Being Run Ragged

Ch. 6: After dinner talks and dessert punishments

These are (Katriona's Thoughts), 'Emphasis of the word', and *sounds*.

As the team settled into comfortable seats around the dining table or in Hulk's case at the island counter with his serving platter for a plate, Loki and I sat in the dining nook while discussing how the dishes I had made were so different from some he had eaten before yet quite superior even considering I was a mere Midgardian. We continued our discussion while enjoying our dinner until it was time for desserts where I carefully watched each member of the team as they got what they wanted. Except for Bucky and Thor who I personally served, half a slice to each of them, sweet potato pie for Thor and chocolate cake for Bucky. Loki asked, "Why are you so interested in how much dessert they each have?"

To which I replied, "Well I already know that your brother and Bucky have some issues with controlling themselves. This is just another way for me to see who has no self-restraint when it comes to what I have made. I'm wondering if there was perhaps a way to prevent another incident like today from happening in the future after they all know just how good my cooking actually is." After thinking for a moment Loki said, "Hmm... that is quite a challenge especially with this lot, who if I'm not mistaken, some are already trying to hoard the better tasting portions for themselves. You might have finally found something that would cause a complete division of their forces if you said that you would only cook for one member of the team each day."

I smirked evilly with him for a moment then thoughtfully said, "Well, if they continue with what I have already seen just today, I might have to start treating the lot of them as if they were little children that cannot be trusted. You might want to come by more often as well and be sure to bring along Heimdall, who if I'm not mistaken, has been watching over all of us this whole time I'm sure he would enjoy the entire experience a lot better if he were here instead of just watching what is happening." Loki got a surprised look on his face before he said, "You can sense Heimdoll's gaze upon you? What powers do you happen to possess, besides the ones you have already demonstrated?"

"No it's not that I can sense him per se but I know that with both Thor and you being within the same building he would be watching us just because he would feel that it is his duty to watch over the interesting development's that were sure to happen between the two of you. I, being an unknown in this situation, he would pay attention to what I would do as events occurred." I said rather pragmatically, "The only power I possess lies in my knowledge of just how powerless I actually am. If something were to happen, I would probably die, if I didn't use what I know of each member of this team to my advantage. I armed myself with the power of knowledge for when something does happen. I can determine just who would be the most detrimental to my health or who could keep me from being hurt in a dangerous situation."

He looked as if I had surprised him with what I had said when our conversation was interrupted by Hulk transforming back into Bruce who looked around rather fearfully as if he was afraid the Hulk had done something, so I decided that he might feel a little better if we had a little chat so I said to Loki "Would you excuse me while I help Bruce out, I'll be back in a little bit to continue our debate over which dessert had a better flavor." then walking up to the half-naked Bruce I said, "Hey Bruce, my cooking buddy, I thought you might want to go with me to get some clothing on, someone will make sure to save you some dessert. I'll help you out, how does that sound to you?" While I was talking to Bruce I noticed out of the corner of my eye that Natasha and Clint were taking in ASL, making a bet over whether or not Tony would be spying on his 'Science Bro'.

Bruce looked up at me from his spot on the floor and said timidly, "Well I guess that your surprise visitor didn't do anything too bad or you would be giving me my punishment right about now if he had." I helped him up off the floor so we could head out to get him some more appropriate attire, I responded rather coolly as we walked out, "If he had done something it would be him who I punish not you, now you, on the other hand, might be a bit harder to punish for something because of him popping out when you get stressed too much though." Bruce's face screwed up into a thoughtful look before he seemed to have a light bulb moment as he understood the joke I had just made about him Hulking out on me, if I tried to punish him, not me having problems with Hulk, so he said, "So it's not him you have to worry about getting away with being in trouble, but me is that how it goes?"