Chapter 5

Steve

Steve was putting on his training clothes in his room. He was meeting Mark for his scheduled training session. Steve put on his boots, then stood up, and began to walk down the hall. He wanted to grow stronger, learn to fight like Mark did the other night. Steve always motivated himself to grow in strength and skill, but he didn't know how to push his limits. It wasn't until he met Mark that he learned his limits could be pushed.

Steve entered the training room and saw Mark training with Natasha, Andrea, and Clint. Mark stood in the center while the other three attacked him with fluid attacks. Steve watched as Clint fired an arrow causing Mark to dodge in the direction Andrea was waiting then dodge attacked from Andrea while Natasha threw a knife hoping to find an opening to hit Mark. Mark backflipped away to avoid Andrea's attacks and caught the knife in mid-air. Steve could not believe the three other members were working in such unison to try and land a hit on Mark. Clint fired an arrow at Mark, and all three ran to attack Mark at once. Mark caught the arrow, "Wrong arrow, Clint." Mark said as the arrow exploded to create a smokescreen. Steve couldn't see what was happening in the smoke. He wondered if the other three were able to hit Mark. Steve watched as the smoke began to dissipate. Mark stood there spinning his bo to cause the smoke to disperse faster. Steve looked to see Clint, Andrea, and Natasha all on the ground.

"You guys did well until the end," Mark said.

"Yeah, then Clint had to fire a smoke bomb. Did you not think what advantage that would give Mark? We almost had him!" Andrea said as she stood up.

"No he didn't, but good point," Mark said.

Natasha stood up slowly, "Andrea and I did better on our own against Mark, we didn't disrupt the flow of things."

"Give me a break. I am not used to close combat with other people. It was just our second time fighting like that," Clint argued.

"Clint is right, Natasha," Mark began. "It took you and Andrea time to learn how to work as a cohesive team. You guys are getting there faster because you had the practice, Clint didn't. He will pick it up soon enough," Mark said. Then Mark looked over to Steve. "Are you early?"

Steve stepped forward to the group, "No, I am right on time. I was just watching the end of that fight. You guys are improving."

"Yeah well Mark is putting us through hell in training," Clint said.

"We still got ways to go," Andrea said.

"Well least you guys are done for the day," Mark said.

"Finally!" Clint said as he stormed out of the training room. "I need a break."

Steve watched as Clint left the room then returned his eyes to Mark.

"He has been feeling more pressure to keep up with Natasha and Andrea," Mark said.

"If he didn't skip out on some training he would be right there with us," Natasha said as she began to walk toward the door.

"I have to agree with Natasha. If Clint were more dedicated, he would be further along," Andrea said grabbing her water. "I will be in the lab if you need me."

Andrea left the training room with Natasha. It was only Mark and Steve standing there. Steve was ready to train and get stronger. He turned to Mark, "I am ready for the tough training," and Steve got into a fighting stance.

Mark laughed and walked past Steve. Steve watched as Mark walked over to the simulation room. "We will be training in here," Mark said as he opened the door. Steve followed Mark through the door. "Why in the simulation room? I thought this only helps with evasion," Steve asked.

"It does, but we can be creative with it. You will practice fighting in here and your evasion. This will help you adapt more to the situation while avoiding the projectiles. You won't be able to focus on your stance or fighting technique alone. You will hopefully attack and respond to the situation as it goes," Mark explained.

Mark walked to the center of the room, Steve followed but hesitated, wondering what would come from the training. "Will the setting be high?" Steve asked.

"No," Mark answered. "It will start on three, and we will move up slowly as we continue the training. And as a safety measure, I asked Jarvis to keep a watch on us. You still watching Jarvis?" Mark shouted.

"I am Master Mark. I am set to stop the simulation if either of you gets hit three times. The timer is set at five-minute intervals so you can practice as you see fit," Jarvis responded.

"Thanks, Jarvis," Mark said turning to Steve. "Still ready for the tough training?"

Steve nodded. He knew this would be difficult, but he wanted to push himself further in his skills. Steve got into a fighting position.

"Already preparing with a fighter's stance I see," Mark said. Steve noticed Mark didn't move. Mark remained calm and stayed standing relaxed ready for the simulation. "You can begin the simulation Jarvis," Mark said. "And you can attack when ready, Steve." Mark smiled, ready for the training.

