Double Entandre

He kissed her and took in her scent. She was wearing the perfume he liked and she was remarkably upbeat though he suspected that she was very upset about what happened. “So they let a good agent go and the corruption continues,” he said as he looked at her. He didn’t like that she was considering SHIELD. He was wary of SHIELD and though they had been on the same side in more than one occasion, they did things for their own ends and he did not always agree to them. Absently he touched the small box in the pocket. He had been carrying it alot in the past 2 days. He wore a plain blue, thick, long sleeved pullover and black jeans.

“Before you make that call...why don’t we just take some time off. You, me, some sand, some waves and some booze, what do ya say?’ he asked. Her smile and her passionate kisses were all the answer he needed.

The news and the tabloids were hot to get photos of them. There was widespread speculation if Isabella Corsetti could be the one that finally brought Tony Stark’s bachelor days to an end. Now, after several months of dating they were still together but more and more it was obvious that she wanted to get back on the horse and call SHIELD for an interview. He had railed against that and when she had said she needed to work his rebuttal was for her to move in with him. She reluctantly agreed and her brother agreed to help her move out of her apartment. She was in her walk in closet while he was at her bookcase in her bedroom.

“Are you going to keep all of these books?” he asked as he began to fill another box. “You could sell them or donate them...or burn them,” he murmured as he held up one and read the title. “You ever going to bring him to meet mom and dad?” he asked. Though he knew what their mother would say. When she found out by seeing her daughter’s face pasted all over the news. Furious was just not in it for that. In their social circles the gossip was all people seemed to want to talk about which only made it worse. Their parents were very private people but now their entire family were being hounded by the paparazzi and other news reporters wanting to find anything and everything they could about them.

Isabella had been in heaven the past few months. She loved Tony and she knew he loved her. Hearing him say it softly in her ear at night or when they were surrounded by photographers always made her smile happily. She honestly couldn't believe that this was happening. Tony was not the settle down with a single woman type of guy, and yet he had...with her. Around her he was relaxed and himself. They could laugh about inside jokes and tease one another. Out in public, Isabella had gotten very good at speaking to reporters and maintaining the "Stark" image. She and Tony were an incredibly handsome couple and people couldn't get enough of them.

When they were tired of the reporters and photographers Tony would take her away for a weekend trip to Paris, Florence, London, or Madrid. She never asked for anything from Tony except his love, but he all but showered her with gifts...including the painting from the art gallery which he gave her on their two month anniversary. Now, the painting was carefully wrapped and packed up and on its way over to Tony's. Isabella was with Luca at her apartment packing up with remainder of her stuff. She hadn't hesitated to say yes when he asked her to move in with him, but she was still wanting to do more. If not SHIELD then perhaps she could help The Avengers. She was still extremely pleased that they had chosen the name she had suggested.

Isabella heard Luca's question about their parents and she smiled as she took down the black dress she had worn that first night. She looked at it for a moment before carefully packing it. "Tony and I are wanting to invite them and you and Lauren (his wife) over for dinner after I get settled. I know this is a change for our family, but I really love him Luca. I know that Tony has a past, but we all do to some extent and he's changed. He's...really an incredible man and I know that you all will see that."

“Well you don’t have to convince me or Lauren, that’s for sure,” he said and then with a book in his hand he stepped into the closet with her. “Have you made that call to SHIELD yet? It's been a month and a half. What if Tony doesn’t want you to join SHIELD or be apart of what was it...The Avengers?” He asked. “What if he doesn’t want you to put yourself in danger anymore. ‘And don’t think I don’t know something major happened to you in Afghanistan. Mom and dad might believe your bullshit but I know my sister. You’ve been...well you’ve not been the same since. You used to be tough as nails and you just seem to be letting Tony call the shots for you. He asked you not to join SHIELD and you didn’t and now he’s asking you to move in with him. What’s next, you two get married and have babies? Christ, I never thought that would be what you’d want,” he said as he looked at her.

Isabella stepped out of the closet and looked at Luca. The two of them had always been close and Luca had always been very supportive of what she wanted to do. Her parents hadn't wanted her to join the CIA. They had wanted her to become a doctor, like them. Luca, however, had been by her side every step of the way. "Something did happen to me in Afghanistan, but that's not the reason I haven't called Agent Coulson back yet. I'm happy Luca...I'm happy with Tony. Yes, I do want to do...something, but I also want to enjoy this time with Tony. After I get settled then yes, it will be a subject I am going to bring up. And yes, I do want to get married...I do want to have a child or two...and I think Tony wants that as well."

