He Knows - Simon Ghost Riley Pt. 4

He Knows - Simon “Ghost” Riley Pt. 4

Hi there, this is a series about Simon Riley from COD. This series does not follow any of the established plots or timelines from the games. While I use the names of some characters, they are different from the ones in COD.

Summary: You’re held captive by 141 for reasons unknown.

Word count: 1940

Pairing: Simon “Ghost” Riley x Reader

Warnings: military setting, violence, use of guns, explicit language.

I hear panicked shouts from the halls outside the room. The men only just got back from their mission a couple of minutes ago. Soap said he’d be back to get me in ten after they unpacked, but it’s been at least twice as long and their voices have me worried something is wrong. Then everything quiets down for about two minutes before an array of gunfire opens up across the tiny building.

Continuar lendo

the send-off | steve rogers

summary | Being his best friend and assistant, Howard Stark asked you to be the first one to be tested on his time machine project. After some unexpected errors, you ended up stuck in the modern times of the 21st century. Where you meet the man you thought died years ago: Steve Rogers.

pairing/s | steve rogers x reader, avengers x reader

genres | angst, fluff, crack, time travel au, unrequited love au

warnings | will be specified in each chapter

note | This one happened in another universe. Everyone is alive and well. And this will be my first fic here so... please go easy with me 😬 Asks are always open for feedback and questions :)

1 — The Test Trial

When Howard asked you to be the first one to try his new invention, you did not expect to be thrown into the future with almost no chance of coming back and being stuck in a time with the so-called Avengers.

2 — The Arrival

You are in the 21st century with brand-new and a couple of familiar faces in front of you. Howard is nowhere to be found. Steve was informed of the arrival of a certain woman.

3 — Welcome!

New people. New room. New clothes. New home.

4 —

5 —

6 —

DRABBLES

not listening - Steve tried to explain himself to you after you saw him with Private Lorraine, only for you to be distracted by something else.

THE SEND-OFF TAGLIST [usernames in bold means can't be tagged, will be removed if not fixed.]

@supraveng @sunflower-golden-vol6 @curi0usc4t @caitlyn-who @bitchy-bi-trash @stilltoomuchafangirl @matisse556 @gitasor @ladybug05 @sunwoahkim @meanttobea @j69confessional2 @thenyxsky @maximoffmaxipad @swthxrry @justab-eautifulmess @7minutes-tomidnight @curlycarley @thefalconandthewinterwidowshield @wisepenguin @shatfairy @coffeeshub @stillthatbetch @cosmicgirls-things @sabrinaselina55 @mediocre-m @learning-howto-be-myselfx3 @mrsjaderogers @themerc-with-a-mouth @slutdreams @mrbutterbunz @royalwritersoftheuniverses @yunloyal @avengersinitiative2012 @mariaelizabeth21-blog1 @noodle81937 @madnessinwrighting @lilizia @saintmagx @evanswife1918 @saranghaey @elmphoenix17 @animegirlgeeky @t-stark35

PERMANENT TAGLIST

@rosedpetal

---

Anything IV (König x Reader)

Summary: A lack of information from the chain of command results in König mistaking you for an enemy sniper.

Requested by: Literally fucking everyone.

A/N: WHY WAS THIS SO HARD TO WRITE???

Category: Angst || Hurt/Comfort || Forced Proximity || Enemies to ?

Warnings: Graphic language

PREVIOUS CHAPTER

You were exhausted. 

Sleeping was a luxury that you couldn't afford, not that you hadn't been trying. You weren't fond of the night terrors that came to visit whenever you closed your eyes. They were the worst part of it all, you thought. 

It was early, too early for training but, nonetheless, you slowly crawled from your bed. It didn't take long to get ready but it did take time to pull yourself from the mirror. 

You couldn't stop staring at the reflection. Saying that it was you staring back seemed far-fetched in all honesty- the creature you observed was unrecognizable. You considered some makeup to cover the bruising, but there was nowhere to hide the ragged divots in your face, dragged through by your own nails. 

You couldn't hide a swollen nose, puffy eyes and a busted mouth. Your jaw was ballooned, and although the stitches were finally out from your face- the scars remained. You decided that no amount of money could hide your ugliness. Everyone knew what you looked like, everyone knew how fucking disgusting you were. It was almost more embarrassing to try and hide it, than to embrace it and pretend that you didn't care. 

But you did. You cared too much. 

You threw on some sweatpants and a hoodie, your training gear hidden beneath. You needed coffee- you needed something. Anything to get your blood moving in your body and force some adrenaline through your system.

You were so early.

You didn't want to go. 

You'd been attempting to train with König for a couple of weeks now, never engaging in conversation and never looking him in the eye. Ghost had volunteered himself to chaperone your sessions and since then you'd been able to work more comfortably, though you knew it was selfish. 

It was nobody's job to have to babysit you. This was an elite fucking task force, the best of the best and you had to be nursed back into health by one of the most renowned soldiers in the British Special Forces. It was embarrassing for everyone, to say the least. You felt disgusting, you felt pathetic- though, you supposed that's exactly what you were. 

Fucking pathetic. 

You'd expected the gym to be dark, the lights off and abandoned at this early hour. Especially on a Saturday, there was no one at work. Those who lived on base  would usually leave the night before to go drinking or camping, crawling back in shame on the Sunday afternoon. Ghost would be around but this early in the morning you knew he'd be out on his motorcycle, waiting for the sunrise to light up the highway. 

Upon further inspection, you realized that the door was open. The blinds were still down but the light was on, illuminating the hallway you stood in. There was a low hum from inside, melodic and seamless. You raised a brow as you approached, peering into the doorway. 

Your heart skipped a beat at the sight of König. 

The beast was leaned over, singing a wordless tune that you didn't recognise, voice as smooth as silk. He was laying out the foam mats, running his fingers over the raised surface until it was completely flat. Finally, the sniper stood straight to observe his handiwork with a nod. 