Steve went straight for Mark but stopped in his tracks to dodge a projectile which fired across the room. Steve needed to think instead of just fighting Mark head-on in this training. Mark remained calmed, he ducked to avoid a projectile and launched forward at Steve. Steve blocked the punch and Mark used the block to flip backward in the air avoiding a projectile. Steve couldn't avoid it and got hit by the paint from the projectile. "That's one," Mark said as he landed

Steve began to run at Mark, and he ducked to avoid a projectile. Steve swung at Mark, Mark dodged and revealed a projectile coming from behind him, and it hit Steve in the chest. "That's two," Mark said. Steve felt his frustration grow in training. Steve began to swing at Mark trying to hit him, or at least, throw Mark's concentration off to be hit by a projectile. Mark grabbed both of Steve's hands to stop the berserk punches. "Hey, I get your frustration, but you need to remain calm," Mark said looking into Steve's eyes. Steve felt his anger flow through him as he looked at Mark. "You are letting your frustration fuel only the want to hit me. You can put yourself in a dangerous spot if you let this happen in the field." Steve listened to Mark and let himself calm down. Steve did feel frustrated Mark was better than him and Steve couldn't even land one hit or cause Mark to get hit by a projectile. Mark put his hands on Steve's shoulders. "You are going to get pissed off, but the point is to help you manage the emotions. You will improve, this is only your first round."

Steve closed his eyes to get all of his frustration out. Steve let out a deep breath and open his eyes. Mark smiled at Steve. "Better?" Mark asked Steve. Steve nodded his head; a little embarrassed he let his frustration get the better of him. Steve looked away but noticed the paint on Mark's shoulder. "You got hit," Steve said. Mark looked over at his shoulder. "I did, but it was worth it to help you get your emotions under control," Mark looked back at Steve and smiled.

"That's one," Steve said with a smile. Mark laughed and pushed Steve back. Steve realized Mark helped Steve dodge another projectile from the shove. Mark launched forward and went in for a kick. Steve blocked the kick and went to leg sweep Mark, but Mark jumped in the air. Steve had to duck to avoid the projectile coming from behind Mark. Steve went forward and began an attack of punches. Mark blocked each punch with his hand and grabbed Steve's hand on the last punch. Mark pulled Steve to the side, into a projectile.

"That's three," Mark said, and the simulation buzzed signaling it stopping. Steve felt out of breath, and his mind felt exhausted from only one round. He did not expect so much work when it came to fighting how Mark does. He needed to learn fast if he wanted to improve. Mark walked over to the wall and grabbed a water bottle. Mark walked over to Steve and handed it to him.

"Not what you expected?" Mark asked.

"No, I thought we would be training with just one-on-one skills. I didn't expect the simulation room to be used, or this to be so difficult. I can dodge the projectiles quickly when they are set to three," Steve said taking a sip of water.

"When we train, we focus on just one part and are expected to learn to bring everything together in the field. This brings everything together in training, so you are ready for the field," Mark said taking a seat on the floor.

Steve sat next to Mark and looked at the paint on Mark's shoulder. "I can't believe you let the projectile hit you, just to get me to learn to manage my frustration." Mark looked at the paint on his shoulder and then shrugged. "It's not the first time I took a bullet for you," Mark said. Steve grabbed Mark's hand. "You know," Steve began, "I never realized how much you cared for me then. I would never have expected you to protect me like that."

"Well, you know now how much I care about you. I think that's the important part." Mark said as he stood up, "Break time is over. Let's go for round two."

Steve sat for a moment longer, wondering what it would be like to be with Mark longer. How they would act toward one another years from now. How Steve would have someone in his life always. Steve snapped back to reality when he saw Mark walked to the other side of the room. Steve closed his water bottle and threw it to the side of the simulation room. Steve got up and readied himself.

"How should I ready myself? I always get into a stance before a fight. I don't know what you expect me to do," Steve asked.

"You normally fight with your shield. Stand your ground with stable footing and be ready to block with the shield if needed. Remember you can throw the shield when dodging, so you don't always need to block. The more relaxed your pose, the more you can adapt to the situation," Mark explained.

"Okay," Steve said as he took a more relaxed stance which felt more like his usual stance.

"We're ready, Jarvis," Mark said. The countdown began, and when the buzzer went off marking the beginning of the simulation, Steve watched as Mark ran to his left, sliding to avoid a projectile. Steve felt a projectile hit his back and then Mark came in with a punch. "That's one," Mark said.

Steve threw Mark back from the punch. Mark landed on his feet and jumped back into the air into a downward kick. Steve jumped backward to dodge and then ducked to avoid a projectile. Steve launched forward, swinging a punch at Mark. Mark blocked the punch, but Steve slid Mark back. Mark continued to slide and jumped, using the wall to launch himself forward. Mark was flying toward Steve but then slide on the ground to stop five feet from Steve. Steve was about to go forward to punch Mark, but Mark held his finger against Steve's forehead. Steve saw a projectile fly right in front of him. "You are getting better with the dodges, but missing some of the important ones," Mark said as he went into a punch, hitting Steve and sending him backward. Steve rolled on the ground. Mark stayed in the center of the room, taking one step back to avoid a projectile. Steve slowly got up, and side jumped to avoid a projectile. He needed to be less predictable to Mark to catch him off guard. Mark waited for Steve to make his move. Mark stepped to the side to avoid another projectile. Steve decided to rush Mark, Mark readied himself for Steve. Steve faked right as the last minute, rolling to the wall to use it to launch himself quickly at Mark. Mark jumped backward on his hands to avoid Steve. Steve quickly got up and tried to punch Mark before he was upright, but Mark used the moment to kick Steve. Steve blocked the hit; this allowed Mark time to turn upright. Steve went into a series of punches, which Mark matched blocking each punch. Mark sidestepped, but Steve followed Mark to avoid the projectile. Mark hit with a double jab before going into a kick, Steve blocked them but slid backward. He felt his leg get hit by a projectile.

