The Seventh Avenger - (Marvel x OC)

CH 2.5 The Hostages

Three months later, Andrew and Peggy walk into a store selling children's toys.

"This must be heaven" Peggy said quietly as she looked around the small store.

"You've said that about all three stores we've been in, Peg" Andrew replied.

"Well, if you would just pick out a gift we would've only been to one store"

"I'm sorry, alright? I'm just looking for something very specific."

"Take your time, I'm having fun" Peggy said as she wandered off into the store.

Andrew searched for a few seconds before Peggy gasping sharply sent him running over to her.

"Peg?" Andrew asked worriedly when he reached her.

"Look at these!" Peggy said happily holding up a newborn size baby onesie. "So cute!"

"Peggy, I thought something was wrong" Andrew said rubbing his forehead half frustrated and half relieved that Peggy was okay.

"Oh c'mon! It's a children's store, nothing bad is gonna happen."

As Peggy finished her sentence, a nervous-looking young man walked into the store. Andrew tilted his head and listened to his heartbeat.

"What is it?" Peggy whispered.

"His heart rate is through the roof, he's sweating, and he's got his hand around something in his pocket." Andrew replied with a sigh.

The man walked up to the cashier and pulled a gun on him. Andrew silently walked up behind him and saw the man's hand was shaking.

"Alright" Andrew said calmly grabbing the barrel of the pistol and easily crushing it in his grasp. "Turn around and walk out that door and we'll all forget this ever happened, but if you ever try something like this again...I will find you, do you understand?"

The man quickly nodded his head and ran out of the store, leaving his half-destroyed gun in Andrew's hands.

"Nice one" Peggy said coming out of hiding. "Why'd you let him go?"

"It was just a kid...he was scared. He didn't deserve prison and I have a feeling he won't try something like this again."

"When did you get so compassionate?" Peggy teased with a smile.

"Since I started hanging out with you" Andrew answered with a smirk.

Andrew bent over to pick up an item that had fallen out of its place in the scuffle. He flipped it over and saw that it was a stuffed animal bee about the size of his hand.

"Perfect" Andrew muttered with a chuckle. "How much for this?" He asked the worker.

"For you? Free"

"Really?" Andrew asked surprised.

"You saved my store and maybe my life...of course it's free!"

"Thank you" Andrew said with a grin.

"Thank you!" the worker replied as Andrew walked over to Peggy.

Peggy stored the present in her purse. Andrew offered her his arm and she tucked her arm around his as they walked out of the store and down the sidewalk.

"Did you have to scare him that bad?" Peggy asked as they walked.

"Was it too much?"

"He definitely needs a fresh pair of trousers" Peggy joked, making Andrew laugh as they walked off toward Hank and Janet's house.