He was larger than life when he stretched his arms over his head, groaning at the movement. Some part of you, deep down, was in awe of his sheer size. The other, more dominant, part of you reminded you that he'd been too big for you to stop. 

You were frozen in place, unable to move and unable to take a breath in fear that he'd hear you. König's senses were sharp and the slightest noise would tip him off to your gawking. 

When he sat down on the bench with a solemn sigh, your blood began to simmer beneath your skin. 

"Did you want to come in, Birdy?" König's voice was gentle but you still jumped at the sound of it. A gasp slipped from your lips at the exposure and he tilted his head at the noise, leaning his elbows against his knees. 

Your mouth dried. How did he know that you were there? You hadn't made a sound. 

"Not particularly," you cleared your throat, as he pulled the balaclava from over his head. Dark hair spilled from beneath the fabric, messy and thick. He never kept a mask on when you were around, regardless of whether it was a balaclava or that damned hood. 

"I thought we were past this," he sighed, putting the mask down by his side. He never turned to face you, giving you the option to leave without the pressure of his gaze. 

I thought we were past this. 

Heat flushed through your system like a volcanic eruption, originating in your chest and shooting across your nerves. 

"Past you ruining my life?" You offered as calmly as you could manage. "No. No, I'm actually not past it."

"I meant," König corrected firmly, turning around to face you with narrowed eyes, "are we not past this." 

While he didn't say anything different, the meaningful stare told you enough. 

Are we not past you coming inside every time, even though you say that you won't? 

You stared at him for a long moment, that emerald gaze unwavering. It was nothing like what you'd seen that night, he was a completely different person. You wondered when he would snap, you wondered when you would snap. 

You saw hints of the man you'd encountered sometimes during sparring, never with you but occasionally with Simon. He targeted König, always making a point to put him on his ass but a part of you wonders if the soldier was letting him do it. It was almost too easy sometimes, as though the man had just given up halfway through. 

You stepped through the doorway tentatively, eyes never leaving König's. He held his body so still that you wondered if he was breathing, reminding you of the way a snake freezes before it strikes. 

You moved to the other side of the mats, sitting down on the bench opposite your partner. 

"I figured you'd be up," König rubbed the back of his neck, his shoulders relaxing the second you took a seat. "I got you a coffee." 

You blinked at him. 

"What?" 

"I got you a coffee?" The words were uncertain now as he leaned back slightly. He gestured towards the cup tray beside him, two drinks in foam cups steaming at his side. 

You couldn't force a response from your lips- you couldn't do anything, really, other than gawk at him. Why he'd gone out of his way to get you a coffee was beyond you, obviously he was guilty but you'd made it clear you wanted none of his pity. 

"Don't overthink it, Birdy," König raised a brow. "It's a coffee. Just take it." 

"Yeah," you rasped. "Yeah."

But you didn't move. 

Your limbs felt like they'd been filled with lead, your heart beating against your ribs violently. Grabbing the coffee shouldn't have been an issue, getting up is not difficult, so why were you not responding to mental commands? You felt helpless, the realization that your mind and body were no longer yours to control- rather you were ruled by fear that you couldn't grasp. 

You clenched your jaw tightly.

Move, Birdy. 

The Austrian tightened his lips awkwardly, fingers running through his hair like an anxiety tic. The both of you sat in uncomfortable silence before finally he reached for the cup, standing to his feet. 

You remained deathly still as he approached, stopping a safe distance away before he stretched his hand out. The semblance to extending an olive branch was too obvious not to take note, although you'd be the first to snap any branches this man offered. 

But this wasn't some stupid peace twig. This was coffee. König had bought you a drink. You just needed to take it, you needed to move. 

Move, Birdy. 

"It's just a coffee," the man offered you a weak smile but you could see the apprehension in his gaze. He was wondering if you were going to break, every fiber of his being preparing to restrain you if you had another episode. 

If you had another psychotic break over a fucking cup of coffee, you'd be out of the 141 for good. 

Move, Birdy. 

It's just coffee. 

"It's just a coffee," you whispered. 

Your fingers wrapped around the cup, the heat jarring from your thoughts. König let loose a shaky sigh that you knew you weren't meant to hear. You'd become so unstable that even the man who had destroyed you was afraid. 

Your skin brushed against his as you forced yourself to tighten your grip, the brief touch electrifying and jarring. 

He snatched his hand away as though you'd burnt him with the contact. It wasn't like you'd never touched beyond the incident, you sparred with him nearly every day. But that was sparring, this was not. 

König took a seat, his gaze averted and his nails digging into the bench. You took the first sip, eyes never leaving his form. 

Just a coffee, Birdy. 

You took another swig,  reminding yourself to taste the drink. You thought of the texture, the temperature, the flavor- anything to ground you from your thoughts and drag you back to reality. When your mind began to settle and you could finally register the taste, your eyes widened. 

It was exactly your order. 

You almost choked.  

Before you could ask anything of it, the soldier returned his attention to rest on you, briefly taking in your visage. He was still concerned, the twist of his mouth clearly apprehensive. 

"We've never really spoken about what happened," König rasped, the vulnerable tremor in his voice ringing clear. 

Your spine straightened and the cup creaked beneath your grip. 

"Because I don't want to talk about what happened."

"You can't avoid it forever, Birdy," the man bit, sharp and surprising. You leaned away from him, taken aback by the frustration woven through his tone. He always made an effort to be calm and speak in dulcet tones, going against his nature to appear disarming  wherever he could help it. 

The smouldering coals in his gaze reminded you that König was neither soft nor gentle.

"No," you snapped, "but I can avoid talking about it with you."

König grit his teeth. 

"Who else was there, Birdy?" He hissed, leaning his elbows onto his knees. The question was rhetorical but you almost felt compelled to answer him.  Those jade  eyes flashed with a bitterness that you couldn't understand, intense and pleading. "It was me and you and no one else."

