TheEvanascentAuthor: Well the Jessica story line won't take off till the Bucky story, hopefully you will be tuned into that too ^^. Yay you think that's a Steve thing to do, I wasn't so sure but I decided to chance it anyway. Thanks for the review, please keep it coming :D.
DonutDonna: Wow thank you so much ^^. Well I hope to continue feeding your addiction :P Man that sounded like a unlawful sponsor.
Oddball: I love how lengthy and rant like your messages are, I live for them. Yes what Aaron did is terrible but I brought up the fact that he is a human being in this chapter. We are susceptible to mistakes, including Olivia. Actually when Aaron left Norah wasn't sick yet. It was during Olivia's first year at having Norah in her life. The kid pretty much cut in on Aaron and Olivia's life together, which was what he had trouble dealing with. I can't wait to see what you think of this chapter. :D BTW I wrote A derek story and a Stiles Story, if you are interested in reading those, go ahead :).
dancindonna: Awww you are so there is kind of a mini Johnny story in this chapter, but it is super small xD. Maybe I'll write a bit more on Johnny and Elise afterwards, if I have the time though, it's hard to say.
Jo: Thank you so much, well they are back to being all lovey dovey in this chapter so it should be good :D.
debatable-cerealkiller: Yeah sorry about that but all couples fight . if they didn't there would be no makeup sex! Hope you like this chapter :)
So a few clues are given here on whom Jessica was really after. Any guess before we begin?
xx
SSC
Steve had a feeling that Olivia's transition back from her kidnapping wasn't going to be easy which was why he had tried to make everything as effortless as possible for her. Sure he went a little over board with the protective instinct and he amended for it, but he loved her and he wanted to keep her safe.
But he knew, he couldn't keep her safe from her nightmares.
Olivia's squirming form had woken him from his slumber that night. Sometime during their sleep she had rolled onto the far side of the bed and was huddled under the sheets with her back to him.
She was whimpering fearfully and muttering under her breath. He sat up, immediately concerned and clicked on the bedside lamp, the one on his side of the bed. The light blinded him for a moment but he soon adjusted to the soft orange glow and focused on his girlfriend.
"Olivia." He called softly.
His voice fell on deaf ears. She had rolled on to her back, her eyes pinched shut and her legs kicking against the mattress, ruffling the covers. His brows furrowed in worry watching helplessly as beads of sweat began to gather over her forehead.
"Please don't do this." Olivia cried while being held at the edge of the step.
Jessica was grinning down at her, her smile seemed white and sinister, her eyes were a glowing, luminescent green.
"It's just a little tumble." She breathed wickedly and held her up with the use of her winding, trunk size tentacles. Olivia's heart was hammering to the beat of war drums when she glanced over her shoulder at the impossibly long staircase.
She felt the pressure around her waist release and she knew in that moment, struggling was pointless. She fell back, the air beat at her back restlessly as she continued to descended into the ground.
Olivia woke up screaming and thrashing. Steve struggled to subdue her and only his voice had managed to calm her down.
"Olli, it's me it's Steve." He cried out while restraining her beating arms by trapping them with his. He had gathered her into his hold and held her tightly, with her back to his chest.
"Steve." She stuttered out fretfully. He quickly picked up her trembling hand and pressed her palm to his face, to assure her it was him.
"It's okay, there is no one else here, it's just us." He murmured into the centre of her palm. She breathed out in relief and then wiggled in his hold. He loosened his grip and she twisted around to face him.
Steve felt a wave of adoration for the female when she practically jumped in to his arm and embraced him around the torso and buried her face into his warm, hard, chest.
"I hated dreams when I fall off stuff before, but this is just ridiculous. You know I felt dizzy climbing up the stairs yesterday." She grumbled into his pectorals. Steve smiled pityingly and hugged her while leaning back into the headboard. She was still trembling in his arms like a startled rabbit. He petted her soothingly and she began to relax hesitantly.
"It happens, it will take a while to recover from an attack. Especially from a human octopus." He whispered lovingly.
"Yeah, that was pretty scary. At least the bruises are gone." She mused, referring to the purple blemishes that were roped around her waist .
"I noticed." He mused, moving his hands down to rub her back. She chuckled into his chest and then raised her head to meet his gaze.
"Of course you did you dirty old man." She teased, her honey brown eyes were glittering mischievously. He laughed, abashed and then leaned in for a kiss which she happily obliged.
