Chapter 25: A Storm and A Surprise
Alexis P.O.V.
The rustle of pages and soft breathing occupied the silence that surrounded Loki and I as we read our books. Despite the thrillingness of Magnus Chase's adventure in Ship of the Dead, I just couldn't concentrate as tonight was the night that the Avengers were possibly returning from their mission. Finally, giving up on reading for the moment, I turn to Loki and ask, "Do you think that they will be home tonight?"
Loki's eyes don't leave his chosen novel as he replies, "I don't know. You heard what Stark said. It was either tonight or tomorrow morning."
"I know," I sigh, "I just wish I knew for certain when they were coming."
"Well, I am sure that Stark's robotic butler will tell us whether or not they were going to come tonight or in the morning."
"Yeah, I guess so," I huff as I tuck my feet under me and curl up in my armchair. Silence once again envelops us.
"Excuse me, Miss Alexis," J.A.R.V.I.S speaks, interrupting the silence. "Mr Stark has asked me to notify you that he, and the rest of the Avengers, will not be returning tonight as they thought they might."
"Thank-you, J.A.R.V.I.S,"
"Well, there is my answer I suppose," I sigh, as I close my book.
"Are you heading off to bed now?" Loki asked, not looking up from his book.
"I suppose I should or Tony will get angry with me. I was going to stay up and greet them but since they aren't going to arrive tonight, then I had better go to bed," I
"I am sure that J.A.R.V.I.S. will inform you should they arrive so I wouldn't delay in going to bed. Stark wouldn't be impressed if he previous behaviour is anything to go by," Loki's eyes met mine as he looked up from his book.
"I know, " I smile weakly, "I just miss them."
Slowly, dragging my feet, I walk out of the library and to the elevator. Pressing the button, I stand in silence as the doors close and I go up. Reaching into the pocket of my shorts, I take out my arc-reactor and cradle it to my chest. My mind raced through the last couple of weeks where my life had changed. Having the rest of the Avengers not in the tower was a bit disconcerting when they first left, but now I had accepted it. However, I wanted them home. I miss them, I realise. They were like my new family. I don't want to tell them about my father and have them make me go back. I frown to myself as I gaze at the arc-reactor as the elevator came to a halt. I don't think that they would make me go back, but I didn't want to take that risk. The less they know about my life before I came here the better, I decide.
Stepping out of the elevator, I make my way to my room with J.A.R.V.I.S lighting the way for me. Entering my room, I quickly scamper over to my bed and flop in the centre. The ceiling was now a familiar sight to me.
"Miss Alexis, You need to get ready for bed by request of Mr Stark," J.A.R.V.I.S announced, once again breaking the silence that had surrounded me.
"Alright, J.A.R.V.I.S," I smile as I place the arc-reactor on my pillow and move to follow his, and Tony's, request. Silently padding across the floor to the bathroom, I brush my teeth and change into the pyjamas chosen by Pepper and Nat for me. Finishing quickly, I scurry back over to the bed and burrow under the covers. Grabbing the Arc-Reactor, I place it on the pillow next to mine and cocoon myself in my blankets. The lights start to dim and soon the glow of the Arc-Reactor is all that lights my room.
As sleep envelop me, I hear the gentle patter of rain on my windows.
BOOM!
I jolt awake and instantly, hide under the covers. As I gather the rest of my senses, I realise that the slight rain I had heard as I fell asleep had transformed into a thunderstorm. I shudder as another roll of thunder rumbles by.
Thunderstorms are one of the many things I fear. There is no reason behind it. I just have always had an irrational fear of storms. Suddenly, my room lights up with a sudden bright flash of lightning. A whimper escapes as I sit up slowly. The shadows in the corner of my room begin to take shape as fear starts to over-rule my mind. Tears start to roll down my cheeks as more thunder seems to rattle the windows. A scream lodges itself in my throat as another brilliant flash illuminates my room, creating monsters in the shadows. Frantically scrambling, I grab my arc-reactor and fall off my bed to the floor. Sobs wrack my body as I stand up and stumble to my door. Memories of my father start to make their way into my mind.
