This chapter is dedicated to my dear friend Shipperwolf, the most talented Lokane-stories author ever.
And I own nothing, as usual.
Chapter 8: Shape of My Heart, Part I
Those who speak know nothing
And find out to their cost
Like those who curse their luck in too many places
And those who smile are lost
(Sting; Shape of my Heart)
Should there be something more to Jane's present life, it would be fun. At a certain point, all the stiffness and seriousness had suspended, dissolved and vanished. Now her work and entire life was a sort of fun. Kind of exciting.
Exactly as it was meant to be.
Yes, it started to be fun, and especially the last two days, when the infamous figure of Iron Man had chosen to step into her life once again. She hadn't noticed at first that her anger, jealousy and feeling of injustice subsided and went missing somewhere in the past. The ever so brilliant and self-confident Tony Stark was there again, but this time showing keen interest in their research, offering help, cooperation and money. What a strange shift in intentions.
And well... Not that Jane did not welcome it.
She didn't know when exactly it had happened, but somewhere in the past three years, her innocent and naïve view of the world and the world of science in particular had changed into something more calculating, realistic, and most of all pragmatic.
It's all about money, after all.
She had always hoped that science lived freed from something so superficial and low. But no. The opposite was true and she had gradually learned to take that in account.
At the luncheon that had included the research group, some SHIELD representatives and Anthony Stark in person, the latter had chosen to sit by her side. He had not minded their director or SHIELD people. He would rather share his thoughts with her, Eric and Garo and smirk at the standoffish queries coming from the bosses at the opposite side of the table. Most likely he just couldn't help such behavior; it was simply his temper.
And it made Jane feel relaxed. All that charms, witty remarks and teasing, it felt natural. Or maybe she'd gotten used to it, Jane noted to herself as she had glanced at Leonard, who had obediently taken the seat at his professor's side. But he hadn't returned the look and seemed rather busy with his own thoughts. And so she had found herself consumed by the refreshing interaction with Mr. Stark for the rest of the day...
Jane stopped her musings as she and Tony entered the main building after an overall inspection of the research grounds the next day.
They went through the gate and legitimated themselves. "Thanks, buddy." Tony winked at the gatekeeper, who abruptly turned his unconcerned face back to the TV.
Tony froze at that, his forehead creasing. "What's wrong with the guy?"
"Well," Jane shrugged, "I guess he's a regular gatekeeper?" she offered, slightly confused. She had to wait for her eyes to get accustomed to the darker environment of the indoor space. "Or… what's wrong?"
Tony shrugged back. "Nothing particular. I'm just used to the fact that I make people blush. Or giggle. Or just react in some way."
"Oh, I see!" Jane answered. "But dear Tony, you don't have to be sad. I think he's just gotten used to to your face. He'd seen you wink from the TV screen too many times to care anymore." Jane explained patiently, smiling merrily.
Tony showed some of his eyebrow art before answering. "You definitely know how to raise a man's self-confidence, Miss Foster. You should talk to Pep."
"I'd like to." Jane grinned. "By the way, when is she coming?"
"Friday I think. Yeah…" He paused in thought and reached to the inner pocket of his jacket for his smart phone. "Speaking of which, what about some team-building this weekend?"
"Team-building?" Jane's brows went up this time.
Tony sighed. "What, too much business jargon?" he scratched the back of his head. "Okay, how to express it in your way… A mixer? A get-together party..?" He offered.
"Don't worry Mr. Stark, you can say 'drinking'. I won't consider it a dirty word." Jane crossed her arms and put on a challenging smile.
"Oh, Jane. Now I'm dying to hear all the words you actually do consider dirty." Tony narrowed his eyes playfully.
Jane chuckled. "You don't want to, trust me Tony." She bit her lip as she stared him down. "You may find yourself amongst them." She added, purring, and straightened his tie with one hand. Then she flashed him an innocent smile, turned around and headed to the offices.
Jane did not regret spending the whole morning with Tony. She liked his unconventional attitude and found it a cute in its own way, though one should better be constantly aware in Mr. Stark's presence.
They are so similar, she realized as Leonard immediately invaded her train of thought. She stopped for a brief moment to wait for Tony and poured her some water from the reservoir.
The building was almost abandoned. It was the lunch time.