"What do you want me to say, König?" You spat, standing to your feet. Rage blistered through your being, buzzing beneath your skin and electrifying your nerves. You wanted to throttle him, you wanted to grab him and shake him until it finally shut him up. 

"I want you to just listen to me," the soldier implored, moving to stand but thinking better of it. You saw his hesitation, the understanding that once he stood up it wouldn't be a conversation it would be intimidation. 

Shut up. 

"I don't want to hear a word from your fucking mouth," you growled, pointing an accusatory finger at his frozen silhouette. "Unless it's to get me back on the job that you stole, I don't want to hear a thing from you."

Just shut up. 

"I'm trying to fucking apologise, Birdy!" 

Shut up. Shut up. Shut up. 

"Just shut up!"  Your voice had escalated into a barely legible scream, storming towards the seated beast. You pushed through the barriers of his personal space, but König stayed solid, his eyes hard and his mouth set. 

You were toe to toe, nose to nose and eye to eye. 

Your mouth twisted into a sneer. 

"You think you can buy me coffee and that's it, we're friends?" Your voice was low, and your fingers dug into the thighs that you stood between. His cheek twinged at your grip but other than that, the mountain of a man made no move to budge. He observed you from beneath his lashes, his eyes as hard as stone and you wondered if he was breathing. 

"No," König replied simply, his words tracing your lips. "What I do think is that we need to get past this, one way or another." 

You glared at him, your fingers trembling against his legs. 

"I'll get past this, the day I can look in the mirror and get past the mutilated thing staring back at me." 

"I'm sorry-" he began but you grit your teeth, leaping to interrupt those goddamned words from leaving his stupid mouth. 

"I don't want-"

König's hands suddenly landed above your own, holding them tightly as a growl tore from his throat.

"Listen to me." 

You fell silent immediately. 

Emerald eyes searched your own, imploring you to just hear him, even if it was for a moment. If you were going to ignore everything he said, he wouldn't care because at least he got them out. At least he knows that you've heard them. 

"I'm so, so sorry for what I did to you, Birdy." König murmurs, swaying forward and taking up precious inches in the space between you both. His eyes were soft, vulnerable as he bared himself. "As far as I knew, you were an enemy sniper and I was trying to protect my family. I know that you understand that, Birdy, because the 141  is your family." 

You stared at him, furious with the tears burning your eyes, embarrassed by your emotionally fragile state. 

"I know that you don't want to forgive me, I don't expect you to. It's okay to be angry but you have to help me fix this. For both of our sakes, Bird, let me fix this." The words were whispered by the end of it, searching your features with hopeful eyes. 

"I don't trust you," you wanted to shout at him but the sentence was venomless on your tongue. König's lip quirked upward, his shoulders pulling into a small shrug. 

"You trust me enough."

"I don't trust you at all." 

There was venom in that and the soldier's features became solemn once more. You were not his friend, you did not forgive him and you would not be tricked into believing that this was something worth just getting over. 

"You trust me enough." König repeated himself, raking over your silhouette from head to toe meaningfully.

Suddenly, you realized where you stood. 

Wedged between his thighs, your fingers gripping his legs and his hands covering yours. You flinched backward, eyes flickering at your proximity. You could taste his sentences on your tongue, so close you noses would brush if you had moved an inch. 

You had allowed yourself to be in a room alone with König and willingly put yourself in his grasp. 

A cough from the doorway had you leaping apart from the man as if you'd been burnt.

Your chest heaved as your heart smashed against your ribs, begging to be let loose from its constraints. A low exhale fell from the man beside you, as though reminding himself to breathe. 

"Well," Price whistled, shifting on his feet uncomfortably. "That's sure a sight at 6am." 

You cleared your throat, rubbing the back of your neck. A lot had happened in the time that you and König had confronted each other, none of it was easy to explain. In fact, none of it was easy to even understand yourself. 

"We were just waiting on Ghost," you rasped, shrugging nonchalantly. 

Price raised a disbelieving brow but up didn't press, only shooting König a look dripping with warning. He didn't like that you were alone in here with him, but the man had no right. He was the one that assigned König to you, he was the one that took him in as your replacement. 

John Price was just as guilty as König, except his charge was betrayal. 

A sneer settled on your lips at the reminder.

"Well, guess you can meet our newest member a bit early then." 

Newest member?

König sucked in a breath from beside you when a figure moved around behind Price's frame. They stood straight, appearing taller than they were with confident posture. 

Immediately, you knew that they would be trouble. 

Not by the smirk gracing their lips and not even by the distinct look of distaste that was smeared across their expression- but, the way that they stared at you as though you were a challenge waiting to be conquered. 

Like you were easy game. 

"As the 141 grows," Price began, gesturing to the small part of the team in the room, "we need more members to join roles that were previously left to one person." 

Your stomach churned. 

"Obviously, Birdy, you've been our main sniper but now we need more than one." The Captain was careful with his wording, watching you as though you were a ticking time bomb set to detonate any second now.

You fucking felt like one. 

As you observed the newest addition, they stared right back, raking in your visage from head to toe. Their crooked smile had you on edge, had you unnerved- but it also thrilled you. This person saw you as a threat. 

They didn't see a broken bird, someone helpless. Behind the arrogant smirk and the cocky body language, there was a hardness to their gaze. They weren't underestimating you, they still saw something across your face that indicated that you weren't done. 

But they were ready to meet you head on. 

Your expression turned stony. 

"And who is my newest replacement?" You ground out, eyes never leaving theirs. A feral grin pulled at their lips, amusement flooding their expression. It fucking made you seethe. Price opened his mouth to either introduce them or reprimand your clear rejection, but the sniper stepped forward with a snort.

"They should have called you 'Sunshine.'"

