[1] Just A Normal Girl | Avallone the Avenger

CHAPTER TWENTY

"Here we go. The usual." Macy said, coming back to the table with my favourite drink, an iced coffee. "Yay," I squealed and grabbed it. I dug into my purse and pulled out my wallet. But Macy stopped me. "No no. I payed for you. Don't worry about it." I eyed Macy suspiciously. Last time we met she was as broke as a donkey.
She just laughed it off. "John is covering for me." I nodded, still unsure. Through my peripherals I saw a glimmer of gold. I grabbed Macy's left hand and examined the ring. "When did this happen?!" I demanded, examining the expensive piece of jewelry. She laughed and said. "Well a few weeks ago. I did come to your diner then but that's when I found it was closed." I sighed and dropped her hands.
"I'm sorry." I said, my voice barely audible above the noise in the cafe. She stared at me, "For what? You didn't do anything wrong!" I looked into her eyes, "Yes I did. And I have."
I started to pack up my stuff and I grabbed my iced coffee. "Hey, wait up. Where are you going?" She said, stopping me. I sighed and answered, "I feel so wrong sitting here. I have to go. I'm sorry."
She let her hand drop to her side and I walked past her. "You have changed Avvy." I flinched at the nickname. Natasha had used the same one the night she left. "For the better." I said, not turning around.

I walked, not really knowing where I was going. I seemed to have wondered far from the cafe and Stark tower. I sighed and turned to stare up at my home. Turning, I kept walking.
I entered a park that seemed slightly familiar. I couldn't quite remember why so I just kept walking. I found a path that seemed to be calling me and I walked along it slowly.
Turning a corner, I found the most beautiful bridge ever and my mind flashed the same image. I was having Deja Vu. I ignored it and walked onto the bridge that curved over the still water.
Behind me I heard a gasp and I turned slightly. I saw Loki and suddenly I remembered the whole dream. "Wha-" I said, but stopped. I was leaning against the rail and then I heard it crack. I stared at him, unable to move and then it gave way.
I screamed, feeling myself falling from the bridge. But then I felt a hand grasp my flailing wrist and I looked up. Loki had caught me just before I hit the water. My feet were literally dangling centimetres above the still water.
I gasped, my breaths coming quickly and unevenly. He pulled me up and set me on the bridge next to him. Instead of thanking him, I hissed, "I hate you," before running off the bridge and around the corner.

I quickly ran into the bottom of Stark tower and pressed the elevator buttons. Loki had followed me from the park, running all the way. I was breathing in ragged gasps as I pressed the button over and over again.
The front door opened and Loki burst through. He saw me just as the elevator doors closed and I breathed a sigh of relief. If he came in here that would be the worst elevator ride I could ever have.
When the slow machine reached the chosen floor I bolted out and ran straight into Steve. I gasped and bounced back, but he caught me before I could reach the ground. He grinned and pulled me towards him.
I looked up and our eyes locked. The door to the stairs opened and Loki came running through, red faced. Steve immediately stood protectively in front of me. I blushed happily.
Loki gasped for air and held up his hand. "Just a minute." He said, bending over. I stifled a laugh and Captain turned to me. He smiled and hugged me before pushing me towards the door that lead to the lounge. I nodded and left the boys to sort it out.

~

"Avallone. You're back." Pepper said, running up to and enveloping me in a hug. I smiled and hugged her back, "Yeah. I've got whatever it was out of my system now." She smiled and clapped her hands once. "Great. Now, it's lunch time and I need your help cooking. Are you up to it?" She said, walking into the kitchen. I nodded eagerly and followed her.
"So, what are we cooking?"

~

Pepper and I laughed as everyone stuffed their faces. "Good?" She asked Tony and he nodded enthusiastically. We exchanged glances and burst into laughter again.
Everyone's face was covered in some sort of mess, except Pepper's and I's. We had made the most messiest and addictive food that we could think of: sloppy joe's.
Of course, Pepper suggested evilly that we make sure that our ones didn't make a mess and I agreed with the plan. So here we were laughing at everyone's dirty faces while ours were neat and tidy.
"Now, that's just cruel." Tony said, realizing our joke. He got up to get the tissues but I had secretly hidden them. "Girls! This isn't funny now!" He said, getting angry. I laughed louder, a snort escaping and said, "Yes, it is." He put his hands on his hips and made a funny face. I poked out my tongue and stood up.
I walked over to the kitchen and pulled out the tissues. Then I threw them at Tony and laughed. He smirked and sat down. I started to walk back to the lounge but froze when Steve and Loki walked in.
Steve immediately caught my eye and looked at me worriedly. I felt my stomach flip and my heart beat quickened. Loki strutted over to the lounge and sat down, grabbing a sloppy joe.
I ignored him and grabbed Steve's hand, pulling him out of the lounge. "What happened?" I asked him. He opened his mouth and started to tell me what happened.