Chapter Text
You stared out the window of Stark Tower in happiness. The team had just crashed at the Tower after a long mission of saving the world once again. It was winter, the season you loved the most. Not because of the holidays, or the lights, or the atmosphere - it was because of the cold. In the season of winter, the cold brings you pure joy, even though it shouldn't. Cold doesn't exactly agree with you, more like it's your mortal enemy. You are a creature of heat, literally. You can control fire.
You were peacefully gazing at the beautiful falling snow before you were rudely interrupted.
“Hey, (Y/n). Can’t sleep? Me neither.” Tony Stark didn’t wait for your response as he poured some whiskey in a small glass with some ice.
“No, I think that is just an excuse to get your drink on without your girlfriend pestering you.” You stated the obvious before returning to the window again. You watched in fascination as The white flakes covered the building and mixed with the lights of the bustling city. The snow was hypnotizing and it allowed you to relax. Taking in a deep breath, you leaned against the frosted window. Your unnatural warmth quickly fogged the area of the window around you, blocking your view of the white world. After completely ignoring your comment, Stark observed your behavior and frowned.
“Want some?” He gestured to the half-empty bottle of alcohol on the counter.
“I’ll pass. I don’t drink.” Stark gasped, fake hurt. You smirked against the now slightly warm glass pane.
“Well, your loss.” He shrugged and sat on the couch across from you while you resumed looking out the large window. You lifted a hand to wipe away the condensation that had formed. Looking out the small opening you had made, you peered out once more. This time instead admiring the large white flakes falling from the sky, you shifted your gaze to the crowds of people down below. There were horns honking and people rushing to get out of the blistering cold into a restaurant or shop. It is nicknamed ‘the city that never sleeps’. You rolled your head back reaching a cold spot on the window again. It was nice on your hot skin.
“You know that’s like the 5th sigh in like 2 minutes.” Stark pointed out while bringing the almost empty glass to his lips.
“Really? Thanks for counting.” You rolled your eyes.
“That’s what I’m here for” He chuckled, smirking.
You looked down at the city below again before J.A.R.V.I.S quietly announced someone was entering. You turned to see the one and only Pepper Potts standing in the doorway in a robe with her arms crossed.
“Uh-oh, somebody’s in trouble.” You sang.
“Tony, I told you no drinking late at night!” Pepper stepped down and took the drink before he could finish it. She stood over him, scolding again. After one last look at the city, you quietly exited, walking up the other marble stairs that led to the elevator. You decided to leave before the traditional make-out session they always had after a fight. It always made you wonder what it would be like to have a person like that in your life.
When J.A.R.V.I.S indicated that the elevator reached your floor, you stepped out into the wooden hallway. You reached your door, slid the key in, and unlocked it. It was quite similar to a hotel room. There was a living room with a 50 inch flat-screen TV, a small kitchenette, and a large bathroom tied to the master bedroom.
Better than my apartment, you thought.
This room was dedicated to you after any difficult missions so you could take time to relax before rejoining the blissfully unaware world once more. It was kind of like a safe haven for the team. Not very hungry, you passed up the kitchen and headed for the bath. Hopefully, a nice soak will rid the tenseness in your body. As you entered, you took the time to really take in your surroundings. The room was large and it held many things that caught your eye. The sink was large with a fancy faucet and there were a couple of soft rugs that adorned the floor. But the thing that really got your attention was the large tub in the back. It was beautifully adorned with towels and scented bath products. You padded your way to the tub and turned on the faucet to check the temperature, making sure it was hot enough. You smirked at the layout of bath accessories.
Nothing wrong with treating yourself after a long mission.
You stayed in the wonderful bath till it got cold, then you dried off and headed to your bedroom. After checking your phone for any notifications, you stripped out of your clothes and changed into your pj’s. You surveyed the California king-sized bed.
Stark really knows how to treat a girl , you smirked.
The sheets were white silk and the comforter was large and warm, perfect for the winter. The silk felt wonderful as you slipped under the crisp white sheets and pulled them up to your chin. Looking around, you set your sights on the french doors that led to the balcony. Covered in frost, they were like a portal to a winter wonderland. It was beautiful. You stared out into the snow once more before slowly drifting off to sleep.
You jolted awake, terrified of the darkness that surrounded you. Close to hyperventilating, you took a few deep breaths before releasing the iron grip your shaking hands had on the now crumpled silk sheets. After realizing you were in Stark Tower, you calmed a bit and looked to the small digital clock on your nightstand. It was 2:30, which means you only slept a measly 2 hours. Suddenly, the comforting voice of J.A.R.V.I.S filled the room.
“I am sensing an elevated heat signature and high amounts of adrenaline. Would you like me to contact Dr. Helen for you?” The voice startled you for a moment before you registered what he was saying.
