Chapter 2
2
Right now, he had a couple of projects to get back to work on and paperwork to avoid. At least until this evening when Pepper was due to visit, hoping to find everything signed, approved or rejected. Tony sighed, flipping through the electronic pages on his virtual desk.
He couldn’t concentrate on anything. He’d wasted several hours fiddling with his current invention, taken a break, gone over Pepper’s stuff, back to the work in progress and gotten some coffee to perk him up. Nada. All he could think about was the enigma of Thor’s ‘friend.’
He knew that face was going to haunt his dreams tonight. Shaking his head with a shiver and a sigh, the genius attempted to get something accomplished one more time. An hour later, he finally gave up.
Tony could not believe how quickly Lady Luka had captivated him. Just thinking about her hand on his arm, that sexy croon when she spoke, the sparkle in her changeable eyes when she looked at him, his hands shook. Taking a deep breath, he tried to calm down. He’d just noticed he was sweating, had butterflies and his heart was pounding again.
Ye gods! He thought. I’ve not felt like this since my first crush at MIT! What was I? All of 14? How is this even possible? I still love Peps... I know I do. Something weird is going on. I’m practically drooling and she’s not even here! I gotta talk to Point Break, ASAP!
He actually saw neither of his guests for several days. Thor’s coming and going out on patrol was always noticeable, but when he was in house, he stayed in his apartment. Keeping his apparently shy Lady company, Tony guessed.
It made everyone more curious than even their usual nosiness. Repeated questions aggravated Tony to no end. “I’m sure Thor will introduce her when they’re ready,” he griped. “Just stop asking me questions! I don’t know any more than the rest of you.”
Friday arrived with the usual group assembling for dinner and movie night. Everyone was anticipating Thor’s arrival. All of them waiting to meet the new inhabitant of Avengers’ Tower.
Dinner was over and the group had settled on various couches, lounges and chairs. Normal for the evening, a debate over what to watch raged. Until Thor stepped out of the elevator, his Lady on his arm. Tony came out of the communal kitchen, both hands full of bowls of popcorn.
Dumping them into the nearest laps, he scuttled quickly over to the pair of gods. He ignored the protests by the recipients, popcorn spilled in their laps. Pepper, even more than the Avengers, was surprised by his behaviour.
He certainly was not acting like a rejected, but still hopeful, lover. He practically hovered over the lady in the dark blue gown. Not that she could blame him, really. The woman was stunning; that smile could melt anything she turned it on. Especially a wounded heart. Pepper sighed, surprised at herself for the instant pang of jealousy.
Lady Luka laughed prettily at something Tony had said, slipping her hand from Thor’s arm and placing it in Tony’s hand. “Come minn fjol, introduce me to your companions.” Her eyes glowed at him and he gasped, grinning like a teenager.
“You betcha, Sweetheart! Anything you want... just ask!” He led her around the room, introducing each Avenger as they were approached. Lady Luka graciously accepted the handshakes and welcomes from everyone, sweetly smiling.
Until she got to Banner. She placed her hand in his, gazing deep into his eyes. Before Bruce could look away, Luka fair grinned at him, murmuring low. “Hello, Beast,” she crooned, “I have heard much about you, your strength and the way you can change. I’m curious to meet you in the flesh.” Eyes wide, Banner yanked his hand back with a whimper and fled.
Luka reared back, appearing shocked. She turned to Thor, who’d followed her tour around the room. A hand to her throat, she reached for him, quietly crying, “What is wrong? Is he so timid? Or did I say something untoward?” The goddess seemed quite upset.
“Brucie Bear is kinda shy,” Tony hastened to explain. “He doesn’t really like talking about his ‘other guy’ much. Sorry. I shoulda warned you.”
“It is not your fault, minn fjol. My companion”, (she scowled at Thor), “should have cautioned me on any concerns your guests may have before we joined you.”
“I did not think you would say anything to provoke him,” Thor apologised. He held her to his chest, stroking her hair and patting her back gently. “It will be alright. He simply needs to calm himself. Strong emotion or a shock can cause the change in him. The Hulk is difficult to contain, at times.”
“I’ll go check on him,” Natasha offered. “He likes me; the Hulk, I mean.” She gave Luka a rather speculative look as she followed Banner.
“Don’t worry, he’ll be fine with a little space to relax,” Steve said, standing. “The rest of us don’t have any problems. I’m Steve, by the way. Steve Rogers, ma’am.” He stuck out a hand to shake, smiling at Luka.
She took it with a tentative smile back. “You are Captain America? The supersoldier? The leader of this heroic group of mortals?”
“Yes, ma’am, that’d be me,” he agreed. Steve was feeling a bit overwhelmed, but she seemed to have that effect on everyone.
The smaller man beside him also stood. “And I’m Clint Barton, better known as Hawkeye, Lady Luka.” He grinned. “Nothing special about me. I’m just an average human.”
“Ah, the archer who never misses. I would say that makes you quite special,” she beamed at him, eyes glowing again. “I would love to watch a demonstration of your prowess some time. If you might be amenable?”
“Uh... sure.” Clint looked stunned. He still held her hand, just staring up into her face like a mooncalf. For some unknown reason, he just wanted to kneel at her feet and worship.
Thor cleared his throat rather loudly, harrumphing frustratedly. Clint glanced at the thunder in his eyes and dropped Luka’s hand as if he’d been burned. There was something about her that made his brain turn to mush. Looking around, it seemed he wasn’t the only one.