So I had a few chapters written and decided to update earlier than I had intended.
Feedback is always appreciated
"Mommy, where did Daddy go?" A younger version of Vanessa stared up at her mother as they stood by the small stream in their back yard from her childhood home.
"Daddy's gone away." Her face was blank, stoic and her voice sounded full of defeat. Vanessa tugged on her mothers hand.
"When is he coming back mommy? Why did he leave?" A small breeze ruffeled her hair and she watched in silence as her mother continued to stare into the blue waters before them.
"He's not coming back Vanessa." She answered after some time and Vanessa felt the familiar tickling sensation begin in her throat as tears formed in her eyes. Her father had always been the one to tuck her in at night, and to hold her after a bad dream. He had been the one to teach her to ride a bike, and that I comes before E except after C.
She didn't understand why he left so suddenly, why without another look at her he had packed up his bags and took the old beat up Honda and drove down the small town road without a glance back at her lone form in the gravel driveway.
"But why mommy?" she asked, tugging on her mothers hand again. A tear slid down her mother's cheek and suddenly she was no longer beside the water but in it.
The temperature was shocking and Vanessa attempted to gulp in air, but instead breathed in water. As the liquid entered her lungs she began to cough and sputter, trying to resurface, but her mothers hold around shoulders kept her under.
"I can't do this anymore, I can't raise a monster!" Her mother wailed, as she held the flailing child beneath the water. Vanessa panicked as she continued to cough and take in more water, her vision was becoming fuzzy and all she could see was the horror in the pale blue eyes of her mother as she stared down at her from above.
A sharp ringing cut through the dream and Vanessa awoke with a start. Her heart pounded painfully against her rib cage, and she took in deep gulps of crisp morning air. Wild eyes searched the surrounding area and slowly her heart rate began to come back to normal. The usual sound of traffic below brought a sense of familiarity that calmed her nerves and she flopped back down into her pillows closing her eyes.
"Get out of there," She growled, rubbing her palms rigorously against her eyes, leaving stars behind her closed lids. Small trails of sweat dripped down her face, causing fly away hairs to stick across her forehead and cheeks. She lay for a while, just focusing on taking deep breaths to soothe the burning of her lungs. Eventually her heart rate had calmed and she open her eyes to gaze at the eggshell ceiling above her.
It had been almost a month since she had the nightmare last. A record to say the least, which was part of the reason she had a strict 'no sleeping over' rule with anyone she met. It's hard to explain waking up screaming to someone you had just met three hours earlier. Rolling onto her side her arm flopped off the slightly damp bed and searched the ground until her fingers closed around the familiar shape of her phone.
Pulling it off the charger she looked to see a list of three missed calls, all from Agent Clark. She groaned, hitting the redial button and bringing the phone to her ear.
"Well it's about time." Came his annoyed voice.
"What do you want Clark? We just said goodnight," she looked over at her bedside clock and rolled her eyes "5 hours ago."
"Be that as it may you're supposed to start training today, and according to my calculations you are now 23 minutes late."
Vanessa kicked the thin sheet off of her before climbing out of bed and yawning.
"Look you guys kept me out all night, I'm not coming in today. Why can't we just start tomorrow?" she complained, making her way to the bathroom across the hall.
"because we don't have any more time to waste. So hurry up and get ready. I'm out front so you have twenty minutes then I'm coming in."
"Fine whatever, I'll see you in a few." She slammed the phone onto her bathroom counter. She stomped around the apartment, hoping into a quick shower to rinse off before throwing on a clean pair of black pants and a sports bra, topped by a slim black tank top and thin coat. Once in the kitchen she dug through her empty shelves, eventually finding a half full box of poptarts. Grabbing a package she jammed them into her coat pocket, before returning to the bathroom to grab her discarded phone and grabbed a brush from the drawer. Before she could pull it through her matted hair a harsh pounding sounded on her door and with a groan she stomped down the hall, and threw it open to find a peeved looking Agent Clark.
"It's been 21 minutes. Lets go."