"Please," I whisper as I make it to the door and out into the hall, "Not now." I can feel the air becoming harder and harder to grasp and pull into my lungs. I didn't want a panic attack to happen. Not now, I plead silently. Not after so long of one not occurring. Falling heavily against the hallway wall, I sob and gasp for air as I attempt to block out the storm happening outside the tower. Thunder once again fills the sky, making me fall to the floor on my side and curl up. An image of my father looming over me filled my mind as the air was still avoiding me. Tears streamed down my face, cause my vision to be blurred. A scream trapped in my throat as I couldn't draw in the air to release it.
A glow caught my attention and I realised that I was clutching the arc-reactor in my hand. "Any time you feel scared or anything, you take this out and remember that I'm not far away," Tony's voice trickles into my mind and I quickly grasp on to it. Gazing at the calming light of the reactor, I find that, slowly, my sobs are dying and the air is getting easier to pull into my lungs. Also, it is a lot easier to see.
Looking around, I realise that J.A.R.V.I.S must have turned the lights on in the hallway and was right across from Tony and Pepper's room. I wonder if Tony is back yet. Shakily getting to my feet, I shuffle over to the door and stand there for a moment before pushing the door gently open. The room was empty. Carefully entering, I yelp when the lights switch on.
"T...T...Tha..nk y...you, J...J...J.A.R.V...V.I.S.," I whisper, as I take another step into the room.
"You are quite welcome, Miss Alexis," came the A.I's reply.
Gazing around, I realise how huge this room is. Taking it all in, I jump as I hear another roll of thunder outside, making the arc-reactor drop out of my hands and roll toward the bed. Silently rushing after it, I grab it just as it stops next to the bed.
"Mr Stark would not mind if you slept here for the night," J.A.R.V.I.S. states, making me, once again, yelp in fright. Registering what the A.I said I look at the bed as I clutch the reactor to my chest.
"A...Are y...you...s...s...sure?" I stutter, not wishing to intrude, but also not wanting to return to my room at the moment. Thunder once again rumbled outside and a flash of lightning accompanying it. I flinch at the sound and flash but remain on my feet as I feel myself clutch the reactor tighter.
"I am most certain," came the reply, "I can also soundproof the room if you wish it so the storm outside cannot be heard inside."
"P...p...please," I whisper as I climb onto the bed. Suddenly, the raging storm disappeared and silence was all that could be heard.
Relaxing slightly, I climb under the covers and cocoon myself on the side. I didn't want to take up much room if Tony disapproved. Despite how tense I felt, I dropped off to sleep not long after.
Waking up, I looked up at the ceiling and a flash of fear bolted through me. I didn't recognise the ceiling. Boltimg upright, I look frantically around the room and quickly remember that I was in Tony's room.
"What's the time, J.A.R.V.I.S?" I ask with a yawn as I slip out of bed and on to the carpeted floor.
"The time is 8:00am," came the answer as I grabbed my reactor.
Thanking J.A.R.V.I.S, I wander out of the room and back to my room. Heading straight to my closet, I quickly change into black tights with red sparkles, a jean skirt with pockets and a red blouse. After running a brush through my wavy hair, I pocket my reactor and scamper out to the elevator.
"Is Loki awake?" I ask as I push the level 23 button for the lounge.
"Yes, He is currently in the lounge area."
"Sweet. Thank you J.A.R.V.I.S," I smile. I spent the rest of the short ride in silence. The soft ding of the doors broke the silence and I quickly skipped down the hall to the lounge.
As I neared the doors to the lounge. I heard a laugh, but it wasn't Loki's. Slowing down, I quickly and quietly made my way to the doors and listened. There were multiple voices in there which seemed familiar. Slowly, pushing open the door I look in and see Loki, Clint, Thor and Nat all sitting on the couches. They all look at me as the opening door caught their attention.
"Hey Sweetheart," Clint grinned as he waved me over. I smile and scamper over. I go over to Clint and give him a hug which he quickly returns before going over to Nat and Thor and giving them both a hug which they also return.
"Hey Lexie," Nat greets as I hug her.
"Hey Nat," I whisper as I let go.
"Get into trouble while we were gone?" she asks with a wink.
"Of course not," I scoff, " Who do think I am?" I giggle as I went to sit by Loki.
Just as I was about to sit down, I hear a cough and look toward the kitchen.
"Hey Shortcake," Tony winks as he crosses his arms and leans against the doorway.
