Disclaimer/Authors Note

Hello all! We are two friends completely obsessed with fanfiction and the MCU, especially Captain America and The Winter Soldier. Since we haven't been finding the type of stories we would like to see for our fav leading men, we decided to team up and write our own!

Sadly we don't own anything from the Marvel Universe (Obviously, since otherwise this would be a movie lol). The only things we own are our original characters, and the idea for this story.

This story is going to be a slow burn, and will take a little bit before we introduce our girls to the Avengers, but please bear with us! We do have a plan, and a lot of this is mapped out already.

This fic is Rated M, for a reason (ie: language, violence, and Smut), if any of that offends you please click the back button now. We promise good spelling and (hopefully) grammar, plot, angst, romance, smut, and of course a happy ending!

This will be AU for timeline, post Infinity Wars but almost everyone survived (don't get us started on that), but we will be trying to keep true to the characters in general.

We will try to keep this updated regularly, but we are busy mom's with toddlers running around, so no guarantees lol!

Please, please, PLEASE review, and let us know what you think! Constructive criticism is welcome, but please NO flames.

We hope you enjoy our story!

The Shieldmaidens

"You have got to be fucking kidding me." Slamming the door of her dorm room, Cassiopeia Hunter lets a few more expletives fly as she stalks over and erases the message left on her dry-erase board.

Cassiopeia,

We need to talk. NOW.

Dad

Kicking off her combat boots, she pulled out her phone, and wondered for probably the thousandth time why he refused to just text her like a normal person! Sighing in resignation she selected her father's contact information, and pressed the phone icon.

"Cassie, why haven't you finished your sculpture piece? Your deadline is at the end of this week, and it looks the same as the last time I saw it. What's going on? Remember the deal? I don't want to keep calling you to remind you. You're an adult now, and you need to start being more responsible!" Bryan Hunter's stern voice whipped out, grating over her already raw nerves.

"Well 'Hello' to you too Dad! I am having just the BEST day ever. Thank you so much for asking!" The effort it took to refrain from screaming at his overwhelming passive aggressiveness made her grind her teeth.

"Cassie, less attitude please, just answer the question."

"I'll answer your questions when you answer mine! Why the hell were you in my dorm room?!"

"I wanted to check in, since John said he hasn't heard from you this week. You're supposed to give us regular updates, and I was tired of waiting. Now, answer my question. "

"John can kiss my ass. I've been busy with work, but I have plenty of time to finish before the deadline, so stop being ridiculous!"

"Cassiopeia! Be respectful! You owe John for getting your name to the top of the admissions list for that school. Besides, you know you don't have to work so much, your mother and I are paying for your tuition, so I don't understand why you insist on having that damn job. You need to focus on what's important here, your career."

"Well, my art supplies aren't cheap daddio! Anyways, gotta go, you know, work on that sculpture you're stalking me over. So Byeeee." Not waiting for his response Cassie viciously stabbed the end call button, but somehow resisted the urge to throw her phone across the room. She was just so damn tired of him showing up and snooping around, or having the Dean of Admissions pop in once a week with ridiculous excuses.

Honestly, she loved her dad, she really did, but his micromanaging and intrusiveness were driving her insane. Her parents had always been fairly supportive of her decision to go into the arts field instead of their beloved astrophysics. Well, mostly. Her mom was totally one-hundred percent supportive. Her father though, he had always made it abundantly clear that art would always be a distinct second place to his dream of her scientific career. When Cassie was young, it had been glaringly obvious when she kept doodling her way through math and science lessons, that she was not going to follow in her parents footsteps. Much to her father's dismay, she kept bringing home awards for painting instead of science. So he kept forcing her to take tutoring lessons, and when those didn't work, he switched her to a private school. So of course she rebelled, like all teenagers do, she dyed her hair and started listening to metal music loud enough to make her mother cringe. But once she started channeling all that rebellious attitude into her artwork it paid off big time.

When the dean of her private school called to congratulate Cassie on winning the school's mural competition, her father finally decided it was time to concede. Strictly on his terms though. Cassie had to continue to excel in her field, no questions asked, and he would stop pestering her about choosing a field of study in science. When she graduated high school, she had instantly applied to New York University to try to get away from the abundant pressure her father put on her. She had thought it was unbelievably lucky that she was accepted, and didn't even have to try and convince her parents to let her stay on campus. Of course at that time she was unaware of the fact that her daddy-o's best friend, John Sanderson, was the fucking dean of admissions, and would be sending her father weekly reports on everything she did. He had done her father a favor by paving the way for her acceptance into the University, and it had been made abundantly clear to her that it was conditional on her keeping her grades up, and staying out of trouble.

