Training montage
First things first. I went to a fabric store and bought a sewing machine, a Viking that had embroidery functions as well as a gazillion regular stitches. I signed up for a course to learn how to use it; it was a lot more sophisticated than the one I'd had in high school. I decided to get my hand back in the game with a baby quilt for Sif and bought a how-to book along with an easy pattern, the fabric, batting, and thread. And pins. And hand-sewing needles. And fabric shears, large ones and little ones for snipping threads and getting into tight corners. And a rotary cutter, mat, and ruler. Extra bobbins. My word. I'd forgotten how much stuff there was for sewing. The prices for the machines were mind-blowing. That night I read the quilting book and the machine manual and thought that I could handle a straight seam.
Over the next couple of days, I cut out the fabric for the quilt top and started to piece the design together. It was simple, but the colorful printed fabric--I was using greens, yellows, and white-- made it look more complex that it really was. Then I sewed the back together and assembled the layers with a water-soluble adhesive spray, snapping the center of the quilt into a hoop. I'd decided to do the quilting by hand; it was a small quilt and I needed to relearn hand-stitching. I was just going to quilt the seams, what the book referred to as "in the ditch" so it shouldn't take too long or be too hard. I remembered how much I liked to sew. The house I was buying had two spare rooms; I thought I might make one as a sewing studio. I liked quilting, and it would be nice to have a dedicated space to work on my costume.
I waited in Foggy's office for him to return from the closing. With a smile, he presented me with the keys and the deed to the property. I immediately went over and stood in the empty house. Motes of dust sparkled in the light shafting through the windows. It was quiet and felt welcoming. I pulled out a measuring tape and went to work.
First up was a trip to the home improvement store, where I bought new kitchen appliances, stuff to strip off some rather dreadful wallpaper, and paint in light blues, greens, and lavenders, with a pale pink for my bedroom and white trim and ceilings. I left the dogs at the hotel and arranged for more frequent walking; I didn't want to have to get paint out of their fur. For once, I didn't rush, taking a couple of days to finish and watch the installation of the new washer, dryer, refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher. It looked really nice, I thought, then went shopping for furniture. Everything except the little table I'd left with the Colorado house. I just did the basics; a bed and dresser for my bedroom, a sectional, coffee table, stand for a tv, bookshelves, desk and chair for the computer, an upholstered chair, a dinette set, a cabinet for the sewing machine and a chair for that. Then the soft furnishings; sheets, blankets, pillows, towels for kitchen and bath, rugs. The blinds that had come with the house were nice and neutral and would do fine for now. Things for the kitchen including dishes and pots and pans. A TV. I was pleased when I got back from the stores, the taxi driver helping me in with all the bags and earning herself a really good tip. The moving company was on its way, having also retrieved my car. I had a detached garage and it would be useful to have a car from time to time despite the excellence of the public transportation system.
I made a tour of the fencing to make sure that it was in good condition, and none of the boards needed replacing. I didn't want to have to chase the Scotties around the neighborhood; Daf would be more likely to stay at home. Then I finally checked out of the hotel and brought my dogs home. A previous owner had had a dog; there was a doggy door in the back. They were delighted, and all three of them charged in and out until they were exhausted. I had a security company come out and provide a system for the house, including lights outside. I joined a gym with challenging rock climbing walls in addition to the usual cardio and weight equipment, and signed up for beginning parkour lessons. I spent a few days in the neglected flower garden, having finally learned to appreciate biology. The dogs came out with me, and we met a few neighbors, older people who had retired, a couple stay-at-home parents.
I was struggling to evict a particularly huge dandelion when the hairs on my arms rose. I slapped them down irritably, then took a careful grip on the strong white taproot and pulled. I fell on my butt when it came loose, and held it up in victory. "Ha!"
"A fearsome battle has been won," a genial voice said, and I looked over at the gate. Thor stood there, slightly worried-looking despite his smile, Bucky beside him. I completely forgot about them when two enormous shapes bounded over the fence and hit me, licking my face frantically, crowding me, tails wagging in jubilation.
Sigurd and Torburn. I hugged each one as much as I was able, but they were too keyed up to stand still. "How?" I asked, tears running down my face.
"I was unaware for some time that Baldur had removed them from you," Thor said, storm clouds gathering in his face. The little dogs came running over to see the commotion and were flummoxed by the huge new arrivals. "He felt that a promise to a mortal was not to be taken seriously. Finally I went to Father, who ordered their return to you. They will not be returning to Asgard until your life has run, by order of the Allfather."
