A Complicated Web

Chapter Thirty-Five: I Hate Hospitals

The streets of San Fransokyo teemed with life as Loki strode down them. He'd decided it would be best to go during daylight hours, making himself less of a cat burglar. It wasn't so much a matter of principle as it was a matter of curiosity. And, after some research, he'd discovered where he was most likely to come in contact with some of Hiro's DNA, the Lucky Cat Café. Since he wasn't above such mundane things as a cup of coffee and a pastry, he opted to go during business hours.

The door chimed as Loki entered the building. He'd opted go in a more suitable set of clothing to the age and situation, instead of his usual Asgardian garb. And since he was more than capable of blending in, he didn't worry about mundane things such as the occasional stare from other patrons. He was pretty good looking if he did say so himself, his dark hair slicked back, a pair of glasses sticking out of the front pocket of his button-down shirt. A pair of jeans completed the guise of a scholarly sort, in black. And having his sleeves rolled up only gave hints at his musculature; something he knew would entrance the ladies as it would peg him as a "hands on" kind of man as well. That was a big plus in his experience in Midgard.

Several employees worked the café, but one stuck out to Loki as he found a seat that was out of the way, more or less. There was a woman with shorter hair, wearing jeans like he did, with one of those half aprons tied around her waist. She was actually pretty good looking, he had to admit. But, more importantly, she gave a similar feeling to the one he'd picked up from being in Hiro's assigned room at Stark Tower. This had to be his aunt, and she was walking right over to him.

"What can I get for you today?" Cass Hamada asked as she pulled out her notepad. She subconsciously tilted her hips to one side as she put pen to paper. This customer was a lot more handsome than the usual ones and she couldn't help but give him a warm smile.

Loki looked up slowly, his dark eyes flashing as he returned her smile with one he knew could melt the heart of pretty much almost any maid. "I heard you brew the best coffee in town," he replied in an almost sultry voice. "And that your pastries are sublime."

Color crept up Cass's neck at the compliment as she moved to tuck a strand of hair from her face. "I have been known to brew a mean cup of coffee," she admitted. "And all the pastries are made in-house."

"Allow me," Loki said as he courteously stood and brushed the strand of hair back for her, his fingers gently caressing her cheek. He managed to capture a few hairs as he did so, quickly tucking them into a pocket without anyone the wiser. "I was hoping you could recommend one of your pastries for me as I'm new to the area."

The color crept higher into Cass's cheeks and she looked more than a little flustered as this new customer kissed her hand. A slight giggle escaped her lips. "I'll be right back," she promised as she slid her hand from his, turning around so she could give an incredulous smile. Her shoulders hunched slightly at this interesting turn of events before she practically floated over to the counter. She hadn't felt this giddy since Hiro had brought home that one professor and his friend, Jack. And even at that, there was no real comparison. Whoever this man was, he set butterflies off in her stomach in a way she hadn't felt in years. She quickly moved into the back room to make something fresh for him.

Loki allowed a slow smile to grace his lips as he watched her reaction. He knew he had that effect on Midgardian women and it only amused him to see it now. He patted the pocket where he'd secreted the strands of her hair. It wasn't quite as good as having one of Hiro's, but if they were blood related, it would work well enough. Of course, he could choose to stay on the safe side and see if he could get up into Hiro's room. He understood this place served both as home and business for the small family. The question was did he want to play it safe or be sure there would be no mistakes. Either way, he had some time to make his decision. After all, he wasn't about to leave without that pastry and a cup of coffee.