"You must be Eva, we've been expecting you." The red haired woman kindly smiled at her. There, standing in all her professional and confident glory, was none other than the Pepper Potts. The CEO of Stark Industries and wife to Tony Stark, the Iron Man. Any doubt of being given this address was long gone. She was given this address for a reason.
And that reason has someone as important as Pepper Potts waiting for me and knowing my name! Oh boy, this can't be good. How could it be good? I'm not some super athletic sports star or an alien or someone with superhuman gifts, and I doubt they have the time to make random invitations to an average plain Jane like me. Something must've happened, either to Thor or Loki, maybe even both-oh no, what if it's both?! Her mind raced with all the possibilities, round and round the worries and anxiety spun inside her head, leaving her dizzy. No, get a grip! "Ms…Potts?" She carefully tested the title, hoping not to offend her. Seeing no negative response, she went with it. "Uhm, Ms. Potts, I don't want to take up too much of your time. I'm sure you're very busy with Stark industries, so maybe we should just get started?"
"It's not a problem at all. I made sure to have time in my schedule for you, but I'm sure you do want to get things going, so let's begin." Pepper smiled once more and gracefully turned in her high heels. "Follow me, I'll give you a quick tour."
Quick tour, is there really time for a tour? Then again, perhaps some new information came up? But wouldn't it be wiser to just say it out front? What if they're trying to see if I'm a safe person? This is the Avengers compound. They aren't just going to let anyone in. Ok, ok, I can do this! Eva, you got this! Act natural-well, normal. She quickly ran to catch up with Pepper and smiled. "Thank you for the taking the time, I really appreciate it."
"It's my pleasure," Pepper gave another friendly smile before delving into the details of the compound. The first floor was fairly simple, a front reception area and some conference rooms for public press events, meetings, and other social functions. There was a bridge that connected this main building to another that held the workshops for controlled conditions for scientific and technological research, experiments, and measurements. Next to these workshops was a common that held a large round table, a sitting area, and bookshelves. Connected to that was a small fully equipped kitchen, followed by a few more conference rooms and next to these was a lounge like area with leather couches and tables with some activities to pass the time.
All of this was very exciting to see and Eva's head was on a constant swivel, taking in everything that was pointed out to her, but none of it eased the anxiety that was bubbling inside her. How is any of this relevant to why I'm here? She chewed at her lower lip, glancing at the time on any clock she saw while trying to act as calm and collected as possible. Ok, is this because nothing back happened and they wanna make up for it or did something terrible happen and they're buttering me up? She forced herself to muster up the courage to finally speak up. "Ms. Potts," she started off.
"Just Pepper is fine, you don't need to be so formal with me."
"Oh, ok, Pepper then, uhm…how is this…is it ok to be giving a tour right now?"
"Is there something wrong with a tour?" She raised a well manicured brow in question.
"I mean, nothing particularly "wrong", but uhh…is it really necessary to be done now? I'm sure there's something we could be doing instead. I'm not a pro, but I'd imagine there's a lot to go over or do?" Eva tried to lightly tread the topic, not wanting to step out of line. Pepper stood there silently and stared at her for a few moments.
"Are you worried? There's nothing you need to worry about, everything is taken care of. I promise, it's all locked up where no one can reach." She assured the younger woman.
Locked up where no one can reach?! Why would they lock him up and keep him somewhere out of reach?! "Uh, is that all…necessary? It seems a bit much."
"Not at all, it's only appropriate we handle what's yours with the utmost care."
What's mine?! He's not something I own! He's not human, but he's not some possession! Her lips curled downwards into a frown. "Don't you think that's a bit uncalled-for? You all asked for the help, why would you treat someone like that after trying to get what you need?"
Uncalled-for, help? Wait, what is she talking about?! Pepper once again silently stared at Eva, this time her perfectly manicured eyebrows scrunched together and wrinkles formed in her skin. There has to some misunderstanding here. Tony says she should know all about this, so why is she so defensive. Don't tell me he forgot to tell her! Ugh, seriously?! She mentally groaned as she lightly hit her forehead. "I think there's been a bit of a misunderstanding, Eva. You're moving into the compound as of today."
