F I N A L L Y WE'RE HERE! I apologize for the late update, I haven't been feeling well and things in my life took priority over updating. We are approaching 2,000 views here on Hiraeth!!! I'm so happy y'all like this! Thank you for your time and support!
I am editing some of the chapters, as I feel I left out some important things, such as Steve and Lorelei's Marks, and more info about Lorelei. ;) I will let you know when they have been updated and which chapters have been edited!
As always, I do not own Marvel Cinematic Universe or their characters, I do own my OC's! Enjoy!
The bar was filled with boisterous laughter, a warm, inviting scene from the outside to any passerby that may look in.
Lorelei halted, her hand smoothing the fabric on her hip. From her position she could see the group that surrounded Steve and Bucky. She felt like the door was going to attack her.Lorelei was making a conscious effort not to squeeze the blue clutch in her hand, so as to not crush it in her grip and accidentally slice herself open with the small knife stitched into the lining, a gift from Peggy.
Peggy, who had accompanied Lorelei from her quarters to the bar, continued walking forward a few paces before halting, realizing the woman beside her was no longer there.
"Are you alright?" Peggy's voice held a note of concern as she turned her gaze towards the anxious woman.
"Just… getting cold feet." Lorelei admitted, forcing herself not to crush the expensive fabric between her fingers.
"Relax. They'll be more afraid of you than you are of them. Remember what I told you?" Peggy asked.
"If I want to bag the man, I've got to take a stand?" Lorelei posed the statement as a question.
"Exactly." Peggy grinned. "The men may rule the battleground out there, but this? This is our battlefield. One we rule with an iron fist."
The realization made Lorelei straighten with confidence.Peggy nodded with satisfaction, hand on the door. "Ready?"
"Ready." Lorelei nodded back.
Without saying another word, Peggy pulled open the door and stepped in.
･ ｡ﾟ: *. .* :ﾟ.
The newly minted Howling Commandos were gathered in the bar, spirits high as alcohol flowed freely. The air was filled with boisterous laughter and camaraderie, accompanied by the clinking of glasses. Steve, despite the celebration surrounding him, had his thoughts elsewhere as he swirled the whiskey in his glass absentmindedly.
Bucky, noticing his long time friend's distant demeanor, leaned in. "You okay, punk? You've been a bit out of it." He probed, trying to feel out why Steve wasn't joining in the festivities.
Steve looked up, his attention returning to his surroundings. He gave a half-smile and shrugged. "Yeah. Just got a lot on my mind." His words were half hearted, failing to convince Bucky.
Before Bucky could question further, the door to the bar swung open, drawing the attention of the two men. As the newcomers entered, more people noticed them.
Peggy entered first, her confident stride commanding the respect of those around her in her stunningly red dress. But it was the woman who followed behind her that made the room fall silent, everyone turning to figure gliding beside Peggy.
Lorelei stepped in, and the bar seemed to collectively hold its breath.
Lorelei had donned a deep blue mermaid dress that hugged her figure perfectly. The dress sparkled like the night sky outside with each movement, casting a spell over everyone in the room. The straps crossed elegantly over her bare back, drawing attention to the graceful curve of her spine. The fabric clung to her without hindering her lithe pace, flowing smoothly as she walked. Her matching blue heels peeked out with each step, glittering briefly in the light and enhancing her already impressive height, making Lorelei nearly match Steve's own stature.
Steve felt his breath catch in his throat as he laid eyes on Lorelei, his heart seemed to stop for a beat at the sight of her.
Bucky and Steve approached Peggy and Lorelei.
Lorelei's deep black hair was pinned up in an elaborate updo, framing her face delicately with loose curls, which Peggy had helped style in her quarters. The updo drew attention to her neck, where a thin silver chain with a blue gemstone dangled just below her clavicle. Matching blue teardrop earrings hung from her ears, sparkling in the light and casting prisms across the room.
Lorelei's eyes glowed a deep forest green in the light, making her presence almost otherworldly, as if they were in the presence of a Goddess.
As Steve drew closer, he could make out flecks of gold in Lorelei's eyes that were filled with a depth and intensity that seemed to pull him in.
"Lorelei," he breathed.
Lorelei's gaze met his, and her lips spread into a nervous, yet happy smile. "Hi, Steve."
"You came." Steve's voice was filled with a mix of surprise and relief.
Lorelei chuckled, hands grasping her clutch. "I wouldn't miss this for the world," she replied softly, her gaze unwavering as she looked at him.
Steve chuckled at the echo of her words from the Expo.
"Howard has some equipment for you to try. Tomorrow morning?" Peggy said, drawing attention to her.
"Sounds good." Steve said, his gaze never leaving Lorelei.
"0800, Captain." Peggy said, the hint of a grin on her face as she watched the two. She would have to wait to tell Lorelei, 'I told you so.'
"Yes, ma'am. I'll be there."Steve replied.
Peggy gave Lorelei an encouraging nod before heading to join the Commandos, leaving the three alone.
"I'm invisible." Bucky lamented, Lorelei hid her snort behind her hand. "I'm turning into you. It's like a horrible dream."
"Don't take it so hard. Maybe she's got a friend." Steve grinned teasingly. Lorelei snickered, watching as Bucky retreated to nurse his wounds over another drink.
"You look..." Steve began, but words seemed to fail him. "Incredible."
"Thank you," Lorelei replied, her cheeks flushing slightly as she looked down at the glittering dress. "Peggy insisted on the dress."
