A One-time Job - Vol 2 || Marc Spector X Reader || Steven Grant & Reader

A One-time Job - Vol 2 || Marc Spector x Reader || Steven Grant & Reader

Vol 1

Summary: Marc finally calls you after two months, only to drag you into another adventure among Cairo's sands

Warnings: none, just Steven in an attempt to be funny

Word count: circa 6900

Pairing: Marc Spector x Reader, Steven Grant & Reader

Authors: Fenrir & Cass

A/N:  we have a non-linear story here that will kinda initally not follow the plot of the show until we deem otherwise - due to this fact we inform that Marc does not have a romantic connection to Layla. Also, red italics indicate Khonshu, green italics indicate Steven speaking within Marc’s mind

He was reluctant to call you, but he wanted to hear your voice again.

Marc wasn't sure how you would react to his call since it had been almost two months since your adventure. Since then, he hasn't contacted you; first, he didn't know what to tell you or how to act after your affair, and second because he didn't want to cause any more problems for you.

With his flipphone pressed to his ear, he waited for you to answer the call.

Currently, you were hanging from a harness that prevented you from falling to your death. While it wasn't comfortable, it hugged you well enough so you felt safe.

Apparently, one of your friends found a temple hidden deep in the caves, so you had to check it out.

As you focused on the descent, you twitched, scared by the sudden sound of your phone.

After pulling the rope to stop it, you reached into your pocket to look at the screen. Marc's name appeared on the screen. "Well well well! Look who has finally called me! How are you, handsome? Are you stepping on someone's toes once again or did you miss me?"

As he said, "Hi, Y/N," Marc was hesitant at first. "I missed you long enough, so I decided to take the first step since you didn't seem to be reaching out. Are you in Cairo?"

You casually swung your legs, saying, "Um... Nope. I'm currently hanging pretty high up in a cave. I think there are some hard rocks under me. It doesn't seem that dark there. Why? Do you need help robbing another tomb or even the pyramid itself?"

"If you're able to meet me next week at the same bar in Cairo, I'll tell you everything."

You huffed and then looked down. While discovering some ancient temple hidden in a deep cave would be fun, seeking an adventure in Cairo with MARC would be even more enjoyable and warmer. "Oh, sweetie! If you ask me nicely, I can get there as soon as possible."

Laughing softly, he cleared his throat. "Y/N, I'd like to meet up next week at our bar. In addition, I missed your scent."

"Oh, my, oh my, this sounds like a nice invite, and I'm pleased to hear we have our own bar. It's settled then! We'll meet up in OUR bar next week. I can't wait to see you."

"Thank you and please be careful in the cave. I'd rather have you whole, not just a piece."

Marc smirked proudly at his reflection in the mirror after he hung up. "Good job, man."

"Shall I remind you that Layla is also interested in you?" Steven asked mentally, but Marc just shrugged.

Placed the phone back in your pocket, you giggled and pulled at the rope. "Ey! I need to get up now! Get me up!"

There was no time to waste so you simply dumped your current working partner. 

Before you grabbed your backpack and left, you instructed the team what to do, so you weren't such a bad friend.

It was wonderful to return to Cairo.

You decided to rest since you still had a few days before meeting with Marc.

After preparing your stuff, you spent most of the night in bed reading and smoking.

You were eager to see Marc again on the day of the meeting.

You kept playing with your scarf around your neck as you walked to the bar. Suddenly, excitement turned into stress.

He had already smoked a few cigarettes, which turned out to be a bad idea - his stomach was twitching and he was feeling a little nauseous.

Order yourself some whiskey, it'll help, Khonshu advised, but Marc almost immediately regretted listening to God again. Still, he downed two more glasses and waited impatiently for you to arrive.

After taking a deep breath, you nodded to yourself and decided to walk in.

Finally, you spotted his messy hair after looking around.

Seeing as he sat with his back to you, you took advantage of the opportunity. Your palms covered his eyes as you sneaked up behind him. "Guess who?”

He placed his hands on top of yours. "I guess she's a young, beautiful woman who likes to sneak on older men."

Your hands slipped off his eyes so you could fully wrap them around his neck. You nodded, nuzzling his cheek. "You're right, sweetie. Glad to see you again." After kissing his cheek, you took a seat in the chair next to him.