“N-No,” Your voice was dry and scratchy. After clearing your throat you tried again, “No, don’t. I’m fine. I just had a nightmare.” You rushed out. The last thing you wanted was Dr. Helen showing up and running tests. J.A.R.V.I.S simply acknowledged your statement and quieted. You sighed and untangled yourself from the sheets, shuffling to the bathroom. You had the awful nightmare again. It was the 6th time this week. You took deep breaths and splashed a handful of ice-cold water on your face. You ran a hand through your tangled hair and looked at yourself in the vanity mirror. You had started to form bags under your eyes and your eyes looked too tired for a person your age. Knowing you were not going back to sleep with the nightmare still racing around your mind, you needed to get out of the dark room to calm your head. While you changed into more suitable clothes for a night stroll, you went through all of your options. You then decided to reach out to the only person you knew wouldn’t be asleep at this hour.
You were hesitant to knock on Thor’s door, but you decided that there was nothing wrong with talking to a friend at 2 in the morning, even if your friend is basically a god. After the first few times he found you roaming around the Tower late at night, clearly distressed about the dream, he offered to talk or just listen whenever you needed. He has been your saving grace the last year or so. You smiled as you knocked on the polished wooden door. After hearing a muffled crash and a thump, The door opened to reveal a shirtless Thor munching on a pop tart. You usually found him like this so it really didn’t affect you anymore.
But still, those abs , you raised an eyebrow.
“(Y/n)! What brings you to my chambers at this hour?” Thor asked in his usual thunderous voice.
“Shhh!” You pushed past him and hurried into his room.
“Oh, sorry” He whispered loudly. Looking around the room, you saw it was a mess, you just rolled your eyes at the box of pop tarts on the floor. Not wanting to stay in the tower any longer, you said the first thing that came to mind.
“I uh- couldn’t sleep, walk with me?” You suggested. You would feel better after a walk and some fresh, albeit freezing, air.
"Absolutely!” Overjoyed, his voice boomed, echoing through Stark Tower. You cringed at the loud noise, worried he would wake someone. You didn’t want to deal with anyone else at the moment. Thor was the only one you could speak to about your problem. He must have seen your face because he suddenly became serious. He pieced the situation together and nodded. Thor finished the pop tart and hurriedly slipped a shirt on. He smiled as you both walked out of his room. The pair of you entered the elevator and you pressed the button to the ground floor. As you stepped back you spotted Thor staring at you through the reflection of the steel doors. Frowning you turned to him he quickly looked away. You shrugged it off as just curious about your dream. As soon as you reached the bottom floor you wrapped yourselves up in a bunch of warm winter clothing then you and Thor stepped out into the blistering cold.
“I still don’t understand why you like the cold so much. It is, well, cold.” Thor shivered. You laughed as you walked to a nearby café called The Coffee Club.
"Didn’t you fight a whole army of Frost Giants on Jotunheim?” You asked smirking.
“Yes, well.” He mumbled, his face buried in his bright blue scarf. “The excitement of the battle and the beating of Frost Giants kept me warm.” He smiled and you looked at him incredulously. You smiled and looked over at the large man walking beside you. He had to really care about you to do this every time you had a nightmare. You couldn't help but smile as you thought of his kindness. It’s still surprising even after all this time.
It was quiet for a bit before Thor decided to break the silence. He was hesitant at first, then spoke. “(Y/n), did you have the nightmare again?” You sighed and nodded. You just couldn’t seem to be rid of your past. You shifted to the side to allow room for a man not paying attention. Looking up to the hypnotizing snowfall, you recalled the recurring dream.
*
It was always the same. You were almost done with the dishes when your father came home. He was drunk as usual but this time, he was pissed.
“(Y/N) WHERE THE HELL IS MY BEER?” He yelled from the doorway. You felt a violent shiver run up your spine. You still had bruises from the last time he was like this. Something must have happened at the factory for him to be this angry.
“I-I think you finished it all.” You tried to focus on the plate you were scrubbing. You prayed to every God you could think of, hoping he would just pass out on the couch. Unfortunately, your prayers didn’t reach their ears. There was a silence as he walked to the fridge and ripped it open. After loudly searching, the fridge slammed shut, making you jump.
“You know what I think? I think you're hiding it from me.” His voice getting gradually louder. He slowly stumbled toward the kitchen table.
“No! I know that it's yours. I c-can go get more if you like?” You gripped the plate so hard you were sure it was going to shatter.
“Are-Are you trying to run away?” Your father slammed his hand on the table behind you jump yet again. Too afraid about what he was going to do next, you stayed silent. You braced for any type of strike. He snatched a nearby empty beer bottle from the table and chucked it at you. You screamed as it shattered against your back, pieces slicing and lodging themselves in your back and legs. You dropped the plate, shattering that also. Your father gripped your arm so tight, you knew it was going to bruise.
