Chapter 6: Terrain recognition
Beware what stalks you in the night
Beware the she-wolf and her bite
Her mystic lips tell only lies
Beware what stalks you in the night
Beware the she-wolf and her bite
Her hidden will to kill in disguise
(Megadeth; She Wolf)
„Have you forgotten how to greet a companion, Mr. Stark?"
Wow, so he can speak. Now, what a dramatic shift. Tony thought and looked around. No reaction from anywhere, the whole restaurant simply enjoyed a peaceful, usual morning. People chatting, glass and knives and forks clinking… And a mysterious, dark-haired guy sitting in front of a very perplexed Iron Man.
Easy, Tony. Just take it easy. No need to rush; just think it over methodically… Tony had kept repeating to himself before swallowing. Then he straightened his back a little, held the fork tightly and started cutting another portion.
Staring at the pancakes as if they suddenly chose to turn into something particularly interesting, Tony coughed slightly, meaningfully, and spoke. "Since my childhood I've been under that strange impression that the younger ones greet first." He answered with a tiny hint of caution. Well, even if approaching zero, there still lingered a certain possibility that the weirdo across the table might have been real.
Said weirdo let out a short, nearly compassionate laugh. "Well, then I think our impressions are pretty much the same." He stated simply and not raising his sight, he slowly turned the page of the green leatherette-covered book he was reading.
Tony spared a second to take a closer look at those pale, clean, slender fingers manipulating the paper. Then he blinked, maneuvered another forkful into his mouth and just… chewed.
After a terribly prolonged silence Tony decided to look at his companion once more. "Hm." He sounded finally, tilting his head slightly to the side and leaning his knuckle against his chin. "So, you're implying that you're the older one here?" Tony asked and stared the dark-haired guy up and down. The latter returned just a quick, but the more intense glance and a hint of a smile passed his lips.
"Really?" One of Tony's eyebrows went up. "Then I must admit you look quite good." He said as he pointed the fork at his companion.
"See Mr. Stark?" asked the stranger, kind of surprisingly.
„What?" Tony asked back, tilting his head.
„If you want you can become very polite. Maybe even flattering." The stranger sighed. "And I almost started to think you would not speak to me."
„Well, you probably should have." Tony stated, omitting all the caution this time, and leaned against the backrest. While doing so, he put on the cheekiest expression he could think of.
„Oh really?" the stranger repeated Tony's earlier statement. „What a pity, Mr. Stark." He continued calmly as he slowly closed the book. „How very unfortunate for you." He shifted in his position to sit straight and leaning the elbows on the table, he looked into Tony's eyes. His voice was calm and quiet, but Tony could not think of anything giving deeper chills.
But then again… So what.
„Mmm." Tony took the risk, pursed his lips and shook his head slowly. „I don't think so." He said eventually and tried to refrain from dropping the perfectly mastered, impertinent smile. He just waited silently, patiently, and stared into the intriguing green orbs.
"Oh why?" A whisper came out and those green orbs focused in an interestingly menacing fashion.
And then, suddenly, Tony realized how he felt. As a silent sheep, staring helplessly in the gleaming eyes of a hungry wolf. Okay. So. What now?
With effort, Tony finally managed to break the eye contact and made himself focus on a waitress passing by their able. He cleared his throat and looked down. "You know…" he began, the caution back in place, "I rather avoid talking to people who seem to know me but make no efforts to introduce themselves." Great, Tony, just great.
Tony let the corner of his mouth slightly up again. "Same goes to people who don't exist." He added; and when the answer was not coming, he leaned his elbows on the desk, too.
"Well, to be honest," Tony said and rubbed the back of his head mindlessly, "I'm afraid Pep was right. She's always right, ya know? Sometimes it's pretty irritating, I must admit." Tony continued, turning his head slightly and looking at the window. He sighed. Then his head snapped back. "I drink too much. That's a fact." He stated and smacked his hand against the table desk, his eyes fixed on it as well. "She always said I'll pay for it in time. " He explained as though in front of his psychologist. "And see? It finally happened. It finally happened… I'm slightly mad…" Tony intoned one of his favorite pieces by Queen and then trailed off to make a dramatic pause. "And… Tataa! You're here." He added finally.