WHAT MAKES TODOROKI JEALOUS?

Someone Else Admiring You

- This sweet boy.

- This sweet yet dense boy.

- Shoto could admit that he wasn’t the most…socially aware of people. It took him a few months to figure out that he was deeply in love with you, and by figure out I really mean that one of his friends had to point it out to him. Pining from afar for you was very noticeable according to Midoriya. Thankfully for him, you both were on the same page. 

- You were happy with Shoto. He was kind and he was always trying to be the best for you. And you were trying to be the best for him. Shoto honestly thought you didn’t have to try that hard to be great…because you already were.

- Apparently, you always seemed to attract gazes your way. Many words of praise and admiration. 

Continuar lendo

Prompt List

Main Masterlist

Underneath: You'd been looking for some time alone when you'd gone to the shooting range at nearly midnight. König clearly had the same idea.

-

Anything: A lack of information from the chain of command results in König mistaking you for an enemy sniper.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

the send-off | s.r; 3

summary | Being his best friend and assistant, Howard Stark asked you to be the first one to be tested on his time machine project. After some unexpected errors, you ended up stuck in the modern times of the 21st century. Where you meet the man you thought died years ago: Steve Rogers.

pairing/s | steve rogers x reader, avengers x reader

word count | 5.5k+

genres | angst, fluff, crack, time travel au, unrequited love au

warnings | nightmare, idiots, little childish superheroes...

note | i'm sorry it took me long to update! but here is it. I'll be posting more drabble about them soon. this is less angsty than the first two. i hope you enjoy reading it! thank you so much for your patience :)) reblogs and comments are always appreciated! <3

series masterlist

This is like heaven.

As you two were walking, you cannot stop yourself from looking left and right at what the place looked like. Every piece of equipment, furniture, and gadget seemed really modernized. The predictions of the future in your time are nothing based on what you are just seeing now in this compound.  You knew you must restrain yourself from getting your hands on the small, pocket-sized screen Steve kept tapping on when you two agreed to step out of the clinic. Your brain, although stressed, was burning with curiosity. Especially with that invisible voice that he talked to while you two walked out.

“Friday, where’s everyone?” Steve suddenly asked out of nowhere.

Your eyebrows scrunched together as you confusedly turned your head to Steve. You don’t have any idea who he was talking with since you two were the only people around when he spoke.  

“Who’s Friday– Jeepers!”

You jumped, clinging immediately to the man beside you when a stiff, feminine voice spoke. 

“Mr. Stark and Ms. Potts are nearby the lakes. Dr. Banner is in his laboratory. The others are currently resting in their respective rooms.”

Steve, who was also surprised at your reaction for a second, chuckled and whispered, “It’s fine.”

Embarrassed, you remove your hands that were clinging to his arm and cleared your throat. You ran your hands down to your clothes to at least look decent again.

“I’m sorry for my reaction.”

You wanted to ask a question about it. But Steve must have been tired from hearing you asking questions like a kid. It’s been hours now and you kept on asking from one question to another. So you sealed your lips shut. Yet, Steve seemed to read your mind since he explained it to you as you continue walking.

“That’s Friday. She’s an A.I. that Tony created. She helps a lot here so if you need–”

“What’s an… A.I.?” you interjected.

The last two letters rolled off your tongue like you were unsure about it. An A.I.You thought of any possible meaning of it that you could have learned before but you cannot think of any. 

“It stands for Artificial Intelligence. I was surprised too when I encountered it for the first time too. It was crazy to see the advancements of technology from this time.” he shared, to assure you about your reaction earlier.

You chuckled lightly with that, “Yeah, it’s strange to see everything here. Just hours ago, I am back in my own lab with… Howard… but now, I’m looking at these new things…”

You paused with the thought of your best friend. Steve quickly noticed your heavy sigh and lonely gaze on the ground while your shoulder slumped. You were just distracted by your chat with Steve a couple of hours ago in the clinic and now, it’s beginning to sink in. He can see that based on your expression.

He calls your name softly, “Y/N?”

You slowly looked up your eyes glistening. You spoke, “Is this really it? Am I staying here forever?”

“I… I don’t know, Y/N. I’m sorry. I really am.” he apologized, disappointed himself too.

Steve could say that Tony and Bruce can probably try and build another time machine. But he doesn’t want to give you false hope. And he won't know if Stark would want to attempt on making a time machine after this– you coming back– happened.

Am I staying here forever? 

He remembered asking the same question himself years ago when he got back. Fury once told him that time machines are impossible when Steve was still unaware of Howard’s attempt. Fury said that no one ever succeeded in operating one. He did not even mention what happened to you. Steve only knew about your disappearance when it slipped Peggy’s tongue when he was visiting her in the retirement home. He tried to ask her again about it, but due to her condition, Peggy had a hard time recalling everything. 

Both shocked and frustrated, Steve immediately confronted SHIELD’s former director about it. He learned that you are basically an open secret to everyone working with the organization. Natasha later presented him with the last photo of yours taken before the time travel attempt. It was said to be photographed by a certain Robert Smith.

“I know, I know. I’m sorry for pressing all my questions to you.” you breathed out. And before he can say anything to console you, you continued, “I should probably rest. Everything has been a lot…”

Steve silently nods. You two continued to walk. You were just following him since you don’t really have any idea about this whole compound’s navigation. So when Steve stopped in a hallway of doors, you stopped too.

“Here is our extra room. This can be your room for the meantime.” he introduced as he opened the patterned grey door.

Your eyes instantly traveled around, curious about what bedrooms might look like in this future era. The room was simple but more spacious than your bedroom in your own apartment. This one has a kingsized bed, a bedside table and lamp, a wooden desk at the nearby window, and two doors. It was pretty plain, confirming that it was really just an extra room. Steve walked you through it.

“You have your own bathroom here.” he opened one of the doors and you took a quick glance inside it. Steve opened the other one, “This is your closet.”

