Getaway Car... (avengers, human, M)

[Kozmo]

She’d heard the questions enough to know what was going on when Bruce Banner came into the room. “Good morning, Doctor.” She smiled, not invitingly but clearly friendly before returning her attention to the omelet she was making. He thanked her, and she managed another smile. “It was no trouble.” Oh, god… here it was. He was polite, of course, about it, but she sighed and looked at him. “But of course, Doctor Banner.” She leaned in, not to flirt, but to keep her voice low. “Tell me, which fascinates you more- the fact that I am his progeny, or the fact that I could shun such power? Doctor McCoy was fascinated with my birthright.” Her tone was slightly bitter. An apologetic expression took root on her pretty face. “I’m sorry. That was uncalled for.” She sighed. “I took my frustration out on you, unjustified.” She hopped onto the counter- they were still alone.
 
“I know at least some of what you’re going to ask, so I’ll save you some trouble. My blood is toxic to humans- if they ingest it they will die. Like my father before me, I carry this curse. Even inhaling it may make a human sick- I will not risk such with you. If you are curious, Doctor McCoy of Xavier’s has several samples of my blood. Should you require a fresh sample, I will submit to Doctor McCoy for a fresh draw.” She nodded. “I am certain you caught the brand on my abdomen- it is quite large and draws the eye even if you are not looking directly at me. I was… marked… (and raped by more than a few of her half-brothers) by my sire by force, which is why it is a brand, not a tattoo.” She could still feel the searing agony of the brand being sealed into her flesh- and the burning shame when they finally let her go and she curled in on herself, crying after suffering the ultimate shame…
 
No, no.
 
She shook her head.
 
“I’m sorry- I was off on my own little planet, there.” She forced a cheerful smile. “Will that be all that you require for your research?” A tilt to her head, then, before she sighed. “You know where to find me if you’re curious.”
 
She hadn’t meant to be so snappish. She liked Banner, she did. He was brilliant and polite and treated her with respect. He and Hank could have been friends. But she was bitterly upset that he had not asked her, rather gone to her adopted father. Oh, and Thor was in for it, too. But then… she had been stupidly drunk. She turned back.
 
“I’m a technopath.” She said it softly. “That’s why I love it here. I can FEEL everything and communicate with everything.” That was why she loved Tony Stark. His arc always showed on her radar. It was a strong pulse. “My healing thing? It’s a mutation from my father’s genes. I discovered it by accident when I was a young girl in Amarna. I had broken my arm and it knit, instantly.” She leveled her gaze to his. “I never developed telepathy or empathy, which many of my kindred have. I could, once, shapeshift, before my sire gave me my sentence.” Her back. “I was a powerful mutant, Bruce.” She sighed. “Hank has this written… my full past. I would ask that you speak to him. Tell him to bring everything he has on Miw-Sher. He’ll understand.” At the look, she shook her head wistfully. “My name- my real name- is Miw-Sher. Only Tony knows it, outside of Hank and now you. It means ‘little cat’.” A shrug. “Can’t say
it isn’t fitting. I’m small and catlike, I suppose.” He turned then, and a familiar voice rang out.
 
‘Are they safe?’ She linked up with Jarvis mentally, not wanting to keep up the façade of needing to speak.
 
‘Condition unknown.’
 
‘But they are together?’
 
‘Affirmative.’
 
‘Thank you, Jarvis.’
 
‘You are most welcome, madam.’
 
‘Let me know when they arrive.’
 
‘Yes, madam.’ The tone was cocky, and she chuckled. She didn’t approve of cockiness among A.I.
 
‘I am only doing what comes naturally.’ She laughed outright, then, shaking her head. This was Tony Stark’s tower, alright. Speaking of which… he had finally emerged, and she took a steaming cup of coffee over to him, with a smirk, greeting him with a kiss.
 
“Coffee?” At that moment, though, she felt a mental ‘ding’.
 
‘Mutants Gambit and Rogue have arrived.’
 
‘Thank you, Jarvis.’ They were a whirlwind of movement when they arrived. Gambit instantly lifted the Egyptian off her feet, laughing. He looked… smug. Very, very smug. Like the cat that got the cream. Which had been the smile on HER face after snogging Tony Stark within an inch of his life just a few hours earlier. (Well, to be fair, they had snogged each other into oblivion). She shot a glance to Rogue, who suddenly wrapped her up in a hug, and she knew even without the skin touch.
 
“What?” She’d forgotten her state of undress. “Oh. Yes. I stole it from his closet. Thought it would be indecent to come out as I was.” She waited until Rogue greeted everyone else before she finally sucked in a breath. She went to her toes, kissing Tony briefly. “I’ll be back, playboy.” Then she took Rogue’s hand and tugged her up the stairs with her.
 
“Come on.” She tugged, heading into the guest room she had slept in numerous times, before wordlessly opening her arms. “C’mere, firecracker.” That was all. She waited for the inevitable.

[Indiana]

The Captain had left the room as Stark had told his to piss off, in which he just shrugged, and went downstairs for breakfast, and he wasn’t too sure where everything was, and was quite frankly afraid to touch anything in case it got broke, so he just stood there a little awkwardly, until one of Starks pets came and handed him scrambled egg on toast.

“Err, thank you,”

Do robots have feelings? He wondered if it had sensed his awkwardness, and made him something. Rodgers sat down at the breakfast table over looking New York. He heard Synn come down in Tony’s shirt, and gave her a small smile, remembering that he had bust in on them, then Bruce came in and Rodgers gave him a cheerful

“Morning”

Jarvis had sounded around them, saying that the missing mutants had been found, and this he was glad off. Rodgers actually liked Rogue, whether or not it was just shameless flirting he liked her none the less, and looked up from his plate at the sound of Jarvis. Before looking around him and noticed that Bruce and Synn had struck a conversation together, in which the Captain just shrugged and let them to it and turned back to his scrambled egg.

Luckily had shovelled the last bit off egg into his mouth with the elevator dinged, and revealed Rogue and Gambit. So they had managed to find the place okay, well it was hard to miss this big ugly building, but he would never say that in front of Stark. Never. Picking up his plate and putting on the bar, while Rogue hugged everyone in sight. Before he nearly got tackled and he hugged her back, she was a terrible flirt, but he didn’t mind.

“I missed you too,”

He said just hugging her tightly trying not to squish her, before her let go and looked over slightly apologetically towards Gambit. He felt her hands on his chest and couldn’t help but grin.

“I have noticed,”

He gave a chuckle as she nuzzled in his neck, ah this was normal for the two, but then Synn took her hand and he was felt feeling slightly awkward again.

--

Of coursed he lived up to his playboy reputation, he grinned.

“Well I’ve still got it. It seems that my shirts fit you well. Look after them,” He laughed a little, before he too got out of bed stretched.

“Jarvis?”

Yes sir?

“Could you turn on the protocol so I can listen in the kitchen?”

Yes Sir,

He liked that Jarvis didn’t ask questions although he could, and yes this was possibly an invasion of people’s privacy, he thought Synn wasn’t tell him everything. He couldn’t of asked he guess, but asking wasn’t his style, but the thing was he wouldn’t love her any less then he already did, he was also glad that she wasn’t a one night stand, and thinking of her stops him from thinking about other women.

Jarvis had stated that the other mutants had arrived. Ah that was good

He showered while he listened and generally got himself ready. So Thor knew already and Banner knew because of tests and asking and he knew because of eavesdropping. But he still loved her, and found her even more fascinating then ever. After getting dry shoving a black t-shirt (his arc glowed brilliantly under it) on and jeans, he suddenly remembered he had his theory to tell, but listening carefully to their conversations downstairs, and they had spread out again.

Oh well, he would just sit in his lab to think about his theory, maybe get a cuppa on the way.

“Thank you Jarvis, that will be all now,”

He went downstairs like he had done nothing wrong, heading into the room he smiled.

“Everyone comfy? Getting along?”

He asked grinning, Synn came over with a cuppa, on of his favourites after whiskey and other alcohol beverages.

“Ah yes, thank you dear,”

He said receiving the cuppa taking a slurp before he got a hug from Rogue. Ah yes the other mutants, they where all here then. The Team, they’d have to give themselves a name. But the A Team was already taken. Taking another slurp. Phew this really was hot, and waking him up which was just what he needed.

He got a kiss from Synn and she said that she would be back later, and he gave her a wink.

“Right well I’ll be down in the lab,”

They didn't really need telling,

“Gambit make yourself at home, everyone else does!”

He’d forgotten that he quite liked the guy for some strange reason. But right now, he had to take his theory to pen and paper and try and work out what the hell is actually going on and why had they all been summoned to human form. Taking his coffee and heading down the stairs towards his lab, he pressed the codes buttons to let him in and he heaved a sigh. It felt good to be back with his things, a few cars had been taken apart and fiddled with and his robots where there was well, he really did treat them like children.

It also looked like Banner had been working her all of last night, there where a few notes on the table by the microscopes, he guess they where his results after Synn had healed him on the S.H.I.E.L.D ship. He had a quick glance but nothing more. He settled himself at his own desk, took one more sip out of his mug before placing it down and getting to work.

What seemed to him like hours, (he could at least spend days down here and he wouldn’t noticed how time flies.) and fiddling about with his suits making sure they where in top-notch order for the next mission (he couldn’t wait to give theses a try again) he had his theory down on paper, along with tools and other bits and bobs paper littered the floor until he came up with his best possible and logical theory.

And his coffee had gone cold, because he had forgotten about it.

Putting it down he sighed and got up stretching, he was pleased with himself that was for sure, but whether or not they would believe him would be another thing. Oh well even if they didn’t, he believed him so there was a plus and his brain didn’t hurt as much now he could get it off his chest.

He rubbed his eyes and blinked to get them into focus.

“Jarvis, could you get them all to come down here?”

Yes Sir. Do you want them down in the lab?

“Yes, if you would and get Synn to get me another coffee would you?”

he had to at least tidy the floor a little, well his version of tidy was shovelling stuff into corners so they could actually walk along the floor. So he busied himself with that.

Mr. Stark would like you all to come down to the lab and he would also like for Synn to get him another cuppa coffee.

Jarvis rang upstairs for them all to hear.

[Mistress_Unknown]

Bruce listened intently to Synn and found himself feeling a little odd about her. She was sitting, in nothing but a man’s shirt, on the counter, by him. He politely scooted a distance away and pushed his glasses further up his nose as he listened to her. Her story was interesting to say the least and when she mentioned her blood’s toxic properties, he found himself writing it down on the paper he had taken with him. It was fascinating, to say the least, and he’d have to call Hank later. Her story finished and Bruce gave her a polite nod. “I am glad you were willing to tell me.” He said. He meant to say ‘I’m glad you trust me,’ but that sounded too weird in his head voice, so he didn’t. “I’ll go call Hank.” He muttered as he stood and threw the apple core away. He’d eat more at lunch, right then he was more interested in this development.

He walked from the kitchen only to be hugged by the southern mutant. Ahem. The PRETTY southern mutant. He instantly stiffened, but she was gone in a flash and he allowed himself to loosen when he overheard that she could touch in this form. How interesting. He quietly made his way to the phone away from everyone and dialled. After three rings, the phone picked up.

“Hello? Doctor Hank Macoy speaking.”
“Good morning, Hank. It’s Doctor Banner.”
“Bruce! Good morning! How are you?”
“I’m fine, Hank. I had a question about some research of yours. Concerning a mutant.”
“Of course. Which mutant?”
“A mutant known as Miw-Sher. I was told you have her entire history.”
“I see. Well. Perhaps it would be best to speak about that particular mutant in person. I trust you are still with the Avengers?”
“Yeah. We’re at Stark’s Tower.”
“I will be there later this evening. I have a legal hearing concerning Magneto’s apply for parol this afternoon and this morning I have a press conference. Such a busy day, Bruce.” The voice chuckled.
Bruce smiled despite himself. “Alright. This evening then. See you then. Goodbye, old friend.”
“Yes, I think you shall. Goodbye.”

So Hank was coming for a visit tonight? That sounded fantastic.

--

Rogue found herself being pulled away from the Captain before she could continue her flirting. She almost tried to get away, but Synn had a pretty tight grip on her, so she sighed and followed the woman. Clearly, Rogue was more transparent than she thought. She looked at her feet as Synn led her into a guest bedroom, and once the door was shut she felt trapped. Everything started closing in on her, her fears, her wishes, her confusion, everything. She looked up briefly at Synn, who had her arms open, and Rogue bit her lip. The first tear fell. Then the second. Then the third. They fell in thick drops as she rushed into the other woman’s arms and buried her face into Synn’s neck, crying. She clung to the woman like a lifeline and just cried, her sobs wet with the tears flooding down her face.

