A Soldier's Journey

Part 5: He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not

It's been five months since Loki's invasion. Steve and I moved to Washington because he and I agreed to work with Shield. Well he agreed, and convinced me. I don't know what happened, but something switched. Something along our journey changed. I find myself enjoying his company more. I always did, he's my best friend, but it's different. I blush when he's around and feel my heart pang when he laughs or touches me. I can't like someone, it's just not for me. I have to push away my feelings for him and make sure that nothing changes.

I woke up around 4:30 this morning. Purposefully before Steve does. I quickly change and head out the door. Driving to the store, I realize the quietness of the morning. There are only a few cars on the road, and nobody walking on the streets. You'd think it was an old ghost town. I go to the store and buy some ingredients for apple pie and cake and some decorating things for Steve's birthday. Next, I need to go by the Shield headquarters to get Steve's present. I start walking out to the car when I see a tall man leaning against it. I immediately tense up but continue walking to the car. The man sees me and stands up, eyeing me up and down. I try to ignore him, although my heart beats faster and faster. I pull my keys out of my pocket and walk past him. He grabs my arm and twists me towards him. "Hello there. I must say, you are absolutely stunning." He says as he looks me up and down again. "Thank you, but if you'll excuse me, I'm in a hurry." I say, trying to continue ignoring him. He doesn't let go of my wrist. "Playing hard to get, are we?" He asks. My jaw clenches as I feel my hands start to shake. "Your eyes are beautiful. What would you say about me bringing you home with me?" He asks. "No thank you. Like I said, I'm in a hurry." I say. I try to shake off his hand, but he only grabs tighter, actually hurting my arm. A smirk takes place on his face.

He starts moving his hands all over my body, kissing my neck. I keep trying to push him away, but his whole body presses against mine, holding me against my car tightly. He holds down my hands tightly as he continues. I try to yell and scream, but I can't find my voice. He starts grinding against me, hurting me against the car. I lift my knee quickly, hitting him in the groin. He quickly reacts, but when I try to run, he pulls me back towards him. He trips me down onto the ground. I hit my head against the concrete hard. I start to feel really dizzy. He undoes his belt and pulls down his pants. I try to sit up, but my head pounds again and pure agony rushes through my bones. He reaches his hand down and starts pulling down my pants. My adrenalin starts rushing quickly. My eyes turn bright red and he looks at me in fear. He quickly gets up. "What the hell!" He says. He quickly pulls up his pants, and runs away. I sit up, despite my pounding head and quickly pull back on my clothes. It takes me a minute to open the car door because my hands are still shaking. I quickly get in, throwing the bags in the trunk carelessly. I close the door and lock it, driving away as fast as possible. I check in the rearview mirror several times, making sure that no one is following me.

I quickly get home and rush inside, closing the front door silently and sliding down the side. My body shakes at my heart continues to beat quickly. I drop my head into my hands as my knees press against my chest tightly. I silently sob into my shaking hands. I cry for about five minutes, when I feel a warm arm wrap around my shoulders, pulling me close. I lift my head and see Steve sitting next to me, also leaning against the wall. He doesn't say a word, just pulls me close to his chest. I lean against him, listening to his heart beating just as quickly as mine. It must have scared him to see me crying. I sob into his chest as his grip tightens. His warm, large arms provide a sense of comfort for me. I wrap my arms around his, holding him still and silently thanking him. We stay still for a while as I continue crying. His thumb gently rubs against my arm soothingly. Eventually, I slowly stop crying, but continue shaking. I take a deep breath and lift my head. He reluctantly lets me go and I wipe away my tears, completely soaking my face. He gently reaches out and grabs my arm, lifting it and looking at the bruise on it.