Hello Everyone! Just a reminder this story involves mature content (sex), if that does not interest you please do NOT read or simply skip those parts. Also, thank you to all of you who have reviewed, favorited and followed my story. I am honored, please enjoy! :)
Though Steve and Edie both retreated to their separate bedrooms that night, neither felt as if they were alone. The ghost of the others lips, and hands still lingered on their bodies and Edie woke the next morning seeking out the warmth of the Captain that had been so vivid in her dreams. Stretching with disappointment when she realized the spot next to her was truly empty, Edie slipped out of bed to start her day. Itching to say good morning to a particular blonde with irresistible lips.
It was when Edith returned from the bathroom that she heard a distant dinging noise. Following the beep to the touch screen phone idling by her bed, she read the blinking words filtering across the face of the device.
Notification: Natasha Romanoff.
With an unsure hand Edie tapped the crystal screen inadvertently prompting the device to play the video message left by the Agent.
"Good Morning, Miss Andrews. I have been informed by Director Fury that I am to be your field trainer for the time being. In the duffle bag by the foot of your bed you will find athletic gear, please join me in the Stark gymnasium located on the 20th floor."
And as soon as it appeared the face of Agent Romanoff vanished, leaving Edie in a bit of confusion.
"How did she.." Edie wondered aloud at how the agent had managed to sneak into her room undetected, and sure enough the Healer found the black duffle at the exact position Natasha had instructed.
Pulling out the gear, Edie inspected it with curiosity and blushed sheepishly at the tightness of the gray leggings and black t-shirt staring back at her.
"Morning! I'm off to the gym, wish me luck. Natasha is to be my trainer." Edie echoed a nervous laugh, pacing into the kitchen to find Steve at his spot against the counter, newspaper in hand.
"Well good morning. Is that so?" Steve fought to keep his attention from trailing down her spandex clad backside as Edie leaned into the fridge. The curves of her body emphasized in such a way that had Steve replaying the previous night's kiss over in his mind for the thousandth time.
"Aw Steve! Was this you?" Edie piped suddenly, holding up the brown paper bag donning her name.
"Nope." Steve tossed a mischievous grin as she shut the metallic door and cast her full attention to the Captain.
"You're so sweet." Edie cooed, peering into the bag to reveal a healthy breakfast.
"Figured you couldn't train on an empty stomach."
"Thank you. How'd you know?" Edie cocked her head with curiosity.
"I got up to find Natasha sneaking out of your room earlier. I'll give her that, she is a hell of a spy. If I hadn't gotten up for water I would have never known she was here." Steve chuckled, creasing the paper down to get a better view of Edie's smiling face.
I could get use to this, Steve mused at the thought of waking up to Edie's inviting jade eyes every day.
Before Edie could stop herself she was leaned over the counter and brushing her lips against his cheek.
"That was very thoughtful of you."
"Well if it gets me a kiss from a beautiful dame, I'll have to start packing breakfasts more often." Steve joked, laughing his nerves off lightly. Edie smelled delicious and he was suddenly very aware of how much he'd love to be that close to her indefinitely. The kiss from last night was all he could think about, he'd had a taste and now was hooked.
There was no going back...but did Edie feel the same?
"Breakfast gets you a kiss, can you imagine what dinner gets you?" Edie purred before she could halt the suggestive thoughts from passing her lips.
When Edie realized she'd said that aloud, panic seized her chest. In a blur of black curls she whipped around abruptly, hoping to hide the burning blush on her cheeks as she grabbed her gym bag and breakfast, skirting towards the door. Shocked at her own boldness, Edie's attraction to Steve was like a roadblock in her brain, halting all rational thinking.
"Gotta run, I'll see you in a bit." Edie called out, mentally scolding herself all the way.
