They call her Human Torch! Chapter 33
Peter and Char left to give Steve and I some privacy to talk but when he turned and saw me yawning he refused to do so until I had gotten more rest. I knew my body was going to need some time, not as much as Logan had said since my 'rage' was not as intense as his but still all the information we heard had given me a lot to process and had tired me out. On top of everything, now I was worried Victoria would make a move soon and that was a complication we really didn't need right now.
"Hey, just rest. We can figure out how things will work when you wake up. Do you need anything?"
"I'm okay, thanks. I can put something on for you if you want, you don't have to just sit and hover over me while I sleep, you can even go downstairs with the others if you want."
"No, no I'm okay here."
"Okay, you want to watch something?"
I twisted away from him and reached for my apple TV remote, it was a tiny little thing and I loved it way more than a bulky control, which I had hidden in the bedside drawer.
"What do you want to watch? Something history related? Maybe to start catching you up a bit? Or do you want to wait? I understand if you have too much on your mind.."
"No, it's okay. I guess it is time I figure out how it was that we won the war..."
"Oh there are lots of documentaries on that."
I browsed for a while but had trouble really understanding the descriptions that I was reading, my mind was a bit too tired to capt it. Finally I found one that would really explain everything on a tactical army timeline. I knew he would understand that better than a random person talking only about Hitler. Steve looked on with interest with every swipe I did on the control.
"This screen is clearer than any cinema screen I have ever seen. Are all of them like this?"
"Yeah, I guess that could be another lesson. A timeline on how TV's have progressed?"
I half giggled at the thought but was glad when he smiled and found it funny too. There has to be a TV museum somewhere right? I knew there was a computer one.
"If you need anything just say so okay? I don't think I will fall asleep, my body is just tired and I need to close my eyes but I know my mind won't shut off."
He smiled and nodded while I pressed play. He scooted up and put pillows on his back to lean on the headboard before fluffing up the comforter around me and guiding my head to rest on his lap. I was surprised with his bold move but I did notice that talking about where we stood and what we wanted made him much more relaxed. I have to find a way to show my appreciation for both Peter and Char soon. I let out a sigh and hugged his leg to my chest while letting my body relax and hearing the smooth deep voice of whoever was doing the voice over.
2 Hours later-
I was falling in and out of consciousness. My body was heavy but I knew the documentary was over now. I decided to let my eyes remain closed unless I really needed to open them.
"You want to watch another one? There's one on how the war helped end the great depression."
"Um, sure. Can we go to Pearl Harbor one day? I would like to see that."
"Yes, of course. We can go as soon as the clean up and rebuilds are done."
"Thank you Bella. Are you still tired? Hungry?"
"I'm a little thirsty."
He jumped out of bed and went to the bathroom to get me a glass of water from the tap before helping me sit up to drink it. I had enough strength to do it myself but I would be lying if I said his attentiveness was not appreciated. I sat up in bed with a lot of pillows supporting me so I could be comfortable but still watch the TV screen. I put on the next documentary and again he kept still as he listened to every detail they gave. I had already watched this years ago but I spent more time watching him anyway. He had a serious look on his face most of the time but there was a difference in features, I've noticed when he was angry his jaw would tighten but when he was focused his eyebrows furrowed. Actually even when he softened his features and smiled at me, his eyebrows did most of the expression work. He had nice even lips that were not too thin but not pouty either, they were perfect and inviting to kiss.
"What?"
"Nothing, I'm just staring.."
He smirked but went back to looking at the screen after running his hand through my hair. I inwardly cringed. I knew my hair needed washing and didn't want him to think I was dirty or something. We watched the next documentary for another 2 hours before it ended and I felt I had enough of being in my room. I turned off the screen and sat up a bit more to stretch.
"I need to take a shower but after that can we get out of the room? I'm feeling a bit claustrophobic."
He looked concerned instantly as he turned his whole body to me and looked me over.
"What is that? Is that bad?"
