Huntress (Steve Rogers AU) 18+

14

We ride out of the city and into the forest that surrounds us, taking a slow and steady pace. The Chitauri tend not to dwell in the area nearest to the city, but you can never be too careful - there are bound to be a few strays here and there.

And it's not just the threat of them either. There are other things out there.

There's still a chill in the air, but it's nice to get out and actually be amongst the trees again. Some bare of their leaves from the winter while others are starting to gain them back. I have a bow and some arrows with me, as well as my sword (even with the current training I still prefer the bow that is so much better than my home-made one that I had before).

"Think we'll find anything out there today?" I ask.

"Even if it's rabbit then it's enough". He shrugs. "Although I'm not exactly bothered if we come up with nothing. Just the ride and being out is enough for me - especially with you here". He now looks over at me and smiles.

I wouldn't want to be out here with me if I knew what I was and what exactly I was capable of. Trust in myself and my abilities lately is wavering, especially since mother all but turned her back on me because I chose this. I suppose I don't blame her though, she was only worried for me - and still probably is.

I should make the effort to go back and see her, although I think that things will still be raw considering I've only been here a short time. Perhaps another few months and I will pay her a visit. She seems to have no problem with me sending her some of the money that I make. I wouldn't not send her any though. Things are hard enough as it is.

I glance across to Steve after his admittance and then hide my slight blush. "As long as you don't put yourself at death's door again".

"I was capable of defending myself last time...it just caught me off guard". He now tries to justify the first time that we met.

"I'm sure that it did". I tease, knowing that I will never let him live this down. "You have a shield of vibranium, do you not even know how to use it properly?"

"Of course I do". He scoffs, "You saw me use it".

"And yet you still needed saving" I tut with feigned disappointment.

Steve laughs lightly. "Well, I guess I'd rather have been saved by a pretty girl than have to look at Bucky as I died".

Smooth. This man has a way with words for sure.

"And how many other women have you called pretty before me? A fair few I'd gather, going from the many females being put under your nose last night".

He scratches the back of his neck and looks a little pained at my mention of him. "Yeah...it's suffocating sometimes. Mother's hoping that their daughters will be the 'lucky one' who will be my High Lady". There's a pause. "I know my parents are pushing for me to now make a match, but currently there's no one that's suitable".

"There is always someone suitable, someone for everyone. When you make that connection you know".

Even if there is something there between us - it can never be me. I can't let it. What we have is casual - a way to satisfy our cravings. It will never be enough, but it has to be for both of our sakes. I'd rather have him like this than nothing at all.

He doesn't really respond to my comment, but looks like he's deep in thought all the same, his eyes keeping fixed ahead as we guide the horses through the chosen path. I don't really know where we're going, but Steve seems to know this area better than I do so I trust that he knows where are the better places to hunt.

We soon come to a clearing, the sound of rushing water is nearby which tells me that we're close to a river or something. "Looks pretty peaceful". I note as we dismount and let the horses graze.

"The waterfall is just that way, that's what you can hear". He says. "Sometimes it's better to hunt in this area as animals come to the water on occasion, but I thought you'd might like to see this place". He says as I follow him along the river to the area where the waterfall is. By it, some deer are drinking and I go to take an arrow, but Steve puts a hand on my arm, gently pushing it back down. "We'll leave them be, maybe we'll just get some target practice in for the time being".

"You're the one who wanted to come hunting".

He shrugs. "True, but it doesn't mean to say that we need to go back with something".

I don't argue with him. It's a lucky day for those deer that's for sure. 

**

We make our way back to the horses and decide on target practice - at least it gives me the opportunity to better myself with a sword, but I'd rather prefer a target to shoot at.

"You asked earlier if I could use my shield properly - I'd like to see you try". Steve challenges, causing me to all but gawp. "Go on, humor me". Plucking it from the holster on his back, he passes it me.

It's actually not as heavy as I expected it to be, and I study it for a moment or two. The craftsmanship is like no other. The Wakandan's certainly know how to make weapons.
Taking it, I launch it into the air, the shield cutting through before coming right back towards me. Out of the corner of my eye I can see Steve now move so as it doesn't slam into me, but with two hands I catch it - now looking across and seeing him stood there, his jaw practically on the floor.

"It's not as hard as it looks". I play it off casually, but know that this was a mistake. I'm stronger than I look, and that could raise some awkward questions.

"I've never seen..." He begins but trails off.

"You mean you've never seen a woman wield the shield. I suppose there's a first time for everything, and it's really not that heavy". I still say hoping that the subject will drop. "I bet you anything that the widows could all do the same".

The cogs in his mind are still ticking over as he is thinking hard about this, but takes the shield and puts it back into the holster. "If you really thought me that weak then you wouldn't have given me the job to guard you". I now try and justify.

The gaze he holds on me now is one that keeps me from breaking eye contact, like an invisible force has me rooted to where I stand. 

"I think you now know that I wanted you for more than just that Hale".