Chapter 19
19
Thor knocked on Natasha’s door impatiently. He hoped she would be able to advise him in a way to which he could agree. They did not always see things from the same perspective.
“Come,” she answered. “What’s up, Thor? Friday said you had some questions?” She sat up, putting down the book she had been reading.
“More of a problem I need help in solving, Lady Widow. A continuing dilemma that I cannot seem to put right.” Thor plopped himself into the chair she indicated. He huffed a breath and rubbed his hands up and down his thighs.
“Well, first of all, I think you can call me Nat. Sounds like this is probably relationship issues, right? With Luka? Serious stuff, yes? No need to be so formal.” She smiled and patted his knee.
“She lied to me, Nat! Told me she was visiting Lady Pepper and then she went off with some stranger! A mortal I have never met!” Thor’s face crumpled. “And she has seen this man more than once. She claims there is nothing between them; that he has only made likenesses of her. And he introduced her to some other person, a woman. This person wants to take Luka away!”
“Wow! I can see you’re upset, Thor. But try to see this from Luka’s side. You want her to find her own interests, right? You said she needs a distraction so she stops focussing on the past? And she is no child, definitely not defenceless. You can’t keep her locked up in the Tower forever. Did she seem happy when she came home?”
“Aye, at first, she was. But I fear she read my disapproval from my face. I am not good at hiding my feelings from her. She is very discerning.”
“Uh, huh! That’s certainly true. You aren’t and she is,” Nat clarified.
“She did mention this guy when we were working out. His name is Weber, Bryce Weber. Apparently, he’s quite a name in fashion photography. Does all the big name models. Oh, and don’t worry about his ‘intentions.’ Luka had Pepper ask Happy to check him out. He’s legit.” She grinned, “See, she’s careful, Thor. You needn’t worry.”
“But, what of this other woman? She wants to take Luka halfway around your Realm to this show of hers! How can I agree to this? Luka is demanding and sometimes impulsive. She has a dangerous temper when her desires are inhibited or her wishes denied. This could become a disaster!”
“Who is she, Thor? Did Luka mention her name? And where is this show?” Nat wanted to know. She needed more information before advising him to okay the trip or not.
“A Lady Tsooree," she said. “And the show is in Mumbai.” He ran his hand through his blond locks, tugging on them. “I do not understand her enthusiasm for such a venture. A gown is a gown, no?”
Nat’s eyes widened and she gasped, quietly. She sat up more and leaned forward. “Did you just say Maria Chiuri? The head designer for Dior? Her fall fashion show is in Mumbai this year.” Thor nodded in agreement, frowning.
“She wants to take Luka? I bet she wants her to model some of her creations. What a coup for her design house! An actual goddess wearing her outfits! She will crush the competition.”
Nat laughed. “Boy, your girl doesn’t do things by halves, does she?” She shook her head, “What I wouldn’t give to see the other designers' faces when Luka struts down the catwalk!”
Thor suddenly looked up. “Would you consider going with Luka? Chaperoning her, so to speak? I think I would be comfortable with that.” The big god reached toward Nat, looking very hopeful. She tucked her lip under her teeth, pretending to think it over, but really, she was delighted.
“We need to talk to Luka first. I think this might work, though. As long as she doesn’t mind me tagging along.” Nat grinned. “It actually sounds like fun. I could use a break, too. Training recruits for SHIELD gets boring. I can tell Fury I’m improving our interspecies cooperation.”
Thor sighed in relief. He knew Luka was fond of the Lady Widow; she had mentioned how much she enjoyed sparring with her and going out for a meal, ‘shopping,’ etc. He would take Natasha with him when he spoke to his love about this trip.
He believed she was determined to go, with his approval or not. If he could do so, it might even improve their relationship. Then, he would find this designer of ladies’ clothes and apprise her of exactly who she was dealing with and how she must act to prevent a catastrophe.
*
Meanwhile, Luka was making her own plans. She would do this thing, with her ‘brother’s’ blessing or not. Madame Chiuri had contacted her once already; the designer wanted Luka to look over her initial plans for Luka’s wardrobe. The goddess spoke to her by internet, examining the mortal’s ideas in sketches.
