Welcome to the Family
I noticed when he left, I was glad that he had. It was difficult to work properly when someone was watching, especially when they stared so intently. I went through the routine that Tasha and I had agreed on quickly. Then I decided to do some more advanced moves. I grabbed the rings and started working on dips and L-sits.
“Do you always disconcert people?”
“I don’t try to,” I replied. “It seems to be a gift.”
Tony laughed and walked closer. “Rock of Ages seems to have warmed to you.”
“Yeah,” I grunted. “He’s really a big softie.”
“I would be too if I had a looker like you in my room.”
I dropped and turned to him. “It wasn’t like that.”
“Enlighten me,” he asked.
“Since you asked,” I smiled and jumped onto the balance beam. “I went to give him dinner, he hasn’t eaten well since getting here. He tried to intimidate me, scare me off. Ya know?”
Tony nodded and grabbed a chair to sit in.
“I told him it wasn’t happening,” I continued my workout. “Decided that he needed a friend and a movie marathon!”
Tony snorted. “What did you introduce him to?”
“Star Wars,” I grinned.
“From episode one?” His face scrunching in displeasure.
“No, the original three.” I elaborated. “Only ones worthy of a marathon, in my opinion.”
“Won’t disagree on that.”
“Anyway, I fell asleep and he moved me to the bed. He was going to take the couch, I convinced him nothing would happen.”
“Worried about your reputation?”
“Not really, more his.” I said honestly. “Middle of the night I wake up to thrashing and groaning. I sang a little lullaby and made sure he got a few hours of decent sleep. That’s it.”
“Then old Cyclops shows up and you curse him?”
“Yeah,” I laughed. I was starting to get winded and sweat really hard so I jumped down to cool off. Tony threw me a towel. “He pissed me off.”
“Obviously.”
“There was a huge amount of tension as soon as he entered the room. So I started humming softly. Tried to keep the tension from getting so bad that a fight would break out.” I smiled at him. “Walk with me?”
“Sure, kid.”
“He got all self-righteous and belligerent with me,” I kept the story going. “I snapped. Not proud of it but it happens to the best. But you knew all that.”
“Yeah,” he acknowledged. “F.R.I.D.A.Y. kept me posted. I have to make sure that everything runs smoothly, no bumps in the road. You like him?”
“Odin? Not really, he seems to be a jerk of the highest order.”
“No, Reindeer Games.”
“He’s a good friend,” I replied.
“Not what I asked,” he gave me a penetrating look.
“It will have to do,” I replied. “I like you Tony, I would appreciate it if you stayed out of my personal affairs.”
“Please, don’t use that word,” he groaned.
“Okay,” I put my hand on his shoulder. “Out of my business. If it becomes something that you need to be aware of, I will tell you first. Promise.”
“That works for me,” he put his hand out and ruffled my hair. “I kinda like you kid. No pranks on me, deal?”
“What do I get?”
“Carte blanche on the rest,” he offered.
“Immunity?”
“Pushing it Skipper.”
“Not for me,” I elaborated. He cocked his head and I took a deep breath. “For Loki.”
“Granted.” He said it without hesitation.
“That was quick!”
“I don’t think New York was entirely him.”
“Lovely carrot, should I bite?” I asked.
“I’ll give you clearance for the files,” he laughed and got on the elevator. “Just in case you get hungry.”
Time went by pretty quickly, I did a lot of training and started to spar a little. Loki offered to teach me the Vanir style of fighting, explaining that they were very graceful and their movements were more fluid. Thor talked about getting his friend Hogun to come to Earth and teach me if I got more advanced. Finally it had been a week and it was time for my coming out party, as Tony called it. I woke up the morning of the party to the twins jumping on my bed to wake me up.
“You two are crazy,” I smiled. “Don’t you know it’s bad luck to wake a woman up before the coffee can be smelled?”
“I brought you a cup,” Pietro bribed. “It’s in your bathroom, made just the way you like it. Come on! Wanda wants to get to the girls day.”
“I’m up.”
“You are under the covers still,” Wanda said. “That means you are not up.”
I threw the covers off and jumped out of the bed. I had been trying hard to forget today. I didn’t like being the center of attention and this party was specifically to introduce the world to me, the newest Avenger. I didn’t care for the name Tony suggested to me but I also couldn’t think of anything else. I jumped into the shower and allowed myself the pleasure of half hour shower. I played with the water and had it wrap around me, allowing it to thoroughly clean me. I had already chosen my dress for tonight and I knew that each of the girls already had one picked as well. So no shopping today. Instead we would have breakfast at the diner, go to the spa in the burbs, and then to the salon for finger foods and makeovers. I quickly wrapped myself and my hair in a towel, then went out to put my clothes on.
