And Remember...

Stephen Vicente "Steve" Hayward "Mr. Steel" Division Leader Genius, Inventor, Philanthropist, Billionaire and part time Superhero. No flash photography.

[incrediblecharlie]

This Just Might be Crazy Enough to Work // Charlie & Steve

[mistersteelyourgirl]

They tried the tests a few more times, but nothing like the first on seemed to happen, clearly this was no longer working. “Change setup to default,” the weight went back from whence it came and Charlie was left with a nearly empty testing room with Steve.

“So the very act of the experiment is the trigger, not necessarily the experiments.” Just as Charlie said, it was likely due to his past experimentation before. Steve decided to make his way to Charlie, if only to ease the tension and to let it be known that he didn’t consider him an experiment.  He landed properly next to him, the gauntlet and helmet  disassembling from him for a brief moments, so that he may unprofessionally scratch his chin and push the hair out of his face. 

“The nature of these tests, don’t actually matter then?” He said it as a question but he already knew the answer. Truly, it depended on the test, the lower the severity or intrusiveness of the test, the less triggering it would be. This test in particular seems to be on the higher side of the scale, at least above the stress test. “Well, that’s definitely something.” World renowned scientist with impeccable dictionary, describing findings as ‘something.’

Though Steve was next to Charlie, he avoided his gaze, rambling off about alternate things they could do, offering to do something less passive; he didn’t want him to see the sad look in his eyes , as if he was pitying him. “I mean, if you’re still up for the other things…”, although that was the whole point of the experiment, to draw Abomination out, he didn’t want to see Charlie transform into him, and actually be the cause of it, especially with the way Charlie felt about the whole thing. 

[incrediblecharlie]

Steve came over in attempts to comfort him, removing parts of his suit to be more casual about things, but to spite his best efforts, it only worked a bit. As much as Charlie wanted to feel okay and part of this odd family, it was hard. He couldn’t see himself anymore as a nuisance and a monster. Even the first time he met Division, it was them stopping him from destroying the city. He was sure that when they looked at him that was all they saw. Steven constantly tried to make him feel like one of them but all he could see was the machines he was hooked up to and the way they beeped.

He looked over at Steve who was just looking away and talking, mostly to himself Charlie felt. He didn’t look at him which was understandable. He could see some pity in his eyes and he probably didn’t want to show it. Charlie was quite a pitiful character so it only made sense that Steve pitied him.

“I just want to get this over with.” He shook his head. “I need to know what makes me tick. I can’t hurt anyone anymore.” Charlie had already killed his wife, his two children and countless other people during his rampages. If he wasn’t able to stop Abomination with a gun like he had tried before, controlling it was the next best thing and the only way to do that was to know what angered it.

“Let’s move on, try something else. Maybe something not so physical?”  

[mistersteelyourgirl]

Steve couldn't help he frown that came over his face. He wanted to Charlie as much as he could but not if it meant hurting Charlie the process, even if tat might have been the point of the experiment. Althogh Steve loved to cover all his bases, the physical test was at best to put off the worst.

He sighed, reassembling the rest of his armor on him. "M.A.L.A.C.H.I., could you et up for the situationl test please?" The room started to change, clearling most of the set up and ridding the room of the unecessary treadmills, instead a chair. Steve tapped against the chair, "Take a seat, feel free to get comfortable; you know? You need popcorn, drinks, anything just say the word..."He snapped pointing towards Charlie, "And I got it." He winked.

Once Charlie was seated, the senros on his body were replaced with clearer, smaller and colder ones on his head. "These," he pointed towardshis own temple to indicate the ones on Charlie, "are designed to sense an record emotional repsonses now absed on these responses it will select the next sequence of images, focusing on the ones that have a higher response rate. Now how they do this is-" he caught himself, "Ah... I'm sure I don't have to bore you with details, you get the gist, yeah?" He waited for confirmation before flying back up towards the observatory room (he neglected to call it a safe room.)

Once there he spoke over the intercom again, "Now I feel the need to warn you some of these may be triggering." But that was the point now, wasn't it?The program was built to be individualized as th sequence went on, focusing on what maes the peson most uncomfortable. Steve had pre loaded it with just a few thigns to get started, pictures of Charlie's old lab he wored at, people he might have known who were a part of it, destroyed buildings that weren't caused by him but could have been, and a little gre for good measure. "Now, tell me when you're ready and we'll start."

[mysticalmeri]

i know places//meri&steve

[mysticalmeri]

Though she first thought of him as an odd, hairless oaf, everything had changed since the beginning. His thumbs were warm against her skin, and the color changed, flushing in reaction to the heat and intimate contact. She managed a small smile at his reassurance and care, but it did not mean much–her hearts were still saddened and heavy. He could always help her, he would always be able to support her and give her his love, she thought. No matter what happened, he would be able to bring her back from any sort of oblivion, even with just a smile.