"Wait, wait, wait." The stranger barged in and raised his index finger. "Please." He leaned in. "I do not wish to be confused with your booze demons. Understood?"
At that, Tony ducked his head. "You're not my booze demon?" His eyebrows collided as well.
"Most certainly not."
"Sure?" Tony tried.
"Quite sure." The stranger replied with a hint of… something. "At least I wasn't the last time I checked."
"Well, that's…" Tony scratched his head. "Confusing." He murmured, looking out of the window. "Nevertheless," He woke up suddenly and pointed at his companion. "you're still my hallucination. Of some unknown kind and origin, but you are. Truth, I have no clue about why my subconscious mind picked up a strange guy with the British accent who is obviously a member of a fantasy-literature club and loves sitting on the roofs, but… Yeah, why not? I'm quite satisfied. Amazed."
„And what kind of person would you prefer as a hallucination, Mr. Stark?" The stranger asked and leaned closer as the twinkle in his emerald eyes revealed a slight interest.
„Well…" And of course, Anthony Stark chose to accept the challenge and leaned in as well. „If I could choose, then it would have been…" Tony narrowed his eyes a little, faking hesitation.
„Please, Tony. I'm listening."
„You know, I'd rather hallucinate about a woman." Tony stated, sounding very serious and getting a little closer again.
„Uh-huh." The stranger nodded and tapped at his lips. „Do you have any particular image in mind?"
Tony chuckled. It was weird and kind of absurd, but for some very odd reason, it started to entertain him. „Um – Definitely no red heads." He said.
„Ah. Sure." His dark companion nodded in compassion.
„And certainly no…" Tony stopped. „Wait… You know? About me and Pep?"
„I'm your hallucination, right?" the stranger lifted his eyebrows in a slight annoyance.
„Ah… Yeah. Of course." Tony played a realization and rolled his eyes at himself. „So, um… No blondes, either. I think I had enough of them."
„I see. Oh, watch out." The stranger noted briskly and pushed Tony's plate aside. "Your tie got almost dipped in the cream." He added silkily.
„Wow… Thanks." Tony breathed, somewhat insecure. Can the hallucinations move the real objects?
„Please continue." The stranger prompted.
Tony cleared his throat and narrowing his eyes, he viewed his companion intently. "Actually, she might have your appearance, if you know what I mean. Just… maybe longer hair, more delicate features, eyes more like… grey-green…" Tony stopped his listing and smiled as if apologetically. "I mean, don't get me wrong, but your eyes are just… too green, you know?"
„That's all right. You cannot offend me, Mr. Stark."
„Is that so? Well, I'm relieved." Tony laughed and leaned forward a bit more. „And… She may be also a bit shorter…" Tony was almost touching the other man's cheekbone with his forehead now.
„Sure. Understood. Anything else?" the companion asked, sounding almost eager.
„Um," Tony thought aloud, „Yeah. A mole."
„A mole?"
„Yeah!" Tony grinned. „You know, the beauty spot. Something cute. Like that of Cindy Crawford."
„Who's that again…" The stranger rolled his eyes in an obvious annoyance, sighed and rested his head in his palm.
Tony froze. „Hey. You don't know who's Cindy C.?"
„I fear I haven't had the pleasure."
„Now then." Tony snorted. „That's quite odd."
„Please explain." Requested the dark companion.
Tony reached for his coffee and took a sip. „Mm..!" He uttered while swallowing the liquid. "It's simple. None of my hallucinations or alter-ego's would ever dare to say that they don't know Cindy C."
