(steamy implications at the end, violence.)

"That's not good," Bruce mumbled. Steve looked in the direction Bruce was pointing. Indeed it wasn't good. There, coming over the horizon, was a ship. Not just any ship. No, it was The (S/N), the ship belonging to the most fearsome pirate captain in the world. A captain whose name struck fear into the hearts of all who heard it. A captain who was known for taking down anyone who got in her way. That captain was you. And now, your ship was coming up fast on The Avenger and the crew was worried.

"We can't outrun her and our weapons aren't strong enough to put a dent in her ship. So what do we do?" Sam asked. Steve was the captain and they were all waiting for his instructions. "We wait and see what she'll do. She may not even notice us." The crew looked apprehensive, but most of them wouldn't argue. His idea was better than trying to fight and losing. If that happened, they'd all end up at the bottom of the sea.

Unfortunately for the crew of the Avenger, you did notice them and they were sailing right in your path. "Prepare to board, men! I want them taken alive." Your crew let out a noise of assent as they readied to obey your command. With a smirk, you turned to your helmsman. "Bring us alongside."

Steve held his breath as you pulled your ship alongside his. So much for not being noticed. In what seemed like a flash, your crew boarded his ship, surprising the crew. He let out a sigh. All they wanted to do today was enjoy a day of sailing. He had not wanted to tangle with pirates. Now it seemed that he had no choice. It was fight or die.

Since they were only out sailing for pleasure, the Avenger was outnumbered. They put up a good fight, but they were no match for your crew in such small numbers. Steve was soon tied up alongside Sam, Tony, and Bucky. Natasha and Wanda were lead away first as you boarded the Avenger yourself. Your eyes surveyed the crew for a moment before landing on Steve. He was absolutely gorgeous and his eyes just captivated you. They were kind eyes, but the eyes of a man who had seen so much. Too much in his life.

For a moment, the two of you were locked in a staring contest. It was Tony who broke the silence. "Look, lady, what do you want with us?!" You glared at him. "Lady? I'm no lady. Captain Y/F/N, at your service. I don't want anything with you except to get you out of my way. But, as I have a reputation to uphold, that means taking you aboard my ship and sinking yours to the bottom of the sea."

They all began to protest. You took out your pistol and shot into the air. "ENOUGH! UNLESS YOU WANT TO JOIN THIS VESSEL IN DAVY JONES' LOCKER!" They quieted down. Now they understood part of the reason you were so feared. You were frightening when you were angry. Clearing your throat, you turned to your first mate. "Bring them aboard The (S/N) and throw them in the brig." Your first mate nodded and you turned on your heel to return to your ship.

You had better things to think of than the sailors at that point. You had a treasure to get to and you were running out of time. Loki, your rival, was hot on your trail. The treasure you were seeking was said to be so vast that anyone who found it would be hailed as a king...or queen in your case. Loki didn't need that much power. So you set out to get the treasure first, but the sailors had caused a slight delay. Now it was a race to the finish.

"Captain, the captain of the Avenger is demanding to see you." You let out a soft groan. "Fine. Bring him to my cabin. And make sure there are no more detours, got it?!" He nodded and scampered off. You didn't blame him. You'd killed his brother for crossing you. The man feared for his life. Sighing, you went to your cabin to await your "guest".

Steve was shoved into the cabin a few minutes later. "Who are you?" you asked, "You have no rights aboard my ship, Captain..." You trailed off, hoping he'd give you his name. Plus, it would give you a moment to collect your thoughts. He was even more handsome up close. "Steve. Steve Rogers. I have the right to know why you decided to capture us and sink our ship. We've done nothing to you. How could we have been in your way?"

"Tell me, Captain Rogers, have you ever heard of the Tesseract?" Steve's brows furrowed and he shook his head. You smiled. "It's a treasure. The ultimate treasure. A treasure I plan on getting for myself and my crew. And it's a treasure than Captain Loki Laufeyson wants more than anything as well. He will do anything to get it before me."

Steve gulped. He'd heard of Loki too. How had he and his crew come to be in the middle of a race between the two most feared pirates crews in the world? "So, you bully us so you can take all this powerful treasure for yourself?" Steve snapped at you. You arched a brow. "Watch your tone, Captain. Yes. I will not let another ship or Captain become more powerful than I. Besides, who knows what Loki would do with all that power? At least, if I have it, I will go on the way I have been. Everyone knows me."

Sinking down in a chair, Steve was faced with cold reality. He and his crew were stuck there until you got your treasure. And then, he had no idea what would happen to them all. He had to think and think fast. Unfortunately, you weren't going to give him time. "So, until I have what I want, you and your crew are my prisoners. Back to the brig with you." Steve began yelling and protesting, which you completely ignored. He was dragged back down to the brig, not to see you again until several days later.

