Little Star // a Steve Rogers, Captain America, Avengers story

PJs

After dinner, as they sat close on the sofa enjoying the glow of the fire, they talked about their families, and the families of their own they hoped to have some day. Steve mentioned the positive changes in Tony Stark since he became a father, changes that had helped the mending of their friendship.

Ellie talked about the subtle pressures she had been beginning to feel from her parents and friends regarding weddings and grandchildren before the Snap. It made her frustrated when other people began to impose their idea of family life on her.

Steve asked, "What is your idea of family life?"

"Easy. A husband, me, one child or maybe two at most - I just don't feel driven to have more than that - and I'll do it when it's right, not when other people tell me I'm supposed to. And a pet; I think kids should grow up with pets."

"I think that sounds like a good plan. I've never had a pet. I was allergic to everything, before."

"I'm not sure I fully understand about your physical condition now. Can you catch a cold?"

"No."

"And I know broken bones heal."

"Bones, organs, everything mends."

"And even after the radiation and serum and ice, having kids could... happen?" Her voice was a quiet squeak by the end of her sentence.

"Everything's in, um, excellent working order." He was staring intently at his feet, as red in the face as Ellie had ever seen him. Time to change the subject.

Without another word about Steve's reproductive superpowers, the conversation moved to jobs they had held in the past and then to a very random and sleepy exchange about the pros and cons of vehicle ownership in the city. When they both found themselves nodding off, they knew it was time to call it a night.

He turned to his room and she to hers. Minutes later, now in her pajamas, Ellie opened her door to see if the bathroom was free. Through the guest room's open door, Steve could be seen standing in front of the luggage stand, rummaging for something in his bag.

Ellie freely admitted to herself that normally she would be ogling that body. Instead, what he wore caused her to giggle out loud. Avengers pyjama pants, covered with the faces of all his teammates and himself.

When Steve heard her laugh he looked around, then down at his lower half, and chuckled himself.

"My birthday gift from Happy last year."

She walked into the guest room to see them better. "They fit you perfectly," Ellie reached her hand towards his midsection, meaning to slide her fingertip in the waistband to demonstrate what she meant, but thought better of it. He saw the movement of her hand and leaned just the slightest bit away, as if afraid of the touch. She wondered if he would ever believe that what he wanted wasn't something to hide in shame.

There was a quick and uncomfortable kiss goodnight. Neither of them slept well, but Ellie did sleep late.

When she woke the next morning, Ellie thought she smelled bacon. She tightened up the messy ponytail high on her head, put on her robe and a pair of fuzzy warm socks, and started down the hall. Definitely bacon. And fresh squeezed oranges. And maple syrup. By the time she reached the kitchen her mouth was watering. She never made herself a full breakfast like that.

"You just had to one up me after last night's dinner, didn't you? I'll happily change my no breakfast ways for this. What gotten into you?"

"Last night ended... awkwardly, so I thought we should begin today right. And I happen to make the best pancakes at the compound."

Seeing his smile in the morning sun made last night seem pretty insignificant, but she knew that a conversation about their physical relationship needed to happen soon. As time went by, she not only found herself loving him more, but also wanting him more. It was becoming not only distracting, but almost physically painful. But not now. Now was for breakfast and happy conversation. 

Soon it was time for him to be on his way. Ellie stood in the doorway of the guest room as he packed his bag. Noticing that he would only be wearing a t-shirt and his leather jacket, and knowing the temperature was below forty degrees, the caregiver in her surfaced.

"Steve, please tell me you're not going to ride off in the freezing cold with only that shirt and your jacket on! That can't be healthy, even for you."

"It couldn't really hurt me, but it wouldn't be pleasant. I'm going to ride four miles, and then go by air."

"Some Stark corporate jet? Would you like to leave your bike in the shed? I'd be happy to run you out to the airport."

"That's very kind, but there's a team aircraft waiting for me at the estate. And the bike will just stay there like it usually does."

"Wait, do you come by air every time you're here? How did I not figure this out?"

He chuckled at her outrage. "I've come from the compound a few times by road, but by air is almost five times faster. It's a very special craft."

"Hmmm... I bet. Processing you and your life can be mind-boggling at times. Does it have a big "A" on the side?"

"Nope. No need for the "A" when we're the only folks around who could possibly have it. But no one sees it anyway, so it doesn't really matter."

"An invisible plane. You're killing me, Rogers."

The smiling creases around his eyes deepened. "Not invisible; very well-camouflaged. Maybe I'll convince the powers that be to let you have a ride. Now, however I need to go. Ellie, it might be a month before I'm able to come back. I'll do my best to keep you posted, and to remind you that I miss you."

"I'll miss you too. It'll be a long month, but you're always worth the wait."

Steve was able to send text messages, and the occasional longer email, but communication was sporadic when he was doing what Ellie referred to as 'hard work,' which usually involved guns, bombs, and blood. She had stopped watching television coverage of the team and was satisfied with the very basic information he sent.

Once they managed a video call but talking to Steve while he was in uniform made her uncomfortable. She respected the suit; she loved the man who wore it; it was difficult to reconcile the two. She wasn't uncomfortable for long, however. The sound of incoming artillery punctuated his quick farewell. Ellie wondered if any of her hairs were grey yet.