"Um, well it could be for someone who has a serious condition but people use it as an expression when they are in tight spaces and begin to feel trapped in 4 walls with no windows, you start to feel like you can't breath properly and your heart speeds up until you are thrown into a panic attack. I'm sure there has to be a better definition or explanation for it but that is how it happens for me. Other people have different symptoms."
"No, I understand that. I can remember feeling like that when I was in the tube that Stark put me in when I was given the serum, it was a very small tube but then the pain started and I hardly fit in it by the time I got out."
"Do you remember all your memories clearly?"
"Yes, it's good to remember but I think it is also what held me back from moving forward and learning all that has changed. The memories held me back, I just wanted to go back."
"I'm sorry. I know you were asleep a long time but I can't imagine how it must feel to you. To feel that your memories are of just a month ago, less."
"It's alright now, better. I think you will help me with that, I think it's another reason of many apparently of why we are mated."
"Why?"
"Because this connection I feel with you, it makes everything else less important, like you said. With you helping me and the bond I feel… It's easier to leave the past and move forward, with you. I don't think I would have ever done it alone, or if I did, it would not have been anytime soon, I would still be locked in that cabin."
I didn't know what to say to that so I just took his hand and squeezed softly before moving to get up out of bed. He got up to help me and even followed me to my closet but looked away and turned red when I reached into my drawers to get clothes and underwear.
"Sooo, how do you want to do this?"
"What? Do what?"
"I think it would be better for me to take a bath instead of standing under the water for a shower but do you want to wait for me in the living room or here in my bedroom? I don't know how strong your instincts are and I know I used the bathroom with Char earlier but I don't know if you wanted to be in there, in which case would be slightly awkward for me but I guess if you are not just staring then we could be fine, or I could find you a book of some sorts.."
He let out a small huff of laughter and I pouted at him playfully.
"Don't laugh at me! I'm trying to make things easy."
"It's fine Bella, really. I will wait out here while you take your bath. Just leave the door open so I can hear if you need my help. Should we ask Pepper to help you? You could slip in the bathtub or might be too weak to get out."
"I think I'll be fine. I will leave my clothes and lotion right next to the tub so if I feel too weak then I can drain the water and dress as much as I can on my own then I can just ask you to come in and help me right?"
"Yes, of course. I was going to tell you I could help but I didn't mean to assume, I mean I don't want you to think I am trying to be improper."
For some reason that word rubbed me the wrong way. I sighed and turned fully to face him.
"Steve, please don't do that."
"Do what?"
"Peter told you the whole story with Edward, he treated me like a porcelain doll that could break if he stared at me too hard. Even kissing him felt like I was kissing a statue from how stiff he was, he never wanted to do anything that would seem improper and that bugged me very much. I'm not saying in no means that you act like him or that I do not like the way you treat me, I just- you know, just for future reference, don't always overthink if something is proper or not okay? These are modern times, no need to always be a gentleman. Although the gesture is certainly appreciated."
He looked downright pissed when I brought up kissing Edward.. I guess I wouldn't want to hear him talking about kissing an ex either..
"I'm sorry, I will try not to be so stiff anymore."
"You haven't been, really there is nothing to say sorry for. We have not really spoken about much or if we are jumping right into a relationship or not but I just said that so you wouldn't worry in the future. I know we are mates, I know that is supposed to mean that we will be together for the rest of our lives so, naturally, as our relationship progresses and we become closer.. I just don't want the etiquette of your time to hold you back from what you want to do, if you want something, just do it, and if I agree to whatever it is that you want then there is nothing wrong. You get what I am saying here right? I don't want you to change anything about yourself for me, I just want you to feel relaxed around me and trust in us enough to feel free to do what you want or talk about whatever you want.. I'm just confusing you aren't I? I just wanted to make clear that I am on board with what Char said about moving as fast or as slow as feels right to us."
He nodded
"Yes, we can take a day at a time like she said."
"Yeah, so just relax. We can make this work really well if we just keep an open communication ok?"
