InsaneJournal

Who: Lizzy and Felicia
What: Girls' Night In
Where: Lizzy's condo
When: Saturday Night
Warnings/Rating: A bit of talk about violence



Felicia was happily oblivious to 95% of what went on behind the door. The five percent that she did know about pertained to the mechanical beetles that had caused her injuries, superficial as they were, and the one phone call with Steve Rogers. Pepper had shut her out completely once she crossed the door and that was probably for the better. After leaving the hotel earlier than she’d expected, Felicia went home and took a shower, really taking her time to relax so that she wouldn’t carry her issues to Lizzy’s. The cuts on her arms had begun to heal so she didn’t feel the need to cover them. There were a handful of them on each arm, though only two of them were visible after she pulled on a three-quarter sleeved stop. Jeans and a comfortable pair of sneakers finished off her attire and it was far more casual then she was used to.

She stopped at one of her friend’s restaurants and picked up lasagna and a bottle of homemade red wine to compliment it. Felicia had her car again, thankfully, so she didn’t have to wait for a cab. It wasn’t hard to find a place to park and soon enough she was knocking on Lizzy’s door. She felt bad that she hadn’t been there for her friend right away, but she’d been lucky that Lizzy had caught her during a brief time that she’d been on the Las Vegas side of the door. She still felt tired, worn out physically and mentally, but she put on a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes, determined to focus on Lizzy and not her own problems.

Lizzy was supposed to be resting, but resting wasn't her strong suit. She had managed to spend a few hours catching up on paperwork, and then she spent some time cleaning up her condo. She lived in a nice unit, on an upper floor with a view of the strip outside of her living room window, and a view of a darker side of Vegas out her bedroom window. The finishes were modern, but the furniture was comfortable and reflected a lot of who Lizzy was - warm and practical.

Even though Felicia was bringing dinner and wine, Lizzy still wanted to make something special, so she had Peapod deliver a gourmet cheesecake and fresh berries to put on top. The doorman buzzed Lizzy when Felicia came in, and she met her at the door, a huge smile on her face. "I don't know what you brought, but it smells amazing."

Felicia’s smile widened at the sight of her friend, already feeling a bit better. “I’ve got a friend who owns one of the restaurants on the strip,” she explained with a grin. Her network was huge and she wasn’t afraid to call on friends and favors if it meant being there for her friends, the few that she had. “It’s lasagna and he swears if you don’t like it, I have to take you to his restaurant so he can try again,” she replied.

She stepped inside and carried the food and the bottle of wine into the kitchen. “I just need to heat it up in the oven for twenty minutes,” Felicia added, setting the small tray she’d been given on the counter. “You don’t mind if I take care of it right? Since you’re supposed to be resting and all.” She wasn’t quite sure if the other woman should be having wine, but she could ensure that Lizzy at least rested. “I also have five different movies for you to pick from. I wasn’t sure what you might be in the mood for.”

The kitchen area was open to the living area, so Lizzy lead Felicia over to the bar that separated them. "Sure, you know the instructions, so far be it from me to try to interfere." She stepped back and got the wine out, putting it in the wine chiller her mother had sent two years ago for Christmas. Truthfully, Lizzy had never used it before, but she was glad to have it now. She watched her friend, feeling like she had really found someone special in her life.

"Well, if we can't decide on the movies, I have Netflix and Hulu." She was fairly sure with all those options, they could find something to watch. She took a seat on one of the bar stools at the counter and smiled at Felicia. "So, rough week?"

As soon as Lizzy said she could, Felicia was reaching for the oven controls to set the temperature. She put the covered lasagna tray into the oven and turned back to her friend just as she was putting the bottle of wine into the chiller. “Oh, that’s okay!” she said quickly, reaching to stop Lizzy. “You just have to uncork it to let it breathe for a bit. Reds aren’t meant to be chilled,” Felicia explained easily.

She leaned against the counter, across from Lizzy, and sighed just slightly. “I’m sure we’ll find something.” She took a moment to compose her answer regarding her week because she honestly didn’t remember it. “Kind of. I’ve been spending a decent amount of time through the door and I don’t pay much attention to what she’s doing,” she explained with a shrug. “What about you? I’m sorry I couldn’t be here right when it happened.”