“Why? Why do Ah feel lahk this?” She desperately muttered. “It was nevah this weird in those damned books!” she said, body shaking with sobs. “I feel so...awkward around him now! Ah love him, Synn. Ah love him more than any mahn in mah entire lahf! But it’s lahk...Ah can’t look at him without feeling strange!” She tired, losing her grip and falling to her knees. She clung to the woman still, soaking the lower part of Stark’s shirt and for a brief moment she was afraid she’d rip it, she was gripping it so tight. She felt the other woman kneel and as soon as her shoulder was in range Rogue latched on to it, burying her face in Synn’s neck and continuing to sob and drop warm tears on to the shirt. “Ah shouldn’t have done it.....but Ah’d do it again in a heartbeat. Ah wanna be with him again. But Ah feel lahk Ah should’ve waited a bit longer. But Ah waited for so long! Ah thought it would be....different. Less....strange. Ah thought it would be some wonderful moment and Ah’d feel perfect. Don’t get meh wrong, it was wonderful, but.....I don’t feel lahk they said in the books. Ah want ta curl up and cry...in his lap, Ah think.” As if her confusion wasn’t clear enough, she was muttering wetly into Synn’s neck.

“What if Ah ain’t good enough?” She whispered quietly. “What if Ah did somethin wrong and he don’t lahk me no more? He’s had lotsa lovahs before meh. So where do Ah stand on that extensive list? Am Ah just another night?” She asked, putting out her genuine, though mostly unfounded, fears. “He was married once too....” She muttered. She was crying less now, but her body was still shaking and her voice was still thick. “Ah didn’t know losing mah virtue was gonna be so hard! Ah thought it would be bettah than that. Ah gave it ta the man Ah wanna marry someday...so why does it feel lahk Ah did somethin wrong?” She asked quietly.

“And.....” She said, a little bit louder, “Does he still love meh?” She asked, looking the other woman in the face and hoping to find his answers there. She was feeling extraordinarily torn over the whole thing. She wiped her eyes and looked towards the door. “Ya gonna answer mah questions, rat?” She called, coughing a little from her tears. “Cause Ah know ya’re there.” She said, leaning her head on Synn’s chest. She was tired now. But she desperately wanted Gambit.

[Kozmo]

((LONGGGGG, sorry darlings. Most of it is her introduction, really! Well, Indi, does she pass Cap’s approval test?))
 
 
For a few moments, she let the woman-in-a-girl’s body cling, stroking her hair and back gently, humming in Egyptian and Arabic, the language flowing musically from her lips. She didn’t often speak Arabic, especially here, not wanting to bring up unpleasant memories for her human. Granted, her words would be words of love, but it was a trigger for him. But it was a lilting language and comforting. She stroked and murmured.
 
“No. No, it isn’t like the books.” She cooed softly. “But you have a man who lives and breathes for you. You just made love to your best friend.” As she said it, it dawned on her that she had done EXACTLY that earlier this morning. Yes, the two often shared space, even sleeping next to one another, in the same bed. Tony had joked with her for YEARS about getting her liquored up enough to sleep with him, but he’d never really tried. And there were the flings which made her heart hurt a little more each time. But this morning she had woken to a mostly naked, very willing playboy, and, being only half awake, had done what she wanted to do that first night at the house in Malibu, and pounced him. She was greedy, and he had kept up with her with no problem, rolling her under him, and making sure she knew exactly where his attention was.
 
“Oh, gods.” She sank to her knees, still patting Rogue’s hair, but distracted now. “I slept with Tony Stark.” She breathed it. Had she liked it? Oh, yes, she had quite liked it. He knew exactly what would make her writhe under him, what would elicit a giggle, or a sigh, and she paid him back two-fold. There had been lots of laughter, too- at one point she thought they may have ended up on the floor in a heap of giggles before reclaiming one another. And there was the following cuddle, laying comfortably across his chest and shoulder.
 
Yeah, she had liked it.
 
In  a minor panic now, she started shivering. “I slept with my best friend.” Oh god, oh god, oh god. She had to fix this. Now. Before the press caught wind of it. “The press would LOVE this. Oh, gods…” When Rogue spoke again,  she gave a nearly-hysterical laugh. “No. TONY has been with a LOT of other women.” She shivered. “Gods… Rogue, I snogged my best friend.” Still hysterical. She wrapped her arms around herself now. Stark’s scent was all over her, and the shirt, and it was very easy to slip into the comfort of believing that she wasn’t one of those girls he laid with then left, promptly forgetting her name- but, no. No, right now Rogue needed her. Now was not the time to think about Tony- or that half-smile of his that drove her nuts, or his laugh, or that damned sexy hardware wired into him, or his scent, or warmth, or… how much she loved him.
 
THAT was a revelation.
 
When had he stopped being ‘human’ and become ‘hers’? And when had friendship blossomed into love? Rogue spoke again, and she snapped back suddenly.
 
“You’re okay.” She hushed. “Your healer is freaking out, but you’re okay.” She shook her head to clear it. “Honey, that man loves you more than anything on this planet. It must be nice to have that kind of man in your life.” She wanted reassurance of her own place, while Rogue was lucky enough that she didn’t have to ever worry. “He loves you,” she said again as an afterthought, absently petting the shoulder as, spent, the girl laid her tired head on her chest after calling for him. They didn’t have to wait long, for the door slid open. Synn glanced up at him, surprised to find his eyes so… compelling. Really, they were just… amazing.
 
“Remy need some time alone wi’ Rogue, Synn.” He pulled her to her feet. “Remy saw Stark head fo’ da lab. Ya should go wi’ him.”
 
“Oh. Of course.” She nodded. Duh, that made sense. She should be with him, after this morning. She should wrap her arms around him and never ever let him go, even though this should have been awkward. But, no, screw it, it had been FANTASTIC. She left the room, making way for the lab instantly, only stopping when she left the room and realized two things.
 
One, Tony didn’t tolerate people in his lab unless he invited them, and two, she had just been charmed by one Remy LeBeau. She huffed, heading for the bedroom she’d shared with Tony the previous night. She stayed over… often, she noted when she realized she… actually had clean clothes here. She pulled on a pair of jeans, for comfort and so that no one blushed. Barefoot, she padded back down the hall, only to hear a voice.
 
Madam, it appears there is a visitor.
 
“Image?” A projection flared to life- and her face split into a huge grin. “Jarvis, take me down.”
 
As you wish.
 
----
 
“C’mere, mon chere.” He gathered the small figure into his arms, physically pulling her shaking, quivering figure into his lap, securing her with his arms. He buried his face into her hair, quietly. He’d both loved and loathed being her first. He’d held her while listening to her breath tearing out against the pain of it, stroking and murmuring in a broken mix of French and English. He’d been careful with her, patient, that first time- quick and passionate the next- and slow and tender, finally, showing her with hands and lips how much he adored her. He nuzzled her hair, stroking her, before his voice, softly, came to her.
 
“Remy love ya, chere. Remy never felt like dis ‘bout anyone else.” He admitted quietly. He drew back and lifted her chin, raising her tear-stained face to his. He let his eyes do the talking, now, determined to make her see how much he loved her. “Remy jus’ sorry he had to hurt ya.” He gently ran a knuckle down her cheek. That had been the worst part of it- and he gave a rueful smile when he realized she was covered in love nips, all over her neck- and why not, she made the most adorable sound of delight when he found the soft skin there. He gently lifted her, about to put er on the bed and show her one more time, when an annoying voice spoke. No. No, he didn’t want to go down to the lab, he wanted to stay here…
 
*sigh*
 
They couldn’t. “Remy will carry ya.” He muttered as he lifted her into his arms.
 
 
----
 
She woke to the sound of classic swing, the music putting a smile on her face. Unlike her older half-sister, she didn’t have the benefit of a high-tech loft, or Stark Tower, but she liked her cozy one-bedroom condo all the same. She preferred the older technology in her modest home- her television was not a sleek flat-screen, it was not in the best part of town- but her clothing and taste could not be faulted. Every penny she squirreled away was spent on her wardrobe. She loved vintage clothing, vintage housewares, vintage- well- everything.
 
Yawning, she stretched expansively. She was a little taller than her half-sister, but she didn’t have the same curvaceous figure, either. Hers was modest, after all. Her hair was shorter, a sleek bob that was slightly shagged out at the ends, and it was a chestnut brown rather than black- her skin was a lighter shade, more gold than bronze- but it was her eyes that set her apart. They were large, luminous and as gold as the eyes of some great feline. She had an attractive, heart-shaped face and a surprisingly kissable mouth that many men found ridiculously attractive, until they found out her stance on premarital relations. Most quickly disappeared.
 
But she couldn’t help it. It was old-fashioned, she supposed, but she wanted it all. Courtship, engagement, wedding- then she would happily oblige her husband. At the foot of her bed, a large golden retriever lay. When she moved there was a whine, and a tail began to thump excitedly. A pair of adoring brown eyes looked up at her, and her heart melted as she sat up, the dog coming to bathe her face in wet doggy kisses. Who needed a man when you had a dog? They were loyal, brave, trustworthy and true. Men just didn’t display those traits anymore.
 
“Morning, Brutus.” She hugged the furry neck, kissing his head with a smile. “Good boy.” She rose, then, the dog hopping down to do his morning jitterbug across the floor. She fed him, checked his water, and headed into the bathroom to shower. She flipped on AM Talk, just to catch up on the days events, when she heard a newscast she was not expecting.
 
Tony Stark was often in the news- for both good and ill. She had heard mostly good out of him, but she knew he was a playboy and the world loved gossip. What surprised her was her sister’s name being tagged onto his.
 
“I tell you, Anne, there’s something going on between Stark and Ms. Miller.” The host laughed. “Have you SEEN her? What man wouldn’t want that in his bed?” She bristled at that. Her sister was not a wh*re, thank you very much. She turned it off as she stepped under the pounding spray, before yelping. The water was COLD! But it heated up and she lavished attention on her scalp. Her hair was her personal favorite feature. She finished quickly, before heading into her closet. After careful deliberation, she chose a smart green skirt and white blouse, with a black cardigan to match. For the shoes, she opted for her favorite pair of heels. She styled her hair, carefully, before looking in the mirror. She applied makeup, smiled again, and nodded. Yes, this would be satisfactory.
 
“What do you think, Brutus?” The dog ‘wuffed’ and happily wove around her, nearly knocking her off her feet. She stroked his silky fur. “That good?” She went down so he could lick her cheek. “Now why can’t a man be more like you, hmmm? Loyal and trustworthy. Is that so much to ask for?” The dog’s tail wagged happily. “C’mon, then. Do you want to go play with Luka, and Frost, and Buttercup?” A woof of joy, and the dog instantly jumped up, knocking her over in a heap of giggles. “Ah, did I say knock me over?” But she was laughing. Maybe this was why most women preferred to have a man to lavish attention on them.
 
“Let’s get your leash.”
 
----
 
She dropped him off at doggie day camp, hailed a cab, and headed for Stark Tower. She did have a PHD in Physics, after all. She could fit in, even if her clothes set her apart. When the elevator ‘dinged’, though, she was surprised to see her sister- her beautiful, wonderful half sister- clad only in jeans and a man’s button down shirt come flying out of the elevator, throwing arms around her and hugging her tightly. Some people looked surprised to see Nicole, but most smiled indulgently. She was a good influence on their boss, and she was a good person in general.
 
“My baby sister!” She crowed it, kissing both cheeks and laughing. “I can’t believe you’re finally here! You were in Monaco… no, Monticello… or was it Monterey?”
 
“Malibu, actually.” She laughed. “Teaching physics to students who were more interested in trying to bed their teacher than actually study anything.”
 
“You were IN Malibu? Seriously? I’m going to kick that Playboy for not looking you up.” She looped her arm through her sisters.
 
“Uhm… where are we going?” She blinked.
 
“Upstairs.” She stepped into the elevator, pulling the taller woman with her. “Jarvis, take us up.”
 
“Uhm… who’s Playboy? And what do you mean, up? You work here?” She knew you needed clearance to get anywhere in this building above the lower three levels.
 
“Tony Stark.” She responded. “And, no, I don’t work here- I live here.” She grinned. “Technopaths wet dream.”
 
“The tower or the man,” she blurted without thinking, before blushing madly and ducking her head.
 
“Both!” Synn laughed. “He’s just as much a geek as I am. Gods- we spend hours discussing theories!”
 
“He makes you happy,” she murmured. “You’re happy with him.”
 
“Sexiest geek on the planet- wish he were mine.” Synn sighed. “He’s amazing. Brilliant, actually.”
 
“Is it true that he’s got no heart?” She asked softly.
 
“What? No.” She laughed. “No, he has an arc reactor in his chest to keep shrapnel from killing him. But he has a heart. Of course he does.” She sobered up, suddenly. She hated remembering the helplessness she’d felt, not knowing if he was alive or dead.
 
“It doesn’t bother you?”
 
“Of course it bothers me- he should never have needed it!” She snapped. “But it’s his, and him, and, god… it’s really sexy on him.”
 
“Sounds like you enjoy it.”
 
“Oh, honey… so much stamina.” She grinned. “Okay, before we get out, ground rules. One, we’re an odd bunch. We don’t always get along, and when that happens get out of our way. Especially Rodgers and Stark. Two, we have a demigod. He doesn’t like to be worshipped, so it’s okay to sit with him and talk to him normally. Three- are you writing this down?- don’t prod at Dr. Banner. He is polite to a fault, but he’s not the best in social situations. Stress, anger, fear can all be triggers, and I would not want you harmed. Four, don’t take offense to being called ‘puny’ or ‘tiny’. These guys are all pretty big compared to us. Five, don’t look at the arc reactor if Tony’s shirtless. He’s accepted it but he is particular. Also don’t hand him anything. He doesn’t like it. Six, Top- sorry, Captain Rodgers- can be out of the loop. Actually, you two might get on.” She paused, then shrugged. “No matter. Seven, have fun!
You’re family.”
 
