I see your fancy banquet tropes (which are delightful) and raise you one Masquerade. The flirting, the mystery, the longing "what if I never find them again?"
Fandom: The WitcherPairing: Jaskier x ReaderWord Count: 1,622Rating: GTaglist: @heroics-and-heartbreak @whatevermonkey @mynamesoundslikesherlock a/n: Oh helloooo catnip time!
Jaskier had taken great care with his attire. He always did, but this time he’d put extra thought. The masquerade ball hosted by Marquis Delacroix was the premiere social event of the season. It was also the first event Geralt had agreed to go to as a friend, a part of what Jaskier was calling his Apology Tour, started when they reunited after the mountain and the witcher had been appropriately apologetic. Jaskier had helped Geralt pick out an outfit, shades of deep burgundy and gold which suited him well though he’d never admit it. The mask he would wear (though those yellow eyes would stand out anywhere) was a matching burgundy shade and Jaskier relented and agreed he could bring a dagger but only the prettiest one and it had to stay sheathed.
“I thought this was a masquerade, not a funeral,” Geralt said when Jaskier entered the room.
“It’s an artistic choice,” Jaskier replied, voice haughty but unsurprised by his friend’s remark, “I wear a wide array of colors in my wardrobe. It only stood to reason that for a masquerade I wear all black.”
Though monochromatic as he described, Jaskier’s outfit was not without its ornamentation. There was still attention to detailing and the cut of the suit was expertly tailored to emphasize his slight yet muscular frame. His mask was also black though gilded with an intricate filigree detailing around the edges. The contrast of the mask made his pale blue eyes nearly glow, as otherworldly as his companion’s. Once both had their masks secured they set off for the masquerade.
You had been eager to attend the masquerade but as you entered the grand hall you felt a thrill of apprehension course through you. Your gown was nowhere near as grand as some of the ones you saw around you. You’d opted for a simpler choice, a white ballgown with sheer gold rose detailing that accented the dress from the neckline which swept from the top of your right shoulder down under your left arm at an angle, wrapping around together about halfway down your back. The mask you wore was the same gold shade and helped obscure your identity. You’d arrived alone which had raised some murmurs but otherwise you were able to drift through the party without much interruption. You had no goals for the night beyond witnessing the beauty of the spectacle you’d heard stories about for years and to enjoy yourself.
The ballroom was illuminated with hundreds of candles glowing from chandeliers and sconces and the long banquet table that ran nearly the entire length of the dancefloor. Masked couples twirled and danced to the music that played. Everyone wore brilliant shades of all colors of the rainbow from soft pastels to deep jewel tones to bright, bold patterns. Everyone but one other, a man you spotted through a crush of brilliant hues, dressed all in black. He caught your eyes on him from the other side of the dancefloor and gave you a little bow. You laughed and curtseyed, nearly obscured by a flounce of skirts as the dancing ladies were lifted in tandem and twirled through the air. When they were set back on the ground, the man was gone. Before your heart could sink too low you felt a tap on your shoulder and spun to find the man in black standing before you.
Was he wearing black? You suddenly couldn’t tell, your focus falling on the softest, prettiest blue eyes you’d ever seen. You knew you would think of this stranger for the rest of your life whenever you saw a perfect summer’s sky or the wide expanse of the ocean.
“My lady,” he said in greeting, taking your hand and resting a delicate kiss on its back, eyes following yours as he did.
“My lord,” you said, curtseying, your hand still held in his after he had pulled back from the kiss.
“Is this your first masque?” he asked.
“I must confess it. Is it so obvious?” you asked, a little embarrassed.
“Oh no, I just feel certain I would have remembered seeing you,” he said. You laughed as he shot you a charming smile and you caught yourself biting your lip, a nervous habit you had tried to quit but never fully banished. You saw his eyes slip to your mouth as you let the lip slide past your teeth, praying you hadn’t mussed the red lipstick you can carefully applied for the evening.
“It seems we are the only two who did not quite meet the expected attire,” you said, gesturing to the vivid colors surrounding you.
“Or are we simply the only ones who showed imagination,” he replied.
“It’s not often you hear black and white being touted as greatly imaginative,” you laughed.
“And yet here we are,” he said, eyes twinkling as they met yours.
“Is this your first time attending?” you asked, trying to think of what to say to keep this stranger by your side instead of losing him to the chaos of the party.
“I’ve gone in the past but it’s been some time since then. I see I chose the right year to come,” he said.
“If you keep flirting like that you’ll make me regret not choosing red to better hide my blushing,” you laughed.
“That would be a travesty as you look perfect the way you are. Would you care to dance?” he asked. You nodded and he took your hand, leading you onto the dancefloor where you wound through the couples with ease, spotting each other and finding your way back through the intricate steps. You usually tried to make eye contact with the partners you were passed by as you wove through the line, but you only had eyes for the mysterious man in black who also kept his eyes on you. You were a shimmer of white and gold and he followed you around like a moth to the flame. The next dance was slower, and he pulled you into his arms, your skirt billowing around you as he twirled you out and then brought you back in close. You caught his eyes traveling to your mouth and when he pulled you in for the final spin as the music wound down, your face a breath away from his, you thought you felt his grip on your back tighten, gently pulling you those mere inches it would take to bring your lips together.
