All That I Can Say: Chapter 7
By: M. Greystone
Disclaimer: I don't own the Thor-verse, just Danica.
The silence rang in his ears, but the rush of his thoughts was noise enough as he sat in the dark, staring blindly at the dim floor.
She'd gone back upstairs after checking on Hogun, and he'd watched her ascend, her gown white in the gloom as she'd returned to her bed. His fists had clenched as he looked out the window at the other man, who stood, pensive, under the spread of the trees, no doubt replaying the past moments in his mind, if the smile curving his mouth was any indication.
To see her in the arms of another, her face tilted sweetly for his kiss, her arms around his waist, set a fire in his gut and ice in his veins. He'd thought things were different, that she'd return to him, not lose herself in another, one he now considered an enemy where once they were great compatriots.
He covered his face with one hand briefly, his exhale as silent as possible in the still night. He cursed himself, almost cursed her, then stopped. He'd fight for her. He refused to just sit back and allow her to walk away so easily. He'd waited so long for her, he could wait longer, and she didn't need to know what he'd seen.
They needed to remain on friendly terms, even though she seemed to have cast him aside for the other, and he'd maintain that, if that's what she wanted.
But still, it struck him harder than he'd thought possible to watch her kiss another, her smile bright as she looked back to him, promise in her eyes.
Fandral sighed and returned to his bed on the couch and punched his pillow as he turned over, knowing that finding sleep now would undoubtedly be fruitless.
Danica had chosen Loki.
It was a tight squeeze to fit everyone in the kitchen for breakfast, so Jane suggested they move the party out to the fire pit area once plates and bowls were filled, and Thor had already gone through two cups of coffee.
It was almost comical to see the greatest warriors of Asgard settling in Adirondack chairs with their breakfasts, especially since not everyone was wearing regular clothes. Jane and Danica had purchased various types of loungewear for their guests also, and it was amusing to see their friends in what were, essentially, pajamas.
"'Tis a fine morning," Volstagg commented, grinning over at Fandral, who was picking at his plate of scrambled eggs and bacon, the younger man barefoot and wearing jeans and the linen undershirt he wore beneath his armor.
Fandral looked at him oddly, wondering why his friend seemed so gleeful, Volstagg's green eyes twinkling as he nodded subtly towards Danica, who was sampling Jane's mug of hot chocolate. "Er, yes, the weather is lovely," he agreed, eating his breakfast and certain the redhead had taken leave of his senses. What in the Nine Realms did Danica have to do with how a morning seemed?
Volstagg pounded a fist carefully on his armrest, chuckling when Fandral had to grab his glass of orange juice before it fell to the ground from the jarring. "Though the weather last eve was even better, I'm sure," he muttered cheekily. "A fine night for standing under the trees…" he trailed off, eyebrows wiggling like mad caterpillars.
Fandral's mouth went dry. Volstagg had been sleeping on the back porch…
"What are you driving at?" Fandral asked quietly, leaning towards him to keep the conversation private, and Volstagg looked at him in surprise, his gaze flicking between Danica and the blond warrior.
"Why, you and…Well, you…" He broke off, clearing his throat as Fandral continued to stare blankly at him. Volstagg brought his fingers up to his lips and looked pointedly again at Danica, then inclined his head towards the lower half of Fandral's face.
"Oh…" Fandral leaned back and managed a smug smile. "Yes." He laughed, using his amusement over his friend's antics to fuel his mirth. "Yes, indeed, it's a fine morning." He lifted his glass to Danica, who stared at him in pleased surprise. "Many thanks to my lady and the charming Jane Foster for this excellent meal they created for us, as well," he said, toasting her, and the others took up the praise.
Danica smiled at him with warmth he hadn't seen in ages as she nodded. "You're very welcome," she said, clinking her teacup against Jane's mug. She brought her fingers to her mouth, much the same way Volstagg had done with his, though she pressed a kiss to them and sent it winging to Fandral, who caught it with all the enthusiasm he knew was expected of him.
