Clark gave a peaceful, happy smile at the friendly gesture before snatching a pretzel from the bowl that had been left on the counter. The popcorn had long since been nabbed by the couch-sitters for watching their show.

Steve, looking around at the fullness of the room, picked up his pack and his shield and nodded first at Jim, and then down the hallway.

"Can I put my stuff away? Better to have more room when the food comes."