Summary: You know how much he yearns to touch and be touched, even though he’s too afraid to ask for it. You make it your mission to give him all the affection he deserves.
relationships: steven grant x avenger!witch!reader, future marc spector x reader, jake lockley x reader [gender neutral]
word count: 2.3k
summary: When you move to London you aren't expecting to fall in love. You also aren't expecting an Egyptian god who kind of sounds like Darth Vader to crash your date but that's just your life apparently.
warnings: reader assaults khonshu with bread, enemies to friends w/ khonshu, big bird is kinda rude to steven but u put him in place
a/n: reader uses chaos magic and is also psychic, f/c = favorite color, steven/marc/jake are moon knight but lets pretends the whole harrow/armpit drama hasn't happened yet, thanos never happened bc i said so
chaos in us masterlist | moodboard
Before you even met Steven, you felt him.
That sounds odd but your abilities make you constantly aware of others, which can be a lot. Especially in such a bustling city like London. Of course you didn’t read his mind or anything. It’s a common misconception that telepaths just love to read minds but that’s not true. You only use it on enemies for information, if you just went around listening to people's inner thoughts you’d probably drive yourself mad. People are weird.
All that being said, you decided to go to the London museum, thinking it would be quiet and relaxing. A nice little escape. You didn’t think how overwhelming it would be to be surrounded by history, invading your senses with centuries of stories. Mostly fucked up stories because colonialism. After years of studying magic your mind is like a fortress, but that didn’t stop the artifacts from banging on your mental door. You’re incredibly grateful that you’re able to control your visions now. You do not want to see all this shit first hand.
You manage to stumble into the gift shop, one hand rubbing your temple in an attempt to ward off the coming headache. You sense some kind of power, something looming and ancient. You wonder if it’s from the Egyptian wing you just walked through but this feels more… recent. It’s an odd sensation that isn’t helping your overwhelmed mind at all.
“Are you alright?” A gentle voice acts. Apparently you aren’t doing great at hiding your discomfort. You look up to meet the deepest brown eyes you’ve ever seen, framed with dark eye bags. He's absolutely beautiful. Like a sleep deprived male model. Before you can answer you find yourself stumbling, dots swimming in your vision. He quickly leaves the counter to grasp your arm with large, gentle hands.
His touch burns through your designer coat (a parting gift from Tony Stark) but not in a bad way. His energy is unique. Divided but whole. Chaotic but reassuring. “I’m fine, just a dizzy spell.” You mumble, trying not to lean into his body. Would it be manipulative if you pretended to faint so he would catch you? No, you’re better than that. Barely.
“You sure? Maybe you should sit down. I could get you a drink, or a snack.”
You should tell him that you’re fine but for some reason, you can’t bring yourself to pull away. He’s just so genuine. And look at that hair... would it be weird to touch it? You suppress the urge, managing a polite response, “that sounds nice, but I wouldn’t want to get you in trouble. I think I just need some fresh air.”
“Don’t worry, my boss is always telling me to be more helpful with customers. Lets get you outside, yeah?”
You grin, lidded eyes flicking to his name tag, “thank you, Steven. That’s very kind of you.”
He flashes the sweetest smile you’ve ever witnessed, making you even more light headed. He keeps his grasp on your arm as he leads you to the exit. You can already feel your mind clearing thanks to the distance between you and the artifacts. Once you’re safely leaning against the wall Steven speaks up, “I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere."
You can't help but dopily grin as he speed walks away. Within a minute he’s back by your side. He presents you a bag of scarab gummies, “here you are.” He pauses for a moment before adding, "I don’t know why we sell these, they weren’t eating stuff like that in Ancient Egypt, were they?
“Thank you.” You smile, finding his rambling adorable. You try not to react when you take the candy from him and his calloused fingers brush your own. “I’m also realizing I never introduced myself, I’m Y/N.”
“Nice to meet you, Y/N. That’s a pretty name.”