Lizzy decided her best course of action was to just sit back and let Felicia handle everything. So she just nodded and watched the other girl cook. “You know, I’ve only been through the door once. Anne was so crushingly lonely, she’s never asked to go back, and I really don’t have the time or inclination to go.” While being a queen was interesting, it was also depressing, and Lizzy hated how the whole experience was just so isolating. It seemed the longer she was away from the door, the less she had to deal with Anne’s anger.

She rested her chin on her hands and nodded, “It’s fine. It’s the dangers of volunteering with these kind of things. You sometimes get angry husbands or someone else who doesn’t want you to help the person being abused.” She sighed and looked away, “But this is the first time I’ve ever been in the hospital. If Adam hadn’t found me, I’m afraid to think what might have happened.” She was lucky that he had come looking for her, or she might have stayed in that garage for hours.

Felicia uncorked the wine and let it breathe while the lasagna heated up. She glanced at it the oven, just to make sure that everything was going the way it was supposed to. It seemed to go the way it should and that was a relief because she hadn’t brought a backup plan. Nor was she the best cook in the world. She could probably whip up scrambled eggs and toast if she needed to, but the lasagna would probably be more appetizing.

“Adam’s your boyfriend?” she asked curiously. It wasn’t like they were best friends and she knew everything about the other woman’s life. “I’m sorry your door’s not the best. I’d offer to trade, but you’d hate Pep’s life. What she let me know, before she started to shut me out, it sucks.” Also completely and utterly necessary as far as she could figure out, considering how much Pepper cared about a dumbass. “You’ve got an important job here though, so maybe it’s better that you don’t spend so much time across the door,” she added with a shrug.

“No, I’m very single. Adam’s a colleague. He works at the Las Vegas Free Clinic. The woman I was helping, Rita? He’s her doctor. We’ve become friends?” She kind of shrugged, not really sure if that was the right word. After all, they’d not even gotten a chance to share a meal together since she had managed a wicked head injury instead of a nice lunch date. “I really don’t know. I think he’s a great guy, but probably not my type.”

She looked over at Felicia and smiled, “I much prefer someone who is a bit less rough around the edges. Also, they get bonus points if they can cook and snuggle.” It was almost too forward, but Lizzy was kind of putting it out there, as she had clearly read the other girl’s signals wrong.

Felicia nodded, understanding exactly what Lizzy meant. “Well, you never know. Sometimes you just have to really get to know someone. I mean, quickies are never as satisfying as becoming friends with someone first before taking it to the next level,” she replied warmly, reaching across the table to give Lizzy’s hand a squeeze. Lord knew, she had more colleagues than actual friends and after seeing a glimpse of Pepper’s life, she knew that wasn’t what she wanted for herself. Lizzy would be good for her and she hoped that she could be just as good in return.

Just then, the timer went off and Felicia grinned. “Dinner’s ready,” she replied with a smile. She let go of Lizzy’s hand and pulled the container out of the oven. It still needed a moment to rest, so she poured them both healthy glasses of wine. She fetched the plates next as well as forks, knives, and a spatula to portion out the pieces. It took only another few minutes for her to get everything situated. “Do you want to eat in here or inside? Wherever you’re most comfortable with.”

Lizzy nodded, “Oh, believe me I know. Plus, after a certain age, the whole ‘one night stand’ concept just gets tiring. You start needing more than sex and booze to get you through.” She laughed softly and then took the glass of wine from Felicia. Once upon a time, Lizzy would have laughed in your face if you had told her that she would ever want to settle down and have a real relationship. There were far too many thing that needed to be done - worlds to save, lives to make better, and conventions to buck to risk getting married or even in a domestic partnership. Now, she feared growing old alone, without having a family.

“We can eat in here, that’s fine, or I can get some trays out and we can turn on one of the movies.” She wasn’t really particular, and she knew that some folks were strange about eating in front of the TV. Lizzy ate there more than she should, especially when she ordered takeaway.

