AN: Made some small changes to earlier chapters if you fancy going back to check them out but none made a drastic effect on the story in general.
It was a few days after New Year's when Thor announced that he was being summoned back to Asgard. He didn't say when he'd be back nor why he was going. A few days beforehand Clint had announced that he'd taken time off work and was going to meet up with a few people from the circus who he hadn't seen in a while.
It was a few days after than when Evie woke up and wandered into the elevator greeting Bruce tiredly. When they reached the common room, they were unsurprised to find Steve in the kitchen, but very surprised to find Tony lying asleep on the couch.
"Uh...what's Tony doing in here?" Bruce asked Steve who shrugged.
"He was there when I came back from my run."
"Before your run?"
"I didn't come in here."
Bruce and Evie sat down and took the toast from the plate buttering it and putting various jams on it, until Evie dropped the knife and the noise woke Tony. "Sorry." Evie apologised picking up her knife as Tony grunted in confusion and looked around before sighing and joining Evie to have some coffee. They waited until he finished his second mug before anyone spoke.
"Why did you sleep there?" Evie asked curiously.
"Uh...Pepper and I had an argument."
"...About?" Bruce asked curiously.
"I kissed a woman, well, she kissed me and Pepper caught us."
"Tony! You kissed another woman?!" Evie exclaimed angrily.
"She kissed me!"
Evie put down her plate."It doesn't matter! If you let her kiss you then no wonder Pepper's angry!"
"I didn't let anyone kiss me!"
"How is Pepper meant to know that? You snog enough people when you're drunk Stark."
"Only you guys! Well actually only the guys! I've never kissed Natasha or you."
"Yeah, because Natasha can kill you with a little finger!" She paused. "Actually, you have kissed me." Steve glanced between them looking quite shocked at the new information.
"I have?" Tony frowned, trying to remember.
"On the 'Thank God the World Didn't End' party on the 22nd."
"Ah, sorry."
Evie chuckled and shook her head, "Doesn't matter," secretly she had enjoyed it - the kiss - but she'd never admit that out loud, nor would she ever repeat it,especially as she thought of Tony as her friend nothing more. A few years ago kissing Tony Stark was on the top of her list, but now? As good a kisser as Tony is, she would much rather kiss Steve and try to avoid repeating that experience. "But that's not the point, alright? Just, it's probably not that Pepper doesn't trust you but it's a random person you kissed! Whereas when you kiss one of us she knows nothing will happen cause your drunk and she trusts us. But a stranger? Seriously Tony?"
"I didn't want to kiss this woman though."
"Explain that to Pepper and give her a few days ok? Try not to kiss anyone when you get drunk. Not even Bruce, ok?"
Tony nodded, "Ok. I can do that. Sorry, Bruce-y, I know you'll miss it."
"Yeah..." Bruce muttered, sarcasm dripping off his voice, "I will miss it so much."
"You're very sarcastic in the morning you know that?"
"No? Really?"
"Or maybe you're just sarcastic in general."
"Getting warmer." Bruce smirked at his best friend who just sat, pondering.
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Evie made her way to the library; the news about her had started to die down enough for Evie to be able to stay at work without being questioned over and over. It had been quite amusing, after the reporters found out that her and Pepper kissing had just been a joke and they were more wary with what they had put on their papers.
She still got the occasional annoying reporter coming into the library but in general the days were much calmer.
She looked about the library encase there was someone waiting for her help but she had tidied it yesterday and it was lunchtime (normally the quietest part of the day). She decided to check her Tumblr.
Message from: Go-Fondue-With-Evie
Attachment: Bemused looking Pepper with a grinning Tony.
Thank you Evie!
I'm assuming you and Pepper talked then?
1023 Notes. [Jan 7, 2013]
Message from: Go-Fondue-With-Evie
Yep! Then had sex.
I realllly didn't need to know that Stark.
2168 Notes. [Jan 7, 2013]
Evie couldn't help but giggle at that when someone clearing there throat caught her attention; she looked up to see a man standing awkwardly in front of her. "Sorry about that." She blushed slightly, even though he couldn't see what was on her screen, "How can I help?"
