy, concerned for his landlady and, he hoped, friend. She had broken down earlier and told him about her life, her death and coming back. He knew she wasn't in the right frame of mind to go out on patrol, but also knew she wouldn't listen if he told her not to go. So, he'd waited as long as he could and then set out to follow her.
Honestly, from what she'd said, he thought their senses were pretty close to equal and expected her to pick him up early on. It wasn't until he saw the fight in the cemetery that he began to understand what the problem was. Buffy didn't fight well, barely at all, almost as if she didn't care if she lived or died. He remembered seeing men in the War like that. They usually were dead at the next battle.
What had happened to her was horrible, but he couldn't just let her die, not like all those men during the war.
He was about to step into the fight and do something when a blond haired man stepped out and took care of the vampire.
Steve moved closer so he could hear what was being said and felt almost sick at the words the man was spewing - the lies about Buffy and who she was. When Buffy turned her face in his direction, he knew he had to take action because he could see she was beginning to believe it.
Stepping out of his hiding place, he approached the two. “Hey, Buffy,” he greeted. “Who's your friend?” Both of them started as he called out and he made a mental note to keep an eye out for this man and keep Buffy away if possible. He was not a good influence and not what she needed right now.
“Hey, Steve,” she greeted, trying and failing to put on a cheery mask.
“Buffy,” he greeted with a kind smile. “Who's your friend?”
“Oh, uh. This is Spike. Spike, this is my, um, friend and border, Steve,” Buffy introduced.
Spike just sneered and lifted his chin in acknowledgment, ignoring the hand being held out to him. Pulling out a cigarette, he lit it, stared at Buffy for a moment through hooded eyes. “Later,” he said taking drag of his cigarette and walking away.
Buffy turned back to Steve, but didn't even try to say anything, just stared at him.
With a sigh, Steve led her back to the house, keeping his hand on her back as he guided her along.
Once they were settled in the kitchen and milk was heating on the stove, he settled across the table from Buffy. He had come here because, according to Tony, he needed to learn how to live in this century and this young lady and her friends would help. He came here with no expectations and still numb. In the few days he'd been here he had picked up on some of the more modern slang and electronics. It was hard to be around the others and not. Being around people close to his own age was another benefit. He knew he had a long way to go before he started looking forward to getting up in the morning instead of wishing he'd died in the ice since everyone he knew had lived a lifetime and his mindset was still in the middle of the war in the middle of the previous century.
But, when Buffy broke down earlier and told him what had happened, he realized he was far ahead of her with regard to living every day. He had no doubt he would have days where he was equally bad to what Buffy was today, but, maybe he could convince her that they needed to look out for each other.
Shaking himself from his reverie, before he could start the discussion, though, he smelled the milk was ready. “Stay here, I'll be right back,” he commanded the young woman before rising.
Moving to the kitchen, he took the milk off the burner and began to prepare the hot chocolate. Once the drink was ready, he opened the cupboard he'd opened earlier and retrieved the mini marshmallows from the back of the shelf.
Drinks ready, he returned to the table, set one glass in front of Buffy. “I think we need to talk, and I need you to listen, really listen to what I'm saying.
“OK,” came Buffy's near-whisper as she wrapped her hands around the mug.
“Good.”
End
~--**--**--**--**--**--**--**--**--
Grounded?
By Beriaearwen
Word Count: 529
Notes: Same universe as the above, this fits along with the Joyce & Tony in college series
Tony had been smirking all day and quietly patting himself on the back for his accomplishment. He felt good, but, given his general reception at the school, he didn't want to fall into gloating too much.
His good mood, and his step, faltered as he exited his classroom to see an unhappy Joyce standing across the hall waiting for him.
“Uh-oh,” he said, somehow knowing what that look meant, even if it had never been directed at him before. Joyce stepped across the hall and slipped her arm through is, holding a little too tight before directing them out of the building.
“Uh-oh isn't the half of it,” she all but growled at him.
Trouble, thy name is Tony, he thought idly as he let Joyce guide them to a little used room where she quickly entered and closed the door.
