AN: I rewrote this chapter with the help of my Beta (my sister!). It's gorgeous now! Everyone should reread it because it's so much more enjoyable! She took the foundation I laid and made a nice home of it! God bless big sisters. So this is pretty much a co-write of me and JokerLoves. (We're both avid Loki fans!) With no further ado, 7 pages and 3,692 words!
Clothes flew about the room. A plethora of dresses, skirts, blouses, and camisoles hung over the bed frame, scattered the floor, and a strapless bra lay haphazardly over her crooked lampshade. The brunette groaned in frustration. She had absolutely nothing to wear! Having completely emptied her dresser, she trudged back over to her closet. Picking through her dresses, the ones that remained hanging, she spotted a plum fit and flare she had skipped over in her earlier searches. 'Perfect!' She thought, a happily relieved look on her face. 'Now if I can just get ready it time.'
She rushed to the bathroom, grabbing her curling wand and carefully fixing her already wavy locks into arranged loose spirals. She applied her makeup lightly, to preserve her simplistic beauty, while highlighting her most appealing features. Bustling about her apartment, Darcy slipped on some black suede booties, located her phone, wallet, and taser, she posed in front of the mirror, just to admire her work.
"Darcy, honey, you look hot. I cannot wait to see the look on Ian's face!" She exclaimed with a final twirl.
The doorbell rang and Darcy jumped. She seized her purse, a simple black clutch, and took a deep breath before throwing open the door. There stood Ian, originally her intern, but now her date for a hopefully stellar evening. "Wow, you look gorgeous!" He smiled at her, eyes scanning the silhouette her dress provided. He held out his hand, Darcy grasped it happily. He pulled her into a swift, sweet, kiss.
When they parted Darcy raised an eyebrow. "That was decidedly less than par, you feeling okay?"
"I am just nervous; I'm hoping this night goes well." 'Why is he so nervous? It's just a double date, we won't even have alone time.'
She covered her mental frown with a sexy smirk, "Oh, c'mon. You'll have Thor there for support. It's going to be fine. What's there to be nervous about?" Her words contradicted her true feelings, she was actually nervous too, but for her own reasons.
"Okay, if you aren't worried then I'm not." He smiled, glancing at her physique once more. Then he guided her to his car. Nothing special, just a silver thing he'd gotten for a good deal. He opened the door for her, and then rounded the car to his side. Climbing in, he started the car. He leaned over and kissed her cheek. 'It'll get better.' His kiss seemed to convey. She wished she could hold his hand, but he was a really cautious driver, so unlike herself. She'd noticed many of the things he did he were extra cautious, and he rarely used a phone. 'So old fashioned.'
She decided. They drove on in complete silence. Darcy felt uncomfortable, being that she was normally talkative she ached to fill the resounding quiet. It echoed painfully between them and off the dash. She could hear the purr of the engine, the crushing sound of tires on asphalt, and a car alarm in some distant parking lot. Ian seemed so content in silence, but Darcy was crying internally. 'What was I thinking?' She wanted to sob; her anxiety mounting. 'He's not the guy for me at all! How could a guy who is content to be silent and observe be happy with someone who loves chaos and adventure.'
When they arrived at the restaurant, a Mongolian barbecue place Thor chose, Darcy got herself out of the car. Ian frowned and she wondered if she should feel bad, but disregarded it. She was already tired of this date. Darcy had a history of bad relationships. Things that started out with a sweet circumstance, or in this case pure adrenaline, and ended with one of them in a break up because of differences in personality.
She feared the possibility this might be yet another typical romance for Darcy Lewis. She wasn't sure she could handle this anymore. 'I have to give him a chance, even if he already isn't working for me. Who knows, maybe he really is nervous and will shine through as a sexy, daring, and exciting guy later. Maybe this stiff isn't really him.'
Thor and Jane were already seated. They'd managed a place near the grill so Thor could see the preparation. He was completely thrilled by the thought of picking your own meal components while they grill it up for you. He'd learned about it when experimenting with the magic picture box and discovering the food channel. He'd insisted we visit such a restaurant. "Hey guys over here!" Jane smiled, waving at us.
"Lady Darcy!" Thor boomed, giving her a bone-crushing bear hug.
"Good to see you too, thunder head." She croaked, with what little air she could muster. Thor smiled broadly. Jane was a lucky woman.
"Ian, my new friend, how is life treating you since the convergence?" He shook Ian's hand, but Ian didn't seem so thrilled to see Thor. 'Thor is so loveable, what's Ian's problem? He's been so off...'
