HELLO READERS! I am back, after a VERY LONG break. I been working on things for so long and I realized how much time has passed, so I am attempting to dip my feet in once again. This story has been my baby for YEARS, can't believe it's been that long. But anyway, go easy on me, I'm rusty lol This story is rated Mature to be safe, there's language, adult content (sex) and references. Please don't read if you don't like any of those themes, if you do like those themes then ENJOY!
Disclaimer: I do not own Marvel or their characters.
P.S: Any Italics is the characters thoughts.
Two months ago..
"Boss... I think you should take a look at this!" The excavator called out to his foreman. He chiseled further into the ice when the man stumbled back in amazement.
A body. A female.
Once Fury learned her story, her skillset and the way she was used, he knew she was the missing piece in their team. He sent Agent Hill out to the facility where she was being held, in order to peacefully ask for her help. Or at least that was their intentions.
Present Day:
Steve stretched with a sigh, walking towards the window, he drew back the drapes. Life bustled by through the streets below, the gray clouds that hung over the city reflected his mood. Though he had been living for several months now in the modern world Cap was still adjusting, things were so very different and he had no one to lean on. Glancing over at the file laying on the nightstand, Fury's surprise visit replaying over in his mind.
"Tesseract.." He sighed, running a hand through his golden hair.
"Some days I wish they would have just left me in that ice."
Today was the day he was to be picked up and taken to the home base, to be briefed on his part in the taking down of Loki and retrieving the Tesseract. Steve slipped on his brown leather jacket and headed out to board the huge aircraft.
"It's an honor to meet you, officially." Agent Coulson nodded, with a huge grin.
"I mean I watched you while you were asleep..uhh I mean you know, when you were unconscious." He corrected uneasily.
Steve shifted in his seat, feeling the atmosphere become increasingly awkward.
"It's an honor really, to have you aboard." Coulson continued, trying desperately to regain his cool.
"I just hope I'm the man for the job." Steve said modestly, looking out at the clouds.
"You are."
"By the way we've modified the suit, I had some input. Made it have a modern twist." The agent boasted, informing the Captain that they had taken good care of it.
"The whole Stars and Stripes, isn't that a bit old fashion?" Steve's brow furrowed.
"I think that's just what the people need at a time like this." Coulson assured, before they landed.
Meanwhile...
"Where am I? Who are you? And where's Sergeant Barnes?" She screamed, stepping further towards the brunette. Stumbling a bit, her legs wobbled weakly but adrenaline fueled her force. If this was true, if she was in the hospital, wouldn't he have visited her? Where was her family? What happened to them?
"Please, Miss Andrews. I'm not here to hurt you, I came here to ask you-" Agent Hill began.
"Is it true? This is not a recovering room? It's not 1944, is it?" Her voice echoed, afraid of the answer.
"We need you. Your abilities are essential in our attempt to save the world. So please Edith come with me, I'll explain further, you just have to let me." Hill tried to calm the raging woman.
For months now Edith Andrews had been fed lies and heavy amounts of medication; told she had been saved from Red Skull after the plane went down.
"What-what year is it?" Her voice quaked.
"2012."
Gripping the nearest table, Edie felt a weight crushing her chest, air just out of reach. Eyes darted across the gleaming hardwood floor, Edith contemplated, what else was she going to do? She was completely alone in this new world, how could she tell what was real and what were lies? Was this just one of Red Skull's tricks? Easing onto her knees, tears slipped down her cheeks as the panic rose with bile in her throat.
The cackling laugh of Dr. Zola pierced her ears.
"You can never escape HYDRA, we are everywhere."
Once Edith had agreed to cooperate Agent Hill escorted her to the Hellicarrier, a heavy sedative administered to ensure a smooth departure and rule out any attempts of escape. They had learned their lesson when Captain America saw through their charade and made a break for it. There was still so much to learn about her abilities, and all they knew was the amount of power and energy her body harnessed was enough to warrant their caution. So again Edith found herself stowed away on a foreign aircraft, unbeknownst to the rest of the team.
Back on the Hellicarrier, after battle in Stuttgart, Germany:
Steve took a seat around the table, still suited up he felt his muscles ache a bit, after their physical fight to bring in Loki. He listened in as Fury attempted to intimidate the prisoner, watching the monitor in awe. The technology of today never ceased to amaze him.
"Thor, so what's his play?" Steve turned towards the massive god.
"He has an army, called the Chitauri. They're not of Asgard or any world known. He means to lead them against your people. They will win him the Earth. In return, I suspect, for the Tesseract." Thor explained, his voice deep and raspy.
"An army. From outer space." Steve narrowed his gaze, contemplating.
"So he's building another portal. That's what he needs Erik Selvig for." Bruce concluded.
"Selvig?" Thor puzzled.
"He's an astrophysicist." Bruce answered.
"He's a friend." The god advised.
They all continued to discuss the potential objectives of Loki and his army, Tony and Fury joining the debate soon after. But all the while they failed to notice the arrival of Agent Hill.
"Sorry to interrupt your party but Director I felt this was the best time as ever to introduce them to their newest member, seeing as they are all here." Hill pointed out, pulling confused looks from the surrounding group.