“What were you thinking?” she demanded, anger vibrating in her tone.
Tony winced at the tone and felt very uncertain. This whole friendship thing was new to him and he didn't want to lose the friend he had. Before he could respond, she continued.
“Were you thinking? I thought you were happy he asked me out. You sure seemed to be when I let you know. Now what am I going to do without a date because he surely won't be going anywhere social until his hair and eyebrows grow back and his skin returns to a human color. Blue? Really!?”
Tony felt his heart start to race and his mind whirl as panic set in. He didn't think Joyce would be this mad and he didn't know how to fix it. He opened his mouth with no idea what he would say and blurted out, “I heard him say he was going to make sure he nailed you and a bunch of other stuff and...” he straightened his shoulders, “you deserve better. You at very least deserve respect and to be treated respectfully. He deserved what he got.”
He watched in trepidation as Joyce's face changed. The anger seemed to fade away and be replaced by something softer. Maybe he hadn't lost his friendship after all.
Joyce sighed and looked away for a moment. “Thank you for defending my honor,” she began before looking at him with a wry smile, “what little of it there is. I appreciate you looking out for me, but I know the type of person he is and can easily handle him. I just really wanted to go to the dance.”
Tony looked at the floor, feeling bad for his friend. “Sorry,” he mumbled, even as most of his heart was telling him he'd done the right thing.
“Tell you what. If that happens again, you tell me and either I or we will handle the situation. Got it?”
“Yes.”
“Now, since I can't go to the dance, you're taking me to the football game.” She laughed at the expression on his face. “It won't be that bad. Really.”
Despite the deep desire to protest, he was relieved that Joyce wasn't going to abandon him or hurt him, so he offered a reluctant, put-upon, “Fine.”
End
~--**--**--**--**--**--**--**--**--
Pease and Tanks
By Beriaearwen
Word Count: 811
Notes/Summary: WARNING: Kidfic! - fits into the Mini!Scoobie universe
The battle lines were drawn. The grim visages of the opponents signaled to any willing to watch that this was going to be intense, neither side willing to give an inch. It would be a battle to the end and each side was determined to emerge victorious.
“Eat. Your. Peas,” Steve commanded the small trio who had more than tried his, Natasha and Wanda's patience with their outright refusal to eat the small green vegetables. Their various 'aunts' and 'uncles' weren't helping the adult cause as they were barely able to hide their mirth.
“I don't know, Cap, they seem pretty fierce,” Tony teased from his place at the table, utterly amused and enchanted by the events unfolding before him. What blackmail this would be for years to come both against the adults and the kids. Maybe even fodder for a first boyfriend or girlfriend visit.
“Shut-it, Tony,” Nat snapped, not happy at Xander's refusal to even open his mouth. She did feel a small spark of pride at how quickly he learned. The last time he'd refused to eat something - mashed potatoes that time - she'd shoved a spoonful in his mouth, forcing him to taste the food. He was obviously looking out for a similar trick even if the did end up enjoying the potatoes. Honestly, she hadn't cared until Xander flung the peas off his spoon and into her hair, where they stuck. She'd almost taken him from the table there an then, but Wanda had placed a hand on her shoulder to calm her.
Three small faces glared and three small heads shook again.
Before anything more could be said, the “Avengers Assemble” alert sounded. The adults quickly moved away to find out what was going on and the children's angry faces became slightly anxious.
As it turned out all of the Avengers would be needed. The only one who would not be going was Tony who was semi-retired.
“I'll watch over them,” he assured.
The adults agreed and Steve, after hugging and kissing his daughter and accepting her hug and kiss in return, looked at the three anti-pea activists and commanded, “Those peas will be gone when we get back and they will not be in the trash or down the disposal.” He received three narrow-eyes rebellious looks for his trouble. He glanced over at Tony and felt a small niggle of worry at the thoughtful look on the genius' face, but he didn't have time to worry about it. They needed to go now.
