Author's Note:
Trigger warning for a slight scene of self-harm. Astrid likes to test things on herself. Otherwise, this is a sweet chapter filled with sexual tension and a smattering of jelousy.
Steve really could not stop smiling and Astrid felt the same way. Even now they were unable to keep their hands off each other. It was like they were back in the honeymoon stage of their relationship. All giddy and happy. With nothing able to go wrong.
The two of them holding hands as they walked down the corridor to meet with Stark. Ready to see what he had come up with. Though it would be helpful if they actually knew where he was. Heading over to ask one of the secretaries in the paperwork room as Astrid liked to call it.
"Hey Astrid," Shamira called out. Astrid turned to face her. She looked slightly frazzled but giddy. Clearly, she was with Bucky not that long ago. "Mind if I steal you for a few minutes?"
She nudged Steve on the shoulder. "Go ahead. I'll catch up." Steve smiled. Squeezing her hand and giving Shamira a wave. As soon as he started walking Shamira pulled Astrid into a dark corner. Away from prying eyes. Tapping her head.
'What's going on?' Astrid asked. Sending out a slight mental barrier. Would keep them hidden from prying looks.
Shamira let out a sigh. 'I reached out to some of our old contacts. Most are either dead or out of the game.' Not surprising. Astrid suspected that would be the case. Made everything a lot harder though. 'They all say the same thing though. Red Skull is up to something.'
'Good thing that we are trying to stop him then.' Astrid wished now that she killed him when she had the chance. Otherwise, they wouldn't be in the mess. And a lot more good people would be alive.
'They also said that it's getting worse out there.' Shamira huffed. Running a hand through her hair. 'As if it wasn't already bad enough.' She shook her head. "Ah well, nothing we haven't faced before." She placed a hand on Astrid's shoulder. "Red Skull should be terrified." Astrid wished she had Shamira's optimism. Even if it was fake. Out of all of them, Shamira was the one who least wanted to return to the battlefield. But sadly there was no avoiding it. Feeling the waves of guilt roll through her. This was Astrid's mess after all. "Oh, and one other thing. Try not to kill any of the women giving Steve long looks."
Astrid chuckled. Shaking her head. Shamira just arched an eyebrow at her. "We both know how you can get. And Steve isn't exactly the 90-pound asthmatic anymore."
She rolled her eyes. "Fine, I will try to rein it in."
Shamira snorted in response. After a brief hug, the two of them parted. Heading in separate directions. Shamira still had supplies to prep after all. Astrid heading back down. Listening for Steve's voice. Only to hear him speaking with another woman.
"Well that really depends on your definition," Steve stated. "Personally, I think Astrid is the real hero in all this. Without her, we'd all be-"
"Well, her and all the women of America owe you their thanks, and since they aren't here." Astrid saw red. Recognizing that sultry tone of voice. She knew what the women was aiming for. It also didn't help that Steve was an absolute idiot when it came to women. Finally catching a glimpse of them. The same beautiful blond woman from yesterday who was eyeing up Steve. Hand on Steve's tie. Pulling him behind the shelves filled with files.
"Look I'm a happily married man." His voice was hard. Maybe he was actually catching on. "To the most amazing women in the world so I'm not interested."
"Ah don't be like that." She tsked.
"Look I don't-"
His voice cut off at that point and Astrid felt her stomach drop. Rounding the corner of the shelves to find that women's lips on her husband. Steve immediately wrenching his head back. Hand on her wrist. Pulling her hand off of him.
"Well, this is a surprise," Astrid snarled dropping her voice. A low tone. Causing the woman to jump back from Steve. Astrid pulling Steve further away. His face was as white as a sheet. Body trembling. Hand covering his mouth. Astrid only shook her head. Her expression softening. Returning to her normal voice. "It's alright Steve. We'll talk later. But right now." She whirled around to face the women. Who at least looked a little cowed. "Hi, I don't believe we met. I'm apparently the most amazing woman in the world." Her eyes went wide as she realized who Astrid was. Mouth dropping open.
"I'm-" Astrid held up her hand.