“But I don’t have any more clothes, Steve.” you awkwardly mentioned the obvious. “I don’t even think I’ll be able to sleep with this.”

Howard reminded you days after you said yes to being his test subject that you should dress properly on the day of the event. He said that it will make a great impression if someone sees you in the future. It was probably a joke from him. But you did wear the most pristine and presentable blouse and slacks you have. It even reminded you of Katherine Hepburn’s outfits.

And now, here you are. Although these are your best work clothes, you would have to sleep in them. You find it uncomfortable. Back in your apartment, you have long, cozy, silk nightgowns and pajamas that you wear after a long day in the laboratory. The material was soft and helps you to fall asleep quickly after laying down on your bed.

“Uhm… maybe…” Steve avoided your gaze as he tried not to stutter with sharing his idea. He honestly looked like a kid as his lips twitched timidly, “You… You can borrow some of my clothes for tonight.”

“Oh, uhm…” you stammered, eyes slightly widening. The idea of wearing his clothes unexpectedly bought flutters in your stomach. Doing that seems too intimate. 

Not wanting to make you feel any discomfort, he thought of another suggestion, “Or maybe I can ask the others if they can lend–”

“No, no. That would be more troublesome. I would rather borrow yours.” You fiddled with your fingers as you looked into his eyes, “Is that fine with you?”

“Yeah, it’s fine.” Steve nods. “Let’s go to my room.”

“Huh?” your eyebrows furrowed with your mouth slightly agape. 

Steve immediately realized what his last sentence sounded like, making his eyebrows raise. He explains, “I mean so that you can pick out the clothes yourself.”

“Oh, okay…” your voice trailed off before pursing your lips together.

There was this obvious silence as you two walked side by side. You were fiddling with your fingers while he looked around the compound as if he didn’t live here. The air felt like when you put two awkward teens in one room. His door wasn’t too far from yours, only four doors away.

“Come in.” 

And when he opened the door, a fresh scent of rosemary and mint welcomed you. It brought instant more comfort to you than the last room. Maybe because this one is more personalized to Steve’s own character. Your eyes traveled to the desk in the corner, where you spotted a familiar framed sketch.

“Oh, I know that one.” you pointed out, seemingly proud as you turn your head to Steve. He chuckled. You continued, “You were drawing that monkey when you were doing one of your USO tours.”

“Yes. It was during that time. You and Howard came to watch for the first time.” Steve recalled and you nodded.

As much as he hates it, Steve remembered that time of his long life crystal clearly. He just got the serum, Erskine died, and he wants to immediately serve in the army. But he ended up doing performances all over the nation in a patriotic overall spandex and red boots. 

Sure, he had a few good memories from that chapter of his life. But it mainly felt awkward. Especially that time he performed in front of real soldiers, who were very opposite of his usual young fans, in deafening silence. Or when you and Howard would come and watch a couple of his shows if you have the time. He remembered feeling more self-aware on stage in his fitting costume and weird helmet punching a fake Hitler, knowing that you are somewhere in the crowd.

“Here is my closet by the way.” Steve changed the subject and you followed behind him.

His clothes were well-organized and followed a color palette. Of course, the shade of blue stands out. Steve did let you pick out, telling you that anything would be fine.

“You have a lot of these so I’m just— Oh.”

You stopped when you unfolded one of the white shirts. When folded, it looked plain. But as you spread it out, there was a word written on its front.

“Capsicle?” you read it out with one of your eyebrows raised.

“It was a gift from Tony. He used to call me that.” Steve explained and you only stared at him as if you don’t understand it. He exhaled, “You know… because I, Captain America, was frozen in ice for decades.”

“Oh!” you tried not to giggle but failed. “I’m sorry for laughing. It just sounded like something his father would do or say.”

“Yes, they are very much alike.” Steve just agreed.

Not long after, you two walked out of his closet with his clothes in your hands. You chose that shirt (even though Steve tried to convince you that there are other choices) and plaid blue pajama pants. He walked you back to your room, asking if you still need anything.

“Just knock on my door if you need anything. Okay?”

You smiled, “I will. Thank you so much for everything, Steve. I really appreciate it.”

Not wasting any second, you hugged him. You thought that you’ll just do it quick as you don’t want to cause any discomfort to him. But when you felt his hands on your back, you found yourself relaxing your chin on his shoulder. Whatever heaviness you felt in your chest was slightly lessened with his simple action. When you slowly moved away, Steve’s electric blue eyes looked directly at yours with a certain— you don’t really want to assume but— tenderness. 

“I’ll introduce everyone to you tomorrow. But for now, you should rest,” he spoke.

You nodded and opened the door to your room, stepping inside. “Good night, Steve.”

“Good night, Y/N.”

You gently closed the door while Steve watched you. Leaning your back on the door, you huffed like you held out your breath for a long time. You looked up like question marks were flying around your head. All of this… everything… feels unreal.

You were blanked out as you changed into Steve’s clothes. His shirt was oversized on you but cozy like your nightgowns. The hem of his pajama pants reached the carpeted floor. You don’t mind though. You’re too exhausted.

You almost climbed to your probably new bed. It smelled nothing like yours. But it was nice and soft enough to make your eyes shut close within just a few seconds.

“Just take a shot. But don’t interact with anyone.”

You see your best friend, standing near the controls. You looked down at your hands and you see that you were holding a camera. Turning your chin up, you see Donny’s little hand waving against the glass. Susan smiled. You looked to another person in the room, Robert. He gave you a thumbs-up as he positioned himself behind his large camera. You looked back to Howard.

“Even to one person?”

“Even to one person,” he repeated.

Then suddenly, all you can hear is the heavy beats of your heart. It was like a countdown. You closed your eyes. The sound of your heartbeat trailed off and now you can just hear your own breathing. You slowly opened your eyes. Nothing.

