So, I've been thinking. Surprisingly enough I have come to love my pairing for this story and I think I may want to do some fluffy one-shots on the side about their relationship (mostly just cute little moments I'm not able to fit into my story, sadly enough) and I was wondering if anyone else would like to read those? I may do it anyway, when I have time, but I was just trying to see if anyone would enjoy it. Also, I actually have time today so I'm hoping this chapter will be a lot longer than all the others :) Thank you all for the feedback I have been recieving! ~RachaelPuffinFace
Chapter Nine: Threat
Alarm clock, shower, change. All of these things barely registered with me as I moved about. It just seemed like one of those days where crawling out of bed shouldn't happen and the whole morning should be spent dozing off or doing some relaxing task such as reading or watching tv. However, today was a work day so none of these things could be done, sadly. Walking into the kitchen I grabbed a mug and the coffee pot, only to realize I had never set up the machine the night before so I just stared dully back at the empty glass pitcher in my hand. I sighed and set both items back on the counter, rubbing my tired eyes. There was no time to start a new pot, I had pressed snooze a few too many times to do so without being late to work. With no other choice (and no other source of caffine) I grabbed my coat and a scarf before heading down to the outside world.
Today there was no snow falling and the cold air wasn't as harsh as it usually was but it was still cool enough to elicit a chill from me. Bundled up in my warm jacket with my scarf pulled up to my nose, I began heading down the street in a sleepy daze. I wasn't paying attention to anything around me, only enough to dodge the fast paced bodies around me heading off to their jobs as well, when someone grabbed my wrist from behind. I jumped and spun around, eyes slightly wide and startled. I frowned when I realized it was only Steve, confused about why he was holding onto me. He furrowed his eyebrows at me.
"What-?"
"Why didn't you turn around when I called your name?" I paused and thought back. I didn't remember hearing him, but I also didn't remember how I was suddenly halfway between the bakery and my house.
"Ummm... I didn't really hear you." My voice was muffled due to the scarf covering the majority of my face but I could still hear the tired slur in my voice. Steve looked back at me concerned.
"Are you alright?" I turned to start walking again and tugged on his arm that was still holding my wrist to make him follow me. He did, releasing me, and I sluggishly walked beside him.
"Yeah, fine. I forgot to make coffee and I didn't really want to wake up this morning. Tired." This was all said in a monotone voice, and I didn't really care. I was too tired to try and put some life into my tone. My eyes were droopy and any cold that penetrated my cacoon of clothes made me want to bundle up tighter. By now we had reached my work but I didn't enter as he suddenly stopped. I looked at him curiously, my hand paused on the door.
"What?"
"I'll be right back. You can go in and start working but just come to the door when I knock, alright?" I nodded, slightly suspicious but pushed the door open and began to slowly peel off my layers of warm clothes. Sighing about how the day hadn't even really begun but I was already ready for it to end, I slowly tied the back of my apron and tightened my ponytail. I had even been too lazy this morning to braid my hair, let alone fix it up enough to leave it down, so ponytail is what it would have to be. I walked to the back of the shop to see my dad already kneading dough and filling cupcake tins full of cupcake and muffin batter. I wasn't late, was I.
"What time did you get here?" He looked up at me, a grin on his face. I didn't understand how he could be such a morning person. He always had been. Me, on the other hand, I had always been a night person. If I could, I would be nocturnal. However, that's not really how it works.
"About an hour ago. I woke up earlier than usual and decided I'd just head over and start the day early." He stopped and studdied my face for a moment before turning back to the task at hand. "What's wrong with you? No offense, honey, but you look like the barely-living dead." I gave a dry laugh at that and headed over to help, successfully knocking over a mixing bowl and a, now dirty, cake pan. Batter was spread all down my front, luckily only getting on my apron, as my dad immidiately headed over to help clean it up.
"I'm so sorry! I'm not really myself this morning." God, what was wrong with me?