Oh, that's all? She mouthed a small "oh" and nodded her head when the weight of the words finally hit her and she nearly fell to the floor as she stumbled over her feet while stepping backwards. "I'm what?!" She shouted at the top of her lungs, her eyes wide and jaw hung open. "No, no, no, no, haha, there must be some mistake! I have an apartment, a tiny one, but an apartment. I'm not someone special in any way! Not only that, but I'm just an everyday citizen, punching the time clock to get paid and live a measly check to check lifestyle. There's nothing I could offer or have to offer the Avengers of S.H.E.I.L.D.! Honest, I'm just me!"
Silence fell between the two women as something became painfully clear; Eva had no idea why she was here. The awkward tension was quickly broken by laughter. Not just any laughter, a very specific laugh from a very specific person that Eva knew all too well. Her eyes narrowed and her jaw snapped shut as she clenched it tight. Taking a few deep breaths through her nose, she turned to see one overly entertained Asgardian prince.
The other Avengers stood around the new member, barely even noticed by her. Hydra could come storming through the halls while aliens invaded all over the world, Eva would not have noticed. Right now, all that mattered was the raven haired royal that decided it would be fun to watch her make an utter fool of herself. This was not the first time. And it sure as hell isn't the last. Mark my words, I'll get my revenge! You won't even see it coming! Her mind instantly got to work on what she would do but she pushed that to the back for now as the rest of the team came into focus as big blue thing walked up to her.
"It looks like there's been a bit of confusion…Eva, was it?"
Holy bald eagles, it's the Captain America! And he's saying my name?! I'm actually here, this is the Avengers Compound! I'm here-here, she internally panicked as she blanked stared at his hand, her mouth hung open once more.
"Did I get your name wrong?" He spoke again.
"Nope, he's definitely not a Madame Tussauds' wax figure thing." She thought aloud and Loki snorted loudly in response, coughing into his fist to cover his smile. None of it hid the twinkle of utter joy in his eyes. "Sorry about that," she sent an accusatory glare at the culprit once again as she finally took the extended hand. "You got my name right, I wasn't expecting to suddenly meet the Avengers."
"Yeah, looks like we're all a little surprised since somebody told us that you're the one in control." Tony pointedly looked at Thor.
"I was not lying when I said she was capable, Stark. My brother will always be one for tricks, that is not something that can be stopped." He assured, though it was clear that there was less confidence in his voice this time around.
"Well, we're not here to play his little reindeer games. If she doesn't fit the role, you know the deal." He bluntly reminded him, this catching the other Asgardian's attention.
"Pray tell, what are you implying?" He raised an eyebrow as he crossed his arms, the mirth from moments ago vanished at the vague threats directed at Eva. The only person allowed to toy with her is me, and no one can tell me otherwise. She'll be a little cross with me, but she secretly enjoys it. It's part of our dynamic and I love seeing all the cute little expressions she makes. If they think they can simply tell me how to be with her, they are sorely mistaken.
"You heard me, I said if you keep playing your little games you lose pet privileges." Tony turned to face Loki, not at all intimidated by him.
"That's quite a lot of bravado for a tiny man who buzzes around in a tin can that had my brother begging me to come join." He looked down his nose at the short Midgardian.
"You trying to cause a fight, princess? I'm more than ready-,"
"Tony," Pepper cut him off.
"Loki," Eva's voice called out the same time as Pepper's and the God of Mischief turned his head towards her. "If you keep this up, I'm not going to do that anymore." She warned him.
"You wouldn't," he narrowed his eyes as he visibly bristled at the threat.
"Try me," she calmly responded and he scowled. The others watched in shock as he stepped back beside Thor, arms crossed and silent.
"Tony, we need him on our team, there's no denying that." Steve chimed in at the momentary pause, not really sure how to process what just happened.
"I'm sorry, are we just going to ignore what she just said?" Nat pointed at Eva, stopping Steve's attempt to gloss over the situation. "There's no way we can pretend she didn't say that."