He spoke, and she finally met his eyes. Steve began to speak, and she gave him a smirk at his words, one of his own–just to make fun of him, mainly as an Oh Did You Now? sort of expression. But–the longer he spoke, the more the cogs in here mind turned, the more she felt lost and confused and very stranded in the island of her mind. "What is…” Her voice shook a little because of the previous emotions and tears, but she cleared her throat and tried again with a better outcome–“What is it?” Meri asked him, all too wondering all too hopeful and all too terrified to truly know.

The moment was too long. They were silent for what felt like an eternity. Help, I am drowning, I cannot breathe, I cannot–he spoke. The words came out with not much finesse, but they were so beautiful that a laugh almost bubbled out of her throat, yet she stayed frozen in both fear and disbelief. The phrase was repeated, and he moved towards her, rising from the tub slightly–and she, on instinct did the same. Meri moved towards him, slowly, and when he stopped, she could not help it. 

Her lips touched his and the world shifted, she was sure. Her face was cupped within his hands and she wrapped her arms behind his neck, pulling herself closer to him the gentlest way she could. There were no words to speak, not when actions could depict things better. Meri’s hands shook, she wanted to laugh, wanted to step back and ask him if he was playing with her but the words were too precious to do anything but finish what he started–the kiss. Meri echoed his words in her mother tongue quietly, privately, for this was a moment for just the two of them. Her hand touched where his heart would be, her palm resting on his chest. “I am loving you too, Steve Hayward,” Meri finally said, teary smile and all. 

[mistersteelyourgirl]

Meri finished what Steve could not, and their lips met, and for the first time it seemed as though Steve's mind had stopped in it's tracks; like he had forgotten how to breath while taking in the biggest breath of his life. He felt like the brink og feath was a memory long gone. Steve couldn’t recall anything feeling so blissful, and though his lips were dry and bruised they couldn't have felt betetr against Meri's.He couldn't pull her in any closer but God he wanted to.

Their lips broke apart, his nose brushing against hers. Even after his hands stayed unmoving on her cheeks, in sharp contrast to the racing of his heart that He was sure she could feel against the palm of her hand. His brows were raised and his cheeks felt flushed at the unexpected alien words, and though a translation came quickly after, Steve had, somehow, had already known what it would be. He still found himself in a daze because everything had completely registered, and Steve’s cheeks would hurt for days because the smile he had was genuine and filled with love and adoration.

There was a silence, one much different from before, a comfortable warm silence that Steve could only break with more foolish words. "I..." he breathed out a laugh, "I'm..." the smile on her face nevr ceased to put him at ease "I'm so happy." "I'm so happy we met, Meri." and he already knew better than to try and talk past it at this point so he and he pulled himself towards her, or pulled her towards him he couldn’t really tell, just so he could rest his forehead on hers, to feel as much of her as he possibly could.

[mysticalmeri]

i know places//meri&steve

[mysticalmeri]

How could she actually be angry at him for missing a day like that? There was a part of her that felt humbled to think that he cared so much. Why would he? Meri was many things–some of them good. But at that moment, all she was thinking was how much of a failure and a coward she was. She had still not returned, she had hidden away and run from her troubles like a child. Meri let out a shuddering sigh and shook her head. He didn’t have to make anything up for her. She was just Meri. That’s it.

But–that had to be enough. To herself, she was only Steve, and that meant the world to her. It meant several worlds. He was human, his life would be short but it would be more than enough time–perfect time–to spend with him. Time well spent. “I–” she loved him. How could she say that to him when she knew in all her hearts that he did not feel the same. They were different in too many ways. Her entire species once looked down on his. His culture was different, from language to jobs to every other little thing. How would they even survive together?

Meri sighed and let out a bit of a pathetic laugh, her eyes beginning to water. “I only–” want to say that I love you. No matter what. But she couldn’t get it out. Her lips couldn’t form to make the words, she had no idea how to string together the ideas, how to make them understandable in this language that was not her own. Was human love different? With her there was a completion that came with it. A wholesome, full feeling that made her feel like she could do anything at all. But what if he did not feel that way?

[mistersteelyourgirl]

Steve was about to poke fun at the fact that it was now Meri who was at a loss for words. She seemed... upset? No, Steve knew Meri enough to know it wasn't that.  At the very least she looked as though she was distracted by something. Her eyes were tearing up and Steve quickly replayed the last few moments in his head. Was it something that he said? Surely there was nothing upsetting there. He cupped her cheeks, wiping away the tears before they fell with his thumbs. He spoke up softly "Hey," he tried bringing her back, smile playing at his lips. He felt his chest get tight. He was so happy to be back and for now that's what he focused his thoughts and energy on. "While I was away..."He felt warm and The feeling was all too familiar, that of truly wanting to convey his feelings, for Meri to know. "I thought about you, often to say the least," And he would, because he would never want the opportunity to slip by. "And there was something I wanted to tell you the minute I got back," He chuckled, "although that moment past I still want, need to tell you..," He felt nervous. Not about her rejecting his feelings (well okay, that was worrisome too) but because this is something he's known for a while now, and he never thought to tell her. That he loved her. He looked up at Meri, his lips twitching upwards before he spoke.  "Meri I... I love you."He felt weightless, for a moment, like something had been lifted in his shoulders and there was a warm brightness in his heart. Only a moment had passed and he repeated his words with more affirmation "I love you, Meri." His eyes flicked down for a brief moment before he leaned upwards  But he stopped just short just short of their lips met. 

