lemonnsss

[lemonnsss]

Explaining ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ to Steve

Image source: https://bjslivekitchen.com/2020/10/01/lapskaus/

A/N: Finally gotten the official acceptance to my dream school! Plus visiting my family and finally relaxing for the first time this summer. Btw this is MotS adjacent( at least for now lol)

Established relationship in this part ❤️

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Taglist: @vicmc624 , @mostlymarvelgirl ,@yvonneeeee, @beetlejuicesupremacy , @moonlightreader649 , @whattheduckisupkyle , @chrisevans-realwife, @nekoannie-chan , @mrsbarnes32557038, @imyourbratzdoll , @weallhaveadestiny , @oldsoulmagic

Word Count: 535

I stood in the kitchen cutting the various vegetables for the soup as the mutton seared - Thor had specifically asked for labskaus, leading to the nearly 20 recipes now sprawled across the countertop. If there were at least one consolation,Tony let me use the main-floor’s ‘good’ speakers.

As the brash interlude decrescendoed into the angel motif, from the corner of my eye I saw Steve lean on the side of the counter.

"What's cookin’, good lookin’?"

"Some old Norwegian dish. Thor asked."

I felt his arms wrap around my middle as I searched back by the backsplash for a leek. I hummed the melody as I cut the leek into semi-circles.

Leaning his head on my shoulder he asked, "What’s playing?”

"Um... it’s newer, and probably not your speed. It’s called ‘The Phantom of the Opera’.”

His body went stiff against mine, “What did you just say?"

"The phantom of the opera. Oh- have you heard of it?"

"Yeah... yeah, I read it before... everything. Can’t believe they'd write… wait, this is one of those 'musicals', right?”

“Mhm. Why are you surprised they’d write one about this, though? I loved ‘the phantom’ as a kid, especially the one with Charles Dance.”

“I’m sorry, as a kid? Who let you watch that?”

“Um… Professor Xavier was in the room. He wasn’t watching the TV directly, he was grading papers at his desk. Why is that so shocking to you?”

I dumped the chopped vegetable into a bowl on my right.

He put a hand by the cutting board, turning his body to face me, “Let me get this straight,” he gestured as he spoke, brow furrowing , “Xavier let you watch a horror movie as a kid?”

“Horror?!” My grip on the knife loosened, the word no tumbling from my mouth in rapid succession as my speech rapidly descending into a fit of giggles, desperately grasping at his shirt as I began to tear up.

My laughter started to peter out, “‘The Phantom’ is a romance, silly.”

With that I received a look of confusion.

“‘The Phantom of the Opera’ is a new, or maybe old-ish now, style of horror. With mystery as a big sub-genre.”

I chortled at the thought before quickly covering my mouth, “‘The Phantom of the Opera’ has been considered a romance by all of pop culture since, like, 86. But it was kinda considered a romance before then, maybe as far back as the 40’s. Probably 43 if I remember correctly.”

“Really?” His face contorting in both shock and confusion, “I guess I was in the army by then.”

I slammed my hands down on the countertop, drawing Steve’s attention back to me, “We have to have you watch the Claude Rains movie!”

“Oh- finally!” He threw his hand against his chest, “A name I actually know.”

“Ooh~ From where? Also, stir the mutton. I don’t want it to burn.”

“On it. And it was the ‘Invisible Man’. I saw it in theatres when I was 14, I think.”

“…You wanna have a mini, movie marathon?”

“Course, Doll. Plus, I think we’ll be able to bribe everyone else fairly easily.”

“Not if you let the mutton burn.” I laughed.

“Oh, shi-“

[lemonnsss]

Happy Birthday to my main man, Mr. Steven Grant Rogers 🎆🎇🎉🎉🎇🎆

[lemonnsss]

Moral of the Story: Chapter 11.5

A/N: ... Sorry for dying there for a minute. My school decided to pull some dumb shit and I got fucked over for a few months

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Taglist: @vicmc624 , @mostlymarvelgirl,@yvonneeeee, @beetlejuicesupremacy , @moonlightreader649 , @whattheduckisupkyle , @chrisevans-realwife , @nekoannie-chan , @mrsbarnes32557038 , @imyourbratzdoll , @weallhaveadestiny , @oldsoulmagic

Word Count: 360

Steve's POV:

I was shocked at how awkwardly the conversation through the halls flowed. It was painful. Then it started going… and to learn they’d worked for S.H.I.E.L.D. before was honestly confounding.

“You’re not wrong. And don’t call Tony, ‘Mr. Stark’, please. He hates it, and I actually have to deal with him.”

A laugh broke free from my chest. I felt bad laughing for a moment, that was until I looked up to see them smile. It felt nice to take their mind off of what would likely become a major point of trauma. At least it’d be for most civilians, though, who knows how much that's changed since before.

As I looked around, I realized we were in the central barracks. I cleared my throat, “You’re room is right up here, the showers should be down the hall.”

“Thank you.” Their voice came out rather meekly.

“Don’t thank me, I haven’t done anything worthy of such praise yet.”

"Sure, whatever you say.” Then they glanced down, their face tightening. Their moment of peace faded like the clap of thunder. “I need to clean up now, but yeah, thank you.”

I knew the bubble would break sometime; it was bound to happen. I just hadn’t expected the shift to be so sudden, leaving a strange pang in my chest. "Anytime.” I tried to find the right words, “As soon as someone tells me, I’ll let you know when we land.”

They looked up to meet my eyes for a moment before swiftly ducking back down, suddenly rifling through their pockets, "That would be nice,” Their hands stilled, and pulled out the keycard for the door. Tapping the card against the raised metal box on the door, “Thank you, again." I gave a slight nod- not that the motion was large enough to be seen- as they slipped through the door, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

What was I doing? They were in a vulnerable position and here I was- NOTHING! I spun around, my hand over my mouth. I was doing nothing! I led them to their bunk because they get lost easily. Nothing more, nothing less…

Right?

[lemonnsss]

I know I’m a day late, but still, Happy Pride Month to everyone who celebrates!!

[lemonnsss]

Moral of the Story: Chapter 11

A/N: ... Sorry for dying there for a minute. My school decided to pull some dumb shit and I got fucked over for a few months

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Taglist: @vicmc624 , @mostlymarvelgirl,@yvonneeeee, @beetlejuicesupremacy , @moonlightreader649 , @whattheduckisupkyle , @chrisevans-realwife , @nekoannie-chan , @mrsbarnes32557038 , @imyourbratzdoll , @weallhaveadestiny , @oldsoulmagic

Word Count: 1.7k

A moment later the paramedics rush in and I let go, standing up and backing away in some ineffectual hope that they’ll be able to do something I didn’t.

I see Fury move from the corner of my eye, “Agent Coulson is down.” I turn to look at him. He’s touching his earpiece.

A moment passes before he responds, “They’re here.”

The Director lets go of the earpiece as one of the paramedics turns to Fury and shakes his head. Fury opens the line again, “They called it.”

Why now? We are in the midst of an intergalactic sibling rivalry turned colonization and now we’ve lost the best person we’ve got.

I noticed a parametric handing something to the Director. After receiving the parcel Fury started walking away and called for Tony, the Captain, and Natasha to join him when they were done. I followed a few paces behind him.