"I'm pretty sure we all know what she means, Nat. I don't think any of us want to talk about it." Clint tried to move the discussion along, not particularly interested in the private affairs of any. He was especially not interested in the secret goings-on of the brother of his teammate that tried to take over New York City at one point.
"You never said anything about her having that sort of control on him," Tony turned to Thor at this point. "We did not approve of this." He insisted, Thor utterly lost for words on how to clear up the confusion, since he was not entirely sure what was going on himself.
"I can assure you, I have no idea what they are referring to. I have been over there countless times and at random as well, I have not once seen or heard anything unbecoming of unexpected company. She is a good person and he only agreed if she was allowed to stay here."
"Time out," Eva formed a T with her hands, stepping forward as Thor brought the initial point of all this back into focus. "Can someone please explain to me why I'm being told to stay here when I have a perfectly good apartment already?"
"The ceiling leaks from of the kitchen sink of the apartment above, mice and rats are always around thanks to the lazy cat that doesn't do its job to catch them, the windows don't close, and the heating and cooling does not work when it is needed," Loki listed a few of the things wrong with said current residence.
"A…residence to live at already," she corrected herself.
"Because he refused to say yes until we agreed to that one demand and Goldilocks pointed out that we may have made an error in judgement." Tony reluctantly admitted. "So, you're welcome, you're now living rent-free here at the compound. Now, can we move along? We have work to do, Pepper?"
"Thank you," she cleared her throat and motioned for Eva to follow. "Now, let me show you your quarters here."
"Oh that won't be necessary, she'll be staying with me." Loki cut in, Eva whipping her head around at this comment.
"I'm sorry, I'm what?" The heat slowly rose up in her face, her cheeks turning a nice shade of pinkish-red at his words.
"Listen, we agreed she stays here. We didn't agree to you two living together. This isn't some college dorm room hanky-panky situation, she gets her own room." Tony cut in again.
"I know you aren't that naive, Stark." Loki calmly responded. "It's not hard to conclude what the living situation is like for a man and a woman in a tiny one-bedroom apartment here in this city. Are you also saying it's perfectly fine for her to stay in a room, alone, surrounded by other men who are easily much stronger than her? Now, I don't mean to imply they will do anything to her, but a man is still a man when you get down to it." He deliberately painted a picture without denying or verifying anything, Eva's face now bright red and her brain unable to function well enough for her to speak thanks to how overheated it was.
"He's got a point," Bruce finally spoke after silently observing everything. "It's not hard to imagine. Plus, if that's how they live, that's how they live." He shrugged his shoulders. "I don't think anyone wants to see them sneaking around. Also, if it gets him to cooperate, you may as well give it to them."
"A man of great understanding, I see. So, what will it be, Stark? Giving into the simple request or us arguing further and wasting time on trivial matters when we could be working on the next assignment you wanted to debrief me on?" The second Asgardian prince quickly jumped on the coattails of the scientist, pressing Tony to acquiesce.
"Fine, but I see any funny business that I don't like, and I mean any funny business; that screw up our work you're in separate rooms. Am I clear?"
"Of course, it's only fair." Loki grinned, once again getting his way. "With that settled," he turned on his heel to face Pepper. "I will take the responsibility of guiding her to our room off your hands, as I'm sure you are very busy with more pressing matter." She hesitated at first, looking between Loki and Eva, trying to see if this was something Eva wanted but her lack of response was not a rejection. From the looks of it, she was simply shy and when she spoke earlier she simply forgot she was around others.
"Alright," she finally agreed. "I'll check in on you later, ok Eva?"
What do you mean "alright"?! How is any of this "alright"?! But there's nothing I can do now, I mean they have missions or whatever and I'm just eating up their time! You know what, it's fine! We can make it work! We did before, we can do it again! One of usually slept on the couch, so I'll just sleep on the couch this time! She concluded, mostly trying to make it easier to swallow for herself. "Yeah, sounds like a plan." She finally nodded, her face no longer a tomato and her brain properly functioning. This will be totally fine, right?