"Save it. I don't care." Astrid walked up and got right in her face. Returning to the low tone. The same one she used when torturing. This woman deserved it. "But let me give you some advice. When a man says that he's happily married it damn well means he's happily married. The ring on his finger isn't there for decoration. And neither is mine." Holding up her hand. The rings on her finger proving her point. "So don't bother trying to put the moves on him." She was absolutely speechless. Probably trying to figure a way out of this conversation. "Especially if the man's wife just so happens to be an expert in torture." Astrid saw the fear flicker across her body. Relishing in it slightly. "I've been meaning to test out my kit before I leave. Don't give me an excuse to use you as a volunteer." She swallowed a lump in her throat. Backing away from Astrid as much as she could.
"You can't," she smirked finding her voice. "My father-"
Astrid didn't even give her a chance. "I don't really care that your daddy is some rich government crony that sent you here to help out your… I'm guessing uncle." She was slowing shaking her head. Astrid hit that one dead on. "Next time I suggest you don't get caught sleeping around with the stable boy. No matter how good his arms look." She flushed red. But Astrid wasn't quite done with her yet. "Oh, and one other thing. This is how you actually kiss a man."
Astrid pivoted. Finding both Peggy and Steve staring at her. Eyes wide. Seemed like Peggy had joined the party. Not her biggest concern right now. Grabbing Steve's arm and pulling him towards her. Once he got close enough Astrid wrapped one arm around his neck and pulled him forward against her chest. Meeting his lips with hers. Steve immediately responding. Hand on her hip. Other threaded through her hair. Letting out a soft moan as Astrid pushed further into his mouth. Riling him up only to pull back. Keeping her hands on him. Turning slightly to face the women.
"Take note dear," Astrid stated with a twisted smile. "Next time you kiss a man to get back at daddy for not letting you play polo or fox hunt or sleep around with boys, make sure he's single." Her smile widened. "You might be trying to sleep with every soldier out of spite but that doesn't mean there interested." Letting go of Steve she faced the woman again. Drawing out one of her blades. Twirling it around in her hand. "I see you so much as look at Steve in the future, I'll rip your eyeballs out of your skull. That should teach you not to let them wander."
Now to focus her attention on what was important. Peggy and Steve. Looking over both of them. Both of them red. Staring at her. Clearly impressed. Not noticing they almost had the exact same reaction on their face. Desire. Before snapping themselves out of it. Peggy smoothing out her uniform. While Steve tugged at his tie. Still panting slightly.
Peggy shot her own glare at the woman. Shrinking under her gaze as well. Astrid smirked. Peggy would make one fine executioner. Her glare even unnerving Astrid slightly. Turning her attention back to Astrid. Eyes darkening in a different way.
"Shall we go?" Peggy asked in a tone that made it sound like she would rather drag Astrid into a dark corner. Letting Steve watch whatever she had planned. She felt her stomach flip. Peggy was truly something.
Astrid gestured towards the exit. Peggy smile and turned. Heading towards the exit. Astrid and Steve following her. Steve taking her hand. Tapping it slightly. Knowing immediately what that meant. Connecting their minds together.
'I'm so sorry,' he pleaded. His body language reflecting his tone. Curling deeper into Astrid. 'I didn't…I shouldn't…' He seemed like he was about to break down. 'You're the only one for me, Astrid. I don't want another. I never even thought that she would…'
Astrid could only shake her head at him. Feeling her heart beat a little faster. It wasn't Steve's fault. He didn't want it. Only increasing Astrid's rage towards the women. She would make sure she would never step inside this base again. 'You and I are going to have a long conversation about how to handle women.' Steve nodded. Color returning to his face. 'This wasn't your fault.' Steve opened his mouth to argue but Astrid beat him to it. 'It wasn't. I won't hear any arguments otherwise." She squeezed his hand. 'Though if you want to make it up to me, I wouldn't object to you spending most of tonight on your knees. Showing me exactly how good of a mouth you really have.' Steve's expression darkened slightly. Licking his lips.
'That's not much of a punishment my love. I was already planning on doing that.' He closed his eyes for a brief moment before opening them again. 'Especially after that kiss. Maybe we should-'
His thought interrupted by Peggy. Leading them deeper into the compound. "Had fun you two?" she asked giving a mischievous smile leading them down more corridors. Just how big was this place? Astrid had the feeling that without Peggy she could get lost for days.
"Oh, you know we did," Astrid answered. "Had to make sure everything was in proper order. Required vigorous testing." Steve sounded like he swallowed his own lung while Peggy and Astrid laughed.
"Astrid," he gargled causing the two women to dissolve into giggles.
"That was also certainly something Astrid," Peggy continued. "I certainly know a few women and men who could use the same treatment."