"Well." Ian grimaced. Thor's face shaded over a second before he shook it once and turned to the waitress who was patiently, well, waiting. "Have any of you been here before?" She asked pleasantly. Her eyes never left Thor; if Jane cared Darcy didn't perceive it. Thor obviously thought nothing of it.
"Jane and I have, have you Ian?" He shook his head no, so Darcy continued. "But the guys here haven't. We can show them down the line though." Darcy smiled at her; she was forced to take her attention off Thor, giving Darcy a look like she'd done her some injustice. She showed them to the buffet, provided them with bowls, and sauntered off. Darcy thought she might've been swinging her hips a little more than normal. 'Some girls are pathetic. Is she trying to steal our dates?' Darcy was appalled by how much it bothered her, she was the same type to try and draw not only her guy's eye, but all the eyes of all the guys.
Ian piled on about as much as Darcy, and many of the same things, Jane piled on less variety but quite a bit of what she got. Thor got everything and in extreme amounts. Darcy hadn't ever seen anyone pile that much food and balance it all on one plate. It was architectural genius at its tastiest. Thor was very intrigued and watched them make the food, hunger glistening in his eyes.
Ian carried on small talk with Jane, science stuff Darcy didn't entirely understand. She'd throw in a random comment every once in a while, to which Ian would laugh and squeeze her hand. For the most part though, Darcy talked food with Thor. He asked about her favorite pop tart. She told him cherry and he responded that he was a fan of all of them, but especially blueberry.
When the food came, Darcy grabbed chopsticks and dug in. Jane was too impatient for them and used a fork. Thor immediately inquired as to the way to use them, and while Ian didn't ask, he watched intently as well. Thor gave up on chopsticks as to increase his food intake, but Ian mastered them quickly. Darcy was impressed because he was eating spoonfuls on them when even she had issues using them, and she had been using them for years.
Thor told stories of his adventures in Asgard, he seemed never to be out, rarely having ever retold one. Darcy felt so awful for Thor, even though she thought Loki was an ass for trying to take over earth, her heart still ached when a story would mention Loki and Thor's eyes would darken with pain. Ian sat across from Jane by Darcy, and avoided Thor's eyes, but she noticed him smirk occasionally. It was a creepy smirk, as if he knew something. Darcy shook her head and got back to enjoying the night.
After the meal Darcy gave Thor and Jane both big hugs telling them to have a 'safe' night then headed back to Ian's car. They decided to head for a drink before going home. They both were wanting some alone time. Darcy spoke quietly to Ian while he headed across town to a bar he knew of. Darcy was happy he'd suggested the outing first; she didn't want to seem clingy. Despite her previous worries tonight was going really well and she just wanted it to go a bit longer.
The bar was a nicer place than Darcy was accustomed to drinking at, but she had no qualms with that. He offered them both drinks while Darcy headed to the lady's room to touch up. Upon leaving the restroom Darcy bumped into a man. He grabbed her arm and Darcy pulled loose, "Hey watch it!" She snapped, a little frightened. He mumbled something that might've been an apology but perhaps not. She couldn't be sure.
Ian handed her a drink and she plopped bravely onto his lap, daring him to refuse, but simply shifted his weight to accommodate her. She sipped the beverage; it was a neat green color, with gold sugar on the rim. Rather festive looking. Ian leaned forward to whisper in her ear. He wanted to know how it tasted. She told him it was delicious. He replied by kissing her lips, the gold sugar transferring to his own. He licked them slowly, agreeing with her that it was in fact delicious. She giggled and kissed him again.
The night went like that for another hour. Kissing and trying different seasonal drinks. She might've gone for something heavier but Ian insisted on the fact he had work in the morning and so did she. She sighed, she'd rather just call in sick, but if they both did Jane would know better. They walked outside, maybe only a little tipsy. Ian kissed Darcy's lips softly, then harder, and then the next thing they knew her arms were around his neck and her foot had popped up, it was ridiculously cheesy like a romance movie, but Darcy secretly loved it. She was sorry to let go, her hands slowly sliding down his chest, refusing to break contact. "Be back in a minute, love." He breathed, and then kissed her on the cheek before running off.
Darcy stood around, waiting for Ian to fetch the car. It was a chill night and Darcy hadn't thought to bring her sweater, so she rubbed her arms absent mindedly. A man in dark clothing stared at her from across the street. She frowned, casually moving her hand to her clutch, both to protect her money and keep her taser close at hand. When Ian pulled up Darcy had never been happier to see him. He got out to open her door and she glanced at the man across the street, shooting Ian a look of despair. He glared over at the man, putting an arm around Darcy as he helped her into the car. He crossed to his side, never breaking his stare until he put the car in drive to pull away.
