Ice Princess

15

"I'm telling you, Matt, he kissed my hand and bowed when greeting me and saying goodbye and it felt like I was walking on someone's grave." Melinoe was unpacking the food she had picked up for their dinner.

"So what were you able to find out about him?" Matt asked.

"Self made man, from Latveria. Rich, a few degrees under his belt. Other than that, really nothing. But he asked me to give a tour of the city. I barely know this city and he asked me to join him for dinner tonight." Matt made a rumble regarding that and she raised a brow at him. "No, you don't get this until I check your bandages and see that you've taken your antibiotics." She handed him some water, "Open."

"Really?"

"Yes, really, why you might like the pain, I won't have you getting an infection."

"Happy."

"For now."

"So what are you going to do?"

"My job, do it well and hope he loses interest." She shoved some of her crispy beef into her mouth. "No, that extra spring roll is mine, thank you."

"No, about Barnes?"

"Well, if you're not there tonight, perhaps he won't be either. It's not like I can go up to a former assassins and say 'excuse me sir, please leave me alone.' And..."

"I'm sorry what?"

"Former assassin."

"Jesus, Melinoe. It is not safe at the place you work at."

"What are you talking about? It's safer than anywhere else in the world. He's been unbrainwashed, so that's a good thing... it's just..."

"Unbrainwashed?"

"Yeah, but where else are you going to have a Viking god and a space raccoon on your side?"

"I'm sorry, what?"

"I work with some pretty unique people. With the exception of Barnes, I really love working there and feel generally safe."

"So where does that leave me?"

"Well, technically, I'm your doctor and you're my patient so...."

"Ah."

"Remember, you called me. And I decided that you are my lawyer and I am your client. Don't give me that look. I think it is best if we are just friends. I'm too screwed up for anyone and don't want to be someone's project." She had some more crispy beef. "I mean, I don't get it. I basically went unnoticed by all of the males in humanity from the age of 17 until now. Now, I can't get rid of any of you."

"What don't you get? You're kind, caring, smart, artistic, hard working, funny when you want to be, great with kids."

"Yes, so are a lot of other women."

"When you first talked to me in the coffee shop, I could tell you needed someone to care about you, not for you but about you. It felt like that was what was missing in your life." She leaned over and kissed his cheek sweetly.

"Thank you for seeing that." She cleaned up the mess and took the opportunity to change the subject. "I've been put on a new special project at work. While I can't go into it, it does involve that creepy guy I was telling you about. Apparently, he needs our help developing something and I've been tasked to work with him."

"Like how closely?"

"I don't know yet if it is going to be one on one or a consult or what."

"Just don't be alone with him."