It took awhile for me and Sigurd and Torburn to calm down. I wiped my face on my sleeve at last and invited the men in. "They're so thin, though," I said worriedly.
"They went on a hunger strike," Thor said gravely. "These are cute," he noted, his voice lightening.
"The black ones are Scottish terriers," I heard Bucky tell him. "President Roosevelt had one. The other one is a Corgi." I looked up to see Thor with a Scottie in each hand and Bucky extending a hand to Daf. Bucky straightened up. "I can go get them some food," he offered, and I choked up.
"Car's in the garage, keys on the table," I managed to tell him. "It has a GPS system so you can find the nearest pet store. Do you have your license on you?" He nodded, his scimitar grin flashed at me, and he went in the house.
After the dogs had all calmed down and met each other, I showed Thor into the house, putting big bowls of water down for Sigurd and Torburn before splashing some cold water on my face.
When Bucky got back, he found me finishing the last of the binding around the baby quilt as Thor talked about what he'd been doing lately, Torburn laying on my feet, Sigurd's head on my lap, and Thor sitting on the kitchen floor playing with the smaller dogs. He refilled the water bowls, quickly washed out huge bowls for the food, and filled them up. Sigurd and Torburn hustled over. I buried the last knot in the quilt, shook it out, then folded it and handed it to Thor.
He smoothed the fabric. "It is lovely. Sif will be pleased that you thought of her."
"I was a little worried it would be late," I confessed. "Or too small. So I made it bigger." Thor shook his head.
"Our women are with child for almost thirteen of your months." I cringed and he smiled. "That has been a common reaction."
"Do you know if it's a boy?"
He shook his head. "We do not. It matters naught to me. I will love a daughter as much as a son." I raised my eyebrows and picked up Daf.
"Have a seat. Can I get you anything?" I asked. Bucky found the glasses and brought me water.
"You must be dehydrated," he said, smiling as he and Thor sat down, each with one of the Scotties.
Thor sighed. "I have much to tell you."
"I'm listening," I said, and Torburn and Sigurd stretched out at my feet. Daf looked at them curiously and I put her down so she could investigate.
"I was unaware of the intrigue surrounding Rogers' decline," he started. "Stark told me later that he felt I would refuse to keep the knowledge from you, and he was correct. It is the right of a wife to know the concerns of her husband." He winced slightly as Wallace gnawed on his fingers and was silent a bit longer. I could wait.
"Thank you for getting them some food," I told Bucky, my eyes getting wet again. I blinked them away.
"I love GPS," he said with composure. "Good thing you kept your car, what with all the dog food you're going to need." I reached over and patted his hand.
"How's that working for you?" He turned the metal hand over under mine.
"It's amazing." He shook his head. "I've got the strength of the artificial hand with feeling again."
"He touches everything," Thor noted brightly, and Bucky flushed a little.
"I was angry and confused following the restoration of the Allfather and your reactions to the battle. It took time for me to understand your views."
"Natasha told him that if he wanted to understand why rape was such a violation, to drop his pants and she'd get a baseball bat." They both winced. I shrugged.
"I have come around to understanding. I look at my wife and what she has accomplished in her past and how she is viewed now by others, as a mere vessel for an heir. And my mother. What might she have accomplished on her own? She was my father's most trusted counsellor, but she had no place on the council. After you left, things changed profoundly and I have come to realize that while it is part of your gifts to provide a shelter for the spirits of those around you, doing women's work, it is a mistake to minimize your importance because of the organs between your legs. Your metalwork defies the limitations on your sex. Also, there was an HR presentation on discrimination in the workplace." I quirked an eyebrow.
He heaved a sigh. Napkins on the table ruffled in the breeze. "I spent much time with the Allfather to get him to understand these views. It took him much longer, but he understands the injustice and why you were so upset with the threats he made to Hela. I do not believe that he can completely overcome his thinking and habits, for he is old, but he is trying. And when I came to him about Baldur, I did not have to request his action. He bade me to return them to you and chastised Baldur publicly about the value of his word. We took some time to restore these to health if not their full weight before Heimdall set us down here."
Bucky put down an envelope. "Here's their vet records, or...well." I interpreted this to mean that they'd forged some documents so that no questions would be asked by my new vet. "This is nice." He looked around. "Stark hasn't mentioned that you bought a new house."
"I was surprised to be set down here instead of the mountainous state of Colorado," Thor confirmed.
