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[color=375a87][b]#375a87[/b][/color] [color=2e2c2c]....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c]......[/color] [url=https://imgur.com/nmvqlk4][color=9b9b9b][b]outfit[/b][/color][/url] [color=2e2c2c].....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c].....[/color] [color=9b9b9b][b]nightingale[/b][/color] [color=2e2c2c]..........................................................[/color] [color=ed1c24][b]#ed1c24[/b][/color] [color=2e2c2c]....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c].....[/color] [url=https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/01988d15-1285-777b-861c-1660d70aa9ff.webp][color=9b9b9b][b]outfit[/b][/color][/url] [color=2e2c2c].....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c].....[/color] [color=9b9b9b][b]vanguard[/b][color=2e2c2c].....................[/color]

[i][b]descendant tower[/b][/i][/color]
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[color=d6d6d6]”Pardon the interruption,"[/color] J.A.R.V.I.S.’s voice rang out from the speaker overhead, and then there was a fine tremor in the ground as something crash landed outside. June’s breath caught in her throat, any amusement she’d felt at their previous conversation evaporating, and she moved before the impact even registered fully for her. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Jim to handle his own if anything happened, it was more that she was terrified of losing anyone else. Her mind could be cruel, and picturing his broken and bloodied body laying on the marble flooring of the lobby made her heart jump into her throat. Her left wrist flicked downward in a movement that was so smooth it seemed as if she’d done it a thousand times before, the glass of the doors shattered, and three batshaped knives were in her hand. [color=d6d6d6]"Magni Thorson has arrived.”[/color]

Battle plans had already formed thrice over in June’s head before the words registered, she would use her coffee to distract and hopefully weaken the attacker, and then the knives should buy Jim enough time to recall his suit and— she blinked, feeling like the ground had somehow been displaced five feet below where she was standing and she’d left her stomach behind. It took a moment for the haze of alarm to fade, stance relaxing ever so slightly. The junction between her left forearm and upper arm throbbed, the sharp movement bringing a rush of pain to her newest injury that was obscured by her sleeve and a generous amount of gauze. She'd probably need stitches later and— did he just say Son of [i]Thor?[/i] 

Juniper half turned toward Jim, her eyes wide and surprise written clear as day across her face. The simple truth that was unintentionally hidden by the man’s exclamation sent a thrill down her spine, because it meant their plan had [i]worked.[/i] She wanted to reach out to Jim, a flash of hope and excitement lighting up her eyes, but then what Magni said next had her twisting back toward the man. 

[color=375a87]"You!"[/color] She gasped, looking like she wanted to chuck her cup of coffee at his head all over again. [color=375a87]"That hammer is [i]yours?![/i] Do you have any idea— Oh, when I— I’m going to shove that hammer up your—"[/color] 

[color=d6d6d6]"Miss Wayne, [i]please.[/i]"[/color] Alfred interjected, looking a little dazed and ruffled from the impromptu hug. June made a strange noise in the back of her throat, something between a hiss and a groan, raising the coffee cup in a threatening manner. 

Thorson. Son of Thor. Asgard was watching... that was a good sign. Jim felt relief wash over him but for a moment. It was further fueled by that brief excitement in June's eyes as he stole a glance her way. Their plan had worked... which meant that maybe, just maybe, they had a chance. But the excitement was short-lived. June's outburst sent Jim's mind reeling. Did June and Magni know each other? Why was she so angry? The hammer... Mjolnir, from what Tony had mentioned years ago... It was here? Is that why June was mad?

Jim's body moved on instinct as he recognized that half-cocked position with her arm. He interposed himself in front of June, one feeble arm held out in front of her as if he had any chance of preventing the trained vigilante from doing what she pleased. Jim stood close to her, his voice little more than a whisper. [color=ed1c24]"Ok, woah. Let's take a moment, June. He's on our side... I think."[/color] Jim gave a half-hearted, tight-lipped smile for a moment before he continued through gritted teeth. [color=ed1c24]"I don't think a little hot water is going to do much against an extra-dimensional god, no matter how well you aim."[/color]

Her gaze was filled by Jim, stalling her temper abruptly. June’s arm lowered some and she shuffled in place, trying not to look as guilty as she felt for her outburst. It felt justified though, because that damned hammer had been a constant thorn in her side in the most ridiculous of ways. 