"Tony!" I gasp and run over to him. A smile wide on my face as he crouches down and catches me as I launch myself into his arms. Tears were burning under my eyelids, and little did I know, they were also in Tony's eyes as he held me close. His arms wrapped around me tightly.
"I missed you," I whisper in the crook of his neck.
"I missed you too, Shortcake."I heard him mumble against my hair as he presses a kiss to my head.
Reluctantly letting go, I step back and grin at him. He smiles back before a more serious look takes over his face.
"I heard that you had a panic attack last night." He said softly.
I instantly look at my feet and nod slowly. "Yes," I mumble.
Tony's hand cups my chin and lifts my head up so his eyes could meet mine.
"Can I ask why?"
I huff and then mumble, "The storm was too loud and scary," averting my gaze.
"Are you alright now though, shortcake?" He inquired, gently.
"I am now," I grin softly. "I wanted you to back as soon as you could and you were."
A soft smile made its way on to Tony's face and his eyes held an emotion that I did not recognise but it made me feel special. "You are certainly a precious gift, aren't you?" he said. I don't think he had meant to say that aloud so I just gave him another hug, which he instantly reciprocated. Letting go, I grabbed his hand and led him over to the couches and made him sit down next to Clint before clambering up beside him and resting against his arm.
I let the adults talk as I just sat there basking in the joy that most of my 'family' was home. Looking around, I then realise that Steve and Bruce weren't here with us.
Tapping Tony on the leg to get his attention, I ask, "Where is Steve and Bruce?"
Tony glanced over at the others before looking back at me.
"They are currently getting our guest situated in his place."
I sit up straight and ask," T..Th...There is an...another p...p...person h..here?" I stutter, fear lacing my tone.
Tony quickly, clasped my tiny hand in his and said, reassuring me, "This guy won't hurt you. I promise. And if he did try to, then you got all of us behind you ready to defend you."
I nod shakily, fear still evident in my eyes, causing Tony to let go of my hand and put an arm around my shoulder drawing me to his side.
"Aithne," Loki calls from across the coffee table, causing me to look at him. His piercing green eyes met mine and I could see the sincerity in them as he vowed, "If this new addition causes any harm, I will personally see that he will never hurt you again. I promise you this."
I smile slightly at him, in awe of his and Tony's protectiveness over me. It made me feel cared for. Taking a deep breath, I ask, "When will I meet them?"
"Well, I expect very soon as Steve and Bruce said that they would bring them up soon and that was a while ago," Nat replied.
"Okay,"
It was another 5 minutes before the door to the lounge opened and I heard Steve's voice come through as he walked in. "...and here is the lounge where we usually all meet up as well as the kitchen." I watched as Steve walked in, followed by Bruce and another man with shaggy brown hair framing his face. A very unsure look on his face, but I noticed his eyes flicking around, never staying on one thing too long. His gaze met mine causing me to jump, but I don't look away. I recognise that look in his eyes. That fear and wariness, But I also see a wall that he is hiding behind.
"Hey guys," I heard Steve greet the others, causing me to look back at Steve.
"Hey Buddy," Steve smiles at me, making me smile back at him and sliding off the couch to go and greet him with a hug.
"Hiya Captain," I giggle as his lifts me up and spins me around before placing me on the ground again. I gain my bearings before going over to Bruce and giving him a hug of his own.
"Hey, Little Miss Scientist," Bruce says as he lets me go. I turn to the stranger who was looking at me with curiosity in his gaze as well as wariness. Walking over to him slowly, I watch as his eyes track me. Stopping in front of him, I gesture for him to crouch down. He does so carefully.
I move closer to him again and then wrap my arms around his neck in a hug. I feel him stiffen but I don't let go.
I whisper carefully in his ear, "I know you are afraid, but I know that you are among friends now. Everything will get better now. It will be alright."
At these words, his arms come up and hold me close to him. He doesn't speak for a while but eventually, I hear a very quiet, "Thank you," in low, rough voice.
I let him go and step back, but he stays crouched. "Who are you?" He asks.
"I'm Alexis," I answer, holding out my right hand, "Who are you?"
"My name is Bucky," He replies as his hand gently wraps around mine.
A smile at him as I take my hand back, and slowly he gives me a gentle smile back.