“May I cut in?” a voice asks and you both startle, turning to the intruder. Your dance partner’s beautiful features curl into a disgusted snarl.
“What the hell are you doing here?” he asks. The man, decked out in a cacophony of shades as though he’d been unable to choose one or two, smirked from beneath his equally ornate mask. His goatee and mustache were visible and the green eyes shone with a wickedness that was less charming than predatory.
“Dancing, can’t speak for what you were doing though. But I was speaking to the lady, may I have this dance?” he asked, turning his attention back to you. You nodded, unsure what else to say, and before you could turn back to your dance partner he slunk back through the crowd. You moved to go after him but your new partner pulled you back into form for the next dance.
“Valdo Marx,” the man said by way of introduction.
“Y/N,” you answered absently, scanning the crowd for a glimpse of black.
“You dance divinely, I’m glad I could provide a more suitable partner for you,” Valdo said.
“Ah yes pleasure to meet you,” you said, hardly listening to him. He followed your searching eyes but misread their intent.
“Worry not, Y/N, that oaf will stay away now that I’m here,” he boasted, thrusting you out in a spin that was so forceful you worried he may dislocate your arm, a stark contrast to the graceful movements of the man before.
“Do you know that man?” you asked, realizing there was still hope to learn of his identity.
“Unfortunately yes. He has an odd obsession with me. He imagines a sort of rivalry between us, as though we are equals in the bardic tradition,” Valdo sniffed derisively.
“So he’s a bard,” you said, snatching at any scrap of information you could glean.
“Yes, and he goes by a ridiculous name instead of his own which just shows you how much he relies on theatrics instead of pure talent,” the man continued to grouse. You began to wonder if he even realized you were still there.
“Oh indeed?” you asked, “What ridiculous name does he go by?”
“Jaskier,” Valdo spat, “Jaskier de Lettenhove.”
You tucked the name away like a morsel to be savored later and focused on slipping away from Valdo as soon as possible. It wasn’t as hard as you’d feared, he was easily distractible and soon you were hurrying around the crowd, asking people here and there if they’d seen a man in black.
“The one with the yellow eyed man?” someone had asked. You nodded though you didn’t know who that would be, “He just left.”
You sprinted through the hall, hair falling out of its updo and pouring down your shoulders as you ran. The attendants threw the door open just in time for you to run out and watch as a horse with a large man with shoulder-length silver hair and a man clad all in black rode away. You watched him fade in the distance, chest heaving from the exertion of trying to chase him down, but you did not despair.
“Jaskier de Lettenhove,” you repeated, the name sweet on your lips, “We will meet again.”
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Nothing Breaks Like A Heart- 4
So it’s been a hot minute since I last updated. I tried to not be all over the place. I’m not going to be following some of the movies and kind of doing my own thing.
As always- thank you for likes, reblogs, comments, shares, etc. please let me know if you would like to be added to my Marvel tag list. I write for Supernatural as well. I also do TVD/The Originals, Arrow & The Flash.
Requests are always open!
Tag list: @shreddedparchment @fanfictionjunkie1112
@this-is-mycrisis
Nothing Breaks Masterlist
Marvel Masterlist
Nora Stark was haunted, of that Steve was sure. He’d been staying in the tower for a month and every night he could hear her crying out or tossing and turning. Most nights she woke herself up before Steve had to come in and wake her up. Tonight was the worst he’d witnessed. She had tears on her cheeks, clenching the sheets with her hands.
“No! Please!” She cried out. Steve was certain he felt his heart crack. He never wanted to hear anguish like that from anyone. But from Nora? It was too much to take. He sat down on the edge of her bed next to her. The crutches she had been using had been replaced with a cane to help steady her. The rapidly healing wound would soon be a distant memory. A few more cries had Steve lightly shaking her.
“Nora, wake up.” He said quietly. It took a few tries until she woke violently. She shot up and Steve wrapped his arms around her sweaty body. “Shhh. It was only a dream.” She cried a little and the. He slowly felt her breathing return to normal and she slowly pulled away. He could tell she was embarrassed.
“I’m sorry.” She avoided his gaze.
“You have nothing to apologize for.” She nodded. “I’m sorry for just barging in.”
“Don’t be stupid Steve.” Nora had a slight smile on her face.
“You don’t have to tell me, but what were you dreaming about?” You sighed.
“When Tony went missing and we thought he was dead. And then everything with Obie. Colson’s death must have drudged it up. That’s about when we met. I had seen him before with Uncle Nick, but I didn’t really get to know him.”
“That must have been terrifying. Tony’s disappearance.”