"Have a good session..!" Steve's words caught in the closing door, a smirk painted across his lips at Edie's comment and the adorable blush that crept across her face. Maybe this wasn't all in his head, maybe it was time for the soldier to test the waters further, after all she was the one who initiated the kiss, not that Steve was complaining. And there's no way she couldn't feel that pull each time they were near each other, or the electricity that zapped every nerve to attention when they touched.
Maybe it was time to take her on that promised dinner date?
You may be able to get by on your own, but you don't have to.
Bucky's words ghosted Steve's conscious suddenly, giving him the courage to put himself out there. Steve folded the newspaper neatly and jogged back to his bedroom eager to change, suddenly jittery with nerves to go work out.
-0-
Fury had enlisted sessions to build on the existing combat training Edie already had, hoping to incorporate new styles and techniques. Currently sparring with the well versed Black Widow Edie found herself depicting her embarrassment of the morning to the agent.
"No! You didn't!" The redhead howled with laughter.
"I wish! Don't laugh! I'm acting like a schoolgirl, it's all rather pathetic." Edie huffed, heels bouncing against the mat.
"Again." The Agent instructed, holding up the pads to Edie for her to throw another combo of hits.
"It's painful, he's just so..I mean it's Captain America. He's the golden boy, looks and charm. Women drooled over him like hound dogs at his shows, and the nurses in my squad almost passed out when they heard he was doing tours overseas."
Edie's choice of words pulled another cackle from the young woman.
"But then he's so much more than that, underneath he's Steve Rogers. Who's so endearing and sweet…and..so out of my league. I can only imagine what he thought of me when we met at the Stark Convention all those years ago." Edie confessed with a sighing defeat towards her shoes. Insecurity had stolen her courage and despite the feeling of Steve kissing her back last night, Edie couldn't fight the tiny voice of self doubt whispering in the back of her mind.
"Edie, I know it's been awhile but come 'on you can't be that oblivious-Left. Right."
Edie complied, pounding her fists in that order against Black Widow's hands.
"What are you talking about?"
Edie barely formed the question before catching a glimpse of Natasha's advance; moving to sweep the Retro Healer's feet out from under her but Edie was able to retaliate with a quick scissor kick to the Agent's side, knocking her to the ground.
"Oh God, Nat are you okay?" Edie asked frantically, black ponytail swinging as she scrambled forward.
"Good work, you're fast."
"Thanks." Edie smiled shyly, extending her hand to help the redhead up.
"And what I meant was, he's into you and you're a babe Edie. Own it." Natasha advised with encouragement, well aware of the affection in Steve's eyes each time he saw Edie. You didn't have to be a spy to pick up on that.
The Healer opened her mouth to protest when the swinging of the door echoed into the gym, Steve ducking through as if right on cue.
"Speaking of the golden boy."
Edie hesitantly followed the Agent's arched brow and turned towards the door.
Oh boy. Edie gulped, eyes scanning over Steve's thin sweatpants and t-shirt.
"Hello ladies." He waved, moving towards their position on the mat. Bulging muscles constricting against the screaming seams.
How could someone be so genuinely sweet and ruggedly handsome all at the same? Making Edie's knees weak and yet gave her the notion to climb his tall form like a tree.
"Got room for one more?" Steve sealed the question with that boyishly charming smile, and Edie was sure she'd lost all her wits.
"Actually, I'm heading out. I'll catch you two later." Natasha bid them a farewell, but not before nudging Edie closer towards the smiling Captain.
"Looks like it's just us."
Edie's heart fluttered and her mouth went dry in an instant those stormy blue eyes found her.
-0-
Sweat pooled against their skin, the shallow sound of Edie's panting filled his ears and a warmth spread throughout her constricting muscles signaled she was close.
"Stevvee.." She groaned, fighting to keep his pace Edie gripped the cool railing for support.
"Just a couple more flights to the roof. You can do it."
Watching his thick physic bounce from heel to heel at the top of the staircase Edith let out a labored sigh,and attempted to ignore the weakness in her knees.
"You beat me up there and I'll buy you that pizza you've been talking about." Steve persuade with that pearly smile she found at the moment to be both charming and annoying.
