They call her Human Torch! Chapter 40
Friday- Late Afternoon.
Bella-
I guess I couldn't complain about how the 'interview' had gone, we walked in there thinking the worst and most personal questions were going to be asked and that they were not going to take 'no comment' as an answer. What we got was an overly warm welcome, a suspicious one.
"I don't mean to be rude but could we do the quick questions first so we can get to touring the museum?"
"Yes, of course we can do that, actually we have our house journalist on site and she was wondering if she could amend the structure of the interview?"
At that point all 3 of us were more than bothered at the last minute change of plans. She had led us to a station looking media room that had microphones there already set up and a very fake blonde woman sitting at the end of the table, instantly giving me a fake smile, Steve a flirty smile, and looking over Kitty entirely, though she did look again and I saw interest when she realized she was my daughter. She squared her shoulders and looked at us evenly before continuing where the tour guide had left off.
"Thank you so much for agreeing to do a quick interview. We, as of this morning were prepared to do 2 separate interviews however, we would like to ask you to give us an exclusive together, answering just that one question officially to our media outlet instead of separate questions for both of you."
"What are you talking about? What news came out today?"
"Have you not gotten any notifications?"
"We have been in museums all day, we have not had time to see the news."
The smile she got was that of a shark baring it's teeth at it's prey.. She sat us down and switched on a program on her tablet to mirror on the large screens around the room. We were not prepared for picture after picture and one short clip that were all taken clearly from camera phones of Steve and I on our run this morning. She pulled up blogs that were using pictures that had been sent in to speculate if Steve and I were dating or how fast we were running, the non romantic blogs had mostly men as the speakers but most pictures were of us holding hands off in the distance while running or a still of him leaning down to kiss me. The pictures were clear that it was us, there was no denying it was us but apparently people were running it like we were celebrities. She went on to say how much it would mean to the museum if they could be the ones to get the first 'inside scoop' instead of a big name company. I had looked at Steve, trying to guess what was going on his head but after stepping away to speak in private, taking the tablet with us to go over the information on us and see what the reaction the public was having so far. I was a little pissed that no one in the family thought to give us a heads up but then I remembered I had it on 'do not disturb' mode. Steve smiled warmly but I could see pride in his eyes when he swiped and saw the picture of us kissing, him with his arms wrapped tightly around my waist and me griping on to him as well. Like I had thought that morning, we did make a pretty good looking couple and the public was actually super excited, most said it was too soon after New York for us to be flaunting a relationship, which we agreed with though that was not what we were doing.. but generally people were thinking of the Avengers as the new face for superheroes and now they were putting our picture us as the 'it' super couple to look up to.. Thinking from a Pepper point of view, it did take off some heat that we were getting for all the destruction, we were helping and the Chitauri caused most of it but in the end of the day.. Hulk did do some unnecessary smashing and they needed someone to get the backlash so we fit the bill, having the younger public go crazy about us being together helped so we could live with it.. it was out there so we had no option anyway. We just hoped we could keep each other together through any threats we might get, Victoria mainly on my mind.
We agreed on a cutesy story that simply spoke about immediate attraction and Steve held my hand when he told her that I had been a big help to integrate him into the modern world but he was still catching up on Disney movies. She about fainted, saying that was gold and finally letting us wrap up. She tried asking for more but we shut her down quick. She asked us to let the house photographer take a picture while touring the museum that would accompany the confirmation that would be written out and set up as soon as we stepped out, they were getting ready to release it tonight, as soon as we got off the property so we won't run the risk of getting followed by paparazzi. The photographer kept his distance from us in order to get a 'natural shot' and followed along as if he were listening to the tour we were being given, we did end up forgetting that he was there and were caught up in all the news that the building had to offer. We watched clips that really helped Steve, like one called 'The press and the civil rights movement.' It explained things that I could not put into words for him. We were also able to get exclusive photographs and data from past exhibits so I was able to explain with the tour guides help, Hurricane Katrina, the entire JFK history through speeches and gossip. The overview of 'Pictures of the year' and 'One Nation with news for all' had too many events that we had no time to answer so Steve took out his phone, opened up the notes app, and began to create a list of all the things he would look up later when he had more time. The 'Reporting Vietnam' overview took a little longer because of his interest as well but eventually we moved on to tour the actual museum, there were about 23 or 24 exhibits, the largest museum we had been to all day. We passed through some exhibits fairly quickly but paused on exhibits like the 'Pulitzer Prize Photographs Gallery' It was full of impacting photographs that caught all our attention, heartbreaking pictures as well as some more insightful ones.
Next we paused on the civil rights movement, not for as long but it wrapped up what we had talked about earlier. The FBI exhibit was fascinating to me, more so when it was followed by the unabomber cabin. I let the tour guide explain anything she had to for Steve and was able to immerse myself into all the clips and articles there was, I knew it was strange but I loved reading up on cases, especially if they were solved, then you got the whole scoop. The photographer had yet to take a good picture, he kept deleting them and muttering about bad lighting so he saw my interest and filled in on other aspects of the case that were not as important to have in the room, I was absorbed in the story and the evidence he was showing me as proof of what he was talking about that I never noticed we had drifted away from Steve and Kitty.