"It's fine, it's fine. Why don't you go start setting up out front and try to wake up a bit? Alright?" I nodded, trying not to feel bad about how I was already ruining my morning. When I got to the front I carefully stripped off the dirty apron and threw it into a bucket we had for towels we needed to clean. Good thing messes weren't uncommon at a bakery and we had extra aprons lying around. I grabbed on and quickly tied it around me. It was a bit too big, probably meant for my dad, so I had to loop the strings around my front before tying it in the back so there wouldn't be too much extra string hanging down. I leaned on the counter, my elbows resting on its top as my hands covered my face. I groaned. Bad day... this was going to be a very bad day. Suddenly I heard a knocking and looked up.
Steve stood just outside the door, two paper coffee cups in his hands, steam coming off their tops. I hurried over to the door and opened it. He handed me one of the cups.
"I thought you could use this." I was so happy - both for the coffee and the fact that he had gone out of his way for me - that I could have cried. Could have, but didn't. I looked at him gratefully.
"Oh my god, Steve. You are a lifesaver." He smiled back at me and took a step back.
"You're welcome. Well, I should let you get back to work. I'll come by some time later." Before he could walk off I grabbed his arm.
"Wait! Why don't you come in? I kind of got banished from the back until I am deemed worthy of helping." He chuckled at that but didn't move from his spot, looking toward the back of the bakery where my dad was.
"What about your dad? I'm sure he wouldn't like a customer loitering before you opened." I shrugged and smile.
"I'm sure he'd make an exception for a friend. Besides, are you really going to make me sit around by myself?"
"I-I guess not." I smiled brightly and grabbed his arm.
"Good, come on." I pulled him over to one of the small tables set up for customers but before I could sit down he pulled my seat out for me. I smiled at him. "Thank you." He sat across from me and I sipped my coffee. Milk and sugar, perfect. I vaguely wondered if he knew that was how I liked it (I couldn't remember if I had shared this fact with him) or if it was just a lucky guess. Either way I was just happy to have the warm drink. "So, who taught you how to be such a gentleman? You don't see that much anymore." He smiled.
"It's just the way I was raised." I hid my smile behind the rim of my cup. I liked how he was raised. He took another sip before giving me his full attention. "So what did you do to get yourself kicked out of the kitchen?" I grimanced.
"Five seconds into work and I managed to knock everything over. I spilled a whole bowl of batter down my front. Needless to say my dad told me to leave. I mean, he did it very nicely, but still." I shrugged and took another sip. I already felt more awake than I had all morning, although I feel like Steve's presence had more to do with that than any amount of coffee would. I hate to say this, hate how cliche it sounded, but I felt more alive when I'm around him. Like his existence alone sent energy into my being. I was slowly becoming addicted to him and I was powerless to stop it. I looked up at his face and remembered kissing him goodbye yesterday - on the cheek, I reminded myself as I blushed. He'd had a hint of stubble on his face from a whole day after shaving but his skin had been warm and soft. I told myself it had been a friendly kiss, platonic even, but every nerve in my body screamed was getting out of hand but I wasn't sure how to stop it or if I even wanted to. A cough behind me drew me from my thoughts.
Turning around I saw my dad watching us. I could almost feel Steve trying to look more presentable and respectful and I almost rolled my eyes. He worried too much about what my dad thought of him. I was surprised when I realized my dad wasn't as defensive as he usually was whenever he found the two of us together (and that was when we weren't left alone) but instead had a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
"Stacey, just remember not to sit around for too long. We do have work to do." I smiled.
"I know, dad. I was just getting my cafine fix." I held up my cup as evidence and he nodded, eyes passing between the two of us before he turned and went returned to the back. I turned to Steve and almost laughed out loud but managed to control it to slight giggles. He looked so confused.
"What?" I smiled and set my half empty cup down.
"Why do you do that?"
"Do what?"
