#stark!oc

Apenas había cumplido quince años cuando en una nubosa mañana de invierno se convirtió en esposa de Daemon Targaryen, ambos brillando de pies a cabeza en un intento de ocultar el fastidio. En retrospectiva, aún no entendía como pensaron que unirla a él era una buena idea, especialmente cuando lo conocía desde pequeña y siempre expresó lo que le disgustaba. A su parecer no era más que un bruto irresponsable que vivía para seguir impulsos, apenas salvándole el hecho de que era un excelente guerrero. Lloró cuando supo que estaban comprometidos, pero las mujeres de la familia Stark ferozmente reprendieron el capricho por ser “una gran oportunidad”.

La primera vez que pensó bien de Daemon fue durante la noche de bodas, donde el joven fue excepcionalmente compresivo con su terror al coito y se encargó de fabricar una elaborada escena para engañar al resto. Arrugó las sabanas, punzó su muslo para dejar sangre como prueba de la penetración y acomodó las ropas de ambos en el suelo, luego de casi dos horas saliendo y dejando que los mayores encontraran la farsa. Numerosas damas la cubrieron con una bata y él permaneció en un rincón junto a Viserys, en solo unos minutos ganándose su profundo agradecimiento.

Desde ese día comenzó a verlo en una nueva luz, de pronto abriéndose y dejando que rompiera la barrera que había creado entre los dos. Halló en él un buen confidente, una persona que la acompañaba en la cama y no la forzaba a cumplir con las reglas de la realeza en el desespero de tener un hijo. Entendió su actitud y la resistencia a la autoridad, el deseo de vivir libre y no permitir que alguien más lo obligara a tomar un camino que no quería.

Por unos cuantos meses pensó que Daemon era mejor de lo que parecía y de a poco cayó por sus encantos, especialmente cuando Aemma Arryn le informó que, según Viserys, él se enamoró apenas la vio bajar del carruaje que la trajo de Invernalia. La idea de formar familia empezó a ser un concepto atractivo y le emocionaba salvarse de tener que vivir infeliz junto un hombre que no la quería, pero la fantasía de cristal pronto se convirtió en añicos.

Bien sabía de la predilección de su esposo por el vino y nunca cuestionó que saliera a beber hasta altas horas, ya que era una actividad que realizaba desde antes de que se casaran. Aún así, a pesar de que debió haberlo imaginado, la noticia de sus frecuentes visitas a la Calle de la Seda le congelaron el corazón. El poco amor que surgió se esfumó y rápidamente recordó porqué nunca debió ignorar el instinto que desde niña le gritó que Daemon no era el indicado.

Los muros crecieron más altos que nunca y el hombre se sumió en los placeres, ni siquiera intentando superar la fría cordialidad con la que lo trataba. Las pocas veces que dormían juntos él caía rendido luego de tanto alcohol y algunos integrantes del Consejo Privado empezaban a agitarse por la falta de embarazo. Aquellos hombres tenían demasiada habilidad en arruinarle el día y más de una vez deseó que los lobos de su familia los destrozaran, pero, como siempre, debió callar y aguantar en silencio.

Soportó rumores y miradas hasta que un inesperado aliado apareció, Viserys siendo una brisa fresca entre tanto humo que la ahogaba. Con sonrisas apenadas y tímidas se acercó en absoluta comprensión, ya que él vivía los mismos disgustos con la presión de tener un sucesor varón. Al oírlo se sintió entendida y con el paso del tiempo aprendió que era alguien de fiar, ya que ninguna confidencia resonó en los pasillos de la Fortaleza Roja.

El vacío de atención y compañía finalmente fue llenado por el Rey, el cual le enviaba cartas cuando no podían pasear por los jardines o ir a la recamara de alguno a conversar. Mentalmente quería controlar la esperanza cuando ambos estaban casados y él tenía una esposa que se desvivía para cumplir las demandas de un heredero, pero el brillo en los ojos de Viserys no lo hacía fácil.

Por su parte, Daemon, seguía igual de perdido en los placeres de la ciudad y apenas hablaba en las pocas mañanas que llegaban a despertar al lado del otro. De todos modos, a años de la boda y sin aún tener sexo, logró dar a luz a un sano y hermoso niño rubio de grandes ojos violeta.

Rhaegar Targaryen existía para enamorar a quien cruzara camino con él, sonrisas de blancas perlas apareciendo entre un aura gentil y brillante. La personalidad distaba mucho de “Lord Lecho de Pulgas”, tanto que los ancianos que llegaron a conocerlo desde la cuna insistían que parecían opuestos, y oír esas declaraciones solo la aliviaban al no querer que Daemon lo influenciara. Sabía que lo mejor era que todos dijeran que se parecía a él, que así la infidelidad pasaría desapercibida, pero siempre podría anunciar que esas diferencias venían de su parte de la familia.

Viserys mantenía la fachada a pesar de saber la verdad, en el inicio amargura llenándolo al tener un hijo que no podía celebrar. Finalmente tenía lo que tanto deseó y estaba obligado a mantenerlo en las sombras, aunque culpabilidad frenó cualquier fantasía cuando Aemma falleció dando a luz. Se suponía que pasarían varios días celebrando, pero cada acto cesó ante la noticia de que el nonato, Baelon Targaryen, tampoco sobrevivió las primeras horas de vida.