"Long time no see." He smiled brightly at you and reached out to caress your cheek with his palm. "Can girls get even prettier?" he asked.

Chuckling, you leaned into his touch, rolling your eyes a little. You're still a sweet talker, huh?"

As he gently touched the lower side of your cheek, almost on the jawline, feeling a scar under his fingers, he said, "Yes. You like adventures, and you also got a souvenir. What happened?"

You suddenly turned red, not expecting him to find that scar. You shrugged nervously. "Nothing too serious, little fight."

He warned softly, "Don't hide things from me. I know I've pulled you away from your second expedition, but I finally had the manuscripts translated. It's about the Anubis statue we discovered. There's a hidden tomb. His tomb. Near Giza."

Laughing, you moved your chair a little closer to him, clearly interested. "What's the plan? Are we going to get shot or is this a clean job?"

Marc replied, moving both hands through his locks to take them back, "I'm afraid option number one is preferable."

Groaning, you rested your forehead against his shoulder. Having a calm trip with him would be nice, but apparently, he enjoyed trouble more than you did. "You're a troublemaker, huh? Then why are you here?"

"Artifact. It's supposed to be hidden in the tomb."

"Cool, cool and what will you do with it? Would you consider yourself a private collector? Or do you sell those things?

"Let's say I'm a collector. Once you come to my house you'll be able to see my collection."

"That would be nice since I invited you last time," you patted his shoulder. It already sounded interesting. "So, you know how I am doing. How about you? What were you up to when I was gone? How's Steven?"

"We're looking for someone who has been successful at translation apparently. Steven? Steven is doing well. He has been in charge for the last two weeks since we returned to London. He works at the museum there."

You nodded, "So you collect stuff and he works in the museum?". "I hope he took good care of you then."

"Bravo. You're lying to the girl you like. Are you insane or does that idiot have too much influence over you, Spector?" Khonshu's tone showed his disappointment.

Marc smiled at you, grabbing your palm and saying, "Well, it's more complicated than that. He did take care of him. Or rather, I did."

"Well, I am glad to hear it. I just hope he wasn't too mad at me for waking up in my bed. To be honest, I was worried he would have a heart attack." You gently squeezed his plan. "I'm glad you called."

He pointed to his chest and smiled a little. "Don't worry about heart attacks of any kind. This heart is strong enough to survive," he said. "I missed you terribly."

I missed you a lot and I was also worried, but since you didn't call, I figured I wasn't needed at the moment." You shrugged. "I left my job to help you as soon as possible."

Then Marc leaned forward and stole a kiss from you while looking deeply into your eyes.

As you returned the kiss, you squeezed his hand even harder without realizing it.

As he pulled away, you sighed deeply. "I think this was the part I missed the most."

Marc was about to confess his feelings for you and admit that he had a crush on you when his hand aimed him a hard slap, hard enough to leave a mark on his cheek. "Crap!" Marc exclaimed.

Steven reminded him, "Layla, she also likes you, Marc, so hold your horses."

As you looked around, you made sure no one was watching. It wasn't like you knew him very well, but you never expected something like this. "Is there a problem?" You asked, raising your eyebrows.

Marc hissed a little angrily, mumbling something under his breath. "No."

"I have a feeling you're lying to me, but I'll pretend I do." You kissed the cheek he had just been slapped on. "Maybe we should start planning our next expedition?"

"I'll take you to my place. It's not a flat but a hotel room, but I think you won't mind, will you?"

"I don't mind at all, Marc. Lead the way, we have big plans to accomplish." You said, shivering with excitement.

He stayed in a hotel with a view of the desert. In spite of the fact that it was the middle of the night, you could hear the beetles singing in the distance.

The room had a large bed, a small bathroom, and a balcony.

"Well, Well, Well. I see you like a large bed." As you removed your shoes and jacket, you couldn't help but tease him a bit more. You immediately stepped out onto the balcony.

Upon reaching the balcony, Marc wrapped his arm instinctively around your waist, his face leaned down as he nuzzled into your nape.

"I see you really missed me." Your hands clasped around his waist as you whimpered.