He'd only known Edie a few days but Steve had learned she was very passionate about food, something he found unexplainably adorable. A feeling Steve was discovering was to be ever present when he was with Edith, he was falling in love with every aspect of her personality and something about the close quarters made getting to know her that much easier.
"Finnnee. Give me just a moment to recover. " Edie began a slow march up the steps, making it just passed him before breaking into a brisk sprint, digging deep for any last shreds of energy.
Her laughter echoed through the corridors in a sweet melody against Steve's ears as he realized she'd tricked him.
"Oh you're gonna get it, Doll." He sang, chasing Edie up the stairs.
Steve's deep chuckle joined Edie's shrieking giggles as they climbed further towards the roof. Intentionally lagging back he let her hold the lead, blue eyes falling to her ample backside when erotic thoughts began to invaded the soldier's mind.
Her back flush against his chest, hips grinding into his stiff erection as his hands roamed her body. His lips tasting the salty sweetness of her sweat as he nipped her delicate neck.
"Steve…"
That moan from last night reappeared and heighted Steve's arousal, it was a sound he craved to hear again.
"Steve?..Captain did you hear me?"
Reality shattered the walls of his fantasy, Steve snapped his gaze towards Edie's face
"What's that, Doll? I'm sorry."
"I said looks like you owe me that pizza." Her toothy smile contagious as she stood atop the cement staircase with triumph.
"I'd say I do." Steve nodded proudly, climbing the remaining stairs towards her relaxed position against the rooftop entrance.
"Tonight?"
Her throat went dry, a proper date?
"Unless you have other plans-" Misreading Edie's hesitation.
"Tonight's perfect." The Healer gave a vigorous nod, butterflies in full flight.
"Shall we?" Cocking his head towards the rooftop.
Edie took a sharp breath in as Steve leaned across her body to push open the door, his masculine scent clouding her senses was enough to make her feel drunk. She'd never been so attracted to someone that it affected her both body and mind; Cap entered a room and her skin hummed to touch him, he smiled and her worries seemed to fall away with ease.
"Thank you." She mustered, ducking through the archway.
"Wow." Edie's breath escaped her once more at the sight of the sun beaming against the iconic New York skyline. The brisk air of the day kissed their bodies with a sweet relief after their rigorous work out.
"I've spent a lot of time with this skyline. There's some new additions but still gives me the same comfort." Steve moved towards the building's edge, elbows resting on the ledge comfortably.
Edie studied Steve's handsome profile as he spoke, blue eyes illuminating in the orange glow of the sun.
"It's lovely." Edie stated in a whispered voice, as if worried she may disturb the picturesque scene before her.
Was she speaking of the horizon or the beautiful man beside her?
The connection between them ghosted with intensity, sparking Steve to want to know more about her. More than what was in her file or obvious to the world around them, the soldier felt the need to know every scar on her soul.
"Tell me something no one else knows." Steve stated to the wind, but before the silence from beside him could rear any self doubt of his decision to pursue her, those ruby lips expelled a humble truth.
"I feel pain."
And it was Edie's turn to study the yellow sun piercing through the buildings edges, Steve was a taken back her answer.
Simple and honest. But yet how many people stopped to think of that? Steve included.
Sure she was a Healer, with great abilities to keep both herself and those around her safe but how many realized Edie was a human just like everyone else?
One that felt pain, both physical and emotional, despite her assuring smile and comforting gaze. Edie's statement had that protective side of Steve urging his body to reach out, to show her the budding love that invaded his chest.
"I get scared." Steve whispered.
Unashamed at his admission because he knew Edie would understand and serve no judgement. Steve had expected to feel the rising anxiousness plague his chest like usual whenever he reflected back on his time during the war but instead a wave of relief washed over him as if he could finally breathe. The role of leadership had fallen into his lap and during that time he had so many men counting on him, he was expected to lead fearlessly but under the Captain's skin, fear was an old friend. One that had slowly began fading into the background the closer he drew to Edie.
