Give me Love

22. Don't Get Lost

The sound of a heavy door creaking open reached your ears and you turned. Light streamed through the open doorway and caused a horrible glare, stopping any attempt you made to see who was standing in the doorway. Apparently the god-like man beside you had no such trouble because Thor stepped forward, his chuckle like a low rumble of thunder,

"It has been too long Brother Barton!" The God of Thunder announced loudly as he pulled the shadow covered figure into what could only be categorised as a 'man hug'. You cautiously shuffled forward and used your hand to block out the still too bright light, "This is (Name)." Thor said while pulling you forwards. Standing in the shadow of the unknown man blocked enough of the light for you to see his face clearly for the first time. He was tall and slender - - though you could still obviously see the outlines of muscles underneath his polo-shirt and jacket. His short, spiked hair was brown-blond, and looked more slept in than purposely styled. "(Name), this is Clint Barton." Clint nodded and offered you his hand. You awkwardly smiled shook his warm, calloused hand.

"It's nice to meet you..." you noticed his icy blue eyes move toward the burn on your neck before returning to your eyes. He chuckled softly,

"I wish it were under better circumstances..." he said before releasing your hand and turning his attention towards the Asgardian behind you. "I think Bruce will want to see you. He's on the third floor, last room on the left. I'll take (Name) to meet the others..." You glanced over your shoulder. Thor nodded,

"Thank you." Thor replied before the three of you entered the large, concrete house.

***

Thor split from you almost instantly, and while Clint seemed nice, you were a little uneasy. It would have been easier if there weren't so many people around, but the house was filled with dozens of people who stopped and stared as Clint led you through the main room.

"Don't worry... They'll lose interest soon enough." Clint said as he fell into step beside you.

"Really?" you asked with a nervous laugh as your arms wrapped around your middle.

"Yeah... It's been a while since a new person has come here, and you have to admit, arriving with Thor probably hasn't helped to quieten your arrival." He said with a grin as Thor's happily loud shouts echoed in the otherwise silent halls.

"Yeah... He doesn't come across as a quiet soul..." Your eyes moved to the stair case Thor had used before returning to Clint. "In situations like these though, I think it can be a good thing... You know, for moral and... stuff." you said with a smile. Clint nodded.

"Evidently you've never seen a drinking game between Tony and the Big Fella. It can get terrifying..." he said with a laugh.

"Really?" you asked while swerving between people.

"Yeah. Neither of them wants to lose, and so it goes on for almost the entire night. Last time it happened, it almost wiped out an entire building."

"What?" you asked with a disbelieving grin.

"Heh... Well... Once the alcohol runs out, it quickly devolves into... well..." He quickly raised an eyebrow, trying to find the right word.

"Arguments?"

"Yes... let's go with that."

Thankfully you moved quickly towards the back of the house, and there weren't as many people - - in fact there weren't any people at all. You breathed in the cool night air and silently sighed. Somehow the house managed to be colder inside than it was outside... You took another deep breath and adjusted your sundress. Damn it for not having any sleeves... or pants... or warmth. Clint stepped ahead of you and opened a large, double door.

"Are you cold?" he asked as the two of you stepped through the threshold.

"Yeah, but I'll be fine."

"I think I finally know why Thor snapped out of his funk..." Tony whispered not-so-silently. Clint placed his jacket over your shoulders before heading deeper into the room.

"Oh? Why?" Someone asked before the whole room fell silent, and you suddenly felt self-conscious. Hesitantly you turned, and saw that everyone's eyes were set on you.

"H-Hi..." you said while shifting your weight awkwardly from foot to foot. Everyone gave you a polite wave, but no one seemed to know how to start a conversation... You hoped Thor didn't take too long...