„Interesting." The other man drummed the long fingers on his skinny cheek and his look trailed away. Then his eyes settled at Tony's coffee. "May I?" he asked casually, lifting a brow.
"Uh… Sure." Tony answered, sounding slightly wobbly, and made a minimum movement to hand his cup to his mysterious companion. The latter took it very ceremoniously; he did not rush anything as he let his delicate fingers stroke Tony's. "Thanks." He uttered, not breaking the eye contact as he deliberately poured the dark liquid into his mouth.
"Not bad." The stranger judged and took another small sip. "But tell me, Tony. Why are you still so possessed by the idea that I am not real?"
Tony dropped his sight and just shrugged. „Don't know. But look around. It appears that no one is able to see you. Except me of course."
"Of course." The other man agreed. "However, is it a direct proof of my nonexistence?" he viewed Tony questioningly and shook his head just a little. "I'm getting quite disappointed, Mr. Stark."
„Oh." Tony paused in thought. „I'm sorry. Must have had some sort of a blackout moment, you know. I really need to finish my coffee…" Tony sighed in apology and tried to put on his famous naïve-innocent look.
„Oh, leave it, please." The stranger grinned.
„Negative."
„What?"
„I'll have to stare at you like that until you forgive me." Tony sighed, sounding convincing.
The other man cleared his throat. „Well…" he said at length and rubbed his eyes. „If it's you Mr. Stark… But be assured that I'm doing this purely because of my rare favor in you."
„I shall value it deeply."
„As it should be." The stranger admitted, joining his hands in front of his lips and smiled. „So…" he began after a short pause, putting the hands down on the desk and leaning slightly forward. "Will you tell me about that legendary mole?"
„Sure." Tony agreed, closing in, raised his hand and touched the incriminated spot just above his companion's upper lip. „Here." He said simply, keeping the fingertip in place.
Tony then cradled his chin in his free palm and looked the other man straight in the eye, keeping his stare as challenging and impudent as he could.
The stranger fell silent for a moment and just held Tony's gaze. For a while he seemed to be deep in thought, wondering, ruminating on something intriguing. But then his green eyes narrowed and a pale hand was raised to slowly push Tony's finger away. "I'd rather you refrain from touching me." He said eventually.
„Okay, sorry. But it was meant strictly for the demonstrative purpose." Tony murmured partly into his hand.
And the stranger laughed. The sound was soft and comforting and all but honest. And Tony had to admit he liked it. In the end, he looked down and let out a muted chuckle as well. Then he noticed another waitress on her way to their spot. He looked at her rather instinctively; he really did not expect she would notice him. However, she did. And she came to their table. After that she scanned the desk and then turned to Tony, wearing an almost worried expression.
„Are you dissatisfied with the pancakes, Mr. Stark?" she asked.
„Um…" The questioned gave his abandoned plate a quick glance. „No, I just… Something else caught my attention and I had to think it over, so I've been just thinking… And not eating, obviously, eh… But the pancakes are great, thanks."
„Yeah. You're welcome." The woman chirped merrily. "And would you like something else? Refill your coffee?"
„Oh. You see, I was about to finish it, so…" Tony blinked a few times and gulped the remaining coffee quickly. „Yes, please." He ordered and watched the woman bending her knees minutely as she extended her arm and poured him another round of coffee. „Done." She grinned. „Anything else?"
„Eh… No. Maybe later."
„Okay. And for the lady?" she asked suddenly, turning to the other side of the table.
„For the…"Tony repeated blankly, completely dumbfounded as a pair of the most intriguing, beautiful, grey-green eyes observed him with sheer interest and mockery at the same time.
"I…" he tried to say something, but failed tragically at first. "I – I – I – I don't know, um… coffee, too?" He lifted his brows in absolute confusion, struggling to retain at least the last remnants of his composure.
"As you wish. I'll be right back with the cup." The waitress giggled and disappeared.