"You can wait. I barely got five hours of sleep!"
"I have coffee in the car, now let's go." He commanded turning to walk back down the hall. Vanessa huffed an angry breath before grabbing her keys off the table and following Clark outside. The crisp morning air bit at her face and her mood continued to plummet as they got to Clark's black SUV.
Once inside she angrily punched to buttons to crank the heat up as high as it would go.
"Hey! My car my rules, not all of us enjoy baking to death." He complained reaching to return the heat back to where he originally had it and she angrily slapped his hand away. With a sigh Clark gave up and instead just pulled his black blazer off his shoulders before handing the angry brunette a cup of coffee. "Black, just like your soul." He teased. And she pursed her lips looking at the cup in distaste and he chuckeled. "I'm kidding. Venti quad shot caramel macchiato with extra caramel, extra hot."
"You're lucky you're cute Clark," she mumbeled bringing the cup to her lips and taking a cautionary sip.
He shook his head with a smile and pulled away from the curb.
"Again!" sweat poured down from Vanessa's temple, pasting brown fly aways against her forehead as she heaved in mouthfuls of air. Her heart pounded and a small headache had begun to form behind her eyes.
"We've been doing this for two hours!" She complained, stopping her foot in irritation. For the last two hours she had been stuck in a giant glass box which they called a training room, and ordered to destroy dummie, after dummie so they could get readings of her flames.
"You're performance thus far has been sub-par Vanessa. You have not even touched the numbers we recorded before your release back in 98'." She grit her teeth and clenched her fists at the unfamiliar voice that belonged to the blonde up in the control box. Of course her numbers weren't even close, back in 98 she lived in these rooms; all she did was train her powers. After they released her she made it her goal to make it as difficult as possible for them to get ahold of her powers, and as such quit practicing them.
Her anger continued to grow at the thought of the years spent held in these facilities. At the time they claimed it was for her own good. After her father left her she had no where else to go, and for a time she believed them. But over the years she began to hate them, hate those who were constantly poking and prodding her. Those like Howard stark who acted as if she wasn't a child, but a new play thing. As her rage continued to grow temperature gauges began to blink red and the control box began to murmur in speculation.
"Vanessa we need you to calm down. You temperature is getting too high."
"Give me another one!" She snapped, ignoring their commands to control her temper.
"Vanessa-"
"I said give me another!" she seethed, flames licking up and down her arms as she clenched her fists. She had been in this damned box for far too long, and she wanted out. If turning a dummie into a crisp was the way to do it then fine. "Let's go!" she demanded.
The two technicians exchanged a look in the box before shrugging. With a few key strokes a small hole in the floor opened up and a yellow test dummy with black markings in vital areas appeared before her.
Taking a deep breath Vanessa pulled her fist back before letting out a battle cry and driving a fiery blow straight into the dummies chest. Flames engulfed the entire decoy and soon all that was left was a smoking husk.
Hands shaking Vanessa took a step back, trying to regain her composure before shooting a look up at the box.
"Happy?" she asked. The two technicians looked at the screens with tight lips before the woman leaned forward to speak into the mic.
"Were done for today. Agent Clark will be down in a moment to escort you to your next facility." Ignoring them Vanessa turned and headed for the door, pretending not to hear their shouts to stop. Pushing through the door she stormed down the hall way, a few suits quickly jumping out of her way, and into a small single bathroom to the side, jamming the lock into place.
She whirled around slamming her hands down on the pristine white counter and stared back at the image before her.
Loose, tangeled ringlets feel out of the messy bun that she hadn't had a chance to fix since last night. Her cheeks were flushed and her face glistened with sweat from her previous exertions. Her body shook and she leaned down, turning the water on and splashed a few handfuls on her face before gulping down a few as well. The icy water felt good against her hot skin and with one more handful she turned off the sink and just focused on breathing.
Her headache had increased tenfold from her little show, and she cursed herself. Using a burst of energy like that took a lot from her, especially considering the fact that she hadn't used her powers for anything other than heating up left overs in a long time.