After her nightmare Olivia didn't want to go back to sleep. Steve understood completely and asked if she wanted to do something to keep her mind off the horrendous dream. She mentioned baking and how it soothed her. They eventually climbed off the bed and made their way to the kitchen. Steve made them coffee while Olivia gathered ingredients to make cinnamon rolls.
Steve had no complaints. Cinnamon rolls for breakfast sounded just grand.
After a few hours and after the chiming ring of the oven. Olivia was done with her baking and brought over a fresh plate of Cinnamon rolls to the dining table they occupied. They peacefully ate the breakfast and Steve waited till they were done to ask her about her nerves.
"Do you feel better?" He wondered while sucking the sweet cinnamon taste from his finger tips.
"A little." She sighed gazing up at him with her soulful, amber eyes. "I think I'll be more at peace once we find out where that woman went to."
"Same here." Steve nodded in agreement. The captain fell into a pensive silence, he had been contemplating something more troubling. The inevitability of Olivia returning back to a unguarded apartment where she could be easily kidnapped.
He eyed his girlfriend apprehensively and decided to chance shattering the peaceful moment by voicing his thoughts.
"Maybe you don't need to go home right away." He suggested. His fear was doubled after witnessing Olivia's nightmare that morning.
"I know, I don't want to either but my work, my Anakit. That all needs attention, I can't just be fearful all the time, you can't get shit done that way." Olivia noted with a adorable bob of her head. Steve grinned, his lips curved down, impressed by her brave words.
"True." He tilted his head agreeably.
"You dive head first into danger all the time, you can't be preaching this to me now." She lectured pointing an accusatory finger at him.
"I was afraid you were going to use that argument." He grumbled with a wide roll of his eyes. Olivia beamed victoriously and turned her attention to her cup of coffee, but then a sudden insight made her gasp.
"Oh my God I just realised something." She exclaimed, grabbing Steve by the forearm.
"What?"
"Aren't I getting prison sentence or some sort of something? I committed a major crime and confessed." She demanded averting her wide eyes to him.
"Yeah I was not looking forward to visiting my girlfriend in jail." He mumbled. "But all the evidence had been erased, Fury was not happy."
"About the fact that we got bugged not the whole you being arrested, at least I hope." He quickly added so Olivia didn't think Fury wanted her imprisoned.
"Did you-?"
Steve immediately caught on to her hesitant implication.
"I contemplated it and Tony offered, but it wasn't us." He insisted kindly.
"Maybe they are covering their tracks." Olivia mused out loud while rubbing her chin in thought.
"Your new girlfriend probably has you covered." He drawled humorously, his blue eyes sparkling in mischief.
"Oh ha-ha." She scowled glancing at her boyfriend. Steve was grinning merrily quite content with the jibe he had thought of. She narrowed her eyes on him, deciding to stretch on the joke for her on enjoyment.
"Maybe I should leave you for her, she has tentacles." She considered with a haughty lift of her chin.
"Olli, gross." He grimaced, his nose wrinkling in disgust.
"She can cover all the bases, or should I say...orifices." She murmured her eyes flashing roguishly.
"Stop." He pleaded, frowning. She leaned in towards him, reaching out and palming his round knees.
"Bring the whole multiple orgasms thing to a whole new level." She breathed grinning wickedly and wiggling her eyebrows suggestively. Steve sighed and shook his head in disbelief of the bawdy words that left his lover's mouth.
"You are terrible." He murmured shooting her a mock look of exasperation.
"Terribly cute?" She questioned with a slant of her head.
"Unfortunately." He grumbled and then smiled. Olivia giggled and then pressed up off the chair and towards his mouth. Her lips brushed feather lightly over his when the sudden ringing of the doorbell grabbed their attention.
"Are we expecting anyone?" She asked as Steve craned his neck around to glance at the door.
"No." He announced uncertainly while slowly rising to his feet. He eyed his trusted shield that rested just beside shelf next to the entrance. It was too early in the morning for visits and considering it's a weekday he wasn't expecting anyone to drop by.
He approached the door, picking up the shield along the way. He crossed into the short foyer, gripped the alloy in one hand and opened the main door.
"Aaron?"
Steve was surprised to find the tall, burly built male on the threshold of his door. The man was dressed in a black, cotton, jacket, worn over a red shirt and blue jeans. He smiled nervously, obviously not expecting the Captain to answer the door.