You have arrived.
 
“Thank you, Jarvis.” At the bewildered expression, she grinned. “That’s just Jarvis. He’s sort of… well, I guess you could call him the butler. And… where is everyone?”
 
They have been summoned to the lab. Also, Mr. Stark would like another coffee.
 
“Mr. Stark can get his own damn coffee,” she huffed, but stopped by the brewer to make him a cup, while her sister looked around in awe. Everything was modern- steel, glass, chrome- and sleek and expensive. She was surprised, though, by the lack of computer screens. Synn, seeming to sense what she was thinking, chuckled softly. “You’ll see later. Until then, though, come with me.” She headed for the stairs that lead down to the lab. “Jarvis? Please turn off the lights on the main living floor.”
 
Will that be all, madam?
 
“For the moment.” The lights cut out. “Thank you, Jarvis.” She put a hand to Kiya’s back and gave a small shove.
 
“Come on. Downstairs, little sis.”
 
----
 
Kiya. Was. Speechless.
 
Her sister walked into the lab, which really was a technopath’s wet dream, confidently, and curled up happily in the lap of a man Kiya had only seen in pictures. Synn curled up contentedly, pulling his arms around her, giggling and impishly nuzzling his neck before laying her head on his shoulder. From the center of his chest, she could detect a bright sphere of light, glowing like a beacon. Synn’s darker eyes met hers, and she possessively laid her hand over the arc on his chest, hiding it from view briefly. Her gaze slid around the room. There was a tall fair-haired man with long locks, who was casually leaning against the wall. His clothing was… funny. Metal and shining, he looked like some kind of costumed entertainer- until she caught sight of the Hammer. Ah. Demigod. Right. She didn’t want to make eye contact, so she hurried her eyes to the next person. Shorter. Dark hair. Glasses. Typical genius-type. Next up… two people so wrapped up in
one another she was sure they were lost to the world. Beyond them, a tall man, also fair-haired. She ducked her head shyly.
 
“Everyone? My baby sister, Kiya.” Nicole laughed. “Well, half sister, anyway.” She shifted in Stark’s lap. “Kiya, this is Tony Stark, CEO and Owner of Stark Industries, who also happens to be the sexiest geek alive. That’s Thor, the demigod of thunder.”
 
“Well met, Miss Kiya.” He smiled. “If you are anything like little Eir, I look forward to the pleasure of your company.”
 
“Oh, Abi, you do talk pretty when you want to,” Synn laughed before continuing. “That is Dr. Bruce Banner.” She didn’t put him on the spot. “The two who are ignoring us…”
 
“Remy has more im’portant tings ta ‘tend to.” The Cajun said it with half-interest. She was female, which got his attention, but he had everything he wanted in his arms right now.
 
“Well, apparently it can talk!” She batted her lashes. “That’s Gambit, and the woman with him is Rogue.” She looked at Rodgers then. “The overgrown Eagle Scout is Captain Steve Rodgers… call him ‘Top’. He likes it.”
 
“Top?” She looked at Synn. “You’re joking. You always joke.” She huffed, crossing her arms. Then she yelped when one of Stark’s pets came over, curiously.
 
“Sit down, Kiya, before you fall down.” Synn ordered softly. “Come here, dummy.” Dejected, it let out a little beep and came immediately. “Good boy.” She lightly gave it a pat, and it beeped happily this time. “They’re friendly.” She assured. “Harmless as a puppy as long as we’re here.” She indicated herself and the man she was using as a chair. Her head rested against Stark’s warm chest, loving the steady thrum of his heartbeat, the scent of his skin, the gentle pulse from his arc that rippled through her. “There’s a seat next to Top.” She pointed improperly.
 
“Y-yeah…” she sat gingerly next to the man. They were a pretty contrast, Synn thought. Rodgers was fair and flaxen-haired, while her sister was dark-haired and had those luminous gold eyes. While she and Stark both had dark hair and dark eyes- they were a perfect match. They were media darlings, and when the press discovered they actually had slept together, well… all hell would break loose. The Egyptian turned back to Stark with a smile, kissing him warmly, tracing a finger along his jaw teasingly before pulling away. “Floor’s yours,Playboy.”

[Indiana]

((OOC: I am going to let Stark stay in the human world, because he loves it so much!))


Tony Stark waited in his lab for the others to get here. He stroked his chin and placed his hands on the table with his back to the door.

“Jarvis bring me up that wormhole would you?”

See that’s what he called it, a wormhole. The wormhole came into his view upon the table and rotated round. Stark flicked his finger, which made the diagram spin faster before straightening up and realised that the door opened and everyone came in, so turned around and leaned against the table with the wormhole behind him.

“What’s this about Stark?”

Asked the Captain who took a seat and crossed his arms while his eyes fixed upon the rotating thing behind Stark. The Captain had never been in the lab before, for having no reason to actually go in there; it was a haven for people who were interested in this kind of thing, like Banner and Stark. Rodgers just felt a little awkward and out of place as always. He shifted into his seat, his eyes fixed on Stark, who just waited for the other to arrive.

He didn’t have to wait long, soon they all arrived.

“Err excuse me but who is that?”

Stark said with a shifty look in his eye as Rodgers looked up and as Synn came through with her. He hated anyone in his lab unless he asked them or if it was Bruce. Synn had explained that she was her half sister, and Gambit and Rogue where too involved with each other, which Stark couldn’t really, care about right now. He took a seat and waited for them all to arrive and get comfy.

“Just don’t let her touch anything,”

Stark said to Synn indicating her sister. She was pretty that was for sure, and he possibly would have slept with her back in his younger days but that would have been as far as it would go. He put his arm around Synn and wondered if she’d known about him listening into to hers a Bruce’s conversation earlier? Her head rested on his shoulder as he stroked her hair, before she let go of him and said the floor was all his. Ah yes!

Rodgers noticed that the new woman sat next to him and he looked at her,

"M'am," He said as he nodded held out his hand for her to shake. He was quite taken aback for her beauty looking quite like her sister, he also gave her a smile, knowing what it felt like to be out of time.

"This is all new to you to huh? It's possibly best just to listen for the time being," Rodgers said kindly.

“Right,” He said before clearing his throat. The Captain hushed and paid attention to Stark, even though he knew he would never get any of it.

Tony brought the wormhole to the centre of the room and spun it with his finer which again made it rotate slightly faster.

“If I could all draw your attention to this, er wormhole,” he said as he walked around it, trying to pick his words carefully.

“Now, the only thing I can remember before somehow magically appearing on the S.H.I.E.L.D ship, were my insides splitting, head spinning felt like I had been drugged,”

He stopped in his trail of thought for a moment before carrying on.

“The reason for this is because I believe we have all fallen through this,” He pointed at the wormhole as he walked around it.

“Jarvis is now scanning the area for any more, because usually there is more then one, acting as doors if you will to another dimension,”

He came back round and leaned on the table.

Still scanning and nothing had turned up yet.

Stark nodded at his machine.

“So what you are saying.” Rodgers had found it quite difficult to get his head round it, and he didn’t really believe him either. “We travelled..?”

“Through time and space, although I'd like to call it, Time travel.”Stark grinned.

I don’t get it,” Rodger’s said hopelessly and honest.

“Nah didn’t think you would,”

He hopped Banner or at least Synn would get his problem. He flicked the wormhole back onto the table so he could get a better look at everybody, well those who where interested anyway.

“So with Jarvis scanning for any other possible wormhole, the questions we must ask our selves, is not how and why we go there. The question is, if when the time does come do we want to go back to being on all fours and eating raw meat,”

Stark would stay. He wouldn’t tell anyone, he loved this life. Loved the fact people knew him and he actually did good in this life, and he preferred hands to paws and overall human emotion, not that he didn’t enjoy seeing things from a different point a view, it was all very fascinating, but this life was better for him it suited him better. So e knew that he wasn’t going to go back through, it was up to else what everyone wanted to do.

Stark sat back down and placed his fingers together.

“What do you think Doctor Banner?” He asked glancing up at the Doctor, “Could this all be possible?”

Still no more worm holes sir.

“Yes well just keep scanning will ya? Don’t tell me unless there is anything different or unless there is actually a wormhole,”

So that was their new motive to track down a wormhole, then what? Go through it? Try and close it to stop others going though? How where the going to close it anyway when the time came?

He waited for a valid response from his team.

[Kozmo]

((Oh, someone should ask about Apocalypse. He's just such a topic of conversation...))

It took a moment for her to realize that there was a hand in front of her, and she looked up into a pair of blue-gray eyes that seemed nothing but friendly, almost a direct contrast to the man her sister was wrapped up with. Tony Stark did not seem all that friendly, so a friendly face was welcome. He looked as uncomfortable as she did, surrounded by all this technology. Of course Synn would be comfortable here- she was a technopath and a complete geek when it came to technology. Not so for her sister, who preferred the classics. The man was handsome, as well- clean cut, all American type. She smiled back at him, taking his hand.

“Kiya. Kiya Miller.” She said it without thinking. Synn cleared her throat, slightly, curling up in Stark’s usual chair, knees to her chest and her chin resting on her arms atop. She was still barefoot, and looked more like the average girl next door than the brilliant woman she was. But, then- Tony Stark was also dressed unassumingly, in jeans and a t-shirt. In fact, just looking at them you could see they were clearly comfortable with one another. She did return her attention to the group, then. She was confused, bewildered.

Synn, on the other hand, was following along as if she were part of his thought process. Without waiting for a pause, she interrupted.

“Wait!” She looked around. “When I woke up in that… other body… I had a splitting headache, and I was disoriented for days. I’m not sure what happened, because I woke up in the wreckage of my old flat in SoHo.” She looked about. “Top, what about you? And you, Bruce?” She looked to Tony, then. “And what about you, playboy?” She waited for the recognition from the others before plowing ahead. “What if we fell into one of these… well, wormhole is a good enough term for it. It would account for the fact that we all woke up in a different time and different bodies, wouldn’t it?” Her gaze met the equally dark one of Stark across the room. “It took me some time to remember everything, and you didn’t remember me right away, did you?” She didn’t wait for confirmation.

“Then we came to ourselves again, when we got swept back up in that energy fluctuation.” She blinked.

“Makes sense.” Kiya piped up quietly. “The multiverse theory has been plausible since William James first coined it in 1895.” Synn nodded, smiling. She looked towards a confused Thor and Rodgers. “The multiverse theory has been called multiple dimensions as well.”

“So, in this particular world, humans either never existed or were simply wiped out.” Synn said.

“Right, but look at the whole picture here, sis.” She wasn’t comfortable with technology, so she grabbed a sheet of paper and began, lightning-quick, to sketch out a quick drawing. “Look. Each of these lines is a different dimension, or a different time, or whatever. The theory is the same. Now, watch what happens if you begin to intersect them…”

“They turn into hallways.” Synn nodded. Her sister was quietly brilliant, and had simplified the theory for those who were not quite as intelligent as the others. The other girl turned to Rodgers with a little smile.

“Think of it like… two different radio stations on the same station, while you’re driving. One comes in clearer, but the other starts bleeding through.” She made sure he was following her. “It’s like that. Time fluctuates.”

“You’re sure you haven’t inherited any of our paternal relations abilities, Kiya?”

“I’m not a mutant like you, Synn.” She smiled. “But I know about this stuff. I need it to stay ahead of Clan Akkaba.”

“They’d have to get through me, sis.” Synn’s eyes flashed. “But, yes. This makes sense, Tony. Only…” she stood, bringing up one of the screens. “What if we can’t go back through? Not that I’m complaining, mind you, but…” she almost sighed. They had never been together as humans, though she had wanted him. They were friends, of course. The only perk to being wolves was that Stark had accepted her more deeply into his heart than ever before, and they slept together every night, and their time was spent together, for the most part. Now, though, she looked towards Kiya curiously. “And what exactly are you doing here, anyway, Ki?”

“The signs have began appearing.” She lowered her gaze. “He is growing restless, and you will need me.”

“You’re not a mutant, Ki.”

“But I carry the X-gene.” She replied softly. “Any children I would produce, if indeed there were any, would have a chance of being born a mutant. A powerful mutant.” She sighed. “That makes me worth keeping alive, in his book.”

“So…” Synn shifted the conversation away from Apocalypse. She didn’t want the questions- and Rodgers would be even more out of the loop. “Other theories?”

[Mistress_Unknown]

((Holy freaking mother of lost posts. 6 pages. 6.))

Synn began freaking out as well and Rogue felt herself nearly break into more hysterics. But Synn soon brought her to a calming point and Rogue gently touched her face in a movement of reassurance. She assured her that Remy still loved her and Rogue knew in the back of her mind that the woman was right. But at the forefront was the terror that her reaction was all wrong and he would leave. Synn paniced slightly about Stark’s amount of women and Rogue ran her fingers through the woman’s hair. They both had a taxing night. But her resting on the woman had little time before her calling proved correct. The eavesdropping thief entered the room and Rogue briefly looked up to see Remy’s glowing red eyes fixed on Synn. She knew what Remy was doing, and that’s why it didn’t work on her, but she was too tired to warn Synn about his charm.

