Helloooooo faithful readers! Let me just start off by saying SORRY! I never intended to keep you all waiting so long for an update, I'm going to try to be much better up that especially with the holidays coming up I will have plenty of time off. Hope you all can forgive me and please enjoy! Reviews encouraged xoxoxoxo!
The coffee pot hissed to a waking start, filling the quiet apartment while the Captain stared dreamily at the early morning sky. A smile twitching on those full lips as his mind swirled with thoughts of a certain raven haired Healer.
He'd eased up from the bed in the middle of the night for a glass of water, attempting not to wake Edie in the process. But a groggy voice caught his attention, turning him back towards the mattress.
"Steve?" Edie's brow furrowed with curiosity in the pale moonlight, shifting up on her elbow.
"Heyy, shh it's alright. Go back to sleep, baby." Steve cooed in a hushed tone, leaning to comb a hand through Edie's bed tangled waves before she gave a small nod.
"Come back to me." Edie whispered a sleepy smile.
"Always." Steve answered with a fluttering heart.
Edie woke with a yawning smile, emitting a small groaned stretch as she erected upward in bed. The light of the day revealed the contents of the room missed in the previous night's urgent heat. Edie blushed internally as the events resurfaced in a flash of pleasure and warm bodies. She soon found the empty spot next to her but before any doubting thoughts could invade Edie's mind a familiar form entered the doorway holding a grin and two coffees. The cotton pajama bottoms Steve now wore hung low on that narrow waist of his, and further bloomed the lusty memories in Edie's mind.
"Well Good Morning, Sleeping Beauty." Steve greeted, drinking in the sight of Edie in his bed and somehow he found it hard to imagine what the apartment was like without her glowing presence.
Actually, what had his life been like before her? It was difficult to think of how he got along those months before Edie was discovered.
"A good morning indeed, Teddybear." Edie mused back, reaching out for the extended cup of steaming liquid as the Captain took the seat next to her on the mattress.
The use of his newly earned nickname gave Steve a sense of belonging that he didn't know he craved until now. The more time they spent together the less out of place Steve felt in this world, as long as those green eyes were on him he felt forever content.
Edie immediately motioned him to rejoin her, pulling back the blankets and purposely giving him a sly glimpse of her still naked body. The Captain growled a seductive smirk and quickly accepted the invitation. Nestling into the cushioned spot next to her, Steve's lips found Edie with yearning passion.
As the coffee grew cold on the nightstand things heated up between the retro soldiers. But this time, raw lust and pawing was replaced with tender need and it gave Steve the opportunity to truly appreciate Edie's beauty.
She was perfect; every freckle, every curve, every scar…scar?
Steve craned back, halting his kisses along Edie's hand to study the linear silver streak.
"When I heal other sometimes I walk away with a souvenir. Desimond got snagged on a wire fence when running from some…bullies." Edie informed when she noticed Steve's puzzled expression, pausing to choose the right words to describe the group of rough kids who often picked on the two, that was unless Everett was around. Edie's older brother held this sense of authority since birth, but he never let it control him.
"And Des didn't want to worry our parents, so I healed him. He was actually the only one in my family with knowledge of my ability." A sweet giggle passed Edie's lips as Steve pressed his mouth to the scar lightly and soon moved to find another.
"And this one?" His voice murmured against the soft skin of her forearm.
"..Combat training with one of the clumsy nurses in my squad.." Edie answered with a labored breath, the feeling of Steve's body against her blurred all thoughts and made it difficult to speak at all. How she could become so overcome with emotions by even the simple acts of this man would forever be a mystery to Edie, something she would chalk up as a side effect to falling head over heels.
Steve's breath grazed the flesh of Edie's collar and sent an uncontrollable shiver over her body.
"Oh? and what about this one?" He mirrored the question once more grazing the circular remnant of the scar just above her heart.
When Edie realized which one Steve was referring to, a flash of war tortured memories had her crashing back to earth and suddenly a ghosting silhouette of a familiar brunette stood by the dresser.
"Bucky."
The mention of his best friend, too had broken Steve's lusty trance. He pulled back to study Edie's face, a hollowness touching those emerald pools as she stared miles away. Involuntarily Steve's body moved on its own and brought a hand to trace the silver remnants of the wound.
"What happened?"
Europe, 1943
They came out of nowhere and seemed to be everywhere all at once, Nazi soldiers swarmed like angry hornets taking down everything in their path. She'd turned for only a moment but that was just enough time to get separated from Bucky. Trekking desperately through the tree line and bullets whizzing by she caught a glimpse of a familiar silhouette weaving through the tall grass several feet ahead of her. But what she also took notice to was the neatly placed German sharpshooter nestled atop the hill, with a clear shot at the Sergeant.