I tried to smile in a way that was encouraging and it must have done the job because he smiled right back. I swear I can get lost in this man's eyes.. they were a light blue but sometimes they looked darker in different lights.
"I think you are staring again."
"I am."
I laughed lightly and he followed but his eyes darkened slightly as he leaned forward. His eyes were stuck on my lips and I felt heat blossom in my chest. Is he going to kiss me? So soon? It's not like I had a problem with that right? No, not at all. I did just tell him to do what he wanted to do, what felt natural..
He paused and looked unsure, not knowing if he should go for it or if I was against the idea. For a second I hoped I didn't have bad breath but even as I thought it over, my whole body was already leaning forward and lightly pressing my lips to his. I had to let him make that final step so I only got close enough for us to hardly feel the outline of our lips pressed together. He looked into my eyes for a moment before closing his eyes and pressing his lips fully on mine. I gently moved my lips but he took over as he wrapped an arm around my waist and dipped me back. Yes, this certainly feels natural. His smooth lips moved perfectly with mine, at the same instant that I moved to suck his top lip, he moved to kiss my bottom lip, it was perfect, like no kiss I had ever had. Our breathing was heavy when he pulled us back to a standing position, he kissed my lips one more time before pressing his forehead to mine and opening his eyes. I had never shut mine, I could watch his eyebrows furrow in concentration all day, especially if it was for his concentration on me.
"I know you are a strong woman Bella, that is one of the things that attracted me so much to you. I won't treat you like a fragile doll, I promise."
"Thank you."
I smiled at him but surprised him by leaning in quickly and kissing him for a second before turning around and heading into the bathroom.
Steve POV-
I stood frozen, watching Bella walk into the bathroom to start her bath. I had only ever kissed Peggy and if I was honest, that was a memory that was most fuzzy. The moment happened so fast and our heads were on the danger looming seconds ahead of us. There were so many things happening that ruined the illusion of what the kiss should have been about. With Bella, there's nothing else that could take my attention, kissing her made me forget everything else on my mind. I only kissed her for a moment and it made me feel amazing, I couldn't wait until the next time I got the chance to feel her soft lips on mine. I heard the water go on and start filling the tub but was surprised when she came back into the room.
"Everything okay?"
"Yeah, I just forgot it takes a while for the tub to fill up. Can you do me a favor and go ask Pepper if she has any bath bombs?"
"Bombs? Why do you need one? How would Pepper have a bomb?"
She slapped a hand over her mouth to cover her laughs.
"Bella? Why do you need a bomb?"
"Steve-"
She stopped to giggle and while the sound of her laugh was soothing, my confusion over the situation was too much.
"Steve, I promise it's nothing like that. It's not actually a bomb okay? I can show you if you go ask her? I can go actually."
"No! I can go. You don't have to waste your energy. I'll go and… get the bomb.."
I led her to sit on the bed before looking her over and taking a deep breath to leave the room. My instincts were not as bad as last night, seeing her strong enough to get out of bed on her own helped calm me and be able to leave her alone. I didn't want to leave her alone for too long but I had no idea where Pepper might be. I looked around and saw what Bella said was a sensor in the hall way.
"Uh, Jarvis?"
"Yes Mr. Rogers?"
It felt stupid and ridiculous speaking to air but was glad when it.. he responded.
"Where is Pepper?"
"Ms. Potts is in her bedroom with Mr. Stark. Would you like me to give her a message Mr. Rogers?"
"Yes, can you ask her if she has a bomb? Bella wants a bomb for her bath."
"Yes sir."
I think even the machine was confused. I didn't have to wait too long before Pepper came running up the stairs with a bunch of little black and white paper bags in her arms.
"Hey Steve! Are you guys taking a bath?"
"Uh- um"
I felt heat spread through my face as I stuttered.
"Just her! I mean, we are not going to do that together, I'm not going to be in there while she is.. in the bath.."
"Oh.. I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable Steve.. I didn't mean to assume. Um, yeah, lead me to Bella then."