Ambas muertes fueron un golpe terrible y, como era de esperar, Daemon no tuvo mejor idea que escapar a la Calle de Seda y nombrar al pequeño como el “Heredero por un Día”. Ebrio y poco cuidadoso no imaginó que la voz correría, y mucho menos pensó que a primer hora del amanecer Otto Hightower comunicara la falta de respeto a un Viserys emocionalmente herido.

—Señorita Stark, el Rey la solicita.

Monótona e impasible, la sirvienta aguardó mientras bajaba la taza de té y asombro pintaba cada músculo facial.

—¿Ha dicho por qué? —preguntó en el proceso de limpiar cualquier resto de desayuno en los labios.

—No, solo que la acercara lo antes posible al Salón del Trono.

Un incomodo sentimiento le cerró el estómago y provocó una breve ráfaga de nauseas, todo de aquella invitación siendo diferente a los encuentros que hasta ese momento tuvieron.

—De acuerdo, iré.

Inspiró profundo en el proceso de levantarse y dejó que los pies la guiaran, en la puerta recibiéndola un guardia y dejando que ingresara. Avanzó por el enorme espacio apreciando al hombre, el cual vestía de negro y se hallaba sentado con expresión tensa.

—Majestad —saludó antes de reverenciar, fielmente ajustándose a las etiquetas al haber personal militar presente—. Vine tan rápido como pude, ¿en qué puedo ayudarle?

Conectando miradas, pudo notar como sus ojos se suavizaban un momento antes de regresar a un sentimiento oscuro.

—Desde que te he conocido has sido alguien de confiar y no planeo someterte a interrogatorio porque sé la clase de persona que eres… —realizó una breve pausa por la incomodidad de tener que actuar tan distante—. Pero me veo en obligación de preguntar, ¿sabes dónde estuvo Daemon anoche?

—Lamento no tener información que sea de ayuda, pero desconozco las actividades de mi esposo —contestó presionando y frotando los labios en un breve gesto de ansiedad.

—Es de común saber que mi hermano escapa a las responsabilidades, así que entiendo la ignorancia.

—¿Ha sucedido algo, señor? —preguntó con piel erizada en anticipación.

Viserys se removió en el trono y encajó la mandíbula en enojo, un gesto que la asustó al ser muy poco usual.

—Bajo el manto de la oscuridad, Daemon, escapó a un burdel a beber y hundirse con gente cuestionable a faltar el respeto de mi hijo fallecido —explicó elevando la voz en cada palabra—. Lo coronó “Heredero por un Día” y pasó cada rato libre lejos de su familia, ¡ni siquiera consolando a Rhaenyra!

Palidez la pintó de la impresión y colocó una mano en el pecho por el grave error, inmediatamente amagando a disculparse hasta que recordó que no fue error suyo.

—Realmente me deja estupefacta… esto es… no sé… —bajó la cabeza con el corazón sumamente acelerado.

—Daemon ha sido llamado y está de camino a recibir castigo —informó en tono normal evitando generarle estrés—. Como dije, sé la clase de persona que eres y tendré consideración por la gran alianza con tu familia, pero debes estar presente para saber cómo quedará la situación.

—Por supuesto.

Claramente preocupada esperó a un costado y sintió fugaces miradas de Viserys, al ceder apreciando que intentaba tranquilizarla con un lenguaje corporal amable. Emitió una pequeña sonrisa y regresó a mirar el suelo, entonces la puerta abriéndose y enseñando al Targaryen en juicio. Brevemente se miraron y luego observaron al Rey, el cual enderezó la espalda e inmediatamente empezó a tratar el desacato.

—Fue mi manera de llevar el infortunio, cada uno actúa de manera distinta —excusó en tono bajo, definitivamente tomándolo desprevenido que lo dicho llegara a la Fortaleza Roja.

Juntando las manos al frente se contuvo de negar ante el carácter de Daemon, especialmente cuando empezó a pelear por su posición en la Corte Real.

—¡Suficiente! He aguantado, he intentado comprenderte y razonar, pero ya no más —gritó Viserys completamente harto—. Toma tu dragón y abandona Desembarco del Rey, vete y busca en otras tierras como ser un hombre decente.

Aquella sentencia de destierro fue inesperada y la femenina los miró intentando dilucidar donde quedaba ella, un tema que el Targaryen menor también consideró.

—¿Harás que deje a mi esposa e hijo?

—Nunca estás con ellos y apenas cumples tus deberes, ¿ahora te preocupa mantener la farsa?

La selección de palabras la congeló de pies a cabeza y por unos momentos dejó de respirar mientras veía al regente con susto.

—¿Te atreves a difamar cuando apenas puedes ser Rey? Es hipócrita señalar cuando tampoco llegas al estándar —frunció el ceño conteniéndose de acercarse, porque sabía que los guardias lo sacarían de la habitación.

Viserys calló un momento e inspiró intentando mantener compostura, entonces mirando a la mujer que secretamente amaba y notando la oportunidad que se presentaba.

