#steve rogers
Dark!Viking James Barnes, Reader, Steven Rogers
Words: 1020
Warnings: None. This one isn’t dark, just setting up new alliances.
A/N: Sorry it’s been a while since I updated this. Life has been super crazy and I’m using the computer I use for school, which is not my first choice for my writings. I’ll try to update this more often. Thanks for sticking with me! Enjoy!
Several days had passed since your conversation with James and his desire to start anew. You didn’t buy his repentant man act, whose only goal is to make you see the good in him and begin to put your trust in, but so far, he’s keeping his promises, as few as they had been. No matter, you plan to keep him at arm’s length and would not turn your back on the heathen. You will always keep yourself one step ahead of the Viking, come hell or high water.
The only thing you were having a hard time wrapping your head around was the use of James’ most trusted friend, Steven. You knew the relationship between the two, hell, he was there when the Vikings stormed into your lands and watched as the hedonistic brute slayed your father. The blues of his eyes focused on you when James took you to his ship and locked you into his quarters. He stared at you anytime he came into the Captain’s room, his eyes seeing you lying naked and afraid on the bed after being used as James’ plaything, his gaze never wandering. Steven has seen you at your worst but has done nothing that would make you think his own intentions aren’t as cruel, and he isn’t planning your downfall right along with his best friend.
Which is why you had a mind to keep him at a distance and today would be no different. Today, Steven was to escort you around the village and let the people see you, their Queen, potentially interacting with those whose interest was piqued. James had arranged for his friend to accompany you, saying his presence around you would look favorably with the villagers.
You were skeptical of this. If James was the one his people looked to as their protector, the man that essentially ruled them, why would Steven by your side make a difference? Wouldn’t it make more sense for the Viking ruler to show you around so the people could see the two of you interacting, casting away any doubts and suspicion? That was reason enough to doubt the validity of this new start and you fully intended to proceed with all caution.
“Morning, Princess,” Steven greets you at the door of your abode with a bow.
You curtsy as you would in any formal setting but remain silent. You had no desire to exchange verbal pleasantries and this was not a setting that called for a proper response.
Steven sighs, he must sense the tension but doesn’t speak of it. He offers his arm to you, and you take it with a shrug, the two of you starting your trek around the village.
“Nice day for a stroll.” The man at your side tries to start conversation after moments of tense silence.
“We are not friends, so there is no need to talk.” You smile at a woman carrying a basket of vegetables as she passes you by.
“And what if I’d like to become friends?”
You stop and stare hard into the Vikings blue eyes looking for the lie. “I’m not interested in playing your games and I won’t be made a fool of,” you warn and stomp away, continuing the trek around the village.
Steven catches up to you, joining back at your side. “I’m not here to play games, your highness. I wish to offer you my friendship and loyalty.”
“Loyalty?!” You wave at two young children that are pointing at you, smiling happily in your direction. “Your loyalty and devotion lie with your tyrant friend. I do not wish to be on the receiving end of your Viking loyalty.”
“You’re right,” he agrees as a young blonde crosses your path and hands over a loaf of warm bread. You nod and offer thanks, the girl smiling back and running off, back from where she came. “I’m sure my past actions can be seen as vicious and cruel, but I come to you now to seek forgiveness and offer my friendship and devotion. I cannot stand by and see any further harm is bestowed upon you.”
Stopping in the middle of the road you look upon the Viking. He appears sincere in his words. Truth be told, he resembles a kicked or wounded animal and you wonder if this is another game or if he’s really telling you the truth.”
“And why should I trust you?”
Steven shrugs, and it’s probably the realest thing you can recall him doing. “You can’t,” he admits. “From day one there’s nothing that I’ve done that is cause for you to believe me, but I’d like to earn your faith and in time, win your trust. All I’m asking for is a chance, something I know I do not deserve.”
There’s a vulnerability in his words and presence, you can sense it. This is not the same Viking that stood by and watched as James slaughtered your father, nor the same man that was present when your captor repeatedly had his way with you on the ship. The person in front of you was displaying a softer side, one that you had never encountered before in any of the warriors. Maybe this was something that could be used to your advantage later.
“I do not trust easily anymore. Your friend has driven that from me, and I don’t think I’ll ever find myself a trusting fool as I had been raised to be.” Steven nods but remains silent. “I do realize I need an ally but I’m hesitant to use that term. I’m not sure how loyal you wish to be or if you’re playing the long game and looking for a better opportunity with James. Whichever the case may be, I implore you to choose wisely. I may have started as naive but I’m far from it. You’re either with me or against me.”
Steven takes a moment to think but then smiles. “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” He holds out his hand in an offer of kinship.
You grin and take the offered hand. “So, it seems.”
Viking tags:
@ellallheart@sebastianstansqueen@kaithezaftig@supernaturalwintersoldier@buckycap275@learisa
Forever Tags:
@jamesbarnesappreciationclub@kruscht@palaiasaurus64@breezy1415@sarahp879@supernaturaldean67@averyrogers83@scarlettsoldier@lovely-geek@titty-teetee@geeksareunique@peaceinourtime82@leosandbuckysgirl@the-goddess-of-mischief@mychemicalimagines@awkwardfangirl2014@collette04@notyourtypicalrose@onebatch–twobatch @miraclesoflove@kcd15@xxloki81xx@death-unbecomes-you@thatfanficstuff@hotoffthepressfics@chuuulip@unlikelygalaxygiver@babypink224221@mybabe-buckybarnes @shield-agent78 @the-real-kellymonster@caplanreads@inkedaztec