Before you can stop yourself you mutter under your breath, “you’re prettier.” You watch in horror as he tenses up, ears burning red. “I-I think you’re pretty too. Beautiful, more like it,” he fumbles. Suddenly the gummies are out of your hand. You look down to see them floating above your palms, surrounded by a F/C glow. You quickly snatch them from mid air. Luckily Steven is too busy staring at his shoes in embarrassment to notice.
You clear your throat nervously, catching his attention. “So, do you like working here?” Really? That’s the best you could come up with. You mentally facepalm as he nods like a rather adorable bobblehead. “Oh yeah, I love history. It would be nice to be a tour guide though. Maybe one day, right?”
You hum in response, shoving some sweets in your mouth before you can ask any other dumb questions. “Do you, um, like your job?” He asks politely.
You pause. So he really doesn’t recgonize you. Not that you consider yourself famous but ever since you joined the Avengers on a few missions you found yourself thrust in the public eye. You meet a lot of fans but people also tend to be… wary of you. Apparently being one of the most powerful magic users on Earth makes them uneasy.
“I work… in security.” That’s technically not a lie. “It can be stressful but I get to travel a lot so that’s fun.”
“Have you ever been to Egypt?”
The childlike excitement in his voice is absolutely adorable. “A few times, yeah. What about you?”
“No, I wish. I’d love to go someday.” He sighs wistfully. “Enough about me though, are you feeling any better.”
His concern makes your heart flutter. “Much.” You grin, shuffling your bag on your shoulder to look for your wallet. “How much were the gummies?”
“They were only a few pounds, don’t worry about it.”
Thoughtful, gorgeous, and polite? You’re convinced Steven was written by a woman. You bite your lip in a way you hope looks flirty. “Well I need to pay you back somehow. What about lunch?”
He freezes, looking at you incredulously. “Are you… asking me out?” Any confidence you had starts to shatter. “I’m trying,” you mumble embarrassed. He shakes his head vehmently, “no, I didn’t mean it like that, I’m just surprised! I mean, you’re so beautiful!”
You smile so big your cheeks hurt. “I think you’re beautiful too, Steven.”
His tan cheeks flame. “Thank you.”
“Can I have your number?”
He nods enthusiastically. You pull out your phone and type in his digits as he tells them to you. “I left my phone in the gift shop but I’ll text you as soon I get inside,” he promises, rocking on the balls of his feet. You grin as you send him a message.
“Stevie!”
A loud, feminine voice makes you both flinch. An aggravated woman pokes her head out the door, popping her chewing gum far too loudly for your liking. “What are you doing out- wait. Are you Y/N L/N?”
Steven looks at you in confusion as you nod with a charming smile. You can tell that she’s Steven’s superior and decide to help him out. “I am. What’s your name, hon?”
“Donna! I’m a big fan. It was so mental when you closed that portal to hell in New Jersey!”
Steven’s eyes become impossibly wider. “Yeah, that was a difficult one.” You reminisce fondly. “Would you like a picture?”
She nods excitedly, pulling out her phone. You take a selfie, trying not to chuckle at her excited gasp when you sling an arm around here. You try to ignore Steven’s bewildered gaze. Hopefully what you’re about to do will make up for your little fib.
“You know Steven here has been very helpful,” you muse after she clicks the photo. She looks at you surprised. You can already tell she doesn’t particularly like the man (which is quite bewildering to you, how is it possible to dislike Steven?)
"Really?”
You nod with an affirmative hum. “I bet he’s your best tour guide, isn’t he?”
“Oh, he actually works in the giftshop.”
You feign shock. “Really? I was hoping he could give me a private tour sometime,” you pout sadly. Donna hurries to comfort you, “oh, he can do that! I’ve been meaning to promote him anways!”
“That’s great!” You grin, turning your attention back to a very confused brunet. “I’ve gotta go but I’ll be looking forward to seeing you, Steven,” you purr, lightly squeezing his (suprisingly muscular) bicep. He nods dumbly watching you walk down the steps.
