Escapingreality1992

        “Kingston. How are you?” he greets her. He leaned over her, a crooked smile on his face. Without looking up from her book, Simone released an annoyed sigh.

        “Fine, Carver. I’m fine,” she answers. Her tone is calm, the sound of a page turning during the silence.

        “Good. That’s good. Hey, you want to hang out some time?”

        “Where’s Chrissy? Does she know you’re attempting to cheat on her? I’ve told you numerous times. I’m not interested in you,”

        “Why not? I’m popular. I’m captain of the basketball team. I’m attractive. You’re attractive. We’d make a good match. Chrissy and I aren’t working out anymore. I’m a package deal, baby,” Carver states. His attempt at flirting with Simone backfires.

        “You’re a bully. I don’t care for bullies. If you don’t mind, I’d like to continue reading. Go. Away,” Simone growls. Jason, not accepting refusal, leans in closer. Recoiling, Simone saves her space in her book and scoops up her food, shoving it into her lunch bag. She picks up both her backpack and tote, leaving the table. Jason follows, trying to pester her some more. She turns to face him, catching him off guard at the abrupt stop. Simone sticks out a foot, tripping him, and stepped to the side, allowing Jason to faceplant on the floor. Laughter erupts through the cafeteria, and she continues her path to the exit, walking past the Hellfire table, all the guys staring at her.

        “Hi, Eddie. Looking good today,” she said, touching his shoulder, slowly moving it to his other shoulder before withdrawing it.

        “H-Hi Simone. You’re looking great today as well,” he said. He is startled by her touch, not believing she would ever place her hands on him.

        “I hope you have a good day. The same goes to the rest of you,” Simone comments. She walks past them to the cafeteria doors, heading to the library. Eddie and his club watch as she leaves, confusion etched onto their faces.

        “Who is she?” Mike Wheeler asked.

        “Simone Kingston. She used to be in English class with me. She’s nice. She said hi to us every day at lunch last year. I figured she would have stopped this year. She always has a book in her hand. It switches every week,” Eddie answered.

        “She was in your English class? I didn’t think she even knew your name. He’s right, though. Always reading, kind of keeps to herself. I see Jason is entranced by her,” Gareth comments.

        “Maybe she likes you. She did come out of her way to say hello,” Dustin suggests. Eddie laughs.

        “I doubt it man. She’s more inclined to date Harrington than the Freak,” he says. He would be wrong. He would find Simone at her most vulnerable and be able provide comfort to her in a way she never knew she needed. He spots Jason following her out. The rest of the group tracks his movements, knowing what he was about to do.

        “Don’t think about it. He could hurt you. Eddie, don’t. Get back here. Eddie,” Jeff said. Eddie has ignored his friend’s advice, getting up from the table and following Jason down the hallway. He already had plans to stop by the library in the first place, his motive for going there now fueled by making sure Simone would be okay.

          A thing you wouldn’t know about Simone is that she struggles to find close friends; most people don’t love a bookworm and the amount of time she spends reading frightened away almost everyone. He safe spot belongs in the library, the books her only friends during the school year. The librarians enjoyed her in their company, always giving new recommendations. For three years, she shared conversation with no one. Not until Robin Buckley. They collided one day in the halls, Robin on her way to band practice, Simone to the library to drop off a book she had recently finished. Robin apologizes, thinking the person she ran into was a popular kid, not realizing until she met Simone’s eyes that it was the girl she constantly refers to as the book girl. As the two begin to talk, Robin picks up on Simone’s loneliness in the conversation. Robin, taking a chance, invites her to hang out with Steve and her. The plan at the end of the day was to go grab ice cream and hang out at his house to watch a movie. This started a bond between the three of them. Robin and Simone became closer, close enough for Robin to notice the longing Simone has for Eddie.

        ‘Why don’t you talk to him? He seems nice,’ Robin told her during a lunch outing.

        ‘I have. Last year in English class. He’s incredibly sweet. My schedule this year hasn’t allowed me to see him this year. Even if it did, I’ve gotten too shy to try again. I don’t think he’d even be interested,’ Simone stated.

        ‘Are you kidding? I bet he would adore you. You’re adorable and you’ve never treated him like shit. Try talking to him again. Get to know him more,’ For a few months, Simone feared striking up a conversation with Eddie, until today. Her interaction with Jason triggered some form of fear, making her nervous. She nearly ran to the library to hide from the jock, not knowing he had followed her out of the cafeteria. He didn’t take well to her rejection or the fact she had humiliated him and decided he would make her pay for it. This unusual day brought in an encounter, leading to a new friendship and heartfelt emotions revealed in the next week.

        Jason entered the library, looking for Simone. He found her in the back, the girl’s surprised reaction bringing a smile to his lips.

        “Hey, baby. I figured I’d find you here. That was a nasty trick you played back there,” he said. He inched closer, Simone getting up and backing into the corner.

        “You should have left me alone,” Simone countered.

        “I want you. You should say yes to me,”

        “No. I don’t like you,” Jason pressed closer, trapping her body against his. “Get off me,” Simone snapped.

        “I don’t think so,” he said, his voice low. He gripped her face hard, kissing her. She shoved him off, Jason pinning her hands behind her back, Simone unable to move.

        “Get off me. Jason, please. Don’t do this,” Simone said. She feared what he might do. He advanced on her, his lips on her again. He forced his tongue in, one hand traveling up her waist. It would’ve snaked further up if it wasn’t for someone wrenching Jason off the girl.

          Eddie needed to stop by the library for a couple of books to read this evening. It was his excuse for cancelling the club meeting. He went early, having seen Jason take off after Simone. He entered the library a few minutes behind the basketball player, hearing the commotion in the back. What he saw happening made him furious. He was trying to force himself onto Simone. Eddie didn’t hesitate, acting on Simone’s defense. He pulled Jason off his crush, shoving him aside. Jason turned and met his rival face-to-face.

        “What do you want freak? Can’t you see I’m busy?” Jason said. Eddie turned his attention to Simone, now on the floor, tears running down her cheeks.

        “Simone told you to get off. She doesn’t like you, asshole,” Eddie said. Jason glowered…then swung his fist into Eddie’s face. Eddie’s head snapped to the side, his lip splitting.

        “Fuck off. She’s mine,” Jason said. He lurched forward, aiming to throw more punches. Eddie dodged them as best he could, the commotion catching the attention of the librarians, one of them alerting the principal. Jason caught Eddie in the stomach next, the boy going down like a ton of bricks.

        “What is going on here?” the principal’s voice rang out. Jason stopped his movements, blaming the fight on Eddie.

        “He was harassing Simone Kingston. I thought to protect her,” he said.

        “Bullshit,” Eddie argued.

        “Munson, watch your language boy. I’m afraid I’m going to ask you two to come with me to the office,”

        “No. It wasn’t Eddie’s fault. It was the other way around. Jason hit him. Eddie was trying to help me. Sir, please. You need to believe me,” Simone piped up. The principal looked over at her and back at the two boys.

        “You’re sure you’re telling the truth? Munson didn’t attack you?” he asked.

        “I promise. He’s innocent. Don’t punish him,” Simone was determined to defend Eddie; she knew how kind and sweet he really was. She saw how the town treated him and she didn’t want to stand by while he got punished for something he didn’t do.

        “Fine. I’ll give you both a warning. No more fighting in the library. Mr. Carver, I’d walk away this instant,” the principal stated. Jason huffed and did as was asked off him, the others walking away from Simone and Eddie. She shuffled over to him, getting him to look at her in the eyes.

        “Are you okay?” she asked. She ran her thumb over his lip, the boy wincing.

        “It could be worse. What about you? Jason didn’t do anything else besides kiss you, did he?” Simone shook her head and helped him stand up. “Thank you for defending me. The principal doesn’t much like me,”

        “You’re welcome. Thank you for pulling Jason off me. You were very brave. I’m sorry you got hurt because of me,”

        “Hey, don’t apologize. It’s not your fault Jason can’t take rejection,” Eddie’s hand came up and cupped Simone’s face, his thumb rubbing over her cheek. She nodded, a tear slipping down one cheek. “May I hold you? It might help to calm you down,” he continued. She considers his words for a minute, nodding when she came to an answer.

“In a minute, let me take of that lip for you,” she said. Simone walks over to the front desk, asking for the first aid kit. She returns to Eddie, sitting down beside him. She opens the kit, taking out gauze, pressing it to his split lip, holding some pressure on it until it stopped bleeding. She disposed of the gauze, returning to his side, ready to have him hold her.

He shifted against the wall, opening his arms for her to lean back against him. She was careful not to put much pressure on him, the punch to his stomach making him sore. Eddie stroked a hand up and down her arm, soothing her. She feels safe in his arms, her feelings for him increasing. He rests his forehead on top of her head, the two relaxing into each other’s touch until the bell for class rings.

        She gets off him, helping him up to go check out his books he wanted for tonight and exiting the library.

        “Can I walk you to class? I don’t want Carver hunting you down again,” Eddie says. Simone nods and links her arm through his as they walk towards her chemistry classroom. As they do, fellow classmates stare at them; they can’t quite believe what they’re seeing in front of them, most of the guys and some girls having a crush on Simone. Her beauty and kindness draw them in, the desire to date her on their mind.

        The sight of her with Eddie Munson, who everyone called “The Freak”, astounds them. They believe she’s too good for him. The truth is no one knows him. The real man behind the nickname. Eddie and Simone stop at the door, class starting in five minutes.

        “Hey, uh, if you’re not busy tonight, we could meet after school and hang out at my place. If you want. We could watch a movie or cuddle if you’d like,” Eddie says. He took a risk suggesting the idea, aware Simone might say no. It doesn’t prevent him from hoping for a different answer.

        ‘Sure. We can meet in the parking lot after classes are done for the day. I’ll follow you home from there,” she states. Eddie meets her eyes, surprised to hear her accept his suggestion.

        “Yeah?” she nods. “Cool. I’ll see you later, then. Have a good class,” he tells her. He walks off to his own class, history next in line after lunch. The day couldn’t end fast enough. Three more classes run by slow for the two new friends, Eddie the first to the arrive at the parking lot. He paces, halfway thinking Simone won’t show. Her class runs later, but ten minutes later, she bursts through the doors leading to the parking lot. Their cars are the last standing, Simone running over to Eddie.

        “Sorry, I’m late. Math class took a little longer today,” she tells him.

        “It’s okay. Are you ready to go? I’ll try to drive slow, so you can keep up. I don’t want you getting lost,” She nods, and they get in their cars, driving out of the school lot. She follows him to the trailer park, pulling in beside his van. She follows him inside his home, the two of them now awkward and shy.

        “What do you want to do? It’s just us here. My uncle is working tonight,” Eddie says.

        “I am open to cuddling if you want to,” Simone tells him.

        “Okay. We can go to my room. The bed is comfier than the couch and gives us enough room to stretch out,” They go to the back bedroom, kicking off their shoes and shrugging out of their jackets.

        “Can I put on some music? I’ll leave in on low, so we can talk,” Eddie states.        

        “Sure. I don’t mind,” He turns on the radio, a metal song playing out of the speakers. Eddie climbed on the bed, lying against a pillow, Simone climbing in beside him. She curled her body closer to his, placing her head on his chest, one arm draped over his waist, the other tucked against his side.

        Eddie trailed his ringed fingers up and down her arm, keeping Simone calm and relaxed. They didn’t say a word, the music in the background adding to the calm of the room. Then Eddie broke the silence.

        “I have a question. Why do you reject the popular crowd when they ask you out?”

        “I’m not a fan of bullies and that’s what they all are. Except for Lucas Sinclair and Chrissy Cunningham. They’re the only two I’ve seen be nice to people. Oh, and Steve Harrington. Though, technically, he’s not in high school anymore,” Simone answers. She peers up at Eddie, a confused expression on his face. “I don’t like Harrington in the way you might think. Lucas is too young for me being a freshman, and Chrissy is pretty, but she’s with Jason and I’ve never had a thing for her anyway,” she continues.

        “I didn’t know you were friends with Harrington,”

“I met him through Robin Buckley. You might know her from band. He tags along during our hangouts sometimes. He’s a nice guy,”

        “Harrington? Nice guy? No way. Really? The things you learn every day. No one has caught your eye, though? No one you like at school or out of school?” Eddie says.

        “There is one guy I like. I’ve had a crush on him since last year. I don’t think he would be interested in me, though,” Simone said. She starts tracing patterns on Eddie’s stomach, his free hand finding hers and linking their fingers together.

        “I don’t know. He might. You’re nice to everyone. Perhaps he’s come to admire you,” Simone shifted, coming closer to Eddie’s face. She removed her fingers from his to trace his jawline. She kissed him on the cheek, lying back down on his chest.

        “Maybe you’re right,” she said. They continue to talk, discussing interests, books, and music. They stayed touching, switching positions when uncomfortable in one. It grew later, Simone needing to return home.

        “Hellfire is having a campaign Saturday. You should come. You don’t have to play, but I wouldn’t mind having you here. We’re meeting here at noon. Bring a book. Hang out. You could watch us play a little bit. See what Dungeons and Dragons is like,” Eddie said.

        “Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to impose or get in the way,”

        “Absolutely. You won’t be in the way. I promise. Please come Saturday. Unless you already have plans,”

        “Okay. I’ll be here,” Simone said. They traded numbers, Simone driving home with a smile on her face.

          During the rest of the week, Simone sat with Eddie and his friends at lunch, getting to know his band and Dustin and Mike. Sometimes she would be seated in Eddie’s lap, the group noticing the chemistry between the two of them. They’d hang out at Eddie’s place, the cuddling sessions becoming a habit for the two of them. One night, Wayne was there when she pulled up, her nerves spiking upon meeting him.

        “Wayne, this is Simone Kingston. Simone, this is my uncle Wayne. She’s a friend at school. We’ve been hanging out some,” Eddie introduced them.

        “Nice to meet you. It’s nice to see a girl around here for once. You’re sure you’re dating? I’d use protection if I were you,” Wayne said. Eddie’s face turned bright red, a hand coming up to his face to hide behind it.

        “No, sir. We’re just friends who cuddle from time to time. I’m very grateful for a friend like Eddie. He’s a sweetheart,” Simone told him.

        “Call me Wayne. I’m glad to see there’s a person who sees Eddie for how he is. Most people think wrong of him. He’s a good boy,” Eddie cleared his throat, taking Simone by the hand to start the current cuddle session. Later when Simone had gone home, Wayne asked if Eddie liked the girl.

        “She’s the one I told you about in English class. I’ve liked her since the first day she talked to me. I doubt she feels the same way,” Eddie said.

        “I don’t know, Eddie. She seems to enjoy your company. I’ve seen the way she looks at you. There’s got to be something there. Take the risk. Ask her out,”

        “I’m trying to work up the courage to tell her how I feel. I’m okay with how things are right now,” On Saturday, Eddie and Simone would ignite a passion between them that would lead to feelings being revealed a few days later.

 Saturday

        Simone pulled in beside Eddie’s van. She was early, nervous to see how things would go during the campaign. She knocked on the door, Eddie letting her in.

        “How are you sweetheart?” he asked.

        “I’m good. A little nervous, but good,” Eddie pulled her close, her arms wrapping around him, her head buried against his chest.

        “I’ve got you. You’ll be okay. I promise,” Eddie said. He kissed the top of her head, causing her to look up at him. His eyes drifted down to her lips and back up to meet her gaze. He leaned in, about to kiss her when someone entered the trailer.

        “Hey, Eddie. I’m going to run to the store. Do you need anything? Oh, hey Simone. Good to see you again,” Wayne greeted the two of them.

        “No, sir. Thank you for asking,” Eddie said. His eyes never strayed from Simone’s face.

        “Okay. I thought I’d check with you. How have you been Simone? Is school gong okay for you?”

        “I’m alright. School has been great. I’m ready to graduate. How have you been?” Simone answered, breaking the connection to talk to Eddie’s uncle.

        “I’ve been fine, thanks. You two have fun. I’ll be back later and then I’ve got to go into work, so you’ll be alone again tonight,” Wayne said. Eddie nodded and released Simone to set up the table for the campaign. More knocking at the trailer door alerted them to his friends. Levi, Jeff, and Gareth were the first to arrive, followed by Dustin and Mike who were dropped off by Steve Harrington. He lit up when he spotted Simone and walked over to her.

        “Simone. Give me a hug,” Steve said. She pulled him into a tight embrace, the five other players staring. Eddie sighed, unable to look at the two close friends, who shared a tight bond. He was sure Simone liked Steve, even though she hadn’t admitted to it. The way they interacted seemed like it was true. Though, she didn’t stop me when I was about to kiss her.

        “You sure you don’t want to hang out with Robin and me?” Steve asked.

        “I’m good here. We can do movie night sometime this week if you want,”

        “Sounds like a plan. Dustin, Mike, I’ll be back around 9:30 to take you home,” Steve left and the campaign began. Simone sat off to the side, a book in her hand, still close enough to touch Eddie if she needed to. Around an hour into the campaign, she got up and leaned over him, kissing his cheek.

        “I’m getting a drink. Anyone need anything?” Simone said. Everyone froze, looking up at her.

        “Can I get a Mountain Dew?” Dustin asked.

        “Water, please,” Jeff requested. No one else wanted anything, Simone retreating to grab the beverages. She came back handing off the requests and headed back to the couch. Before she got a chance to sit down, Eddie grabbed her hand and pulled her close to his chair. His arms wrapped around her hips and guided her to his lap. He held her steady with an arm around her torso, the other resting on one of her thighs. Simone draped an around his shoulders, running her fingers through his hair. Eddie gazed up at her, smiling, before continuing the campaign.

        “Are you two dating now?” Gareth asked.

        “No. Why do you ask?” Eddie answered.

“You’re always touching each other or she’s in your lap. You’ve got a lot of chemistry and the way you two look at each other…we wondered if you went ahead and made it official,” Dustin said.

        “We’re friends. Nothing more,” Eddie said. He was lying. To his friends. To himself. If only I could have her as my girlfriend. Simone moved to her spot on the couch after a half hour, the boys having fun until 9 p.m. Gareth, Jeff, and Levi left first, Mike and Dustin waiting on Steve to pick them up. Eddie had moved to drape an arm over Simone’s shoulders, her arm wrapped around his waist.

        “You two would make a cute couple. Maybe you should consider going on a date. Test the waters,” Dustin said.

        “I don’t know. Maybe,” Eddie told him. He looked down at Simone, a longing in his eyes. He thought about what it would be like to kiss her, to have her as his. She returned his gaze, the pair only having eyes for each other. A knock sounded at the trailer door, Dustin opening it to let Steve in.

        “Ready to go? It’s almost bedtime for you two,” he said. The boys groaned, following Steve out to his car, leaving Simone and Eddie alone. They went back to his room, cuddling in silence, drifting off and dreaming of a life together.

  Monday

        “Am I to expect Eddie to be around more now?” Robin asked.

        “I don’t know. Maybe,” Simone answered. Robin arched an eyebrow.

        “Maybe?” Simone shrugged. “Oh my god. You didn’t tell him that you have a crush on him? Simone, come on. You’re hanging out with a lot and the two of you are still not dating?”

        “We’re still getting to know each other. I don’t want to rush into anything. He might not feel the same way and I don’t want to ruin our friendship if I told him,”

        “Simone. The two of you are always touching whether you’re holding hands or sitting in his lap at lunch. You’re telling me there’s nothing there? Believe me, there is something you two have for each other. Everyone can see it,” Robin said.

        “We’re cuddling at our places too,” Simone commented. Robin stopped in her tracks, facing her friend.

        “You’re cuddling with him? You’re cuddling and not dating him. No making out? No sex?”