“I still don’t see why you call it a makeover,” Loki said from my bed. He had taken to appearing in random places, trying so hard to surprise a reaction out of me. “Or why you even need one.”
“It’s more to let a girl feel spoiled, I think.” I walked to my vanity and began to work on my hair. “Argh! This hair is such a pain at times. Maybe I’ll cut it today, get a new look. What do you think?”
“Perish the thought darling!” I felt his hands take my brush. “Here let me see what I can do with it.”
“What? The God of Mischief would help this lowly mortal by taming my errant locks?” I asked sarcastically.
“Quiet, Minx.” He tapped my head with the brush and chuckled. “My mother used to tell me how much she adored having her hair done, so as a surprise to her I learned how to do a Lady’s hair.”
He ran the brush through so many times I lost count, then he pulled a bottle from the air. He put whatever it was on his hands, ran it through the strands of hair, and began massaging my scalp.
“I will give you until the end of time to stop that,” I moaned.
“As you wish, my Minx.” He chuckled again. “Stark says there is a movie that has that saying in it.”
“Mmmm,” I sighed. “The Princess Bride. Love it! Would you like to watch it?”
“Is that an invitation?”
“I’ll make brownies,” I bribed.
“Done, I’ll bring the popcorn. Should we make it a team night or just us and Thor?”
“We usually just do us and Thor.” I pondered out loud. “We should make it a team night. A B.Y.O.S.”
“What is that?” He started parting out my hair to braid bits here and there. Then he started curling and pinning.
“It’s a bring your own snacks,” I explained. “We could use the movie room! Oh but I hate the seating. Any way we might be able to do what we do with Thor?”
“What?” He sounded distracted. “The pillows and blankets in our pajamas?”
“Yeah!” I was getting excited. “I love that. Just chilling in our pjs, hanging with friends and eating junk food!”
“Done!” He swept the last strand into place and raised his hands. “If that is what you would like, I am sure Stark would allow it. As long as I put everything back afterwards. What do you think Minx?”
“Loki!” I gasped. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. It was half up, braided to look like it spiraled down, but he left small strands to caress down my cheeks. “I didn’t know hair would stay like that. I wish I could keep it for the party.”
“I may not have a sparkly wand,” he smiled at my praise. “And I have never used bibbity bobbity boo in a spell. But for tonight I will grant your wish. Here.” He produced a small box with a flourish and handed it to me. “Promise me, you will not open this box until it is time to dress. Then allow Ms. Potts to place them in your hair. Only her, the woman may be courted by Stark but she does have excellent fashion sense.”
“Are you a fashionista now?” I laughed and turned in the seat. “Then what does his Highness think of my outfit for the day?”
“I like it, particularly those boots. The dress for tonight however-” he left it hanging.
“What?” I asked, worried. “What’s wrong with it?”
“Nothing darling,” he reassured. “I just think a pale blue would look nicer than that peach color. Your affinity with water should be stressed, especially tonight.”
“Oh,” I said quietly. I thought about it and really agreed with him. We were trying to stress that I could control water and gloss over the whole siren part. I took a few minutes to weigh it all out, Loki watching me. He knew that he should give me time to think, I wasn’t one to be compulsive. “I think you’re right. It would really play on my water control. But can you change the color?”
“Of course!” He flicked his finger and the dress was on my bed, in a dress bag, color changed, with light grey pumps dangling from the hanger. “Now you get dressed before you’re late for your day of luxury.” He gave a courtly bow and vanished.
“Does he always do that?” Wanda came into my bedroom.
“The popping thing?” She nodded. “Yes, he can’t understand why I’m never surprised that he appears suddenly.”
“Nice job on the hair,” she complimented.
“Loki,” I said archly.
“No!”
I giggled. “That surprised me too. He said he used to do his mother’s hair. I think it was a way that he could spend time with just her, time that I know he cherished.”
“Are you smitten?” Pietro asked from the doorway.
“We’re friends,” I smiled sadly. “If that is enough for him, it is enough for me. I would not tarnish our friendship for anything.”
“But,” Wanda began.
“No, dear.” I said softly. “I am content. Now, Pietro out. I have to get dressed.”
After I got dressed, I headed for the elevator with dress bag in hand. The doors opened and there was Tony.