"Hey Steve." He greeted with an open palm. "Is Olli here?"
Steve lowered his shield onto the space beside the shoe rack and moved aside, allowing the man room into his apartment. Steve escorted Aarn further into the flat and was surprised to find Olivia no longer stood by the table.
"I think she is in the room." The captain announced turning to face the coy male.
"Take a seat i'll go get her." He insisted graciously, gesturing to his leather couch. Aaron nodded and Steve quickly hurried off to his bedroom.
He entered the room and found Olivia bent over the open window, staring out at the street.
"What are you doing?" He demanded, his question was directed at her back. Olivia ducked out from underneath the window sill and then looked to her boyfriend.
"There is no fire exit here, what kind of apartment are you living in?" She exclaimed. Steve sighed both amused and concerned by her antics.
"You can't ignore the guy." He noted gently while closing the door behind him so Aaron didn't over hear Olivia's attempt at an escape.
"Yah I can." She huffed crossing her arms over her sweater. "I don't know how to reject people Steve, you know firsthand that it's awkward as hell."
He nodded pityingly."He is probably just here to talk to you."
"I know Aaron, he wouldn't brave coming to my current boyfriend's apartment just to talk to me." Olivia grumbled.
"So you're plan is just to turn the other cheek?"
"I am sparing his feelings, Steve." She said.
"No, you are running away and it's the wrong thing to do." He countered. Olivia sighed and lowered her head, finding truth in his words. Steve approached her and gently placed his hands on her shoulders, earning her doleful gaze.
"Just hear what he has to say. He probably wanted to see you once you woke up but I am guessing SHEILD must have kept the guy busy with tests and questions."
Olivia frowned. She hated that her boyfriend made sense and the stubborn iron will she built in that moment crumbled instantly.
"Urgh." She groaned "Why can't he Whatsapp me like a normal person?"
She moved her weary glare to Steve who continued to smile innocently.
"I regret reassuring you last night." She stated factually.
Steve gaped, appalled.
The captain managed to pull Olivia out of the bedroom and into the living space. She was grumbling under the breath like a stubborn child but she didn't resist as much as before. Steve wanted the air to be clear, as sure as he was now that Olivia's heart was his, he still pitied Aaron. He felt in some way that the man was owed closure, mainly because Steve didn't want to have to deal with the man appearing at his doorstep again, interrupting intimate moments.
Aaron was immediately on his feet and turned to face them. His russet gaze promptly fell on Olivia who was standing beside Steve, holding his hand.
"Olli." He greeted, his eyes were misted over in gratitude, relieved to see her standing and healthy.
"Hey Aaron." She acknowledged, smiling nervously.
Steve stood between the two, feeling extremely out of place.
"I'm going to go handout some of those cinnamon rolls to the neighbours." He announced earning their attention. He looked down at his girlfriend, gathered her hands in his and gazed lovingly into her eyes. The shining sea-blue orbs seemed to silently ask her if she was alright on her own. Olivia smiled timidly in dismissal and nodded to him.
Steve released her hesitantly and then headed to the kitchen, picked up the plate of cinnamon rolls and then headed out the door. They heard soft thump of the door meeting it's frame, the sound prompted Aaron to speak up.
"Cinnamon rolls?" He questioned in concern. "You stressed?"
"Nightmares." Olivia stated, surprised that he remembered her strange tendency.
"I am sure you must have your share of them."
"I am actually not that bad." Aaron insisted with a charming grin and nonchalant shrug.
"Don't know how I am going to live in my apartment again but, baby steps."
Olivia was flooded with a wave of remorse. "Aaron I am really sorry for what happened, I never thought that you would be caught in the middle-"
"It's not your fault. That bitch was crazy." He cut in quickly to assure her, but she continued to worry her lower lip. Aaron grinned observed her curiously with a slight tilt to his head.
"I was not expecting the cyber crime stuff though, impressive." He expressed. Olivia sighed repentantly and then rolled her eyes.
"It's really not." She snorted, digging the heel of her left hand into her right palm. "Nothing good came out of it."
Aaron's glittering gaze softened to one of deep sympathy. He felt sick for not knowing about Olivia's struggles with Norah's cancer. He had been keeping a distance to avoid his guilt for leaving her, he hadn't even bothered to ask Claire how Olivia was.