So she had buckled down and been a model student, all the while working every spare second between classes so she could finally get some fucking privacy. Scrimping and saving every spare cent she made from her side jobs, and selling her art, for almost two years Sucked. But it had all paid off when she found the listing for a two bedroom apartment, with an awesome sized living room/dining room that she could use as studio space. And today, at long last, the lease papers had been signed, and it was time to celebrate!

No more cramped college dorm for her! And no more being under her dad's microscope, Halle-fucking-lujah. Taking a good look around her dorm room, she surveyed the haphazardly made twin bed, the concert posters covering her walls, right next to prints of her favorite pieces of art. She absolutely loved how badass her Van Gough's Starry Night looked next to her Arch Enemy concert posters. She made a mental note to bring some boxes home so she could start packing for the move. Excitement bubbled up in her at the thought of the bright future that was finally within reach.

Once she got the commission for this sculpture, and moved into the new apartment, she planned to drop her side job and completely focus on her art. She would need all the extra time she could manage to get enough pieces ready to hopefully get a slot in next year's New York Art Galla. If all went as she hoped, after the gallery she wouldn't have to pick up another side job to make ends meet. She grinned wickedly at the thought of how much her dad would disapprove of the show, since none of the pieces were commissions and therefore weren't 'low risk investments'. Ugh. As if she couldn't create beautiful work that people would buy, without listening to any guidance except her own muse! Well she would just show him, and oh how she wished she could see the look on his face when he found out she had slipped from under his thumb!

Though of course all these plans of freedom were contingent on finding a roommate to split the rent with, otherwise all her savings would be burned through in a few short months. Turning back to her desk she studied the sculpture that her dad was in such a tizzy over. Her desk was a chaotic jumble of art supplies, and with all the canvasses leaning against it she doubted that he had even noticed the other half of the sculpture sitting next to the trash bin waiting to be attached to the main piece. She would get that assembled and put the finishing touches on it tonight, but first she had to post that 'Roommate Wanted' ad on the University's chatter group. Grabbing her laptop she sat down on the couch, and started composing the ad that would change her life.

Roommate Wanted

Two bedroom apartment in the East Village, Must attend NYU and pay for half of the rent and utilities. Some studio space available if you're an art major. Bonus points if you're willing to share food.

Assholes need not apply.

Elizabeth Morgan raised her eyebrows at the last line of the ad. It seemed a bit harsh, but she didn't really have many options at this point if she didn't want to be in a dorm room when she transferred to NYU this semester. After initially looking at the prices of apartments in New York City she had almost given up the idea of transferring to NYU, but the scholarship she had been offered was just too tempting!

Earlier this summer she had entered some of her photographs in an online competition, little did she know that one of the judges would be a professor at NYU. When Professor Derrick Milten had contacted her to ask for her portfolio and college transcripts she had been shocked! Within a week she had received a scholarship offer from NYU to attend their Fine Arts Photography and Imaging course.

The two years she has spent doing her online classes full time, and not taking summer breaks had paid off, as since she had completed all the prerequisite classes. So when the credit hours transferred she would be able to focus solely on the art and photography courses! Her excitement had known no bounds ... until she told her parents.

To say her dad was against the move was the understatement of her life. She understood his concerns, she really did, but just because she was a small town girl from Rock Creek, Montana didn't mean she couldn't survive in New York! Well she hoped so anyways, if she thought about it too much it made her feel sick with nerves, but the opportunity was just too good to pass up.

However, the cost of living in New York was certainly daunting. She had thought that her savings from working at the local bakery since she was sixteen, and doing photography sessions on the side for the past two years, would have been more than enough to cover her expenses since tuition was covered, but that was sadly not the case. After estimating expenses, she had almost been ready to give up on the idea, but then Professor Milten had suggested she check out the University student chatter page to see if anyone was looking for a roommate. Which brought her to her present occupation, browsing through a list of ads. The one that had caught her eye had plenty of space, and the price was the best she had seen yet. She might actually still be able to live on her savings until graduation if she was really careful.

Clicking on the profile photo next to the ad she studied her potential roommate; Cassiopeia Hunter looked dauntingly vibrant and confident, with her brightly dyed blue hair, dark makeup, and wicked smile. Judging by appearances only, if this Cassiopeia was looking for her polar opposite for a roommate, then Lizzie definitely fit the bill. Looking at the handful of public images on her profile, she wondered how she could possibly handle living with such a flamboyant person. The photos of her at some sort of concert wearing what looked to be leather pants, and a corset with a plunging neckline, made Lizzie's eyes pop wide.