"BUCKY!" Edie's strained voice died against the deafening gunfire vibrating the very atmosphere around them.
"NO!" Edie screamed with gasping horror as the shots laced his body in a fluid motion, as easy as a blink Buck was on the ground. Without regard to her own safety Edie barreled towards the soldier's position, boots digging into the soft dirt with a furious speed. Her knees skated across the ground as she scrambled towards him.
"There you are.." Bucky wheezed a blood stained smile upward at the Healer.
"James, we are going to save you. You hear me? Now come 'on let's get you up." Edie didn't recognize her own voice, rambling with forced courage.
Through gritted teeth she attempted to move the wounded man, tears pooling as the screams of the dying pierced her ears. Damning herself for taking a look and Edie felt her stomach lurch at the sight of the bodies that littered the grassy knoll.
Focus! Her nostrils flared.
"When we…get back…I'm..gonna set you up" His voice choked on the words.
"Shhh…Bucky. Let's focus on getting you out of here first. Use your legs, baby. Can you move them okay?" Edie shifted to hook her arms under Bucky and drag him to the wood line, her muscles trembling under the weight.
"You'll love…him." His eyes eased shut.
"Just..some kid from…Brooklyn."
Bucky's body fell lax in her arms.
"James?..James? Talk to me. Stay with me!" The Healer coached.
"What's his name?..huh? JAMES!" Her voice barked, hoarse with terror.
"The man, what's his name?"
"Ste…ve." Bucky coughed, his eyes fluttering shut once more.
Edie looked down at the peaceful man cradled in her lap, imagining him back home. Cleaned up and well dressed, walking down the busy street winking at the blushing dames.
I bet he cleans up real nice she thought to herself, brushing back the thick hair that clung to his brow, frowning at the bloody smudges that trailed behind her touch.
He doesn't deserve to die here.
"Aghhhh!" Edie bellowed a frustrated scream, the sound drowning in the heavy artillery fire.
Sweaty black curls clung to her forehead and the dust filled her lungs, Edie fought against the burning in her muscles as she began to drag Bucky's limp body into the cove of trees. Breathlessly she lowered him against the cool grass, moving to straddle his waist.
"It's the only way." Edie whispered her conclusion, glancing around once more for any witnesses before shifting her attention back to Bucky.
With a quick motion Edie tore open his shirt, swallowing the tightness in her throat at the sight of his severe injuries. Closing her eyes Edie moved her hands to the bleeding wounds, arms trembling as she began the healing process. She let out a hiss as the pain began to leave Bucky's body and radiate through hers, a shock of agony pierced her side while his wound closed without a trace.
Edie dared to peek once more, accessing Bucky's toned stomach for wounds she noticed the smaller ones had closed but there was a much larger one just above his heart.
He'd be hit badly.
The Healer grazed her palm up his broad chest to hover above the seeping gash, her fingers began to twitch as the bullet lodged in his shoulder started to pull towards the surface.
"Ahhhh!" Bucky shot up suddenly, his chest heaving rapidly against Edie's. Blue eyes swirled with fear as they searched her face, the two so close that Edie could feel Buck's labored breath against her cheek.
"What? What happened?" He clawed at his chest.
"Hey..Buck. Bucky look at me!" Edie's bloody hands flew up to cup his face, forcing his eyes back to hers.
"You were shot, several times. I am going to help you…but-but I just need you to trust me. Can you do that? "
Edie knew the soldier was in shock, Bucky's bewildered gaze searching for the broken pieces of his memory. But she needed him to relax and focus, the bullet was lodged dangerously close to his heart.
"James? Do you trust me?"
The brunette answered with a slow nod, eyes finally focusing on Edie.
"OK. Good. Please lay back, now…now this may hurt. But I just want you to concentrate on me, keep your eyes on me." Edie instructed, gripping Bucky's shoulders lightly as she eased him back to the ground.
Curiosity consuming him, Buck followed Edie's hands as they trailed up his chest weaving through the soft forest of hair and halting above the ragged wound.
"What..what are you doing?" He implored hesitantly.
"Shhh." Edie answered, fingers beginning to twitch with energy.
"Edie..wait-ahhh!"