"Very well. Avengers, meet Edith Andrews. Healer." Fury stepped aside to reveal the woman.
Steve instinctively stood, caught up in her presence he stumbled a bit, pulling a smirk from the Iron Man's lips.
It was as if she stepped out of one of his dreams.
Her satin black curls pinned in the iconic 40s style, not a hair out of place. White blouse tucked neatly into a powder blue pencil skirt, showing off her slim waist. Her outfit standing out against the modern clothes of those around her.
"Captain America? Is that really you?" Edith stepped forward, her small voice making itself known for the first time.
It was as if she had been hit by a train, Edie would have never thought she would see someone from her time. Emerald eyes studied his face, realizing he was even more handsome in person. She recalled catching the beginning of one his shows live while he was on tour in Italy for the troops, Edie had been called in to help a group of seriously wounded soldiers and soon shipped back to join the company of the 107th Infantry Regiment. It was shortly after her arrival back to the squad that Red Skull's army struck hard and Edie found herself a prisoner of war.
"I..I remember listening to your shows. I got to see one in person, not to mention all the posters I saw while I was overseas." Edie's smile grew as she reminisced despite the harrowing chain of events that depicted her fall into the hands of HYDRA.
"Pardon me ma'am but how exactly are you here? Are you really from...1940?" Steve asked, doubting the very possibility.
"Yes. Not on my own terms though." Edith trailed off, her bubbling emotions threatening to break her cheerful mask.
"She was found in the same area of ice that you were retrieved from, Captain." Agent Hill spoke up.
"But before I get into all that please where are my manners?. Like the Director said I am Edie Andrews." Steering away from the aching thoughts Edie held out her hand out to the Captain then to Tony.
"A pleasure. I'm Tony Stark." Tony kissed her hand, watching as a smile curled Edie's lips. He could feel the jealousy radiate from Steve, it was a good thing he wasn't the Hulk.
"Stark? Howard Stark was your father?" She guessed correctly and with another reference to their time her eyes darted towards Steve for assurance, who answered with a nod.
"Yes, that was my good ol' Daddy-o-." Tony joked dryly.
"He was quite the visionary. I was able to attend one of his conventions in New York." Eyes beamed while her heart ached as Edie was again reminded that she was in a very different time. Edie chewed her lip nervously before turning her attention to the towering blonde.
"Thor, of Asgard." The god's smile soon faded when he noticed her extended hand.
"Edith..of Philadelphia." She giggled, imitating his formal introduction.
"You shake it, Big Fella." Tony reminded pulling some snickering from the group.
"Oh!" Edith exclaimed as she felt the god's strong arms engulf her and shake her lightly.
"Easy!" Steve jumped forward worrying the strong god might hurt her small frame.
Tony narrowed his eyes with a smirk, it was evident the Super Soldier had taken an interest in the retro woman, naturally.
"Well if everyone greets this way in this time it will be quite interesting." The Healer let out another giggle, smoothing the material of her blouse once back on her feet.
"More like those from Asgard." Bruce spoke up with a small smile, fidgeting with his glasses.
"Hello, pleasure to meet you." Edie continued to both Bruce and Natasha, shaking their hands as they introduced themselves.
"And of course, you Captain. It's a real honor-" Edith glanced up at those baby blue eyes she found so endearing.
"Steve, call me Steve ma'am." Cap insisted, flashing her a pearly white smile that made her knees weak.
"Steve." She breathed and Steve felt as though his whole life everyone had been saying it wrong, suddenly his name had new meaning coming from her lips.
"So Edie, what's your story?" Tony kicked back in his chair, head cocked at the newest member.
"Of course. Well now where to begin exactly? I joined the fight shortly after Pearl Harbor was attacked-"
"Thank you." Edie nodded with a sheepish grin as the Captain pulled out her chair, settled between Thor and the Captain she began to think back on her life.
A small piece of Edie wasn't completely convinced that that part of her life was over, a mere memory now, deep down she had truly hoped this was some long drawn out dream that she desperately wanted to wake up from, it seemed to suffocate her where she stood. That was however until Edie looked at the soldier's face, handsomely warm and welcoming, and suddenly that part of her seemed to shrink away just a bit.
"After extensive tests we've discovered, Miss Andrew's genes have a mutation that allows her cells to replicate and repair. Their make-up resembling that of stem cells which can be altered and applied to many forms. She has the ability to heal others as well, we believe with further training she can affect others movements or abilities through control of their nervous system." Agent Hill informed extensively to the group.
Steve noticed the way Edie's shoulders tensed each time Agent Hill spoke, her plump lips would draw tight and she would take a sharp breath in. It could be the fact that the Agent and Fury were speaking of this woman as if she was just another experiment and not a human being that felt pain and lost, much like he did.
"I was assigned to a division of nurses known as the Silent Saints."
"During battle we were to locate and aid any and all wounded Allied soldiers during live fire. I have weapons training as well as hand to hand combat, it was to be used in case we were ever ambushed by enemy soldiers." A daunting flash of events sent a chill up Edie's spine, the horrors of war a forever imprint in her very core, slinking in the shadows around every turn accompanied by a small voice that reminded her Bucky wasn't there to protect her like before. His kind face surfacing in her mind and dreams.
