Chapter 35
My first day back was pretty uneventful. I spent it on the couch catching up on TV with Clint. We had both already seen it but our commentary and side conversations were completely new to both of us.
Natasha joined in at one point but mostly she just watched us and listened with a small smile. Not that she would ever admit that she was smiling. Then when we started watched a movie neither of us had seen she grabbed a pillow, placed it on my lap and rested her head on it as she napped.
I didn’t really mind and I don’t think she minded when I started playing with her hair which she was starting to grow out and keep straight.
Steve was off somewhere still traumatized at what he had seen on the TV. You’d think after all the time in my universe and exposing him to modern day TV programming he would have gotten used to it.
Bruce was off in his lab a few floors down and Tony… he was being weird.
He walked in saw me, Clint and Natasha on the couch and left without a word then he came back with a huge flower arrangement left it on a table and said he was just going to leave that there.
“I didn’t know they sold arrangements that big.” Clint said.
“Probably for his date with Miss March.” I said with a shrug before turning back to the TV. Clint and Natasha exchanged looks but didn’t say anything.
All in all it was a nice day in. We watched TV, had cold pizza and ice cream and just chilled. It had been a really long time since I had a day like that.
It still didn’t help me sleep. I made it two hours on the mattress before I had to switch to the floor. That’s where I was when Natasha came in to get me for breakfast.
“Why are you on the floor?” Natasha asked looking down at me.
“Tony was bragging about his heated floors I thought I should test them out.” I said.
“The heated floors are for the bathrooms.” She said.
“Are they? The floor is pretty comfy.” I said.
“Not as comfy as the bed.” She said as I stood up. “We should go shopping. You’re going to need more than my spare workout clothes and Clint’s old sweatshirt.”
“I don’t know. These are pretty comfy.” I said.
“And when you have to wash those?” Natasha asked.
“I’ll figure it out.” I said before going with her to the kitchen where everyone was waiting for us.
“There you are.” Clint said. “Chocolate chip waffles, strawberries on the side.”
“Thank you.” I said taking the offered plate.
“Coffee. It’s not a dirty matcha latte but…” Steve said.
“Coffee.” I said taking it and taking a sip. “I needed that.”
“I was telling Hanna we need to go shopping.” Natasha said.
“Take my card.” Tony immediately offered.
“I’m okay. Thanks. Besides why go out when we could just have Jarvis order replacements for all my clothes? He knows what I like.” I said. “Jarvis?”
“A new wardrobe based on your previous selections will be delivered before noon Miss.” Jarvis said.
“Thank you Jarvis.” I said.
“Well if you’re not going shopping maybe I can show you around broo…” Steve started.
“No.” I said not letting him finish that thought. “The last time you had the amazing idea to go look around New York I ended up needing a haircut, a rat crawled over my foot and if we’re honest the whole city stinks.”
“How did being in New York end up with you getting a haircut?” Natasha asked.
“I went on the subway and I leaned against the wall of the train because it was packed. I got gum stuck in my hair and had to get it cut out.” I said.
“Ew.” Natasha said before she ran her fingers through my short hair. “I do like the new look though.”
“I do pull it off pretty well.” I said before I noticed the giant flower arrangement was still in the common room. “Hey Tony?”
“Yeah?” He asked.
“Weren’t you supposed to have that flower arrangement delivered to Miss March?” I said.
“Uh don’t you like it?” He asked.
“It’s a lot… like way too much. Might want to tone it down or else she’ll think you’re over compensating for something else.” I said making Tony choke on his coffee.
“That’s not… I’m not… I canceled our dinner. We made plans a while ago. Like months ago… in March…” Tony said.
“Cool.” I said before the elevator dinged and the sound of heels clacking on the floor.
“Tony Where are you?!” Pepper said not sounding the least bit happy.
“Pepper!” Tony said looking like a deer in the headlights.
“You completely forgot didn’t you?!” She said.
“Of course, I didn’t forget the brunch for…” Tony said.
“Forbes Women in business? You’re introducing me like you promised when you convinced me to do this?” Pepper said glancing around before she saw me. “Hanna!? But she… you…”
“Maybe you should sit down.” Natasha said.