Bucky's head snapped back against the cool grass, a cooling sensation tingling through his left shoulder as the slow tug of the bullet inched through his tissue. Bucky's broad hands flew up to grip Edie's thighs, clinging for anything to subdue the discomfort as his shouts raged louder.
"Almost got it." Edie gritted, fighting the burning sensation that began to pool in her own chest. But her ears perked up at the sound of a foreign tongue, the stern tone of German soldiers. Peeking up slowly she caught sight of the brown uniforms creeping along the wood line.
"They're going to hear us." Edie concluded a whisper.
"Shhh, James. Please, I know-"
The harsh barking language drew closer.
Ducking down further under the shelter of the foliage, Edie covered Buck's body with her own but her pleading voice drowned in the soldier's seething whimpers.
Without another thought Edie gripped his collar and silenced Bucky's lips with hers. Instinctively Barnes welcomed the sudden feeling of Edie's warm mouth against his, the sweet taste of her lips aiding in his distraction. All the while he failed to notice the hand clamped against his chest, drawing the bullet cleanly from his wound.
Steve felt the words escape him as the depictions of war sank further into his conscious, pain dripping from Edie's words with ever syllable.
What could he say to console her? The things she had seen and experienced scarred more than just her ivory flesh, it left marks along her soul that were invisible to the naked eye. Feeling words would only fall flat, Steve instead engulfed her in a tender embrace, hoping to absorb Edie's pain.
"Doll, I am so sorry…I can't imagine-but thank you, thank you for saving him. Without you I would never have gotten to see my best friend again."
"I'd do it all over again, if it meant saving him. Now I just carry a little piece of him with me." Edie smiled weakly through the tears, the daunting ache in her chest subsiding the longer Steve held her.
Edie studied his handsome face in the warm glow of the early morning sun, steely blue flickering with kindness. Reaching her hands to trace his cheeks, Edie tasted those full lips and the worries of her mind fade far away.
A beautiful cure for her every ailment.
In a quick motion Edie soon felt the soldier's arms around her once more, cradled against that rock solid chest as Steve carried her towards the bathroom.
Nipping hot kisses against her lips, Steve gently set Edie down on the marbled sink counter before stepping back to open the shower door. The steady stream of water soon filled the room and steam began to fog the mirror behind them, Edie took it upon herself to tiptoe through the glass door and duck under the flowing water. Steve audibly gulped at the sight before him, warm rivers flowed down Edie's curves and her perky rose buds beckoned him for a touch.
"Care to join me, Captain?"
Mischief poured from Edie's jade eyes, running her hands the length of her soaked raven locks. She watched an eager grin span Rogers face as he tugged the thin garment from his waist and this time it was Edie who audibly gulped.
His need for her rigidly obvious.
"I thought you'd never ask." Steve purred, securing the shower door behind him.
Soon their slick bodies were molded together in a tangle of greedy hands and groaning pleasure. Edie's moans vibrated the plumpness of Steve's lips as their soapy chests brushed against one another, delicate friction perking her nipples even more.
Edie's hands roamed Steve's body with need, trailing along his muscular back and giving his sculpted bottom a teasing squeeze. Their tongues playful fought for dominance, further exploring the warm depths of each others mouths.
Turning abruptly Edie arched her round bum against the stiffness of Steve's erection, earning herself a hearty groan from the super soldier's rumbling chest.
"Shit, Doll." Steve's voice drowned in the stream of the shower head as Edie heighten her hips and perched her quivering center over the head of his cock.
With steady hands placed against the shower wall, long lashes fluttered shut and Steve's head dipped between his shoulders as Edie's hips moved in a slow back and forth motion along the generous length of Steve's member.
"You like that, don't ya Captain?"
Steve's ears perked at the mischief dripping from Edie's tone, and soon those blue eyes revealed themselves to catch Edie intently studying him.
She was toying with him, watching the pleasure etch across his perfect features as Steve floated above on cloud nine.
"Are you teasing me, Gorgeous?" Steve growled a smile against Edie's neck, his left hand moving to grasp the flesh of her hip and take control of the motions. Again Edie felt the absence of words plague her, the blurring lines of arousal peaked with each passing second those steely blue eyes stayed fixated on her.
"Maybe a little." Edie purred, chewing her bottom lip.
"Naughty girl."
Edie felt a gushing warmth flood her already wet thighs at just the seductive authority hanging in the Captain's words. The grip on her hip tightened and Edie felt Steve slowly guide the tip of his thick member into her entrance. The familiar pressure of his girth entering her core mounted with overwhelming pleasure and Edie arched into Steve's touch.