"We were shipped to England I used my...ways to heal as many as I could, help our boys get back out there. Under the cover of warfare, it was easy to conceal my abilities, I was sure I couldn't let anyone find out what I could do. We were doing fine until our unit went up against the Nazi group HYDRA, most of the men and fellow nurses were captured. Treated like animals, we were held in cages. Most of our men were badly injured, I couldn't stand idly by and watch them die, so I healed each one of them despite the risk of doing so out in the open." Edith felt her hands begin to shake as she recalled the events.
"That was until...Johann Schmidt came down personally to choose the next victim to interrogate and I was caught. He realized my power, and after many grueling experiments that failed to collect my…mutation I was forced to personally heal his soldiers..my ability used to strengthen the enemy."
Steve felt the shock and hatred rising in his face at the sound of Red Skull's name.
Johann Schmidt.
That red faced bastard was the reason he was here. Schmidt was the reason Edie was here and he was the reason for Bucky's last moments that would forever haunt Steve.
"I should have let him kill me." Tears welling in her green orbs.
"That was not your fault Lady Edith." Thor's husky voice breaking through her trance, his massive hand engulfing her delicate one with comfort.
"So you were frozen like Cap-sicle here?" Tony jabbed with a smirk attempting to lighten the mood, he received a scowl from the soldier.
"Actually yes. When Johann attempted to flee he dragged me with him, locked me away in a plane-" Edie answered, unfazed by Tony's sarcasm.
"A plane? You..you mean the plane I was on? The one I put in the water." Steve's voice barely a whisper, snapping the Healer's attention.
"...So that means I'm the reason you're here, I took your life?"
She watched Steve's blue eyes flicker, the information laying heavy on his chest.
"We found her a few months ago, shortly after we found you." Fury answered before she could soothe the soldier's solemn realization.
"A few months? You've had her kept away for months? While I'm out here trying to piece together my life, you don't think it would have made a difference that she was alive?" Steve's temper flared, gaze locked on Fury.
"We had no idea who she was, or her ability. We couldn't just set her free into the world without any research or background. If you recall Rogers we were trying to do the same for you but you had other plans." The Director countered, gloved hands balled into fists.
"Edith..I-I don't know what to say, I'm so sorry." Cap sighed in defeat, turning towards the Healer once more.
Her heart broke at the sight of sorrow filling his pale blue eyes. The sudden pull to comfort him, overwhelming. Edith fought the urge to wrap her arms around him and shield him from any pain or grief.
"You had no way of knowing. Don't do that to yourself." Edie's hand slid over his, caressing lightly. Steve took a sharp breath in as the skin tingled under her gentle touch, expression softening.
"If it weren't for you the world would be a very different place, Red Skull would have succeeded. Captain you are a hero, and it is an honor to join you in the fight to save this world." She assured him, looking out at the surrounding members.
"How is it exactly you are going to help us?" Natasha asked with a bit of doubt in her voice, rigorous training teaching her to view everyone with suspicion until proven otherwise. A skill that had saved her life many times in the field.
"Yes, well I think it would be best if I just showed you. May I ask, is anyone injured?" Edith stood, glancing at each of them once when she noticed Tony.
"Tony..do you mind?" She walked towards the billionaire, motioning to the gash on his cheek.
"Cap's use to being the Guinea pig but sure I'll give it a try." He sent another jab towards Steve.
"Alright, just breathe. This won't hurt, I promise." Edie whispered, trailing fingers along his wound.
The group watched in shock as the skin around Tony's cut turned white and Steve noticed the emerald green of Edith's eyes flashed to a beaming white as well.
With a deep breath in, as her fingers laying steady on Tony's cheek the cut began to heal, leaving no trace of its existence. Before Tony knew it Edie's touch disappeared and his eyes fluttered open as she stepped away. Naturally, his hand instantly flew to his cheek.
"Amazing." Bruce whispered, marveling at the ability.
Steve met her eyes just as they flashed back to the familiar green and again he felt his heart clench.
"I like you." Tony breathed with a smirk as he stood up from his chair.
"Thank you..?" Edith giggled, a light shade of pink gracing her cheeks.
"If you, wouldn't mind, Miss Andrews. I'd like to do a full work up..just for research purposes. Whenever you're available." Bruce spoke up, a nervous smile twitching.
"Of course, Doctor." She agreed
"Let her get settled in first, in the meantime Doctor shall we go play?" Tony turned towards Bruce, who followed with a nod.
As Tony passed by Steve he slapped a heavy hand on the Super Soldier's shoulder.
"So, you still homesick?" Tony lowered his tone against Steve's ear before exiting.
The tall blonde swallowed hard at Tony's words, his gaze locked on the newest Avenger.
"Captain are you able to show Miss Andrews to her quarters for the time being? Her room will be right across from yours." Hill grabbed the Captain's attention.
"Yes ma'am."
Edie studied his handsome profile, the curve of his perfect smile.
"And Agent Andrews we had a suit made up for you, it can be found in your room." The brunette added before leaving them both.
"Right this way."
Edie's gaze fell to his hands as Steve beckoned her down the corridor; broad, capable hands.