“YOU ARE NEVER EVER LEAVING.” He screamed in your face. You shakingly nodded, fighting through the pain in your back. Your father threw you into a stained wall, making your injuries worse. You saw him advancing toward you and you knew all too well what was going to happen next. Looking up at your violently drunk father, you became blinded by rage and fear. He was supposed to be a supporting and loving parent like all the other dads are! Why were you stuck with the one crazed abusive one? It. Wasn't. FAIR! As soon as he was close enough, you kicked him as hard as you could in the place where the sun doesn’t shine. Connecting and seeing him hunch over, you saw the chance to get out. There was no way in hell you would stay here anymore.
Sharp glass cut into your hands as you pushed off the floor and started to sprint to the front door. You felt a rush of relief as you almost reached it, but the devil decided to intervene. Your legs gave out and you crashed to the floor, not even reaching half-way. Your father recovered fast and you soon felt a bat crack into your ribs. You fell into the table legs, knocking several things to the floor. He grabbed your (h/c) hair and ripped you onto your back. Your head hit the linoleum floor with a sickening crunch. Your vision swam and you couldn’t see him bring the bat down again, smashing into your leg. You were almost knocked out because of the wave of pain, which could only mean he broke something. Clutching your leg, you attempted one last time to get on your feet, but it was futile. You could hear him tossing the bat away. Not a moment later he gripped your hair yet again and punched you repeatedly.
Tears and blood mixed in your eyes, causing your vision to be blurred even more. Hearing another bottle break startled you but you couldn't move. The glass was now everywhere, digging into every inch of unprotected skin. Your father held up a broken bottle and leveled it with your exposed neck.
“Don’t you even THINK about leaving.” He dropped the bottle to the floor and the only sounds you could hear were your labored breathing before you passed out.
*
“Are you alright, (Y/n)?” Thor pulled you from your thoughts. He was so close that you could smell a slight strawberry scent on him.
“Oh! Umm, yeah.” You responded flustered. Realizing how close he was, Thor hurriedly backed away and you felt your body heat with the telltale signs of a blush.
“Come on, let’s hurry and escape the cold. Your nose and cheeks are turning red.” Thor set a faster pace and you walk/jogged to catch up with him. You were glad he thought it was from the cold.
Once you got there, Thor rushed you inside to embrace the warmth of the little shop. The café just opened, and it was also extremely convenient because it was open 24/7 and within walking distance of the Tower. You marveled at all of the quaint little features as you and the large god sat in a nearby booth. The seats were red leather and the table was made of polished wood. It smelled heavily of coffee, and there was a small TV in the corner. It was perfect.
“So, would you like to smash this place to smithereens.” Thor stopped warming his hands and look at you worriedly. “I’m only kidding Thor, lighten up.” You laughed. Scanning the little room, you saw that you were the only customers there. That made you feel slightly more at ease. Just as you and Thor got settled, a woman about your age walked towards you. Her hair was dark at the roots then it faded into a light blonde. Her skin was tan and she was remarkably pretty. She also seemed vaguely familiar, but you couldn't figure out why. Stopping at the edge of your table, she reached and took out a notepad and pen.
“Hello, I'm Alex and I'll be your server for this evening. What can I getcha guys?” She asked. When she looked at you she stopped, wide-eyed for a moment. It seemed like she knew you. She suddenly shook her head. “Sorry, I zoned out for a second. Are you ready to order.” She seemed distracted. You frowned, there was something off about her. There was a moment before you realized she was talking to you.
“Oh, I’ll have a (favorite drink) please.” You turned to Thor as she wrote in her notepad, still trying to figure out why she seemed so familiar. You have never been to this café before, so you racked your brain for an answer.
“And for you, sir?” Alex tapped the pen against the notepad.
“Do you have any of those delicious sugary delicacies?” Alex looked at him so confused.
“He means pop tarts.” You filled in. You just decided the weird feeling you experienced was just because of your heightened emotional state from everything that happened, so you gave up on trying to figure her out. She just seemed on edge, but you brushed it off to nerves from being a new server.
“Oh, yeah. We've got tonnes in the back. How many would you like?” You were surprised that she laughed and said nothing about how Thor called her a mortal.
“A whole box of the pink ones that taste much like strawberries. Not toasted please.” You held back the urge to laugh as the waitress snorted and scribbled down the last of the order. “What? Did I do it wrong?” Thor looked between the waitress and you, confused.
“No, hot stuff. You did just fine. I’ll be back with your order in a bit.” She walked away laughing, nerves forgotten. As soon as she was gone, Thor’s playful smile vanished as he looked out the window at the continuing construction to rebuild a large skyscraper. He seemed so solemn. Screw your dream what’s up with him, he is never like this. It’s slightly worrisome.
“What’s wrong?” You asked. He must have noticed his sudden change in facial features because he quickly put on another smile.
“Nothing, (Y/n). All is well.” Thor covered up good, but you saw through it. You thought it was best not to pry. If he wanted, he would tell you.
I hope. You thought.