He nuzzled your neck and nodded. "So much. You can't imagine how much."

"It would be nice if you could call me earlier," you smiled and stroked his hair. "But I am here right now."

"I didn't want to put you in another bind."

You turned your head to look at him, giggling. "You didn't so I did it myself. I wouldn't mind some trouble with you, Marc."

While brushing his bearded face against your skin, he shifted a strand of your hair from your neck so he could kiss you there, focusing on his pulsepoint.

"Marc..." You whispered, trying not to moan for him.

Your jawline was kissed as he tightened the hug he was giving you.

"You're such a tease." You growled before making him kiss you.

He couldn't stop himself from feeling hotter and hotter with every second of the kiss. As he pressed your back more against the balcony railing, his strong palms gripped your hips.

You let out a hum, sitting comfortably on the railing. You wrapped your arms around his neck for safety.

You were held down by his arm, which was wrapped around your waist. Marc moved his kisses to the side of your neck again when the kiss was broken, almost moaning. "I love the scent of you."

When he kissed you, you giggled, running your hand through his hair. As you moved your soft hands under his shirt, you were able to touch him. "I would like to find out how soft this big bed is, handsome."

He kissed you once again, making sure you wrapped your legs tightly around his hips before picking you up; one hand under your ass, the other resting on your back as he carried you back to the room and placed you gently on the bed.

As you wrapped your legs around his waist, you joked, "So comfy, I wonder if it's durable."

He pinned you down easily, stealing another kiss from you while his hands slipped under your shirt; he groaned at the softness of your skin under his fingertips.

You moaned into the kiss, enjoying the feeling of his touch. You definitely waited too long for that. You were stupid not to have called him earlier, even if it was just to say hello. "Marc... I missed you so much." You whispered against his lips.

Marc kept on kissing you, slipping his tongue past your lips from time to time; his one hand slipped into your hair and he tugged on it gently to expose your neck where he sucked on your pulse point, leaving a visible hickey.

"Fuck!" You shouted for him loudly, not caring whether anyone heard you.

You strode his cheeks when he pulled away and smiled. “As much as I would love to be fucked in the mattress, I just want to be held. Can we... Just cuddle?"

Marc looked down at you, his eyes glistening with lust, but he nodded and rolled to his back, right next to you. “Surely.”

You placed a kiss on his cheek and moved to his neck before looking at him as you hummed. You nuzzled him before whispering into his ear, "Don't worry. I can't wait to feel that cock stretch my cunt."

His voice was barely audible as he spoke, "I regret not calling you sooner. What a fool I've been."

You giggled, blushing. "I wanted to call, but I didn't want to look desperate. Then I waited for your call."

"Kind of the same applies to me," he told you, playing with a strand of loose hair.

This made you laugh. "Apparently we are smart enough to find and raid a tomb but we aren't the best when it came to relationships of any kind."

Marc closed his eyes and agreed. He felt safe and secure in your presence as if all of his demons would have vanished in a flash.

Your head rested on his shoulder as you kissed his cheek. "Marc, where have you been these two months?"

"I had to return to London for a few weeks... Why are you asking?"

You traced a random pattern on his chest with your hand. "I just wondered where you were every evening."

"It looked like my doll was jealous as she thought she might have held some other woman in my arms," Marc teased.

Trying to conceal your blush, you nuzzled his neck. "This, too..."

"Is that so, my cute doll?" He caught your chin in two of his fingers and forced you to look him in the eyes.

Trying to not look him in the eyes, you nodded. "Yes..."

"Look at that, my little doll has grown jealous of me."

Growling, you looked him right in the eyes and nodded. "Yes. Yes, I was worried and jealous that you were busy with other ladies while I waited like an idiot."

"Just so you know, there was no other woman held in these arms. No other lips were kissed, no other curves were caressed by these hands."

You looked at him surprised but smiled and hugged him tightly. "The same is here. I traveled a little, yet I couldn't bring myself to touch, kiss, or sleep with another man. I was just thinking about you and your touch."

Marc closed his eyes, smiling a bit to himself. "I think I have a massive crush on you but on the other hand I'm a tad scared of what you'll think about me when you know the entire truth."

"I am also smitten with you," You said quietly. What is the whole truth then?"