“Ugh, yes. And let’s face it. The hours we work? One night stands are sometimes the best we can get but it’s just not satisfying. It’s been even worse now that I’m working even more. I think the last time I was out was when we met,” she admitted a bit sheepishly. Before that, she could scarcely remember the last time she went out for strictly personal reasons. Maybe she did need to get out more and cut back on her time in the Marvel door. That Pepper was silent at that thought worried her, but she didn’t want her problems to overshadow their night in.

“Here’s fine!” Felicia moved her plate to next to Lizzy’s and then walked around the counter to sit next to her friend. She took a bite of her lasagna and her eyes closed with a smile. “Oh man. Alright, what’s your verdict?” she replied. “I want to know if I get another meal out of this,” she added teasingly. She was referencing the deal she had mentioned earlier with her friend, though she would gladly take Lizzy out once she was off house arrest.

“I don’t even get one night stands,” Lizzy said truthfully. She really didn’t go out all that often to the bars, and most of the attorneys she worked with had already settled down, or were on their midlife crisis girlfriend in their mid twenties. “But if I eventually find the right one, it will be worth it.” She still had some faith that maybe she would find the one.

She took a bite of the lasagna and then moaned softly. “This is so good. They must roast the veggies first - because it’s really incredible.” She’d had plenty of bland vegetarian dishes, so she could appreciate the really good ones. “But if I need to fake it so we can get another meal, I am sure I can manage.”

Felicia was honestly too busy half the time to be out ‘trolling for a man’ as it were. She didn’t think she could pick up someone, even if her life depended on it. Nor could she even accurately describe a ‘type’, despite a very adamant ‘Not like Tony Stark’. Again, Pepper was silent, usually one to come to the defense of her beloved employer. Maybe she would have cared if she hadn’t missed more than a week of her life. She knew she was going to have to hire someone to help with the garage as well, although that would be dealt with tomorrow.

“I’m glad you like it,” Felicia replied with a laugh, taking another bite herself. “Although, you don’t need to fake anything. I’m sure we can go when you’re not confined to your place,” she added warmly. She took a sip of her wine and that was when she moaned. “Oh, you should try it with the wine. It’s absolutely divine,” she gushed. She was a little bit of a foodie, enjoying good flavors and exemplary wine.

Lizzy tried the wine and the lasagna and it was even better. In fact, she was fairly sure that it couldn’t get much better than this. She nodded at her dining companion before taking another big bite. “This is amazing... so much better than the lentils and rice my stepmom brought last night.”

She paused for a moment, trying to imagine when she could leave. The doctors wanted her to take at least another week off work. Plus as far as she knew, her attacker had not been apprehended, which made her even more nervous. Still, she wasn’t going to let him get away with ruining her life. “I would love to go soon. Maybe next weekend?”

Lentils? Felicia made a face at the mention of them. She was a picky eater sometimes and lentils had never been something she enjoyed, despite her mom cooking them a fair number of times. “Definitely better than lentils. I’m glad I could bring you something you’ll enjoy though. It’s got to be hard staying here,” she added softly, before taking another bite.

“If you’re sure. I’ll make sure I’m free,” she promised. “You get a restraining order on that guy that went after you?” Felicia asked, wanting to make sure that she was taking care of herself. “I mean, I make a great nurse and all, but I’d rather you weren’t suffering from a concussion.” She took another sip of her wine before taking a bite of her lasagna, her smile never faltering.

“Lentils are not that bad,” Lizzy said with a laugh. “But my stepmother still hasn’t gotten this vegetarian cooking down. She really hates she can’t just add ‘a bit of bacon’ for flavor.” Lizzy loved her stepmother, a woman not much older than she was, but the woman never really got Lizzy, her passions and why she made the choices she made. It didn’t mean she didn’t support her, but it could make things awkward sometimes.

“Well, I filed a restraining order, but really, all that does is give the cops another reason to arrest him. Restraining orders don’t actually do much to stop someone like him, especially when I have no other ties to him.” She picked at her food for a moment. The idea he would come back was very real to her. She knew that he could have killed her, and still might. However, she wouldn’t let it stop her from helping people.

Felicia laughed quite heartily when she mentioned her stepmother’s penchant for adding bacon for flavoring. “I have to admit, I love bacon as well, though more with my steak than anything,” she replied. “Have you tried soy sauce? My cousin’s vegetarian too and she makes her own teriyaki sauce that smells absolutely fantastic. It got me to eat tofu for the first time.” She sounded proud of herself because she was; she’d been the sort of child that never tried anything new.