When I walked onto the bridge, I saw how far into disarray it had fallen. Passing figures assessed damage,  some agents worked on fixing their respective computers while others were still being attended to, the only one I knew standing out to me - Hill.

She sat on one of the sidebars of the Director’s command station, her head hung low. She looked up, and our eyes locked. I expected her to be sad or mournful, perhaps, but all I saw was rage.

I don’t know what I expected to see. She probably knows what I am, what I can do. She probably knows what I didn’t do. 

It’s pathetic. In that moment all I could do was sit down and wait for the others to come back. Only two return.

When Tony and Steve walk in, the strain in their shoulders evident, they both look stunned. I wonder why for a moment before realizing they’re looking at me, I look at my hands and see Coulson’s drying blood cling to my skin and clothes. I should have washed up and found a change of clothes; although, I suppose there’s no time for that now.

I hear them both sit down, the table remains still, “Hey-“ I turn to the Captain as the Director walks in. Fury saunters over to where Steve sits, “These were in Phil Coulson’s jacket. Guess he never did get you to sign them.” The Director tosses what seems to be some bloody cards in front of Steve.

It takes all of my remaining energy to hold a straight face as I see the same fresh blood that covers my torso ebb onto the pristine glass table. I silently prayed that the pit forming in my stomach wasn’t noticeable.

“We’re dead in the air up here.” My attention swung to the Director, his voice sounding genuine, resourceful even, “Our communications, location of the cube, Banner, Thor. I got nothing for you. Lost my one god eye. Maybe I had it coming.” a moment of silence passes before he continues, “Yes, we were going to build an arsenal with the Tesseract. I never put all my chips on that number though,” what? “because I was playing something even riskier. There was an idea, Stark knows this,” I turn to my boss, wholly shocked by this development, “it was called “The Avengers Initiative’. The idea was to bring together a group of remarkable people, see if they could become something more. See if they could work together when we needed them to, to fight the battles that we never could. Phil Coulson died still believing in that idea… in heroes.” I watch Tony get up and walk out of the bridge.

“Well, it's an old-fashioned notion” Fury says as he walks towards the command station.

“Hey, are you okay?” Steve asks, “You’re um-“

“Covered in blood?” My voice sounded more… stale than I had expected, “Yeah, I didn’t remember where my room was and I didn’t feel like getting lost again, so…”

He stood up, “Well, your room is on my way,” he extended a hand, “why don’t I show you there?”

"That sounds great, thank you. I’ll have to pass on your hand though, don’t want to get all this,” motioning to my torso with hands, “on you. I hear blood is rather difficult to wash out of white leather.”

“Okay.” He tilted his head to the main exit before walking that way. I got up from the chair, half sprinting to meet his pace.

The long walk through the halls was met with a painful silence. Both of us obviously wanted to fill the silence but instead backed out at the last moment.

“Um- D-did you know him long?” The Captain barely choked out.

"Hm…?”

"Phil, that is.”

"OH, um… a little over a year. I was brought in to S.H.I.E.L.D. for a… commission, of sorts. I guess it was important enough to have him as my supervising agent.”

He stopped, “Wait, you’ve worked for S.H.I.E.L.D. before?”

“Yeah, just once. I’m not entirely sure I can talk about it though.”

"No worries. I was just shocked to find out they’d managed to strong-arm you into working for them.”

“And what’s that supposed to mean?”

“Oh, nothing. Just that you manage to  out-speak a supposed ‘once in a 

generation’ type of genius hourly, and seem to hate S.H.I.E.L.D. as much as Mr.Stark.”

“You’re not wrong. And don’t call Tony, ‘Mr. Stark’, please. He hates it, and I actually have to deal with him.” At that, he laughed, a real, hearty laugh that had his face lighting up in a way that made me understand Achilles’ reaction to Penthesiliea. 

When his bout of laughter cleared he looked me in the eye for a moment before looking away, a hint of blush brushed across his cheek and neck. He cleared his throat, “You’re room is right up here, the showers should be down the hall.”

I shuffled through my pocket for the key to the room as I walked to the door, unlocking the door I turned back to Steve, “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me, I haven’t done anything worthy of such praise yet.”

"Sure, whatever you say.” Remembering the blood on my hands cut deep into our warming conversation, “I need to clean up now, but yeah, thank you.”

"Anytime. As soon as someone tells me, I’ll let you know when we land.”

"That would be nice, thank you, again." I opened the door and walked into the room, flicking the lights on as I closed myself off from the rest of the ship.

[lemonnsss]

Moral of the Story: Chapter 10

Credit: @comixology

A/N: I'm hoping to have the Battle of NY( or at least the first half of it) in Chapter 11, thank y'all for sticking around!

MotS Masterlist

Taglist: @vicmc624 , @mostlymarvelgirl,@yvonneeeee, @beetlejuicesupremacy , @moonlightreader649 , @whattheduckisupkyle , @chrisevans-realwife , @nekoannie-chan , @mrsbarnes32557038 , @imyourbratzdoll , @weallhaveadestiny , @oldsoulmagic

Word Count: 1.7k

"What are you doing, Mr. Stark?" Fury came in yelling.

"Uh...kind of been wondering the same thing about you." Tony replied.

"You're supposed to be locating the Tesseract."

"We are. The model's locked and we're sweeping for the signature now. When we get a hit, we'll have the location within half a mile." Bruce said, barely batting an eye.

"And you'll get your cube back, no muss, no fuss. What is PHASE 2?" Tony prodded.

Steve dropped an old-looking assault rifle, "PHASE 2 is SHIELD uses the cube to make weapons. 

Sorry, the computer was moving a little slow."

Am I mistaken or is the Nick Fury backed into a corner, "Rogers, we gathered everything related to the Tesseract. This does not mean that we're..."

The blue crystal looked too familiar. I got up and pulled it out of the gun.

"I'm sorry, Nick." I looked up to see Tony turning his monitor, filled with weapons of all kinds. 

"Why were you lying?"

"I was wrong, director. The world hasn't changed a bit." Steve and Bruce looked pissed, while Tony seemed to be as calm as one can be. Fair enough, he's always held the cards.

Natasha and Thor entered the lab. Poor timing, really. Bruce looked at Natasha before asking, "Did you know about this?"

I phased out Bruce and Natasha's conversation to look at the Director. "The same thing you used to rain hellfire on us." I held up the crystal, "Blue fire and brimstone."

The director shifted his focus from me, "Because of him."

"Me?" Thor was stunned.

"Last year earth had a visitor from another planet who had a grudge match that leveled a small town. We learned that not only are we not alone, but we are hopelessly, hilariously, outgunned." Fury defended.

"My people want nothing but peace with your planet." Thor appeared, understandably, offended.

"But you're not the only people out there, are you? And, you're not the only threat. The world's filling up with people who can't be matched, they can't be controlled.

" Like mutants, Fury?”

"Like you controlled the cube?" Steve contested.

"Your work with the Tesseract is what drew Loki to it, and his allies. It is the signal to all the realms that the Earth is ready for a higher form of war." Thor explained.

"A higher form?" Steve asked.

"You forced our hand. We had to come up with something." The director still played diplomat, always coming up with excuses.

"Nuclear deterrent. 'Cause that always calms everything right down." Tony laughed.

"Remind me again how you made your fortune, Stark?" Fury pushed.

"I'm sure if he still made weapons, Stark would be neck deep..." Steve criticized.