        “Only cuddles. You know, everybody who hates him is wrong about him. He’s sweet. Not mean and scary like everyone makes him out to be. He listens when you’re having a bad day,”

        “My god. You’ve got it bad for him. You need to tell him, Simone,” Robin stated.

        “Tell me what?” Eddie asked, walking up to the two girls. “Are you keeping secrets from me Kingston?” he continues.

        “No. Of course not,” Simone answered. Only that I have a massive crush on you.

        “Good. Are we still on for Wednesday?” Eddie said. Simone nodded, linking her arm with him.

        “What’s happening on Wednesday?” Robin asked.

        “She’s coming over for our usual cuddle and music session. Maybe we can add a movie in there somewhere. Do you want to spend the night?” Simone nodded.

        “Ah. Cuddle time for the Phoenix and the Musician. Have fun. Do your best not to make out,” Simone shot her friend a look of shock, Robin winking and leaving for band practice.

        “Make out? Why does she think we’re going to make out?” Eddie asked.

        “No reason,” Simone said.

        “Okay. Want to get some ice cream?” Eddie said. Simone nodded and rode with him to an ice cream parlor. He draped an arm over her shoulders while we ate. Feelings would be revealed on the very day they were scheduled to hang out.

 Wednesday

        The school day passed slow, Eddie and Simone anxious to see each other for another snuggle session. Eddie came to a decision at lunch; he planned on telling Simone he liked her more than a friend. He planned on asking her out on a date. They met in the parking lot, hugging each other. It lingered for a while, longer than how friends normally hugged.

        “Hey, Simone. I need to tell you something,” Eddie said. He pulled away, fidgeting with his rings.

        “What is it?” she asked.

        “I like you. A lot. I would like us to be more than friends,” he confessed.

        “Eddie, I-,” Simone began.

        “I know it’s unexpected, but I’ve had a crush on you for a while. Since last year in English class. I understand you have a crush on someone, but I needed to tell you, because I’m tired of pretending I don’t have feelings for you,”

        “Would you go on a date with me?” Eddie cut her off.

        “Yes. I would love to go out on a date with you,” Simone answered.

        “You would?” Simone nodded. “What about the guy you said you liked?” Eddie asked.

        “The guy I like is you. I’ve always liked you. I fell for you in English class as well. You’re nice, handsome and you can make me laugh. I adore you,” Simone told him. A huge smile spread out on Eddie’s lips; he lifted her up in his arms, spinning her around.

        “I guess we should go on that date, then. What do you say? Movies? Dinner? Both? You know how about we do both? I’ll follow you home and take you to the burger joint we both like, then we can go see a movie. We can still come back to my place after and cuddle,” Eddie said.

        “Perfect,” Simone said. He put her down and they drove to Simone’s house, Simone riding with Eddie for their date. They each had a burger, shared a milkshake, going to the cinema straight after. They held hands during the movie, riding back to his home once the film ended. They curled up in his bed to cuddle, hand linked together. Eddie kissed the top of Simone’s head, tilting her chin up to kiss both cheeks. He kissed her lips, the hand gripping her chin, sliding to the back of her head. Their kisses were slow and sweet, each savoring the taste of each other.

        “You don’t know how long I’ve wanted to do that,” Eddie said, pulling away.

        ‘Can I join you? I’m in need of some conversation and a good drink,’ she greeted me on the way out of the tower.

        ‘Sure. You can ride with me. We’re meeting at a bar uptown,’ I told her. Outside of the tower, Maeve was funny and kind. She showed her vulnerable side, her insecurities peeking through about certain ideas about herself or her future. We connected on a deep level that night, trading numbers to talk if we needed someone to listen late at night. Over the course of a few months, we grew closer and my feelings for her became apparent…to me.

        I couldn’t tell her how I felt, worrying she still had feelings for her ex-girlfriend Elena. I didn’t want to be in the way if Maeve thought Elena would be her soulmate. I kept my feelings hidden, content to have Maeve by my side.

        “Is it supposed to be this hot all every day? I’m sweating my ass off,” Maeve’s voice brought me back to present time.

        “I think it might get hotter. Maybe the high 90’s, but the heat index could get in the 100’s,” I told her.

        “Fuck. I hope we won’t be out here much longer. I want to get in the water,”

        “I second that,” Starlight came up on my other side, the directors setting us up in a specific way to shoot our commercial. We were promoting a new product from the three of us, serving a purpose to strong women everywhere. As if they truly cared about anyone, much less strong women. We did several takes before they were satisfied and stepped off set; dismissed for the day.

        “Have you tried out the outdoor showers at the resort? They feel amazing in this heat,” Starlight said.

        “No, not yet. Ashley has us running around to get photo shoots and interviews done. This is our first break of the week,” Maeve said.

        “Both of you? Why?” Annie asked.

        “I’m still new and they want to show the people my face. I guess they feel I’m a good fit to be Maeve’s partner in missions,” I answered.

        “Right. I remember those days. Give those showers a try when you get a chance. I promise you it’s worth it. I’m going down to the beach to cool off. Dinner later?” We nodded and returned to the resort. I planned on getting in the pool, the water cooler than the ocean; I had put my feet in the salt water the first day, waiting on The Deep to finish an interview. It was the equivalent to bath water. The same day I went night swimming, the pool water like ice. It was a relief to my hot skin, and I swam in it for hours. I changed into a bikini, walking out of my room, and bumping into Maeve on the way down to the pool.

        “Where are you headed? The beach?” she asked. She was dressed in a purple bikini, a towel wrapped around the bottom half of her body. The sight alone had my mouth watering.

        “No. I thought I’d go to the pool instead. It’s much colder than the ocean water. I’ve already been in it once, the first night we got here,”

        “Want some company? I brought Vodka and a couple of mixers,”

        “Sure,” We went outside, picking our chairs and lathered up in sunscreen. She stretched out to tan; I got into the water, sighing at the relief of cooling down. I dove underneath, letting the water coat over my skin. Coming up, I let my body float, closing my eyes. I drifted around, jerking when I felt someone touch me.

        “Relax, Jenna. It’s only me,” Maeve said. She held me straight, the feel of her skin sending warm waves of pleasure through me. The cascaded downwards as she moved her hands to different parts of my body, and I had to stand up to fight off my desire for her. I left the water, pulling out a book from my bag. I read until I got hot again, cooling off my skin for a few minutes and talked to Maeve while she swam. As the day grew later, I excused myself to get ready for dinner, taking a shower in my room to rinse the chlorine from my hair and body.

        I dressed in a silk, silver dress and silver hair, pinning my pink hair back in a half-ponytail. I met the girls down in the lobby to go to a steak restaurant for dinner. We talked about what we had to do over the next few days, getting into a conversation about our love lives.

        “Anyone catch your eye yet, Jenna?” Annie asked.

        “No, not yet,” I lied.

        “Damn. No one? What about Butcher? He seems your type,” Annie continued. Maeve choked on her wine as I gave Annie a shocked look.

        “Butcher? He’s okay. I’m not attracted to him in a sexual way, and I don’t have any feelings for him outside of friendship. I don’t know. I don’t get out much,” I answered.

        “Do you have a preference? Men? Women? Both?” Maeve asked. Her questions sparked my curiosity; she never asked about these things.

        “Both. Why? Are you trying to set me up with someone?”

        “No. I’m only curious. None of the Seven appeal to you?” I quirked an eyebrow. Now I was suspicious.

        “Oh. I don’t know. Annie’s cute. Do you think I have a chance?” I teased. I grabbed Starlight’s hand, kissing it. She turned red, smiling. “Aww. I made her blush. What do you say Annie? Want to experiment?” She slipped her hand from mine, her blush deepening.

        “I’m taken. Be serious, though. Has no one caught your attention in this city? I don’t believe I’ve seen you date anyone or go out with anyone besides the two of us,” she said.

        “Hmmm. There might be someone. I’m not giving out any details, though,” I admitted. There would be no way I would mention who I had a crush on. I didn’t want to get hurt if Maeve didn’t reciprocate my feelings.

        “I knew it. You should go for it. Shoot your shot. Maybe it’ll turn out for the best,” Annie stated. I laughed, catching the look on Maeve’s face. She appeared to be upset about my confession. Her reaction confused me. I thought she would have been happy for me. Unless…no, she couldn’t be jealous. She couldn’t have a crush on me, could she? Or did she?

           As predicted, the heat grew hotter and being outside made our activities worse. Vought had cancelled certain events because of it, leaving us to do what we wanted. I lingered by the pool; Ashley and Annie both joined in on the fun, the ocean water unable to cool them off. Maeve would come out every now and then, more content to stay indoors with the air conditioning. Around the fourth day, we were all hanging out when a last-minute announcement was made about a photo shoot. We sprinted down to the beach, one by one going through pose after pose to get the right shot. It took hours, each hero having a specific number of phots to do. The more we were out there, the more the outdoor showers appealed to me. My photos were last; Maeve stayed behind, wanting to walk me back in case of any trouble came my way. Sweat covered my limbs by the time I was done, and I dreamed of the cool water hitting my skin as it washed over me. I returned to my room, grabbing my bath supplies and a towel to head down to one of the showers outside.

        I found an empty one, setting it up before I stripped down and turned on the water. I stepped back, breathing a sigh of relief as it rippled down my body, the heat evaporating from my skin. I closed my eyes and tilted my head back, enjoying the coldness. I jolted at the sound of the door slamming shut and came face-to-face with a naked Maeve.

        “Oh, sorry. I didn’t know you were in here. I can go to another one, but they’re all full. I can wait until you’re done if you would like,” she greeted me. Her eyes trailed down my body and heat bloomed on my cheeks, spreading everywhere else.

        “No. You can stay,” I told her. I switched out to lather my hair with shampoo, trading places when she had drenched herself enough. I gasped when her body pressed up against mine.

        “There’s no reason to continue to switch places when we could share the water, right?” she said.

        “O-Of course not,” I stammered. Her skin was soft to the touch and – though cold from the water – sent fire straight to my core. She lathered her hair up, turning to rinse it out, a rose scent coming from the shampoo. I backed out to grab my body wash and loofa, hesitant to touch her again.

        “That smells like marshmallows. I’ve always noticed the scent on you during meetings. It sometimes makes me want to take a bite out of you,” she said. I jumped at the sound of her voice at my ear, turning to see her close to me.

        “It’s my favorite. It reminds me of a toasted marshmallow cookie,” I told her. My eyes drifted to her lips; I focused on her eyes again, noticing my mistake. She smirked, letting me know she caught where my gaze landed.

        “Mind if we share?” Maeve stepped closer, her arms trapping me in the corner.

        “Sure. You’re welcome…to use it,”

        “Good,” her gaze drifted down to my lips this time, one knee slotting between my legs. She leaned in and kissed me. Her lips were soft and warm. I let my guard down, allowing her to slip in her tongue, the taste of mango and tequila hitting my tastebuds. She pulled my body forward, my core resting against her thigh. She bounced it up – sliding me back a little – the friction making me moan into her mouth. I rode her thigh, holding onto her shoulders to balance. She captured each moan with her kisses; I came hard, Maeve shifting me off her to lead me over to stand underneath the showerhead. She took the body wash from my hands, standing behind me, squeezing some of the liquid in her hands. She lathered my body, paying special attention to my breasts, kneading them, and pulling on my nipples. Maeve kissed my neck, one hand slipping between my legs.

        She inserted a finger into my pussy, pumping in and out, the other hand pinching a nipple. I moaned, leaning my head back, giving her better access to my neck. She added another finger, pumping faster, removing them when I came close to my orgasm. I whined when she pulled away, craving her touch. Maeve knelt, spreading my legs further apart. She put her my mouth on my pussy, sucking on my clit, and licking my folds. My hands slid into her hair, tugging on the wet strands as she worked me. She lapped at me, sliding her tongue inside, darting it in and out slowly.

        I panted and moaned, spilling over the edge. She removed her mouth, standing up, and kissing me, the taste of me on her tongue.

        “I wanted to show you how much I like you, Jenna. I wanted to throw my name into the bowl with that crush of yours. I can’t help but be jealous of them,” she told me, pulling away. I cocked my head to the side, processing her words.

        “Maeve. You don’t need to compete with my crush. It’s because my crush is on you. I didn’t know how to tell you. I was under the belief you were still in love with Elena,”

        “I’m over Elena. It’s you I want,” she said. I kissed her, holding her body close to mine.

        “Well then. Should we take this back to my room? I’d like to show you how I like to pleasure someone,” I said. She nodded and we exited our shower, returning upstairs. I pulled her into my room, leading her to the bed. I pushed her down, climbing on top of her. I kissed her lips, moving them down her chest, taking a breast into my mouth. I suckled her nipple, nipping at the skin, moving onto the next one. I trailed kissed down her stomach, coming to her pussy. I left kisses on her thighs, sucking on certain areas, and leaving my mark behind. I spread her folds apart with a finger, stroking her and rubbing her clit, moans spilling forth from Maeve lips.

        “Jenna, please. Stop teasing. I want your mouth on me,” She moaned. Keeping my thumb on her clit, I licked a stripe up her, inserting my tongue inside her core. I took my time eating her out, feeling her squirm until her orgasm washed over her. I continued eating her as she came, removing my mouth once she had finished, and replaced it with a finger. I pumped in and out, building up another orgasm for her. I used my finger as if beckoning her, inserting another one to move it faster. She cried out, arching her back as I applied more pressure against to her g-spot. I put my mouth on her clit, sucking it as she fell apart with my touch. Her walls clenched around my fingers as she came, my name spilling from her mouth. I sucked her cum off my fingers, moving up to kiss her lips. She flipped me and opened my nightstand drawer. She held up a vibrator I had bought while in Florida to tend to my pleasure needs.

        “Stay still for me sweetheart,” she said. Maeve turned it on, placing it on my clit, my hips bucking up in response.

        “Hold it there,” Maeve commanded. I obeyed, groaning when she put her mouth on me again.

        “Fuck. Maeve don’t stop. Feels good,” She reached up and pressed the button for the next speed and I arched my back, panting. She kept eating me out until I spilled over the edge. Still, she didn’t stop, accelerating the speed of the vibrator. I grunted, my overstimulated clit having my legs shaking. I came again, Maeve removing the toy from my hand. She turned it off and laid down beside me. I turned to face her; my arm draped over her torso. She tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, kissing me.

        “Can I take you out to dinner tomorrow?” she asked.

        “Yes. I’d like that. Do you want to get seafood?”

        “Sounds good. I’ll come get you at 8,” I nodded, curling my body closer to hers. We drifted off, waking when sunlight drifted through the blinds. We spent most of the day by the pool, leaving to get ready for dinner. At 8, a knock sounded at my door, Maeve in a slate gray dress behind it. I had dressed in a midnight blue dress, my pink hair curled. I took her hand and walked down to the lobby. We took a cab to a seafood place we had booked reservations at, walking in, and waiting for our table. We talked over wine, poking fun at Homelander, and bonding over common interests.

        “Hey, gorgeous. Can I buy you a drink?” a male voice greeted me. He had blonde hair and brown eyes. Perfect, just what I needed tonight. To be hit on, I thought. I smiled politely and pointed at my glass of wine, which was half full.

        “I have one, thanks,” I said, turning back to my phone. I hoped he would get the hint and leave me alone. He slid the stool closer, much to my annoyance.

        “How about a chat? Seems a shame a beautiful woman like yourself is sitting here all alone. I’m Tommy. You are?” he continued.

        “I’m not interested. I came here for some time to myself. I’d appreciate it if you went on your way,” Tommy placed a hand on my wrist, and I tried not to cringe. Chills swept down my spine, alarm bells sounding off in my head that said to get away from him.

        “Come on, sweetheart. Let’s get to know each other. I’d love to take you home,” he persisted. I twisted out of his grip, putting my drink on the rubber strip in front of us, signaling I was done with it. I got off the stool and made for one of the exits.

        “No. Sorry, I was about to leave. Excuse me,” I pushed my way through the crowd, doing my best to put some space between us. I figured if he lost sight of me, he would give up. I dared to turn back at one point to see where he was, my heart rate increasing as I noticed he was still following me.

        “Shit. Okay, Wren don’t panic. Keep going,” I whispered to myself. I moved closer to the back, switching between keeping an eye on my pursuer and watching where I was going. It was the one time when I turned my head to check on Tommy’s location when I ran into someone. I hit a wall of muscle, bouncing off it a little, coming face to face to the handsome guy I spotted earlier.

        “Excuse me, I didn’t see you standing there,” I said. I got lost in his green eyes, the crinkles at his eyes when he smiled again. He took one look at my expression and the smile disappeared; concern etched onto his features.

        “Are you alright, miss?” he asked. He stepped closer and I could smell his cologne. A mix of pine, vanilla, and cinnamon.

        “I…um…” I froze when an arm wrapped around my waist.

        “She’s fine. She’s with me,” Tommy said. I watched as the stranger slid his gaze to the man currently holding me in his grasp, sliding it back to me. He tilted his head, reaching out a hand to me.

        “I believe I asked her. Not you. Are you okay, miss?” he said. I gave a small shake of my head, squeaking when Tommy tightened his grip.

        “And I told you she’s fine. Right, honey?” He went to steer me away when the stranger gripped his shoulder with one hand.

        “Remove your grubby hands off my girlfriend. Okay, buddy?” the stranger snapped. In one smooth motion, his free hand took hold of mine and pulled me into his chest, securing me by my hip. I gasped, one hand resting on his chest, looking up at him. He leaned down close to my ear, making it look as if he was about to nuzzle my neck.

        “Tell me your name, quick,”

        “Wren Whitman,”

        “Good girl. Mine is Ben. Listen to me now. Kiss me. Like you mean it,” He lifted my chin with two fingers, pressing his lips to mine, his beard scratching my skin. It wasn’t hard to do what he asked of me. I melted against him, my arms circling around his neck, my hands carding through his hair and gripping it tight. Ben grunted, allowing me to slip my tongue inside his mouth, deepening the kiss. I could taste whiskey on his tongue as I stroked mine against his. He pulled me closer, his hands accidentally going underneath the hem of my shirt. His skin was warm on mine, the touch sparking something deep inside me. We broke apart, watching Tommy’s eyes widen with shock. He held up his hands in surrender and walked away, defeated. Once he was no longer in sight, I peeled my body off Ben’s and took a few steps back from him.

        “Thank you. You didn’t have to do that,” I told him. Ben stepped closer, towering over me, his head bent down to look at me. I let him trail his hands up my arms to have his hands cradle my jaw. He lifted my head up, our lips aligned, leaning in. My lips parted as he inched forward with his own. We were a breath apart when someone cleared their throat. A low growl escaped Ben’s throat as he turned to the person behind us.

        “What?” he snapped.

        “We…should go. Unless there is a reason you would rather stay,” a British male voice answered. I looked past Ben to see another tall guy with a black trench coat, black trousers and a Hawaiian shirt standing close to us.

        “Fine. I’m going to walk Wren out to her car first and meet up with you guys up front,” he said. He nodded and Ben wrapped an arm around my shoulders, leading me outside to my vehicle, waiting until I got in and rolled down the window to say something.

        “Drive home safe,” he told me. He kissed me again and walked off once I started the car. I drove home to my apartment and went inside the building. I reached my door and unlocked it, stepping inside to shut it behind me. I locked it, dropping my purse on the table by the door, my keys in the bowl next to it. I changed out of my outfit for the night into some cozy pajamas, sitting on the couch. I lifted my fingers to my lips, still tingling from the kiss. It lit up something inside me, that kiss. Something I hadn’t felt in a long time. I sighed, thinking I wouldn’t see him again. I thought wrong.

