Chapter 18: Moving In

"You what?", Steve Rogers questioned, still in disbelief. Nothing happened where we stood. The wonders of the digital era. You could buy things on a whim, completely online and out of harms way. That included buying the rights of buildings or houses. It might be over a decade in the past again, but most folks are tech savvy, barring special circumstances like Captain America here.

He's probably still adapting to the whole technological advancement we humans have achieved ever since WWII. Hell, even Thor was in shock the first time he arrived here on Planet Earth. Or from his view, Midgard. As for Cap, he was under for a few decades, and with that, the passage of time. For that matter, does Steve even know how to drive a modern car yet? Or is he more used to taking a bus or subway?

Of course, the girls and I will eventually need to get our own rides in order. Just another thing to add on the giant to-do list. The things we need to do just don't seem to stop growing.

Thankfully, we got the most important one out of the way. This way, we don't need to live out on the streets. Securing a new roof to live under, that is. Tony smiled, enjoying Steve's current appearance.

I know that Tony and Steve often butt heads on various matters, and that was made very apparent in the first Avengers movie. By the way, it's now been a full week since that event took place. Things are still being reconstructed, rebuilt. So on and so on. That included relationships that have been destroyed or injured in the process. I'm not sure how Tony sees Steve right now, but just seeing Tony intending to approach Steve directly like this and not via some roundabout way like his remote Iron Man suits, I think it still has some hold. The crumbling has likely started already, but it won't be dealt the final blow until Captain America: Civil War takes place in a few years time. By then, the two's relationship will enter no speaking terms.

The Hulk and likewise, Bruce Banner, would go off-world thanks to Thor: The Dark World and Thor: Ragnarok. He wouldn't learn of what happens to Iron Man and Captain America until Tony spells it out for him during Infinity War. That's why he showed such a surprised face then.

It was sad to see that the Hulk played a part in their breakup. But it was all because of the machinations of Loki. Let alone their relationship crumbling, the roots have probably already taken form. This was made apparent during the movie. Loki let himself be deliberately captured, and hid in plain sight. You see, Loki was given something to help lead the Chitauri Invasion.

An external conduit that would assist in tearing the Avengers apart from the inside, with the Hulk at its center.

The Mind Stone.

It was powerful enough to cause one of SHIELD's greatest airships to almost sink into the ocean, albeit at the destruction caused by the Hulk, and by those who were mind-controlled by it. Imagine Professor Xavier's ability, but a thousand times worse. The Mind Stone could even fabricate memories. AKA, showing them, "the truth", as Loki would like to state.

I am not sure whether the Mind Stone or the Space Stone is more powerful. Both have very powerful abilities. If I prefer one over the other though, I'd take the Space Stone in a heartbeat. After all, without the Mind Stone, Vision wouldn't exist.

But it was enough to see Tony and Steve like this, not clashing against each other. I am not sure if I will become a mediator with the two. I could have taken the Mind Stone to assist with that, but timing was everything. Marvel is very big on what are called, "canon events". Having the Mind Stone stay where it's supposed to be will help the Avengers retake it while they time travel back into the past, to stop Thanos once and for all.

Because I know about this, I am not sure if I will be taking any Infinity Stones before Endgame happens. I'll have to consider the possibilities. There's a big risk involved, to what are called Incursions. If you happen to cause one, the TVA will suddenly be on your ass, and potentially even get detained by them. This happens to Loki, which would make his own series happen.

Do I want such a risk by taking one of the Infinity Stones for myself?

I'll have to see what the Simulation System can do. Perhaps I might not need them at all. Maybe this system is so strong, it'll see the Infinity Stones as mouse pads like how they joked about it in the TVA, haha!

It was fun to see Steve's surprised face. There's no way he didn't see this coming, let alone Tony outright buying this building. If there was one person who had the means to do so, it was Tony. He could probably buy up any lot no matter where one is in New York City. As long as it wasn't sanctioned off by the government themselves. But he is connected to Colonel Rhodes. I'm sure he could do some type of magic to make it happen.

"You heard me right, Cap. You're looking at your new landlord. Just bought and hot fresh off the market. I'm sure the guy who owns this place was looking to retire. He's a pretty old fellow. Once I sent him an offer, he accepted right away. I'll only be a temporary one until Baki here finishes the paperwork he needs to go through. I'm sure everything will be squared away by the time next week starts.", Tony said.

True. Stuff like this does tend to move quickly, especially if you've the connections to make it happen. And Tony is the king in that field. Those parties he throws a lot maybe aren't just for show.

And there was something to point out. It was the weekend now, May 12th. It will still be a couple days until the next week begins.

"And you didn't even consult with me on such a thing before you made the purchase?", Steve retorted, letting his new reality sink in.