However, there was something unexpected present in the air. Something she was used to hear rather at evenings... She liked music, even if Eric would always listen to the same stuff over and over and Jane had come to sense it as a sort of white noise at times. She still liked music, and so she rather welcomed the little change brought into this area by Leonard and his slightly different taste. And in this case it was quite clear that the one who had pushed the play button was certainly not Eric.
Two voices could be heard, singing along. One of them slightly high-pitched and slightly false, whereas the second one melodic and fascinating.
"Hm, seems like someone's quite ahead with the party plans…" Tony noted as he passed by.
Jane gulped the water quickly and followed her companion. She checked her watch. "It's quarter to twelve. So I guess Tek showed up out of the blue sky in Leonard's office and it turned out they're skipping the lunch."
The moment Jane caught up with Tony, Tek's wide eyes, the white contrasting with his bronze skin, peeked out of the incriminated office. The voices quieted and the music was turned down.
"N'aaww… We have visitors!" Tek's voice chimed as he stepped out from the office doorway. He wore his favorite black t-shirt with white letters that said 'Are you sure it's plugged in?'.
As they approached, Tony grinned at the sight. "You're my man." He said and winked at the IT expert.
The latter smiled widely. "I guess I'm busy here." Tek declared. "But you can always hire me for a part-time job." He added as he retreated, the toothy grin still in place.
"See?" Tony's smug smile found its way to his features once more. "That's how you react to Tony Stark."
Before Jane could bite back a proper answer, Tony turned from her and peeked into the office.
Leonard was the one left there, arching over his desk, supporting his cheek in a rather annoyed manner with his wrist, observing the computer screen and taking notes into his book.
Jane did not recognize the song; it sounded quite rough, but she decided it was fairly catchy.
"Hey, what a lively space! Anyone there?" Tony greeted as he made a few tentative knocks at the doorframe.
"No." An unconcerned answer came.
"Groundbreaking! Interactive offices. I'll have to think about it." Tony noted quietly to Jane, glancing over his shoulder. "And what about me coming in?" he resumed, somewhat louder, his eyes widening, expectant.
"Double no." Leonard replied calmly.
"Just... What's wrong with all the young people today?!" Tony began as if pensively as he paced in and around the table to lean against it right beside Leonard. "Feelin' fine?"
The lean man remained silent and did not look up; he just released the wrist that supported his head and flashed sign of the horns in reply.
"Hm. That's… interesting. Of you, I mean." Stark answered, his eyelids fluttering minutely.
It took a moment for the words to sink into Leonard's occupied mind, but then he frowned and turned his head to look up at Tony.
"What?"
"Ah, nothing. Just my random thoughts." Tony replied, waving his hand as if chasing a away an irritating fly.
"Sure? Because I can show you some other fingers, if you like." Leonard uttered in a bored and annoyed tone.
"Hey!" The amusement seemed to bubble out from Tony's voice a bit. He turned and lifted his eyebrows at Jane. "And aren't you supposed to look after the good manners of your students?"
Jane cleared her throat and put on a slight smirk. "Erm… If I'm not mistaken, Garo is in charge in this case." She approached the desk and smiled wickedly at Leonard who darted a roguish look at her. "Besides, you are his senior schoolmate, yes?" she rested her chin on her shoulder as she turned to Tony. "Then go on, I'd love to watch you giving our student a lesson in polite behavior."
Leonard bit his lip.
Tony blew out some air and drummed his fingers on his cheek. "Dear Jane, I guess it's too late in this case."
"My offer still stands." Leonard chirped in reply, glancing quickly at his victim.
"I'm counting on it, no worries." Tony answered calmly, unoffended, as he straightened and took a step closer to the stereo. "Hm… Black Sabbath." He hummed.
"Hm… correct." Leonard acknowledged, continuing the writing.
"One would think," Tony resumed, "you'd play their other song to greet me."
If Leonard's gaze could kill, Tony would be lying stiff on the ground already.
But the latter just glanced slyly at Leonard, enjoying the advantage. "Plus… This is not even Ozzy!"
Another killer-glance. "No, this is Ronnie. I like him better." Leonard replied wryly.
"Do you? I'd be careful." The corner of Tony's mouth twisted up.
