queenladyknight

[queenladyknight]

Queen of the South

Chapter 2: Change of Plans

2 Days Later

"I'm really sorry honey," Pepper said on the phone. Tony had scheduled plane tickets for the pair to go to Australia. Pepper had to cancel last minute because there were urgent matters to attend to at Stark Industries.

"It's alright Pep, don't worry about it. We can go another time," Tony responded. He really was looking forward to taking a vacation. He needed a break. Pepper could hear the hurt in his voice and came up with an idea.

"How about we reschedule our trip and you can take a break now with one of the other Avengers!" Tony scoffed into the phone and sighed, "I really don't know about that Pepper." He would rather keep working than going somewhere with them.

Pepper could hear his reluctance through the phone. "Listen if you're going to be working with them, you need to know each other well right? Well, this is the perfect time to do it!" Tony didn't respond but thought about it. Pepper continued, "I won't force you to do anything, but think about it, okay? I have to go now, bye Tony. I love you."

Tony didn't get a chance to say goodbye for she hung up. He set the phone down and sipped on his coffee. The idea wasn't bad he thought, but he was still skeptical. After the Battle of New York, the team went their separate ways, not knowing when they were going to see each other again.

The day went by with Tony doing his work. He split his time focusing on Avengers Tower and making more Iron Man suits. This preoccupied him and prevented him from sleeping, so everyone thought.

But in reality, he didn't want to sleep. Sleep was a messy son of a bitch for Tony. His thoughts overtook his slumber making him restless at night. The Battle of New York haunted his dreams and wouldn't leave. Working on his suits and tower was a way to escape his thoughts.

Tony fumbled with some papers when he was alerted by Jarvis. "Sir, The Director of SHIELD, is here."  Tony frowned and answered, "Send him to my office, I'll meet him there."

Naomi POV

"Yeah, no Naomi," said Alex. Naomi was trying to get Alex to ride one of the horses. "He won't bite, Alex. Come on it will be fun," you prodded. You hadn't been on a horse ride in a while and hoped Alex would agree to go on one together.

"Alright, but if I fall, I'm suing you!" Alex relented. Naomi agreed and helped her up on Beauty. Beauty was, well, beautiful. She had a sandy tan coat with a pretty dark brown mane. You showed Alex how to control Beauty and hopped on the other horse, Watson. Watson had a black coat and mane with white spots on his underbelly.

"You ready to go?" you asked Alex. You could see she was uneasy and a little nervous. "Don't worry Alex, you won't fall. Just do as I showed you and you will do just fine." Alexx nodded and replied, "OK, let's go."

You smiled and began walking towards the trail. "This trail goes through the woods and leads to Lake Ashton," you said. Alex nodded and began to look more confident.

The sisters started talking and laughing just like old times. Naomi knew this would be a lasting memory for both of them.

Soon they reached Lake Ashton and Alex's jaw dropped. The view was magnificent. The lake was nestled in a small valley, surrounded by flowers and tall grasses. Then just behind the lake was a mountain range. It was one of the most breathtaking scenes Alex had ever seen.

Naomi beamed at Alex's reaction, she did the same thing when she was it for the first time. Alex broke the silence first, "You can't get this in New York." You nodded in agreement, "No you can't."

"You should really call before coming." Tony entered his office where Director Fury sat waiting for his arrival. "Stark, you work for me. I can come with or without a warning," Fury shot back.

Tony walked over and sat behind his desk. He really didn't like Fury always bossing him around. He agreed to help once, what did he want this time? So Tony cut right to the chase, "What do you want Director?"

Fury crossed his legs and began, " Even though the Avengers have been an idea for some time, it wasn't until recently we made it a reality. The team met in a hurry with no time to get to know each other. And since you guys will be working together in the future, the team needs to bond."

Tony squinted his eyes and raised his hands. "I'm not too sure about that, Fury. It's not like we will be together all the time. We are just there in times where drastic things happen." Fury rolled his eyes and responded, "You never know Stark, you guys need to know each other better that's why you guys will be taking a trip."

Tony's eyes widened. Pepper had the same idea, was that a coincidence or was Pepper telling Fury about needing a break? Fury continued, "You guys will be taking a trip to wherever you guys choose, and when you get back you better know every secret and detail about each other."

Tony began to speak, but Fury interrupted him, "I've already contacted the others. You'll meet here tomorrow to figure out where you're going and when. I don't want to hear any complaining Stark. this is mandatory." And with that Fury stalked out the office.

Tony cleared his throat and sighed. "I need a drink."

Next Day

It was noontime in New York City. New York was very loud and busy, but the noise couldn't compare to the arguing that was going on in the Avengers Tower. The Avengers were on the 60th-floor bickering about the destination of their vacation.

"You know it really doesn't matter where we go," Steve said. He was trying to calm everyone down.

"Yes it does Spangles, I'm not going anywhere cold," remarked Tony. He was sitting on the countertop sipping whiskey.

"Why would we go anywhere cold, Tony? And why are you drinking alcohol, it's barely noon?!" spat Natasha. She was getting a headache already.