Marc sat up and gently pushed you off his chest.

You sat up as well after he did. "Marc, I am fine. Nothing has changed. I met Steven, and I don't think less of you."

He swallowed a breath as his voice hung. "Steven isn't everything," he said.

"You can't get rid of me that easily, whatever it is," you assured him, rubbing his back.

"Several years ago, I nearly committed suicide in front of Khonshu's statue... Khonshu is the Egyptian God of the Moon. He offered me another chance to live as his avatar. My story sounds ridiculous but it's true," Marc explained slowly, trying to avoid your gaze.

As you stared at him, you asked, "I know who Khonshu is, but I have never heard of such a thing. Aren't gods just stories people made up to have something to believe in and explain things they cannot?"

Khonshu appeared next to the bed, looking pity on you. In a deep tone, he roared, "Girl has no idea what she's talking about. I am the true justice for the wrongdoers!"

Marc exhaled a sigh. "He just stated that he is the true justice."

With an eyebrow raised, you looked around before looking back at him. "He is here? Now?"

Marc pointed at the place where Khonshu stood. "Yes, he is over there."

"Marc. I don't see anything," You sighed. "So, you said you are his avatar. What does that mean?"

"Well, it's complicated. Avatars are supposed to be gods' guides on Earth and carry out their wishes without drawing attention to themselves."

"Are you his puppet then?"

"What a splendid summary she provided us with, worm," Khonshu let out a soft chuckle.

Marc rolled his eyes and flopped back on the bed. "Sort of."

"He isn't hurting you, right?" You asked, moving closer to him. "That's why you are looking for the tombs? Is Khonshu the reason?"

Not necessarily tombs, but those who commit crimes. Stealing ancient artifacts is part of that. It may sound bizarre, but Harrow got his hands on something very valuable. I am now tracking him and his men down to plan a final attack."

"I hope your god-friend won't snatch my head off," you said as you moved behind him to place his head on your lap. "Let me verify if I understand correctly - you are a vigilante in the hands of an Egyptian God of the Moon, beating up bad guys?

Marc laughed softly with his eyes closed. "No matter how ridiculous it sounds, it is what it is."

You ran your fingers through his hair gently. "Indeed, this sounds ridiculous, but we live in a world where there are real superheroes."

"Don't think I'm as fancy as Iron Man or Captain America." Marc chuckled.

Khonshu poked Marc with his cane. "Thanks to me, you are far better than them."

"Oh, c'mon! Don't kill my hopes for a billionaire or a handsome World War II soldier!” You joked and laughed, ruffling his hair. “Sincerely, I admit that this is quite a lot to take in, but I don't think any less of you. You seem to strive to do good things. That's important. Can I help somehow?”

"Oh, yes, she can. In case you get killed, I'll know where to get a new avatar from," Khonshu said before vanishing.

"Oh my God, he's a pain in the ass, I swear," Marc whined and rolled his head more to look into your eyes. "No idea how you could help, but it would be useful if you keep yourself outta any unnecessary trouble."

"Staying away from unnecessary issues will be hard when you're by my side, so I won't follow," you said, rolling your eyes as you kissed his forehead. "I'll do my best to help."

"Aren't you afraid? Scared? Anything?"

As you shook your head, you bounced a little in your seat. I'm not. It sounds nuts but at the same time, it sounds so exciting! Egyptian gods are actually real, and they use ordinary people as their avatars to be somehow present among us."

Marc cocked his brows as he studied your face. "You seem fascinated. I'm glad you aren't taking me, or should I say us, for some weirdo."

"Because it is fascinating! We've been taught our whole lives there is one God and to believe all old beliefs are just stories, but here you are telling me all of that," You said, looking right at him. "How can I not be thrilled?"

Marc rubbed your cheek with his hand, replying, "You're so cute. Little and brave, not scared of anything."

"Should I be offended that you call me 'little'?" You nuzzled his hand. "I am glad you crushed my scooter. I had a chance to meet you."

He smiled. "But look at you, you're little. That's the fact. Little and cute."

Growling playfully, you kissed his forehead again. "You don't sleep much, do you?"

"It's hard, you know? Because I can't be sure I'll wake up in my own body."