Lizzy’s reply had her pause, considering her options. “I think I’ve got something better than a restraining order, actually.” Felicia reached across the counter to her bag and pulled out her phone. She was halfway through composing her message before she stopped. “Ah, okay, here’s the deal. I know some people that can keep an eye on you. I’m sure your firm has excellent security, so I’m not worried about there, but here and wherever else...” she trailed off, not wanting to impose her opinions on her friend. “I can arrange it if you want.”

To say that Lizzy was flattered that Felicia would actually call in someone to make sure she was safe would be an understatement. She didn’t like to admit she was afraid, but the idea of someone watching her back when she was running errands or otherwise out and about made her feel so much better. She could actually go back to volunteering and not be afraid anymore.

“Actually, that would be great. I mean, I am not worried here, with the doorman and everything, but I have to admit it would make me feel better to have someone watching my back while I am out and about.” She reached over and squeezed the other woman’s hand. “It sucks feeling like you are a prisoner in your own home.”

Maybe it was a bit much to be calling in favors for Lizzy considering this was the second time they were meeting, but Felicia didn’t really care. Maybe Pepper was rubbing off her after all, wanting to take care of people as long as it was in her power to do so. A quick nod and a return squeeze was her reply before texting Benjamin and Danielle. Whenever Benjamin needed to go through the door, Dani could pick up for him. They both agreed and Felicia grinned.

“You’re all set. I’ve got two people that can keep an eye on you. Just get in touch with them and you’ll be able to work out a schedule of sorts,” Felicia promised. She pulled out a pen and one of her business cards from her purse, quickly writing down the names and contact information for the two of them. “There you go.” She gave Lizzy a wink. “No more concussions, alright? I’ll take you to dinner for good behavior.” It was just a gentle teasing.

Lizzy was overwhelmed with gratitude at that moment and practically jumped up and wrapped her arms around the other woman. Felicia was amazing, and Lizzy just knew she was incredibly lucky to have this woman in her life. She kissed her on her cheek and then laughed. All of the worries she did have seemed to just be melting away.

“You are amazing. Food and recommending a bodyguard? Good thing I at least provided an amazing desert.” She sat back down and then grinned at Felicia. “Hope you like cheesecake.”

Felicia was surprised by the hug, but returned it all the same with a smile. Lizzy was doing good with her life; she deserved to feel safe and not like a prisoner. She’d be in good hands with Dani and Benjamin. “I don’t want you to worry. No sense in giving you wrinkles early,” she teased. “Besides, people have to know they can’t mess with you.”

She finished up the last bit of her lasagna and grinned. “Cheesecake just so happens to be my favorite, so you’re in luck,” Felicia replied warmly. It was a bit of a fib - cookie dough was her favorite - but cheesecake was quite delicious and she knew it would make Lizzy feel better about everything.

“Yes, because my vanity needs to be protected over all,” Lizzy said with a smirk. She was feeling better, and it was even better to know that life might get back to normal. She needed to feel normal again. It had been so long since she felt like things were normal.

“Well, I ordered it for delivery. I swear, I am so spoiled by grocery delivery. Plus I got fresh berries and whipped cream. So we can pretend it’s a bit healthier.” She finished her own food and then pulled out the desert. “And I got the makings for margaritas for later.”

Felicia laughed before finishing off her glass of wine. She reached for the bottle to pour them each another, which would finish the bottle off nicely. “Exactly,” she replied with a friendly smile, all too happy to continue the light teasing and camaraderie that they were sharing. “I’m all for pretending that it’s healthy,” she added. “Why don’t we move the party inside then and pop on a movie? I don’t know about you, but I could use the distraction.”

Lizzy refilled their wine glasses and then grabbed the desert and took it over to the coffee table. She figured they could just nibble on the cheesecake throughout the night. Looking back over her shoulder, she realized just how lucky she was to have met Felicia. It was rare she made that kind of connection with someone, and it made her feel better to know that someone cared.

She popped one of the movies into her DVD player and then settled in on the sofa, waiting on Felicia to join her. Things were going to get better, she could feel it.