"And with luck, he won't find out yet," I said. Somewhere, Thor had picked up the human gesture of zipping his lips. Bucky and I laughed.
"How long are you guys here for?" I asked.
"We'll go back with some equipment day after tomorrow," Bucky said.
"I'd like to invite you for dinner tomorrow, then." They both accepted quickly, and I smiled.
"What are you planning on doing?" Thor asked. "I find it hard to imagine that you would be content removing vegetation from your lawn."
"Partly, I'm here to keep an eye on Peter," I said, leaning back in my chair. "For the rest...I haven't put any plans into action."
Thor snorted in amusement. "We will find out when it is publicly announced, then."
"Pretty much," I admitted after a moment, and fortunately, they weren't offended by my hesitancy to share.
"But there is news in which you will find interest," Thor said abruptly. I looked at him inquisitively. "The Allfather has turned Loki's incarceration over to me to manage. After the events on Asgard, he has lost his desire for rule, but we do not know what he could do, what he is interested in doing. I have determined that he has earned what you call 'parole.' He will be restricted to Midgard, but I will be releasing him soon."
"It helps that no clean civilian photographs of him have ever come to light," Bucky muttered.
I smiled. "If he cut his hair and bleached it some, he could be taken for that dishy British actor. You could send him my way, I could use a roommate. Got a whole room I haven't figured out what to do with yet."
Thor's face brightened and Bucky smirked. "I had hoped you would offer to assist him," Thor admitted. "Are you certain that it will not be an imposition?"
"He's welcome." I smirked. "He'll have to divide up the chores with me, though. Including walking the dogs."
"He likes dogs," Thor said complacently. "He will enjoy the small ones."
"He'll be set up with papers," Bucky assured me practically.
"Let me know when you're releasing him, then," I said, and the chatter got more general before they excused themselves. After they left, I made a list of furniture Loki would need for his bedroom and a second list of things for Sigurd and Torburn. A hunger strike. My poor boys. I woke them long enough to tell them I was going back to the pet store, then their heads flopped back down. They were tired and weak, but I could fix that. I bought a few cases of wet food along with other things they'd need, such as an enormous dog bed and huge stainless steel bowls for their water. Treats and toys for big dogs, plus a few treats for the contingent of little dogs so they wouldn't feel left out or replaced. I added another big sack of food; they needed to eat to restore their strength and muscles. And several rolls of plastic bags for the poop patrol. I probably overbought, but so what? I bought new collars all around as well and extra leashes. There was a dog park not too far from the house, and it had hours during the day when dogs could run off-leash, but we still needed to go there and back and take additional walks.
When I got through hauling everything inside, I was exhausted and stretched out on the sofa for a nap. When I woke up, Torburn had worked his way behind me to squeeze between me and the sofa back and Sigurd was curled up with my feet on his back. The small dogs were sacked out in the sun on the rug. They had accepted Sigurd and Torburn a lot faster than I'd expected. We got up and strolled to the dog park where the big dogs set about winning hearts and minds of those nervous about how big they were, and playing with their smaller housemates. Their pack, I guess the Dog Whisperer would call it. We spent the rest of the day settling in and relaxing together.
The next day I cleaned up the increased dog fur and planned a nice dinner that both men would enjoy. They arrived with flowers and wine and housewarming gifts: throws for when it got cold in the fall and an insert for the non-functional fireplace that held candles (there was something wrong with the chimney). Dinner was great. It was wonderful to spend time with my friends. Thor went back to the tower early for his nightly call to Sif. We exchanged cell phone numbers (I gave him my Colorado number, which I'd retained, rather than my new one, in case anybody looked at his contact list). He was very proud of having acquired this human technology. He kept it with him only when he wasn't traveling by Bifrost or calling lightning, as both of those things tended to fry the phones. Bucky stayed, and I curled up on the couch with him as we watched TV and talked. Thor was right, he touched everything with the improved arm and rubbed his fingers on surfaces. He said he still got distracted sometimes by being able to feel with that hand and arm again. It was late when he left, and I locked the door behind him, arming the security system. I was pleasantly tired as I got ready for bed. It wasn't just the return of Sigurd and Torburn, it was seeing that I'd had a positive effect on Thor and his outlook, and the restoration of our friendship. I'd really enjoyed spending time with Bucky and seeing him enjoy the work that Samuel and I had done on his arm, increasing his quality of life. And I was looking forward to seeing Loki's arrival. My friends. I'd missed them; just how much I was starting to realize.