"Wait! Wait! Hold on! How is this now about me?" Tony asked.

"I'm sorry, isn't everything?" Steve said sneeringly.

"I thought humans were more evolved than this."

"Excuse me, did we come to your planet and blow stuff up?" Nick asked the god.

"Did you always give your champions such mistrust?" The god responds.

The room was in utter chaos, yelling surrounding me.

"Are you all really that naïve? Captain America is on S.H.I.E.L.D monitors potential threats." Natasha states bluntly.

"Potential threats? Watch list?" Steve asks, obliviously.

"You're on that list?"

"I swear to God, Stark"

More and more of these people's conversations blur together until I can't distinguish what's being said.

"Where? You rented my room." Bruce raised his voice, pulling me out of whatever trance I was in.

"The cell was just in case..."

"In case you needed to kill me, but you can't! I know! I tried!" A moment of collective silence passed, "I got low. I didn't see an end, so I put a bullet in my mouth and the other guy spit it out! So I moved on. I focused on helping other people. I was good, until you dragged me back into this freak show and put everyone here at risk!"

Bruce grabbed the scepter, "You wanna know my secret, Agent Romanoff? You wanna know how I stay calm?" Fury and Natasha grabbed their guns.

"Doctor Banner... put down the scepter." Steve said softly.

"Got it," Tony assured.

Banner put the scepter down and walked over to the computer, "Sorry, kids. You don't get to see my little party trick after all." Holy shit, Doc.

"Located the Tesseract?" Thor asked.

"I can get there faster."

"Look, all of us..."

"The Tesseract belongs on Asgard, no human is a match for it," Thor argued.

Tony starts walking out, "You're not going alone!" Steve grabbed him.

"You gonna stop me?" Tony slapped him away.

"Put on the suit, let's find out."Steve said.

"I'm not afraid to hit an old man." Tony said coolly.

"Put on the suit." Steve affirmed.

Bruce leaned closer to the monitor, "Oh, my God..."

An explosion sparked through the air vents, shoving everything, and everyone, into the walls. The sound of glass shattering took a backseat to a structural beam, throwing me into the wall.

I could hear my head ringing. My vision felt blurry as the world spun around me.

"Put on the suit!" The Captain gasped.

"Yep!" Stark groaned.

The two men got up and ran out of the room.

I tried to stand up, my vision going black for a moment before I fell back down. I heard 

Fury yelling, a few words remaining intelligible, "Coulson... detention section... armory..." Before he too left the room.

I looked through the room before shoving the beam off of my abdomen. The dull, yet sharp pain towards the base of my ribcage was already subsiding. I stood up, my vision going dark around the edges. After a moment of leaning on the walls, I moved to the behind workbench. 

Everything on the table was broken in one way or another. I saw the scepter lying on the ground by my feet. I leaned through the window frame, careful not to cut myself on the pieces of glass still in the frame. I looked down to see Natasha lodged under some debris, streaks of green flowed around Bruce’s neck and arms.

“We’re okay, right?” Natasha asked him softly.

I ran out of the Lab, across the hall- the flood of agents swarming the halls, shoving me around and stopping me in my tracks-, and down the stairs before being stopped in my tracks by what I can only assume is the “Hulk” running through the wall to my left.

After a moment I turned around and went back up the stairs, pulling some agent aside to ask for directions to the detention sector, thanking them, and running over there.

Of course the detention center was in the opposite direction of foot traffic.

I shoved my way through the flood of agents until I found the stairwell the agent mentioned, luckily for me, empty. I ran down the stairs, occasionally tripping over my feet. When the stairs ended I cautiously peered around the corner, eager to avoid being run over by the Hulk. Finding that the lower levels were empty, I ran through the hallways- occasionally hitting my feet against the bottom of the bulkheads.

Then I heard it. The sound of the cage’s mechanisms dropping, though stalled for a moment, released. I knew I couldn’t have been far from the detention center.

I found my way to the second to last bulkhead when I heard the screeching of tearing metal.

I did my best to find where the sound of the blast came from and head there. I knew I’d found it when looking through the first open door; I saw the side of the room with a gaping hole in the far wall.

I ran into the room, barely given a moment to glance around before hearing Coulson’s weak voice calling out to me. I turned around to see him leaning up against the wall across from the gouged wall with a weapon that seemed vaguely familiar and a gaping hole in his chest.

“PHIL!?” I darted over to his weak form, kneeling by his side as I examined the perforation in his thoracic cavity.

“Hey, kid.” Phil rasped out with his regular soft, kind voice.

“It’ll be okay, I can fix this… I think?”

I saw the cavity filling with blood. Whatever had stabbed Coulson had pierced his chest and cut straight through, severing the left pulmonary artery.

He pulled my hand off of his chest, “Don’t. It’s okay.”

“What do you mean? Of course it’s not! I can help you.” I grabbed his hand, pleading with him.

I felt my tears pricking my eyes. I looked down, closing my eyes. I felt a hand tilt my face up. I opened my eyes, knowing it’d would be the last time I’d see Coulson’s kind, soulful eyes.

I heard the sound of footsteps, and while Coulson turned to see who it was, I couldn’t tear my eyes off of him. 

I hadn’t known him for a year, and yet, he had become such an important figure in my life. I wanted to remember the details, how he’d gone out of his way to make me feel comfortable when healing Capsicle. How he’d covered for me when I’d accidentally spilled about Xaviers and my time there. How he’d comforted me when he learned about Logan. The way his eyes creased when he smiled. How every time I was uncomfortable in a conversation, he’d give me an entry point in his. How he’d made me feel safe in this otherwise terrifying situation.

How do you encapsulate what someone means to you? The depth at which they have changed your life, and the lasting impact they will never get to see? When the time comes, and you lose the words to tell them how much you care? The realization that they will never know how you treasured them.

“I’m sorry, Boss. They got rabbited.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Fury kneel on the other side of Coulson.

Taking Coulson’s hand in his own, he said, “Just stay awake. Eyes on me.” It was the first time I’d seen the director genuinely desperate.

“No. I’m clocked out here.”

“Not an option.” Fury fired back.

“It’s okay, Boss. This was never going to work… if they didn’t have something… to…” Coulson struggled with the last words, turning to me, he smiled and wheezed out his last breath.

[lemonnsss]

Saw a beautiful person with a beautiful fit earlier and thought Elliott would

Ref under cut

[lemonnsss]

Moral of the Story: Chapter 9

A/N: Sorry I took so long posting this, a family friend got diagnosed with terminal cancer and my grandpa died soooo… coping with humor right now.

Feedback is always appreciated!

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Taglist: @vicmc624 , @mostlymarvelgirl,@yvonneeeee, @beetlejuicesupremacy , @moonlightreader649 , @whattheduckisupkyle , @chrisevans-realwife , @nekoannie-chan , @mrsbarnes32557038 , @imyourbratzdoll , @weallhaveadestiny, @oldsoulmagic

Word Count: 2.3k

Steve and I walked onto the bridge. Three people stood out, with no sign of Tony.

"I see you found the runaway," the red-haired woman spoke.

"They weren't too far off. Only the other side of the plane." Steve replied, an air of laughter in his voice

"Well, it wasn't intentional," I said, perhaps a bit too defensively.

"At least I'm not the only one getting lost." A brunette man commented.