[mysticalmeri]

i know places//meri&steve

[mysticalmeri]

He winced slightly, but Meri tried to ignore it and keep on helping him clean his body. As Steve nodded off, Meri eased up, becoming more gentle (if such a thing was even possible,) and careful. Meri lovingly washed at his face and jaw, moving over every curve and edge slowly. Her expression became serene, and she let out a soft sigh, happy that she was home–er, that he was home. Her thoughts were getting away from here yet again–

Meri started and flinched and let out a bit of a squeal, “Don’t do that,” she wanted to hit him, but stopped herself, opting out for instead making a very serious face at him, complete with narrowed eyes. But she did not keep this expression for long, as he apologizes and seemed tired–”This is alright, Steve,” she said softly, helping him lie back once more.

She shook her head at the question, paused, and then nodded. There’d been fights with Bad Guys and attacks put to an end, but there was no way to summarize things so easily. “Yes… and No… I am not wanting to talk about that–oh yes! Holidays!” Meri took back the washcloth and clapped a little, giving him a very large and bright smile. “We did, ah, the… I am not… What is the name of this… Adam Friends! No-no… Addams… Family? Yes!” She giggled, “We had a thing, outfit is word, for you. You were much missed, but we took many, many…” 

The words trailed off, as Steve visibly began to become upset. “Oh–what–” Her brows knit together and she tilted her head to the side and oh how confused she was. “Hey!” She was wet, now, laughing a little because Steve was becoming way too upset about something he missed. “Steve!–” She called, “Be calm, are you… Oh.” She had figured it out, her mind finally catching up. “Yes, that was missed. But this is okay. If I am here for longer time… Another day will come, yes?” She sighed and washed at his neck, scooting closer. “You will be hurting yourself if you are doing that again, Steve.”

Meri moved and sat herself on the ledge of the massive bathtub, looking down into her lap. “I will not be lying,” she started again, “I was thinking you would be here for that day! I know that–it is not very important, it is very silly…” She began playing with her hair a little, twirling it around a finger as she tried to look anywhere but at Steve. “But it was day I was meeting you! And you are family, too now.” Finally, she did glance at Steve, smiling a little at him. “I am sorry, this is me being very–ah… Annoying, yes?” Where had her confidence gone?

[mistersteelyourgirl]

If. Right, Meri’s stay here, on Earth was always temporary, and sooner or later she’d have to go back to her home planet. Steve hoped it would be later, for his own sake, but until then he would enjoy every moment spent with Meri.  Their eventual parting will be the best one he’s had.  “If you want to be mad at me for missing it that’s completely understandable. It is within your rights, don’t worry I checked with the president myself. They said it’s okay.”

Not important? He almost sat up again but caught himself. Something told him that this third time wouldn’t be the charm. He settled with shaking his head. “Of course it’s important, it’s very important. Now whose being silly?? Hint: it’s you.” Steve gave her his I-caught-you-red-handed-look, punctuating with a smirk before dissolving into a sincere smile “It’s very important. It’s important to me, because you’re important to me and I am sorry but I missed it and I’m going to make it up to you.”

He sat up straighter, leaning closer to her. “No.” he returned her smile. “Not at all.” He took one of her hands into his, hands pruney from the time spent in the water. “If I could have made it back before hand...” If I had never had the go int he first place, if the whole thing had just never happened in any universe.  “I didn’t know how long I’d be gone but I wanted to make it back ass soon as possible.” He started tracing circles in her skin, feeling himself starting to ramble (though he had already rambled a bit already) and stopped himself. He grimaced, “I hope I never gave the impression I didn’t care. Because I do.”

[mysticalmeri]

i know places//meri&steve

[mysticalmeri]

Meri sometimes hated how easily Steve made her laugh. She let out a little bit of a giggle and shook her head. Stairs, of course it was stairs. She wished that the statement could be true–that really he’d just fallen down stairs. But after being gone for so long, there was something bigger that happened–but she wouldn’t ask. Not yet. This time could be better spent in silence, close together, helping him with this–even if it wasn’t that big of a deal.

His hand brushed against her cheek and Meri felt that it was rougher than it used to be–their hands never truly shared a space, they’d only ever touched each other accidentally–when cooking, when cleaning–but they were different now. She smiled when he spoke again. So, Steve had missed her as well. That made her happy. Maybe Meri was important to him, just as he was to her. “You…” She joked with him, playing at how he had no words to speak. “Oh,” Meri finished, as he repeated himself again. “I am glad that you are back, too,” there was something else to be added to the sentence, but she didn’t know what.

“No, no,” she said to him with a soft voice. “I can do it.” Gently, she pushed him back into his place–Meri’s worries were getting the best of her, and though she was normally very optimistic, it was hard to keep being so cheery when Steve was so hurt–even if he wasn’t in absolute danger. “Stay,” she said to him, turning on the water once again and filling the tub.