—No solo abandonarás estas tierras, Daemon, sino que también anularé tu matrimonio. Te irás y serás libre de revolcarte con cuanta prostituta quieras, pero no ensuciaras más el nombre y la cama de la dama que todos los días ha soportado tu indecencia.

—¿Cómo? —preguntó con un cambio de expresión que erizó los cabellos, los guardias en la habitación preparándose ante la amenaza.

—Una mujer proveniente de la casa Stark no debería vivir en tales condiciones, con un hombre incapaz de valorarla —aseguró al tiempo que inflaba el pecho y elevaba el mentón—. Cuidaré de ella y criaré a Rhaegar como el heredero legitimo al trono que es.

Exponer la verdad le estrujó el corazón en angustia y miedo, inevitablemente soltando un quejido mientras se le humedecían los ojos.

—¿Qué has dicho? —preguntó incrédulo y sin pestañear, al ver la reacción femenina su cuello y nuca tomando color por la furia—. ¿¡No es mi hijo!?

—Lo siento, p-pero nosotros nunca… consumamos el matrimonio —explicó juntando ambas manos en el pecho.

—¡Mientes!

—Las pocas noches que no estabas hasta la mañana en los burdeles llegabas absolutamente ebrio y perdías la conciencia apenas tocabas la almohada —jadeó con el labio inferior temblando.

—¿¡Entonces la solución fue refugiarte en mi hermano!?

—¡Arruinaste el poco amor que te tuve! —defendió exasperada—. Llegué a ver lo bueno en ti hasta que me cambiaste por la Calle de Seda, quise que nos acercáramos y…

—¡Calla! —interrumpió yendo decidido a hacerle quién sabe qué.

—¡Deténganlo! —ordenó Viserys poniéndose de pie, los guardias inmediatamente agarrándolo y alejándolo—. Ya has hecho demasiado daño, no permitiré que lastimes a mi futura esposa.

—¡Desgraciado! —gritó al tiempo que forcejeaba, el movimiento haciendo las armaduras tintinear.

—Sáquenlo, no dejen que siga un día más en Desembarco del Rey.

Asintiendo pequeño, los dos hombres que agarraban al Targaryen empezaron a arrastrarlo fuera del salón. Maldiciones y promesas de retribución retumbaron en las paredes hasta que estuvo lejos, el ambiente siendo pésimo hasta que Rhaenyra apareció con mirada humedecida.

—Crucé a Daemon y dijo… —apretó los labios y tragó intentando no derrumbarse—. ¿Es verdad? —inquirió a pesar de que sabía la respuesta por el aspecto de ambos.

Viserys dudó un momento antes de recordar la confianza que lo llevó a revelar el secreto, firme bajando los escalones del trono.

—Si, Rhaegar es tu hermano.

La noción del parentesco envió un desagradable escalofrío en Rhaenyra, quien tenía la herida de su madre y hermano al rojo vivo. Miró a la mujer y limpió una lagrima rebelde antes de cerrar ambas manos en puños.

—Felicidades, engendraste al próximo Rey —jactó dolida en el proceso de girar y dirigirse a la puerta.

—No fue con ese propósito, ¡amo a tu padre! —declaró desesperada, pero la joven siguió sin mirar atrás.

—Vigilen la entrada —indicó el regente al personal presente, cada uno saliendo y cerrando la puerta para cuidar desde el exterior.

Ambos voltearon al otro y relajaron los hombros, Viserys abriendo los brazos y encerrándola entre ellos.

—Impulsivo, lo que hiciste no tuvo preparación —reclamó contra su pecho, desesperada agarrándolo de la ropa.

—Ciertamente, pero tomé la oportunidad cuando se presentó —explicó al tiempo que la consolaba con delicadas caricias—. Si lo planeábamos habríamos estado mejor mentalizados, pero las reacciones no hubieran cambiado.

—Puede ser… —suspiró insegura, aunque en lo profundo sabía que tenía razón.

—En poco el impacto pasará y podrás disfrutar de finalmente ser libre.

—La gente juzgará por los pasillos —soltó las telas para colocar ambas manos en el pecho de Viserys.

—Nadie es libre de la opinión ajena, pero serás reina y eso te ahorrará varios problemas.

La noción del rol que cumpliría en el futuro le aflojó las rodillas, sin embargo logró aguantar y mirarlo a los ojos.

—¿En serio me harás tu esposa?

—Absolutamente, es momento de elegir con quien compartir mis días —dijo mientras iba a sostenerla de la mejilla—. Te amo, estoy ansioso de vivir contigo y criar en conjunto al pequeño Rhaegar.

—Nuestro hijo —murmuró poniendo una mano sobre la de él.

He takes a quick glance at her before turning his focus back to the paperwork "Anyways, what did you need help for?" he says while typing away on a tablet.  

Rory looks at him “It's not important right now...I still have time. What do you need me to do?”.  

Mobius takes a breath and places the tablet down before turning to her* "Just help me sort these papers" he says while pointing to the scattered pile "I have them organized by date and timeline event, but I really need to make some progress and this is taking too long". “Okay” Aurora says.  

 He leans back in his seat and watches her work, his head resting against the backrest of the chair. After two hours, they finished “Alright, all done Mo”.  