Once they were gone, Tony turned and looked at the three slightly suspicious faces and smiled. “So!” he started, clapping his hands together. “You're not going to eat your peas,” three sets of arms crossed over little chests and three small heads shook their response. “And I'm not going to be able to convince you to eat them, but we need to make them disappear without throwing them out.” Three small heads slowly nodded their agreement. “Great! I have an idea. Xander, I'll need a few of your toy tanks. Girls, grab your coats and shoes, we'll want to do this outside.”
The kids exchanged looks and shrugged before running off to do what was requested.
Tony's smile widened and he chuckled. “This is going to be fun.”
~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~
Laughter rang in the air as the Avengers, tired but glad that the call out was handled swiftly and with minimal damage. As they had approached base, Friday had informed them that the children and Tony were outside and where to find them.
So, still in uniform, they went looking and soon followed the sound of laughter.
When they finally saw the three children and their Uncle Tony (maybe they should call it four children and be done with it after this stunt), Steve, Wanda and Natasha could only sigh and hang their heads in defeat while the others struggled to contain their laughter.
“Do it again! Do it again!” Buffy cheered.
The four all had camouflage helmets on and were sitting behind the block at one of the outdoor range lanes. There were three toy tanks sitting on the block and Tony was carefully loading one of the peas from the children's dinner into the muzzle. When that was done, Tony nodded to them. The children covered their ears with their hands and a few seconds later there was a loud 'bang!', a puff of smoke and the tiny projectile was launched down the lane. It traveled much farther than any cooked pea had a right to travel and splatted just below the center of the target at the far end. Given the various green splatter marks, it looked like the quartet had taken some time to zero in on their target.
“Think I can get one?” Rhodey asked of no one in particular.
End
Author: Beriaearwen
Crossover: Buffy the Vampire Slayer / Avengers or Captain America
Characters: Scoobies, Joyce, Avengers
Rating: FRT
Word Count: 2904
Disclaimer: The characters of Buffy the Vampire Slayer belong to Mutant Enemy, etc. The characters of the Avengers and Captain America belong to Marvel, etc. All are used here without permission. No copyright infringement is intended.
Notes: Couldn't decide what to write, so I wrote a little of everything. Each of these shorts is over the 300 word minimum limit but under 815 words. Warning! Kidfic in there somewhere.
Summary: Tiny little snippets from the various series in which I've been writing.
Where in the world was Clint Barton? (option 17)
By Beriaearwen
Word count: 801
Note/Summary: Another option for where Clint was during the events of “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”.
Clint was bored beyond belief. Sure, he was a sniper who could sit silently for hours without moving, but that was on a mission. Yes, he was a spy who knew the importance of being alert at all times, but if he had to survive much more of this he was going to do something drastic.
“So what did you do to get punished like this?”
Looking to the side, he realized it was the small blonde who arrived the day before and looked about as excited to be here as he was. “What makes you think I did anything?”
She snorted a laugh. “Please, anyone with a pair of eyes can tell you're an action guy, not a 'sit around body-guarding a researcher in a remote library with no contact with the outside world' guy.”
A soft laugh escaped him. “Obvious, huh?”
She shrugged.
Looking her over with a new perspective, he could see it in her as well. She hid it well, but she was definitely a fighter. An eyebrow lifted as he realized how well she'd hidden her knives. She was as good or maybe better than Nat at that, though he would never say that to Widow's face. He enjoyed breathing too much. “What did you do?” She turned a shocked and far too innocent to be real face toward him, he couldn't help but grin. “Not buying it.”
Her face shifted into a satisfied smirk. “It was so worth it.”
“Really? Details.”
“Nuh-uh. You first.”
Their eyes met and locked in a staring contest. After far longer than most people could last, he blinked and grumbled at her triumphant grin.
“No spill.”
“Well, you have to understand, this is a total over-reaction on my boss's part and I'm really here, not because he's mad, but because he's just setting an example for everyone else.”
“Sure. I totally believe that,” the blonde agreed.