And Tony was quite sure he was sweating. Yes. A droplet of sweat just slid down his temple. He held onto the edge of the desk. Then let go, entwined his fingers, looked out the window, then back and… Well, she was still there. Smiling. And obviously having the fun of her life. Yeah. Very funny.
"So." Tony shrugged and flailed his arms, looking briefly at the other people in the restaurant, not exactly knowing why.
"So?" She asked, her purring tone so… oh.
"So you're a woman now?"
"It seems so." She said softly, resting her chin in her hand, never tearing her eyes off him.
"Okay. That's uh… Great. Really. Aaaall right." He looked outside the window again, tapped his fingers at the desk, and then looked back at her. Come to think of it… He mused, narrowing his eyes at the sight, A very pretty one. Good job, really. Very good. He continued the little judging monologue inside his head. Yes, he had to admit that he truly liked the looks of the being that had appeared in front of him.
Her skin was a little less pale than earlier, her hair long, dark, slightly wavy and reaching past the shoulders, some tresses resting on her back. Her face was angular, but very delicate, beautiful, her expression so intelligent, knowing, mischievous, and so mysterious… And those eyes, adorned with beautiful lines of dark eyebrows and long lashes. They were twinkling with a continuous flame, reflecting the brilliant intellect hidden behind. As for the clothes, there was nothing special. Well, all Tony could see from his position was the snow-white, sleeveless top. A silver necklace with green stones hung around her neck. Everything was so… Perfect. Just perfect.
But hey. Wait.
"And what about the mole?" Tony frowned at last.
The woman snorted lightly. "I'm sorry, but I really don't consider it pretty on such a place. Or does that look nice on that woman?"
"Hell, yeah." Tony frowned even more. "Well, um, some people actually don't like it… But hey, I do. It's kind of..." he tried to explain but was cut off.
"Oh, whatever. I'm sorry, I still can't imagine that." She sighed.
"Nah, that's okay. I think I can live without it. Good job, by the way. You look awesome." Tony smiled, leaning against the desk again, taking another detailed look. She leaned back, slowly, and ran a hand through her black hair. And Tony observed every little movement, every muscle and sinew visible as she did so. His eyes trailed lower, tracing all the perfect curves and – oh! – that little, familiar shape under the fabric…
"It is quite impolite to stare at certain areas of a woman's body in such an unmistakable way, Mr. Stark." She pointed out playfully.
"Uh." Was all Tony was capable of at first. Then he literally dragged his stare up to her eye level. "Yeah? Then let me inform you that it is rather unfair to wear a skin-tight top with no bra underneath it."
She knitted her brows together. "No bra?" Her head ducked a bit. "Right!" She smiled. "The undergarment." Something seemingly clicked in place. "I have…" She lifted the incriminated part of her top slightly up and checked the content it had been hiding, "…none. True." She admitted and looked up only to find Tony staring too blatantly.
"Mr. Stark?" One delicate, black eyebrow went up.
Tony just ran his fingers through his hair and intertwined them at the back of his head. "Oh, come on…"
"Aw!" She laughed merrily, tilting her head back. "I really cannot understand why they say women have a hard life… It's always such a fun." She proclaimed, still chuckling. "Anyway." She stated as soon as she regained some composure. "What were we talking about?"
"What?" Tony arched his brows in disbelief. "Tell you what. I'm not sure what we've been talking about the whole time."
"Hm." She frowned in a feigned concern. "Our talk truly has been missing a point." She murmured, looking at the window and tapping a forefinger against her chin. Then she turned her sight back to Tony. "Time to move on to something more sensible, is it?" She purred, and lifting a mischievous brow, she dipped her forefinger in the blueberry coating of Tony's pancakes and licked it.
And Tony just watched. "Well, um… " He cleared his throat. "Yeah, that… makes much more sense."
She chuckled at that and slid the finger out of her mouth with a smack of her lips. "Right." She said then, her voice suddenly shifting into a very serious, maybe even menacing tone. And Tony could not believe the intensity of the uneasiness that hit him with this one word.