“It was probably the worst moment in my life. It was harder than my dad. I knew he was dead. I saw his body. But with Tony...I knew he was alive. I knew it in my soul. Rhodey thought the same and didn’t stop looking. Obie had planned the whole thing so he made me feel like I was crazy. That kind of betrayal...it sticks with me.” Steve unconsciously tucked a piece of hair behind Nora’s ear.
“You’re kind of amazing.” He looked up at her and saw the heat radiating from her face. “To go through that...”
“It’s why I’m so protective of my Uncle and why I was so pissed at you. When he found out that our enemies had his weapons. Seeing what he saw, it changed him. He’s a good man. One of the best I know. He just doesn’t want anyone else to know. So he plays a character.”
“I’m sorry I said what I said. Loki’s staff may have pushed it along but I shouldn’t have assumed.”
“Steve stop apologizing. It’s okay. You’ve made up for it.” Nora placed her hand over Steve’s. That’s what the 3 weeks had entailed. Longing looks, shy flirting and touching each other in some way any chance they got.
“I should let you get back to sleep.”
“Or you could stay and I could make you watch another Harry Potter movie. I won’t be able to fall back asleep after that.” Steve smiled, handed Nora her remote and got comfortable next to her. He was dreading her telling him she didn’t need his help anymore. He hadn’t felt this at ease since he came out of the ice. He felt like he finally fit somewhere.———————————————————————
“Hello Nora.” Nora found herself standing in what appeared to be a dark room with a single light above her.
“Loki.” The God of Mischief grinned at her. “How are you doing this? How are you in my head.“
“You’ll soon understand. We’ll get there. I promise. I need to show you another memory. One that isn’t yours.”
“This is insane. I’m insane. That’s what this is.”
“I assure you Nora this is very real. And you are very sane. Come.” Nora threw her arms up as if to say “what the hell” and linked her arm through Loki’s so he could lead her. They finally came to a stop in front of what seemed like a floor to ceiling window. It was like someone was starting a movie. In front of her was her father and Nick Fury.
“Grant- this obsession will kill you.”
“I have to protect Nora. This is how I can do it.”
Nora looked at the board behind her father. There was some sort of formula.
“My father was close Nick. He may have even gotten it but died before anyone knew. I’m almost there. If I can figure out this formula, it will change everything. I can change everything. I promised her mother I would save her.”
Loki watched as Nora stared at her father longingly. She had her fingers pressed to the glass.
“What was he working on?”
“Go to the beach house. Search it. You’ll find his work there.” Nora turned and shot daggers at Loki.
“Why can’t you just tell me?! Why are you doing this to me? This is torture! Seeing him like this. He was obsessed, I can tell. What was he trying to save me from? How does my mother fit into this?.”
“Nora- you must put it together yourself. I can only lead you in the right direction. Go there. Find your answers.”
Loki was gone again.
Nora’s eyes shot open. She glanced to the side and Steve was asleep next to her, snoring lightly. They must have fallen asleep shortly after the movie started, the menu screen of whatever Harry Potter movie they had been watching was still on the screen. She never fell back to sleep after reliving Tony’s disappearance. What was it about this man that put her at ease?
Loki was screwing with her. She was sure of it. The sun was barely peeking out from the clouds. Soon it would be morning. She was exhausted, but there was no way she was going back to sleep.
She slowly pulled herself up in hopes of not waking Steve. She looked down at her leg after she peeled her blankets back and looked at it. “Nora- anyone else would have needed their leg amputated. Your rehabilitation should take you months, not weeks. That infection....the damage to the tissue. I can’t explain it. I wish I could” Bruce’s words echoed in her head.
She was missing a huge puzzle piece. There was a reason why she was healing the way she did. There was a reason why Loki could reach out to her. She had to find it. Maybe he wasn’t screwing with her. She had felt a connection with Thor, an unexplained one. Perhaps she had one with Loki too, but why?
She tip toed out of the room and into her office and sat down at her work space. She looked over the plans and tech she had been working on before Loki happened.
“Jarvis?” Nora whispered.
“Good morning Ms. Stark. You should be resting.” She smiled, it was hard to believe sometimes that it was an AI and not a real person.
“I know, but I’m awake. I need you to dig up as much information on my mother as you can. I mean really dig.”
“We’ve looked before.”
“I know. But we missed something. Let's look again.
“I’ll get on it right away.”
“Jarvis-“ Nora paused. “Don’t tell my Uncle. Something is going on. I don’t think he would keep anything from me. And if he doesn’t know, there’s a reason my Father didn’t tell him. I know he’s the boss, but just for now.”
“You can count on my discretion.”
“Thank you Jarvis.” When he didn’t respond you got to work on getting your software you had been developing uploaded to the Stark Servers. ———————————————————————
Steve stood in a tuxedo feeling as out of place as ever. Tony was putting on a fundraiser to help repair New York. He insisted that all of “The Avengers” be in attendance. He apparently also had an announcement.