Thor caught the exchange and grinned. "I see you two appear to be in better spirits with each other," he remarked, laughing softly as Danica blushed.
"Aye, we are," Fandral replied, smiling also and sending a heated look towards his betrothed.
"Thank the gods," Sif muttered, smirking, setting off a round of laughter as they returned to their food.
"What is your plan for the day, Lady Jane?" Hogun asked, surprising her since Danica had explained he wasn't one for conversation.
"We'll be going in to work soon," she answered, looking at Danica, who nodded.
"But we'll leave our phone numbers in case you need to reach us. We'll teach you how to use it," Haraldsen added. "And there's plenty of food and books, and you're welcome to explore the neighborhood if you need a walk."
"Just don't kill anything," Jane put in, only half-serious.
The women left for work soon after breakfast, Thor escorting Jane to her car, and Danica was surprised to see Fandral jogging over to her as she unlocked the Rover.
"Hello," she smiled, tossing her knapsack across to the passenger seat and turning to face him as Jane drove away and Thor walked back to the cottage. "Do you understand how to use the phone alright?" she asked, pushing her sunglasses back up into her hair so she could look up at him.
"Lift the handle, touch the correct numbers and listen until you or your answering service responds," he replied. "Thank you again for allowing us to stay with you, Danica," he said. "I realize it is a great inconvenience, and having me here must be difficult for you."
She shrugged. "It is what it is," she replied, her smile turning pensive. "It's nice, though, to see you all again. Even you," she teased and he grinned. "About last night…"
He frowned, concerned as to what she'd say next. He didn't know what was said between her and Loki; he wasn't sure if he wanted to. "Yes?"
"I enjoyed it. It had been too long since I've gotten to kiss you." She blushed, tucking a strand of hair self-consciously over her ear. "I'd missed it."
He blinked, barely stopping his mouth from dropping open at her admission. "I-I missed it also," he managed, his mind tumbling as he tried to solve this latest puzzle. He put a confident smile in place, though, and lifted a hand to touch her face. "Be safe today, my love."
She swallowed back the sudden prick of moisture in her eyes, covering his hand with hers. "Of course," she laughed quietly, then sighed when he bent to kiss her. Her fingers tightened over his and her sunglasses clattered to the ground when he drew her against him, one arm banding across her back, the other slipping to cup the back of her head as her hands slid into his hair.
They broke apart, breathless, after a few lengthy moments, and Danica's cheeks were several shades brighter. "Well! Um…Yes…Okay…" she fumbled, leaning over to pick up her glasses, giggling when she stumbled and braced herself on the car. "So, I'll be home this evening," she told him, nodding with a grin that he returned.
"I look forward to it," he replied, holding the door open for her as she got inside and managed to get her keys in the ignition and start the vehicle. He reached for her hand and kissed the back of it, then replaced it on the steering wheel and closed the door. He stepped back and let her drive away, turning back to go in the house when he couldn't see her anymore.
The party gathered on the porch stopped him in his tracks, and Fandral shook his head with a rueful grin as his friends smiled at him, Thor and Volstagg applauding slowly.
He continued on and walked past them, waving over his shoulder with a small laugh as he went inside, the rest of the warriors following.
Jane and Danica waved their ID cards at the guard before walking in to their building, the chilled interior washing over them as they stepped through the doors and through the lobby.
"What did Fandral want?" Foster asked, clipping her badge onto her sweater's hem while they moved down the hall. She looked beside her when Danica remained quiet, though a small smile began to quirk over a laugh. "No…A kiss goodbye?" Jane grinned, stopping with her friend, who nodded.
"Oh, yes. It was quite fantastic, I must say," the blonde replied.
Jane smacked her lightly on the arm, the two starting on their way once more. "Excellent! I knew getting him around you would help clear things up. Have you had a chance to talk things over?"
The encounter in the garden slipped through her memory for a space of heartbeats and she nodded again. "Somewhat. We really do need to sit down, I think and discuss everything that occurred."