"We could go to a, what Midguardians call, a Disneyworld?" Thor replied. He had heard of the magical place and have been wanting to go.

"Way too many people," Bruce said dramatically. He wanted to go somewhere quiet and peaceful, and Disneyworld was the opposite.

"I think this is why Fury wanted us to take a vacation," Clint responded. Everyone turned to look at him and he continued. "We can't even make a decision without arguing."

Everyone nodded and sat in silence for a minute. Steve looked around and broke the silence, "So, we aren't going anywhere cold," he glanced at Natasha, "and we aren't going anywhere with a lot of people," he motioned toward Bruce.

"So no big cities or any tourist attractions," Tony said, he put his hand on his chin, "that takes out a lot of places then." Bruce spoke up with an idea, "Who says we have to go anywhere like Miami or Paris? We can go somewhere peaceful and just relax." Natasha nodded and agreed, "I like that idea. And we don't have to go somewhere overseas. We can stay in the US."

Steve spoke up, "That sounds like a nice break. What do you think Clint?" Clint looked up and smiled, "Sounds like a plan. What about you Thor?"

Thor was standing up and looking out the window. He turned towards his teammates and beamed, "I'm excited to explore more of this amazing planet you call home. Wherever we go, we shall have a good time!" The only person left was Tony.

"Man of Iron, you are funding this trip, do you agree with our decision?" Thor questioned. Tony got up and walked around the room. He sat next to Bruce and answered, "I like the plan, but we still don't have a precise location. Luckily, I have a plan, you guys will love it."

The rest of the team shared quizzical looks with one another until Steve asked, "Where are we going, Tony?"

Tony smirked, "Y'all better get your cowboy boots, we're going to Texas!

[queenladyknight]

Queen of the South

Chapter 1: Dealing With it

Naomi POV

Texas. The Lone Star State. But to you, it's always been home. You owned 150 acres of land to fill with your heart's content. You chose to follow in your grandfather's footsteps in owning a farm. You had 25 milk cows, three pigs, two Appaloosa horses, and an Australian Sheppard named, Bear.

Your farm was your life. You took pleasure in making sure it was taken care of. This farm allowed you to be free when for most of your life, you've been caged away. Hollywood Acres ( what you named it), made you almost forget your life before. Almost.

"Beep! Beep! Beep!" The alarm woke you from your peaceful slumber. You sat up n bed rubbing your eyes. You glanced at the clock while getting out of bed. It read 6:30 am. "I have plenty of time," you thought out loud.

Today was a special day. Your dear sister would be visiting for a few days. She lived all the way in New York, and you had not seen her in a few months. You wanted to make sure everything was in tip-top shape for her arrival.

You stepped out of bed and began getting ready for the day. Bear was running around your bedroom, exited. He seemed to know that today was important. You pulled on a plaid shirt and overtop you put on a pair of short jean overalls. As you got dressed, Bear sat on your bead watching intently. You loved Bear with all your heart. He had been there for you through thick and thin, unlike a lot of people.

You walked out of your bedroom, with Bear at your heels, downstairs to the kitchen. Your farmhouse was too big, but you loved it anyway. It was meant for a family, not just one person and a dog. As you make breakfast, you think about how your grandmother would remark about how this house should be filled with the laughter of little children. She wanted to have grandbabies before she passed, but that was one of the many things I failed to do.

The eggs sizzled in the pan as you poked it with your fork. You had bacon in the oven for you and Bear, his favorite treat. Bear ate and acted as a human most of the time. He barely ate his dog food and had a place at the table.

I put some scrambled eggs and bacon on two small plates. I put one plate in front of Bear and grabbed a fork for myself. "Dig in, Bear." As soon as the command left your mouth, Bear started going to town on the bacon. You laughed and started eating yourself.

Third Person POV

"This is going to be great, you know that?" Tony asked Pepper. The couple was in Tony's lab in Avengers Tower, looking over remodeling plans. Pepper lowered her head on Tony's shoulder while swirling her flute of champagne. "I know it will be amazing, honey," she replied while kissing his cheek. Tony smiled and leaned over the table of plans.

After the Battle of New York, Tony had been emersed in trying to make the Tower better and making new suits. This had not gone unnoticed by Pepper. She was seeing him less and less, and she was worried. Pepper walked to the other side of the table and began her lecture.

"You know Tony, you haven't been getting much sleep lately. And you think I haven't noticed." She paused for a second to make sure Tony was listening. He was too lost in his papers to pay attention. "Tony! This is serious you need to listen!"

With the shout of his name, Tony stood up straight and remarked, "Pepper, hun, don't shout I'm right here." He reached out his arms playfully to go hug Pepper, but she smacked his arm away. "Tony, you think this is a joke, but it's not. You really need to take a break," Pepper scolded.

She walked towards the floor-to-ceiling windows and gazed out. Tony frowned and walked towards her. He had been avoiding this talk for some time, but she was right. He had not been getting any sleep. Nightmares invaded his rest and were unbearable. Smothering himself in his work allowed him to take his mind off what troubled him.

"Pepper, you know you don't have to worry about me. I'm fine," Tony said. He wrapped his arms around Pepper and laid his head on her shoulder. Pepper sighed and replied, " If you say so, Tony, but I'm here for you if you want to talk."