Synn left the room under Remy’s powerful suggestion and Rogue felt her tired body filling with a new wave of tears until he collected her and her body quieted in her beloved’s protection. She buried herself in his neck and felt him bury himself into her hair. Part of her was screaming to run away, to get herself alone to think, but she knew that Gambit would most likely just grab her and pull her to him again, so she just surrendered. She briefly remembered why she had devoted herself to being his from the beginning. At least she had meant to be his forever; it wasn’t like the decision was a mistake. She had fully intended to give it to him when she was able, and she had. It was the day after that felt strange. The night before had been wonderful.

She gave a noise halfway between a laugh and a sob at his words and she just clung to his shirt like a lifeline. “Ah know.” She whispered quietly to his ear. She did know. And Gambit knew she loved him-she may have mentioned it once or twice last night....-but she kissed his neck anyway in a silent reminder. She chuckled at his grin and she poked one of his love bites to remind him that she had gotten him back for each one. She was feeling better now, since he had basically answered all her questions in a single line (something he was rather good at) and squeaked slightly when he lifted her. Even in this form he was either surprisingly strong or she was just light. He just always seemed able to carry her, which was one of the reasons she made him do it all the time. Her arms adjusting around his neck in their usual fashion. He moved to lay her on the bed and Rogue found herself tensing in both delight and apprehension. But that voice chimed up and Rogue have a sarcastic laugh. “Guess we’ll have ta wait, huh, sugar? And yes, ya are.” She responded when he said he’d carry her. She buried her face into his neck and kissed the flesh there.

Why wasn’t it bed time yet?

--

Bruce had just hung up the phone when Jarvis summoned them to the lab. Well, he had been headed there already, so he silently took the elevator down. He was one of the first to appear and took his normal seat on the end of the seats he knew would be full, and across from Stark’s position. “I sense an all-nighter.” He guessed as Stark’s expression. Soon everyone else filed in and Bruce acknowledged each with a nod, taking role in his head. Synn was not there yet, which was unusual, and Gambit had carried Rogue in and they were currently too involved with each other to notice anything else.

Fascinating.

But soon Synn returned and brought with her a young woman who was introduced as her half-sister. Well, Synn took her seat on Stark and the woman by Captain Rodgers and Bruce listened intently to what was said. He nodded. “Seems logical.” He commented when asked for his opinion. “Before we vanished from the world where we were wolves, Jarvis said the source of the flux was unknown. But since wormholes fluctuate in power, it would make since that Jarvis can’t pinpoint it with a basic scan.” He said, pushing his glasses back up his nose with a nod. “So it would work.” He finished commenting.

--

Rogue murmured something that probably wasn’t in any language when Gambit found the spot behind her ear again. She purred and latched her mouth on to his neck. An unmarked spot? Unthinkable. When Remy’s mouth moved from her skin to make a comment Rogue simply waved dismissively and bit a tad harder on his neck, demanding his attention where it should be. A mark would be there in less than an hour and Rogue kissed the bruised skin before returning to his mouth. She caught some of what was said and pulled her mouth from Gambit’s for a moment to comment. “Ah still have holes in mah memory.” But she was soon seized by her beloved. Her arms just wrapped around his neck contentedly as she purred happily, grinning despite herself.

The question of if they would stay human or not could-and would-wait until morning.

--

Bruce listened and nodded. “I woke up in a rundown prison. It was one of the holding cells for Hulk and I was beyond exhausted. Took me a little while to remember what had happened.” He commented. “What I do remember was some kind of bomb going off near us or something.” He shrugged. That was as far as his memory went.

--

Rogue removed herself from Gambit’s mouth for a moment and put a hand over his mouth to prevent his protest. “Ah didn’t come back to mahself. This ain’t mah right body. Not even close. Ah don’t even know where mah real body is, if it exists anymore. But the X-men have had so much dealin with different universes and time lahns, Ah’m not all that bothered. But this body, this world, belongs to another me.” She commented. “Same for Gambit. In case ya didn’t notice, not much about us is raht.” She said before laying her head on his shoulder and removing her hand from his mouth.

“Well, that would make sense too, if you can think outside the time loop.”

It was at this point everyone would notice that the final seat in the room was taken by a man. But not just any sort of man. A naked man. With a silver-white cat sitting on his crossed legs, purring contentedly as the man stroked it. He had short brown hair that fell about his head in somewhat of an organized chaos fashion and grey-blue eyes that looked much older than the body surrounding them. One arm was stretched out along the spine of the couch while the other tended to the fluffy thing on his lap. He had a ridiculous grin across his face as everyone looked at him. He was handsome, no doubt, and well built, but he was still naked. “Hello.” He greeted with a wave. “I’m the Doctor.”

--

Bruce was startled, to say the least, by the sudden strange voice. His head snapped over to look and there sat a man, naked as the day he was born, on the couch nearby, holding a cat! There was no way the day could get anymore strange. “Sir? Are you aware that you are naked?” He asked with an awkward squeak in his voice.

“Yes. Though an interesting concept, being naked. Never really thought about it before. Though, being a wolf most of my life, the concept of clothes was a bit lost on me. But I have to say, it is rather enjoyable being this way.”

“Do you want clothes?”

“No. Not really. Just look away if it embarrasses you. Because it certainly doesn’t bother me. Besides, my clothes are somewhere else. Angel here refuses to tell me. I think she’s upset with me.” He said, stroking the cat’s chin gently and cooing at her as if to make up for some atrocious wrong.

“You can talk to a cat?”

“Of course. Can’t you? She’s quite easy to understand. She has very good enunciation and is excellent at explaining things.” He said with a grin. The others in the room surely thought he was crazy now, but that was okay. He lifted Angel to his shoulder and stood, walking about the room, towards the hologram of the ‘wormhole’ and he studied it with a chuckle. “Fantastic technology. Just wonderful. Really. I haven’t seen computers this advanced since I travelled to the Machine Moons of Artek.” He muttered as he reached up and touched the hologram. “But....the data is all wrong.” He commented before Angel seemed to hand him a strange stick-like object with a green glowing end. He popped it open and a faint buzzing noise filled the room as he ran the light up and down the ‘wormhole’. He popped it shut and looked at it. “Ye-up. The data is wrong. Close though. For a human, anyway.” He commented.

“Who made this computer, by the way? I think I want to kiss them. This is some beautiful machinery. Absolutely gorgeous.” He said as he turned around with a wide grin.

Thank you, sir.

His grin could not have been wider as he looked around. “And it talks! Oh, I am serious. Who created it?” He asked as the woman in the back, sitting on a living chair pointed to the man nearest him who also had a woman in his lap. “That one there, sugar!” The Doctor immediately smirked and pointed to him with the glowing light and it buzzed again, scanning him. Once closed, the Doctor read it and laughed. “Human! You’re human! And you made this!” He said with endless amounts of joy as he grabbed the poor man and kissed him soundly. “You are brilliant!” He shouted before turning back to the hologram. “But very mistaken.”

“Mistaken? How?”

“Well, it’s fairly obvious once you know what the problem is. As brilliant as you all are, and I have no doubt that you are, you are all looking for the wrong thing.” He said as he began to fiddle with the formulas at an alarmingly fast rate. But the cat seemed smug the whole time, as if she was watching her favourite toy make others jealous. He changed several figures and numbers as well as rearranged symbols and added a few of his own. “See, you’re not scanning for a wormhole. You’re actually looking for something a little less natural. A tear, if you will, in the fabric of Time.” He explained as he turned and looked at the sitting woman and grinned. “You were spot on with your multiverse theory. Brilliant. Truly brilliant.” He said as he soundly kissed her too. Oh it was exhilarating! Being around so much human brilliance! He loved it. He truly did. “But you were slightly off. If you’ll look....” He said at the hologram fixed itself to show a gigantic rift in space and time instead of just a wormhole. “THAT is what you fell through the second time. First time too, I would bet. But you lot have to be the first bunch I’ve seen that fell through the rift from the human world into the Realm of Wolves. But now it seems you’ve ended up coming back. So, the magical question IS.....where in the world am I?” He asked, genuinely confused. “Last time I appeared here I was in.....I think they called it...oh whatever. Doesn’t really matter. But the entire East Coast was underwater the last time I was there. So....I apparently time travelled as well. Did you hear that Angel? I must have fallen through another rift within the rift. I’ll have to remember to tell the others that. Could be hard to find the Realm Wolves if we’re falling through backdoors and such. But this means that the Rift Star didn’t just tear apart of fabrics of the Human and Wolf Realm. Must have torn open....uh....this Realm...” He drifted off.

He looked at Angel. “It needs a name. I’m not just going to call it the Realm of Here. That’s stupid sounding. What about...the Realm of Brilliant People. Oh no. That’s stupid too. What do you think, Angel? Any ideas?” He asked, holding the cat out in front of him as if he was really talking to her, which he was.

Rogue looked at Gambit and snickered. “How ‘bout the Realm of Heroes, Sugah? We all got some interestin’ powers here. Makes sense ta meh.” She commented and the Doctor looked over the cat at her. “That’s a great idea! The Realm of Heroes! I like it! Well done Miss....” Rogue. Ya can call meh Rogue.” The Doctor nodded. “Rogue then. Miss Rogue. Very smart. Brilliant even.” He said as she giggled.

“Do Ah get a kiss to, honey?”
“Do you want one?”
“Sure. Ah don’t mahnd. But Gambit here maht get a little jealous if ya do.”
“Oh. Well. Can’t have that.” He responded as he strutted over and kissed her for her brilliance and kissed him so he wouldn’t get jealous. Rogue laughed at Gambit’s expression and laid her head on his shoulder. “Ah lahk him. Ah want one.” She whispered to Remy, snickering. “And yo’re in New York, sugar.” She said to him as he walked away, blatantly checking him out. She was shameless about the shameless man. The Doctor smiled and nodded, picking up Angel again she placed her on his shoulders.

“Right then. So if there’s no other questions concerning kisses, being brilliant or who I am, I’ll get back to what I was saying.” He said as he looked at Angel and stroked her head lovingly. “I know, love. I know. But I can’t exactly force myself back through. Have to wait until I get pulled back in.” He muttered to her softly. “And as for you getting here with me and not staying in the Realm of Humans, I will have to figure out later.” He said quietly, rubbing his nose with hers. He clapped his hands to get the attention of the room and sat on a nearby table, curling one leg under the other and resting his arm on his knee. “So. The multi-verse theory is correct in a sense. You all came from different Realms. Think of it as a big sandwich. You have different layers, but it’s all one sandwich, right? Right. So let’s pretend that the slice of ham in the middle in the Realm of Humans, the lettuce on top of the ham is the Realm of Heroes and the cheese below the ham is the Realm of Wolves. Now, what happened was about four months ago, a large asteroid managed to tear open a rift in time and space and fell through the cracks of the Void. Like a giant stick, it just rammed down the sandwich until it landed in the Realm of Wolves and broke into pieces. Now, logically, things from the Realm above it would fall into it, right? Well, not in this case. Apparently, what occurred was a kind of vacuum effect while the tears attempted to repair themselves. It sucked things from the Realm below it into the one above it. But the Realm of Wolves was still the anchor point, since the Rift Star landed there. So wolves were transported to the Realm of Humans and trapped there. In the effort to fix some of the damage, the anchor Realm pulled from the others to make up for the sudden losses, which is most likely why you lot ended up in Wolf bodies.”

He looked around to see if everyone was paying attention and sighed. “And travelling through a rift of any kind, which is the WORST way to time travel, by the way, it hurts a lot, will result in some sort of temporary memory loss. Really, travelling with a professional is a much better idea. Otherwise you get ghost memories, ghost voices, déjà vu and a whole bunch of other remnant mess that is horrible to try and cleanup.” He muttered.

--

Rogue buried her face in Gambit’s neck and kissed his jaw line. “Lahk us.” She whispered.

--

“But Rift Travelling is not as accurate as travelling with a professional. The two in the back mentioned not being in the correct bodies, and that makes perfect sense. You two don’t exist in this Realm, technically. You most likely come from a branch of this Realm. Kind of like a tree, I guess. You have the base Realm and then based on the important decisions made, branches form. Like say, if this world you two make the decision to get married and have children. That will have no effect on the Realm you’re in, but a branch will be created from the Realm you’re in based off that decision. In the new branch, you two never get married and don’t have children. Is that easy enough to understand.” He paused for nods. “So this world is either a branch of yours or your world is a branch off this one. And like a mirror, a version of you is created in the alternate world. When you were pulled to this world, most likely because of hanging around the rest of them for so long, you automatically took over the mirror bodies. Thus the mixed up memories and other things you may be having a problem with. The rest of you are fine, since you bunch came from this Realm to begin with.” He explained, slowly as he could. He pointed again to the rift hologram and sighed. “I have to close that. Once I do, you lot will either be trapped here or taken back to the Realm of Wolves. It’s your preference, but the longer I leave the Rift open, the more disasters will occur to this Realm. You won’t be affected by my closing the Rift, only the two in the back might, but it’s your choice. I can transport you bunch back to the Realm of Wolves or leave you here. It’s up to you.” He said softly. “It really is safer if I take you. That way no further mess ups will occur.” He said before he looked at Angel and began to mutter to her softly again, petting the affectionate cat.