Steve found himself looking for Nora. He had woken up in her bed alone that morning to find her in the kitchen, moving without the help of the cane. He didn’t mention it. He knew it was eating at her, the miraculous recovery. He was disappointed because he knew she could manage on her own. He wasn’t looking forward to being back in his apartment alone.
Nora, a Stark through and through, was making her entrance. He was stunned when he saw her. Nora’s hair, normally wild with curl had been painstakingly straightened and sculpted into a beautiful updo. She was clad in a spaghetti strapped black tulle dress that was covered in red flowers. Her makeup was simple and she was gorgeous.
“Wipe your drool Captain.” He turned to see Natasha shooting him a knowing smirk. Her red bobbed hair was curled and she wore an emerald green strapless dress.
“Shut up.”
“Tony will murder you, you realize that right?” Steve pursed his lips and looked down at Natasha.
“I’m not afraid of Tony.”
“You should be. When it comes to that girl. Well, woman, he’ll laser your heart out if you hurt her.” Natasha elbowed him. “She could do a lot worse than Captain America. You better go get her before some other guy steals her away.” Steve gave one more glance at Natasha and noted her teasing eyes and made his way across the room.
Nora hated these parties. She hated most rich people. The snobbery, the entitlement. She put on her best smile because it was her job to get them to write their big checks. Nora had a knack of charming almost whatever she wanted out of Tony Stark’s rich associates. Neither she or Tony would call them friends.
“Kid- you look beautiful.” Nora turned to see her Uncle beaming at her. She smiled and hugged him. “I feel like I haven’t seen you and you live under my roof.”
“I’ve been hibernating.”
“With our favorite Captain.” Tony quipped. He smirked as the color in Nora’s cheeks deepened.
“Steve has been helping me.” Tony rolled his eyes dramatically.
“When have you ever let anyone help you? It’s okay to have a crush on him. Both of our father’s did.” It was Nora's turn for a dramatic eyeroll.
“Oh shut up.” Nora shoved his shoulder.
“So when are you going to let me in on this project you’re working on. I saw you fiddling in my servers at 5am.”
“Good to know both of us don’t sleep. I’m almost ready.“
“Can I get a hint?”
“Nope” Nora popped the P and grinned at him.
“I hate how you’re so much like me sometimes.” Tony grabbed a glass of champagne from a tray and handed it to Nora. “Look, a walking fossil.” Tony grinned as Steve approached. Steve, ever unimpressed by Tony’s sense of humor, ignored him and smiled at Nora.
“Hi Nora.”
“Captain.” Nora greeted him with a smile in return. Tony rolled his eyes again.
“Make yourselves useful and get some checks.” Tony quickly made his exit. He knew what was happening between the two of them. He wasn’t sure how it made him feel. He wanted Nora to be happy, so of course she’d have eyes for Steve Rogers. Tony had to admit that with Steve she’d be well taken care of, he could protect her almost as well as Tony could and he would never disrespect her. He was literally the perfect man. He had to let go of the resentment he carried. It wasn’t Steve’s fault that Howard had idolized him.
“Ms. Stark!” Nora turned and internally grimaced. Alexander Pierce. She put on her best smile and turned to him.
“Secretary Pierce. Wonderful to see you.”
“I’m glad to see you up and about. I had heard you sustained quite the injury. You know, proper S.H.E.I.L.D. training could help.” He turned to Steve. “I’ve been trying to get Nora into the organization since she was old enough. It’s her birth right after all.” Nora hated how condescending she was.
“Stark Industries is also my birth right. I belong with my Uncle. I’m so glad you could make it. Enjoy your evening.” Nora quickly walked away before the man could say another word. She didn’t have it in her to continue false pretenses.
“Nora!” She felt Steve grab her arm and turned her back toward him. “You okay?”
“Yeah. He’s just a prick. It was his council that ordered the bomb that almost got Tony killed. I need a drink and then I really have to work on some donors, I’ll meet up with you later?” Steve nodded. “Use that gentlemanly charm on some of the ladies. The quicker we get donations the quicker we can get the hell out of her.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Steve still bad his hand on her arm. “You look beautiful.” He stared down into her light green eyes. Nora felt herself blushing again.
“You clean pretty nicely too Captain.” He let go of her arm and watched her vanish into the crowd.———————————————————————
Nora’s feet hurt. And she was sick of fluffing up obnoxious men. She had gotten quite a few hefty donations. She was done. She discretely grabbed a bottle of champagne and snuck out to one of the secluded balconies. As soon as the door shut she popped the bottle and took a long drink out of it.
Her Uncle had unveiled plans to rebuild Stark Tower and create The Avengers Tower. It would include his labs, training facilities and residences for any acting Avenger. Nora liked the idea. She could see him with Pepper and Rhodey through the glass, genuinely laughing. It made her happy to see him carefree for once
Her thoughts wandered to the image of her father and Nick Fury. She thought about confronting him but she knew he wouldn’t tell her anything. She knew Tony didn’t know anything about it. He wouldn’t keep that from her. They had one rule, they didn’t keep secrets. It was okay to take some time to fess up, but they were both always honest.
