Chapter 3
Shaun had his mouth open wide like a fool, Katy was grinning at him. "You look like a kid in a candy store right now." She laughed as they made their way up Stark Tower in Manhattan. They had travled through a portal to get here and meet the rest of the avenger's but Shaun wasn't prepared for the luxury that he was walking into. Technology, yes, but luxury no. Stark tower was gold and silver and everything that his Asian heart longed for. Stark of course, was not with them anymore but he was greeted by Happy and Mr. Stark's widow , Pepper Potts. She was beautiful and solomn. Strawberry red hair cascaded down her shoulders and she hugged Katy. "I welcome you all to the avenger's. You are with family now and will always be considered as such." She said in greeting. Happy gave her a pat on the shoulder and they entered the formal meeting room off the first floor.
He knew his life would change, but he didn't realize it would change so drastically in the matter of a week. He had met with Dr. Strange and been informed that he was now an Avenger if he wanted to be a part of the team, Katy of course jumping at the opportunity. His mom had always taught him to trust the good in people and fight for what is right so he is really not surprised he ended up being an Avenger. Steven was a interesting man, he knew why he was named Strange. He dressed like Professor Snape from the Harry Potter movies and moved like a Wizard. He also met Scott Lang was an interesting character charming and funny at times, Shaun liked him instantly.
The two got along fairly well and had the same sense of twister humor. His girlfriend no wait, Fiancée Hope was on a whole nother level of seriousness that Shaun wasn't used to. She was a scientist, super smart and to be honest he didn't see what Scott saw in the woman besides her beauty. She reminded him a lot of his sister, Xailing in terms of her composure.
Maybe that was why he didn't warm up to her as much as he did Scott. Katy stuck close to him as he was being introduced to the remaining Avengers in the New York headquarters office. Peter Parker was in school so he wasn't able to make this meeting but Shaun was introduced to Captain Marvel via Hologram, Thor and Star Lord, Bucky Barns, Nick Fury, an imposing looking man with 3 scars that slashed down the right side of his face, and the royal family of Wakanda. They all smiled warmly welcoming him into their fold but he felt quite nervous. Pepper introduced everyone quickly and they began chatting about what their next phase in this team would entitle. She talked about the Avengers Initiative and what Tony's hopes for the group were, and then she handed the floor over to Captain Marvel, Carol Danvers to continue. Honestly all he wanted to do was go back to his apartment, get settled in with Katy and tell her how much he wanted to be with her, love her, start a life together with only her, and not worry about all this new stuff he had to worry about. New York was a big city, he was used to city life but there was something majestic about Stark Tower. Carol Danvers watched over the entire universe, he didn't know how she did it. He looked at her in awe and listend as she talked about the different dimensions of the universe rather quickly and how the Guardian's and Thor helped her. They then turned to Shaun and Shaun explained the 10 Rings legend of his father and how he was going to tie into all of this. Dr. Strange watched him with curiousity looking down to his rings every few seconds making Shaun a bit anxious. Katy stayed close to him the whole time giving him a sense of calm.
Dr. Steven Strange spoke about Thanos and what really happened durring the Blip and why Mr. Tony Stark was no longer with them. He would have liked to meet Tony, he seemed like an awesome dude. He thought. Pepper Potts stood quietly to the side next to Happy. Happy seemed Very fond of Pepper and their young daughter.
Shaun would have to ask them about that later. Pepper spoke soon after saying she would leave Stark Tower's open to the avenger's and anything they needed. She handed a few cards of hers out to Shaun and Katy with her personal phone number also saying she understood how it can be overwhelming being introduced to super hero's but that they were all their for one another. They had food delivered and chatted durring brunch. Scott told Shaun he would have him over to his and Hope's lab sometime for some lunch and Katy enthusiastically agreed.
She offered to invite them out to dinner and Karaoke sometime in return. Shaun made a mental note to clue XaiLing into what was happening so she could at least be aware. He sent her a quick series of texts saying he was currently in meetings with The Avenger's *Shocked face*. She just sent back a smiley face saying she got it. He wondered what she was doing to their family empire, if she was making it better, or worse. He wanted to go back and visit to sometime and not be as distant but right now he was focusing only on getting used to being a Avenger. "We mostly will do things as a team, but sometimes you will go on solo missions depending on where you are at in the world." Banner spoke to Shaun.
