The next morning the heroes awoke from the sofa feeling stiff. Stretching out they all went to get ready for the day. Lenny gave Scott a small peck on the cheek and went to find Steve for the morning training he had wanted to begin.
Scott sat up and smiled. "So are you two dating or what?" came Clint's question as he yawned.
"No idea."
Downstairs, Lenny found Steve in the gym hitting a punching bag.
"Steve, hey I'm here for the training."
Steve turned around, breathing hard. "We can cancel today. You were in the medical wing yesterday."
"I appreciate the offer Steve, but I'd still like to train. Yesterday, my powers got the best of me because I haven't practiced with them a lot. It's like training for a marathon. At first it's hard, and you get worn out fast. But as you work at it, it gets easier. That's how my powers work, they are a part of me."
Steve admired Lenny's dedication and relented. "Okay, let's go down to the combat room. We'll use a containment cell and measure how hot your fire can go."
The two worked for an hour, finding out that Lenny could burn as hot as 1500* F, enough to melt steel. They had also tested her ice powers, and in addition to creating ice, Lenny could get as cold as the temperature it takes to freeze pure ethanol, a chilly -174.6º.
After training Lenny felt pretty tired. She had never worked her powers so hard, it was surprising to see how tied to her they were. Going to her wing she took a shower and lay down for a nap. After 20 minutes she sat up to an alarm going off, though this one didn't sound like the emergency alarm yesterday.
"Lenora, Sir has requested the immediate attendance of all Avengers in the commons," Friday said over the intercom.
Rolling her eyes Lenny mumbled, "That man doesn't do anything without creating a big scene does he?"
Not expecting an answer, Lenny chuckled a bit when the AI sounded weary saying, "It is not his was to be subtle."
Arriving in the commons, Lenny headed over to Wanda, the two of them chatting about how a group text may have been more sufficient than an alarm.
"Lenny, I've been meaning to ask. Are you and Scott together?" Wanda asked, curious for her friend.
"Well if he asks me, then yes we will be. I have to be certain it's what he wants to. When my ex left me because of the twins, well he left a scar. What about you and Vision?"
"I don't know. It is strange to be with someone who was created. But I believe us to be some kind of couple."
The two continued to chat about things as the others walked in, wearing various looks of annoyance.
"Steve, your man is ridiculous." Steve shrugged at Sam, "What's up with the alarm Tony?"
"Well I have decided that we need to all go out together as a team. We have a new member and it's time for all of us to bind. I'm going to stop before you interrupt Legolas," Tony spoke as Clint opened his mouth to speak, "Your movie night last night does not count because we were not all there. Thanks for the invite, although if the next move is Little Mermaid and I'm not invited, there will be hell to pay."
'Who knew the Avengers were all Disney nuts? The twins will not believe it,' thought Lenny.
"There's a bar across from our favorite donut shop. We can eat dinner, have some drinks and spend some quality time together! So get ready and be down here by 6, don't make me have to come find you! And no, Sam, you can't wear what you're wearing. It's not a formal event, but it is dinner." With that Tony walked to the elevator, pulling Steve behind him, to go get ready himself.
"Well I suppose we'd all better get ready for Tony's big night out. Wanda, let's go look through my closet to figure out what to wear. Want to come with us Natasha?" Lenny offered the spy kindly.
"That's okay," Natasha smiled at the offer, "I already know what I'm going to wear, but I'll you soon."
Happy to have another woman her age in the building, Wanda gleefully went to Lenny's wing with her, the two of them making plans for Wanda to join her at the next dinner night with her family. Rummaging through Lenny's closet the two found dresses to wear and began to sort through accessories and make up. Noting the time was getting close to 6, they finished getting ready a spritzed on some perfume that smelled like vanilla and coconut and headed to the elevator.
Scott, Clint and Vision stood waiting in the common room for the rest of the team. Scott chose to wear a dark colored pair of jeans and black button down, pinstriped with a deep purple with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, he had opted not to shave and was sporting a 5 o'clock shadow. Clint wore a pair of dark jeans too and green, short sleeve button down. The two had convinced Vision to wear regular clothing as well, although it was strange to see the strangely colored hero in jeans and a plain white T-shirt.
Chatting by the elevators, Scott suddenly trailed off as the two women exited the elevator, laughing together. Beside him Vision widened his eyes at the sight of Wanda. Wanda had chosen to wear a bright red cocktail dress that had a v-cut at the top with two rhinestone spaghetti straps that met and crossed down her back. She wore a black pair of heels that were studded with rhinestones and a pair of dangling diamond earrings. Her hair was loose, and straightened. She wore a pale pink lipstick and looked stunning, her hand holding Lenny's. Lenny wore a black dress that had small sleeves around the biceps of her arms, leaving her shoulders bare. The top cut of Lenny's dress was a v-cut as well, outlining the shape of her chest nicely. The dress fit tight to her torso and flowed around her thighs. The back of dress was cut in a way that showed her entire back, coming together just above the curve of her backside. She wore her hair up in a styled-messy fashion, some of the strands of curls coming down around her face. She wore black heels and bright red lipstick.