Wonder what it feels like to be wrapped in those hands. She thought, chewing her lip.
Say something you idiot. Don't just stare at her. Cap's thoughts screamed.
"You said you're from Philadelphia?"
Smooth.
"Yes, I grew up in an apartment in the city." Edie gave a small smile, attempting to keep up with his long strides. A flutter of the butterflies in her stomach intensifying with each growing second they spent together. How could she feel such a pull to someone she'd just met?
Well you were just frozen for 70 years, if that's normal than what's so strange about falling head over heels for this man?...This man with a timid sexiness and ocean eyes that held a lingering twinkle, especially when he laughed..
"Me too. Brooklyn." His voice a husky velvet.
"Oh I adore New York. My father is-was a tailor. He would take trips to the city to meet with merchants, he'd often take one of us with him. So much life intertwined in such small quarters." Edie caught herself on the words, remembering to stay focused.
"You had siblings?"
"Oh yes, two brothers. Everett and Desmond." She swallowed the tightness forming at the thought of her family.
What had happened to them? They'd given her no details on her family or her dear friend Sergeant Barnes no matter how many times she'd asked.
Exhaling deeply through her nose the Healer quickly changed the subject.
"So Captain, how has this modern world been treating you? Are you just as popular as before?" Edie quipped, heart swelling at the throaty sound of his laugh.
"So far it's been treating me pretty well. Food is a lot better, they have just about everything you could think of. I do have some fans, not sure why though. I haven't done anything that anyone else wouldn't have done."
"Oh I don't believe that, you are quite the inspiration. I had the honor of seeing one of your shows live. The outfit was a little different though." She giggled, emerald eyes dancing across the tight material of his suit.
She was at one the shows? Oh, why didn't I see her sooner?
"You did? Don't judge me too severely on them. What was your favorite part?" Steve couldn't get enough of her, the sweet sound of her laugh and plumpness of her lips that seemed to draw him in with every syllable she spoke.
"Well who doesn't love that punch you threw at Hitler? You're a lovely dancer though."
His laughter contagious, Edie couldn't help but feel the weakness in her knees each time those pale blue eyes graced her face. Edith's gaze flickered to the Adam's apple bobbing against his strong throat.
Oh please laugh again, I'm addicted.
I bet dancing isn't the only thing he's good at…Oh Edie! This is the Captain America, you think he doesn't have women fawning over him all day? Keep this professional!
"You-you said the food is better? How's the pizza? I would die for a slice. " She recovered slowly.
Yes, talk about food. Food is good.
"Oh yes defiantly. We basically boiled everything, but not now. They have all sorts of ways to cook things. And Doll, what better place to get pizza than New York City?" Cap flashed that All-American smile, pearly and honest.
"We could, go get some sometime. Together..if you'd like."
Edie's eyes darted up from the grated floor at his suggestion, the butterflies had grown to a swarm of happy honey bees at the thought of a date with him.
"I'd like that very much." She beamed with a nod of black waves.
"All of us could go, whole team so we could get to know you better."
Smooth, Rogers. Real smooth. Steve berated himself mentally.
Edie struggled to hide the disappointment pooling under her skin.
"Sounds wonderful." Bees not so happy now.
Maybe this pull she was feeling was all one sided, after all they had only just met. Though he did seem pretty upset when he found out that Fury had known about her existence for a few months now, maybe he was just looking for a friendship. Someone to lean on in this culture shoc-
"Well here we are. To open the door you just swipe your badge there over this pad. It can be a little tricky, let me know if you have any problems with it." He motioned towards the key sensor, bringing their trek to a halt in front of a metal door.
Digging her feet into the heels of her shoes as they suddenly stopped, Edith couldn't help but noticed the way his large form filled the hall, admiring his towering height and broad back.
Get a hold of yourself, you ninny.
"I'm right across the hall here, if you need anything…please don't hesitate. I know this can all be rather overwhelming." The Captain gave a small nod, fidgeting with his mask between his hands to fight the burning blush that crept across his classic features.
"Thank you, Steve, really. You don't know what it means to have you here. I don't feel so…alone, anymore."
It was as if she'd read his mind, speaking his thoughts from her strawberry lips.
"Of course, any time." He assured, allowing himself to relax into those endearing eyes.
She has me wrapped around her finger with just one look, I can imagine what those lips feel like. One taste wouldn't hurt would it?
A silence fell between them, both battling their own thoughts when a sudden large freight cart passed, catching the soldier's attention. Suspicion rising in his chest.
"Edie, I-I hate to do this. But I've got to run, I just remembered something."
"Of course, not a problem." She waved him on, watching Steve duck his blonde head with a nod before retreating down the hall.
The Healer took a deep breath and turned towards the blinking red touch tone scanner.
"Oh boy.." She sighed, eyeing it with doubt.
Several minutes later…
Beep! Beep! Beep!
"You've got to be kidding me!" Edie's frustration echoing against the metallic walls. Wrapped up in her failed attempts to open the mechanical door she hadn't noticed the appearance of a certain doctor.
"Need some help?"
"Heavens!" She whipped around, clutching her chest.
"Oh my God, Edith I am so sorry. I didn't mean to startle you." Bruce threw his hands up, thick dark waves falling over his brow.
