It took nearly a week for Cortex to get over Marvel 'remodeling' his lab. It was around that time where he really started to get used to having her around, as well as having to deal with her...eccentric demeanor.
What befuddled the mad scientist the most during all this was that everyone immediately accepted Marvel into the 'family'. No one else seemed as doubtful or weirded out as Cortex had used to be, which was rather surprising. Well, except for Pinstripe, anyway, but Cortex was currently avoiding him at the moment ever since he had that breakdown and whacked the potoroo with a chair.
Even though Cortex didn't show it, he was especially glad that Nina got along with Marvel, seeing how his niece had been the only female in the lair pretty much her whole life. Even though Cortex wasn't entirely sure if Marvel was considered a 'proper' role model, it was comforting to know that she was kind towards Nina and would never let anything bad happen to her.
"What are you so happy about?" A gruff voice asked beside Cortex.
Cortex didn't even realize he was smiling. He flinched and looked up from his blueprints, frowning at Uka Uka. "Nothing."
Uka raised a brow. "I see you haven't been complaining much about Marvel lately. I'm impressed."
"In the end, she's...alright." Cortex muttered, returning to his work. "I overreacted. There. I'll admit it. She's been somewhat of a good assistant, after all."
Uka smirked, a slight chuckle escaping him.
Cortex narrowed his eyes. "What's so funny?" He grouched.
"Nothing." Uka mimicked Cortex's earlier answer and still wore a suspicious-looking grin as he flew out the door.
Cortex knew something was on the mask's mind, but decided not to bother with figuring it out; he was already too busy coming up with ways to dispose of Crash Bandicoot.
BANG!
Marvel kicked the door open, her hands occupied with a large box more than half her height that she proceeded to drag up the front steps and into the lair. She pulled the box halfway across the room with all her might, but it took what seemed like forever. Squeaking in pain as she took a breather, she darted to the other side and tried pushing the box forward instead.
"HEY...I COULD...USE...A LITTLE HELP!" she hollered, falling on her butt after attempting to shove it while she was backwards. In a fit of rage, Marvel snatched her trident and started bashing the side of the box with it, screeching and cursing unintelligibly.
Little did she know, someone who had entered the room in curiosity was startled by her sudden tantrum, gaping at her with wide eyes.
Marvel finally calmed down enough to throw away her trident and punch the box a couple times, but eventually grew tired and shut her eyes, taking in a deep breath. As soon as she opened her eyes, they were locked onto the unexpected visitor, which just so happened to be Tiny Tiger.
"Oh!" She blinked. "Uhh...how long have you been standing there...?"
Tiny simply blinked back, staring at the box for a moment. He silently trotted over and set both hands on each side of the box, lifting it with ease. "Tiny help?"
Marvel chuckled, fixing her bandanna before brushing her hands on her pants. "You have no idea how much I need it, honey. You came at just the right moment." She walked ahead of him. "Could you set the darn thing into the lab for me?"
Tiny smiled and nodded. He always liked Marvel since she was nicer than Cortex. He started to follow her over to the lab.
"So, how are you, Tiny? We never talk," Marvel told him.
"Tiny good," Tiny answered.
"That's great." Marvel smiled, and it wasn't long at all before they approached the lab. She opened the door for Tiny, and he set the box next to Cortex's desk. "Alright, grouchy—here's your fusion reactor. Never mind that it only took me like 10 minutes to steal, but it almost took me 2 hours to drag it all the way over here, so it better make you happy!" She snapped.
Cortex looked up and simply nodded. "Good job. It's about time."
Marvel shot him a deadly glare, but shook it off and faced Tiny. "Thanks for helpin' me out, buddy. You're my hero!" She stood on her tip-toes and gave Tiny a kiss on the cheek.
Tiny turned a dark shade of red and smiled bashfully. "Tiny happy to help."
Marvel looked over at Cortex and smirked when she saw him roll his eyes. "It's not too late for me to be called your hero, y'know. You're welcome."
"That'll be all, Marvel." Cortex turned his chair away from her, and she cracked up.