--

Bruce listened to what he had to say and sighed as he became enthralled by his ‘talking cat’ again. He looked at Stark and knew what the man was thinking. “He’s either totally brilliant or completely insane.” Bruce muttered. “Who is he, anyway?” He said quietly.

--

The Doctor looked up again and chuckled. “Right! So! No big decisions today. I’d say it’s getting towards evening and I’m personally starving. So instead of deciding right now what you want to do, how about we sit down to dinner, and you all talk it over and let me know the next time I pop in and say hello?”

“How are ya gonna get back, sugar? Ya said yourself that it was an accident that ya did the first tahm.”

“Oh, easy. I have this Realm marked on my screwdriver. I’ll be able to pop back in again anytime I want before I close the Rift in this world.” He said with a dismissive hand. He looked around and smiled. “So. About that dinner?” He reminded.

[Indiana]

All this was making the Captains head hurt and spin, he was a simple man after all, only went for the bad guys to get some easy answers, this was just a nightmare, but it seemed everyone else was getting it apart from him. But something triggered in his brain.

“I remembered being on my own, and waking up, head spinning being on all fours, yet I still had my shield,” The Captain tried to remember, “But I did see Fury, as a hound. Wolf I think he had said,”

Rodgers said looking around them suddenly realising that he hadn’t said that he had met Fury on the other realm. Whoops! He looked quickly at Stark who was looking daggers at him; he was going to pay for this later. He quickly looked away and focused on something else.

“All I remember is falling, I think Jarvis woke me up just in time before I fell, then I met Synn, and she helped heal because my arc had ran down and I was loosing power,”

He scratched his head, it was all making some since now slightly he though. But he wondered if there was a better name for the wormhole, he leaned against the table, thinking. But he head rose as a new voice sounded in the room, what the actually hell? Tony and Steve looked up, and saw a man, naked, sitting, with a cat.

“Jarvis! Security breach!?” Tony suddenly said lifting his head up, looking flustered and bewildered.

Sorry sir, but I didn’t seem him on my raider and he is not registering on my systems either.

He called himself The Doctor. Tony hated Doctors and hospitals. But the only good thing about those places where the painkillers, that was if Synn wasn’t there. He just stared at the naked man with the cat.

“Excuse me, but how did you get through security?”

He asked him, and oh this was brilliant, he can talk to cats now can he? Well that was useful, NOT! Rodgers just sat there and giggled silently to himself, looking at the strange man and Tony who was still bewildered, he was just going to sit this one out.

“Kiya, I believe it is possibly best to sit this one out…” he gave a small chuckle.

Tony thought he was a bit of a pompous brat, walking around his lab and acting like he owned the place, he looked at Synn still slightly lost, but then he started talking about his machines, his machines. The Doctor had called him human!? Was he though? Really? Human? He was starting to have doubts because of his arc, obviously this Doctor hadn’t sensed it, or he had and was just calling him human because that was he actually was,

Tony crossed his arms and just watched the man blunder around talking about how fantastic they where, but then he turned on him, pointing something green and glowing at him, where was his suit when he needed it!? He didn’t like this, dislodging Synn from his lap, he got up in aid to protect her slightly, before getting grabbed and getting kissed by a man! Well this was all knew to him, and he hated it one bit, whether or not he was being called brilliant at the same time, he never wanted to do that again.

Bruce had asked his questions for him How where they mistaken? Poor Tony was still in shock, after all the man had just come unannounced, naked, and then kissed him, so he just stood there, and caught a glimpse of the Captain grinning before mouthing;

“Its not everyday you are speechless,”

He just glared, but then the Doctor stared talking, and started talking about tears in time, which Tony thought about, and it actually made sense to him, that feeling of being “pulled” and falling came rushing back to him from the other body, but then he carried on speaking before turning to Synn, saying her theory was good just not right and he kissed her too! Tony made a protective move towards her, and gave her a look, this man was just completely bonkers!

But the wormhole had changed to a rift in space, Tony and Rodgers looked up towards this big rift.

“So we all fell though that?”

The Captain asked, looking at the Doctor, he didn’t mind him, wasn’t making a lot of sense mind but enough for him to follow, he though before looking back to the rift. They all carried on listening to this mad Doctor’s theories, either this was a big joke, and this was Fury’s idea of a joke, or this really was happening, he rubbed his face with his hands, then he started going on about the words being like a tree, then a sandwich or was it the other way round? Shaking his head a little, he noticed the Doctor had finally finished his piece.

Good, Stark thought.

He caught Bruce’s eyes and listened to his mutter,

”I am going with the completely insane remark. I dunno who he is, Jarvis said that he couldn’t pick the man off his raider, just appeared out of know where,”

Tony muttered back to Bruce, and now he was asking about dinner and big decisions, the decisions that Tony had been wondering since he knew about this rift, he would stay here, the Wolf Realm was no good for him, he was better off here, liking the thought of two hands and walking on two legs.

Dinner right.

“Well I am sure Jarvis can’t cook us a meal or so,”

Tony said as he switched off the machine which had brought up the rift, he hoped that the Doctor was going to put on some cloths the next time he popped over, he nodded at the Captain who knew, got up and took Kiya by the hand and pulled her out of the room, he knew that the geniuses would like to be with their thoughts, he would only be in the way.

“Err, Doctor,” He called, “Dinner is this way if you’re staying?”

The Captain asked the man before holding out his other free hand,

“Steve Rodgers, Sir,”

Shaking the Doctor’s hand. Since he actually hadn’t introduced himself properly. The Captain’s problem was he was to bloody polite, he should take a leaf out of Tony’s book, but he shrugged out that very thought, no he was quite happy the way he was he gave a smile at Kiya realising he still had her hand in his, and pulled her up towards he stairs. After giving Gambit and Rogue a nudge.

“Good,” Said Tony as everyone had left, he turned towards Banner..

“Right, what the bloody hell was that about!?”

He said looking at Doctor Banner and Synn and as for making he decision the Doctor had said he already knew what he was going to do, he would either tell Synn his plans, or let her work it out. He hoped she would stay with him, either way his life wouldn’t be worth living if she wasn’t there.

“So what are we going to do?” He asked them both.

The Captain let go of her hand as he reached the living room, and the lights flickered on. Should he stay here as human? Or live the rest of his life on all fours? Rodgers sat down on the couch, his elbows on his knees and face rubbing his hands, thinking. He wondered what use he would be in either world, and in truth he didn't know, all he could really do was pack a punch and carry a shield, what use was that to anyone in this day and age? He rubbed his hands together and looked into the fire place which roared into life. He didn't know what to do, human form was certainly better for him, but then i would also be nice to try another form. His head was hurting again and he looked up at Kiya, looking slightly worried.

"I don't know what to do," he admitted.

[Kozmo]

Chaos.
 
What was it with Time Lords and chaos?
 
Thor was the least surprised, and perhaps the most amused, when The Doctor popped into being. Granted, the cat was strange… but why not? Cats were fierce little warriors, in his eyes. He reached over to pet, and the animal deigned to rub her cheek against his fingers with a rumbling little purr before cuddling up against the Doctor’s abdomen, kneading her paws gently, careful not to prick the skin. ‘These people are strange,’ she mewed softly, butting her head into the careful petting he was giving. He knew the PERFECT way to stroke a cat, and all the spots to make her purr.
 
“It has been some time,” Thor muttered as he looked at the other extraterrestrial. “I’ve not seen you since… Artek, was it?” He chuckled, though. Never sitting still, always a whirlwind. And touching EVERYTHING. And talking- to himself and the cat. Really. Synn exchanged an incredulous look with Banner, then Stark, before quirking a brow at her adopted father. Oh, how she wished her technopathy worked on him! But, suddenly, she was dislodged from Tony’s lap, and she widened her eyes as he headed towards the stranger, berating Jarvis. Kiya looked up with wide eyes from behind Rodgers, whom she had immediately ducked behind. It was habit. He was bigger than she was, and he’d been the nicest person in the room, so far, besides the demigod whom she was still scared to death of. Plus he just emanated an air of casual alertness, and protectiveness.
 
When he spoke, she nodded mutely, forehead dropping to his upper back. “I’m not used to this much excitement.” She muttered, more to herself than him. And it had only been a short while. “I’m sorry, I must look like an idiot.” She ran her hand through her hair. “I’m not usually so spineless, I assure you.” The cat looked at her appraisingly, with intelligence in her gaze. Pretty cat, she mused. Silver and white.
 
It was about that time that this strange Doctor person pulled Tony against him for a kiss, and Synn’s jaw dropped, almost comically. What in the name of the gods was this lunatic doing? He was insane, clearly! Then he whirled on her, kissing her soundly as well. She squeaked in protest- she didn’t fancy this strangers lips meeting hers- she may have enjoyed Tony’s kisses but this stranger was not her playboy. Though the kiss could have been worse, she supposed. An overwhelming urge to protect and defend came over her, though it was not her own feeling, and she looked up to see Stark glaring. As soon as she was released she went to him, wrapping her arms about his waist and smiling impishly up at him.
 
“You’re a much better kisser,” she batted her eyes at him before smacking his lips with hers, lightning-quick, wanting his taste instead of the Doctor’s. Her hand came up when he enfolded her in his arms, resting against the arc, letting it pulse against her fingers. Her cheek, naturally, found his shoulder, even though she did listen to him speak, before resuming his cooing at the cat. “I’m going with completely out-of-his-skull, batshit crazy.” She responded when Bruce asked.
 
“Have a care, little Eir. He is not delusional.”
 
“Oh? I take it you know him then, Abi?”
 
“Yes.” He smiled. “He knows me as well, and all of you, though I doubt his mind has made the connection yet.” He chuckled.
 
“And you’re not going to tell us who he is?”
 
“He already has. He is the Doctor.” He shrugged.
 
“Abi… I have a doctorate in astrophysics and engineering.” She raised a brow. “But I don’t go around calling myself ‘The Doctor’. Hell, Playboy here has a couple doctorates himself, I think.” She indicated the man she was wrapped up against and… oh, gods, she should be feeling awkward but his warmth was fantastic.
 
“You do not understand.” He laughed gently, coming over to untangle her from Stark and pull her to face him. It was like a parent teaching a child about a subject she didn’t understand. “That is not his title- it is his name. As mine is Thor Odinson, his is The Doctor.”
 
“Is he from Asgard too?”
 
“Nay, my precious.” He smiled, kissing her brow. She really was brilliant. “He is from another planet.” He chuckled. “He is a Time Lord. His people have helped mine.”
 
“And they don’t wear clothing…?”
 
“Your species is so… easily offended.” He did laugh outright now. “Nudity is commonplace on other worlds.”
 
“Must be awkward.”
 
“With a form as yours, daughter, you would have nothing to worry about.” He chuckled. She blushed, slightly- but only slightly. She knew she had a good figure- men watched her move, and Tony seemed particularly fond of her curves.
 
“Shi--- oot,” Kiya corrected. She didn’t want to swear around Rodgers, for some reason. She would rather he think her a lady. At the raised brows, she blushed. “I’m late. I… need to go.”
 
“Please don’t tell me you’re still living in the Bronx?” Synn asked suddenly.
 
“Okay, I won’t,” she smiled cheekily.
 
“Gods, Kiya! Top, walk her home, will you? She lives in one of the worst neighborhoods in New York.”
 
“I’m fine. Really, I’m fine.” She looked up to him, but she knew he’d be adamant. And they were talking dinner, and she had to go get Brutus within the hour. She felt her hand get tugged, gently, and let him lead her out the door. He was a man who exuded confidence in himself- the kind of man a woman could count on to protect her.
 
“Ignore her. Top, walk her home for me, will you?” Worried brown eyes fell on his blue ones. Seeing he wasn’t putting up a fuss, she crossed and crooked a finger, beckoning him down so she could peck him on the cheek, lightly. “Thank you.” She waited until they all filed out of the room before reclaiming Tony, this time pressed tightly against his back. He seemed agitated, edgy.
 
“Well, I just got you back, playboy. I don’t really think I want to lose you again.” She played it off, but the intent was clear. She was staying wherever he decided to stay. She stroked over his abdomen lightly, tracing the muscles there, in an attempt to soothe, before she wrinkled her nose at Bruce, in an attempt to make him laugh. “Besides, all that raw meat? Yuck.” A laugh as she eased around the warm frame in front of her, in perfect range for him to wrap his arms around her and press against her back. “Give me an American cheeseburger and I’m a happy girl.”
 
----
 
Kiya followed him quietly, and when he sat on the couch she looked at her watch. She had a few minutes, truly, before she had to go, and sat down beside him, lightly touching his hand to draw his eyes to hers. “You’re not like them.” She said it softly. “You don’t dazzle with your brilliance, or have someone to cling to. I know the feeling” She sighed. “You know my sister is a mutant- of course you do, she must have healed you at some point. Do you have any idea how hard it is to be a non-mutant in a line of mutants?” She smiled. “I didn’t fit anywhere. My family saw me as a target, until Synn stepped in and told them to back off. They’re scared of her. I don’t know why she did it.” That wasn’t true. Synn didn’t like bullying, and their non-mutant sister had been the weakest. “Humans don’t like anyone who favors mutants being allowed the same privileges as any man. So, I don’t belong- or so I thought.”
 