*short time skip*

"DAMMIT! HIT 'EM WITH EVERYTHING WE'VE GOT!" you ordered over the sound of cannon fire. Despite all your efforts, you and Loki had made it to the location of the treasure at the same time. Now, you, your crews, and your ships were all battling it out on the high seas. As Loki's crew began boarding your ship, they seemed to multiply. His numbers seemed never-ending.

You fought off as many of Loki's men as you could. You fought with everything there was in you to fight. The sound of steel striking steel and the smell of gun powder filled the air. For most people, it was frightening, but for you and most pirates, it was exhilarating. You were partially enjoying yourself until you saw Loki come into view.

He stalked toward you like a fox tailed a rabbit. You rushed him, but he was much faster than you. He easily parried your blow and soon, you found yourself on your backside on the deck of your own ship. Still, you fought, knowing that if you could just find one little opening, you could turn this fight back to your favor. You had no idea that your opening would come in the form of one of your prisoners.

Loki raised his sword high, but as he was about to bring it down, he was knocked to the ground. You gaped as you realized it was Steve tossing Loki about. You didn't even have time to worry about how he'd managed to get out of the bring. You noticed the rest of his crew had joined you as well. Most of them had already grabbed weapons of the fallen crew members. Steve hadn't. You picked up a sword. "ROGERS!" He glanced at you and you tossed the sword at him. He caught it just as one of Loki's crew was about to get a blow in.

While his crew was attacking yours, Loki managed to slink back over to his ship. When you were distracted, he snuck onto the island and got to the treasure. He returned to his ship and waved the evidence of his victory over his head. He smirked as he sailed away, leaving you to deal with the rest of his crew.

Once Loki's crewmen were either dead or captured, you growled lowly. "Bastard," you whispered to yourself. You were angry at Loki, but you were more angry at yourself. "Are you alright?" You jumped slightly at the sound of Steve's voice. You turned to him. "I'm fine. Uh..thank you for that, by the way. For saving me." Steve smiled. "Of course. You may have captured my crew, but that doesn't mean you deserve to die. Not like that."

"I'm in your debt," you told him before shuddering. "I hate that. Forget it. You and your crew are free to go at the next port." Steve beamed and, before he could stop himself, kissed your cheek. "Thank you." He ran off to tell his crew, leaving you feeling very warm with a pleasant fluttering in your stomach. You shook off the feeling as best you could as Steve returned to you.

"My crew has a request." You rose a brow, indicating he should continue. "It seems they really enjoyed the scuffle just now. They want to join your crew. To replace the men you lost." You cast a glance at Steve's crew. They were all smiling at you, which made you grin. "I don't know...think you can stand taking orders from a woman? A pirate?" Steve's deep chuckle was much more pleasing to your ears than you would have liked to admit. "I'd happily take orders from another captain. A better one." You hummed and told Steve to follow you to your cabin to discuss his proposal.

Your head felt like it was swimming. You felt like your thoughts were just a puzzle and Steve was the main piece sticking out to you. It was an altogether strange feeling. You wouldn't call it love. The only thing you truly loved was your ship. Maybe it was just lust. He was a very attractive man after all with that blond hair, piercing blue eyes, and full beard. You could get lost just looking at him. You shook your thoughts from your head yet again. What was this man doing to you?

Inside your cabin, you fished out your flask of rum. You took a large swig and offered it to Steve. He declined as he sat down. "So, what say you, Captain? Care to add a few more to your crew? We may not be pirates, but we're loyal." You hardly heard him. You were lost in those damn blue eyes again. Seriously, what was wrong with you? You were around attractive men all the time and never acted like this. It was like you were a simpering school girl instead of a fierce pirate captain.

"Captain, are you alright?" You put down the flask and stepped closer to Steve. You grabbed his sleeve to pull him up. As soon as he was standing, you crashed your lips against his. To your surprise, he responded instantly, hesitantly at first, but soon with more vigor. The kiss was needy and desperate, but you didn't care. It was too electrifying to care. It took your breath away.

You pulled away from him and looked into those eyes of his. They were wide with surprise, but his lips were upturned into a smile. "Is that a yes?" You laughed loudly and nodded. "It is. On one condition." Steve asked what it was, making you smirk. "You stay in my cabin. After all, it is the captain's cabin and you're a captain." Steve chuckled huskily. "I think I like where this is going," he commented, connecting your lips yet again. 

(a/n: The next fic posted will be the last in this book. Future Avengers fics will be posted in "Readers Assemble: Book 2"!)