"Steve!" Edie hissed, head falling back against his muscular shoulder.
The Captain felt her velvety walls draw him in closer as Steve buried himself to the hilt within Edie's warmth. His soft lips danced across Edie's cheek, whispering hot nothings in her ear as his hips began to pump slowly forward, giving her a moment to adjust. To the soldier's surprise Edie met his thrust with a quickened pace, seeking the fullness of his member with an urgency.
Edie whined a protesting whimper when Steve halted her movements with a broad hand, slowly their thrusts to a leisure tempo.
"Sttteeevvve.."
Edie gave a feeble attempt to grind her hips faster against his narrow waist, but the Captain was too strong. His body towered over Edie's back, and he could easily overpower her. Steve filled her core to the hilt, he filled her ever sense and conscious, engulfing Edie in an intoxicating cloud. She felt her nerves fraying at the edges, pleasure forever present and surging ceaselessly in gushing waves.
"Ah ah, you were quite the tease earlier. Earning yourself a punishment, My naughty girl." Rogers reminded, drawing out his conclusion in slow syllables against the shell of Edie's ear.
The Healer chewed harshly on the kiss swollen flesh of her bottom lip to control herself as Steve continued his discipline in a slow and deep rocking motion. Dipping his rigid cock into the tightness of her walls at a controlled rate, drawing heady breaths from them both.
Steve never broke his pace, sweeping a hand up the curve of Edie's waist to cup the fullness of her breast, kneading the tender flesh and pink rose bud.
"Oh yesss.." Edie bellowed a panted whisper, molding her back closer against the Captain's chest.
She could feel her body teetering on the brink of climax, vision blurring in blotches of water and humming pleasure. Steve had begun to learn how to read her body, noting the reactions each stroke or caress gave him and Edie's body sought out his touch in silent encouragement. Moving his right hand from the support of the shower wall, Steve snuck a nimble finger between her folds, never breaking the gentle pace of his thrusts.
Edie drew in a sharp gasp as soon as she felt the friction against her hidden pearl, Steve's stiff swiping pattern pushing her over the edge in a jolting spasm of ecstasy.
"Steve!" Edie called out in a daze, gripping his muscular arms for support as she floated back to reality.
Steve stiffened his hold on Edie as her walls clamped tighter around him, he began chasing his own release with increased thrusts. The rigidness of Steve's cock drew back and plunged into Edie's velvety folds with angled precision, earning himself heady gasps of passion from the Healer who began to match his movements. Their bodies exchanged moans of hungry desire and panted encouragement, rocking Edie fast towards a second orgasm. Stars soon exploded behind long lashes as a warm wave of pleasure bathed the Captain and had him falling over that very cliff after her.
"Oh God.." The soldier groaned with husky breaths into the nape of her neck, gripping Edie tighter as his orgasm erupted within her.
-0-
Glancing around Steve's bedroom as she buttoned up her blouse Edie felt this engulfing wave of joy as if she'd been allowed in on a secret, stepping behind the scenes and into the Captain's inner world. And it gave Edie this feeling as though she knew him just a little more by just being surrounded by his things, remnants of his personality surrounding her and she felt a great deal of comfort by just being here. It was the scrap of paper on the nightstand that caught her eye in particular though. Stepping closing Edie reached out to study the white sheet, finding a soft sketch of a slumbering face.
Those curls, that scar above the eyebrow.
It was like looking in a mirror.
"Steve, what's this?"
She pulled his attention as the Captain filed out of the bathroom, toweling off his strong neck before striding towards her.
A blush warmed those creamy cheeks when he realized what Edie held, and Steve fumbled for an answer through a shy grin.
"You, um, you just looked so peaceful." Steve admitted to the carpet, sneaking a glance at Edie's profile when her eyes fell back to the sheet.
"Teddybear, it's breathtaking. You are a talented artist." The Healer advised, fingers tracing the gray lines across the page.
"An artist is only as good as his muse."
Green met blue with a beaming smile.
"Is that what I am? Your muse?"
Edie watched his movements close the distance between them, hands framing her face as Steve craned his neck lower.
"Oh, Doll you are so much more."
Their lips met in a grinning kiss, and the endearment gave Edie the courage to breath life to the words clinging to her chest.
"I love you too, Steve."
The soldier felt his senses heighten and the world around him slow to a fading pace as the syllables left those strawberry lips and engulfed him. She had heard him, the previous night when he'd confessed his buried feelings to her sleeping form.
He was loved.