Meri moved from the far side of the tub and picked up what she’d dropped prior. She took up a new washcloth and dampened it, putting soap on it and letting it lather up, “Alright–this might sting,” Meri said as she returned to Steve’s side–well, as close as she could get with the tub being in the way. “Be trying to think of other thing?” She suggested, moving her hand to begin washing at his shoulder.

[mistersteelyourgirl]

Might probably should have been replaced with will, but Steve bared it all the same. “Mmm, alright.” This would be relaxing, he was back in his home proper, in his tub with Meri there, what more could he ask for.

He closed his eyes, trying to think of of enjoyable thoughts/ He sat and thought of how comfortable his bed would be, he saw blood. Maybe catch up on his favorite show, blood on his hands. He wasn’t really one for nature, but a walk in the park might do him some-the blood was hers.

He jerked up, opening his eyes and splashing water everywhere. His thoughts caught up to him and he quickly caught his breath. “Sorry, I- I didn’t mean to startle you.”He held his face with his hand focusing on regaining his breath. “I just...” he trailed off, letting his point become moot. “Yeah.” He glanced behind him, giving Meri an apologetic smile before quickly turning back.

Okay perhaps a more stimulating distraction. “So, anything new happen?” He asked her, unsuccessful masking the anxiousness in his voice “I want to hear about you- and what you’ve been up to I should probably start catching up on everything, yeah?” it was a good idea at least, come back on current events to ease back into this universe. 

“You guys do anything fun? I’m sure you did. “ he was basically grasping at straws at this point, but he just needed something, someone to listen to until he was sure he was calm “Halloween? Your outfits-Oh man did you take pictures? Tell me you did. You know what- just don’t tell me you didn’t.”

What else could he bring up- what other holidays were there that hadn’t passed? It wasn’t close to New years yet and he hadn’t missed Christmas, thank goodness (he wasn’t fond but Meri was) What other holidays were- oh. Oh. Shit. Shit, shit. God. Damn. He had forgotten, the date hadn’t passed too long ago, but it was long enough. Truly the worst. Second worst thing he’s done. 

He furrowed his brow “Your birthday.” He spoke in a tone, as if he didn’t quite grasp what he was saying. “I MISSED it.” He said in a louder more startled tone. “No- that won’t do, I cant.” He abruptly brought his hand up, splashing more water again “MaLACHI, wait.” he was saying nonsense at this point. M.A.L.A.C.H.I. wasn’t responsive in his bathroom, that would be fucking ridiculous. “We- no you guys probably already did. I need to- damn it.”

[mysticalmeri]

i know places//meri&steve

[mistersteelyourgirl]

 mysticalmeri:

Her cheeks blushed fiercely and she looked away as the pants were slipped off, one leg at a time. She had been flustered before, but when it came to it, she moved automatically, helping easily like she were in a hospital helping someone who desperately needed it. She thought of the intimacy as something akin to a caregiver and a child–something that was pure and couldn’t be broken. With a serene expression, finally having calmed herself, (though, her cheeks were still burning,) she helped him slowly emerge himself in the water.

Meri sat herself on the edge of the tub, looking at him for a little bit. Had he aged? There were lines and scars she hadn’t seen before, hidden moments prior due to dried blood and caked on dirt and dust. Floating over in interest, she touched at the raised skin softly, gently caressing the scabs and fresh wounds with a tender touch. “You are hurt all over,” she whispered, looking up to his face and back to the rest of his body. What had happened?

“No, you are–you are welcome,” this was the very least for her. He had given her a home. It had been many Earth years, and still he let her live. She’d seen the reaction many humans had towards anything deviating from the norm. It was terrifying. “Are you–” she shook her head and laughed a little, moving herself to the floor and reaching for a washcloth. “You are flirting right now, Steve?” She soaked the cloth and carefully wet the skin that wasn’t under the water. “I am not thinking that this is a good time for you to be doing of that,” she smiled.

Steve was always so silly. Meri moved him so that he leant forward, wanting to reach his back and be able to rinse it. Her face was near his and she held her breath. When she was done, the water was murky, and she rested her forehead against Steve’s. 

“Another moments,” she asked, “I was just missing you before, I will finish in…” Meri’s voice was soft, and a portion of her did not like this. “I will change the water,” she murmured, but made no movement more than that, keeping their foreheads pressed together. Meri let out a shakey sigh. Before, she was a princess, she knew much and accepted the flaws of her people and her family and herself, she learned how to handle herself in battle–she was no child. But Steve’s absence made her feel wrong. She didn’t exactly know how to describe it. She just missed him.

“What, can you blame me?” he batted his eyelashes playfully, as if to feign innocence. He would steady her hand as she scrubbed if only to take a break from the discomfort the injuries brought him. “Would you believe I fell down some stairs?”, though it came out drier than he intended and Steve, being himself, decided to follow up in a more spirited tone  “Sharp, indestructible stairs. But worry not, we got them good.”

Steve looked down at the at the water, it had gone from a crystal clear to a tainted brown, with specs if dried blood rising to the top. He hadn’t realize how lived in he was, it had been days since he last slept, let alone took a proper shower. Meri could take all the time she wanted and Steve would never complain. He tilted his head up, his nose slightly brushing against hers. “I missed you too Meri.” There was silence between the too, either a moment or an eternity, Steve didn’t know. 

