Chapter 5 : Tower Life

"Kid?"

"Yeah?!" I called out, glancing up at the speaker where Tony's voice crackled through.

"When are you getting out of the lab? You're starting to become me." There was a hint of amusement in his voice, but I knew he was serious. I'd been holed up in the lab ever since the materials for my project had arrived, and I was so close to finishing.

"I'll be up soon for dinner!" I assured him, my eyes still fixed on the intricate wiring I was working on. "Just need to do one more tweak."

"I'll hold you to that," Tony replied before the call abruptly cut off.

"JARVIS, can you keep playing my music?"

"Of course, Mer." JARVIS's calm, British voice filled the lab as the familiar tunes continued. Surprisingly, this world had the same music as back home. Maybe it wasn't so surprising after all—it seemed like some things were universal.

It had been two months since I moved into the tower, and I'd started working on my suit almost immediately after settling in, so maybe a month ago? Time worked differently in Tony's lab—it was easy to lose track. Initially, I had planned on creating a full Iron Woman suit, but as I progressed, I realized that with my powers, I didn't need a complete suit. Now, I was focusing on crafting thrusters for flight and a headset for communication and interfacing with my AI, Alex, which Tony had helped me design. The headset would resemble the smart glasses Scott Summers used in the X-Men movies, but instead of red lenses, mine would be sleek black. So, essentially, I was building smart glasses and thruster boots. It felt like such a downgrade from my original plan, but it made more sense. I couldn't help but feel like I'd gone from being a potential Iron Woman to someone more like Peter Quill—a bit of a downgrade, but still cool in its own way......

"Honey, I'm home!" I announced as I entered the penthouse, throwing my arms wide in mock enthusiasm.

"Sorry, kid, I'm taken," Tony quipped from the couch without missing a beat. "And besides, the whole age gap thing? Not really my style."

I rolled my eyes. "Actually, I was talking to Pepper," I shot back playfully, grinning as Pepper choked on her water. "Just kidding," I added quickly, laughing.

Tony scoffed, shaking his head. "I swear, sometimes I think you're my long-lost kid or something. Who's your mom?" He teased, earning a light smack on the arm from Pepper. "Ow! So, you finished with your gear?"

"Almost," I sighed, plopping down on the couch beside them. "But I feel kinda lame, going from a full Iron Woman suit to just boots and glasses."

"Well, you've got powers. I don't see why you need a whole suit," Tony pointed out, shrugging.

Yes. I didn't divulge that I had powers with Tony. "I know, but it's always been so cool seeing you in your full suit," I admitted, running a hand through my hair.

"You can always make a full suit if you want. I've got the money," Tony offered, his tone casual as ever.

"Yeah, Stark, I know you do," I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "Maybe one day, but not right now... So, what should we make for dinner?".....

"What do you need, Miranda?" Fury's voice was as gruff as ever, even through the phone.

"I swear, by the end of my time here, I'm going to soften you up and make you my friend," I laughed, knowing full well that would be a challenge.

Fury just huffed in response. "What do you need?" he repeated, clearly not in the mood for banter.

"I want to see Steve. I know he's in New York, but I don't know where. And I know Tony isn't exactly a fan of his." Tony still thought of Steve as "the man his father wouldn't shut up about."

"I'll send you the address," Fury replied before hanging up abruptly.

M: Should I just text you since our conversations are so short?

F: If you wish. No promises I'll see them.

M: Such a cold man you are, Fury. But don't worry, I'll butter you up. I do that to people. ;)

F: Whatever you say. Make sure you call him before you meet him. Steve Rogers (###) ###-#### 569 Leaman Place, Brooklyn Heights

M: Thanks, man. Hope you have a chill day! <3

I saved Steve Rogers' number in my phone and closed the messaging app. Ring, ring, ring. When he picked up, I took a deep breath and said, "Hello, Steve. My name's Miranda." I tried to keep my voice steady—after all, it's not every day you get to talk to Captain America.