"Aah, I see!" Leonard sighed with a feigned relief and understanding. "Another idiot who thinks Sabbath means Ozzy…"
"And doesn't?" Tony shrugged, surprisingly calm. "And secondly… I pay you from now on, Mr. Wednesday." He lowered his voice almost menacingly as he drew closer to Leonard. "So I'd advise you to start realizing that."
"Strange… Somehow I don't remember asking for it." Leonard's eyes narrowed and a doubtful wrinkle appeared between his dark eyebrows as he finally straightened.
Tony waited for a long, tense moment. Then suddenly his brows shot up and his eyes looked away. A slight, thoughtful smile settled on his features. "Well, if I were you, I'd be happy for receiving the extra money." He added, sounding mysterious, and looked back in Leonard's eyes.
"Why so?" Leonard asked, tilting his head.
"Let's see…" Tony kneaded his earlobe. "We've been thinking about a get-together party downtown." He noted tentatively, turning slightly to glance at Jane. "And who knows… It might involve some poker..?" Tony shrugged as he voiced his idea.
"Oh. Really?" Jane voiced her doubt in reply.
"It might involve some poker…" Leonard repeated silently, turning back to check something on the computer screen. "Then I will have you know, Mr. Stark, that it should be you gathering all the funds."
Tony ran a thumb over his lip. "Was that a threat, hon?"
Jane smiled nervously at the slight tension forming in the air again. But then she caught a glimpse of a movement. It was Darcy, smirking and leaning lazily against the doorframe.
"A mere warning." Leonard weighed the words. "Less than that, actually. Just a notification."
"Seems like someone's getting snooty again." Darcy intervened.
Leonard gave her a quick glance and grinned. "I don't need to." He assured. "I'm just trying to be good and show some mercy before it's too late." He purred and took the pen to take another note. "Since anyone who wants to challenge me in this game should be aware that I would rob them without a second thought."
"And may I ask where does all this confidence come from?" Tony wondered, looking Leonard up and down.
"I've played with many. And I've never lost." The lean man answered and continued the writing. "It's just that simple."
"Isn't that intriguing…" Tony remarked unfathomably, "I can say the same." He concluded as he leaned back against the desk. "Then I guess we owe the world this battle, what do you think, my lad?" He asked, lifting a mischievous eyebrow.
"What I think is unimportant." Leonard put the pen down and straightened. "But there's one thing certain. You can put all your wealth at stake, Mr. Metal Bloke," he stated silkily as he reached out and adjusted Tony's collar, "and I'll still crush you down."
It almost felt like there's something unspoken between them.
"Wait, wait, wait, this definitely calls for more!" Darcy walked to them, wearing an expression of an eager discoverer. "Let's make a bet." She declared, leaning over the desk beside the silent Jane.
"Very well!" Tony resounded in appreciation. "Look at Miss Lewis. She's got quite a talent for making things interesting, yes?" He noted happily as he wrapped an arm around Leonard's shoulders, forcing the latter to turn and face the two women.
"Oh yeah?" Darcy grinned proudly. "Then how about this: If you lose... You cut your hair." She stated with a victorious smile, looking straight into Leonard's eyes. "Or - Wait! You bleach it blonde!" She laughed, excited about her new idea and glanced at Jane who was standing on her spot rather stiffly.
"Hm…" Leonard just brought his hand up to his mouth and bit the nail of his thumb. "Such an extreme dilemma." He muttered and gave Darcy a cold, piercing stare.
"You like it?" Darcy asked, curious.
"Why, of course not. I just… Can't decide which option is worse."
"Then what about both?" Tony offered as he shook the lean figure he was still holding, tilting his head to get into Leonard's view, cocky grin widening his features.
Leonard sighed heavily. "Die young, die young…" Not even trying to shake off Tony's clasp, Leonard just sung along with the song, glancing away, still biting the nail.
"Me?" Tony's brows climbed up.
"What?" Leonard gave him a surprised stare. "Be calm, it's quite too late for you."
"Hello!" Darcy called out then. "We're still discussing the bet! So..?"
"Well, since I don't have to be afraid of anything, I shall agree happily." Leonard claimed as he finally took off Tony's hand and patted it, giving him a daring smirk.
"Cool!" Darcy grinned.
