chinaroses | Feb. 21st, 2024

Feb. 21st, 2024

Current Music: 440 words

A shrill beeping startled Morgan out of a dreamless sleep. He groaned as he cracked open one eye as he looked over at the clock and saw 5:32am glaring back on the nightstand clock. He picked up his pager, and found what he expected to find: the number for the oncology ward.

"So much for sleeping in today," he muttered, as he threw off the covers. Jiya did not stir while he slipped out of bed quietly, and then out of their apartment to head to the hospital.

Morgan was by his patient's bedside by 6:15am. Mrs. Delgado's chemo had caused a fever that had spiked overnight, and had become so serious that it required prompt care. While he adjusted her IV meds, Morgan ran threw her treatment history again — her difficult surgery, the long radiation sessions she had endured, and her astounding perseverance through it all. He knew he owed her only his very best efforts.

Then three admissions and a complicated case review panel later, Morgan was finally able to escape the hospital at around 4pm. Although he was utterly drained, he still made a stop for groceries on his way home. He knew Jiya would be starving after her own 12-hour shift came to an end.

Once he got home, Morgan headed straight for the kitchen. The first thing he did, he fired up the old, battered rice cooker, then he mechanically chopped vegetables with efficiency. The flavors of coconut milk and the smell of spices soon wafted through the small apartment. Making his wife' recipe for Morgan was his culinary love language.

He had just transferred the finished curry to a waiting bowl when the door opened. Jiya dropped her tote, and then immediately melted into Morgan's arms as he held her close.

"Long day?" he murmured into her hair.

Jiya nodded against his chest with a weary sigh, "Yes, far too long. We had three different patients to crash today, and one of them we couldn't..."

As they settled on the couch together, Morgan massaged his wife's tired feet as she ate the lovingly prepared curry and decompressed from her day by telling him about it. For a few blessed hours, the world was shut out in their tiny oasis of comfort.

At 9pm while they were half dozing, half watching a movie together, their peace was shattered once more as Morgan's pager sounded out signaling that a patient was crashing. He sighed, gave Jiya a lingering kiss, and then he rushed out the door to head to the hospital again.

Yet another resident Sunday survived. Not restful, but fulfilling in its own way.

Part 2 | Part 3

innitmarvelous_og

Current Music: 475 words

"All right, Dr. Stark, for today's lesson we will cover a foundation of Indian cuisine, which is curry," Jiya proclaimed, her tone authoritative as was her point with a wooden spoon, "Now are you ready?"

Morgan snapped an exaggerated salute, "Yes, Master Chef Banerjee! Your student's mind is but an empty vessel, and it is ready to absorb your great, infinite culinary wisdom."

Jiya batted his arm playfully as she tried to stifle a laugh, "You are very lucky that you're cute, because that little sloppy salute deserves kitchen demerits."

She pointed him in the direction of the counter where an array of vibrant spices, herbs, and veggies were laid out at the ready. As she listed off the ingredients one by one, he repeated them with a furrowed brow.

"Now, the most important step in making the perfect curry is for the cook to take the time to bloom the spices," Jiya explained as she poured some oil into a saucepan. She glanced at Morgan with a nod, who in turn tossed in cumin, cardamon, cinnamon, and all other parts.

The aromas were heady as they wafted throughout the kitchen, making Morgan's eyes go wide with appreciation, "Wow... I didn't know something to simple could turn into such an experience!"

Jiya winked at him, "Just you wait!" She then showed him how to saute the onions and garlic while she stirred into tomato puree. Afterwards she adjusted for consistency and seasonings with experienced precision.

Morgan was in pure awe as he watched her smooth motions, "You make it all look so effortless."

"It's simply years of watching my Mother make this very curry," Jiya said with a smile, her tone wistful, "But the real key is to pour in your love into whatever the food is you are preparing."

She stepped behind Morgan, and wrapped her hands around his so she could guide his hands in the final parts of finishing the curry. He lost himself in the aromas along with the warmth of her embrace.