Someone in this world loved him and that simple fact had Steve overwhelmed with emotions. This was new territory for him, but his fears did not take control for the genuine affection pouring from those jade eyes proved that this was no lie.
Surely the amount of happiness rushing to his heart would certainly cause it to explode.
Oh what a way to go…
In a fluid motion Edie was in Steve's arms once more, lean legs securing around his narrow waist she erupted a symphony of giddy laughter as Steve swirled them both.
"We're never leaving this apartment..!" The soldier's strong vibrato sang his declaration, peppering ticklish kisses the length of Edie's neck.
The Healer couldn't contain her excitement, heart throbbing against the confines of her chest at a rate Edie was it would give out at any second.
"As tempting as that is, I can think of a few that would not be too thrilled about us going AWAL." Edie voiced reason reluctantly, manicured nails sweeping through his sandy hair. Her smile growing as Steve emitted a groan into her collar, giving her slim waist a squeeze.
"Finnnee. But before we head back, there's something I want to show you. Are you willing to follow me somewhere else?" Steve proposed another alluring adventure.
Edie's grin spanned wider and soon Steve felt the beckoning softness of her lips against the shell of his ear before Edie whispered:
"I'd follow you anywhere, soldier."
-0-
Tagging behind the tall blonde's lead into the museum lobby Edie was welcomed by an array of posters lining the walls with multi-colored depictions of history. Various models of airplanes hung suspended above them as they shuffled through the crowd, Steve now donning a dark
ball cap to help conceal his identity. The couple then ducked down a crowded hall towards an exhibit entrance, it wasn't until she saw Steve's handsome face clad in his Captain America suit painting the walls that Edie realized where she was.
"A symbol to the nation, a hero to the world. The story of Captain America is one of bravery, honor and sacrifice."
The strong voice narrated above them and Edie felt a chill climb her spine as she took it all in, it was breathtaking. The Healer stiffened when the kind face of Bucky Barnes surfaced through the exhibit's film reel, a lump growing in her throat at the memories brought on by that signature smirk and those crinkling blue eyes.
A group of school students shuffled past, prompting the Captain to tug Edie towards the shadows to avoid being recognized. He'd hoped for just a little bit more time alone with her.
"They put this up shortly after I was discovered. I think it's all a bit much, I mean there are much braver men than I that deserve the spotlight. I am glad though that the squad is being recognized." Steve informed, watching Edie's face in the flickering reel of the displaying film. Emerald eyes holding that forever present gleam and even in the dim light of the exhibit she was spellbinding.
"Oh, Steve this is amazing. You've earned every bit of this, your bravery and sacrifice deserves acknowledgement." Edie countered with assurance to the humble soldier.
"Well thank you, but there's actually something else I wanted to show you." Steve motioned towards an adjacent corridor before lacing his hand over hers.
"I talked to Director Fury and they plan on conducting a grand opening on this new addition shortly."
Edie listened intently, following in Steve's footsteps until she was soon met face-to-face with herself. Halting in her tracks at the sight of her own recruitment photo bannered across the wall, Edie struggled to focus on the underlying bolded letters that read:
"Edith Andrew's: the story of one nurse's healing sacrifice."
Little did the Healer know but Steve now held a similar photo tucked away in his wallet. A picture found by Fury's research team and as soon as he saw it Steve knew he had to have it. Lifting it as the crew was distracted one day, he now carried a piece of Edie with him. The soldier stared at it countless times already, tracing the lines of Edie's laughing eyes and Buck's smirk as he stood with an arm around the Healer in a nameless war torn European town.
Soon enough another black and white photo panned forward on the monitor, one of her family all together outside of her father's shop. The five of them beaming wide smiles, and Edie felt the memory of that day flood her senses as fresh as today, tugging hard against the strings of her heart.
"Oh Steve I don't know what to say…but I.." Edie cast teary eyes across the beginning of the construction, hands fidgeting restlessly as she fought for the words.
He misread Edie's hesitation with a pang of worry invading his voice.
"You don't like it? Did I overstep?" Steve ran a hand up the muscles of his neck nervously.
"Of course not, dear. Oh no, I'm sorry-this is all so incredibly thoughtful, I love it. I just-don't know if I'm worthy of all this." Edie stammered for the words through the lump of emotions in her throat.
"Doll, trust me you deserve this and so much more."
His flattery pulled an uneasy puff of laughter from the Healer as she shifted in her heels.
"I mean it, look at me Gorgeous-"
A broad hand caught Edie's chin gently, moving to brush away the few fallen tears from those green pools.