"But you must have forgotten about your part in this." Leonard reminded and looked Darcy in the eye.
"Right. Then if you win," She leaned closer, "you may ask anything you want from me."
"Erm," Tony cleared his throat meaningfully, "I guess young blood requires some privacy now. Perhaps we shall retreat, then..?" He stated as he spun around, holding up his arms. "What do you think, Jane?" he asked innocently as he sidled up to her side, offering an arm for her to hold on.
"Um…" she uttered as they set off to the doorway.
"Oh, and - " Tony stopped abruptly, just before they walked out of the room. "At the circumstances given," he paused and rubbed his temple with the index finger, "I'd sincerely like to bring all my wealth at stake. I'm sure it's worthy."
A sigh.
"If only Pepper allowed me…" One last smug smile, and they were gone.
ooOOOoo
That afternoon, Jane found herself rushing through the corridor, lost in thought. But suddenly, something made her stop.
She looked up from her book. Two intriguing green eyes smiled in her way.
"Hi, Leonard." she greeted, her voice kind of shaky.
"Good morning, Lady Jane." He answered merrily and disappeared in his office.
Jane retreated gladly to her own room. But for an undefined moment, she was just standing there, halfway to her desk, unable to make a move.
Now seriously, Jane. Let's have a talk. Time to make some business clear. She mused finally and moved to sit down in the chair. Then she turned to the window and sighed as her eyelids slid down wearily.
She tried to deny it at first, however, in the end she had to admit that from this day on, her life was beginning to slide along a downward spiral again. But it just was not fair. After such a few and rare moments of relative calm... She deserved more, didn't she?
Yes.
But...
Since when all the things had stopped being simple and easy?
Since you dared peek out from your shell and notice the world around once more. Since you've started realizing things, and noticing the reality and the people.
Since you've started noticing certain people around you.
Precisely.
When she had started to notice Leonard Wednesday as a real person, at first, it felt refreshing and relaxing. But now, it felt different.
Jane felt uneasy.
The way he looked, the way he spoke, the way his forehead wrinkled while he was thinking something over, the way his slender fingers moved while typing, the way he smiled… There was something very unusual about it all. Something more. Something unfathomable. Something… Nice. Comforting. Appealing and distinguished. Or maybe even noble.
Whatever it could have been, it was digging and sinking into Jane's mind. And it was slowly becoming settled in her thoughts. And yes, it made her feel uneasy. Because it was… Wrong. It was improper.
Now, was it?
Or…
Maybe it was not wrong at all. Quite the opposite, most probably her reaction was pretty normal.
But it bothered her. She wasn't supposed to feel like that. Not to mention she was supposed to keep a certain Asgardian in her mind. However…
She was trying to deny it, to run from the truth, however, she wasn't sure how much longer she would be able to.
So, what now?
She sighed.
Perhaps you should have stayed hidden, Jane. The universe above may be cold and vast, but it is so much simpler than this world. It would listen to you no matter what. It would show you all its beauty and charms freely, unconditionally. Yet, the complexity of this life wasn't meant for you to discover.
A voice coming from outside her office roused her from the concerned thoughts.
"Wednesday?" she heard the director asking. And Leonard most likely answered, since the director continued: "You have visitors. In the conference room."
Without other words spoken, she heard quick footsteps.
Jane turned away from the window. She was eager to follow him to see who it might have been. However, in the end she just let out a long sigh and chose to finish the notes in her book instead.
Well, Miss Darcy "The Interesting" will be there in no time, after all. And then she'll hurry up to throw every tiny detail in my face. Sure. With that pretty little innocent smile. Jane snorted silently. She scowled for a second, but then reprimanded herself for being so unnecessarily sarcastic and tried to focus on her work.
But it took her several attempts to merely understand a paragraph she had written in her book previously. Oh, come on, Jane! Just forget about the world outside your door. You used to be good at it, remember?
She sighed, disconcerted and annoyed with herself, and looked up and around her office. She stopped at the door. And startled, she held her breath. What's that? Am I going insane?
There was a small girl standing in the doorway. She was wearing a simple, long blue dress, had blonde-to-reddish, beautiful long hair and sky-blue, curious eyes. She was freckled on her nose and cheekbones. Her tiny pink lips twirled into a smile as she tilted her head, digging her immensely blue stare into Jane's eyes.