Sometime later, they were rewarded in their efforts as Jiya ladled the deep ruby-hued curry over a pure white mountain of basmati rice, sprinkling cilantro on top to complete it. She pinched Morgan's cheek affectionately.

"And there we are, my star pupil — your first curry made with our own two hands! Delicious, no?"

As he shoveled an eagerly awaited bite into his mouth, Morgan nodded with a grin as his taste buds exploded in ecstasy.

As he swallowed, he raised an eyebrow at her, "Mastered of the first lesson? I think that's overstating things a little bit, o great and wise chef. But I know that as long as I have you with me to be my lifelong and very personal tutor, I'll be happy to keep trying as long ad it takes to perfect my attempts!"

innitmarvelous_og

Current Music: 739 words

Once, just for once, Tony would like to spend his birthday with his father instead of his surrogate father, Edwin Jarvis. But as the morning of Tony's 10th birthday dawned, it was becoming clear that wasn't going to happen again this year.

Tony had really tried to not get his hopes up as he went downstairs for breakfast, but he couldn't help peeking around the corner of the dining room, hoping his dad would be there. Instead though he found Edwin Jarvis along with his wife Anna setting the table as usual.

"Ah, good morning, Master Tony," Jarvis greeted him warmly, "And a very happy birthday to you."

Tony sighed, and mumbled, "Thanks, Jarvis."

With a sympathetic tut, Anna gave Tony a gentle peck on the cheek, "Now, now, none of that! No long faces today! It's your very special day today, dear."

Tony nodded, and asked, "Is Dad, uh, you know..." He couldn't quite make himself finish the question, since he knew he wouldn't hear the answer he hoped for.

"I'm afraid your father had to leave quite early this morning for an important business meeting in Washington DC," Jarvis replied in a regretful tone, "But he did ask that I wish you a happy birthday for him."

Tony just nodded, trying to not show how much his father's absence hurt him once again. Howard Stark was an important, busy man — Tony understood that very well, or at least he did in his mind. But that didn't help it to hurt his heart any less when his father couldn't seem to ever make any time for him, not even on one measly day a year.

"Well, Mrs. Jarvis and I have plenty of festivities planned to help make this birthday one you'll never forget," Jarvis continued in a bright, cheery tone as he did his best to cheer the boy up, "Starting with your favorite breakfast in the world!"

Anna guided Tony towards the table, her smile as bright as her husband's, as was her tone, "That's right, my dear! You can have all the chocolate chip pancakes, whipped cream, and bacon you want!

While the Jarvises doted on him over a decadent birthday breakfast, Tony couldn't help but feel that at least there were two people who seemed to care more about him and his happiness than his own parents did. Sadly even when his mother was around, she was lovely, but she often seemed to be thinking about other things and was distant in other ways.

It was really the butler and his wife who had been the most constant presence in Tony's life as he'd grown up. They had always celebrated any of his accomplishments, had comforted him through his struggles, and they'd lavished him with the love and attention they would have given their own child had they had one.

Once Tony has gorged himself with chocolate chip pancakes, Jarvis brought out a modestly wrapped gift, "This is just a small token of our affection, Master Tony. Though I would wager that you'll find it rather useful, if I know anything about you mind."

Tony's eyes lit up as he tore off the wrapping paper, revealing a sleek, professional-grade tool kit that was filled with all kinds of wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, and many other gadgets. "Wowwie! This is really amazing, you guys! Now I can really get to work on all the projects I want to do without having to borrow Dad's tools!"

"Which was precisely our thoughts," Jarvis said with an indulgent smile, "We know how that all too brilliant mind of yours is always thinking about tinkering away on your next great invention."

"Just be sure not to lose any of those tools this time," Anna added with a wink. "Or we'll have to take the cost out of your allowance!"

As they all shared a laugh, for the first time that day, Tony felt his mood being lifted. No matter how much his real parents always seem to let him down, the Jarvises never failed to do what they could to make him feel special and cared for and about.