Nodding you moved away and started to remove your clothes until you sat just in your underwear. "Don't look at me like this. I won't sleep in my clothes."

He rolled to his side and rested head on his hand propped on the elbow. "Look at that. You're so fucking sexy."

"I know and thank you, but now jump out of the clutches. Time for some sleep. I will guard you.'' 

Marc removed his shirt and pants, staying in fitted, black boxers. He laid by your side, outstretching his arm for you.

You nuzzled to him, pulling the thin cover over both of you. "Comfy?”

"Yes." He replied softly, closing his eyes.

You were never a fan of getting up in the morning. Even at home, you loved to sleep, but the warm sun and noises outside didn't help you sleep.

Your body stretched as you let out a little sigh and opened your eyes. 

The only thing you hoped for was that this Morning with Marc would be different from the first.

His breath was slow and steady as he slept on his belly, face nuzzled to the pillow.

There was no doubt that this was a much more pleasant sight. It looked as though he had gotten some sleep. Following a few minutes of watching him, you moved closer and kissed him on the head.

As Marc turned slightly to the side, his body twitched a little and a soft groan escaped his lips.

"Morning," you whispered, smiling softly. "Slept well?"

"Hey, gorgeous. Yeah, but I wouldn't mind a few more minutes. My head is killing me."

Nodding, you kissed his forehead. "Sure, take your time. I will go to my place and grab some stuff. We still need to find that tomb."

He nodded his head, not bothering himself to open his eyes.

You covered him, and got ready to get your stuff.

The process of gathering things back at home was exciting. You couldn't believe that Marc was back in your life. The things he told you last night sounded stupid but somehow you believed all of this and wanted to help as much as possible.

After collecting your stuff and gear, you headed back to Marc's hotel.

On your way there you visited the local market to find your friend and possibly get some info.

Your research with Marc was great fun; it got more and more exciting every time you two got closer to anything.

Eventually, the two of you found the tomb's possible location. The only thing left was to go there and check it out.

Before you secured the rope, Marc reminded you to be careful.

As you asked, "Are you worried, sweetie?" with a cheeky smile, you jumped down the opening, leaving Marc on top.

"Yes." Marc soon joined you down, using the very same rope you used.

As you untied the rope and turned on the flashlight, you concluded, "Well, that was fun." Glancing around, you felt the excitement building. "Do you see this, Marc?!”

Hieroglyphs covered every wall. You had no idea what they were saying, but the simple sight of them made you jump.

There were boot prints in the sand under your feet, leading further into the darkness of the tomb. "I see that, too." He pointed to the sand under your feet.

"And I was hoping for a quiet adventure with you, but troubles seem to love to follow you... Or be somewhere before you," you sighed and looked at him. "We should be careful."

The man followed the footprints on the sand, ordering you to turn out the flashlight.

It would be easier if there was an open space like last time," you whispered, staying close to Marc. "Do we have any plan?”

"Yes. If it gets heated on, you stay behind and don't try to play a hero."

"You think I will just leave you if it gets heated? You crazy?" You frowned. "Maybe we can sneak past them?"

"Stay here." He ordered, the tone of his voice changed.

The only thing Marc had to protect himself was his hands as he stepped into yet another huge chamber. In trying to circle the group of men who were setting up equipment there, he stepped on an old vase that cracked, attracting everyone's attention. "Fuck." Marc cursed. 

Moments later, his skin turned as pale as his eyes and he knew he was clocking out.

You hid in your hiding place. Again. Just like last time, you simply observed and sneered when he cracked the vase, but things quickly got interesting.

Marc told you to stay, and despite knowing he would be mad, you slipped into the chamber anyway to do at least a little bit of good.

Marc's appearance changed; soon, a ceremonial suit of white armor given by Khonshu to his avatar appeared on Marc and he immediately attacked enemies.

You probably would have just watched him since everything became so interesting. However, to be a bit more useful you got rid of a few baddies, aiming more at their legs to lower your kill count.

Marc, holding a curved dagger in the shape of a moon and removing his hood, glared back at you when the terrain was cleared of goons.

As you waved from behind your cover, you smiled awkwardly. "Sweetie, you're looking great! You're a badass even, I would say."