"Um, hi -," The person speaking was a man with short, blonde hair that was shorter round the sides of his head than it was on the side, and stuck up a little at his fringe. He had a kind, round face - distinctly non distinctive. The sort you could overlook. He was well built - or, at least, he looked it from his arms, but his shoulders where broad. He was rather pale, but that just made his eyes stand out more somehow - they were almost-black. He was wearing a very Castiel type trench coat, a check blue shirt and black jeans, skinny jeans. "I'm new in town - could you show me where the Norse Mythology books are?" He spoke with a Californian accent.
"Uh, sure," Evie stood up and motioned for him to follow.
He grinned. He had a nice smile. "Thanks."
Evie showed him to the books. "We don't actually have that much on Norse Mythology, really, uh - more Greek."
"It's alright. I don't think I've read any of these."
Evie sat on a table nearby. "You sound like you're from California?"
He grinned. "Yeah - San Jose to be exact."
Something about him made her want to know more. Yes, he was very attractive, but something about his tone made it seem like you could ask him anything and it'd be fine. Like, somehow, you'd known them forever.
"Oh. Bet you miss the warmer weather. Warmer than New York I bet."
He laughed, "You're really talking to me about the weather?"
Evie laughed and shrugged, "Why did you move away?" She asked - then her eyes widened. "If you don't want to tell me then, you know, it's fine, I, uh -"
He laughed. "It's fine! My father basically kicked me and my brother out after my brother trashed the house badly."
"...so why did he kick you out if it was your brother?"
He shrugged and picked one of the books off the shelf. "Cause I didn't stop him." He grinned and stuck out his hand. "I'm Regalis, by the way."
Evie laughed. "I'm Evie! Nice to meet you." They shook hands and laughed. "Your name is unusual."
"Yeah. My mother told me it was Scandinavian or something but, to be honest, I think they just made up a word when they didn't know what to call me!"
Evie laughed and he grinned. "What's your brother's name?"
"Theodore." He picked out another book. "Much more normal than mine!"
"Does he live here in New York?"
"Uh...I'm not really sure. He travels far too much, really. He often doesn't stay in a place longer than three months, so I'm not sure where he is at the moment. He calls when he's in town. Right, can I take these out?"
"Sure, can I just take those?"
He handed them to her. "Your hands are freezing!" Evie blurted and Regalis chuckled.
"Yeah, I get that a lot. I'm also gonna need a library card."
"Right, yeah sorry. Sure, I'll sort that out for you."
Evie plonked herself down at the desk.
"Right, gonna need your name, address, phone number and date of birth."
"Uh, right, okay, Regalis Dievs," He spelt it out for her, then his address (an apartment not to far from her old one with Irene), his home phone and his date of birth (he was 28 years old).
"Awesome, here's your card, you can use it in any of New York state's libraries', and here are your books, they can also be returned anywhere. If you can't return them in time just call ahead or something. Due in three weeks."
"Thanks." As he left he winked and she giggled.
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It was a few days later when Evie a wandered into the nearby Café for coffee and a bear claw and surprised when she saw Regalis sat in her and Steve's usual booth reading one of the books he had taken out.
It wasn't unusual for Evie to see someone who came to her library outside of work. Occasionally she said hello, usually this was to the regulars and the people she had gotten into a conversation with.
But what compelled her to go over to him she didn't know.
"Hey, Regalis right?"
Regalis looked up at her looking quite surprised to see her stood beside him coffee in her gloved hand. "Oh, hay Evie. Wasn't expecting to see you here!" He stuck out his tongue. "Not complaining, though."
Evie grinned back and gestured to the seat opposite him, "Mind if I join you?"
Regalis shrugged and gestured to the seat, "It would be my pleasure."
Evie grinned and sat down pulling off her scarf and coat but kept her finger-less gloves on, sipping at her coffee, she looked him over for a moment and could easily see the carefully guarded expression in his eyes but the rest of his face showed relaxed enjoyment, "Enjoying the books?"