He had missed Meri, this Meri, his Meri, a thought that made him feel guilty, somehow. He reached a hand up to her cheek, lightly caressing it, the patch of skin changing to a brighter shade once it made contact with the water, making her freckles more noticeable than before.“I... missed you ” ever so eloquent, he chuckled at his apparent loss for words. "I’m glad to be back,” he smiled,the sound of the water being fully drained seemed to remind him of his rather vulnerable state, and he moved to refill it. “Here, I can do that much I’m sure.”

[paperbackthrone-blog]

Visit Original Link

[mysticalmeri]

i know places//meri&steve

[mysticalmeri]

A stifled laugh left her and she shook her head violently. “This is not the time for the jokes,” Meri told him sternly. “I am right and this you know,” she said, tapping his nose extra lightly as she helped him up and supported his weight. “Tell me if this is to be hurting you,” Meri told him. She was careful of where she grabbed, careful of the pressure she put and how fast she moved. “What–” she began to ask, but thought better of it. There would be time for questions later. She would make sure of it.

In time, they made it to Steve’s massive bathroom. She’d taken showers there long ago, when she had first arrived, but since then she had been given her own room and bathroom. Everything was pristine and clean, untouched for Meri couldn’t even recall how long–things changed once she helped Steve sit on the edge of the tub. “Give me moments,” she said, floating over to the small closet that held towels and wash clothes and extra soaps. In the minute they’d been in the room, there was blood and things had already looked turned over.

Everything felt a little more familiar at that point, and Meri let herself smile for a second–but returned to her work in the next beat.

Arms full, she turned and dropped everything next to Steve’s feet. “The washing now,” she told him, wanting to keep him alert and awake and talking to her. He’d been gone for so long that she didn’t want him disappearing for a moment longer. With a grim smile, she hovered above him and stroked his face. “I will be taking care of you, this is good,” she nodded with a smile, even though her eyes were watering.

Her feet touched the ground and she leant over to begin filling the tub. As the water warmed up, she helped Steve undress himself, but not without shaking hands.

Meri swallowed thickly and tried to stay focused. She took a deep breath and went button by button, pulling the shirt from his skin slowly and carefully and murmuring apologies whenever Steve winced or made a face. Part one done, she thought, trying to be cheerful. “Oh M'zali,” she murmured, be getting hold of you! Her fingers moved quickly, and she tried not to think about it–though, she felt that it was time for her to make some sort of joke: “You are having the underwear on under the pants, yes?”

[mistersteelyourgirl]

It hurt when she grabbed him, but not enough to warrant any whining. He had to remember to take at least one ton of pain killers later on. A sigh of relief escape him, he wasn’t in the mood to talk about past events. 

He dripped his hand in the water, the feeling of the hot liquid distracting. It reminded him of how tired he was. When was the last time he slept? Maybe he could take a nap in the bath, he was used to doing that. It took him a moment before he realized Meri was still in the bathroom, he thought she had left him to his own devices. “Meri?-” the clatter of things hitting the floor was enough to make him realize he had a headache on top of it all. 

“Mmm,” the touch of her hand was irresistibly soothing, but Steve was sure he was trying to say something. He placed his hands on her shoulder, as she reached for his blouse “Meri, it’s fine, you really don’t have to, all my years have prepared me for this, washing myself” he winced in pain as he tried to move his own arm, averting the look he knew Meri was giving him and letting her continue.

He didn’t want to worry her, truly, but a small part of him was simply enjoying the time he had with her, right now at that moment. Okay, a large part of him was happy, but that wasn’t the point.

Steve chuckled, holding his chest as he did so as to keep it from moving “I’ll leave that as a surprise, hows that?” he shot a grin at her, somehow still managing to do so. Causing him to quickly turning away from her and regaining the breath he hadn’t noticed he’d lost.  He brought his hand up, wiping the sweat of his brow.

The pants came off, and soon enough the previously mentioned underwear, Steve couldn’t help but gaze at Meri’s reaction before getting inside the tub,  he wasn’t usually embarrassed when naked in front of others, not that the situation would even allow for that, but he couldn’t help but feel different before Meri. He wondered for a moment, how their body parts different but quickly decided to leave that thought for another time. 

She helped him in but he still splashed inside, pain shooting up through his spine as he fully submerged “Ahhhi’m having a wonderful time.” The pain left as quickly as it came, the water being more of a relief than he previously thought he would be. He closed his eyes, god he wanted to pass out. “Thanks, really.”  He opened his eyes again, seeing Meri eager to actually get him washed instead of letting him soak  “You know, that’d be easier if you joined me.” He grinned crookedly at her before looking down at the water, the tub was certainly big enough for the two of them, but Steve was getting ahead of himself. “Ah, maybe not, “ he pursed his lips

[mysticalmeri]

i know places//meri&steve

For some reason, Steve had left. Ryder, too, and Meri cared about that–but there was something about Steve leaving that made her feel like there was a hole in one of her hearts and the insides were falling out. Which was ridiculous, really. That didn’t happen. Right?