They were... interesting. Some she approved, others were rejected outright, and Luka made suggestions for improving a couple of others. The woman was not very happy, but Chiuri understood her soon to be client was not someone who would do anything she didn't want.
Luka had also gotten advice from Friday and an SI Lawyer the AI put her in touch with. That lady was very pleased to be chosen to represent Thor’s lady friend. Everyone in the company had heard about her, the mysterious beauty living in Avengers’ Tower.
The goddess felt she was ready. She would take her legal person with her to one final meeting with the designer before Chiuri left to set up her show in India. Luka would join her when all had been prepared.
Until that time, she planned on continuing her usual routine. Breakfast upon rising, read for an hour or so, meet Natasha for a spar or a swim, bathe and more reading or research into something that caught her interest, perhaps a nap in the sun, dinner with Thor and some form of entertainment until she tired enough to sleep.
Luka had visited Pepper finally, for that tour she’d missed. They lunched at Atlas again and the goddess told Pepper all that had occurred since. The CEO was excited for her, mentioning how much she would have loved to see it. Unfortunately, she could not get away; it was the end of the quarter and she had a lot of financial business to oversee.
“You should ask Nat to go with you,” Pepper suggested. “I’m sure she’d be delighted. And it would be company for you, too. A friendly face in a new place, you know? You could see the sights together.”
“An excellent idea, minn vinr! We will have such fun!” Luka looked sad for a moment. “If only you could also join me. We could have a ‘girls’ trip!” She giggled mischievously, her eyes sparkling.
Happy brought Luka back to the Tower again, even though she didn’t need it. The goddess always found the city interesting, enjoying the different architecture in various neighbourhoods. Hogan had gotten more comfortable driving her and sometimes changed their route, just so she could see another facet of how mortals lived their daily lives. He’d even learned a few phrases so he could wish her well. The smile he received from her made the tongue twisting effort worth it.
Luka changed her travelling clothes for something more casual in the elevator up to the Avengers’ private floors. Asking Friday if Natasha was at home on the way. She was impatient to discover the spy’s feelings in accompanying her across the globe for the few days of the fashion show.
Finding the smaller redhead in the communal kitchen, making a snack, Luka bounced in excitement. “Nat! Nat! We must talk! I have a boon to ask of you.” The goddess jittered, waiting for her mortal friend to finish putting together her sandwich.
“Okay!” Nat laughed. “What’s got you so wound up?” She picked up her plate and a glass of milk. “Let’s go to my rooms. It’ll be more private and we can relax. You want anything? I’ve never seen you so excited!”
“No, no, I’m fine. I just came from lunch with Pepper. She had the most marvellous idea! I do thank you for the offer, though.” Luka remembered her manners at the last moment.
The pair of women barely made it, the door still sliding shut behind them, when Luka practically jumped on Natasha. “Do you recall the visits I made to Karl Weber? The mortal who makes likenesses of beautiful women?”
“Of course, Luka. You said he introduced you to Madame Chiuri of Dior, Paris. Why?” Widow took several bites of sandwich and a sip of milk while she listened to Luka’s tale.
“Lady Chiuri wishes to design garb for me. And she wishes me to wear these creations of hers for others at her fall show. I desire to do this, but naturally, Thor objects. Perhaps, if someone he trusts were to accompany me, he will allow it.”
Luka gazed at Natasha hopefully. “Do you think you might enjoy such an adventure? Is it possible for you to free yourself from your duties here for a short time? I would be glad of your company on this little excursion.” The goddess smiled, a pleading look on her face. “Please, Nat?”
Natasha grinned to herself. Thank you, Pepper! This is going to be easier than I thought.
“I will have to check in with my boss, but I don’t think he’ll mind. It sounds like lots of fun, too. I’d love to go. We could even take some time when you’re free to sightsee if you’d like.”
“Wonderful! Will you come with me when I inform my brother? He will be more likely to agree if you are there.” Luka grinned and winked at the spy. Nat nodded acceptance and the women headed to Thor’s apartment.