"The psychology behind all these cases is what really makes them interesting, in my opinion. It has always fascinated me to try to understand what made people do what they do."
"Yes I can understand that. For a while in high school I wanted to study psychology but when I saw how many classes it was and how little psychologists make… I changed my mind."
"Oh yeah, I know. I looked into it as well and did take some classes, they were great but I couldn't see it as a career path. Now it's more like a hobby to read up on, I love reading the mindset behind serial killers collection, I have it at home… wow, now I'm trying to figure out how to convince you I am not a serial killer.."
The poor guy started blushing so hard, he looked mortified and I couldn't help but throw my head back and laugh. This guy reminded me of Peter and Bruce and how easily they got flustered. Steve did too but it was mostly when we were alone. I had managed to tamper down my laugh to a giggle by the time I heard Steve clear his throat behind us. I turned and found him alone.
"Hey, you guys finished up back there? Where is Kitty and our tour guide?"
"Still in there, I just came looking for you when I couldn't hear you anymore.."
I noticed him glare slightly at the photographer. He can't be jealous right? I was in no way flirting with him.. and he didn't even get close to me when he was talking. Of course he is not jealous.
"So, ready to keep going?"
"Sure."
There was an awkward pause but we were saved by the tour guide and Kitty coming around the corner. She did a quick review of this side of the exhibit for them but we moved through the rest of the exhibits faster. We paused on the Berlin Wall exhibit and Steve lost some tension around his shoulders as we started talking and he understood most of it from his own research. The 9/11 exhibit, now that took a lot longer. It was impacting to see the antenna in the middle of the room but most of all it took our breaths away to see the walls where they had on display the headline articles from around the world. One special edition of The Examiner simply had a picture of the explosion and big bold letters that read BASTARDS! More followed and reading each one made our shoulders heavier, getting a new understanding of the events from different point of views. Headline after headline.
U.S. ATTACKED
'ACT OF WAR'
AMERICA'S BLOODIEST DAY
AMERICA ATTACKED
TERROR ATTACKS STRIKE U.S.
INFAMY
UNTHINKABLE
AMERICA'S DARKEST DAY
OUTRAGE
DAY OF DEATH
WE MOURN
A DAY OF INFAMY
'OUR NATION SAW EVIL'
'FIND THE COURAGE'
TERRIFYING
WHAT NOW?
TERROR HITS HOME
BUSH VOWS TO STRIKE BACK
A DAY OF INFAMY
A/N: (I've actually been to this museum and this exhibit is seriously difficult to get through. It's such a great museum though.)
I snapped out of it when I heard a camera clicking. I looked down and realized that Steve and I were now holding hands and I had my other hand on Kitty's shoulder. The camera clicking came from our left but it stopped when I looked that way. I separated from them and went over to him.
"Did you get what you needed?"
"I think so, I can probably go back to the lab and get to touching up the photo I choose to go with."
"Look, I know it's your job, but can you not go with a sentimental shot?"
"Of course, yeah I just got a general picture of the 2 of you looking up at the headlines, we just wanted to capture both of you together in a major part of the museum, I was able to get you two holding hands with the antenna in the background and without your daughters face in the picture."
He shuffled around with the camera and offered me a view. I was happy with it, you could see the seriousness on Steve's face as he took it all in and learned but it wasn't emotional, it didn't show how much loss I knew he felt at the time that had passed him by..
"Thank you."
"No problem. It was an honor to meet you, both of you. What you did in New York.. that changed the world."
"I wish more people would see it as a good thing."
"I think we all know that you vanished for a long time and now you are back, you are the one who knows more than we do. Are you going to share it?"
"I want to. That's all I can say for now, still working on being able to say more."
He grinned sadly and looked around.
"Well, I'm not a journalist like most of my co-workers, I'm just a photographer but if you take anything to heart from touring the museum today, let it be that we are firm believers and supporters in freedom of speech."
I waved at him and gave him a soft smile as he stepped back and left. I felt my connection with Steve stretch out gently and turned to look for him, he was across the large showroom with Kitty. I understood now why he came looking for me earlier, he felt me move farther than we had been from each other since we had bonded. If we can feel a stretch just by being a few yards away from each other, how uncomfortable would it be to go to dinner with Kitty alone? How much would it hurt to go across the country without him? My heart gave a thump that I felt up in my throat at the thought but I shook it off and kept looking around.
As we did in all the other places, our last stop was the gift shop. The first thing Kitty did was go straight to the pens and pick up a quill and ink bottle set.
"Look Steve! These are from your time right?"
I bit my lip to keep from laughing but a grin still fought it's way through. Steve smirked but rolled his eyes.
"Ha ha, very funny. You have been spending time with Romanoff haven't you?"
Kitty looked up and gave him a cheeky grin.
"She may have texted me once or twice last night.."
I shook my head but got distracted when I saw the collection of books that they had. None really caught my interest enough to buy them but in the end we all took something. Kitty took a magnet for Tony that said 'Actually I am a rocket scientist!' and I took him a funny one that said 'The best way to kill an idea is to take it to a meeting.' I knew he would certainly get a kick out of that.. though I didn't know how Pep would take it since she is the one who usually said no to his ideas. Steve was amazed when he saw the 'astronaut food' packages of candy. He got the freeze dried ice cream in every flavor they had. He also stocked up on some books, The American experience in Vietnam: reflections on an era, and American Reckoning: The Vietnam War and our National Identity. I was very happy that he actually said he wanted them and I gladly added his stuff to ours but I could see his grimace and frown when I paid. We were able to pay and get out of there fast before anyone could catch up with us and risk getting asked more questions.
