literature

Cousin Like Cousin? | Avengers x Teen!Reader | AU

Deviation Actions

Published: Mar 15, 2016

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Literature Text

"Steve!"

The blond gym owner sighed and set down his newspaper. His blue eyes glanced over at you, who'd he'd taken in when you were nine years old. You'd grown up to be quite the troublemaker, not that he blamed you. The two of you lived in a little apartment building above his gym, his friends also inhabiting the surrounding apartments. "Can I help you?"

"Can I go out tonight?"

"It's a school night." He picked up his paper once again, eyes skimming for the article he was reading before your interruption.

You groaned, "Come on, Steve!"

"I said no. Ask me on Friday or Saturday and we'll talk."

You pouted, "I'm going to Tony's."

"Dinner's at five..." He reminded, turning the page.

You stuck your tongue out at him, opening up the front door of your apartment and heading across the hall to Tony's place.

"Saw that!"

Your eyes nearly rolled into the back of your head. Steve saw everything!

"Don't roll your eyes at me!"

You shook your head and knocked on the door, Black Sabbath muffled beyond the door. Though it went full blast when it was opened, the man with a curious pout and a grease stain on his handsome face. He pulled a small black remote from his back pocket and paused his music, your ears ringing and his immune. He raised a dark eyebrow.

"Yeeeeees?"

"Steve's not letting me go out tonight."

His eyebrows met in the middle, confused. "You're seventeen; why does it matter anymore, what he says? Just go out."

You sighed, "I'm not technically an adult yet, Tony."

He wiped his hands on a rag, "Well, what do you want me to do?"

You shrugged, "I dunno. I just came to complain, really. What're you doing?"

"Building shit for as long as I can until Liz comes home from work and makes me shower."

You scrunched up your nose, "Gross."

He sniggered, "Want me to talk to him?"

"If I thought anyone could change his mind, Tony, you're probably the last person I'd ask to do so."

"Hey, I have some great ideas! Rogers just doesn't have an open enough mind for them."

"Tony, we do not need a rooftop pool with a waterslide!"

"Yes we do!"

You just laughed and watched Tony cross the hall, shoving the dirty rag in his back pocket as he and your uncle continued talking about the pool.

"Steve, we need-"

"No, Tony. We do not need it."

Clint's apartment was the next destination. His door was open, as always, and he was either sleeping on the couch with coffee mugs everywhere, or the archery instructor was playing darts. And as you walked in, you realized it was about half and half. His eyes slid over to the left, his hand coming up for a slight wave and then a flick of the wrist, the dart landing straight into the center.

"I'm not helping you sneak out, kid."

"Clint! I just wanna hang out with my friends!"

"Do it before curfew. Also, you have no friends."

"Hey! I have a couple of them."

"Right, and I've got a girlfriend."

"Her name is Emma."

"Stop going through my phone, jackass."

You snickered and picked up an empty mug, rinsing it out and drying it before filling it with fresh coffee. Clint reached for it eagerly, and you rolled your eyes. "It's pathetic how you and Tony need coffee to sustain life."

"Hey, he's got a wife, blame her. I'm here by myself. Besides, coffee's great."

"It's really not. It smells horrible."

He closed his eyes, head leaning on the soft couch cushions, pointing to the door. "Begone, Satan! You are banished from my palace!"

A snort was all you had in response, though you grinned softly at his murmured following statement.

"Still love you though, damn kid."

Thor and Loki's room was your next stop. They were your favorite knuckleheads, as they always fought about something or other, be it who was hogging the bathroom or ate the other's hidden snack. Loki was your most preferred brother, as Thor preferred the whole "working out while bonding" thing that you totally weren't down for, ever. He was probably down in Steve's gym now, as he was the only one who actually used it out of all the inhabitants of the apartment building directly above it.

"Loki, you in there?"

"Come in, young one."

There was a book in one hand and a cup of tea in the other. Not once did his eyes move away from the fine letterings of the pages, yet every time you visited him while he read, he managed to have a full blown, decent conversation with you. Loki set down the tea, patting the space next to him on the couch.

"Come to complain about Daddy Dearest?"

"He won't let me go out tonight."

"I'm sure he's within reason. He doesn't often turn you down, you know."

"Yeah, but I want to go out tonight."

"What is so important to drag you out later tonight? Why not go now?" He inquired, sipping on his beverage afterwards.

