TC Stark: So, it was in my fingers to write more tonight and I wanted to put out this little chapter! Still just moving the story along, getting the characters to know each other. This story is very centered, so there's really no adventure - just human interactions. But, I think great drama and storyline. Thank you to all those who have fav'd this and to my lovely reviewer! ^^
Disclaimer: If anyone has read my "Whatever Time We Have Left" story, I am reusing Tilda. I found with that story that I never developed her properly, so I'm revamping her - giving her a fresh coat of wax and throwing her into this story. Also, as much as I love the Cap, I've realized (in my head) she is much better suited in this AU, as this is a Pietro/OC story (with small parts of Cap/Black Widow because they're my OTP). This story is rated M for mature content, such as sex, violence, death, language, etc. I try not to ever be too vulgar, but also don't believe in censorship. This story deals with the serious issues of a fatal medical condition, so there's that. I do not own anyone, except Tilda and my ideas.
Chapter Two
A week had passed and Wanda found herself in the facility's cafeteria. Unlike the tower in New York City that seemed more of a meetup place for the Avengers, this location was truly their base. Like a military camp, though friendlier. With living resources. As if Nick Fury's former SHIELD and their group merged to have a brighter, more positive place for them all to come together.
"Having a hard time choosing what to eat?"
Wanda turned to see Vision coming up behind her, having picked up on her inability to make a decision in that moment. It was hard coming from poverty and suddenly not having to struggle to put food on the table. Whatever they wanted, it was afforded to them. Having such a choice should have been relieving to her, but instead she found it more nerve wracking. Part of her always felt guilty, for now having so much.
Looking back at the buffet, Wanda sighed, "There is so much. Why do I deserve so much, when there are so many who have so little?"
With a sigh, the Vision reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear and explain, "It does seem unfair and cruel; poverty and famine is something that plagues many people on this planet. But, you should not deny yourself - you and your brother have been through much yourselves."
"You're right," Wanda nodded, while finally picking up a plate. She paused once again and smirked at the unusual man, "If Pietro sees us, he might have a heart attack."
The Vision gave a little smile, nodding, "I do suspect he is not the biggest fan of any man who might be interested in his sister."
"You right, so please step away, I do not wish to vomit before breakfast."
Wanda groaned and rolled her eyes, stepping aside as Pietro grabbed a plate and began filling it with food. As someone with a very fast metabolism, he ate constantly and big portions. It was something they had discovered when he would faint during running, because his glucose levels were so low.
Hands on her hips, Wanda scolded, "Pietro, we are adults now. I can date whomever I want - I never criticized your choice of women."
"But, you're my sister. It always my job to protect you." He argued.
"I am not child. We're in America now, I don't need a man to protect me." Wanda spat back, giving her brother the eye that said she was not joking around.
Flinching back, Pietro grumbled under his breath while piling up two plates and looking over at Vision. He was a very calm man and perhaps, the Maximoff brother was being a little over protective. But, he was raised with the ideals that a man always should protect a woman. And while Wanda was very capable of defending herself and didn't need any male to fight her battles, she was the only family he had left and letting go was hard.
Calmly standing there, Vision allowed Pietro to glare at him for a few more seconds before stating, "I assure you I have nothing, but the most sincere intentions."
Sore over essentially feeling like a child scolded by his parents, Pietro nodded silently and then turned back to Wanda, "Do you not want to eat breakfast with me?"
"Do not be child, Pietro, go get us utensils."
Steve Rogers spent a lot of time in the gym. It could have been a combination of needing to keep his muscles active, not really knowing what to do with himself, and because it took his mind off of things. Not that life was as difficult as it was when he first woke from his chilled slumber - he was used to modern day life. Had found his place in the world being Captain America and part of the Avengers, and had plenty of people he called friends.
Still, it was a routine he couldn't break free from.
Entering the gym, he saw a newcomer. In fact, the same person he had ran into when seeing Banner. Tilda Stygar. Bruce had filled Steve into who she was, frowning at seeing her. The Cap didn't like hearing of people trying to use the serum that transformed him. Anything, but the original would be missing key components as the creator was dead, and the experiment working was a fluke. He wished anyone else would see that it was clearly not a good idea messing with the human DNA structure.
Tilda was in a pair of black cropped sweatpants, sneakers, and a gray tank top. Her orange had was in a down braid, a headband keeping back any unwanted strands. The agent was performing some pull ups, allowing Steve to see that she had good muscle definition in her arms. SHIELD really didn't spare any expense when it came to training their agents.
"I guess um...it's a little awkward, us meeting." Steve decided to be the one first to speak, clearing his throat as he stood feet spread and hands in front.
Gently lowering herself until letting go, Tilda smacked the chalk off her hands and shrugged, "Why would it be awkward?" Walking over to a bench, she then turned around and laughed, "Actually, it is a little awkward. I grew up with posters of you everywhere. Kind of weird seeing you here now."
Steve chuckled. Now that was something he was used to. It was surreal seeing that he was actually in a museum. He would have never guessed that being Captain America back then would have made the impact that it did. Nor did he ever think he would actually be living 70 years into the future, where he was just as, if not more, relevant.
