A/N: Um...wow...you guys are so awesome! I really didn't expect that many views. In celebration, I've decided to attempt to bang out chapter 7. I hope it will be as good as you all expect.
The next morning found me in the mess hall, sleepily stirring my coffee while I read the news on my tablet. As far as I could tell, thinks were alright in the world, as far as possible Avengers missions. Still, it didn't mean there wouldn't be any SHIELD missions, which meant that Clint, Steve, Romanoff and I were all on-duty. I was beginning to envy Dr. Banner and Stark, who were only called in for Avengers missions.
"You know, coffee's just gonna get cold with you staring at it." I looked up from my thoughts to see the good doctor and his goofy friend smiling down at me. I chuckle, and sip my coffee. Banner nodded to a couple of chairs. "Mind if we join you? I promise, no experiments from Tony." Stark stuck his tongue out at the kinder scientist.
"Yeah, sure. Besides, I'm not still mad at you, Stark." I give my sweetest smile, causing Banner to blush and Stark's eyes to widen a bit. They both took a seat to my right, setting down their own steaming mugs. We lapsed into easy conversation about their experiments in the lab. Soon, we were joined by Steve and a rather large blonde man. He was introduced to me as Thor, and I could see why he would be on the Avengers. He's probably able to bench a semi... I thought in wonder. As the conversation continued, I learned he was adorably child-like despite his intimidating size and we quickly became friends. We were all laughing at one of Stark's quips when I glanced at the door. Clint had come in with Romanoff, and I waved them over. He smiled, and started over, but she quickly pulled him away with a glare. I frowned a bit, confused by her behavior.
"Don't worry, Raena." Steve's voice rang out in the quiet of the group, and I turned to see them all looking at me. I flushed a bit as I looked around.
"Why does it seem like she hates me or something?" They all gave little guilty looks, and it was Banner who spoke up.
"Well...she sort of..." He hesitated, looking to Stark.
"She thinks she basically controls any of us Avengers who don't have a someone. Namely, Brucie here," Banner blushed, "Capsicle," who also had the decency to blush as he glared at the man, "and, of course, Legolas over there. Her claim on him is probably the strongest, considering they have a history." I quirked a brow at the comment.
"Clint was sent to kill Natasha back when she was just an assassin. He made a different call, apparently. They used to...erm...fondue." Steve answered, and Stark sniggered at the last word.
"I take it we're not talking about melted cheese, are we?" I scrunched my nose, forcing myself not to think about the alternative. Steve and Banner flushed again as Stark guffawed, causing both Clint and Romanoff to look our way. While the rest of us ducked our heads, Thor simply smiled brightly at the pair and waved to them. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Clint return the wave, while I could feel Natasha's eyes boring into the side of my head. The rest of breakfast passed in simple conversation, and all too soon I was headed back to my quarters.
"Raena, may I join you on your walk to your chambers?" I turned to see Thor smiling as he came up behind me. "You interest me, and I wish to know more of my new teammate." I smirked at his formal language and nodded.
"Yeah, of course." I started walking again with him at my side. He asked the occasional question, mostly about how I'm liking the job and the team, what my family life was like. I answered as truthfully as I could, occasionally throwing questions of my own into the mix. My spirits were lifted up until we reached my quarters. Leaning against the doorjamb was Clint, and it caused me to pause at the end of the hall. Thor looked up and noticed, ducking down to whisper to me.
"Raena, do you wish for me to stay by your side?" I looked up at him, and he looked so concerned. I tried to give him a reassuring smile as I shook my head.
"I've got this, Thor. But thank you." I pat his shoulder and he went along the hall, giving Clint a strange look as he passed. I was beginning to worry that my arrival was dividing the team, and I wondered if I should speak with the Director on that matter. I didn't say a word to Clint as I unlocked my door. He cleared his throat.
"Hey Raena...are you busy today?" He sounded somewhat hopeful, and I had to think about my response.
"Actually, I think I am. There's...someone I have to see today. Sorry, Clint." I worked to keep my voice neutral as I let myself in. I turned to stand in the doorway to prevent him entering behind me, and he gave a slightly confused look. "I'm sorry, we just can't hang out today. Maybe...some other time." He studied my face for a bit as I plastered a smile onto my lips. After a moment, he stepped away.
"Alright. Well, I'll see you around I guess." He turned and headed down the hall, and I shut my door quickly. Pulling out my tablet and detachable keyboard, I began to type. Just four letters, each giving the same details to the recipients. Once finished, I saved each, not sure whether or not to send them. There was one member of the team I'd have to talk to first. I began to type the email.
A/N: Good? Oh, please say it's good. Or...ya know...don't...whatever...PLEASE LOVE ME!