“Don’t you look tempting!” He said with a wink.
“Thank you,” I blushed. “So, what gets you up at this hour and not hung over to boot!”
“I told Pep I’d drive you to the diner and have breakfast with you girls.” Tony rolled his eyes. “I’m being nice. Don’t tell.”
“I wouldn’t dream of spreading such tales,” I smiled at him. “I have been meaning to ask you something.”
“Shoot.”
“I know that you said that I couldn’t prank you,” he eyed me suspiciously. “I would like to do one thing to you and if you don’t hate it, I’d like it to be a long running gag. But you would have to play along and have F.R.I.D.A.Y. as well.”
“What is it?’
“Every time you enter a room when we are all together, I want a song to play.”
“Seriously?” He looked skeptical.
“Please!” I begged. “I’ll make you something special.”
“Bribe me,” he begged back.
“How about rum cake, black forest cherry cake, and rum balls?” I coaxed. “You would have to supply the alcohol of course.”
“Of course!” He said it like that was a given. “Alright and if I don’t like it, it’s scrapped. Deal?”
“The whole thing or that song?”
“For the first few, just the song.” He was good at bargaining. “If you can’t find one I like, the whole thing.”
“Deal.” I kissed his cheek.
“What was that?” He smiled.
“Thank you,” I said sincerely.
“Of course, Skipper.” He turned me around, noticing my hair for the first time. “Spiffy!”
“You likes?”
“I loves,” he replied. “You should show that to Pepper. She’ll want you to show her how you did it.”
“I didn’t,” I said cryptically. He raised a brow at me. “Loki.”
“Mr. Freeze? No!”
“Yep,” I grinned at his shock. “He helped me with my dress too.”
“I’m scared.” The doors opened and he waved me through first.
“What puts fear into the heart of Iron Man?” Loki asked from around the corner. He smirked wickedly when Tony jumped.
“Jeez! Wear a bell!”
“He likes what you did to my hair.” I said calmly.
“How do you not freak when he does that!?” Tony groused. “Yeah, nice job on the hair.”
Loki inclined his head in thanks. “I have still not figured out how she knows I’m around.”
“Do you yield?” I teased.
“Never!” And he disappeared.
“Which car Skipper?” Tony asked.
“The mustang!” I cried.
“Can’t.” He shook his head sadly. “Got rid of it.”
“What!?” I squeaked. “But Tony! That was my favorite car! Why did you get rid of it?”
“I had to make room for a different car.” He shrugged, like that was the perfect answer. “Besides, I think you’ll like this one better.”
“I doubt it,” I grumbled. “What’s so great about this new one?”
He tossed me a set of keys. “It’s yours.” The floor opened and a dark blue, 1964, Ford Mustang Convertible rose up in front of me!
“But- I- you-” I stumbled over what I wanted to say. I looked at him, tears of joy overflowing. “Why?”
“Kinda like a welcome home and to the team.” He pulled me in for a hug. “You’re a good kid. You don’t give yourself enough credit or spoil yourself nearly as much as I want you to.”
“Tony,” I whispered. “I told you I didn’t need a daddy.”
“Yeah,” he laughed. “Well, I couldn’t help it. Pepper really likes you too. She picked the color.”
“Thank you!” I slapped his chest. “Jump in! I’m driving!”
“Abuse!” He joked. “I see how you are, but I am driving myself. You get the girls. Girls!” He called around the corner. Each of my dear friends came out laughing at my stunned reaction.
“It isn’t funny!” I cried. “This is a very touching moment.”
“Of course it is,” Pepper hugged me. “I’m glad you like it. Tony said black but you are in love with blue.” She winked at me.
“No I’m not,” I denied. I assumed she was thinking of Loki, I did not need that conversation again.
“Let’s go!” Shouted Tasha. “I’ve been up and training for hours. I need coffee and food.”
We jumped in and headed out.
Loki’s P.O.V.
I watched from the shadows, the joy in a mode of transport amazed me. But I had been known to get a little excited about a new horse, so I guess I had no place to judge. I found myself watching my little Minx often. I knew that it made most mortals uncomfortable but she was different, somehow she always knew when I was near and I convinced myself that it brought her comfort. She fascinated me, I overheard her tell Stark that I had done her hair. She was very proud of it and that gave me an odd feeling, like fluttering inside of me. I had never met anyone that was so giving of themselves, so ready to give others a second chance, and so unafraid.
“Brother, you’re doing it again.”