"I was more so meaning, well...about the experiments."
Tilda smirked, "I knew what you meant. I don't blame you or hold grudges if that's what you think."
"Well...okay. I look forward to working with you." Steve was unsure really how to respond.
Laughing, Tilda picked up her gym bag and used her powers to rearrange all the equipment to how it was before - stunning the Cap slightly. She lazily saluted him while leaving, passing by Natasha who looked like she too was ready for a workout. The Black Widow smiled at seeing Steve looking confused; it was cute seeing him shocked, when their whole team was made up of people with superpowers.
Sultrily sauntering passed the Cap, Natasha ran her finger across his waistband while cooing, "Ready for our workout, Cap?"
Eyes focused on the door for a moment, Steve looked at the redhead sideways while stating, "Hope you came prepared today, Romanoff."
"Apel'sin! New girl! Forgot your name!"
Tilda had been walking down the hall after a long shower, her hair still wet and pulled back into a ponytail. She had been heading down to the cafeteria, when she heard someone calling her name. It was Pietro Maximoff, who was surprisingly jogging towards her. From what she heard, she had thought he'd perhaps be dashing as superspeed everywhere.
Tilting an eyebrow upwards, the agent asked, "Apel'sin?"
"It's Russian for Orange. Like the fruit," Motioning to her, Pietro added, "And your hair."
Tilda wasn't sure the word was catchy enough - or even something she could pronounce - to become a lasting nickname. Resting against one hip, the telekinetic informed, "Tilda. My name is Tilda."
As if a lightbulb going off, Pietro nodded and threw his hands in the air, "Yes, yes. I know now. It was...on the tip of my tongue, but I could not remember. Tidal. Yes. My name is Pietro."
"I remember," She gave a small smirk, pointing to her temple, "My brain is kind of my main tool. So it's pretty sharp."
"Yes, the mind powers. Must be cool, yes? You move things with your mind. I'd never get off the couch." Pietro gave a cheeky grin, as Tilda began walking and he followed.
Considering it, the first generation American shook her head, "I supposed I could, but that would be dull. And I think I'd probably lose muscle."
"I see that. Maybe one day we arm wrestle?"
Giving Pietro a strange look, Tilda eyed his muscles briefly and commented, "You might have me beat. Where's your twin? I heard you two are attached at the hip."
Pietro frowned at the question, snorting under his breath, "She is with The Vision. After Sokovia, always The Vision. Vision, Vision, Vision. Yes, Wanda never really date before and perhaps I am being too concerned, but must he always be around? It is strange. Did you know he no eat or sleep? He is not human. My sister is dating a not human."
"Are any of us really human anymore?"
The woman had a point. Normal human beings didn't have the ability to run at supersonic speeds. Or control things with their minds. Or turn into a giant green monster. Pietro supposed since they all relatively looked normal that he didn't separate himself from civilians. But, even though without superhuman powers were above the norm. Perhaps it was wrong for him to discriminate against the Vision.
As they kept walking, Tilda stopped in front of Pietro and finally asked, "Why are you following me, by the way?"
The question stumped him, finding he really had no other reason than just really falling into it. Looking away momentarily, Pietro shrugged, "I enjoy myself here, but sometimes I am bored. Cap is always busy, whether with the Avengers or the Falcon, Barton spends much time with his family, not so close with Natasha, the Hulk no, Thor in Asgard, Stark...he's Stark, and now Wanda is with the Vision. I suppose I am lonely. You're new. So, I get to know you maybe?"
"You don't want to do that."
"Perhaps I do?"
Finally reaching the cafeteria, Tilda pointed out, "You're persistent, aren't you?"
"If you want me to leave, I leave," His heavily accented voice offered, "But, I am starving. I would like to get food first."
With a gentle roll of her eyes, Tilda eventually gave an amused smile while referring to the buffet, "It's a free country, eat whatever you would like."
"Spasibo." Pietro thanked, while placing his hand on her shoulder.
It was that act that had Tilda flinching back and Pietro felt something stopping him from taking a step forward. A force field. Confused, Quicksilver looked to her for answers as she asked, "Is that something you normally do? Invade people's personal space?"
Curious as to why she was suddenly wary of him, the Sokovian explained, "I did not mean to offend. It was not meant to be vulgar. My people are very touchy people. We hug, ruffle hair, pat each other's faces. It's very common. Do you not like that?"
Lips tight, Tilda turned her head back towards the buffet and shook her head. Though they had both experienced experimentation, Pietro surmised that hers was much more extreme. Having been the daughter of the infamous Dr. Stygar. He couldn't imagine being so closed off - human interaction was what he thrived off of, yet there were people out there who didn't share that desire of openness.
"Enjoy your dinner." Tilda stated, deciding she wasn't hungry and leaving the room.
Once she was gone, the force field disappeared and Pietro could move again. He panted gently, frowning. It was not his intention to push boundaries, it was just what he was used to. The Sokovian did not like making bad impressions - he wanted to get along with all his teammates, since he and his sister had not gotten off on the right foot with them.
"Derr'mo." Pietro cursed under his breath, sadly going to reach for food.