When We Were Young

Traitor

"Thor?" You questioned as you walked out of the water and jogged towards him.

"Happy birthday," he said as he picked you up and spun you around, making you smile.

"Thank you," you muttered as he set you on your feet and pressed a long kiss to your lips. "How'd you know where I was?"

"I went to the tower and Tony said you were in Brooklyn," he replied before giving Steve a nod.

"I'm really surprised to see you," you said, swallowing hard.

"You thought I would miss your birthday?"

"I thought you'd be off fighting the good fight," you admitted. "There isn't anything special about today anyway."

You glanced at Steve and could sense the change in his mood. He wasn't happy and playful anymore— he looked jealous and disappointed.

Thor brought your hand to his mouth, kissing your knuckles, which put your focus back on him.

"Tony said something about a party for you?" Thor questioned.

"Yeah, he told me this morning."

"I hope Y/N has been staying out of trouble," Thor said with laughter as he looked to Steve. "I can only hope she's found something to do to keep things off of her mind."

Your eyes widened and you looked at Steve, shaking your head.

"Nothing too troubling," Steve replied. "A lot of good workouts. Sometimes she gets several a day. Otherwise she's really flexible. Her schedule, I mean. It's usually always wide open."

You gave Steve a stern look before forcing a smile back into your face as you looked to Thor.

"Steve was helping me look for an apartment here. Did you want to join us?" You asked, looking at Thor.

"Of course," he replied with a soft smile. "But don't you think you should be getting back to the tower to get ready?"

"It isn't until later tonight," Steve replied.

"Plus, I'm sure it'll be a small gathering. Nothing too big," you added.

"Have you met Stark? Of course it'll be a big party," Thor chuckled as he laced his fingers with yours.

As the three of you walked to the last condo of the day, you had a hard time focusing. Rather than engage in conversation, you spent the time trying to force yourself to feel something other than immense guilt. As Steve and Thor spoke, you almost felt as though you were going to throw up from your nerves.

After looking at the fourth and final apartment, you had decided that you liked the first one the best and put in an offer.

The cab ride back was quiet. Thor sat in the front while you and Steve sat apart from one another in the backseat.

"I'm sorry," you mouthed to Steve as you got out of the cab back at the tower.

You had been shocked that Thor was back and what was more shocking to you was the fact that you didn't feel as happy as you thought you would.

It wasn't like when you were with Steve. Steve had a way of making you feel safe and secure in a way that Thor hadn't ever done. You figured it was because you had known Steve for most of your life.

Despite Thor showing up for your birthday, you did your best to keep to yourself throughout the day, staying hidden in your room. As the evening quickly approached, Natasha came to see you.

"Happy birthday," she said with a bright smile.

"I didn't think you were going to come," you said as you sat up in bed.

"You still haven't gotten ready?"

"I don't have the will anymore," you sighed, half joking.

"You'd better find it. Tony has a huge cake for you."

"Why is everyone so excited about this dang party? It's just another day," you groaned.

"Just because you're ninety four doesn't mean you've celebrated each of those birthdays. It's making up for lost time."

Natasha walked over to your bed and grabbed your arm, dragging you out of bed and pushing you into the bathroom.

"Shower. Now."

You glared at Natasha before shutting the bathroom door and running the shower. Natasha knew you were being stubborn and refused to leave. Half an hour later, the water was still running and she was growing impatient.

"Don't make me come in there," Natasha threatened as she knocked on the door.

"I'm not going!"

"Y/N Y/M/N Barnes! I'm coming in!"

Natasha jiggled the handle and rolled her eyes when it was locked.

"I'm going to get Steve," she threatened.

"Natasha, no!"

You turned the water off and grabbed a towel, wrapping it around yourself.

"Did I hear my name?"

"She's refusing to come out," Natasha explained.

After a moment, there was a soft knock on the door.

"Y/N? What's going on?"

You didn't have time to reply before you heard yet another voice coming from the other side of the door.

"Is everything alright?" Thor questioned before walking to the door. "May I come in?"

You wiped the condensation from the mirror, frowning as the reflection of a traitor stared back at you.

"Come in."

Steve stepped aside and Thor slid the door open enough for him to slip inside.

"What's wrong?" Thor asked as he walked up to you and gently rested his hand on your shoulder.

"I'm not in a very festive mood," you admitted, looking down. "I would prefer to lay in bed and pretend I don't exist for a little bit."

Thor's brows pulled together and he used his forefinger to raise your chin.

"That's very unlike you. Talk to me."

"I'll snap out of it," you replied. "I should get ready before Natasha yells at me again."

Thor chuckled before pressing his lips to your forehead as he wrapped his arms around you.

"It'll be your best birthday yet. I promise," he said with a smile before leaving the bathroom.

You looked at your reflection and sighed before walking out of the bathroom.

"As much as I know you all want a free show, you gotta go," you said as you walked to the closet and pulled out a short black dress with a pair of high heeled booties. "I'll be up once I'm done getting ready."