[color=375a87]"His hammer is on the brake pedal of the Batmobile."[/color] Her voice was a sort of deadpan as she said this, rising in her tip toes to peek over Jim’s shoulder so she could glower at the other man for a moment. June rocked back in her heels though, looking like she was on the verge of pouting but had too much dignity for it. [color=375a87]"Do you have any idea how frustrating it is to have a hammer that weighs a billion pounds sitting on your brake pedal? I’ve been having to use… other vehicles."[/color]

She stalled there, glancing toward Phil who had turned toward her like a question he’d been meaning to ask just got answered. [color=d6d6d6]"Is that why there’s bullet holes in my driver's side door?"[/color]

[color=375a87]"Well, technically it wasn’t a bullet…"[/color] Juniper had the grace to look a little sheepish, lowering her voice when she spoke next, eyes darting up to meet Jim’s. [color=375a87]"Plasma gun, very clean shots. Throwing the coffee would be therapeutic for me, but I’ll reframe."[/color]

[color=375a87]”Sorry,”[/color] June said to Magni, lips pulled down into a frown, voice tight with strained kindness. [color=375a87]”If you could get that thing out of my car, that would be great.”[/color]

It took every fiber of his being to not smile and giggle at the admission of June's use of plasma weaponry. He was not immune to fits of anger over uncooperative machinery, but there was something distinctly [i]her[/i] with the act. But with tempers came doubled work, and Jim matched June's with a calm stare. [color=ed1c24]"I… can't say I've been through that."[/color] A thought crept into his mind, which led to a flutter in his chest. A thought that slipped out before he could think better of it. [color=ed1c24]"Once our rather large friend here graciously removes his toy… I can give the vehicle a once-over. "[/color] His eyes darted away from June, a small twitch at the corner of his mouth the only sign of internal disagreement. Why was he adding more to his plate? Why did he feel the need to appease his friend's frustration? Is this what Imogen wanted from him all this time? It was incredibly inconvenient.

Yet, it felt right. He issued no correction, nor did he backtrack. He had made his mind, and was all too stubborn.

It was good to know Jim hadn’t been similarly inconvenienced, good to know there was only one of those damned hammers laying around the tower. It was undeniable how much June softened under his diplomacy, a rare glimpse of something soft and gentle crossing her face as she looked up at her childhood friend. She’d remembered being taller than Jim once when they were younger, but those days were long gone. She was glad they were talking again, the last week had weighed on her, and she resolved to apologize to Jim for her harsh words later. 

[color=375a87]"I’d like that,"[/color] she said, noting the slight twitch and twist of his lips. June looked down at the cup of coffee and sighed, moving to set it down on a nearby table, lest she be tempted to throw it again. She let the moment drag, noting how Alfred had departed to retrieve a broom so he could attempt a clean up of the broken glass, before turning back toward Jim and closing the distance so she was beside him again. The knives were still in her hand, held loosely now. [color=375a87]"Only when you have time, I can help with some of your workload too. You’re not the only nerd around here, you know."[/color] 

June’s voice was very soft, her words clearly meant for Jim and Jim alone, a hint of mirth in her tone as she offered a small smile.

He never quite understood that ability, the way people seemed to be able to read his microscopic expressions and denote purpose in them. It was quite frustrating when they were right. Of course, frustration of a different sort was brewed from June's soft tone. He was successful in lessening the storm that was a furious Wayne, but feared that his attempts at peacemaking would just ignite a new wave of teasing from his friend. He only hoped she kept her promise to keep that to more private settings, though even that would prove its own challenge.

Jim was grateful for June's gracious opportunity to bow out of adding another task to his plate. He would take no blow to his ego if he just never got around to it. She could handle the maintenance of her vehicle herself. But deep down, a small twist in his gut seemed to demand that he stand his ground. He wanted to help, perhaps. Having the batmobile operational was in everyone's interest. It would also mean a little more time with an old friend. [color=ed1c24]"I'll make time if you can."[/color] Of course, that just meant he needed to stay up a little later. He was already running low on energy, and the need to sleep had been fogging his brain for… weeks? He needed fuel.

He needed coffee.