Tony had been working on the suit for over a week now and he felt he was getting close. It was a modified version of his 23 Beta suit that was meant for hostile environments. He had changed its shape to that of a much more feminine appearance. It also had shields that it could project onto others. He put in 2 Arc Reactors and he also enhanced the suits propulsion system. It would out fly anything he had to date and its micro gyro’s combined with its self protective protocols would allow the wearer to dodge incoming attacks before they ever knew they were coming. It had offensive weapons systems as well as the standard things most of his suits had. Laser cutters and tools as well as a full range of medical assistance addons incase the wearer or someone else was injured. It was by far his greatest achievement but even as he looked at it he wasn’t certain at all if he wanted Isabella to wear it. He was in love with her and revealing this to her was going to put her in danger.

He knew in her heart that she was a fighter and it was only going to be a matter to time before she did make that call to Phil. He would stop her if he could and as he opened the small box he always carried and looked at the ring he wondered if ‘it’ would be enough to keep her from that. Never before in his life had he been here. Loving a woman as much as he loved Isabella. But he knew that he did and there was no turning back for him now. Her love was seeded in him so strongly that he doubted he’d love anyone as much again.

“Sir, there appears to be an issue with the secondary Arc Reactor. It is not interfacing properly,” Jarvis told him. Tony sighed and closed the small, black box and put it back into his pocket. He was tired...no exhausted and that was not an easy fix. “Alright, open her up,” he said and Jarvis exposed the inside of the suit and Tony got back to work.

“You mean with you,” Luca said and smiled. “Lauren wants to know your secret,” he said and when she looked at him questioningly he elaborated on what he meant. “What you did or still do that none of the other women have been able to do to keep him in line,” he said as if she had him on some sort of leash. He saw her smile and narrowed his eyes at her then grimaced. “You really like that don’t you. Having ‘that’ power over him. It must be a woman thing because if I piss off Lauren enough it doesn’t matter what I do, she’s not having it,” he said.

Isabella laughed a little at her brother’s comment and then continued to pack. “I don’t have any power over Tony. We just have a great relationship. Things with him aren’t always easy. I mean I can’t even walk down to Starbucks without being followed by photographers. But to me it’s worth it. I can see a life with him...I want a life with him.”

By that evening all of her things had been moved into Tony’s place. She was still unpacking but Tony had suggested she take a break so they could eat. He had ordered in some Chinese and they were just going to spend the evening in together. She walked into the kitchen and smiled before kissing him. “So, what have you been up to today?”

Before Tony could say anything to her Jarvis’s voice spoke over the intercom. “Sir, you wanted to be informed when the painting program was complete. Elapsed time, 3 hours and 21 minutes,” he said and Tony gave her a concerned look. “I don’t want to have to lie to you Isabella. I’ve done that in the past. I mean, not lie necessarily, just evaded your questions. You deserve credit for not coming down on me for holding back. But…” he began and he could see her anxiety grow exponentially as he disassembled. Normally when Tony spoke like this he was about to tell her something she was not going to like.

Their relationship had seen its true test though when Madame Masque had tried to control Tony’s mind and make him fall in love with her. He was deceitful to Isabella though only because that was within the confines of her compulsion. But Isabella had known something was wrong right off. In the end Madame Masque had tried to kill Tony when he had told her he didn’t love her though she could have had him physically during that time. Tony did not remember or he said he didn’t but in either case Isabella knew it would not have been him...She possessed that part of Tony since he had first met her.

“I have something in the lab to show you,” He said but clearly he was out of sorts about whatever it was. A part of Tony just wanted Isabella the woman, his heart. But his brain knew that just being his wife was not going to be enough. That and he felt that SHIELD would eventually come between them. She wanted him as more than a husband. She wanted a companion, someone she could rely on and be relied upon. When he had confessed of protecting her job with the CIA she had been furious with him but later after she realized why he did it, they had some incredible make up sex.

