Faith in her Timing

Chapter 4: All Hallows' Eve

Once the party was thinning out, Timothy was starting to feel more at ease, actually enjoying himself. He was drinking, laughing at the jokes of the Avengers, even openly flirting with Rio whenever Roman wasn't paying attention. But of course Thor said the wrong thing at the wrong time.

"So! You worship that feeble little man? While I, Thor, am here!" He bellowed at the priest, holding out his hands to show off how big and large he was. Timothy seemed appalled by the question. Tony just rolled his eyes.

"Point Break? Not today, kay?"

Thor grinned and slapped Tony on his back, making him practically fall over with an 'oomph'. "Because you ask so nicely, Stark." He said with a chuckle but Timothy's party mood seemed to have left the building.

"Don't mind him, focus on the flirting. That was fun." Rio said softly, grinding against him and tugging on his earlobe with her teeth. He let out a small moan of need and sent her a lustful look.

"So naughty, trying to seduce your priest like this.." He said huskily and Rio whimpered. It did things to her, when he said that he was her priest.

At that moment, Roman returned from the restroom and narrowed his eyes at Rio and Timothy. She sat up and cleared her throat, again burying her face in her glass of whiskey. Timothy adjusted his collar and shot Roman a weak smile.

Tony saw that Roman wasn't happy and decided to actually help this time. "So, Roman, why don't you tell us about yourself? We got some time before we are starting the movie, we never start it before midnight."

"Not a whole lot to tell, I'm afraid." Roman started his story, giving them all a condescending little smile. "I joined the church at a young age, lived in Massachusetts before I came to New York. But I grew up in Detroit. I hope to make this church the most renowned one in New York, hopefully with Timothy's help. I have a vision and feel like he would understand me. Also, I am fully focussed on the church, since my social circle is very small, unlike his." He concluded and eyed them sternly. Timothy sensed his disapproval, so did Pepper.

"Well, if Rio and Tony are okay with it, I would like to invite you for our Thanksgiving dinner, we are doing it fully traditional this year." She suggested and looked at Rio and Tony to see if they would object. Tony just gave her a thumbs up, Rio a small nod. She was on edge because of Roman's tone. They were not going to be friends.

"That is so kind, miss Potts, I'd be delighted if you could join us." Timothy said happily and Roman held up his hands. "Alright, alright, if my presence is so wanted, I will join you." He said with a chuckle. "But yes, that is very kind of you, to open your home to me like that, I do appreciate it so much." He told her warmly and more serious, the disapproving tone turned down to a minimum.

"We'd love to have you here." Pepper assured him.

"Which church do you and mister Stark attend? And miss Taylor? Perhaps I could persuade you to come to our little flock?"

Now the temperature plummeted, as Pepper was clearly hesitant to answer the question. "We would love to attend a service in the future, if you'll have us." She finally answered, forcing a smile.

"Please do." Roman replied shortly, he gave Timothy a look.

"Let's start the movie!" Tony said as he clapped his hands, he had to do something to get them out of this awkward situation. "Avengers, priests, super soldiers, red heads, to the living room!" He instructed them all.

Steve, Bucky, Nat and Clint shared a couch, while Thor grabbed a large comfortable chair. Tony sat with Pepper in his love seats and Roman, Rio and Timothy shared a smaller couch. Tony instructed JARVIS to start The Exorcist and he set up th TV.