He didn't put much thought into the action of picking up June's cup. He took a cautionary sip, his eyes widening at the sudden onslaught of sugar on his taste buds. He liked his coffee sweet, but June was trying to mask the bitter taste with a near religious fervor. He could suffer through it, as the taste did shock him into a state of lucidity. As he took another sip, his nose scrunched up. There was a strong aftertaste of cherry, with a hint of grapefruit. As he swallowed, his eyes shifted over towards the coffee machine. [color=ed1c24]"I didn't know we had syrups down-"[/color]

Jim paused, his head tilting slightly as he looked at the neat organizer next to the machine. No syrups, just the basics. There was a small dispenser of sugar, but nothing that would explain the fruity taste. And it certainly wasn't the blend from the pods they had available. A probing running of his tongue along his bottom lip had yet again elicited that taste. He looked down at his cup, and his eyes widened yet again as he noticed a smudge of red against the white cup's lid. When he looked back at June, he noticed that the mark matched the tone of June's lips.

Jim hesitated, with the cup in hand, before shrugging. He continued drinking the coffee, for he didn't mind the taste. He just needed a distraction, any distraction, from the wandering thoughts on how stronger the taste would be from the source.

[color=375a87]"I always have time for you."[/color] The words were out of her mouth before she’d even realized what she was saying, but her tone was laced with so much genuine intent that it was relatively clear that June wasn’t trying to be teasing. Over the years, no matter how long the silence stretched or how busy they both got, the second Jim called her she was there. She’d been in a board meeting when he’d called her about his dad, and she’d canceled the whole meeting to take the call. 

She watched with some amusement as he went for her cup of coffee, trying not to laugh at the expression on his face when he realized just how much sugar June took in her coffee. It was her turn to be confused though, brows furrowing at his question. Syrup? Her head tilted to the side ever so slightly, not unlike a cat who had seen something they found incredibly curious. It was only when she watched Jim run his tongue over his bottom lip that the muscles in her stomach tightened. 

She realized what he’d meant a few seconds before he did himself, and by the time Jim was drinking more coffee and settling in with the realization that each sip was flavored with the taste of her lips, June was mentally making a list of what she needed to get done by the end of the day and then rearranging it in alphabetic order to distract herself from how his simple glance at her lips had made her whole body feel too hot. 

Glass crunched underfoot, and the fragile atmosphere shattered. Juniper’s body tensed once more, but whatever she’d been expecting as she instinctively stepped toward Jim again, it wasn’t the man and…blind woman, clearing the ruined doorway.

The second the crunching glass was heard, Jim's eyes immediately shifted to the Vanguard armor. Its head had snapped towards the open doorway, clearly monitoring the situation. But the fact that its automated defenses hadn't kicked in was a welcome sign. When Jim's gaze had turned towards the gross displays of affection between the 20-somethings, he couldn't help but roll his eyes. He had been expecting armed men or some kind of opposing force to kick down their door, but all they were met with thus far was an inconsiderate deity and two lovebirds. Jim was happy to watch his sister move to intercept them, saving him the trouble. He turned his head in the direction of June, just now noticing her move to get closer to him… was she instinctively trying to protect him? The thought was both heartwarming and emasculating, but the latter feeling was far more fleeting. If things went south, he would be following her lead. Regardless, Jim could not let his perception of the scene go unspoken. [color=ed1c24]"I'm so glad Harry and Sally could make time out of their busy schedules to answer the call."[/color]

June’s eyebrows furrowed as she watched Imogen handle the newcomers, suddenly incredibly glad that she didn’t have to partake in much of any of the small talk. That was a relief in itself, one less thing she had to be responsible for. [color=375a87]"Harry and Sally? Do you know them?"[/color] 

Juniper looked at Jim, genuinely confused. Was that… a movie reference? He sounded too sarcastic for it to be genuine. She hadn’t had much time for those over the years, it seemed almost comical that Jim of all people could make that connection though. Was it a movie he really enjoyed? Maybe Jim was just a romantic at heart, and too shy to show it? A familiar smile tugged at her lips, mischievous in nature as she looked up at Jim. Now wasn’t the time, but later she’d have to look up this Harry and Sally. 

