The hall was filled with hundreds of Asgaurdians, each of them dressed in splendid costumes of gold and red. Their hero, her best friend and sort-of brother Thor, was about to hold court with his people. Darcy knew the big secret and suspected the others did too by the way the warriors three sat, proud smiles and knowing looks.

Normally she would be in the thick of the activity, talking and flirting and having a general good time, but instead she sat there stiffly, holding her hands in her lap. The table she'd been placed at was making her uncomfortable as well, clearly being one for only Royalty. Sif had told her the people saw her as such, but Darcy couldn't even fathom why. She wanted to blow it off, say something sassy like she would in any other awkward situation but this seemed way too important to demean so she smiled weakly and nodded, sitting still as to not draw attention.

Didn't work too well though. How many Asgaurdian women wear glasses? She dressed the part thanks to The Lady Sif. The warrior had found her and Jane trying to find something fitting a royal fest (as Jane thought it was.)

So she was stuffed inside a leather and silk bodice with fragile gold chains that laced up the sides. Her gown was a stunning shade of crimson, reminding her of another red little dress. And of course she blushed, aware that there was more than one eye appreciating the bounty that was her chest as it spilled over the bodice.

She ignored them, glancing at the doors to which Thor had taken Jane for a private word. The couple had made the escape early on in the feast, Thor probably being too worried about someone spilling the beans or something. It had been, like, ten whole minutes and she was now getting really nervous.

Thankfully she was seated with the Warriors Three and Darcy soon found herself laughing as Frandal the smooth talker, tried to ease her nerves by telling a story of some fool thing Thor had done in his youth. Her laughter was loud and deep, and she had to cover her mouth as Sif began to tell of another time, when Loki had convinced Thor to dress as a woman.

Frandal leaned into her, taking her hand and in what she knew to be a Mock Thor voice, exclaimed, "Doth this gown look flattering?" Her barking laughter resounded through the halls but she didn't care.

She was so busy wiping the tears from her eyes she didn't notice right away that the room had become eerily silent.

Her chuckles still came, as she tried to get the image of Thor in a pretty little gown out of her head.

It was, however, the way Frandal pulled away quickly, coughing slightly that drew her attention to the halls grand doors.

Was she drunk? Had someone spiked her mead with something stronger?

If they did she didn't care, and would probably thank them because standing under the tall marble archways was Steve, dressed in Asgaurdian Warrior gear. His searing blue eyes were on her and she felt the heat coming off of him in waves.

Sif leaned into her and laid a hand on her arm, "Do we need to kill him, Lady Darcy?" she whispered seriously.

Darcy nearly choked, getting the confirmation that it wasn't a hallucination. Steve was here. Right now.

She didn't care how. Not why. She didn't even give two thoughts about the outfit.

All she could do was climb over the table in a terribly unladylike way, hitching up her skirt as she ran full force towards her man.

She didn't have to go far since he met her in the middle. His hands came up to cup her face and the kiss they shared would go down in Asgaurdian history as the fiercest that had ever been.

Finally she came up for air, forgoing the sweet words and burying her face in his chest. Her fingers gripped the metal and leather chest plate and she tried to pull him even closer, needing to hear his heart beat.

She sighed, feeling his chest vibrate as he chuckled.

"Hey doll." He murmured in her ear and she shivered as the hot breath tickled her neck.

She mumbled something back incoherently but he knew. She missed him. God, she'd been so worried and now he was here and holy hell she felt her heart do a flip in her chest.

There was only one thing that could make her pull herself away from him and it just so happened to happening. Damn it all!

"Ah my brothers in arms have finally arrived!" Thor's deep joyous voice boomed from across the hall. Darcy looked up to see that every. Single. One. Of the avengers was there, all dressed in classic Asgaurdian gear. Tony looked too cocky, having gone a little heavy on the metal but Dr. Banner looked totally at home in his leather get-up.

Nat looked stunning, as always, but the deadly vibe she gave off was ever present and the people seemed to sense it. The moved quickly out of her way, parting like the red sea.

Behind her, Sam was trying desperately to hold in laughter as Clint Barton a.k.a. Hawkeye stomped behind the Black Widow, clearly uncomfortable in the outfit. He kept pulling at the tunic, grumbling to himself and Darcy couldn't help but chuckle.

"Thor." Steve called in greetings, though Darcy heard a bit of tension there.

Right. Oh man, she was going to have to explain. She was just about to open her mouth when Thor's voice began again, this time softer and gentler.

She looked over to see Jane, smiling through tears, as danced a bit on her toes.

The announcement was made then and the crowd cheered. The people sang and danced, music began in order to celebrate their Crowned Prince and his royal engagement. Everywhere there was noise and happy chaos but Darcy stayed in the cocoon of Steve's arms.

He tried to steer her away but was bombarded by Asgaurdians asking many questions. They knew tales of the Captain and was impressed with his skill in battle. She even laughed when some asked if he was sure he was from Midgaurd.

He responded with a polite smile and a, "Born and bred in Brooklyn." This seemed to go on and on and the Godly people came forward, fascinated by Earths Hero's. Darcy grinned, watching as Clint tried his best to avoid questions and drink as much mead as possible and while Tony had been impressive before, he became the center of attention when he busted out in science talk. Apparently there was a big geek fest here. Thankfully, Bruce Banner was there to keep Stark grounded. Even dressed in much simpler garb, the quiet man held a powerful presence and it seemed the others instantly respected him.

She thought it might be finally time to sneak off with Steve but it was right then when Darcy felt the earth tilt as Frandal came forward, a mescevious gleam to his eyes that only spelt trouble.

"My Lady Darcy, it seems the Captain isn't sharing his bounty." He began, his voice as smooth as always. Darcy could punch him. Seriously, he knew her and Steve were a thing! What was the ass up too?

Steve, however, was quick and grinned darkly at the other man. "She isn't owned by any man." His voice was polite but there was a very clear warning there.

But Frandall surprised them both by laughing heartily, and placing his hand on Steve's shoulder in a friendly way. He leaned in and pointed his gaze to across the room where Sam and Clint were talking to the Thor and Jane.

"No my fierce friend. I speak of the dark one. He who uses wings in battle. Will you introduce me?" He asked, finally catching Darcy's gaze. Steve was shocked for a moment but then she felt his muscles relax and agreed happily. She took his hand and led the way, feeling for the first time in what felt like day, utterly happy and care-free.

Sam was more than happy to converse with the handsome god and soon Darcy got the feeling that her and Steve were no longer needed in their conversation. She began to pull his hand, making her way across the hall. No one stopped them this time, her face set in determined lines.

She was going to get her man alone and no God was going to stop her.