When we reach a pet shop, Rune is instantly captivated by all the smells, along with the occasional dog we see with their owner. She greets them with a friendly little woof and mostly makes some friends. She even translates what they say to me. It's mostly them boasting about chew toys and belly rubs.

We start by finding Rune a collar and upon seeing the displays she is in her little version of what Wanda calls heaven. It sounds a lot like the star ocean, if you ask me. Rune is intent on trying them all on, but it isn't allowed, so she has to settle for looking at them.

She eventually chooses a leather one the same colour as the amethyst on my necklace. It also has tiny black gems studded along it, just like the dress that Steve designed for me. She's very proud of her choice, saying it's the best because it reminds her of her companion. I can't help but smile at that.

We buy a lead as well, but since I doubt we'll use it much we stick to a plain black one. Then we buy food and water bowls, a large dog bed that she'll be able to grow into, a dog brush for her fur and plenty of dog food. Thor graciously carried it for us since he had much more strength and Wanda couldn't use her telekinesis in public unless she wanted people to realise Thor and Scarlet Witch (Wanda's alias, it suits her well) were present.

I let Rune choose a few dog toys to see her through any boredom she may come across. She selected a strong rope, a packet of three tennis balls, a squeaky bone and a frisbee. I paid for all of her things, then Thor even took all her toys from me and carried them back to the tower for me. "I will take it to your room, Lady Lexis," he said when I attempted to protest. "You and Lady Wanda May continue your shopping trip. I only came to help gather supplies for Rune and it would be rude of me to leave you with all this."

It wasn't up for negotiation with Thor; he carried it all back himself. "Let him go," Wanda smiled. "He just willingly saved our backs, after all."

I laughed and finally agreed, too tempted by Wanda's offers of Starbucks. She called Natasha, asking her if she wanted to meet there for more 'girl time', to which the redhead agreed to do. So we ordered our drinks (Wanda ordered something random for me since I had no clue what I would like and Natasha's usual coffee with sugar and cream. Wanda herself had a hot chocolate with cream) and sat at a table, waiting for our drinks to arrive.

Natasha sat next to Wanda just as our drinks were brought over. Natasha ordered two chocolate chip cookies and a slice of carrot cake as well. She handed me a cookie and Wanda the cake when they arrived, keeping the last cookie for herself.

Newest thing you should know about me; I seem to have fallen in love with chocolate.

As I pick at my still warm cookie and sip at my drink (something called a mocha frappuchino. Wanda figured I'd like the chocolate. She was very right) I listen to Wanda and Natasha talk. Rune was sat next to me, eyes on my cookie. I let her have a little of the actual cookie part, much to her delight.

"So what do you think, Lexis?" Natasha asks me after a moment. The topic had just been shoes a minute before I stopped to feed Rune, so I assume the conversation is still on that subject. "Yes, of course," I say simply. "That sounds practical."

Their eyes both widen at me, then they grin. Oh dear, are they planning to buy me shoes now? I should be scared. Oh well, if they try anything I'll simply compel them to leave me alone.

"So you want to be an Avenger?" Wanda clarifies.

I almost drop my cookie. "Excuse me?!"

"Told you she wasn't listening," Natasha sighed.

"What is going on?" I demand.

"The boys wanted us to ask you if you would join the Avengers," Wanda informed me. "They like your skill and think you would be an incredible asset to the team. Along with us two, of course. We know the fact that you can't touch people may be a problem, but-"

"It will not be," I say, proud to announce the news but too shocked to enjoy it. They look at me in surprise. "What?"

"Loki found the Asgardian charm necessary to reverse the stone part  of my curse." To prove it I reach out and touch the closest hand to mine; Wanda's. She looks at it, shocked. "This necklace is keeping me safe," I tell them, showing them the amethyst around my neck on its soft black ribbon.

"That's incredible, Lexis!" Wanda smiles, giving my hand a small, friendly squeeze. "It's pretty useful, too," Natasha agrees, ever the more practical thinker. "It means that people can't hurt you just by touching you."

I nod, realising what she is hinting at. "Who knows?" Wanda asked me. "Only Loki, as far as I am concerned," I answer. Wanda nods. "I'm sure Loki would enjoy having you stay permanently, too, you know. He has taken quite the liking toward you." She and Natasha both smirk at that.

"It is possibly because I defended him when we first officially met and because he had a debt to repay when we confirmed he was the one who caused my curse," I point out. "And do not change the subject. I do not tease either of you about Bruce or Vision."

"Well, what's your answer?" Natasha asks. "And don't think we're going to pressure you like Fury did. We're not like him. It's your choice entirely and we won't scare you into thinking you have to join us to survive. That was just too cruel of him to do."

I think it over. I actually think it over. They have all been so good to me. Perhaps it is time to escape the forest, give the wolves and the bears some peace at last. I have a better wolf now, anyway. And I couldn't take Rune away like that. She deserves an input, actually.

What do you think, Rune? I ask her telepathically. She only shrugs. Very helpful, Rune. Very helpful.

I sigh and make my decision.