Tess (A Dark!SteveRogers AU)

Chapter 7

As Tess left the saloon, she almost walked straight into someone, a red-haired woman who now looked her up and down.

"You must be Steve's new wife. Tess?"

Clearly everyone had heard about the marriage already and were flocking to meet her.

Joy.

"News sure does travel fast around here". It was now her turn to look the red head up and down with some judgement.

"Certainly does, especially if it's to do with a Rumlow". The woman now smirked. "I'm Natasha, the seamstress of the town. You need any dresses mended and whatnot then I'm your girl".

Tess nodded. "Thanks...so who else am I to expect to see today, rolling out the welcome wagon?"

"Well, you got Agatha who owns the general store, Wanda is the one to go to for healing elixirs and whatnot, Clint is our carpenter, oh and then there's the sheriff..."

Nat now made a face.

"All sheriffs are assholes, why should this one be any different?". Tess now asked.

"Because he's onto what Steve and the others do, although he can't make accusations until he has proof. Got a deputy as well called Lemar, you wanna watch them, especially now you're here and married to Steve. They're gonna be onto you two".

Tess snorted. "They don't scare me. I've had my fair share of run ins with sheriff's..."

"Just be on your guard. I'm trusted by the way, sometimes help the boys with their looting and stashing. You ever need a place to put stuff then under my shop is where".  Nat winked.

"I'm surprised you're even talking to me. Everyone knows who I am".

"Steve wouldn't have married you if he didn't think you'd be an asset to our group. The Rogers have been doing this for years, they're experienced and with your knowledge and expertise? Though he won't admit it, I think he saw this deal as an advantage for us".

Tess nodded. "Well, I am good with a gun, and more if that".

"I've heard things about you. Have to admit that I hated you when you were on the other side, but now there's no more fighting? I think we're gonna be good friends".

"You wouldn't want me for a friend". Tess scuffed the dirt with her boot".

"Why not?"

"Never really had 'em or needed 'em".

Nat snorted, "we all need friends, didn't you have anyone?"

"Nope. Just me, my brother and his gang". 

"Well, just know if you ever need someone to talk to - then I'm here". 

Tess wasn't sure whether she could trust Natasha. For all she knew, Steve could have asked her to befriend her as his way to keep an eye on her. Instead, she simply nodded. "Thanks...I'll keep that in mind". Looking in the direction of the end of town where the forge and house were located, Tess sighed. "I should get back". 

"See you around" Nat nodded. 

Steve was still working when Tess returned, seeing Sarah in her chair on the porch knitting. 

He looked over at her. "Made some new friends?" 

"I don't 'make' friends". Tess told him adamantly, now walking over so that Sarah couldn't get involved. "I went for a drink at the saloon". 

"Must've seen Bucky then". 

She nodded. "Seems more of a reasonable man than you". 

Steve's hammer slammed down onto the metal with an almighty clink. It was only now that Tess noticed he was rather muscular. She'd not wanted to look at him last night when he'd taken her to bed. Tunic sleeves rolled up, his clothes were stained with dirt and dust from working. 

"He's a good guy". Was all he said. 

"I met Natasha too...she seems ok". 

Steve chuckled. "Got quite a punch on her". 

"And you'd know I suppose?" She questioned with the same judgemental look as she'd given Nat earlier. 

He knew his next words would piss her off, and he'd relish in it. "Jealousy doesn't suit you Tessie"  

She glared at him. "Don't call me that, and I'm not jealous". 

He snorted. "Whatever you say, but you're my wife - I'll call you what I damn like. At the moment 'bitch' is suiting you nicely". 

"Just as cun-" 

She was cut off by Sarah, "Okaaaaay, what say we head on inside and make something to eat?" Now shooting a warning glance to her son as she steered her daughter in law inside. Once the door was closed, she turned to look at her. "Breathe Tess...I know how hard you wanna smack him but breathe it out". 

"Can I stop him from breathing?" Tess asked through gritted teeth. 

"Now where would be the fun in that?" Sarah smirked and put her hands on her hips, "but you two need to come to some agreement so as we can have a quiet house". 

"Ain't quiet when your son's picking fights all the time". 

"And you don't exactly help matters either". 

"Look, me just being here ain't helping anyone, but I have to be" Tess snapped.

Steve was now in the doorway. "Like it or not you're here. You're a wife, so start fucking acting like one". 

"Steven!" Sarah fumed. "Stop, both of you enough" Both now stood silently glaring at one another across the kitchen. "You two need to come to some negotiation about this. Otherwise, you can both sleep in the forge tonight". 

Tess rolled her eyes and stormed out, Steve now looking to his mother who (with a very unimpressed look herself) gave him a nod to follow. 

He did, heading outside and seeing his leant against one of the beams that held up the porch. She was watching as two men were slowly riding by the house. Steve joining her side and now narrowing his eyes at the pair.

"Who are they?" Tess now spoke, voice a little calmer. 

"Sheriff Walker and his deputy Lemar...you keep well away from them". 

"Nat already told me about them. Me and Sheriff's? Obviously, we don't get along". 

They both watched as the pair rode away. "He thinks he can expose what we do here, but he's got nothing, and he'll have nothing ". Steve now said. "Just be wary of them". 

"Naw, for a moment there I thought you were going all protective husband on me". She pouted, and then glared at him once more. "I still hate you by the way". 

"Well I hate you more, Tessie".