"It's fine, I just didn't expect you to think that."
She smiled and laughed softly at me.
"Steve I'm sorry to say but you need to get use to it. Nowadays everyone says what is on their minds, no matter how explicit. Be prepared for Darcy, that girl has no filter and will say stuff that will shock you."
I nodded while smirking but in my head I remembered what the girl named Darcy had said about Bella having sex. The thought had upset me in a way that confused me then but now that I know she is my mate and my girl, the thought of it now made me want to track down every man that had ever touched her. Had she been touched by many men? I don't know how I will deal with that but we have other things to talk about before we bring up that conversation.. I knew she was my mate but that was not enough, I had to formally ask her to be my girl.
"Steve?"
"Yes, sorry Pepper. She is in her room."
We walked in together and Bella smiled as soon as she saw the small bags in Pepper's arms.
"Ooh you have the good ones from Lush!"
"Yes! And I have a scent that came out while you were.. um, gone."
"Really?! Let me smell!"
I stood back and watched extremely confused while they sniffed the bags together.
"It's called Avobath."
"Hmm, that smells good but my sex bomb is always my go to scent. Which one is this one?"
"That's Dragon's egg."
"That smells good, very citrusy."
She held 2 bags in her hand and waved me over with another hand. Pepper gave me a small smile while collecting the other bags and leaving.
"See you guys downstairs later."
We nodded but our attention was more on each other as I made my way over to sit next to her on the bed. She lifted both bags and sniffed them before handing them over.
"Pick one."
"You want me to pick which bomb you are going to use based on scent?"
I had to smile with her in marvel at her beautiful laugh.
"Yes. Based on scent."
I shook my head in amusement but nonetheless I brought the bags up to my nose. For the first time I looked in and saw them, they were pink and round.
"This does not look like what I was expecting.."
Bella POV-
This man was hot, even the way his eyes danced with amusement while he smelled the bath bombs turned me on.
"Which one do you like?"
"No, no. I'm asking you to pick."
Sex bomb is my favorite scent from Lush with the rose jam scents for my hair and body but I wanted to know if he liked it enough to pick that above all other scents.
"No not this one. This pink one smells like you, it smells really good, very feminine. I like it."
A smile broke out on my face and I couldn't help but lean forward and peck his cheek quickly.
"Good! Sex bomb is my favorite scent. Come on, I'll show you how to use it."
"Sex bomb? That is the name of the bomb?"
"Yeah, its fitting isn't it? It smells sexy."
I got up and dragged him with me to the bathroom where the bathtub was finally full. I put my hand in and warmed the water until there was a little bit of steam coming out.
"Alright, take out the bath bomb from the bag and drop it into the bath."
He quirked an eyebrow my way but did as he was told. The second it touched the water it began to fizz wildly and he crouched down in amazement while watching the clear water swirl with the pink of the bomb until the water was no longer clear, it was like a pink lake. He put his hand in and took it out to smell.
"It's like water.."
"Steve, it is water!"
"Yes but now that it is pink I thought it would be sticky."
"No, it's like using bubble bath or essential oils. It will still get me clean and make my skin very soft while still smelling good, no worries."
I took my socks off and stood there for a moment just staring at him until he saw that I was waiting..
"Oh! Um, yeah, I'll wait in your bedroom then.."
"I won't be too long."
He turned to go but left the door partially open. Quickly I stripped down and sunk into the water. I relaxed slightly and soon the water was boiling with my temperature. I lost track of time but fought the urge to play with myself. The thought of Steve was enough to get me going but the fact that he is somehow mine and that he is only a few feet away, listening to every splash the water makes had me very turned on.
"Ms. Swan, you have an incoming call from Paul – connected wirelessly to cell phone. Would you like to decline or answer the phone call?"
"Where is my cell phone Jarvis?"
"Mr. Stark has just activated it once again Ms. Swan. It is now located in you office desk."
"Answer."
"Yes Madam."