Isabella's relationship with Tony was incredible...but at the same time it was different than any other relationship she had ever been in and not just because he was a billionaire...but also because he was Iron Man. She had known from the start that getting involved with him was going to be complicated, but it wasn't until Madam Masque that she truly understood just how complicated. She trusted Tony, but she knew that he sometimes kept things from her. When she had found out that he had talked to Terrance behind her back about her job when she was still at the CIA she had gotten incredibly angry, but then she had realized it was only because he loved her and was trying to protect her. She appreciated that, but at the same time she wanted him to understand that he couldn't always protect her. After what had happened to her in Afghanistan she wanted to be doing more to help innocent people...she needed to be doing more. She and Tony hadn't exactly argued about that...but he knew how she felt. However, she also didn't want that to come between them. She needed him more.

She looked confused when he told her he had something to show her in the lab. She gave a little nod and went with him down to the lab. "What is this all about Tony?"

His lab was massive with multiple tables, shelves and machines all over the place. He had several Ironman suits on pedestals and built into one wall was a revolving gimble that rotates out whatever suit he wants. Next to that was a large, armored container. It was closed but it looked as if it could survive a nuclear war. Gimp, his robot was there next to the container and it waved to them as they entered.

“I’ve made a decision and I don’t want you to join shield,” he said and continued toward the container. He felt her steps pause as she fell behind him and he turned back toward her. “I’m not backing down on that. SHIELD is off the table for us,” he said plainly. “I won’t let them put us in a position that we’re working against one another,” he said and looked at her to see how she took that. “I know you’re a good agent but I need it to be this way and I need to know you can accept that. I need to know it now,” he said as he turned to face her fully.

Isabella was well familiar with Tony’s lab. She liked to go down there and see what he was working on. Tony was a genius and his knowledge of science and engineering astounded her. They had had sex in his lab once up on one of his work tables and the memory still made her blush.

She continued to follow Tony and noticed something new in the lab, an armored container. It was huge and as Tony walked towards it she realized whatever this was about had something to do with the container. She was curious as to what was inside but her attention was pulled away by what Tony said. She stopped and looked at him. She considered what he was asking her and she knew if he was asking her this then it must be for a very good reason.

“Tony, I trust you and if you are asking this of me then yes...I can accept that.”

Tony was taken aback by how easily she appeared to answer. He had been bracing for a huge fight but he also knew she was far from stupid. There was enough going on here for her to probably realize what he might be up to. Well, he needed to mix it up on her, make her uncertain about everything. A joke at her expense but he wanted to catch her off guard to.

“I didn’t think you’d do as I asked so easily Isabella,” he said as he looked at GIMP. A small, robot about waist high that had a long boom arm in which to aid Tony in his work. “Ok GIMP,” he said and the small robot extended its arm. “I figured I’d need to do something more rash and showy to get your acquiescence...like ask you to marry me,” he said with a smile and he plucked the massive ring from the robots hand and held it up to her. He had seen women fawn over gifts he gave them but it was a very large diamond. “Will you marry me Isabella,” he asked as he smoothly settled the large rock onto her finger. He glanced at it briefly before looking back up to her face. “And make me the happiest man in the universe?” He whispered.

Will you marry me Isabella?

“Huh?” She asked with wide eyes.

Of all the things Isabella had expected Tony to say that was not one of them. At first she thought she had heard him wrong, but when she saw the massive diamond ring she knew she hadn’t. He was asking her to marry him! Her mouth had gone as dry as cotton and she hadn’t realized it but she had begun to tremble. Her heart was beating a mile a minute. Isabella wasn’t one to be caught off guard so easily but Tony had done it. He looked pretty proud of himself too, but continued to look at her with love in his eyes. Was this crazy? They had only been together for a few months. She knew what her parents would say...what her brother would say. But there was only one thing she wanted to say. Tears of happiness were in her eyes.

“Yes, Tony. Nothing would make me happier.”

With delight in his eyes Tony kissed Isabella...quite thoroughly and she had kissed him back. It was done he thought. And a wave of relief settled over him almost immediately. “Then I think perhaps we should celebrate,” he said and a look of thought came into his eyes as if he were thinking what they could do. “Something...memorable I should think. Away from...prying eyes,” he said then raised his wrist up to look at it. He tapped at it a few times then hovered his finger over it as he looked up to her. “I can not offer you anything more than I have already given you. My love and my companionship. If that ring is the symbol of my love than consider this second a symbol for the other,” he said and tapped his watch once more.