[color=ed1c24]"You've never seen-"[/color] Jim's voice was a little louder than intended, as the shock hit him like a wave. He cleared his throat, hoping he did not draw too much attention, before lowering his tone again. [color=ed1c24]"It's a classic… My mother and I would watch old rom-er… movies. She insisted."[/color] A small blush filled his cheeks. He wasn't great at reading social cues, but even he could tell that most men his age would be embarrassed to admit they had a weekly ritual of watching romance movies with their mother. She had been transparent that it was all an attempt to get him to empathize more, but the past week was more than enough proof that her attempts had largely failed. More to the point, Jim clarified briefly, [color=ed1c24]"They're a classic couple from a film. I think you'd like it."[/color] He actually had no idea if she would. Did June even like movies? Jim almost always had something playing in the background in his workshop, keeping his errant thoughts distracted while he let his hands work all on their own. June was probably far more disciplined and focused. Funny how she ended up the artist.

Juniper hadn’t watched any movies that were violent in some form as she grew up, neither of her parents had been particularly soft in that regard. She’d seen films like Karate Kid and Terminator multiple times, any movie where someone was getting their assed kicked had been her dads favorite and she’d never really ventured away from that. She could see that changing though, the subtle way Jim’s eyes lit up when he spoke about the films he used to watch with his mom made her heart flutter. 

[color=375a87]"Maybe we could put it on in the background while we work on the Batmobile."[/color] Once again, June’s voice was little more than a private whisper meant only for Jim’s ears. It just made sense, really, they both liked things to be running in the background while they worked. There was no harm in it being a movie instead of music or crime rate statistics.

[Color=a8f9ff]"Well would you look at that, Chivalry isn’t dead after all. That’s the kind of love women want. Take note TJ. You could learn a thing or two.”[/color]

Jim's eyes twitched, and his body went rigid at the comment for a moment. His nostrils flared slightly on instinct, recognizing the biting remarks of his sister as a challenge. His eyes shifted to the strangers who had entered, and then the god that was casually standing off to the side. He wanted nothing more than to respond with harshness, but resolved to simply let his response wash over his thoughts in the hopes Imogen would hear them. He spoke them more softly to June, purely on instinct. [color=ed1c24]"I don't think I'll take notes on romance from someone who thinks flashing her tits to strangers counts as fashion."[/color] Jim smoothed down the front of his simple red sweater while trying not to make eye contact with June. He wouldn't be able to carry her like that, and he wasn't quite sure why that realization left a sour taste in his mouth.

June found herself reflexively rising to Imogen’s defense, reaching out to poke his chest sternly. [color=375a87]"None of that, allies, remember? If you don’t stop criticizing her outfits, she’ll start dressing me in them too just to annoy you."[/color] She could only hope that Jim could show some more self control and help her avoid such a fate.

These women were trying to kill Jim. His heart rate spiked, his mouth grew dry, and he could feel how clammy his palms had become. His sister's outfits always made him uncomfortable because [i]she[/i] was the one wearing them. No brother wanted to see that much of their sister, nor the looks that men and women shot her way (June included). Her outfits were provocative and tempted the eye. The thought of June sporting such an outfit had completely stalled all other thoughts and reason momentarily. His eyes shifted down towards June's sleek business attire. He would like to see it, of course, but another side of his brain dreaded the thought of her wearing it in this situation. Imogen's outfits didn't leave much room for knives or defensive gear... yeah, that was definitely the only reason.

June had successfully disarmed his commentary, for now. But he knew he needed to grasp onto some kind of response to avoid June realizing just how far down in the gutter his thoughts had travelled. He cycled through canned responses. He could just laugh it off, and call it silly? That didn't seem right. He could try and cycle back to insulting his sister, but June had seemed oddly defensive of her lately. Perhaps June was interested in Imogen? The two were flirting in front of him, and Imogen usually got what she wanted. That thought stung. A small pang of frustration twitched in Jim's mind, guiding his thoughts and words. [color=ed1c24]"We both know Imogen would be far more interested in undressing you, and it wouldn't be to spite me."[/color] His tone was even, and his face had contorted back into a stoic mask. He turned away from Imogen, staring at a blank spot in the wall for a moment as he reorganized his thoughts and feelings.