Marc, despite knowing Khonshu won't approve, made a little turn to show you his entire outfit, spreading the cape a little. "Say hi to the Moon Knight."

After looking around one more time, you left your cover and approached the man.

"I am just speechless." You couldn't help but gently touch the golden moon on his chest. Your touch was so soft that you were basically doing it with your fingertips only. Your palm moved to touch the 'fabric' on his arm as you asked, "So, what exactly is that? Some kind of magical power? An ancient robe? An armor?"

"It's the ceremonial suit of armor, Khonshu granted it to me."

As you grabbed his hand to take a closer look, you said, "This is really beautiful. You look scary, but not for me. They feel like bandages, but they are not!"

Marc looked down at you as soon as the hood and mask that covered his face disappeared. "You're fangirling."

You squeaked, piling into your place. "Can you blame me? Look at what you're wearing and WHO gave you this! A ceremonial suit of armor from the ancient Egyptian God of the Moon! And I see no scratch on you... Is... Is it healing you?!"

"That's one of its advantages." He nodded and stepped aside, looking carefully around before crouching down and picking up the golden scarab. "The Scarab of Ammit will show us the way to Ammit's tomb."

Suddenly, Marc's outfit changed into a plain, white business man attire. Steven waved at you cheerfully, saying, "Oh! Where am I? Oh! Y/N! Hiya!" You could hear a thick, British accent of Steven's.

As you looked at him, you gasped and jumped again in your place.

The first thing you did upon greeting Steven was to look at his suit, touching the collar of the jacket. "I can't believe it! This suits different people. For Marc, it's a full armor, and for us, it's a suit. You look great, Steven."

He tried to show off his biceps. "Innit? Classy, fancy yet sharp, and dangerous! Just like me!"

As sharp as a pocket knife, eh?" You laughed. "It's just amazing how well it adapts to each of you. Khonshu, if you're here, I just wanted to let you know that you are a fucking genius with that thing."

"Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee, my name is Steven with a v!" He sang in a happy tone, rocking his hips from left to right. "Of course it's sharp!"

Khonshu appeared right next to you and poked you a little with his cane. "Of course I am. You see, idiots? She knows how to be polite and grateful."

You laughed softly and stumbled a bit. As you suspected, it was caused by Khonshu. "Okay! Let's get back to reality. Steven?"

When you called him, Steven was making sure his suit was not stained with blood. "Yeah?"

Marc and I came to this tomb to find the thing you're holding. Marc told me it's the Scarab of Ammit, a look at what was happening here before you joined," you clapped your hands, shrugging, before pointing to the way you two came. "We should go."

"I sense a better way. Come!" Steven grabbed you by hand and pulled you further behind him into the tomb. 

You were shocked and let him lead you, curious as to what he sensed.

Soon, the two of you headed through long, narrow corridors, until you reached a wall. "Khonshu, do your magic trick!" Steven asked.

The God appeared behind you, poked his staff on the wall and it opened, revealing a narrow passage leading outside, into the desert.

Your mouth was wide open as you watched the stone blocks move. As you spent more and more time with them, things got crazier and crazier. "That's Harry Potter level shit."

"I like Harry Potter. And Avatar. Good films." Steven replied and extended his gloved hand to you. "Shall we?"

After accepting his hand, you followed him outside the tomb.

Steven's heart skipped a beat and he screamed internally when you grabbed him by the hand. Even though he wasn't happy with you stealing Marc from Layla, he realised how much he liked you.

Taking a glance at Steven with a smile, you were glad he didn't act hostile towards you. The fact that Marc liked you didn't mean Steven would be nice to you, but thank God he was.

"I think we should leave before someone finds us here. We can talk more about stuff back at the hotel. You can drive, right?"

“Ah, Marc, you've got this." A blink of an eye later, the white suit had disappeared and Marc stood in front of you in his regular clothing. "He doesn't have a driver's licence." He explained shortly.

"Ah, I like that suit." You whined, hugging Marc tightly while pretending to be disappointed.

"Come on."

Spector took you back to the hotel he rented the room in.

Your first move upon entering was to take the Scarab from Marc and sit at the closest table to take a closer look at the item. "So what does it do? Is it some kind of odd device that opens something? It calls for all the aliens that built the pyramids?”

