Intertwine

3 - Most Fights Don't Happen in a Ring

I woke up the next day feeling grim. My sleep hadn't been good, waking up every few hours in a cold sweat. I didn't do well in cities, away from nature.

Someone had left new clothes for me on the desk. A simple set of grey sweatpants and a white shirt. I washed and dressed, dreading walking out of my door. I hated getting to know new people. I used to be a sociable person, but 400 years of life will change you.

Just as I was about to leave there was a knock on the door.

"Come in." I called. The door swung open.

In the doorway stood Captain America himself, in a T-shirt and trousers. I wasn't one for particularly muscular men, but even I could appreciate what that T-shirt did for his physique.

"We didn't really get a chance to get to know each other." He explained.

I nodded, "I guess yesterday was pretty hectic."

"I'm sorry if we came off as cold. We've all been pretty highly strung these past few days." He reminded me of Milo, my dog that I'd had about 50 years ago. It's funny, I forgot most of the people I'd met but my animals never left me. Milo had been a bit of an old soul, but a good dog. Loyal, loving, kind.

I smiled to myself slightly.

"What?"

"You remind me of a dog I once had, he was called Milo. I haven't thought about him in a little while, it was a nice start to the morning." I sighed. "What would you like me to call you? Mr Rogers?"

He laughed, "Steve is just fine. Or Cap, I suppose."

"I think I'll go with Steve." I grinned and held out a hand, "Hello Steve, I'm Roara Woodson."

He took my outstretched hand and shook it. Good god that man had a firm grip. "Nice to meet you Roara."

"Anywhere I can get something to eat?" I asked.

He waved a hand, "Come with me."

We walked in pleasant silence until we came to a room with glass walls. Inside I could see some Natasha and another person I didn't recognise, eating and looking at papers.

Steve went inside first, "Anything you'd like? Coffee?"

"I've never had coffee." I admitted.

"Good." The man I'd never seen before said. He hadn't been there the previous day when I'd been grilled by everyone. "You'll never make the same mistake I did."

I poured myself some water, "What mistake was that?"

Steve chuckled, "He accidentally drank Tony's coffee. That was an entertaining day."

I sat down beside the new man, holding out a hand, "Roara." I said.

"I've heard. Bruce Banner." We shook hands.

"Big on handshakes?" Steve asked, sitting beside me with a mug of dark brown liquid.

I sipped my water. "I guess I'm a little old fashioned."

"That makes two of us then." He replied.

"Is that coffee?" I asked, pointing to his mug.

He nodded, "Want some?"

"Can't hurt to try." Steve slid the mug over to me and I took a hold of it. It smelt almost nutty. I took a drink before passing it back.

Both he and Bruce seemed to be waiting for my verdict. "Bitter." I grimaced. "Not a fan."

"Not in danger of Tony's wrath then." Bruce chuckled.

"My what?" We all turned around. Tony Stark was stood in the doorway, his sleeves rolled up, his hair immaculate. I felt like a mess compared to everyone else.