She returned her attention back to the mirror and sighed, she hated this place but at the same time it was her only concept of a home. These walls were once where she ran and played, whenever she wasn't hooked up to machines or being put through a training simulation.
As much as she wanted to hate it and everyone associated with it she couldn't. A knock on the door cut short her reverie and she sighed.
"I'm coming Clark." She didn't even need to look to know it was him, for the last ten years he had been her tail. Pulling open the door she was met with the same knowing smile that she had grown used to and took the towel from his hands with a small smile.
"You know, you shouldn't overdo it like that." He scolded her as they began walking down one of the many S.H.E.I.L.D hallways.
"I didn't really have a choice, they weren't gunna let me leave till they got what they wanted." She shrugged, dabbing the towel at her forehead. Her heart rate had returned to normal and the shaking slowly left her body, allowing her to move around freely.
"Here," he traded her towel for a water bottle. "Drink it quickly, you're gunna need it for the rest of your day."
"Great," she sighed, screwing off the cap and gulping down the room temperature liquid. The second she had finished that one another bottle was offered and she took it without another thought.
"Another," she commanded, not even bothering to look up. She didn't have the patience to bother with anyone else at this point, her five hours of training turned into eight leaving her with quite the attitude problem.
"That's your 5th metropolitan. Don't you think you ought to let up?" Ricky asked. It was a Monday night, his normal shift, and the normal sparse crowd was settled in at 'the bronze' a small bar down the road from her apartment that often attracted a younger crowd. Vanessa was about to tell him to shove it when another voice spoke over her.
"I think the lady is more than capable of deciding when she has had enough." Ricky raised a brow at the new comer but shrugged, turning away and moving about his business. "Mind if I sit?" Vanessa looked up and sat up a little straighter at the man before her. He seemed too well-dressed to be in a place like 'the bronze' with his sleek black pants, and coat with the hint of a royal green tie peeking out beneath.
she motioned to the seat next to her and he took it with a small smile. His sleek black hair made his pale skin and green eyes stand out in daring contrast.
"I'll take a gin and tonic," he called to Ricky.
"If you don't mind me asking, what are you doing down here? This doesn't seem quite your scene." She ventured. Ricky returned, setting down their drinks and shooting a dubious look at the man who had turned to face Vanessa.
"I am new in town on business, thought I would see what this city has to offer, and so far it has not let me down." He raised his glass to her before bringing it to his lips and Vanessa smiled, doing the same. Perhaps tonight wasn't a total loss after all.
The man before her was different than who normally enjoyed her company, a little older albeit there was a hint of charm and charisma that would make even the youngest of men jealous. His voice was suave, and held a bit of an accent that instantly made her think British.
"May I ask your name?"
"Vanessa." She answered, before taking another sip from her Metropolitan, and trying to discretely make sure that her outfit was sitting flat against her body. She had opted for a simple pencil skirt and white billowy blouse that accented her curves. Her hair had finally been brushed out and sat in a wavy side pony, a few pieces framing her face.
"Vanessa, is there a last name with that?" he asked with a raised brow and she gave him a coy smile, one that she had used so often that she didn't even need to think twice about it.
"None that you need to worry about." He laughed, a smooth laugh that drew her in.
"Well Vanessa, my name is Alexander Hiddleston. But my friends simply call me Zander. It is a pleasure to meet you."
"Pleasures all mine," she responded, turning more fully to face him, crossing her slim legs as she went.
"So tell me, if it's not too much to ask. What seems to have someone so lovely as yourself, in such a state of dissary?" he motioned to her abandoned glasses and she frowned slightly.
"Tough day at work, I'm sure you know how it is." She replied, choosing not to divulge that she had actually spent the last 8 hours blowing things up and brushing up on her hand to hand combat.
"Well I am sorry to hear that. Perhaps I can help turn your day around. There's still," he paused looking down at his wrist where his silver watch sat. "2 hours before the day is done." Vanessa raised her brow, setting down her half finished drink and leaned forward a bit.