  Ben’s POV (Soldier Boy)

        Butcher and I went back to our hideout we were working in to figure out our next move to find my former team members of Payback. I was helping them with their problem of Homelander and in return they were helping me. We had made a pit stop at the bar for a much-needed break. I wasn’t expecting to meet someone there. Wren had been a pleasant surprise and I was glad I stepped in when she needed help. I passed a thumb over my lips, still sensitive after our last kiss. It hadn’t been how Countess and I had kissed. It was something more than that.

        A fire had been lit in my belly, simmering low, and waiting for more kindling to burn it higher. I had spotted her when I first walked in; the strawberry blonde hair, the blue green of her eyes that reminded me of the ocean. She is significantly shorter than me, probably at least a foot shorter, but I craved more of her. As Hughie and Butcher were talking, I replayed both kissed over and over in my head, tuned out to the conversation. I needed to see her again. But how?

        “Hey, lover boy. Are you listening?” Butcher’s voice cut through my thoughts. My head snapped up, both waiting for me to answer.

        “Yeah. Sure am,”

        “You’re sure about that?” I nodded. “What did I say then?” Butcher asked. I blanked, knowing I hadn’t been listening at all. I opened my mouth, closing it when I didn’t have anything to say. Butcher sighed, raking a hand over his face.

        “That woman distracted you from what we need to do. You’re going to have to forget about her. Focus on what’s at stake. We get you to your team members to take your revenge and you help up with Homelander. That’s the deal,” he said.

        “She didn’t distract me. I’m still focused. Next on the list are the TNT twins. We need to find out where they are. How do we go about doing that?” I argued.

        “I can see if I can find them on the internet. Butcher, do you have any leads on where they were last seen? Or their names?” Hughie said. Butcher stay focused on me.

        “Bullshit. She’s in your head. Who was she anyway? An old flame like Countess? Is she on your list to kill?” he pushed. I shoved up from the table I was sitting at, the legs screeching on the floor.

        “I’m not going to kill Wren. She…She’s my girlfriend,” I said. Great, you’re still playing that card. Even when you know she’s not actually your girlfriend, I thought. He slammed his fists on the table in frustration.

        “That’s just brilliant. Fucking perfect. She’ll be on your mind 24/7 much like Hughie with Starlight. We don’t have time for you to lose it. Do me a favor. Go give her a fuck and come back when your head is on straight,” he snapped. He walked out the door, slamming it on his its hinges. I sighed, sitting back down, legs spread apart. Sure, I’ll fuck her. If I ever run into her again. Which is not likely, I thought.

        “She’s not your girlfriend, is she? You lied to him. He’s right. That woman will stay in your head and distract you from what your goal is. Unless you’ve changed your mind about this,” Hughie said. I shook my head, gazing out the window. He sighed. “What’s her name? I can help you locate her maybe. I’m guessing she’s not a supe. A regular civilian that’s caught your attention?”

        “Wren Whitman,” I told him. I stroked my beard, thinking about her. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t rid myself of her. I wanted her. I needed her. I knew I was being ridiculous. Ben, you idiot. You’ve only met her a few hours ago and she’s already infecting your thoughts.

        “Found her. Looks like she works a small shop downtown. Frequents a coffee and crepe bistro on 33rd. She’s pretty. I think she suits you well,” Hughie said. He showed me the things he pulled up on his computer and I looked at a few things on her profile.

        “Soldier Boy? Are you okay?” he asked me.

        “It’s Ben. I’m fine,”

        “Man, you’ve got it bad for her. You don’t even know her fully,” I nodded and slid his computer back to him. Maybe I’d try to spot her tomorrow at the coffee shop. I didn’t want to spook her by showing up at her private areas, but I wanted to get to know this woman.

        “Tomorrow,” I said out loud.

           Wren’s POV

        I got up the next morning and went down to my favorite coffee shop to get something to eat before I started tidying my apartment on my day off. I ordered a honey nut latte and a crepe with Nutella, berries, and bananas in it. I sat down to enjoy my breakfast, reading a little while I did so. Ben was still on my mind, even I knew it was a slim chance I would see him again. I wanted to know more about him. I wanted…I know what I wanted. I couldn’t have it. I imagined what it would be like with him inside me, to have him fuck me until I couldn’t see straight. It was unlike me, having such feelings after meeting him once. There was something about him which drew me in to him. The kisses managed to ignite a new side to me. Those thoughts kept me up last night, touching myself to them. I sighed and resumed my morning. It led to another unpleasant encounter.

        “You’re the woman from last night. Remember me? I’m Tommy,” the man from the bar greeted me. All the places in New York and he’s managed to find me in this very coffee shop. Just my luck, I thought.

        “Yeah, sure. I have a boyfriend. You met him last night,” I said. I hoped he’d go away, leaving me in peace.

        “He’s not here now. No harm in looking elsewhere, right? I mean, he’s not your boyfriend, is he? I think you two first met last night and pretended to be in a relationship to ward me off. Now you’re here alone and I think I might stand a chance with you,” he continued. He slid in the booth across from me, leaning in closer. Again, his hand covered mine sending bad vibes my way.

         I yanked my hand away from his, moving to get out of the seat. He moved quicker, sliding into my side of the booth.

        “Ben is my boyfriend. You should leave me alone. I told you I’m not interested,” I put some distance between Tommy and me, but he crept closer, his hand on my thigh now.

        “Can he satisfy you? Come on, honey. I’ll show you a good time,” He gripped tighter, my fear accelerating. I pushed his hand off, making him angry and he slapped me. I head snapped to the side and I feared the worst, noticing no one was coming to my aid. As he crawled over me, I closed my eyes. Then nothing. He wasn’t on top me anymore. I opened my eyes to see him on the floor, someone standing over him.

        “Get your fucking hands off her. She’s mine. I thought you got the message last night. I guess not. You need to fuck off. Get the fuck out of here,” a familiar voice stated. Ben.

        “You’re not her boyfriend. I can tell you’re not. You’re faking it,” Tommy insisted. Ben squatted down, leaning close to Tommy’s face. The man flinched, intimidated.

        “You put your hands on my lover again and I promise you I’ll do something worse than toss you to the floor. Stay. The. Fuck. Away from her,” Ben growled. Tommy scrambled away and out the door, letting me breathe a sigh of relief. Ben turned to sit next to me, taking my hand in his.

        “We should stop meeting this way. Thank you again for saving me,” I told him. He smiled, my insides heating up from it.

        “You’re welcome. Forgive me for intruding on your breakfast. I wanted to see you again, so I may have had friend of mine look you up. I happen to know this is one of your favorite spots. I can leave if you want me to. Though, I’d rather have your number first,” he said.

        “You, I don’t mind. It’s creeps like that Tommy guy who scare me. Everything happened so fast last night, I didn’t have a chance to get your information. I’ll write it down so we can get together again,” I pulled out a small notebook from my purse and flipped to a clean page, writing down my number for him to hold onto. In passing it to him, our hands brushed sending more heat through my body. He glided his thumb against my hand, sliding the piece of paper from my fingers. He pocketed it, moving his hand back to mine. His fingers traced my palm, moving down the inside of my arm and over my elbow. He brushed my hair behind my shoulder, exposing my neck. Cupping the back of my head, he leaned in.

        I should stop him. We aren’t dating. He’s not mine, even if I want him to be, I thought. I didn’t stop him from pressing his lips to mine. Instead, I kissed him back, holding his jaw. He nipped my bottom lip, wanting entrance. I invited him in, his tongue caressing my own. Ben’s free hand wrapped around my waist and lifted me to sit in his lap, securing me tight against him. My fisted my hands in his hair, my desire winning over logic. He continued kissing me, a heated make-out session coiling the nerves in my stomach. My core heated more; a wetness pooled, soaking my underwear. Aware of our surroundings, I broke the kiss.

        “I think people are staring. Maybe we should continue this somewhere more private,” I told him.

        “Do you live nearby?” I nodded and he lifted me out the booth to exit the coffee shop. I led the way to my building, inviting him inside and up to my door. I opened it, letting him inside and closed the door. He locked it, wasting no time to kiss me. I walked backwards to the couch, dragging him down to sit on it. He laid me back, his hands sliding underneath my shirt. He yanked down the cups of my bra, shoving them under my breasts. He toyed with them, rolling my nipples between his fingers. I moaned in his mouth, moving my hands underneath his shirt. He moved back taking it off, ridding me of mine as well. He unhooked my bra, freeing my breasts. His lips attached to my neck, trailing kisses from there to my chest. Ben covered a nipple with his mouth, his tongue flicking the bud, making it harden. He moved to the other one, soaking it with his saliva and blowing on it. I arched into him, wanting more from him. He unzipped my skirt I had on and slid it off me, tossing it to the floor, the same with my underwear. He spread my legs, parting my folds, and inserting two fingers. I moaned, pulling him down for another kiss. He pulled them out and lifted me in his arms.

        “Bedroom?” I pointed down the hallway and he took me to the back, laying me down on the bed. He spread my legs farther apart, his fingers returning to my pussy. He pumped in and out, inserting a third after a few minutes. He went slow. Agonizingly slow. My orgasm burned low, building higher each time he’d thrust his fingers inside me. I whimpered and clung to the sheets while he worked me.

        The closer I got to my orgasm, he started to pick up the pace and I came hard, my walls clenching around his fingers. Ben wasn’t done. He replaced his fingers with his mouth, lapping at my core. He sucked on my clit, his arms hooking under my thighs to keep them apart. He moved his tongue inside me, darting in and out, building up another orgasm from me. I cried out as he brought me to it, continuing to eat me out as I came. He moved back, helping me sit up and he switched spots, grabbing my hips to straddle him.

        “Ride my face, sweetheart,” he ordered. I straddled his face, sitting down, moaning as his licked a thick stripe up me. I held onto the headboard, gyrating on his face as he commanded, Ben gripping my hips as he took his fill of me. I came twice as I rode his face, shifting off him when he was satisfied. I kissed his chest, moving down to his jeans and undoing them. Pulling them off with his underwear, I placed my mouth around him, his hips bucking at the contact. He grunted, his hands gripping my hair as I sucked him off. I massaged his balls, giving an extra push for him to come, swallowing him down when he erupted. I removed his cock from my mouth, and he flipped me to be on top of me. I pulled out a condom from my nightstand, rolling it on him. Ben angled his cock at my entrance and thrust into me, letting me adjust before he moved.

        He thrust hard and fast, his hands pinning mine into the pillows, his lips connected to mine. I came first this time, while he was a few seconds behind me. He collapsed on my chest, my fingers combing through his hair.

        “Fuck, sweetheart. You feel so good. I want more of you, but there’s something I need to take care of first,” he told me. He failed to move, holding me tight, his eyes closing while I ran my fingers through his hair.

        “On second thought, it can wait a few more minutes,” he said. I continued my movement, trailing down his arms, across his back. He breathed deep, fully relaxing against me. For another half hour we cuddled and then he was up. He got dressed and I walked him to the door. He kissed me goodbye, and he walked out the door, his number written down on a post it.

  Ben’s POV

        I returned to the hideout, fully satisfied. I was met with a serious Butcher, who smirked when I walked through the door.

        “Found her, did ya? You get laid?” I nodded and he presented me with information on the twins.

        “They’re located in Vermont now. They’re hosting a party up there. We should be back in a few days, so don’t worry about not seeing your girl when we get back,” he said. We packed and drove up to the house, stopping at motels on the way there to refuel. We staked out the place, watching as various people go inside. They weren’t just anyone; they were supes.

        “Herogasm. Frenchie’s going to hate he missed this. He’s always wanted to see it,” Butcher said.

        “I founded the thing. Me and this other supe Liberty. Man, she was a firecracker,” I told them.

        “Does your girlfriend live up to your expectations? Or did Liberty rock your world a little harder?” Butcher asked.

        “Wren is incomparable to her. There’s something different about this girl. I feel different when I’m with Wren,” I confessed. Even now she warped my thoughts. She warmed me and made me feel like I could do anything. Lying with her in the bed while she carded her fingers through my hair, I relaxed. I could never relax with Countess.

        “There’s a lot of people in there. You’re not going to hurt them, are you?” Hughie asked.

        “Only if they get in my way,” I sensed his unease. “I won’t hurt them. I’ll get the twins, take them out and leave,” He nodded, and we ventured inside. I found them easily, confronting them about whose idea it was to betray me to the Russians. They blamed Black Noir. The radio was on, and a song started playing. Something in me triggered my ability, something in me burned me and I let loose. Ten minutes later I woke and saw a destroyed house. People were hurt all around me and I didn’t know what happened. I met Butcher in another part of the hallway, someone else interrupting us. I recognized him as Homelander, the guy who they wanted me to take down. We battled and lost, Homelander escaping back to New York. A new fear crept in me. A fear that he would figure out my weakness and cause harm to her. I had to get back to Wren.

   Wren’s POV

        A couple of days went by, and I hadn’t heard from Ben. I didn’t worry too much, since he told me he was going to be out of town for a while. He had sent a text a few hours after he had left me. I was at work when the news of one of the Seven quitting came across the TV. She showed the aftermath of a destroyed home and people hurt. Starlight blamed it on Soldier Boy. The name sounded familiar to me and when I got home, I looked him up. Ben’s face appeared on the screen, and I froze. The man I had slept with days ago was Soldier Boy. The man who saved my life and pretended to be my boyfriend was Soldier Boy. What I knew of him is that he had a terrible history, causing damage to families in unnecessary ways. Ways that should have been handled in a different way.

        I learned he had disappeared during the 80s and he was presumed dead after a few decades. Though he had done awful things, there was a part of me that still felt cozy feelings for him. He seemed different with me. Softer, somehow. My phone vibrated with a new message. Ben was coming home, and he wanted to see me. I texted him to meet me at a diner and hailed a cab there. I knew I was going to have to confront him about his truth and I feared what it might do to us. I needed to discuss our future. He walked in a few minutes later and slid across from me.

        “I need to tell you something. I’m working with a man named Billy Butcher to take down Homelander. He’s helping me with some unfinished business of mine. I’m worried he will find out about you and come after you. I’d like to keep you safe if I can,” he said.

        “You’re Soldier Boy, aren’t you?” All color drained from his face. “Your name came up on the news. I got curious and looked it up. Imagine my surprise when it was your face I came across,” I continued.

        “Wren. I’m not going to hurt you. I didn’t mean to hurt those people. Or the 19 others on the street the other day. I’ve got this new power and sometimes when I hear a certain song it activates, and I black out. I know I’ve done some awful things, but I like you. If you don’t want to be with me, that’s fine. I still want to keep you safe. Will you allow me to do that?” he said.

        “What unfinished business are you taking care of?”

        “My old team. They sold me out to the Russians. They hated me. I’m trying to figure out whose idea it was. I need to…take them out,” I nodded, and he reached out a hand to me. I hesitated, not knowing if I should trust him.

        “Please, Wren. Let me take care of you. If Homelander finds out what you mean to me, then he could hurt you. I don’t know what I would do if he killed you. Please. I’m begging you,” His eyes filled with tears as he reached closer to my hand.

        “Okay. I’ll go with you,” Maybe I shouldn’t have given into him. Perhaps I should have stayed away from him. Still, I was drawn to him. Something about Ben that made me feel safe with him.

   Ben’s POV         I brought Wren to the hideout to stay with us for a few days. We weren’t official, but we played it off well to Hughie and Butcher. We would hold hands and separate when we were alone. She’d found out my identity, altering her feelings. I didn’t dare push her, but something inside me wanted her to love me. I was in danger of falling in love with her. It had only been a week since we found each other, but the more time I spent with her, the more I felt alive. One night, when Butcher and Hughie went out to find more information on Mindstorm’s location, we were sitting in the living room doing our own thing. She shivered; despite the blanket she had wrapped up in to stay warm.

        “Are you cold?” I asked. She shook her head, reading her book. She pulled it tighter around her shoulders, still shivering. Sighing, I got up and sat next to her. I pulled the blanket around me shoulders, angling her to lean against my chest.

        “Better?” I asked.

        “Yes, thank you,” she said. She snuggled against me, igniting heat inside my heart. She continued reading, but now a new tension was in the air. She sighed, closing the book, and shifting to where she could run her fingers over my stomach and up towards my chest. I inhaled a sharp breath, my heart racing. Wren climbed into my lap, her fingers tracing my lips. I closed my eyes, trying to remember how to breathe as her hands slid underneath my shirt.

        “Wren…please,” I groaned.

        “Shhhh. Relax,” she told me. I opened my eyes to see her hovering over me. She leaned in, capturing my lips with hers. She licked my bottom lip, asking for entrance and let her in, moaning as she thrust her tongue in and out of my mouth as if she could fuck me with it. She ground her hips against mine, my cock growing hard at the friction. I lurched forward, laying her flat against the couch and ripping her shirt down the middle. I tore her bra apart, letting her breasts spill free, taking one in my mouth. She moaned, her body arching into mine. I slipped one hand beneath the waistband of her athletic shorts, shoving her panties to the side. I inserted one finger and then another, her hips bucking against my palm. Needing more, I pulled out and yanked them off her. I removed her torn shirt and took off mine. She unbuckled my belt and undid my jeans, sliding down both those and my underwear. I pinned her hands above her head, shoving her legs apart with knee.

        I slid into her pussy, both of us moaning. I kissed her, thrusting in and out hard and fast, building her orgasm. She came around me and I flipped us for her to be on top.

        “Ride me, sweetheart,” I commanded. She moved, rocking against me, our hands linked.

        “Good girl. That’s it. Just like that. I want to see your pretty face as you come for me,” I said. We both came undone once more, getting dressed before Hughie and Butcher returned. A day later, I found out the news I was Homelander’s father. I still would assist it taking him out, but a new perspective would prevent me from going through with it.

  Wren’s POV

        The showdown between Ben and Homelander was still happening. There was an argument with Butcher’s team, which ended with them being locked up in a vault. I could sense a hesitance with Ben on what he was about to do. Before he had left, one of the Seven looked at us and gave her opinion.

        “He’s different. What did you do to Soldier Boy to make him love you?” she said. Maeve was her name.

        “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m still the same,” he said.

        “No. You’re not. You’ve become softer. I can see it with how you stand with her. You’re in love,”

        “What? That’s not possible. We’ve only been dating for a few weeks,” I said. She tilted her head, staring at him.

        “If you love her, come out alive. Change your views on things,” They left and a few minutes later a knock sounded at the door. I opened, backing up when I saw Homelander.

        “You’re the one who made him fall in love. I wonder what will happen when I break you in front of Soldier Boy,” he said. I made to scream but didn’t get a chance when everything went black.

        When I came to, I found I was handcuffed and at Homelander’s side with a kid on his left. He sat me in a chair, waiting for something. When Butcher, Ben, and Maeve entered the room, Ben took one look at me and fear became apparent in his eyes.

        “Let Wren go,” he said.

        “Only if you go back on your promise to kill me,” Homelander said. Ben stepped forward, Homelander blocking his path.

        “We could be a family. All of us. You don’t have to do this. Ryan is your grandson. Please, put this plan behind you and I’ll set her free,” Ben hesitated and then punched Homelander in the face. He was stunned enough for Ben to grab me and break the cuffs. He shoved me behind him, ready to strike again.

        “You’re not my son. You’re weak, starved for attention,” he said.

        “Weak? But I’m you,”

        “I know. Such a fucking disappointment,” I knew he said it to distract him enough to null his powers, but Ryan got in the way, saving his father. Ben got back up, ready to put an end to both. I panicked and shoved my way in between Ben and Homelander.

        “What are you doing? He needs to be stopped,” Ben said.

        “I know, but don’t hurt the kid. Please, Ben. We need to find another way,”

        “Ryan’s my wife’s son. Listen to your girl. We will find another way. You don’t have to hurt the kid,” Butcher chimed in. Ben relaxed his stance, then tackled me to the ground. He landed on top, covering me with his body. He turned and saw Homelander coming, blocking his lasers with his shield.