Regalis nodded, "Yes actually, there's a surprising amount of information that I never knew."
"Apparently a lot of it isn't true."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, you know the Avengers?" Regalis nodded knowingly, "Thor, he's like the real Thor. He's on Asgard at the moment, though. I've asked him quite a bit. When I asked what Loki's children are like Thor literally choked on his food."
Regalis coughed and struggled to swallow the sip of coffee he had taken, but then took another sip trying to hide his surprise, "Oh?"
"Yeah." Evie nodded not seeming to notice his reaction, "So Loki's kids don't exist. At least not to Thor's knowledge. He said that, and I quote," she put on a English accent, "'My brother has never loved anyone before, at least not in that way!'. It was quite a strange moment; Steve had to give him the himanic."
Regalis couldn't help but laugh at that. "How would Thor know, anyways? Maybe he had a sweetheart."
Evie shook her head. "Thor said that basically princes weren't allowed to fall in love until they had either won their honour in battle or turned a certain age. Since Thor had done both he was allowed to fall in love with Jane but Loki was younger he hadn't done either."
"But he still could have had one."
Evie shrugged. "Apparently before Loki went crazy and started killing people they were pretty close."
"Didn't he find out about his true parentage?"
Evie nodded, "Something like that. Go ask Thor about it if you really want to know."
Regalis laughed. "So, are you close to the Avengers?"
Evie rose an eyebrow in question, "You don't read the newspaper then?"
"Hm? No, not very often. The newspapers lie loads."
"That's very true." Evie agreed, "Well me and Steve uh...Captain America are together. I live with them all now."
"Oh, and the news caught hold of that?"
"Well yeah. The Avengers are stupidly famous." Regalis nodding in understanding. "So uh... do you have a girlfriend? Or boyfriend? ...Or both?" Evie shrugged, "I don't judge."
Regalis shook his head an amused smiled on his face, "No."
"Has there ever been anyone?" Regalis narrow his eyes and Evie mental berated herself. "Sorry, I've know you what? 4 days. Seen you once for 5 minutes and I'm asking you such personal questions. Please feel free to shut me up anytime."
Regalis grinned slightly awkwardly but no less confidently, "It's alright Evie. I had a friend just like you in San Jose. So you're from New York?" Evie was immediately glad that Regalis asked the question, she was beginning to feel as if she was talking too many personal questions.
"Nope. Well I've lived here few years now. I lived most of my life in Portland."
"Why did you come here?"
"Uh...few reasons, story for another day I guess. But my closest friends lived here so I came to live with them. Well until I met Steve."
"What is it like living with the Avengers?" Regalis asked, keeping up the conversation.
Evie laughed. "Uh...more domestic than you'd think, Hawkeye and Widow go off to work every morning," Evie used their hero-names out of habit when talking to a stranger even though their real identities weren't a secret, "And the others go off quite often having their own lives. But at the same time there's never a dull moment in the tower." She grinned at Regalis, "And with that I should be getting back to the library. Nice to have a chat thought."
Regalis nodded, "See you soon?"
"I look forward to it." Evie grinned once more before leaving the café, she returned a second later sheepishly picking up her coat, Regalis laughed at her amused as she turned to leave again heading back to the library in good spirits.
Another few days later day Evie was sat in her library working quietly when Regalis walked in. "Hey!" Evie greeted him cheerfully.
"Evie, hey." He went straight to the desk and placed the books down.
"Finished already? That was quick."
Regalis shrugged, "I've had the time."
Evie grinned and picked up the small pile of books taking them back to the correct place unsurprised when Regalis followed her. "Do you have a job?"
"Artist. Just starting out really," He laughed. "I used to work for my dad as a landlord, helped keep the place in check but then Theo trashed the house, blah blah blah and now I'm trying to make a living as an artist with no portfolio."
"Huh. Are you good? At drawing, I mean."
"Very." Regalis grinned cockily and Evie laughed, then he shrugged. "I was the best in school, that's a fact. But in a school full of idiots that isn't saying much."