She heard the door open and stifled a groan but was pleasantly surprised to see Steve.
“Had enough?” He laughed when he saw the bottle in her hand.
“Ugh...yes. These people are obnoxious. But we need their money. I saw you talking to some of your peers.” Steve’s forehead scrunched in confusion. “The old ladies. They took a shine to you.”
“You and your Uncle think you’re so funny.”
“We’re hilarious.” They stood in a comfortable silence and listened to the music float out of the ballroom. Steve looked over to Nora.
“Dance with me.” Nora raised her eyebrows.
“Out here?”
“Do you really want to go back in there?” Nora considered his point. He took a few steps forward and put his hand out. She pursed her lips, set the bottle down and placed her hand in his and he pulled her to him. He had a placed firmly on the small of her back holding her close. Her free arm wrapped around his shoulder and they swayed to the music. Nora had made him want to dance with someone again. He made her feel secure, safe. His hand on the small of her back felt like it was always meant to be there. She hated herself for feeling like this so soon. But being with Steve Rogers, it felt right.
“I’ve really enjoyed spending so much time with you” Steve said after a few moments of silence.
“Why does it sound like you’re saying goodbye?
“Well, you’re quite literally back on your feet. I figured you don’t need me.”
“Well as my Uncle pointed out to me earlier, I’ve never needed anyone, not really. I like spending time with you too. And the tower will be done soon, you can have your own place to stay here, permanently.” Steve contemplated that.
“You think Tony would want me here full time? I feel like he doesn’t really like me” Nora scoffed.
“That Captain, is complicated. Howard felt responsible for finding you. He was obsessed. He also admired the hell out of you. He and my uncle didn’t have any easy relationship. And I feel he used some of your traits to, I don’t know, make Tony feel like he was less than. It has nothing to do with you and everything to do with that. But I saw the plans. He has a whole star spangled design plan for you. Steve, you’re the leader. You’re a natural leader. You have to be here.”
“Maybe you can get him to tone down the red, white and blue?”
“I make no guarantees.” Nora slowly pulled away when she realized she’d been standing there in his arms after the music stopped. She needed to figure out how to control her face. Every thing Steve Rogers did made her blush. She caught Nick Fury out of the corner of her eye. She quickly made an impulsive decision.
“Listen, I’m starving. The food here sucks. Can you run down and grab some food from that pizza place I like and meet me in my living room? I need to talk to someone quick.”
“Su...Sure. I’ll be back in a half an hour.” Steve was surprised by the sudden change but headed off the balcony and quickly to the elevator, eager to spend some more alone time with her.
Once Steve was gone, Nora approached Fury. While she was almost certain she wouldn’t get anything out of him, she had to try.
“I need to talk to you.” Nora said quietly.
“Sounds important.”
“It is.” He gave her a nod and she followed him to a balcony on the other side of the room. Once they were outside he turned and looked at her expectantly.
“What was my father working on before he died?”
“I’m not sure. Your father had a few open projects.”
“What was he working on that wasn’t assigned to him. He was worried. He was trying to protect me. I need to know how. And why.” Nick didn’t flinch. Nora wasn’t surprised. No one had a better poker face than Nick Fury.
“Where is this coming from?”
“Just answer the question.”
“It’s classified.”
“Bull shit. My father being obsessed with something or someone threatening me and having a secret project that would keep me safe is classified?”
“Who told you that?” There was no way Nora was telling him Loki was visiting her in her dreams and showing her memories.
“That’s not important. I need you to tell me.”
“You need to let this go.” Nora stared him down. He might not tell her but it at least confirmed it was real.
“I can’t. I need to know the truth.” Nick grabbed her arm and pulled her close to him.
“You have to leave this one alone. Please. I promised your father I would keep you safe.” Nora yanked her arm away.
“And that is precisely why I can’t leave it alone. If there is something or someone out there that is coming for me. I need to know. I need to prepare. I can protect myself. And if by some chance I can’t, we’ll, I live with Iron Man. I think I’m good. She stormed off the balcony. Nick stood for a moment with his head in his hand. He had to weigh the risks. Grant didn’t want her to know, but he also knew there was the chance she would find out. Better that he be the one to tell her. He pulled out his phon
“Agent Hill- I need you to get the package from
Grant Stark I have locked up. I’m going to need it delivered.” Nick Fury wasn’t scared very often, but he was terrified he would be putting another Stark in the ground.—————————————————————————
Steve opened Nora’s door carrying in pizza and some wings to find her pacing in her living room.
She was still wearing her dress that was dragging behind her because she had ripped off her heels and thrown them on the floor. She had one hand on her hip and was nervously chewing on her thumb. She was trying to work something out.
“Nora?” She snapped her head up like she was surprised to see him. “What’s wrong?”
“How do you feel about a road trip?”
“A road trip?” This was not the Nora Stark he had come to know. She was disheveled, frantic almost.