"I can't thank you enough for helping and listening to my ranting, Rory" he says while stretching and rubbing his eyes. "My neck hurts, and my eyes are tired from all that reading" he adds "You know what I need right now? Some pie" Mobius chuckles. "Want to join me? My treat" he says with a smile while grabbing his jacket and waiting for her.  

Aurora smiles back at Mobius, happy to see him in a more cheerful mood "Of course Mo" she says while joining him, eager to eat pie after a grueling day of work. “You know, B-15 told me they have a new flavor of pie in the TVA menu.” she smiles at him as they walk through the hallway.  

"Oh really?" Mobius raises an eyebrow "So what flavor are we talking about?" He walks beside her, a smile planted on his face as they make their way through the hallway. “Chocolate pie” Aurora answer and smile. “It was my favorite before...the TVA.”  

"Chocolate? Now you're speaking my language" his eyes sparkles at the thought of eating pie and she chuckles. "Come on, I wanna try the pie before it disappears on us". He leads her down the Hall, walking through the various offices and cubicles filled with TVA agents. They reach the cafeteria and Mobius holds the door open for her "Ladies first" he says with a sly smirk.  

As they enter, they are greeted immediately with the smell of hot food and drinks. As their gaze sweeps the cafeteria, they find many familiar faces of TVA agents, who were already finishing up their lunch. "It smells delicious in here" Mobius says while scanning the place for a seat. His eyes land on a corner table for two and he points towards it "Shall we?" he asks Aurora and she just nods. He leads her to the corner table and pulls out a chair for her before taking a seat next to her "This is probably the only good thing about this place" he says as he looks around at the familiar surroundings and employees.  

“I know” Aurora says while she smile at him. Mobius get up to get them the pie. While he does that, she thinks about when she first got here, how confusing it was and how Mobius made everything better. She kept looking at him, thinking about how their friendship developed and the crush she has on him. Rory never told him. She couldn't risk losing her friend if he didn't correspond her feelings.  

He returns a few minutes later with two slices of chocolate pie, one for each of them. He places one in front of her before taking a seat next to Rory, smiling at her warmly as he begins to eat. He takes a bite of the pie and hums in approval, his eyes closed for a few moments. After a few seconds, he opens his eyes to see her looking at him* "What is it, Rory?" he asks with a small smile, his eyebrow raised "You look thoughtful".  

“I was just thinking about the pie...”she lies to him, not wanting to tell the real thoughts in her head “It’s been some time since we had chocolate around here”. She looks at the pie in front of her and takes a bite. She accidentally moans at how good that pie is, but soon realizes what she just did, blushing and hoping that Mobius haven't noticed, knowing that if he has, he will definitely tease her about it.  

Mobius's eyebrow raises when he hears the little moan. He takes another bite of his pie and watches her eat. When he sees her turn bright red, he leans in and smiles "Did that pie just make you moan?" He asks with a smirk.  

“Stop it” Aurora says at his teasing and blushes even more. Mobius leans in and winks at her, trying to hold in a laugh "What if I don't want to stop?" He chuckles and then take another bite of his pie, before slowly chewing it while watching her reaction.  

She looks down really embarrassed and laughs softly “Stop it Mo”. Aurora’s laughter seemed to encourage Mobius to keep teasing her, he leans in a little bit closer and gives her a smile "You know you're adorable when you're blushing"  he says with a chuckle.  

“Oh god, stop it” she laughs again and keeps blushing. She put her hands on her face to hide it from Mobius. He chuckles at her reaction "I don't know..I kinda like this side of you, seeing you get all flustered and embarrassed" he says with a smirk. He looks at her hand covering her face "What are you doing there?" *He holds her hands in his, taking away from her face.  

Aurora tries to pull back, but Mobius holds her hands in his, keeping them close to him "Stop it, Mo!" she laughs and tries to take her hand back, but she stops struggling when he holds her hands. She keeps it there, not pulling back for a few seconds as she looks back at him..Mobius can see how her cheeks are getting red "What are you doing?" she whispers to him but he can see in her expression that she doesn't really mind him holding her like this  

He smiles at her and leans in, looking deep into her eyes "I think it's time you admit that you like this side of me too, Rory” he says softly "I can see how much you enjoy it." He strokes his hand across her cheek and brushes through her hair, smiling at her as he does. His gaze moves down to her lips, and he notices how beautiful and inviting they are. He caresses her hands with his, keeping it close to him "Don't you agree?" he asks her.  

Her heart starts to beat really fast. Kissing him it's all she wanted, but she thinks he's just teasing and playing with her. Aurora’s eyes start to look glossy with tears and she pulls back, looking at him really hurt “It's this all a game to you?” she asks.  

Mobius looks at her in surprise and let go of her hand "What do you mean? " he asks her, noticing how she seemed upset. "Is my teasing too much for you?" *He tries to reach out for her hand again, but she brushes off. He waits for her response, a look of confusion and concern on his face.  

Aurora takes a few seconds to think "Sometimes I can't tell if you're teasing me or not Mo" she says softly, her voice trembles as if she was about to cry "You're always so sarcastic and joking around. It's hard to know when you're being serious" she wipes her tears, feeling stupid for getting emotional. Of course, he would never return her feelings...they’re just friend after all. "But it's fine".  

