Juniper

[theempathywithin]

Nightmares || Marvelsmightiestmuses

If there was anything Juniper hated more than bad guys it was nighttime. Under normal circumstances a superhero would love to sleep at the end of a long day of missions, but not Juniper. Sleep meant closing her eyes and when she did that, memories of hydra came flooding back. The only reason she ended up in bed was because Steve begged her to sleep after being away for the past 72 hours straight. 

Steve had fallen asleep first. She didn’t blame him, he had had a long day and all he wanted was to curl up with the girlfriend. Only issue with that was that Juniper was in a grueling streak of nightmares, thus the lack of sleep in the last 72 hours. As she laid next to steve, tossing and turning, she cursed herself for potentially waking him. Eventually though, exhaustion set in and her eyes slipped shut. 

In her sleep, she had managed to crawl out of bed and into the corner of the room, huddled on the floor. She let out a blood curdling scream as hot tears freely flowed down her rosy cheeks. The screams continued steadily until she felt someone gently shaking her, the faint muffled sound of her name drawing her to the surface. 

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[theempathywithin]

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theempathywithin

“You need your strength Steve, you have taken a beating too. Just…hold my hand.” she asked timidly, eyes flitting over to where Steve was standing.

Together they started to tread the terrain back to the palace of Wakanda. They walked cautiously, and occasionally he would hold a hand out signaling her to pause. They hadn’t encountered anyone yet, which spoke to the magnitude of the snap. She wondered how many of their teammates remained, and what shape they would be in. Juniper had already made the decision that she would say up as long as needed to heal anyone who remained. Her best bet of survival was making sure those around her were healthy.

“Look, just up there.” she pointed toward the center of the city. Wakanda was typically booming with life and technology, but this just seemed barren. Her grip on his hand tightened slightly as they walked in through the doors, calling out to see who they might encounter. “Thor? Nat? T’challa?” she called out, voice echoing into the large corridor. No one answered. “Steve.” her voice broke as she spoke, wavering to reveal the overwhelming grief she was feeling this moment

Steve would’ve argued that he was fine, insisted that his wounds were simply minor and that he could push through it with no problem. Instead, when Juniper voiced her request, he found it impossible to not allow his hand to fall to his side, slowly interlocking his fingers with hers, squeezing tight a single time to reassure her that he was with her. 

The walk back to the palace was relatively quiet, the only sound heard for miles being the crunch of branches and the rush of mud under the soles of their shoes. They were dirty, they were alone, and with the setting of the sun came the cool temperatures of night. No matter what, though, they needed to make their way back. If not to meet up with the rest of their team, then at least to get themselves cleaned up and come up with a plan to continue through the night. 

Once they made their back up the crumbled remains of the steps leading up to the palace, Steve was weary of the silence. Juniper had called out for anyone, but no one had responded. Instead, he voice reverberated off the walls - or rather, what was left of them. “It’s going to be alright. I’m sure they’re still outside, and they’ve found packs to keep themselves safe. We just need to stay here, maybe get cleaned up a bit, and figure out a strategy. We need to know what our next steps are if we’re going to make it out of here and fix what’s happened.”

[theempathywithin]

“It’s going to be alright.... we just need to stay here, maybe get cleaned up a bit...” Steve stated matter of factly. That was something Juniper always admired about him, he was capable of taking the lead in a difficult (near impossible) situation. He was right, they needed to hunker down for the night and think of a plan. She noticed the soot that covered her hands in a grimy film, realizing that it was probably all over her face too. 

“The west side of the building is in tact, I am sure we can find a bathroom and a place to sleep if we walk over there.” She suggested. 

She took a quick moment to assess the current situation. The section of the building they were in was crumbling and if they stayed there much longer it wouldn’t remain safe. Next she checked out Steve’s wounds, noticing a rather large gash in his side and one cutting through his lip. However she found herself distracted by how long his hair was getting, evident by the way he had to rake it back with his fingers to get it out of his face. His beard was thick too. 

“We better get going.” She said, kicking a few rocks that were sitting at her feet. 

[marvelsmightiestmuses]

theempathywithin

Juniper listened to Steve reassurance. He kneeled before her, the proximity screaming for her to join him but now wasn’t the time nor the place. She would have to wait until they were in the safety of closed doors. Instead she gave him a reassuring smile and gripped his hand. “Steve.” she breathed out heavily.