“You’ll know what to do when the time comes.” She smiled, not realizing her hand was over his again. “Now, I really do have to go. If you’re coming with me, get ready.”
 
----
 
He had gone with her. They strolled comfortably, carrying on an easy conversation. He was attentive and charming, away from the uncomfortable lab. She found him intelligent and witty as well. They were in a large yard now, and she stopped, suddenly, and he stopped on a dime, looking at her. She smiled, faintly, before a big gold blur rushed at her, nearly knocking her off her feet, and she shrieked with laughter as a wet tongue assailed her face.
 
“Oh, hello my precious, my darling!” She cooed, before the dog regarded the man with her. Tail swayed hesitantly, and wet nose was pushed against his hand. He didn’t move and the animal grew calmer, before the tail began to whip again and he darted across the yard, snatching up a tennis ball and racing back to drop it, hopefully, at the man’s feet, with a little whine as if begging ‘play with me!’. She laughed.
 
“Throw that and you’ll have a new best friend,” she smiled. “His name’s Brutus.” At the sound of his name, the dog barked happily.
 
“I still can’t believe he was the runt of the litter,” a Spanish accent spoke, and Kiya whirled to hug the lithe girl.
 
“Hey, someone needs to love the scrappy underdog who should be weak.” She teased as the dog butted into Rodgers hand, demanding a scratch. “He did grow up to be something.”
 
“Si. He is a big dog now, no?” She laughed as the dog pounced on her.
 
“He is.” She grinned. “This is Lily. Lily, this is Captain Steve Rodgers.”
 
“Ah, so this is why you come to get him so late.” She cast a wolfish gaze to the tall man, and a playful one to the woman with him. “I understand why you are being late now.”
 
“It’s not like that,” Kiya ducked her head. “He is merely escorting me back to my apartment.”
 
“I see, I see.” She winked. “He is pretty, Kiya.” She winked. The woman again blushed. Yes, she had noticed that he was rather good-looking, thank you for pointing out the obvious. Leaving him with the dog, the girl hauled Kiya inside. “He is pretty! Where did you find him?”
 
“I told you, he’s just walking me home. As a friend, Lily.”
 
“We should all have such friends, Kiya.” She smiled. “He is.. how you say…?”
 
“Polite? Charming?”
 
“No. It is those but not the word.”
 
“Chivalrous?”
 
“Si, that is the word!” She smiled. “I can keep Brutus, if you like.”
 
“No. No, we’ll just get something to eat on the way back to my apartment.” She smiled. “Really, there is nothing going on between us. Can you imagine, me with a military man?” She laughed gently. Still, he was special, no denying that.
 
“Come on, Kiya.”
 
----
 
They stopped for takeout on the way in- he surprised her by insisting on paying. The little outdoor café was perfect- Brutus lay contentedly beside the table, while the two humans chatted. She didn’t have to tell him not to slip the dog any table scraps- he had just looked at that longing face and gently nudged the dogs muzzle away from the edge of the table. Taking the hint, the dog lay down, his head on his paws, eyes still on Rodgers like he was St. Francis of Assai.
 
“I’m sorry to drag you out all this way,” she gave him a little smile. “I’m sure it’s not what you’re used to. You really can go if you need to, Captain.” She shrugged. “I’m used to walking these streets alone.” Well, with Brutus. So, technically she was never really alone.
 
----
 
That left The Doctor with the company of Rogue, Gambit, and Thor, respectively. Thor was amused- here was another alien who was fitting in more ill than the demigod himself, and it was amusing. Gambit had actually been stunned into silence when he had been kissed. STUNNED. He’d seen the doctor kiss everyone else, so of course he had expected it, but it was just weird.
 
And the cat had been balancing delicately on his shoulder, rubbing her face against Rogue’s. Never mind that it was some sort of mystical cat who could talk. Apparently. They hadn’t heard it speak. Thor directed the group, leaving the Captain alone with Synn’s sister. That girl was lovely, but the edges were smooth, unlike Synn. Synn had developed a tough exterior that few ever saw beneath. Cap didn’t. Gambit didn’t, though Rogue had caught a glimpse. Only Thor and Stark had seen the woman beneath, the one who wouldn’t hesitate to die to save those she cared for. He’d seen how she would exhaust herself, and how Stark would scoop her into his arms tenderly. No one got between Stark and what was his- and she was HIS. He would take her home with him, tend to her, and let her just sleep it off.
 
Gambit took his leave soon after, heading for the room from earlier. That left the two extraterrestrials together.
 
“It is good to see you again, Doctor.” He smiled, offering the cat his hand to sniff. She stared suspiciously, before dully giving him a nudge with her head and snuggling back into HER Doctor. She was, after all, part of FeatherTail, and she considered him hers.. “I wish you could take her with you, despite what she says.” His voice was soft. “He will return, and this time I do not think he will allow her to live.” He sat, now, looking older suddenly. “She is as a daughter to me, and I must watch her die.” He looked up, then. “How do you do it? How do you not change their steps when you know you can?” Wearily, his head rested against Mjolnir’s pommel. “How can I watch her die? Even knowing it is for the greater good. Must one life be so valuable, so strong?” A sigh. “I cannot watch her die for this world, nor can I walk away and leave her.” His eyes came up.
 
“You understand. I know you do.” He nodded. “You have lost something precious to have come so far to find it, my friend.” He didn’t ask, didn’t care. He ran a hand through his locks, now. “How do I survive this? How do you form relationships with mortals, Doctor? How do you care for them, knowing they will die- they are but a blip in the fabric of time and space… yet you love themand care for them and fight with them? How do you not go mad?”

[Mistress_Unknown]

Rogue giggled at each reaction the strange man received and buried her face into Gambit’s neck as she watched him. He was funny. And he had a lot of energy. When Thor spoke she made a care to listen. He was an alien? Fascinating! “Ah’ve met the Shi’ar, the Brood and other random tahps of aliens a’fore, but neveh one that handsome.” She said shamelessly. The alien concept was not that new to her, and she was probably the least offended human. He was handsome, yes, but her Cajun was the only one she needed. She buried her face into his shirt and kissed his cheek.

The mention of dinner was made and everyone began leaving. “Ah’n not that hungry, Remy. Ah’d rather just retire for the naht.” She whispered to him. He seemed to agree, as he carried her up to the room they had been in before. She found herself once again beneath him in moments and this time, she was determined not to regret it. Her mouth latched to his neck again as she found the spot she knew drove him nuts. “Ah love ya.” She whispered between kisses and nips along his jaw line and ears. Her fingers blindly curled his short neck hairs around her fingers as she lavished attention on him. She loved him. Completely.

--

“Oh, yes, thank you.” The Doctor said with a wave at the Captain telling him where dinner was. Then the man introduced himself. “Ah. A soldier.” That was the Doctor’s only greeting other than a return to his handshake. The man seemed nice enough and he seemed awfully familiar. Oh well. The Doctor shrugged and kissed the air around him (that was still a normal greeting right?) and watched him leave. He lifted Angel from his shoulders and cradled her in his arm as he watched them all leave. He followed the captain to the kitchen area and sat himself down at a table, sighing and putting a very patient Angel in his lap. She looked up at him and he chuckled. “I agree. But they are very smart, aren’t they?” He commented before he was approached.

A grin split across his face and he jumped up to kiss the air around his friend’s head, excited to see him. “Thor! Wonderful to see you!” He said with a laugh as he waited for Angel to adjust again. Once she had snuggled in, he resumed petting her carefully. But the greeting was shortlived as the mood suddenly changed to serious. The Doctor sighed and stroked Angel gently as he knew what was coming next. Sure enough, the question appeared. Another sigh escaped the Doctor’s lips. “I don’t take the non-willing.” He gently reminded as the god went on. So many questions from his fellow immortal, the Doctor stood and hugged the other man tightly. Angel had moved to his shoulder and was giving her own brand of comfort before the Time Lord pulled away and sat down, sampling some of the food the computer had made.

“What you see is her. I see everything, Thor.” He reminded once again. “Every moment of every day, my mind is with some race of people, some timeline. I see all that has been, will be and could be in my mind. Voices of endless songs, both joyful and sad, fill my mind at all hours of the day. Screams of burning planets as well as the whispers of new voices; Thor, my life is an empty and insane one.” He admitted, stroking Angel shakily. He and the god had many conversations before, but admitting what he was still bothered him greatly. “And yet....I can’t bring myself to be alone.” He admitted with a bark of a laugh. “So many questions, old friend.” He sighed. “Perhaps instead of answering all those questions, I should ask you one. Is it worth it?” He said quietly. “Is she worth the heartbreak? I know my Terrians are. It’s worth watching them grow and change and die without me, just so I can be near them and love them. I love Terrians, in all their mortality. I love those stupid, clever little babies that cling to the skin of their tiny little planet. I love them. And they are worth it.” He said. “And I suppose it goes deeper then that. Yes, mortals wither and age and die, and we won’t. But, the relationships I have formed with mortal wolves brings me to believe that maybe, just maybe, I haven’t totally been lost yet. And they are so....surprising. I thought I knew everything until I crashed on Earth. Come to find out, I know very little compared to the imaginations and determination of these silly little people. All the immortal knowledge in the world traded for a fleeting moment with a snowflake.” He mused with another chuckle. “It will hurt, watching her die. Of that I have no doubt. My own parents burned with Gallifrey. But.....she is worth the pain of the fleeting life. Such an important light amoung thousands, if only for a single moment. Of course, every life is important and grand on some scale, if they choose to embrace their light. And let me tell you, Thor Odinson, helping a mortal reach and attain that light; watching them shine so brightly you can hardly even see them is worth the heartache afterwards. Give her the choice, and I have little doubt she will impress you.” He said as he hugged the norse demi-god again.

He sighed and tilted his head. “I can feel myself being pulled back. Keep an eye on Angel for me, yeah? I’ll be back in about-” he looked at his screwdriver “-five days. And yes, I’ll bring my clothes with next time.” He said with a laugh. “So easily offended!” He laughed as he handed Angel to the god and saluted with two fingers, vanishing in a blip of golden light.

--

A car pulled up to the tower. It was black and important looking. The driver parked the car and quickly went to open the door for the passenger in the back. A blue furred man stepped out and chuckled kindly. “Thank you.” He said to the driver. Normally, he would have travelled on his own, but he had just come from something important, so the car was a convience. He fixed his tuxedo and stepped forward to knock on the front door, alerting all inside to his presence.

He had been running a little late. He dearly hoped that he wasn’t being an inconvience.

--

Bruce listened to the demi-god’s explination and raised an eyebrow. “He’s an alien.” He commented, mostly to himself. But what the Doctor said seemed reasonable enough, it certainly answered a few of his questions. “I’m still going to say he’s slightly crazy.” He finalized before everyone was shooed from the lab by one Tony Stark. Bruce smiled and patted his lab partner on the back. “Calm down, Tony. The Doctor didn’t know your rules.” He said quietly as Stark demanded to know what the hell that had been about.

Bruce shrugged. “Thor said he’s an alien. An old one too from the sound of things. From an old race. Time Lord.” He rolled the name over his tongue a little. “Sounds old enough. And if his people helped the Norse, they must be old. So, while I still say he’s totally insane, he’s gotta be smart too.” Shrugged Bruce. He was eager to test the Doctor’s theories against the information they had. And see what changes the alien had made to the data. He could tell Tony was itching to try it too when Jarvis alerted them to someone at the door and brought up a visual of one Hank Macoy on the screen. “He’s later than we agreed, but Hank is Hank. Never misses an appointment...” He muttered as he headed up to let the man in. “Even if he is two hours late for it.”

[Indiana]

Ah yes, he was going to walk her home.

“Let me get my things,”

Rodgers said, getting up off the couch, heading to his room, grabbing his shield and bag, he never left with out it. Then he left with her, along with his shield and bag over his should. Ah this was a lot better. Rodgers was never comfortable in he lab, when the geeks where at play this, however was normal, nice and normal.

They joked, as they walked and he dazzled her, as they stepped into the yard, I was in the rough part of New York, one that he had not been in, or at least had not gotten beaten up in, which was a relief. As he stepped further into he yard a yellow blur greeted them with a wagging tail, and a cold we nose on Steve’s hand. He smiled at the dog.

“Hey boy,”

He said giving the dog a gentle pat on the top of his head. Rodger’s had never had a dog, but this was sure was friendly, the man chuckled as a tennis ball got dropped to his feet.

“Wanna play huh!?”

He asked the dog, ruffling his fur on the side of his head, winding the dog up with the tennis ball before throwing it gently, other wise if he threw it any harder, the ball would have been lost for good, and the poor beast wouldn’t have anything to chase.

“Runt of the litter you say?”

Said the Captain as he placed his back on the floor and crouched “He sure is big” as the dog came bounding up towards him, jumping up, demanding fuss, which Rodger gave willingly, before throwing the ball again,

“Well the name fits!” He chuckled.

