A couple days had passed and Paloma had gone back and forth from work to the tower. Now that everyone knew about her and Loki's relationship she didn't have to stay at the apartment. Tony kept involving her in different projects, always wanting her opinion, Thor and Jane kept wanting to double date with P and Loki but Loki kept declining, and Bruce and Paloma would bounce scientific hypotheses off each other. Paloma felt at home here and didn't know how to bring that up to Loki.
It was Saturday morning and she was sitting by the window in the dining hall, drinking some coffee out of a mug Loki had gotten her during their trip to Italy, it had dainty flowers and a renaissance building painted on it. This was her favorite mug and she drank out of it every morning. Tony and Pepper were walking through the dining hall, each with their own coffee in plain white mugs, stopping at Palomas table.
"Hello there," Pepper greeted the young Doctor with a sweet smile. "Mind if we join you?" Before Paloma could nod her head they were already sitting down.
Pepper was the calm that balanced out Tony, in every way. "how are you liking it here?"

"It's really great, everyone is really nice and the technology is unbelievable. I could do so much if the hospital had this kind of equipment." This was all Tony needed to formally invite Paloma to join the team. He agreed with Loki that Paloma had to WANT to work here in order for him to ask.
"Paloma, walk with us." Tony and Pepper stood up from the table and walked with Paloma to the main lab. "As you know, we are very interested in your research and with the unlimited technology we have here, I believe it would be beneficial to both parties if you worked...here." Finally stopping at a new glass stand up desk next to a window that had a name plate reading, Dr. Paloma Cortez. Written in gold letters that shined in the sun.

Paloma stopped in her tracks…. "You want me to work. Here." She was a bit speechless to say the least. She thought about all the ood she could do, all the new research she would discover. But then she thought about Loki, was this his idea? He was never a big fan of the hospital but kept his mouth shut because he knew it was Palomas passion. "Did Loki put you up to this? I appreciate the offer but I don't want him trying to control where I work. I already stay here on my days off-" Before Paloma could finish her sentence Tony interrupted, "This has nothing to do with the Skeleton Man, I have been interested in your work far longer than I knew your relationship with him."
"What about the hospital? They were relying on my research for a new grant."

"Stark Industries is still committed to providing a grant but on the condition you join our team. Your hospital won't lose any money." Tony said right as Paloma finished her sentence.
Pepper stepped in knowing the look on Palomas face, the uncertainty.
"Paloma if this is something you are uncomfortable with, then we can just forget it, you'll still receive the grant, we just think talents like yours...would be better suited here." Pepper was the calm to Tony's storm and could talk her way into anything. She gave the Dr. a kind smile and a gentle squeeze of her hand, that Paloma knew she could trust.
"I-I have to talk to Loki about this." Paloma stuttered, she wanted to say yes. She would take this job in a heartbeat, but she wanted to get Loki's insight.

"I understand, well let me know as soon as you decide." Tony gave a nod and turned to the door, Pepper followed behind.

Paloma stood at the desk for a bit longer, running her fingers over the gold engravement of her name. She could do so much good here, she wanted to do so much good here. But how would Loki take it? Would he want her in his space? Of course he wouldn't mind, she knew that but it felt odd just moving on in without a proper discussion.

Tony observed Paloma over the security cameras, he knew she wanted his. He respected her decision to discuss it with Loki but hoped he wouldn't talk her out of it. If she didn't work for him, who knows what other companies would approach her...she would be making herself a target. At least here he can make sure the technology and research stays safe. "Pepper, she's going to join us. I can tell." Tony said while holding his love's hand. "I know Tony but you cant force it, you have to let her come to us. She is too smart for mind games."

The clock struck 11pm, Loki and Thor hadn't come back from the field and they were expected back by 5. Paloma started to worry but didn't want to portray it that way. She wanted to seem calm as she met with the other Avengers in the lab, patiently waiting for the twos return. Watching the skies for some kind of sign. Steve noticed her fidgeting with the hem of her shirt and walked over to her.
"So how did you and Loki...start dating?" Great ice breaker.
Paloma snapped out of her worry and chuckled.
"Loki was brought into the hospital after the battle of New York, someone found him passed out in the street. I was the Doctor on duty in the ICU and he woke up as I was checking for a pulse. He was so mad and confused," a small smirk escaped her lips, " They tried to sedate him and that didn't work so I sent everyone out of his room and told him to either cooperate or I would call security and have him held down. I didn't know who he was but I guess no one had ever stood up to him like that and he calmed down. He started trying to flirt with me so I assumed he was on something, he was calling himself the Prince of Asgard and I didn't believe him until he showed me magic. After that I was able to release him, he met me at the hospital everyday offering to walk me home, for safety reasons. And it sort of started like that."
Steve couldn't help but smile. Loki did seem like a different person when Paloma was around, a kinder one. Steve wrapped his arm around Paloma's shoulder and gave her a little squeeze, "He'll be back soon." Paloma wrapped one arm around Steve's waist as they waited for any sign of the Gods return.
Paloma was so thankful to have these people who knew of her relationship around her. It was such a relieving feeling, not having to pretend he's just from a different country and eccentric. They could be real.
Suddenly out of the sky, Thor came down and Loki followed shortly after. Paloma and Jane ran to the field to meet their respective beaus.
Loki wrapped his arms around Paloma, as if she'd float away if he didn't hold on. He ran his thumb across her cheek and they kissed like never before. It was deep and emotional and full of love. You would've think he had just come back from war.
Paloma was finally able to get out a few words, "Where have you been?"