“Yeah. My dad had a beach house in Cape Cod. I haven’t been there in a really long time. It’s my favorite place. He always worked a lot. He always left me with Tony for work. But- for two weeks every summer, around The 4th of July we went there. Sometimes Tony would come. I miss it. It hit me tonight that I haven’t been there. I’m really missing him.” Steve set the food on the counter and slowly walked over to her. He put his hands on her upper arms to get her attention.
“Nora. What happened in the 35 minutes from
me leaving the party and getting back here.” She had a panicked look in her eyes.
“Nothing happened. I just really want to go. I wanted you to come along.
“Nora...if you don’t want to tell me. That’s okay. But I can clearly tell something is wrong.” She looked up at him, her green eyes clouded with conflict.
“I can’t. Not yet. I just really need to go there. I need to find something.” She couldn’t tell him she was seeing Loki. It was irrational and probably trauma related. Maybe Loki was her way of her subconscious bringing things up.
“Will you tell me eventually?”
“Yes- I just...I need to figure some things out first.”
“Okay. We can go tomorrow.”
“I want to leave tonight.”
“Hey- look at me. It’s late. You’re tired. We can leave first thing in the morning.” She sighed in defeat.
“First thing?”
“First thing. Go get changed and we’ll eat. You need some sleep.” Nora nodded and headed down the hall to her room to change. She paused and slowly turned and walked back to Steve. She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him. It took him a moment to get over his shock before he placed his arms around her waist and hugged her back. She trusted him enough to take him along, even if she wasn’t ready to tell him why. He assumed she didn’t trust easily. Not after the betrayal Tony has faced, so not being completely shut out was enough for him. He just had to trust that she would trust him enough to eventually confide in him. ———————————————————————-
Was 5am too early to wake up Steve? She had fallen asleep for maybe an hour or two and was wide awake. She packed a bag for herself and packed some things for Steve. When she realized he wasn’t equipped with beach wear she dispatched Charles to get her what he needed. She had no idea where he managed to get them at 3am. She knew the Stark name held some weight and some poor girl working for some major department store was woken up in the middle of the night. She rarely used her privileges for selfish reasons and she hated doing things that came across as spoiled. Charles was excited that she actually needed him. He had slipped in and out while she was in the shower. She texted him a thank you and made sure he got a bonus in his paycheck. She’d track down whoever helped him when she got back and express her gratitude.
She was sitting at the counter drinking coffee as her mind was running through the places her father could have hid things in that house. She looked up when she heard foot steps. Steve Rogers fresh out of bed was a sight. If she wasn’t so focused on family secrets she might not be able to hold herself back. His bed head and sleepy eyes were about the sexiest thing she’d ever seen.
“Did you sleep at all?” He threw his hands up when he saw her and the bags by the door. She tried to hide her guilt.
“A little.” Steve had one hand on his hip and the bridge of his nose pinched. She kind of likes making him exasperated. “I mean you did say first thing.”
“I thought first thing meant like 9am. After you rested and cleared your head.” She hopped off the stool and grabbed a cup of coffee and poured some for Steve and handed it to him. “Don’t even try batting your eyes at me.” She grinned and handed him the coffee.
“I’m a Stark. We only need like 2 hours of sleep a day. It’s in my DNA or something. C’mon Captain. I’m up, I’m caffeinated, I got us both packed. Wheels hitting pavement in an hour.”
“I’m not even going to ask how you got things together for me. I don’t even own that suitcase.”
She turned him back toward where he came. “Fine. But I’m driving.”
“Deal. Move your ass.”
They were on the highway at 7am with the address to the Beach House plugged in to her Navigation.
“I hope you know that I don’t let just anyone drive my baby.” Steve was worried. She had tucked the frantic and emotional Nora back inside, but he could still see the chaos running behind her eyes.
“Well I did drive army vehicles in WWII.”
“And then spent 70 years frozen in ice. I’m just saying you break my car and I’ll break you.” He laughed and looked over at her. “Eyes on the road.”
“I’m pretty sure you could afford a new one if you can afford to get me a bunch of new clothes in the middle of the night.”
“Touché Captain.” Her phone started going off and she looked down to see her Uncle’s name flashing at her. She didn’t even have a chance to say hello before he started talking.
“Where the hell are you?”
“Well good morning to you too.”
“Don’t start. I’m standing in your apartment and you’re not here at 6am, your Jeep is gone and you sent Chuck on a middle of the night adventure.”
“Am I 12? I’m going to the beach house.” Tony was silent for a moment.
“What happened with Fury last night? Rhodey saw you having a heated argument and then you stormed off. You didn’t even say goodbye and now you’re leaving town without telling me?”
“Nothing happened. He just thinks I’m pushing myself too hard. I disagree.” She clenched her jaw at the lie, making herself feel better by promising to come clean when she knew the truth. “I was going to call you later. I thought you would still be a sleep.”
“Sleep is for babies. I only need like 2 hours.” Nora smiled. She sometimes forgot how alike she and Tony were. “Is he with you?”
