Title: The Avengers... sorta
Author: Shatterpath
Feedback address: shatterpath@shatterstorm.net
Date in Calendar: 21 June 2015
Fandom: Light, Water, Muses
Pairing: Dace/OFC
Rating: PG
Word Count: 920
Summary: Michael's sense of perverse fun earns Dace a couple of new recruits.
Advertisement: Part of the FSAC:DD15

Disclaimer: These characters belong to ShatterStorm Productions and are the creations of A. Magiluna Stormwriter and Shatterpath. They also belong in the Light, Water, Muses universe, tho’ this is a standalone within the whole of that universe. "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" belongs to Major Henry Livingston, Jr., as was used in a transformative way for entertainment not monetary purposes.

"I kid you not."

"Fen, you're killing me here."

Dace loved Michael like a sister, but there were days where she would forget her stoic wolf-like nature and go completely mental.

"He really did--"

"I know, I know, look like Captain America. I'm convinced you just get a perverse thrill out of yanking my chain because I got into this damn genre late. You know these stupid superhero movies are not my thing."

"Well, they weren't your thing before! They are now!"

More cackling had Dace leaning back in her chair and rubbing her nose while fighting a smile. It was impossible to be truly irritated with Fenris when she got like this.

"Anyway," Michael drawled out in some poor attempt at seriousness. "It's not like I expect you to just believe me. Here, let me send you a file."

Even as Dace accepted the file over their heavily encrypted company servers, she was startled by her office door opening. Darcy normally gave her some warning first, but even as the file opened and distracted her eye for a moment, Dace understood the breach in etiquette. The guy in the file, seated stiffly in Michael's distant office, was about as close to a dead ringer as she'd ever seen. In costume, not ten feet away, it was even eerier. The red head standing beside him added to the illusion. In those first few moments of impression, Dace filed away flaws in the costumes and body language, things that could be improved, what worked and what didn't, and a litany of filthy ideas of what could be done with the pair of them. Particularly the false Black Widow trying and half pulling off looking intimidating and not out of her league.

"The Archangel Michael sent us," the guy spoke and his voice was dead wrong, too low and pinched with nerves.

"Fen, you're an ass, but I'll let it go this one time."

Michael's laugher sang through the speaker before it cut out along with the connection and Dace could concentrate on the unexpected twist to her day.

"While I did defeat my own supervillain once, I hardly think I qualify for the Avengers," she drawled wryly and remained slouched arrogantly back in her big boss' chair to gauge how they reacted. When she sat forward, they both flinched minutely. "Okay, superheroes, first of all, breathe. Yes, this is an audition, but I promise not to bite." Her grin grew wicked. "Yet."

It was a stupid cliché of a joke, but it worked for what Dace wanted it for, to loosen up the pair with a chuckle and an easing of their tension.

"Much better. Now, square up your shoulders, puff out your chest and let me see your best Black Widow and Captain America."

It was better this time and Dace nodded approval.

"Michael sent you to me because I usually deal with the most theatrical of our requests. The others aren't inclined to it as much and the location ensured the connection. Now, while impressionists are not generally a specialty of ours due to libel awkwardness, I think we can work with this." A gesture to the appearance of the two actors ensured their attention and earned faint smiles. "First, you impersonate the characters only, preferably only while in the suits. Never the actors. We have too many high-profile clients to alienate anybody. If a client does ask for anything that starts to bend your common sense about those ground rules, walk away. You let me or someone in a position of authority know why and let us handle it. That's what we're here for. I'm not going to go over what we do in this organization, because you've already gone through the recruiting process or you wouldn't have made it all the way to Michael, not matter your pretty faces. With me so far, Agents?

"Yes ma'am," the chorused dutifully and earned points for adapting to the bizarre job interview.

"Good. Darcy, get in here!"

In a moment the gorgeous secretary was there, slipping in behind the two actors, expression alert. "Yes ma'am?"

"I'll take your impertinence out of your hide later," Dace threatened with a faint smile and Darcy faked looking contrite. It was a familiar game between them. "In the meantime, take the good captain here down to the school and see how he handles the sticky little monsters. If he can keep his cool, by all means devise a few tests of your own and take notes, I'll quiz you both later. Dismissed!" The latter wasn't really necessary, but it amused Dace and sent Darcy off with a grin and in the mood to flirt with the actor. The heavy office door clicked shut behind them and Dace once more leaned back into her chair. "You're a dancer."

"Yes ma'am."

"Good, that will work in your favor. You don't like the resemblance, eh?"

That made the false Avenger squirm a bit and she didn't know what to do with her hands. "It didn't come up a lot because I'm naturally dark-haired, but it has been a bit... uncomfortable at times."

"What's your name, dancer?"

That took her off guard, as did Dace's suddenly gentle smile. "Julie Carpenter. Pleased to meet you."

"Likewise. Now, there's a physical for the position, so why don't you show me your best moves."

Now the young actor looked happier, putting a little swing in her step as she moved to skirt the desk and come closer. "Oh, yes ma'am."