"Because it's still daylight."

Loki set down his book, giving you a weird look, "Dear god, child, what are you planning?"

Your thumbs began cycling around one another as you clasped your hands, "Well, at school today, people were picking on Peter, so I stood up for him, and they just started being rude to the both of us, so... I'm gonna egg their houses tonight."

Loki's face transformed into one of pure mischief, "Oh really? Well, I suppose I could help you. After all, the only one picking on you and that little boyfriend of yours ought to be the residents of this building, not some snot-nosed brats."

"See, I knew there was a reason you were my favorite!"

"I'll send you a text at ten. Follow all of my instructions. Now go on, I'm reading a very wonderful novel."

You checked the cover of the book, lifting an eyebrow at him. "Loki, where did you even get this book?"

"Your English professor recommended it for me."

"Uh, teacher. And why Their Eyes Were Watching God, of all books? It's a great story, but-"

"Dammit child, I shall be as enthralled by any piece of literature that I want!"

You held your hands out and stood, not ready to entice the beast any farther. The man sure did love his novels...

Quietly you closed the door, turning to see none other than your cousin's best friend, Bucky Barnes. You smiled at him, but his eyes simply narrowed at the sight of you exiting Thor and Loki's apartment. You bit your tongue, holding back an audible swear. Bucky was cool, but he was also a strict enforcer of Steve's rules when it came to keeping you in check. You'd been tattled on many a time by him, and you didn't think this time would be an exception.

"What're you doing?" He asked suspiciously.

"Nothing. Just talking to Loki."

"Quick conversation."

"He's reading."

"Hmmm... What're you up to?"

"Nothing. What makes you think that?"

"Nothing. Steve says dinner's ready, by the way."

He turned and walked off, heading over to Tony's apartment. "Stark! Turn that shit down!"

"Bite me, Barnes!"

xXx

"Night Steve!"

Your uncle grinned and bent down to kiss your forehead, "G'night, sweetheart. I'll see you tomorrow."

Why the hell did he never have children of his own?!

You gave him one more hug before heading into your bedroom, sitting down on your twin sized bed. Loki was supposed to text you in a few minutes, and you could only wonder what his plan was. You'd been known to cause quite a mess with him in the past, and that wasn't changing tonight. There was absolutely no reason for those guys to pick on Peter like they were! He never did anything to them! He was just a shy, awkward boy who stayed out of everyone's way as best as he could.

The ding on your phone pulled you out of your thoughts, anger bubbling inside you enough to motivate you to continue on with your plan.

Open the window.

You followed your first instruction, looking down to see Natasha and Loki standing at the base of a ladder. You grinned and grabbed your book bag, the contents of which had been switched with cartons of eggs shortly after your return home. Each held onto the ladder with one hand each, steadying it as you made your downwards retreat. You quickly hugged them both, Natasha ruffling your hair.

"I want in, kid. I like Peter. I don't like those other kids."

"More the merrier, I suppose."

"Well, then you'll be happy we're here!"

A flashlight shone on the three of you, the one shining the light being none other than Tony Stark, Clint right beside him, a playful smile on each of their faces. You looked at Loki, unsure if you should be annoyed or overjoyed.

"Jee, Loki, did you tell Thor too?"

"I have arrived! Pardon my tardiness."

Loki shrugged, "He wanted to take part in the egging as well, and he promised to shut the hell up for an entire night if I allowed him to join in. It's a win-win situation, darling."

"Hey, let's stop talking and go, otherwise the Captain and his sidekick are gonna find us. Vámanos!"

And the six of you were off, snickering silently at the task at hand. It was juvenile as all hell, and someone was definitely getting arrested at some point.

xXx

Steve sat in the gym, his arms crossed. He'd removed the ladder from the back of the building, and he'd had half the mind to remove his tenants as well. Bucky had tipped him off to the gang's "plans" for the night and he was less than pleased, to say the least. There were five adults in that group, five! And each and every one of them not only condoned the vandalism, but actively chose to participate in it! Those fucking idiots! They would be arrested; (Name) would not, as she was underage.

I think I'll just kill them all.

"Steve, where's everyone at?"

The blond rubbed his temples, "Where did Tony say he was going?"

"Said he and Rhodey were going to see a movie, maybe have a drink."

"He lied."

"Then what is he doing?"

"Egging houses with (Name) and everyone else."

