Unleashed {Marvel} ||3||

2. Duty Calls

I didn't think too much of it when I felt nothing beside me the following morning.

The blinds were still down, so only thin streams of sunlight peeked through. I heard people arguing outside. I rolled my eyes. There was no reason for people to argue at this time of morning.

I sat up, stretching my arms out. On my right, the bed was wrinkled and the sheets were tossed back. Clearing my throat, I shuffled out of bed, smoothing down my hair. I rolled up the blinds, nearly blinding myself in the process.

It seemed like a tame day in D.C., like it had been since I'd moved here with Steve.

~*~

This felt so strange.

I'd unpacked my things I'd moved from the apartment in New York. Now, I felt a little more at home.

"You don't have to step on eggshells, Kiara," said Steve, startling me. "This is your place too now."

"It's strange to think it," I murmured. I licked my lips. "Your neighbor was eyeing me when I first got here."

"What neighbor?"

I rolled my eyes. "Kate. The other blonde who lives here. Seriously, Steve, I've only lived here a day and I know who your neighbor is."

"Guess I don't really pay attention."

"That much is evident. Might want to start, just in case. We can make some friends here."

"Not sure our lives permit us any social aspects, Kiara."

"Mind you, I never said you couldn't look at other women," I blurted.

"I know you didn't. I'd rather respect my lady than step on her toes."

I blushed a bit. "How thoughtful of you."

"You'd set them on fire if I did."

"Hmm, I'd maybe set you on fire first," I teased. "Then maybe her. Or the other way around. But you're on my good side, Steve." I glanced at him questioningly. "What's with the chivalry anyway? Have a bad experience with the last girl you tried to court?"

"'Court'?" He chuckled. "Your other-realmness is showing, Kiara."

"Well, that's what it's considered!"

"In your realm, maybe. We call it 'dating' here."

"I know, I know. Tony gave me that explanation. Seriously, though."

"Okay, well, I'd had a little...mishap with a girl, and Peggy kind of saw."

"Did she beat you up?" My eyes widened.

"No. Um, when I found my shield, she'd tested it. She fired a gun at me."

My mouth parted slightly. "Well, you knew how to pick them, Steve. You must like playing with fire."

"Guess I do so long as I don't get burned." He smiled.

~*~

I'd felt like a stranger then. Now, I felt like this was my new home.

Well, it was.

I grabbed my phone, checking for messages. None. Every once in a while, I'd get something from Todd. We'd talk every now and again. Other times it'd be Tasha, asking either me or Steve to go on a mission for S.H.I.E.L.D. Steve had volunteered to go every time and let me take a backseat. Not that I didn't appreciate that, but, I'd like to really stretch my legs.