Well, Jane knew how to solve differential equations, but she felt rather insecure at handling people. And children especially.
After a few moments of awkward silence, Jane remembered to stop staring blankly. She blinked and smiled back. "Hello." She managed.
The girl smiled again. In a slyer way this time. "I know who you are." She said.
"Ah… I mean… really?" Bravo, Jane. You speak like an idiot.
"You're Jane Foster." The girl twisted a bit, her clever grin growing wider.
Wait, you must be… Jane suddenly remembered a part of the midnight talk with Leonard. 'She's seven.' He had said then.
"And you must be Leonard's little sister!" Jane grinned, too. "Please, come in." She added immediately.
"Daddy said I wasn't supposed to walk around here." The girl smiled kind of wickedly.
"Well, but here you are." Jane pointed out slyly. "Come on. I promise not to tell anyone. Not to mention I'm a rather nice person."
"I know." The girl reassured and ran to Jane. "Hm." She bit her tiny lip and watched Jane as she reached the desk and held onto it.
"And may I ask about your name?" Jane said quietly as she pushed herself from the table and moved with her chair closer to the child.
"You may." The girl answered and the corners of her mouth went up again.
Witty girl. Jane acknowledged silently. "Yeah... And would you please tell me?"
"Lena." The child answered then.
"Oh, what a beautiful name!" Jane really meant it and rather unintentionally stroked Lena's hair. "Um…" she was now thinking hard what else to say. "Do you… Do you like the stars?" Jane chose to retreat in the safe and familiar area.
"Yes!" Lena chirped.
"Then I have a really nice book here." Jane stood up and walked over to the bookshelf, where she picked up her favorite tome about space.
"Would you like to see some nice pictures?" She asked as she laid the book on her desk and opened it.
"I have this one, too." The girl grinned.
Jane stopped and lifted her brows. "You do?"
Lena nodded and took the heavy book in her small hands, dragged it closer and turned a few pages. She stopped at a page with the Sombrero galaxy. "I have this one pinned on the wall above my bed. Lenny had it printed for me."
Jane gasped. This child… She simply couldn't comprehend it. Jane felt like looking through a magic mirror, viewing her own past. Her own childhood.
"I…" Jane began, her voice unsteady. "I also had a beautiful picture above my bed when I was a child." She took the book and went through several pages until she found it.
"That's the Horsehead Nebula!" the girl exclaimed and pointed at the picture.
Is that possible? Jane marveled at the tiny figure beside her.
"Lenny knows an awesome story about it!" Lena added eagerly.
Jane felt a bit relieved at that remark. She's a regular child, after all.
"Now, does he?" Jane wondered aloud. "I'll have to ask him, then…"
"Are you…" the tone of Lena's voice got suddenly serious. "Are you dating him?" she asked finally.
Jane felt as if her cheeks were about to set on fire. She cleared her throat. "No." She managed.
"Good." The girl acknowledged and turned the page.
Jane struggled not to giggle again. So the little Lena here has a crush on her adopted brother? How sweet.
"My, my, who do I see?" Jane's heart pounded at the sound of the familiar voice coming from the doorway. She looked up to find Leonard there.
"Something was telling me I would find you here." His unfathomable tone matched perfectly the cunning expression in his face.
"But Danny ran away first!" Lena exclaimed in self-defense.
"And?" Leonard's eyebrows went up.
"That's not fair! Where is he now?" the child protested.
"He's with Tony Stark. Would you like to meet him, too?" Leonard asked then.
"Um… No." She uttered eventually. Leonard smiled and walked toward them. "So, would my good lady let me escort her to her parents?"
"No! Lenny, please!" the child pleaded and hid behind Jane. "Just a bit longer, we're having fun with Jane!"
"Is that so? And don't you feel ashamed using Lady Jane's fragile body as a shield?" Leonard narrowed his eyes in a playful manner and crossed his arms as he stepped closer.
Wait! Jane smirked internally and decided to join the little game. "What exactly did you mean by 'fragile'?" She lifted a suspicious brow, hiding Lena fully behind her.
