“Peter Parker you better not be climbing through that window.” Spoke Veronica from her kitchen. “I have a working door you know? It even has a doorbell and a peep hole.” She stated entering her bedroom as she was wiping her hands on a dishrag. “You don’t need to keep using the window Pete,” She smiled fondly as her boyfriend stood in her room, his Spiderman suit hanging half off his body.
“I was out,”
“Pete.” Veronica shook her head. “Door next time, I have it for a reason,”
“But this is so much easier babe!” Peter spoke pulling the suit from his body.
“And having a normal boyfriend is easier for me, but I digress with you.” She grinned, leaning against her door frame. “You’re good right?” She asked softer, eyes trailing around his body.
“Just a little bruised but otherwise good. What are you cooking?” He asked pulling on sweatpants and a hoodie.
“You think you can break into my home, and I’ll feed you?” She asked incredulously.
“Absolutely.” Peter grinned walking towards her. “I know you’ll feed me.” He rested his hands on her hips.
“Chicken Piccata.” She mumbled, before wrapping her arms around his neck. “You’re sure you’re okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine.” Peter spoke leaning to press his lips to hers, before he could do that, Veronica spoke.
“Then use the door. It works, I promise.” She then slipped out of his arms and back into the kitchen. Veronica heard Peter groan from behind her.
“I’ll use the door when I leave!” He stated, following behind her.
“And when you show up. It’s there for a reason, I mean I gave you a key Pete.”
“I know but the window,”
“Is 20 stories up, use the door.” She stated once again, as she checked her chicken. Hearing Peter groan again before he dropped into a chair at the counter island, Veronica turned to him. “What will the neighbors say when they constantly see you leaving but never coming? Peter, they’re going to think ungodly things!” She spoke as she leant against the sink.
“It’s more convenient to use the window, I always come after,”
“I know Peter, but please, I have a door, this relationship is already crazily unnormal, make it a little normal, please?” She crossed her arms as she spoke.
“Fine.” He stated. “Are we watching a movie tonight? Or do you have classwork?”
“Well Professor.” Veronica moved to the counter he was sat at and leaned towards him. “I kinda need help with this physics homework, the professor is such an ass,” She trailed off as Peter rolled his eyes.
“Is that so? Well then I guess as a good boyfriend I’ll have to help with that, but as your professor, I have to say, it’s unprofessional for me to be helping a student, so intimately.” He grinned at her as Veronica bit her lip.
“Professor Parker, you’re the one who ended up taking over for Professor Binns, it isn’t my fault that it just happened to have been my class.” Peter Parker was a genius, and because of such, he finished his college career early on and even became a professor relatively quickly.
“Yeah yeah, go grab your book darling.” He teased rolling his eyes at her. “I’ll check on dinner.”
“You know, I don’t think I trust you enough to watch my chicken.” She teased before moving towards her living room where her physics book sat on the coffee table. “Aunt May called today.” She called behind her as she opened her bookbag and began searching through it.
“Oh yeah? What did she want?” He asked, flipping the chicken.
“Dinner, said you hadn’t called in weeks.” She stated entering the kitchen, her book and notes with her.
“I’ve been busy.” He stated shrugging. “I have five classes, that’s 200 students, meaning 200 papers to read and grade, I barely have time for you.” He turned towards her as he heard Veronica sigh.
“I told you that you need to take on a TA, at least one Pete.” She stated setting her things on the table.
“I’ve been talking to the dean, we’re working on that, I have two interviews this week.” He stated before motioning towards her books. “Let’s take a crack at this, huh?”
The next two weeks flew by for both Veronica and Peter, Veronica had ended up getting lunch with Aunt May who complained that Peter still hadn’t called her, Veronica complaining about Peter’s lack of front door usage and lack of time he spent with her.
“I’m actually planning on bringing him lunch today, plus maybe I can get his help on this paper for my urban economics class.” Veronica told Aunt May as she motioned towards the waitress before putting in the order for Peter.
“What time are his office hours?” Asked Aunt May checking the time on her phone.
“1 to 3. He has a lot of classes so, I should get lucky.” She stated as they spoke for a while longer, soon Veronica had her takeout order and she and Aunt May were hugging. “We can do dinner Friday, I’ll make sure Peter’s there.” Stated Veronica as she grabbed her purse and headed towards the subway that she took over towards NYU. It was just after one when Veronica entered the building that housed Peter’s office, noticing a bunch of students milling about the corridor. “What’s everyone waiting for?” Asked Veronica towards one of the students waiting.
“Professor Parker’s office hours, he’s posting our exam scores.” Stated one of the guys standing near her.
“Is anyone actually waiting to meet with him?” She asked glancing around, everyone shook their heads so she moved to knock on the door.
“Come in.” He spoke from inside, Veronica opened the door, a smile on her face as she stepped in.
“I brought, oh hello.” She paused, seeing a pretty redhead.
“Hey.” Peter greeted her. “I wasn’t expecting you.”
“I had lunch with May,” She stated holding the bag up that held the lunch she brought him, her eyes darting towards the redhead.
“Oh this is my new TA, Gwen Stacy.” Veronica nodded hesitantly, her eyes going back to Peter. “Gwen, can we resume this later? Veronica and I have a paper to go over together.”
“Oh I can stay! It would help me learn how to better assist students! Please Peter?” Gwen was very enthusiastic as she looked at Peter, her lashes fluttering.
“No offence Gwen, but this isn’t a physics paper, Professor Parker has offered to assist me on my urban economics thesis, I think that might be out of your league.” Stated Veronica, eyes staring straight at Peter, her tone clipped as Gwen looked back at Peter.
“Oh please Peter?” She asked again.
“Gwen, I think it’s best if I meet with Veronica alone, we have a lot of work to do and I think you might slow us down at this point. I’ll meet you in class at 3:30.” Peter stated standing and moving to open the door for Gwen, his hand brushing Veronica’s.
“Okay.” She nodded reluctantly, grabbing her bag and the folder of papers she needed to look through. Once Peter shut the door, Veronica dropped his food on his desk and her purse in the now vacant chair.
“Peter? Your TA calls you Peter.” She stated shaking her head. “You know, I pictured your TA being a nerdy kid, not a model,”
“Don’t be like that,” Veronica spun towards him, Peter’s eyes watching her every move.
“Peter Parker, you listen to me, that girl likes you. Did you not see her heart eyes?”
“She does not.” Peter moved towards her as Veronica sighed. “Can we not fight? Please?” He pleaded resting his hands on her hips. “I hate fighting with you,”
“We’ll discuss it later then.” Mumbled Veronica, Peter kissed her quickly before moving to his desk.
“Thank you for lunch.”
“We’re having dinner with May on Friday,” Peter had just opened his takeout container when he paused and mumbled something. “I can’t hear you Pete.”
“I have to go over papers with Gwen so I can post grades, I won’t be in until late.” Veronica nodded once she turned towards him and snatched her purse off the chair.
“We won’t keep you from your Gwen then.” Stated Veronica. “Hell call her back in, finish your time with her. I’m going.”
“Woah, woah, baby,” He stood from his chair.
