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

Top Story

Ellie woke before Steve the next morning and quietly left the room to go begin breakfast. Before his arrival in her life, she had only kept yogurt and meal bars on hand to eat quickly before heading out the door. Now the fridge and pantry were well-stocked with everything a person could want for a hearty morning meal. Although not sure she could find the time to cook what he needed on a school day, she enjoyed the time in the kitchen on weekends.

As she mixed and poured pancakes, she reflected on the night before, and what had transpired after their return from the pub. Their experiences together were still very few, and he was still hesitant and uncertain about the pleasure he took in acts that had seemed taboo for most of his life, but Ellie had felt a change last night.

More assertive than ever, he wanted to try new things and always asked if she enjoyed them. He was quickly becoming more at ease with his body as well as hers; her goal was for him to take a stroll, comfortably naked, from bedroom to bathroom. It might take months, or years, but she was patient.

It was particularly difficult to see him go that time, but there were missions to be undertaken and fragile students to nurture. They agreed to get to work right away on wedding planning; Steve would speak to Pepper that night when he got home. He would also speak to Tony about a security system at Ellie's house. Preventing the press from reaching the front porch or back door was key.

Ellie was sad to hear that Steve probably wouldn't return for three weeks, but as always they would be able to text, email, and video call one another. Once school was over and they were married, Steve would move his belongings from the apartment in DC to Ellie's house and Ellie would start her training at the compound. They would be able to spend most of their time together, something that both very much looked forward to.

Arriving at school on Monday morning, conversations stopped and eyes went straight to her hand as she walked through the halls to her office. Just as she was shutting the door of her office behind her, Alex pushed it back open and entered.

"Ok dear, let me see it."

She lifted her hand and he took it, his jaw actually dropping as the diamond glittered before him. "Oh, Ellie, this is Liz Taylor worthy. Princess Di worthy. I'd say Kardashian worthy, but they've got such cheap taste. How many carats?"

"I don't know. It's really huge, but who the hell am I to argue with a ring chosen by Pepper Potts and Steve Rogers?"

"PEPPER POTTS? Pepper fucking Potts and Captain America picked this out? I need a minute! Seriously, though, it's gorgeous and you carry it off just fine on those tiny little hands. When exactly is the wedding? Will us common folks be allowed?

"June wedding, we don't know the date yet. Somewhere around here, and both Steve and I will invite the people who mean the most to us. That includes you and Josh if you can handle the folks on Steve's side of the aisle. A few of them can be kind of overwhelming."

"We wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Look, Alex, I think everyone and their brother saw the ring as I came in today, obviously someone told you, but I need to ask you not to confirm anything about it just yet. When this becomes common knowledge there will be repercussions here in town. Journalists, photographers... I really hope it doesn't become a problem, and I want to keep it quiet as long as I can."

"Oh, honey, haven't you seen? You two are already the top story of the day. There's video of you at the pub, he's got your hand in his, mooning over the ring and toasting to a June weeding. It's everywhere."

"How the hell did that happen? I didn't see anyone taking video, although I might have been just a little distracted. I'd better get online and see the clip, then call Steve. I don't even know where he is. Shit."

"I'll let you get at it. But in case you were wondering, you both look fantastic on television."

She threw a crumpled sheet of paper at him as he left.

Alex was right; they did make a handsome couple, even on the grainy video. Someone had obviously walked by them with a phone at waist level. Probably Janice. She wondered how much money the woman had been paid for the video.

Her call to Steve went right through and he picked up on the first ring. "Ellie, have you seen it?"

"I have. What now? What do I need to do?"

"Tony's people are at your house already, installing security. Someone will be there when you get home from work to show you how to operate it. We've changed your phone number. I'll text you the new one and you can give it to the school and close friends, but please be selective.

"The press will be there soon, if they aren't already. It's really simple: don't say anything. Not. A. Word. If anyone gets within arm's reach you call 911 and don't worry about overreacting. The local law enforcement agencies have been briefed."

"This is overwhelming. Can I do this, Steve?

"Do you want to?"

"Of course."

"Then you'll be just fine, and we'll be just fine. It's going to be tricky, for a few days, maybe a week. If we show them that they won't be getting anything from us, they'll back off and go through official channels. The Avengers' PR team is the best. They have to be, considering some of the things we've done. Now they're your team as well. You've got everything it takes to come out of this in charge. I Love you Ellie."

"Thank you, Steve. I love you."