Iron Wolf

Chapter 20~ It's Complicated

Steve's POV

I made my way back to my room and collapsed on the bed, Tony's words echoing in my mind. "You need to man the fuck up and tell her how you feel or let her the fuck go so she can move on from you and live her life with someone who can appreciate her for who she is. And if she ever comes to my lab crying over you again, I'll kill you myself." I wasn't so much worried about Tony's death threat, more so I was upset about the fact Melody had been crying. And over me of all things. Did she really think that I was avoiding her because of her abilities? Couldn't she see that I was head over heels for her? But obviously, keeping my distance wasn't working for either of us. My feelings had gone away or even dampened, in fact only growing stronger and Melody was apparently crying to her father because she missed me. So I guess, then the only thing I really can do is just tell her how I feel. No matter how painful it is.

"Melody?" I asked, knocking on her door. There was no answer, so I knocked louder. Finally, she answered, her door opening by itself. I entered the room and found her curled up on her bed.

"Melody, I have to talk to you. To explain myself."

"There's nothing to explain, Steve. You can't handle what and who I am. It's ok. I just wish you hadn't lied to me about it." My heart shattered at how dejected she sounded. I hated it and I hated knowing that I was the cause of it.

"No, Melody. Please, just hear me out. Ever since I first laid eyes on you, I have wanted you. And it's just gotten worse, the more I've gotten to know you. It's gotten so bad recently that I thought it would be better if I distanced myself from you. You're so young, Melody, only 16. And I'm 95. I was just trying to prevent breaking the law. And my moral code, if I'm honest. But Melody, I'm falling in love with you. And I feel awful about it because of the huge age gap between us."

"Steve... If you want to talk about the age gap, then I am technically older than you are. This is my third lifetime. In my first one, I was born in 1350 BCE to the Greek Goddess Artemis and a wolf. Because Artemis had taken a vow of celibacy, she asked Zeus to impregnate her with her lover's sperm. He did and I was born, and I was the first werewolf. So, if you take that information, Steve, I am technically 3,362 years old. but I understand if you don't want to act on these feelings we both have until I'm 18 in this lifetime. It's ok," She said and I was stunned. Maybe it wasn't so bad after all.

Timeskip

Steve's POV

"Do you know what today is Steve?" Natasha asked, enter the kitchen one February morning.

"No, what?" I asked.

"Melody's birthday. And do you know what a little birdie told me? I was told that in Transmonia, where Melody is from, she becomes a legal adult in that country. So, that means you could do whatever you wanted to and it wouldn't be illegal. As long as she agrees to it, that is," Nat said.

"It's not happening, Nat. Not for another year," I said.

"If you say so. Just... keep that in mind," Nat said walking off.

"You're enjoying this way too much!" I called after her and she laughed.

I made my way to Melody's room and knocked. She didn't answer, but I let myself in any way, knowing that she was probably still sleeping. She slept in most days, so most days I had to wake her up.

"Melody," I whispered and she twitched. "Melody, you have to get up." After about 10 minutes of this, she did wake up.

"Steve? What's going on?" She asked.

"It's 11:30 and it's your birthday. And according to Natasha, you're an adult on Transmonia."

"Oh. Yeah, she's right about that."

"She had great liberty telling my this," I said and Melody laughed.

"Of that, I have no doubt."

"So, I guess I should say 'Happy Birthday'," I said.

"You should. But the question is, will you?" Melody asked and I laughed.

"I will. Happy Birthday, Melody."

"Thank you, Steve. Now, I wonder what my dad has planned. It's usually something huge and unnecessary and flashy. You know, Tony Stark style," She said and it was my turn to laugh.

"I don't know what he has planned. I actually haven't seen him this morning. At all, which is strange. I usually see him when he gets his coffee."

"He is probably somewhere in the city, doing all kind of last-minute prep. He does that. He probably got coffee somewhere. But this worries me. Who knows what kind of mischief my father is causing?"

"I wish I could help you, but I can't. I guess we just have to wait and see," I said and she pouted.

"I hate waiting. And I hate surprises. Keep that in mind, Steven. I absolutely hate surprises."

"I will keep that in mind," I said and she nodded once.

"Good."

Timeskip

Melody's POV

The year had passed and Steve and I were closer than ever. We weren't official or anything, and we didn't go on dates, but we were practically joined at the hip. It seemed that we were always in the same room together and we would steal glances when we thought no one was looking. And I was content with this. Especially during movie night, which had become a regular thing in the Avengers tower, Steve and I would cuddle. And 9 times out of 10 I would fall asleep and we would have to carry me to bed.

But soon, the year passed and my birthday was fast approaching. My 18th birthday. I couldn't wait to see what Steve had planned.