Astrid shrugged. "So do I. Though I tend not to unless they do or say something really stupid." She ground her teeth together. "But in this case… you think you get her reassigned somewhere?"
There wasn't even a moment of hesitation. "Consider it done. Though if I may also ask… how do you do it?" Steve turned to look at her as well. Clearly also interested in the answer. It is definitely a useful skill to have."
"Honestly? It's kinda easy. I've always been able to recognize someone's insecurities. One of the things that make me really good at my job. The rest's just tone of voice." She dropped her voice again as an example. "Part of our training requires learning different tones. Crafting them for particular situations. This one is my favorite. For most people, it shakes them to their core. Unnerves them. Though it does have a different effect on others. They require a slightly different tactic." Seemed like Steve and Peggy had the other reaction. Steve whimpering slightly while Peggy bit her lip. Astrid smirked. Ideas forming in her head about what to do the next time her and Steve were alone.
"Stark is ready for you that way," Peggy stated pointing down a corridor. Steve nodded. Squeezing Astrid's hand again before letting go."
"I'll see you two later." He gave Astrid a quick kiss before heading down.
Astrid calling after him. "Don't let Stark talk you into anything too stupid." She could hear him chuckle. Steve would be fine. Turning her attention to Peggy.
"Astrid, Colonel Phillips want to meet with you," Peggy stated
Astrid sighed. "Probably to pick my brain about Red Skull again." Peggy gave her a sympathetic smile. Leading her to Phillips's office. It was a decent-sized room disguised as a smaller room due to the amount of stuff in it. A large desk piled high with paperwork. Maps strewn about the walls. Cabinets filled with what looked like reports. Phillips sitting behind his desk. Shuffling papers in his hand.
"Doc," he stated looking up. Gesturing to close the door behind them. Peggy did so. "You are firm in your decision to join Rogers?"
Astrid let out a small smile. "Am I firm in my decision to join my husband? Absolutely."
"Good." He put the papers down. Taking off his glasses. "He might have a chance with you with him."
"I'm fairly certain he has more than just a chance Sir." The look Phillips gave her told her he doubted it.
"The point being I've cleared it with the higher-ups. And considering your background with Hydra they've agreed it's the best course of action. Not that it would stop you if they didn't agree."
"No Sir it wouldn't have." Astrid could have sworn she saw an almost faint smile on his lips.
"I thought so." He picked up another set of papers. "You better get a move on. The last time Rogers and Stark were together I ended up with a ton of paperwork and a massive headache."
"You also ended up with nearly 400 hundred men saved."
Phillips sighed, shaking his head. "Just keep him in line and make sure he doesn't do anything too reckless." Well, that was impossible. This was Steve Rogers they were talking about. "Rogers may be commanding the mission but I know he takes all his orders from you." Astrid smiled. It was true. "Dismissed." Astrid quickly saluted him before turning around and leaving. Peggy right behind her
"That wasn't bad," Astrid stated. "I think I got off easy."
Peggy snorted. "You got off easy because he thinks you're a genius." She looked up at her. "A sentiment we both share." Astrid gave Peggy a smile. She felt the same way about Peggy as well. Peggy continued to lead Astrid to Stark's workshop. The maze of twisting corridors starting to make a little bit of sense. Kind of. Not really.
"Without you, I would be completely lost in here," Astrid stated.
Peggy shot her a smile. "I'm sure you would find your way around. With a little bit of help of course."
"I don't know about that. I tend to get pretty distracted when I'm around you."
"The feeling is mutual." Peggy had a sad smile on her face. "I can see why Steve was drawn to you. He looks at you as if you are the moon." Her voice changed slightly. A slight edge to it. "And you look at him as if he is the sun." Well, that was poetic and extremely accurate. Steve was her light. That was when Peggy stopped. Astrid looking straight ahead. Taking it all in. They were standing right outside Howard's workshop. Filled with gadgets and other miscellaneous stuff. Assistants working in the background on who knows what. Steve holding a circular shield. He hadn't yet noticed them. Marveling at Stark's invention.
"You two really are perfect together," Peggy noted with a slight bitterness in her voice. Astrid not blaming her. She would probably feel the same way if the situations were reversed.
"We get that a lot," Astrid replied.
"I'll free him up so you can get some more private time together." Something that would be far less common in the future. Not a lot of moments for privacy on the battlefield. "You did want to take him to that art exhibit, right?"