        “I’ve got to get you out of here. I can’t have you die,” he told me.

        “We’ll hold him off. Go,” Butcher shouted. Ben got me up and out of Vought Tower, heading to Butcher’s apartment.

        “Are you okay?” he asked me. I nodded and he pulled me into a kiss. “Maeve was right. I love you. I couldn’t be able to handle it if you got hurt or killed,”

        “I love you too,” Ben smiled, kissing me again. He lifted me up on to wrap my legs around his waist. He walked me to a wall, pinning me there. He ripped my shirt and bra, tossing them the floor. He pinned my arms above my head, kissing my neck and sucking on my breasts. He let them go, so I could remove his shirt. He put me down to yank down my pants and underwear. I removed the rest of his clothing, and he lifted me back up again, slamming into me. I moaned as he fucked me, coming to a climax. Ben spinned us to go to a table, laying me flat to thrust into me, my hands held above my head as we came again. I pushed him off and pulled him to the floor, climbing on top and riding him until we came for a third time.

        “Aw, come on. You two couldn’t have waited until after we got back and discussed a plan. You had to fuck each other here. In my fucking apartment,” Butcher’s voice cut through the silence as we finished.

        “You have to admit, it was fun to watch,” Maeve chimed in. We laughed and I climbed off him for us to get dressed.

        I caught him turning his head to look at me from the corner of my eye as I walked past. I could sense his stare now. I took my time inserting the money, still toying with him, creating a different distraction.

        “What are you looking at?” Steve’s voice cut through the silence. The drink dropped and I bent over, giving Eddie a nice view of my ass before standing up and walking back to my bench.

        “No one. I mean, nothing,” I heard him say. I hid my smile behind my book. Sensed a new set of irises on me.

        “No one huh? Not even Kate Davies? You should ask her out, dude. Or hell, talk to her, even. I hear she’s nice and I know you’re unable to keep your eyes off her,” I almost laughed. Almost. Eddie and I talked. Some. Mostly we had casual sex. Nothing fancy, just pure vanilla sex. Granted it had started two months ago. Well, the whole hanging out thing. The sex began three weeks prior to the challenge we were giving each other today.

        Eddie is a sweet soul, at least to me anyway…and his uncle…and who he happened to be close to. Not at all what the town made him out to be. He made sure I was okay during our naughty time, took his time with me. Very gentle afterwards with the aftercare, loved to cuddle. Not only that, but he is the type of friend who would drop everything to come spend time with you if you needed it. He listened, but he also had his secrets. Things he didn’t share with anyone else.

        Our friendship the day he decided to approach me out of the blue, taking me by surprise at the bookstore where I worked. I had the day off and spent it shopping, startled when he walked up to me. He was shy about it, toying with his rings when he asked me to hang out with him.

        ‘You’re asking me? Why?’ I greeted him. I didn’t think he had noticed me since my arrival in the town and kept to myself.

        ‘You’re fearless. Brave. I’ve seen you around town a few times. You told off Jason Carver once and I’ve heard you won’t take any shit from anyone. I need you, Kate. Please?’ When I didn’t respond, he sighed and walked off. I gave in and caught up with him.

        ‘Wait, hang on. What is it you’re wanting to be protected from? That’s what this is about isn’t it? Protection?’ I stated. He stopped, afraid to meet my eyes. Sensing his hesitation, I put a hand on his wrist. ‘Don’t worry. I won’t say anything to anybody. You can trust me,’ I continued. He looked up at me, processing my words.

        ‘The dark. I have a fear of the dark,’ he confessed. I nodded and pulled out a notebook from my purse.

        ‘Text me your address. I’ll grab food and meet you there,’ I said. I wrote down my number, flitting off to my car after he thanked me. I picked up sandwiches, beer, donuts, and chips to share, receiving the text from him. I drove over to his uncle’s trailer. All night, I kept Eddie company, lulling him to sleep by combing my fingers through his hair. The bond began from that moment on.

        We talked about everything. Ambitions, books, different things about ourselves we wouldn’t say to anyone. I told him about my fear of failure, of not being good enough. He told me of his fear of being completely alone. After two weeks of us hanging out, he introduced me to his uncle Wayne, who welcomed me with open arms. Attraction bloomed; chemistry heated up between the two of us, a new energy formed the more we saw each other. We fought it our feelings, refusing to ruin the friendship we had. Soon, it became too much for us to handle, to deny.

        One night while we were talking outside on the steps, Eddie placed his hand over mine, sitting closer to my body. Heat radiated off him as he toyed with my fingers, silence bringing forth some sort of sexual tension between us.

        ‘If I wanted to kiss you, would you let me?’ he asked.

        ‘Yes. Do you want to kiss me, then?’ I told him. He nodded, but didn’t lean in. He let out a nervous breath.

        ‘If I wanted to do more than that…’ he broke off, unable to finish the question. I linked my fingers with his, squeezing them in reassurance.

        ‘What are you asking of me, Eddie?’ He looked at me, a spark of desire in his eyes.

        ‘I’m asking you to ruin our friendship. I want you, Kate. I’ve wanted you for a while. I can no longer fight the attraction. I want to touch you, to feel you,’ He leaned closer, his eyes lowering to look at my lips, meeting my gaze again. ‘I want to lick you, to taste you. I believe you feel the same. If not, tell me no. I won’t hold it against you, if this is not what you want. I don’t want you to do anything you don’t want,’ he said. My answer was to kiss him, pulling him against me. Something in him broke, his arms encompassing my body, his hands clinging to my shirt. I broke the kiss, both of us now breathing hard.

        ‘I want this. I want you,’ I told him.

        ‘Bedroom?’ he asked. I nodded. ‘Bedroom,’ He helped me stand and took us inside to his room in the back of the trailer. He closed and locked the door to block from any interruptions. He was on me after, kissing me and pulling off clothes at the same time. He walked me to his bed, climbing on top of me, his hands and mouth exploring every inch he could find. I found out he liked his hair tugged. A lot. He moaned in pleasure when I tugged on it while he ate me out. Not hard, but small tugs to get him going. He found out I liked to be on top when I flipped him when he sheathed his cock inside my pussy. We fucked endlessly that night.

        “No. She’s not interested in me, I don’t think,” Eddie’s voice brought back from the memory of it. He gave me a subtle glance, knowing exactly how I felt about him

        “Come on, man. She’d be crazy not to be interested. I see how she looks at you when you go into the bookstore. You most certainly would have a chance with her,” Steve told him. I felt Eddie’s gaze on me again and I met it head on.

        “I’ll think about it. Anyway, how are things going with Dustin and the group? Any adventures you have yet to tell me about?” Steve sighed and I tuned out their conversation, thinking about what we would do tonight.

           I knocked on Eddie’s door later that evening, smiling when Eddie opened it a minute later.

        “Hi,” he greeted me.

        “Hi,” He let me in, and we headed back to his room and sat on his bed, opening the tequila I brought with me. I took a swig, handing to him to drink from.

        “You were a tease earlier,” he told me.

        “Mm. You started it, staring at me like you did. Don’t think I couldn’t feel your hunger in your eyes. No wonder Harrington thinks something is going on between us,”

        “Too bad he doesn’t know he’s right. Though, it’s not the way he wants it to be. We’re not dating,” I took another sip, knowing what I was about to ask.

        “Do you…” I almost questioned if he wanted us to be more than casual sex partners. Yes, there was attraction to him, but lately I had been thinking I wanted more from him. I wanted to be with him. I wanted us to be a couple and I worried that maybe he didn’t want the same things. I didn’t want to lose his friendship if I voiced those thoughts.

        “Do I what?” he asked. He moved closer, his hand on my though. I toyed with one of his rings, nervous to ask. I was afraid to ask it. Afraid if I did, then it would bring an end to us.

        “Do you wonder what it would be like if we were together? Like, as a couple?” I looked up into his eyes, waiting for his answer. His gaze softened.

        “Is it something you want? Kate, do you want to be in a relationship with me?” he asked. He moved his hand higher, resting it on my shoulder.

        “I…Yes, I’d like to move this further. I realized in the time that we’ve been hanging out and enjoying each other that I like you. A lot. I wouldn’t mind if we were together. I wouldn’t mind having you belong to me. Well, not belong because you’re not my…” Eddie interrupted me with a kiss.

        “What would you say if I told you I have feelings for you too? That I think about you day and night. That I wanted to move things forward a few days ago, but I was too nervous to ask you. What would you say if I would love to tell our friends we’re dating?” he answered. He kissed me, my hands locking around his neck. He pulled back, sealing the tequila bottle and putting it down on the floor. He pulled me into his lap, his hands cupping the back of my head, his thumbs stroking my cheeks.

        “I would tell you that you needn’t have worried about asking me to move forward. I would tell you that yes, I want to date you. Eddie, I want to be with you,”

        “Good. Then it’s official. You’re now my girlfriend,” He attached his lips to mine, his hands moving down to hold my hips. We made out, the heat building through us. I pushed him back on the pillows, positioning his hands above his head. I left his lips to kiss his neck, sucking on a sensitive spot, leaving a mark behind. I let go of his hands, helping to remove his shirt, taking mine off as well. I kissed a trail down his chest, moving back to kiss his lips, while I undid his belt and jeans. I pulled them off him, shoving them to the floor. I let my mouth hover over his cock, Eddie propping up on his elbows.

        “Kate. You don’t have to…Fuck…” he said, cut off when I licked a stripe up his shaft, taking the tip in my mouth. He laid back as I took more of him in, using my tongue to swirl around his cock. I kept sucking him off, a hand moving to fondle his balls.

        “Kate, don’t stop,” he moaned. I squeezed his balls a little, taking a little more of his cock in my mouth, bobbing up and down to get him off. He lost control and coated my throat with his seed. I swallowed, licking my lips clean after I removed my mouth from his cock. He leaned up to pull me in for a kiss, undoing my pants and shoving them down my legs. I pulled back to get them off, tossing them to the floor. He rid me of my bra, sliding a hand between my legs. I moaned as he slid a finger inside me, pumping in and out. He added a second finger, pumping faster as I panted and moaned. I hit my climax, coating his fingers with my slick, which he sucked off his fingers.

        “Want to try something new?” he asked.

        “What do you have in mind?” He moved from the bed and grabbed something from his desk. A pair of handcuffs. He sat down, taking my hand in his.

        “Do you want me to wear them?” I asked. He shook his head, looking up at me. “Are you sure about this?” I wanted to make sure it was what he desired before giving into his idea. At his nod, I took them from him, unlocking one to secure it over one of his wrists. I had him lay back, hands over his head, looping it behind one of the posts of his headboard. I secured the other cuff on the other wrist, getting off the bed to grab a condom. I rolled it on his cock and straddled over him.

        “Ready?” I asked. He nodded and I sank down on him, both of us moaning. I rode him slow and intimate, his hands gripping the posts he was cuffed to. I picked up the pace, his hips matching my speed. I panted and moaned, his grip tightening on the posts while he did the same. Faster I rode him until he came, me not far behind him. When my walls stopped clenching around him, I slid off and released him to trade places after he disposed of the condom for another.

        He fucked me, switching from hard to slow, our tongues melding together, coming again. He released me, putting away the handcuffs and settling in beside me, my head on his chest, our fingers linked. Eddie tilted my chin up to kiss me, smiling when he pulled away.

        “Where do you want to go on our date?” he asked.

        “Hmm. How about to the movies?” I told him.

        “Okay. Tomorrow night? I’ll pick you up at 7,”

        Our thing happened to be a lot of movie nights as his place. Especially when his parents weren’t home. I think he was lonely, which is why he always insisted I come over for those nights. They took place once a month, which led to me catching feelings for him. Not that I would tell him that. Tonight, was an exception to the normal movie night. We already had one earlier this month, but he invited me out for another one.

        ‘Hey, Jessica, want to come over tonight? We could watch movies again. Please. If you’re busy I understand,’

        ‘Not busy. I’ll come over. Any movie genre in particular?’

        ‘Horror, maybe. I know, I know. Not my usual choice. It might be fun, though. Maybe we can also do a couple of superhero movies too,’

        ‘Oh, my. Breaking out of your comfort genre of comedy, are you? Any requests? Something you haven’t seen?’

        ‘Haha. Very funny, Jess. You pick the horror. You have the best taste there. Avengers for the superhero one. Maybe both of those. In case we want more to watch. Would you stay the night?’

        ‘Sounds like a movie marathon, Harrington. Sure. I don’t mind. No plans tomorrow anyway,’

        ‘A marathon was always the plan. No plans? Cool,’

        ‘What time do you want me over?’

        ‘6:30? You’re welcome to bring over some alcohol. I planned on drinking tonight,’

        ‘Works for me. See you in an hour,’

        A smiley face popped up in answer to my last text and I smiled down at my phone. I saved my place in the book and put it to the side. I got up and packed up a bag for tonight with a change of clothes, pajamas, and any toiletries I needed. I stuffed my charger in it and walked out of my house to head to the grocery store. I picked up a mixer of my choice and a box of popcorn for tonight, remembering Steve had run out of it last time we did this. I drove to the ABC store and grabbed my rum of choice, leaving to head out to Steve’s house. I pulled in beside his car, his parents out of town once again on another trip somewhere.

        I went to the front door and knocked, greeted by a smiling Steve. He pulled me into an embrace and invited me inside. I put my stuff down in an empty chair, stretching out on his couch. When he didn’t immediately sit down, I sat up wondering what was up.

        “First things first? Want to grab some dinner? Fast food, so we can get back and start our marathon,” he said.

        “Okay. Where do you want to pick up food?”

        “The little burger joint we always go to?” I nodded and we got into his car, driving to the place, ordering what we wanted and went back to his house to start the first movie. I chose Final Destination, something he hadn’t seen yet, and we ate while it played. About halfway through it, we fixed up our first drinks of the night, sitting down close to each other, laughing at some of the deaths, cringing at others. At the end of it, we had finished the first drink. I felt a slight buzz, putting on The Pyramid next.

        The second drink was made, and the buzz increased as did our closeness to each other. He had draped an arm over the back of the couch, allowing me to snuggle in closer to his chest. As I mentioned before, I had developed feelings for Steve, but never was brave enough to say anything. I had it in the back of my mind, he still had a thing for his ex, Nancy Wheeler, who was a close friend of mine. I stayed friends with him because he was super sweet, and we had some of the same interests to talk about. He was protective as well, keeping those he was close to safe. Robin tried to get me to admit I liked him, because she thought he might feel the same. I refused, thinking different. The alcohol in my system only made the feelings for him more intense.

        I wasn’t going to make a move on him unless I thought he wanted me to. Unless I knew he had no problems with it. There was a feeling of some unspoken chemistry lingering between the two of us. I could feel it in my bones. It could also be the rum talking. There were subtle touches, though, that made my head spin. Our legs brushed up against each other, which made me think he was hinting at something. I drained my drink, getting up to make the third and we finished the second movie of the marathon. We veered off course with the next selection; The Dark Knight, a movie Steve had been interested in, but never brought it up until tonight. Throughout the movie, I kept feeling his eyes on me and met his gaze a few times. He trailed a hand up my arm to the back of my head, his fingers tangling in my hair. He leaned in a little, but moved back, possibly thinking better of it. We continued to watch the movie, commenting on parts of it we liked.

        “Want to move this to the bedroom?” he asked.

        “Sure,” We gathered our drinks – the fourth one, having downed our third at the end of Dark Knight – and went to his bedroom, starting up Avengers. I changed out of my normal clothes into pajamas, coming back to a shirtless Steve in pajama pants. I swallowed and climbed in beside him, trying to concentrate on the screen. It’s not like I hadn’t seen him without a shirt on, but my intoxicated state didn’t help keep my feelings at bay. My heart thumped in my chest, and I hoped he couldn’t hear it. At one point, we had laid down and snuggled, his arm draped over my waist. He moved his hand underneath my tank top to grope my breast, my breathing turning sharp at the sudden contact.

        “Are you okay with this?” he whispered.

        “Yes. I’m okay,” He continued squeezing and playing with my nipple, moving to the other breast. I could feel myself getting wet the more he played with me. Steve moved his hand down to the waistband of my shorts, slipping it inside of my underwear, parting my folds.

        “Tell me if you want me to stop,” he said.

        “I don’t want you to stop,” I said, moaning as he found my clit and rubbed me there. He hooked a leg under one of mine, spreading me for more access. I shifted his hand out and sat up to remove the bottom half of my clothing, baring myself to him. He rolled on top of me, slotting a knee between my legs, sliding two fingers inside my core. He captured my lips in a kiss, swallowing my moan as he pumped in and out, his thumb rubbing the bundle of nerves of my clit. He helped me remove my shirt, moving to suck on a breast. I arched into him, wanting more.

        Steve moved up to kiss me, his tongue slipping inside, deepening the kiss. He got off my body, ridding himself of his pants and grabbing a condom from the nightstand. He rolled it on, climbing on top of me again, continuing to stroke my pussy.

        “Do you want more?” he asked.

        “Yes. Please, Steve,” I consented. He hooked my legs around his waist, stroking his cock and angling it at my entrance. He pushed inside an inch at a time, sheathing himself to the hilt.

        “Are you okay? I’m not hurting you, am I?”

        “I’m fine. You’re perfect. It doesn’t hurt,” He cradled my head, kissing me. He thrust inside me; I moaned, pulling him closer with my legs, holding on to him tight. He went slow, matching the rhythm of my hips. He kissed my lips, my jaw, my neck; His fingers linked with mine, holding them on either side of my head. He came first, continuing to thrust to get me to my orgasm. He continued to kiss me, staying inside my pussy for as long as he could before pulling out and disposing of the condom. He got back in bed, holding me close as we drifted off. In the morning, I woke to him still holding me, my head on his chest. I kissed his lips, causing him to stir and open his eyes. He smiled, kissing me again.

        “Good morning,” he said.

        “A good morning to you too,” Steve rolled me to be on top again, kissing me.

        Music blared, lights flared, and I got to work, heading to the dancefloor to work up a sweat. The big names hadn’t arrived yet, but I managed to dance with Starlight to get her comfortable among the partygoers. To my surprise, she had been worried I was upset about her replacing me. I reassured it wasn’t a problem and pulled her against my body, keeping her away from the Deep’s interest. She danced with me for a half hour, drifting away to talk to other people, leaving me to enjoy myself further.

        Needing a drink, I left the floor a few minutes later, heading to the bar, and flagging down the bartender. He held up a finger to signal he’d be over when he could, currently in the middle of taking a big order at the other side of the bar. As I waited, another woman sidled up to the bar to wait as well. I did a double take, recognizing her immediately.

        “You’re Queen Maeve. I’ve seen you with Homelander,” I greeted her.

        “Just Maeve. You’re weather girl. I’m sorry. Your name has escaped me,” she said.

        “Delilah Leblanc. Is that what they call me? Weather girl? As if I can control the weather. Natural disasters are my specialty. No thunderstorms, rain, or any of that bullshit,” Maeve laughed, tucking strands of her auburn hair behind an ear.

        “Delilah. Pretty name. I don’t think I’ve seen you at these parties before,”

        “Mmm. It might be because I’m usually on the dancefloor. I come off for drinks but that’s all. Besides, you’re off making out with Homelander,” I explained. The bartender came down to us and took our order; a tequila sunrise for me and a whiskey for Maeve. She toyed with the glass, her smile turning into a frown.

        “Are you okay? Is Homie giving you a hard time?” I asked.

        “Not anymore. We broke up. A couple of days ago before Starlight’s induction to the team,” she answered.

        “Oh. I’m sorry to hear that,” She nodded. “Want to dance it out? I’ve heard its great therapy,” I continued. She turned to face me, looking me up and down, taking me in.