“Oi, what were you doing with a bloody superhero?” Donna asks him incredulously, the jealousy clear in her voice.
“Planning a date.” He breathes out softly, still wondering if the interaction was just a dream.
____
It’s the day of your date and Steven is ecsatic. Marc and Jake are not. They agree you’re beautiful but are very against the idea of going out with an Avenger, saying it will get in the way of their ‘business’ with Khonshu. But Steven is tired of letting that bloody pigeon influence his life so he ignores all of them, puts on his favorite jumper, and goes to the closest florist shop.
And that’s how he finds himself standing infront of you with a boquet of sunflowers.“These are just beautiful!” You gush, pressing a kiss againt his cheek as you take them. He flushes adorably. You do a quick scan around the park to make sure no one is looking before conjuring a vase with water. Did you do it just to show off? Yes. Yes you did.
You place the flowers in the middle of the picnic blanket. “Now we have a centerpiece,” you hum happily, grabbing the wicker basket you brought. He sits across from you, watching in awe as you pull a variety of noodles, dumplings, rice, and tofu dishes out. Like clowns coming out of a little car.
“Try this,” you offer, handing him one of the containers. “And don’t worry, it’s all vegan.”
He opens it to reveal ball shaped food he recognizes as dim sum. He uses the provided chopsticks to pop one into his mouth, moaning at the combination of steamed vegetables and rich seasoning.
“This is amazing!” You grin in response, working on your own fruit and tofu skewer. “That’s because it’s the real deal. I went on a little trip to Hong Kong this morning.”
He pauses mid bite, resembling a confused chipmunk. You snicker. “I can teleport, remember?” You point at his empty cup, feeling it with juice. “Maybe on our next date I can take you to Egypt?”
He inhales the dimsum in shock, choking loudly. You use your powers to pull the food out of Steven’s throat, looking at him in concern. He quickly swallows the drink you made him.
“Are you ok?”
“Yeah, aces. Just got a bit too excited.”
“You’re adorable, Steven.”
As the date goes on you open up to each other. He tells you about his DID, which you could somewhat sense already. His mind felt different but you couldn’t put a finger on it. You tell him about how you struggled to control your powers and accept yourself. You used to feel like a weapon but you learnt that weapons aren’t always a bad thing, they can be used to protect others. Instead of a nuclear bomb you started seeing yourself as a shield.
For once Steven doesn’t feel like an outsider. He wants to tell you about Moon Knight. He knows you won’t judge him. Just as he begans to build up the courage a booming, gravelly voice rattles in his head.
“Don’t tell them anything, worm!”
You both flinch. A shiver runs through you as your hair stands on end. All your instincts are telling you to get ready for a fight. That sense of ancient power you felt in the museum is back tenfold. “Did you hear that?” You ask Steven.
He looks at you in complete shock. “What?”
“Can the witch hear me?”
“Okay, where is that Darth Vader voice coming from?” You groan, eyes glowing F/C. Your powers mean you’re always aware of your surroundings, you don’t like this sudden uncertainty. Especially not when Steven is at risk.
Suddenly a large mummified being with a bird skull appears behind your date. Because this is what your life has come to apparently. “Can you see me, witch?” Without saying anything you use your abilities to send a roll flying, hitting him square in the beak. He flinches back in surprise. Steven watches on, not knowing if he should laugh or shake in fear. Maybe both.
“Does that answer your question?” You ask sassily. “You’re some kind of deity right? I’m getting Egyptian vibes,” you muse outloud. Despite having no real facial features he manages to look unimpressed. “I thought you had magic, yet you can’t figure out who I am, little one?"
You squint at him for a moment, reaching out your consciousness. “Khonshu? I think I’ll call you cashew.”
“You will not!” He bellows. Poor Steven flinches at the volume but you just purse your lips. “It’s not fun being called stupid nicknames, is it?”
He pauses, tilting his skeletal head at you. “Excuse me?”
“You called Steven a worm. That was very rude,” you huff protectively. “You should really treat your avatar better.”