She well knew that whatever lied ahead of them was going to be hellish. The way Steve talked made is seem like the world was going to end, and for all she knew, it just might. All that mattered though was that they had each other - a strange feeling at that for Juniper. After spending years at Hydra’s base being treated as a test subject, she hadn’t ever thought she’d allow herself to get close to someone. But it was easy with Steve, and she didn’t have to force herself into it, it came naturally.

“Are we safe tonight? Here?” she asked, reaching her free hand to trace along the gentle curves of his face, across his bottom lip. These were features she had grown to love over much admiration and longing stares. It didn’t matter that they were in danger, she just wanted him close.

“It’ll likely be a few days before any hits are placed on us. For tonight, I don’t see why we wouldn’t be safe, but I think it would be best to head out before the sun rises. I don’t want to take any chances of a surprise attack, and I’m sure the rest of the team is already coming up with a strategy to fight this. I’ll make sure you’re safe.” 

He found his hand tracing the contours of his face, noting the way her eyes flickered with something between fear and hope, the way her cheeks had the slightest tint of red, and even the way her eyelashes fell in long stripes beneath her eyes every time she blinked too long. She was beauty personified, and if Aphrodite could see Juniper now, he was sure she’d be proud. He could only hope that Juniper saw in herself what he did, and they she loved herself the way he did. 

“Do you… Do you maybe want to head to the bedroom? Nobody’s going to be stopping by tonight, and it is pretty early still.” It surprised Steve to be so brazen given the circumstances, but he wanted nothing more in that moment that to give her at least one moment in time where she could feel safe and loved. If there was even the slightest chance that things may not turn out right, then he needed one last moment to appreciate everything about her in the way only a lover could.

[theempathywithin]

Steve confirmed that they would at least be okay for the night. It was a sigh of relief that they could sleep tonight and leave in the morning. He watched her for a moment before asking her if she’d like to retire for the night to the closed sanctity of his bedroom. It wouldn’t have been the first time she had found herself there, but the weight of the situation made it all the more serious. 

“I wouldn’t want anything else.” She whispered through a faint smile. 

The one hand, she tugged him up from his kneeling position and started down the hall. Her heart rate started to pick up with each step that they took. Juniper often struggled to find the words to express her feelings to Steve. Outward admiration wasn’t a part of her life growing up. But allowing him to be in her life in an intimate way, her opening up to him was somehow enough for him. 

At some point Steve had taken over leading and led her the rest of the way to his door. Before they entered, Juniper leaned up and pressed a chaste kiss to his lips. 

[theempathywithin]

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theempathywithin

Juniper heard Steve’s footsteps pressing into the dirt ground, but all she could focus on was the vast emptiness she felt. Her hand still firmly pressed over her mouth, she doubles over with a sob. She felt as if half of her was gone, and she couldn’t bare the pain. Without a second to waste, Steve is at her side, bombarding her with a series of questions she lacked the ability to answer. The words fizzled out on her mouth and only sounded as cohearent cries.

She wanted to scream, to tear apart every little piece of her that was left. She felt guilty for taking Steve away from his team as well, but she was too distraught to tell him to go ahead, afraid she would also vanish.

“She…..my sister…… oh…god..” she pants, unable to catch her breath.

Her hand reaches out to stabilize herself on Steve forearm. Her whole world was crashing down and he was the first one to come to the rescue. Her grip is as tight as a vice, her pain flowing out of her fingertips. Surely Steve was looking for any sign of physical distress, but her pain was internal, and she didn’t know how to shut it off.

“It’s okay, we’ll find her. We’ll take care of it.” Steve could feel the dread rise like bile in his chest, his heart sinking. He recognized the anguish, the inability to form words; Wanda had suffered the same when Pietro had died, and in extension, they all had felt her pain. Now, as he sat on his knees in front of Juniper, her hands tight around his forearms, digging crescent moons into the pale, bloodied flesh, he could feel it just as strong.