Meri took a breath. She wrapped her arms around herself and stared out of the wall of windows in the living room. Everyone else in Division was doing their own sort of thing–the house was large enough that everyone had enough space. Meri thought of them as her family, but she missed Steve. He was the first one she’d met when she arrived–it only made sense.

She sighed and rested her head on the glass, looking down to the water of the ocean lapping on the shore. “Where did you go?” She asked the empty room. Everything had been a secret–and Meri though that she and Steve were close enough where secrets weren’t allowed.

Distracted, she hadn’t heard the noise behind her of someone stepping into the room. But the wet cough that they let out alerted her. She turned her head quickly and saw Steve. “You’re back!” Meri’s face broke out into a smile and she flew over to him, about to hug him, before she saw his injuries. “Are–” She looked up and down and around him and reached for his face, seeing that nothing there was too hurt. “You’re hurt,” Meri murmured. “Let’s wash you up and fix you.” 

[mistersteelyourgirl]

He had wondered how long he’d been gone the minute the portal behind him and Ryder closed. A quick time check was all he needed to let him know how much time had past in his original universe. It wasn’t long before he and Ryder had parted ways, deciding that any discussion on the matter might be best kept for later.

As Steve flew off, he felt his limbs ache and his ribs on fire. They had offered to patch him up but Steve quickly declined, they had more important people to tend to, and Steve was sure he would be able to make it back without too much trouble.He was surprised at how much of the armors capabilities were functioning, such as the autopilot. Good, he didn’t think he had enough energy to do any lifting himself. 

He nearly crash landed inside his home, thankful the window was even able to open in time. He made his way  further into the house, the armor falling off of him and he stumbled into the room. He placed a hand on the door frame for support. He heard Meri, seemingly talking to herself and looked up “Meri, “ he voice was barely audible and he tried to take a step forward but winced instead.

His hand gave out and his body crashed into the wall, a cough into his hand. Ah blood. Maybe he was in a worse state than he thought. That seemed to gain her attention, and Steve couldn’t help but break into a smile once he saw her face; for a brief moment all his pain and worries had left him. “Meri, hey.” 

He moved his hands from under him, trying to receive a hug that never came. He leaned into her hands before placing a hand over he own “So, did you miss me.” He was trying to poke fun, but the evident pain he was feeling made it hard for Steve to keep a lighthearted tone. “So I am- but I should be fi-” he tried to wave her off, and Meri, was adamant about his well being. Something he’d never miss. “Okay, okay, maybe that’s a good idea.”

[incrediblecharlie]

This Just Might be Crazy Enough to Work // Charlie & Steve

[incrediblecharlie]

They were close, Charlie could feel it. If they just pushed him a little more, they could get it out. The problem was Charlie was afraid to let it out. If they stopped now, he might never have the courage to get it out. He shook his head and signaled to keep going. He did the lifting again but this time, tried to think of something different. He imagined himself not lifting a weight in a lab, but maybe box around the house, or even a bad of soil out into the back. essentially Charlie went to his “happy place” to keep himself calm. 

After they did that a few more times Charlie spoke up. “I think its…” he couldn’t quite describe the feeling, but he wanted to get as close as he could. “I think its fear…” he said. Charlie was never that good at vocalizing his feelings but he felt if they were going to get anywhere, he had to be truthful. Science was about finding the truth and you couldn’t find it with only part of the story. “The fear of being dehumanized, of being just an experiment again. That’s why i freaked out just now. I understand we have to experiment on me, but I don’t want to be be an experiment.” 

Charlie had been used back then. He was told that it was for the greater good and that those experiments could better human life. He, of course, had been lied too and it was hard to trust anyone when they stuck probes on you and monitored your every move. He’d be lying if he didn’t admit he was at least a little paranoid that Steve was using him, but he had done so much for him already and he felt he owed him a little trust in return. 

[mistersteelyourgirl]

They tried the tests a few more times, but nothing like the first on seemed to happen, clearly this was no longer working. “Change setup to default,” the weight went back from whence it came and Charlie was left with a nearly empty testing room with Steve.

“So the very act of the experiment is the trigger, not necessarily the experiments.” Just as Charlie said, it was likely due to his past experimentation before. Steve decided to make his way to Charlie, if only to ease the tension and to let it be known that he didn't consider him an experiment.  He landed properly next to him, the gauntlet and helmet  disassembling from him for a brief moments, so that he may unprofessionally scratch his chin and push the hair out of his face. 

“The nature of these tests, don’t actually matter then?” He said it as a question but he already knew the answer. Truly, it depended on the test, the lower the severity or intrusiveness of the test, the less triggering it would be. This test in particular seems to be on the higher side of the scale, at least above the stress test. “Well, that’s definitely something.” World renowned scientist with impeccable dictionary, describing findings as ‘something.’

