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The sight of Gena returning with two steaming cups of coffee brought you back to reality. You both graciously accepted them and thanked her for the service.
<span class="mu-s">“Everything alright?”</span> Marc asked.
<span class="mu-r">“Hm? Oh, yeah.”</span> you said quickly. <span class="mu-r">“Everything’s fine.”</span>
Just then, the bell above the door rang several times, and multiple costumed figures entered the diner.
Your eyes widened at the sight of two <span class="mu-s">very</span> recognizable figures approaching your table.
<span class="mu-s">“Luke. Danny. Glad you could make it.”</span> Marc said in a respectfully formal tone.
A large, muscular, bald black man loomed over you, placing a massive hand on the back rest beside you.
<span class="mu-r">“Ain’t no way I’m squeezing my ass in there.”</span> he said, glancing down at you.
<span class="mu-g">“Lets just sit here instead.”</span> said a far more tranquil voice. You looked over to see a tall white man wearing a rumpled suit and a yellow half-mask with cloth strips cascading down his back. He had light brown hair peeking out through the bottom of his mask, and a bit of stubble on his chin.
Luke nodded and pushed off of the seat to sit at the round table in the middle of the room. You gave Marc an incredulous look, but he either didn’t notice, or chose to ignore you. After a minute of shuffling around the room and gathering chairs, the four of you sat at a table in awkward silence, the only other sounds in the room being the radio gently playing in the corner of the room, and Gena pouring you all a fresh cup of coffee.
<span class="mu-r">“Who’s the new guy?”</span> Luke asked, nodding to you.
<span class="mu-r">“Huntsman.”</span> you answered as calmly as you could manage. <span class="mu-r">“And you’re Luke Cage.”</span>
Luke raised an eyebrow.
<span class="mu-r">“And you’re Iron Fist.”</span> you said, glancing at the other man. <span class="mu-r">“How do you know Moonie here?”</span>
<span class="mu-g">“We’ve teamed up a few times.”</span> Danny answered. <span class="mu-g">“He’s done some work for the Heroes For Hire, and we all saw some action together when he was one of the Defenders.”</span>
You nodded, not entirely familiar with the latter, but all too aware of the former’s dealings. Running into the Heroes for Hire was what most common crooks dreaded. Most normal people had no chance at all against a man like Luke Cage, who’s impenetrable skin could ward off almost any attack without difficulty. And the Iron Fist was well known for being untouchable in martial combat. You weren't at a level where you could contend with someone like him. Not yet, at least.
<span class="mu-r">“You on any teams?”</span> Luke asked.
<span class="mu-r">“Not any that you’d know about.”</span> you answered evasively.
Another awkward silence fell over the group, until Luke finally got fed up and returned his attention to Marc.
<span class="mu-r">“Are you planning on telling us why we’re <span class="mu-i">really</span> here?”</span> he demanded.
<span class="mu-s">“Just waiting on two more people.”</span> Marc replied, taking a small sip of his coffee. <span class="mu-s">“Shouldn’t be long now.”</span>
(Cont.)