Once he'd thoroughly examined and admired his gift, Jarvis cleared his throat, "Now then, I think we have some other things prepared for a young master to help him celebrate a momentous birthday such as this one. Shall we see what we have in store for you next, Master Tony?"

innitmarvelous_og

Current Music: 597 words

The evening air is crisp as it swept through Oxford streets as Detective Inspector Robert Lewis and Detective Sergeant James Hathaway made their way to one of Oxford famous pubs, The Eagle and Child. They'd had a long and taxing day at work, filled with paperwork and interviews related to their latest case. As they entered into the historic yet cozy establishment, the familiar scene of ale and the chatter of the patrons greeted them, instantly helping to lift their spirits.

Robbie stepped up to the bar, his eyes although tired still had a smile in them for the bartender, "Two pints of bitter, please."

The bartender nodded, and produced the requested drinks, setting them in front of Oxfordshire's finest before going off to attend to another patron.

Hathaway leaned against the bar, running more over through his close cut hair, "We've a bit of a long day, haven't we, sir?"

Lewis gave a nod, rubbing the back of his neck, "You could say that. So many days anymore it feels like we're swimming against the tide instead of with it."

James chuckled softly as he understood that feeling all too much, "Well, at least we're not alone and are in good company." He gestured to the busy pub around them.

Robbie raised his glass in a toast, "To having survived another day in the trenched," he remarked with a hint of irony.

Hathaway clinked his glass against his boss, a small smile playing on his lips, "And to all of the cases we've managed to crack already and the ones that are still waiting their turn to be solved." There was a hint of determination in his voice.

They sipped their beer once more, enjoying the familiar taste as it washed away the weariness of the day. For just a moment, they simply stood in cordial silence, happy in each other's company, and the sanctuary of the pub that once sheltered and Lewis and his friend.

James leaned back, his gaze pensive, "Perhaps not today, sir, but tomorrow is another day. And who knows what mysteries it might bring?"

Robbie smiled, a spark of hope lighting up his eyes, "You're being more optimistic than I feel."

Hathaway gave another soft laugh, mischief making his eyes shine, "Someone has to be a balance to your pragmatism, sir."

Lewis raised his eyebrow, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, "Well, I suppose I can't really argue with that logic, can I?"

As they bantered back and forth, their conversation went from the mundane to even something resembling profound, while they savored their drinks and the camaraderie they'd built together over the years. The ambiance of The Eagle and the Child was comforting, helping to the weight of the day's troubles fly away as if they were on an eagle's wings.

As the evening wore on, the pub began to empty out, causing Robbie and James to reluctantly finish their drinks as duty would call them back to its embrace. But for a little while longer, they lingered in the warmth of the pub.

Then as they finally stepped out into the cool of Oxford's night, Robbie clapped James on the shoulder with a grateful smile, "Thanks for the company tonight, James. I don't know what I'd do without you around."

Hathaway smiled in return, "Likewise, sir. Until tomorrow then?"

Lewis nodded, "Until tomorrow. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, sir."

And with that, they went their separate ways, ready to face whatever challenges the next day might bring, knowing that they would face them together, one pint at a time.

PART TWO

innitmarvelous_og

Current Music: 351 words

"Honey, I'm home!" Morgan called out in his best Ricky Ricardo impression as he walked through the apartment door.

Morgan made his way to the kitchen, and the aroma of Jiya's Aloo Posto being kept warm and ready on the stove greeted him before he made it to the door. Once there, he could see the pot with the dish with Jiya there beside it with her back turned to him, swaying her hips as she sang along with one of her favorite Bollywood soundtracks.

Morgan grinned as he more with stealth to sneak up behind her, and wrap his arms around her waist, "Dinner smells so amazing as always, my gorgeous chef!"

A surprised yelp came out of Jiya's mouth before she started to giggle, and swatted his hands away playfully, "You/re such a menace, Morgan Stark! One day I'll have to invest in a bell to warn me to let me know when you've arrived home!"