Scott gave a small cough, his throat suddenly dry as he stepped forward. "Lenny, you look…wow, you look beautiful." Lenny looked at him and flashed a toothy smile. 'Dazzling' he thought.
"Thanks Scott. You look very handsome yourself."
Soon all the gussied up Avengers, and surprisingly Pepper, were ready to go. A woman Lenny hadn't seen yet was standing with Thor. Scott leaned over to tell her it was Jane, Thor's girlfriend. Lenny shivered feeling his breath on her shoulder. Tony had picked a place within walking distance so they could stick together instead of driving separately. Seeing everyone ready to go, Tony directed everyone to follow him.
Lenny giggled as Scott bowed and offered his arm. Lenny took his arm and together they walked out of the building and towards the bar.
All the friends were having a good time, laughing and sharing stories. "So Lenny," came Jane's voice, "Thor told me you used to work for the FBI. You had to be one of the youngest agents! What made you want to be an agent?"
Everyone looked at Lenny, all of the curious.
"Well when I was younger my dad was a cop. My mom always worried about him, he got shot at more times than you would think. But he was a good, respected officer. My sister was more like my mom, always worried. But I always looked up to my dad, wanted to be like him. Most girls played princesses and tea parties. I was pretending to arrest teddy bears and reading them their Miranda Rights. I always knew I would find some way to help people, just like dad. Then one day, the chief stood at our door. The news my mom always dreaded had come. My dad was shot and killed at a routine traffic stop." Lenny paused for a moment, steeling herself for the rest of the story. "I was only 6 at the time. Sarah was 9, so she understood more of what was happening than me. My mom wallowed in her grief, and after a month she couldn't take it. I found her hanging from the rafters in our garage."
Scott put his hand on Lenny's in support. "You guys don't have to look so sad. It was almost 20 years ago. I've decided to do good and make dad proud and managed to forgive my mom."
"And good you have done!" came Thor's loud boast. "I am proud to fight alongside you!"
"You said it big guy!" said Tony, who wouldn't admit to feeling choked up.
Soon the conversation turned to happier topics. Clint was regaling them all of a story of his son shooting an arrow straight up in the air, only to have it come sink through his dads foot.
Lenny looked at Steve watching the dancing couples longingly, Tony was too engrossed in his conversation with Bruce to notice. Lenny excused herself and walked to Steve.
"Come on Steve, let's cut a rug." She smiled at the man and gestured to the dance floor. Steve smiled and took her hand.
"Sounds like a swell idea."
The two of them began moving to the music, much like she and Scott had, only with more distance between the others body. Then Lenny turned and leaned into Steve and whispered, "Bet we can get Tony out here in five." Steve chuckled and put his hands lower on her hips, the two of them swaying to the music.
Tony looked scandalized at anyone standing so close to his boyfriend and shouted to Scott, "Hey bug man! Why is your girlfriend all up on Steve?"
Scott chuckled at Tony's jealousy, "Tony, Cap is gay. I don't think-" suddenly he stopped talking, noticing how close Cap and Lenny were.
The two men looked at each other and stood up, both mumbling it was time for them to cut in. All the couples moved to the dance floor, besides Clint who said, "I'm married and intend to stay that way," and remained sitting with his beer. Sam took Pepper to the floor and began to dance with her.
Throughout the night everyone enjoyed dancing, even getting Clint to come dance with the team to the Cupid Shuffle. Lenny, Natasha, Jane, Pepper, and Wanda all danced together at one point. Soon the team left, all of them sweaty and laughing, out into the chilly air.
Sam and Clint walked together, talking about the new car Sam had bought. Pepper walked with Tony and Steve, as the two men held hands, and caught up with her old friend. Thor kept his arm around Jane as the two laughed. Vision walked with Wanda, her arm twined through his, and they chatted idly about the stars. Bruce and Natasha followed, Natasha riding on Bruce's back, giggling in the night air, the effects of alcohol making the two more relaxed. At the end of the line was Scott and Lenny, both grinning and talking about the way Thor had danced. Scott reached down and laced his fingers with Lenny's, smiling when she squeezed back and didn't let go. Everyone parted ways in the tower with a goodnight.
Scott rode up to Lenny's wing and got out of the elevator before it could close on him after she exited with a goodnight.
"Lenny."
Lenny turned around and felt Scott's hands on her face as he leaned in and kissed her full on the lips. Fireworks erupted behind Lenny's eyes and Scott relished in how warm her lips were. Pulling away Scott let out a breathy, "Go out with me."
"I thought you'd never ask," Lenny replied, moving in for a longer, deeper kiss.