Once we got to the hotel room Kitty half halfheartedly waved, saying she was taking a nap and to not wake her until it was time to take a shower for dinner. I liked the idea of cleaning up before maybe taking a nap but when I went into the bathroom for a shower I saw the tub and the complimentary milk and honey oil next to it.. hmm, big tub for 2, sleeping daughter, hours to kill until dinner.. I had told Steve we shouldn't mess around but.. I knew Kitty would drop and there was nothing that could wake her up once she fell asleep.
"Steve? You wanna take a bath?"
His head shot up and his eyes darkened but I saw uncertainty pass through them shortly after.
"You mean me, just me or, with you?"
"Kitty is gonna sleep.. it would be a shame to waste such a big tub on myself."
He smirked and strode up to me, wrapping his arms around my waist and lifting me up to his lips while walking into the bathroom.
"You know your bathtub at home is bigger than this one right?"
"Well if you don't want to-"
He cut me off with his lips on mine.
"See I never said that.. just pointing it out."
We made out softly while the tub filled up with water but it didn't take long with the 3 faucets it had, pouring in the milk and honey oil made the water look like milk and after putting my hand in I warmed it up until it was lightly steaming. I looked back at Steve and was pleasantly surprised to see him already shirtless. I hummed in appreciation once he started working on his jeans. Quickly slipping out of my clothes I was able to finish before him since he stopped working on himself to stare at me strip. I leaned forward and smiled up at him when he slipped in behind me and held me against his chest. I didn't know why we hadn't taken a bath together yet, in this moment I felt all the tension in my body slip away, the outside world faded and we just sat in stillness until the water got cold. I leaned away from him after a few minutes and warmed the water back up.
"That will never stop amazing me."
"Good, it'll keep you around then."
He smiled against my shoulder before lifting me to sit on his lap. The new height made my nipples visible above the water and his hands softly began to roam my body. Part of me reacted and was very turned on and aware of his hardening length pressing against my thigh but we didn't act on anything right away, we were so relaxed and felt a connection that was more intimate than anything we had ever felt before. We both closed our eyes and focused on the soft tingle of our skin pressed together like puzzle pieces. When I finally spoke my voice sounded as calm as I truly was.
"So what do you really think about our pictures being plastered all over the news?"
His hands didn't stop gliding over my skin but they did slow down while he thought of an answer.
"The less rational part of me that is more instinctual in this mating stuff makes me happy, proud to be able to claim you, happy that everyone knows you are mine and that I have the right to step up if they try flirting with you… then I think about any enemies that may come up, we already talked about people using us against each other, now people will know you are my weakness but the only thing we can do is make plans and train to be good enough fighters that we can get out of that type of situation. What do you think?"
"I agree with you. I mean I'm scared that Victoria might try to hurt you, we don't know if you are strong enough or fast enough to kill a vampire, we don't know how a bite will effect you, if it would kill you or turn you or because of the serum in you if it would enhance you.. That thought terrifies me but another part of me doesn't think she will come after you.. I don't think she is that stupid. I will have to call Jasper, maybe go for a week after Thanksgiving to catch up on training and what tactics he thinks she might use, then again, I also talked to Bruce about going back to India for a week or 2, he doesn't like that he left the hospital so suddenly, he has other people working with him now that could easily continue working without him but he wants to go finalize things, not just disappear. That, and I promised Hulk we would give him some free time, I know that has Bruce a little cagey lately too. We have a busy few weeks coming up but I promise after New Years we can maybe get away, just the 2 of us?"
"I understand Bella, I do. I'm just following your lead remember?"
"Yeah and that's not good. It works for now because we are still getting to know each other but you have to form your own routine and get your own interests. I just don't want you to resent me later or get bored because you are always having to get dragged into whatever I am doing, I don't want to lead you, I want us to be equal in this relationship, it's something that I've never had so I don't want to mess it up."
"I don't think my life with you in it could ever be boring Bella but I understand what you are saying."
I craned my head up to see his soft smile but arched my neck when he buried his nose into the crook of it, he peppered kisses up and down my collar bone before pecking my lips.
"What you said earlier, why don't you think she will come after me if she wants to hurt you?"
I honestly thought about not being honest with him but that thought was shut down quickly when I looked up into his eyes.
"I- because the reason she is after me, or was after me is to kill me, she thinks it will hurt Edward because she thinks I am his mate-"
He made an angry noise between a growl and a huff while tightening his arms around me and leaning down to my neck once more to take a deep breath.
"James came after me and the Cullen's killed him, she wanted to kill me to make him feel the loss she feels but we thought she had to have another angle when years passed and nothing. I mean at first she kept trying to get to me but the wolves kept blocking her. That is why she killed my dad, to try to draw me out, it would have worked if the wolves didn't take turns babysitting me.. She must have figured out by now that we are not mates, no way could we go years without each other if we were but then again, it's not like she is always watching, maybe she really doesn't know, anyway, she has to figure that we are not together when she sees you and I on the news, then we will just have to anticipate her next move. I do really want to go back to Forks though, I need to get back in touch with everyone, see if I can finally match Jasper in a fight with the new moves I learned in Asgard."