"You'll have to show me sometime. Your drawings, I mean."
"I'll keep that in mind." Regalis watched her for a few minutes, "Have you got a book here...The Magicians Nephew or something?"
Evie frowned for a second before recognition entered her eyes, "Yeah, that's the first in Narnia series, we have them all. They're brilliant, second shelf, fantasy section I'll be over in a sec. Just gonna sort out these." She gestured to the books on the Norse Gods.
Hi everyone!
And here it is, my latest blog post. I'll be honest, not much has happened lately other than the media prank thing me and Pepper did (yes, that WAS a prank! Stop sending me anons about it!) So I think I'll just tell you about an interesting man I met in the library a few days ago.
Since he has a really unusual name, and I don't want him getting the same treating Irene, Croft and Sherly got, I'll just call him Will for this.
Anyway, he walks into my library and asks about Norse Mythology books. He's blonde, pale and charming. I'd say he was sexy, only I have an even sexier boyfriend so I won't.
He's from San Jose, California and had moved here because his brother trashed his dad's house so his dad kicked them both out for some stupid reason. His dad is a landlord and sounds like a bit of a jerk. Will has a brother, Theodore, who travels a lot.
Will is an artist but apparently doesn't have a portfolio. Just starting out.
So far as I can tell he's a bit of a loner. I'm probably being stupid, since he's far to charming and attractive to not but he doesn't have a girl/boyfriend. (I added the boy bit cause he could plausibly be gay).
Well, he's interesting and loves reading. So who knows, this could be the start of a strange friendship, although I'll have to introduce him to Irene first, she'll kill me if I have a friend that she doesn't know!
In other news, I'm changing my theme. I'm getting really bored of it, so expect change in a few hours!
Talk to y'all later, my amazing followers!
13th January 2013
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Throughout the next couples of weeks Regalis came to the library every couple of days and they found that they had a lot in common, so it was easy to make conversation.
It was just under two weeks after they met; they were resting by Evie's desk, talking about Narnia (Which he was almost finished) and the Harry Potter series. Apparently Regalis had only just read it a few weeks ago but definitely enjoyed it. "I liked Ron. He had a lot to live up to." But then he refused to expand on that statement to Evie's annoyance.
When the door opened and the one walking through it caught her eye, Evie stared at him grinning for a moment, "Hey Regalis, you can meet Steve!"
Regalis paused but didn't speak as Evie waved her boyfriend over kissing him lightly, "Hello," He greeted Regalis with a questioning eyebrow.
"Steve, this is Regalis, the guy I mentioned?"
"Oh yeah. Evie speaks highly of you. Pleasure to meet you." Steve held out his hand, after a
moment of hesitation Regalis shook it, smiling slightly.
"And you Captain. Would it be rude of me to ask for your autograph? A...friend of mine will probably yell at me if I didn't."
"Yeah course, uh..." Steve looked around from paper and pulled a pen out of his pocket. He'd taken to carrying one after being asked by various strangers asking for his autograph in the middle of the street. Evie handed him a piece of paper. Steve signed it and handed it to Regalis who smiled gratefully. "Are we still on for lunch?" Steve asked Evie curiously, she smiled and nodded.
"Regalis would you like to join us? I mean if that's ok Steve?"
Steve shrugged; he didn't mind he was more than willing to get to know Evie's friends even if that did interrupt their lunch date. But he was glad when Regalis shook his head. "Thank you but I've got some errands to run. I'll see you soon Evie, again pleasure to meet you, Captain." Regalis grinned at them both and left the library.
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The same day, Bruce wandered into the shared lab, surprised to find it empty of the other scientist. He thought Tony would be here.
Shrugging it off deciding Tony might be out signing autographs or whatever he did when he wasn't: as Tony would say 'science-ing'. Bruce walked to his work bench and continued on his plans for the harness for the Hulk that he could wear under his clothes and (hopefully) would grow when he changed.
He pulled open the drawer for the sonic and frowned when it wasn't there, "JARVIS, where's the sonic?"