As if air was escaping a white mist plumed from the top of the large armored container. Like 2 halves, the front and sides folded out and something bathed in the mist came forward then lowered at an angle down to them. When the mist cleared she saw it for what it was. A suit, very much like one of Tony’s but its facemask was silver and the highlighted paint was a shimmer of blue, violet and also an aqua or sea-foam color depending on the light. Its shape was obviously lither than his suits and the chestpiece was obviously designed for a woman’s physique. It was her suit. Obviously what he had been spending long hours making these past few weeks.

Isabella was completely overwhelmed with shock and happiness. She looked at the ring that now sat on her left ring finger and her breath was taken away. It was...beautiful. Nothing felt more right than this. She loved Tony more than she thought one person could love another. When he had rescued her that day in Afghanistan she had no idea that this was going to be where they would end up.

She looked up into Tony’s eyes as he spoke and suddenly the container began to open. Her heart began to beat harder in her chest and as the mist cleared she gasped in surprise and delight. It was a suit! He had made a suit for her. It was incredible and new tears filled her eyes as she touched the helmet. “Is this why you didn’t want me to join SHIELD?”

Tony shook his head. “No, not exactly. With the Avengers, we choose who to fight and why. Not necessarily so with SHIELD. “This is a means for us to fight together. You are a skilled agent already. With a little training, you could be the best of us,” he said. It was high praise coming from him but would she expect anything less from the man that loved her?

Tony topped on his wrist comm and he removed a smaller one from the side of the suit. “Here put this on,” he said as he gave it to her. As she put it on a holo ball appeared over the suit and Tony used his hands to manipulate it. He added a few things it seemed and when he saw her wrist comm was on and working he made a gesture and the large ball moved to above the bezel on her watch. She could see it was getting her vitals and after another moment it disappeared.

“Ok now when you get close to the suit it will open for you. You can set up verbal commands through jarvis. Oh and by the way, your voice and biometric data have been added to Jarvis’s matrix. You have complete access to him like I do. Did you...want to try it on for size?” He asked. When she said ofcourse he smiled.

The suit opened up for her and getting up and into it was awkward at first but her awkwardness faded quickly when it closed up around her. Virtual readouts appeared around her vision and Jarvis explained to her that this was her HUD, her heads up display. “The suit is highly intuitive and you can activate the suits abilities by either muscle movement, verbal commands or eye contact with the HUD,” he said

Isabella felt like a giddy child who had just received a shiny new bike for their birthday. The ring took top billing, but this suit came in pretty damn close. She couldn’t hide her excitement and wonder, but did her best to listen to what Tony was telling her. She took the wrist comm and put it on. She knew it was something like her wedding ring that she would never take off.

As she stepped into the suit she experienced a new wave of excitement, but mixed with some nervousness. It all felt so new and a little awkward at first, but that awkwardness quickly faded. She listened to Jarvis and felt rather honored that Tony was sharing access to him. As her eyes scanned the room different identifying words and data appeared. As she looked at Tony she laughed out loud at what it said.

“Your sexy man? So, what does yours say about me?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know.” Tony said happily.

They were flying side by side and after several days of learning the suit and its abilities Isabella had learned one thing. Flying...was hard. It involved so many things. Aerodynamics. Wind speed and how the suit pitched and yawned by just the slightest movement. She had crashed several times, once into a large billboard about baby formula. Tony has laughed relentlessly about that but he quickly found that Isabella didn’t make the same mistakes twice.

At night after they ate they trained together and after 2 weeks she had gotten quit good wearing the suit. In mock combat Tony won each time but he had had years to learn what the suit could and couldn’t do. She learned that though his was fast, hers was faster. She had superior acceleration, dodge mobility and top speed. Her dual arc reactors have her suit an edge against his especially when she used her shields to protect against damage. It was a remarkable achievement of engineerinf and he did it just for her.

That night they had ordered out, Chinese and sushi like their first date and after they made love several times until they were so exhausted they just laid upon one another, and bashed in the clam silence and the feel of one another’s arms.