Mark smiled at Steve, "That's two," He said. Steve felt exhausted and did not know how he would get through five minutes of this. Steve went forward and attempted to punch Mark, which was blocked. Steve went into a roundhouse kick which Mark caught and lifted Steve off of the ground. Mark threw Steve, and Steve spun to avoid the projectile. Steve used the wall to bounce back and threw two punches at Mark. "You need to think more creatively to catch me off guard," Mark said to Steve. "But you are lasting longer than last time," Mark said as he dodged a punch and then rolled to avoid a projectile. Steve was happy to know he was doing better. Steve went to kick Mark. Mark blocked the kick and then pushed Steve backward. Steve quickly dodged thinking Mark was pushing him into a projectile, but he realized he was dodging into a projectile. Mark tricked him. Steve quickly stopped the roll and pushed himself into the air with his arms, just dodging the projectile.

"Good, you are beginning to react more to your surroundings," Mark said. Steve got up quickly and went to attack Mark. Steve's first punch was blocked and grabbed by Mark. Then Mark grabbed Steve's second hand. "You're stuck, what now?" Mark said with a smile.

Steve did not know what to do. He needed to think of something to throw Mark off. Steve pushed forward and fell on Mark, kissing him. Mark froze and a projectile his both Mark and Steve at the same time. The simulation buzzed to stop, and Steve backed from the kiss smiling. Mark smiled back at Steve, "That is cheating," Mark said.

"I just adapted to the situation. I needed to throw you off, you said it is hard to do, but I found a way," Steve said as he went in close to Mark.

"Are you saying you are going to do that in the field as well?" Mark asked.

"Only to you in training," Steve said as he kissed Mark again. Steve felt Mark's hand hold the back of his head as they kissed.

"You know this is not part of the training," Mark said as he pulled away.

"So?" Steve said as he went to kiss Mark more.

"Avengers we have some news," They heard Tony over the sound system. "Thor is here, and he doesn't have good news from Asgard. He asked us all to meet to discuss it. He is in the kitchen. I will see you all soon,"

Mark pulled back from the kiss, "He is back from his trip. And he decides the first thing to do is interrupt us." Steve laughed and grabbed Mark's hand. "Come on, let's see what this is about," Steve said as he led the way out of the simulation room.

Mark and Steve walked in to see Tony, Thor, Andrea, Clint, and Natasha. The whole team was gathered for the news. Thor greeted Mark.

"Assassin, it is good to hear you are back to training the Avengers. I hope they will soon be ready to battle me in training," Thor said slapping Mark hard on the shoulder. "I also look forward to us fighting in training."

"Ow," Mark said with a smile. "Good to see you too Thor. So what is this news you have from Asgard?" Mark said as he went to get a drink from the refrigerator, ignoring Thor's comment about fighting him.

Steve took a seat at the table and looked at Thor. "What's going on Thor?" Steve asked.

Thor had taken a deep breath before he began. "My brother is up to something. We have scouts reporting he is traveling to Asgard frequently searching the highlands. We do not know what he seeks, but we know he is coming here more than normal. I tracked him here in your world. He appears in this city often and changing his location as to not be found. I fear he plots something."

Mark put a cup of tea in front of Steve. "How is he able to travel to Asgard? I thought he was banished for all of his failed plans," Mark asked.

"Alas, Loki can still travel to Asgard, but he is not welcome in the city. He travels when Odin slumbers. Frigga shares a soft spot for myself and Loki as her step-children. She does not let Odin know of Loki's travels. Frigga informed me of Loki's behaviors in fear of what he might plot for this world."

"And now we need to find out what Loki is up to and how to stop him," Mark said.

"How do we track Loki?" Andrea asked.

Mark looked to Tony and Steve, both did not know how to answer the question. "Looks like we will need to wait until he shows himself," Tony said.

"I will see what I can find in Asgard and return here to report. We do not know what he seeks in the highlands," Thor said.

"What is the highlands known for?" Mark asked. "Maybe it can give us a clue as to what Loki is looking for or plotting here."