"Guess not. Oh- I'm Mr. Stark's secretary, Mx. Eirsson, Kyrie Eirsson."

"Eir? So you are a healer, no?" The tall blonde said expectantly.

"No, not really." I'm starting this off with a lie, lovely.

"Ledan Eirsson, I am Thor, son of Odin, Prince of Asgard." He extended his hand, a warm smile on his face.

"Prince...?" I worriedly glanced at Steve.

I looked back when Prince Sunshine over there started laughing, "Yes, although I would prefer if you called me Thor, just Thor."

"Pleasure to meet you, Thor."

Steve placed a hand on my shoulder, "That's Natasha," he gestured to the redhead which she promptly responded to with a curt smile, "she doesn't talk much."

And then there was one. He didn't notice until Natasha nudged him in the side.

"Oh, um. I'm Dr. Banner."

"Pleasure to meet'cha, Doc." A sound came from under the table, Steve quickly found a tablet with what seemed to be live footage from Loki's cage.

By the time I heard the first comprehendible piece of what Fury was saying my attention was grabbed by the hatch underneath Loki's cage being opened.

"Thirty-thousand feet down in a steel trap. You get how that works?" Fury closes the hatch with a press of a button on the control panel.

Fury outstretched his arm, gesturing to Loki, "Ant," then pointing to the control panel, "boot."

Loki smirked, "It's an impressive cage." he looked into the camera, "Not built, I think, for me."

"Built for something a lot stronger than you."

"Oh, I've heard."

The doctor seemed very tense, for what reason- I didn't know.

"The mindless beast, makes play he's still a man." Loki sauntered towards the camera, "How desperate are you that you call upon such lost creatures to defend you?"

“How desperate am I?” Fury set a hand on his hip, agitation growing in his voice, “You threaten my world with war. You steal a force you can’t hope to control. You talk about peace and you kill ‘cause it’s fun. You have made me very desperate. You might not be glad that you did.”

“Ooh. It burns you to come so close.” Loki began taunting Fury, “To have the Tesseract, to have power, unlimited power.” Loki smirked into the camera, “And for what? A warm light for all mankind to share, and then to be reminded what real power is.”

Fury forced a smile, “Well, let me know if ‘Real Power’ wants a magazine or something.”

Our room falls into an uncomfortable silence.

Fury walked away saying, “Well, let me know if ‘Real Power’ wants a magazine or something.”

“He really grows on you, doesn’t he?”

"Loki's gonna drag this out. So, Thor, what’s his play?”

Thor seemed distant as he responded, “He has an army called the Chitauri. They are not of Asgard or of any world known.” The Prince walked back to the table, “He means to lead them against your people. They will win him the earth. In return, I suspect for the Tesseract.”

“An army? From outer space?” Steve seemed to question what the fuck he’d been dragged into.

“He’s building another portal. That’s what he needs Erik Selvig for.”

Erik who?

“Selvig?” Why does Thor recognize this guy's name?

“He’s an astrophysicist.” The doctor explained.

“He’s a friend.” Thor asserted.

“Loki has him under some kind of spell, ”Natasha looked away, “along with one of ours.”

She really does speak. More importantly, she’s familiar with the agent Loki brainwashed.

“I wanna know why Loki let us take him.”

“I don't think we should be focusing on Loki. That guy's brain is a bag full of cats, you could smell crazy on him.” Banner was pushing it.

“Have care how you speak.” Thor said, anger rising in his voice, “Loki is beyond reason, but he is of Asgard, and he's my brother.”

So the Prince is a himbo with a temper, good to know.

“He killed eighty people in two days.” Oh.

“...He's adopted.” Ah, yes. That changes everything.

“Does he pose any threat? Just because he’s in a cage doesn’t mean he’s harmless.” I didn’t know if I’d just asked a dumbass question but it’s better to ask than have that as an unknown variable.

“No. There’s no way out from the inside, besides that, it’s built to withstand more than he can throw at it.” Natasha answered, seemingly knowing more than the rest.

“Iridium, what did they need Iridium for?”

Tony walked in, “It’s a stabilizing agent. Oh, Kyrie, been lookin’ for ‘ya.”

“Hey, Tony. Coulson?!” I got up and walked over to them, a beaming smile plastered on my face, “I had no idea you’d be here!”

Phil placed a hand on my shoulder, “I would have let you know if I had a way to contact you.”

“Guess I’m chopped liver.” Tony feigned hurt, before whispering the next bit, “Anyways, I’ll fly you there. Keep the love alive.” He spoke at full volume again, “Means the portal won't collapse on itself, like it did at SHIELD. No hard feelings, Point Break. You've got a mean swing. Also, it means the portal can open as wide, and stay open as long, as Loki wants.”

Tony walked over to what I can assume is Fury’s position on the Bridge, “Uh, raise the mid-mast, ship the topsails.” The crew looked at Tony like he’d grown a second head, “That man is playing GALAGA! Thought we wouldn't notice. But we did.” Tony covered one eye and looked around, “How does Fury do this?”

“He turns.” A female agent responded.

I looked at Phil, a light whisper escaping my lips, “Who is she?”

He leaned in, “That’s Agent Hill, sh’s Fury’s right hand.”

“Mhm… thank you.” I gave him a small smile.

Coulson grinned in response, “Never a problem.”

“Well, that sounds exhausting,” Tony said in the most annoying voice he could get away with. “Agent Barton can get his hands on pretty much easily. Only major component he still needs is a power source. A high energy density, something to kick start the cube.”

Agent Hill spoke again, “When did you become an expert in thermonuclear astrophysics?”

“Last night.” That I could attest to, “The packet, Selvig's notes, the Extraction Theory papers.” It’s always funny when Tony speaks seriously, most of the time I forget he’s a genius, “Am I the only one who did the reading?”

“No, you made me read them too.” I said with a pointed tone.

“Anyone else?” Tony said practically ignoring my comment.

“Does Loki need any particular kind of power source?”

“He's got to heat the cube to a hundred and twenty million Kelvin just to break through the Coulomb barrier.“

Ah, yes, words.

“Unless, Selvig has figured out how to stabilize the quantum tunneling effect.”

“Well, if he could do that he could achieve Heavy Ion Fusion at any reactor on the planet.”

Wow, those two were made for each other.

“Finally, someone who speaks English.”

Steve looked around, “Is that what happened?”

Tony and the doctor shook hands, “It's good to meet you, Dr. Banner. Your work on anti-electron collisions is unparalleled. And I'm a huge fan of the way you lose control and turn into an enormous green rage monster.”

Banner looked down, “Thanks.”

“Dr. Banner is only here to track the cube. I was hoping you might join him.” Fury says as he walks in.

“Let's start with that stick of his. It may be magical, but it works an awful lot like a HYDRA weapon.” Steve had an obvious bias and curiosity.

“I don't know about that, but it is powered by the cube. And I'd like to know how Loki used it to turn two of the sharpest men I know into his personal flying monkeys.”

“Monkeys? I do not understand-”

“-I do. I understood that reference.” Thor was cut off by Steve, obviously excited by the fact he understood some of our jargon.

“Shall we play, Doctor?” Tony asked.

“Let’s play some.” Banner responded.

After I waved to Phil I followed Tony and the doctor out of the bridge, hoping to not get lost again.

I had been sitting in a spare chair in the “Science Bro’s” lab for what felt like an eternity. Man, I regret not taking advanced science courses in uni.