They'd reached their lab and Jane reached for the door handle, looking back as she answered, "Well, it's kind of a big subject. I wouldn't think you could get it cleared up in one go—" She broke off on a shriek as a small purple object about the size of a cat rocketed through the open door, banking sharply to narrowly miss the opposite wall before it came to a hovering halt behind Danica.
"A dragon!" she whispered, staring at the small creature, who regarded her dubiously as it flapped its wings.
The door opened again with the sound of slapping hand on it, and a petite brunette in jeans and a lemon yellow sweater stomped out, brown eyes furious. "Lockheed, apologize!" she ordered, pointing at the flying creature, who folded its diminutive arms and stuck its snout in the air.
"Lockheed?" Jane laughed, eyeing the purple dragon who, she could swear, smiled at her. "What a great name!"
"If only his attitude were as superb," the younger woman replied with a sigh, turning to the new arrivals with a smile. "Hi, Kitty Pryde," she said, holding out a hand and they shook it in turn.
"Jane Foster and this is Danica Haraldsen," she told her, indicating the blonde, who was still having something of a staring contest with the alien reptile.
"It's great to put a face to the voice," Haraldsen said, smiling at Kitty. She squeaked when Lockheed flew right up to her, sniffing her curiously then circling her head before settling on Kitty's shoulder.
Pryde's eyebrows lifted as she looked at her pet, rubbing his nose. "That's a new one, dragon." She looked over at Danica, her head tilting. "I think you and I need to talk later…" she said pensively, then brightened. "Well, since you're both here, let's head back in to the fray."
She turned and walked back into the lab, where one of the computer techs glared at Lockheed, his lab coat crumpled in a wastebasket and coated in white fire extinguisher foam. "Lockheed doesn't like him," Kitty explained quietly, leading the way over to her station that she'd set up next to Danica and Jane's desks.
"I'll keep that in mind," Foster returned, turning on her computer and sitting down. "How has it been today?" she asked, pulling her data pad from her bag and turning around to speak with the team as they all brought chairs over or stood around the desks.
"Slow," one of the women replied, a tall brunette of Latin descent, as she checked her own pad. "But good. After the setbacks we had, we're making good progress today."
The conversation stopped as the doors opened and Tony Stark walked in, Pepper Potts close behind, her icepick-thin Louboutins snapping on the linoleum.
"I'm here, please begin the celebration!" he declared, pulling off his violet-lensed glasses and tucking them in his bomber jacket pocket as he walked over with a grin. "Danica, bikini and margarita on the rocks, right? Jane, Dirty Banana and a string bikini, yes?" he offered, leering, then stopping when he caught sight of Kitty. "And who are you?" he asked, starting to drape an arm around her shoulders when Lockheed growled at him, a tiny flicker of flame appearing from his lips.
"Almost legal and a student of Xavier's, which means she has friends that can hurt you in interesting ways," Pepper remarked dryly, Tony recoiling even further.
Kitty held her hand out and shook Tony's. "Kitty Pryde," she said coolly, smirking up at him. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Stark."
"Likewise," he sighed, sliding back to stand with Pepper. "I suppose I am destined for only you, Potts," he said wistfully, and she stepped away to meet Kitty, who was grinning at their interplay. "I can't win," he pouted, folding his arms as the four women looked over at him witheringly.
"Tony, I do need to speak with you, though," Danica said, stepping away. "Jane, I think you may need to be in on this also," she said, looking back to her and the astrophysicist nodded and stood. "When would be alright?" she asked, now looking at Pepper and Tony chuckled. She knew who held the reins and that was okay with him.
"We've got a meeting with Fury in ten minutes, so after that ought to work," Pepper replied, checking the schedule on her BlackBerry and making a note.
Jane and Danica exchanged a glance.
"We'll bring chocolate," Jane smiled, knowing that a meeting with the director was never anything calmer than walking across an interstate.
"I'll hold you to that!" Tony called back, already walking to the lab doors, Pepper waving to the team as she followed.
Kitty pursed her lips, watching their progress thoughtfully. "I'd heard stories…" she muttered and Jane snorted.