"Oh, it definitely wasn't my intention to imply anything bad." He continued solemnly as he took another step to close the distance, worming his mesmerizing green eyes in hers. "You're shrewd and brave, Lady Jane. However, even the bravest ladies can fall easily…"
"Fall where?" Jane uttered and felt the blush coming to her cheeks again. But then she felt a movement behind her as well, and the child stepped forward.
"How dare you threaten a Lady, sly thief?" Lena sounded boldly, her arms on her hips.
"Nah!" Leonard rolled his eyes. "Seems you still haven't forgotten?!" He bent forward slightly, placing his arms on his hips as well as leaned over to his little sister.
"Of course not! I lost because you cheated!" the girl shouted.
"Me?" Leonard lifted his eyebrows mockingly. "Can't be true." he shook his head, smiling openly.
"Liar!" Lena insisted. "But… You promised me I could keep the golden bow and arrow if I would leave the magical necklace to you. And I did..." she narrowed her blue eyes. "Do you remember?"
What..? Jane uttered in her mind, confused.
"Well, and are you sure you want to use them now?" Leonard narrowed his eyes, too. "Wouldn't it be wiser to keep them until the next round?"
Lena shook her head mercilessly. "No! I - I think I will use them now. I shall split your dark heart in half!"
"Now then…" Leonard patted his lips as if nervously. "What am I to do now?" he waited a moment, placing a mischievous look upon Jane. Then he just put on a pleading expression and fell on his knees. "Please, good lady, have mercy on me!" He demanded as he slithered closer to Lena.
"Poor deceiver, you decided your fate long ago, there's no use in pleading now." Lena bent slightly forward to emphasize her words.
"Oh Lady Jane, do something before it's too late!" he begged and clasped Jane's hand between his palms.
Jane's hart leapt at the warmth. But she swallowed the feeling and a roguish smile appeared on her face. "I don't believe there's anything I can do. Don't you forget I'm just a fragile lady..."
"I see." He murmured, his voice sad and reconciled. He looked up to meet her eyes again. "But tell me, may I have a last look in your comely face before I die?"
Jane had to swallow again. She turned to Lena. "Is he worthy that privilege?"
"Of course not! He shall perish for his crimes!" Lena declared and fired her imaginary weapon. Leonard winced, caught his chest as if he was dying and fell on the floor.
Witnessing this scene, Jane was sure Leonard would make a great actor. He would certainly earn himself a huge applause for such a dramatic etude.
"So… What now?" Jane turned then and asked Lena with concern.
"We should run before someone discovers." The latter whispered, observing the doorway worriedly.
"Yeah… But I'm afraid I'll have to take a look at some recent results. You see, Leonard was in charge, but he picked chatting with Tek instead, so I'll have to do the job myself now." Jane arched one brow tentatively. "As usual."
"As usual?" Not moving, Leonard muttered to himself in disbelief.
A suspicious flash of green could not escape Jane's notice. She smirked and looked at Lena again. "Did you hear something?" Jane asked, her brows knitted, and looked around the room.
The child smiled knowingly. "No."
"Me neither." Jane agreed as she leaned against the desk, still frowning. "But it almost sounded as if someone was talking."
Instead of a response, a knock on the doorframe could be heard. "Excuse me." A comforting, soft, but unfamiliar voice sounded from the entrance. Jane turned and saw a woman.
Jane estimated her age around forty, though she looked still very beautiful and attractive. Her hair was curly, a slightly more reddish shade than that of Lena. Her face was angular with Greek-like features, the cheekbones distinct, as well as her nose.
The woman smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry, I just need to gather my children."
Jane smiled back. "I believe you can find some of them around here." She felt a small hand gripping her own at her words.
"It's Jane Foster!" Lena stated proudly.
"I know." The woman laughed lightly and nodded as she approached them. "My goodness. What's this?" she stopped at the view of Leonard lying on the floor.
"He's dead." Lena whispered.
"Oh no. Again?" The woman put her hands on her hips. "How sad…" she sighed sarcastically. "What do we do now?" she spoke half to herself and biting her lip, she viewed the desk of Jane's table. "I'll borrow this." Her lips formed more of a statement than a question as she winked at Jane and leaned over to grab a pen with soft yellow feathers.
Jane pressed her lips together tightly to suppress the giggle and nodded.
The woman stepped closer to Leonard's still form, bent down and let the feathers touch his neck gently.