"No, I'm sorry. I've been trying to get this stupid door open! How am I supposed to help this team if I can't even open a door?! " She fumed, emerald eyes flaring. A hand skated through her neat hair, the now tousled curls framing her freckled cheeks.
Classic Beauty… Bruce paused, admiring.
"Hey, don't worry about it. A lot has changed since the last time you were awake. It's only natural to struggle. Plus they don't make these things simple. Here, may I?" He moved closer, taking the small badge to unlock the security system.
"There you are." Bruce stepped back with a shy smile, hands stuffed back to his pockets.
"Dr. Banner, thank you, really. I am so sorry I snapped at you. That was awful of me, sometimes my temper gets away from me." Edie explained with a deep regret and sincerity.
"No need. You are preaching to the choir, and please call me Bruce." He felt the blush creeping across his bronze cheeks as their eyes met, the doctor was very aware of the fact that Edie was naïve to the nature of his abilities, something he hoped to keep under wraps for as long as possible. It was hard to find someone that didn't see him through new eyes after they met...the Other Guy.
"Bruce." Ruby lips curved into a smile with correction and caught the doctor's breathe.
"Are you..busy? I mean, I was going to get some coffee and um, you know what never mind. You haven't even had a chance to settle in yet." Bruce suddenly lost his nerve.
"Coffee would be perfect actually. Let me just freshen up, Agent Hill said they made me up a suit. I'll be just a moment." Edie agreed before stepping through the doorway and noticing a duffle bag with an unfamiliar article of clothing slung over the neatly made bed.
"I'll be right outside." Bruce assured.
Some time had passed when he suddenly heard a groan from behind the door.
"Edie, everything okay in there?"
Bruce took a step closer just as the door swung open. Gulping at the sight before him, his conscious screaming to look away but he kept his eyes glued to the Healer.
"This doesn't leave much to the imagination, now does it? I look like a harlot!" Edie piped with shock, hands moving to trace her hips.
The tight cat suit hugged her body like a second skin showing off and accentuating the curves of Edith's hourglass figure. The mossy green undertone of the material illuminating her eyes.
"No-no, I think it's very…practical…for combat." The doctor stumbled for the words.
"It's going to take some getting used to…are you still willing to be seen with me?" Edie gave a weary smile.
"Hmm I suppose." He joked shyly, pulling a giggle from her chest.
Bruce admired the decorative head scarf now threaded through her hair, giving the very modern outfit a vintage touch.
"Such a gentleman." Edith shot back playfully, following his lead down the long hall.
"Well, well, well. I was wondering where you scampered off to."
The sound of Tony's voice greeted them as they entered the lab. With perching lips the billionaire noticed the drastic outfit change, though he had to admit she looked good.
Wait until the good ol' boy gets a load of this Tony grinned wickedly.
"I went to get coffee and ran into Edie. I figured we had some time, I'd do a work up."
"Ah yes, our Shaman." Tony bowed, earning a giggle from Edie and an eye roll from Bruce.
"Don't let me interrupt your work, boys. I can come back."
Boys.. Tony smirked, feeling a sudden familiarity she carried with her when she entered a room, the homey feeling he used to get when he saw his grandmother but he barely knew this woman…must be a generation thing.
Tony chalked it up to lack of sleep and excessive sugar.
"Nonsense, pull up a chair. You're in good hands." Tony motioned towards the ever blushing Bruce.
"So that's the monkey suit they made up for you? I could do you one much better." He asked, watching her take a seat next to the doctor who began rolling up her sleeve.
"Does it really look that bad? I told Bruce I looked like an Able Gable."
The men exchanged a confused look and chuckle at the outdated term.
Edie glanced down, manicured nails securing the zipper higher against her bust. She gave a subtle wiggle against the tightness of the suit when a tender touch ghost over her forearm, tanned fingers working gently as Bruce prepped her arm for the blood draw.
"No, not at all. Trust me I've seen worse…Bruce do you remember that brunette at the Children's benefit?"
"Don't remind me. I was embarrassed for her, trust me Edie. You look great." Bruce shot her a wink.
"Speaking of great, you need to come to the Stark Towers sometime. Top ten floors, all R&D. You'd love it. It's CandyLand." Tony encouraged, pacing between the stations.
"Thanks, but last time I was in New York I kind of broke Harlem." Bruce smiled as he studied Edie's profile, black brow knitted with confusion but she never barged him with questions only kept her gaze forward, scanning the well-equipped lab. Finishing with the blood draw, Bruce went to secure a bandage over the incision and was met with an even plain of ivory skin.
"Oh that's right." He chuckled at himself, remembering her healing abilities.
"Force of habit I'm sure." Edie whispered, a giggle joining his hearty laugh.
"Edie what is your date of birth?"
"Now, Doctor are you trying to embarrass a girl?" She teased, crossing her legs to get more comfortable.
"September 28th, 1920."
Her answer pulling his attention away from the computer monitor.
"Well don't look so surprised." The Healer scoffed playfully.
"No..I just-wow. You're so youthful looking." Bruce confessed, studying the planes of her face.
"Perks of being in a freezer for 70 years." Shrugging with a soft laugh.