“Do not ‘baby’ me Peter Parker.” Hissed Veronica, her eyes glaring at the vigilante. “You’re blowing not just me off, but May too, for your TA. You really need to meet with her at 7pm on a Friday? You’re delusional Peter Parker. You know for being a superhero you’re pretty dense.” She stated.
“Dense? You asked me to get a TA so I did. I didn’t know that you needed to approve who I picked as well.” Peter rolled his eyes. “You do not get to dictate who I choose to be my TA or when I choose to go over course work and grades with them.” Peter stated, hands resting on his desk as Veronica shook her head.
“But I should have some say in the time you spend with me and your family.” She sighed as she stared at him. “Friday is one of the only nights I get off, and I chose to spend it with you and your aunt, because I love you, but you can’t make the same commitment to us.” Speaking softly Veronica’s eyes were locked on Peter. “I’m not going to fight for your attention Peter, I shouldn’t have to, once you decide that I’m worth your time, come find me.” Veronica didn’t give him time to answer before she left the office, the door slamming behind her, Gwen waiting in the hall. “He’s all yours Gwen.” Veronica stated as the girl moved back to the office, Veronica catching a glance of Peter as the door was shutting behind Gwen.
-
“Hi May, I’m sorry I’m late.” Greeted Veronica as she the older woman opened the front door of her house.
“Veronica, I’m so happy you made it! Where’s Peter?” May asked, looking around for Veronica’s boyfriend of three years. Veronica frowned as she stepped into the house and took off her winter clothes.
“I haven’t seen him since Tuesday when I brought him lunch.” She stated hanging her coat up. “I don’t think he’s coming though.” She stated as she two headed towards the kitchen, Veronica holding a pumpkin loaf.
“What do you mean he isn’t coming?” May asked handing Veronica a glass of wine.
“He stated that he had plans to go over some assignments with his TA.” She stated setting the loaf on the counter and grabbing the wine glass. “If he isn’t here by now then I wouldn’t count on him coming.” Veronica said as she glanced around the kitchen. “It smells great May.”
“We should eat then.” May said turning to grab the roasted turkey she made. Twenty minutes into their meal, Veronica was in the midst of telling a story about her office job when the door behind Veronica opened, and in walked Peter and Gwen. “Peter.” May greeted, eyes glancing at Gwen.
“Hi May, I was telling Gwen about your cooking, she mentioned that she hadn’t had a homecooked meal in months, I figured,” Veronica didn’t turn but gave May a sad look.
“Of course you did, how kind, please take a seat, I’ll grab some plates.” May gave a small smile to Veronica before she stood to grab the plates.
“Here’s fine.” Peter motioned to the seat to the left of Veronica, his eyes trained on her as she continued to slowly eat her food, as Gwen took her coat off, her eyes fell on Veronica who was taking a sip of wine.
“Veronica right?” Gwen asked. “I didn’t know that you and Peter were related,”
“We’re not.” Spoke the woman, her eyes moving to Gwen. “I like spending time with May, unlike her nephew.” She stated, not glancing at Peter.
“I told you I had work,”
“Yes of course, work.” Veronica looked at Peter. “and look, it came home with you.” Finally setting her wine glass back down as May returned with plates and silverware.
“Don’t be like this V.” Peter spoke softly as he leaned towards her. Veronica’s eyes focused on May as she sat back down.
“The meal was lovely May, but I think I should go,”
“No.” May shook her head. “You finish eating, I’m not letting you leave until we slice into that pumpkin loaf you brought.”
“Oh, I’m allergic to pumpkin.” Gwen spoke up.
“Of course you are.” Veronica picked her wine glass back up and downed the rest of it. “You know May, I’m going to go, because I can’t stand to sit in the same room as your nephew.” Veronica stood at her statement and picked up her plate and headed into the kitchen, a moment later she heard Peter behind her. “At least you showed up right?” Veronica spoke as she set her plate in the sink after scraping her leftovers into the garbage.
“Don’t be like this, Gwen is my TA, that’s it, she’s going through a hard time right now with her dad dying.” Veronica rested her hands on the sink and shook her head.
“You’ve always cared too much Peter.” She said softly, her eyes closed. “When I said we were having dinner with Aunt May, I meant me and you, not me, you, and your TA.”
“She has no one babe,” Peter tried to reason, leaning against the small table May had set up in the kitchen.
“You know Peter, neither do I.” Veronica turned towards him and crossed her arms. “My moms in Michigan, my dad in California, my siblings? They’re scattered across the states, I have you and May, or so I thought. I didn’t want to spend my night off with your Aunt, you, and your TA, I wanted to spend time with those I consider family, but that was too much of an ask,”
“We can still spend the night together,”
“No, we can’t Peter.” Veronica was calm as she spoke. “I can’t do this anymore. I am tired of waiting around for you to choose me. I understood for a while that this whole superhero thing came before me, but now everything comes before me. It’s been two weeks since we spent any time together, but you don’t seem to care.”
“Baby, I have a lot on my plate,”
“So do I! But I still try to make time for you! God Peter, you don’t get it.” Veronica frowned at him. “I can’t keep waiting for you to show me an ounce of attention, I’m supposed to be your girlfriend, not some mistress that you see once in a while. Currently, it feels like I’m in this relationship alone.”
“That’s not true, I’m trying, but between classes and Spiderman,”
“I’m last on the list. I get it Peter.” Veronica spoke. “You don’t need to explain it to me but know that while you’re spending time with your TA, I’ll be looking for someone who actually appreciates me.”
“What does that mean?” Peter stood up straight at her words.
“It means I’m done Peter, I’m done coming third in your life, I want someone who will put me first, no matter what, and that’s just not you, no matter how much I wish it was.” She glanced at the ground for a moment before looking back up at him. “I can’t wait around any longer Peter, and I won’t apologize for that, and you can’t expect me to. I’ll drop your things off here with May this week,”
“You’re breaking up with me?” Peter spoke finally as Veronica nodded.
“Yeah, seems like it.” She said no more as she walked back into the dining room, tears gathering in her eyes. “I’m going May, I’ll call you later this week.” May and Gwen had obviously heard their conversation and May frowned.
“You call whenever you’re ready.” May stood to walk Veronica to the door.
“I’m sorry for any drama,”
“Nonsense.” She shook her head. “That boy is in the wrong and even he knows it. What kind of idiot brings another girl to dinner with his Aunt? Stupid is what he is.” Veronica chuckled softly. “You keep in touch with me okay? Screw whatever happened with you two, you’re family.”
“Thank you May.” Veronica hugged the woman before pulling her coat on, Peter standing in the doorway.
“You’re really leaving?” He asked, his arms crossed.
“Sure am, there’s nothing here for me.” She told him as she held her hat in her hand.
“How can you say that?” He sounded hurt at her words, turning to look at him Veronica shrugged.
“What do you want me to say Peter? I’ve said everything I could to make you realize what’s wrong and you’ve done nothing to change things, I’m tired Peter.” Voice shaking, Veronica pulled her wool hat onto her head. “I’m tired, I love you, but maybe that’s not enough anymore.”
“You can’t just give up,”
“You gave up first, I just got tired of waiting for you to care. I can’t do this Peter. You made your choice the minute you walked in that back door.”