        “You know what? Sure. I’d love to,” I pulled her to the dancefloor, drinks in hand and held her close to me as we jammed out. We both let go, the music flowing through our bodies and not giving a fuck to our problems or worries. We finished our drinks, pausing to put the glasses back on the bar and continued our fun.

        As the night went on, we got closer, our bodies grinding on top of each other to keep others away from us. At one point, Maeve turned my body to face her, yanking me as close as possible. Out of nowhere or perhaps feeling the unspoken chemistry between us, she kissed me, both hands cupping my face. Shock froze me and she pulled back sensing it.

        “I’m sorry. You’re so beautiful and I want to have some fun. I didn’t mean to step over any boundaries. I understand if you want to say no,” she told me.

        “It’s okay,” I said. She lowered her hands to walk away, but I grabbed her to kiss her again, making my intentions known. Her hands tangled in my hair, my arms encasing her shoulders. I pulled back, smiling.

        “Want to get out of here?” Maeve nodded and I laced my fingers through hers, tugging her off the floor and to the elevators. We waited for it to arrive, getting in when one of the doors opened. Stepping inside, I pressed the button to take us to the parking garage where my car was located. The doors closed and she was on me, pushing me against the wall, kissing me. Her hands roamed, groping me, and squeezing my ass, her tongue explored creating an explosive heat inside me.

        We made out until the elevator stopped, pausing to walk to my car. I drove out of the garage and to my apartment, going up to my floor. I opened my door, inviting her inside, and closing and locking it behind me. Maeve descended on me again, this time slow and teasing. She toyed with the hem of my shirt, slipping her hands under it to squeeze my breasts still held in my bra. She pulled down the fabric, folding it under my breasts to run her thumbs over my nipples, squeezing them to make them harden under her touch. I gasped, allowing her access to my mouth, her tongue sliding in to explore. I moaned as she gave me nipples a gentle twist, my knees almost buckling. She pulled back, smirking when I whimpered, wanting more.

        “Bedroom?” she asked. I pointed behind me and she pulled me towards it, opening the door and dragging me to the bed. She pushed me onto it, climbing on top of me. Her lips met mine again, her hands pulling off my top. She released my breasts from the bra, tossing both to the floor. Maeve moved her lips to my jaw, then to my neck, sucking and nibbling a spot there. She trailed a line down to the center of my chest, moving to capture a nipple in her mouth. I moaned as she toyed with it, moving to the next, her hands sliding down to unbutton my jeans. She unzipped them, pulling back to strip me of them, coming back to kiss me, one her hands sliding into my underwear. She spread my folds apart, rubbing circles against my clit. I moaned, rocking against her palm as she worked me. Maeve slipped two fingers into my core, slowly pumping in and out.

        My orgasm built, hips bucking as I came undone. She pulled away and removed my underwear, lowering her mouth to my pussy after she disposed of the thin fabric. She kept my thighs spread wide, kneading the muscle as I trembled beneath her. She lapped at me slow, pleasure coursing through my body. I clenched the sheets in my fist, eyes rolling in the back of my head as I cried out her name. Sweat began to form on my skin while she ate me out, another orgasm beginning to build.

        “Fuck! Maeve, keep going,” I told her. Her tongue slipped into my core, making me arch up, moaning loudly. One hand reached up to grope my breast, pinching my nipple every now and then. I reached another climax, Maeve continuing to lick me as I came down from my high. She came up to kiss me; I tasted myself on her lips, wanting to get a taste of her next. I tugged at her shirt, desperate to get her naked. She didn’t hesitate and rushed to get the rest of her clothes off. When she got back on top, I flipped her, kissing a trail down her body, pausing to suck and bite certain places, leaving my mark on her. I spread her legs apart with a knee, inserting two fingers inside, stroking her. She let out a moan, a louder one when I put my mouth on her clit, sucking it. Her hands fisted in my hair, tugging it a little. I pumped in and out faster, adding a third finger, stretching her. Maeve’s hips rocked against my face as she panted and moaned, eventually coming to a release. I came back up to kiss her, my fingers fucking her to another orgasm. She reached between us to play with me, our releases hitting at the same time.

        We ended tangled up together, her head on my chest while I stroked her hair and back. She propped up on an elbow, reaching across me to grab my phone. She typed in her phone number, sending a text so that she would have mine.

        “If you need anything, please call or text. For anything. Including wanting to have some more fun,” she told me. I nodded and she curled back into me, both of us falling asleep together.

           A few days later, I got a text from Maeve to meet up for some lunch. I agreed and we talked over sandwiches and coffee, going back to my place to have sex again. We met up like this a few times, but there were other times we hung out and watched movies or tv shows. We got to know each other, and I started to notice a fluttering in my chest every time I would see her. Shoving those down, I tried to remain neutral to the arrangement we had. I saw it as I was her go-to sex girl when she needed a good fuck. Then came the night, she showed up with no text or call wanting to be distracted. I did my best and she stayed over for a few days not wanting to return to the tower. Around this time, I noticed the fluttering was now becoming a problem. It was no longer something I could ignore. This time, I realized I was starting to fall in love with her.

        The one time I wanted to tell her was the day she texted to say we couldn’t meet up any longer because she was back with Elena, a former flame of hers she had before she started dating Homelander. We would still text, our friendship still intact, but a sadness had come over me with the news. I wanted her to be happy, but I wanted her to be with me instead. A few months went by, and she hadn’t texted as often, making me wonder if I would hear from her again. A few more nights later, a familiar number scrolled across my screen. I answered it, thinking nothing of it.

        “Hi, Maeve,”

        “Can I come over?” she asked. I should tell her no, I thought.

        “Sure,” I said. 20 minutes later, she was at my door and looked like she had been crying.

        “Are you okay?” I asked, pulling her into my arms.

        “Yeah. I’m fine,” she pulled back, capturing my lips into a kiss. I gave in at first, wanting nothing more than to kiss her, but a thought crossed my mind.

        “Aren’t you with Elena?” Maeve nodded and I stepped back from her.

        “We had a fight. She’s with her sister right now. Homelander made our relationship public and she’s having difficulties being in the spotlight with me right now. She wanted to see the real me, so I showed her. She flinched away from me. I wouldn’t hurt her. I’m not like that,” she explained.

        “What do you mean? What’s the real you?” Maeve sighed, walking past me to flip my coffee table. It broke, but it didn’t bother me all that much. Her super strength: the one thing she only used in emergency situations. It also made her sexy in my eyes.

        “Wow. You know, that’s very hot,” I told her. She blinked at me in surprise.

        “You’re not afraid? You don’t think I will hurt you?”

        “You forget I’m also a supe. I like this side of you Maeve. I’d like you whether you had powers or not. It takes a little more than super strength to scare me,” She kissed me again, her hands going under my shirt. I moved her hands away, trying to put distance between us. She was upset and doing something reckless.

        “Maeve, we shouldn’t. Think of Elena. I know you love her,” I told her.

        “Please. Distract me for a little while. I love her, but I need you right now. Please, Delilah. Just this once,” she begged. As hard as I tried, I couldn’t resist her and gave into the temptation. I pulled off my shirt and bra, letting her touch me and kiss me. She moved us back into the bedroom, stripping off her clothes and ridding me of the rest of mine. She pushed me on the bed, spreading my legs to run her hands along the inside of my thighs, before inserting a finger inside my cunt.

        “You’re so wet. Is this all for me?” she asked. I nodded and she pulled back, rummaging through my nightstand for some toys. She pulled out nipple clamps that had a chain connecting them, a longer one running down them. She clipped them on letting the longer chain rest between my legs. Maeve pushed two fingers inside me this time, pumping in and out while she pulled on the chain, tugging on my nipples. I gasped spreading my legs wider for her to insert a third finger. She got me close to the edge, pulling out and replacing her fingers with a dildo on the highest speed. I moaned loud as I came, Maeve removing it and straddling my hips. She lifted my hands above my head, handcuffing them, then tying my feet down, keeping me spread wide for her.

        She pulled out ball gag, gagging me, moving her hands down to my ass, probing me there. I moaned, whimpering as she removed her finger and lubed up a butt plug. She lifted my hips, inserting it, and starting up the dildo again. She set it on the lowest speed, sliding it into me, going slow and pulling on the nipple clamps again. Intense pleasure slammed into me as she worked through the different speeds, fucking me hard. I came in waves as she kept going with the dildo, alternating with pullng on the chain until she was satisfied. She released me and allowed me to pleasure her, this lasting until the early morning hours.

        We met up like this a few times while Elena was still out of town, fucking each other senseless. A week later, I learned that there was another fight that led to them breaking up. That night she showed up, pulling me into a hug. We cuddled and she reached up to kiss me.

        “Maeve. You’re in no condition to do this,” I told her.

        “Take my mind off it,” she commanded. Her touch had a hold on me, and I melted into her. I stripped her bare and had my way with her. I took my time, making her crave each touch, each kiss, each lick. She toyed with me too, an entanglement of limbs in my bed at the end of it.

        “Why did she break up with you anyway?” I asked.

        “It’s not important,” she answered.

        “She didn’t find out about us, did she?”

        “No. It doesn’t matter,” she answered. I let the subject go, thinking she would tell me into her own time, but soon Maeve grew distant and would snap whenever I’d ask for the answer.

        “What the fuck? I thought we were close enough to tell each other anything,” I threw in her face.

        “We are. I don’t understand why you want to know. It’s done. It’s over. Why can’t you move past it?” she argued.

        “I’m worried it’s because she found about the affair. Or something worse,”

        “It’s not because of us. Let it go,”

        “Do you not trust me? It can’t be that bad. Why do you avoid the question? I’ve given you plenty of time to tell me, but you haven’t. Am I delusional into thinking that we’re friends? Or am I just your fuck buddy? You’ve become distant with me. Are you not satisfied? Are you bored with me?” I snapped.

        “No. You won’t understand. Please let it go. I don’t know why you care so much,” Maeve stated. I’d had enough.

        “Dammit. I love you, Maeve. That’s why I care. Clearly, you don’t feel the same way. I feel all you want from me is quick fuck and then you’re done. If that’s what you want from me, then I’m telling you now that I can’t do this anymore. I’m leaving. Goodbye, Maeve,” I told her. I left her speechless as I walked from her door.

  1 Year Later

        A knock sounded at my door. I opened it to a familiar face.

        “Maeve? What are you doing here?” I asked. One year with no texts, no calls. I still loved her, but I figured our time was done after our huge fight. It was surprise to find her at my door once again.

        “Do you truly love me?” she asked. I nodded. She walked in, closing my door and locking it.

        “I need to show you something. It’s what I should have showed you before,” She brought me to the couch, pulling out her phone. She pulled up a video, giving it to me to watch. It was of a plane crash her and Homelander were involved in. I watched as he threatened some of the passengers, as she begged him to save one or two people, as they flew off leaving those passengers behind.

        “This is why Elena, and I broke up. The ultimate factor. Among other things. I thought you would leave me if I showed you. I thought maybe you wouldn’t understand like she didn’t I didn’t want to lose you, but in doing that I caused some distance to get in between us. I was afraid you might hate me too,” She explained.

        “Is he always this evil?” I asked.

        “He’s worse. We’re trying to stop him. Billy Butcher and his boys. I could use someone to help me through this. Someone to give me comfort. I hoped it might be you,”

        “You tried to save them. Why wouldn’t he let you?”

        “He thought they would tell everyone he let most of them die. Delilah, did you hear what I said?”

        “You want me? Even after I left you?”

        “I realized that when you left, I made mistake in not trusting you enough to show you that. In that time, I realized I loved you and not Elena. You supported me where she didn’t,” she said. I pulled her into a kiss.

        “I love you too, Maeve. I always have. I’ll be glad to be with you through this. Maybe I can even help a little,” She pulled me back in for another kiss, my tongue swiping over her bottom lip, begging for entrance. She let me in, her hands gripping the end of shirt, lifting it. I let her pull it off me, going for hers. I pushed her back onto the couch, removing her bra and tossing it to the floor. I latched on to a breast, nipping and sucking her, making her moan. She pushed me off, dragging me to a wall, removing my pants and underwear. She knelt, spreading my legs, and put her mouth on my pussy. My hands tangled in her hair as she licked me, moaning loud when I reached my climax. She came back up and I switched positions, going down on her, then moving her to a table to continue feasting on her.

        After she came again, she pulled me up and towards my bedroom to continue fucking each other, taking turns until we ended up in each other’s arms, a sweaty mess from our actions.

        “I love you, Delilah. Stay with me,” Maeve told me. I kissed the top of her head.

        “You can treat her with respect and kindness. None of your usual Homelander bullshit,”

        “Great. Got it. Nothing to shame Vought, am I right? Can I go now?”

        “Don’t you want to meet her? She arrived 15 minutes early to go over some last-minute paperwork and to see you after this meeting,” Ashley stated. I gritted my teeth in a smile.

        “Sure. Bring her in,” I answered. Ashley got up and moved to the doors of the conference room and opened them. In walked a petite woman with waist length, dirty blonde hair. Her eyes were a deep, stormy blue. Her lips were full, plush, and pink. I swallowed, already nervous. Why am I nervous? I thought. I got up to approach them, the girl turning those gorgeous eyes to me.  

        “Homelander, this is Charlotte Watson. Charlotte this is Homelander. You get to assist the leader of the Seven,” Ashley introduced us.

        “Hi. It’s nice to meet you, Charlotte,” I said, extending my hand.

        “Charlie, please. Everyone calls me Charlie. Would you mind removing your glove?” she said.

        “Why?”

        “I prefer skin to skin contact when shaking hands,”

        “Oh. Alright,” I removed one glove and held out my hand again. She took it, shaking it in a professional manner. The jolt of electricity that went through me caused my body to tense, fighting a combination of nerves and desire. The emptiness I felt when she let got hit me like a train, but I shrugged it off as they went over a few things.

        “You’ll have Fridays off, but on call over the weekend in case of promotional activities or events the Seven must attend. How early can you be up and ready to work?” Ashley commented.

        “Would 7 o’clock work?” Charlie asked.

        “Perfect. You’ll be an hour later than when Homelander gets up. You’ll need to prepare breakfast for him and then go over the activities of the day. Should he need you, he can text you or call you, so be ready to get what he wants. You’re allowed three weeks of paid vacation. Don’t take them all at one time…” I zoned out, looking over Charlie.

        She was breathtaking and I found my mind wandering to places it shouldn’t. I imagined how she would look in my bed, splayed out on the sheets, my head between her legs. I imagined how she would feel with my cock buried inside her. How she would taste, how soft…

        “Homelander? Hello?” Ashley said.

        “Huh? What? Did you say something?”

        “I asked if you needed her for anything at this moment?”

        “Oh, uh…” Stop thinking naughty thoughts. “No. I can’t think of anything. Maybe later,” I answered.

        “Okay. Well, I’ll show Charlie to her room and give her tour around the tower,” They left the room, leaving me and Stan alone together. He approached me, clasping his hands behind his back.

        “Behave Homelander. You don’t want to find out the consequences should you choose not to,” he warned. He left the room, leaving me with my thoughts. Behaving might be harder than I thought.

  Charlie’s POV

        Ashley showed me around Vought tower before bringing me to my room which I would be moving into tomorrow.

        “I hope you won’t be intimidated. Homelander is a big deal around here. We wouldn’t want you to get overwhelmed,” she told me.

        “I’ll be fine. I doubt he’ll give me too much trouble. When should I be here to move my things into the building?” I stated.

        “No later than 8 a.m. If you would like, I can have some staff members help you with the furniture,”

        “That would be great. Thanks,” We continued to the outside going over a few more things before she let me return to my apartment for the last night.

  The Next Morning

Homelander’s POV

        There was movement in the tower. Movement that wasn’t normal for what went around the tower. It caught my attention and I figured I needed to investigate what was going on. People were carrying furniture down the hallway where the Seven usually slept. I followed them and noticed them carrying the items into an open doorway. Ashley was standing by making sure they weren’t breaking anything or scratching up the walls.

        “What’s going on? Are we redecorating?” I asked.

        “Charlie is moving in today. I’m supervising so they don’t break anything,”

        “Can I help?”

        “You will have to take it up with her. She’s running the show,”

        I entered the room and saw Charlie directing the staff members on where to put her furniture. She caught my gaze and shot me a smile.

        “Good morning, Homelander. What can I help you with?” she greeted me.

        “Do you need assistance unpacking?”

        “Sure, but there are some boxes I rather you not touch,”

        “Fair enough, but I hope you know I have x-ray vision and will be able to see anything you don’t want me to see either way,” A blush bloomed on her cheeks taking in my words. “Any lingerie or vibrators you have won’t be hidden from my view. Do you have anything like that?” I continued, moving towards her. The blush deepened, but she handed me a box.

        “That goes in the dresser in the corner. You’re welcome to help assemble the bed as well,” I nodded and got work, arranging things for her. When I finished one task, she gave me another until we were the only two in the room. I opened another box and found a collection of various “toys”.

        “What does this do?” I asked, holding one up.

        “Huh? Oh. Uh, nothing. Give me that box, please,” she stated.

        “No, no. Please enlighten me on some of these fun devices,” I said, moving it out of her reach.

        “I…well, that one stimulates both the clit and the g-spot,” she said. She grabbed the box from me, placing it on the bed. Taking the toy from my hand, she turned it on; this surprised me because I thought she wouldn’t have taken me up on my teasing.

        “Take off your gloves. I’ll let you feel the different speeds,” Heat spread over me, but I did as she asked, placing my gloves on the bed, placing my thumb on one end and my forefinger on the other. She cycled through the speeds and rhythms. I grew hotter…and harder. I picked up another toy.

        “These?” She opened the item and clipped it my finger, yanking it off making me wince…yet I was turned on.

        “Nipple clamps,” she said. I stepped closer, another one in my hand. “What about this?” Her breathing increased, her heartbeat picking up.

        “It’s meant to mimic oral sex on a woman,” she answered.

        “Is that so?” She nodded and I leaned down…no. I’m not allowed to touch her. I backed up, putting space between us. I handed the toy back to Charlie, excusing myself from the room. Later that night, I stripped down to nothing and masturbated to the thoughts of her pleasuring herself while I watched.

  2 Weeks Later

Charlie’s POV

        Assisting Homelander appeared to go well despite the long hours and busy schedule. It took me three days to get used to his routine; breakfast, meeting if he had any, lunch, any promotional things, dinner and then sleep. Some nights, he would request a random item or food in the middle of the night, or he needed company.

         One morning, I messed up by making his bed. I feared he would be upset, but he took it rather well.

        “Don’t do it again,” he ground out, though it looked as if he was struggling not to yell.

        “Right. Noted. Anything else I should know?” I asked. He had begun to walk away, freezing at my question.

        “What?” he asked.

        “Is there anything I should know about how you like things? I want to make sure I’m doing things right by you and your standards,”

        “Um…I don’t know. I would like fresh, warm towels in the morning for my showers. Could you also change up the breakfast in the morning? I’d rather not have the same thing throughout the week. Two days in a row is okay, but maybe spice things up a bit. Do you have a notepad on you? I’d like to go over what I like to have at events,” he told me. I pulled out one from my backpack I carried with me during the day. We sat down to discuss a list of food and drink he wanted when at events or shoots when he had to do them. This would become important for the upcoming event in a few days. Especially the one for tomorrow. Last night, we had gathered in the conference room for a meeting about it. There I met the rest of the Seven before we got on topic.

        A promotional event filled with commercial shoots, signings, and photos. Starlight was putting on show for the fans, caterers were being brought in to serve the team, and extra help would be added for them, so all the assistants weren’t worked to death.

        “Charlie, I’m going to need you to not only be available for Homelander, but to flow between him, Maeve, and Starlight. Homelander will be your focus of course, but I would like to see how you interact with the rest of the team. Sound good?”