“I thought you were dead?” Pepper said bluntly before she realized she said that out loud. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean… Uh…”
“It’s okay. And for the record I was… about thirteen times since we last saw each other. It doesn’t really seem to stick.” I said.
“Huh?” Pepper said.
“I’ll explain on the way to brunch just let me change.” Tony said running as if his life depended on it which as soon as Pepper snapped out of her shock he might be.
Pepper spend the next 10 minutes just staring at me.
“It’s the short hair isn’t it?” I said finally breaking the silence.
“No… well yes. I like it though.” Pepper said. “You’re really here.”
“Was the shock this bad when you saw Steve again?” I asked.
“No.” Steve said.
“In her defense you did spend almost 70 years as a Capsicle.” Tony said walking in wearing a suit and damn he looked really good in a suit. “Should we go before we’re late…” he said adjusting his watch before he saw the time “Later than we already are?”
“Yes.” Pepper said getting up before hugging me taking me by surprise. “I’m so glad you’re back sweetie.”
“Good to be back.” I said hugging her back before she left to drag Tony away.
“So what are we doing today?” Clint asked.
“Video game marathon?” I proposed.
“All right!” Clint said before Natasha elbowed him. “Or how about we show you around the city? We know some of the best spots.”
“Ehhh… I think I’ll pass on that. New York and I didn’t really get along last time we met.” I said.
“That was your universe.” Steve said. “New York is great….”
“Especially Brooklyn.” I finished for him. “We’ve had this conversation before.”
“We can go to the museum and see that painting you really like?” Steve offered.
“Maybe some other day.” I said. “I’ll go set up the TV.”
“I think we have Mariokart.” Clint said.
“I kill at MarioKart.” I said ignoring the looks Natasha and Steve kept shooting at me.
Meanwhile…
Pepper had dragged Tony out of the building and into the Limo. Happy was driving them as the two of them bickered like they always did.
“She’s… she was dead and… and she came back?” Pepper said.
“Fell from the sky. Again.” Tony said.
“Again. Okay just when I think I’m starting to understand your insane life someone new falls out of the sky.” Pepper said before looking at Tony who while trying to look happy could not fool her. “What’s wrong?”
“What?” Tony said.
“You’re making a face.” Pepper said.
“I’m not making a face this is my face. You used to like my face.” Tony said.
“Tony.” Pepper said.
“Everything great. Hanna’s back and she’s great. We’re all back together and its going great.” Tony said.
“Say everything is great one more time and I might believe you.” Pepper said.
“Everything is great.” Tony said.
“Great.” Pepper said and they were quiet for a minute.
“There’s just this one tiny thing I may have done while I thought she was gone.” Tony said.
“You mean when you were being a jerk and all around…” Pepper started.
“Yeah…. I uh… I set up a date with Miss March…. And saved some photos from her cover shoot on my phone to remind me and Hanna saw them when she didn’t believe me when I said it was November.” Tony said.
“You did… How… what…” Pepper said speechless at his stupidity.
“I know…” He started.
“What is wrong with you?!” Pepper said. “Why would you do something as stupid as…”
“I wasn;t thinking…” He said.
“Of course you were thinking you just weren’t thinking with your brain. How could you….” She said.
“A lot of things were happening…” Tony said.
“She’s your person… and you said that you loved her and you go and do this?” pepper shouted.
“I thought she was dead!” Tony said.
“So you’re supposed to be sad not sleeping with every blonde bimbo that smiled at you…” Pepper said.
“Well technically Miss March is a brunette…” Tony said.
“What! Were! You! Thinking!” Pepper said slapping his arm after each word.
“I screwed up! Okay! I really screwed up. I thought she was gone and it was all my fault that she… you know and I just. I didn’t deserve her. I still don’t deserve her and I missed her but I screwed it up and now Rogers is her favorite. Even in another universe I didn’t see that happening.” Tony said.
“You need to fix this.” Pepper said.
“I’m trying. I got her flowers and she just asked me when I was going to send them to Miss March.” Tony said.