“I already told you,”
“And I told you! I’m done, end of story, nothing you say can fix this at this point.” Veronica left no room for discussion before leaving out the front door, the minute the door shut tears were streaming down her face.
-
When Monday rolled around Veronica carried a box into her 9am physics class, Peter stood at the front of the room speaking with a student as Veronica set the box on his desk, Peter glanced at her and then the box before excusing himself from the student and moving to Veronica.
“What is this?” He muttered softly as Veronica scoffed.
“Your things, saves me from going to Queens.”
“You decided now was the best time?” Peter scoffed at Veronica who rolled her eyes.
“I live in Bushwick Peter, I’m not driving to your aunt’s to give her your things, I thought about that and it would be a waste of my time, and I’m not wasting anymore on you.” Veronica turned and headed to her seat at the back of the class. Peter stared at her for a minute before setting the box on the ground and beginning his lecture. The three-hour long course ended rather quickly and Veronica began packing up her things, her eyes landing on Peter at the front of the class speaking to someone she had met on many occasions throughout their relationship. Natasha Romanoff stood there, arms crossed as she glared at Peter, the two speaking in hushed voices as Veronica headed down the steps of the lecture hall.
“Veronica,”
“Hello Natasha.” Veronica smiled politely as she continued towards the door.
“I told Peter that he’s an idiot.” She stated following behind her, Veronica glanced at the woman and shrugged.
“Doesn’t really matter, does it? He listens to no one but himself.” She told Natasha as the two headed out of the lecture hall. “To be honest Natasha, I don’t care what he does anymore, he gave up on us months ago. This whole,” Waving her hand around as she muttered “Spiderman things, it always came first, and I was fine with that for a long time, but three years of coming last on someone’s list? I’ve had enough, and nothing you say can change that, I’m sorry.”
“Veronica.” Natasha spoke grabbing the woman’s arm to stop her. “Peter is lost, he hasn’t had time to learn how to handle everything being thrown at him.”
“He’s had years Natasha, he got these responsibilities when he was 16, he’s had far too much time to learn how to prioritize, and he did so wrong, and I won’t apologize for knowing my self-worth.” She spoke turning to the Avenger. “You are one of Peter’s best friends Natasha, nothing I’ve said has changed how he’s prioritized, I shouldn’t have to tell my boyfriend to put our relationship first, it should just happen. I have to go, I’ll be late for class. It was good seeing you Nat, give everyone my love.” Veronica left at that, heading off to her next class, Natasha herself headed back to where Peter was locking the lecture hall.
“You fucked up Parker.”
“Yeah yeah, I know, she just needs time to cool down,”
“Peter, you brought another girl home for dinner, you prioritized everything over her,”
“I have a job, not to mention that someone needs to protect,”
“There is a compound full of superheroes, Peter, you can take a night off, you can take a year off and New York would be fine, your relationship obviously can’t afford that, you took weeks off from prioritizing her, and you’re reaping the consequences. She left you; she is looking for someone else. You fucked up.” Natasha left Peter with those words.
Weeks went by and soon finals were upon both Peter and Veronica, having finished her physics final that Monday, and by Thursday Veronica was anxiously waiting in the hall next to Peter’s office for her turn to look at the final grades, moving up towards the paper posted on the wall, Veronica found her name Holmes, Veronica: D- scoffing, Veronica turned to Peter’s office door where she then knocked.
“He isn’t in, he posted grades and said he was going home.” Spoke a girl from Veronica’s physics class. “He said any issues with grades to email his TA.”
“Bullshit.” Veronica spoke looking at the girl, Lilly. “I’m going to Parker directly.” Veronica huffed and stormed out of the building, taking the subway over to Queens and pounding her fist on Peter’s apartment door, once he opened it Veronica began yelling. “D minus! A fucking D Minus! Bullshit Peter! You know damn well that I don’t deserve a D Minus!” She yelled throwing her hands up as she pushed past him into his apartment.
“Nice to see you too Veronica.” Peter shut the door behind her and followed her into the living room as she tossed her things onto his couch.
“A fucking D minus Peter.” She turned towards him.
“I heard you the first three times, you got what grade you deserved.” He stated.
“Did you read my final paper?” She asked crossing her arms.
“I did not, I felt that it would be a conflict of interest for me to read or do any of your grading, I referred that all to Gwen.” He stated. “As I stated on the board any issues with your grades should be taken up with Gwen.”
“You pushed my grade off to Gwen?” Veronica rolled her eyes and turned, moving towards the large windows and looking out over the city. “So nothing’s changed. I needed a C to pass Peter, fuck.” Veronica sighed and shook her head. “I should have dropped the class the minute Gwen became your TA.” She muttered before moving back to grab her things from the couch. “Thanks so much.” She muttered heading towards the door.
“Veronica,”
“God Peter.” She spun towards him. “This throws my whole plan off by a semester!”
“Okay just calm down, I haven’t submitted final grades yet, I’ll go over your paper and make a correction to your grade,”
“Don’t do me any favors Peter.” She stated with a shake of her head.
“No, I’m not. I should have checked it all over before Gwen did final grades, I dropped the ball on that, I’ll grab everything from my office tonight and come Saturday I’ll text you your final grade.” Veronica nodded at that.
“I appreciate that, Peter.” Peter nodded at her. “I shouldn’t have barged in here, sorry for that, I’m just,”
“I get it V.” He spoke as Veronica nodded back at him.
“I should go, I have dinner plans, um,”
“Yeah no, go, I’ll text you the final grade correction.” Veronica thanked Peter again before leaving the apartment.
“Sorry again about barging in.” She stated before heading back to her own apartment.
Veronica was wearing a black dress as she sat in a bar in the heart of Brooklyn, awaiting the date that she was reluctantly going on.
“Hi you made it.” Spoke Jarred as he arrived next to Veronica.
“I made it, on time too,” She hinted that Jarred was 15 minutes late.
“Sorry, missed my taxi.” He grinned sitting across from her. “How were your finals?”
“They were okay, I’m waiting for a grade correction from my physics course.” She stated taking a drink of her vodka.
“Who did you have?” Jarred was a physics major.
“Parker.” Jared groaned at that.
“The pretty boy professor who doesn’t actually know how to teach.” He stated as Veronica raised a brow.
“I happen to think Professor Parker is an excellent teacher, I learned a lot from his, his TA on the other hand,”
“Has the hots for him. Heard her talking to someone a couple weeks back talking about how she helped break Parker and his girlfriend up.” Stated Jared as he ordered a beer.
“Is that so?”
“I mean if I was Parker I would definitely have been tapping that TA.”
“I believe Professor Parker is more professional than that,”
“Don’t give me that bullshit Veronica.” Jarred laughed. “Parker is like 26, he’s absolutely thinking about it if he isn’t actually doing so,” Veronica shook her head and pulled her phone out as it began ringing. “Go ahead.” Jarred nodded to her as Veronica hit answer on Peter’s call.
“Hey.”
“I know you said you had plans for dinner, but I finished going over all your course work,”
“Oh Peter, you didn’t have to do that right away, I was just being dramatic,” Veronica frowned as she glanced back at Jarred who was looking unimpressed.