"You look like you're trying to impress my dad. You kind of remind me of a nervous teenage boy." He blushed slightly and hunched over as if trying to hide beind his empty cup.
"Sorry." I gave him a confused look.
"Why are you sorry?" He shrugged.
"If I'm embarrassing you or something then I'll stop." I shook my head with a light chuckle and rested my hand on top of his. He twitched slightly at the contact but didn't pull away. I was glad, I didn't want him to pull away (what was happening to me...?).
"There's nothing wrong with it, it's just... cute." I sat back in my chair and held my cup up to my mouth with both hands. Noticing the blush on his face I smiled. He was adorable. Before he could reply I stood up and threw away my empty cup. "Feel free to stay if you want. I have to get to start working." He nodded, face still red, and I gave him a quick smile before turning away.
~*~Steve's POV~*~
Every time I was around that woman, couldn't help but feel a warmth spread through me. If Tony had heard about the way I felt he would make fun of me and take it all wrong. This was not lust I felt. I felt truly happy when I was around her and it was like I had found my anchor to this time. I knew how I reacted to her, I knew how she affected me and I knew that every time we were together my feelings toward her would only increase. I didn't know how this girl affected me so much but I could really get used to it. I threw my cup away as well but, instead of leaving, I sat back down and watched as she stored the freshly baked goods in the glass case.
~*~Stacey's POV~*~
The day was in full swing and the coffee this morning had done the trick. I easily moved about behind the counter and took orders without a problem. It wasn't the seasonal rush of customers I had to take care of before the holidays but it was definately busier than usual. I suspected early parties and family get togethers and happily served everyone. Steve, who had been hanging around the sidelines of the bakery, had stepped outside not too long ago saying he needed to take a call. I waved him off, telling him to do what he needs to do, and continued serving. A man stepped up to the counter near the end of the rush of customers. He was a very generic looking man, someone with no distinguishable features. He was the type of man who wouldn't stand out in your mind if you passed him on the street. However, there was just something about him that put me on edge. Ignoring this and giving him a polite smile, I treated him like any other customer.
"Hello, how can I help you?" He smiled nicely enough but the look in his eyes didn't quite match up. Subconciously, I leaned back away from him.
"Yes, I would like one of these." He pointed to something behind the glass and I placed it in a small paper bag. I read him his total and he handed me a twenty, much more money than was necessary. When I tried to hand him back his change he stopped me. "Keep the change..."
"Stacey." I supplied. I'm not sure why I told him my name and chalked it up to habit. He smiled, although it looked more like a smirk, and his eyes darkened in a menacing way.
"Yes, thank you Stacey." Grabbing his order and walking out, he passed Steve who was on his way back in. I suddenly wished he would be right beside me.
~*~Steve's POV~*~
I had just gotten off the phone with Tony. Supposedly there had been some recent comotion with this new organization and he had been updating me. Apparently they were thought to be collecting themselves and organizing an attack. Opening the door to the bakery I let a man pass. His eyes met mine and I became cautious of him. There was something off about him but he was already out of sight before I could figure it out. I walked to the now deserted counter and took in Stacey's expression. She looked about as uneasy as I felt.
"Stacey, are you alright?" She looked over at me and nodded, although her face remained the same.
"Yeah, it's just... that guy kind of gave me the creeps." I frowned.
"What did he say to you?" She shrugged.
"Nothing much, and it wasn't what he said that freaked me out, it was the way he looked at me." I clenched my fists. I had a really bad feeling about this and I just hoped I was wrong.
"Well, he's gone now." She nodded before looking over at me, an aprehensive look on her face.
"You... you're still walking me home, right?" I smiled reasuringly at her.
"Of course, I always do." She nodded.
"Good..."