"Oh don't draw a long face now, Cap. I didn't see a reason to. It's not like I'll be the one dropping the ball here. Only these guys will be your new tenants. There's plenty of vacant spots right?", Tony questioned.

"Well, you aren't wrong, Tony. There's plenty of enough space on the upper floors. This just feels way too sudden.", Steve responded, scratching his head. He then had another look at us, taking a good moment to observe. This was the first time allowing me to get a good look at THE Captain America in return. Everything happened too quickly a week ago.

"I do apologize on Tony's behalf. I was the one being selfish here. But it is true we'll be moving into this place. We'll try not to get in your way. We have a lot of regrouping to do ourselves.", I said, keeping my tone polite. Look, I know I'm Baki, but there's a time and place for everything.

It's not like I'm going to kidnap a president or anything out of nowhere, hahaha!

"Oh and the name's Baki. That's Lala, Momo, and Nana. They uhh, don't quite speak English yet.", I said, almost forgetting to introduce myself to Steve.

I'm sure we'll be roommates for the time to come. At least for the next three or four years. Who knows if I'll end up taking Captain America's side once the break-up happens. If I do, we'll have to go completely off the radar.

"I'm more surprised that you can, considering you came out of that place with Tony in tow. But there's been a lot of that recently, hasn't there? It's nice to meet you either way, Baki. I was just completing my routine jogging. You really do intend to move into this place? I'd figure your situation would be a lot stricter with how everything's turned out.", Steve said, introducing himself to us.

Do keep in mind this conversation is being held in English. The girls can't understand any of it, so it was quite funny to see Lala's confused look, hearing a language she didn't know, even if a day has passed already. All three of them are very smart in their respective fields, so I'm sure they'll pick up English in no time.

After Steve introduced himself, he also saw the red-haired woman standing beside us, just casually chewing away with some gum in her mouth. She was behaving as if a movie was playing out in front of her.

"And it's nice to see you again too, Nat. You aren't on another job, are you?", Steve asked, wondering.

"Not at the moment. Nice to see you, Captain. And just for the record, these guys are off SHIELD's radar for the time being. Everyone was too busy firing off party hats after we avoided that disaster to even pay attention to Fury wiping all the memory banks of you guys coming out of that portal. As far as I'm aware, you don't exist. We made sure of that. Apart from Director Fury, only Agent Barton and I should be in the know.", Natasha explained.

"So that's how it went down. Shouldn't you have no reason to be here then? What's the catch?", Steve responded, still doubtful.

If there was one good quality about Captain America, it was this. He was always wary. He might not see eye-to-eye a lot with others, but he knew how to get things done, both cautiously, and by his own means.

"Oh nothing much. Just looking after these four for the time being. Which means I'll also become a tenant~", Natasha teased, causing Captain America to pause his current thoughts.

"Come again?", Steve asked. His temples furrowed. He felt his back run cold, despite still feeling his blood pumping from his daily jogging.

"You heard the lady Cap. Pleasure doing business with you. Unlike you all, I still have a busy schedule. You know, got a bunch of sponsoring to do with Rhodey. I'll keep tabs with him and once the papers are ready, I'll send them your way, Baki. Also, have a day free next week. We'll drop by a local bank.", Tony suddenly said, drawing our attention to him. As he said that, I saw Tony unleash his suit. It slowly started clinging to him from the soles of his feet.

"Got it. You really don't have to go this far, but I'm really grateful. Really, Tony.", I said. Hell I'd even kiss the guy for making us so well-off. Saving a guy can really go a long way, huh? It just happened to be Tony Stark, resident billionaire. Flashing this amount of money was likely just a little droplet of water to him. I didn't say that part aloud though, considering he already made a remark on that, haha!

"It's no problem. If you throw a house party don't forget to invite me alright? I'll bring the crew along. Ciao for now.", Tony said, becoming Iron Man. With his red suit fully decked out, we heard his thrusters ignite. Wooosh!

Iron Man took to the skies, heading right back to Stark Tower. We were left alone.

"I'm going to miss that private collection of booze.", Natasha murmured, realizing the predicament she was in now.

"Heh. I'm sure Tony would have let us stay on the 91st Floor a bit longer, but I don't want to be too indebted to him. He secured us new footing to stand on, and that's all we need. You'll just have to deal with some cheap brandy or something.", I replied, letting out a laugh.

"No need to tell me twice. So what should we do now?", Natasha questioned. "Can we really just let ourselves into some vacant rooms?", Natasha continued to ask.

"Now that is the question of the day. All of this is really going over my head. But whatever Tony does typically turns out to be true. If he bought the place, then he bought the place. There are some occupancies, but likewise, there are some rooms still available. Most of the second floor has been rented out. The first floor was recently renovated, so that leaves you guys the third floor. Got any stuff to move in?", Steve questioned, taking a long sip of his water bottle at his waist.