"Aw, but think how much we'd miss out on these precious reunion sneak attacks," he murmured as he nuzzled her neck until she squealed.

"Oh you're incorrigible! At least let me get our dinner plated before you succeed in distracting me again and it burns!"

Morgan gave her a cheeky grin before he obediently released her, and moved to set the kitchen table while Jiya scooped the aloo posto over some basmati rice. When she came over to the table with heaping plates, he snagged her wrist again, and pulled her into a sound kiss.

"Mmmm... perfect as always," he muttered against her smiling lips, "Now please do tell me your tales of your latest exploits while I shovel in this heavenly manna into my face!"

With an eye roll Jiya laughed, and took her seat across from her charming dork of a boyfriend. Morgan listened attentively as she begun a story about an unruly patient she had had during her morning rounds. Morgan grinned the entire time as he tucked into every bite of the comforting, delicious food with every bite reminding him of the home and love he'd found in her.

innitmarvelous_og

Current Music: 465 words

Eva looked up at the little bell over the door's jingle as she stepped into the cramped bookshop. She inhaled, allowing the musty scent of the aged paper and leather bindings to wash over her senses. There were rows of overflowing shelves were towering in every direction, and there were waterfalls of novels and tomes of that threatened to spill their contents all over the creaky hardwood floors.

"May I help you find something, my dear?" a silky voice asked from somewhere in the stacked maze. A moment later, a slender man with a playful sparkle in his emerald eyes who appeared somewhere from among the packed shelves.

Eva could feel her cheeks warm at his words, wondering if he were the owner of this bookshop or just an employee. Either way his gaze was intense yet also charming. She held the worn book in her hands closer as she turned to answer him, "Um yes hello, I um actually have been looking all over the place for a very hard to find first edition copy of the play Cynthia's Revels."

The owner, for she decided he must be the owner, tutted a bit as her came over to her. His fingers were deft as he plucked Eva's book from her hands, and looked at the title, "Ah I see, an illuminated soul who seeks the Bard of Avalon's lost work. There are not many who share a refined literary passion these days."

Eva resisted the urge to close her eyes to better enjoy the richness of his voice as he appraised her with loft approval of her taste in reading, "Your battered copy sings the praises of a true lover for such relics. Pray well met, Book Pilgrim. May I present myself? I am Loki, and I am the keeper of this fine realm's Novel Nest."

Eva smiled, finding her shyness falling away at his world flair and charm. She decided to meet him head on.

She smiled, "Well met yourself, Loki. Per the object of my quest, I want to see if someone as well-read as you might have any leads on where I might be able to find my prize."

Loki's smile grew even wider, with his green eyes sparkling, he beckoned to Eva to follow him into the stacked bowels of his bookshop.

As they went when he said to her over his shoulder, "Perhaps, O lady lover of the written word. But I must caution you, treasures of such caliber usually have a way of being evasive. But I will do my humble best to aid you in acquiring that which you seek and have without a doubt proven unobtainable up to this point. Now, shall we scour my volumes and see if we cannot locate your literary gem, hmm?

Part Two

innitmarvelous_og

Current Music: 139 words

"I never thought I'd say this," Morgan began, his voice tinged with emotion, "But I'm very grateful for each and every twist or turn that life has thrown our way."

Jiya's eyes were sparkling when she turned to him, curiosity bright as she asked softly, "Oh? Why is that?"

Morgan smiled, his gaze lingering on their children as they played in the yard, "It's because through it all, we've grown so much stronger together. With every obstacle that we'e triumphed over, it's drawn us even closer together," he explained, his words carrying the weight of truth from the years of their shared experiences.

Jiya took his hand in her and squeezed it with gentleness, and she whispered, "I could not agree with you more. I think at this point our love will withstand any storm that comes our way"

innitmarvelous_og

Current Music: 1163 words

Morgan and Jiya walked with fingers intertwined as they made their way through the Avengers Museum, their daughters Zara and Meera were skipping ahead with excitement. The museum was truly a treasure trove of information about Earth's Mightiest Heroes who had saved the world countless times in the last sixty years. Morgan could not help the pride he felt as he watched his daughters soak it all in like sponges.