"I hope this isn't too forward of me, but would you like to, I don't know, take a walk?" He grinned and she took that as an affirmative. Reaching towards her clutch she went to pull a few bills out but his hand stopped hers, with a smile he dropped a Benjamin on the counter before leading her from their spots at the bar. As they went to leave she quickly grabbed her coat off the rack by the door, sliding it over her arms. It was a crisp March evening and Vanessa pulled her jacket closer around her shoulders.
"So my place or yours?" He asked and she stumbled in her step giving a wide eyed look to her companion who offered her a small grin. "I'm sorry was that too forward?"
"Uh no, I just…" she trailed off, wringing her hands. Sure her end game was to end up in his bed, but normally the men she picked up were not quite so onto her as he was. And the way he spoke was just so charming, was this the norm for him as well? Suddenly she wasn't so sure of herself, but she also didn't want to spend the night alone in her apartment with only the shadows to keep her company. Zander stopped walking and Vanessa followed suit and he sighed running a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry if I misread your intentions." Vanessa shook her head with a smile.
"No, it's not that. I guess you just surprised me is all." Zander offered Nessa his arm, and she took it with only a moment's hesitation. This wasn't how she originally planned on the night going but the end game was still the same.
"So where are you from, your accent is definitely not east coast." She ventured and Zander chuckled.
"No, I suppose it's not. I'm from the UK. West Minster to be exact." She nodded along and the pair turned down another rode.
"What exactly is it you do for work that had you in such a state of duress?" he asked and Vanessa barely hesitated.
"I work for the government." Zander's brow raised.
"Oh, what do you do exactly?" she paused before continuing.
"Mostly desk work, filing and billings." He nodded in thought with a hum before leading her up the steps to a small set of single bedroom flats. Two flights of stairs later they stood in the entry way of his small flat. It was simple and plain, with wooden floors and a small coat rack which she deposited hers on.
"Wine?" he asked leading her into the main room. The furniture was minimal, but arranged in a way that reminded her of the catalogs in furniture stores, simply for show and not for living.
"Please," she took a seat on the couch and grimaced slightly, like she thought the couch was thin and was only good for aesthetic purposes.
The apartment looked like it had never been lived in, immaculate and cold. Zander returned quickly offering her a glass which she took gratefully in order to distract herself. He settled next to her with a deep sigh, a glass of his own in hand.
She couldn't help the thought that he looked almost regal upon the seat, his high cheek bones and sleek dress gave him an heir of superiority. Every second she spent in his presence she found herself more and more enticed by the man before her. Setting down the wine glass she tossed her hair over her shoulder giving the man before her a smouldering gaze.
"Let's not waste any more time on formalities." She suggested crawling over the couch to him. He grinned, setting his own glass aside and turning so she could settle herself over him.
"Do lets." He murmered before her lips caught his. She was shocked momentarily, his skin was so much cooler than any she was used to, but as his hands ran down her arms she felt the temperature difference electric, and couldn't wait to feel his hands other places as well. She bit down on his lip and with a growl he roughly grabbed ahold of her rear end, standing and taking her with him.
She was surprised by his ease of movement. His slim frame didn't lead her to believe that such strength existed beneath the fine threads of his clothing.
She wasn't given much time to ponder upon it as he recaptured her lips roughly, taking over the direction of their time together and after the day she had dealt with Vanessa was more than willing to let him lead her.
She listened for his breathing to even out, and when it did she took to her normal routine of escaping. The tidiness of his room made it easy for her to pick up her discarded clothing without much fuss, or toe stubbing. She had just pulled her blouse over her head when a loud creak caused her to freeze.
Looking up she found a pair of green eyes watching her moves, a grin upon the face it belonged to.
"Off so soon?" he asked, though judging by the tone of his voice she had a feeling he wasn't surprised in the least, which set her on edge slightly. Was there anything he didn't know?
"I don't really do sleepovers." She admitted, trying to not look as if she was caught with her hand in the cookie jar. With a yawn Zander brought his hands up behind his head resting casually against the head board. In the dim light the shadows cast upon his face made his features even sharper than in the light.