Marc poked your ribs with a chuckle. "No, silly. I told you it was like a compass."

"Can I have a question?”

As he flipped over on the bed, he nodded. "I think that yes, you can have one."

"Khonshu is a god and he sees lots of things. I can't understand why you scurry about looking for magical compasses, manuscripts, and bad guys when he should just point and say 'go there, worm!', right?" You exclaimed, pretending to be Khonshu.

Marc propped himself up on elbows with a mischievous grin. "He doesn't know everything, and without his avatar, he wouldn't be able to find and defeat Ammit."

Khonshu appeared from nowhere on the balcony. "She should be more authentic if she wants to imitate me. Pathetic."

Getting into fangirl mode again, you jumped off the table and hopped onto Marc's bed. "What about other gods? Are they here as well? Do they have people as their avatars? Do they walk among us?

He responded as if it was the most obvious thing, "Yes, they do."

You chuckled softly, pushing his shoulder gently. "Don't say it like it's an obvious thing. I didn't believe in any of them until yesterday." You explained. "Have you met them? What are they like? Whom have you met?"

"Shhh. Easy. Except for Khonshu, I haven't met any of them, so far."

As you smiled, you looked down at the scarab that remained in your hand. "You found what you were looking for again. Do you think you will disappear again for another two or three months?"

"I'm heading to England." Marc stated.

You shrugged as you asked, "Can I like... Go with you? I have friends there. Someone will no doubt let me sleep on their couch."

"You won't stay with any of your friends, I guarantee."

"I don't want Steven to be bothered. It's fine." You assured him.

"You'll stay with us in his apartment."

"Do you think he would be OK with this? Or did you decide for him? I don't want him to wake up thinking I broke into his apartment."

"I will talk to him, or you can do so, if you wish."

Khonshu commented, "Don't worry, the idiot will be happy to talk to someone who's not just a reflection in his bathroom mirror."

"Just to be sure, I'd like to speak with him personally."

As Marc flopped on the bed, he took in a glance at the mirror hanging above it on the ceiling and soon surrendered his body to Steven. Heavy British accent followed, "Hiya, Y/N."

"Hi again, Steven." You greeted him with a kind smile. "I heard you and Marc were going back to London. If I may be honest, I don't want to be away from him. Could I perhaps rent a couch at your flat?"

"If you promise not to drive me bonkers, I think it'll be a very interesting experience, won't it?"

You assured him, "I am the finest roommate you will ever have. I will show you my maps and journals and I can cook. I hope you like old books a lot."

He looked at you and asked, "Do you like Egypt and Egyptian beliefs? I have a lot of stuff on the flat, it's a total mess... It's not against you staying there, but I'll need to make a few changes. Oh, I'll introduce you to Gus, he'll be delighted."

"There are many beliefs I admire, but Egyptian beliefs are my favourites! I can help you clean up a bit before I move in." You nodded. "I'll also pay for myself, don't worry about that."

Steven replied with a hint of hesitation within his tone, "It's not about cleaning really. I have something in there that many people would consider a red flag." The man explained.

"Steven, what did you mean by that? Now I'm curious." Turning to him, you placed your head on your hand.

"This is too much explaining. Soon you'll see for yourself." 

There was no plan to sell your flat or anything like that, so all you brought to England were a few boxes filled with the most important things and clothes.

You nodded and looked around, carrying them inside. The flat was not much bigger than yours but was charming nonetheless. "How nice!" 

Steven, who entered directly behind you, shook his head briefly for no. "It's messy, it's old... Ahm, don't go to the bedroom, I mean, it's over there," he pointed in the proper direction, "But don't go there yet, there is sand around the bed."

"Steven, I've seen worse places, trust me." You said, nodding. "It's your flat, so your rules apply. I'm not going there."

After lowering his head, Steven rushed to the said area of his apartment. 

Khonshu appeared right next to you, poking you with his cane. "And you are going to live here? In this mess? You couldn't possibly get any lower, Y/N."

You shrugged, sitting down. "Oh well, I really slept in the worst places. If it means...” Only then you realised who you were talking to - it was Khonshu himself. After letting out a scream, you fell off the couch and onto the floor. "I... I can see you! Why am I seeing you?!" 