“The gamma readings are definitely consistent with Selvig's reports on the Tesseract. But it's gonna take weeks to process.” Bruce, as I had learned, said.

“If we bypass their mainframe and direct a reroute to the Homer cluster, we can clock this around six hundred teraflops.” Tony replied.

The two of them had gotten into a groove. The sounds of the machines whirring in the background made great background noise, so I couldn’t really complain.

“All I packed was a toothbrush.”

“You know, you should come by Stark Towers sometime. Top ten floors, all R&D. You'd love it, it's candy land.”

“Thanks, but the last time I was in New York I kind of broke...Harlem.”

“Well, I promise a stress-free environment. No tension. No surprises.” Tony said as he poked Bruce with a mini-taser.

“OW!!”

Tony studied Bruce for a reaction, “Nothing?”

Steve walked in, “Hey! Are you nuts?”

Tony ignored Steve,” You really have got a lid on it, haven't you? What's your secret? Mellow jazz? Bongo drums? Huge bag of weed?”

“Is everything a joke to you?”

“Funny things are.”

“Threatening the safety of everyone on this ship isn't funny.” OH, HE DID NOT, “No offense, doctor.”

“No, it's alright. I wouldn't have come aboard if I couldn't handle pointy things.” God bless Dr. Bruce Banner.

“You're tiptoeing, big man. You need to strut.”

“As someone who used to work with far more dangerous people, and teach them too. I concur.”

“Kyrie?” Steve sounded surprised, “And you need to focus on the problem, Mr. Stark.”

“You think I'm not?” Tony pulled out a bag of blueberries from god knows where. “Why did Fury call us and why now? Why not before? What isn't he telling us? I can't do the equation unless I have all the variables.”

“You think Fury's hiding something?”

“He's a spy. Captain, he's the spy. His secrets have secrets. It's bugging him too, isn't it?”

“Can’t argue with Tony this time.”

“Uh...I just wanna finish my work here and…” Bruce fell silent.

“Doctor?”

“‘A warm light for all mankind’ Loki’s jab at Fury about the cube.”

“I heard it.”

“Well, I think that was meant for you. Even if Barton didn't post that all over the news.”

“The Stark Tower? That big ugly,” Tony shoots Steve a glare, “...building in New York?”

“It's powered by Stark Reactors, a self-sustaining energy source. That building will run itself for what, a year?” Bruce turned to Tony.

“That's just the prototype. I'm kind of the only name in clean energy right now.”

Bruce looked back at Steve while pointing to Tony, “So, why didn't SHIELD bring him in on the Tesseract project? I mean, what are they doing in the energy business in the first place?”

“I should probably look into that once my decryption programmer finishes breaking into all of SHIELD's secure files,” Tony mentions offhandedly.

Steve looked shocked, “I'm sorry, did you say...?”

I let out a breathy laugh, “Yup, it’s at least a weekly occurrence.”

“Jarvis has been running it since I hit the bridge. In a few hours we'll know every dirty secret SHIELD has ever tried to hide. Blueberry?”

“Yet you're confused about why they didn't want you around?”

“Oh, no. He’s fully aware, he just finds it funny.”

“An intelligence organization that fears intelligence? Historically, not awesome.”

“I think Loki's trying to wind us up. This is a man who means to start a war, and if don't stay focused, he'll succeed. We have orders, we should follow them.”

“Following is not really my style.” Tony ate a mouthful of blueberries.

“And you're all about style, aren't you?” Steve said, smiling.

“Of the people in this room, which one is; A. wearing a spangly outfit, and B. not of use?” Tony retorted.

“Steve, tell me none of this smells a little funky to you?” Banner tried to push Steve to think.

“Just find the cube.” Steve said before he walked out.

“Well, that went splendidly.” I laughed from my seat. The benefits of being a third party.

“That's the guy my dad never shut up about? Wondering if they shouldn't have kept him on ice.” Tony looked over at me only to be met with a glare.

“The guy's not wrong about Loki. He does have the jump on us.”

“What he’s got is an ACME dynamite kit. It's gonna blow up in his face, and I'm gonna be there when it does.”

“And I’ll read all about it.”

“Uh-uh. You’ll be suiting up like the rest of us.”

“Ah, see. I don't get a suit of armor. I'm exposed, like a nerve. It's a nightmare.”

“You know, I've got a cluster of shrapnel, trying every second to crawl its way into my heart.”

“And I knew a kid who could turn himself into a nuke.” Both of the men in the room looked at me, confusion written all over their faces.

“O-kay? Moving on. But you can control it.”

“Because I learned how.”

“It's different.”

“It doesn’t have to be. Not forever at least.” I tried to add, though they seemed to be stuck in their own world again.

“Hey, I've read all about your accident. That much gamma exposure should have killed you.”

“So you're saying that the Hulk... the other guy... saved my life? That's nice. It's a nice sentiment. Saved it for what?”

A moment passed, “I guess we’ll find out.”

“You might not like that.” Banner sounded scared, scared of himself and scared of whoever the ‘other guy’ was.

“You just might.” I trained Tony well.

[lemonnsss]

Having some family-related issues right now, but I’m going to cut chapter 9 in half to get a chapter to y’all a bit faster

Look, I know I haven't published anything MotS-related since May... but I have chapter 9 coming and it's gonna have a ~minimum~ of 5k words... whoops.

[lemonnsss]

Look, I know I haven't published anything MotS-related since May... but I have chapter 9 coming and it's gonna have a ~minimum~ of 5k words... whoops.

[lemonnsss]

The Original Avengers (+ Loki) play Kirby’s Return to Dreamland

Clint-

Has most definitely been dragged into playing on the Wii before by his kids

He’s probably the best player on the team

That is until he starts talking shit in which everyone gangs up on him

“C’mon guys, it’s just a joke!”

Tony-

He thought it would be easy, I mean, he works on much more intricate and difficult things on a day-to-day basis. Why should this be different? It’s a children's game.

He is, quite literally, the worst. 

That is until Clint eggs him on, then he becomes a try-hard (and is actually pretty good).

“Damn Clint, maybe if you’re this bad you should just pass on the controller, I’d be happy to trade you.”

He’s an ass

Natasha-

She chooses not to participate

Grabs popcorn and watches as the chaos unfolds

Grabs Clint after he gets mad at Tony

Sees where the gears are but doesn’t tell, leaving everyone looking around like idiots trying to find the gears

Bruce-

This man does not care

He’s okay but hands the remote to Loki when he’s done

Sits by Natasha & talks with her while the others are arguing

“It’s not exactly my kind of game.”

Loki-

I think he visits Earth every couple of years- or gets banished lol- just to see what’s going on

Has played the prequel(?) game ‘Kirby’s Dream Land’

Gets a little excited when he sees there are powers now

When he gets the controller he’s so “randomly” good at it, it pisses Tony and Clint off

“Why are you all so, pissy, it’s a game intended for children. Of course it’s easy.”

