Once A Warrior Princess

Chapter 9~ Snapped

Melody's POV

"What are we doing again?" I asked, finding my way into the living room.

"Watching a movie," Tony answered, bringing in several bowls of popcorn.

"Why?" I asked.

"It is something Humans do to bond with one another," Thor answered and I nodded once.

"I thought that was something Human families did with one another. We aren't a family. Hell, some of us come from different planets."

"Family isn't just about blood, Melody. You can choose your own family," Clint answered, a small smile on his lips.

"You sound like a fortune cookie. And I mean that as a compliment."

"We see ourselves like a second family, Melody. I see you as a niece," He continued and I felt myself get tense.

"Are you ok, Melody?" Bruce asked.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm fine. It's just I don't really think of myself as a family type. I'm more of a lone wolf, even with my blood relatives," I admitted, remembering the countless balls and galas where my paternal grandparents had publicly disowned me, the endless days my mother ignored me to stay in her study, the several instances where my father would disappear for what seemed like months at a time to play in his lab. And while I had my older brother and my sisters, I was always too scared to get too close.

"Мелодия, we all think of you as family. We care about you," Nat said, choosing to say my name in Russian. That was a thing with her, she preferred to address me in Russian whether it was my name or some nickname she had come up with. But I knew she was wrong. Not everyone thought of me as family.

I smiled and made my way to the supersoldier who had been uncharacteristically quiet and sat in his lap. I didn't address it; I just watched the confused looks and the gears spinning in everyone's heads. I made a point of blocking Wanda out of my head, enjoying the confusion. But I enjoyed the warmed of Steve's arms as he pulled me closer to him. He used his super strength to his advantage and held me far to tight for a Human to comfortable handle. But I wasn't Human and the added warmth and pressure was welcomed. I could hear his heartbeat speed up, his blood rushing in his veins but he didn't betray his emotions. His excitement at having me so close. After several minutes of the team debating what movie to watch, they settled on Ex Machina. After fifteen minutes had passed, I adjusted myself, laying my head on Steve's chest, listening to the movie. It was a weird thing I did. Instead of actually watching movies, I preferred to listen to them and let my imagination run wild, occasionally glancing up every so often to see how far off I was. A while later, I felt my body get heavy and soon I didn't hear the movie anymore.

Steve's POV

I noticed Melody had begun to fall asleep, as her body began to curl into itself. I tightened my hold on her, careful not to wake her up but also careful not to let her slide off of me. I was elated when she had made my lap her seat, and I was happy she didn't make a big fuss about it. I loved having her so close to me, being able to smell her calming scent; Being surrounded by the smell of white chocolate s'mores and the ocean with a hint of forest. The feeling of her silky skin on mine. And when she adjusted herself so that her head was resting on my chest, I couldn't help but feel that this beautiful young woman was made for me. That she was the missing piece that I'd been looking for. That the whole reason I had been lost in the ice was so that enough time could pass so we could be together. I made my mind up then and there. Once everyone else left, I would ask Melody out.

It helped that Melody began to fall asleep halfway through the movie. I had a valid excuse to stay on the couch; I didn't want to risk waking her. And that was true, but of course, I had alternities motives. I was prepared to wait several hours for Melody to wake up. She had fallen asleep on the couch before and it could take her anywhere from two to five hours to wake up on her own. And even then, she would usually stumble back to her room for a couple more hours, unless she was needed. But I was lucky this time; half an hour after the others went to bed, Melody woke up.

"Did I miss the ending?" She asked, rapidly blinking the sleep from her eyes.

"Yeah, but Tony has this one. You can try again another time," I smiled, pushing her hair out of her face.

"I promise, I didn't mean to fall asleep on you. I don't even remember falling asleep, to be honest."

"It's ok. You were tired," I smiled.

"It's really not ok, but thanks for understanding. I should probably head up to bed and free you from your fleshy prison," She said, slowly sitting up. But I wasn't ready to let go of her yet. I tightened my grip, effectively pulling her back to me.

"But you're warm," I said, holding her tight.

"That's because I'm a fire witch. Are you going to let me go?"

"I have to ask you something first."

"Than ask. I wanna go to bed, and I will fall back asleep on you," She threatened and my heart melted. Let me ask my question first, you beautiful bean.

"Would you consider letting me take you out to dinner?" I asked, my heart pounding. What if she says no?

"Steven Rogers, are you asking me on a date?" She asked a smile slowly overtaking her face.

"I am."

"Well, then I guess I have no choice but to accept. I'd love to go on a date with you." I smiled. Success.