It felt almost rude to speak, because he knew the weight behind his words, and it felt almost like he was lying. What he said had been right - they would find her sister, and they would take care of what ever needed handled - but the way it sounded felt as though her sister was alive, and all they needed to do was walk around. The more probably outcome is that her sister was dead, whether through a physical attack or through the ashy fate many of his family had met, she was gone. With the pain Juniper was putting off, there was no denying that simple fact. The only question now was what they did with that information.

“I know you’re hurting right now, I can’t even begin to imagine what you must feel right now, but we need to leave. I don’t know how much longer we’ll be safe on our own like this, and we have to catch up with everyone else and come up with a plan. Do you think you can do that?”

[theempathywithin]

Juniper listened to Steve’s wholehearted reassurance that they would finder her sister, but she new the morbid truth. There was no finding her, she was gone. Truthfully, she wasn’t sure if she could handle seeing her sister hurt, bloodied, or battered, it would have been too much. But she was gone, and that pain was insurmountable. 

“I.. I don’t know.” she sniffled, staring at the ground. 

Her legs felt like Jelly, and she wasn’t entirely sure they were strong enough to carry her weight. She wanted to be strong from him, but all of her energy had been drained from every inch of her body. Still, she attempted to stand and gave him a sly nod, signaling that she was willing to try, 

“Just, don’t leave me.” she said, sounding more fragile than ever before. 

Juniper wasn’t the clingiest of persons, in fact she considered herself more of an introvert than anything. But this moment in time she needed someone next to her more than anything. She regarded the sun starting to fade into the horizon, knowing they only had a little while longer to connect with the remains of their friends before it was too dark. So she willed herself to move her feet, over and over again mentally telling herself to keep going. 

“It’s getting dark, we need to round everyone up and find a place to sleep tonight.” she states, looking around. 

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theempathywithin

Juniper listened to Steve’s wholehearted reassurance that they would finder her sister, but she new the morbid truth. There was no finding her, she was gone. Truthfully, she wasn’t sure if she could handle seeing her sister hurt, bloodied, or battered, it would have been too much. But she was gone, and that pain was insurmountable.

“I.. I don’t know.” she sniffled, staring at the ground.

Her legs felt like Jelly, and she wasn’t entirely sure they were strong enough to carry her weight. She wanted to be strong from him, but all of her energy had been drained from every inch of her body. Still, she attempted to stand and gave him a sly nod, signaling that she was willing to try,

“Just, don’t leave me.” she said, sounding more fragile than ever before.

Juniper wasn’t the clingiest of persons, in fact she considered herself more of an introvert than anything. But this moment in time she needed someone next to her more than anything. She regarded the sun starting to fade into the horizon, knowing they only had a little while longer to connect with the remains of their friends before it was too dark. So she willed herself to move her feet, over and over again mentally telling herself to keep going.

“It’s getting dark, we need to round everyone up and find a place to sleep tonight.” she states, looking around.

Steve truly couldn’t imagine the pain Juniper was suffering from, and as much as he hated to pull her away from this scene and allot her the time to grieve, he knew that the sun would go down soon, and it simply wasn’t safe to be caught out after dark anymore. Nobody could predict what enemies still stood in their path, and they would need the advantage of a group or of the dying light to help them through. 

Steve was expecting a fight, some sort of grief-fueled argument, but was rather surprised when she decided to follow him, only requesting on thing of him. “I won’t leave, you have my word on that, Juniper.” Steve needed Juniper to understand that he was never the kind of man to walk away from someone in need, especially not when they’ve faced more trauma in a single day than most people experienced in their lifetime. For a reason he couldn’t fathom, he knew that he’d never leave her side as long as she wanted him there. He needed to know she was safe, and he wanted to be the one to keep her safe.

“Sounds like a good plan. If we’re fast, we can reach the castle before all the light is gone. I’m sure most of the team had the same idea, so if we can manage to get there, we can all figure out what comes next. Sound good? I’ll even let you ride on my back again.” Steve wasn’t sure if his humor would be well received, but he hated to see her so upset, and he would do anything to make her at least a little happier. 

[theempathywithin]

“You need your strength Steve, you have taken a beating too. Just...hold my hand.” she asked timidly, eyes flitting over to where Steve was standing. 