“Your learning so fast,” Tony said as he kissed her forehead. They were naked and she laid half way atop him with her left leg over his middle and her breasts pressed up against his side. Her dark hair was strewn across his shoulder. “I think your just about ready,” he said and felt a large amount of pride to say it. “I was wondering if you had picked a date for us to get married. It will be as big or small as you want. I just want you as my wife,” Tony said.

The first time flying in the suit was both terrifying and exhilarating for Isabella. It was trickier than she had expected, but she was a fast learner and did not make the same mistake twice. She was patient and listened to Tony, who had far more experience with this than she did. She was getting used to using Jarvis and learning what tools she had and when to use them as well as figuring out how to use the shield feature. The suit was incredible and a marvel of engineering and Isabella felt humbled to be able to wear it. She didn't want to let Tony or the others down so she trained hard and listened to Tony's feedback.

Meanwhile, word of their engagement had gotten out and finally Tony had to hold a press conference to confirm the rumors. After that they were hounded even more by the press when they went out, but Isabella took it all in stride. Her parents and brother had mixed feelings about the entire thing. She and Tony had only known each other a few months and now they were getting married. It seemed reckless to them, but she insisted that she was happy and that this was the right choice for her. There were also rumors about her suit...but neither Tony nor Isabella had confirmed or denied that at this point.

That evening she lay in Tony's arms in their bed after making love several times. They were utterly exhausted, but content and happy. As she lay there she looked at her engagement ring and smiled as she imaged a wedding band with it.

"Well, I have a wonderful and sexy teacher," she replied with a grin as she leaned up and kissed him. She then settled back down against him and considered his question regarding the wedding. "I don't really want a big wedding. Just close family and friends and I would rather get married sooner rather than later. Do you think Steve or the others would come if we invited them?"

“I think that they would. We could hire someone to help you plan it all out. So I guess as soon as you want, as big as you want and where you want,” He said as he lightly traced a finger down her back. He knew where she was ticklish and when he got to close to one of her spots she made a sound and used her arm to push his hand away. He chuckled and she nibbled on his nipple and made him flinch. “You excited about tomorrow?” he asked. They were to meet the rest of the avengers. That and Tony wanted to present  his new jet for them. He had built a super sonic jet that could take off and land vertically and hold 8 passengers, a pilot and a co pilot. It had stealth technology and an array of weaponry and defensive systems.

“I just think everything is coming together for us,” he said.

The next day the whole team came to Stark Tower; Captain America, Hawkeye, Bruce Banner, Thor, Black Panther and Captain Marvel though the Black Panther couldn’t be there today. Spider Woman, Julia Carpenter had recently left The Avengers to join a different Group called the freedom force. Tony had hired a caterer to provide everyone with food and drinks and everyone came in their street clothes. Steve Rogers was more or less the leader of the team and he shook Isabella’s hand and welcomed her warmly to the team. “Ah, wel met my lady,” Thor said as he greeted her. He took her hand and bowed at kissed her knuckles regally. “You are lovely as ever,” He said and smiled at her. Bruce banner only waved at her and appeared somewhat uncomfortable. Tony said he would be, he was out of his element in social situations. Hawkeye, Clint Barton seemed presentable enough, He shook her hand as well and seemed genuinely pleased that they were getting married. Then there was Carol Danvers. When Isabella held out her hand to her she smiled and hugged her instead. “Welcome to the team,” She said.

Isabella was both excited and nervous about meeting the rest of the team. She of course knew their names and their faces, but she had never actually met them. As the newest member of the team she knew that she was going to have to prove herself to them and show that Tony hadn't only recruited her because she was marrying him. The following morning, after making love again, they got up and showered and then dressed before preparing the Tower for the team's arrival. Isabella knew that Tony had been working on a new jet, but he hadn't even shown it to her yet so she would be seeing it for the first time with the rest of the team. Isabella was a trained pilot and was excited to see what Tony had designed.

The caterer arrived early and set up all the food and drinks and then the rest of the team began to arrive. Isabella stood next to Tony as she officially met the rest of the team. She was rather overwhelmed to meet Steve Rogers, but he was very much down to earth and warm and welcoming. Thor was also overwhelming, but that was just because it was Thor. He was handsome and captivating and very charming. She actually blushed just a little at his compliment. Bruce was just as Tony had described and she waved back to him but hoped he would eventually become more comfortable with her. Clint was personable and, like Steve, very welcoming. Then there was Carol, the blonde woman Isabella had seen with Nick Fury at the art gallery that night a few months ago. She had heard incredible things about Captain Marvel and she was very curious about her. She was also relieved to know that she wasn't going to be the only woman. She smiled and hugged her back when she hugged her instead of shaking her hand. "Thank you."