“You know about avatars?”
“Magic, babe,” you remind, wiggling your fingers as sparks dance between them. “I want to be in Steven's life, and his alter’s if they’ll have me. We’ll be spending time together so we might as well get along, don’t you agree?”
The god nods reluctantly. “I suppose.”
“Good,” you beam up at him. “But if you ever disrespect Steven again we will have words,” you promise in a sickly sweet voice.
Steven looks at you in absolute awe. ‘I changed my mind. I like them,’ Marc speaks in his head. ‘That was fucking hot,’ Jake adds on helpfully. For once the system agrees on something.
“If you end up having to choose between saving me and everyone else, you pick everyone else. Understand? If you doom the world because of me, I will not forgive you.”
A/N - i’m sitting around waiting for midnight and just had some little thoughts about what it would be like to celebrate new years eve with boyfriend!matt murdock <3 this is a really short, quick, unedited thing i thought would be fun to do so i hope y'all enjoy! i am also a little tipsy writing this so hope it makes sense
I feel like new years with Matt would be small but so meaningful
at first, you two would be like "we're staying in" because, well, new york seems hectic on new years eve no matter where you are
but then by like 8pm, maybe even 9pm, Foggy and Karen come knocking on the door wondering where you guys are and what you're doing
then you two have no choice but to give in and next thing you know you're squeezing into the crowded bar, sipping beers and taking shots every now and then
as the drinks and minutes flow, i think Matt would become more and more loving, physically
something about him screams that he's a happy, touchy drunk. a couple of heavy drinks in him and he's headed straight for you to caress your waist or draw patterns on the back of your hand
he does this relentlessly as you try to kick ass in pool no matter how many times you playfully reprimand him for his wandering hands
overall, going out is nice. you get to catch up with everyone, have some drinks, and get ready to bring in the new year
right before the new year rings in, though, you and Matt would slip away from the crowd
it'd be Matt who would initiate this little sneaking away but you happily went along with it
"it's a little stuffy in here isn't it?" Matt would ask, his words saying so much yet so little. you couldn't help but giggle. "it is, honey."
Matt would eagerly grab your hand and avoid all questions or looks as he'd drag you out into the cool, fresh winter new york night. there were a few other bustling around but mostly, it was strangely calm for the city during the holidays. but you'd take it over anything else any day
you two would scurry along to some alleyway and Matt would hand you a beer he had swiped from the bar before stepping out. it was adorable and hilarious.
"you're stealing now, Murdock? that's not what good, catholic boys do." "actually, I believe the words you're looking for are 'thank you.'"
you'd lean against the brick wall of some building as you'd open your beers. the minutes ticked down slowly to midnight. Matt would probably be very aware of how close it was to the new year just from hearing the chanting countdown across the city. but he wouldn't say anything to you.
"how long until midnight?" he'd ask you in a very husky whisper as he leaned into you. you'd check your phone and say, "under a minute, I think." but you couldn't pay much attention. you were so caught up in the buzz from the alcohol and the high from your boyfriend.
this wasn't your first new year together but something about it felt different and right. this was gonna be a good year. you sensed it with every bone in your body.
your relationship was at its best and you were beyond thankful to get to spend another year with him. it was almost unbelievable how perfect life had become.
Matt would soon tune back into the countdown and begin whispering it in your ear, following along as the entire city seemed to scream out numbers in synchronous chanting
"five... four... three..."
but before he could even get to one, you'd pull him in for a kiss - a very passionate new years kiss. and Matt certainly wouldn't protest.
yells, cheers, and fireworks popped off all around you two but none of it mattered at all. you didn't hear any of it as you were completely engulfed in your boyfriend.
you'd literally end one year and begin the next wrapped in Matt's hold, completely loved by him, and what could be better than that?
finally, after an intense minute or so, you'd force yourself to pull away for quick air. "happy new year," you'd mutter. Matt would chuckle and say, "happy new year, sweetheart."