Jane could see him struggle hard, however, the response was almost immediate. He just burst out chuckling as he tried to hide his neck behind his shoulder.
"Pretty much alive, huh?" the woman stated simply, smacked Leonard's thigh and straightened again. "Come on, get up!"
"Where am I?" Leonard asked as he sat up, observing the room, looking puzzled. "What happened?"
"Stop this, young man, or I'll announce a complete ban of Dungeons and Dragons in my house!" the woman declared flatly.
"No, mum, please!" Lena whined, gripping Jane's wrist with both hands.
"Same goes to you, Lena!" the mother pointed at her child. "Come." She added more softly and extended her hand. Lena hesitated, but then obeyed and took her mother's hand. "Now then," the woman smiled and stroked Lena's hair. "I apologize for this mess, Miss Foster."
"No, there's no need to!" Jane reassured straight away. Her stare turned to Leonard then, observing him getting up to his feet.
He checked his chest and shoulders. "Seems I'm all right again. What an unexpected wonder. However, I'm shocked. Shocked!" He pointed at Lena. "Just wait, I'll remember this!"
The woman just sighed and rolled her eyes, smiling slightly against her will. "May this roguish fellow see us out?" she turned to Jane with the question.
"Of course." Jane nodded.
"Thank you, Miss Foster. It was nice to finally meet you." The woman offered a warm smile and took Jane's hand to shake it.
"Nice to meet you, too, um…"
"Julie Greenhill." The woman chuckled. "I'm sorry, it just felt like we've known each other for ages. I completely forgot to introduce myself!"
"That's all right. And please, call me Jane." Jane answered and shook Julie's hand.
"So it's Julie, then." The woman's eyes twinkled as she smiled sincerely. They were grey-green, a bit weary, but warm and sincere.
Julie waited and let Leonard and Lena go ahead. "I can't believe I finally met you." She tilted her head. "We've heard so much about you, did you know?" There was something challenging in Julie's eyes.
"Now, that's…" Jane actually didn't know what to say. Her eyes looked down as she rubbed her head. "That's nice to hear, thank you."
"Mom?" another child's voice caught their attention. It was a boy this time, peeking inside the office from behind the doorframe, grinning widely. "I've talked with the Iron Man!"
Julie smiled as she walked towards her son. Jane followed her out.
"That's nice, sweetheart. And what did he say?" Julie said as she ruffled her son's blonde hair.
"That I'm too good to be Leonard's little brother." The boy chuckled. "And he gave me this!" he chirped enthusiastically as he revealed a cigar in his hand.
"Wha-" Julie's expression switched in a blink of an eye. However, a little child's cry stopped any further words.
"Ah!" Julie whined and touched her temples for a moment, "That's the last thing we've been missing here, right?"
Jane stepped into the corridor, looked up and saw a tall man, around fifty years old, holding a sobbing child. It was a little girl with curly blonde hair; she was considerably younger than her siblings - around three, maybe?
Leonard was standing right beside those two, his expression… concerned. Jane couldn't help a smile at that view. There was something very soft and worried in Leonard's eyes as he held the tiny fingers of the little girl in his.
Lena brought Jane down to earth as she suddenly appeared beside her twin brother, grabbed his arm and wrapped her hand around his neck tightly. "She's crying because she wants a cigar, too." Lena explained, and she and the boy both giggled roguishly.
"Ay, what's that?" Julie snapped at her children and maneuvered them in their father's direction. "Hey, Mr. Greenhill, your children are fighting over a cigar and you aren't going to say anything?"
"Me?" The man raised his bright eyebrows, letting a smirk to his features. "I warned you it'll end up like that."
"Yeah, you did." Julie sighed, resigned.
Jane couldn't think of any suitable words, so she simply chose to watch Leonard's caring expression.
Eventually, the little blonde girl reached out her tiny hands and her father laughed lightly and let the child in Leonard's arms.
The girl wrapped her hands around Leonard's neck and laid her small head on her shoulder. Her sobs quieted as Leonard stroked her back gently and whispered something in her ear. Then he retreated in his office, explaining something eagerly to the child.
"Amazing, isn't he?" Julie admitted quietly as she watched the scene. Jane really didn't even know what to think and remained silent.