"Peter did say he was good."
"He's the best. They always told me stories about the 3 of them fighting together, when he gets in the zone, they call him Major, it's for the reasons Peter told you but it is also because before he was a vampire he was the youngest man to ever rise up the ranks so fast, that's not even counting his real age since he had to lie about it to enlist."
"Texas right?"
"Yeah, he fought for the south in the civil war, Logan fought for the north side, I'm not gonna lie, when and if they meet, they can be great friends or they will hate each other, kinda nervous about that. The 3 of them, Jasper, Peter, and Char had code names that bitch Maria gave them, she selected Jasper and Peter but Char was appointed her name by Peter. Major, Captain, and Lieutenant. That's pretty much what they are known as in the vampire world, everyone knows who they are."
"Where do you fit in? Peter said you had become part of their little circle when you all bonded by training."
"Yeah but I didn't get a name, not yet at least. Jasper said he would give and call me Colonel if I ever bested him in a fight, we're pretty sure that's never gonna happen though, it's why he said it. I made sure Paul and Jake heard him though so I will have witnesses if it ever happens."
I smirked softly, letting out random memories play out in my head.
"I changed too much to feel like I belong there but once in a while, when the threat of Victoria gets a little too heavy, there's a part of me that knows I can always go home and I will have protection.. it's silly I know, but.. it brings me comfort, it's familiar you know?"
"Yes, I know but you have that here too don't you? I mean you are surrounded by people who fought off aliens a few days ago."
I nodded but felt maybe now might be a good moment to open up to him, like Kitty had said I should do more..
"It's not the same.. here I am in charge of myself and the rest of the family, I am the responsible adult who has to be put together and take care of the rest.. I like that, I love it actually but, I just like the idea that there's a place where I can go and be a stupid teenager again. Everyone there knows me, not just the person I am now but the me that they saw at her weakest, the defenseless and reckless human that they chose to protect and love anyway.. it's different to know too that they can all take care of themselves.. they are vampires themselves and they are wolves who are born to kill vampires but with our family, there are too many variables. I don't think I could keep a level head if I was fighting alongside all of you, I would be too worried about what vampire venom might do to you or if.. I don't know, the thought just stresses me out."
He stayed quiet for a long time but eventually sighed.
"I want to.. protest and tell you that no, that I will be there by your side, that I will never back off from a fight much less one you are in as well that might result in you being hurt but.. again, I understand what you are saying. Maybe if we test out my strength and speed, if it's not enough against them then I can use one of those weapons you said Tony was making. I can't not be there, I think we both know that but we can take precautions so that you are able to relax and focus on not getting hurt. I would never be able to keep living if you got distracted because of me and- and something happened."
My eyes stung for a second in relief, a part of me that I didn't even know was tense relaxed now that I knew he was willing to pull himself back instead of being at the forefront. I turned in his lap and kissed him as deeply as I could, I tried showing him how much I cared and valued him without really giving myself completely to him. I pulled back softly and reached over for the shampoo before washing his hair, it was blissful to see his face relax and his genuine, shy smile that I had only gotten to see a few times when we had these private moments. He insisted on returning the favor and washing my hair, running his fingers gently through any knots that had formed before taking the extendable shower head from my hands and pressing it to my hair.
"So Forks huh? Guess I'm meeting them sooner than I thought."
"I'm sure it'll be fine.. They liked Kitty."
"Well sure, it's hard not to take a liking to that kid, she reminds me a little of you when she talks sometimes but then she gets playful and I remember she is still young."
"No she gets her silliness from Darcy! I know she picked at you a little today, was that okay? I know she was just being playful but if you would rather be more serious around the family I could talk to her if you want."
He snorted and turned me to face him again.
"It's fine doll, the last thing I want is for them to see me as an uptight jerk. She is a good kid, she doesn't bother me."
"Good, that's good. Just let me know though okay? Sometimes she doesn't know when to stop being silly, she gets that from Darcy too."
"It's fine."
I smiled widely at him but talking about Victoria reminded me of the thought I had yesterday as I was talking to Fury and Phil.
"I wanted to bring up the mental stumble I had in Fury's office yesterday."
"I've been wondering when you would work through that enough to tell me about it."
"Yeah, sorry about that. I just still can't believe I hadn't thought about it before but as I've said, Heimdall can see everything right? Well I realized that I could ask him for help to track down Victoria. We could catch her off guard and wouldn't have to wait around waiting to see what her plan is. I thought maybe I could go alone but she is responsible for Emmett and Carlisle losing their mates. They deserve to all be there. We all want revenge and we don't need to wait until she hurts anyone else to try and figure out her plan. We can finally finish this."
"Hm, I can see now why the realization made you stumble. Catching her off guard can prevent others getting hurt and of course gives us an advantage. Are you going to talk to them about this?"
"Yes. I know we have so many things going on right now but soon I'll tell them and we can be ready as soon as Thor comes back we can ask him how we could make it happen."