"You always tried to do right by her, so I understand. " He insisted softly. Olivia looked to him, her eyes echoed her internal surprise.
"Jessica told you?" She asked knowing full well she never intended on him finding out. The blow of the matter hurt him a little but he understood that too.
"I told you she talked about you a lot." He said, smiling wearily. "and she isn't the only one."
Olivia was taken aback by the swirling, palpable, yearning in his eyes. She turned away unable to stare at him without feeling anxious and wrong.
"Aaron-"
"I know, I lost my chance I get that, nothing will change that." He blurted out before she could crush his hopeful stare completely.
"But it's hard getting over you."
"You moved on pretty quickly." She didn't mean to sound spiteful but being in such a awkward position she felt defensive. Her mind flashed memories of the years before when Aaron and her just ended their relationship and she had seen him around town, different women on different occasions. It didn't hurt as much thinking about it, but her belief in his feelings for her had shattered.
"I was trying to smother the guilt." He admitted contritely.
"Right." She grumbled disbelievingly, inching back to the wall behind her. She eyed the main door nervously, wishing for Steve to return and save her from the stressful situation. She wanted to avoid this conversation because her biggest worry in that moment was it turning into a fight. Aaron rarely admitted to his faults and Olivia didn't have the patience to wait for him to.
"I was. I did a bad, stupid thing."
She stilled, stunned by his declaration. She moved her attention back to him, he was looking at her pleadingly. She stood still, silently beckoning him to continue. Aaron took a deep uneven breath.
"I should have been honest with you and just told you I wasn't ready for that, I shouldn't have gone behind your back. I knew that then I was just too much of a coward to admit it." He said in a great rush of words. "The reason I wanted to get back together was not because N-Norah had passed away or anything, I swear those weren't my reasons. Its just-I saw you that day and you looked like you did then and all these feelings just came rushing back and you had this gloomy look in your eyes and you know I always wanted keep you happy but-"
He sighed and his features creased in anguish. "I guess you found someone to help you...with that."
Olivia felt her heart sink to her stomach. Even though she didn't carry the same feelings for him any longer, she still couldn't help but pity the man. He had just poured his heart to her knowing it only ended in one way, his courage was thoroughly admirable and something she never expected from him.
She approached him by rounding the couch first. She was a little uncertain but decided to push back her hesitation and placed her hand feather lightly over his. Aaron was surprised by the touch and immediately looked to her, she smiled kindly.
"I forgave you for that and honestly the anger was momentary because I understood, you never wanted that and it wasn't fair for me to expect you to be on board." She spoke softly. The self-loathing in his shivering eyes melted a little and Olivia saw how his broad body sagged in relief, grateful for her mercy.
"Thanks Olli." He whispered quietly. She smiled and squeezed his hand once before pulling away. It was strange to her, touching him usually left tingles all over her body, it used to be electric but now it was purely platonic. It was as if her brain could no longer accept or respond to the man like it used to, not the way she responded to Steve.
"You really love him huh?"
His cautious question jarred Olivia out of her thoughts. Aaron stared waiting expectantly and Olivia smiled ruefully.
"Yeah." She confessed.
"He met your folks?" He asked.
"Yup." She nodded.
"Your dad must have done cartwheels all over the place." He mused, grinning.
Olivia laughed. "He was excited yes, trying very hard to play it cool."
"That's great." He beamed but Olivia saw the way the smile didn't reach his eyes, he struggled to be truly joyful for her and she didn't blame him for it.
"You deserve to be happy, after everything. I am really sorry about everything."
"I am alright now, really. I am not just saying that anymore." She insisted smiling shyly and averting her gaze. Her expression sobered and then she studied him warily.
"Are you going to be okay?" She asked, concerned.
"I think so, I finally have closure. I think I was stressing more about that." Aaron said, the corners of his mouth curled up pleasantly.
"You always have your priorities sorted." Olivia teased, elbowing him in the side.
"That I did." He chuckled. He lingered awkwardly as if he wanted to embrace her but didn't know if it was the appropriate thing to do. Seeing this, she decided to take the first step and move into his body.
Aaron wrapped his arms tightly around her smaller frame and Olivia squeezed back, tightly. He still smelt of aftershave and peppermint. It didn't have the same effect it used to but she still found it soothing.