~*~Stacey's POV~*~
I was happy as Steve and I walked down the street after work. The man from earlier was still fresh in my mind and I didn't like the idea of running into him on my way home. We neared my apartment complex and, as I was about to enter the front door when Steve stopped me. I was about to turn and ask him what was wrong when I spotted it. In order to get to my apartment you had to first enter the front of the apartment complex, which was always locked to those who don't have a key. Looking at it now, though, the door wasn't only open, but splintered near the lock and doorknob.
"What...?" Steve stepped ahead of me and I followed wordlessly. As we neared my apartment we saw my door in much worse condition than the front door had been. I covered my mouth with my hands as my eyes watered at the sight of my apartment. My simple apartment, which had always been organized, albeit slightly messy, was now completely torn apart. Before I could so much as let a small sob escape, Steve turned to me completely serious.
"Stacey, just stay here, alright? I'm going to make sure no one is in there." I didn't have time to argue before he was roaming my apartment. Glancing around from my position outside the door, I saw pictures I had hung on the wall smashed on the ground. I felt tears begin to slip between my fingers as I saw a picture of my dad and I posed out front of the bakery on my first official day of work. He had been so proud of me and now the picture was shredded to the point where if I hadn't seen it every day, I wouldn't have recognized it.
Just as Steve rounded the corner and drew nearer, the first sob escaped. As soon as it left me I felt strong arms wrap around me. I buried my face in his chest and gripped the front of his shirt as the tears flowed freely and sobs wracked my body. We stayed like that, him whispering small comforting words, until I had calmed down. I wiped my eyes as I stepped back.
"Stacey... I think you should come back to the tower with me tonight." I looked up at him through blurry eyes. "It's not safe here and I'd feel better if I could keep an eye on you." I nodded while sniffling. He led me to my bedroom where, luckily, most of my clothes were just thrown around rather than destroyed. I collected what I could for an overnight stay. A quick look around told me nothing was taken, only destroyed. I followed Steve to the front, not bothering to lock the broken door (it wouldn't matter much if someone broke in again). I barely registered the ride to the tower, only clinging to Steve tightly and thinking about where I would go from here.
The elivator door opened to the main living quarter's floor and we were greeted by Pepper, who happened to be walking by.
"Hello, Steve. Oh I see you brought... Stacey, what's wrong?" I broke down almost as soon as the taller woman folded her arms around me in concern. I faintly heard Steve explaining what had happened before Pepper was holding me at arms length. "Oh, honey. Come on, let's get you settled. There's enough room for you to stay." Right then Tony entered the room. He froze at the sight of me crying and being consoled by his girlfriend while Steve stood off to the side, a solemn expression on his face.
"What's going on?" Steve walked over to the billionaire and began dragging him off.
"Come on, we need to talk." Pepper steered me away and down a hallway as I calmed down.
~*~Steve's POV~*~
"Cap, what is-" I cut him off as I slammed the door shut. Pacing before him, I handed over a crumpled piece of paper.
"Read it." Still confused, he smoothed out the paper. As he read his expression darkened.
"Where did this come from?" For once he was completely serious, all hints of his usual arogance gone. I ran my hand through my hair and tried to resist the temptation to punch something.
"We got to her apartment and found it destroyed. They broke into her home and did this! That's where I found the note." Tony sighed.
"She'll stay here until this is all sorted out. At least here she'll be safer." I was relieved that he would allow her to stay, although I would have been surprised if he turned away. I stopped pacing and turned to look at him.
"Thank you, Stark." He waved away the comment.
"Yeah, yeah just go make sure your girl's alright." I didn't even blush at the comment, just nodded and headed out of the room. Walking down the hallway where the rooms were located I finally found the one where Stacey was. She sat on the large bed, knees drawn up to her chest. I knocked on the door frame softly to catch her attention. She motioned for me to come in and I sat beside her on the bed. No words passed between us but she lightly leaned against my side and I automatically wrapped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer. I wished I could keep her here with me forever, safe and sound. As her head leaned against my shoulder her breathe began to even out. I couldn't relax, however, the words from the note running through my head in a continuous cycle.