"... I'll take Tony. You go ahead and tell him when he gets here that he better start apologizing the second he gets in this damn building, and then send his ass upstairs."

He saluted her with a nod, "Ma'am, yes ma'am.

She stomped up the stairs, and Steve smirked a bit. Served Tony right, lying to his wife and then vandalizing property like that. He knew he wouldn't want to have to endure one of her lectures, which ranged from calm to pissed, from low to loud, all in one single sitting. Tony certainly married the right woman to keep him in check, at the very least.

Soon enough, Bucky came down, pulling a chair out and sitting on it backwards, crossing his arms and looking towards the doors.

"I hate telling on her, y'know."

"I know you do."

"'Course, if she'd just fucking listen, I wouldn't need to."

"I know."

"So, what're you gonna do this time?"

"I'd like to hear her side of the story before I do anything else."

Bucky nodded, sensing just how pissed off his best friend was. It wasn't often Steve didn't have too much to add to a conversation, but whenever he did, that was a sign that he was downright pissed.

"Well, I don't think I'm gonna witness this shitstorm. Night."

"Night."

Bucky headed upstairs, but not before Steve could smirk. "Fucking nark."

Bucky rolled his eyes and flipped off his best friend before going to his room. Steve sighed deeply, his disappointed disposition taking its place once again. He just couldn't understand what the hell you were thinking! Egging someone's house? For what?!

Luckily for him, he'd be finding out in T minus three minutes. He heard the rowdy voices of the six adrenaline-fueled idiots, who had no doubt already realized the ladder was gone.

"Shit. Barnes narked. Gotta go! Remember: Cousin like cousin!"

"Get inside Tony, and good luck. You'll need it."

Tony walked in first, nodding as Steve pointed upstairs, "I know the drill, Rogers. Night."

"Goodnight, Tony."

Steve stood up as the rest of you filed in, one-by one, all looking at the ground. He crossed his arms. "All of you over the age of eighteen, we'll chat tomorrow when (Name's) at school. Goodnight."

Silence. They all shuffled away, no longer feeling good about the revenge that had been served. Steve pointed to the chair he'd just been occupying, frowning at you as you sat down.

"Wanna tell me what the hell made you think egging someone's house was alright?"

You shook your head, "I'd rather not." You said quietly.

"Really? You were so brave an hour ago. What happened?"

You sighed, "Steve..."

"Don't tell me I won't understand, (Name). Now tell me why you vandalized someone's house and then roped in five other people to help you."

"Technically, Loki did that. I just talked to him-"

"I don't need your specifics, (Name). I need your answers, now."

"People were picking on Peter again..." You admitted quietly. "I can't just let them get away with it. You always stand up to bullies."

Steve dropped his head with a sigh. Bullies. Now it made sense. He pulled another chair in front of you, sitting and leaning forward, taking your hands in his.

"Hey, look at me."

Reluctantly your head was lifted, tears swimming in your crystal eyes. He wiped away one that dared to fall and smiled softly.

"While I'm glad you're standing up for the underdog, I can't be proud of how you did it. That was wrong, and you know it. Two wrongs don't make a right, and you are very well aware of the fact. And tomorrow, you and everyone involved in the process will apologize and clean up whatever mess you made."

"Well, on the bright side, at least I don't have to go to school tomorrow..." You grumbled.

Steve hugged you tightly with a low chuckle, "I love you, you know that?"

"Yeah. Love you too, Steve."

"You're still grounded though."

"Yeah, I had that one coming."

"You sure as hell did."

au lol me natasharomanoff thorodinson originalcharacter steverogers tonystark natasharomanov clintbarton lokilaufeyson avengersxreader teenreader

Sentence Drabble Commission for .

Thanks for your prompt, hun! I'm afraid it isn't very good. I didn't remember what your sentence was and I couldn't find it, but I did remember bits and pieces of the prompt. Hope you don't mind!

Also, this is very clearly set in an AU setting, as it was requested that Reader was Steve's cousin. Don't know how, you can go ahead and brainstorm that one yourself.

Next up: Sentence Drabble Commission for ! Can't wait to get you some Smash Bros. and Sammy Winchester, Lyn! Though I believe we're overdue for some Smash. When's the last time I happily exclaimed, "'CAUSE IT'S TIME TO MOTHERFUCKING SMASH!!!"?