Astrid nodded. Her appreciation for Peggy growing. Peggy shooting her another smile before walking up to Stark and Steve. "Are you quite finished Mr. Stark? I'm sure the Captains have some unfinished business." Astrid chuckled. Peggy was the only one who really referred to her as a Captain. Everyone else called her Doc.
"What do you think?" Steve asked them as he held up a circular metal shield. Looking for Astrid's approval more than anyone else's.
In one swift motion, Peggy grabbed a gun off a nearby table. He quickly ducked behind the shield. Peggy firing off three shots. The bullets hitting the shield in the dead center. Falling to his feet in a crumpled-up mess. All it did was leave three small streaks across the metal. Steve peeking out with a terrified look. Glancing at Astrid for assistance. Howard also looked to her for help. Having shielded his head off to the side. Astrid had just crossed her arms. Shaking her head and laughing. That was one way to test the shield's capabilities.
Peggy sighed "Yes, I think it works." She put the gun down on the table.
"Bit much you think?" Astrid asked.
Peggy turned to look at her. "Not at all. We have the best surgeon in the entire world in the room right now if something did happen." That caused Astrid to blush. Peggy walking closer to her. "Besides I would rather see your husband safe." She arched an eyebrow. "Couldn't think of a better way to test the shield in that regard." She did have a point. Peggy walked up even closer. Whispering in her ear. "You could have stopped me if you wanted. I've seen you in action." She pulled back immediately. Walking out of the room. Past Steve and Howard. Leaving Astrid with the two guys and a bunch of bewildered assistants.
Both Stark and Steve were glancing at each other. Wondering what the hell just happened as Steve handed Stark a piece of paper. "I had some ideas about the uniform."
"Whatever you want, pal," Stark answered before turning to focus on Astrid. "I also got some ideas for Lady Liberty."
"Why does everyone call me that?" Astrid asked rolling her eyes. Walking up to the two of them. "As long as I'm not dressed up in garish colors, I'll be fine."
"It was more tweaks to the mask. It's some impressive technology."
Astrid shrugged. "Not surprising. It was developed by my father." That caused Stark to flinch. He knew the truth as well. "Shall we leave him to his work Steve? I got some ideas before we have to deploy."
"Actually," Stark interrupted. "I was hoping to discuss some things with you." Steve's attention was suddenly fixated on Stark. Pulling Astrid closer to his body. Stark's relationships with women were well known. It was hard to find a woman that he hadn't flirted with. And he was brazen enough to flirt with them in front of their spouses. Though Steve was relaxed. Only lightly holding onto her. Giving Astrid the most control over the situation.
"Really?" Astrid asked leaning into Steve. "About what per se?"
He was apparently paying no attention to the display. Rushing over and rummaging around his shelves before pulling over a case. He opened it up on a nearby table. Revealing a gorgeous set of scalpels. Astrid pulled herself away from Steve. Hovering over the scalpels. Picking one up with her hand. Perfect handling, lighter than expected.
"I designed them myself," Stark continued as Astrid gripped the blade in her hand. "Reusable, never need to be sharpened. Self-sterilizing. All you need to do is wipe them down."
Astrid smirked. "If what you say is true then these would be a lifesaver." She rolled up her sleeve. Doing one thin stroke on her forearm. Not enough to need stitches before wiping it off on her sleeve. Perfect control. She held up the blade at eye level. Clicking her tongue. "Definitely works."
Howard meanwhile was staring at the cut on her arm. "Didn't that hurt?"
"Not really." Astrid continued to examine the blade.
"Do you need bandages or something?"
Astrid shrugged, finish out the clotting cream in her bag, and smearing it across the cut. Sealing it up instantly. She had made a ton of it so she could afford to waste some on something as frivolous as this. Especially if it would stop Howard looking at her as if she had gone insane. "I've done worse." She slipped the blade back in its case. "Remind me to swap these out with my old ones before we leave. Also, let me know if you got anything else. Otherwise, my husband and I have got some art to look at. She rolled the sleeve back down. Covering up the cut and the blood. It would be healed up in half an hour or less.
"Do you mean art or…" he gestured with his hands.
"I mean we are going to look at paint put on canvas that is hopefully well done."
"So, you are actually going to take a look at art?"
She turned to Steve with a half-smile. "You haven't told anyone what you do have you?"
Steve shot her a smile. "Hasn't come up."