Though Steve was next to Charlie, he avoided his gaze, rambling off about alternate things they could do, offering to do something less passive; he didn’t want him to see the sad look in his eyes , as if he was pitying him. “I mean, if you’re still up for the other things...”, although that was the whole point of the experiment, to draw Abomination out, he didn’t want to see Charlie transform into him, and actually be the cause of it, especially with the way Charlie felt about the whole thing. 

[thelovelyrichardmadden-deactiva]

Scruffy Richard Madden = Best Richard Madden

[incrediblecharlie]

This Just Might be Crazy Enough to Work // Charlie & Steve

[incrediblecharlie]

Charlie himself could not lift a lot. He was actually quite weak on his own, so much so that he probably couldn’t lift his own weight like many of the people in this building. It didn’t take much for him to reach his limit and to tell Steve to let up. Being in the presents of the great Mr. Steel made him feel a bit inadequate. 

With that feeling came stress and a racing mind. He suddenly became self conscience, realizing Steven could see when his mind started to race and he could see his heart starting to pound. It wasn’t like running where he could clear his mind and just go. He felt like he was being too closely watched, that Steve could look at the monitors and see everything he was thinking. The monster took this as his body being in danger. 

Charlie dropped the weight before the test was over and stood there trying to calm himself down. He knew the whole thing was to try to induce it but it was a natural reaction for him at this point. 

“G-Give me a minute.” he told Steve, taking deep breaths and telling the monster inside him to calm down.  

[mistersteelyourgirl]

Charlie didn’t last long but every second that went by it seems the screens were changing. This test seems to have gained more response than the previous one, and right in the direction they were looking for.  Heart racing, increased brain activity, more sweat than when he was just running, the only missing tell tale sign was beginning brown discoloration, but he didn’t reach that far. “Right, take your time.”

The screens went back to their normal setting as soon as Charlie stopped. This was...odd, completely. A little weight should be no different should not be anymore strenuous than running and yet... “M.A.L.A.C.H.I., layered graphs please,” he waved his hand, the graphs appearing before him immediately. It seemed as though all the symptoms started simultaneously, save for the brain activity which went up just before, as well as his adrenaline levels. “Do you need a break?” He masked the worry in his voice, “If you’re up for it I am- you know I heard this place had this killer lunch special”

[incrediblecharlie]

This Just Might be Crazy Enough to Work // Charlie & Steve

[incrediblecharlie]

The stress tests really wasn’t all that stressful. If anything, the exercise made him feel a bit better, made him calmer and forget that he was being tested on.

“I’m okay, I’m good.” he told Steve, voice bouncing with his movements. Charlie didn’t fully understand why they were doing psychical tests in the first place. He knew it was all emotional, and he knew Steve knew this too, but he wasn’t going to question his methods. He figured he wanted to rule out anything. Charlie knew he was dangerous and Steve was being as safe as he could. 

He completed the test and the only thing he got out of it was a racing heart and  aching knees. Nothing was triggered, bit Charlie wasn’t surprised. Nothing would really happen until they got to the mental part of it all. Steve asked him if he was okay for the hundredth time, which made Charlie smile a little. He cared which was nice. It made Charlie feel that maybe he didn’t see him as a monster, but rather a person with a horrible inflection. It made him feel a little more human. 

“Want to keep going with physical aspect?” Charlie asked. “Maybe pain will do something?” He wanted to know the triggers just as much as Steve did, if not more. The thought of getting cattle prodded wasn’t ideal, but it seemed like the next necessary step. 

[mistersteelyourgirl]

No notable changes from the test, which was unsurprising, but its best to cover all bases. “Yeah, no we’re not done with physical just yet”, he said half-heartedly, more focused on changing the screens for the next test. He heard the word pain and and immediately stopped, shooting Charlie a confused look, he was feeling pain? What? 

Oh he wanted to test the pain. He raised a brow at him,“First we’ll do regular human strength threshold, and then we’ll do pain. That good?”Steve turned away from the keyboard completely, giving Charlie his full attention.  “Alright, get ready to flex them biceps.”He put in a few commands and the large black weight descended from what would appear to be thin air. 

“Don’t worry it’s much less threatening then it seemed.” The same technology the others used to life weights since they needed it.  Steve just stuck to good ol regular dumbbells. It had a safety feature in case the user took on more than they could handle, but Steve figured Charlie could be his own safety if need be.  “Start at 20 lbs with increasing weight every one minute”

“Let me know when it becomes too much.” With the quick response time, it should stop immediately. “Ready?” Once Charlie positioned himself, and gave Steve the got to, he started the test. 

[incrediblecharlie]

This Just Might be Crazy Enough to Work // Charlie & Steve

Stay Calm, Charlie. Stay Calm. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Steve, he had been nothing but kind to him, and he was one of the smartest people he knew, but he was terrified. The last time he was in a laboratory, his whole world and being was destroyed and thrown un-side-down. He was zapped and turned into this unbelievable monster. He took a few deep breaths and looked up at Steve, sitting higher above the room in an observing room, covered by, hopefully, bullet proof glass.

Charlie kept focus on Steve. Steve was the only thing that was different from now and then. He wasn’t going to hurt him. He had to remember this was a controlled environment, and no matter how much he lost control, Steve was in control. It was going to be okay.