“Who?”
“Seriously?!” She could see the annoyance on his face in her head. “Put the phone on speaker.” As soon as Tony could hear the difference in reception he started. “Rogers- you take care of my baby. Do you hear me?”
“Oh my God! You’re acting like we’re driving into a war zone! We’re going to Cape Cod...to the beach!”
“You got it Tony.” Nora gave Steve an incredulous look.
“DON’T ENCOURAGE HIM!” Steve grinned at her.
“I’ll see you when you get back.” And then Tony ended the call. Steve looked over at Nora who’s face was dripping with irritation.
“You know- I was trained to fight, to defend myself. Nick and Rhodey made sure I could take care of myself. I’m an impeccable shot. And he acts like I’m this helpless damsel.”
“Nor...” Steve let the nick name hang in the air and when she didn’t protest he continued. “I don’t think that has anything to do with it. He lost his parents, his brother. He’s seen some crazy things and then everything that happened with New York. You running into the line of fire. I think he’s just scared he’ll lose you too. So he holds on a little tighter and wants to make sure you’re protected.” She let out the air of defeat.
“I know...it’s just slightly infuriating. My whole life everyone, including him, made sure I was equal to, if not better. I’m not scared because between what I can do behind a screen and what I’ve been taught...I don’t need to be. I just hate being treated like I’m helpless.”
“He knows your not helpless.”
“It’s weird hearing you defend him.” Steve laughed.
“We all make assumptions about people and usually are proven wrong.” Nora turned to look out the window as the world zoomed by. Steve felt his skin tingle when she placed her hand next to his and linked her pinky with his. ——————————————————————-
Steve was surprised at how normal the beach house seemed. It was a a small raised cottage on the beach. It had 3 bedrooms and a bathroom. The living room and kitchen were an open space. It did, however have an extensive deck that wrapped around the house with an impressive outdoor fireplace that led to what seemed to be a beach shared by the residents on the strip.
“You expected something huge huh?”
“I guess so. This place is great.”
“If Tony had picked it out it would have been ridiculous. My parents bought this place before they had me. My mother was more practical. She also like her privacy so didn’t want to draw attention to herself with flashy things.” Her voice trailed off as she seemed to contemplate that. “Do you want to run down to that grocery store on our way in and stock us up?” She handed him a credit card.
“I can pay for food.”
“I dragged you here. Stop.” He knew it wasn’t an argument he was going to win. He was quickly learning what battles to pick.
“Are you trying to get rid of me?”
“I just haven’t been here in a while. I just need a moment.” Steve nodded.
“I’ll be back in a bit.” He studied her face for a moment and then headed out. As soon as he was gone, she approached the bedroom door she hadn’t been able to open since he died. She stood in the open doorway for a moment and noticed a package on the bed. She pulled the note attached to it off and opened it.
Nora-
I’m sure you’ll find other things here. Things he didn’t want you to know. But this package. This is what you were asking for. He asked me not to tell you, but said if you ever came looking to give you this. Hunting would put you in more danger. Please be careful.
N.F.
Nora set the note aside. She peeled the brown paper off of the package and opened the box and was greeted with another letter.
Hi Nora-
If you’re reading this, then I’m gone. Which seems so dramatic to write and completely ridiculous. However, it’s the truth. There are many things you don’t know. I didn’t ever want you to know. If Nick gave you this, then you put some pieces together and the Stubborn Stark gene has you investigating.
Your mother was special. That’s all I will tell you. She came to New York to hide and we found each other. There are things in this world that are beyond what we have ever believed. Some day...evil beyond your wildest imagination. This...this might be able to protect you. My father was working on it before he died. I picked up where he left off.
You cannot share this with your Uncle. It would put a target on him. I know my brother, he won’t be able to keep it to himself. Which is probably the right thing. As much as he pretends, he always wants to do the right thing. He needs to be safe to be there for you. You need to keep this to yourself unless you come to the day that you need to use it. Please stop digging.
I love you. I am so sorry that I am not there with you. But I know my brother has taken care of you better than I ever could. I can only imagine the woman you have come to be. I know, whatever path you have chosen, I would be proud. But please- don’t take my path.
Always,
Your Father
Nora choked back a sob as tears poured down her face. Her hands trembled as she pulled out a hard cover journal and started reading her father’s research, experiments and eventual success. She didn’t even hear Steve come back or hear him calling her name until he was in the doorway of her father’s room.
“Nora?! What’s wrong?!” She looked up at him with a tear stained face and handed him her father’s letter. She waited for him to finish reading it.
Her father was right. No one could know about this, Tony couldn’t know about this. But she had to tell Steve because she was panicking.
“Nora...what was he working on?” Steve wasn’t sure he even wanted to know. She cleared her throat and wiped her face.
“Howard was trying to replicate the super soldier serum before he died. If he figured it out...he didn’t write it down. When my father found his research...he continued it. Steve...he figured it out. He replicated the serum. He knew it worked because he tried it on himself. And then he died. I think he was killed for it.”
