I Was Never Yours

Chapter 18

Callie P.O.V

Dad pulls up to the front entrance at a neck breaking speed, I glance back giggling at the sight of the 3 boys all clinging to their arm rests. He winks at me before switching off the car and popping the trunk.

We all get out, Ned and Peter following Harry inside, gawking at the scenery.

Before I follow-suit my Dad grabs my arm, "Callie, one second." He says quietly, letting the door swing shut behind Ned. "What was that as we were leaving really?" His chin is lowered as he looks down at me, his face serious.

"I told you what I thought it was, I don't really know those kids." I urge, doing my best to sound believable.

I turn to open the door but once again, he pulls me back, eyebrows raised disbelievingly, "okay... I'm going to leave it for now because your friends are here, but we're talking later." He squeezes my shoulder before allowing me to rejoin the trio inside.

"Kids come in to the lounge so you can meet everyone." My Dad says, pushing through the crowd of boys to lead them to the living room.

"Wait, what? I didn't know there was going to be a meet and greet!" I sputter, jogging up to my Dad. Hands ringing, images of my personal life being revealed to the first friends I've ever had flashing through my mind.

"Relax," he whispers, "I told you we all had to meet them. That was the stipulation."

I open my mouth to retort but he gives me a side glance and I think better of it. We open in to the sitting room and Ned gasps audibly and Peter's mouth drops, even Harry looks slightly starstruck. In their eyes the chairs and sofas are occupied by heroes with remarkable abilities and who have put their lives on the line to save mankind countless times. But to me, it's just my family and I roll my eyes at their silent amazement.

Cap stands up and shakes hands with Ned who's mouth begins opening and closing like a fish without making a sound. Finding his voice he says, "hi Mr Captain America, sir. I'm Ned Leeds." He stammers excitedly.

I step up beside my uncle snickering, "no, no Ned. If you want to be proper you need to call him Mr Rogers." Everyone looks at me quizzically. Steve narrows his eyes but a slight smile is playing on his lips so I charge on, "you know, the loveable old relic who wears slippers and cardigans and sings about neighbours?"

My Dad snorts and my friends all laugh. Cap grabs my shoulders, pulling me to him and digging his fingers into my armpits making me squeal with laughter. "I don't appreciate being called a relic, and I don't sing about neighbours." He smirks, ending the tickles but holding me close just the same. My head rests against his solar plexus, accentuating my height, or lack thereof.

"He does." I whisper, causing him to jab my ribs again. I grab his hand holding it tight to stop him.

"Well, I'm no Mr Rogers," Banner laughs softly, clasping hands with Ned and Peter. "I'm Bruce this is Natasha."

"You're the Hulk." Peter says in more of a statement than a question, awe-stricken. Most people don't know the face behind the angry green beast. No one anticipates this gentle man with soft curly hair and a kind smile.

Bruce just nods, stepping back away from the action. Winking at me and mouthing 'love you', he exits the room closely followed by Natasha.

Thor steps forward grinning, "hello everyone I am Thor, God of Thunder, son of Odin," and then he adds, flicking his fingers in an after thought, "Callie's uncle. But you'll have to excuse me tonight, I'm going to go visit Jane."