I roll my eyes at the formality Tony installed into Jarvis but I guess he did have a way of making you feel important. Part of me was nervous about talking with Paul after so many months but I was excited to know what the pack has been up to. I never got to see him but I missed them just as much as everyone here in New York. Shit, Steve is right outside and without my phone I had no choice but to talk with a speaker so he would hear everything.
"Hello? Bella?!"
"Paul! How are you?"
"Fuck Bella! It's so good to hear your voice! What the hell happened? Were you really abducted? And why hadn't you answered before? Sam had to put an Alpha command on half of us to keep from taking the next flight out to you. Are you okay?"
"I'm sorry, Tony just now reactivated my phone. It's been a very busy couple of days and I honestly have not called a single person yet. I was not abducted, it was an accident, I was just standing too close to the portal and was sucked in but then I couldn't come back because it was destroyed.. it was a long time coming but I'm just glad to be back. I am doing okay, what about you? How have you been? Imprinted yet?"
"No, hell no! Leah did though. Only Jake, Seth, and I are the ones left that aren't shackled, and you I guess since you are technically part of us."
"Uh, wow! Leah! Who is the guy? Do I know him?"
"Why do you say it like that?"
"Say what?"
"You sound nervous, what's wrong?"
I kept quiet knowing I couldn't lie to Paul. He knew me best from the whole pack and could detect any little emotion in my voice, that and well.. I didn't know why but I didn't know how he would react to Steve. Would I even want them to meet? How could I tell Steve 'Hey, this is the guy I lost my virginity to! He is a good guy you'll like him!' no.. he didn't even like hearing about me kissing Edward.
"Bells? Babe what's wrong? You know you can tell me anything."
Shit! Not helping! I don't want Steve hearing another guy call me babe.. not that it means anything, Paul calls any pretty girl babe!
"Nothing's wrong Paul."
"You can't bullshit a bullshitter.. What's wrong?"
"I… You know how I have vampire venom in my system and the cosmic exposure, plus Logan's DNA?"
"Yeah, you are like a cocktail, a whole bunch of ingredients in you. Are they affecting you?"
"Well yeah in a way, I guess. I met a guy… and I mated."
There was a heavy silence for a solid 20 seconds before he responded.
"Like vampire mated? Or had sex mated?"
"Like, forever and always mated.."
"Holy shit! How? Are you okay with it? If you aren't, Bella we'll figure something out, we can find a way to break it Bells… I mean Doctor Fang and the Quarterback are still kinda off but they are doing better? I'm sure it's possible to break whatever bond thing is going on. I mean worse case scenario we kill the guy right?"
Even though my mind registered his joking tone I felt a part of me snap as my breathing cut off for a moment. Just the thought of someone killing Steve and never seeing him again hurt my chest like someone had stomped on it and shattered every bone in my body at once but the pain was only felt in my heart. I yelled back at Paul at the same time that the bathroom door was slammed open.
"NO ONE is killing Steve! Don't you ever bring that up again Paul!"
"Crap, sorry sorry, you must not be against it to have a reaction like that.. Sorry Bell, I won't bring it up again. I'll be happy for you if you are happy about it, the whole tribe will, you know that. I just needed to ask."
I calmed down a bit but Steve stood panicked and glaring around the bathroom, his eyes darkened and I knew his instincts probably came out a bit more protective at the thought of someone taking his mate.
"Thanks Paul, I am glad I am mated to a good guy, I can fill you in later but now I need to talk to him okay?"
"He's there isn't he? Did he hear me?"
"Yes, and yes."
"Fuck, sorry babe."
"I'll call you later yeah? Please say hi to everyone for me, tell them I'm okay."
"Sure, but actually call! I know you have a city to put back together but I will only give you 3 days, after that I will call until you answer."
"I promise."
Once I hung up I looked back at Steve who was still at the doorway looking a little lost and upset.
"Steve?"