"Name of your mother and father?"
Bruce noticed her pause, regretting the words at the sight of pain brimming in Edie's green pools.
"My mother was..My mother's name was Miriam Hartley- Midgie they called her. She married my father in 1918 and became Midgie Andrews." She smiled fondly despite the welling tears.
"And James Andrews, my father. A kind hearted man and a very talented tailor." Edie's head bobbed vigorously, attempting to swallow the ache rising in her chest.
Tony silently stepped closer, slipping a comforting hand over her shoulder he offered a tissue box. The loss of parents and all too familiar pain to the dark haired genius.
"Thank you." She mouthed, dabbing away the fallen drops from her cheeks.
"Well, I promise a stress-free environment, Edie you should come too. No tension, no surprises." Tony continued, determined to persuade.
"I just have some general other questions for you if you don't mind. Family history, heal-AH!" The doctor felt a sudden shock of electricity and a snickering Tony found wheedling a petite probe. Bruce shook his head with another laugh, reading Tony's intentions he returned to Edie who began to laugh away her sadness.
"Hey!" The stern voice of a certain soldier filled the room.
"Nothing?" Tony searched Bruce's calm expression for any sign of stress.
"Are you nuts?" Steve barked.
"Jury is still out."
"You really have got a lid on it, haven't you? What's your secret? Mellow jazz, bongo drums, huge bag of weed?" Tony shifted his attention back to the doctor, who continued to ignore the banter, focusing instead on Edie's file.
"Is everything a joke to you?" Cap seethed towards Stark.
"Funny things are." Tony responded quickly.
"Threatening the safety of everyone on this ship isn't funny. No offence, Doc." The Captain gave an apologetic look towards Bruce when he caught sight of Edie, swiveling the stool face him.
"Edie..you..changed" Steve's words trailed off as his eyes fell across her body, pulling a deep blush from them both. He quickly snapped his attention back to the conversation at hand, though his gaze kept wandering over in Edith's direction. Baby blues dancing across the new outfit, Steve gulped at the way the tight material hugged Edie's curves, emphasizing the slimness of her waist and rounded shape of her hips and bust.
"It's all right, I wouldn't have come aboard if I couldn't handle pointy things." Bruce assured with a light chuckle, pulling Steve's attention away from the rise and fall of Edie's chest.
The creamy skin pressed firmly against the seams with each breath, beckoning him to unhinge the tiny zipper that was screaming to keep her curves at bay.
Think of something else, anything else!
But the soldier's rising desires slipped through with filthy thoughts and invaded his conscious, eyes falling back across her body.
Do not think of her lips, or what the soft skin of her neck might taste like, or what she would sound like as you ravished her.
Strip away those clothes, Captain.
Touch her in the most intimate way, grip her body and take what's yours.
"You're tip-toeing, big man. You need to strut." Tony clapped a hand on the smaller man's back, startling the Captain back to the situation at hand.
"And you need to focus on the problem, Mr. Stark." The Captain's tone rigid, channeling his energy towards Tony to cage those overwhelming temptations.
Edie could feel the tension rising between the men, both standing toe to toe. Chewing her lip nervously, she had to admit the authority dripping from Steve's words stirred something within her, she had only known him to be polite and ever smiling but this strict side of him was quite…arousing.
Does he keep looking at me? Is that darkness in his eyes..lust? Oh, You Miss Andrews need a drink.
The Healer shifted her attention back to Bruce as he scribbled notes and typed against the keyboard, just two bystanders in the erupting volcano of Stark and Rogers.
"Doctor?" Steve's voice hummed.
"Uhhhh, I just want to finish my work here, and...Okay well 'A warm light for all mankind.' Loki's jab at Fury about the Cube."
"I heard it." Steve nodded with approval.
"I think that was meant for you. Even if Barton didn't tell Loki about the tower, it was still all over the news."
"The Stark Tower? That big, ugly building in New York?"
Edie suppressed a giggle at the narrow gaze Tony shot towards Rogers.
"It's powered by an arc reactor, a self-sustaining energy source. That building will run itself for, what, a year?" Bruce guessed an estimate.
"It's just the prototype. I'm kind of the only name in clean energy right now. That's what he's getting at." Tony informed with a hint of arrogance in his voice.
"So, why didn't SHIELD bring him in on the Tesseract project? What are they doing in the energy business in the first place?" Bruce continued to poke holes in Steve's trust of the Director.
Edie was struggling to follow the men's terms and conversation but she had to admit the doctor had a point, something did seem off.
"Well kids, we will have all the info once my decryption software finishes. I'll have access to SHIELD's dirty little secrets." Tony boasted, popping blueberries down the hatch.
"I'm sorry…did I hear you right?" Steve's head cocked with suspicion.
"Jarvis has been working hard. In a few hours we should have all the info they've been trying to hide. Blueberry?" Tony extended the bag towards the group.
"Snow white?" He turned towards Edie with a teasing nickname, offering her the fruit.
"Thank you." She nodded, savoring the tart berries but never missing Steve's fiery gaze locked on Tony.
"Yet you're confused about why they didn't want you around." Steve fumed with an annoyed eye roll.
"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 we don't stay focused, he'll succeed. We have orders. We should follow them." Steve insisted with conviction.