Their confessions hung between with an unexplainable comfort, and an uninhibited feeling of safety that came with a deep trust for another person. It was accompanied by an overwhelming physical need, something neither could fight any longer.
Under the watchful eye of the beaming sun Steve tasted the familiar warmth of Edie's lips for the second time. Tender and yearning, their kisses spoke all the words they were unable to express.
Edie emitted a small gasp when the ground beneath her disappeared and she was suddenly perched on the building's ledge, the cool metal railing sending a shiver up her spine.
"I gotcha, Doll. Always." Steve murmured the vow against her lips, securing his arms up her back.
Edie found herself pleasantly caged between the Captain's rock solid chest and the New York horizon. An encouraging purr passed Edie's throat as Steve pressed searing kisses along her jaw and discovered the sensitive skin of her neck, nipping lightly at her jarring pulse.
Breathlessly Edie tugged Steve closer, snaking nimble arms around his neck to close even the smallest gap that may lie between them. That tongue she craved made itself known once more, swiping skillfully against her bottom lip for entrance and she obeyed immediately, moaning into his hot mouth as it explored deeper.
Steve's erection grew at just the sounds emitting from those pouty lips of hers, whimpering and moaning hotly as he greedily attacked her body. His throbbing cock twitched with anticipation to seek out the warmth beckoning from between her legs.
Mentally praising Steve's choice of sweatpants, Edie had admired the way they hung low on his hips, teasing her feral thoughts. They both jarred with a wave of pleasure suddenly when her hips rolled against his generous length through the thin gray material.
"Shit, Doll. Do that again." Steve's voice hummed darkly against her ear.
"Like this..?"
He could practically hear the smirk in Edie's playful voice before her hips began to grind at a slow pace against his member.
"Good girl. Just like that." Steve's head rolled against Edie's shoulder, long lashes fluttering with each surge of pleasure.
"Don't stop." The words vibrated through his teeth, murmuring hotly against the marked skin of Edie's neck.
Steve's grip tightened as his pleasure heightened, a hand placed at her back and the other guiding her full hips against him. He'd become a starving animal tasting her sweet body for the first time, primal urges consumed them both.
Edie's thin leggings proved little resistance against the rock hard member dipping and rocking in a methodic motion against her core, pushing Edie closer and closer towards a jolting orgasm.
"Steve..I'm-going to-" Edie gasped those magic words into the wind.
Cap felt her hips tense around his waist, shuddering with waves of pleasure and panting hard against his lips. He was just about to whisper hot words of encouragement to push her fearlessly over that edge when a sudden beeping pierced the thick atmosphere around them. But Steve acted as if he didn't hear it, returning his attention to Edie's kiss swollen lips instead.
"Steve.." Edie called out in a husky breath.
"Yeah, Gorgeous?"
"I think...I think your watch is making...noise." Edie panted her conclusion.
"I don't hear anything." Steve murmured, refusing to give up the sweet taste of Edie's skin.
"Stevveeee…" Edie drew out through a giggle, feeling his shoulders slump with a dramatic groan.
"I have a shift, but they won't miss me." Steve determined, switching off the ceaseless alarm of his watch. He attempted to resume their hot pawing when Edie placed rigid hands against his bulging biceps.
"Ah ah ah, I won't have you getting in trouble because of me. You heard Tony, we are to stick to that schedule or Pepper will be after us." Edie reasoned, though she felt her self control faltering at the dark lustful eyes gazing back at her through long full lashes and her hands skated slowly up his chiseled chest, the warmth of Steve's skin tempting her from under his white t-shirt.
"You sure? I'd happily get into hot water for you." Steve purred, hands tracing the length of her waist in a way that had Edie arching into his touch, silently asking him to never let go.
Cap watched the thoughts racing across Edie's flushed cheeks, teeth nipping at her lower lip as she contemplated. Deciding to let her off the hook...for now, Steve snaked his arms snuggly around Edie's form and brought her away from the ledge.