Another girl walked in, and the dog pounced on her, he gave a chuckle. Kiya had said her name was Lily.

[b]“M’am,” He gave a small smile to Lily and once again held his hand out for her to take. He bent down and stocked the dog, who sat on his knees, all goofy with a big tongue hanging out from his mouth.

“Silly dog,” he chuckled, as Brutus turned round and licked him.

“Well I can stay here tonight if you want me too?”

He asked Kiya, but looking at the both off them still on the floor, trying to stay out of their next conversation, he picked up his bag off the floor and swung it over his shoulder, before they both carried on walking.

They stopped by a little café, which was again perfect for him, he ordered his meal and waited, she told him that he could go, well that wasn’t going to happen even wih Brutus.

“Well that’s not going to happen. This is fine”

The Captain said kindly, chewing on a breadstick, while he waited for his meal. His shield laid o the side of him and his bag the other side, and Brutus lying comfortably on the ground.

“You know, I wasn’t always like this,” he said to her, “I was quite a skinny lad before I signed up. Although mind you, this is going back 70 so years,”

He chuckled, and said thank you to the waiter who came with their food, and began to eat, every now and then looking up, checking the coast was clear and going back to his food, he wondered how anyone could live in his area. Well he was going to stay the night and try and get Stark to let her stay with them, he’d have to work on that. He looked up again from his food.

“Everything’s changed now though,”

he noticed he was messing around with his food now, rather then just eating it, sure he was hungry in all, but he still felt a little awkward, but it wasn’t Kiya who was making him awkward, he half expected a bully that he knew jump out, and take him to a near by alley and hump him there. But that had changed and so had he, he glanced at Kiya and gave her a small smile.

--

Well it seemed that Thor at met the guy before; Tony hated being out of the loop with knowing things. He liked to know, so he listened while holding Synn, still a little shocked and impressed by the kiss she had given him after the Doctor’s random kiss on him, and hers was a lot better. He wanted more. So he squeezed her instead and she’d have to wait till later, he thought.

The decision he was thinking off, it seemed that Synn was going to stay with him, which was fantastic for him and he couldn’t help but grin so he turned to her,

“I mean do you want to stay in this form? I mean you know, I go where ever you decide to go,”

There, he had said it, well maybe not actually saying it, he did just state that whatever form he would be in, he wanted to be with her, he’d never really been so sure before until now.

“Alien huh?”

Tony didn’t like the sound of that, but still he could help with this rift problem, so neck time this Doctor popped along he wasn’t going to be so much of a dick to him. He looked human, and sounded sort of human, which was good enough for him.

He sighed a little, yes he was eager to test out the new theories he doctor had brought with him but he was also getting slightly tired, and he gave a yawn and a rub of his face with his hand. He noticed that Hank Macoy had turned up Jarvis had said so and his blue, furry face had appeared on the visual. Tony let Bruce see the man in as he went up the stairs to his bar, and poured himself a glass of whiskey. He felt like he was going to need it. He had recognised the man’s face from previous parties and such, but never really engaged in proper conversation with him. And the fact that he was blue, and furry put him off slightly. he took a sip, and waited for them all to appear.

[Kozmo]

Rodgers didn’t mind her eternally-hyper, overgrown puppy. In fact he was playing with the furry nutcase, and Brutus was leaping all over him, licking, happy to have a playmate that wasn’t as delicate as Kiya. The big animal bumped into the man, climbing over his, to sloppily lick his face, tail a blur behind him. And he seemed just as thrilled to heap affection on the dog as the dog was to receive it.

“Yeah. They were going to drown him, but I couldn’t let them.” She nearly fell over as the dog leapt on her. “I’ve always been a sucker for the weak, underappreciated underdog. He’s bigger than his siblings now.” She laughed softly. “And if we don’t go now, you’ll have a whole pack of dogs descending on you.” She giggled. Buttercup was already yapping inside, with the rest of the pack. “I’ll drop him off tomorrow, usual time, Lily.”

“You better!” She smiled. “It was nice to meet you, Captain. Adios, chica.”

----

She shouldn’t have been charmed by the fact that he was actually walking her home, but she was. It was nice to see a man who actually did what he said. “If it is not an imposition… I do like the company.” She admitted with a smile. “Are you sure your girlfriend won’t mind?” There. Casually ask a question and you will get the answer you seek.

“Well, sometimes it takes time to grow into ones self.” She shrugged. Did he think it would bother her? She was a non-mutant in a long line of mutants. There wasn’t much that could bother her. He spoke again, though, and she reached over to cover his hand with hers. “This can’t be easy for you.” She smiled. “I’m sure you must feel so out of place, and so alone.” She gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “Tell you what, you ever need someone to just listen to you, I’ll give you my number. You can call any time, day or night.” A shrug. “I know what it’s like to feel out of place…”

She finished her meal, eyes looking up as a loud whistle caught her attention.

No, not now. Not here.

“Hey, mama!” The voice cat-called.

“Ignore them,” she muttered. “They’ll shut up after awhile if you ignore them.”

“Come on, mamacita.” He switched to Spanish, and she colored, but from embarrassment or anger it wasn’t quite clear.

“Maybe we should just go.” She didn’t bother finishing her meal. “Brutus, come.” The dog looked up, hovering at her side protectively. “The sooner we get to my place, the better.”

Now, if they would only shut up….

----

Thor didn’t tolerate the air kiss, and pulled the Time Lord in for a one-armed hug, tightly. His race was an affectionate one. “Ah, well met, my friend, well met!” He managed to uphold the cheerful disposition until everyone left, before falling into melancholy. At the phrase, he nodded. “I know. That is why I do not ask.” He sighed. “She would not wish to quit his side, even now. Even knowing that Apocalypse will come, and destroy her, she will not quit him.”

He quieted again, and he closed his eyes as he was drawn into a hug. The life of a Time Lord must be painful indeed, to suffer so much. The cat mewed, suddenly, and seemed to ‘hug’ the male, her nose pressed to his, one leg on either side of his neck. ‘I love you,’ the cat murmured quietly, nuzzling into his cheek. ‘She loves you, too. Don’t lose hope.’ Soft fur against his skin. Warm, soft fur for him to nuzzle into. ‘She was alone, too. Until she found you.’ Her smoky blue eyes looked at Thor, as if backing up the question proposed by the male who was holding her.

“She is worth every tear, every laugh, every thought.” He nodded. “She is brilliant, and clever, and wonderful. She is a mutant, and yet so human it makes one’s head spin. She loves a human, despite the risks of her blood, of who and what she is. And he loves her!” He sighed. “I shudder to think of what will happen when she is taken from him.”

“What fools we immortals be.” He cracked a smile. “They are petty, and childish, and wonderful, aren’t they?” Then he sobered again. “I thought her immortal. She is the daughter of Apocalypse,” he added. “She bears the mark of Clan Akkaba. I realized she was his daughter when I saw it.” He shivered. “He treated her as a weapon, as a tool. She was not a child to him, but a possession.” Those blue eyes, usually so kind, were angry now. Lightning arced across his pupils. “How could anyone have a child that wonderful, that brilliant, and ignore them? How could anyone let her not know the comfort of a father’s embrace?” He sighed. “And that man… that brilliant man… was just as ignored, just as forgotten. Is it any wonder they gravitated towards one another?” He mused aloud.

“I have no doubt she will not disappoint me, my friend. But that she will disappoint herself. She will come to regret leaving him by himself.” He sighed. “Tony Stark is a.. good… man. A strong one, who is as brilliant as any human I have ever met. But she is his reason for breathing.” His eyes were sad. “She is our heart, and our soul, even if her self-worth is less than that, in her eyes.” Losing her would ripple through the team. He doubted even Bruce would be immune. He hugged the Time Lord again when he was pulled back, before looking at the cat, now on his shoulder.

“That was odd.” He lightly butted heads with the feline. “I suppose you are going to need food?” A ‘mew’ was his response. “Alright, little miw.” He scratched behind her ear gently. “You and I… we can help one another, yes?” She mewed. “Come, little one. I’m sure I can find you something edible here.”

----

“I…” she nosed into his chest. His scent was familiar, comforting. He didn’t get it, did he? “We’re from this world, playboy. Why would I want to leave this place? Leave what we have here?” She wrapped one arm around him, the other still resting against his arc. Why would she leave a world where she could hold him, and touch him, and he could swing her into his arms? Why leave a place where she could kiss him, really kiss him, and be held? “I told you, I don’t want you to leave me. You’re happy here… we were happy here.” She kissed his throat lightly.

She was content, surrounded by the lab and close to the warmth of Stark’s body. So content that she failed to notice Bruce was leaving, saying a familiar name- until she blinked. “Hank?” She looked at Tony for confirmation. “Did he say Hank?” She didn’t wait, bouncing gleefully to her toes. “Jarvis? Can you get me a visual on our visitor?”

Yes, madam.

The screen flared to life, and she actually squealed happily before grabbing for Stark’s hand, giddy as a schoolgirl. She tugged- which he had the advantage, being bigger than she was, and muscular- and he didn’t resist. He usually didn’t, knowing she would shove at him until he caved. It was their little game- well, one of them, anyway. Pulling him with her, she laughed as she waited impatiently for Bruce to finish greeting the diplomat before literally throwing herself at the massive mutant, scattering kisses over his cheeks, nuzzling into his warm fur with a huge smile on her face. She was sure he wasn’t prepared for her appearance- last time she had seen him she had been living with ‘Pool- and her attire was certainly strange. She was still in Tony’s button down and her comfortable jeans- but then, Hank knew her. He knew she wasn’t always the painted doll she was in the media.

“Hank!” She hugged him again, kissing each cheek in succession. “You’re a pleasant surprise.” She giggled. “I missed you! I haven’t seen you since that disastrous gala at the Met,” she added. Well, that explained why and how Bruce knew to contact him about Miw-Sher, now didn’t it? “It is good to see you, Abi.” At the title, Thor looked up from the cat he was currently stroking. The dainty little form was sitting on his massive shoulder, rubbing her cheek to his. “Relax, Thor.” She laughed. “I have known Doctor Macoy longer than I have you, after all.” She grinned. “He remembers me as a scrappy archeologist, back before I became a media darling.” Seeming to remember, she suddenly released him, racing back to her playboy, arms winding around his neck, legs around his waist, and she smiled contentedly as her lips found his, fast, before she pulled back.

“Abi, you remember Tony Stark.” She laughed. They travelled in the same circles, after all. But now the girl he had always encouraged to go after her dreams was wrapped around the playboy, very improperly. But she was an affectionate creature and he had seen the way they LOOKED at one another when they thought the cameras were turned away. And they danced often enough at those sorts of parties. “Playboy, I don’t think you’ve ever been introduced. My fault entirely.” She chuckled. “Doctor Hank Macoy, my other father.” She looked at everyone challengingly. Yes, he was a mutant. No, she didn’t care.

“Well met, Doctor Macoy.” Thor smiled, still patting the feline who was being very affectionate. “I am Thor.”

“He’s the demigod of thunder. He and Storm would get on famously,” she laughed. “But I’m sure this isn’t a purely social call.” She kissed Tony one more time. “Gentlemen, shall we adjourn to the lab? We do have something important to discuss I’m sure.” She dropped her legs now, standing. “Keep a spot warm for me, Playboy. I’m not sure I want you with us right now.” She felt exposed even telling Bruce this information, let alone Tony. Hank knew it all, though, and he would let her use his strong shoulder to rest her weary head if she needed it. But, then, she changed her mind and decided, no, she wanted her best friend with her, and grabbed for his hand anyway. “No, I’ve changed my mind. I want you with me.”

“I will go as well,” Thor added.

“No.” She sighed. “No, stay here, Abi.”

“Do you still worry I will care, my precious daughter?” He murmured. “I will come with you.”

“These things are not pleasant, Abi.” She crossed to touch his cheek. “I would rather you know me as I am, not as I was.” She was taking a risk with Stark- a big one. Hank had not cared- he was the first to tell her that her father was to blame, not her. Bruce, she doubted, would care. He was interested in her blood. But Tony might care- she was glad Kiya was not here to reveal more of her secrets.

“If I loved you any less, I would be undeserving to be your father, my precious.” Thor kissed her forehead gently.

“That’s just it, Abi. No matter how I wish it, you are not. Nor are you,” she kissed Hank’s cheek again. “I almost wish one of you were.” She sighed. “But it was not my fate, or yours.” She made herself comfortable in the chair Tony normally used for medical matters. “Shall I hook myself up, or not?” She shrugged. “No, better to be free.”

“The floor is yours, Doctor Banner.” She wanted a cuddle- the cat had come to lay on her belly, but it wasn’t enough. Too bad what she wanted was Stark.

[Indiana]

The Captain chuckled,

“I don’t actually have a girlfriend,” He gave her a small corner smile, before looking down at his plate, “So I am free,” He realised what he had said before adding some more on to the conversation;

“What I meant was I am free,” he paused all of a flutter “all night,” he added again “I mean, err, I don’t think your sister will be terribly happy if I’d just left you here on your own, whether or not you lived here and you know what your doing…”

The Captain just stopped, because he was getting himself in a fluffy state with his words, but Synn would possibly skin him alive if he had left her on her own, he shuddered at the very thought of it, and having Tony laugh at the whole thing. He also didn’t think he handled the conversation at all well. He wasn’t at all good with words when it came to the opposite sex when they also where attractive, so instead, he asked for the bill, and paid for their meal. But then she said that she’d give him her number, so that he could call her whenever, he smiled and said thank you, feeling the squeeze on his hand which he looked at, before looking back.