"That's alright, neither do I. However there is no need to sneak about. We're both adults here." She straightened up and gave him a small smile.
"I suppose you are right."
"Shall I call a cab?" he asked and she shook her head.
"No thank you, I'll be fine walking." She finished zipping up her skirt and turned around to face him once again. She was again struck by how handsome he was, different than the normal men she found company with, but attractive all the same. A hint of embarrassment grew in her stomach as she caught sight of the look on his face, animalistic and dark; she was reminded of their time together just a few hours prior and felt herself shiver slightly. There was definitely something different and powerful about him, but good or bad she couldn't be sure.
"You know Vanessa, I really enjoyed our time together. I would very much like to be able to enjoy your company again." She bit down on her lip and he took notice, lips curling up into a smirk. "think about it. My card," he pulled a small business card off his dresser and extended his hand towards her, which she took gently.
"I don't really do relationships." She said finally, at which he gave another smooth chuckle.
"You don't do sleepovers and you don't do relationships. Tell me Vanessa is there anything you do?" she smiled and walked towards him, leaning over the bed and pressing her lips to his.
"I do the best kind of things, I do easy and no strings attached." She whispered against his ear bringing a grin to his lips.
"I do like the sound of that." He grabbed a fist full of her hair, pressing her lips to his once more, capturing her lower lip between his teeth, causing her to let out a soft groan. "Do call the next time you've had a rough day at work." He teased pressing one final kiss to her lips.
"I'll think about it." Was her answer, as she stood up adjusting her clothes. "Bye," she called over her shoulder as she exited the room.
Green eyes followed the swing of her hips until they disappeared down the hall way, his grin turned dark and malicious. Things were going much better than planned.
Grabbing her coat off the rack Vanessa let herself out of the pristine apartment, and into the early morning hours of New York. Checking her phone she sighed, not realizing that their shenanigans had gone on for nearly quite that long. The sun had just began to poke over the horizon and she only had 4 hours until Clark would be at her apartment, waiting to take her back to S.H.E.I.L.D. She quickly took account of her surroundings before finding that she was in Greenwhich, a few blocks down from her own apartment.
With one last look up at the apartment she had spent the last 6 hours at she spun on her heel and began heading back towards her small flat. The events of the night continued to run through her head over and over again. He had surprised her in many ways, his clean, polished, proper exterior was nothing like the aggressive, controlling, sensual man that found her in bed. She was used to running the show, being in charge of how the night went, but he rarely ever let her have her way. In a way it was exciting and new, and she craved the control he offered. But on the flip side it frightened her, the way he had her bend to his every need.
She turned down another street and a few cat calls echoed after her, and with a roll of her eyes she just kept walking.
"Hey baby, where you going?" a voice called after her, steps following in their wake. "Why don't you stay awhile, the nights not over yet." They called. She clenched her fists, frustration beginning to grow. Why were men such idiotic creatures? A hand latched onto her wrist and with a snarl she swung around her free arm flying into his face. A sharp crack followed and the man howled in pain, releasing her so he could reach up to try and staunch the blood squirting from his now broken nose.
"You bitch!" his two companions called. They rushed forward and with another roll of her eyes Vanessa sprang forward. She grabbed onto the oncoming fist of one, spi
nning underneath and throwing him over her shoulder, before turning around and sweeping the other attackers feet from under him before landing a solid kick to his head, knocking the man out cold.
"Amarteurs," she spat. Turning, she continued on her way home. The rest of her walk was uneventful and by the time she let herself into her apartment she was exhausted. Pulling off her jacket she draped it over the back of a chair, brushing her fingers over the folders that sat untouched on the table before her, before continuing to her room.
Pausing in the door way she took a deep breath. The nights following a dream were always the worst, the shadows seemed to reach towards her, calling forth memories that he wished she could forget. staring into the empty room for a few moments longer she sighed, abandoning the idea of trying to catch a few hours of sleep, instead turning and heading down the hall to her small workshop. At the very least she could be productive.
Feedback is always appreciated