Clint snorted at her response, but continued on. “Anyway, my boss had an accident years ago and lost an eye so he wears an eyepatch. And, as you know, “Talk Like A Pirate Day” isn't quite as big as it used to be, but I may or may not have been a little drunk after celebrating my latest successful mission with my partner. Anyway, the picture the next day of him in a pirate hat with a parrot on his shoulder and a word bubble having him give his favorite saying in pirate talk, was, well, all kinds of awesome.”
The woman burst into laughter, nearly doubling over from the force of it. “Oh, that is beautiful,” she offered once she had her laughter mostly under control.
“Now it's your turn.”
“Well, mine's no where near as good as that. My little sister started dating one of my best friends,” she began.
“So, a warning went a little far and you're hiding from your sister.”
“Nah, got over that pretty quick. It was the fact they'd been dating for almost a year and hadn't bothered to tell me.”
“Well, it's not like you found out when you go the invitation to the wedding or something,” he joked and then did a double take at the expression on her face. “They didn't.”
“They did. What was worse, I was visiting another friend who is very protective of his books and happened have have a mouthful of coffee when I read it.”
“Classic spit take.”
The blonde nodded. “All over his one-of-a-kind, irreplaceable book.”
Clint winced.
She nodded. “So, as punishment I was sent here for the next two weeks while my geek helps your geek with the research.”
“So, if you work for these people, why exactly is the library two hundred feet under the surface of the earth in a remote part of the Urals with no contact with the outside world?”
The woman shrugged. “My guess is safety. Not much is going to penetrate this deep.”
“True.”
The two watched the researchers for a few minutes more.
“I'm Buffy by the way,” she introduced.
“Clint.”
“So... they seem to be getting along well enough, wanna go hit the gym.”
Clint shrugged and stood straighter, ready to go. “Sure, rather see a shooting range.”
Buffy's nose wrinkled. “Really not into guns.”
“Who said anything about guns?” Clint smiled at the sudden look of interest in her eyes. Throwing his arm around her shoulders in a friendly manner, he said, “Let me introduce you to the wonders of the longbow.”
Buffy started moving them out of the research room and toward the correct portion of the complex. “Longbow? Really? I've used a crossbow for years.”
Clint snorted. “Trust me, they're nothing alike. Let me tell you...”
End.
~--**--**--**--**--**--**--**--**--
Feelings
By Beriaearwen
Word Count: 763
Notes/Summary: Part of the “Easier Way” verse (Buffy & Steve)
Steve had followed along behind Buffy, concerned for his landlady and, he hoped, friend. She had broken down earlier and told him about her life, her death and coming back. He knew she wasn't in the right frame of mind to go out on patrol, but also knew she wouldn't listen if he told her not to go. So, he'd waited as long as he could and then set out to follow her.
Honestly, from what she'd said, he thought their senses were pretty close to equal and expected her to pick him up early on. It wasn't until he saw the fight in the cemetery that he began to understand what the problem was. Buffy didn't fight well, barely at all, almost as if she didn't care if she lived or died. He remembered seeing men in the War like that. They usually were dead at the next battle.
What had happened to her was horrible, but he couldn't just let her die, not like all those men during the war.
He was about to step into the fight and do something when a blond haired man stepped out and took care of the vampire.
Steve moved closer so he could hear what was being said and felt almost sick at the words the man was spewing - the lies about Buffy and who she was. When Buffy turned her face in his direction, he knew he had to take action because he could see she was beginning to believe it.
Stepping out of his hiding place, he approached the two. “Hey, Buffy,” he greeted. “Who's your friend?” Both of them started as he called out and he made a mental note to keep an eye out for this man and keep Buffy away if possible. He was not a good influence and not what she needed right now.
“Hey, Steve,” she greeted, trying and failing to put on a cheery mask.
“Buffy,” he greeted with a kind smile. “Who's your friend?”
“Oh, uh. This is Spike. Spike, this is my, um, friend and border, Steve,” Buffy introduced.
Spike just sneered and lifted his chin in acknowledgment, ignoring the hand being held out to him. Pulling out a cigarette, he lit it, stared at Buffy for a moment through hooded eyes. “Later,” he said taking drag of his cigarette and walking away.