She smirked and leaned against the desk. "Do you have any idea as to why I am here?"
"No." Tony answered honestly, swallowing helplessly at the sudden shift in mood. His forehead creased as he tried to ignore the unpleasant pang in his stomach and throat.
"Hm." She smiled then and grabbed the book. "I am here, Mr. Stark, with a special offer."
"I'm listening." He shrugged. "I guess."
"You don't need to." She smirked mysteriously. "All you have to do…" she opened the book, "…is read…" She looked at him, "…and think." She stated and tore a blank piece of paper away.
Tony frowned at that. "Was that really necessary?"
"What?" She scowled at him.
He darted a meaningful look at the book in reply.
She let out an amused, slightly disdainful laugh. "Are you sure, Mr. Stark? You?"
He raised his hands in defense. "Okay, I can't remember when I read a real book last time, but… Come on, this was just painful."
"Painful? Was it?" she snorted and lifted an eyebrow curiously. "Well, Tony," she purred, leaning in and reaching out the hand with the paper, "you should maybe reconsider the meaning of this word."
Tony looked at her hand and took the offered piece of paper in his. And to his surprise, he realized it was not blank anymore. There was a sequence of symbols, runes maybe, with several numbers mixed in. It seemed like some coordinates and time.
"What's that?" Tony tilted his head at the woman in front of him.
"I'm sure you'll find out soon. An individual of your intellect should decode it within no more than one, maybe two minutes." She said simply, smiling as if kindly, her tone full of sweet poison. Then she took the book, put it in a purse that suddenly appeared in her hands and stood up.
She stepped closer to him and bent forward. "Good luck." She whispered in his ear. When Tony looked up at her, he saw an utterly innocent face with a sweet smile. "See you soon, sweetie!" she chimed loudly, kissed her index finger and pushed it against his cheek. And flashing him one last gorgeous, yet so terrifying smile, she turned and walked away with a sheer confidence and poise. Tony just watched her retreating form in confusion, frowning deeply. The waitress stopped her on her way out, apologizing and offering the forgotten cup of coffee. She took it.
Okay. Tony sighed, and then looked back at the note, turning it around several times, examining it from all the angles for a while. So was it all real? Or am I really insane? Anyway… Time to turn back into the eating mode. He shrugged, reached out for his plate of pancakes, laid the paper on the desk beside the plate and resumed his breakfast.
Loki spun around a little group of young women right after he had gracefully walked through the restaurant's main entrance. Still in the female form, he held the coffee up in order not to spill it, shrugged, and flashed them a knowing smile.
Stupid cows, he thought as he sent them an innocent wink, Crowding right in front of the entrance… He snorted internally as soon as he turned away from them. I must transform back before I end up as something even close to this. He frowned and took a sip of the coffee.
But then he just sighed, looked up, let the hand with the cup hang along his side and closed his eyes. On the other hand…There's no rush.
Yes, Loki had mastered shape-shifting long centuries ago and outran even the most skilled wizards and witches at that. Yet, each transformation always brought something new and unexpected along. And then it was completely up to his willpower how to cope with those slight distractions.
During each transformation, he always maintained his mind and intentions; however, some parts of his personality would change. Or else, some would diminish, and the other would grow stronger.
Exactly as in this most recent case, when his cold, calculative thoughts were slowly distracted by such banalities as the sun… wind… and fresh air... What's wrong with me? Or have I been wrong all the time and now everything is as it should be? He looked around, watching the people passing by, and sighed in confusion. After all, his worst nemesis was not too far. It was not even close. No. It was right there. In his head. Realizing this truth too painfully, he resumed the walk. However, he stopped any further thoughts as he noticed a familiar car passing by.
Jane held tightly onto the steering wheel, her knuckles all but turning white. A familiar, desired image came into her view. The restaurant. Right there. I did it. Gathering last bits of the vanishing energy, she managed to park the vehicle between the other two, pulled the handbrake and let her head collide with her forearm rested on the steering wheel.
