A Poisoned Touch

The morning came, not with a sigh like the previous day, but with a nightmare that had Steve jumping up, fists raised against the horrors of his own mind. He was halfway down the hall, clad only in his boxers, before Thor caught him.

“Steven, Steven...calm. Please. It was only a dream.” His breaths were labored, his body tight with fear, as Thor held him tight. “Slow your breathing now. Slow. Come back to me.”

“Th..Thor? Where are we?”

“The hallway down from your rooms. It is morning. You had a nightmare.”

“Oh.” Shame blanketed him. He’d never let the others see him like this. He was supposed to be the leader and the leader was stronger than he was in moments like this.

“Come now, back to bed. I do not believe you want one of the maids to catch you in your underthings.”

“Oh hell. Yeah. Bed s’good.” He let Thor walk him back to his rooms, grateful that they didn’t encounter one of the many people Tony employed to keep the tower running smoothly. He face planted onto the tangled sheets, feeling the bed dip underneath the weight of Thor sliding in near him.

“Do you wish to speak of it?” He asked, running his fingers through the mess Steve’s hair was.

“Don’t really ‘member it. Flashes only. Fire and bombs.” He mumbled into the bedding.

“Ahh. I have had many dreams such as that. There is only one thing to be done.” There was a bit of humor in Thor’s tone Steve wasn’t awake enough to figure out.

“Huh?” He twisted his head just as Thor’s hand slid under his body, lifting him easily. “Bath time!”

“Thor! My wings don’t fit in that tub.” He was definitely more awake now.

“Yes, but you have a shower.” The bigger man winked and Steve felt the flush start at his ears.

Showering with Thor was an experience that Steve would definitely want to examine further, but for that morning, it certainly did chase away the bad dreams. By the time he’d gotten dressed, his feet bare still, the remnants of the nightmare was gone. Which was good, considering they’d just stepped into the common floor kitchen when the Bifrost hit, leaving two people standing on the balcony wide eyed.

“Friends!” Thor shouted, drawing their attention inside. The two came in, the blonde one who must be Fandral eyeing Steve appreciatively. The women, Sif, reminded Steve a lot of Nat. She kept her gaze moving, taking in every detail of her surroundings.

“Thor, this realm is amazing. The buildings are so tall!” Fandral said, before accepting a spine cracking hug from Thor.

“Yes, the people of this planet do love to build impressive buildings. This one belongs to my friend Anthony, the man of iron.”

“Would that be you?” Fandral moved away from Thor to inspect Steve closer. Without thinking of it, Steve slid closer to Thor, his left wing laying flat across Thor’s back. “Ah, I see. My apologies.”

“Friends, this is Steven Rogers, Captain America. He is the leader of the Avengers, the team I fight with here.”

“Well met, Captain. Will we meet the others? These Avengers?” Sif asked.

“Yeah, um, we all generally eat breakfast together around this time, so they’ll be coming in shortly.”

“Except for Anthony. He had a great meeting to attend.” Thor leaned forward, as did his two friends. “His wife is a formidable woman and he is smart to do her bidding.”

“Oh, yeah. This is his building. He does a lot of business, so he’ll be around later. He is leaving with us to go back to Asgard.”

“Captain Rogers, Your Highness, I have Sam Wilson in the elevator.” Both Sif and Fandral jumped up, looking around for the voice.

“Thanks Jarvis.” Steve said, before turning to the new Asgardians. “It’s Jarvis. He’s a computer, well, more than that really, but he runs the tower.”

“Fascinating.” Sif breathed out. Steve laughed.

“Odin said the same thing. More than once. Well, are you hungry? The Bifrost makes me hungry and then dead tired.”

“I can always eat.” Fandral announces with a wink. Steve shakes his head, but leads them toward the kitchen table.

“Here, sit, I’ll scrounge up some food.” Thor leaned over to kiss his cheek, before going to sit with his friends.

“I saw that! There’s going to have to be some rules in the frat house.” Steve trusted Sam’s voice. He finds the other man smiling as he walks forward.

“Hey Sam. Thanks for coming up on such short notice.” Sam makes a sharp salute, they’d worked on ways to say hi without a hug, and then sit at the island that Steve had started putting breakfast makings on.

“No cook today?”

“Do you really think there is always a cook? I try to make breakfast when I can. It’s soothing, I think.”

“You do you man. I’m a lover of food but not the process.” He winks and then spins the barstool. “Now, who are the new folks?”

“Friend Falcon, these are two of my greatest friends from home. The Lady SIf and Fandral the Dashing.”

“Hey nice to meet you. I hear we’ll be working together if anything goes down while these fools are off world. Glad to have you here.”

“You are most welcome my good man.” Fandral gives Sam a grin that has him turning to Steve with a patented “are you kidding me?” look.

“You are a warrior here?” Sif asks. Steve is curious if she doesn't think he’s big enough or something. Odd considering he’s just about the same height as Fandral, and looks to be more built. Fandral is like Loki, lean. Still dangerous.

“I was a soldier, Air Force specifically. Now I work with these clowns. Don’t worry, I won’t hold you back in a fight.”

“I was not worried, simply interested. I have not been to Midgard before. I do not know much about your people.”

“Then I won’t be offended by her lack of understanding. I fly. If there is time before they leave, I can show you some moves. Probably a good idea to get an idea of yours in case we actually do get called out.”

“Ah, sparring! That is a wonderful idea. But first,” Thor glances over to Steve who is steadily making eggs and toast, “first let us eat. Elskan would you like help?”