Mobius stays quiet when he hears her words, his eyebrows lowered as he tries to understand what she meant. He seems to notice her tears and gently puts his hand under her chin and lift her face towards him. "Rory" he says softly while looking at her "This isn't about the teasing, is it? Do you...do you want to talk about it?". He puts his hand on her knee, hoping to comfort her.  

Aurora looks at him and shakes her head slightly “No, it's fine really....No need to worry” she tries to put a smile on her face "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bother you with this”.  

“So...what about our movie night this week?” she says to change the subject. Aurora and Mobius have a movie night once a week.  

Mobius nods at her change of subject, glad to see that Aurora looks more relaxed now. He also didn't get an answer from her, so he'll just drop it. His face light up at the mention of the movie night "Oh that's right, the movie night! What are we watching this week?" He asks with a grin, hoping she can pick something that will cheer her up. “It’s okay, you can choose again.” She says.  

“Oh come on, you can't leave me responsible for the choice.” He says, giving her a teasing glare "I want to see your movie taste. Unless you don't mind watching one of my favorite movie again" He gives her a sly grin expecting her to be intrigued by the question.  

“Oh no! I'll choose then. If I have to watch Star Wars again, I'll prune myself” she says playfully. “Okay, I’ll choose. Wedding Crashers?”  

He chuckles at her comment, but he's surprised by her choice "Wedding crashes? Why Wedding Crashers?" He's puzzled at her picking a comedy instead of sci-fi movie. "I mean it's a great movie, but it has been years since I watched it. What makes you want to watch it now?" He's genuinely curious and intrigued as to what prompted her choice. “There's this actor in the movie that I find really cute.” she smiles at Mobius, waiting for his reaction.  

"He's cute?" He seems amused and curious. He thinks for a moment and decides to go along with her choice "Fine, we'll watch Wedding Crashers. And you better not be looking at the actor the whole time” he says with a smirks. Aurora just laughs at his reaction.  

"Oh come now, be honest with me. I want to know who's the actor you like"  He says with a grin as he leans back on his chair, he is truly curious to know what she thinks. "Well? Who's the actor?" *He pauses for a moment* "And don't you dare say Owen Wilson”.  

“Why not?” she smile. “He is cute...and hot...and remind me of someone I know...”she looks at Mobius smirking. He raises an eyebrow and chuckles at her response "Remind you of someone you know?" He gives her a teasing smile as he looks at her. Seeing her reaction has his curiosity peaked, and he wants to know more about this mysterious someone she is reminded of "Do share, who's this someone you know that reminds you of Owen Wilson?" He ask her with a smirk. “Oh! I'll never tell you that, you'll just gonna have to find out by yourself” Aurora says in a playful tone.  

Mobius can't help but smile at her playfulness "Ah now you made me intrigued even more". He leans back on his chair and crosses his arms, looking at her in a playful manner "Fine, we'll watch Wedding Crashers...and, while we watch the movie, I get to ask you questions about the mysterious someone you know that reminds you of Owen Wilson... Deal?" “Deal” she responds.  

Giving her a broad smile, Mobius says "Wonderful!" Aurora can see that he's actually excited to this little game and she can't help but smile back at his excitement.    

"I need to finish up the rest of the paperwork so I think I'm gonna head back to work. I'll see you later at the movie night" He says as he stands up and walk away towards his cubicle.  

I sat at the feet of the statue in downtown Brooklyn. The world idolized Steve the second he was gone. This tribute was covered in flowers and small American flags each year on his birthday. I chuckled to myself. It was cruelly ironic that his birthday was the same day as Independence Day. Cruel that he gave his own life for his country’s. By four in the morning, most people had settled into bed, leaving me and, at most all over the city, about a thousand people. With roughly 2.2 million people in the city, I searched for Bucky every day. And when I couldn’t sleep, I sat myself down at Steve’s statue feet. If I wasn’t crying over him, or, like today, wishing him a happy birthday and desperately wishing he could’ve had a better life, I contemplated my own life. I couldn’t help but think of what I had done to Alex. Of what I had to do to him. I looked up, wondering what Steve would’ve done.

“He’s dead, baby! Come over here, I’ll fuck you better!”

I heard the shout from across the block, over the minimal traffic there was. I ignored it, but stiffened my body, ready to react. I had been alone in Brooklyn for the last six years, and my young body remained. The amount of grown men hitting on me made my stomach churn. Afterwards, there was always a pang of sadness knowing that Bucky would’ve protected me from it if he could’ve. I began to give up on finding him, instead searching for whatever was left of him in me. I would dress like him, talk and act like him, I would even try to walk like him.

And I learned that presenting as a man was just as comfortable as presenting as a woman. I liked being both, it was comfortable.

“Hey mami!”

Except for when I got hit on.

I stood, squaring my shoulders. I realized that I had backed myself into a dead-end alleyway. I cursed under my breath. It was two of them, and they had made their way across the street, now coming straight for me. I flicked my knife out of my pocket, ready to have to fight.

“Awe, you gonna fight back?” The taller one mocked.