With a shrieking giggle as she clung to Steve for support, Edie felt the softness of Steve's lips bush hers one last time before she reluctantly unlaced her legs from his waist and erected to her full height.
"So dinner tonight?"
"Yes ma'am." Steve nodded eagerly, following her lead towards the door.
"I'll pick you up at 6:30?"
"Shall I give you my address?" Edie quipped, butterflies beating furiously against her chest as they retreated back towards the gym.
"I think I'll find you." Steve chuckled, shaking his head as he opened the door for the Healer.
-0-
"Cap, are you even listening to me?"
Despite Tony's muffled echo Steve kept a fixed eye on the scene just beyond the crystal walls of the lab. Sunlight reflected off her ivory cheeks and illuminated those jade pools and when Edie threw her head back with a hearty laugh Steve instantly felt the excitement rise within in his chest. The need to be near her intensified, his hands itching to touch her.
He was just about to stand when out of left field a soft wallop thumped the side of his head and broke the Captain's concentration, ballpoint pen toppling to the floor.
"Very mature." Steve shot a narrow gaze towards Tony, picking up the weapon of choice and placing it on the lab counter in front of him.
"And drooling is?"
Steve mirrored the billionaire's snarky glare before modestly swiping a broad hand over his chin to check if Tony's statement was indeed true.
"Gotcha." Stark sang a mocking tune.
"Do you ever st-"
"Good afternoon, boys."
Steve halted at the sight of Edie sauntering into the lab, Bruce close behind.
"Hope we aren't interrupting. Bruce needs another blood sample from me."
"No not at all, please take a seat." Steve instinctively stood, pulling out the adjacent stool for her.
"Thank you." She obliged, enjoying the close proximity to the Captain.
"You need another sample, Doctor?"
"Unfortunately yes, the original was consequently destroyed in the midst of Loki's attack. But this should be the last one, I promise." Bruce explained with assurance.
"Not a problem, I have plenty." Edie joked lightly.
"So what are you up to today? When you're done being poked and prodded here." Tony quipped passively fishing for information.
"I'm on the midnight shift with Thor, but I do have a date tonight." Edie shot the Captain a knowing side glance, remaining completely still as Bruce prepped for the blood draw.
"Oh is that so? Do I know him?" Tony mused as if it wasn't obvious that the two were crazy about each other, expression lightening up the closer they neared.
"You might. Tall, handsome, incredibly charming." Edie's words drew a blush from the Captain's cheeks and he couldn't help but grin wildly.
"Wait...I think I know who you're talking about. But Teach, I didn't know you and I were going on a date. I don't know how Pepper will feel about that." Tony's playfully arrogant guess and new nickname pulled a laugh from the group.
"Stop harassing the lady, would you? Edie you're all done here by the way. Thank you again." Bruce spoke up, placing his glasses on the counter as he shot Stark a comical glare.
"Not a problem. Well boys, if you don't mind I have a date to go get ready for." Edie stood once more, sending Steve a winking smile before she disappeared down the corridor.
-0-
Soon the clock struck six o'clock and Steve was down the hall in record time, snuffing out any chance for Tony to make a snarky remark.
It was Bruce who re-entered the lab shortly after, wearing a dismal expression that Stark instantly noticed.
"What's up, Doc? You look like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders." Tony clapped a hand on his friend's back.
"Could you look at something for me? I've checked it multiple times, maybe I'm just tired. But the results are...troubling." Bruce murmured, hands restlessly shifting the files and slides he held.
"Of course. Let me take a look, this is Edie's sample?"
Bruce nodded silently, filing in beside Tony as he slid the glass under the microscope for close inspection.
"Oh my." Tony too mirrored the Doctor's sullen expression once he read the contents of the Healer's blood sample.
The damaged of the cells was unfathomable and severe. How Edie was up and walking around with a beaming smile no less was a mystery to the scientists.