But then she was a sheltered bookworm that had only left her tiny hometown for family vacations, so what did she know? Besides, she desperately needed a place to stay in New York, and this sounded perfect. A quick check of the area on Google Maps showed that it would be within easy walking distance of the college, and studio space meant she might be able to set up a nice workspace for processing her images. She let the cursor hover over the message button on Cassiopeia's profile, then taking a deep breath she clicked it, and started to type a short inquiry to see if the apartment was still available.

"She What?!"

The outraged bellow of her father rang through the house and made Lizzie jump in her chair. While not a violent man, her father's temper still had the ability to make her want to hide in her room.

At twenty one you would think I'd be past this by now, she thought bitterly.

Resigned to the inevitable she started to set aside her laptop, then hesitated and clicked send before she could chicken out. Satisfied with her small victory over her nerves, she made her way to the stairs to face the real challenge. The closer she got, the clearer her parents voices became.

"Tom, you need to calm down!"

"Calm down? Calm down?! I'll calm down when our daughter comes to her damn senses, and forgets this nonsense about going to New York! Do you have any idea what could happen to our girl in a big city like that Elaine? You can't seriously be in favor of her going!"

"Tom, she's an adult! She can do what she wants, and you acting like this is only driving her away!" Elaine's voice trembled slightly with emotion, and seemed to break through a bit of her fathers anger.

Hesitating in the kitchen doorway Lizzie watched her dad turn towards the window, and run his hands through his hair in frustration. The tension in him clear in the rigid line of his shoulders.

"You know I don't want that, I'm just so worried about her. And now you tell me she's looking for a roommate instead of staying on the college campus?!"

Standing there looking at her father's worried demeanor made Lizzie feel horrible, how could she put them through all this worry when she could easily just continue her classes online? But no, it was more than just general education waiting for her in New York. The knowledge and artistic experience she would gain was invaluable to her, and the passion she had for capturing images that would be treasured forever, far surpassed the fleeting worry and nerves surrounding the move.

"Dad, I'm sorry you don't approve of this, I truly am, but it is an amazing opportunity that I just cant bear to pass up."

Her words made her father turn away from the window and look at her.

"Lizzie, I ..." he started, then trailed off, his face creased with worry and frustration.

"We've been over this again and again Dad, I wish I could make you okay with this somehow, but I just can't."

"I was trying to accept you moving, but now you're going to be living with a complete stranger?!"

"How is that different than living in a dorm filled with other students?"

"You would be living on a college campus, so at least you wouldn't be out walking to and from school by yourself on the streets of New York! And on a campus you have tons of people nearby if you need help, rather than alone in an apartment with someone you know nothing about." His voice was starting to rise again, so Lizzie quickly cut in.

"Yeah live on a college campus with a ton of college students partying all the time, that's so much better than living with one other girl?! The girl I just messaged about an apartment is an art major too from the sounds of things, so we could probably travel together at least part of the time."

Sighing heavily her father turned back to the window. "Well I guess your mind is made up then, I hope you don't regret it."

"Tom, that's enough!" Her mother's voice cut in sharply. "Can't you see she's nervous enough without you adding to it? None of us are in love with this move, but she's put a lot of thought and preparation into it, and it won't be forever. Christmas break isn't that far away, and she will be back home before we know it. I'm sure all this worry will be for nothing in the end! After all kids go off to college all the time and nothing dire happens. We've had our baby home for years longer than most parents get, so let's just be happy for her." Elaine's voice quavered a bit at the last, but she firmed it resolutely.

"Now then, supper will be ready in about an hour, and we can discuss the details of your move then Lizzie. Why don't you take the rest of the time to cool your tempers off a bit." With that she turned back to the sink to finish washing the potatoes that had been lying there neglected during the heated discussion. Her dad muttered something about going to cut some firewood, and let the storm door slam on his way out. Fighting back tears, Lizzie gave her mom's shoulders a grateful hug before heading back upstairs to check her messages.

Walking into her room, she went straight to the desk and opened her laptop. The message icon was flashing on her screen, and she eagerly clicked on it. The chat log showed her original message at the top of the screen, with Cassiopeia's reply underneath. Seeing that the other girl was apparently still logged into the messenger app, she quickly she sat down and started typing.

Lizzie: Hi there! I saw your ad on the NYU chatter group, and I was wondering if the apartment is still available?

Cassie: Hiya, yep! It's still available. Do you have any questions? You're a student right cuz I don't want any creeps.