“He wrote down what happened to him?”
“He wrote down everything. His other failed experiments he tested on rats. His thoughts. What happened when he realized that he had succeeded. And he wrote down the formula.”
“What?”
“I have the directions to remake the serum that turned you into Captain America right here in my lap.”
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The Top 7 Best Goth Girls In Anime
Popular culture loves its female archetypes, but there's one lady character trope that has withstood the test of time and proven itself to be a mainstay in films and television. Which one are we talking about? Of course, we're talking about the goth girl character trope!
Not just relegated to horror flicks and stereotypical teen movies, the Hollywood goth girl has cemented her place in pop culture, turning up in everything from comedies to procedural dramas. Ally Sheedy in The Breakfast Club! Winona Ryder in Beetlejuice! Christina Ricci in ... well, everything! And if there is anything anime fans love it's their Best Boys and Best Girls. You see where we're going with this. In honor of World Goth Day, let us celebrate a very special (and specific) type of anime character: the Best Goth Girl! But which anime goth girls are the best? Read on!
Honorable Mention: Toga - My Hero Academia
Starting off our list with an honorable mention, Toga may not look the part of a goth girl with her preppy sailor outfit and sandy blonde hair. Her knee-high socks don't exactly help, either. But make no mistake, Toga is a goth girl through-and-through. She's dark. Mysterious. A bit of a loner. And completely obsessed with blood.
7) Hotaru Tomoe - Sailor Moon
The non-Sailor Soldier identity of Sailor Saturn, Hotaru Tomoe is a dramatic goth girl with a terrible internal struggle. No matter how you look at Hotaru, she fits well into the goth aesthetic. From her status as the Sailor Soldier of Death and Rebirth, to the Crystal version's psychic abilities and secret dark side, Hotaru has "goth" written all over her. And thanks to her choker, knee-high boots, and purple themed clothing, so does Sailor Saturn herself!
6) Arachne - Soul Eater
Snake and spider sister witches! Arachne is a classic, sophisticated goth with her long, black dress reminiscent of Morticia Addams, her elegant updo, and her spider-based magic. This sister really goes all in, surrounding herself with spiderwebs and actual spiders every chance she gets. And she's so dang classy she sips her blood out of a wine glass! Even in the middle of battle, Arachne never fails to look the part of the enchanting (literally and figuratively) sorceress she is.
5) Medusa - Soul Eater
The snake to Arachne's spider, Medusa's look is much more unconventional than what we might expect from the typical goth girl. With her flowy jumpsuit and bare feet she certainly puts a new spin on the genre. But she's quite possibly one of the darkest and most heartless villains in all of anime thanks to her utterly cruel and emotionless treatment of her own son (perfect little baby Crona must be protected at all costs). And that black and green arrow nail polish is peak goth game!
4) Kurumi Tokisaki - Date A Live
Even without her black and crimson gothic lolita gown, Kurumi Tokisaki exudes her dark and creepy attitude. For this Best Goth Girl, it's all about who she is on the inside: The goth with a heart of gold. She is a twisted (and prolific) murderer... who only hurts the bad guys who hurt other people.
3) Misa Amane - Death Note
Sure, Misa Amane may come across as perky and bubbly. She's all about silly crushes and becoming a pop idol. But she certainly dresses the part with her black babydoll dresses, chokers, crosses, and stocking and garter sets. Not only does Misa Misa look the part, she has a true dark heart, pledging her love and loyalty to the one and only Kira and helping to create his ideal world with the power of her deadly notebook.
2) Sunako Kirishiki - Shiki
Little tiny vampire baby with a super Victorian look who lives in a creepy castle on a hill. That's pretty freaking goth, if you ask me! Sunako Kirishiki outfits herself in super throwback dresses that are all frilly and ruffled. Black and white and purple are the heavy thematic colors. And details like high collars and rows of buttons down the front of her ensembles add to the dark vibe. But what really takes Sunako's gothic look over the top are her large, circular, soulless black eyes. That and the fact that she survives by draining humans of their blood and leads an entire vampire army, of course.
1) Cossette - Le Portrait de Petit Cossette
Cossette is a dead girl who wears Victorian style dresses with ruffles, lace, and ribbons. She was murdered by an artist, causing her soul to become trapped inside a portrait for centuries. That is, until the reincarnated soul of said artist fell in love with her portrait, contacted her through a midnight ritual, and pledged to release her spirit by putting himself through mental and physical torture. It really doesn't get much more gothic than that!
From the Lolita to Victorian and whatever you would call Medusa's totally original style, goth girls in anime have a lot of range, both aesthetically and in terms of their unique personalities. They're a blood red ray of light in the great, big, dark room that is life.
Is your Best Goth Girl on the list? Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know in the comments!
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Carolyn also writes for Bunny Ears and Cracked. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
Do you love writing? Do you love anime? If you have an idea for a features story, pitch it to Crunchyroll Features!
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