(Edit: Whenever he plays as Pink Kirby he plays well until the very end of a difficult stage where he kills off his character before they kill the boss… this man lives on chaos)

Thor-

All fine and good until he panicked and accidentally broke the controller

He was banned from playing after that

Eats some pop-tarts while laughing at his friends’ reactions (and fighting)

Steve-

Has no idea what’s going on

Accidentally killed the pink Kirby like, eight times, before they took away his controller

He really has no idea what’s going on, he’s just enjoying the team getting a little lively

“Hey, let’s calm down now. It’s just a game.” he says before getting pointed in the face with a pillow (Natasha threw it)

[lemonnsss]

‼️ATTENTION TUMBLR USERS‼️

📺 🚨 Emergency Broadcast 🚨 📺

+reminder to turn the prevent 3rd party sharing button ON not off as shown in last pic ;)

[lemonnsss]

I think I survived finals…? I might have to re-take physics though, but otherwise I’m good

[lemonnsss]

Moral of the Story: Chapter 8

Warnings: Mild tangent based off of an actual conversation I had (I'm actually from D.C. so this was fun), one singular bad pun- it deserves its own warning, and probably strained warning.

Feedback is always appreciated

MotS Masterlist

Taglist: @vicmc624 , @mostlymarvelgirl , @yvonneeeee, @beetlejuicesupremacy , @moonlightreader649 , @whattheduckisupkyle , @chrisevans-realwife, @nekoannie-chan , @mrsbarnes32557038 , @imyourbratzdoll , @weallhaveadestiny

Word Count: 1.8k

“Apologies but until you had agreed and were here it was still considered confidential.”

“O-okay, um, where- or how should I start?”

The director stood across the bed from me, eyebrows furrowed, the room filled with silence apart from the constant, steady beeps of the machinery.

“How the hell should I know? You’re the one with the super-abilities.”

“Right, sorry, that was dumb. Do you know if any of his internal organs were damaged when he went under? Or have you had the chance to run any tests yet?”

“I’m sorry, what crash are we talking about?” Tony said, still standing in the doorway.

Fury pinched the bridge of his nose in annoyance before responding, “When the Captain here decided to take a trip twenty thousand leagues under the sea he was in a, shall we say, pseudo-nazi aircraft with a fixed route on its way to the states. His options were to let the ship take its course and let millions die or take a nosedive, he took the latter, rather obviously. Speaking of,” the attention turned to me, “how did you know that?”

“Sir, I’m a licensed teacher from pre-k to high school- I’m not by any means immune to misinformation; although, I do have a bit more knowledge on the topic than most people- not to mention my…” my mind trailed off for a moment before coming back, “former colleague taught history, rather fitting as he lived through it, too.”

His one eye began to look me up and down, “Remind me, where did you work last? Aside from with the X-Men that is.”

There was an uncertainty in his voice that made the agents who went down the elevator with us glance at each other nervously. What I had seen twice in my less-than-a-day stint of knowing this man seemed uncommon or unsettling for those who had known him longer.

“I don’t believe I said. Besides, doesn’t your file on me say?” We were both fishing for information, a push and pull I’d grown adjusted to on the flight over.

He remained silent, motioning one of the residents to come over.

“S-so we ran s-some tests-,” he took a moment to breathe and calm himself down, he spoke with a light stutter, likely to have been more prevalent in his earlier years. It sounded like he had gotten speech therapy, and was likely better, nervous, but better, “a lot of the scans were, well are, useless. His blood, everything about him really, was frozen, barely mobile. So the extent of the internal injuries he potentially sustained upon impact is uncertain. I sent for some new prints of the scans we took last week, but they haven’t come in yet; they’ll probably arrive today but it’s pretty touch and go sometimes.” He finished talking with a meek smile, likely proud of how he handled the situation.

“You did the scans last week and they’re only coming in today?” I could feel the look of confusion that overtook my face, he chuckled lightly and rubbed his neck.

“Yeah, we don’t have the equipment to produce the scans here so we send them over to the hospital over in Takoma Park to print- they have the most up-to-date machinery, and they were the only ones willing to work with us privately- so it takes a bit of time.”

“Perks of D.C., eh? Either have the most outrageous tax or go out of district.”

“Exactly! Say, did you grow up ‘round here?”

“No, up in Salem. I used to teach. I planned enough ‘government trips’ to last a few lifetimes.”

I could’ve sworn I heard him mutter a few “cool” s under his breath before he spoke up again, “It was nice getting to talk with you, but I kinda have some other patients I gotta check up on.” he moved by Fury, a “sir” slipping out as he passed and a little wave to me as he left.

The four who accompanied me in the elevator looked at each other, all but Tony practically questioning if this was normal for me.

The director cleared his throat, calling my attention back over to him, "When can you start?"

"Oh! Any time. I was only wondering how badly he was hurt so I can give you my best estimation for how long it'll take me to finish this."

“Will this not be a one-time excursion?”

“...No? Not likely.”

I was done with conversing, done with this nonsense. Placing my hand on the captain’s chest the area where we touched began to glow with a golden hue- I’d always been told my eyes did the same. It was unlike healing Tony a year ago- I didn’t have to rush, it wasn’t life or death- I could take my time and triage.

His biggest issue was hypothermia, unsurprisingly. I felt the cold move through his body to mine. A deep chill settled in my bones.

I pulled away, “Do you know if there’s a heating pad somewhere? Or something like it?” I hadn’t looked at them, afraid of how they would react. A few seconds of silence passed before I turned to them- Tony looked confused, maybe he didn’t see what my powers looked like, and he probably had some blood loss going on at the time; Fury stood unwavering with the smallest tent in his brow, but then again who could read him; the male agent who’d gone with us was standing, mouth slightly agape; and the female agent was gone slipped out without a sound- weird.

She looked like she’d be the ‘hard-ass’ type despite her being, what, 5’3”-5’4”. She was maybe Tony’s age, though it was difficult to tell, her seemingly ageless golden skin a potential factor, Tony’s substance abuse didn’t exactly help his cause though.

She walked back in, a wired heating pad in hand, she lifted it in the air inquisitively before tossing it to me.

“Thank you, Agent-”

“It’s no problem.” She cut me off gruffly.

I set the heating pad up in a chair and sat down, placing my hand back on the captain, and, over a few hours, I healed him as much as I could before returning to the hotel for the night. A comfortable cycle that lasted for a few months.

I walked into S.H.I.E.L.D.’s office for what would likely be the last time, at least soon.

I walked up to the agents who had escorted me on my first day- Agents May and Coulson I’d learned.

“Ready for your last day?” Coulson asked a melancholic tone laced his voice.

“Are you excited to be done with babysitting me?” I teased.

I’d gotten more comfortable around Coulson, though it wasn’t exactly difficult with his rather ‘easy-going’ nature, and comfortable enough around Agent May to talk to her. We walked along the rather familiar path to Captain Rogers’ room. I made quick work of healing what remained of his injuries.

He still wasn’t awake. For whatever reason I thought Cap would wake up when I had finished healing him.

Coulson and I talked for a while before heading to the entrance once I’d gotten word back from Tony that his chauffeur was there to pick me up.

“I’m gonna miss you, kid.” he whispered, pulling me into a side hug.

“I’ll miss you too, Phil.” I replied, “ It was nice getting to know you, Agent-”

“May, call me May.” She cut me off, “And, unless you quit within the next year we’ll probably see you soon. Stark has an odd habit of getting in trouble with almost anyone and everyone.” 

“I’ll miss you too.”

A car horn was blaring outside for a minute and I knew it was Tony, “Guess that’s my cue, goodbye.” I sent them a soft smile and a wave before I got in the car.