He nodded and looked as pensive as I imagined I looked as well. He lifted me up from the tub and leaned down to peck my lips, grabbing a towel and wrapping it around me before getting one for himself. We exited the bathroom and got our own separate body lotions since he refused to use the scent I had, claiming it was too feminine and he wanted to smell it on me but not have people smell it on him. He dried up quickly and slipped on some boxer briefs before sitting on the bed and openly staring at me while I rummaged through the suitcase looking for clothes.
"You know, it's not polite to stare."
"I might apologize if your breathing slowed down a bit and your skin would stop steaming under my stare.."
I smiled to myself and heard the bastard laugh behind me. Finally I put together an outfit in case we went anywhere nice for dinner later, for now I just wanted to lay in bed so I slipped on a pair of lace see through panties, they were a nude color that I knew he liked when I heard his breath hitch. I went on to put on the matching bra but stopped when I heard him get up and come up behind me. He ran his hands down my bare arms and slipped up my stomach until he was cupping my breasts and lightly teasing my hardening nipples. A shiver ran up my spine as my head fell back to rest on his shoulder. He leaned down and pressed his lips to my ear, teeth nipping at my neck between every word he whispered.
"Let me take care of you. Let me make you feel good, please."
My skin tingled and heat shot all around before shooting down and starting the cycle all together again, taking my breath every time it shot down. My hips swayed in a circle and my thighs squeezed together to try to alleviate the pressure.
"God yes, please yes."
I heard his breath hitch again at my plea before he picked me up and moved us to the bed. He settled against the headboard and sat me between his legs. I thought he would turn me to face him at one point but I was again reminded that my man was 'the man with a plan' he hooked his feet under my ankles and spread his legs, making mine spread along with his. He ran his hands down my body, bringing heat to the surface of my skin like a magnet. One hand wrapped around my stomach like a band holding me in place, the other kept it's path south until it traced the seam of the panties that went straight down over my clit. It was throbbing and I was panting by the time he finally skimmed over it. My head pushed back against his shoulder and a whine escaped my throat.
"Please keep going. We've been building this too much, I'm not gonna last at all.."
I wanted to snark at him when I felt his smile at the base of my neck but held back in time as he slipped my panties aside and wasted no time in running his fingers up, collecting the moisture already seeping out there and spreading it up to run over my clit, he rubbed a light circle around it before pressing hard right in the middle. My whole body flexed, hips circling up seeking his fingers for more pressure. He brought his second hand down from my waist and wasted no time giving me what I wanted, 2 fingers dipped into me, stretching me and making more wetness seep out. He kept a frustrating pace that overstimulated everything but kept me right on the edge of a quick orgasm. I wanted this fast, it had been so long but I couldn't find my voice enough to tell him, the build up he was making felt too good to make him change anything. I was aware of my hands almost flailing from how fast they were moving, I ran them through his hair above me, pulled and grabbed before moving them to his thighs and digging my nails into his flesh. I could feel him hard against me and shifted upwards until I was able to circle my ass around him, feeling him resting right between my natal cleft. He groaned while I whimpered over and over, his name came out strangled more than once but he pressed his hips against me harder every time that I said it. His fingers over my clit were brushing over it with a lightness and slowness that was the complete opposite of his fingers slipping in out of me at a rapid pace. The term 'finger fucking' came to mind and made me clench around him more frequently until I was fluttering constantly.
"Steve! fuuck- ah shit!"
My head thrashed against his chest and my thighs flexed open wider, allowing him to go deeper with his fingers.
"Oh god! Yes, yes! Mmmhm."
The burn at the pit of my stomach spread to every nerve ending on my body until finally I heard my own cry of relief and pleasure of having such an intense orgasm, I held my breath to make it last longer, my chest muscles constricting and making the top half of my body rise for a second before falling back onto his chest in utter relaxation. His fingers remained in me until I was only fluttering once every few seconds but his hand that had been resting on my clit ran up and down my trembling thighs. I slowly became aware of the secondary noises and smells around the room again and it was almost embarrassing that in the stillness of the room I could mostly only hear my own pants. I didn't even breath this hard when fighting off the Chitauri. He softly pulled at my waist until I was facing him. I rest my body against his chest again but only had the energy to tilt my head and look him in the eyes. His were filled with a soft affection, awe, and pride, I imagine the pride for himself at a job well done, no way can he think it wasn't well done with me laying exhausted on his chest.
"Thank you.. that was.."
His chest shook with laughter after I nodded, not even bothering to finish my sentence.
"So that was good for you?"
"Steve, you are not a stupid man, put the pieces together hon."
He ran his hands up and down my bare back, hugging me close to him in a way that screamed intimacy, it was a lovers embrace and nothing in my life had ever felt so satisfying.. I can only imagine how much every experience feels better and better, experiencing more and more satisfaction than ever before with the more we explore.
"I have never had such an intense orgasm.. thank you."
He stilled under me and moved my head to look up at him.
"I thought you said you didn't feel pleasure when you.. last time?"
"I didn't but that doesn't mean I have never, you know, touched myself.. you have done that too right?"
"Y-yes, I just thought.. I don't know. I just didn't think about it I guess."
"I needed to release tension if you know what I mean, Darcy finally convinced me to get a toy to get myself off."