“You mean that monstrosity in the common room?” Pepper said.
“They’re roses you liked it when I got you flowers that one time.” He said.
“You mean when you triggered my seasonal allergies outside of the season and I got stung by a bee?” She said.
“You were really happy before all of that. You teared up.” Tony said.
“My allergies were acting up.” Pepper said. “You need to work things out with Hanna. She is good for you. She got you to go to therapy and to actually start taking care of yourself. You need to fix this and I mean really fix this not just throw money at the problem or try to distract her with grand gestures. She’s isn’t one of your blonde bimbos. Talk to her. If she wants to yell at you, they you let her and really listen to what she’s saying.”
“I always listen to what she says.” Tony said.
“Didn’t she warn you not to poke the terrorist that blew up your house?” Happy said from the front seat.
“No comment.” Tony said slipping on his shades. “Let’s do this.”
Back at the Tower…
Clint and I were in the middle of an epic round of Call of Duty. Unfortunately for me his Hawkeye skills also translated really well to video games.
“Barton you do this all the time why would you want to play a video game like this.” Steve said.
“Because this way….” Clint said taking me out again.
“Oh come on!” I said.
“I can’t make her do that when I’m on missions.” He said.
“Hanna your clothes are here.” Natasha said bringing in racks of clothes, boxes and bags.
“Cool.” I said.
“Don’t you want to change?” She said.
“Nah I’m good.” I said.
“Don’t you want to make sure they all fit right? Maybe we can go on a walk. Break in some of these shoes.” Natasha said.
“Maybe tomorrow. It looks cold outside.” I said.
“You can wear a jacket.” She said. “Right Steve?”
“Some fresh air might be nice after… that.” Steve said still not liking call of duty.
“Guys I’m good.” I said. As the sky outside just got darker. “Besides it is not looking good outside.”
“You’re making excuses.” Natasha said.
“Why are you being so pushy?” I said.
“You refuse to go out, you’re sleeping on the floor…” She said.
“I literally just got back yesterday.” I said.
“And you still haven’t said anything about it.” She said.
“I told you it sucked and there were zombies what more do you want to know?” I said.
“What happened?” Natasha said before suddenly the sky let out a loud rumble of thunder before a beam of light crashed onto the balcony.
“What the hell?” Clint said immediately on guard keeping me behind him as we all stood up.
“It’s okay.” I said putting a hand on his arm. “I’m pretty sure I know who that is.”
“Who?” Steve asked just as the light cleared and Thor appeared walking into the common room.
“Friends a miracle has happened the world has color again!” Thor cheered before his eyes landed on me. “Hanna!”
“Hey Tho-Ah!” I started before shouting as Thor literally picked me up in a bear hug taking me by surprise.
“You’re alive.” He said hugging me.
“Yeah, Good to see you too buddy.” I said hugging him back once the shock wore off.
“Hanna I must beg you for forgiveness.” Thor said letting me go before kneeling and taking my hand.
“Wow… Thor no!” I said.
“I failed to protect you. You were in my home under my protection and Amara…” He said growling her name and I swear the sky started rumbling when he did.
“Okay that was not on you. Your questionable taste in women yes because she’s insane which is probably why you broke up with her in the first place.” I said. “The stabbing totally not your fault. She’s a sneaky bitch, it happens and I seriously hope Sif got a few good hits in.”
“She did. Amara was quite as you once said very hammered when Sif locked her in her cell in the deepest dungeons of Asgard.” Thor said making Clint snort.
“Actually that’s not what… “ I started before changing my mind. “Well the pun works. Seriously Thor it’s fine. I’m back, I don’t even have a scar where she stabbed me.”
That just made Thor hug me again.
“I swear as long I live I shall never let anything or anyone hurt you again.” Thor said.
“Let’s not make promises we can’t keep.” I said as I weirdly enjoyed the hug. Thor gives great hugs. Tight enough to make you feel safe but not the least bit smothered. I could easily slip out of his grasp if I wanted to. Not that I wanted to.
But no matter what universe there is always one constant. The universe never cared about my plans or what I wanted.