“It’s literally my job V, anyways, Gwen graded you way too harsh, I have to go back through all of her grading tonight,”
“Oh my gosh Peter, I didn’t mean to make this happen! That’s so much work,”
“Don’t worry about it, hey your grade, I made a revision, it’s a B+.”
“Peter! Oh my gosh you saint! B+ is better than I hoped for.” She laughed. “You just saved me so much stress! Hey if you need help going over the course work, please let me know, as a thank you.” She stated glancing at her date who was now chugging his beer. “Hey I’m in the middle of something, but uh, thanks again Pete, it truly means a lot to me, tell May I say hi.” Veronica didn’t wait for his response before hanging up. “Sorry about that.” She stated setting her phone on the table.
“Parker I take it?” He asked setting his beer on the table.
“Um yeah.” She nodded.
“So you and Parker?” Jarred leaned on the table. “Guess he isn’t tapping the TA.”
“No, no, Peter and I? No.” Veronica shook her head. “We were friends before he began teaching at NYU,” Veronica lied there.
“Friends? Veronica, I couldn’t give a damn if you were sleeping with Parker or not, all I care about is if you are now?”
“I am not sleeping with Professor Parker, and even if I was, this is a first date Jarred, and we aren’t dating, therefor I could be with whomever I want, you’ve been talking about wanting to fuck Parker’s TA since we got here,”
“She hot.” He shrugged. “So are you,”
“God.” She rolled her eyes. “I think I’m going to go, this was a mistake,” Veronica stated shaking her head at that and grabbing her coat to leave the bar.
“Woah, no you’re not going anywhere.” Jarred followed after her, grabbing her arm.
“Let go of me!” She pulled her arm away from him, hitting him in the nose before turning away from him.
“You don’t get to fucking leave!” Jarred called after her, Veronica hearing his footsteps behind her began running, while dialing Peter’s number.
“Peter! I need help!” Veronica’s voice came through as she was running down the street, glancing behind her Jarred was still following her.
“Where are you?” He asked immediately.
“I was at Birdy’s on Myrtle and Bushwick, I’m heading towards the M Train now.” She stated.
“I’m on my way, try to get onto the train, I’ll be there soon. Stay on the phone with me.” Veronica nodded glancing behind her again and tripping, her heel breaking.
“Fuck.” She stood and began to hobble down the road. “I think I sprained my ankle.”
“I’m almost there okay.” Veronica could hear the wind and knew that Peter was swinging through the city.
“He’s still behind me Peter,”
“Baby, I’m almost there, okay? Just another minute,” Peter’s voice was shaking as he spoke, Veronica glanced behind her again, Jarred was getting closer.
“There’s nowhere for me to hide Pete, it’s just straight sidewalks,”
“Get back here Veronica!” Called Jarred causing Veronica to scream and try to run faster, Jarred easily catching up to her now that.
“Peter!” Veronica yelled dropping her phone.
“Hey asshat!” Peter landed behind Jarred, who was now holding Veronica’s arm, he was wearing his Spiderman suit. “Hasn’t anyone told you it’s not polite to grab a lady.” Veronica’s eyes landed on Peter as Jarred grip tightened.
“Hey man, this is between me and my girlfriend.” Jarred spoke, Veronica was crying, her ankle throbbing.
“He your boyfriend, miss?” Asked Peter looking to Veronica who shook her head. “Let her go, or we’re going to have a problem.” Jarred glanced at Veronica and rolled his eyes.
“You’re so no worth it.” He stated letting her go and walking away, Peter glaring at his back as Veronica launched herself into his arms, sobbing.
“Hey shh, I got you.”
“Oh Peter.” She mumbled into his chest. “He was talking shit about you, I just couldn’t take it!” Cried Veronica, her head in Peter’s chest as he ran his hand through her hair.
“Shh it’s okay baby, I’m right here.”
“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, I never should have left you that night.” She cried harder into his chest.
“It’s okay baby, I know, I know. I would have done the same thing had I been in your shoes. Just knowing you were on a date with that man? I want to kill him, so I understand it baby, you don’t have to apologize.” Veronica glanced up at Peter, his Spiderman mask covering his face.
“We need to go, Peter you’re still wearing,”
“Shit, yeah, come on, I’ll get you a cab,” Peter pulled her arm and hailed a cab. “my place, okay? I need to know you’re okay, I’ll be right behind you.” Veronica nodded at Peter as he held the door open after having picked her phone up off the ground.
Peter arrived right after Veronica, and swung up to his 9th floor apartment, Veronica taking the elevator up. Peter was waiting at the door, his civilian clothes on.
“Hey.” He said softly, Veronica throwing her arms around him without a word. “Shh, it’s fine baby.” He spoke hugging her to him. “Come on, I ordered food on the way home,”
“You were texting while swinging?” She spoke through hiccups. “I told you not to do that.” She hit his chest softly as she spoke.
“I order you food and you abuse me?” He laughs pulling her into his apartment.
“You were being reckless!” She stated wiping the tears off her face.
“Babe, I’ve been doing this for 10 years,”
“Texting and driving is illegal, so guess what, texting and swinging is as well.” She stated pointedly. Peter turned to face her, a smile on his face.
“If I promise not to text and swing will you let it go?” Veronica stared at him for a minute before speaking.
“Pour me a glass of wine and we’ll call it square.” She grinned as Peter nodded.
“I can do that.” He headed to the kitchen as Veronica set her things on the couch, following Peter into the kitchen, she leaned against his counter.
“But on the topic, Peter,”
“Nope, here’s your wine.” Peter handed the glass to her and leaned across the island from her. Veronica contemplated reprimanding him some more but chose otherwise.
“Thank you.” She took a sip and smiled at him. “You always pick the best wine.” She grinned as Peter laughed.
“Don’t get too drunk on me, you offered to help me with finals,”
“Damn you remember that huh?” She teased. “I guess for your heroic actions, I can help you.” She stood up, glass in hand and headed towards his dining table that housed all the papers that needed re-grading. “Pete,”
“221 papers to go over.” He stated with a sigh. “So far, you’re the only one to ace the paper.” He stated. “I’ve graded thirteen.”
“Holy shit. Gwen,”
“Did a shit job, I’ve called for Binns’s TA to join us,”
“How old is she?”
“He, is Thomas Parks, he should be here anytime.”
“Thomas, okay fine.” She stated falling into the seat next to where Peter was sitting. “Okay tell me where to start.”
“First I want to look at that ankle.” Peter stated, picking up her foot and looking over her ankle. “It’s definitely sprained.” He stated glancing up at her. “We’ll ice it, yeah?” He spoke with a small smile. Peter explained to Veronica how they were working through the papers. About twenty minutes later there was a knock at the door.
“Chinese.” Grinned Peter moving to answer the door, stood in front of him was their takeout and Thomas, a guy no older than 22, wearing glasses and a button-down shirt. “Thomas, come in. Thank you.” Peter took the Chinese food. “We’re working in the dining room, I really appreciate you coming to help, like I said, my TA, well she failed to do her job properly.”