[color=375a87]"What?"[/color] June sputtered indignantly, turning to look at Jim fully as if he’d suddenly grown a second head. [color=375a87]"No, she wouldn’t, what are you even… were your eyes closed fifteen minutes ago? Last I checked, it was your personal space I was invading."[/color] 

Heat had flooded to June’s cheeks, both at the implication and the fact that Jim would even say it aloud. She’d been sure Imogen’s flirting had been… well, not a joke, but… she huffed, uncomfortable with feeling flustered around so many strangers. Her brain slowed and stalled for a moment, remembering how Imogen had been about to say something else before their first guest crash landed, and she tried diligently to think about something else. June wasn’t going to start picturing Imogen naked because Jim had decided to imply— nope, not right now. Not. Happening. [color=375a87]"We’ll talk about this later, in [i]private.[/i]"[/color] 

There was the slightest hint of some sort of threat in that, a reminder of their earlier discussion and her decision. For a moment she’d thought Jim would say something else, literally anything other than the implication that his sister wanted to screw her. 

Jim never understood how it always got to this state. June was clearly upset, and it was clear that whatever response he had given was the wrong one. There was something he was missing, but he could never puzzle out what it was. God forbid people just [i]say[/i] what was bothering him or what he did wrong. No, instead he was left frustrated. Why mention her teasing again, as if that was some indication of anything? While he had looked forward to speaking to her alone without the watchful stares of strangers, it now felt like something he should dread. He would have to apologize for something he didn't know he did wrong, and have to hear about how disappointed yet another person in his life was in him. So much for that movie and batmobile work session. With a pit formed in his stomach, Jim searched for an outlet. A distraction, really.

[Color=962929]"I… Don’t know if I should say my name.”[/color]

[Color=feffb5]"Theodore. You could call her…A, until she feels it’s safe to share her name.”[/color]

Bingo.

Jim slid his hand into his pocket, producing a familiar set of red-tinted shades. As he put them on and tapped the rims, the edges of the frames lit up. Small text seemed to quickly scroll on the inside of the lenses. From Jim's eyes, a small holographic display was interlaced over the various gathered figures. Small square boxes locked in over each person's face as Jim turned his gaze in their direction. Alfred and Phil he already knew... Magni was well accounted for in the Descendants database. He already knew enough about his sister, and Jim was desperately trying not to look at June. He didn't need the reminder of how bad he screwed up.

So, Jim turned his attention to Myla. The red square hovered over her face, and a small box formed to the right of it in his view. Data windows kept popping up for only a second at a time. A State ID. Bar Association of New York membership. College and Law School records. Pay stubs, an eviction notice. All for that same last name, Murdock. A few other records were pulled up for him. Missing persons report, old Avengers data. Correlation to a certain Hell's Kitchen vigilante. The data connected in Jim's head, and he actually felt a little relief. Myla Murdock belonged here, and she must have gotten the signal. Lying about it, from both of them… Jim didn't understand the point. His gaze turned briefly to Theo, but his dots were far easier to connect. Peter Parker's kid, clearly taking on the family legacy. He had all but said he got the message off his dad's pager.

Jim clapped his hands as the two lovebirds made their way to a loveseat, the sound echoing slightly. His voice was louder than usual, turning his gaze in Phil's direction. After all, Alfred was occupied sweeping up broken glass. [color=ed1c24]"Phil, why don't you get Ms. [b][i]Murdock[/i][/b] and Mr. [b][i]Parker[/i][/b] here some water before we start discussing [b][i]family[/i][/b] matters. They had a long trip down from Manhattan, and I wouldn't want them to feel like strangers."[/color]

June was stunned, absolutely flummoxed. Instead of picking up on the obvious hint that she was flirting with him, Jim shut her out and decided to antagonize their new comers. June shot a wild, panicked look toward Imogen feeling too unbalanced to do more than step a little out of the way of Jim. She wasn’t sure entirely, because June solved most of her problems with her fists, but she was pretty sure revealing names when someone wasn’t even sure they wanted to [i]give[/i] their name seemed like a not very diplomatic approach. 

Just in case Imogen decided to throw something at Jim, she took another, smaller, step to the side, but kept her eyes firmly pinned on the man and woman. She was torn between wanting to put more space between them and wanting to be there to get in the way of one of them reacting badly. 
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[color=808080][b]interactions[/b] [color=2e2c2c]....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c]....[/color] Magni, Imogen, Phil, Alfred, Myla, Theo [color=2e2c2c]...............[/color] [b]mentions[/b] [color=2e2c2c]....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c]....[/color] see interactions [color=2e2c2c]...............[/color] [b]collabs[/b] [color=2e2c2c]....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c]....[/color] [@Sleepy Tani][/color]
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