Beep. Beep. Beep. Someone walked away. The shuffle of paper could be heard. Click. Clack. There seemed to be a lot of machines around me.

I was lying on something hard. My wrists and ankles were locked tightly in cuffs so I couldn't move.

I took a deep breath and let out an involuntary squeak of pain. I could feel bandages wrapped around my stomach.

I was lying on my back and when I opened my eyes, white light shone brightly down into them. I felt someone approach me.

"How do you feel?"

The voice was warm and kind, so I looked towards its owner. I saw a mop of dark brown hair and a white lab coat when I realised that it was Bruce Banner. Or Doctor Banner.

"Please tell me this is a dream. This can't be happening." I groaned.

"Why can't it be real?" Banner questioned.

I closed my eyes briefly and took another breath. It was real. I opened my eyes.

"No one can know."

"Know what?" He pushed, still using that gentle voice.

"Can't tell."

I moaned and closed my eyes again. The only real part about this whole thing that I liked was when Tony Stark said I was hot. That would be a dream come true. But a bunch of people finding out who I truly am? I don't think so. Although it would be nice to let someone know…

"I won't tell anyone. I promise. It will be a secret between you and me."

Silence. That kind, gentle voice seemed so nice. What would happen if I told the truth? Would he actually keep my secret? What if I only told him part of the truth? What I said I had wings, but I don't mention that I can shape shift?

The silence stretched.

I decided what I was going to do.

"Will you let me out of these restraints?" I said in a small voice. It wouldn't be so bad if the Avengers knew I had wings. I suppose that if I tell one of them, the rest will know. Maybe they have this room bugged with video cameras and the rest of them are sitting several rooms away watching what I'm doing. That's kind of creepy. But it would be so nice to tell someone.

I opened my eyes slowly. I felt someone tug on one of my restraints. It came loose. I suppose there would be no point trying to escape. My captor is the Incredible Hulk. That's okay. I wasn't going to try to escape.

His gentle voice sounded again.

"Don't try to escape. Give me your word that you won't escape."

I looked up at him. "I promise."

He kept eye contact as he reached down and pulled off the last restraint.

I felt free. But I was going to keep my word. I sat up slowly and swung my legs down off the table. I had decided that I wouldn't tell him. I would show him instead.

I lifted my head to look at Dr Banner. I saw a kind, encouraging expression and I sighed.

I spoke quietly. "I have never shown or told anyone by will, but I don't think I have a choice here." A pause. I looked down. "I guess this group of people would be the most understanding there is though." I did not know if he could hear me, but he seemed to understand.

I looked around the room and saw a tiny little black dot in the corner of the room. I looked back to Dr Banner.

"I could guess, though, that if I show you, you would not be the only person to see. Would you?"

He looked kind of guilty at this, but he replied, "We thought you would have been more comfortable with less people."

I replied softly. "You are right, of course."

I kept my head down for a while, contemplating my choices. After a minute or so, I set my mind, glanced up, then concentrated briefly. I felt my muscles tighten. I could feel my wings growing out of my back. They grew up as a sharp bone, poking holes through my shirt, before growing down into a beautiful, sweeping curve with soft, sleek feathers. My wings swept down, a midnight black arc, before softly coming to an end with silver tips that seemed to glow.

I let out a breath, feeling like a great weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I heard a soft gasp and I looked up to see Banner with an expression of awe. I realise now, how stupid I was to try to escape before. All of the Avengers reactions would have been the same as that. I am not out of place here.

"They're beautiful." Banner said.

I blushed and ducked my head.

Banner continued, "Although what you said before was true, I am not the only one watching."

I didn't say anything.

"But it's okay. Everyone here would accept it." I looked up quickly. Really? "You don't have to hide here." A pause. Then he kept talking. "Can I tell you a secret?"

I was surprised. He wanted to tell me a secret? "Uhh… Sure, I guess."

He grinned and lent forward, his lips almost touching my ear. "Someone in the building, not me, has quite a crush on you. He won't admit it easily, but he hasn't been this smitten with someone for decades, and he's barely known you for two days!" I blushed and he pulled away.

"Who?" I asked, hoping it would be Tony Stark.

Banner smirked. "That's for me to know and you to find out! Who do you want it to be?"

I blushed again but kept my silence.

"One other question, why did you crash into the Stark Tower truthfully?"

Oh. I had forgotten about that. "Ah.. Well that was an accident. I was flying around above the city, and the sun caught my eyes, blinding me. Then I fell. And accidentally flew into your window."

He grinned. "Lucky you flew into the Avengers home with a billionaire to pay for it." Then his eyes widened slightly. "Assuming that you do know who's tower this is, right?"

I smiled and nodded.

He looked relieved before he held out his hand and said, "I'm Bruce Banner by the way. Who are you?"

I took his hand, shook it and replied, "Pascale Falcos. When can I meet the rest of the Avengers?"

Banner grinned and pulled me towards the door.