"If this is too much..if I've made you feel as though you've had to say things you don't mean or you are rethinking anything. I understand…just know I meant everything."
The fear blossoming before her snapped Edie back to reality in an instant. Instinct to protect Steve had the petite woman engulfing the soldier in a tight hug. Pulling back to trace his chiseled jaw with delicate fingers as she consoled him with the truth.
"Steve Rogers, I love you and regret nothing. I wouldn't change a thing, not one."
-0-
He watched the figures play out across the screen, shiny metallic paint of the motorcycle catching the sunlight as it eased in through the garage bay.
"Shall I send down an escort to meet them, Mr. Stark?"
Tony's gaze stayed fixated on the monitor, the twos chemistry obvious and genuine even through the surveillance feed.
The mechanical garage door shifted down behind them just as Edie slipped off the back of the bike and turned towards the Captain, both exchanging a giddy grin.
"No need JARVIS, I'll gladly take that honor."
The Harley's chugging engine died as Steve pulled the key and soon joined Edie's standing position. The couple was oblivious to Tony as he neared, wrapped up in peppering kisses and murmuring giggles.
"Well, well, well. Look at what we have here." Tony's humming voice popped the warm bubble of affection, startling the two back to reality.
"Hello, Tony." Edie greeted, shyly turning towards the playboy.
"Hi, Tony." Steve mirrored, unable to keep his hands off her for even a moment Steve hooked an arm around Edie's slim waist bringing her back against his solid chest.
"Oooh don't play coy with me, Thelma and Louise. You both got a lot of explaining to do. MIA for 24 hours while there's a crazed Praying Mantis on the loose!" Tony verbalized his concern, wearing that signature cheeky smirk as he eyed the couple. A new glow seemed to radiate from them, and Tony noticed the genuine happiness illuminating the soldier's eyes.
"Please, Tony I think we're old enough go out unsupervised." Steve countered lightly, shaking his head.
"Yes well I can't have two senior citizens wandering off on my watch, if Fury found out he'd have my ass. And we all know I am not the man's biggest fan." Tony retorted with heavy sarcasm, waving off the twos feigned offense at the jab.
"Ah yes, well if you don't mind. Edie and I are going to head up stairs."
"Oh no, sir. You have a shift to report to, and I require Edie's presence at the moment. So do skedaddle and you two love birds can catch up later." Tony advised, shooing the Captain towards the elevator entrance.
Emitting a low groan when he realized Tony was right, Steve reluctantly retreated towards the mechanical doors but not before Edie caught the cusp of his hand.
"You're forgetting something, soldier."
The Healer spread a wide grin, tugging the muscular blonde back and planting her lips softly against his. All the while ignoring the protesting bantering of Tony.
"Now get going, I'll see you for dinner." Edie gave Steve's hand a reassuring squeeze, before dropping back and following Tony's lead further into his workshop. Glancing back once more she sent the Captain a winking wave and Steve had to physically shake his giddy daze.
"You said you required my presence? Is everything okay, Tony?" Edie asked, filing passed the various metal parts scattered across the shop floor.
"Oh yeah, just peachy. As long as none of my teammates decide to disappear again and we catch that greasy weasel Loki, life shall be bliss. I actually have something for you." He teased with a playful wink.
"I know, I'm sorry Tony. You're right what we did was completely irresponsible. It's just after Bruce told me of the findings, well, I guess I just..needed some time away." Edie concluded, studying her palms tensely.
Tony felt an instant pang of regret, recognizing the loss in Edie's expression with that of his own.
"Oh, Edie no I'm sorry. With everything that you've been expected to process these last couple days would be enough to make anyone go off the reservation. I completely understand and I didn't mean to-"
The Healer read the the sincerity in younger man's eyes and quickly halted his apology with outstretched hands.
"Really, Tony it's okay. It'll take some time but everyone's been so helpful, I can't complain. But you did say that you had something for me?"
"Ah yes, two things actually. Here, please take a seat." Tony ushered her towards an empty stool before wheeling up a closed cabinet.
"Alright, so I been playing with this for awhile now after I too found out the…news and finally executed the plans. I think this will help heighten your other skills to retire your healing ability. So Teach…wahla!"
Stark unhinged the doors to reveal a new take on Edie's suit previously designed by SHIELD. Not only was this one more high tech and advanced to hone Edie's skills, it also held a vintage flare more suited for Edie's taste.
The surprise prompted Edie up from her seat and she closed the gap of the room, reaching out to graze the army green material of the 40s inspired jumpsuit.