"Um... Hello, Miranda. How did you get my number?" His voice was cautious, as expected.

"Fury... I was wondering if I could meet you. I just want to get to know you. It's fine if you're busy, no big deal."

"Sure, I guess. When's a good time for you? There's a coffee place down the street from where I live.... I guess you know where that is too," he added, a hint of caution in his tone.

"Oh yeah, sorry about that. I kinda got your address from Fury too. I hope that isn't too invasive of your personal space."

"No, it's alright, I guess. I'm free tomorrow during lunch."

"You going on a run?"

"Yeah, how did you know?"

"Mind if I join?" I asked, trying to contain my excitement. Running with Captain America? Yes, please!

"I mean, sure, but I run fast."

"Oh, don't worry. I'm sure I can keep up." I know I could. My Elf/Alfheim heritage made me just as fast, if not faster, than a super soldier.

"Okay. Well, I run fast. Let's meet at my apartment at 5 if that's okay. Then we'll go from there."

"Great! I can't wait! Bye."

"Bye."

I couldn't believe it. I was actually going to run with Steve Rogers. If I ended up being faster, you bet I was going to say, "On your left."

"Hey, kid, what's got you so happy?" Tony asked, glancing up as I practically skipped into his lab.

"You wouldn't like it," I sang, unable to wipe the grin off my face.

"Oh god, what did you do?" Tony put down his tool and spun his chair to face me.

"Don't worry. Tomorrow, I'm going on a run and meeting someone."

"Found a friend?" Tony raised an eyebrow, curious.

"Yep. Someone you love. Mr. Stark practically talks about him all the time," I teased, knowing exactly how to push his buttons.

He squinted at me. "Who, Pepper?"

"Steve Rogers," I replied, my voice dripping with playful sarcasm. Tony scoffed, rolling his eyes as he spun back around to his work. "Oh, come on. I know you don't like the self-righteous man, but you can't hate him. You're just jealous because he's the only thing your old man ever talked about." I added the last sentence in a mock pouty voice.

"Do not," Tony muttered, though the irritation was clear in his voice. "He's just full of himself."

"And you're not?" I laughed, giving him a playful nudge. "You know your father loved you, right?" Tony looked at me like I'd just sprouted a second head. "I promise you, he did. He was just too stubborn to show it. He was too focused on his work, perfecting it so he could pass it on to you. It wasn't right, but he thought he was doing what was best for you."

Tony gave me a sidelong smile, a mix of gratitude and skepticism in his eyes. "What are you, a therapist now?" he scoffed. "I'll add it to your resume."

"Oh, shut it," I laughed, giving him a light smack on the back of his head. We both burst into laughter, the tension easing away.

Next Morning.....

"I'm heading out! Don't miss me too much!" I called out as I grabbed my jacket.

"Don't worry, I won't!" Tony's voice echoed back......

"Cap!" I waved energetically as I spotted Steve waiting on the sidewalk. He waved back, though I could see the curiosity in his eyes as he took in my appearance. Albinos probably weren't common in his time. Just wait till he sees my pointed hear behind my white hair. "Ready to eat my dust?" I teased with a giggle.

"Uh, sure?" Steve smiled, though it was clear he wasn't used to such casual banter. "Ready to go?" I nodded enthusiastically. "Alright, just follow me. I don't really have a set running path yet."

"No problem. I'm sure if you lose me, I won't be hard to spot," I joked, earning a chuckle from him.

"I'll try not to lose you. Let's go."

We started running, side by side, and I quickly realized that I could easily keep up with Steve's pace. We ran through the bustling streets of New York, weaving between pedestrians and dodging traffic. The city was alive with energy, and I couldn't help but feel a thrill as we sped through the crowds.

"You're fast, Miranda," Steve remarked over his shoulder, a note of surprise in his voice.

"Yeah, I'm actually from Alfheim—a neighboring realm to Asgard," I said, trying to gauge his reaction.

"What?" Steve slowed down, clearly confused.