You look around and it’s nothing. Just a pitch-black void. You didn’t dare to move as you don’t know where to go. Alone, you wrapped your arms to yourself. That’s when you notice the camera’s gone too. It’s not even cold but you feel like trembling. Then, you heard Howard’s voice. It echoes in this empty dark space you’re in.

“This one will be a big success, Y/N.”

But he is nowhere to be seen. Your pulse is back beating at the loudest volume, it was much faster than ever. You tried to scream– call for your dear friend. But was stopped when you heard his voice again.

“This one will be a big success, Y/N.”

And again.

“This one will be a big success, Y/N.”

And again.

“This one will be a big success–”

“STOP!”

Eyes wide open, you found yourself on the same bed you slept on. You were sweating bullets on your forehead as your chest heaved up and down, slowly calming down. There were already rays of sunshine that transcended to the window and you can clearly see that you are still where you were last night. 

“Oh my…”

All you can do is let out a shaky sigh as you bury your face in your palms. You wanted to scream. Maybe cry. Or just run your fingertips through your hair and pull it out of your scalp. This whole situation makes your toes curl. 

You got up from bed and make your way to the bathroom. Standing in front of the mirror, you looked at yourself. Your eyes were slightly puffed from all the tears you let out last night. Your forehead is glistening from sweat while your hair is disheveled. You looked worse than the nights you worked overtime in the laboratory.  You shook your head at the sight before opening the tap, splashing a refreshing amount of water on your face. 

You were dabbing the available white, fluffy towel on your face when you hear knocks on your door. You turned to the mirror again. You wished you could do something with your hair. But you don’t have any hairspray or elastic to at least fix it. Instead, you just ran a comb through your hair. The comb seemed clean as you found it on the small bathroom shelf. It didn’t took look before you open the door.

“Good morning.” Steve greeted you. “Did I woke you up?”

“Oh, no,” you replied, shaking your head.

“Great… Uh, breakfast is ready. I figured I’ll introduce you to everyone out there.” 

“Okay…S-Should I change my clothes?” you wondered as based on Steve’s stories last night, these people are the world’s mightiest heroes. 

You wondered if they are formal-type of people. Maybe pompous or superior? Well, you already met two of them last night: Tony and Banner. And in all honesty, you don’t remember much about the latter. Only Tony since you learned he is your best friend’s son and if you were here by the time he was born, you knew Howard would pick you as that man’s godparent. Plus, you remember Tony because you can already feel how he’s so much of his dad.

“That’s fine. We’re just having breakfast together before our training. But you do you. You can change if you want.” Steve replied.

“Well, how do I look? Do I at least look presentable?” you just asked since you still want to look decent even though they saw you in distress before.

He nods, “You look great, Dr. Y/N.”

You don’t know if he was teasing or reassuring you. But your heart skipped when he said that. You hid a faint smile forming on your lips as you closed the door behind you. You just followed him. It took you seconds to realize that you were in an elevator. It’s obviously much different and updated than the one from your time. But you cannot help but notice something specifically,

“They used to play music…” you muttered as you leaned against the cold wall.

Steve, who was leaning on the other wall, chuckled, “Yeah, I know. I tried telling Tony to bring it back.”

The elevator door slides and you immediately hear various noises from different people. As you got closer to the noise, you move closer to Steve. He offered you a smile, and you reciprocated it. You step inside what seems like a kitchen and it goes quiet.

If eyes can shoot bullets, you’re probably dead by now. Everyone looks at you and you put on a small smile. Your eyes traveled around until you locked with a friendly pair. Sergeant Barnes. You cannot stop your gaze from shifting from his face down to his arm, which looked very much different. Your eyes moved back to his face and his lips formed a tight smile. Steve was the one who broke the silence, clearing his throat.

“Everyone, I would like you to meet someone…”

He looked at you with encouragement and you nodded.

“Hi… Uhm… I’m Dr. Y/N from Stark Industries.” you used your usual introduction before adding something else. “I… I came from the 40s.”

It was dead silent for a few seconds before someone stepped up first.

“Hi! I’m Wanda Maximoff.” the woman with long, red hair introduced herself. She wore a friendly smile as she offers her hand. You shook it, smiling at her. “Nice meeting you, doctor.”

“Just my name will be fine,” you told her.

Another woman followed, “Natasha Romanoff.”

She sounded stern but she offered a kind, small smile. She also has red hair but is shorter than Wanda’s. 

“Good morning, Dr. Y/N. My name is Vision.”

This time, a literal red person approached you. He seemed like a robot but more human. It was confusing. Another guy stood up from his chair near the kitchen counter.

“My name’s Sam Wilson. I fly around too like that Android.”

“Yeah, except he still needs to put on his little wings before he can do anything.” 

You heard Barnes behind him. Sam immediately countered an answer, “I can throw punches too!”

“Sam served in the Air Force.” Steve, who’s beside you, added.

Both your eyebrows raised, “Oh, really? That’s amazing.”

In your time, the US Air Force was just founded. You never really met anyone from the Air Force and to have one in front of you right now, you feel amazed. 

“Enough of that. Let me introduce myself to Dr, Y/N.” Bucky walked to you as Sam stepped back, rolling his eyes.

“Oh Sergeant Barnes, You don’t have to introduce yourself. We’re way past that,”  you told him and he chuckled.

You didn’t stop yourself from hugging him. You were just so happy to see both Steve and Bucky alive as you lost them both in the same year. Back in the 40s, Bucky knows a lot of places to hang out and would invite you to go with them. Howard would tag along sometimes too. But you and Bucky get to talk a lot since Peggy would usually pull Steve with her.

“How are you, doll?” 

You were too focused on the changes in him that you can’t answer his question. Instead, you touched his left arm, feeling its cold metal surface. The texture felt familiar.