"How long was he staring?" Ian wanted to know.
"Maybe five minutes while you went to get the car." Darcy replied softly. "But it's all good now because he won't find us, right?"
"Of course, love." He tried to smile but it was almost a grimace, Darcy was not at all reassured.
When they got home, he walked her up the flight up stairs to her building door. Darcy asked Ian to stay over. He replied saying he couldn't, he had work in the morning. "We both do silly, same job. And as your boss I demand you stay over." She winked, hoping he'd give, she knew he wanted to.
"Well when you put it that way, no, I'm off hours." He rubbed her shoulders in a teasing manner.
She fought the urge to kiss him again. Not until she'd won this argument. "You're an intern, I set your hours." She mocked seriousness, but cracked a smirk.
"Night Darce." He kissed her cheek lightly, and then left for home. Darcy watched him pull out before closing the door and heading to her apparent. She took a nice long shower, rinsing off her makeup and hair products before washing up. She blew her hair dry then curled up in bed.
Her studio style apartment was prefect for her, she could see the tv in the living area from her comfy queen size, and fell asleep to a 'what not to wear' marathon.
…
Her phone alarm buzzed loudly, some preset she hated passionately, but it made the perfect wake-up call. Throwing her hair up in a bun, and slipping on her comfy jeans, marauders t-shirts and her cardigan, she was nearly ready. Her fuzzy Uggs waited dutifully by the door. She put on minimal makeup, mascara and eyeliner, and then shuffled out the door to her car. Ian greeted her at the door with her usual coffee. If she weren't so selfish she'd fire him, working with your boyfriend was awkward but then again Thor was up here most days with Jane, when he wasn't off doing diplomatic business for Asgard.
"Hey honeybunny." She smiled, kissing his cheek. She walked over to Jane's work table signing her name on the time sheet. It was practically worthless, she only signed in when she felt like it. Jane insisted on it though, said it made them more professional. Erik had called it a damn waste of time and refused to sign it, but he was still banana balls so that was expected.
"So I was thinking" Ian smiled, interrupting Darcy's train of thought, "we could go ice skating tonight, just us. Not Thor and Jane." "What's wrong with Thor and Jane?" Darcy frowned, not that she minded the thought of a night alone with Ian, gave her more alone time to coax him into staying over.
"Nothing, Jane is a lovely woman." Ian replied, Darcy couldn't help but think 'ah, so it's Rapunzel he doesn't like.'
"Sounds great." Darcy smiled her big goofy grin she often wore. She was already excited, since he'd suggested it he must be a good ice skater, and she was rather enjoying the fantasy of him guiding her with his arms about her waist all night. She wasn't what you'd call graceful on ice skates. He squeezed her hips and she leaned back into him. It might've gone a little farther but Jane stormed in yelling at them to get to work. Storming right back out, they heard the van start.
Darcy stuck her tongue out but none the less she went over to the computer and got to work on filing. Ian cleaned up, he was virtually worthless in the lab, and once again she knew she needed to let him go. It had been silly to get an intern but there were benefits. "Ian, come do this please." She whined in a fake and childish way. He walked over with a smirk on his face.
"What is it you're complaining about?" He asked.
She looked up at him with her best puppy dog eyes, "This stuff is boring." She played with his shirt hem as he leaned over her. "Were you that tall before?" It was a stupid question but he seemed taller. He didn't answer, he just kissed her nose.
"Want help with your work?" She raised an eyebrow, he was being so serious.
"Actually, if you could do this, and this, and that, heck all of it." She giggled, getting up, and swiveling the seat toward him. He wrapped his arms about her waist and kissed her lips lightly. She kissed him back, a little more passionately. That progressed steadily for a while, cuz they're clay like that, manning out on the job. She entwined her fingers in his raven black hair.
She pulled back, gasping for breath she scanned Ian up and down. He frowned at her, "You okay, love?" He asked.
She reached up and twirled a piece of his short, brown hair. She kissed his nose. "I'm amazing." She smiled.
...
Darcy was all dressed in her paisley tights, thigh-length sweater, and comfy Uggs. Ian was supposed to be here any minute; she sat on her couch kicking her feet. Her hair was in low dog ears, spiraled into large barrel curls. She had on no eye shadow, but silver eye liner and black lash maximizing mascara. Cotton candy gloss accented her plump lips and pink blush applied lightly on the apples of her cheeks completed the snowy angel look she was going for.