Together they started to tread the terrain back to the palace of Wakanda. They walked cautiously, and occasionally he would hold a hand out signaling her to pause. They hadn’t encountered anyone yet, which spoke to the magnitude of the snap. She wondered how many of their teammates remained, and what shape they would be in. Juniper had already made the decision that she would say up as long as needed to heal anyone who remained. Her best bet of survival was making sure those around her were healthy. 

“Look, just up there.” she pointed toward the center of the city. Wakanda was typically booming with life and technology, but this just seemed barron. Her grip on his hand tightened slightly as they walked in through the doors, calling out to see who they might encounter. “Thor? Nat? T’challa?” she called out, voice echoing into the large corridor. No one answered. “Steve.” her voice broke as she spoke, wavering to reveal the overwhelming grief she was feeling this moment. 

[marvelsmightiestmuses]

theempathywithin

“Steve, you know I am not as strong as everyone, that’s just a matter of fact. But I do have some tricks up my sleeve. Being an empath isn’t as innocent as it seems.” she reveals.

Juniper had been holding back her powers for a while now. She didn’t think it necessary to flaunt all of her abilities and make everyone even more afraid of her. Steve on the other hand was never afraid of her. He was always there, supporting her and defending her. That’s why she felt so guilty holding back.

“I am afraid. I am afraid for us. Whatever happens Steve.. I just.. want you know know… that.. I love you.” She draws out her statement, hoping he would at least reciprocate.

It was a big deal for someone like Juniper to reveal those inner feelings to another person. She hasn’t been particularly close to anyone in her life besides her sister - who has always been around for her. This was the first time she has opened up and she prayed it wouldn’t back fire on her. Her grey eyes peer up to meet Steve’s gaze, and for a moment in time, she felt a twinge of pain in her heart.

“Trust me, I’m well aware that you’re not so innocent.” Steve offered up a small smile, an attempt to suppress the growing tension in the room. What Juniper didn’t know is that Steve knew she was more than capable of fending for herself. She wasn’t physically strong, but she was mentally, and that was somehow more powerful than anything he could think of.

Steve had listened to every worry and concern that Juniper had told him, had watched her break down from her own fear before, whether fear of a threat she couldn’t overcome or a threat that people would look at her the same way they used to look at Wanda. However, Juniper had only ever been perfect in his mind, and he didn’t think anyone could ever be afraid of her. No matter what, she always prevailed, and she was a heroine in his mind.

Steve forced himself down onto his knees in front of her, his hands grabbing for his in a comforting gesture. “No matter what happens… I will always love you. I don’t care what happens out there, or if you have to kill someone to protect yourself, or if your powers cause too much damage. I will love you no matter what, and nothing could change that. There’s no world if there’s no you.” 

[theempathywithin]

Juniper listened to Steve reassurance. He kneeled before her, the proximity screaming for her to join him but now wasn’t the time nor the place. She would have to wait until they were in the safety of closed doors. Instead she gave him a reassuring smile and gripped his hand. “Steve.” she breathed out heavily. 

She well knew that whatever lied ahead of them was going to be hellish. The way Steve talked made is seem like the world was going to end, and for all she knew, it just might. All that mattered though was that they had each other - a strange feeling at that for Juniper. After spending years at Hydra’s base being treated as a test subject, she hadn’t ever thought she’d allow herself to get close to someone. But it was easy with Steve, and she didn’t have to force herself into it, it came naturally. 

“Are we safe tonight? Here?” she asked, reaching her free hand to trace along the gentle curves of his face, across his bottom lip. These were features she had grown to love over much admiration and longing stares. It didn’t matter that they were in danger, she just wanted him close. 

[rppanda]

Send one to see how my muse reacts!

I love you.

I hate you.

You’re my everything.

You’re nothing to me.

I need you!

You disgust me!

Please don’t leave me!!

Get away from me!!

I’m so happy we met..

I wish we never met..

I’m sorry.

I need an apology.

You’re so special to me.

You hurt me.

I’d feel a lot better if you were here..

I just need to be alone right now..

I wish i was never born!

I wish you were never born!

Please, protect me..

You’re scaring me…

[theempathywithin]

Thor and Juniper

Thor was a socialite. Girls fawned over him, men wanted to be him, practically everywhere he went people were asking for a picture. Juniper, a shy orphan, taken in after her and her twin sister were given away to Hydra as experiment subjects was the exact opposite. She saw him striding around Avenger’s tower like he owned the place, valiant with each step. It didn’t help that during her time there, she had developed a small crush on the man, but she had no clue how to talk to him. 