“Your arm…”

It was obvious that you have a ton of questions in your head. But Bucky just looked at you that says: I’ll tell you later. Then, your eyes landed on a boy sitting beside Sam on the kitchen counter. He instantly looks away when you locked eyes with him. You figured he is still a student as his dark blue long-sleeved shirt has the logo of Midtown School of Science and Technology. You’ve never heard of that school before so it was probably established after the 40s. Your eyes traveled back to his face. He seemed flushed as you stare at him longer.

“Hi…” you greeted him in front of everyone. 

You tried to be friendly as the kid seemed very scared of you. His eyes widened. Sam had to nudge him to make him move. He put down his bowl of cereal and timidly walked up to you.

“H-Hello, ma’am… My name’s Peter Parker.” he stutters as he gently shakes your hand. “I really like– love your research journals. Especially the one about the possibility of a multiverse.”

Peter almost jumped when your other hand unexpectedly caged his hand. You looked at him with delight, “Really? You knew about that?”

Joy filled your heart when you heard that. It was like your mood was instantly lifted again. Your research journals are your children. You were always proud of them but often overlooked by your other colleagues since a woman wrote them. Only Howard shows enthusiasm for it and would bring it up in conversation. 

“Yeah, I came across your journal in the school library before. Then, Mr. Stark let me read your other journals.” he chattered.

“Mr. Stark?” you repeated.

“Yeah, someone’s calling for me?”

As if on cue, Tony walks in with an auburn-haired woman that looked familiar. The woman smiled at you, “Hi. I’m Pepper Potts. It’s nice to meet you.”

You don’t want to assume things but she seemed close to Tony. Like a partner– not a work kind– but a romantic type. It made you think about who your best friend ended up with. Howard didn’t seem like someone to settle down with. He never talked about wanting to get married or even having a family of his own. He only has flings, rarely a relationship. He’s bad at ending things with these women and would often let Jarvis dismiss them. The first time you learned that about him, you slapped him on the back of his head, saying how awful that is. Later on, Jarvis told you that Howard would give out a special bracelet to his flings as a parting gift. 

“Let’s have breakfast?” she offered and you nodded.

Plates were already on the table, along with pancakes, bacon, and eggs. You sat between Steve and Bucky, who were both considerate. They offered you syrup and orange juice while the others talked about their plans for the day. You listened quietly, chewing on the fluffy pancakes you heard Wanda prepared. You were really not used to having your meal with anyone as you live alone. But hearing conversations and banters made you more comfortable in this modern time you’re thrown into. Peter left early since he said he was stopping by his aunt before going to school.

“Where are they going?” you whispered to Steve as Tony and Pepper say goodbye.

“Tony has a conference somewhere in Europe, I think… Pepper going to work.”

“What’s her job?” you asked before reaching for the orange juice.

“Pepper leads Stark Industries.”

Hearing that, you choke on your drink. Natasha, who was eating in front of you, handed you a napkin while Bucky gently pats your back. Steve took your glass from you.

“I’m sorry.” your voice muffled as you cleaned up your lips. Then, you turned to Steve, “How?”

“Tony appointed her as CEO of the company eight years ago.”

That was his answer. Like it was something Tony usually does.

“By the way, we’re going out later.” Steve changed the subject as he stood up, taking your finished plate with his to the sink.

“We are?”

“Yeah, let’s buy your clothes and other things you need. Wanda’s coming with us,” he replied, opening the tap.

“I… I didn’t take my money with me,”

Bucky stifled a giggle beside you, making you turn around to him with a glare. He always found it marvelous how you are both naive and genius. You were one of the most intelligent people he knows. But you also seemed innocent with anything out of your expertise. He noticed it when you would hang out in diners or jazz clubs where a lot of men would try to make a move with you. But you would unintentionally reject their subtle invitation. 

“Don’t worry about that.” Steve turned around, hands all soapy. “Just go prepare. We’re leaving after.”

You sighed, “Okay.”

“I thought you were off to Italy today for that mission.”

Natasha was the first one to speak when you walked out of the room. Wanda and Vision left too. Sam is still finishing his mug of warm coffee. Same with Bucky. Steve can feel his friends’ eyes daggering on his back as he rinsed off the soap bubbles from the utensils and plates. He didn’t answer until he was done with it.

“I asked Clint and Bruce to cover for me.” he simply revealed.

He sees Natasha biting her lip, attempting to hide a forming smile. So is Sam, who grinned as he takes a sip in his cup. Meanwhile, Bucky stayed shameless, smirking as soon as Steve looked at him. Steve raised an eyebrow.

“What’s going on?”

“Nothing,” Sam replied, but his tone screams something else. “But is she wearing your clothes–”

“So this is about that.” Steve lets out an exasperated sigh.

“No! No! We think it’s cute on her.” Bucky protested. Natasha even added, “Yeah, she’s cute.”

“Just tell me what is this all about. What’s with the eyes and smiles? You look like you heard some gossip somewhere.” 

“Well… if you put it like that…” 

Bucky looked away, crossing his arms over his chest. Both Natasha and Sam snicker. It was a childish scene. Steve rolled his eyes as his shoulder slumped. He never thought he would be in this situation with his superhero friends, who are all acting like giddy high school kids right now. Now wanting to deal with them anymore, Steve was about to leave. Not until Sam confessed,

“Bucky told us you had a crush on her back in the 40s.”

He froze in his tracks, processing what he just heard. The three waited for his reaction, only watching him as he turned around.

“What? I… I never said that.”

Bucky then looked to their other friends, “See? He didn’t deny it.”

Steve shakes his head as they laughed. Without saying anything more, he chose to just walk out.

“I can’t find anything there, Wanda.”

Steve and Wanda drove you to this indoor shopping place. They said it is called a mall. There were a lot of people when you arrived. You thought a mall was just a big place where you buy clothes. But it turns out to have more of that. Instead of clothes, you asked Steve if you can buy books when you passed by a bookstore. Steve also let you have some stationery. You ended up buying three books: one sci-fi book that was really popular in your time, another sci-fi that just came out, and The Little Prince. 