"Following's not really my style." Tony shrugged.
"And you're all about style, aren't you?" The soldier spat back, tensions rising even further.
"Of the people in this room, which one is, A, wearing a spandex outfit, Not you Edie and, B, not of use?." The playboy shot her a wink before turning his resolute gaze towards the Captain.
"Alright boys, I think that's enough testosterone for one hour." Edie interjected, stepping off her stool she snaked between the fuming men.
"Steve, will you show me where a girl can get something to eat around here?" Gripping a massive bicep to seize his attention, Edie watched his steely blue gaze soften at the sight of her pearly smile.
"Just find the cube." Steve stated flatly, before turning on his heels and Edie gave a small wave before skating off behind him.
"I want one." Tony mused, watching the two descend down the grated ramp and around the corner.
"Trouble with you and Pepper?" Bruce padded back towards his station.
"Oh no, I mean I want a vintage Healer."
His bizarre comment pulling a sighed laugh from Banner.
"Get back to work would ya?"
"Edie, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get heated back there. It's just, he's just-"
"An ass." She finished, shooting Steve a knowing smile as they shared a much needed laugh.
The two walking in sync down the narrow halls, Steve admired the neatly tied scarf now woven through her raven waves. It had been some time since he'd seen a woman with her demeanor and style, she truly was from a different era.
They don't make 'em like that anymore
He could feel his tension melting into a wide grin, a chuckle rumbling his chest.
"Exactly."
"I also want to apologize for ditching you earlier, I had something I had to do."
"Yeahh that was pretty awful of you wasn't it?" Edie's tone playful, giving Steve a sly glance under long lashes.
"I guess, you'll just have to find a way to make it up to me." Edie concluded, testing the waters.
"You name it." Cap promised, slipping a hand on her lower back he moved to open the cafeteria door when he noticed another load of large cargo bins.
Why didn't SHIELD bring him in on the Tesseract project? What are they doing in the energy business in the first place?, Bruce's words echoed.
"Edie..I-"
She read the apologetic expression, his hand still lingering on the small of her back. Following the familiar bustling sound from earlier Edie caught sight of the armor clad men pushing the large bins.
"I'll go with you." Edie decided on the spot.
"What? No, I just have to-"
"Captain with all due respect I will not let you leave me here to eat pudding and do the crossword. You owe me, remember? Now let's go." She snaked from his grasp, missing the warmth of his touch already, Edith began to move in the direction of the armed men.
Fighting the smirk that twitched on his lips, Steve trailed after her. Committing to memory how cute she looked when she was fired up.
With quiet footsteps and a safe distance the two followed the men deep into the bowels of the aircraft. Behind the cover of the wall, they watched the agents disappear behind a mechanical door.
"How are we going to get in there? I have a hunch our badges aren't privileged enough for this area." Edith whispered, chewing a cherry lip as she mulled over their options.
"I might be able to help with that."
Steve moved forward, blonde head peeking through the small window to assure the coast was clear. Stifling a gasp Edie watched his broad hands gripped the door, muscles contracting and jaw clenched as the metal crumbled under his iron grasp.
"Wow." She breathed.
The heavy steel reduced to a ragged sheet, and tossed to the side.
"Ma'am." Open palm beckoning her into the doorway with a sheepish grin.
She obliged instantly, the warmth of him spreading across her soul like melting wax.
"What is all this?" The Healer gazed upward, scanning the dimly lit cargo hold for any clues.
"Not sure, I think it's time we find out though." Again that same hand was extended, pulling her against his chest Steve felt her body tense as he lunged them both upward onto the overhanging bridge. Hands snaked around Edie's body for security as Steve helped her duck through the railing. He was well aware of the tingling warmth that lingered each time his hands grazed her body and he had to remind himself to focus back on their task.
"Steve." Edie motioned towards the familiar bins, the two circling around as he snapped open the clasps.
"Oh boy." She murmured, exchanging a worrisome look with the Captain as the dim light revealed the contents.
"Looks like clean energy isn't the only thing SHIELD's dipping their hands into." His strong jaw clenched.
"So what exactly is Phase Two?"
The two entered just as Tony asked the Director the golden question.
"Phase two is SHIELD using the Cube to make weapons." Rogers interjected, slamming the gun on the table in front of the group.
"Sorry computer was moving a little slow for me." He spat, moving to help Edie place the other weapon on display.
"Rogers, we gathered everything related to the Tesseract. This does not mean-"
"I'm sorry, Nick. What? Were you lying?" Tony narrowed his gaze, moving from behind his lab station.
"I was wrong Director. The world hasn't changed a bit." The Captain's tone icy.
"More lies and secrets." Edie directed towards Fury, reflecting on her time in isolation.
"Did you know about this?" Bruce turned towards Natasha, expression stern.
"You want to think about removing yourself from this environment, Doctor?" The Agent warned.
"I was pretty well removed in Calcutta."
"Loki is manipulating you." Nat advised.
"And what have you been doing exactly? No, I'd like to know why SHIELD is using the Cube to build weapons of mass destruction." Pointing his glasses at the Director.
"Because of him." Fury shifted everyone's attention towards god of thunder.