"I'll see you later Olli, got a flight to catch." He said, reluctantly releasing her. She nodded in acceptance and escorted him to the front door. They stepped out on to the corridor, Olivia spotted Steve lingering at the nurse's door. He was chatting amiably to the young woman with a plate of cinnamon rolls in his hand. He was distracted by the conversation when Olivia and Aaron stepped out into the foyer.
"Be safe and don't pick up any strange women." She chided teasingly.
"Ha-ha." Aaron drawled sarcastically as the web designer beamed.
"Bye." He said with a wave of his hand and began to make his way down the corridor. Steve had just ended his conversation with Kate and turned in time to come face to face with Aaron.
"Hey man." The male greeted pleasantly.
"Hi." Steve offered the plate to the man. "Roll? "
"Yes." Aaron exclaimed and eagerly piled two on his hand and then looked to the captain.
"Take care of her okay?" He advised jerking his head in Olivia's direction, she was within hearing range.
"Body bag or bathtub?" Steve joked shooting Olivia a playful glance over Aaron's shoulder.
Aaron dead-panned and then wheeled around to direct a flat look at Olivia.
"You know you have tainted a national treasure?" He informed disapprovingly.
"Hey he said stuff like that before we got together!" Olivia objected. Aaron snorted disbelievingly and navigated past the Captain and down the steps. Steve and Olivia watched him leave before meeting gazes.
"That wasn't so bad right?" He asked uncertainly.
"Awkward as hell." She grumbled crossing her arms defensively over her chest and glaring up at Steve.
"I blame you." she scolded light-heartedly and then turned to walk back into the apartment.
Steve was mesmerized by the sashay of her hips when she walked back into the apartment, he almost forgot to voice the odd question in his mind.
"Hell is awkward?"He asked, following in after her.
Aaron Neil Feiffer was good at many things. Charming his way out of any situation and hiding his true feelings. He thought, once, a long time ago that Olivia Thorne was the only one who could read through his facade, but he never felt more invisible when Steve Rogers was in her presence.
They were so in love, it was pretty nauseating. Not that they were public about it, but seeing it, being around them, he felt it to such a great intensity that it overpowered how he felt about Olivia.
He knew he wasn't going to come out of the Captain's apartment with his feelings reciprocated, but he had to tell her he was sorry, even though it broke him to know he would never have her again. He blamed himself really but Olivia had appreciated his honesty and he even got a hug from it too.
God it felt so good to have her in my arms again.
It was fleeting, but he savoured every moment of it, but she didn't smell the same, there was a vague whiff of honey comb mixed into her usual lavender scented hair.
The plane ride back home was a blur. He finally made his way to his apartment door and spent a great deal of time staring at the mahogany surface.
Like I really had a chance against Captain Freaking America. That guy is built like a tank and has the face of an Angel, not to mention he is blonde.
He sighed heavily and then placed his hand on the door handle and held the cool metal tightly.
It's done, now it's over. He concluded to himself and the heavy weight in his heart began to elevate just a little. He was happy to be back home, to a apartment that was all his. He knew he would have to drastically change things around since his privacy was utterly violated by Jessica (or whoever she is)
Aaron twisted the handle and pushed his way into the flat. He clicked on the light closest to him and the short corridor was instantly illuminated. the corridor opened into a wide living space with a large window view of Manhattan's skyscrapers. The floors were geometric, monochrome tiles and the leather couch matched the greyscale colour palette. He observed the glass window for a moment, remembering very vividly how Jessica would sit on the floor and stare out for hours on end.
He never knew what she was observing so diligently. SHIELD agents had asked him if he planned on relocating. The idea was absurd to him but then it slowly made sense. He was held against his will in his own home by a violent mad woman, but despite her vehemence towards the end, she had never harmed him and simple kept him, trapped and in constant fear.
His cell phone vibrated in his phone, alerting him. Aaron had turned off all noisy objects awhile ago. Jessica's influence had him easily startled over most things. He knew it would take time to get back into a slow rhythm.
"Clay." He answered his sister's call.
"Hey bro. You alright?"
"Yeah, I'm good." He smiled walking further into the room. He dropped is luggage on the rug underneath his couch and sat down heavily on the plush, brown leather, finish.
"Man you aren't even trying to hide it." Claire mused sadly, taking note of his forlorn tone.
"Well I took your advice." He murmured.
