Chapter 38
Chapter 38
It took them nearly two hours to get to the shopping mall. The driving itself took almost one hour, while the remaining hour was spent trying to convince Clint to come out of his room as he didn't want to join his comrades. Tony managed to persuade him by saying he might consider flirting with Nat if he stayed at home, and that finally got him moving. Since all the Avengers were aware of Ironman's "unique" driving style, they unanimously agreed that Bruce should take the wheel. Once they entered the large shopping center, Tony came to a halt and started scanning the area.
Tony: "Listen up! I don't think it's smart for us all to be running around like headless chickens. Let's split up and cover more ground!"
The others nodded, and they split up into two groups. Tony and Bruce were assigned to look for clothes, while Steve would join Clint and Natasha to organize the toys.
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In the clothing area, Tony and Bruce found it difficult to navigate through a sea of pink, blue, and red jumpsuits, t-shirts, and dresses. While Bruce managed to make his way through the shelves, Tony grew increasingly frustrated. Eventually, he stopped and watched as Bruce struggled to find what they were looking for.
Tony: "Hell no, I swear I ain't ever gonna have a kid! Never! This is freaking ridiculous!"
Bruce didn't coment on that, finally arriving where he wanted to be.
Bruce: "Over here, Tony! That's what we need."
The inventor came over andd together, they did their best to identify what they could eventually make use of.
Tony: "Why the heck is there so much of all this stuff? Do they seriously think babies give a damn about what they're wearing?"
Bruce: "I guess this has more something to do with the parents."
They remained silent for a while, considering dresses in case it was a girl and bodysuits and trousers in case it was a boy. They were almost done when Tony's phone started ringing.
Tony: "Be right back, Bruce. Don't hold up for me, just keep moving."
Bruce simply nodded, aware that Tony would likely spend more than a minute engaging the person on the other end of the call in casual conversation, avoiding returning to their current task.
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Tony stepped into a changing room, drawing out his phone to check who was calling. It was Thor. He took a moment, considering why the thunderer was calling him now. Maybe he'd just gotten bored because no one but Loki was around and - to be honest - loki wasn't really talkative. He accepted the call.
Tony: "Hey, Blondie. What's up? We're still stuck in the shopping center. I think we've actually found clothes you might like. They are-"
Thor: "Stark, come back immediately! I - I need your help!"
The inventor could hear a background noise on the other side that he couldn't quite identify. Thor's voice was trembling, and he almost sounded like he was on the verge of tears.
Tony: "Hey hey hey, slowly, big guy. - What's going on?"
There was a moment of silence before Thor replied, obviously panicking.
Thor: "L-loki he - I don't know he - we were talking and then he - he collapsed, screaming! I - I tried to talk to him - tried to find out what's wrong - he doesn't anser - only screams in agony! I-I don't know what's going on Stark he - he doesn't listen to anything I'm saying! - He's throwing up all the time - I - I can't - "
His voice broke at that point as he started crying. Tony had to steady his trembling hands as he listened to the sheer panic in Thor's helpless words. Shit! He knew how terrible panicking felt and if Thor were to have an attack right now. it would only make things worse.
Tony: "O-okay Thor, try to calm down, okay? Breathe deeply, alright? Inhale - exhale … "
Thor seemed to only listen halfways, trying his best to calm himself down.
Thor(shaky): " - What's going on?"
Tony: "Listen, I'll get Bruce and we'll come back ASAP. - Stay with Loki and keep trying to talk to him. Comfort him and turn him to the side so he doesn't choke. If anything changes, just give me a ring. You can always reach me. - We're back in no time, Sunshine. It's gonna be alright, okay?"
Thor's answer didn't come immediately. When he spoke, it was barely audible, his voice still raspy and broken.
Thor: " - Okay."
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When Tony emerged, Bruce was waiting in the checkout queue, his hands full of pink and blue clothes. Tony hurriedly approached him, grabbing his arm and pulling him towards the exit.
Bruce: "Tony, what the … ? I still have to pay!"
Tony: "Damn it, Bruce! Thor just hit me up. The kid's gone through another transformation and Loki's not answering. We gotta haul ass back there, pronto! Thor's flipping out, man!"
Bruce nodded, letting himself being dragged along.
Bruce: " - And what's about Steve, Clint and Natasha?"
Tony: "Ain't got time! They can grab a cab!"
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