"Me?" Thor's blonde brow knitted with confusion.
"Last year, Earth had a visitor from another planet who had a grudge match that levelled a small town. We learned that not only are we not alone but we are hopelessly, hilariously, outgunned. They're not the only threat. The world is filling up with people who can't be matched, that can't be controlled."
"Like you controlled the Cube?" Rogers countered sharply.
"Your work with the Tesseract is what drew Loki here. It is a beacon for all other realms, showing that Earth is ready for a higher form of war."
"A higher form?" Edie thought aloud while her brain tried to wrap around what that would mean.
"We had to come up with something." Fury argued his side.
"A nuclear deterrent, that always calms things right down." The voice of Tony Stark scoffed.
"I thought humans were more evolved than this."
"I'm sorry, did we come to your planet and blow stuff up? We work in the best interest of the people on Earth." The Director retorted back towards the hulking god.
"Best interests? Was it in my best interest to be a lab rat for months until you found a purpose for me?"
Steve's heart sank at the sound of Edie's words, reading her pained profile, unable to imagine what she went through not only at the hands of HYDRA but now of SHIELD.
"You treat your champions with such mistrust." Thor shook his head with disbelief.
"Miss Andrews, we needed time to work out the kinks and make sure you were ready to join the team. We have to rule out all threats." Agent Hill stepped in.
"Are you really that surprised? SHIELD monitors any and all potential threats." Natasha pointed out.
"Edie is a threat? A Healer? Oh and next you'll tell me Captain America is on that list too."
"We all are!" The redhead barked.
"Cap's on the list? Are you above or below angry bees? Oh and if Snow White is on that list then kittens must be too, right?" Tony jabbed with a smug grin.
"I swear to God, Stark make one more wisecrack.." Steve's iron jaw mimicked his clenched fists.
"Verbal threat! I feel threatened!"
"Show some respect." Steely blue eyes flamed.
"Respect what?" Iron Man taunted.
"Did you even stop to consider if I would want to be pulled from that ice?..No of course not because you saw me as your new toy, just had to figure out how to use me. I lost everything when I went into that ice but that never even crossed your narrow minds did it?" Edie's green eyes gleaming with angst.
The lab had become a swarming hive of angry hornets, all after their own target and craving a fight.
"What would you have done if you found no real use for me? Kept me locked in that room for the rest of my life, feeding me lies?" Edie's ragging questions targeted Hill until she saw the rigid form of Captain Rogers move towards Tony. The towering men standing dangerously close, tension in the room reaching new heights, clouding everyone's senses.
"Yeah, big man in a suit of armor. Take that off, what are you?"
"Genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist." The dark haired man countered.
"Gentlemen, please." Edie grazed both of their shoulders.
"I know guys with none of that worth ten of you. I've seen the footage. The only thing you really fight for is yourself. You're not the guy to make the sacrifice play, to lay down on a wire and let the other guy crawl over you. Edie here knows more about war and sacrifice than you do. You just like to stand behind your desk and think about the next move that will benefit you."
"I think I would just cut the wire." Tony's lack of seriousness enraging the Captain even more.
"There it is. Always has a way out. You may not be a threat but you better stop pretending to be a hero." The blonde scoffed, hardened eyes scanning the room full of faces.
"A hero, like you? You're a lab experiment, Rogers. Everything special about you came out of a bottle."
"Mr. Stark please." Edie's small voice attempted to intervene.
"Edie honey, why don't you let the men handle this?" Tony shot her a tight smile dripping with disdain, causing Edie to drop her hand immediately.
"Don't speak to her like that." Steve's chest heaving as he stepped toe to toe with Stark.
"What? Did I strike a nerve Cap?"
"Put on the suit let's go a couple rounds." The Super Soldier smirked with rage.
"You people are so petty, and tiny." The deep voice of Thor boomed at Edie's left, his eyes racking over the mortal's statures.
Everyone halted at the sound of Bruce's violent tone.
"In case you needed to kill me! But you can't, trust me, I've tried!"
Tensions grew darker, like rolling clouds that blanketed the room and rained down venom.
"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. You wanna know my secret, Agent Romanoff? You wanna know how I stay calm?"
"Doctor, put the Scepter down." Steve's smooth voice intervened, instinctively reaching around to nudge Edie behind the cover of his massive form. The feeling of his gentle hand against her waist calmed Edie's tensed muscles.
A sudden alarm pierced through the stressed atmosphere.
"Sorry kids you don't get to see my party trick." The Doctor spat, moving towards the beeping monitor.
"Looks like we've located the Tesseract."
"Where is it?" Fury stepped forward.
The doctor's blood ran cold as he read the screen.
"Oh my God." Banner breathed but before he could warn them an explosion erupted and laced holes through the once pristine lab, the blast scattering the team members in all directions.
Blue eyes darted around the mangled remains of the lab, the air where Edie stood now empty. Fear struck him hard, Steve peered through the fresh hole in the floor and was met with nothing but debris and hazy smoke.
"Miss Andrews…?" Steve strained, apprehension twisting his words.
Answered with nothing but silence Cap began a spiraling panic towards the worst.
Was she really gone? Here one moment and gone the next? No. Please.