“Loki,” Thor came next to me. “This is becoming creepy. Just ask to court her!”
“Why?” I looked at him confused. “We are friends. I do not have feelings for her other than that.”
“The mortals have a saying,” Thor thought for a moment. “The Amazon isn’t just water in Europe.”
“Thor,” I sighed heavily. “They say, denial isn’t just a river in Egypt.”
“That does make more sense,” he agreed. “Either way, you are in serious denial. She is a beautiful woman, if you do not make your move soon you will be watching her get married to another.”
“Thor, for the last time. I do not have feelings beyond friendship for Minx.”
“Right.” He said doubtfully. “Anyway, Stark has agreed to allow the Warriors three and Lady Sif to come help train Lady Lily. I leave for Asgard soon in hopes of being back in time for the party.”
“Warn your friends that Midgard is not Asgard.” I reminded him. “They must dress accordingly and treat others with the utmost regard. No sneaking in Asgardian alcohol either!”
“Loki,” Thor sighed. “You take all the fun out of it.”
“Thor, I warn you now. If my little Minx gets sloshed on alcohol from any planet other than Earth, YOU will suffer the consequences.”
“Denial, brother.” Thor smiled and walked away.
I turned back to see the girls pile into the new car and Lily looked out the window. Though I was deep in shadow she looked right in my eyes and winked, then gave me a small wave and drove off.
“HOW!?” I screamed.
“I bet it has to do with water.” Barton dropped down from the air vent.
“What do you mean?” I asked curiously.
“Aren’t you humanoid?” I nodded. “Well, normal humans from Earth are anywhere between fifty-five and seventy percent water. I would say she can sense the water in your body.”
“Barton, you amaze me at times.” I admitted. Then I shuffled my feet and looked back at him. “I wanted to apologize to you, for the whole take over the planet. You are a man of great heart and I took that from you, forcing you to do things you would not normally do. My sincerest apologies.” I inclined my head to him.
“Wow,” he replied. “Wasn’t expecting that. Thor is right, denial my friend.”
I chuckled. “I am not in denial, I like Lily. I care for her more than I have ever cared for another being. But we are friends and with that I shall be content. I would not place a black mark on her reputation by courting her, nor would I make her uncomfortable in my presence by admitting to any other feelings. I bid you good day Barton.”
“Bye,” he jumped back into the vents.
It was time to go to my rooms, I needed to prepare for this evening. I would not let anything ruin Minx’s day, her happiness was paramount.
Back to O.C.
We climbed out at the diner and I ran inside to give hugs all around. Jack and Sarah were working the kitchen today, getting ready to cater Tony’s office lunch and then the party tonight as well. There were a few regulars there that also got hugs for sticking with the diner despite Loki coming now and again. Word was beginning to spread, if you ate here there was a good chance of seeing one of the Avengers. Soon Jack would need to enlarge the diner as Tony had suggested.
We got a big corner booth and started perusing the menus. A girl I assumed just started came and asked for our orders. After she left a little boy slipped away from his mother and came to our table. Chewing on a finger in his mouth, he stopped next to Tasha and gave her a huge smile.
“Yes, moy malysh.” She smiled at him.
“Are you the Black Widow?” He asked softly.
“Yes.” She leaned down when he asked her to. “What sweetie?”
“I have a very serious question for you,” he smiled and knelt on one knee. “Would you marry me when I grow up?”
“Oh, Benny!” His mother cried. “I am so sorry! I didn’t notice that he had gotten to your table. Usually it isn’t a problem-”
“Susie, it’s all good.” I interrupted.
“Lily?” She sounded surprised. “You know the Avengers? For real?”
“Yes, I do.” I laughed. “I’m, I’m actually joining the team.”
“That’s right,” Tony said walking up to the table. “Officially today. We’re throwing a party tonight to welcome her and allow the world to meet our newest member.”
Benny backed into Tasha and grabbed her hand, giving it a gentle tug.
“What darling?”
“Is that Iron Man?!” He whispered loudly.
“I am Iron Man,” Tony replied.
“Wow!” Benny ran to his mom and grabbed her hand. He pulled her to Tony and tugged on Tony’s jacket. “This is my mommy. She needs a daddy for me. Would you be my daddy?”
I thought Susie was going to die of embarrassment, her cheeks took on the darkest shade of red I had ever seen on a person. Pepper covered her mouth to keep the smile on her face from being seen. Tony bent down to Benny’s level and gave him a very serious look.