She must have looked absolutely out of shape. No, she must have looked absolutely terrible. Hair unkempt, eyes dry, her blouse buttoned in a rather strange manner… Well, she was late.
Of course she had fallen asleep again after reading Loki's message. Of course she did not even remember turning the alarm off. And of course the thing that had woken her up half an hour later was not another alarm, but an alarming spasm grasping and twisting her abdomen. The period decided to come a few days earlier this time… Well, to sum it up, this morning was a totally fucked up one. Unable to even think about the food, she had somehow managed to reel out of her trailer, type "I'm on my way" to Nick and climb into her car.
"Coffee." She growled in an almost inhuman voice, made her arm move and grabbed her bag. With effort, she got out of the car and hung the bag on her shoulder. Bending slightly forward, she made her way to the restaurant.
Looking at the sidewalk absently and frowning, she searched all her pockets for some money, but except one used handkerchief she could not find anything. So she opened her bag and reached for the wallet, dragging a few documents out along with it. She stopped and watched the stupid papers fall to the ground slowly, gracefully, and listened to the high-pitched sound of the falling coins.
Perfect. Things just can't get any worse now, right? Just perfect. A helpless, resigned laugh formed in her throat when she got down on her knees to gather the papers. Then she looked up.
Crap. Things can always get worse. She reminded herself as she saw a too familiar group of chatting women in front of the restaurant. The same group she had encountered last week. And it had not been very pleasing. Although she could not understand why. She did not even know them. So, what terrible things could she have possibly done to them to earn their wrath? Oh, stop it, Jane, this is pointless. Just try to pass by, don't look at them and everything should be just fine. But things would not work that easy.
"Hey, what's that?" the biting voice sounded. Jane dropped her eyes and sighed.
"Isn't it our little nerdie-cutie?" one of the women, a blonde, laughed as if enthusiastically. "Aww, look, she dropped her precious papers. Perhaps we should get some help?" she asked mockingly and walked down the path towards Jane's kneeling form.
"Well, thanks. No need to bother, though. I'm a big girl, I can handle it." Jane tried the biting tone as well. Nevertheless…
"Ah, look who's talking. Little Miss Doctor is big enough, right?" The blonde stopped and put her arms on her hips.
Watching the pair of high heels stop in front of her, Jane sighed again. "Please, could you just leave it? I really have no time for this rubbish. Not to mention all you can give me is just a serious head-ache."
"Whoa, I see. Girls, did you hear that? We're just a nuisance for the splendid PhD princess here." The blonde cried out, seemingly amused, over her shoulder. Then she turned back, bent down and picked the spilled coins. "Hm. This isn't all you got paid, or is it?" she snorted.
"Give it back." Jane snapped, looking up. "Now."
"Considering all the complex research you must have done…" The blonde continued, not minding Jane's request.
"I'd like to remind you that taking someone's money without permission is considered a robbery." Jane murmured, wincing at the nausea taking over her.
"Yeah? Then run and tell someone. Come on!" said the blonde, her voice stripped of all softness. Jane inhaled deeply and tried to come up with something that would send this cow back on earth when she heard another voice. Calm, steady, comforting.
"Right. Let's take this calmly, shall we?" It was another woman that suddenly turned out of somewhere. And to Jane's relief, she did not seem to belong to the group.
"What?" the blonde scowled at the tall brunette. "What are you talking about?"
"Give the money back and get out. I hope I put it simply enough for your poultry brain to get it. Because I'm not going to repeat it." The brunette smiled innocently. But there was something enormously threatening in her voice.
The blonde let out a disdainful laugh. "And who do you think you are to throw orders at me, bitch?"