I slowed down with him. "Steve, a lot has changed since you went under the ice. Earth found out we aren't the only ones in the universe," I explained, slowing to a stop as well.

"What?" he repeated, his brows furrowing.

I held back an eye roll and just brushed my head behind my ear. "Humans aren't the only species in the universe. I'm half-Alfheim, which is a planet of light elves, and half-Asgardian, which is just... a planet of gods and whatever."

"So, you're not from Earth?" he asked, his confusion deepening.

I shook my head. "Nope. But I know this place well enough." He looked even more confused, like a child learning. "Steve," I added, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Don't freak out, but on my planet, we live for about 5,000 years. In Earth years, I'm 16, but our bodies age much slower. Don't ask me how—it's just the way it is."

"So... aliens are real?" he asked, still trying to wrap his head around it. I nodded. "Okay."

"You're not freaking out, right?" I asked, just to be sure. He shook his head. "Good. Just making sure." We resumed our run, and I couldn't help but feel relieved. I had planted the seed, so he wouldn't be too confused when we ended up on the Helicarrier. "Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!" I shouted playfully.

"I know that reference!" Steve laughed, the sound warming my heart. He was so damn endearing.

Our run lasted about 30 minutes, and we kept up a fast, steady pace the entire time. I couldn't help but wonder just how fast and far I could push myself. Maybe I'd test that out someday.

During our coffee break, Steve asked more questions about the whole alien thing, and I did my best to answer with the knowledge I had from both the MCU and Meredith's memories.

"Hey, you've been here a couple of years, right?" I asked as we walked back to his apartment.

"Just one," he replied.

"Do you know where Bleaker Street is?"

"No, sorry. I mostly stay around this area."

"Oh, no problem. Thanks for the run and the coffee. It was nice talking to you," I said with a smile.

"The pleasure was all mine," Steve replied, his own smile soft and genuine as he headed into his apartment.

Once he was inside, I pulled out my phone—the advanced tech in this world still amazed me—and opened up the navigation map. I was going to love using all this futuristic technology. Maybe someday I'd even get to see Wakanda. A girl could dream, right? But for now, I had another destination in mind. It was time to talk to the Sorcerer Supreme....

"Hello?" I knocked on the door of the Sanctum Sanctorum. "I need to speak to the Ancient One!" Before I knew it, I was sucked into the building, the world around me shifting and warping in the blink of an eye.

"What is it you need?" came a calm, measured voice. If this were Narnia, I might be scared, but thankfully, this wasn't, and she wasn't a wicked ice witch.

"Don't you already know that?" I asked, feeling a bit bold. The Ancient One narrowed her eyes slightly, scrutinizing me. "Sorry... I need your help. I know you know about the Mind Stone, and I was wondering if I could search for a way to break the mind control it has over someone."

"And why should I help you?" she asked, descending the steps with an air of calm authority.

"Because you're nice and I really need help," I said earnestly, hoping she would see my sincerity. When she didn't immediately respond, I sighed. "Please. I promise I'll leave as soon as I find something. I won't touch anything except what you hand me to read."

The Ancient One studied me for a moment longer before nodding. "Very well. Follow me." She led me to a library, though Wong was noticeably absent. I wondered where he was if not the librarian yet. "Sit here, and I will bring you the books," she instructed, pointing to a table.

I sat down, trying not to gawk at the incredible surroundings. The library was just as awe-inspiring as it had been in the movies, with rows of ancient, forbidden books chained to the shelves. It was surreal. A few minutes later, the Ancient One returned with two hefty volumes.

"These are all we have on the Infinity Stones. If you are searching for an answer, this is the most likely place you will find it."

I took the books, grateful for her help. "Ancient One?" I asked tentatively. She raised an eyebrow in response. "I don't want to push my luck, but do you maybe have any healing books or spells that would work with my magic? If not, it's okay. I don't want to overstep."

A smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. "I will fetch them." She walked away, leaving me to wonder if she had known I was coming, just as she had known about Stephen.

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