"It helped didn't it?"
"Yeah." He relaxed into the seat and gazed up at the ceiling wistfully. "She doesn't hate me."
"She never did you moron, I did a little but you know Olivia, she doesn't know how to hold a grudge." Claire pointed out passionately.
Aaron laughed. "I guess I lucked out."
"So Charlie and I are having a movie night, you are welcome to join us if you want."
"Thanks, I might drop by, but honestly I feel like just chilling at home." He was torn between heading to his sister's place and staying at home. In one hand he didn't feel quite safe yet but on the other hand, he really didn't want to be around people, even loved ones.
"Aaron, no one is going to judge you if you move, in fact it would make me feel better if you did." Claire said in her usual soft, assuring tone.
"Come on Clay, this is my home I am not going to give it up over some crazy, manipulative, psycho." He exclaimed. "Besides, you know the rent is amazing considering how fancy the building is."
"You have the Fantastic's to thank for that. I still can't believe I met Johnny Storm, he is so much hotter in person." Claire gushed with a besotted sigh.
"Do you mean that literally?" Aaron inquired teasingly.
"Yes for both." She responded merrily. "Anyway my house is always open for you bro."
"Thanks Clay, I'll see ya."
Aaron did love his bachelor pad, even though the value for the building had dropped due to the frequent Fantastic Five incidents in the neighborhood. In fact his building was just opposite the Fantastic Five HQ, Aaron recalled the land lady telling him that his floor was one of the areas that were damaged when Thing battled Doctor Doom back in two thousand and five.
"Kevin!"
Agent Odell was startled out of his thoughts the moment he stepped in to the Fantastic Five living room. Ben Grimm, the tall, hulking mass of orange rubble was immediately there to welcome his arrival.
"Hey Grimm. " Kevin grinned up at the man. "How are you?"
"Great, you are just in time we were about to order in tonight, kid." Ben announced beaming down at the agent. Kevin's dark eyes lit up instantly, he was looking forward to a hearty meal.
"Uncle Kevin!"
His attention was grabbed by the seven year old Franklin Richards. The child hurried in Kevin's direction, dressed in a red and white, horizontal strip tee and brown cargo pants. The kid's usual speed was slowed due to his younger sister Valeria. The infant was clutching on to her big brother's pinkie, placing a great effort into walking while dressed in the most adorable, baby blue, onesie.
Her foot falls were heavy and wobbly, Kevin was immediately compelled to scoop the child up, along with her brother.
"Hey." He greeted lovingly while balancing the children in the crook of either arm.
"Man you kids have grown." He noted, feeling like he was placing more of a struggle holding them up than before.
"In what way do you mean, uncle Kev?" Franklin question, brushing away strands of fawn, blonde hair from his sky blue eyes.
"I haven't grown much at all except for my hair." He stated factually while tugging pensively at his fringe.
"Eatin' lot." Baby Valeria mumbled and swiftly poked her brother in his slightly protruded belly. Kevin bit his lower lip to stifle a laugh.
"Hey that's hard to say because he is carrying you too so maybe you are the heavy one." Franklin noted, scowling at his sister.
Valeria's fair brows creased in hurt, her blue eyes narrowed up at her brother.
"M'not."
"Are too." Franklin retorted.
"M'nooot!"
"Are too."
Kevin struggled to keep the two children from fighting, luckily the lovely Susan Storm appeared, to aid him.
"I don't think the first thing Kevin wants to hear is you two bickering." Invisible Woman chided immediately silencing the squabbling children. The agent sighed in relief and then smiled up at the pretty woman.
"Hey Susie."
"Hey Kevin, you look tired." She mused leaning between the children over to gently peck him on the cheek in greeting.
"I am, we've been pretty busy with missions and stuff." He expressed as Valeria hugged him around his neck and Franklin rested one elbow on his shoulder, making himself comfortable.
"Did you kill anybody?" The Richard first born questioned, his eyes glittering in eager anticipation.
"Franklin!" Susie scolded.
Franklin flinched and gazed up at his mother, repentantly. "Sorry Mommy."
Valeria was giggling into her hands, quite merry at the sight of her contrite brother.
"Reed and I are heading out for gala tonight, I was worried that there wouldn't be enough people in the house but Eli and Johnny cancelled their plans last minute and now you are here, guess you guys will be having more fun." Susie said smiling at the man.