Buffy turned back to Steve, but didn't even try to say anything, just stared at him.
With a sigh, Steve led her back to the house, keeping his hand on her back as he guided her along.
Once they were settled in the kitchen and milk was heating on the stove, he settled across the table from Buffy. He had come here because, according to Tony, he needed to learn how to live in this century and this young lady and her friends would help. He came here with no expectations and still numb. In the few days he'd been here he had picked up on some of the more modern slang and electronics. It was hard to be around the others and not. Being around people close to his own age was another benefit. He knew he had a long way to go before he started looking forward to getting up in the morning instead of wishing he'd died in the ice since everyone he knew had lived a lifetime and his mindset was still in the middle of the war in the middle of the previous century.
But, when Buffy broke down earlier and told him what had happened, he realized he was far ahead of her with regard to living every day. He had no doubt he would have days where he was equally bad to what Buffy was today, but, maybe he could convince her that they needed to look out for each other.
Shaking himself from his reverie, before he could start the discussion, though, he smelled the milk was ready. “Stay here, I'll be right back,” he commanded the young woman before rising.
Moving to the kitchen, he took the milk off the burner and began to prepare the hot chocolate. Once the drink was ready, he opened the cupboard he'd opened earlier and retrieved the mini marshmallows from the back of the shelf.
Drinks ready, he returned to the table, set one glass in front of Buffy. “I think we need to talk, and I need you to listen, really listen to what I'm saying.
“OK,” came Buffy's near-whisper as she wrapped her hands around the mug.
“Good.”
End
~--**--**--**--**--**--**--**--**--
Grounded?
By Beriaearwen
Word Count: 529
Notes: Same universe as the above, this fits along with the Joyce & Tony in college series
Tony had been smirking all day and quietly patting himself on the back for his accomplishment. He felt good, but, given his general reception at the school, he didn't want to fall into gloating too much.
His good mood, and his step, faltered as he exited his classroom to see an unhappy Joyce standing across the hall waiting for him.
“Uh-oh,” he said, somehow knowing what that look meant, even if it had never been directed at him before. Joyce stepped across the hall and slipped her arm through is, holding a little too tight before directing them out of the building.
“Uh-oh isn't the half of it,” she all but growled at him.
Trouble, thy name is Tony, he thought idly as he let Joyce guide them to a little used room where she quickly entered and closed the door.
“What were you thinking?” she demanded, anger vibrating in her tone.
Tony winced at the tone and felt very uncertain. This whole friendship thing was new to him and he didn't want to lose the friend he had. Before he could respond, she continued.
“Were you thinking? I thought you were happy he asked me out. You sure seemed to be when I let you know. Now what am I going to do without a date because he surely won't be going anywhere social until his hair and eyebrows grow back and his skin returns to a human color. Blue? Really!?”
Tony felt his heart start to race and his mind whirl as panic set in. He didn't think Joyce would be this mad and he didn't know how to fix it. He opened his mouth with no idea what he would say and blurted out, “I heard him say he was going to make sure he nailed you and a bunch of other stuff and...” he straightened his shoulders, “you deserve better. You at very least deserve respect and to be treated respectfully. He deserved what he got.”
He watched in trepidation as Joyce's face changed. The anger seemed to fade away and be replaced by something softer. Maybe he hadn't lost his friendship after all.
Joyce sighed and looked away for a moment. “Thank you for defending my honor,” she began before looking at him with a wry smile, “what little of it there is. I appreciate you looking out for me, but I know the type of person he is and can easily handle him. I just really wanted to go to the dance.”
Tony looked at the floor, feeling bad for his friend. “Sorry,” he mumbled, even as most of his heart was telling him he'd done the right thing.
“Tell you what. If that happens again, you tell me and either I or we will handle the situation. Got it?”
“Yes.”
“Now, since I can't go to the dance, you're taking me to the football game.” She laughed at the expression on his face. “It won't be that bad. Really.”