The elevator dinged and Bruce came out.
“Is everyone okay? I think there was an earthquake and…” He started.
“Not an earthquake.” Clint said.
“Thor’s back.” Steve said.
“That is one long hug.” Natasha said watching us hug. I was enjoying it and Thor well he wasn’t going complain about me holding onto him.
“So how long do we have you for?” I asked Thor when I finally let him go.
“For as long as you’ll have me…“ Thor said.
“Or until the hobbits revolt.” Clint said.
“They were elves.” Steve corrected.
“They weren’t your best villain.” I said patting Thor gently on the arm. “And since you’re here I think it’s time we introduce you to the world of video games.”
“Games of video?” Thor asked.
“Oh you’re going to love it.” I said before I remembered something. “Just don’t yell at the kids.”
“Why would I yell at children?” Thor asked.
“Uh… Happened in another universe.” I said.
And just like I thought Thor took to video games like a fish to water. So much so that we spent the rest of the day in the common room playing video games. I have no idea how but at some point we switched from playing video games to having a staring contest for some reason.
We were both on the couch sitting with our legs crossed facing each other and staring into each other’s eyes. Thor was holding my hand, probably trying to reassure himself that I was actually there in front of him.
He was subtle about it but he somehow had an arm around the back of my seat or letting me rest my feet on his lap, or just hugging.
I’m not really a touchy person but I didn’t actually mind it with Thor.
So anyway we were in the middle of staring into each other’s eyes when Tony got back.
Unbeknownst to us everyone else was sitting in the kitchen watching us completely confused as to what the hell we were doing.
“Hey Jarvis said we had a security breach but that can’t be right since you’re all…” Tony said looking at them confused. “Uh What are we staring at?”
“Sh.” Natasha said before he turned to see me and Thor staring into each other’s eyes.
“Is that… Pointbreak? When did he get back?” Tony said. “And what are they… are they really staring into each other’s eyes?”
“They’ve been doing it for almost an hour.” Bruce said.
“What?” Tony said. “I didn’t know they were so… close?”
“He visited her last year for his birthday and they spent some time together in Asgard.” Steve said.
“Doing what?” Clint asked.
“We went to a bar and… that’s all I remember.” Steve said mildly embarrassed.
“Okay.. this is like watching paint dry.” Tony said walking over. “Hey Lebowski, nice of you to drop in… un announced. Guessing there aren’t any phones on Asgard?”
“Stark!” Thor got up and gave him a really hard bro hug. “It is good to see you my friend!”
“Good to see you too.” Tony said before Thor let him go.
“The tower looks much better than the last time I was here.” Thor said.
“Yeah we did a full remodel. Got the Loki sized hole in the floor out.” He said. “So how long do we get you for? Must be pretty busy back in Asgard.”
“Actually I shall remain here on Earth for as long as Lady Hanna shall have me.” Thor said smiling at me.
“And I said the more the merrier. We do have the room right?” I said.
“We do… even more rooms since the remodel.” Tony said.
“Your hospitality is much appreciated friend.” Thor said giving Tony a pat on the shoulder. “Is it still too early for the beer of pong?”
“It’s always five somewhere.” I said. “To the bar.”
“Uh oh…” Steve said getting flashback to the last time this happened.
“How about we eat dinner first?” Natasha said. “We could go out.”
“Or order pizza?” I said.
“We had pizza last night.” Steve said.
“Chinese?” I countered.
“I know a good dumpling place.” Clint said before Natasha elbowed him again. “But they don’t deliver. Ow…”
“Actually Agent Barton there is a service that could bring the dumplings straight to you with half an hour.” Jarvis said.
“And Jarvis for the save.” I said. “Dumplings it is.”
Sure enough within 30 minute we were sitting around the common room eating noodles and dumplings while Thor gave us his version of events from the Dark Elves attacking Asgard.
“Though we suffered great loses Asgard and the nine realms are at peace once again. Mother and Father are overseeing the repairs…” Thor started.
“Your mother as in….” I started. “Frigga’s okay?”