        “No problem,” I agreed.

          The day had started off great; Homelander was happy, the rest of the team in a good mood. I was called away to help Maeve that things started to go south. They had one other person helping me with Homelander and I thought I had left him in good hands. I grabbed water and sandwich for the red head and talked with her for a few minutes.

        “How are you liking working alongside Homelander?” she asked.

        “It’s great. I’ve had a few mistakes, but I fixed those. He’s busy, so I go with him everywhere, but it’s not too bad,”

        “He hasn’t threatened you, has he? He can kind of explode if things don’t go his way,”

        “No, he’s been reasonable about things,”

        “Interesting. He must like you or Vought does. I wonder if they laid out rules for him to abide by,” she commented.

        “Maybe,” I said. At this moment, things had begun to get out of control. We heard things being thrown around and yelling coming from Homelander’s tent.

        “I think you had better go see what’s that is about,” I nodded and made a beeline to Homelander.

        “Are you insane? What makes you think I want this? It tastes awful and it’s not what I requested,” he shouted, tossing a bacon croissant to the ground. The other assistant backed up, cowering from Homelander.

        “They didn’t have what you requested. I don’t know how you’ll be able to eat anything if you don’t want what they have on the menu. I can get you a blueberry muffin if you want,” Not good, dude. Bad suggestion, I thought. As expected, Homelander went off on the guy.

        “A muffin? I don’t want a muffin. Where’s my kale smoothie?  What about an egg sandwich? Fuck! You’re giving me a headache. Can’t you do anything right?” Homelander snapped. He threw his chair across the tent; it broke when it hit the ground. “Fuck! Look what you made me do,” Next came the backhand across the assistant’s cheek.

        “You can’t hit us. It’s not allowed,” Stop talking.

        “I’m Homelander. I can do whatever the fuck I want,” Time I stepped in.

        “Is there anything I can do to help you?” I asked.

        “He wants a kale smoothie and now an egg sandwich. It was a cheese and meat plate before,” the assistant said.

        “Why didn’t you get what he wanted?” I asked.

        “They didn’t have what he wanted. I got a substitution,” the other assistant told me.

        “Get out. You’re making things worse. I’ll take care of this,” I commanded. The assistant shuffled off and I had Homelander take a seat before I ran off to the catering service. We figured out a way to make both the egg sandwich and the charcuterie board of cheese and meat.

        “What about the smoothie?” I asked.

        “We don’t have-,”

        “No. Wrong answer. He wants a kale smoothie. You need to figure out how to get that for him. Make some calls. Now,” I ordered. They called another branch of their service and had some brought over to make the smoothie. I carried it over to him and had him take some pain killers with the smoothie to ease the headache.

        “Would you mind giving me a massage? My shoulders are killing me,” he stated.

        “Sure. I can do that,” I told him. I had someone remove his cape and moved to place my hands on his shoulders.

        “How much pressure would you like me to use?”

        “As much as you can,” I squeezed tight, kneading the muscle to loosen him up a bit.

        “You’re on in 15 minutes,” I reminded him.

        “I need more time,”

        “Alright,” I paused the massage to text Ashley to postpone Homelander’s section another 30 minutes. She agreed and I worked Homelander’s massage deeper to relieve him of his foul mood.

        “I’m ready. Thank you,” he told. He was the last of the day and around 6, we headed back to the tower, a pizza feast waiting for us. I grabbed a few pieces and retired to my room. A knock sounded at my door and Stan Edgar stood outside of it when I opened it.

        “Well done. You managed to calm one of Homelander’s tantrums. We’re pleased with your work so far. Keep it up,” he told me.

        “Thank you, sir,” I said. A few hours later, I headed to bed, prepared for what came next.

   1 month later

Homelander’s POV – 4 a.m.

        I thirsted for milk. Picking up the phone, I texted Charlie my request. Half an hour later, she knocked at my door. I let her in, and she put down three bags of milk.

        “I didn’t know what kind you wanted, so I grabbed every kind I could find.  Whole milk, soy milk, 2%, skim, almond milk, oat milk. Anything you don’t want, I’ll put downstairs in the team fridge,” she told me.

        “I’ll take the whole milk, the 2% and the oat milk,” I said. She shifted the three into my mini fridge and disappeared downstairs to store the other unwanted cartons. When she returned, she had a mug in her hands.

        “Your request tonight? Hot or cold?”

        “Whole milk. Warm,” She put the other two cartons away, pouring me some of the desired milk and heated it up for 30 seconds, handing me the mug to put away the last carton.

        “Anything else?”

        “Stay? Keep me company?” She slid into the covers beside me, nothing but silence in the room. At one point her head fell onto my shoulder, surprising me. I finished the milk and lifted her head to shift her body to lay flat against the mattress, her head on the pillow. I shut out the light and allowed myself to curl up beside Charlie and fell asleep.

 8 A.M.

Charlie’s POV

        My alarm jolted me awake and I found myself still in Homelander’s room. He wasn’t there; I guessed getting his workout in. I shut off the alarm and five seconds later he called me.

        “What do you need?” I answered.

        “Come down to the pool. Bring a swimsuit and an extra towel from the linen closet,” he told me.

        “Okay. I’ll be down in ten minutes,” I returned to my room, changed, grabbed a towel, and went down to the shared pool to find Homelander standing on the deck, his arms crossed.

        “Good morning. I would like the pool to myself this morning,” he greeted me. What was the point of having me put on a swimsuit then? I thought. I caught myself staring at his sculpted chest and cleared my throat.

        “You want me to kick these people out of the pool?”

        “Precisely,” I sighed and approached the first person, a man I recognized from the I.T. department.

        “Out. Homelander wants to swim,” I ordered. The man scoffed and kept swimming.

        “He’s not allowed to prevent anyone from sharing the pool,” he argued.

        “He’s Homelander. What he wants, goes. Get out. You’re wasting my time and his,” I snapped back. The man grumbled, hoisting himself out and leaving the facility, flipping me off. Wow, these people are so much fun. I walked over to where the Deep was swimming next.

        “Deep, out. Homelander wants the pool to himself,”

        “But…”

        “Out, now,” One by one every person I approached left the pool, leaving me alone with Homelander.

        “Perfect. Join me?” he said when I came back to his side.

        “I don’t think I’m allowed to get in with-,”

        “Sure, you are. You deserve it,” he cut me off. I climbed in, swimming with him. At first, we kept our distance. Then he swam up behind me, his hands on my waist.

        “Feel good?” he questioned. I turned to face him. I nodded, my heart hammering in my chest. I knew I shouldn’t be crushing on him, but he had my stomach turning in knots every time I was around him and I wanted nothing more than to have him take me in bed.

        “Homelander. We have a meeting,” Edgar’s voice called out. Homelander removed his hands and hopped out of the pool, disappearing down the hallway.

 11 A.M.

Homelander’s POV

        “You’re treading dangerous waters. Don’t put your hands on Miss Watson again,” Stan warned me.

        “I wasn’t doing anything inappropriate,” I defended myself.

        “You have rules. Obey them,” I sighed and joined the meeting. A new event; puppies and interviews at Vought University. I tried my best to listen, but I kept drifting off to thoughts about Charlie.

        “Homelander, are you listening?” Maeve asked.

        “Yeah, yeah. Puppies, interviews, interactions. Wait. Puppies?”

        “Yeah. What’s wrong? You’ve gone pale,”

        “Nothing. It’s fine,” I said. This wasn’t fine. Not fine at all.

  Three Weeks Later

Charlie’s POV

        Puppy interviews. A fun event. Though something seemed to be bothering Homelander.

        “Are you okay? Homelander?” I asked.

        “Yes. Why wouldn’t I be?” he answered. More like hissed.

        “You look upset about something. You’re not yourself,”

        “I’m fine,” he snapped. His expression softened when I flinched back. “I apologize. I’m okay. Thank you for checking on me,” he said. We continued to the front lawn of the Vought University where we were brought to this afternoon. There were rows upon rows of puppies in kennels. For the students it was a much-needed break from their studies and exams. For us, it was something we had to bring inspiration for and showcase that the heroes cared about something other than human beings. A trainer led us to our kennel, which was full of husky puppies. They looked like a bunch of fluff balls playing together. I stepped in, but Homelander froze, his face going pale.

        “Hey, are you okay? Come on in,” I told him.

        “I can’t. I’m afraid,” he said.

        “You’re…afraid,” I took his hand in mine. “Come here. It’s okay. I’ve got you. Sit down,” I coaxed him. He took a ragged breath, sitting down. His hands shook and he flinched when some of the pups came to sit on his lap. I squeezed his hand, reminding him I was still here for him.

        “Easy. Relax. I’ve got you. Pet his head,” Homelander took a deep breath, letting me guide his hand over one of the puppies. One of the hosts came over, but I waved him away, trying to calm Homelander and get him used to the puppies.

        “Tell me when you’re ready and I’ll get someone back over,” I told him.

        “Five more minutes,” As the calm rushed over him, I motioned for a host to come back for his interview. We waited for the rest of the team to finish up, holding puppies in our laps.

        “Thank you for being patient with me,” he said.

        “You’re welcome. Thank you for letting me help you,” I told him. The next event would end up with him saving my life and an encounter that would get him in trouble.

  The Following Week

Charlie’s POV

        Another promotional event arrived, and they had me attending to both Homelander and Starlight, mainly Starlight this time. Homelander needed to give a speech at the end of the event, so we needed to maintain his good mood. Since they kept me near Starlight, I couldn’t see how things were going. I hoped they were going well; Spoiler alert, they weren’t. A commotion broke out during a conversation with Starlight about her background and everyone was staring towards an area in the back.

        “Charlie, we need help. Homelander is throwing a major fit. Get over here. Now,” Ashley’s voice cut through the ear comm. I ran over to see him throwing stuff around, the other assistants cowering behind a table. Ashley found me and pulled me to the side.

        “The catering people screwed up big time. I know you gave them his list, but they refused to bring any of the things he wanted. He’s pissed off, hence the throwing stuff. I don’t know how you’ll get him calm this time,” she said. She ripped a piece of her hair out and I winced as the strand fell to the ground.

        “Let me make some calls. Give me two hours. I’ll see what I can do,” I stayed off to the side, planning with more compliant catering services. I gave them the list and they were able to run things down to the stadium where we were in 45 minutes. Once handled, I went up to Homelander and grabbed hold of his arm, pulling him with me.

        “Listen to me. I’ve got a new company coming in 45 minutes. They’ve agreed to do everything I’ve asked. Just for you. I’m going to need you to calm down. Come with me to your trailer,” I told him. He followed me there and I sat on the couch.

        “Lay your head in my lap,” I said.

        “What?”

        “Lay your head in my lap. I have an idea,” Homelander stretched out, placing his head onto my thighs, my hands carding through his hair. He hummed in pleasure as I kept combing through, easing his mind.

        “You can close your eyes if you want,” I told him. He blinked and shut them, letting out a sigh. I kept going, massaging his head every so often. His body relaxed; his breathing evened out. Homelander had fallen asleep in my lap. An hour later, a knock sounded at the trailer, Ashley walking in when I said come in.

        “The food has arrived. When he’s eaten and drank something, we’re going to need him out on the stage,” she told me. I nodded and shook Homelander slightly.

        “Homelander? Sweetie, wake up,” I coaxed the sleeping man in my lap. He stirred and opened his eyes. He yawned, stretching before he got up. I relayed the message and he nodded, leaving the trailer. She shot me a surprised look as he passed by her.

        “He’s completely blissed out. What the fuck did you do to him?” she asked.

        “I’ve been told I have magic fingers,” I said, wiggling them at her. We went to where Homelander was eating one of his special-made sandwiches and drinking a peach smoothie. He cleaned his mouth and walked up on stage to give his speech, captivating the audience’s attention.

  Homelander’s POV

        Charlie worked her magic to calm me, and I never felt more relaxed in my life. I went on stage to give the pre-planned speech about togetherness and how I planned to keep the world safe. Once done, I got off and noticed Charlie talking to one of the assistants to Starlight. I smiled as I looked at her, a strange feeling starting to take hold. I think I liked her more than I first thought. I wanted her. I needed her. I craved the taste of her. As I continued to watch them, a loud noise erupted from above us. A noise that shouldn’t have sounded in the first place.

        It had been windy today and the large billboard sign near the stage swayed for a little bit. This time the sturdiness gave way and the sound of metal creaking and bending echoed throughout the stadium as it fell off the pole holding it, careening to land on the ground. Though, Charlie and the assistant were in its path. Screams echoed, the two looking up in horror as they watched their deaths play out. Time seemed to slow, and I chose Charlie. I couldn’t save both. Vought needed her, I needed her. I flew towards her, scooping her body in my arms and flew her out of harm’s way. The other guy was crushed beneath the heavy sign, more screams coming from people.

        “Are you okay?” I asked Charlie. She nodded and looked at the spot she had been standing a second before.

        “I’m sorry. I couldn’t save you both. You’re too valuable to Vought,” To me. I couldn’t voice the last thought. She touched my face, stroking her thumb across my cheek. It took all my strength not to melt into her touch.

        “Thank you,” I put her down on the ground, backing up to check over her. I held her hand, pulling her towards my table with food on it. I didn’t notice the cable, tripping over it. I yanked her down with me and landed on my back, our faces now inches apart. Her blonde hair fell in a curtain over one shoulder, both of us breathing hard. The way she landed had her legs straddling my hips, her pussy right against my cock. I knew I was getting hard, hoping she wouldn’t move and get me harder.

        “Minty,” she said, catching me off guard.

        “Excuse me?” I asked.

        “Your breath,” she answered. I laughed and pushed some of her hair behind her ear, cupping the back of her head. She took a sharp intake of breath and I leaned in a little, wanting to close the distance, wanting to kiss her.

        “Homelander! Charlie! Are you guys, okay?” Ashley’s voice cut through the moment. Charlie got off me, helping me up.

        “We’re fine,” she said. I nodded and we left the ground, returning to the tower. Later in the night, when we thought we were alone, an encounter would create more longing between us.

 Charlie’s POV

        Everyone had left the tower to go out on the town; Homelander and I had opted out, but he told me I would have the night off. The events of the day had me restless and I tried to work out to relieve some of the adrenaline rushing through my veins. I tried to block out the memory of him almost kissing me. I would have let him, wanting to feel his lips on mine. It worked for about an hour, before I was up again. Craving a soda, I headed down to the kitchen passing by the living room. As I entered, I notice Homelander had the TV on, and he was sitting down…naked. Passing by him, I tried my best to avert my eyes, but not before I saw him jerking off. He caught my gaze, his eyes widening. He stopped what he was doing and flew over to me.

        Fuck! I’m sorry. I didn’t think you would come down here,” he said.

        “No, no. I’m sorry. I should have knocked. I’m getting a drink and then I’ll be out of your hair. Excuse me,” I walked to the fridge, grabbed a drink, and headed to the doors to the hallway. Homelander took hold of my arm, stopping me in my tracks.

        “Charlie, I’m truly sorry. You weren’t meant to see me like this. Forgive me,” he said.

        “It’s okay. I should leave you alone. She’s a lucky girl to have you thinking about her. Goodnight, Homelander,”

        “Charlie…” he let go and I left the room, staying in my chambers for the remainder of the night. We didn’t know someone had witnessed our interaction and would go to Edgar.

  The Next Morning

Homelander’s POV

        I was jolted awake by a presence at the foot of my bed. Stan Edgar pinned me in place by a glare.

        “Get dressed. Meeting room, now,” he said. By his tone, something was wrong. Remembering what happened last night with Charlie had my blood chilled to the bone. What if she had reported me? Fuck! I apologized and still she does this. I dressed and made my way to the conference room, where both Ashley and Edgar were waiting for me.

        “What is this about?” I asked.

        “We received a report that you inappropriate towards Miss Watson. You were naked and apparently masturbating in her presence. You violated our rules, Homelander,” Edgar stated.

        “I already apologized to her. It was a mistake. Something that won’t happen again,” I said.

        “No, it won’t. We’re taking her out of your service for a week. She’ll be attending to Maeve instead. This is your punishment. Dismissed,” Ashley ordered. I stormed from the room and headed to the roof. I passed Charlie on the way; she flashed a smile at me. I grabbed her arm and hauled her with me to the elevator.

        “Ow. Let go. What’s gotten into you today?” she said.

        “As if you don’t know. I apologized for my actions last night. Why the fuck would you feel the need to report me to Edgar and Ashley?” I snapped.

        “What are you talking about? I didn’t-,”

        “Have fun with Maeve this week. I hope you’re fucking happy,” I growled. She pushed past me, hitting the emergency stop button on the elevator.

        “Do not take that tone with me. What the fuck are you on about? I didn’t report you. It wasn’t your fault. I didn’t knock when I came down and walked in on you. I accepted your apology. I don’t have a clue who fucking reported you, but it wasn’t me. Don’t take it out on me,” she snapped back.

        “You…You didn’t report me? But…” I sighed. “I’m sorry. I thought you had gotten me in trouble. I guess I should have checked in with you first,” I grumbled. She reached past me to make the elevator resume its course.

        “Apology accepted. What’s this about Maeve?”

        “They removed you from my service. You’re to cater to Maeve’s needs this week,”

        “Ah. That’s how they punished you. What a bummer. I love Maeve, but I much prefer you,” I chuckled and backed her into a corner of the elevator.

        “Homelander? I-,”

        “Keep me in your thoughts, will you?” I asked. She nodded. Her heartbeat had picked up, her breathing shallow. It wasn’t fear, but something else. I think it was an attraction to me. I picked up one of her hands, kissing the top of it.

        “Have a good day,” I said. The elevator doors opened, and I stepped out, bumping into the Deep.

        “Didn’t you learn your lesson the first time. There are rules Homelander. We all need to abide by them,” he said. He joined Charlie in the elevator as his words hit me. I shoved a hand through, stopping the doors from closing.

        “It was you. You reported me. Why?” I stated.

        “You need to be kept in line. Stay in your boundaries,” he answered. I lunged, but Charlie stepped in between us.

        “Hey, easy. Don’t kill him,” she told me. She turned to the Deep. “You need to know when to mind your own fucking business. You don’t know the whole story. He apologized last night. I accepted it. If you were trying to protect me, I’d rather you didn’t. I can take care of myself,” she stated. She walked out and took the stairs to go about her own day.

   Wednesday Night

Charlie’s POV

        Since I had been working alongside Maeve, I didn’t have much to do. She didn’t need me for a whole lot of tasks. She only called on me for late night snacks and alcohol runs. She didn’t have a busy schedule, and tonight I was free to do what I wanted. Movie night, specifically horror movie night was a frequent choice of mine. I sat in the dark, Destination playing on the TV. As I watched the gruesome deaths play out, someone burst through my door in a panic. Homelander took up the space in the door frame and I paused the movie to stare at him.

        “Did you need something?” I asked.

        “No. I heard screaming. I thought you were in danger,”

        “Oh. You probably heard the movie. It’s a horror one, hence the screaming,” I told him, resuming the film.

        “Right. Sorry,” he said. He didn’t leave lingering in the doorway. A smile pricked at my lips.

        “Do you want to watch it with me?” I asked.

        “Would you mind if I did?” I shook my head.

        “Come in. I’ll start it from the beginning. I’ll be right back. I’m going to make us some popcorn. Do you want something to drink?” He nodded, but followed me to the kitchen anyway, grabbing one of my sodas. He waited patiently for the popcorn to finish popping and joined me in my room. We shrouded ourselves in darkness and restarted the film. He settled in close, eating popcorn and focusing on the movie. One movie turned into a marathon; we got through the third before he left around one in the morning to get some sleep. Whatever feelings I had for him already grew in that moment. Soon, we would act upon them, unable to deny them any longer.

