Bul-Kathos lay outside the Elders' Temple, eyes closed like sleeping on rugged stone steps.
Rorschach and Wayne's doubts meant nothing; he was used to suspicion and blame.
Barbarians lacked approachability—same for Sonya.
Maybe Leiko was a rare beauty?
"I still don't get what you were thinking back then. Centuries later, you're weird."
"Forget it. Obsessing yields nothing."
Volusk chatted casually with Bul-Kathos.
"But manifesting the Seven on the gate? Bold. I admire it."
Bul-Kathos opened eyes, Courage wings flashing on his back.
Clearly boasting Imperius's approval.
"How much longer?"
Volusk lay beside, staring skyward casually.
"No idea. Before I die, probably."
Bul-Kathos whispered—rarely so faint.
"Good. You won't die easy."
Silence on the steps.
Twin flame pillars burned atop columns.
...
Jessica and Luke ate dinner in a modest diner.
Neither from wealth; fancy spots were rare for them.
"No more cheesy lines from who-knows-where. They give me goosebumps."
Jessica cut steak, smiling brightly at Luke.
"Thought you'd like them."
Luke paused eating, embarrassed.
"Where I grew up, that's all I heard. I just..."
"Wanted to give me your best?"
Jessica calmed, eyes locking on fidgety Luke.
"Luke, my past isn't pretty. You sure?"
"I don't care about pasts. I just..."
His clumsy explanation eased her tension.
It hit her soft spot.
"Luke, take me home tonight—not Harrogath, your home."
Jessica mouthed steak calmly, somewhat relieved.
"You love me, right?"
Tone feigned light, eyes seeking sincerity.
His honesty had slowly mended her scarred heart.
"Jessica, my love grows daily—more than yesterday, less than tomorrow."
Luke stammered but held gaze steady.
"God, Luke. I've read Romeo and Juliet—I love that line."
Jessica laughed relieved, teasing softly.
"I've seen Hamlet too. To be or not to be. Love the quotes."
She downed her red wine, frowning.
Preferred vodka over cheap stuff.
Luke stared blankly—not eloquent.
"Luke, pour me a drink. Tipsy, we'll both love tonight."
Jessica winked, teasing slow Luke.
"Okay."
He grabbed bottle; she stopped his arm.
She stood, face close, whispering.
"Strong stuff, Luke."
Voice seductive, breath warm with wine on his ear.
Music played in the modest spot; scratched record spun on phonograph.
Scratches faint—owner cared.
Melody: Kiss the Rain. Fittingly sweet.
Luke blushed dark.
No other patrons, no applause or cheers.
"Bang!"
Crash shattered Luke's daze and Jessica's tenderness.
Gold-red iron man burst through.
Outside: huge metal armor.
Iron man slid to their table.
Obadiah and Tony Stark!
One day: Coulson's team lost three.
Small guns useless on thick armor.
"Tony, I said weapons are Stark Industries' future."
Obadiah eyed Tony, no disguise.
His bulk less precise but "bigger is better" trapped Tony.
"Sir, ma'am, sorry to interrupt intimacy, but run out back. I recorded—can send copies."
Tony stood, quipping at Luke and Jessica.
Readied for Iron Monger.
"Luke, no going home tonight. Investigation will delay."
Jessica righted shifted chair, sat, frowned at dusty steak.
Still hungry.
"Jessica, I'll handle quick. Home tonight. Won't take long."
Luke straightened, eyeing Tony and Obadiah.
"Who's the villain!"
Roar pierced; Luke unleashed Intimidating Shout in anger.
Question, but eyes on outer Iron Monger.
Auras similar—no clear evil.
Tony clean; Obadiah delegated dirt.
But comic experience: ugly one's villain.
Ugly unfit for hero.
"Buddy, I get night-ruined rage, but take her and go. I'll invite to next party."
Tony yelled.
Hand gripped his shoulder.
"Sir, shoulder damage: 1%."
Jarvis in ear.
"Luke, party? Let's go."
Jessica eyed Tony coldly, smiling icy at Luke.
"Jessica, home tonight."
Luke shuddered, drew war blade, advanced on Obadiah.
Obadiah tensed at sudden blade.
Knew superhumans; avoided before.
Iron Monger boosted confidence.
Weapons supreme, he thought.
Tony nearly gasped at huge knife.
Space: eternal scientist puzzle. Curious, but stayed.
"Superhuman. Lady, release shoulder?"
Tried moving; hand firm. Jarvis reported more damage.
"You ruined date and diner. Compensation?"
Jessica released; clear handprint on gold.
No extortion—just fair.
"I'll pay diner double, book fancy spot for date. Or trip—London streets?"
Jessica flew but never left country.
Fine dining and travel satisfied.
"How to find you? Who are you?"
Jessica squinted, unfriendly.
"Lady, news tomorrow..."
Bang!
"You bastard ruined my date!"
"Okay, Tony Stark."
Tony quipped first; Luke's kick flipped Iron Monger with roar—he corrected.
"Mr. Stark, remember promise."
Jessica wiped dust/sauce off steak, ate rest.
Waste sinful.
Axe appeared; she stepped toward Iron Monger.
"Space again."
Tony eyed print.
No worry for Iron Monger.
Luke smacked head with blade flat—like garlic. Thump thump.
"Upgrade armor strength post-this..."
Tony muttered, mind on brief Ancient One meet.
"Maybe study magic..."
Grabbed half-empty cheap wine, grimaced.
Needed drink to steady.
(Chapter End)
-------------------------------
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