The Avengers: A Change of Fate

Chapter 22

When they got back, they were ambushed by the Avengers. They all argued who was going to spend some "quality time" with Jake, and already talked about him returning again.

"Well, he can't spend time with all of us tonight," Hawkeye had reasoned.

Hulk snorted in agreement, "I'd be happy to come back again," Jake smiled nervously.

He eyed the Hulk. He wasn't sure he wanted to spend any kind of time with Hulk by himself. He was pretty intimidating, but Jake was pretty embarrassed that they were fighting over him. How great was it that a bunch of superheroes wanted to hang out with him?

"Blondie can take you with her on Thursday," Hawkeye offered.

Tony shook his head, "No way. That's discussion day."

"I have to agree with Tony. We have high class matters to discuss. Ones that shouldn't be brought up around civilians," Captain America agreed.

"Oh come on. Jake can take whatever we bring up," Hawkeye said, leaning on Jake's shoulder.

"No offense to Jake, but we hardly know him. The stuff we talk about shouldn't be taken lightly. I think he's going to have to be around longer before he can come to a conference meeting," Falcon stated.

"Hey, none taken. I completely understand. I feel lucky just to have been able to come here tonight. Whenever it's convenient for you guys, I can certainly make time to come over," Jake said.

Stella smiled at him, "I can bring him over this weekend."

They all agreed on it. Hawkeye grabbed his shoulders, "I call first dibs!"

He pulled Jake away from the group and led him away, "Hawkeye!" Stella yelled after him.

Stella chased him down to the lounge where Hawkeye had set Jake down on the couch and was ranting to him about video games while setting up a console. He glanced at Stella when she walked in.

"Go away, Blondie. We're having some quality man time," Hawkeye said.

"You can't just kidnap my boyfriend, Hawkeye. Where he goes, I follow."

Hawkeye looked at Jake, and he shrugged, "Can't argue with the lady," Jake said, putting his arm around Stella as she sat down beside him.

"Fine," Hawkeye grumbled.

Stella gave him a triumphant look as Hawkeye reluctantly handed her a controller. When they finished playing, Hawkeye patted Jake on the back.

"You're not too bad, Kid."

His grip tightened on Jake's shoulder, "But if you hurt her, you're dead."

Jake's smile faltered, "Geez, Hawkeye. Way to be bipolar," Stella tried to lighten the mood.

"Nah, I know he's a good kid, but I'm serious."

"Be nice," Stella chided.

"Don't worry, Hawkeye. I would never dream of it," Jake promised.

Hawkeye smiled, "Good."

Stella managed to get Jake home before it got too late. Though it hadn't been easy getting him out of the mansion. She stayed up late doing her homework. They had just switched semesters which meant new classes. All her core classes were the same, but she had different electives which meant no more art to her dismay.

Now she had Latin instead, and leadership with Jake. At least she could look forward to one of her classes. By now, Stella was a week ahead in her core classes, and she was quickly excelling in her new ones. Stella was seeing a lot more of Jake, which she wasn't about to start complaining. She was now taking him regularly to the mansion so the Avengers could see him. At least she knew they liked him.