The doorbell rang. She popped up quickly, dashing to the door. She opened it slowly, backing up with it, hiding behind it. "Hello?" Ian asked, glancing about the semi tidy studio apartment. He stepped in, Darcy closed the door behind him and he turned around quickly. Eyes landing on her, she leaned against the door, arms crossed. "You scared me, Darcy, what's up with you?"
She smiled, "I don't know. Feeling silly I guess." She looked him up and down, he was wearing fitted, straight legged jeans, she'd taken notice of the way they fit his butt so nicely, a long sleeved polo, and a scarf. He looked nice, and definitely ready for the rink.
"Well silly girl, ready to go?" He asked. He held a box in his hand, being the forward girl she was she couldn't help but reply, "Well, I was thinking we could stay here and open what's in that box." She approached him, one hand on his chest, the other hand running an index finger down the box.
"Ah, ah, ah. That's a surprise!" He chided, pulling it behind his back. He moved his free arm around her back pulling her into him. "You can't open it until we get to the rink." She pouted at him, but submitted by grabbing her purse from the coat rack.
"Fine, but only because I'm intrigued by your secrecy." They arrived at the rink and Darcy immediately asked about the package again. Ian said she'd just have to wait until they got skates. After being sized, she glanced at it hopefully, but he shut her down with a kiss. Darcy soon forgot all about whatever was in the package though.
Ian led her round the rink hand in hand, suddenly leaving her solo and picking up speed only to turn around backwards and tease her to catch up. She stuck out her tongue in responseabd began shuffling her feet trying to pick up speed. She slipped and slid like Bambie on ice, by the third slide it was painfully obvious she was going down. She squeezed her eyes shut when her feet came out from under her, preparing to crash, but she never did.
"You know I've always admired your natural grace and style." He'd come back before she managed to fall on her bum. "Well somebody's got to make you look good." He threw his head back and laughed, as he pulled her to a standing position. They continued around the rink.
Darcy's previous skating fantasy came true after all, they even shared a light kiss, but that was all she was up for, terrified she'd lose balance again. Ian wasn't getting tired, but Darcy seemed quickly exhausted by it all, then again, he was much more skilled on the ice than she.
After an hour, Ian led Darcy back into the commons area off the ice. They bought chili cheese fries and cokes, and then sat there laughing and talking. When Darcy looked about ready to head back to the apartment, Ian pulled out the package, and handed it to her, but not before a little speech. "This isn't much, but I thought something little was appropriate to mark the start of something bigger. So, Darcy Lewis, I present to you," she opened the blue velvet jewelry box, "my heart."
It was a small, but beautifully ornate, heart on a simple silver chain. Darcy's head shot up, "Holy crap, Ian, its gorgeous!" She unclasped the chain, "Would you?" She asked.
He got up and took the necklace from her, as she moved away her hair he fixed it about her neck. Her hand moved to it, and she turned to look at him. He kissed her forehead. "Let's get home, Darcy." In Darcy's opinion the drive home seemed short; she admired the gift nearly the whole way home.
Ian pulled up in front of her apartment, getting out first; he helped her out and walked her to the door. "I had an amazing time Ian." She smiled; she messed with her keys, and then added, "You want to come in a minute?"
"Sure, but I can't stay." He smiled. There it was again, that constant reminder he couldn't stay over. It's not like she was a sex crazed lunatic. She wasn't even thinking that, honestly. She made them both tea and they curled up on her couch.
Ian channel surfed until he found a flick they agreed on. He took her hand, and began rubbing circles on the back of it with his thumb. When he looked up to ask her if she liked the movie, she was totally zonked out with her head on his shoulder. Sighing, he tried to get up so he could put her to bed, but she tightened her grip on his shoulder. "Five more minutes..." She slurred in a groggy, sleep deprived tone. He chuckled quietly and settled in, figuring he'd wait until she was in a deeper sleep to try again. Falling asleep definitely wasn't a part of his plan.
…
Darcy heard her work alarm go off and groaned. She shot up, realizing she had fallen asleep on the couch. Scenes from the night before flashed through her mind, making her smile. She turned to Ian to wake him up, only to scream in terror. There, lying on her sofa, head tilted back, stirring suddenly from an evidently deep sleep was not Ian, but someone she never expected to see. Probably because that someone was supposed to be dead.
A/N:EEEKKK! Anyone else excited?