“She is doing very well. Her injuries were not life threatening. Someone warned me I should keep safe and I asked Sif to accompany her that day.” Thor said.
“That is so good to hear… Mostly because I totally have to apologize for ruining her dress. My blood got all over it and I left it in another universe.” I said.
“I think saving her life gets you off the hook for that.” Clint said.
“That’s probably a fair trade.” Steve said.
“Mother will be over joyed to know you are alive and safe at home.” Thor said.
“I’m just glad she’s okay.” I said. “And its good to know it is possible to change things here. Speaking of you two…”
I pointed to Tony and Bruce.
“Ultron… trying to stop the bad guys before they even think about making a move, an AI that’s a shield around the world…” I said and they just looked surprise. “Not happening. Ever. No.”
“How did you…” Bruce asked.
“Who do you think caused the robot apocalypse in that other universe?” I said. “Ultron.”
“You two destroyed the world?” Natasha said.
“Ultron is just an idea. A really good one.” Tony said.
“No. Just… No.” I said.
“Okay I think I’m going to call it a night.” Bruce said. “And I’ll remember not to create an evil robot. That isn’t even my field.”
“Things happen.” I said. “So Beer pong?”
“Beer of pong!” Thor seconded standing up before pulling out a small sack he had brought with him. “I almost forgot I brought something to help celebrate our joyous reunion.”
Thor reached into the sack which was apparently bigger on the inside than it looked and he pulled out a cask of Asgardian ale.
“Asgardian Ale!” I cheered.
“Oh no.” Steve said with a look of horror.
“Should we be worried?” Clint asked.
“About Hanna or Steve?” Natasha said as we started setting up.
The Next Morning…
I woke up actually on the bed after many many round of beer pong and many many pints of Asgardian Ale which didn’t even give me a buzz for some reason even though Steve, Natasha, Clint and even Tony were knocked out after a just one pint.
Thor walked me to my room before bidding me good night.
I got dressed in a pair of dark grey joggers, a while scoop neck tee and a tan knit cardigan over it.
I headed to the kitchen in search of some coffee to start the day right only to walk in to everyone collapsed around the counter hungover and barely alive.
“Morning…” I sang as I walked in only for everyone to groan in pain.
“Stahp” Steve whined.
“Hanna shhh.” Tony said
“hmmm…” Clint hummed. I was not entirely sure if he was actually awake or still passed out at this point.
“How are you alive?” Natasha groaned.
“What are you guys talking about? I didn’t even get buzzed last night.” I said.
“What?” Bruce asked surprised. “I thought you drank more than all of them?”
“Guess I have a higher tolerance.” I said as thor walked in.
“Good morrow my friends!” Thor cheered.
“No!” Steve cried.
“Make him stop!” Tony seconded.
“I hate you.” Natasha said as Clint let out another groan.
“Looks like somebody can’t handle their ale.” I said.
“They are not as might as my lady and I.” Thor teased.
“Are you sure you’re alright?” Bruce asked me.
“Yeah. I’m telling you I didn’t even get buzzed last night and we almost finished that cask.” I said surprised.
“Everyone drank the same thing? Even Steve who can’t get drunk?” Bruce seconded.
“He can’t get drunk with any made on earth. Asgard on the other hand… He gets lost in his cup.” I said. “Total light weight.”
“Not so loud.” Steve whined.
“His metabolism is four times faster than a normal mans.” Bruce said. “And he got drunk but you didn’t… that doesn’t seem at all strange to you?”
“No, he’s never been much of a drinker and while not something I’m proud of I have built up a pretty big tolerance.”
“She is very mighty.” Thor seconded.
“Since everyone else is down for a while I’ll get started on breakfast.” I said. “I’m thinking toast, bacon and coffee. And lots of it.”
“I can make toast.” Thor said before we got to work.
We got the four of them to take a few bites and maybe wake up a bit. The bacon did not sit well with Natasha and I spent almost half an hour with her in the bathroom holding her hair back and rubbing her back while she puked.
“How are you not sick right now?” She groaned as I handed her a glass of water.
“It’s one of my many talents.” I said. “Come on rinse your mouth then you can go nap on the couch with everyone else.”