I felt panic begin to flare up as the second one reached into his hoodie pocket. I began to take steps backwards as he pulled a silver revolver out.

“Oh look at that, she’s scared.” They grinned at each other.

I tried to calculate my options. If I ran at them fast enough, I could probably knife one and scare off the other. If I ran away and he was a good shot, I’d be done for. I sighed. It was a risk I couldn’t afford to take. I rolled my shoulders and, once more, let the bit of Bucky in me take control.

I ran at the one with a gun, cracking his wrist. He dropped the gun and I kicked it aside. I kicked backwards just in time to hit the other one in the nuts, and he dropped too. I pushed the gunman up against the brick wall and held the knife to his throat.

“You’re gonna stop preying on people, okay?” My voice was low, and I kept the posture Bucky always did when protecting Steve.

He opened his mouth, and I knew whatever was coming out wasn’t the answer I wanted. I kneed him in the crotch and let him fall before grabbing his hair and yanking his head back. I put the knife up to his ear, pressing hard enough for blood to start to trickle.

“Okay?”

He nodded, now terrified. I decided his word wasn’t enough. I clipped his earlobe before pushing him down onto the pavement face-first. The taller one who I had taken down first was staring, eyes wide. I fronted, knife out. He got up and ran past me. I heard clapping from behind me, and I spun on my heel, knife in front of me once more.

“That was good.” The man snorted before coming into the streetlight of the alley.

I furrowed my eyebrows. He was almost a carbon copy of Howard. The only difference was that this man was far younger and already far more tired.

“You looking for a job? I could use a security guard.”

I squinted. “Who the hell are you?”

“Tony Stark.” He held his hand out.

I put my knife away and let him shake my hand. “Was your father-”

“Howard Stark himself, yeah.” He chuckled. “We should get out of this alley, seems dangerous for both of us.” He gestured. “After you.”

“I knew your dad.” I looked over my shoulder as we walked back onto the street.

“Yeah? Lemme guess, your name’s Logan.”

I stopped at the statue of Steve, grabbing Bucky’s now-ancient leather jacket and pulling it on. “How’d you know?”

Tony chuckled again. “My dad never stopped talking about you.”

“Really?”

He nodded. “He used to tell us about who you were, about how you took the serum to find your brother, all of that.”

“He ever tell you I couldn’t find him?” I hoisted myself to sit on the statue’s platform. “I might not be your best candidate for the job.”

Tony’s eyes narrowed at me, and he slowly lit up into a smile. “I have a feeling us getting split up won’t be an issue, kid.”

Previous: March 29, 1993

She stalked out of the office, muttering curses under her breath.

“Everything okay?” Bruce asked cautiously.

“Just peachy,” she replied crossly. Those files were all over the internet; she would find them online later.

She tapped her foot waiting for the elevator, pointedly avoiding looking at Bruce. The doors dinged open and she darted inside, eager to get out of the building before her dad could take the few things she had gotten. Instead of stepping into the elevator, she smacked into something large and solid. The papers spilled onto the elevator floor.

“Damnit, I’m so sorry,” she scrambled to pick up her mess.

“It’s alright, don’t worry about it. Are you okay?” a kind voice said. She froze. Steve’s too handsome face was gazing down at her, his brow wrinkled with concern. She hoped her face didn’t reflect the horror she felt inside.

She grabbed for the papers in a panic, “Oh, yes, I’m fine,” she replied in a breathy voice that wasn’t her own.

“Here, let me help,” Steve offered kindly.

“No, no, I bumped into you, you don’t have to do that,” she insisted, giving him a little push out of the elevator and jabbing at the button for the first floor.

He chuckled good-naturedly before stooping to pick up a piece of paper that had slid out of the elevator, “Looks like you missed one.”

She caught a glimpse of the header and heard the elevator ding as the doors started closing. Just before they closed, she saw him glance at her, a curious expression on his face. Her cheeks burned; that couldn’t have been any more embarrassing.

*

She avoided Stark Tower like the plague over the next week. Not that it was difficult; they were approaching finals in her second to last semester of college. The content wasn’t difficult, but it could be time consuming.

She hadn’t been picking up her dad’s phone calls and he seemed to be getting frustrated. Her mom had even texted her with a plea for a response because Tony was marching around in a foul mood over it.

She knew she was overreacting a little bit, but she took a sort of bitter pleasure in frustrating her father. He was one of the most frustrating people she’d ever met; it felt like a victory to get under his skin. She sent him a text response out of pity for her mother, but it was short, to the point, and riddled with proper punctuation to make sure her tone was understood.

She quickly got a reply, “Lunch: 12:30. Today. If you aren’t in my office at 12:31, I will come get you.” She let out a sigh; she could see he’d had enough. The threat was no bluff. He would follow through on it if she pushed him far enough. She supposed she’d made her point.

At 12:25, she stepped out of the elevator on the top floor. Her dad was at the control panel, chatting animatedly with Bruce about whatever the holo-screen was displaying.

She listened idly; she understood the gist of what they were saying but it held no context for her-she’d veered off the Stark course of science into literature instead. Her Grandpa Howard would probably spin in his grave, but what he didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him.