She then took a step back and turned and looked back at Tony and waited for him to begin his presentation.

“Well now that everyone has gotten acquainted, I have a bit of news to share. If anyone doesn't know yet, Isabella and I are getting married. You’re all invited to the wedding with your plus 1...or in Thor’s case, plus 3. We’ve been training extensively and she is ready. Cap it’ll be up to you where she will be most useful. Her suit is primarily built as a support and recovery unit but she can hold her own in a fight. As to my other bit of news, we’ll need to head to the helipad,” he said and began to step that way.

“As our need for an increased response time becomes more important, I’ve designed and built us our very own jet. Isabella is a good pilot but I’d like to get her, Hawkeye and Cap all certified to pilot the craft,” He said as everyone made it to the double doors that opened out into the helipad. He had Jarvis blackout the glass so no one could see it from where they were. “Behold, I give you The Avenger’s Quinjet,” he said and then pushed the doors open.

The jet looked like a cross between a fighter and perhaps a larger, utility jet. It had VTOL engines and was capable of vertical take offs and landing and could also land on an aircraft carrier. Hawkeye appeared impressed which made Tony happy to see.

“Excellent work Tony,” Steve said. “A grand vessel indeed,” Thor said and smiled. It was painted black with some silver and blue as well. “What do you think Carol, I am fairly certain you could fly this already,” Tony said as he looked at her. She was moving around looking at the plane and nodded. “I think it will do,” She said plainly. “Tony is it,” Bruce began but Tony cut him off. “No, it’s not Hulk proof so if ya break it ya buy it,” he said as a joke. “Good to know, Bruce replied. Isabella noticed that Carol was looking at her and she had been off and on since she arrived. It was difficult to know what she was thinking when she looked at her and she didn’t seem to mind when Isabella caught her looking. Carol wasn’t all that chatty of a person but she still continued to watch her.

To say that Isabella was impressed by the jet was an understatement. It was incredible. Tony never just did anything for show though. The jet was built for functionality and she was excited to learn that she was going to be one of the three certified to fly it. She knew that Tony had been putting in a lot of work on this and clearly it had paid off.

As everyone looked more closely at the jet Isabella became aware of someone looking at her. She looked over at her and noticed that Carol didn’t look away. She slowly walked over to her and glanced at the jet. “It’s quite impressive. Tony has been putting in a lot of work on this jet.”

Carol smiled when Isabella spoke to her. She still had that look about her. A passive look that made people wonder if she was even paying attention to anything at all. Far from the truth however. Since Carol’s transformation and her time with the Kree, her awareness had become far beyond what anyone on earth might have. “I would not have thought Tony would give up...his proclivities but now that I see you I think I understand...now. You are a beautiful and impressive woman and I see his attraction to you,” she said softly. And then it clicked in Isabella’s head. Carol was attracted to her. It stands to reason that since she began as human that someone, even a superhero might not have the same sexual orientation as everyone else. Carol sounded as if she had just figured her own out just now.

“Hey, you two in the back, are you passing notes or what?” Tony said as he gestured toward them. He had been going on about the Jet’s capabilities and specifications at length. At the end of it all though they all went back inside. They talked for another couple of hours then one by one their guests left until it was just them again, alone.

“Hey, cutie pie, want to christen this bird properly?” Tony said with that smile he had when he was thinking of doing something dirty to her.

Present Day...

Tony sat up suddenly and shook his head. He had tears in his eyes and he turned his body until he was able to put his feet onto the floor. He rubbed his face and eyes and stifled the cries that had built up in his throat. “God I miss you Isabella,” He said as he sniffled. “I love you babe...so much,” he said as he tried to push thoughts of the past away. On his bedside table there was a picture in a frame. He was holding the camera and had his arm around her. They had taken a trip to St. Croix in the Virgin Islands a little while after she had Serena. She was so happy that day and in the picture she was posing as she kissed his cheek and was looking at the camera. Her hair was long and wavy and she had sunglasses up on her head. Tony took a long, soothing breath and got up out of bed.