"That's the thing. Fine if I call you Rogers? We've nothing to move. It's just us.", I replied, showing downcast eyes.

"Nothing to your name?", Steve frowned. "Didn't think Tony was that enamored. I'm sure you've your own circumstances, but for the time being. I can show you around. I don't have much planned today. This building isn't much. it's not like we're in the heart of New York City.", Steve said, suggesting we follow him.

"That's fine by us. We could use a little quiet space. Are you going to come with, Nat?", I asked.

"Nah. You all can do your thing. I'll choose a room nearby of what's left later. I'm going to go hit up a gym. The day's started already.", Natasha said, waving her hand goodbye for the time being.

I raised my eyes at her actions. She was willing to let us go, just like that? How much trust have we created already to reach this point, I wonder? Was it because of Momo? I mean, there was that naked apron scene, so who knows what's going on inside that woman's head...

I turned my head and saw Momo standing near Lala. Seeing my gaze land on her, Momo simply smiled.

"I couldn't really understand what was being spoken just now, but it looks like we've secured a new place to live, Baki-sama?", Momo questioned, catching Steve off-guard. He wasn't expecting to hear one of the girls suddenly speak Japanese.

"That's the gist of it. This will be our new home for the time being. You can take this time to consider Tony's offer.", I said to Momo.

"Alright!", Momo happily said, nodding her head.

"So this really is our new place, huh?", Lala questioned, looking at Steve. "And I'm Lala. Nice to meet you!", Lala replied, introducing herself.

Never in my life would I get to see a character from the To Love Ru series come face to face with Captain America, and give an introduction no less. This was as weird a crossover as you can get. Hell, is it even a crossover?

"Of course you can speak Japanese.", Steve retorted.

"You understand Japanese?", I replied, musing at the fact. "I can speak it too, just so you're aware.", I continued to say, grinning.

"No surprise there. I wasn't joking when I said that all of this is going over my head. Makes you wonder what would happen if I never decided to make that call in the first place.", Steve said, sighing. "I was in the war before I went under. Fought a lot of Japanese during it. You pick up on things here and there. I don't fully understand the language, but I know enough to go around.", Steve answered. "Oh, and it's not like I resent them or anything. War's war at the end of the day.", Steve quickly said, ensuring us he meant no harm.

That...made sense, actually. While you do fight a lot in war, that isn't all there is to it. You learn to do other tasks. I guess learning the languages as they come is one of them.

Seeing Steve still answer in English, Lala looked back my way. I quickly answered.

"This man is Steve Rogers. He's the guy who was with the other guy in the shiny red suit. We'll probably be seeing him a lot. He lives in this building too.", I explained.

"Oh!", Lala replied, nodding her head.

"Haha, I'd try to speak in Japanese, but I'm not that proficient in it. Anyways, seeing as you all have nothing to bring in, shall I show you some vacant rooms for now? Speaking of which, is anyone covering your expenses?", Steve questioned.

"Good of you to ask, but we've got that part covered, for now. That's why Nat's here.", I explained.

"I see.", Steve replied. He simply walked up the stairway, and we followed. He reached into his pockets and grabbed a main house key. This was considered an apartment, but it led directly into the street. There weren't any gates or anything. That might be a downside to living in New York City. There were barely any buildings that were gated. That meant just about anyone could walk up to your doorstep. And with this place being a crime nest, you get the idea.

Lots of petty thefts happen around the city. It's never-ending work for those who decide to become vigilantes, like Spider-Man. No matter how petty it is, they get to deal with it. I'll need to warn Lala and the others of this, making sure not to leave too many loose items around. Not until we can properly shield ourselves.

I know that is right up Lala's alley. I wasn't proactive in advertising as to what Lala can do. We've only been here for a week, and during most of that, the two of us were unconscious. I wouldn't be surprised between the remainder of yesterday to today, she fiddled with something. I know she's been to Planet Earth, but the Planet Earth we knew of our pastime was different from this one.

There existed metals here that didn't exist then. Adamantium. Vibranium. You name it.

But knowing Lala's capabilities, I tend to think the other way.

To put it bluntly, Lala is basically a female version of Tony Stark. In more ways than one. She's playful. She had connections throughout the galaxy. And she's an inventor. Hell, she could probably even draft up her own version of Iron Man's suit, now that we're here in the MCU.

...Now there's an idea.

Should I pursue this?

Leaving that thought aside for the time being, we didn't stand idlily. Steve Rogers opened the door after unlocking us, allowing us to step inside the apartment complex he lives in.

This will be our new home for the time being!

[Ding! You have received [Boxing - Lv1 (0/100)]]

Ahh, music to my ears. New skill get!