I wasn't sure when Loki would be arriving, so I went out the next day for furniture. A nice big bed. Thor had said he liked a soft mattress, so I got a really nice one, with soft linens and blankets and medium-firm pillows. I planned to give him the study downstairs rather than the smaller guest room upstairs, moving the books and computer desk up. There was more room down there and more privacy. There was a full bath downstairs that he could have. Towels, bathmat, and cleaning supplies for that as well. Bedside tables, a chair, a dresser, and I found a wardrobe at an antique store since there was no closet. Small desk and chair for that. A standing lamp for the chair and a reading light by the bed, a nice soft rug by the bed. He could find something else if he wanted, but I wanted everything to be welcoming when he arrived. I didn't want to overdo; he should have the opportunity to fill his space himself.
The next day I got back to my concerns. I'd designed my costume. It was the antithesis of anything I'd ever worn as an Avenger. Very much street-level hero fashion in New York. Black, over the knee boots with a kitten heel, fine fishnet hose, black high-cut black briefs, a corset-type top, and a sash around the hips. I didn't actually need tac fabrics since my skin couldn't be damaged by most things, but the corset would be lined with Kevlar to keep bullets from bruising my organs badly. I'd be relying on the Night Nurse rather than the clinic at the tower, and the less that I needed to risk surgery the better. I'd found a corset pattern that provided the absolute maximum of lift, and padded it besides. Promotions would have keeled over if they'd seen what I was planning to wear. I wanted to put as much distance between this persona and Paladin as possible. Paladin had been pretty asexual for the most part and modest always, and this was as sexy as I could make it without being ridiculous. I found that I was willing to go a lot farther than my comfort zone when it suited my goals. I'd found the makeup kit and hair dye that I'd used as Paladin, so I wouldn't even need to deal with my hair. I had a voice modulator concealed under a scarf that I wore like a wild west villain over my lower face. I really didn't think there was any way to easily make connections between Paladin and new me.
Not being super powered, I was going to have to rely on tech goodies, like Batman. I'd made the assembly for an arrowhead with a grappling hook for Clint, and it wasn't turning out to be hard to rejigger it for a handgun-style projectile. I had throwing knives, the ends of my sash were weighted so that I could use them to tie somebody up, throw it at ankles to trip somebody, or flick it around the throat to strangle somebody into unconsciousness. I'd read about the use of scarves like that in the antique cult of thugee. For my personal weapon, I had a quarterstaff that collapsed like a baton. I was making wide cuff bracelets that held the throwing knives as well as pepper spray that I could activate with a lever similar to Peter and his webbing. Yep, I was ripping off everybody. The grappling hook went into my boot and the baton under my hip sash. I'd worked with an old voice modulator until I tuned my voice into a sexy purr. I went to Mood for the fabrics, getting black spandex, neoprene, and mesh, and a heavy plum-colored satin for the sash and mask. I'd had to order the kevlar. I bought a dress form and all the notions, and worked hard over a period of days to create the look. Some of it was easy; I bought the boots and fishnets; the corset was the most fiddly part. It didn't really constrict me since I was going to be need to be able to breathe hard while chasing the criminal element; I used the mesh in panels on the sides, both for ventilation and give. It laced up the back, but that was for show. There was a zipper up the front that was concealed by a placket and heavy duty hooks.
I felt great until the first time I put it on. I immediately wanted to put on a muumuu over the top, but I couldn't deny it made me into my polar opposite. I felt a lot better about it after darkness fell. I colored my hair black and left it down; it's easier to grab a ponytail or braid than loose hair, and left the house wearing a full skirt and blouse. I stashed these when I got to the edge of the nearest crime district. The rock wall climbing and parkour lessons came in handy as I scaled the wall of a building and started roof running. The different heights of the buildings made it a real challenge and I could see I still had a lot of work to do with the parkour. It was almost an hour before I came up on my first criminal. He was running from a mugging victim when I dropped off a low roof to bring him down. The force of my descent knocked him down, but it also had an unintended consequence.
My boobs popped free.
The guy was distracted and startled; there was no resistance as I rolled him onto his front and secured him with the zip ties I had in my other boot. I smacked him on the head and he lost consciousness. I frowned and tucked the girls in as securely as possible. Obviously a costume modification was required. I didn't want to flash the criminals although it had been helpful in this case. I'd get a reputation.
And then I heard the clapping.