I don’t know what the hell was in that beer but for the next three days the four of them were so hungover they barely made it off the couch.
A Week Later…
I had been back for a week and Natasha had started coming on a bit stronger about wanting me to go out. That was never going to happen.
It wasn’t that I was afraid but it was more about the fact that every time I went out or even just tried to cross the street I ended up dying and in another universe. Not to mention that dying really fucking sucks.
To be fair it wasn’t like I was just sitting around playing video games all day. I had slowly started going back to my pre-second death routine. I woke up and worked out to keep my endorphins up and to prevent me from going back down a depression spiral. Though after making sure Jamie and Theo were okay before leaving I felt like I got the closure I never knew I needed.
So post workout I made sure everyone was caffeinated, avoided Tony over the top grand gestures, cooked, cleaned (Even though we apparently had a cleaning crew), worked out some more and started all over again.
Yeah… that got old pretty fast which left me where I was now awake in the common room going down a DIY Christmas decoration Pinterest rabbit hole.
“Hey.” Tony said walking in obviously taking a caffeine break from whatever he was working on in the lab.
“Hey.” I said working on a Natasha/Black Widow themed and personalized Christmas tree decoration.
“What are you working on?” Tony said swiping some glitter off the counter.
“Making Christmas decorations.” I said adjusting the red paper quilling to look like a red hour glass. “Does this look like a red hourglass?”
“Yeah…” Tony said looking around. “The place looks great. You did all of this?”
“With the help of Pinterest and YouTube.” I said. “And Jarvis. I have to give credit where its due.”
“That’s very Martha Stuart of you.” Tony said. “It’s a bit late for arts and crafts.”
“Couldn’t sleep figured I’d work on the tree.” I said.
“We don’t have a tree.” Tony said.
“It’ll be here in the morning.” I said.
“Right. I’ve been meaning to get one.” Tony said. “We haven’t really had a chance to talk lately.”
“We’ve been busy… or hungover.” I said. “Hope you didn’t go on your date like that.”
“I didn’t have a date.” He said.
“You stood up Miss March?” I said.
“I was never going to go out with Miss March.” Tony said and I gave him a look. “I mean I was when I made the date but I was really drunk…”
“That is the whole point of making a date.” I said.
“That’s not… okay I need to start over.” He said.
“It’s fine.” I said. “I mean she is your type.”
“And what’s my type?” Tony said.
“Blonde swimsuit models.” I said. “At least I think she’s blonde. I’m imagining a Kate Upton look alike or maybe it was Kate Upton. I’ve been off world for a while. I’m not up to date on who was on the cover this year.”
“She’s actually a brunette… Dyed her hair for a movie…“ Tony said making me arch an eyebrow before he realized he was not helping his case. “I didn’t want to go out with her.”
“You saved her cover photos on your phone and had an alarm set for that day.” I said. “You don’t have to deny it. You don’t owe me an explanation.”
“It was my fault you died. You warned me and I didn’t listen. I thought you were gone… I lost you and I didn’t see the point of anything anymore. You weren’t there, there was no team and I fell back into some bad habits.” He said.
“You mean pre-Afghanistan douchebag Tony?” I retorted.
“I wasn’t that bad.” He said.
“There’s a whole 30 minutes of your origin story that says otherwise.” I said.
“I screwed up but that’s over now and we can go back to normal or our version of it.” Tony said.
“No.” I said.
“Hanna I’m really sorry…” he started.
“That’s not it.” I said. “All it took was me going away for you to start spiraling. What happens next time I die?”
“That’s not going to happen.” He said.
“I hope not but realistically it’s going to happen again at some point.” I said. “I can’t be the only reason you keep it together. It’s not healthy and its not safe for anyone.”
“Do you have any idea what it was like for us think you were dead?” Tony said.
“That’s not an excuse Tony. I got stranded in my crappy universe and I still had to get up every day to fight the good fight even on the days when I really didn’t want to.” I said. “You can’t build a relationship on needing someone because that isn’t love, that’s co-dependency and not the good kind.”
With that I got up and headed back to my room.