"Well Reed's gala's are always a hoot." Kevin teased.
"Hilarious." She drawled and then rolled her eyes before walking off towards the bedroom.
Kevin carried the children down the corridor towards the TV lounge. Ben had disappeared off into the kitchen. Kevin was in the deep conversation with Valeria and Franklin about their day, they were just describing their trip to the zoo when Johnny Storm and Elise Adams appeared at the bend to the lounge. They were just exiting from their bedroom with two large pillows tucked under their arms.
"Kev', great you are here!" Johnny exclaimed spotting the man. His blue eyes were glittering excitedly over what Kevin did not know.
"We are planning on having a rather epic movie night. There is going to be a fort." The human torch explained and the threw the pillow onto a neighbouring couch within the room.
"I love forts." He added proudly.
"Me too." Franklin cheered.
"M'too." Valeria mumbled earning a doting gaze from her fair-haired uncle.
"Of course ya do you little imp." Eli cooed and gathered baby Valeria into her arms, which she eagerly went into. Kevin watched Eli and the tot and knew he would never get over seeing Elise ''The Tempest" Adams doting over a toddler. Living with the Fantastic's, being in a relationship with one of them, had changed her for the better, made her more open and loving. Kevin was more than happy for her.
Franklin jumped out of Kevin's arms and then moved to his other uncle. Johnny swept the child with a pirate laugh and sat him down on his shoulders. Franklin giggled and clutched at Johnny's head of flaxen hair as the older male steadied the kid's legs to his chest.
Franklin and Johnny were caught up in a debate about what movie to watch as they made their way towards the TV, Franklin was quite comfortable atop his new ride.
"You are pretty much engaged to a overgrown child." Kevin teased his best friend.
"I'm aware." Elise murmured with a gentle smile, gazing after her husband-to-be. She averted her doting gaze to Valeria. The child was quiet and played with the silver chain that dangled from Elise's neck.
"So what brings you here?" She asked, looking to her best friend.
"Just came by to check in on my favourite family." Kevin responded with a cheeky smile.
"As true as that is, I can tell something is bothering you." Eli observed, her pine green eyes gleaming with concern. Kevin let his whole body sag as the fatigue he held back consumed him. He massaged his temple using his finger tips while gazing at Elise.
"I've had this headache for a while now, it hasn't gone away." He confessed reluctantly.
"How bad is it?" Elise demanded softly, stirred into distress.
"The throbbing comes and goes, I honestly think it might be because I haven't got a proper rest." Kevin assumed while watching Valeria. The child grinned shyly up at him and he returned it tenderly and lovingly pinched her chubby cheek.
"Well go to your room then, I'll make sure no one disturbs you." Elise insisted protectively.
"Thanks Eli." Kevin grinned and peaked her on the forehead."Really I'll feel better after a few hours."
"I hope so, even if you don't I am sure Reed can help."
Kevin nodded agreeably and headed off to his bedroom within the Fantastic Five household. He was extremely flattered and felt cherished when Reed had insisted that he is part of the family and stay over whenever he was in New York. As modest as Kevin was to accept such a welcome, he was glad for it. Ever since his fall out with his parents, he hadn't had many options in places to stay outside of Washington. As his holidays were spent with the growing super family.
Elise and Valeria watched the man leave until he disappeared into the bend to his bedroom. Adam's carried a heavy heart for her best friend, ever since Kevin had found out about his sister not actually being in a mental institute and being lied to by his father and mother for years about her location, Kevin hadn't been himself. If he wasn't focused on a case he would be looking for clues regarding his sister's whereabouts.
"Auntie Eli. Ish Kev'n not feelin' good?" She asked extremely worried for dear, other, crime fighting uncle.
"No sweetie." Elise responded gently, brightening under the glow of her fiancé's adorable niece's, doe eyed gaze.
"Kevin's got a headache, probably in the five seconds he saw your uncle Johnny again."
Valeria giggled sweetly, earning a loving smile from the Tempest.
"Hey!" Johnny cried out in protest from somewhere behind the couches. "I heard that!"
Kevin sighed in relief at the sight of his bed. He didn't resist the pull of gravity and allowed his body to fall face first onto the mattress. The agent was immediately seduced by the spell of sleep, unaware that directly outside his window. Aaron Feiffer was closing his drapes.
DUN DUN DUN btw, Review please :D x