"It had to be her. That girl, she's something else."
I had enough energy back now to laugh at his tone of voice.
"Yeah, she is."
I nuzzled into his neck and ran my hands down his chest before using it as support to sit myself up, straddling him. His eyes zeroed in on the sway of my breasts and I smiled, pushing them together with my arms while inching down until I was sitting on his thighs, his hips in between my knees.
"Bella, you don't have to.."
"No, I don't. This isn't about returning the favor, I just want to, I want you to be as satisfied as I am feeling."
"Are you sure you don't want to rest?"
"No, I'm actually surprised I was panting that hard, my body has never reacted like that.. maybe it was because it's been so long or because for the first time some one else was touching me and it wasn't myself.. I don't know but other times I recover fast like I didn't just have an orgasm 2 minutes ago, I don't even know how long I laid on your chest."
"6 minutes."
"Keeping count?"
"It was certainly.. an ego boost."
I giggled in between peppering kisses down his chest while my hands lowered his briefs. He sprung out tall and hard, his veins thick. It was mouth watering and I felt heat pool at my center again. His nose flared and eyes darkened, looking up at me smirking.
"Again?"
"No. Your turn and then a power nap until dinner.. if we go for me again then we will be here for hours."
He nodded, knowing if we gave in we would probably not be satisfied with hands and mouths, craving actual sex and I wasn't sure about that yet. His tip already had a bead that I happily lapped at while wrapping my fingers around him. The burn in my core felt almost uncomfortable but it gave me an idea. I straightened up on my knees, bringing Steve's attention to my face. I gave him the best seductive smile I could before wiggling my free hand and bringing it down to where his hands had been just moments before. His hips jerked up and his breath caught in his throat as I dipped my fingers into myself, I coated my whole hand, collecting all the moisture I had and brought it down on him, using it to stroke him up and down.
"Hell.."
I bent down to suck on his tip, using my tongue to lap at him while firmly gripping his base with my hand. HE was slick with my arousal, my scent all over his made my own instincts flare up and want to claim him, as if humans could smell me on him.. it was stupid but I still felt it. His eyes closed, relishing the feeling but he fought against it and tried keeping them open, wanting to watch what I was doing. The muscles in his thighs flexed and twitched, his hands curling and uncurling in uncontrolled patterns. I felt him harden and twitch in my hand and heard his grunts turn to whines at the base of his throat and knew he was close.
"Cum for me Steve, I want to taste yo-"
His eyes flew open and widened at my words, hips thrusting up with force before a strangled version of my name was yelled out and his taste mingled with mine in my mouth. Like last time I swallowed it down quickly but was more turned on and took more appreciation from the taste of him. How could I not when it was for me?
"You're mine, all mine."
"Don't wanna be anyone else's doll."
Came his breathy response.
Saturday, – Early morning.
I felt eyes on us as we ran and did a quick scan of the area. Steve and I had agreed last night that people would expect us to maybe come back here for a run so we had gotten up extra early. We had been running at a good pace, well good pace for us but I imagined that we looked like we were in a sprinting competition to humans.. The sun was slowly rising into the sky and there was not a single person here, which is why I scanned the area when I felt eyes on us. Steve reached out and held my hand, gently squeezing in comfort.
"I felt it too. It's just that guy from yesterday, the one with the forces sweater."
I spotted him soon and nodded, glad that he was aware of us but wasn't gawking at us.
"That man has serious dedication.. I don't need that much sleep now but when I was human there was nothing that could get me up to run at this hour.. not that I ever ran… I would have killed myself if I ran this close to water."
"I have trouble imagining you as clumsy as Peter described you."
"Trust me, the wolves will love telling you stories. Jasper and Em- well, Emmett might. He isn't back to his old self, he will never be the same but.. he witnessed and made fun of me the most for my clumsiness. Yeah I tripped over nothing at all back then so there was no way I would have gotten up before the sun to work out.. not that I wasn't an early riser, I was, just not that much."
Steve nodded and told me a bit about his own clumsiness.
"What a pair we are huh?"
"I certainly think so."
He smiled at me and squeezed my hand again before nodding ahead where the guy was now a mile ahead of us. He switched us so I was on his other side. As we rapidly came up on him Steve began to sprint a little faster.
"On your left."
We continued running, the sun not hitting us yet but it was visible in the distance now. We ran at a faster pace now that the sun was coming up and soon enough we were a few yards away from the same man.
"You know, for a human he actually has great resistance and pace."
"Of course he does, he trained."
I rolled my eyes at his pride.
"Nothing on his clothes says Army, he could easily be from another branch."
"Never said I thought he was Army.. they all train well, just Army is better. It's a fact."
"Fact.. right. Last time I checked it was Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, then Army.."
"Air Force?"
"Um.. Yeah?"
"That is a new branch to me."
"Really?!"
I stopped talking when Steve smirked and sped up to pass the poor guy, he waited until he was right next to him to say "On your left." Again. The guy nodded and I saw his jaw clench for a second.
"Uh huh, on my left, got it."
I gave him an apologetic smile as I passed him and sprinted to catch up to Steve easily.
"You are enjoying that aren't you?"
"More than I should. So, tell me more about this Air Force."
"Dude.. Air Force! It's not possible for it to not have been around in your time. Let me look it up."