“Benny, how old are you?”
“I’m this many,” he held up four fingers.
“Really!” Tony looked amazed. “A real big kid. While your mommy is very pretty,” he winked at Susie, “and you sound like a swell kid. Do you see that pretty lady there, with the long red hair?”
Benny nodded after looking at Pepper. “I’m dating her and I don’t know what I would do without her. She keeps me out of trouble and takes care of me. She means the world to me.”
“Why don’t you ask her to marry you? I asked the Black Widow.”
“I’m scared she’ll say no.” Tony confessed.
Benny took his finger from his mouth and put his hand into Tony’s. “I’ll help you if she says no. I would take care of you, you’re my favorite hero.”
“I’ll keep that in mind kiddo.” Tony stood and smiled at Susie. He handed her a card. “Come to the party tonight, bring the kiddo. If you need a dress or a little man’s suit, go to this address and tell them to call me. I mean it.”
“Thank you Mr. Stark, but I have to work.” She looked away. “It’s just me and Benny. I have to work two jobs, I can’t take the time off.”
“Just a moment,” he said. “Tasha, would you entertain Romeo?”
“Of course.” She smiled at Benny as he climbed into her lap.
Tony took Susie’s arm and walked away, sitting her at an empty table nearby. They talked long enough that our food arrived and we had already started eating. Benny shared some of everything around the table and we ordered him a drink of his own. Sarah caught my eye from the back and motioned me into the kitchen.
“Excuse me girls, I’m being summoned.” I went to the back. “What’s up?”
“Is he being nice to Susie!?” Sarah asked protectively.
“I’m almost positive that he is offering her a job.”
“God bless that man!” A tear appeared in the corner of her eye. “That girl has a terrible time. Won’t take charity or any offer of discounts.”
“How many meals have you ‘messed up’ for her?” I smiled, knowing my aunt and uncle too well.
“Not enough that she’s figured it out. Girl has even told others what a great place this is because we always make it right when we mess up.” Sarah replied. “She’s been talking about going to a gentlemen’s club to make more money.”
“That could lead to trouble that she doesn’t need.” I remarked. I changed the subject. “You and Jack coming tonight?”
“Course we’re coming,” Jack said. “Have to see our Water Lily get her introduction!”
“Alright, I have to get going but I wanted to make sure you were coming. Did you get the gifts I sent to you?”
“We did,” Sarah smiled sadly at me. “You shouldn’t spend all your money on us. We could have got by with the clothes we wore to your graduation.”
“Nonsense,” I replied. “Besides, Tony won’t let me pay for much. Pepper says he considers us all a big family and since he can afford to spoil us, he does. Matter of fact, come see my gift for joining the family officially.”
I took them out to show off the Mustang and they looked impressed, but worried. I knew what the problem was.
“Listen,” I took their hands in mine. “I remember great-aunt Betty going on about being in high cotton. Now that I can afford to, I want to pay some of this forward and that starts with you two. You have always been there for me, no matter what. Let me spend some of this on you, please?”
“Told you Sarah,” Jack whispered to her. “You have fun, we’ll see you tonight.”
They both hugged me and went back to work. I rejoined the girls, sliding in next to Tasha since Tony took my spot by Pepper.
“How did yours go?” I asked Tony.
“All taken care of,” he replied. “She’s a nursing student, trying to get enough credits to graduate. All while holding down two jobs and raising Benny.”
“Sarah said she had been talking about going to more questionable employment, the dancing kind.” I informed him.
“Good timing, I’d say.” Tony stood up. “You ladies go pamper yourselves, I’m heading to the lab with Banner.”
“Tony,” Pepper said.
“What?” He asked.
“I’m wearing red tonight,” she smiled.
“Red dress, got it.”
“No zapping Bruce!” Tasha called as we left the diner.
The look on Tony’s face was priceless. The hurt and shock that we thought he would do such a thing. We made it to the spa in the burbs and made our way inside. We were here to try their massages and body wraps. The best part about it was that we could all stay together without cramming into a small room.
After two hours of that we drove lazily back to the city, eager to go to the salon and get our dresses on. While the spa had been nice, we decided to get a quick oil massage at the salon as well. Something about having warm, scented oil rubbed all over you just made you feel decadent.
“Miss, did you want us to do your hair?” Asked the stylist.
“Not today, thank you. A dear friend did this for me and I would like to wear it tonight.”
“She did a beautiful job,” the stylist complimented.
“It wasn’t a woman,” Wanda snickered.
