(1)The Avengers: The Lost Goddess

15

When we finally reached Boston, a light rain had started. We had the cabbie drop us off in the middle of traffic, because even though we couldn't see Jacob, it didn't mean he wasn't around.

"Let's go to the aquarium," I suggested.

"But what about—"

I cut Peter off. "I know. But I have a key to get in the employee entrance and I think we'll be safest there. Plus there's a lecture tonight so the area is bound to be busy."

"Good thinking. He won't do anything with a crowd."

"Don't rely on that. I wouldn't put it past him..."

We made our way to the aquarium, purposely zigzagging and turning back on our already traveled path just to make sure Jacob was confused if he still had eyes on us. As I suspected, there was quite a crowd at the aquarium and we were able to blend in. Well, as good as two people in evening attire could blend in.

"Keep your head down and walk with a purpose," I whispered to Peter.

My dress was getting heavy as the rain soaked it, so I was falling behind trying to keep it up so I wouldn't trip. I was looking down, trying to gather it into my arms better, and was nearly knocked down as I ran into someone.

I stumbled and would've fallen on my butt if Peter hadn't threw a web at me and spun me over to him. We ran after that, especially because whoever it was knew it was Peter.

He looked at me with huge eyes as his name was said. I chanced a look back to see Captain America, standing still in the middle of the crowd.

"Oh no, oh no. They saw us. Go Peter, go!"

We sprinted to the employee door, I fumbled with the keys, then finally got it open. I slammed the door behind us and locked it again.

For a second, we just stared at each other, breathing hard. Then Peter surprised me by laughing. He was laughing so hard he had to sit down.

"You look like a rat!" He finally got out.

"Hey! Excuse you, you don't look much better!"

When he finally calmed down he looked at me and smiled. "Well at least you smell good. I can smell your coconut shampoo."

"Yeah, that happens when my hair gets wet."

There was a moment of silence which was really loud after Peter's laugh attack. When I looked at him, he was already looking at me.

"Celestial, I'm sorry about your friend."

"Are you kidding me? I'm sorry about it. He tried to kill you. Not exactly a warm welcome."

"Do you remember when I hid the Cap's shield?"

I laughed. "Yeah. He was so mad."

"Or when I stole Tony's suit and completely trashed the living room because I didn't know how to work it?"

"Yeah, what's wrong with you?"

He laughed with me. "Dude, I don't know."

He stopped smiling suddenly. "He misses you, Celestial."

"Who?"

"Captain America. He...he has nightmares about you a lot. He'll wake up yelling your name saying he thought you were in trouble. I felt real bad."

I was about to apologize again, but I stopped as my name echoed around the aquarium. Peter turned completely white and stared at me, waiting for me to do something.

"Celestial Rivers! I have your boyfriend, the Captain."

"Jacob," I mumbled.

"Celestial, don't. The Cap can take care of himself. He would kill me if I let you face Jacob."