His eyes darkened when he saw me pull my phone out from my bra. I kept at his pace while googling it and I knew it unnerved him just a little that he was sprinting and sweating a bit and I was easily keeping up with very little focus on actually running.
"Oh! I see! Okay so what you know is Army Air Corps, that branch of the Army separated in 1941 and was called Army Air Forces but it wasn't actually it's own branch called 'Air Force' until 1947, they are headquartered here in D.C. and their motto is 'Aim High… Fly-Fight-Win.' Huh, you learn something new everyday."
"That makes sense I guess. What about Navy? What is so special about them?"
"Well.. Superficially? There is this one particular team in the Navy that has some uniforms.. it makes their men look like fine fine specimen."
I smirked his way when he gave me an unimpressed look.
"That, and hello! Navy SEALS!"
"Again.. Seals?"
"… let me google it.."
We kept running while I did my research but I stopped when he turned right instead of going left.
"Hey, where are you going, that route takes us back to where we were just at."
"Yeah, I know, I wanna run it again."
I gave him a suspicious look but shrugged and followed him.
"Alright, yeah it says here 'The US Navy SEALS is arguably the top special operations force. Created in 1962, the Sea-Air-Land operators go through years of training and, especially after 9/11, endure an incredible operation tempo. Many foreign militaries base their special ops on the SEALS.' See? They are awesome. I've only seen them work once on a mission that Fury went to himself.. I didn't have the clearance level to know half of what was going on but I knew which team they were and I knew that their muscles were hot so.. really that's all I needed to know."
"Muscles huh?"
"Not nearly as good as yours hon. I'm just saying, you meet with a team like that, know only some of the type of training they had to do to be worthy of a position.. it, it's a turn on. I know that's biased of me though, to say they are the best is not entirely true, I say that because I have met some of them but realistically, it's a close call between SEALS, Green Berets, and of course Delta Force."
"Yeah, we are going to need google again."
"Delta Force was formed in 1977, I know that much but they are more on the 'we exist but nothing is known' side. They work undercover where the Green Berets and SEALS are more common, not SEAL team 6 though, they are tier 1…. We have to look this all up later, there's a lot I don't know too honestly so I would only confuse you right now. The Green Berets are called that because Kennedy ordered that they wear those Green Berets, it's what makes them stand out so I know they had to be formed before Delta Force at least."
He nodded and took out his phone to add all 3 to his list of things to look up later. He put his phone back in the pocket of his sweats and looked up suddenly smirking wide. I looked towards where he did and nearly gasped.
"Steve! We did not take this route again just so you can pass that man again! You are pulling something Tony would!"
"Come on, I'm just messing with him."
"You're bad."
He ignored me and began to sprint faster, catching up on the poor guy all too soon. I knew the exact moment he heard Steve's footsteps behind him. He peeked back while trying to run faster.
"Don't say it! Don't you say it!"
Without breaking stride or his serious composure Steve ran right passed him, closer than before.
"On your left."
"Come on!"
He started sprinting as fast as he could but gave up when he saw Steve yards away already. Honestly I had to stifle a laugh and put on my 'disapproval' face as I passed the panting man, it almost sounded like he would start wheezing if he kept running. I stopped for a second, only enough for him to look up at me and see me give him another apologetic smile.
"Sorry, he's a little shit."
He nodded, still trying to get enough oxygen in his lungs to reply.
"Yeah, yeah he is.. never thought I'd hear some one say that about Captain America though."
"Oh that's not Captain America, that's Steve Rogers."
I smiled at him again one last time and took off running, this time as fast as I could because knowing Steve, he was redoing this route and would be on his way back already. 7 Seconds later I was next to him again.
"Nice try."
"Thought a distraction was the only way to out run you."
"It worked, I even stopped and exchanged words with him.. still caught up to you though."
He smiled and laughed to himself while shaking his head. Less than 2 minutes later we had sprinted at Steve's fastest pace and were able to cut though a monument to get back to where we had last seen the guy. He was a few feet away from the path, sitting down against a tree, hand on his ribs.
"Poor guy looks like he needs a lung transplant."
Steve chuckled but stopped running, walking over to him in a casual stroll. My boobs started vibrating and I startled until I pulled my phone out and saw Phil's name.
"Hey go on. Phil's calling."
"I can stay with you."
I waved him away and shook my head.
"Go make a new friend and ask which branch he is from, I'll bet it's not Army."
He smirked and shook his head but did keep walking towards the guy. I stepped back farther, away from Steve's earshot.
"Hey Phil, what's up?"
"The council wanted to know if you could come by and pick up some paperwork. They did not want to risk scanning and sending it and since you offered.."
"Yeah I understand, I'll go later today if that's okay."
"Are you guys going to be busy sightseeing today? I saw yesterday on the news the coverage on you both with Kitty at the Newseum, caused quite a reaction."
"Ugh, don't even tell me, I avoided the news last night and haven't seen it this morning."
"I can take it to you on my break if you are busy."
"No, trust me this is a prefect excuse."
"To get away from Steve Rogers? Bella I thought you were intelligent."
