𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐎𝐟 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧||𝐒.𝐑 𝐱 𝐎𝐂!

𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧

The jet eased to a halt, the engines silently screaming.  I exit the room alongside Steve re-joining the rest of the group. Rustles came to a still and confusion laced everyone's features, where are we? It is as if Steve read my mind... or everyone's faces.

"Barton. What is the location?" 

"Home."

---

The building was small and extremely cosy, a place of true happiness. The door was fragile and delicate, something Thor should not be touching. As all members marched into the structure, I gingerly tiptoed keeping a timid posture as I followed behind Rogers. Quite strangely I found a sense of comfort in the solider. I kick myself, 'The mission. You must focus on the mission.' I am not here to find someone of comfort, the sceptre. I have to get the stone back, after all it is part of my creation. My mind is racing, so many questions in such little time. Would I be more powerful with the stone?

"Honey, I'm home." Barton had a soothing tone as he expressed his presence in the 'home'. No mind reader needs abilities to interoperate hi importance here. Out of this world such a bold move could get you killed.  

A brown haired woman steps through into the room, eyes beaming in joy towards Clint. Although, she did not seem too thrilled about the guests surrounding him. The woman, referred to as 'Honey', wore a confusingly patterned top embedded in pink embroidery.  Her face glowed in the natural sunlight as her body was beautifully carved, and pregnant?

"Hi. Company. Sorry I didn't call ahead." His voice slightly solemn.  

"Hey." She finally replied. This is taking too long, time to make an introduction of my own - Well, one she won't know of. Steadily, my eyes glazed a piercing sapphire blue. Travelling deep into her mind, into her conscious. Laura, 3 children, Husband Clint Barton and a secret ag-

All eyes turned to me. I promptly noticed not only my eyes had turned, but also hers. Shit.

"Lev?" The Captain turned to me puzzled. 

"Enough Levana." My brother. He said it with such stern and force, I coward under the pressure avoiding eye contact at all cost as my vision shifted back to its normal state. I slowly felt my body levitate in the soldier's direction, unwillingly.

 I look back to the woman who looked just as confused as the rest, I tried to give her a convincing caring smile - it didn't work. 

"That's my cue." I find myself walking out of the door not worrying to look back at any of them, as I shouldn't care: I'm only here for my mission. 

Cold, fresh air hit my features like a sting from a piercing bullet. Refreshing. The silence is welcoming. My breath steadies as my chest stops pounding. Externally, the peace is liberating. Internally, the is no moment of quiet. Replaying the scene from few minutes previous. His words, or more his word, had such an impact on me. Enough, Enough, ENOUGH.

"Hey, Lev?" His hand reached out to me, it didn't make contact. Instinct kicked in. I spun round in a flash and clutched his wrist, in a swift motion flipped the body over me - all I heard was a thud. He got up quick. Punch left - dodged. Punch right - dodged. A scramble as he grabbed my wrists and pulled me closer to him. 

~STEVE'S POV~

She struggled against me, I looked down at her in hopes she would just let go of all of her pain. I could tell she was hurting, I don't know what over but I need her to realise I'm here for her. Her overwhelmed body grew tired quickly, as she finally looked up to me. Those beautiful eyes glazed blue as I couldn't help but look deeper. I see the tears welling in her eyes. I didn't know what to say, she had left me speechless. C'mon Steve you've known this girl nearly 3 days, I'm kicking myself - why does she have so much effect on me?

"He hates me." She sobs into my chest.

"What do you mean Lev?"

"Don't play fucking dumb Rogers." She cracked, "You see how he speaks to me, that's if he can even be bothered too!" She scoffs.

"Lev-"

"No Rogers. I'm sick of his shit, I did nothing to him."

"Lev you need to-"

"Do not tell me what to do." She comes closer to me, rage in her eyes. "I might be here right now, but I'm not apart of your stupid fucking team. God! You guys don't even act like a team. You might be Gods righteous man, but I'm a fucking Goddess."

I had no words. I was the veer to her rage, I had no control.  I can see the true hurt that man has brought her, why does it hurt me?

Suddenly, Thor came marching out of the house and down to the front were myself and Levana stand. She faces him scowling, as if she could rip his head clean off of his shoulders.

"I saw something in that dream. I need answers, I won't find them here." He addresses us his concerns, although I am more concerned for Levana's reply.

"Oh of course, your leaving me again." 

"Levana I don't have time for this."

"You never have time for me, but you have time to grimace at me. You have time to talk shit about me? Oh but you don't have time to complete any missions, that's why you're such a disappointment to father!" Thor is taken back by her remarks, though she is only right. 

"Father is making you a killer don't you see that! Lev your being obscure."

"Your threatened by me aren't you?"

"What?"

"Lev-" I try to step in but my attempt it unsuccessful.

"Don't you see I am the answer." Her speech is becoming breathless as her eyes begin to flicker the sapphire blue.

"Your being destroyed by your knowledge."

"No. I'm becoming more powerful, and you just can accept that - can you? 

~LEVANA'S POV~

  I'm shaking. Anger, frustration, grief all overcoming me at once. I had finally snapped and it has left him speechless, he only finds me to speak the truth. With no warning he begins to swing his hammer as a colourful beacon abducts him from the ground. Son of a bi-

I turn to see the Captain his face enlaced with panic, worry and concern. I realise how I had also unmeaningly snapped at him. I form an apology however, I do not voice it. His eyes connected with mine as I turn and hesitantly exit into the surrounding woods. Ultimately, it's a mission.

---  

AN --> It's been over a year. Sorry? I'm a bit rusty with my writing so bare with while I get back into the swing of it. But like good to be back? Please leave like any suggestions or critiques for my writing and I guess for the story - you know constructive stuff guys! Ok well, have a lovely day!

~L

( 1156 words )