"You think this is contributed by her healing others?" Tony dared to ask the looming question, exchanging a somber look towards Banner as he again answered with a silent nod. And Tony was reminded of the first day he met Edie, kicking himself for letting her heal his gash. Even though it was impossible for him to have known at the time, it didn't lessen the guilt.
"Maybe it's not too late. If she doesn't heal anyone from here on out, maybe there's time to reverse it all." Tony bantered hopefully, despite Bruce's doubting expression.
"Reverse it? That would take some pretty extensive research and treatment, Tony."
"Well we can't just let her die!" Tony barked, running a frantic hand through his hair and suddenly Edie wasn't the only one he was thinking of.
Captain Rogers.
Tony fell back against the lab stool with a defeated huff, though he liked to poke fun at the uptight Star-Spangled soldier Tony couldn't fight the sadness that plagued him when he thought of Steve losing the happiness he'd finally found in the Healer.
He'd read Steve's file; with his parents gone the scrawny kid from Brooklyn was left alone to fight the world that was so ready to snuff him out, countless health issues preying on his frail form that was until project Re-Birth, the serum playing a large role in Steve's health improvements...the serum.
"That's it!" Tony piped suddenly, echoing a hand against the countertop.
"What is?" Bruce quizzed with suspicion at the triumphant grin gracing the billionaire's face.
"Clear your schedule, Doc. We got a lot of research to do."
-0-
3am, STARK Tower: Steve and Edie's suite.
Steve jogged down the hall, following JARVIS's announcement of Bruce's presence at the door.
"Dr. Banner, is everything okay?" Steve voiced through a groggy tone, broad hand rubbing away the sleep from his eyes.
"Is Edie awake? I apologize for barging in at this hour but I have to discuss something with her. It's rather sensitive." Bruce's words swarmed together as he stepped through the threshold, Steve studied the younger man's face with confusion.
"She has the midnight shift with Thor tonight. I can take a message though, I'll make sure she gets it right away." The Captain suggested, picking up on Bruce's nervous vibes.
"Actually, I think it would be better if I told her in person. It's, um…"
"Bruce, what's going on?" Steve felt the edge in his voice heighten, worry looming over his shoulders. He ushered Banner to take a seat, pouring the man a glass of water before taking a stance across the kitchen island.
"Thank you. Well as you know I took a sample of blood from Edie this afternoon and I immediately started the analysis. And found some...concerning results. It would appear that the healing of others has-has left Edie's cells immensely damaged and it's hard to tell when.."
Panic clawed its way up Steve's chest and settled in his throat. He found it increasingly hard catch up with his thoughts and yet they all seemed to blur into one; the sparkling green of her eyes and sweet melody of her laughter.
"When what?" The Captain couldn't bear to breathe life to those words that dared to break him down where he stood, but none the less they hung between the two men like a silent sentencing.
Bruce knew Steve was aware of how that statement would end so he instead kept quiet, studying the reflection of light through the crystal glass of water before him.
"There is something else." Bruce finally spoke up, breaking the lull of silence. He removed the tightly clutched file in his hand and slid it toward Rogers.
"I also looked into her family history and after comparing her blood type to those listed on her parent's charts….I've ran it twice just to be sure. But it would appear that Edie was adopted." The Doctor sighed in deep thought, reflecting over the test as Steve flipped open the pale folder to find an array of paperwork that all seemed to blur together no matter how many times he struggled to focus. It was after the third time of paging through the documents that a photograph slipped from the stack, a face he recognized in an instant.
Thinning hair but a full beard and oval glasses set before a pair of understanding eyes.
"What's this got to do with anything?" Cap held up the black and white photo in the dim light of the kitchen.
Bruce met the soldier's eyes with reluctant conviction.
"That's Edith's father, her given name was Erskine."
Not a perfect soldier but a good man….
The last words of Dr. Abraham Erskine ghosted the Captain's conscious with a shivering reality.