They wandered from exhibit to exhibit, Zara's eyes lighting up as she spotted the section that was dedicated to Iron Man. "Daddy, Daddy, look! It's Grandpa! It's Grandpa!" she squealed in excitement, causing other people who were nearby to look in her direction.

Morgan smiled at them as Jiya wrangled their oldest daughter in, and he said, "She just really loves Iron Man. You know, kids?" The entire time he is saying this, he was hoping that no one would recognize him — for being either the son of Tony Stark or Dr. Stark, the doctor whose research team whose research would eventually wipe cancer off the face of the planet.

The nearby parents smiled, nodded, and went back to their own families.

"Daddy!" Zara called out again.

Smiling Morgan walked over to her and put his hands on her shoulders, "I see, sweetie. I see it's Grandpa."

He smiled as she went back to looking at the glass encased suit of armor. He smiled on the outside but on the inside he couldn't help but feel a tiny ache of sadness. His life had been a good one, even an amazing full of people he loved and that loved him. But among all of those people, the one who had always been missing was the man whose face he was now staring at.

Oh, his Mom and Dad had made it a point to tell Morgan everything they could also his father, about the kind of man he had been beyond the public persona and what history would record about Tony Stark. While Morgan was grateful to have those stories about his father, in the end, they were still just stories without any personally lived context for, and because if that, Morgan knew he'd always have an ache in his heart that could never be filled.

His inner turmoil didn't go unnoticed by Jiya, and she put a hand on his arm murmuring, "It's okay, Morgan. We're here so you and the girls can see your father and celebrate his legacy."

Morgan blinked away tears, and nodded, so grateful for his beautiful wife's love and support. Zara slipped away to run over to where her sister was looking enraptured at another glass enclosed piece of armor. Taking Jiya's hand again, they walked over to where their girls were.

"Daddy, did Grandpa really make all of this?" Meera asked, her beautiful dark eyes wide with wonder.

Morgan ran a hand over her hair, a bittersweet smile on his face, "Yes, baby, he did. Your grandfather was one of the most brilliant men to ever live. He loved to invite and build things, like these suits of armor."

Zara pulled on her mother's sleeve, her eyes excited as she asked, "Mommy, did Grandpa fly in that suit? The signs says that he did! Did he?"

Like Morgan, Jiya had only heard the stories about Tony's exploits as Iron Man, but nevertheless, she nodded, "Yes, Zara, he did fly in that suit. He was the one and only Iron Man."

As they continued to explore the museum, Morgan felt a sense of gratitude for the man who had been the father he had known, James Rhodes, or Rhodey as he had learned his father had called him. His Dad had raised him, loved him, and had long with Morgan's mother, and had guided him throughout his life. He had done so with his father's blessings as Morgan had heard the message his father left behind in the days before his death. Thanks to his father, Morgan did not spend his childhood wanting a father to love him. He had everything he had needed and so much more.

***

After having lunch in the Museum's cafe in which they all feasted on Iron Man themed Arc Reactor veggie burgers with fries and Tiny Treats by none other than Ant-Man himself, they decided to go to explore the second exhibit that they were all excited to see, which was the War Machine exhibit.

Morgan and Jiya stopped just short of entering the exhibit, having let the girls go ahead of them some Morgan could take a moment to prepare.

Jiya squeezed his hand, "Are you certain that you want to go in? I can go through the exhibit with the girls if it's too much?"

His Dad had been gone twenty years, and Morgan still missed him beyond words.

Morgan took a deep breath, and shook his head, "No, I'm okay. I want to see the exhibit. I want to see how the world remembers the man who was my Dad."

"If you're sure?"

"I am... but thanks for being concerned, honey. Come on, we'd better get in there before the girls wander too far ahead of us," Morgan replied, kissing her hand before leading the way inside.

