If I Got Everything That I Wanted (Book 2 of Love, Monsters and Magic)

Chapter 12

 Thankfully, it wasn't long before dinner came around. After requesting JARVIS to put in an order for just about everything on the menu of that cute little Thai restaurant down on third that the whole team just seemed to love so much, I wandered down the hall to the common area. On my way, I was met by Morgan who, despite JARVIS's best efforts, still had no idea where she was going. She seemed relieved to see me, I on the other hand wanted nothing more than to hide away in my workshop and do science with Bruce, but now even Bruce was acting odd. After my encounter with Pepper earlier, I had asked JARVIS to invite him down to the lab to play with shiny toys and do experiments for science (A/N references!) but had actually declined, which was a surprising first.

Morgan tapped on my arm. She looked sheepishly embarrassed.

“Don't laugh at me, Mr Stark, but I can't find the common area. JARVIS has tried his best but there is just so much in this building. It's like a labyrinth just without David Bowie,” she pointed out. At that I actually let out a laugh.

“Follow me kid, we're going the same place anyway.” She looked dumbfounded as if that had actually occurred to her. I moved on to save her any further embarrassment. “So, you're a Bowie fan? You didn't strike me as a Bowie fan.”

“Yeah, blame my father. It was something he played a lot when I was growing up. For my sixteenth birthday, I wanted nothing more than a pair of red shoes and an old blues record. Bless my dad, he actually got me them,” she smiled, her eyes seeing distant for a second before returning to the present and directing her attention at me. “What about you Mr Stark? You a fan of the extravagant David Bowie?” The words seemed to roll off of her tongue, sweet but teasing all the while.

“Just Tony will do. Only the press and my employees call me Mr Stark and you are neither of the above. Plus it makes it sound like you are addressing my dad. Sad to admit it, though, but I am in love with Bowie although I'll never admit it around the rest of the team.”

“Well, you've just given me your secret and now I'm going to ruin you. Advantage Dr. Reid,” she mocked, winking at me as we walked towards the common area.

When we arrived a short while later, Steve, of course, was the only on there so far, unpacking the food from their white plastic containers and emptying the contents into large bowls and plates. He seemed busy at work but times like these called for introductions.

“Rogers, I've someone here for you to meet!" I yelled over to him. He put on hold what he was doing as his attention shifted over to Morgan and I as we advanced onto his position. Stopping a few feet short, I continued on, "Captain Rogers I'd like you to meet Doctor Morgan Reid. She is the newest member to your little team. Fury can send you her file, it's extraordinary if I do say. She's fitting for the team. She's better than book smart Banner may have actually met his match and-”

“I could kick your ass in seven different forms of martial arts.” She added smugly.

“Yeah, what she said." Steve extended a hand to her which she hastily took hold of, shaking it firmly.

“Captain Steve Rogers, Ma'am, but please feel free to call me Steve. It's an absolute pleasure to have you on the team.”

“Pleasure's all mine, Captain.”

“Steve turned to me. "Why were you the first to know about a new team member? It isn't your place to deal with this type of thing." He stated fairly bluntly but there wasn't his usual authoritative bitterness behind it. There was a softness to his tone and I could only hope this wasn't about the screaming match I walked in on.

“Fury called me earlier, said to watch out for her. She's under my watchful supervision. I think I have just acquired a new science buddy." I pointed out, almost giddy with the idea.

“"More like she has to keep and eye out on you." Steve snorted.

"I'm not five, Cap, and contrary to popular belief, I don't need a babysitter. Not a huge fan of being mollycoddled." I rolled my eyes, moving on. "Where is everyone else? Pepper not here yet? Bruce? Nat? I'm sure I told them a time. Oh yeah, Cap, earlier-"

"Not tonight, Tony. It isn't the time."

Well if that just didn't get my curiosity going I don't know what else would. The debate was obviously something I should know about, but whether or not I wanted to know about it was a different thing entirely. Morgan and I helped Steve dish out the food, digging out good bottles of wine and whiskey and of course, harsh Russian vodka for Natasha. (Can I just say that that said vodka was strong enough to but Super Soldier Steve on his back. He shouldn't be able to even get drunk.) JARVIS sent out reminders to everyone about dinner and it wasn't long before everyone was gathered together and making merry with one another. Though it was noticed by Tony, the distance Pepper but between them and it went unnoticed by Tony, the closeness between Pepper and Bruce. However, Steve was not so ignorant in such behaviour.

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Short chapter I know, but it's late and I just wanted to get the start of the dinner date up. Thank all of you guys for being so patient. <3 ~ Louise