“I get that Professor Parker, and I’m happy to help.”
“Just Peter, please.” Peter spoke as they entered the dining room, Veronica had a red pen in her mouth and her hair was now up in a bun. “Thomas this is my girlfriend, Veronica.”
“Hello.” Spoke Thomas causing her to look up and take the pen out of her mouth.
“Hi, it’s so nice to meet you. Pete did you send out an email to your students letting them know about grade revisions? Oh did you reach out to the dean about Gwen? And did you talk to Gwen?” She spoke glancing back at Peter.
“Babe, slow down. I actually haven’t yet.” He stated. “Thomas take a seat, please.” Spoke Peter. “We have Chinese, please help yourself.”
“I’ll grab the plates.” Veronica went to stand but Peter pushed her back into the seat.
“Sit your ass down, you have a sprained ankle.” He stated before going to the kitchen to grab plates and cutlery.
An hour later the three were still grading papers, each one being more than three pages long, Peter sent out three emails, one to his students, one to the dean and one to Gwen. At the time that Peter’s phone began to ring, he was in the bathroom, Veronica ignored it the first time as she was reading over a part of the paper that Thomas was having a hard time understanding, the ring of it a second time, Veronica leaned over to grab it.
Tony Stark read across the screen.
“Shit.” She spoke softly. “Pete!” She called, but hearing no answer Veronica chose to answer the phone. “Hello?”
“Wow Pete puberty relapse?” Joke Tony.
“Funny Tony.” Veronica spoke. “Um, Pete’s in the bathroom.” She stated. “I figured if you were calling it was important.”
“It is, we have a mission,”
“Now?” She asked, glancing at Thomas.
“Yes, now. I thought Pete said you were more than a pretty face,”
“Excuse me!” Veronica scoffed just as Peter reentered the room. “Here.” She thrust the phone at him. “You talk to Tony because I will cuss him out.” Peter chuckled and took the phone, heading into the living room.
“No Tony… No I have papers that I need to finish grading tonight…. Tony, I’m not coming, call Barnes, he’ll cover for me. Yeah I’m sure, I talked to him earlier.” He stated from the living room. “Yep, bye.” Peter hung up and headed towards the kitchen.
“All good?”
“Yep, Stark needed me for something, I got Barnes to cover for me.”
“Stark? As in Tony Stark?” Came Thomas’s voice, Veronica and Peter glancing at him.
“Yes.” They both responded.
“Holy shit.”
“Peter, he helps with some of the,”
“I work closely with Stark’s engineers.” Spoke Peter.
“That’s wicked.” He stated before the three began grading papers again.
“Thanks again Thomas for helping.” Peter spoke as he walked Thomas to the door at 3am. “I really appreciate it. If Binns doesn’t keep you on next semester, let me know and I’ll gladly take you.”
“I appreciate that Peter, thanks.”
“No really thank you. Send me an email so we know you got home safe, Veronica will worry otherwise.” Peter closed the door behind Thomas and turned back to Veronica who was sitting at the table, her head resting on her arms, eyes closed. “Baby.” Peter spoke softly as he moved towards her. “Hey.” He touched her shoulder.
“Hmm?” Veronica hummed.
“Come on, let’s go to bed.”
“No no, I should clean up,” She mumbled eyes peeling open before closing again.
“Baby, you can’t even keep your eyes open, come on, up you go.” Peter pulled her chair out and leaned down to pick her up bridal style.
“But the wine.” She whined motioning towards her half drank glass.
“No more tonight.” He chuckled as he carried her towards his bedroom and dropped her onto the bed.
“You’re mean.” She mumbled softly.
“Sure am baby.” He teased kissing her head. “I’m getting you some water, clothes are in the dresser if you want to change.” He stated motioning towards his dresser before he left to grab them each a glass of water.
While he was gone Veronica stood up and moved to the dresser and opened the top drawer where she found her clothes, the ones that Peter never returned. Closing the drawer, she moved to his closet and grabbed one of his t-shirts that were hanging up before she stripped and pulled it over her head before moving to the bathroom to wash her face. After she headed back into the bedroom where she found Peter laying in bed with nothing but boxers on.
“Hmm, I see we chose my clothes tonight.” He stated with a grin as she rolled her eyes and moved to his side of the bed, climbing onto his lap, legs on either side of his own. “Well hi.” He grinned, hands resting on her thighs.
“Hi.” She smiled at him. “Thank you.” She spoke softly.
“For what?” He chuckled, her hands moving slowly up his chest.
“Looking into my grade, adjusting it when you realized it was messed up, saving me, the list could go on.” Her voice was soft as she spoke. “Thank you, Pete.”
“Baby,” He shook his head. “you never have to thank me. Come on, let’s get some rest, it’s been a long day and I gotta be up in a few hours to finish up these grades.” He spoke softly, squeezing her thighs.
“’m not tired anymore.” She spoke, her lips trailing around his shoulders and chest.
“Baby.” Gripping her tighter he groaned. “I really have to get up early.” Veronica hummed, her lips moving up the right side of his neck and up to his ear. Veronica squealed when she was flipped onto her back, Peter hovering above her. “You always have to get your way.” He grinned before pressing his lips to hers.
“Noo.” Veronica whined a few hours later when Peter tried waking her.
“I told you I had to be up early, but you insisted,” He began teasing as Veronica peaked an eye open at him.
“Shut up.” She mumbled. “Is there coffee?” She asked softly.
“We can get some on the way to the university.” He told her. “If you get up now.” He stated.
“Fine.” She sat up at his words, pushing him away from her, she began getting ready for the day. Twenty minutes later the two were on the train, Veronica holding a coffee in her hands with a smile on her face.
“Oh, before I forget, the dean knows that we’re together.” He stated as the two exited the train at their stop and headed down the steps into the busy city streets and towards his office that resided in a brownstone.
“Oh?” She asked, taking a sip of her coffee.
“I mentioned it to him at the start of term just so there’d be no issues.” Veronica nodded.
“So the dean, he’s known that we were together and that you were my professor?” She asked softly, glancing up at Peter. Veronica stood at just under 5’3”.
“Yes ma’am.” He nodded at her, his hand reaching down to take hers. “Had no problems with it either, as long as I graded you fairly, and with Thomas helping with final grades, it’s all fine.” He stated, pulling her closer to him to let go of her hand and wrap it around her shoulder.
“That’s, embarrassing.” She stated leaning into his side as they walked. The brownstone coming into view, entering, they found a bunch of students who all began bombarding Peter with questions.
“Woah, okay guys.” He pulled away from Veronica and passed her his office keys before raising his hands at the hundreds of students he seen. Veronica stepped away and entered his office as she heard his voice. “I know, I am imputing final grades now, I’ll tell you now, no one got lower than a C, grades have been rounded for the inconvenience, I will send an email when final grades are in.” He stated with a frown. “I’ll make it up to you all, tomorrow night I’ll be at Ernie’s bar, anyone who comes and joins, your first drink is on me.” He stated as the group cheered. “Alright, get out so I can input the final grades in.” He stated ushering them out, entering his office he sighed.
“So Ernie’s bar huh?” She asked with a grin, Peter laughed softly.
