Chapter 5

I woke up feeling back to my normal self. I opened my eyes, sat up, and looked around. Everything was still there. It wasn't all a dream. I got up to head to the bathroom to brush my teeth and caught sight of the shampoo bottle on the floor. I sank onto the edge of the tub and put my head in my hands with a groan. So that wasn't a dream either. I really stood naked in front of Loki and flirted! I never flirt. I honestly didn't know I knew how to. I dreaded seeing him at breakfast, but I had spent most of my life facing what scared me. I stood, finished my bathroom time, and got dressed. 

I wasn't sure how my usual outfit would fit in here. I looked at myself in the mirror critically. My well-worn jeans were slung low on my hips. My boots were well worn. My halter top was clean but obviously well-worn as well. I left my hair loose and hanging straight down my back to my hips in a black silken cloud. I normally would have put my hair up, but wouldn't you know it, my last hair tie broke. I shrugged. It would have to do. I was never going to win a beauty contest against Natasha or Wanda anyway so why worry about it. 

I left my room and hung a right and went down the hall. I came back to the huge living room and followed my nose to the kitchen. There I saw Wanda making pancakes and bacon. 

"That smells so good."

She looked up from the batter and smiled.

"Thanks. And good morning. Did you sleep well?"

"I did thanks. Better than I have slept in a very long time. I was able to really relax and sleep deeply. I felt... safe... for the first time in years." 

She tilted her head at me. "You are very candid and yet you don't say these things looking for sympathy. For you it simply is. Nothing more and nothing special. How very interesting."

I stared. I had never had anyone peg me so correctly before. 

"How did you know that? Most people just assume I am looking for attention or dramatizing everything."

She smiled. "I know we are getting into our talents today, but I wanted to sneak in and be the first. I read people and know how they are. I can read minds too, but only when I have permission. I know everyone has secrets, even me. And I wouldn't want anyone learning mine without my say-so."

She gave me a wink and I watched wide-eyed as the pancake pan lifted into the air and flipped the pancake all by itself. It gently floated back onto the stove. I looked at Wanda, not sure how to feel. 

She laughed and said, "Well, mind reading among other things."

I sat quietly thinking while everyone else trooped in, drawn by the smell of bacon. Who were these people and what all can they do? Mind reading, telekinesis, and illusion extraordinaire? What was next? I looked around and finally noticed the massive amount of pancakes, way more than for ten people. Wanda laughed at my expression.

"You better grab some while you can. Thor can eat... a lot."

I grabbed some pancakes with honey and some bacon. It was delicious. I had seen some big eaters but Thor had them beat for miles. I lost track of how many stacks of pancakes he put away. I know at one point I stopped eating and just watched in awe. Where did he put it all and how the hell did he move after all that? It was incredible.

Loki had made sure he sat next to me, and he leaned over and whispered in my ear, "Eat darling. You need to build up your stamina. We wouldn't want you to tire out too easily and not... last the day… or night... now would we?"

I choked and took a quick sip of juice. Wanda gave me a knowing look and a wink. These people were going to be the death of me faster than any Monster ever could. Hell, if Loki kept this up, I was going to self-combust. He gave me a secret smile and gestured for me to eat, never taking his eyes off me.

"You seem quite distracted today, Brother. I wonder why that is?" Thor smiled evilly at Loki, obviously trying to embarrass him as he saw Loki's attention was all focused on me. His eyes never left me as he answered Thor. 

"If you have to wonder, and if you were not so distracted by the food, you would know exactly what has captured my attention. As it would anyone's if they are not blind."

I closed my eyes and silently counted to ten. I opened them to see everyone eyeing me speculatively. Even Bucky's look held some small interest. I wasn't sure what to make of the look Steve was giving me. Glancing at Loki, I don't think he was happy to see that look either. He was starting to look a little hostile. I looked back at everyone.

"What? Why is everyone looking at me like that?"

"Nothing. We are just curious about you. How are you feeling today?" Bruce rushed to break the awkwardness. 

"Fine thanks. I was telling Wanda that was the best and deepest sleep I've had in... well... years. It was nice feeling safe for a change and not having to worry if Monsters were going to attack in the night."

"Good. And you are safe here. This is one of the safest places to be. We want you to be able to relax."

Tony got up. "Well if everyone is done, we should get to the training room so we can show off!" He sounded like an eager child wanting to show off a new toy at Christmas time.

I laughed and stood. "I'm game."