"For some reason, they've been very close right from the start." Julie continued, her voice somewhat unfathomable. "Perhaps it's because they both were in a very similar situation, two and a half years ago."
"Similar situation?" Jane asked blankly.
Julie smiled. "Let's say they both felt like perfect strangers to this world."
"I see." Jane answered quietly.
"We couldn't think of a name for her, back then." Julie let out a bittersweet laugh. "We were arguing about it even the day she was born. Could you believe it?" She shrugged to herself. "And then Mike just decided to ask Leonard." She explained further, not waiting for an answer. "I wish you could see him. He took it very seriously."
Julie paused for a moment, as if considering and weighing the next words she intended to say. "He's changed a lot from that time. Especially for the last few months I can see he finally accepted his situation."
"Did he..?" Jane voiced her doubt as she remembered the sad look in his eyes.
"Well, it's obvious he'll never stop thinking about his situation, but it's not haunting him anymore. And what's most important, he stopped peeking over his shoulder, hoping he would catch something from his past. Now he's finally focused on his present and future." Julie looked at her feet. "There's one condition, though. He just shouldn't be alone." She added quietly. After a moment of silence Julie looked up and something cheerful reflected in her eyes as she placed her gaze upon Jane again.
"Good luck, Jane. I hope to see you again soon." She smiled and started to follow her family to the stairs. Then she turned around quickly. "Oh and please, tell Lenny we're waiting at the gateway."
"Okay." Jane smiled. "Have a nice time!" She called out, trying to sound nice, but in her heart she wasn't sure what to think of that all.
She turned and saw Leonard standing in the office doorway. She twisted her stare away.
"Uh… Julie said they're…" Jane pointed in the stairway direction, creasing the end of the sleeve of her cardigan.
"I heard that." Leonard stopped her, his voice soft as ever. "So, it's time to go, isn't it?" he asked the little girl he was holding. "Now, would you say hello to Lady Jane here?"
The girl giggled and buried her face in Leonard's cheek. But he pulled away. "Hey! What's this?" He raised his brows in surprise and turned to Jane. "This little child here is pretending to be shy, however…" he explained, "I advise not to trust this little pixie." He chuckled as he caught the little one's nose between his fingers.
The child let out another cheerful laugh in response. Jane felt a silly smile twirling her lips.
"So, what about the greeting?" Leonard insisted, tucking the soft hair tresses behind the child's ear.
"Hello, Jane." The girl said, tiny finger in her mouth, her blue eyes jovial and eager.
"Hi." Jane managed through her smile. "And would you tell me your name?" she asked and stepped closer.
The little one looked straight into her eyes, then blinked once and shook her head, giggling.
"Aw, come on! I gave you the name, you know? You should be proud of it!" Leonard protested. "Now, what's your name?"
The girl hesitated, looked away and played with Leonard's hair. "Anya." She peeped then.
"That's beautiful." Jane admitted dreamily and sighed. "So many beautiful names today…" she added as she stroked the child's cheek with her finger.
"And would you give Lady Jane a kiss goodbye?" Leonard asked Anya softly.
And apparently, Anya liked kissing people, as this time she did not hesitate to obey. She just reached out, placed one hand on Jane's cheek and kissed the other.
Jane gasped almost audibly. The moment was so short and fleeting, but there was something of a great intensity about it. Suddenly she felt an overwhelming warmth arise from her chest. "Thank you." She uttered quietly.
"And what about me?" Leonard asked, raising his brows. Anya just smiled and placed a peck on his cheek as well.
"Aw, that was sweet. Thank you!" He smiled. "And now we shall say good bye, right?"
"Huh." Anya hummed.
"So?" Leonard waited.
"Good bye, Lady Jane." The girl said.
"Good bye, Anya." Jane uttered as she watched them leave. However, when they reached the stairs, just before they could escape her view, she rushed forward.
"Wait!" she called out. Leonard stood the child on the floor and turned, question in his eyes.
"You can leave for today. I'll take a look at the results." She said, dropping her stare.
"Jane, you don't have to - "
"No, it's ok." She offered a smile. "Just go."
His surprised look and smile was gorgeous. "Thank you." He said finally.
"You're welcome." Jane gave him a sly, sideways glance. "But you're in my debt now."
"I'll be thinking about it." He promised.
To be continued...