Then the brunette's smile widened in a very sly and wicked way. It was seemingly a moment she had been waiting for. Her hand suddenly moved forward with a blink of an eye, her fingers grabbed the blonde hair, making the other woman's head tilt back in a very uncomfortable, maybe even painful angle. The other palm was swiftly and elegantly wrapped around the blonde's wrist, twisting the arm behind the back.
"Open your hand, sweetheart." The brunette ordered, purring into the entrapped woman's ear. The latter winced, but obeyed. "Good." Welcomed the brunette. "You see, I always get what I want." She added and shoved the other woman away.
The blonde turned around immediately, staggering a little. "You're not going away with this." She promised menacingly, pointing with her forefinger.
"Oh, I can assure you I am. Or do you seek a fight?" the dark-haired woman laughed in reply, folded her arms in front of her and looked at the other two women standing a few feet away. They remained silent. The blonde murmured something nasty, but eventually decided to join her friends.
They shared a few quiet words, darting poisonous glances at Jane and her mysterious new ally and then chose to walk away. After a moment, probably as soon as they felt they had reached a safe distance, the blonde turned around and snorted. "Oh, and have a nice time together, sweets." she called out. "And don't forget to invite us to the wedding!"
"Sorry, darling, you're not on the guest list!" Jane cried out, gathering all the papers finally. And no, she would not waste another look at them.
"My, my, do we have a guest list already?" a lock of long, dark hair came into Jane's view. "Can I have a look before we send the invitations?"
Despite feeling terrible, Jane let out a muted chuckle and attempted to stand up. "Um…" However, she failed. A slender hand with fingernails painted with a bright, pastel green nail polish reached out to grab her with a surprising strength.
"Easy, little one." The woman smiled and lowered her head, grasping Jane by her forearm.
Jane closed her eyes tightly and opened them again. Her view became blurred for a few seconds, the whole world spinning around. "I'm sorry." She uttered and blinked a few times more. "Low pressure." She added.
"I see." The woman answered, her voice very soft. "That reminds me of a certain cup of coffee on the roof of your vehicle."
After gathering some composure, Jane turned her head. "Truth. Is it yours?"
"Not anymore, I guess."
Jane let out a hungry sigh and laughed. While walking slowly back to her car, she put the documents in her bag and dared to glance at her new companion.
She was tall and slender and very well built. Her long, black, wavy hair was just perfect. Her face was delicate and bright with high and distinct cheekbones, wise, intellectual eyes, small nose and full lips. Her eyes were a very soft shade of green and matched with the stones in her necklace. She wore a simple white top (Oh, is that..?) seemingly with no bra underneath it and jean shorts. There was a small, modest brown leather bag hanging on her shoulder.
When they reached the car, Jane took the cup and her eyeballs literally rolled back into her skull as she smelled it. She took the first, hesitant sip. Her stomach did not seem to protest, so she took another. And another. And then gulped half of the cup.
"I'm sorry I just had to." Jane apologized, looking up. "I guess you can keep the money to buy a new one." She offered an uncertain smile.
"No, thanks. Obviously I don't need the coffee as much as you do. And my little help is for free." The woman smiled back.
"Oh. I'm… Thank you." Jane murmured and lowered her eyes. "So much. I don't know what else to say or…"Jane suddenly giggled and looked around.
"What is it?" the other woman leaned in, intrigued.
"Nothing." Jane smiled. "Just looking for the other two Charlie's Angels to appear." She explained and looked back at her companion.
The latter rubbed her temple and remained silent. Then she sighed almost wearily. "Well, I've been always considered a loner, I'm afraid."
"Sounds familiar." Said Jane, her smile gaining a bitter hint, and closed her dry eyes.
"Please forgive my impudence, but you look terrible." The woman sounded in reply, looking Jane up and down.
"Yeah. I know." Jane breathed out.
"Well," the other woman sighed. "Caffeine is undoubtedly a wondrous substance, but I would suggest some sugar, too." She said and inclined her head in the restaurants direction.
"I'm late." Jane murmured into the cup.