“Yeah yeah.” He shook his head at her. “That’s my seat.” He motioned to his desk chair that she was sitting in, her coffee empty on the desk.
“Sure is.” She nodded, a grin on her face as he came towards her. “Come on, let’s start inputting those grades.” She stated pushing the chair back.
Months went by, Peter still working at the university, Veronica in between jobs, working part time at a coffee shop. Peter set more time aside for the two of them, Veronica spending most nights at Peter’s apartment.
“Hey.” She greeted him late one afternoon, stepping into his office just as he was packing up.
“Finished early?” He asked her, glancing up and smiling.
“Yeah, figured I’d see if you were still here.” She stated, holding two cups of coffee.
“You’re a saint. Dinner?” He asked grabbing his laptop bag and messenger bag before moving towards her and taking the cup, other hand grabbing hers after locking the door.
“I got something to run by you.” She spoke softly as they walked to the train station.
“What’s that?” He asked, eyes locking on hers.
“My lease is up next month,” She stated softly.
“You don’t say?” He spoke as they waited to cross the street.
“So, I was thinking, I spend most nights at your place anyway,”
“Baby,” He chuckled, turning her towards him. “You asking to move in?” He asked with a grin.
“I guess I am.” She nodded at him. Peter tilted his head down and kissed her softly.
“I think I could get used to having you around every night, so deal.” He grinned at her after he stepped back.
“Yeah?” She asked as he led her across the street.
“Sure, besides we’ve gotta plan the wedding anyway.” He spoke as they made their way up the metal staircase to the train platform.
“Wedding?” She stopped at the top and stared at him, the train wasn’t in sight yet, Peter glanced back at her and paled.
“Shit, I knew I forgot something.” He mumbled, feeling around in his pockets before opening his messenger bag and finding the ring box. “Shit.” He mumbled glancing up at her and holding it in his hand and looking up at her. “I meant to ask, I did.” Veronica grinned at him before stepping closer to him, other people looking at him.
“You have a ring?” She asked softly, Peter’s eyes flicking between hers.
“I got it a few weeks ago, I swear I meant to ask.” His voice was shaky as Veronica touched his hand holding the box.
“Ask me now.” She spoke, the two seemed to be in their own world.
“Now? Here?” He laughed, shaking his head.
“Yes, here Peter.” She nodded at him, a grin on her face.
“Fine.” He sighed dramatically before opening the box. “I am not getting on one knee at a subway station.” He remarked, causing Veronica to laugh.
“I won’t say yes if you don’t.” She teased. Peter sighed, and dropped to one knee dramatically.
“You always get your way. May helped me pick it out, but, V, I can’t imagine being with anyone else, no one has stood by my side longer,”
“We broke up.” She reminded him with a laugh as he chuckled.
“Semantics. Marry me?” He asked with a grin. Veronica didn’t even look at the ring, her sole focus on the man in front of her.
“Yeah, I guess I could marry you Peter Parker.” She smiled at him before moving closer to him and kissing him, Peter standing to greet her. People around cheering at them as Peter wrapped an arm around her before she laughed and hid her face in his chest, allowing Peter to slip the ring on her finger. “Let’s order in.” She spoke softly, pulling away from him as the train neared.
“Chinese?” He asked.
“Thai.” She spoke after a minute. “And a sandwich from the bodega.” She said as they stepped onto the train, hand in hand. Their future bright as can be.
Read Alpine's Mission here
Read Alpines Next Mission here
“This is perfect Tony!” Enora squealed as she spun around the small shop that Tony had found for her. It was nestled in the bustling city and Enora was thrilled. Tony had already had it furnished with everything she would need for the bakery, having consulted her every step of the way. “Oh look!” She squealed, her assistant Sarah chuckling as Enora moved towards the little cat tower in the corner. “Oh, Alpine will be so excited!” She smiled turning to Tony, noticing the kitchen door didn’t open to allow anyone but people through, so there was no way Alpine could contaminate the kitchen. “I love it Tones, thank you.” Enora moved to hug the man who chuckled.
“Barnes thought so too, took his consideration into a lot of the planning.” He stated with a shrug.
“He did? He didn’t mention that.” Enora spoke frowning before looking around again. “Alpine is going to be so happy she can come to work with mommy and not,”
“Me.” Bucky teased from the front door, just as Enora turned.
“She’s gotta stop favoring you babe, it’s not fair.” Enora smiled at him; their cat was safe at home for once. “You guys are amazing, I truly couldn’t ask for better.” She spoke as she moved to hug her boyfriend.
Enora eventually kicked everyone out so she and Sarah could go to the store and do their stocking to begin baking first thing in the morning. The building wasn’t much more than an industrial kitchen with a small front area for just them that they could use for their pickups and then a small office in the back next to the bathroom.
It had been a few months, Enora and Sarah were working out of the bakery space, Enora employing two others to help. Kensie and Shane were the newest recruits to the bakery, neither having any prior experience but catching on quickly.
“Has anyone seen Alpine?” Enora asked one afternoon. “I swear she was just lying in the window.” She mentioned heading back to the kitchen where Sarah was filling in a few donuts with custard. Kensie was piping a cake and Shane was in the middle of using the industrial mixer to make the next batch of cake.
“Nah haven’t seen her.” Spoke Shane, the other two shaking their heads.
“Well shit.” She muttered looking around. “I gotta puck a tracker on her.” She pulled out her phone and called James, he was at the tower training some new recruits.
“Hey babe.” She heard him grunt as he answered the phone.
“Are you in the middle of a fight?” She asked leaning against the door to her office.
“Nah, just Steve, he wanted his ass kicked.”
“Screw you.” She heard Steve’s voice.
“Alpine’s gone, she with you?” She asked ignoring the bickering of the old married couple she called her boyfriend and his best friend.
“What? Hold on punk.” Bucky stepped away from Steve. “She’s not with you? Doll I dropped her with you this morning.” Enora sighed at that.
“I know, she was laying in the window when I left to run and grab eggs and deliver a few cakes, it took a bit, came back and no one can find her. I swear we need a tracker.” She muttered, running a hand through her hair.
“We’ll find her, she can’t have gone far, search the shop. I’ll, shit I dunno.” He muttered.
“James, she, she can’t have made it to the tower, that’s miles away.” She groaned.
“What time did you leave?”
“Maybe nine, I just got back.”
“It’s after four.” Bucky paused glancing at Steve. “Alpine’s missing, help search for her?” Steve nodded at his friend before jogging away. “I’ll check here, maybe she snuck in, I’ll have Tony check the camera’s.”
“Thanks baby.” She spoke softly. “I’ll search around here and the streets, maybe she just got out.”
“Keep me updated.” He spoke before the two hung up, he sighed wiping sweat off his brow. Enora began searching the shop before she and Kensie searched the surrounding streets and stores. “FRIDAY, pull up the security camera’s from the front doors.” He asked the AI, FRIDAY did as asked. “Rewind to nine am.” The camera rewinded and Bucky began watching in two times speed, at around 11:18 he noticed the door open as an influx of agents came in. “Pause, zoom in.” Zooming in, he noticed a little white ball of fur sneaking in with the agents. “FRIDAY, follow Alpine’s trail through the compound.” FRIDAY followed Alpine through the compound and Bucky chuckled seeing her sniff around before somehow making her way up to the Avenger’s quarters where she pushed the door open to his room. “Thanks FRIDAY.”
