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

Don't Look So Disappointed, Tony

Back in the lounge, everyone was quiet, on laptops and tablets. Whatever was cooking smelled mouth-watering and Ellie looked forward to a meal that didn't come from a takeout box. Steve gestured to the seat next to him, but she shook her head and sat on his lap. Nat cleared her throat and raised an eyebrow.

Ellie asked Steve, "Is this not allowed?"

"There aren't any rules against it."

"Would you like me to move?

The struggle between what he wanted to do and what he felt he should do was almost palpable.

"I'd like you to stay."

"Ok. Did you send Pepper?"

"No. She stopped me from coming after you and went herself. Was it ok?"

"Perfect. We had some completely unrelated girl talk. She also gave me the rest of the report, the part about my brain being efficient and compartmentalized and safe from Pandora. I needed to understand that."

"I'm sorry Tony didn't tell you right away. How are you feeling about the offer to be one of us?"

"I'll tell everyone right now." She stood and cleared her voice. "Here's the thing, I am not going to sign on any dotted line today. Don't look so disappointed, Tony, I'm not finished yet. I'm going to go home and think and decide. But no matter what, I will help you. I just don't know how or how much. I have a job I love, where I help vulnerable kids. So I need to think, a lot, and then let you know. Ok?"

Nods around the room.

"Wonderful. Can we eat?"

Dinner was delicious, and everyone seemed relaxed, as though they were breathing again after holding their breath uncomfortably long. Ellie and Steve tidied the kitchen while Tony and Pepper said good night and went to their room for a video call with Morgan. Happy and Natasha played cards for Hershey's Kisses.

Suddenly wanting to be alone with Steve, Ellie asked him if they could turn in early. The relieved look on his face gave her all the answer she needed. Having said goodbye to the poker players, who would both leave before dawn, they walked slowly back to the dormitory.

Just as they scanned their hands on their doors, Tony and Pepper emerged halfway down the hall, carrying their bags.

"Trouble?" asked Steve.

"Little girl trouble," answered Pepper. "Your goddaughter is fine; she just misses her mom and dad, so off we go. Ellie, come here?"

Not one to refuse an Avenger, she walked down the hall and was enveloped in long, slender arms. "Whatever you decide, I've got your back."

"Thank you, Pepper. It's been a lot of fun meeting you. I hope to see you again soon."

"Oh, you will."

Tony gave her a quick squeeze and said, "We're ready if you're willing. Keep an eye on Cap."

"I will. Thank you, Tony."

"Steve," said Ellie as they walked into her room, "can we sleep together in your bed tonight? I think we'll fit. You were sweet to stay on the floor by to me, but wouldn't it be nice to be closer?"

"It would. I'll return the spare mattress and be right back."

She brushed her teeth and tidied her own bed while he was out of the room. As promised, he was back in no time, but he looked perturbed.

"What's made you look so unhappy?" she asked.

"I want to confess something, but it's embarrassing, and it might make you uncomfortable."