"I'm glad she did," Steve said, finally finding his voice. "You... you took my breath away."
Lorelei smiled, she was grateful that Peggy had taken her shopping. "Honestly, I was a little nervous about coming." She admitted, "It's been a while since I've been in a dress like this. It's a little nerve-wracking."
"Did you not wear things like this," Steve touched her arm, Lorelei's gaze moving from his hand to his eyes, "back where you lived?"
He had to word it in a way that wouldn't reveal her true origins.
"I did, during office parties. But the last time I wore one was probably… seven years ago?" Lorelei tilted her head, trying to recall the memories, a curl falling into her face.
"Did you ever go dancing?" Steve asked, curious.
"Not like how it's done now." Lorelei laughed, lacing her fingers together with Steve's.
"Would you like to?" Steve asked with a smile on his lips.
"Only if you're fine with me stepping all over your feet." Lorelei chuckled with a wink.
"I think you'll find I'm not so practiced either."
"Well, we'll have to just practice together then."
"I'd like that." Steve said.
They lingered closer and for longer than socially accepted, waiting for some sort of signal on the other's part.
"Captain! Mind showing us the pretty little gal next to you?" One of the members hollered at the two.
Lorelei tossed the loose hair out of her face, turning her gaze to the men. "That pretty little gal could break your femur. Utter the word gal, dame, or sweetheart and see what's missing after."
Steve grinned down at Lorelei, who ordered a sweet liquor, before settling down between Peggy and Steve. Drink in hand, Lorelei swirled the glass in a manicured hand.
"So, ma'am, where are you from?" Dum Dum asked.
"Texas, born and raised. Moved to New York not so long ago, followed this idiot across the seas, and here we are." Lorelei said, meeting Steve's amused gaze.
"What's up between you and Steve?" Jim asked.
"Soulmates." Lorelei said.
The men clapped Steve on the back in congratulatory celebration. Lorelei glanced at Peggy who shook her head.
"Are you joining us, then?" Dum Dum asked.
"Of course." Lorelei said.
Steve stiffened but relaxed when Lorelei placed a soothing hand on his arm.
"Medic?" Jim Mortea asked.
"Hand to hand. I'm pretty good at stealth." Lorelei replied.
Dum Dum and Mortea nodded. The conversation continued on, with Lorelei enjoying the warmth of being close to her loved one. The night progressed, members leaving the bar as they turned in. It was after Peggy had left that Lorelei decided she would turn in for the night.
Steve offered to walk her to her room.They lingered at her door, neither wanting to part from the other.
"It was fun." Lorelei said, a small smile on her face as she fidgeted with her clutch.
"It was." Steve returned the smile.
They fell silent, gazing into each other's eyes. Steve gave her an unspoken question, and Lorelei gave her answer.
Uncrossing her arms, she gave a tilt of her head as if to say 'Go ahead.'
Steve stepped closer, chest to chest with Lorelei.He examined her eyes, gaze looking for any sign of rejection. Lorelei showed no indication of declining the advance.
He examined her eyes, gaze looking for any sign of rejection. Receiving none, he slowly took Lorelei's face in his hands. Hesitating , he seemed to waiver.
Lorelei, having grown impatient of waiting, dropped her clutch and grabbed him firmly by the lapels before dragging him down to her height.
Grumbling about him taking too long, Lorelei closed her eyes and pressed her lips against his. A sharp inhale left Steve as they kissed.
Their Link intensified, connecting them in a way it hadn't been before. They could feel the others emotions rising to a peak, the world around them vanishing in the moment. Their hearts seemed to beat in unison, the noise of distant people, the chaos of the war, the urgency of the actions of HYDRA, and the tension of the day all disappeared.
In that instant, it was only them.Steve's touch was gentle and hesitant, as if he feared she might vanish if he applied too much pressure.
Lorelei felt the warmth of his lips and the strength of his hands on her face. His embrace was gentle, a stark contrast to the rough and calloused hands that rested against her skin. Lorelei allowed herself to relax into him, releasing the doubts and fear she had been holding onto. Her hands slowly moved to rest on Steve's chest. She could feel the quick but reassuring beat of his heart under her hands.
Regretfully, the moment had to end. They pulled apart, foreheads resting against the other. Their breaths intermingled in the space between them, breathing in unison.
"That…" Steve was searching for the right word.
"That was nice," Lorelei finished for him.A soft smile played on her lips, green eyes sparkling.
Steve chuckled softly, his forehead still resting against hers. "Yeah. Nice." He agreed.
He moved his hand to tuck a stray lock of ebony hair behind Lorelei's ear. "I've been wanting to do that for a long time."
"Me too." Lorelei agreed with a laugh, cheeks flushing.
They enjoyed the moment, allowing themselves to relax into the moment. They knew the other had to rest, but neither wanted to move.
"I have to go." Lorelei sighed.
"I know." Came Steve's response.
Lorelei looked up at Steve, reluctant to move.
"It's getting late." Lorelei began, "But I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow." Steve said, a smile tugging at his lips.
He leaned down, placing a soft, lingering kiss on Lorelei's forehead. "Goodnight Lorelei."
Lorelei nodded, a smile tugging at her lips.
"Goodnight, Steve." She murmured, voice filled with warmth.
They pulled away, hands tangled for a moment, before they released each other.
Steve turned to leave, and Lorelei watched him go, her heart lighter than it had been in a long time. She closed the door behind her with a contented sigh.
For the first time in what felt like forever, she allowed herself to believe that everything would be okay; if only for a moment.