“Of course.” James headed up to his room where he pushed the small door opened and found the cat fast asleep on his bed, curled in one of his hoodies. Shaking his head he shut the door to insure she couldn’t get out and headed to find Tony.
“Can you order me a tracking device for Alpine?”
“She get out again?” Asked Tony as he opened a drawer and tossed a device over to him. “Phone.” Bucky handed his phone over and Tony programmed it quickly.
“Somehow came all the way from the shop and snuck into my room here. Enora is going nuts about here.”
“There’s a dot on the home screen click it and it’ll pop up, attach that to her collar.” Tony spoke. “Your cats kinda obsessed with you.”
“More so than her mom.” Bucky and Tony shared a laugh before Bucky called his girlfriend to meet him at the tower.
“She here?” Enora asked an hour later as she entered the tower, Bucky meeting her by the front door, leading her to the elevator after kissing her.
“Yeah she is.” He grinned.
“She likes you more than me.” Enora pouted as he chuckled at her.
“Nah, she just gets to spend more time with you.” He spoke, pressing a kiss to her temple.
“She’s always running to you James; she never wants to stay at the shop with me. She walked all the way here!” She threw her hands up as the two exited the elevator.
“Hey Nora.” Steve spoke as the two passed the living room.
“Hi Stevie.” She grinned towards him.
“Alpine here?” He chuckled, Sam across from him who laughed.
“Yeah, seems she prefers this one over me.” Pushing her boyfriend’s shoulder slightly as said boyfriend lead her towards his room where Alpine was asleep, curled on his hoodie. “Awe.” Cooed Enora as she smiled at the cat, Bucky’s arms wrapped around her from the back and pulled her into his chest.
“She’s cute, couldn’t wake her up, she did spend a few hours making her way here.” He mentioned with a shrug.
“We should stay here with her tonight; she seems to want to be here.” She mentioned, hands resting on her boyfriend’s arms.
“Hmm? We can do that babe, might need to run, and get her food and a litter box, we don’t have one here anymore.” Enora nodded slightly at his words.
“I’ll have it delivered. FRIDAY can you order a small bag of non-clumping cat litter, a plastic cat litter box, and a bluebag of Purina cat food?”
“Of course, Miss. Enora.” The AI said.
“For delivery to the tower today please.” The AI responded back to her with an of course. Enora stepped out of her boyfriend’s arms, who pushed the bedroom door shut before following her who climbed onto the bed with the cat.
That night they spent it at the tower, when morning came, Bucky and Enora had breakfast with the other occupants of the tower, Alpine eating a bowl of cat food in the corner. They headed home not long after, Alpine curled in Bucky’s arm during the drive.
“You have to go to the shop today?” He asked as the two were getting dressed in their room at their own home.
“Yeah, for like an hour or so, I just have to finish piping the words on a few cakes, won’t take long really.” She shrugged; her hair wet from the shower the two took together.
“I’m gonna order dinner tonight, anything you want specific?” He asked, stepping towards her and wrapping her in his arms.
“Mmm.” She hummed, hands wrapping around his neck as she thought for a moment. “Spaghetti, your moms recipe.” She spoke with a grin as Bucky laughed.
“Yeah, I seen that coming.” He grinned at her before kissing her. “Deal, garlic bread?” Enora nodded at him before moving to finish getting ready for the day.
“You’re the best. Love you.” She kissed him once more before grabbing her purse and heading to the shop.
Around six that night she pulled into their driveway with a sigh before heading into the home they shared. Taking her jacket off and setting her keys down before she kicked off her shoes.
“I’m home!” She called moving towards the dining room. “It smells amazing in here,” Pausing as she entered, she found Bucky knelt on one knee smiling up at her.
“Now before you open that big mouth of yours, let me talk.” Enora closed her mouth and nodded, her lips pressing together. “The day we met, I didn’t know my life was going to change as drastically as it did.” He began, Enora smiling at the memory, it was his birthday, and Enora had baked the cake after being contacted by Tony. “I saw you, and I knew then that you were the girl I was gonna marry,” Enora laughed at that, as did Bucky. “no, I’m serious, ask Steve, I told him that night, after you told me happy birthday and smiled before leaving.” Bucky took a breath. “But since that day, I knew, I knew you’d be it for me, so I found your number through Tony and everyday for a month I called you asking you to bake me something, anything, and you did. It was after a month when you showed up at my apartment and said you know you could just ask me out instead of spending all kinds of money on sweets you don’t eat. And doll? That was the best thing I ever did. I thank God everyday that you came into my life. Hey Al,” He spoke, Alpine came running into the kitchen and meowed up at Bucky, her neck jingling as she did. “so, Doll, what do you say?” He asked, Alpine turning towards Enora and meowed up at her, Enora got down on her knees and pet the cats head, eyes still locked with Bucky’s. “Marry me? Become Alpine’s official mom.” He teased; Enora grinned.
“Can I speak now?” She teased him, her knees touching his one that sat on the ground. Enora tilted her head, as James grinned at her.
“I guess so, but only if you’re saying yes.” He reached forward and took the ring that sat on Alpine’s collar. “What do you say?”
“Yeah, I’ll marry you, always been the plan.” She grinned, James slipped the princess cut diamond on her finger before Enora grabbed his face and kissed him hard. “I love you.” She mumbled into it.
“Well, I love you.” He grinned back and went back to kissing her, before hearing Alpine.
“Meow.” She whined, walking around both of them and rubbing her head against them.
“Okay, okay, we love you too Alpy.” Enora spoke, pulling the cat into her arms, a lovesick look being directed at James.
After all the adventures that Alpine went on, Enora knew that this would be the one that changed their lives forever. She knew in her heart that no matter where Alpine, James, or herself went, that at the very least they’d have each other.
Months of religiously checking Bucky’s go bag before he left the brownstone, and they’ve only found Alpine sleeping in it one time. But still, Enora and James continued to check his bag every time he left. It was a busy day for both Enora and Bucky, both of them out of the brownstone before day even broke. James rushing to meet Sam and Steve for an early morning run, Enora rushing to deliver a wedding cake and cupcakes.
By midday, Enora had delivered two wedding cakes, one birthday cake and was on her way to deliver a retirement cake. Driving through the busy streets, her assistant Sarah sitting next to her going over what they had left to deliver for the day.
“We have a triple batch of macarons for the Dublin family on 5th street next.” Stated Sarah, just as Enora’s car began to ring, her phone being connected.
“Hi babe.” Enora had hit the answer on her steering wheel.
“Hey, so I’m heading out for work, I’ll be back tomorrow evening.” Enora could tell by the way that he was speaking fast that he was rushing.
“Okay, well be safe, I’ve got to go, I gotta deliver this cake.” She spoke, pulling up to the clients home. “love you.”
“Love you, bye.” James hung up and Enora went about delivering the cake. She spent the next four hours delivering the baked goods before arriving at her brownstone near seven at night.