A few months passed by with ease with the Stark Expo taking up more time and paperwork than I could’ve imagined. I walked in one day to see Coulson in Tony’s office.

“Phil? Oh my gosh, it’s so good to see you! What’s got you across the country?”

“It’s good to see you too, kid. I’m here because S.H.I.E.L.D. is requesting Mr. Stark’s presence.” He spoke rather cooly about Tony, a stark contrast to his normal.

“TONY! Did you break the Geneva Convention?!” Tony looked at me speechless, feigning hurt I would even think of it, Coulson stood beside me struggling and barely holding back a chuckle.

“No, unfortunately not. ‘We’ need to borrow him, more specifically the ‘Iron Man’ suit. As I was saying before, we have a helicarrier waiting for your arrival.”

“Okay, Tony. Please, stop being a bitch and get your shit. You’re lucky they step in enough to keep you out of prison for some likely war criminal activity. Suck it up and grab your bags.” I walked to Tony’s desk and put down his coffee before walking into my office and grabbing the duffel I had stuffed in the corner of the room.

I walked back out, “Where’d you say the plane was?”

Coulson showed me to the plane where we waited for about twenty minutes before Tony walked over with his bags. We piled in and got up to the helicarrier, a giant airbase I was told was legal.

May was waiting for us on deck and showed me to my room before leaving me to unpack.

I had to have been walking through those damn near identical hallways for half an hour before giving up.

After yelling into my hands I spoke, to no one but myself, “How do people even get around these things? It’s a whole death trap, I swear.”

“Exactly!” A voice called out from behind me. I turned around to find a familiar face, Captain America, “I guess you don’t work here either?”

“Oh, um, no. You couldn’t pay me to stay on this thing.”

He laughed revealing a warm smile that fit his beautiful, angel-like face perfectly.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Steve Rogers.”

“Kyrie Eirsson- I’m Mr. Stark’s personal assistant.”

I saw his eyes widen in recognition at the second half, “Oh! You’re the person I’m supposed to find.”

“What? Oh, fuck, that’s embarrassing.” I held my face in my hands, my face flushing furiously, I moved my fingers to see the Captain’s face. He stood across from me, face turned away, fist in front of his mouth in a failing attempt to hide his wide grin.

“In any case, Stark’s having a fit without you on the bridge. Shall we?” He held out his arm for me to take.

“I disappear for what, forty-fifty minutes and he goes nuts without me, shocker.” I took his arm gleefully, laughing at how ridiculous the situation was.

[lemonnsss]

Moral of the Story: Chapter 7

Warnings: None, I think... (slight coercion?? maybe??)

MotS Masterlist

Taglist: @vicmc624 , @mostlymarvelgirl , @yvonneeeee, @beetlejuicesupremacy , @moonlightreader649 , @whattheduckisupkyle , @chrisevans-realwife, @nekoannie-chan , @mrsbarnes32557038 , @imyourbratzdoll , @weallhaveadestiny

Word Count: 1.1k

“My name is Director Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. a secret division of the U.S. government. And around this time last year, someone hacked our system. The only person with the capability to do that is Mr. Stark here. There were a few search queries we were able to recover. They were all related to superhuman abilities that can heal or transfer physical harm. Around then, the ‘X-Men' vigilante team started slowing down, switching out their strongest members with a noticeable lack of two of their constants, Cyclops and Lifemender.” Director Fury remained still, arms crossed.

Crap. He knows everything, down to the name I was given, “I-I’m sorry, I don't believe I follow.”

“You are Lifemender, Mx.-”

“Kyrie. Call me Kyrie. Just, please, stop butchering my last name.”

“My apologies, Mx. Kyrie.” His voice rang with sarcasm, intentional or not. He walked about a third of the distance between where he stood initially and where I stood while extending his arm gesturing to me, “We at S.H.I.E.L.D. need your, unique abilities. We recently found an operative who has been missing for quite some time. We recovered him about a month ago, but he’s still unconscious. That is where you come to play.” 

“Let me guess, you want me to what- make him conscious?”

“Basically.”

“I can’t do that.”

“I’m sorry, this isn’t a request.”

“No. As in I physically cannot bring him back into consciousness. I can heal physical injuries and illnesses, but what you’re asking of me isn’t something my powers can do.”

“Well, if that’s all you came to ask- leave.” Tony piped up, moving from behind his desk to his mini bar, drink in hand.

“Unfortunately, due to your past helping a vigilante organization I’m afraid it’s between this and prison.” Tony choked on his drink, “You don’t need to wake up the agent. All you have to do is one- sign an NDA and two- show up and do what you can. If things don’t work out the way the science geeks want I won’t hold you accountable but your participation is required.”

“Okay.” I breathed heavily, fidgeting with my hands, “If this doesn't work none of the fire will be blown back my way?”

“Everyone involved has already signed an NDA regarding what happens while on site. I know what happened in Milan, if someone has loose lips they will be taken care of. You will be as safe as I can promise.” I was trembling, on one hand, this could lead to another purge of mutants, I could be tested on again, or maybe I could just go to prison, “I know damn well your shoes are not that interesting.”

“The last time I was involved with the U.S. Government I was tested on and treated with less dignity than a sewer rat. How am I supposed to know that it won’t happen again? That all of this isn’t just an elaborate path to resume your testing?”

“I’m sorry, testing-” Tony tried to speak.

“Trask, his associates, and all personnel who supported Trask’s actions have been terminated and replaced.”

I couldn't help but chuckle, he must be used to having the information that when there’s a gap he doesn’t even know to fill, “I’m aware. Are you aware that I’m twenty-six?”

Silence filled the room, I couldn’t tell if the director was trying to piece together this puzzle or do the mental math.

“Can someone explain what is happening?” Tony spoke, finally getting a full sentence, “Trask was a businessman in the late sixties-early seventies before he was found selling national secrets to foreign offices. What does he have to do with- well, whatever this is?”

Fury and I both shifted to face Tony, “Mr. Stark, that is the public reason for his removal and imprisonment. Not to say they were false accusations, but he was far more involved with the Government than most know. Bolivar Trask was conducting highly-illegal experiments for the U.S., of which all subjects were of the genetic group known as ‘mutants’. He was ousted after a mutant saved the president’s life.”

“Okay, but then Kyrie was born a decade and a half after Trask got-“

“I understand that. But if it wasn’t Trask then who”

“Does it matter now?”

“It does, but not as much as getting you to the triskelion.”

“Then let’s go.”

After spending the rest of the day packing, then on a five-hour flight, topped with a thirty-minute drive, I stood in front of a behemoth of a building. Three concrete columns, joined together by a central cylinder in what must look like a radiation symbol from above.

The three of us, and the redoubtable presence of the two men’s security teams. As we crossed the bridge over the river leading into the facility the Director spoke, “This is the triskelion. You’ll be working in one of the secure underground levels. If that's alright?”

“I’ll be fine, I think. Probably…”

Tony practically huffed behind me, followed by a noticeable uptick in his pace to walk in front of the director and me, “Well then, if you’re fine with it, I’d like to hurry this along. I will need my secretary for a fair bit of work.”

“Calm your shit, Stark. My business with Mx. Eirsson.”

 “Then let’s get this over with.” I walked past Tony and towards the lobby.