"Want to try it on?" Tony read the eagerness in her eyes, mirroring her grin when Edie answered with a vigorous nod.
"Alright, so you see these here. Tap them together. Yup just like Dorothy." Tony instructed as he kneeled up from the ground in front of the Healer, motioning towards the bracelets now placed on both her ankles and wrists.
"I got that reference." Edie beamed proudly before following the Iron Man's directions.
"Oh geez, you really have been spending to much time with the Capsicle." Tony rolled his eyes with a dramatic groan.
Edie's giggle turned to an astonished gasp as the simple brackets turned abruptly into countless shifting metallic panels. Soon Edie was donning a pair of green toned mechanical gloves and boots resembling those of the Iron Man's suit.
"Tony…what is this?" Edie's gazed stayed glued to the fascinating technology.
"Well my dear that's the result of many espressos filled nights and of course, Stark funding."
"This technology will hone your neurological accessibilities, dialing it to a nice and crippling ten. It will also give you the ability to expel surges of electrical currents. Here let's give it a try." Tony fell in beside the Healer, arms snaking alongside her to help her aim.
After several attempts and adjustments Edie was finally getting the hang of it; the gloves gave her the capability to shoot electrical pulses through the air and stun her opponents, while the boots were equipped with launchers similar to the rocket boosters on Tony's suit but these fed off the electrical currents she emitted to jolt her into the air rather than fly.
"Alright, girlie. Now let's kick it up a notch." Tony determined, moving from Edie's side and jogging across the shop.
"I'm sorry, what?" Edie puzzled with a furrowed brow as Tony angled himself across from her.
"You're going to access my nervous system and control my movements."
Stark informed in an easy tone as if he said it all time. But Edie stepped back with furious disapproval to the sudden request.
"Oh no, Tony I can't do that...no I won't do that."
"Yes you will, come'on you can do it." Stark countered with optimistic conviction.
"Absolutely not. Tony I could paralyze you, kill you even. And I don't even know if I have the ability to heal you if it happened. Who knows if my body still holds that capability." Edie's eyes grew wild as her words flew together in a rage.
Tony soon closed the gap between them, consoling Edie with the gentle rubbing of her shoulders.
"Edie, you were able to do it that day Loki attacked the Hellicarrier. You saved Thor, you can control this. You're strong." Tony reminded.
"That was different, it was in the heat of the moment. And Thor is a god, remember? And no offense Tony but you're not exactly part of the Asgardian family are you?" The Healer rebutted lightly, pulling a smirk from the younger man.
"Ouch, I have you know I could probably be a very distant cousin of that blonde Barbie doll up there. Now, come'on you can do this. I trust you." Tony gave her a shoulders a quick squeeze before placing a kiss against her temple.
"Okay." Edie sighed an uneasy agreement, watching the dark haired man resume his position.
Exchanging a nod, Edie lifted her mechanical gloved hands and Tony braced himself.
Focus...Edie coached herself silently as her hands began to tremble with a surge of energy. She centered her thoughts of controlling her ability; the electrical current came easy, taming it that was the challenge. One wrong move and Edie could cripple Tony in a instant or too much at once and she would stop his heart.
Tony studied Edie's determined expression, a swarm of white invading to consume her green eyes just as he began to feel a cooling sensation take over his limbs.
That'a girl, Tony mentally smiled but soon he noticed a twitch jolt Edie's left hand.
No...no..no Edie felt the pulse of energy coursing through her increase suddenly, slipping from her controlled grasp and threatening to consume them both. A sudden shock of pain shot through Edie's body and she quickly released the hold on Tony before she could do any damage to him, instead she absorbed the current herself.
Suddenly everything became hazy for the Healer and she was met with view of the steal beams above them as her body gave out.
"Edie!" Tony scrambled towards her collapsed form with haste.
"Ugh, I'm okay." Edie strung together the words weakly, sitting up with the help of Iron man's extended arms.
It was when Edie eased up fully that Tony noticed the river of red running from her nose.
"Oh, Edith.. You're bleeding."
Tony quickly snatched a clean towel from the lab station and dabbed the trickle of crimson liquid.
"I'm sorry, I pushed you into this. Let me get Rogers-"
"No!..please." The Healer caught the younger man's wrists, cementing him in place. Tony read the pleading in her eyes as she studied his face.
"I'm okay really, I don't want to worry him. Please tell me you'll keep this between you and me." Edie implored urgently, fighting the fatigue and pain tingling through her every nerve.
