Chapter 10 - Thumb Tuck

Night had now fallen over the city when you and Brock walked back out to the car. 

"See, you didn't die." Rumlow said while you both were getting back in the SUV.

"No, I didn't but my unemployment did." You were happy and clicked your seatbelt. "Are you hungry?" You asked him. " I don't know about you but I'm starving."

He didn't say anything to you but started the ignition, "I know just the place," and he proceeded to drive. _________________________________________________________________________

He pulled the car around to the back of a building. "I am going to be right back. Stay in here with the doors lock. No one is able to see in and if you need me, press 1 on the phone." he stepped out of the driver side, "Do you understand?" 

"Of course. Press 1, don't move, breathe, or even think about leaving the car." 

"Perfect." He shut the door and the moment it slammed you started to laugh and your smile was bright. What a whirlwind today has been! You felt like you were living in your own Rom Con right now and couldn't imagine going back to the mundane way of life. 

You started to turn up the music but out of the corner of your eye you thought you saw the paparazzi snapping photos. "They wouldn't be able to see me.." You kept your eyes straight ahead when finally you saw who captured their attention. Tony Stark was stumbling out of the building across the street. Your hands tightened into fists, "Don't." you whispered to yourself. Then you saw two woman swooning over him, You were enraged and stepped out of the car.  You were sneaking up on him when suddenly a man with a camera started yelling your name, " LOOK IT'S Y/N!" You saw the flashes and Tony turned toward you. His drunken smile sank and before he could say anything, you punched him in the face. The camera flashes went wild and the two woman he was with stepped aside. Tony was laying on the ground and you were shaking your hand, it was bruised but you didn't care. "You're a piece of shit Stark! Who do you think you are? You stole not one but two designs from me! Then you have the audacity to drag me into this!", you gestured toward the paparazzi."  As you were spouting off and the camera flashes were going crazy you felt someone pull you back. 

"ENOUGH!" Rumlow pulled you away from Tony and grabbed your shoulders. "What happened to waiting in the car?" He was making eye contact with you. He had to bend slightly down because of his 6'4" stature but there was something about his dark eyes that you didn't want to break away from. While Rumlow was talking to you Tony stood up and addressed you both, "Well that's cute." He crossed his arms at the sight of you two, "When did this begin?" You went to make a witty comment when Rumlow shook his head at you and walked toward Stark. "We will discuss this in the morning. I suggest you get some rest." Brock walked back towards you and grabbed your arm, just above the shoulder like earlier today. You could feel Stark's gaze on you like daggers as you walked out of sight with Brock.

When you stepped into the SUV you could smell something delicious coming from the back. You instantly felt guilty, if you would have just stayed put and waited for the morning to confront Tony your hand wouldn't be bruised, your stomach would be full, and the awkward tension in the air between you and Brock wouldn't be lingering. 

He was driving, you weren't sure where, but now that you both technically work together you felt a bit more trusting. He hasn't spoke to you since the incident. 

"Listen.." You started to apologies but he cut you off. 

"Don't tuck in your thumb next time." 

You were completely thrown off guard, "Excuse me."

"When you punch," He placed his fist over the steering wheel driving and showed you, "Don't tuck your thumb in. Keep it placed on the outside otherwise you are going to continue getting a swollen thumb or possibly break it."

"Aren't you mad at me?" 

"Furious that you didn't listen but honestly," He glanced at you, "I've been wanting to punch Stark for a long time. I'm glad I got to witness it." 

"So, where too now?" 

"After your stunt just now I have a feeling most of the paparazzi is going to have had their fill. If you would like we can go back to your apartment but, I do have to stay with you tonight." He kept his eyes on the road, he know it was an awkward statement.

"I have an extremely luxurious vintage couch," You responded sarcastically, "Very broken in." 

"Great." He said, "Can't wait."