He was at my side as soon as his name was out of my mouth. He reached down and pulled me up by the elbows but pressed my wet naked body flat against his before holding the back of my head and pressing his lips firmly against mine. I'm sure if I were human my lips would swell with the roughness of it but he soon pried my lips open and claimed my tongue. It was like all my nerve endings were on fire and I could feel the heat turning to liquid with how wet I was becoming. His hand had a firm hold on the back of my head but the second hand lay flat on my naked back, his muscles flexed against me with every harsh breath he took, the friction felt amazing and my nipples pebbled against him, making him gasp. I held back from pushing my breast out and pressing them further into him.
"You're mine. No one is taking you away from me, no one is breaking this, I won't let them."
"We won't let them Steve, I don't want that. I'm happy being mated to you. He didn't mean it as a threat."
"He is not mated."
"No, he doesn't know how powerful it feels."
"Is he the Paul that Peter talked about, a wolf?"
"Yeah."
He finally stopped kissing me in between every word he spoke and pulled his face back to look into my eyes but his body was still against mine and I could feel his erection digging into me. It took so much control to not press or rub against it, I also thanked god that it felt like a big bulge..
"He called you Bells? He knows you well."
"It's a nickname that friends and family called me back home. No one here really calls me that other than Tony and Logan sometimes."
"He called you Babe, like baby."
"Yes, but he calls a lot of girls that. Steve, Paul and I have a past but it's nothing like you and I, we were never in a relationship."
He looked into my eyes and I could see many emotions cross them but anger and jealousy were the only ones that stayed.
"What kind of past?"
I cringed and moved my body away from him.
"We had sex once when he came to visit. It never happened after that, we chose to stay friends because it felt wrong, like we saw each other too much like siblings. There was nothing romantic about it. We are just friends Steve."
He closed his eyes and pressed his forehead against mine.
"I have no right to be upset about a past relationship… I know that. I just don't like it. You are my mate, I don't want to think about another man's hands being on you."
"I know, I'm sorry, I know I wouldn't want to hear about any of the women you have been with either."
"You wouldn't hear about anything- I haven't, you know."
"Haven't what? Been with many women?"
The thought relived me.
"With any.."
"Never?! How?"
"I was not very popular before the serum.. I was a small kid that got beat up in alleys. After... I was too busy to be trying to get women to date me, I didn't even know how to go about asking. Peggy was interested in me and I was interested in her but we never got the chance to go out on a date."
"Peggy? As in Agent Peggy Carter?! That is your ex? I thought the stories were just rumors."
"Agent?"
"Yes! She was badass! She helped start SHIELD you know."
"Peggy started SHIELD?"
"Yeah, she was amazing. A lot of people looked up to her, I never got to meet her in person, I only read her files."
"She was? Is she..?"
I felt so stupid and insensitive at the moment.
"I'm sorry Steve, I know you have a lot on your shoulders and learning this doesn't help.."
I felt like sobbing when I saw his eyes tear up slightly, but the tears never fell. He only took a deep breath and looked deep into my eyes.
"Do you know if she was happy?"
"I can't answer that really, but, she did eventually get married and have 2 children."
I had no way of knowing if telling him that would make him feel better or worse but I relaxed when he seemed to smile in relief.
"That's good. I hope she had a fulfilling life."
"I would think she did, at least professionally she did, she achieved the unthinkable. I could help you with that if you wanted? I can get her information or her files if you want?"
He looked conflicted for a moment.
"You can get back to me with that, you can take some time to think it over if you want."
He nodded and relaxed away from me while looking down. It seemed for the first time he realized I was naked and his hand that had been gently stroking my lower back froze in place before he let go and quickly stepped back. I felt even more turned on when he couldn't keep his eyes off me, they stuck to my breasts and down my legs only to end up back at my breasts. He took a deep breath and I saw his eyes darken as his erection became more noticeable.
"I'm sorry, I don't know what I was thinking, barging in here like that and then touching you so intimately while holding a conversation with you."