Meera spotted them first, and she excitedly pointed to the larger than life portrait of Morgan's Dad, "Look, Daddy! It's Granddad!"

Morgan smiled, looking at his Dad in his military uniform that proudly displayed every medal he'd ever been awarded, and he nodded, "Yep, sweetie, that's your Granddad all right."

In the meantime, Zara was entranced with the War Machine armor his Dad had worn as part of his Air Force and Avengers careers.

While he stood there gazing at the portrait of his Dad, so many memories came flooding back to his mind — memories like how his Dad taught him to ride a bike, playing catch in then backyard, and helping him put together the most intricate LEGO sets he could find.

He cherished the memories of the late-night conversations they'd had when he'd gotten a little older talking about life, love, and how doing what was right echoed in his heart. He could still hear his Dad cheering him on from the sidelines during the years he played baseball and the wonderful laugh his Dad had when they'd laugh together until tears of mirth ran down their faces.

Once more Jiya must have sensed how he was feeling as she wrapped her arm around his waist offering him her love and support. Morgan wrapped his arm around her in return, leaning into her embrace, so grateful for her presence and for her love.

"Daddy, Daddy, come see!" Zara's excited call broke through to him. "Come see the tanks Granddad picked up!" She was jumping up and down in excitement, along with her sister.

Morgan looked at his wife, gave her a kiss, and then he walked over to where his girls were chattering away about their Granddad.

innitmarvelous_og

Current Music: 117 words

Today was a day that both Morgan and Jiya had been anxiously awaiting, which was the arrival of their anniversary, As they sat on the balcony of their apartment and watched as the sunset painted with sky in colors of orange and pink, Morgan took Jiya's hand in his own as his heart overflowed with love for the woman beside him.

"Happy anniversary, Jiya, my love," he whispered, gently kissing her temple.

"And to you, my dear Morgan," she replied as she laid her head on his shoulder. In that moment, wrapped in the peacefulness of their love, they both knew that today was only just the very beginning of part of their journey through life together.

Part 2 | Part 3

innitmarvelous_og

innitmarvelous_og

I got the poem from this site.

innitmarvelous_og

Current Music: 10 words

Tulips, my delight

A favorite sign of spring

Delicate blossoms

innitmarvelous_og

Current Music: 383 words

Parker's heart was pounding in her chest as she hid herself behind a filing cabinet, her breathing coming in shallow gasps. She could hear Special Agent Dwayne Pride's footsteps echo throughout the otherwise devoid of personnel NCIS office, and he was drawing closer to her hiding place with each passing second.

She knew that she dare not move or even shift her weight to alleviate the dull ache in her right leg. The files she needed were just within arm's reach, but she was very close to being caught this time by the seasoned NCIS special agent.

Pride's voice reverberated through the room, muffled but unmistakable as the man talked with his daughter on the phone. Parker's pulse sped up, her muscles tensing up as she prepared herself for him finding her.

But to her surprise and relief, Pride's attention really was focused on his phone conversation. His voice began to drift further away from her location with every second he didn't discover her.

"Oh, honey, that's great. I..."

Parker let out a silent breath that she didn't realize she'd been holding as his voice left her hearing. She allowed the tension in her shoulders to relax along with the rest of her body. She didn't move any further however for a few more moments just to be sure he was gone, listening for any signs he'd returned.

When the coast seemed finally clear, she emerged from her hiding spot, and swiftly retrieved the needed files as silently as possible. Them with a sense of urgency, she tucked them underneath her arm, and made her way to the window she'd come in to exit.

As she slipped out into the warm New Orleans night, Parker could not help the surge from the adrenaline pumping through her veins. She had narrowly avoided getting caught this time thanks to her quick reflexes and finely honed agility.

Parker hurried back to their safehouse, and after passing along the files to Nate, she let them all know she had had a very close call with Pride.

"Sounds like we dodged a bullet there," Sophie input as Nate nodded in agreement.

"Surprises like that is why I sent the world's best thief," Nate said, with a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth, "Good work, Parker."