"Okay." Tony nodded grimly.
"Let's take a break for today, here let me help you back to your room."
"No that's alright, Tony. Thank you, I'm okay." Edie assured, climbing to her feet before dusting herself off.
"Thank you again Tony, for everything."
"Anytime, Dollface. And um, your secret is safe with me." Tony assured with a wink despite the uneasiness filling his heart.
Edie nodded in appreciation and retreated towards the elevator, donning a pearly smile until the metallic doors closed between them.
Instantly falling limp against the adjacent wall, Edie broke down in a symphony of gasping pain. Her entire body felt the effects, radiating with waves of sharp spasms. Tears spilled from Edie's jade eyes and she could focus on only one thing to get her through the overwhelming discomfort: Steve.
Though in reality only minutes passed to Edie the elevator ride felt like a lifetime that was until a figure appeared beside her on the cool metal floor.
"Whatcha doing, Gorgeous?" Steve's voice echoed as if miles away.
Edie's lethargic gaze followed the movement of his full lips, pink and inviting they curved to welcome her with a smile.
"I..think I'm dying." The Healer startled at the distress in her own voice as it answered the imaginary soldier. His muscular chest puffed a laugh towards the ceiling and turned back to her.
"Not on my watch. Come'on we got so much to do remember? I've waited my whole life for you."
Edie watched the ghosting of a broad hand span her cheek, tucking back a stray wave as the words floated passed her.
Emerald eyes eased shut with heavy lids, daring to embrace the dark hands that beckoned Edie with a promise to cease the pain.
"He's right, you know."
Another familiar voice surfaced to her left, pulling the Healer back with curiosity.
Edie's expression spanned a blood stained smile at the sight of the tall brunette.
"Buck.." Edie outstretched a fumbling hand toward his ghostly silhouette as he crouched next to her.
"Gotta get up, Nightingale."
And before Edie could muster a response the dinging of the elevator doors sprung open and she was left alone once more.
Through labor breaths and gritted teeth the retro Healer fought to her feet, staggering out of the elevator toward the hall. Soon she found the way to her bed and collapsed with stumbling feet.
Fatigue whispered in her ear and Edie gladly followed, catching a glimpse of the photo booth strip from Coney Island on the nightstand.
"Teddybear." Edie murmured a reminiscing smile before falling into a deep sleep.
-0-
"What's all this? Steve entered the living room the next day to find two mats laid out on the floor and a beaming Edie, clad in some very alluring athletic leggings.
"Good Afternoon, Soldier. Welcome to my yoga studio." Edie announced proudly.
"Oh? That so?" Steve quirked a brow, mischievous smile growing the longer he stared.
"Yes sir, figured we could start crossing off some of those things on our list." Edie informed, feeling her heart flutter the closer he drew. Her hands itched to touch him, feel the closeness of his body against hers was Edie's new addiction.
"Great idea, Doll." The Captain joined her on the adjacent mat, placing a quick kiss against those strawberry lips.
"Oh and I almost forgot. I picked this up for you." Edie paced over to the end table, grabbing the item before offering it to Steve; a wire bound artist notebook.
"Oh, Edie. Thank you." He expressed the thoughtfulness of the gift, studying the cover of the sketch pad.
"Figured, in case you wanted to draw something other than my sleeping face." Edie giggled her explanation, watching Steve's smile reach the ocean of his eyes.
"But that's my favorite." Steve answered against the plumpness of Edie's lips before the instructional videos began on the TV in front of them.
The next hour was filled with fumbling laughter and teasing jabs towards each other until JARVIS informed them of an awaiting guest outside.
"What's this one called again?" Steve asked, easing up from the mat.
"This position? Um, I think it's downward dog?" Edie answered, continuing to hold the pose.
"Think this one's my favorite." Steve murmured with a smirk, tilting his head to get a better look at Edie's backside.
Taking note of the silence Edie craned to catch the Captain in the act, cheeks burning a pink blush.
"Captain you better answer that door!" Edie sang with a playfulness.
"But, Doll I'm enjoying the view." Steve countered in a naughty tone, grin ever spanning.
"Captain!" The Healer scolded through a giggle, shaking her raven pony tail as the soldier retreated towards the door.
"Hey, Nat-everything okay?" Steve greeted with concern once he took notice to the stern expression the agent held.
"We found Loki. Fury's called a meeting."
The severity of the news filled the suite, prompting Steve to glance back at the unknowing Edie as she attempted another pose and suddenly he was reminded of the initial reason they were all brought together.