"Steve, it's fine, I'm not mad or upset. You thought someone wanted to take your mate and you came in here to make sure that didn't happen. I would have done the same, really."
"I know but, kissing you like that, I didn't want to do that without your permission."
"I kissed you back with the same force you kissed me with Steve. You had my permission the second that my lips moved against yours. Besides, I am your mate, I don't think you need permission to kiss me. I will never do something I don't want to or am ready for with you. If I am not okay with something then I will just say so okay? Trust me on that."
He smiled and came forward to peck my lips before offering his hand to help me step out of the tub. I pressed the side button so the water would go down before moving to the shower to finish rinsing off and wash my hair since I didn't get a chance to in the tub. I could feel his eyes on me and the moments I looked his way I could see the shock as well as the arousal. I didn't think it was a good idea to have sex so quickly with him but I did enjoy giving him this little show and seeing his control over his composure slip. After 5 minutes his breathing had become heavy but he turned away from me and went to lean against the vanity.
"You have a very nice bathroom."
"Thank you. I do have to admit that I did some redecorating in here. When I moved in it was nice but it just wasn't what I liked. It was too modern, too white and plain."
He nodded but didn't answer since he was actively trying not to turn this way. I have never liked being the center of attention and I certainly would never feel comfortable with someone staring at me naked but with him I almost felt like an exhibitionist, I wanted him to stare at me and I wanted to see how much I turned him on, it felt good to see how much he wanted me. God, I am a horny teenager all over again! After washing my hair I stepped out and wrapped a towel around my hair before using my heat to dry my body. Now he was staring in amazement, I'm guessing because of how handy that trick is. I rubbed lotion all over my body and smirked to myself when he quietly groaned and got up to wait outside in the bedroom. Once I was dressed in some yoga pants and a racer back tank top I took a deep breath and felt how tired my body had become in the last few minutes. I stepped out and smiled at him.
"Sorry if that was too much.."
"No, no I'm.. I won't complain."
He smiled and took my hand while we stepped out. I went to the stairs but he took me to the elevator even though it is just one floor that we are going down.
"Were do you want to go?"
"I want to touch base with Kitty first."
He nodded and led me to the kitchen where he got a glass of water for me.
"Jarvis where is everyone?"
"Ms. Potts has taken everyone with her to the homeless shelter to continue building. Dr. Banner however is in the chemistry lab."
"Thank you. Any messages?"
"Yes Madam, Mr. Stark had left you a stack of documents in your office that should catch you up on all important things you have missed."
I looked to Steve and shrugged.
"I guess I will catch up with her later. Why don't we go up to my office just so I can see what type of paper work it is and then we can go see how Bruce is doing now that he is awake."
It turns out the paper work was for how he handled all my bills and accounts while I was gone. He spelled everything out down to even how some people changed their numbers. I had to shake my head in disbelief.
"Tony is amazing. This takes so much off my shoulders! Now I just have some people to call to check in and Fury to deal with."
"What is the deal with Fury?"
I went on to tell him everything I knew about how SHIELD worked and what I knew about the council and threat list.
"Can they hurt you if they got a blood sample?"
"I don't really know. I mean they could never replicate it for someone else… Even if the government somehow did know about vampires, there is no way that they could get venom in their hands and without that, a part of my DNA is not complete."
"Have many people died?"
I looked down and felt my mood drop a bit.
"I honestly try not to think about it but yeah, of course people have been curious and have tried to recreate the cosmic exposure, just like they tried to recreate what they did to you. No one has survived though. Cosmic exposure is too strong, I heard people try lower doses but it's not like you can really control it… either nothing happens because it is not enough or they die. There is no in between."
"I'm sorry. It's not on your shoulders Bella, you can't control what people do, what they experiment on."
"Yeah, I know. It's just hard to see all those people pass away in my name. Not even I know the answer yet, I have studied my blood endlessly, there are so many components that there is no way to truly pin it down. It doesn't mean much coming from me though, I am no expert and most of the time I have no clue what I am looking for."