"Not from him, from the museums. I lost track of how many Art museums we went to yesterday Phil. They spent over 2 minutes staring at a plain closet made of wax! I'm not doing it again today Phil, I can't. I want to see the Smithsonian with all of the exhibits and the Captain America one but other than that I am more than ready to go home! Away from anymore paintings, seriously."
He chuckled over the line and I could hear the smile in his voice.
"Some artifacts may be missing from the exhibit. Fury wants to give you a few things when you come too, something about having Agents to do stuff for him. Does that make sense to you?"
"It does, finally. Thanks Phil, I'll fake a call from you later when we are about to enter another art place."
"I don't appreciate being the excuse you use to lie to Captain Rogers."
"Shut it Phil or I will burn your signed cards."
"Shutting it."
We said our goodbyes and hung up, all the while I had been keeping an eye and ear open at the men's conversation, missing only the first half. I didn't know if I should stay back and let him do his thing when I saw them laughing together but when he turned and pointed at me I knew I couldn't pretend to be on the phone. Walking up to them I smiled wide at the man while Steve wrapped an arm around my waist.
"Sam, this is Bella, Bella, Sam."
"Pleasure to meet you Sam."
"No, no, It's all mine."
Steve nodded at me.
"He is Air Force, not Army."
"Told you!"
Sam chuckled and shook his head while looking between us.
"Taking bets on me?"
"Maybe. What unit are you with?"
"Same thing this guy just asked me, 58th Pararescue."
"You're a PJ?! That's awesome man!"
He chuckled at Steve's confused face.
"It was while it lasted, I was telling your man here that I work down at the VA these days."
I perked up at that and squeezed Steve's arm with mine.
"Really? That's interesting, we were actually thinking about approaching a VA office for some information. Got any contacts in New York?"
"Yeah, I go up to that office once in a while, depends what kind of information you need."
"A homeless shelter we are helping build back up was 80% veterans. Good men but we were wondering if maybe some groups could be offered to them there, we aren't sure of anything yet, we need someone who can tell us what would make things easier to get them back on their feet."
"They clean?"
"Yeah, they help the lady in charge keep the place clean from junkies too, like I said, they are all good men, just.."
"Yeah, for some of us without family or a home to come back to, getting back to a normal routine is too hard. I'm a counselor down there, I can give you my contact information for whenever you guys are ready to arrange sessions or group meetings, I'd be happy to work with you in whatever I can."
"Thank you, we would really appreciate that. We were thinking about a more permanent position though, would you be interested in applying for something like that?"
"Trade in D.C. for New York? I don't know, something to think about in the future but in the meantime I can make the trip and scope the place out, give my opinion wherever needed or help you certify the place."
"Thank you, really we could use it."
Steve and Sam exchanged phones and put their contact information in before swapping back and making small talk.
"Must have freaked you out, coming home after the whole defrosting thing."
Steve sighed resigned but responded honestly.
"Takes some getting use to."
"It's your bed right?
Steve looked up at him surprised and I raised an eyebrow, interested in where he was going with that comment.
"Your bed, it's too soft. When I was over there I slept on the ground, used rocks for pillows like a caveman, now I'm home, lying in my bed and it's like..-"
"Laying on a marshmallow, feel like I'm gonna sink right to the floor."
Steve nodded in grim understanding. I was a little annoyed that I didn't see that myself, that I hadn't noticed or asked about it.
"How long?"
"2 tours. You must miss the good old days huh?"
"Well, things aren't so bad, foods a lot better, we use to boil everything, no polio is good, internet, so helpful, been reading that a lot trying to catch up, and of course the company's not bad at all."
He smiled down at me and I saw Sam smirk.
"Marvin Gaye 1972, Trouble man album, everything you missed jam packed into one soundtrack."
Steve nodded and smiled while taking out his phone again.
"I'll put it on the list."
We looked around and realized that the sun was up and a lot of people were roaming around now. Steve tensed up and Sam noticed, nodding in understanding that it was time for us to go.
"Alright Sam, we look forward to getting in contact with you soon, thanks for the run, if that's what you want to call running."
"Oh that's how it is?"
"Oh that's how it is."
They smiled while shaking hands and I could feel myself getting turned on. It was adorable to see him being playful and carefree with other people. Steve turned to me and his eyes darkened. Fuck! He can smell me!
"Hey anytime you guys wanna stop by the VA, make me look awesome in front of the girl at the front desk, just let me know, if not then I'll see you guys around."
"Hopefully it's in New York, we are aiming to leave tonight or tomorrow morning. Great to meet you though Sam, thanks for putting up with this one."
Both men laughed again but soon Steve took my hand and we ran back to the hotel.
"So, wh-"
"No, Sam didn't turn me on.. I just like seeing you be playful with other people."
"Me making friends turns you on?"
I rolled my eyes and hit his chest playfully.
"It's not that and you know it.. I just want you to.. I want you to be happy, in the now with me. I know- I know there are things that can make you miss your time more than usual, that's not wrong but, I don't want you to be stuck there you know?"
He stopped walking and turned me to him, smiling at me sadly with eyes that should be made illegal. He leaned down to give me a deep kiss, that action alone saying more than we could both put in words.
"Come on, let's get back before anymore people start taking pictures and recognizing us again."
"And then breakfast because I'm starving."
His stomach growled in response as he followed me into the lobby of the hotel.