A Spiritual Meeting (June 1990)

Malia offered to help Isabella and Steve in the kitchen, but Isabella insisted that she sit and relax. She put the flowers in a vase with some water and put them out where they could be seen. She wanted to ask Malia about her relationship with James, but she decided that they didn’t know each other well enough to pry into her life. She could get that Tony was though with James.

After Tony and James came up everyone sat down at the table. Malia sat next to James and she felt very relaxed. Isabella didn’t drink any wine and instead stuck to water. She asked Malia about her abilities and Malia explained them, as she had with James.

“So, you can take on the physical qualities of any animal? I guess that explains how you were able to put your head through that wall without dying.”

Malia nodded and smiled. “I had envoked the spirit of a Rhinoceros.”

Everyone laughed or chuckled even Steve at that. And they listened as she explained her vet practice. Everyone appeared to love animals and listening to some of her more colorful stories had been a real treat. It had been a while since this particular table had had a good laugh. Nan only yawned and laid her head down on her front paws. She had experienced all of these stories already. They asked about different animals and what she could do if she became them. Everyone was fascinated by what she said.

Then Tony gestured. “Ok least important...ive finally completed The wrist comms. Everyone who has them will enable two way communication through Jarvis. You can request person to person or group communication. Once your voice print and biorhythm is set, it will be linked to you and you alone,” Tony said and then begsn to pass them out. I have 2 styles right now for men and women,” he said. He wist comms looked like a slim metal watch. It looked to be made of a bluish gun metal and looked very high tech in appearance. Even Malia received one. “The other thing is that Isabella and I would like to form a group. A team of superheroes. We all know whats coming and once the Tower is finished you’ll all have a home there if you want it,” he said. “That goes for you too Malia,” he said.

“And for the most important bit of news...Isabella?” He said as he looked at her then sat down.

Malia was more than happy to share her stories with the group. They seemed genuinely interested and as the dinner wore on she felt more and more like she was apart of the group. That feeling was enhanced when she received one of the wrist comms Tony handed out. She felt rather proud to have received one and she put it on and smiled at James who smiled back at her as he put his on. She had seen Stark Tower being constructed...everyone in New York had, but she never dreamed that she would be invited to come live there upon completion. She decided that she would talk to James about that. However, she looked over at Isabella when Tony asked her to share out some news that she had. Malia already knew, but it appeared that neither Steve nor James did. She could see Isabella smile. The woman was gorgeous, but she almost seemed to be glowing.

"I'm pregnant."

Steve’s eyes bulged and he smiled and got upmfrpm his seat. James smiled to and also got up. Steve got to Isabella forst and bent down to gove her a hig and a peck on the cheek. “Congratulations Isaballa...Tony,” he said as he straightened. He moved and shook Tony’s hand just as James hugged and kissed her as well. “Wonderful news Isabella,” he murmured softly to her. “You are a lion tamer,” he added as he moved to shake Tony’s hand then moved back to the table to pock up his glass. He lifted it up and Steve, Tony ans Malia lifted theirs. “Well your in for the long game now Tony. But you were already a winner when you married Isabella...Congratulations bud.” He said and toasted to them. Steve said Congratulations again as well.

Isabella was very happy and it showed. She glowed with a natural radiance and her eyes sparkled as she looked lovingly at Tony. She knew that despite his fears that he was going to be an incredible father. The rest of the dinner was spent talking about the forthcoming baby. Tony explained the drone to the others which would enable Isabella to still be apart of the missions without putting herself and unborn child in danger.

After dinner Malia helped Isabella clean up while the guys talked. This gave Isabella an opportunity to talk to Malia alone and to get to know her better. When Malia talked about James her eyes lit up and she couldn't help but smile. Isabella knew then that Malia felt the same way about James that he did about her.

Upon leaving the house, James and Malia decided to go to a bar to get another drink. James then took Malia back to her place. However, as they were kissing goodnight Malia made a decision. She pulled back from the kiss and opened her door. She then held it open and looked at him with a little smile. After he walked in she closed the door and locked it behind her...

Later that night, after making love again, Isabella lay in Tony's arms as she began to drift off to sleep. "What about...The Avengers?"