"Earlier.. Peter said that we were a good match because you didn't age.. it's clear I don't either but do you know how that is? What part of your DNA made it so you wouldn't age?"
I had to snort when I though of that.
"Oh that is all Logan! His blood made me faster, stronger, heightened my senses, froze me pretty much. I am like the female version of Logan, just not as intense I guess. When I woke up to Sam after the cosmic exposure, my body was different, it was toned and my curves were more.. you know.. I mean I looked sun tanned, now it's not so much, I am just not as pale as I once was. My body had filled out and it looked like I was 25 instead of a teen, then when everything with Logan happened, my body just became stuck like this, I will always look 25 even though I am 24.. eventually I will turn 50 and I will still look 25."
I looked away from him when my eyes started to tear. He didn't let me hide away from him though so when he wrapped his arm around my shoulder and hugged me I turned and rested my head on his shoulder while my tears silently slid down my cheeks.
"Does the thought scare you?"
"Not the aging.. I mean who wouldn't want to live forever right? I just, I know I have time now but every year, every year Kitty is looking more my age. One day she will look older, one day every one around us will have wrinkle lines, they will all age and there is nothing we can do about it. I don't want to think about a world without Kitty, without Tony, and Pepper, Piotr and Darcy.. everyone knows it, we just don't talk about it. I am grateful that I will at least have Logan, now I know I will have you too and of course vampires don't age and while the wolves keep phasing they won't age either but..."
"I know. I know just the thought of 'one day' is enough."
"Did it scare you? When you first woke up and leaned that you wouldn't age?"
"I was terrified. I never knew that would be a side effect back then. I woke up and was lost, I felt like nothing I did could actually catch me up with what I had lost, I was alone and a part of me felt like nothing I did would ever be okay, my life would never feel normal again because everyone I met and was nice to would age and leave me alone time after time. Then I met you… would it be selfish of me to say that learning you don't age is the best news I have heard since waking up?"
We smiled softly at each other because we knew it did bring a feeling of peace to have this one person by your side that would be there no matter what.
"It's not selfish at all. I understand."
"I am glad I met you, I am so grateful that everyone here has welcomed me in one way or another and I know I can easily become attached to them all but the though of having you by my side is enough to help me not think about what will come one day."
"Well you know you could become closer to Logan too.."
"I'm still working on that. After seeing him hurt you I think warm feelings will be missing for a while."
"I know how you feel but trust me Steve, this is not the last time that will happen, it is something you have to deal with.. we practice all the time and even when he is stressed himself I help him take it all out. He can hurt me because I heal. The weakness from last night was a first time thing and it will not happen every time. I can guarantee you that Tony knew what Logan was going to do, they had to have a plan to snap me out of it and it worked. I'm happy for how things worked out so just try to.. not be so hard on him yeah?"
He didn't look at all happy. He was upset and I knew he wouldn't ever be okay with me getting hurt but if he could just learn to not go all possessive whenever it happened then we would all be fine.
"Come on, let's go upstairs with Bruce. I can make calls later."
"Are you sure? I don't mind being here."
"You think I should get it over with now?"
"How many people do you plan to call?"
I paused to think about that. I knew too many people but who would it really be rude not to call?
"I need to call the academy and check in with Charles to see how he is and if the students are all okay after the attack, see if they need anything and find out how Kitty is performing in her tasks. I train her sometimes and if she needs extra help with something then that is what we focus on while she comes to visit on weekends. I need to call Mrs. Grim and see how she is doing. I need to call my lawyers, see what they are up to because they are also friends as well as my lawyers.. hm I guess I should call Jasper, I know Peter and Char are here but I should actually call him anyway. The pack will know I am okay from Paul but I should call Billy too. I know my brain is forgetting someone but I just can't remember who."
I looked back at him and he seemed amused at my rambling.
"Sorry."
"No, it's cute."
I stuck my tongue out at him while picking up the phone to do the endless amount of conversations. I doubt we would be out of here before dinner.