"Seeing as how you are mostly going to be in Mccau we will have to do missions there, unless we have some real need for help, you'll of course have us to help you if you need." he rambled on
"I think that's it for the meeting, anyone else have anything to add?" Banner asked. Hawkeye shook his head and looked towards Bucky and Cap. "I think that's all for now." Cap said. He smiled warmly at Katy and a twinge of jealousy engulfed Shaun. He would have to lock that down fast he thought.
He couldn't let anger get in the way of his feelings or hate, that was not in his nature. Those weren't good emotions to have around. They all said goodbye to everyone and handed out phone numbers. Shaun had a fancy new phone and case, and his Avenger's phone was black. Inconspicuous. He wrapped an arm around Katy. "Are you ready to go?" He asked politley. She nodded. "Yeah I am a ready to go back home and face my family." She said. He nodded in understanding. "Don't worry. I'll be there." He reassured her. She smiled leaning into him.
"Do you guys need me to drop you off somewhere?" Happy asked. Shaun nodded. "If you could yeah, Katy's parent's house please." He said. She smiled at him. Happy nodded and turned to give Pepper a quick hug. " See you in a few hours." He said fondly. Pepper smiled and shook Shaun's hand and Katy's. "Welcome to the team. Let me know if you guys need anything." She said kindly.
Katy smiled back and said goodbye. They travled back home in silence, the portal only taking seconds to get them back and Happy's driving taking about ten minutes to get them to the Chen residence. Standing at the bottom of the shops where they worked Katy took a deep breath. " Ok, we went to go deal with your father's sudden death, and met your family, that should be believable right?" She asked. He nodded. "Yep it's also true! I also asked you to help me work for my family and take over the family business so you can quick the valet job." He said. She looked at him. "What's the family business?" She asked. " The club." He smirked. Meaning Fight club his sister ran, but Katy would just tell her mom it was a hotel or something.
Mrs. Chen was frantic when Katy answered the door. "I was so worried!" She screeched and wrapped Katy in a tight hug and Shaun. " I know i'm sorry mom. It was an emergency. We had to leave right away and I forgot my phone but Shaun had his! You could have called him." She added quickly. Shaun hugged her and explained to her rather quickly the nature of their departure and what he was going to be doing from now on. Mrs. Chen listened politley and Waipo set out tea for them. Katy hugged her grandmother. "I missed you." She whispered into her ear. The old woman smiled and patted Katy on the back. "I'm ok child. I'm just glad you are back. It was quiet without your yapping." She said.
Shaun smirked.
Mrs Chen hugged Shaun tightly and nodded. "I'm sorry about your father, I didn't know he was alive but I'm glad you are taking over his business. Now you and Katy can actually do something with your lives." She said.
They chatted the rest of the afternoon and Shaun told them that his sister was taking over until he could go back and help her and they seemed to buy that. He also explained how he had come into his inheritance and it was quite a large sum so he would be moving, but would remain close by. Katy sat next to him the whole time sipping her tea and feeling at home again. She missed Tao Lo though and couldn't wait to go back and visit. When the evening was almost over Mrs. Chen told them it was time to say goodbye and Katy nodded. "I'm getting pretty tired as well, so I will walk you to the door." She said. She quietly closed the door behind her and smiled. "Well that went alot better than I thought it would." She said smiling. Shaun nervously shuffled his feet back and forth and smiled. "Listen Katy, I wanted to talk to you before I went home." He began. She looked at him with a questioning gaze but let him continue. " I know it's late and we've been best friends since forever and I will always cherish those times but I think it's time we move forward with our relationship don't you?" He asked looking at her. She suddenly beamed at him and threw her arms around his neck kissing him. "Shaun or Shang Xu, of course I do! I love you with my whole heart. I always have you big dope." She smiled. He relaxed instantly and kissed her back softly.
" I am glad. I was nervous you wouldn't want to be my girlfriend. I'm not very good at the romantic thing so I'm glad we could just talk." He said. She smiled. "I think you're doing just fine." She smiled kissing him again.
Meanwhile inside the house, Waipo was standing quietly behind the door listening and watching. She was a sneaky old bird and smiled widley.
" I knew he loved her." She said to herself and walked back to the kitchen table.