He used foreign vernacular, evidence of his growing up on Asgard. He exuded confidence, and Juniper was almost fearful of the man. Yet hopelessly had feelings for him. 

She was sitting on a couch in the common area, having a cup of coffee and reading a book. She often found herself migrating towards this area in her morning routine to start her day off pleasantly. Being new to the team, she wasn’t really on too many missions, so she had a lot of free time on her hands. 

[themusechronicles-archive-blog]

Thor had long been confident, having always had an eerie control. Even with the dead brought back, save his beloved little brother, Thor was confident. The team reunited, he was hoping to heal from the loss of all he knew and begin again. So as he walked down from his rooms for coffee, dressed only in a fitting pair of jeans, he paused as he saw Juniper. “Little reader.” he greeted, walking over with his cup. “How has the day started for such a lovely young woman?”

[theempathywithin]

“Little reader!” she heard behind her, that suave accent causing her to jump a little, making her lose her page. When she turned and realized that Thor was only clad in jeans, her face broke out in a shade of red almost humanly impossible. “T-Thor, good morning. Uhm, uneventful really. Just reading my book..” she stammered. 

She went to return to her page, but found the book closed in her lap - a victim of her nervous attitude around the god of thunder. “How is yours? You are up early.” she noted, taking a look at the clock hung on the wall. Juniper had always been an early riser, and found comfort in the early hours of the morning where she felt most productive. Typically she roamed around alone these hours, occasionally seeing Steve go out for a run - but never Thor. 

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theempathywithin

Juniper trailed behind Thor, allowing him to lead the way to his chambers. When they got there, he turned to her and spoke softly. “If you want, I can leave the door open.”

Loki. He was always looking out for her, even when he wasn’t around. Knowing her distaste for storms, he likely told his brother to warn him to keep his emotions at bay near her. “I’m assuming Loki told you I don’t like storms,” she cleared her throat, “I would like that Thor. Thank you.”

She carried herself to the doorway, pausing, gripping the frame tightly as she looked back over her shoulder. “Goodnight.”

………

Well into the late hours of the night, a large crack of thunder jolted Juniper in her sleep. Still dreaming, she began to trash in her sheets. These were the nights Loki was usually there to calm her, to grab her shaking frame and lull her back to sleep with the timely beat of his heart. She felt his absence in every facet of her life, and right now, she needed him.

“He did. Can you blame him, little one?” Thor asked. “Given what my power entails, he was right to warn me.” HE made sure she was resting before he let himself relax into a grief ridden sleep, but he had a lot of trouble controlling his emotions when he was unconscious, so the storm grew a great deal. He startled from a dream where he could hear his brother calling for Juniper, getting up and going to check on her. Finding her thrashing in the bed, he reached to shake her gently. “Little one, wake. It’s okay.” he promised as the storm simmered down a bit. “Wake, it’s just a dream.”

[theempathywithin]

As she drew to reality, her sweaty hands clung to Thor’s forearm. Her chest heaved as she sat up, desperately gulping for air. When she realized that Thor was sitting on the side of her bed, her cheeks grew red with embarrassment. “I’m sorry.” she huffed, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. “I didn’t mean to wake you. Perhaps you should shut the door. I’m sorry.” She let out a sigh as she slowly came back to her senses, though her heart was still racing. 

[themusechronicles-archive-blog]

theempathywithin

Loki began to move around her, grabbing something and opening his hand slowly. In his grasp was a beautiful ring, intricate in craft and must be worth a fortune. “It was my mother’s, Queen Frigga of the nine realms. And she told me one day I would find love in the magic of another…” She watched behind teary eyes as he moved to the floor, kneeling before her.

“Loki.” she whispered breathlessly, her dainty hand finding its way to her mouth.

“Mother would have blessed us……. All I can do to show that love she would have had is by offering this simple ring.” He said.

Juniper, unable to speak, gave Loki a a smile so big she thought her face would be stuck like that permanently. She knew how much Frigga meant to Loki just from the stories he told her. She may have never gotten to meet her, but he spoke so highly of her that she felt as if she knew her her entire life.