She shook her head. Taking his arm. Before turning to Stark. "Shamira or Peggy will know where to find us. If you got anything else for us before we ship out let either of them know."
"Actually," Stark started to say when Steve held up his hand.
"There's no point in arguing with her. You are going to lose." He smirked. "Besides it will give you some time to work on the uniform." The two of them left the same way Peggy did. Heading down the corridors.
'We're going to an art gallery?' Steve couldn't hide the excitement in his voice.
Astrid nodded. 'Peggy found a place with a small collection of pieces. Recommended that we check it out.' Steve nodded though she still felt some tension. 'Don't worry. Once we get back I fully intend on relieving you of your problem.' She glanced down. Even with the loose-fitting clothes, she could still make it out. 'Those pants must be so tight right now.'
'You have no idea.' Steve pulled her even closer. Rubbing her hip. 'And don't worry. I also have my own plans for tonight.' Astrid shook her head. Fighting the temptation to find the nearest closest and make tonight happen now. But they would wait. Anticipation making the moment sweeter.
Unlike Astrid, Steve seemed to know where they are going. Bumping into Falsworth on their way out.
"Heading out as well?" Falsworth asked as they left the building. The street was quiet. Not many people out and about.
Steve nodded. "Getting in some time with the wife before we all ship out."
Falsworth hummed in agreement. "I'm heading off to do the same. My wife just arrived in London. I'm going to go pick her up from the train station." He actually looked giddy. Astrid chuckled. He was so in love it wasn't even funny.
"Seems like you're in for a fun night," Dugan stated also coming out. Morita was also with him. Shooting Falsworth a wink. After initial greetings, Falsworth took off. Without even saying a proper goodbye.
Astrid pointed in the direction he ran off to. "That is a man who clearly loves his wife."
"Something we have in common," Steve replied pulling Astrid in close. Loving the feeling. It was clear to everyone. She was his lady.
Morita chuckled. "Are you two going to be like this the entire time?"
"Surprised?" Astrid asked.
Morita shrugged. "Just used to the two of you not getting along."
Dugan nodded along in agreement. "Nice to see that the two of you are actually happily married."
"Just wanted to give Astrid the space she needed," Steve replied. "I knew she was always going to come around." The others gave Steve doubtful looks but Astrid knew he was telling the truth. He always had faith in her.
"Anyway," Dugan replied. "We are all going to get together for dinner later. Shamira and Bucky joining us as well. A sort of team-building exercise before we are all shipped out." That wasn't a bad idea. Really get to know the ins and outs of everyone. "She mentioned to bring it up to you two in case she didn't see you again today."
"We'll be there," Astrid responded. "Where is it?" He stated the address. Astrid quickly jotting it down in her brain. Promising that the two of them would be there. Whether they would be there on time was another story. Her and Steve getting sidetracked at the art gallery.
There wasn't a lot. Most of which was put into storage for protection but what was there was gorgeous. With only a few smatterings of other people, it felt like they were alone sometimes. Reminded Astrid of their second official date. As well as their wedding.
Steve was in awe. Resisting the temptation to reach out and touch the art. He never realized that the colors were so vivid. That there was so much detail that he missed. Astrid softly smiled at him as he talked about it. Never getting tired of hearing him talk about something he loved so much. The two of them so busy that they almost missed out on dinner. Barely making it with a moment to spare.
"Looks like the two lovebirds actually made it," Morita stated as Astrid and Steve took their seats.
"Honestly surprising," Jones added on. "I thought you two would be too wrapped up in each other."
"I mean even I made it on time," Falsworth brought up.
Astrid smirked. "Your wife okay with that?"
Falsworth shrugged. "She's with her sister right now and I would rather be held captive right now than be with her sister." They all chuckled and Astrid had no doubt in her mind. They would make an excellent team.
Despite the rationing, they managed to have a decent meal. A little bland and under-seasoned but that was to be expected.
"Astrid please pass the salt," Shamira begged. "Whatever this is desperately needs it."
Astrid did it without a second thought. Floating it over to Shamira. Who snatched it in the air as if it was perfectly normal. Soon hearing the clattering of silverware and everyone turning their eyes towards Astrid. Steve and Bucky chuckling while the other boys looked at her wide-eyed.
"I suppose we should have brought this up sooner," Astrid stated putting down her own silverware. "But I guess now is better than never." She shot them all a smile. "I can read minds."