"They're all true and then some," she replied, shifting her fingers back through her hair and exhaling before she sat back down to re-start the staff meeting.
Tony Stark rubbed a hand over his face as he eased himself into a soft chair in his penthouse's living room, smiling as he watched Pepper walk back in to the room with her tea, Jane and Danica already sitting on the couch opposite him and each with their own beverage. He kept an apartment in town for when he needed to travel to this base, finding it easier to have his own property to work from rather than a hotel.
"You know, this would be any man's dream," he commented, eyeing the three women grouped in his home-away-from-home.
"Do you want me to belch or do something awful?" Danica asked Pepper, who only shook her head with a sigh.
"It would only encourage him to be even ruder," she replied, letting him pull her into his lap, the billionaire careful of her hot drink as she settled.
Tony took a sip of his bourbon then set it aside to give the scientists his attention. "What did you need to talk to me about?" he asked. "I'm guessing it's really good since you asked for a private meeting place somewhere off-site of SHIELD…" He quirked an eyebrow.
Danica leaned forward, setting her bare feet on the floor from where she'd been sitting tailor-style on the couch. "Tony, has Fury said anything to you about what will happen if or when we make the breakthrough to Asgard? Has he set up anything like an emissary to speak with Odin and the other rulers of the Nine Realms?"
Stark frowned and Pepper stood up to sit in the chair he vacated as he got up to walk the room, his fingers idly picking up a metal puzzle globe from a side table as he went. "There've been a few murmurs here and there, but not anything solid that I know of. I've heard it might be Coulson who they send in to speak, God help us all, since he is the usual first-contact person for SHIELD's dealings. Why?" He fiddled with the puzzle, not looking at them, though they knew he wasn't being evasive or dishonest. Tony just had way too much energy to ever be still.
"Because it's not like we're just driving down the road to our kindly old grandpa's house to say 'hi'," Jane replied. "We may be making contact with Odin, Father of the Gods? And I don't think he's going to take kindly to us coming in his house, so to speak, without calling ahead."
Tony nodded, thinking as he walked. "That's very true. And I'd like to say that I'm sure Nicky has thought of this and has a winning and irresistibly charming speech for Coulson to memorize, but knowing of their past methods of meeting new people…"
They fell silent; the only sound the slight chime of the ice cubes in Tony's glass falling together as they melted.
Danica sighed, holding up a hand. "I just am having second thoughts about this whole project and letting SHIELD handle it. What with the Avengers project on the horizon, it just kind of worries me that it seems like SHIELD's amassing some kind of super army and I don't want its target to be Asgard."
Pepper looked over at her, a thoughtful frown beginning to darken her face. "No offense, but why the sudden concern for Asgard?" she asked. "You've been at the forefront of this endeavor for months, and now you've got cold feet?"
Danica bit her lip, and Jane reached over and touched her arm supportively. Danica squared her shoulders and looked at Pepper and Tony directly. "I suppose it's because I don't want to see some power-mad Midgardian "defense" force attempt to conquer my home," she admitted finally. "Especially since they're trying to get a handle on this Hulk creature, they have you, and I've heard that they're moving Clint Barton into that area as well. If they got their hands on what Asgard has, the result would be catastrophic."
Tony spluttered. "They don't 'have' me, Danica," he insisted, even as Pepper was gaping at her.
"Your home?" Pepper repeated, eyes wide. She looked to Tony, who was still playing with his puzzle, though now with a bit of a glare over Haraldsen's comment regarding his alleged employment. "She's from Asgard?"
Tony shook his head and walked over to take another pull of his drink. "I knew there was something different about you," he shrugged and set down the puzzle with a grin. "Stands to reason you're a goddess."
Danica laughed and Jane slumped against the back of the couch, relieved that he'd taken it all so well.
"Don't worry about SHIELD and Asgard, or rather The Avengers and Asgard," Tony said, moving over to sit between the two women. "I have a few plans for the project, and I don't think it'll trouble you."
Jane eyed him warily. "This should be interesting…"