“Who?” asked Pepper.
“Loki,” Wanda answered before I could.
“Wanda!”
“Really!?” Tasha asked.
“Yes, he did it special for tonight.” I answered, blushing as I recalled the sensation of his fingers running through my hair.
“TELL!” All three girls yelled, forcing me back to reality.
“It’s nothing,” I sighed.
“Tasha, I think blackmail is needed.” Pepper grinned evilly.
“What do you mean? I haven’t done anything.”
“I wonder how a particular super soldier would feel if he knew that ‘Brownies’ were not cleaning his apartment,” Tasha drawled.
“How did you find out about that?” I asked scared.
“I have ears in the vents,” she smiled.
“Barton dies,” I grumbled. “I had taken a long shower and was getting ready to dry my hair. Loki was sitting on my bed and-”
“What was he doing on your BED?!” Tasha squealed.
“Sitting on it, trying to scare me again,” I replied honestly.
“Killjoy.” Tasha replied.
“I mentioned that I hated to deal with my hair at times.” I continued, the girls paying rapt attention. “I was sitting at my vanity, he started to brush out my hair and then ran his fingers through my hair with scented oils on his palms.”
“Oh wow,” the stylist said huskily.
“Yeah,” echoed Pepper.
“Then he massaged my scalp for a bit and put it all up in this do.” I looked to my audience and laughed. “We are FRIENDS. Just friends, nothing nasty happened.”
“But don’t you almost wish it had?” Tasha said breathily. “Oh, inside voice got out again.” She blushed.
“By the way, Pepper.” I looked at her. “I have hair ornaments for tonight with me.”
“We can put those into your hair Miss,” I was told by a green eyed man.
“No thank you, Loki.” I replied. “You told me to only allow Pepper because she has excellent fashion sense.”
“HOW!?” he shimmered and looked like himself again. “Barton swears it’s the water in my body, but everyone here has differing body percentages. How do you know!?”
“Do you yield?” I asked coyly.
He started swearing in many different languages and stomping around. I gestured to the salon employees to keep going and began to hum softly.
“None of that!” Loki turned wide eyed to me. “None of that. It’s cheating.”
“Loki, I am simply trying to lighten the mood.” I glanced at the employees out of the corner of my eyes, he immediately looked abashed. “Now if you yield, I will tell you. You are the one that taught me that the war is only won if the enemy yields.”
“Am I your enemy then, little Minx?” He asked me gently as he walked toward me. “Do you treat our time together as gathering intel to conquer your foe? When will you deliver your fateful blow? Will my name passing your lips be the last thing I hear before I am carried to Valhalla, far from your embrace?"
You could have heard a pin drop when he stopped talking. I looked around and noticed a couple people fanning themselves.
“Excuse us ladies,” I stammered. I grabbed Loki by the hand and dragged him into another room, closing the door behind us hard. “What the hell was that?”
“What?” He looked at me confused.
“The whole enemy and gathering intel!” I hissed. “Do you realize that entire room got about fifty degrees hotter as soon as you started talking like that?”
“What do you mean?”
“Loki!” I groaned. “That was a very sensual way of talking to me! I had just told them we were friends! Now they are going to think that we are fooling around!”
“What is “fooling around’?”
“Having sex!” I blurted.
“Oh.” His eyes got bigger. “OH! I am so sorry Minx! I did not mean to imply that we were intimate. I know that we are friends and I cherish that friendship.”
“I do too. Now you have damage control!” I growled. “Get in there and explain yourself!”
“Yes, m’lady.” He sauntered out of the room but closed the door gently behind him.
I stood there for a moment, shaking uncontrollably. I would be lying if I said his words and posture hadn’t affected me. I knew that he was a handsome man, okay he was the hottest man I had ever laid eyes on. Stop it! That isn’t helping matters. We’re friends, just friends. Besides he’s an Asgardian God, I’m just a Siren from Earth. Somehow, I found myself being held by Tasha. Pouring out everything I thought I had been saying in my head, tears following closely behind the words. When I finally calmed down, I gently pulled away from her. When she saw the fear on my face, she was quick to dispel it.
“I won’t say anything, I promise.”
“I value his friendship so much,” I began.
“Shh, malen'kiy shkiper. I understand.” Tasha hushed me. “I will not tell anyone. All I will say to you is that you may be fighting a losing battle with this one.”
“What do you mean?”
“Have you ever thought that he might feel the same?” She asked.
“No, I’m a mortal remember.”