Tony let go of her and walked to the bar. He poured himself some whiskey and walked back to Pepper. " I know Pep, but speaking of break. I think that's a good idea." Pepper nodded and he kept going. " We should go somewhere like Paris or Australia."

"Paris sounds fun, you set it up and I'll go, but for right now," Pepper planted a kiss on Tony's head, " I'm going to fly Stark Headquarters. I'll be gone for a few days." Tony grabbed Pepper's hand as she began to walk out.

" You know how much I love you right?" he asked. Pepper turned toward him and smiled, " You love me to the moon and back."

Naomi's POV

"In other news, the price of gas has gone up significantly in the past few weeks." The news reporter babbled on and on about the gas, while you cooked. You knew your sister was going to be really hungry, so you had to cook a feast.

Cooking one of the other things that gave you joy. It was comforting and peaceful, well usually. Bear was making a lot of racket with his squeaky toy. Bear was sitting in front of the TV, knawing on his toy.

You flipped the pork chops over in the cast iron pan. They sizzled and filled the kitchen with its delicious scent. You wanted to impress your sister with your cooking. You had not seen her in forever and wanted to prove that you were doing something with your life.

As you hovered over the food, the TV caught your attention. "It has been officially a full month since the Battle of New York. With the help of Tony Stark, New York has been slowly picking up the pieces, but it won't look the same. Let's hear more from our New York correspondent, Tina Lakes. Tina, what are you hearing from officials?"

You quickly picked up the remote and turned the channel. The Battle of New York brought up too many things that you weren't ready to deal with yet. Even though you had not been a part of it, seeing the destruction and the fight brought forth many bad memories. You stared at the TV in thought, not realizing the pork chops were getting burned.

"Ruff! Ruff!" Bear barked twice to snap me out of it. I swung around and ran towards the stove. "Shit!" The chops were burnt and inedible. I threw them out and started over. So much for proving myself.

3 hours later

You had finally finished. You had a good-looking dinner prepared. Pork chops, green beans, mashed potatoes, rice, rolls, and a coconut pie. You expected your sister to be here any minute. You walked over to the mirror hanging on the wall. You had fixed your hair in a high ponytail and had changed out of your overalls and into a forest green sundress.

You knew green was your sister's favorite color and you so happened to look good in it. You twirled in the mirror and faced Bear. "How do I look Bear, honey?" Bear barked in response, putting a smile on your face. Just then you heard a knock at the front door. "Coming!" You ran and opened the door with a blazing grin.

"Naomi! How are you!?" You opened the door wider and lept into her arms. "I'm doing good, Alex. Come on in!" You broke the hug and ushered her inside. You and Alex walked into the kitchen. " I like what you've done with the place," Alex remarked looking around the home.

"Thanks! Ready for dinner?" you asked, but you already knew the answer. " I'm super hungry, that plane ride has given me an appetite!" You both laughed and you got out the food. You finished putting the food on the table and sat opposite Alex.

" You made a feast, Naomi!" I grinned and called for Bear. "Bear, honey, it's time to eat!" Bear jumped up and landed in his chair at the table. " Let's dig in!" exclaimed Alex. We all started to devour our food.

"So tell me, Alex, how have you been?" You talked to your sister on the phone once in a while but you really didn't know much. Ever since grandma died we've drifted farther apart.

" I've been well, I recently started a new job and it's been going well. Jason wished he could be with me right now, but he has other responsibilities." You nodded as she kept going about her life. That's one thing you did not miss about your sister, she was a talker.

"Enough about me, what have you been doing?" Alex questioned. You swallowed down some mashed potatoes and responded, " Nothing much, just tending to my farm and hanging out with Bear." You nodded to yourself, pleased with your answer, but Alex was not.

"Naomi, you need to get around more. You can't stay cooped up in this house every day," Alex said. I stopped eating and responded, " Taking care of the farm is a big job, Alex. And I don't have any help. This takes up most of my time. Besides," you reached over to pet Bear, " Bear has been here with me."

Alex scoffed and looked at you straight in the eye. She had striking honey golden eyes. It was like she was piercing into my soul. " I'm going to give it to you bluntly. You haven't been the same since grandma died and you know it. Acting as though nothing happened and running away isn't going to help. You literally ran away from all of us to this place." Alex gestured to the house around her.

You looked down at your food in shame. She was right. You had run away from your problems thinking that getting away would be the answer, but in reality, it only made it worse.

" I'm sorry, Alex. After grandma's funeral, I couldn't do it anymore. I had lost too many people. I didn't realize how it might have affected everyone else." You looked up to see Alex holding back tears.

" We were so worried about you Naomi. We didn't know how to help because wouldn't tell us anything. After you left the Army, you changed a lot, like you went through something."

You looked in your food once again, not wanting to break down in front of Alex. That was a tough subject to talk about. What you went through was traumatic and changed your life drastically.

" I did go through something, Alex, and I'm sorry." Alex nodded and smiled again, " How about we change the subject a little?" You agreed and spent the rest of the evening chatting and eating.