Now, you, Steve, and Wanda are eating in this cute diner Steve knows. He said he goes here at least once a month in his free time. The place is almost close to the diners from your time. The colors, the patterns, the booths, and even the staff’s uniforms were almost resemblance. But when you look at the customers, you’ll realize that this is not the 1940s.

“I mean, I have nothing for the fashion you have today. They are all divine. And I don’t mean to be a fuddy-duddy but I would want to wear something that I usually wear.” you explained before sipping your milkshake

“I understand, Y/N. I thought we could find something you will like there.” Wanda’s shoulder slumped.

“We did find some things there!” you exclaimed, referencing the shopping bags next to you.

You shopped for books and a couple of nice sleepwear. You also have a pair of shoes, sandals, and a slip-on that you and Wanda chose. You were happy to have someone commenting on your choices. Wanda and you almost agree on the same thing and would laugh about your thoughts about something.

“How about you, Steve? Where did you get your clothes when you got here?” you asked the man in front of you. He has been pretty quiet since you got in the mall. He will just pay for things and compliment the shoes you bought.

Steve chewed his burger first before replying, “SHIELD just provided it to me.”

“Wait! I think I know a place.” Wanda exclaimed.

“Holy mackerel!”

You squealed as you saw the exterior of the antique store Wanda said. Your eyes sparkled as you see the furniture and clothes. Steve opened the car door for you and you swore you almost ran straight to the door. A bill clings when you opened the door.

“Steve! Look at this!”

Steve turned in your direction and sees you pointing to a record player. You carefully reached for one of the records displayed. It was Frank Sinatra’s record. You looked at it with delight. Steve knew he had to say it,

“We can buy it if you want. I have a record player. We can put it in your room since I don’t use it much.”

The glimmer of happiness in your eyes shined more, “Really?”

“Yeah, consider it as a welcome gift.” he quipped and you instantly wrapped your arms around him.

“Oh, thank you so much, Steve.”

The day went on with you jumping around the same shop. Wanda was happy to pick out clothes with you. There were limited choices but they were all eye-pleasing and suited your style. You got dresses, blouses, and trousers that were all much cheaper than the dizzying prices in the mall. The old woman who owns the shop was amazed at your enthusiasm for what she called “vintage” fashion.

“How old are you, honey?” she asked as you place a large number of clothes for checkout.

“I’m 29, ma’am,” you replied with a smile.

“Oh, you’re almost the same age as my granddaughter. But I don’t think she would wear this same type of clothes.” she shared. “You know, these clothes came from the old, old times. Most of these clothes are my mother’s”

You wanted to say that you came from that old, old times. But you knew how complicated and insane would that sound.

“Your boyfriend must be so–”

“Boyfriend?”

The lady fixed her glasses as she looked at you, “That guy. Isn’t he your boyfriend?”

She nods her chin in Steve’s direction who was also strolling around the place. You hoped he didn’t hear what the lady said as he seemed focused on the furniture displayed. Wanda was looking around too.

“Oh, no. We’re just friends, ma’am.” you giggle timidly.

“You can call me Nancy, honey.” she introduced herself. “And you have great friends. That girl has said nothing but praises when you were trying out these clothes and that man…”

She signaled you to come closer to her, which you did. She whispered, “Take him out on a date. He’s a dreamboat”

“Nancy!”

You felt warmth all over your face. It was like blood rushes up to your cheeks and ears. You thought of doing it before but you never had the courage to do it to anyone. You knew Steve already had his attention on someone else. Nancy just laughed at your flushed reaction.

“Oh, honey. I’m just saying that I think he’s a catch.” she winked. “Anyway, who am I to meddle with your life?” you laughed at that. “What’s your name, honey?”

“Y/N, ma’am.”

You didn’t realize that she had already finished putting the things you bought in a bag when she pulled something under her counter.

“Y/N, honey, this is a gift since you are one of my largest spenders this month in the shop. It was from someone important to me and I can’t really wear or sell it here. But I would love to see it on you.”

“Nancy, you don’t have to– Oh, wow. This is so pretty.” 

She hands you a simple, white pearl necklace. It was kept in a boxy, that’s why it looks shiny and good.

“I know, honey. I’ve been keeping it in a box for a long time now. I don’t really wear that kind of necklace anymore and was just waiting for the right customer to give it to. Since I liked how excited you are when you entered my shop, I’m giving it to you.” she told you.

“Oh, Nancy, I’m going to be a regular in here.” you quipped as you tried it on. “How is it?”

“It’s lovely.” she compliments. “And yes, I would love to see you coming here again anytime soon. I love talking to you. You somehow remind me of my old friends.”

THE SEND-OFF TAGLIST (edited)

@supraveng @sunflower-golden-vol6 @curi0usc4t @caitlyn-who @bitchy-bi-trash @stilltoomuchafangirl @matisse556 @gitasor @ladybug05 @sunwoahkim @meanttobea @j69confessional2 @thenyxsky @maximoffmaxipad @swthxrry @justab-eautifulmess @7minutes-tomidnight @curlycarley @thefalconandthewinterwidowshield @wisepenguin @shatfairy @coffeeshub @stillthatbetch @cosmicgirls-things @sabrinaselina55 @mediocre-m @learning-howto-be-myselfx3 @mrsjaderogers @themerc-with-a-mouth @slutdreams @mrbutterbunz @royalwritersoftheuniverses @yunloyal @avengersinitiative2012 @mariaelizabeth21-blog1 @noodle81937 @madnessinwrighting @lilizia @saintmagx @evanswife1918 @saranghaey @elmphoenix17 @animegirlgeeky @t-stark35

PERMANENT TAGLIST

@rosedpetal