“I got it big guy.” Bruce came from the other side of the kitchen. His shirt was already rumpled but his glasses sat square on his face. He dropped a case by the wall before rolling up his sleeves. “I’ll make a fruit salad, Steve.”

“Morning Dr. Banner.” Sam leaned over the island to shake his hand.

“Hey Sam. Glad to see you back at the madhouse.” He looked over to where the two new people sat, sizing them up. “Do you both eat meat? I can cook up some ham for you.”

Sif looked to Thor, confused. “Boar. They keep them here. So, not wild. Tastes very good.”

“Yes then, please.” Sif watched as Bruce pulled out a pan and then the package of ham from the fridge. “Do you mind if I?” She nodded at them, and he smiled.

“Sure, come on. I would never say no to a curious mind.” Steve smiled down at his pan as the eggs cooked. He listened to Bruce explain to her what he was doing, and let her taste a piece of the smoked ham.

He got the eggs plated and the last of the toast buttered just as the elevator opened and Clint and Nat came out. Like Bruce, she was already packed and dropped her bag on the couch before walking over.

“Morning.” She made a beeline for the fridge where her smoothies were stocked.

“Hey Nat. Clint. Coffee’s made.”

“You are a god, thanks Cap.” Clint took ages to wake up if they were home and safe. Usually ingesting an entire pot on his own. “Hey, new folks. Sup?”

“Clint.” Nat sighed, shaking her head. “Hey, welcome to Earth.”

“Hello my lady--” Fandral starts and then there is an arrow at his foot. Steve has no idea where it came from.

“Just no.” Clint says with his eyes closed. Steve laughs.

“Uh, yeah, we’re all paired off except for Dr. Banner. So, you know, put it away.” Steve started putting platters of food on the table and smiled at Thor as he came to grab plates and utensils.

“The doctor is single?” Sif asked Steve, leaning in close.

“Yes.” He answers, just as softly. Thinking on it, he believes she might be a good match. As an Asgardian, Hulk can’t really hurt her if the worst were to happen.

“Right, let's eat and then we’ll head down to the gym and see what these guys bring to the team.” Steve starts to fill his plate but is distracted as Jarvis speaks up again.

“Sirs, Madams, Prince Loki has arrived.”

“Bastard loves to make an entrance.” Clint grumbles as he pours more coffee.

“Yes, but this bastard comes baring French pastries, so be nice or I’ll let my brother eat them all. He does love a good sweet.”

“Oh, is that chocolate croissants? I haven’t had one of those in ages.” Bruce was eyeing the brown wrapped packages with glee.

“It is indeed Doctor. You may have one, if you so desire.” He sat next to Steve, running one long elegant finger down his wing, fixing an errant feather.

“Thanks, sometimes they have a mind of their own.”

“Can I speak of them now?” Fandral asks, not nearly as chagrined as he should be at this point.

“I am surprised you were able to hold an ounce of tact at all.” Loki all but sneers and Steve is not in the mood to deal with a bitchy prince.

“Loki, please not today.” He whispers in his ear. The prince shivers, as does Steve. He looks down to find those pale, elegant fingers tinted blue. “He really does bother you, doesn't he? Don't worry, Clint already shot at him.”

“What do you need to know? They are wings. They are attached to his back. He can fly with them. Pretty simple really.” Sam added, probably trying to diffuse the chill between the two men.

“Ah, but I have not seen wings on a being such as this in a very long time.” Fandral continued.

“Just admit that you are the only one besides me in this room to have actually met a Soros before. Your attempted storytelling is not what we need now.” Loki’s hand stayed blue, the chill reaching out. Steve would be quite glad if the chill went away, but he couldn't think of a way to calm Loki.

“Loki, my fellow. Can you not put our past away and speak kindly to me here at the home of your friends?”

“You speak to me of putting our past away? You?” How dare you, you sniveling--”

“Loki pull it back!” Sam shouted.

All around him Steve had a vague awareness of his friends moving, but he couldn’t move. His eyes were aching with cold. Why couldn't he move his hands?

“Steve? Steve? Listen to me. Come on, the ice isn’t going to get you.” He thinks it’s Nat talking to him, and he can maybe hear Bruce in the background but it’s all echoes.

Suddenly a warmth flares, and his body is his again. He blinks a few times before trying to focus again. In front of him Pepper is kneeling. Her hands glowing orange where they laid on his knees. His jeans were blackened under her touch, but he didn’t feel burned, just warm.

“Steven, are you back with me?” She asked softly. He nods, but his neck hurts. Tight like his whole body.

“What happened?” He gets out, but she doesn't answer. Instead she stands up, twists angrily and now the soft glow of her hands is actual balls of fire, and that is a thing he didn’t know she could do. He needed to talk to Tony.

“What in the hell happened?” Steve had never seen Pepper angry. Sure he’d seen her annoyed with Tony, but the woman in front of him was actual, living, breathing fire, and it was indescribable.

“Lady Pepper. I apologize. I allowed my upset to get to me and I lost control. It will not happen again.” Loki stopped in front of him, before falling to his knees. “Steven, I am sorry.”

“Right, Blondie, come with me. SIf, you can stay up here, but me and this one are gonna have a talk.” Clint grounds out, grabbing Fandral’s wrist and dragging him out of the room.

“Steve, you okay? Do you want to go down to the medbay? I can check you over. Make sure there is no damage from the ice.” Bruce leaned down, one hand out like he was about to touch him, but Steve flinched backwards, falling out of his seat. “Steve, it’s fine. Sorry.”

“I, uh, I’m gonna...yeah.” And he runs for the open balcony door, his wings unfolding as his bare feet hit the edge of the building.

And he flies.