Despite the deep desire to protest, he was relieved that Joyce wasn't going to abandon him or hurt him, so he offered a reluctant, put-upon, “Fine.”
End
~--**--**--**--**--**--**--**--**--
Pease and Tanks
By Beriaearwen
Word Count: 811
Notes/Summary: WARNING: Kidfic! - fits into the Mini!Scoobie universe
The battle lines were drawn. The grim visages of the opponents signaled to any willing to watch that this was going to be intense, neither side willing to give an inch. It would be a battle to the end and each side was determined to emerge victorious.
“Eat. Your. Peas,” Steve commanded the small trio who had more than tried his, Natasha and Wanda's patience with their outright refusal to eat the small green vegetables. Their various 'aunts' and 'uncles' weren't helping the adult cause as they were barely able to hide their mirth.
“I don't know, Cap, they seem pretty fierce,” Tony teased from his place at the table, utterly amused and enchanted by the events unfolding before him. What blackmail this would be for years to come both against the adults and the kids. Maybe even fodder for a first boyfriend or girlfriend visit.
“Shut-it, Tony,” Nat snapped, not happy at Xander's refusal to even open his mouth. She did feel a small spark of pride at how quickly he learned. The last time he'd refused to eat something - mashed potatoes that time - she'd shoved a spoonful in his mouth, forcing him to taste the food. He was obviously looking out for a similar trick even if the did end up enjoying the potatoes. Honestly, she hadn't cared until Xander flung the peas off his spoon and into her hair, where they stuck. She'd almost taken him from the table there an then, but Wanda had placed a hand on her shoulder to calm her.
Three small faces glared and three small heads shook again.
Before anything more could be said, the “Avengers Assemble” alert sounded. The adults quickly moved away to find out what was going on and the children's angry faces became slightly anxious.
As it turned out all of the Avengers would be needed. The only one who would not be going was Tony who was semi-retired.
“I'll watch over them,” he assured.
The adults agreed and Steve, after hugging and kissing his daughter and accepting her hug and kiss in return, looked at the three anti-pea activists and commanded, “Those peas will be gone when we get back and they will not be in the trash or down the disposal.” He received three narrow-eyes rebellious looks for his trouble. He glanced over at Tony and felt a small niggle of worry at the thoughtful look on the genius' face, but he didn't have time to worry about it. They needed to go now.
Once they were gone, Tony turned and looked at the three slightly suspicious faces and smiled. “So!” he started, clapping his hands together. “You're not going to eat your peas,” three sets of arms crossed over little chests and three small heads shook their response. “And I'm not going to be able to convince you to eat them, but we need to make them disappear without throwing them out.” Three small heads slowly nodded their agreement. “Great! I have an idea. Xander, I'll need a few of your toy tanks. Girls, grab your coats and shoes, we'll want to do this outside.”
The kids exchanged looks and shrugged before running off to do what was requested.
Tony's smile widened and he chuckled. “This is going to be fun.”
~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~
Laughter rang in the air as the Avengers, tired but glad that the call out was handled swiftly and with minimal damage. As they had approached base, Friday had informed them that the children and Tony were outside and where to find them.
So, still in uniform, they went looking and soon followed the sound of laughter.
When they finally saw the three children and their Uncle Tony (maybe they should call it four children and be done with it after this stunt), Steve, Wanda and Natasha could only sigh and hang their heads in defeat while the others struggled to contain their laughter.
“Do it again! Do it again!” Buffy cheered.
The four all had camouflage helmets on and were sitting behind the block at one of the outdoor range lanes. There were three toy tanks sitting on the block and Tony was carefully loading one of the peas from the children's dinner into the muzzle. When that was done, Tony nodded to them. The children covered their ears with their hands and a few seconds later there was a loud 'bang!', a puff of smoke and the tiny projectile was launched down the lane. It traveled much farther than any cooked pea had a right to travel and splatted just below the center of the target at the far end. Given the various green splatter marks, it looked like the quartet had taken some time to zero in on their target.
“Think I can get one?” Rhodey asked of no one in particular.
End