Khonshu poked your shoulder with the tip of his slightly curved bill as he lowered his body. "I'm fed up with hiding from your gaze. I want you to admire my grandeur."

You frowned, looking right at him. "I honestly expected you to look differently." Getting up you took a closer look. "So you are real indeed! Oh my! I can't believe it. YOU ARE REAL! You are so tall!"

"He is!" Steven screamed from the bedroom.

Khonshu poked your belly a few times. "You can bathe yourself in my glory, little human."

You rubbed your stomach as you said, "I have more questions that need to be soaked in your glory. Why did you pick Marc? What gods also walk among us? Why do you look like this and why are you rude to boys when you clearly need both of them?"

"There are all kinds of the other gods among you. I saw his mental issues as something easily exploited, plus his skills as a mercenary overlapped with the role of my avatar. This is just the way I look and I'm not rude, just being honest."

"I don't like the mental issues answer. Can I touch you? Or are you look like a ghost? What with the staff? Can I hold it?” You asked, circling him curiously.

Khonshu turned his head in an attempt to spot Steven. "Marc, I need your help, she's tiring me already." After looking back at you, he nodded. "You can touch. But you can't hold my staff."

You immediately decided to try and touch him, gasping excitedly once you realized he felt just like Marc's ceremonial robes. "Fuck! So cool!”

Steven returned. "I'm afraid Marc is temporarily unavailable. Y/N, what are you doing to the pigeon?"

"I AM TOUCHING AN ACTUAL GOD!” Squeaking loudly, you jumped in your place.

Steven blinked. "You're a real fangirl but if I were you, I wouldn't touch him. You never know where he was lurking."

Khonshu turned his skully head to the man. "One more word, worm, I swear."

"Steven, please be nice to Khonshu." You asked. "What did you mean by Marc being temporarily unavailable?"

"I can't summon him back."

"Well, then I think I need to wait." 

The rest of the day went quiet. 

It took you a long time to unpack all your belongings. 

The evening came, and you sat on a couch, drawing in one of your journals while Steven slept in his bed.

His body jerked suddenly and the man sat up.

Looking over your shoulder you waved at him. "Evening! Feeling better after the nap?"

Marc rubbed his temples, saying, "My head hurts like hell, I feel a little hangover..."

After getting up from the couch, you looked at him worriedly as you carefully walked up to the bed. "It's the second time it happens, and I witness it, love. Can I help you somehow?”

"Can you get me a glass of water, please?"

To fulfill the wish, you simply turned around and walked to the kitchen. You then went back to him and got on the bed, trying to avoid the sand. "Here."

Taking the glass, Marc downed the contents immediately, wiping his lips with the top of his hand as he did so. "Thanks. So, how do you like Steven's place?"

By placing yourself on his lap, you massaged his scalp with your hands while moving them along his temples. "It's nice. Really nice. I met Khonshu. I was just worried about you, love."

He closed his eyes, enjoying the touch of your fingers; it soothed his anxiety.

"Do you feel better? Because I need to talk to you, Marc."

"It's me, sweetie."

"As Steven slept and you were gone, I sat on the couch and was thinking a lot about you, Steven, and Khonshu." Your hands rested on his shoulders.

As he set the glass aside, his palms were placed on your hips. "Any conclusions?"

You nodded, getting more comfortable on his lap. "It's exciting, but also a little scary. Those are things that no ordinary person has to deal with every day," you remarked. "Get what I mean?" 

As he looked at you bluntly, he shook his head no.

I'm trying to say that," your arms wrapped around his neck, "I love you and I'm worried about you. If you like it or not, you will have to deal with one stubborn, reckless treasure hunter. Not because of what you do but because I see something special in you as a person."

There was nothing left for him to do but kiss your lips deeply; it was more than he expected from you, and his heart was filled with joy. "I love you too, my little treasure hunter. For the better and for the worst."

"For the better and for the worst." You agreed, nodding your head eagerly. "I am not gonna leave, no matter how dirty stuff will get. I am ready to help."

He took one of your hands and brought it to his lips to plant a tiny kiss on its top. "The real adventure starts now."