Lizzie: Haha yes I'm a new student, transferring to NYU from Montana. I'm a photography/art major so I was intrigued by the studio space you mentioned. Would there be enough room to have a desk/workspace with maybe some inspiration boards and such?

Cassie: Montana?! Bluhhhhhhh. That sounds boring! There's totally enough space, I tend to sprawl out so if you need more you can just kick my shit to the side. The rent is fairly simple, split 50/50. That includes the utilities and stuff.

Lizzie: Ok awesome! Lol, yeah not much going on out here! I'm from a really small town, and have never really travelled much so I'm kind of intimidated by the move to be honest. But I'm super excited too! That sounds perfect, this is the first affordable option I've come across in NY, since I didn't really want to live in the dorms.

Cassie: Dude I just moved out of the dorms. I've been here for two years now and it sucks. The dorms are lame and there are spies everywhere, but that's another story. Anyways, this is pretty new for me too. I've never had a roommate before so I guess if you want it, we can figure it out together? I am most definitely sure there will be times where I aggravate you haha. I don't have a filter. So I hope that isn't a deal breaker.

Lizzie: Yeah I just felt like I would feel completely smothered in a dorm. That would be so great! I'm so glad I contacted you in time! Lol that's no problem, as long as you don't mind me being a bit on the quiet side. I tend to be a major bookworm.

Cassie: Where are you attending school now? Or are you coming in as a freshman?

Lizzie: I've actually been attending an online college, so I'm coming in as a Junior. But totally inexperienced in college life so may as well be a freshman haha.

Cassie: Oh nice! I would go crazy with online classes, and being stuck home.

Lizzie: Yeah I've been so busy with work and school it hasn't really bothered me, but I am excited for a change of pace!

Cassie: I'm super glad I don't have to wade through a ton of emails that say "interested!" And then never respond. And I got lucky you're in the art school, that means our schedules will be relatively close, or at least in the same buildings. I can help you adjust to the "college life" but please don't hold your breath as I'm a bit of a weirdo and generally do my own thing lol.

Lizzie: Oh my gosh I would appreciate any help you are able to give me. Even if it's just helping me figure out how to get around, that would be Amazing!

Cassie: No prob! When are you planning to move? Classes start in a couple weeks!

Lizzie: I'm hoping to move next week if possible! My parents aren't really happy with my move so I think the sooner I leave home the better at this point.

Cassie: Girl get out of there! They may convince you to stay! TRUST ME! I love my parents, but my dad is super intense. He's the reason I'm leaving the dorms.

Lizzie: Yes! I really need to get out of here ASAP before I chicken out lol. And same here, my dad is usually great, but he's just so upset that I'm moving, especially since it's a big city.

Cassie: I'm actually pretty stoked because I'm originally from Maryland, and I've been doing nothing except art since I started at NYU so I've never really been around the city. I can help you navigate the campus, but we will have to go on adventures together around the city!

Lizzie: What kind of art do you do? I would absolutely love to get out and explore New York a bit! I have most of my main classes done so I won't have a very heavy class work schedule, but I desperately want to get out and do some cityscape photography!

Cassie: I love to do mixed media types of artworks! I paint backgrounds and throw some resin over it and then toss things into the resin haha. I also like to do sculptures. I don't have it all figured out yet lol.

Lizzie: Oh that sounds so cool! I can't wait to see some of your work! Maybe if you need some photos done I can help you out?

Cassie: YAS! There's a gallery event next fall I'm hoping to get a spot in, so I could totally use your photography offer for portfolio shots! Thanks!

Lizzie: Ohhh that's so exciting! I would Love to do that!

Cassie: So the next thing to do is we can agree that you'll co-sign the lease so we have it in writing? I can send you the info to your student email.

Lizzie: Perfect, let's get it all official so I can tell my dad it's a done deal! I'll email you all my contact info from the link on your main post so you have it all saved.

Cassie: Great! That works and I'll email you right back with the lease agreement and all that.

Lizzie: Ok! I'll get it all signed and sent back to you right away. Now just to finish packing and break it to my parents that it's really happening haha. I will start checking into flights and keep you updated on my plans. Thanks again for this, I appreciate it so much!

Cassie: Totally welcome! I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

Lizzie: Talk to you soon!

When a 'peace out' emoji popped up on her screen, Lizzie smiled and signed off. Excitement and nerves battled for supremacy in her, but in the end excitement won out. Looking around at the boxes scattered around her room, she got up and started pulling clothes out of her closet. The time for doubts was over, it was time to get her act together, and make this happen.