Green eyes took in her appearance, smiling with all the awe and love as she took in his words. “Will you be mine, my love?” he asked. “My bride and soulmate. The very place where my heart may rest.” he offered, holding the ring a little higher. 

[theempathywithin]

Juniper’s blue eyes were now flooded with tears as Loki raised the ring higher for her to see. “Will you be mine, my love?” 

“Loki, I want to spend the rest of my moons with you. All of my moons and more. Yes, of course.” she gasped, stretching her hand out for him to slide the ring along her finger. He likely hand a hard time grasping her hand from how much she was trembling. 

“I love you.” she said, hardly an audible whisper. “Shall we go back to my place?”

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theempathywithin

“The chambers I was offered have an adjoining room, you can rest there, should you need comfort.” He offered as she took the luscious cape into her arms. They began to walk back into the building, where she hung the material on a hanger. “I hope you do not get used to my brother’s absence…..”

“I hope I don’t either. I am quite fond of him as well.” she said, smoothing out her clothing. “I would like to take you up on that offer for the room. Thank you your highness.”

Thor smiled at her gently, nodding. “Come then.” he left the cape be for now, leading the way to his room. He showed her the door to the adjoining room. “If you want, I can leave the door open.” he assured, the sound of the storm almost blocked out by the technology of the palace. 

[theempathywithin]

Juniper trailed behind Thor, allowing him to lead the way to his chambers. When they got there, he turned to her and spoke softly. “If you want, I can leave the door open.” 

Loki. He was always looking out for her, even when he wasn’t around. Knowing her distaste for storms, he likely told his brother to warn him to keep his emotions at bay near her. “I’m assuming Loki told you I don’t like storms,” she cleared her throat, “I would like that Thor. Thank you.”

She carried herself to the doorway, pausing, gripping the frame tightly as she looked back over her shoulder. “Goodnight.” 

.........

Well into the late hours of the night, a large crack of thunder jolted Juniper in her sleep. Still dreaming, she began to trash in her sheets. These were the nights Loki was usually there to calm her, to grab her shaking frame and lull her back to sleep with the timely beat of his heart. She felt his absence in every facet of her life, and right now, she needed him. 

[themusechronicles-archive-blog]

theempathywithin

She felt his lips connect with the top of her head as he mumble something about being his queen. Ever since the two of them have met, she had dreamed of going to Asgard, seeing him in his home. While a midguardian would never be accepted to rule on the throne, the idea of having an Asgardian wedding was the dream. “I am happy to be your home my love.” she smiled.

Loki gave a smile and watched her. “There is something I would like you to have, my Queen.” he whispered. “Something precious and valuable.” HE reached into his pocket, and then opened his hand to reveal an intricate rose gold and silver ring. “It was my mother’s, Queen Frigga of the nine realms. And she told me one day I would find love in the magic of another. It took me many centuries to know what it was she meant.” He moved to kneel before the little blonde, green eyes looking up at her. “Mother would have blessed us, been happy and accepted you into our lives as she did my brother’s favored. All I can do to show that love she would have had is by offering this simple ring.”

[theempathywithin]

Loki began to move around her, grabbing something and opening his hand slowly. In his grasp was a beautiful ring, intricate in craft and must be worth a fortune. “It was my mother’s, Queen Frigga of the nine realms. And she told me one day I would find love in the magic of another...” She watched behind teary eyes as he moved to the floor, kneeling before her. 

“Loki.” she whispered breathlessly, her dainty hand finding its way to her mouth. 

“Mother would have blessed us....... All I can do to show that love she would have had is by offering this simple ring.” He said. 

Juniper, unable to speak, gave Loki a a smile so big she thought her face would be stuck like that permanently. She knew how much Frigga meant to Loki just from the stories he told her. She may have never gotten to meet her, but he spoke so highly of her that she felt as if she knew her her entire life. 

[theempathywithin]

Thor and Juniper

Thor was a socialite. Girls fawned over him, men wanted to be him, practically everywhere he went people were asking for a picture. Juniper, a shy orphan, taken in after her and her twin sister were given away to Hydra as experiment subjects was the exact opposite. She saw him striding around Avenger’s tower like he owned the place, valiant with each step. It didn’t help that during her time there, she had developed a small crush on the man, but she had no clue how to talk to him. 

