In Marvel With Unique Skill Great Sage (MCU) [111]

Some time later, at a different event:

"Today, it is my distinct honor to be here," Senator Stern announced, standing at a podium, facing the bright lights of the cameras and the assembled audience. He forced a strained smile as he spoke words that felt completely insincere, even to himself. "I am here to present these prestigious awards to Colonel James Rhodes, Mr. Tony Stark, and also to the 'Sky Knight,' who unfortunately could not be with us today."

Even with all his years of experience as a professional politician and, let's be honest, a professional backstabber Senator Stern was struggling to keep his composure. He could barely resist the overwhelming urge to just reach out and smack Tony Stark right across the face.

How can one person be so unbelievably annoying? Stern fumed internally. Just a few weeks ago, we were at each other's throats in that Senate hearing, trading insults and verbal jabs like there was no tomorrow! And now, now you call me here to give you an award? The nerve of this guy!

….

The midday sun felt warm and inviting, just like the embrace he'd dreamt of last night.

Lying in bed, Lemu (in his human-like slime form) let out a big yawn. His messy hair was pressed against his face, giving him a slightly lazy, just-woken-up look.

Sleeping in until almost one in the afternoon… ah, that was the life…

But wait, he thought, a flicker of confusion passing through his mind. Why did I have such a weird dream last night?

He dreamt that Alice had picked him up, pinned him down, kissed him, and then… other things…

So strange.

He tossed back the covers, intending to get out of bed, but a sudden coolness on his upper body made him freeze…

Lemu quickly pulled the covers back up, his heart suddenly racing. What's going on?!

And then… he slowly pulled out a piece of black fabric from under the covers. It was a dress.

This dress… this isn't mine, is it?

His eyes widened. This is… Alice's! The maid dress!

Why is Alice's dress in my bed?!

…Okay, maybe I should just go back to sleep for a bit, he told himself, trying to stay calm. I'm definitely still dreaming. Yeah, that's it.

Comforting himself with this thought, Lemu hugged the dress and closed his eyes again, trying to drift off.

…

Downstairs in the kitchen, Alice was busy preparing lunch.

She had her phone tucked between her shoulder and ear, speaking softly with her family far away.

"...Thank you for remembering my birthday, Mom," she said gently. "Mm-hmm, no, I won't be coming home for it. I'm doing really well here, don't worry."

"I'm doing a good job with my work, you can rest assured..."

"Yes... Yes, I had cake. Yesterday was wonderful... How are you and Dad doing? Is he off work today?"

"Okay, okay, I understand... I know..."

On the other end of the call, a warm and peaceful room could be pictured. It was simple and modest, but cozy and comfortable. The living room and dining area were connected. A graceful, kind-looking woman with an elegant air sat on the sofa. She had long, dark hair and dark eyes, with the delicate features often seen in people of Asian descent. She was holding her phone, talking to her daughter. It was clear that Alice had inherited her mother's good looks and graceful build.

A tall, broad-shouldered white man with a scruffy beard sat at the dining table. He had kind blue eyes and blond hair, and a warm, open smile on his face. He was eating his meal, seemingly watching the television.

The news on TV was showing a report about the Stark Industries Vice President giving an interview. This was followed by breaking news and live footage of Hammer Industries' CEO, Justin Hammer, and another executive, Beren Hammer, being arrested at their homes. It seemed SHIELD had put on a bit of a show for the public "releasing" Justin, only to have the official authorities arrest him again properly.

Truthfully, the big man at the table wasn't paying much attention to the TV at all. His ears were perked, trying to catch bits of his wife's conversation with their daughter. He cared far more about what his wife and daughter were saying to each other than any rambling news report. Even their simple greetings and repeated reminders made him happier.

….

Lemu, wearing a loose, comfortable-looking set of pajamas, walked slowly down the stairs.

His face still had a faint flush of pink. He saw Alice already sitting at the dining table, lunch prepared, acting as if nothing unusual had happened at all. His gaze kept darting away from her, and he looked a little shy and unsure.

"Um, I... I think I heard you on the phone with your family earlier..." Lemu said, sitting down across from Alice. He started cutting a small piece of fried egg with his knife and fork, putting it in his mouth while trying to sound casual and avoid looking directly at her.

"Was that... your parents?"

Alice smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. She looked as calm and pretty as always, her expression and tone perfectly normal. There was no hint of anything out of the ordinary.

"Yes, it was," she replied sweetly. "They called to wish me a happy birthday."

"Your birthday?" Lemu repeated, a look of surprise flashing across his face.

Oh no. He suddenly realized he might have overlooked something very, very important.

"It's okay, though," Alice said, her voice still light and cheerful. "I already received my present yesterday..."

She licked a tiny speck of cream from the corner of her lips. Her eyes, usually clear and gentle, suddenly held a playful, teasing glint, and a hint of alluring charm.

"...The best present," she finished, her voice a little softer.

Lemu's breathing hitched slightly, but he pretended he hadn't quite caught that last part. He quickly changed the subject. "Um... So, Alice, your family doesn't live in California, do they?"

"Oh no, they're in New York," she replied. "I grew up there. I only left New York when I went to university."

New York... New York...

Lemu frowned, a sudden uneasy feeling creeping into his mind.

He seemed to remember that something... not very good... was supposed to happen in New York relatively soon...

What was it again...?

The video clips Nick Fury had shown him yesterday flashed through Lemu's mind for a split second.

It was the Hulk... Bruce Banner!

And the Abomination! Those two are going to have a massive fight in New York!

Lemu practically inhaled the rest of his lunch. He dropped his knife and fork with a clatter and was gone in a blur. "Alice, something urgent came up! I have to go out! Don't wait up for me tonight!"