  Saturday Night

Homelander’s POV

        This week had put me in a bad mood. No Charlie except for one night; it was enjoyable but did nothing for my desire for her. My points had dropped a bit and Edgar was still annoyed with me. I did what I did best. Strip naked and ponder things for a while. No one was the tower. I made sure of it. Apparently, I missed one person.

        Sitting in my thoughts, I jumped when Charlie burst through the living room. She took in my appearance, a blush blooming on her cheeks.

        “Fuck. I did it again. I needed to tell you some good news,” she greeted me. I took her in; she wore a striped, silk, blue, button-down night dress. It fell to her knees, the dress conforming to her breasts, making the fabric tight around them, drawing my eye. Her eyes kept drifting down to my cock, the blush deepening when she found what I was already aware of.

        “Yes. Part of that is because of you. What is the good news?” I asked.

        “A couple things. One, I’m back in your service Monday. Two, your points have spiked up a bit. You’re higher than Starlight,” she said. I got up and walked to her. I was impressed when she didn’t step back.

        “Really?”

        “Yeah. Isn’t it amazing?”

        “It is. Thank you for telling me,” I said. I grew harder, the good news only making me more excited.

        “Uh…I should go. Let you take care of that,” she said. She turned, but I wanted her. I desperately needed her and without her, I couldn’t take care of anything.

        “I know you like me. I know you’re attracted to me,” I said. She froze. I stepped closer, taking a risk. “I can hear your heartbeat. It gets faster when you’re around me. Your breathing gets shallower, too,” I continued. I wrapped my arms around her, waiting for her to protest. When she didn’t, I pulled her back against my chest.

        “Are you okay with this? Am I allowed to touch you?” I asked. Better to get permission than go any further. She nodded, more excitement flooding through me. “This is what you do to me. I like you, Charlie. Since our first day,” I admitted. I moved a hand to cup one breast. “I can smell your arousal. I know you want this. Don’t you?”

        “I do. I want you,” she answered. I leaned my head down to her neck, kissing a pulse point. I lifted my head near her ear.

        “I’ll get you off if you get me off,” I whispered. I squeezed her breast to make my point clear. She nodded. I fiddled with one button of her dress.

        “May I unbutton this?”

        “Yes,” she said. I unbuttoned it all the way down, my hand trailing up to play with a nipple. It hardened under my touch, her body arching into mine. I kissed her pulse point again, sucking on it, earning a moan from her lips. My other hand pulled the dress from her body, the silk pooling to the floor. I spread her legs apart with a foot, my free hand slipping around the front to circle her clit. She gasped, her ass pressing against my cock, a moan escaping my own lips. She pulled away and I let her in case something was wrong.

        “Did you change your mind?” I asked.

        “No. I want to get you off first,” she answered. She knelt before me, taking my cock in her hand. I twitched in her hand, moaning when she put it in her mouth. My hands fisted in her hair, guiding her gently down the shaft. Her head bobbed up and down, sucking me off. She cupped my balls with her free hand, fondling them, squeezing them. I grunted as she played with me, groaning as I came inside her mouth. She swallowed and pulled her mouth of my cock, wiping her mouth. I helped her stand, taking her to my room. I had Charlie lay down on the bed, her hair fanning across the pillows. I spread her wide and positioned her hands above her head.

        “Stay there,” I told her. I grabbed some rope out of a hidden trunk, something she had inspired me to have among my collection. I tied her hands together and then to one of the slats connected to my headboard. I tied both ankles to the posts at the end of the bed, keeping her wide in front of me. I nestled my head between her legs, licking a thick stripe up her pussy, Charlie moaning my name. I continued my feast, alternating from licking her to sucking on her. I slipped my tongue inside her core, moving it and out to push her over the edge. I worked her slow until she came on my tongue, lapping at her while she rode the high. Replacing my tongue with my fingers, I moved up to kiss her, changing my pace from slow to fast, pumping in and out, getting her to her second orgasm. I moved off her and went to the fridge, grabbing one of the cartons of milk.

        “May I lick this off your tits?” I asked. She nodded and I poured some over her, coming down to lick and suck it off. I reached up and untied her hands, guiding them down to my cock. She moved them up and down my shaft, getting me off again. I came up to kiss her again, my tongue slipping inside her mouth. I pulled back and grabbed her a towel to clean off with. I untied her feet and sat beside her.

        “Do you want to continue getting each other off? Do you want to have sex with me?” she asked.

        “Yes. Fuck yes,” I answered. I came back to her, kissing her, guiding my cock to her entrance. I slid in slow, until I was buried inside her. I let her adjust to my size, pulling almost all the way out and then slamming back inside, careful not to break her. Her hands tangled in my hair, my hands shifting her legs to wrap around my waist.

        “Hold on tight,” I told her. She did as I asked, and I levitated us up above the sheets. I picked up the pace, shifting us into a sitting position. We fucked in the air, coming down to fuck against the wall, and back to the bed. She flipped me to ride me, my hands pinned above my head. I don’t know what time we finished, but at some point, we had, Charlie snuggling up against me, her head on my chest.

        “Cancel my day tomorrow. I want to continue what we started tonight,” I told her.

        “She’s with me. Waller’s orders,” Rick stated. The guard opened the gate, allowing us through to the parking lot. He parked in his designated spot, and we got out, walking inside.

        “Welcome back, Flag. We’ve missed you,” a tall guy with glasses greeted us.

        “Thanks, John. This is Stella Walker. Stella, meet John Economos. He’s part of the mission control team here,” Rick introduced us.

        “Pleasure to meet you,” I said.

        “You’re the woman he brought back. But why…Waller wants to see her, right?” John stated. Rick nodded and led me to his desk where a file waited for him.

        “She’s gorgeous, Colonel. Do you know why Waller wants to meet her?” another voice said. A blonde female met my gaze and she smiled at me.

        “No idea. Emilia Harcourt, Stella Walker,” he answered.

        “In that case, good luck to both of you,” she said, walking away. Rick offered me his chair, leaning against the edge of his desk. He opened the file, pouring over the information page by page.

        “Flag. I see you’ve brought your house guest as I’ve asked you to,” a dark-skinned woman said. Though she was beautiful, she gave off a presence of “do not fuck with me”. I gathered she must be his boss.

        “I obey orders as they’re given. Stella, meet Amanda Waller. She’s in chard of running Task Force X behind the scenes while I run the missions in the field,” Rick greeted her.

        “Miss Walker. You must be quite something to capture our Colonel’s attention. Though, I can certainly see why. A pretty face to go with the supposed power you possess. I wonder if you can charm anyone else into saving you. Or perhaps the plan was to seduce Flag and distract him from what’s important,” she said. I saw Rick’s body tense at her words.

        “Charm isn’t part of my skill set. Taking on all sorts of pain is. It makes me wonder who hurt you if you love to instill fear into those who work with you. Who cause you so much pain to make you punish a good man for doing what’s right?” I stated.

        “Excuse me?” she asked.

        “I had friends back home who treated me like family. I had people in my life who didn’t scare me. Rick has been nothing but kind to me and I’m glad to call him a wonderful friend. Then, I look at you and I hear the words coming from your mouth and all I see is pain. Maybe I can relieve some of it for you,” I continued. I reached out to her, and she stepped back, flinching away from me.

        “No need to be afraid Amanda. I won’t hurt you. Well, so long as you don’t threaten my friends,” I stated. Silence filled the room, Waller looked at me, assessing my words and my ability carefully. Her lips curled up in a smile.

        “Keep this one around, Flag. She cares about others. She cares about you and damn the person who tries to cause you harm. Including me,” she said. She left the room, entering her office.

        “I guess you have her approval. I wouldn’t try that again, though. She might think differently next time,” Rick said.

        “I’m pretty sure I can handle her,” I joked, tapping his foot gently. “Anyway, does that need a mission? Is it important enough?” He nodded and excused himself to talk to Waller for a few minutes. I struck up a conversation with Harcourt and John, getting to know some of the members of mission control a little better. They seemed delighted with me and when Rick returned helped to sculpt a plan for the upcoming mission. I offered some input going off things I learned when I was with the Avengers. We reached a stopping point and ran our errands. As we left the building, we didn’t notice a person watching us from a distance. We wouldn’t know we would be visited by an old friend.

  Loki’s POV

        “I don’t understand. What could be so important you have to leave for a few weeks?” Thor said.

        “I’m looking into a case. A secret case. I don’t want anyone else involved,”

        “Loki, we might need you here. Let whatever it is go. Or at least let one of us go with you. What if you need backup?”

        “I’ve got this handled,” I snapped. I teleported out of the compound and began my journey to Louisiana. Stella needed to be found and with the new information Strange had unlocked within me, I followed my lead. Initially, I had planned on going down to the prison where he worked and questioning those he worked with. This was before I saw her walking down the street with the Colonel himself.

        Stella appeared to be happy, but it could have been faked for him not to hurt her. I followed them, keeping my distance to see where they were headed. They led me to a sandwich shop and then to a store to grab a phone. I followed them to an apartment complex, staking out to see if a routine played out.

        Once I found a pattern to how he lived and ran his life, then I could strike. I could rescue Stella and bring her home.

        “Don’t worry. I’ll protect you from him,” I whispered. I had seen how he touched her, how she had reciprocated. All a false pretense or so I thought. The truth would reveal itself soon and a realization would take hold in my memory. I kept watch for a few more hours, returning to a hotel to check in for two weeks.

  Stella’s POV – A few days later

          Rick had left to go on the mission he was assigned to when I first met his boss. In the time alone, the nightmares would come and go, leaving me to deal with them myself. I longed for his embrace, even Harley’s, but they were worlds away and I had to wait for their return. Another day passed and for that night, I ordered a pizza to eat. I had downed a slice when the door opened and in walked Rick. An injured and an exhausted Rick Flag.

        “Stella,” he said. He dropped his bag, closing the door with his foot. He strode to me and pulled me into a tight hug. He smelled of pine and smoke, the remnants of the mission lingering on his skin.

        “Rick. I missed you. You’re hurt. Do you want me to help you?” I greeted him.

        “I need a shower first. Could you come with me? You don’t have to join me, but I want your company,” I nodded and followed him to the bathroom, talking to him while he scrubbed clean. He stepped out, keeping his back turned, while he wrapped a towel around the bottom half of his body. He turned to me, and I scanned over him, taking note of the cuts and bruises he had. Rick knelt before me, taking a hand in his. He placed it on a cut across his chest.

        “Show me what you can do. Don’t go into my mid. I don’t want you taking on that pain. There were too many horrors, and I can’t have you witnessing them,” he instructed.

        “Okay,” I opened my ability focusing on his physical pain. Warmth flooded my body all the way to my toes, something I hadn’t felt before. Usually there was a cold sensation, a distance with those I helped. I passed my fingertips over the cut, making it disappear as I drifted over to his arm to heal the cut there. I kept going until each bruise and each cut were erased from his body, until I trembled with fatigue. Rick scooped me up in his arms, carrying me to bed and quickly put on pajama pants. He climbed in beside me, cradling my body to his.

        “Thank you,” he whispered, kissing the top of my head.

        “You’re welcome,” I said, drifting off to sleep.

  Loki’s Arrival

 Loki’s POV

        Now was the chance to act. I had watched them until I could figure out when I could interrogate Colonel Flag. I waited until she left to grab food and made my way to the apartment. He shouldn’t have taken my friend. She belonged with us. Who knew what he was doing to her?

        Stella wouldn’t be able to play along for too long. He could kill her, and I wasn’t about to let that happen. I snuck into the apartment and made myself invisible until I launched my attack. I waited until the apartment door opened and Stella walked through, carrying food and drinks. Then I launched my attack.

  Stella’s POV

        I went out to grab lunch for Rick and me. He had taken a day off to recover from the recent mission and I obliged wanting to spend time with him. I made a trip to our regular sandwich shop and ordered, carrying it back to the apartment. I walked in, drinks in one hand, the sandwiches in a bag on the other arm.

        “Hey Rick. I’m-,” A familiar person teleported in and pounced on Rick, throwing him against the wall. One hand had him by the throat, the other held a dagger under Rick’s chin. Rick threw up his hands in a defensive move as I let out a scream and dropped our lunch to the ground.

        “Loki, no!” I called out.

        “Stella, stay back. I’m here to rescue you. He stole you from us. I’m bringing you home,” Loki growled.

        “Let him go. Loki, please. He didn’t take me. He saved my life,”

        “He tricked you. I should skewer him,”

        “Maybe you should try talking to him first,”

        “Hey, how about not stabbing me at all,” Rick choked out.

        “Don’t worry. I won’t let him do any such thing. Loki. Please, let Rick go,” Loki turned to glare at me.

        “He’s held you captive. I won’t let him have you any longer. I want to know why,” Loki snapped. I approached my friend and wrapped my arms around his waist. I buried my head against his back.

        “Loki, please listen to me. Rick is my friend. He took me in when Tony abandoned me. Let him go. He’s all I have. Him and Harley. I need him, Loki. Please,” I begged.

        “But…”

        “I’ll let you into my memories. You can see for yourself,” At that, Loki lowered his dagger and released Rick, who crumpled to the floor. I let Loki go and hurried to Rick, checking to see if he was okay.

        “I’m sorry. I didn’t know he was here,” I told him. Rick held me for a moment before letting me help him stand.

        “For the record, he’s not all you have, Stella. I’m still here. Wanda, Nat, and Bucky are still here. Did you forget we’re your friends too?” Loki said.

        “I thought you all had left me. No one came for me. I didn’t know you were looking for me. For all I knew, Tony could have spun some story about how I died or volunteered to leave,” I snapped. Loki sighed and beckoned for me to come to him. Rick gripped my arm in warning, but I gave him a smile that said it was okay. I walked to Loki and nodded.

        “Brace yourself. This might be unpleasant,” Loki warned. I motioned for Rick to hold onto me and closed my eyes. I felt Loki’s hand on my forehead and gasped as he the memory came rushing back, replaying in slow motion. It hit me full force and I slammed back, strong arms wrapping around me.

  Loki’s POV

        I entered Stella’s memory seeing what had happened the day she went missing. I watched it play out and anger surged through me as what Tony had done come to light. I moved on to others to make sure the Colonel hadn’t hurt her. What I saw had me shocked, but he only showed her friendship and comfort. She was happy. She…was in love with him. I let go and let her relax. Stella’s body melted into the Colonel’s, his grip tightening a little. I watched him as he whispered comforting words to her, realized that he too was in love with her.

        “You need to come home. Back to the compound. The others will want to see you. You’ll need to explain what happened,” I stated.

        “I can’t. Tony doesn’t want me there,” she said.

        “Please, Stell. Wanda and Bucky need to see you. Natasha, too. You belong with us. I know how much this colonel means to you, but we need you,”

        “As much as I want to, I can’t. I-,”

        “You should go back with him. Tell your friends your side of the story. Let them see you’re okay,” the colonel interrupted.

        “Rick, I…I don’t want to go. I can’t leave you. You’re…I’m home here,” Rick is her home. She may fight against it because he saved her, but she loves him, I thought.

        “Darlin’, I know. I don’t want you to go either. Listen to me. Loki is right. You should go back. Then you can return when everything’s taken care of,”

        “Thank you, Colonel,” I said.

        “His name is Rick,” Stella Sighed and dragged a hand through her platinum locks. I’m going to regret this, I thought.

        “We don’t need to go right away. I’d like to see more of what goes on around here. I would also need to meet this Harley you spoke of. One week. Then you come with me. Both of you,” I suggested.

        “Deal,” Stella agreed.

  Stella’s POV

        The day after Loki arrived, Harley swung by the apartment to take us out around town. I messaged Loki to meet up with us, so he could get an idea of what she was like. He refused to use Rick’s name, calling him Colonel instead. At one point, we went out for ice cream, and he sent Harley and Rick to grab it, wanting a private moment with me.

        “When were you going to tell me you’re in love with him?” Loki asked.

        “I’m not,”

        “Don’t lie to me. I’ve seen how you look at him. How you touch him. You love him,”

        “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m not…I shouldn’t be. I’ve tried to talk myself out of it. It’s only been a month and a half, plus he saved my life. But I have these feelings when he’s around. Strong feelings. I feel safe with him. Rick doesn’t fear me and…he’s quiet,” she admitted.

        “He’s quiet?” I asked.

        “Normally, I can sense pain in others’ minds. No one is completely silent. With him, there’s nothing. Well, not entirely. After missions, he’s torn. He’s only let me in a little after those. Most times, he’s quiet and I can relax. It’s nice,” she answered.

        “You’ve got it bad for him. Tell him how you feel. I can bet he feels the same,” She smiled, but shook her head. Unbelievable. Two fools in love, but both are afraid to admit it. They push it away thinking there is a reason why shouldn’t be. Harley and the Colonel returned with the ice cream, Stella looping her arm with his, walking ahead of us, deep in conversation.

        “You see it too, don’t ya?” Harley asked.

        “See what?”

        “That they’re in love with each other. They’re both oblivious to the other’s feelings, but we know the truth. Flag’s too afraid to say something. He’s under the impression, he has fallen too quick for her. He fell for his ex in the same manner, but Stella is different. She makes him happier,”

        “He makes her happier too,”

  Rick’s POV

        One day became four, then the end of the week arrived. It was time for us to go to New York. Stella was nervous to see her friends again and afraid to be in Stark’s presence again. I didn’t blame her. I was frightened as well; one, to meet her closest friends and two, I worried what Tony might do. Loki assured us he would protect her and even invited Harley along for the visit. Those two hit it off right away and I was curious about their relationship going forward.

        On the plane ride, I linked Stella’s hand with mine.

        “Stella, everything will be alright. I’ll be there with you. So will Harley. We have it handled. Even Loki agrees,” I told her. She nodded and leaned her head against my shoulder. I released a breath and rubbed soothing circles into her hand with my thumb. The more time I spent with her, the more I fell for her. I only hoped for the best for her and for us.

  Stella’s POV

        We landed. Loki led the four of us to a car. I clung to Rick’s hand, adding Harley’s to the mix on the ride to the compound.

        “Darling, listen to me. It’ll be okay. Wanda and Nat are greeting us at the front doors before we meet Bucky inside. We’ll explain everything. Trust me,” Loki told me. I nodded and prepared myself for what was about to happen at the compound. The car rolled to a stop at the entrance. I saw Wanda and Nat wave to us. We stepped out and strolled up to the doors.

        I stretched out my limbs, drank some water and headed to bed, preparing for the next day and all it held in store for me. My alarm woke me, and I dressed in workout attire – a tank top, sports bra, and shorts, paired off with some good tennis shoes fit enough for a hike. I drove down to the frequented gym of the team to see who I was training with today. I sighed as I recognized some familiar faces; Colonel Flag, Harley, Captain Boomerang, Chris Smith – or as he’s really known – Peacemaker and a bonus member – Emilia Harcourt. What changed my mood is everyone had already been paired up except for…

        “No. Nope. Count me out,” I greeted them. This earned me a chuckle from the Colonel himself.

        “Come on, Chloe. I’ll go easy on you,” he said. My partner, the fit military man, Rick Flag was going to go “easy” on me. Right, okay.

        “You’re going to knock me on my ass either way. Besides your easy is harder than most easy routines. I don’t think I’ll be able to spar with you and go on the hike if we continue this,” I told him.

        “We’re not going to spar very long. I wouldn’t want to work you to death. Give me an hour and I promise you will still be okay to go with us,” he assured me. So much for that. He had me sweating profusely by the end of the hour and we all filed out to the chosen cars to drive over to the selected trail for our hike.

        “You look good, Chloe. How have you been?” Peacemaker greeted me when we got out of the cars and began the ascent up the trail.

