The Chilling Adventures of Steve Rogers: Book One (Magical Hydra Horror AU)

Three

Dressed in a soft, blood red sweater and as ready for the day as he would ever be, Steve dragged himself down the stairs. Walking down the hallway, classic rock music could be heard with Uncle Thor singing along. Filling the morning air was a sweet smell that wrapped around Steve like a warm blanket and instantly caused Steve's stomach to grumble.

"'She's just a devil woman. With evil on her mind,'" Thor accompanied Cliff Richard while flipping a slice of French toast. Bopping his head, "'Beware the devil woman. She's gonna get you.'"

As Steve walked around the kitchen island, he passed the stove where Thor was. Just as always, Thor leaned to the side, and Steve kissed his cheek. Making sure to take the plate set off to the side. Carrying the plate over to the table, Steve wondered how he'd eat the large stack of lemon French toast that was artistically topped with a homemade blueberry syrup and whipped cream.

Taking a seat at the old oak table, Uncle Loki asked from behind the paper, "How'd you sleep?"

"Fine," Steve lied, shoving a large bite of French toast in his mouth before he could be called out on his bluff.

Even though, Loki bent the paper and peered over at his nephew with a knowing quirk of his brow. Steve averted his gaze, clearly giving himself up, as he always did. Satisfied, Loki flipped his paper back up and remarked, "One would think you'd learn how to lie better by now."

"Brother," Thor warned, pointing the spatula at Loki. Thor stated, "Those aren't lessons we want to teach him."

"It's a good craft to master," Loki evenly clarified, never removing his eyes from the paper.

"How is dishonesty a good --"

"In case he needs to talk himself out of --"

"Just because you choose to lie --"

"Just because you're a boy scout --"

"-- Must you always use that against me?!

"When it comes to proving my point, ye--"

"You stabbed me, wasn't that en--"

"Oh, for Hive's sake," A pleasing voice boomed from the doorway. The room's attention snapped over to Cousin Hildy. Her wavy black hair tangled, the stretched out collar of her faded black band tee hanging off her shoulder, and the ratty rabbit slippers with the floppy ears were stained by red splotches. Either it was blood or wine. Whatever it was though, it was clear that Hildy was hungover.

Dropping herself into a black upholstered chair at the dark stained table, Hildy complained, "Can you two go five minutes without fighting? Or talking about poor Steve as though he's not even in the room."

Steve smirked at his cousin, only for her to wink at him with her smeared makeup eye. Shoving another bite of his lemon French toast into his mouth, Steve heard Uncle Loki comment, "Perhaps a nice cup of tea before bed will work."

"Yes, a lavender and lemon leaf tea should do the trick," Thor mused, carrying over a plate of French toast for Hildy. Thor stroked his fingers through Steve's hair and confirmed to himself, "Might even stop you from wandering tonight."

Loki set his paper down at that. His brows slightly furrowing together as he asked the petite blond, "You've been wandering again?"

It wasn't often that Loki allowed others to see his emotions. Typically choosing to wear an expressionless mask or a smirk dripping in false mirth. Seeing the clear concern on his uncle's face, Steve's stomach dipped as he reasoned, "It was just a dream."

"Dear boy, you know better than that," Loki sighed, reaching forward to affectionately cup Steve's cheek. Only holding Steve's cheek for a moment, Loki leaned back in his chair and suggested, "Perhaps we should visit Herr Schmidt. Give you some peace of mind in the meantime."

As Loki shook his paper out and brought it back up in front of his face like a curtain, Thor crossed to the stove again, softly returning to his singing. Once Steve left for the procedure, he knew he'd miss this. Glancing over at his cousin, Steve's gaze locked with Hildy's and she teasingly scrunched her face in distaste as she mouthed, "Don't do it."

"A visit with Herr Schmidt would do you some good, too, Brunnhilde," Loki declared, not looking at her.

Still having Steve's gaze, Hildy playfully rolled her eyes. Causing a large grin to stretch across Steve's face as Hildy dug into the stack of lemon French toast in front of her. Steve settled in the moment, wishing that he didn't have to leave them soon.

Overhead, the doorbell chimed and Steve snapped to attention. Quickly standing from the table, he took his plate to the sink and rushed about the room like a chicken missing it's head. Making sure to give each of his family members a kiss, just like he did every morning. Maybe lingering for a moment longer as he slipped on his jacket and grabbed his backpack before crossing the house to the front door.