"Hm. Still, 'late' sounds somewhat better to me than 'died in a car crash'. Plus, I've seen a very lonesome Iron Man there."
"Oh no." Jane chuckled.
"Not fond of him?" The brunette raised a half-surprised eyebrow.
"Um... How to put it..." Jane lowered her eyes and smiled. "I'm getting used to have my share of Anthony Stark each day." She said as she looked up into the soft green eyes again.
"So you work for SHIELD, do you?" folding her arms, the dark-haired woman leaned in, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.
"Yeah." Jane blushed slightly, not even knowing why, and shrugged. "I have to do something for living."
"Hm. Sounds like I've saved someone tiny, but really worthy." The brunette added, her tone slightly teasing.
"Well," Jane bit her lip, hesitant. "Apart from being tiny... I'm Jane." She offered eventually, smiling softly. The other woman viewed her for a moment, her expression strangely unreadable. For a second, Jane wondered if she had seen it somewhere before. But in the end, the brunette decided to return the smile. Her arms, however, remained folded. "I am not ceratin if we will ever meet again, but... If you want a name to associate with my face... You can call me Cindy."
A wrinkle creased Jane's forehead. "Please forgive myimpudence this time, but it doesn't suit you at all."
At that, Cindy let out a resigned laugh and tucked a hair tress behind her ear. "I know." She put a hand on her hip and looked around. "Anyway," she said then, grabbing Jane by the wrist. "Go on and eat something." She stated firmly and put the coins in Jane's hand.
"Yeah, maybe you're right." Jane admitted eventually. "Are you coming with me?" She asked suddenly, looking up.
The brunette smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry, I'd like to, but..."
"No, it's okay. Just a suggestion, nothing else." Jane stopped her. "Anyway, thank you again. For everything."
"You are very welcome, Jane." Cindy answered, offering a warm smile. "How do you feel, by the way?"
"Well there are certainly more pleasant situations to go through, but… No worries, I'll take care." Jane answered merrily.
"Will you?"
"Definitely." Jane winked and realizing she actually started to feel a lot better, she set off to the restaurant. "Farewell, Jane." She heard behind her.
So she turned and flashed her mysterious new friend a wide smile. "Farewell!" she shouted and waved her hand.
Sitting in his car again, Tony checked one more time on the coordinates he had been given with the mysterious note. Now he knew that they represented the peak of the Mud Mountain in New Mexico. He twirled the corner of his mouth at the name of a town situated under it. Truth or Consequences. Very nice. Is there a hidden meaning in it?
And the time. 19:00. But the runes… Even if translated, they still refused to make any sense. Tony sighed and looked out of the car window.
Then he turned back to the holographic view of the scanned note that was being projected on the windshield of his car. He viewed the signs again. "It must be something like 'Meet me there at…'" Tony mused aloud. And then, his eyes widened. "Jarvis".
"Yes?"
"Shift the reading frame."
"In which manner, sir?"
"Just move the pronunciation of one letter to another. Upstream."
"Of course."
And suddenly, the text in front of him changed into a perfectly reasonable sentence. Tony allowed himself a contented smirk.
"What's my time?" he asked.
"Two minutes and fifteen seconds, sir."
"Pfff." Tony huffed looking out the window again. "I must have fallen in love, then." He wondered.
"Shall I send it to Mr. Fury?" Jarvis sounded after a while.
Tony remained silent and pursed his lips. Then he opened his mouth as if to say something.
"Sir?"
Leaning his elbow against the door, Tony bit his thumb. "No."
Tony, Tony, Tony. He thought. Time to have some fun, right? He chuckled as he gave the translated note one last look.
"33.1565,-107.3086. Meet me there at 19:00. And please, wear a suit."
Please review! And an awesome graphic has been made for this chapter:
http:/allinye . tumblr . com/post/19577068519/the-latter-rubbed-her-temple-and-remained-silent (Just remove the spaces. You must see it!)