Sometimes she regretted not majoring in science. If she was being honest with herself, she felt a little left out sometimes. She was no genius, but she was still double minoring in engineering and technical science. She wasn’t on the same level as her dad and Bruce, but technical proficiency felt like her birthright; was she even really a Stark without it?

The elevator dinged and she heard voices echoing from inside-one of them sounded a touch too familiar.

“Um,” she panicked, “I’ll meet you in your office!” She darted in, closing the door just as two figures stepped out of the elevator- it was Steve and Clint.

They had been in deep conversation in the elevator, but they both clearly heard the snap of the door closing. She ducked below the blinds as the pair watched curiously. After a few moments, she peered around the edge as they sent curious looks at her father and Bruce, but Bruce only grinned and raised his hands in an “I don’t know” gesture.

Steve shrugged and they made their way across the room, disappearing into another room. She watched as her father broke away from Bruce and joined her in his office.

“So,” her father prefaced smugly, “Any reason you’re dodging the good Captain?”

“No!” she denied. If it wasn’t for him, she wouldn’t have to dodge him at all. He didn’t comment but she could see him smirking at his papers, “Are we having lunch or not?” she huffed.

“Yeah, I thought we might order in. Eat Thai food out in the lobby?” he suggested innocently.

She knew he was only trying to get a rise out her-he was likely bitter about being iced out all week, but she wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction, “Fine. Sounds good.” Her heart thumped at the thought of Steve seeing her, but even if he did, he wouldn’t dare confront her about her research in front of her father, would he?

They set up shop out on one of the sofas, spreading their food out on the coffee table. She snuck a sideways glance at her dad. He seemed to be in a better mood now.

“Dad?”

“Hm?”

“What would you say if I asked to shadow in the lab?”

“I thought you just wanted to do school?”

“I did- I just want to know more about what we do here, about what you do.”

He peered at her over his glasses, “What’s the reason for the change of heart?”

She avoided his gaze, “Nothing specific. I just want to be more- I don’t know- involved?”

He mulled it over as he ate, “I could probably arrange something. If that’s what you really want,” he prompted. “Don’t feel like you have to-”

“I don’t!” she protested. “I just feel like I should be more in the loop here. I want to know what’s going on! It feels like I’m always in the dark. Maybe it’s my own fault for not majoring in science but-”

“Whoa, whoa, slow down kid,” Tony looked pained. “We’re not going anywhere. I can get you into the lab if you want to learn, but you don’t have to earn your place as a Stark. You belong here.”

She hoped the relief she felt didn’t show on her face, “I know, I just want to participate, I guess.”

“How about once a week, you come up here and work with me? We’ll hit the lab, I’ll show you the ropes, and you’ll be in the loop. Then, if you have any ideas you want to work on, you have full access to everything you need.”

She nodded enthusiastically, “That sounds good.” She heard the swoosh of the automatic doors opening and turned her full attention to her food, keeping her eyes down. She heard Steve and Clint emerge and despite herself, she felt her face get warm.

Her dad threw her a lifeline, “So did you have any ideas in particular you wanted to explore in the lab?”

She was hyper-aware of the pair walking through the lobby, “I, uh-well, I’ve been watching you work for years. I thought I could contribute to some of the tech. And I’d love to develop a suit of my own-”

“You want your own suit? Why would you need that?” There was a sharp edge to his voice-she knew how he felt about her desire to get on the field.

“I’m not saying I would need it,” she countered, “But wouldn’t you rather I have it in case of an emergency? Plus, it would be really good practice for me in building.”

To her dismay, only Clint strode into the elevator. She raised her eyes slightly and located Steve lounging on one of the other sofas across the room. He was watching her intently, his expression unreadable. She looked away quickly, turning her gaze back to her dad, who seemed to be having an internal battle.

“I suppose the idea has some merit. I’ll think about it.” He smirked at her, “Remind me again, if not because of Uncle Sam over there, why does it look like you’re going to be sick?”

“Because of you,” she hissed, hoping Steve hadn’t heard him.

“Me? What did I do?” His tone was so cool it was almost sarcastic.

“You iced me out when I was,” she paused, “Researching. I ran into him right after and he knows I looked him up,” she kept her voice low and narrowed her eyes.

He rolled his eyes, “You were butting in and got caught; that is not my fault.”

“I thought you were going to help me stay in the loop,” she pointed out.

“Not in every loop,” he countered.

“You always told me to be tenacious- not to take ‘no’ for an answer,” she argued.

“I didn’t mean from me! You should definitely take ‘no’ for an answer when it’s coming from me.” Now it was her turn to roll her eyes. “Most of those files are available online anyway, you know that, right?”

“Yes, but I wanted to use the Stark search engine. And I haven’t had the heart to look again since I ran into him.”

She glanced down at the table and realized they had polished off the food. Her expression must have betrayed her because Tony chuckled, “You’re going to have to face him eventually, you know that, right?”

“No, I don’t know that. I think if I try hard enough, I can avoid him forever.” She grabbed her bag from the floor. “Thanks for lunch Dad.” She walked as quickly as she could to the elevator without running. She heard footsteps behind her and darted inside, jamming the door close button rapidly.

She saw Steve approaching the elevator and heard her father call out, “Cap, can you take a look at this for me?”

