We live in a time of constant change. Everything and everyone seems determined to be something or someone else tomorrow. Yet, we don't realise this often. Most days we just live our lives, and once in a while we look back and think: "How different do we all seem".
Well, let me tell you: when you wake up after three entire years, you do see the differences. Suddenly the entire world in unknown to you. People talk differently, walk differently, smile differently. All of a sudden it is "out of style", or "not an issue anymore".
Luckily, the world doesn't always change for the worse.
Take me, for example. I went to sleep as some kind of "Jane Doe", and woke up a Stark. It was truly a dream come true.
I thought about that moment when Tony was holding me close, his arm wrapped around me, while he ushered me to his (way too expensive) car. In that brief moment I had opened my eyes, his expression had changed from suppressed sadness to liberated joy and relief. Yes, what a moment that was.
'I see they were out of normal cars,' I remarked. Tony opened the door for me, and helped me slide down into the utterly comfortable seat.
'If you don't like it you can stay in the hospital,' he responded, closing the door for me, and making his way around the hood of the car.
'Tempting…' I mused. 'Should I live forever in the hospital were the food in reasonable and the beds soft, or should I go and live with a bunch of freaks- excuse me, hero's? Decisions, decisions…'
The car started to rumble softly as Tony turned the key, pulsating only slightly as the engine came to life.
'I can't promise about the food – we usually just get some takeout.' If I hadn't known him better, I would have thought he sounded ashamed and apologetic.
'Let me guess,' the wind now rustled the little strands of hair that escaped my messy bun, 'it's usually shawarma?'
'Only if I get my way.' He grinned. Then his face relaxed again, and with an odd expression he stared onto the road before us. 'You are okay with living with us, the freaks I mean, right?' This time I was sure about the apologetic look.
'Sure, sure,' I replied hastily, immediately feeling bad for saying it. 'I am very happy you're taking me in, Tony. You know that, right?'
After quickly checking my expression, Tony's characteristic smirk returned. 'Course, you will be living in none other than the real Stark Tower. You must be truly honoured!'
'Don't get cocky,' I smiled, admiring the view, while my thoughts drifted off. Today, I knew, a new life would begin.
After a somewhat long drive, we ended up parking underneath the famous – or infamous – Stark Tower.
Bowing slightly Tony opened up the car door. 'Welcome to our humble abode.'
'Jeez...' I breathed out, looking up. Tony hauled my bag over his shoulder, and wrapped his other arm around me again.
Together we made our way inside, and then to the elevator, which brought us to the uppermost floors, labelled "penthouse". Just before the elevator doors opened up, I got to contemplate my life: I was about to meet earth mightiest heroes in sweatpants and wide hoody, while I probably still looked like a zombie slash scarecrow. One might say those weren't the best circumstances for a first impression.
Ding.
Too late.
The doors slid open, revealing a wide space divided in multiple parts, all with their own purpose. At the moment I was looking at the living area.
There sat four people who seemed utterly out of place; four people who were all faster, stronger and more special than me.
Tony and I took some steps out of the elevator, before Tony sat down the bag, but kept his arm around me protectively.
'Guys!' He raised his voice, demanding their attention. They all looked up, and rose to their feet.
'Hello, you must be Aella!' A tall, muscular, blonde man approached me, his hand protruded, his face softened in a kind smile.
'Hi, yes, that's me,' I said awkwardly, accepting his hand. 'You must be Steve Rogers. Nice to meet you, mister Rogers.' How I wished that I could sink down into the floor.
Steve wrinkled his nose. 'Please call me Steve, mister Rogers make me feel so old.'
'You are old,' Tony muttered. I poked him in the ribs; he was not making this easier.
'Then nice to meet you, Steve.'
'Well Tony, at least she doesn't have the manners of a Stark.' He smiled again, and I blushed.
'Thank God for that,' the redheaded woman said, grinning while she shook my hand. 'Natasha. Nice to have some more Oestrogen in this tower.'
'Nice to have you here. I'm Bruce.' His handshake was short and awkward, but I instantly liked him; he seemed like a nice guy.
'It truly is an honour to meet you, Lady Aella.' Thor's greeting was more exuberantly than everybody else's, and his smile was wide and genuine.
'Nice to meet you, Thor,' I said, my cheeks heating.
'Wait a minute,' Tony said. 'I miss someone, where's Barton?'
At that something crashed with a loud bang against something solid, and I heard a pained exclamation. The fifth Avengers appeared in the kitchen, rubbing his head, holding a sandwich. He waved with his snack-filled hand.
'Hi, I'm Clint.'
'Hi.' I waved back. I was so incredibly flustered, that it felt like a had a fever.
'You okay?' Tony asked.
'Sure,' I muttered, hiding my hands in my sleeves. 'It was good meeting you all...' That moment I simultaneously tried to face them and not look anyone into the eyes.
'Let's find you your room,' Tony suggested matter-of-factly. As a response I nodded, still feeling utterly ashamed. With a gentle press of his arm, he ushered me to a hallway flanked with doors, and brought me to a more remote part. Here he opened up a crimson door, and let me in.
The room itself was quite simple; white walls, a silvery bed with white curtains, a desk, closet and some more basic stuff. I also got my own bathroom.
I didn't really know what you wanted, so I thought we could decorate it later?' Tony looked at me unsurely. I smiled.
'Sure. Though I am also happy with how it is.' He nodded, embraced me, stood there awkwardly for another couple seconds, and let me alone, to get used to my new surroundings.
I slumped on my back on the bed, sighing heavily.
'Welcome home... Aella Stark.'