From even a few yards off I could see the inside of the building, the first visible story was somewhere between millennial gray and beige, but as soon as the front doors I saw the second story was painted black with natural wood accents- the opposite wall an off-white painted brick- sleek and withdrawn.

After all my ogling Tony nudged me with his shoe to let me know I was falling behind. I followed him and the director towards an elevator that, apparently, had a keycard reader. The heavy metal doors opened with pristine smoothness Tony and the director stepped in after a moment I stepped into the elevator with them, two MIB-looking men stepping in with us, and watched the director as he pressed the button labeled B3.

The descent was silk-smooth, the stop slight and subtle before the doors opened into a sterile, metal corridor. Director Fury walked through the twists and turns of the passage with efficiency- I struggled to keep up with him, almost hitting a few corners along the way- before he opened a door and motioned for me.

I walked through the doorframe into a flat, white room. There was a medical bed in the middle of the room, surrounded by hospital machines, occupied by an almost-too-tall blonde man I recognized from Logan's lectures.

"Director?"

"Yes? Is there a problem?"

I turned to face him, "You never said my 'patient' was Steve Rogers, Captain Rogers, Captain America..."

[lemonnsss]

_  YOU’RE STUCK WITH ME (chapter five)

Main Navigation || Series Masterlist Please follow @your-eternal-library for all my fanfiction updates.

Pairing — Steve Rogers x f!Reader Summary — As his perfectly normal civilian neighbour, you’ve always been secretly curious about the Captain. Getting to know him while trapped together in your building’s elevator, however, definitely wasn’t on the agenda.

Warnings — None.

YOU’RE STUCK WITH ME

CHAPTER FIVE BRIGHT LIGHTS AND CITYSCAPES

The silence in the elevator is as thick as a slab of cheesecake, suffocatingly sweet and just a little too much. It’s just then, right on cue as if to save Steve from the quiet, that your stomach decides to voice its own complaints—a growl so loud that it could have been mistaken for an incoming subway train. 

“Ugh,” you groan, pressing a hand against your traitorous belly. “Of all the times to be reminded that I skipped lunch.” 

Steve grins, but wipes it off his face instantly when your head snaps up to glare at him. He keeps a straight face, even as you stare intently at him for a few more seconds. 

“Don’t say a word,” you warn, though your mouth twitches, threatening to smile. He mimes zipping his lips shut, dropping his shield of seriousness to reveal a more playful side that he normally keeps hidden. “I would literally kill for some migas right now. What are you in the mood for?” 

“Oh, I’m sorry, I’m allowed to talk now?” Steve replies, his voice tinged with the lilt of a challenge. 

“Would you just—” you groan in irritation, rolling your eyes. “Anything to distract me right now, please?” 

Steve thinks for a bit, his culinary adventures admittedly very boring. He decides to go with something that always stuns people when they hear it, “I’ve never had Thai food.” 

You squeak in surprise. “No.” 

“Well,” he begins slowly, choosing his words with care. “I’ve been kind of out of the loop, so to speak, for quite some time.” 

“You poor, taste-deprived man.” He bites the inside of his cheek to keep from smiling as your mouth falls open in mock horror, your hand flying to your chest as if wounded by the very thought. 

“Hey, I’m catching up,” he says defiantly, his tone a mixture of bashfulness and resolve. “There’s just so much to try, and it’s not like I haven’t eaten anything memorable.” 

“Enlighten me,” you tilt your head to the side, smirking as you lean against the wall of the elevator. 

“There was this one slice of pizza—” 

“Stop right there,” you interject, your eyes widening with sparks reminiscent of Fourth of July fireworks. “Did you just say pizza?” 

Steve searches through the mental dusty attic filled with cobweb covered memories, “There was this place called Antonio’s, just around the corner from where Times Square is now. Classic spot back in the 40s.” 

“Antonio’s?” You scoff playfully. “That place is such a tourist trap now. The real deal is at Luigi’s in Little Italy. Family owned, hole-in-the-wall place. I’m telling you, their pizza could run for mayor.” 

“Luigi’s, huh?” Steve echoes, an amused grunt escaping him. “Can’t imagine it topping the pie that fuelled me during the war.” 

“Hey! That’s not fair, I can’t possibly compare anything to that!” Your laugh ricochets off the metal walls, bouncing against the crumbling walls around his heart. “You’ve been iced too long, Steve. Luigi’s will have your taste buds surrendering in no time.” 

“Strong words,” he says, his own cynical amusement growing. “But I doubt they can compete with a slice that’s practically historic.” 

“Trust me,” you are all hand gestures now, painting the air with your passion for a pizza supremacy. “The crust is like the perfect handshake—warm, firm, but inviting. Oh my god, and the cheese is so good I swear it could broker world peace. And that sauce? It’s like the first blush of true love spread over dough.” 

“And here I thought you were a cynic,” Steve laughs, incredulous but intrigued as you continue to describe each detail. He can’t help but smile at your animated display, finding your zeal both endearing and slightly comical. 

“I can be a romantic,” you declare, your eyes alight with the passion of a true foodie. “When it comes to food, that is. Especially food that can make you feel like you’re falling in love on a gondola ride—rich, hearty, and oh-so-romantic with every bite of flour, cheese, and tomato.” 

Who knew that beneath that unassuming exterior lay a poet laureate of pizza? 

As the two of you talk food, Steve watches as your hands cut through the air, your fingers orchestrating an invisible symphony of flavours and spices. Your eyes sparkle with mischief and mirth as you sing praises to your worldly culinary indulgences. 

He’s struck by how effortlessly you bring the scents and tastes to life, your descriptions so rich and enticing that his own stomach rumbles in complicity. 

“Seriously, Steve,” you say, punctuating your point with a jab in the air, “if you don’t try pad kra pow the minute you’re out of here, you’re not just missing out, okay? You’re practically committing a crime against your poor taste buds.” 

“Is that right?” The corners of his mouth lift in amusement. “I don’t know. It looks spicy.” 

“Noooo,” you whine, letting out an adorable huff in frustration. “The spice is what ties it all together! Leaving it out would be criminal, you know? But if you’re really scared, you can ask them to omit the chiles.” 

“Hey now,” Steve retorts with a half-grin, his arms crossing over his normally comfortable grey t-shirt that suddenly feels too tight in the whimsical atmosphere. “Who says I’m scared?” 

“It’s okay, Steven,” you shoot back, saluting him mockingly. “We don’t want to upset your tummy now, do we?” 

“Alright, you know what?” He can’t help but rise to your immature challenge, glancing over at you with a playful raise of his brows. And the words are out before he can stop them: “When we’re out of here, we’re going for Thai and I’ll show you.” 

You both freeze. For one horrifying minute, the seconds tick by agonizingly slow. Steve swallows hard; did he just technically ask out a woman for the first time in eighty years? 

But any thoughts of reneging soon dissipates like smoke in the air. 

“Deal.”

Chapter 4 || Chapter 6

Notes — Great, now I'm hungry! 😝

[lemonnsss]

Hello, do you want to know if we continue with the moral of the story?

Yes! I will continue with Moral of the Story.

I’ve unintentionally taken a little break because of some health problems (mental and physical) and it being my last quarter and stressing so hard about that.

Chapter 7 is partway done but still needs some work.

Yours truly,

Lemonnsss.

(P.S. I had no idea it had been that long since I had posted I’m so sorry, I swear I’m not dead okay 😭)