"Mrs Stark took it about an hour ago."
"Where is he?"
"In his own lab two floors above."
Bruce frowned. Since he had moved in almost 10 months ago he didn't think Tony had used his private lab, Bruce had forgotten Tony has one since they always worked together (so they could help each other and give advice). Shrugged it off deciding maybe Tony had something private that he wanted to work on. Bruce wandered into the elevator, "I presume you would like to go to Tony's private laboratory?" JARVIS asked.
"Please."
The elevator started moving stopping only a moment later, Bruce walked out of the elevator and heard the familiar, loud ACDC music, Bruce knocked on the door and the music was turned down, "Unless you're a vampire come in!" Tony called and Bruce chuckled and rolled his eyes as he pushed open the door.
"Bruce-y!" Tony exclaimed happily, "To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"Uh...do you have the sonic?"
"Yep, here." Tony pulled it out of his pocket and threw it over to Bruce who caught it easily.
"Thanks." Bruce pocketed it and turned to leave when an image over Tony's shoulder caught his eye, he looked over at it too see a screen showing a holographic image of what looked like an extremely large net and a DNA image, which Bruce easily recognised as his own. Along with a formula that they had been working on for some time that could calm the Hulk rather than just sedate him. "What are you working on?"
"Huh? Oh just something for the suit."
"Alright. Uh...have fun I guess." Bruce just stopped himself from stuttering and walked back to the door as Tony waved distractedly.
Bruce went back to the shared lab and continued working on the harness but he couldn't concentrate. That was his DNA on the screen, the formula to put him down. Tony hadn't enjoyed finding that formula but he had helped. So, what was Tony working on that involved his DNA and why wouldn't Tony tell him about it? He wouldn't mind whatever Tony was doing with his DNA as long as he's aware and have some involvement.
It made him nervous not knowing.
Bruce shook his head, he must be wrong. It couldn't be his DNA - there was no reason for Tony to need it - but if there was there was no need for worry.
But he couldn't help but worry.
Bruce found himself watching Tony for the next few days. Something was wrong - he didn't spend much time in the shared lab any more and whenever Bruce walked in he always saw his own DNA on the screens and the formula on the whiteboard.
Bruce hated to do it. He knew JARVIS would be watching and Tony would probably find out - but he needed to know. He didn't feel safe in the tower, so while Tony was out apparently at S.H.I.E.L.D, Bruce went to Tony's lab. "JARVIS, can you open Tony's latest project?"
"I am afraid you are unauthorised Doctor Banner. Apologies for the inconvenience."
Bruce cursed and looked around the lab mentally searching for a loophole. It scared him even more now that he was unauthorised. Tony had authorised him to absolutely everything. He had all but full control over everything in the tower except for JARVIS. At least, he used to. "Is Pepper authorised?"
"Yes."
Bruce nodded, "Can you ask her to come here please?"
"Of course."
A few minutes later Pepper walked into the room and looked at Bruce curiously, "Hey Bruce, what's up?"
"Hi. Um...just a quick favour, I understand if you don't want to but uh...Tony's working on something and I know it's to do with me. I've seen my DNA strand on the screen and a formula that puts the Hulk down and I feel quite...concerned." Bruce admitted sheepishly, "It could be nothing, but the past couple of weeks something's seemed off."
"And you want me to spy into his stuff?"
Bruce nodded, "Just his latest project. I understand if you don't want to, you know, let him have his privacy, I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important."
"Why can't you see it?"
"Apparently I'm unauthorised to this folder."
"Ah." Pepper nodded, "I can see why you're concerned. JARVIS, bring up the last project of Tony's. Bruce don't look in case it's something that's meant to be a surprise for you."
Bruce obediently looked away waiting for Pepper's answer. It was a few seconds before Pepper spoke up, her voice shaking.
"Bruce, you uh...if this is what I think it is..."
Bruce frowned nervously turning to look at the screen. There was a picture of the DNA strand looking - at it closer, it was definitely his DNA. It was hard to be uncertain when his name and 'Hulk' was written beside it.