“Well then, shall we?”

He recovered himself slightly, getting up, picking his shield up, and bag before holding out his arm for her to grab, before walking to her house, but then something caught his ears, a wolf whistle, before name callings, and most of those where in a foreign language to him. He did his best to try and ignore them, like Kiya had suggested, but this was Captain America, and he hated bullies. Being picked on for most of his life, then finally getting muscles before kicking some ass, which needed to be kicked. This was clearly one of those ass-kicking times.

“Do you get this a lot?” he asked her. The Captain also noticed the dog standing rather protectively next to her he couldn’t help but give the animal a small smile.

But they where really ticking him off, well he wasn’t going to stand there and let it happen,

“Son, just don’t,” He said as he whirled around,

“What you doing to do ‘bout it,” One of them remarked as the Captain turned back around “We aint finished with you yet!” They called laughing, and giving each other random high-fives. Rodgers stopped dead in his tracks, rolled his eyes before taking the shield from his back and lobbing it as hard and fast as he could at the guy who called at them first, the shield hit him squarely in the chest and he doubled up before falling over. The shield rang as it hit the floor.

The Captain left Kiya for a moment grabbing his shield, before giving one of the other guys a punch in the stomach before hitting them in the face. A gun shot fired from somewhere, which grazed his upper arm nearly penetrating into his skin, well he wasn’t going to have that now was he? It stung, but he, for once didn’t actually care. Grabbing his shield, he flung it with his good arm at the bloke with the gun that had knocked it out of his hand. Rodgers kicked the gun away, which was another thing he hated. Guns. He aimed a punch at the guy, but he missed, why did they always have to duck?! The guy threw him a couple of punches in the stomach, he’d forgotten how much that hurt. Coughing slightly, he looked up into the face of his puncher; narrowing his eyes he elbowed him in his upper body before grabbing him and throwing him onto the floor. Usually this sort of punch up wouldn’t happen, but after all, they did name call and he did get shot at. Well he’d rather hopped he had done his job, the men where lying on the floor, he shrugged, they where either really weak, or he did just pack a really good punch, then kicked the gun further away.

“Right then,” He sighed and turned around “Shall we?”

Rodger’s arm was a little grazed, but he was okay with that as he wondered over to Kiya. He said once again, before admitting a smile and holding out his elbow for her to link with. Well he sure wasn’t going to leave her tonight not after that anyway. Then somehow he’d try and persuade her to come and live in Stark tower; well it was more like trying to persuade Stark to let her stay, hell get round him somehow.

He was the first and only new super solider, he rather liked it that way, he wondered what Kiya thought of that slight punch up, they pissed him off, and it seemed he had taken a leaf out of Starks book, rather then plan an attack, he went in fist first. Well in this case there was no time to think of a plan, he gave his companion a smile as they walked.

--

Well it seemed he’d have Synn in whatever life they took, which he was glad about. So this was Hank was it? He’d seen him before but not properly, why would he? He was blue and rather furry. This house wasn’t normal now, and Stark couldn’t help but grin, taking another swig from his whiskey.

“Really, how many father’s do you actually have?”

He laughed at her, before she raced back to him jumping on him, well he rather enjoyed that kiss holding her close to him. Before dropping her back down.

He held out his hand for Hank to shake,

“Tony Stark. Nice to meet you at last,”

He said with a grin,

“Aren’t you a little cold? Do you want the heating up?”

he asked with the grin still on his face.

“Also anyone want a drink?.. I’m having one. Well another,” he said going to his bar and pouring himself another glass.

So Synn didn’t want him down in the lab while the talked about, well he guess her was her. Well he was totally going to listen in on their conversation, whether she liked it or not. But then she changed her mind.

“well good, because I was going to listen anyway, whether I was their in person or using Jarvis,”

He felt a little hurt by it, but then shrugged it off, down in the lab she’d made herself comfortable in the chair he used for his medical stuff. Tony wasn’t sure where to go.

“She better he in one piece when you’re finished,”

He said looking at Banner, before standing next to her, his hands on the chair looking at Synn, eyeing the two other men slightly.

“You sure you want to do this?”

he muttered looking back down at her, with concern in his eyes. Tony didn’t even know what was going to happen, feeling all over protective and tense all off a sudden, he swore that if they did hurt her, he’d through a punch not caring who they where.

"Oi budge up"

He said to her as he moved on to the bed, well that what he called it, it wasn't exactly a chair either. he moved her slightly before patting his lap, inviting her to sit on him, comfort for perhaps the both of them, he didn't want to see her getting hurt, poked, or prodded and he was something for her to cling into if she needed too.

"But I swear if you hurt my girlfriend-,"

Tony rolled off the word "girlfriend" off his tongue, which to him sounded quite nice, before looking daggers at the two scientist, before kissing her neck, and rubbing her arms to calm her down a little.

[Kozmo]

((Shortie to make it easier for MU.))

She managed a giggle when he spoke, shaking her head prettily. “Depends. Are we including the psycho who would love to rid the Earth of my defending the inferior humans? Because that makes three. Hank and Thor are the only two worth knowing.” A shrug as he held her close, before releasing her hips- and she unhappily unwound her legs from his waist and stood on her own, then, but didn’t go far- after all, she was the one who tugged him with her down to the lab after he got himself a drink. He was fussing, though, and she met his worried eyes with hers, steadily. “It’s okay, Playboy. They’re just going to ask questions and maybe take a few vials of blood. This is more of an informal examination.” She looked pointedly at Bruce and Hank. “Am I right, gentlemen?” She stroked the cat, who suddenly leapt up onto Hank’s wide shoulder, purring softly, totally at ease with the mutant. Tony, though, was pacing.

She was surprised when he budged her out of the recliner, only to pat his lap in expectation. She happily dropped into his warm lap, letting his arms slide around her, her face touching his shoulder before she remembered that this was where she was going to be telling all, and she didn’t want to lose him… Nothing could have surprised her more than the next words out of his mouth, though. Girlfriend? What the hell? She twisted, eyes meeting his.

“Playboy…” she murmured it silkily, half-disbelievingly. “Hold up on that, Playboy. If you still want me after what you hear tonight, we can revisit that title later on, because nothing would make me happier.” She brushed her lips over his gently. “But I don’t want you to make good on that until you know everything.” Still, his hands running down her arms was quite nice, and she settled back into him, eyes watching the others with cat-like patience. Then it dawned on her that he’d mentioned using Jarvis to listen in on things… and sighed. “You used Jarvis this morning, didn’t you?” She sighed. “Then you know if they need blood, you’re going to wear a mask. And so are you, Abi.” She nodded to Thor. “I’m not going to rehash everything that you already know from this morning, then. Hank, I’m sure you brought my files over- Bruce is more than welcome to them, as long as he promises not to try to replicate my blood in a serum… that wouldn’t go over well.” She winked.

“Your blood is not toxic to Asgardians.” Thor shrugged.

“We don’t know that for certain, Abi. I would prefer if you wear one… and you, Playboy- I’m not giving you a choice in the matter.” She smiled then, her infamous half-smile. “Alright, hit me with your questions. I assure you I can handle them.”

----

Wasn’t he just the most adorable thing?

“You’re pulling my leg,” she laughed. “Good-looking, nice guy like you doesn’t have a girlfriend?” Her smile was inviting, really. He WAS good-looking, that was for certain. He had the kind of eyes that tugged at the heartstrings- the kind of eyes that would have drawn her in even if he wasn’t the muscular, tall, intimidating person he was. Those eyes were windows to his soul- a mix of gray and blue that was more blue, but the gray was there if you looked. “God, even if you didn’t look like you could knock someone into next week, I still wouldn’t believe you don’t have a girlfriend.” Awww, was he… blushing?

He was.

She found that little display particularly fetching, and when he offered her his arm she took it automatically. It was instinctual- he was bigger than she was- people moved out of the way for him. “That’s a pretty habit you have,” she murmured softly. Men didn’t hold out their arm for women anymore- or pull out their chair, or hold the door, come to think of it- and she liked it. It implied he was paying attention to her.

Kiya sighed when he asked if she got this kind of harassment often. “When you look like me, and you live in this part of the city, you’re basically asking for it. That’s why I went looking for a dog.” She shrugged. “I’m used to it. They’ll usually shut up after a bit- and a few kicks to the groin helps, too. They usually won’t try- I’m not the passive type.” It was normal. Pretty girls got to deal with jerks. Period. But something told her that this man wasn’t just going to let it go. He was a gentleman, she realized. Well, she’d realized that when he paid for their dinner and offered her his arm to hold onto, ensuring she didn’t get lost in the crowd. He whirled, suddenly- Brutus gave a sharp, short bark as if intending to follow, and she grabbed his collar. “No.” Her eyes clearly asked what he was doing, but she couldn’t help but feel a little twinge of happiness. He was standing up for her.

The ensuing fight was something she’d never seen before. First off, for such a large man, he moved with catlike grace and agility- and silently. She’d noticed that his gait, while natural, was very quiet. Second, her gaze was drawn to the shield he carried. Ah-ha. Now it made sense. The shield had looked familiar, and now she knew why- and felt another giddy wave rush over her as she made the connection. Captain… the Captain, the only one worth mentioning. The gunshot rang out, but she was so busy trying to rein in the dog with her that she didn’t know what had happened, really, until a gentle voice spoke, drawing her eyes up to his.

“I…” her eyes suddenly caught the bloodied sleeve of his shirt, and her gaze widened. “You’re bleeding.” Instantly she stepped closer, one hand ghosting over his jaw. “Are you alright? It’s not… serious, is it?” Stupid question, Kiya. The man was BLEEDING because of her, and she was asking questions like an idiot. In front of a bona fide hero.

Way to go, genius.

But he was smiling, and she hesitantly returned it. “Do you need to go to a hospital?” But obviously not, for he repeated himself, and she put her hand on his elbow, looking up at him with something akin to hero worship- or was it admiration?- in her eyes. “So, when were you going to tell me you were Captain America?” She teased as they approached her apartment. “No wonder you’re out of the loop. That’s got to be rough,” she murmured. “Lots of places still ran on gas when you went down- you woke up to electricity and stimulation overload.” She shook her head. “I can’t even imagine…” she unlocked the door, heading up the stairs until she reached her apartment, and unlocked the door. Flicking on the lights (for the sun was starting to go down), she gestured around. “Home sweet home.”

It was actually a nice place- domestic, homey. It had feminine touches, but was not overly frilly, and almost militaristically clean and organized, something he would surely appreciate. “You’re free to kick off your boots, Cap.” She sent him that heart-melting smile again, waiting for him to sit down before shaking her head. “And I’d like to at least tend to that wound and get it covered.”

[Mistress_Unknown]

((Short. Deal with it.))

Bruce had opened the door and the large blue mutant had entered with all the airs and nobility that he usually carried. He wore a three piece suit, a clash for his rather feral appearance, complete with a red tie that was tied perfectly. He smiled at Bruce and dusted off his jacket. “Hello, my friend. A wonderful night for research isn’t it?” He said with a chuckle. Bruce nodded. “Yes. I felt as much.” He said with a slightly excited grin. But he moved to the side at the sound of a rushing Synn, remembering that the woman had said she was close with the blue-furred mutant. He chuckled at her actions and moved to stand to the side, feeling rather giddy about the night’s happening.

Hank was nearly swept off his feet by the sudden charge, but he regained his footing and let off a warm laugh. “Well, well! Here I thought it was just going to be Dr. Banner and myself!” He said as he hugged her tightly. “But this is definitely a wonderful surprise, little Nicci.” He said softly. But his little one was soon flying around the room, a flurry of excitement and he chuckled. “Ah, yes. I’ve read many of your theories, Mr. Stark. Fascinating work.” He said. The comment about being cold was a bit offsetting, but he soon realized what the man meant. A good-natured laugh filled his mouth as he patted the human on the back with a large blue hand. “I assure you sir, my fur keeps me plenty warm.” He laughed. “Much like I assume Nicci does for you.” He said slyly as they made their way out. Even Bruce managed an awkward snicker.

--

Down in the lab Bruce fluttered around like an excited butterfly, getting things ready for the draw. He knew she was serious about her blood so he passed masks around as Hank made Synn more comfortable. “I’m sure your files can answer most of my questions.” Bruce said offhandedly. As for a sad past and being judged. He turned into a green mass of rage. Who was he to judge? He sent Tony a withering glance and rolled his eyes. Like he’d ever hurt her. Hank seemed to think the same thing as he sniffed. “Yes. Because harming Nicci is very high on my list of things to do today, Mr. Stark. Never mind that I’ve known her for a good portion of her recent life and helped her return to herself. It was a ploy. I’m totally out to get her.” He said with a sarcastic roll of his eyes.

“Okay, boys. Easy. Let’s just get this draw underway.” Bruce said before Tony and Hank could start a fight. Hank nodded and once the masks were on all people, he began to draw three vials of her blood.