Thor paused for a moment before speaking, "The Highlands remains a holy ground. Many temples and rituals were held there long ago before the city of Asgard was built. Odin would protect the sacred grounds for those who would use the powers it held to heal and bring prosperity to the land. War raged over the lands. Odin led an army to defend the lands, but all was lost. The warriors who fought alongside Odin rose from their graves to continue to protect the land. The powers of the holy grounds remain strong, few have ventured to the highlands. I am sad to say none returned."

"So the highlands have zombie, Asgardian warriors protecting it. Does seem like a fun time for Loki," Tony said.

"He would be looking for something in those temples I bet," Mark said. "But temples to help heal and bring prosperity to the land? That wouldn't be something Loki would want." Mark held his hand to his chin as he thought.

"I arrived at the same conclusion. Possibly Frigga will know more about the lands. I can request her assistance in seeking information. I will take leave and return in two days. I hope to find more information," Thor said.

"We will keep an eye out for Loki here," Steve said. "Hopefully we can find out what he is up to soon."

"We will stop my brother, Captain," Thor said as he walked to the door.

"Well that is another mystery for us to solve," Andrea said.

"Good, that means you won't follow me when I have another assassin calling me out," Mark said.

"What?" Tony said. Steve looked to Andrea and Mark. "We didn't tell him," Mark said to Steve. "We did not tell him, indeed," Andrea confirmed.

"So fill him in on the news. Have him take you to dinner for leaving you alone for a few days, and you can share the story with him," Mark said.

"I like how you think," Andrea said as she grabbed Tony's arm and dragging him away. "How did this happen?" Tony asked. Steve watched as Mark just waved goodbye to Tony.

"I am going to take a break, training today wore me out," Clint said as he left the room.

"Wimp," Natasha said as she followed him. "But you have the right idea."

Steve shook his head as Natasha left with Clint. Steve turned to look at Mark. "So more training?" Mark asked.

"Can we finish what we started in the simulation room?" Steve asked with a smile.

"I thought you wanted to improve your fighting as quickly as possible?" Mark asked. Steve stood up and grabbed Mark by the arm leading him to the stairs. "Some things are more important," Steve said. Steve led Mark to his room and began to kiss him. Mark walked Steve over to the bed, and they both fell down together. Steve just looked at Mark. "You know, I wouldn't mind this being our normal life for years to come," Steve said with a smile. Steve then saw sadness in Mark's eyes as he sat up.

"Steve, do me a favor," Mark began. "Don't ever say something like that to me ever again."

Steve was confused by the request. He thought Mark would want to hear Steve wanted to be with him for the long run. "What's wrong? I do. I want to stay with you, and grow old…"

"Stop, Steve," Mark shouted in anger. Mark stood up. "I don't want to think about that."

Steve felt pain from Mark's words but more confusion. "What's wrong with that idea?" Steve asked.

Mark looked at Steve with anger in his eyes. "That idea is not even an option for me. Do you think I like thinking about how all of you will age, and I will be the same? How all of you will pass away before I am even close to a retiring age. I have to continue to be the one to wonder this Earth without any of you. And I don't even know for how long. I could live on for centuries with how slowly I age and how well I heal. I don't like to think about how I will go on, and you all will be gone. Especially you, Steve." Mark said.

Steve saw tears in Mark's eyes. He couldn't help feeling awful for reminding Mark of his future pain. Steve didn't think about how long Mark would live with everyone gone. And he could see in Mark's reaction how much everyone meant to him. How much Steve meant to him. Steve slowly stood up and went to hug Mark.

"I'm sorry," Steve said as he embraced Mark. Steve stood there for a long moment as Mark rested his face on Steve's chest. Mark lifted his head to speak. "You know, Andrea asked me if I would have given up my powers if it meant I would be human. If I didn't age rapidly would I choose this life? I would. I would rather be human and live a life here with everyone than have my powers and be a ghost in this world when you all are gone. I wouldn't think twice about it."

Steve squeezed Mark harder when he heard these words. Steve had no idea how much this weighed on Mark. Mark backed away from the hug. "I need some space. Sorry, I got mad at you." Mark said as he walked to the door. Steve had grabbed Mark's hand before he left. "I am sorry I brought it up. I didn't think. I want to enjoy the time we have together as much as possible," Steve said. Mark looked up and smiled at Steve. Mark said nothing as he let go of Steve's hand and left the room. Steve felt horrible for what he brought up to Mark. Steve never thought about it fully, but Mark could live for centuries when the entire Avenger team has passed away. Mark held on to this, knowing the connections he made would be severed by time. Steve would give anything for Mark not to be a ghost when he is gone and have a normal life with him. Steve sat in his bed and reached for his shield. Steve held his shield close to him. "I am such a dummy sometimes," he said to himself.