“Al?” She called for her cat, walking into the house and kicking her shoes off by the door, her coat and keys falling onto the table. “Sweet girl, mommy has a treat for you!” She called walking into the kitchen. Alpine, again, did not show up. Heading into the living room, her cat tower was empty. “Oh, not again.” She sighed before looking for the white furball. After thirty minutes of searching, she picked her cell up and dialed Bucky’s number.
“Hey doll, I can’t really talk.” Enora cut him off.
“She’s in your bag again.” James scoffed at that.
“There’s no way.” He stood from his seat where he had been speaking with Steve before moving towards his bag.
“Not again man!” Sam’s voice came as Bucky flipped him off before unzipping the bag.
“Al.” He sighed as the cat whined and stretched before meowing at the man. “She’s here.”
“Obviously she is.” Enora stood in the kitchen, with one hand holding the phone, the other rubbing her head. “She’s causing me to drink.” She muttered pulling out a glass and bottle of wine. “Well obviously make sure she’s safe.” She mumbled at him.
“I don’t understand how she did this, I checked my bag.” He sighed, Steve and Sam chuckling in the background.
“She’s a menace James.” Enora sighed before taking a drink of her wine. “I’m finishing this bottle tonight. Bring her home safe, you too.” She spoke, almost as an afterthought.
“Will do doll, she’ll be fine, she’s,” Just as he went to say that she was fast asleep, Alpine jumped from the bag, meowed at him again. “hold on.” He chuckled, crouching down to pick her up. “She’s wants to speak with you.” He spoke turning her on speaker.
“Alpy.” Enora’s voice filled the jet. “Mommy told you you can’t work with daddy anymore, it’s dangerous.” She sighed, rubbing her head again.
“Meow.” Came the soft voice of their cat.
“I know you like spending time with daddy, so do I,”
“Well, yours is less savory.” Came Sam’s voice.
“Sam, jump out of the jet.” Enora’s voice spoke to the man before speaking to the cat again. “But, mommy needs you when daddy’s away, who am I to spend time with? Lucky? No thanks he’s a dog.” She teased speaking of Clint’s dog, which she loved dearly. “This better be the last time Alpine. Mommy is disappointed in you.”
“Meeeow.” Came her whine.
“No Al, you went to work with daddy again, after we said no.”
“Are you scolding a cat?” Steve asked, chuckling as he moved to pet Alpine.
“Yes because she knows better. No more leaving your go bag around her, from now on it goes in the closet and the closet is to be closed. Triple check your bag before you leave. You all better look out for my girl. I’ll see you all at the tower tomorrow when you arrive. You be good for daddy, Uncle Steve, and bite Uncle Sam.” She spoke softly to Alpine almost as if she were speaking to a child. “I love you sweet girl.”
“Meow.” Alpine meowed again before jumping from James’ arms into Steve’s, James took her off of speaker.
“She’s getting her lovin’ from Steve. She’ll be fine, we’ll see you tomorrow. Love you.”
“I love you, be safe.” Enora spoke to her boyfriend, smile on her face. “Love you.”
The next evening, Enora had finished work and was entering the Avengers Tower with a tray of cookies. Heading to the communal area she found Tony and Wanda.
“Hi guys.” She greeted them. “I brought cookies.” She stated, Tony immediately snatching one up.
“I heard there was a stowaway again.” He spoke as Enora sighed.
“I’m telling you, she’s a menace, I started taking her to work with me because of things like this.”
“Well for her safety,” Tony spoke, popping a cookie piece in her mouth. “I’m going to add an Alpine corner to the jet, it’ll basically be a cage essentially, with bulletproof glass just in case.” Enora sighed.
“Well, I have a feeling this isn’t her last mission so yeah, thanks Tones.” She smiled at the man before leaning against the counter.
“I’ve got the plans already; you want to see them?” He asked, Enora nodded and followed him to his lab where they spent an hour going over the plans for the cat cubby.
“Hey, question for you.” Enora spoke, as the two headed back upstairs after learning the team arrived.
“Go for it.” Tony spoke, pressing the floor they needed, the elevator closing behind them.
“If I were to say, I wanted to open an actual shop and not work out of the house anymore, would you be able to help me find a decent location? My kitchen, well it’s getting too small for the size of the business, plus I need to hire some extra help.” Tony smiled at her as he listened.
“I’ll keep a look out, I’m sure I can find something you need, or even build,”
“No no building, just something that we can grow in.” She stated pushing the man’s shoulder as they entered the common room again, Alpine purring away on Wanda’s lap. “Alpine Barnes.” She spoke, Alpine perking up hearing her mother’s voice, Enora stood in the doorway, Alpine jumping from Wanda’s lap and making her way towards her mother.
“Meow.” She whined up at her.
“We talked about this baby.” She spoke softly as she picked up the white furred cat before peppering kisses across her face, Alpine licking her nose. “I missed you sweet girl. Uncle Tony and I were working on a surprise for you.” She hugged the cat to her chest and smiled at her boyfriend. “Hey.” She greeted him as she stepped closer and leaned into his embrace.
“Hi pretty girl.” He spoke kissing her temple. “She’s fine, she got all the lovin’ she could.” He chuckled as Sam muttered behind him.
“She bit me, twice!” He spoke as Enora giggled.
“Good girl Alpy, following mommy’s orders.” Enora kissed the cats head again. “You ready to go home?” She asked softly, looking up at her boyfriend.
“Yeah let’s go.” He nodded. They bid everyone farewell before heading back to their home.
Setting Alpine down once they arrived, she immediately went to the kitchen looking for food, finding none she made her way back to the living room where she found Bucky and Enora lip locked together. She let out a loud meow causing the two to break apart before Enora laughed and gave her cat a look.
“Go on you brat.” She motioned to the kitchen before heading there herself, a parting pat to her boyfriend’s chest. Quickly feeding Alpine, she scratched her head before heading back into the living room to find Bucky had disappeared to throw his clothes in the washer. That night the three ended up in bed together, Alpine curled around James’ chest.
Lady Eostre, the Goddess of Spring, or so Queen Frigga had decided. She spent many centuries in the palace gardens. Having grieved her husbands death, imagine her surprise when she's told he's alive.
Olivia-Rose took over the family business after her father and brother's deaths. It was never meant to be hers, and knowing that the world wouldn't treat her fairly, she reached out to her ex, Steve Rogers, head of the Rogers Family.
Marisol and Steve knew each other their whole lives, both left their small town running to bigger and better things. Steve's family owned the town they lived in, making him CEO of multiple companies within the town. In college he and Marisol fell for each other. Returning to town for their best friends wedding, well the town is going to get a surprise, when Marisol has a ring on her finger from the towns most eligible bachelor.
Helena lost her husband years ago, and ended up with not only a broken heart, but her sister's kid as well. Wesley loved to cause trouble, which Helena hated, but how can she be mad when the new sheriff in town has such pretty blue eyes?
James Barnes, Professor of Art History, once fell in love with a TA, well his TA, though now Juliana was a professor in her own right. Watch the two navigate their relationship, both professionally and personally.