“A-Alright. I-I—“ he swallowed thickly. “I’m ready.” He wasn’t exactly sure what Steve had in mind, but he needed to do this. He needed to be able to control this power.

[mistersteelyourgirl]

Usually, Steve would be downright excited, anything having to do with dangerous experiments was his type of game. But that was when it involved only him. Now someone else was involved and made things so much more tense. He was anxious to say the least, but still calm. Throughout the whole set up process he made sure Charlie wasn’t agreeing to anything he didn’t want to do. 

Steve was mostly in his suit, save for his helmet visor, only kept up so he wouldn’t need visuals in his helmet, and so Charlie could see a friendly face if anything.  He had his digital monitors scattered across in front of him, keyboard right as his finger tips as he typed and input commands through M.A.L.A.C.H.I. “

It was pretty obvious that Charlie’s condition was largely related to mental and emotional changes, but Steve figured it would be best to start small. Physical. A simple stress test should be a good start and not as stressful as the name implies. He had a simple of Charlie’s DNA (from his spit, really the only thing he could safely get, ) to see if there any changes  there. 

“Start treadmill level 1 with increasing speed at 5 minute intervals,” as Charlie started, the data on the screens started to change, slowly and steadily. Mm, not abnormal. “If at any point you need to stop, feel free to say so.” It took a moment for Charlie to realize Steve was talking to him and not inputting command.  “You know, if you need a potty break or something.” He spoke, trying to add some lightheartedness to the situations. 

“Add alert if heart rate and respiration surpass 90 and 30“ Charlie’s resting heart rate was already a bit high to begin with, but that was likely due to his nervousness. “How you feeling?”

[mistersteelyourgirl]

Zoo, take two

[mysticalmeri]

Maria’s nose scrunched as everything moved quickly. Jade. Alright. Her name was Jade and she had lovely fluttering wings and she wanted to work off the debt. Maria nodded along, agreeing. Such an idea seemed perfect— she could learn her lesson, and Maria could make a new friend (and also make Steve make a new friend. He was in desperate need, Maria thought.)

But everything seemed to wrap itself up very quickly, and Maria was left in the dust, her thoughts distracting her— “Oh, but—” she gently landed on the floor and stood before Steve, looking up at him defiantly. Her browed furrowed her bottom lip jutted out a little and she squinted, just a tad, “Steve,” she said, her voice a whisper, “She will work it off, yes?” Maria knew he could easily get it fixed, but she didn’t want to have the guilt of two cars she destroyed (the second wasn’t exactly her fault, but she couldn’t help it,) on her conscience, and she didn’t want to just leave the situation as it was.

Maria poked at Steve’s chest and glared up at him playfully, “She is going to be working it off and you are going to be doing the relaxation and the making of friends with her. And this will not be like the other time where you were upsetting but I did not know and—” Maria took a breath. There wasn’t a need to vent about the red vehicle. “Friend making,” she said to Steve. “And you,” she turned, addressing Jade with a big smile. “You will be doing the working and you will be making of the friends with him. His name is Steve.” She extended her hand at eye-level, as she thought was custom in greeting (the shaking of the two hands often slipped her mind.)

[jadeisyourmonarch]

Jade’s offer was shot down by the man and quickly picked up by the women. They seemed a bit of a odd couple. He was very grumpy, (given she would be too if she just totaled her car) and she looked positively delightful! She talked about becoming friends and Jade was all for it! She had friends but none of them that had powers. It would be nice to be around people like herself for once.  The girls hand extended a bit too high but Jade giggled and shook her hand anyway. She said the mans name and she looked at him again. She knew she had seen him before but then it clicked.  "Oh my god, you’re Steve Hayward aren’t you?" She was a bit star struck at the moment. She was run over by THE Steve Hayward. She had been watching him on TV and in the Magazines for years. She didn’t think she’d ever be this close to someone famous. "Oh wow this is nuts!" 

She gathered herself before she started to freak out too much. This really was all too much. She turned to the women and asked her name. After all, She seemed more friendly and extremely adorable. If there was anyone she wanted to get to really know, it would be her. Steve was just a bonus really. 

[mistersteelyourgirl]

Steve never had anyone dictate his life, he was his own boss, did what he thought was good for his business and his home and himself. Quite frankly he wasn't missing out on much.  He listened to Maria with no intention of complying to her wishes, but before he had the chance to voice as much Maria's attention turned to Jade.

Making friends with this random insect girl wasn't the last thing Steve wanted to do, but it certainly wasn't the first. Hell, it wouldn't make it to the top five. If he wanted to make more friends he damn well would've. She seemed excited after figuring out who he was, which would have been reassuring if not pleasing- on any other day at least. "Yeah, nuts, isn't it?" She seemed too distracted for a proper handshake or greeting, but that was fine. Everything was fine. 

"Listen if you want to work it off, be my guest! But that is completely up to you, alright?" Since I really do not give a shit. "Now if everyone's happy I'd like to start heading out."

[old-classic-hollywood]

[robbgasm]

Nerd HQ (2013): Conversation with Richard Madden