He used foreign vernacular, evidence of his growing up on Asgard. He exuded confidence, and Juniper was almost fearful of the man. Yet hopelessly had feelings for him. 

She was sitting on a couch in the common area, having a cup of coffee and reading a book. She often found herself migrating towards this area in her morning routine to start her day off pleasantly. Being new to the team, she wasn’t really on too many missions, so she had a lot of free time on her hands. 

[themusechronicles-archive-blog]

theempathywithin

She listened as to Bucky, admiring at the way he called him ‘Stevie’, a soft nickname that was indicative of their long standing friendship. Over the course of getting to know Steve, it was clear that out of the two of them, Bucky had always been the more suave of the two back in the day. Bucky told stories of during the war with the women he’d meet, or try to set Steve up with - but he was too demure to pursue anything.

Her mood dropped though as he revealed his reason for not finding someone of his own. The countless months of brain washing had gotten to him and still haunted his dreams. Juniper would tel that he was holding back for frustration with the situation than he led on. Unintentionally, she reached out to place a comforting hand on his arm, the skin contact setting off her emotional response. She felt the sting of self doubt, tangled with this burning anger over the situation start to run through her.

Quickly, she pulled her hand away, feeling a headache come on. Feeling such emotions wasn’t easy on her body. “I think that eventually you will get there. I have a feeling.”

Bucky kept his eyes averted, not wanting to see the look on Juniper’s face after she’d touched him. Steve had told him about what the blonde could do, and he didn’t think he could handle any kind of disgust or disappointment. He wasn’t whole and he didn’t know when he could ever be whole again. centuries of shock therapy to reset him, the number of deaths he could now count, even if he didn’t know the names…he needed to come to terms with his past before he could do anything with anyone. “You don’t have to lie. I’m dangerous, June. That’s why I stay away from crowds and places with loud noises. Why my room is designed to be sound proof.” he explained. “I’m not good for anyone until I can control my own mind.”

[theempathywithin]

“You know...I had a hard time controlling my mind as well. Of course in a different cense, but I digress.” She told Bucky, hoping he could find some solace in this fact. “I am always here if you need to talk, or work through things you know. Just down the hall. I won’t tell anyone.” 

Juniper crossed her arms over her chest as she thought about Bucky’s situation. He was cursed due to an experience, much like hers, all because of experiments. She however, had managed to find a way to cope and contain her powers, and with a little help, she felt that Bucky could do the same. 

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Backup | theempathywithin

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theempathywithin

Juniper happily listened to Thor as he shared his stories of the constellation. The sky began to grow a purple hue, obstructed by the heavy grey clouds that sat menacing in the sky - serving to intimidate the locals away from the impending storm. He suggested they go inside, and she wasn’t about to argue with the God of Thunder himself.

“My grief breeds stormy weather and I do not wish for my brother’s favored to be caught in this weather.” Juniper looked to him with a melancholy glance, wishing she could take his pain. “You will be safe inside, and you need rest.”

“I fear it is not I that needs rest, but you. Rest easy, your highness.” she bowed slightly, offering herself in any way she could to help him. “Here, let me take your cape and hang it up for you.”

Thor watched her for a moment, tilting his head. Such a gentle soul she seemed to be; naturally it would be a gentle kindness that would heal his brother. He let her take his cape, moving to lead her inside. “The chambers I was offered have an adjoining room, you can rest there, should you need comfort.” he explained. “I hope you do not get used to my brother’s absence. Surely we can find a way to return him to you. He talked fondly of you, had someone watching over you when he could not.”

[theempathywithin]

“The chambers I was offered have an adjoining room, you can rest there, should you need comfort.” He offered as she took the luscious cape into her arms. They began to walk back into the building, where she hung the material on a hanger. “I hope you do not get used to my brother’s absence.....” 

“I hope I don’t either. I am quite fond of him as well.” she said, smoothing out her clothing. “I would like to take you up on that offer for the room. Thank you your highness.” 

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Sickness and Health || theempathywithin

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theempathywithin

Juniper had come down with a serious case of bronchitis. She couldn’t breathe, she didn’t have any energy to spare, in fact even getting out of bed was an ordeal. Fortunately for her, Steve has taken it upon himself to help her through it - what a wonderful boyfriend.