There was also missile and people, he read through the words and understood the equations. It looked as if Tony was back in the weapons business and this time it was worse than ever before. "God...is this a way to convert Gamma rays?" he murmured and Pepper nodded slowly.
"You know this stuff better than I do, but that's what it looks like."
"What the hell is he planning?"
"I don't know, but it doesn't look good."
Bruce nodded as Pepper scrolled through the page for a few minutes before closing it. "Come on, let's go wait for Tony. We need to ask him about this."
Pepper nodded in agreement going up to the living room, "JARVIS, when Tony gets home tell him to come to the common room."
"I will, Miss Potts."
It wasn't too long until Tony arrived home, landing on the balcony and machines moved to remove his suit, "Hullo," He greeted cheerfully, thenfrowning when he saw their body language - the way they were sat so close with arms crossed defensively. Bruce looked as nervous as he had when he first arrived at the tower refusing to believe how calm Tony was with the Hulk. "What's up?"
Bruce and Pepper stood up simultaneously, both crossing their arms as Tony rose an eyebrow. "We saw what you're working on."
"That's private stuff, guys." Tony complained looking quite angry, more than he probably should. Of course digging around his stuff isn't something he wants them to do but he was more than willing to do it to them and Tony wasn't usually a hypocrite. Plus Pepper and Bruce were the two he trusted the most out of everyone inside the tower, he let them pass him items. The only other would be Rhodey who didn't live here.
"Yeah but I knew it was about me and you've been acting strangely so I was worried." Bruce admitted.
"Strangely how? I've been myself."
"No, you've been different. So we snooped." Pepper argued back, "And what you're doing, Tony, is plain stupid."
"No! Don't you get it! It's genius."
"Please, explain how it's a genius idea then Stark?" Bruce snarled harshly, Tony and Pepper winced at the use of Tony's surname, showing how angry Bruce obviously is.
"You're our best asset Bruce, well the Hulk is. When we were fighting against Loki, the Hulk was the best fighter. More hulks equals lots of better fighters and we'll win against everyone."
"No, Tony!" Bruce yelled, looking angrier than Pepper or Tony had ever seen him without hulking but his eyes and skin were slowly ebbing into the dangerous green. "It's stupid. Yes, the Hulk was the best fighter but who said he couldn't have turned on you? Who says he won't turn on you? He has turned on you! Don't you remember when I lost control? Pepper was in a coma for a week! Yeah he listens to Steve and Clint but he doesn't have to! He can squish any of you except maybe Thor quite easily. Like a bug! All that takes if for me to lose control. Just once at the wrong time. Do you know how hard it is to keep control? Right now Tony and am so angry that you would even think about doing this let alone plan for it? He wants to come out and rip you to shreds but I won't let him because I can control it and stop him. Didn't you see what happened with the abomination? When Blonsky tried to become his own Hulk? People died and Harlem was destroyed. And Blonsky didn't care. I do! Not only that Tony, but it ruins people's lives. Yeah, I'm at a good point at the moment living here but all it takes is one bad day and I've lost this, you, Pepper, everyone! Because I'll kill them! But before this, you were there. You were on the helicarrier. You heard what I said. Nobodies mentioned it since, but I tried to kill myself because of this thing inside me! You were there last time when I left here! You stopped me from trying again! So Stark, don't you dare do this to somebody else. I wouldn't wish it on my mortal enemy." Bruce bellowed at Tony. When he finished, he blinked, though surprised it was him who said that - then stormed out with one last disgusted glare to Tony.
Both Tony and Pepper stood shell-shocked for a moment, Tony had told her about what Bruce had admitted on the Helicarrier but a second time? She wondered when? Was it here at the tower? Oh. When he left after putting her in a coma. It must have been. A very loud, Hulk roar snapped them out of it and Tony spoke up, "I'm sorry. I didn't think this idea would be so bad."
"Next time think Tony." Pepper scoffed, "Delete everything you've worked out. Because if you follow this plan through thousands of people will die and it'll be on you and you alone." with that Pepper followed Bruce in storming off.