        “I’ve been busy. Watching dogs, working out with dogs, running with dogs. Add on the training with Flag and Harley and I’ve been booked out most of the week. Not to mention they had me reorganizing offices. How about you? Get into any trouble lately?”

        “Not too bad. I’ve been trying to keep my nose clean for a few days, but they wanted me on this mission and here I am. Trying to do better. Relax until it’s time to do the work. At least while I’m free. Speaking of relaxing and maybe getting out, would you be interested in going for a drink after we get done?” he responded.

        “You know what? Sure, that sounds great. I’d like to very much,” I told him. He smiled and butterflies flitted around in my stomach. I shouldn’t like him. He shouldn’t be able to have this effect on me. I knew this. Still, there was something about him drawing me into him. Part of me wanted to get to know him better, explore something real. Something I hadn’t had in a while. Another part of me wanted to rip off his clothes and have my way with him or let him have his way with me. I felt my muscles tighten in my legs and the burning sensation in my feet, making me wince, breath hissing out of my lips.

        “Are you okay?” Chris asked me.

        “I’m fine. We can keep going,” I lied. No way would I make them take a break. Everyone else had a good pace going and I didn’t want to throw a wrench in their plans.

        “As long as you’re sure about that. We’re halfway there. There’s no harm in resting for a few minutes. I’ll stay with you, if need be,”

        “Nope. I’m great. Don’t worry about me,” I followed him, pushing through the pain. We kept talking while we continued our path, mostly about work, but at least he kept me entertained and my mind off the pain I felt. Once at the top of the mountain, everyone took a break, sitting while we ate lunch and drank water. For a few minutes it gave me some relief, but I dreaded going back down the hill. Flag went over the mission details and the terrain, which was like where we were headed.

        Half an hour later, we all got up and began the journey down the mountain and it was almost as if the pain intensified. It would be a little quicker traveling down than it was heading up, but I kept breathing even as my thighs rebelled against the workout. Even as my feet throbbed with each step. We reached the bottom to the cars, returning to the gym to go home or for Chris and me to go out to a bar.

        “We can make a pit stop at my apartment to shower and change. Then we can head out to your bar of choice,” I told Chris.

        “Wait a minute. I’m sorry. Did I hear you correctly? Are you two going out?” Flag said.

        “To grab drinks. Maybe dinner afterwards? Is there a problem?” Chris stated.

        “No, no problem. It’s surprising to me is all. Is this outing a date?” Chris looked at me and I shrugged my shoulders.

        “Why not? It could be fun,” I said.

        “Awww. What a pair of lovebirds you two are?” Harley chimed in. Flag made kissy faces at us. I rolled my eyes, flipping them both off. Chris and I got into my car and made the ride down to my apartment building. I parked in the garage and took the elevator up to my floor. We reached my door and I unlocked it, letting Chris inside, closing the door behind me.

        “Welcome to my home. I’m going to…” I stumbled, my legs deciding to give out at that exact moment. Chris caught me before I fell to the floor, leading me to sit on the couch.

        “What happened? Are you alright?” he asked.

        “Yeah. My legs have been killing me today. I guess it’s my body’s way of telling me to rest,”

        “Since when? Not this morning? Not during the hike?” I nodded. “Why didn’t you say something earlier? I told you we could have taken a mini break,”

        “I didn’t want to make the others stop. Everyone seemed to have upped their game today. I didn’t want them to take a break because of me,”

        “You shouldn’t have to suffer through it all. I would have been willing to wait with you. Damn the others. How bad does it hurt?”

        “Oh, you know. Both my legs and feet feel like they’re on fire,” Chris ran a hand through his hair, frustrated at my answers.

        “Um…I’ve been told I give good foot massages. I could give you one if you want. You would have to be okay with me touching you,” he told me. Heat rushed through me when he proposed his solution. To have his hands on me would be wonderful…in other ways of course. I shook off the image and loosed a breath.

        “Okay,” I told him.

        “Really? Great. Would you mind…um…removing your shorts so I can have better access to your thighs?” I nodded and removed them, tossing the garment to the side. He knelt and took one foot in his hands, kneading it with his fist. Relief flooded through the limb, and I relaxed into his touch as he continued upwards, massaging each part of my leg. His fingers brushed over the apex of my thighs, a jolt of desire passing through me as he massaged near my clothed sex. I inhaled a sharp breath, his fingers moving away.        

        “Did I hurt you?” he asked. I shook my head and he moved onto the next leg. Chris made the same path, once again his fingers brushing over the same area. This time, instead of a sharp intake of breath, I moaned, rocking my hips against his knuckles. He froze, meeting my gaze.

        “Did you just moan? Are…You’re not attracted to me, are you?” he asked. I averted my gaze, answering his question.

        “You are. What happens if I did this again?” He brushed his fingers over the spot again, my hips jerking.

        “Fuck,” I ground out. He got up from the floor, leaning over me, his mouth near my ear.

        “Would you like me to touch you, Chloe?” he whispered.

        “Yes. Please touch me, Chris,” He knelt again, lifting my hips to pull off my underwear, tossing it to land with my shorts. He shifted my body down to spread my legs wider for more access. He pressed a thumb to my clit, slipping a finger inside my pussy. I moaned, no longer holding back. He pumped in and out, using his thumb to rub circles into my bundle of nerves. I moaned and panted, my hips rocking against his hand. He inserted another finger, picking up the pace. He moved faster, finger fucking me until I climaxed. He removed his fingers, hooking a leg over one of his shoulders. He replaced those fingers with his tongue. I groaned, fingers tangling in his hair, holding onto him as he ate me out. He continued his feast, until I reached another orgasm.

        “Take off your tank and bra. I want to be inside you. Can I fuck you with my cock, beautiful one?” he said. I nodded, hurrying to pull off the rest of my outfit. He stripped down, climbing on top of me. He pumped his cock a few times, angling it at my entrance. He pushed at my entrance, inching in until he was sheathed to the hilt, allowing me to adjust to his size.

        “Ready?” I nodded and he thrust into me, my hands hooking around his neck, my hips snapping with his. My legs wrapped around his waist, allowing him to go deeper. He covered my mouth with mine, grunting as he spilled inside me, my orgasm cresting over a few minutes after.

        “Let’s move this to the shower,” Chris told me. He carried me to my bathroom, and we fucked, while we cleaned up to get rid of the grime of the day. Getting out we dressed and went out for drinks as planned, eating dinner, and having a good time with each other.

        “Want to continue what we started at your apartment?” he asked me.

        “It’s my job to remember important dates for missions and sometimes, on the rare occasions, friends’ birthdays. Not to mention we are the closest of friends and I know you like to go out for your birthday. What do you mean you didn’t plan anything?”

        “I didn’t want to bother anyone. Everyone seemed to be busy for the last few weeks and I didn’t want to add any more stress for those that work around here,” he answered. He paused writing, looking up at me. “Closest friends? I didn’t think you thought so highly of me Claire,” he continued.

        “How could I not? You’re a great guy and fun to be around. I wouldn’t have it any other way,” I told him. I came around to his chair, and knelt, holding onto an arm of it. “Anyways, the paperwork can wait. Put down the pen and come out with me. I’ll invite Harley. We can…” I continued, trailing off when he shook his head. “What? I can get her out and back in before anyone notices,” This earned me a laugh out of him.

        “No. No, it’s not that. I’m not really interested in going out and drinking or going out at all,”

        “Okay. What I’m hearing is you would rather have a cozy night in. You know, watch a movie and drink beer. Maybe even have some cake,” I said. He sighed, running a hand through his hair when it was clear I wasn’t giving up in celebrating his birthday.

        “That sounds perfect. I wouldn’t want to ruin your night, though. I am good here,”

        “Nonsense. You can come over. I’ll grab the beer and the cake on the way out of here. We can relax with just the two of us. You can pick the movie. No reason to spend your birthday alone,” Rick smiled, nodding and grabbed his keys off his desk. We left the building and 15 minutes later, I opened my apartment door to let Rick in; he had changed into a dark blue t-shirt and gray pants which made it hard for me not to stare. I opened two beers, cut off two slices of cake – red velvet, his favorite – and started the movie, The Proposal.

        “I never thought you would be into rom-coms, but here we are,” I joked. He nudged me with his elbow, smiling.

        “It’s funny because I never pegged you for a horror fan. Besides this is a good movie and it’s hilarious,” he stated. Halfway through the movie, I paused it to make popcorn, returning to sit beside him, our thighs brushing slightly. Heat coursed through my body, but I brushed it off, continuing the movie; or would have if I didn’t feel him staring at me every five minutes. His hand inched towards mine, his pinky linking with mine. When he found no protest from me, he moved his hand closer to rest on my thigh, giving it a squeeze. I moved the bowl to the table and faced him.

        “What would you like from me?” I asked him.

        “Would you want to have sex with me? It doesn’t have to mean anything if you don’t want it to,” he answered. I swallowed, covering his hand with mine.

        “What if I wanted it to? Would you object?”

        “No. I’d only pull you closer. Claire, do you want this? Do you want me?”

        “Yes. I want you. I want every part of you,” Rick pulled me into his lap, his hands pulling my head down to kiss me. My hands gripped his shoulders as I ground against him, a low moan escaping his lips. I took the chance, slipping my tongue in, tasting him, devouring him. His hands gripped the hem of my shirt and he pulled it off me, revealing my bare chest. He cupped my breasts, taking one in his mouth, eliciting a moan from me. He suckled it, nipping every now and then, my hips grinding into him more. He moved from one to the other. Rick flipped us, so he was on top, allowing me to pull off his shirt, his dog tags dangling above me. I let my hands drift over his toned stomach and chest, moving to grip the tags, tugging them to pull him down for another kiss. I let go when he started to trail kisses down my body.

        He reached the waist band of my shorts and pulled them off me, tossing them to the side. Rick came back up to kiss me, one finger sliding into my pussy. I moaned into his mouth, nails digging into his back as he pumped in and out of me. He added two more inside, stretching me; I bucked my hips into his palm. My orgasm built, but before it could crest over, Rick withdrew his fingers, bringing forth a whimper from me.

        He held up a finger and stripped down completely. He lifted me up and carried me to my bedroom, putting me down. He laid down on his back and beckoned me to get on top of him. I straddled him, guiding his cock to my entrance, sliding down. He moaned, gripping my hips as I rode him. I covered his mouth with mine, making out with him while I kept a steady pace to reach my first orgasm. I picked up the pace to get him to his, a grunt escaping his lips as he spilled into me, our fingers linking together. I pulled them up above his head, pulling back from him.

  Rick’s POV

        A few days ago, I had awoken to a pounding at my apartment door. I had shifted Stella gently from my arms – she had another nightmare and came to find me as I asked her to – and walked down the hallway to see who it was. I opened the door to find no person standing behind it, only a box left in front of the door. When I opened it, carefully not knowing what it contained, I found clothes and other items I could only assume belonged to Stella.

        “Rick? I woke up and didn’t know where you had gone,” her voice startled me. I dropped the lid and turned to face her.

        “What’s that?” She asked, seeing the box in front of me. She pushed past and viewed the contents of the box.

        “Stella? Are you okay?” I asked her when she let out a little sniffle. She nodded and carried the box inside, putting it inside the closet with her other belongings.

        “I suppose Tony no longer wants me to be inside the compound anymore. He erased my existence from the team. I’m as good as dead in his eyes. I guess he’s also convinced everyone I’m not coming back,” she said. I pulled her into my arms, holding her and stroking her back. She turned around and buried her face into my chest, sobs once again wracking her body. I hated seeing her in pain, seeing how Tony Stark viewed her worth. I hugged her tighter, kissing the top of her head to give her some comfort. I had a secret I was hiding from her and came to a decision that I would tell her everything. If I wanted her to stay, I couldn’t keep anything back from her. I would leave nothing that would cause her more pain. If she left, then that would be it and I would have to face those consequences.

        I needed her to trust me, but I needed to know more about her abilities. Maybe if I let her know about the consequences of my actions, she would tell me about her ability. Leading her back to bed, I held her tight and hoped she wouldn’t leave me once I revealed everything to her. Which led to us sitting on my couch, coffee in hand, during a stormy day, two days later.

        “Do you not have work?” She asked me.

        “Are you trying to get rid of me? Here I thought you were enjoying my company this week,” I said. She laughed, bringing out her beautiful smile I loved so much.

        “I do enjoy your company very much, but I don’t want to keep you from living your life. You could go hang out with Harley or go golfing. Something. I’ll be fine on my own,” I gave her a smile, thoughts of what I was about to tell her invading my mind. I looked down, busying myself with the contents of my cup.

        “Rick? What is it? What’s wrong?” she asked.

        “I need to tell you something and I don’t know how you’re going to take it. It’s something I’ve been meaning tell you for a while, but I never knew when a good time would be to tell you,”

        “Okay. I’ll try my best to keep an open mind,” I took a deep breath, still nervous about what she would do. I felt her grab my wrist and I looked up at her, getting a nod of approval.

        “This is not easy to say. When I brought you back after your teammate left you, I faced consequences. At my job. We were only supposed to complete the mission, not take anyone back. When I arrived with you, my boss wasn’t too thrilled about it,” I confessed. I watched as Stella’s lips parted, her eyes wide with shock.

        “What kind of consequences?”

        “My boss suspended me for two weeks. One with pay and the other without. Like I said, she was super angry with the decision to bring you back with us,” Stella looked away from me and I worried she was going to get up and leave. I squeezed her hand, trying to pull back. She refused to let me, lacing our fingers together.

        “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you would get in trouble for making that decision. You could have left me. I appreciate the rescue, but eventually I would have woken up and figured out what to do from then. There would have been no choice in the matter,” she said. A tear rolled down her cheek and I hated I caused her more pain telling her of what happened to me.

        “Hey, Stella. Look at me. I wouldn’t have changed a thing about this. I don’t regret saving you. I would do it all again in a heartbeat. I chose to bring you back. I couldn’t leave you there. I don’t leave team members behind. Not ever,” I told her. More tears fell down her cheeks, but she gave me a smile. I sighed, knowing what I needed to ask her.

        “I need to ask you something. I’ll understand if you don’t want to answer it. It’s your choice, but I may have to ask you again later,”

        “Ask me,” she said.

        “Will you tell me how you wound up with this ability of yours? Can you explain how it works?” I questioned. She remained silent for a few moments.

        “That’s two questions,” Stella pointed out. She sighed and I thought it would be the end of the conversation. Until she spoke again.

  Loki’s POV

        “Would you like a drink? Tea?” Strange asked.

        “Tea is fine,” I watched as two cups appeared, one in my hand and one in his. I took a sip and waited, leaning back in my armchair.

        “You believe Stark had something to do with Stella’s disappearance. What evidence have you found to back up your theory?” he said.

        “Not much. He erased her from our system at the compound. I already told you I believe he removed her belongings. I’m in the process of finding more. If I can find Stella, I can get her account of things. As I was searching for more the other day, I came across a few articles. They contained information about others with Stella’s ability. They came with notes I think Tony had written,” I told him. He nodded and pressed his fingertips together.

        “Did he mention he was ever worried about Stella? Did she pose a threat to the world?” I continued.

        “He hasn’t come to me, no. I do know of some individuals with the same power she possesses. Some hurt people. Others do both. Stella is…different. She’s told me about her history. What would you like for me to tell you?”

        “Anything. Everything. Is she dangerous?” I answered.

        “No. She’s built her life so she never would be. What you need to understand is that she was born with the unique ability to take on other’s pain. She’s tried to hone that part of herself, to protect people, to do good. It’s one of the reasons she agreed to practice with me,”

        “What is she capable of?” I asked, leaning back to listen to what Strange was about to tell me.

        “Absorbing all the pain so no one has to suffer,” he said.

   Stella’s POV

        I slid closer to Rick, linking our hands together. I knew his question would come up. I knew I would have to tell him one day. Now seemed to be a good time as any.

        “I was born with the power to absorb pain. Mental, physical, all types. It was inherited by my father’s line, though it wasn’t as intense as mine is. Which meant, my family feared me. If the absorption could take on everything, what could I do with it? Could I transfer it? Would it kill? These are questions I heard most of my life. I didn’t want them to be frightened of me, so I honed my ability to get better control over it. I tested myself, seeing how much I could take on at any given point. Every day I practiced, taking on pain to the point of unconsciousness. The more I practiced, the more I could take,”

        “There was no one in my family that was willing to let me practice on them. My subjects were strangers that truly needed help. I’d go out searching for those in need, doing my best not to cause them harm. As I got older, some jobs came in and I took on as much as I could. I soon found others like me, but they weren’t always as kind as I was,”

        “Some caused pain, some went insane from the power. Once I hit the age of 18, a choice had to be made on how to further enhance my ability,” I explained.

  Loki’s POV

        Stella wasn’t dangerous and capable of only doing good.

        “She started using that ability of hers at a very young age and got a grasp of what she could handle. She kept trying to perfect it. There was a community of people like her, but some could be cruel. I think she knew what could happen if she chose a different path,” Stephen explained.

        “Could she have transferred her pain to those around her? Would it have developed later?” I inquired.

        “Yes. She had that secondary ability. Used incorrectly or for evil, she could have killed people. In fact, she reached the age where a choice needed to be made. To either absorb, to transfer, or to do both,”

        “What did she choose?”

        “If you want the answer to that question, my friend, you’ll have to ask her yourself. It’s not up to me to tell you about it,” Strange answered.

  Stella’s POV

        “A choice? For what?” Rick asked me. Now for the hard part.

        “There used to be a second element to my ability. A dangerous one. I could potentially transfer all the pain and suffering to others. I could make wounds larger, make someone go insane. At 18, you are to pay a visit to a mage, who will help you complete that choice. To transfer, to absorb, or both,” I removed one hand from his. I flipped over my arm to reveal a scar that ran from my wrist to my elbow. Rick took my arm in his hand and released my right hand to trace the line, his light touch sending goosebumps along my skin.

        “Did it hurt?”

        “It was excruciating. They took a dagger to expose the nerves for those abilities unless you chose both. I made the decision to sever the transference element. I don’t want to hurt anyone. Thankfully, we’re given a quick healing factor and it healed up within a few minutes, but the scar is left behind as a reminder,” I told him.

        “Does anyone know? Did Stark know?” Rick asked. His thumb continued to trace up and down the scar, putting my mind at ease.

        “Stephen Strange, a mentor I was practicing with while with the Avengers. You’re the second to know, but the first I’ve told of my friends. I…didn’t know if I could trust them with this information. I thought about telling Loki, but now I’m not sure I’ll have the chance,” Rick stopped moving his thumb, meeting my gaze.

        “I’m glad you told me,” He paused, moving his thumb again. “Listen, if you feel you need more practice, I can help you. You can use me. Only if you want, of course. I don’t want you to feel…” I pressed my free hand over his.

        “Thank you. I appreciate the offer, but if you don’t want me to absorb anything, you need to tell me. I will respect your wishes,” I told him. He pulled me into a hug, stroking my back. I his arms, I felt safe. In his arms, I could be myself.

   Loki’s POV

        “I think Tony is afraid of Stella. The first opportunity he saw where he could be rid of her, I think he took. I can’t prove anything yet. When I saw those articles, I thought to come to you to find out more,” I said. The information made me more determined to find Stella. I needed her side of the story. I didn’t know where to start. No leads to her location, nothing to give Strange to track her.

        “What about that group you were working with that day? Do you have any information on them?” Strange asked.         How he knew about them, I didn’t know.

        “I’m not sure. I don’t think they said a name. I…Wait, I think one of them said the name of their leader. To Thor, I believe. Damn, I can’t get to him. He’s always around Tony. I’m trying to remember. He’s a colonel, I think,” I said. I closed my eyes, trying to replay the memory of that day.