Last night she had taken some extra strength cough medicine to calm her barking cough, which only served to knock her out. She hadn’t been sleeping well, so Steve was insistant that she needed it. Juniper slept well through the night and into the late morning. Around 10 or so she started to stir, that clammy feeling rising through her body again meaning only one thing- a fever.

Steve was finishing the soup as he made some cold orange juice to help. Turning off the stove, he went with the juice to check on her. He moved to open the door as quietly as possible, pausing when he noticed her stirring. “Hey, how are you feeling?” he asked, walking over to sit on the side of the bed. “I brought you some juice. Think you could drink it?”

[theempathywithin]

Her eyes blinked, trying to clear the blurry haze of waking up after taking the medication last night. She heard the door creek open, followed by Steve’s figure padding over to her. “I brought you some juice. Think would could drink it?” he asked. 

Juniper had a hard time turning Steve down, even if she didn’t feel up to it. “Help me sit up?” she asked, and he did just so. Once she was situated, she took the glass from him and took a small sip, letting the cold liquid lubricate her sore throat. “Thank you Stevie.” she spoke, her voice barely a rasp. “You shouldn’t be in here. I don’t want to get you sick.” she frowned, looking down at the comforter that was draped over her lap.

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theempathywithin

Juniper recalled the way storms would brew when Thor was in a particularly bad mood. She learned this after Thanos’ attack, leaving her in Thor’s care while Loki recovered. He’d always apologize, seeing that she wasn’t very fond of them. Juniper understood though, because he was grieving, just as she was. “Of course I will, My Queen.” Loki promised, pulling her as close to him as he possibly could.

She blushed at his words, “I’m hardly a queen.”

She was right, she wasn’t a queen. Asgard was long gone now, and Thor was the next successor. Her realm for ruling was far from truth. Right now, she felt small and helpless, wanting to disappear into his embrace for a while.

Loki leaned to kiss her head. “You are my Queen, even if we may never set foot in my true home.” he replied, fingers winding through blonde hair. “Asgard may be gone, but you are still noble through my love, and through the protection of my brother.” he explained. “To be home where my heart has been held, completes the wandering I’ve done for so long.”

[theempathywithin]

She felt his lips connect with the top of her head as he mumble something about being his queen. Ever since the two of them have met, she had dreamed of going to Asgard, seeing him in his home. While a midguardian would never be accepted to rule on the throne, the idea of having an Asgardian wedding was the dream. “I am happy to be your home my love.” she smiled.

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theempathywithin

Juniper about died inside as Bucky revealed that he had come upon them stealing kisses in the hallway. There was probably some loving caresses, maybe a nip or two. Her face had turned cherry red by this point. “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry Bucky. How embarrassing!” she remarks, shaking her head. “I promise, we will be more careful from now on….”

The conversation lulled a bit as her skin gradually decreased shades of red. “So what about you? Have you found anyone special yet?”

Bucky laughed. “Oh, please. I’m glad Stevie found someone.” he assured. “Back before the war, I set up so many dates, but nothing ever worked.” He leaned forward to rest his forearms on the tabletop, giving a quiet little laugh. “He finally found someone, that’s what’s important to me, June.” He watched her as she asked him, shaking his head. “Can’t trust myself from day to day. How can anyone trust me for even a date?” 

[theempathywithin]

She listened as to Bucky, admiring at the way he called him ‘Stevie’, a soft nickname that was indicative of their long standing friendship. Over the course of getting to know Steve, it was clear that out of the two of them, Bucky had always been the more suave of the two back in the day. Bucky told stories of during the war with the women he’d meet, or try to set Steve up with - but he was too demure to pursue anything. 

Her mood dropped though as he revealed his reason for not finding someone of his own. The countless months of brain washing had gotten to him and still haunted his dreams. Juniper would tel that he was holding back for frustration with the situation than he led on. Unintentionally, she reached out to place a comforting hand on his arm, the skin contact setting off her emotional response. She felt the sting of self doubt, tangled with this burning anger over the situation start to run through her. 

Quickly, she pulled her hand away, feeling a headache come on. Feeling such emotions wasn’t easy on her body. “I think that eventually you will get there. I have a feeling.”