Steve paused and seemed to briefly consider ignoring him. He settled for making eye contact, although if it was to tell her something, she had no idea what it was. His expression was undecipherable and her finger froze on the button. Steve turned on heel and headed back toward the coffee table without a backwards glance.

“Have you no sense of style? Of presence and perception?” One must always impress, even in this squalor, in Loki’s opinion.

The Cap smiles as he gets out. “We’re in Hackers’ Fila, you look like a Badge.”

Loki waves the animatronic Avenger off as he strolls across the decaying garage towards the elevator. “Once we have Cyno, his brother will fall in line.” 

“You sure about that?’

“He did before.”

“And Cyno?” 

“May need some convincing.” The god hits the button, waits. And waits. And waits with a growl. Then presses the button again.

“It’s locked.”

“Locked?”

“Coded. Hacker’s Fila, remember?” The Cap’s smile remains. “Probably have to hack yourself in.”

“Well...?”

“What?”

“I’m waiting, robot boy.”

“Oh, I see.” Now the android chuckles. “You want me to do it.”

“Obviously.”

“No magic then?” Loki rolls eyes, mutters. “Sorry, didn’t catch that.”

The god glares, sighs. It was akin to dealing to the most irritating parts of both Stark and Rogers in one. “My magic doesn’t...appear as effective here.”

“No juice, huh?” Another chuckle before The Cap’s hand covers the panel, tiny wires coming from under fingertips to slip behind the buttons themselves. “So why Ana? You have thing for her?”

A flash of violent thoughts come - blasting a hole in the man, perhaps knocking his head off and having a look at the parts inside - but Loki stuffs it under a grin. “Do you?”

“I’m a robot, guy, I have whatever she says I have for her. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“And what does she say you have for her?”

“Loyalty. Physical attraction.” The Cap’s wires pull back in the whirling of the elevator coming to life. “I don’t have ulterior motives, I’m not that complicated.”

The doors open, Loki steps inside and The Cap follows.

“This is a mistake.” Orson notes. “You can’t trust a man, a being, like Loki.”

Ana pinches cigarette between teeth, lights up gold. “I can trust Loki to be Loki, that’s all I need.”

“He likes you now, sure, but only because you interest him. You’ve a name he recognizes.”

“And a body he desires.” She lets out blue, her tension with it. “What else is new? Only difference is he’s a god with powers I can use.”

“Chaotic ones.”

“Tony Stark created the first suit from chaos, the Avengers were formed in chaos...” She drags, strolls to the bar. “I thought you knew better than to dismiss or fear chaos, Orson. The things you’ve seen. Done. Chaos is how creation happens.”

“It’s how destruction happens too.”

She shrugs. “Two sides of the same coin.”

“And when he finds out and flips?”

“For all you know, he’ll be impressed.” She refills. “And I’ll have what I need from him by then either way.”

The mutant chuckles. “He’s not a robot you can decommission or someone you can just...make disappear.”

“There’s a whole universe out there probably looking for him, for his little, blue, box...” Ana smirks in her next drag. “I’m sure someone will be only too willing to take him off my hands, if it comes to that.” She hopes it doesn’t; Loki’s much too interesting and vastly underutilized in her opinion.

“I don’t want any trouble, but I’m not working for you.” Cyno stays at the opposite end of the studio, body tense and at the ready. “Either of you.”

“You’d be doing your country a service.” Despite adjustments, there’s no mistaking who the robot’s meant to be.

“You’re an IronMan Observer, what would you know about service to anything but your creator?”

Loki watches, amused, from the comfort of a chair that instinctually adjusts to his body. Not even on Asgard were there chairs so wonderful. “This doesn’t need to become unpleasant. I imagine Ms Stark will pay you handsomely for your confirmation of the things I’ve told her. Your brother too.”

“My brother and I are on the run because of you.”

“Please.” the god scoffs. “You were on the run long before you met me.” He stands, begins his approach. “In fact, I saved you. You owe me.”

“Miss Stark would be happy to assure you and your family protection, if that’s what you need.” The Cap cuts in.

“How do I know Stark’s not in on it?” Cyno shifts, debating a run. 

The android raises hands in hopes of reassurance. “I promise she isn’t. She was completely unaware of the girls, what Oscorp’s been up to, until Loki told her.”

The hacker smirks. “You know what you’re told to, what you’re programmed to.”

“I know when I’m being lied to.” Loki proclaims firmly, confidently.

“Do you?”

The silence is broken by the sound of boots on stairs, down halls, doors being busted down, screaming and yelling and gunfire. A raid-in-progress. Cyno’s eyes go wide, The Cap shifts to battle-ready, while the god begins to smile.

“This realm never fails to satisfy.”

Two in, what? A week or so? Damn, I’m impressed with myself, lol! Anyway...Not saying what Ana’s plans are or, haha, anything about the raid happening, it would ruin the surprises lol! I will say “fila” is “row” in Spanish and Hacker’s Fila/Row is meant to be a neighborhood where, well, hackers tend to live and congregate.

All gifs made found on Google, combined by me, credit goes to whoever their OG makers are!

Still/Always playing with this one, feel free to share ideas/thoughts/suggestions/headcanons!! 😉