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

Just Promise Me Something, Ok?

Her afternoon was spent back in the medical wing. Dr. Lizt had compiled a file of information about reading thoughts and moving objects, as well as exercises to bring her latent telepathic and telekinetic gifts into play. She would learn all she could and begin practicing at home while the team's attempt to set things right unfolded, then come back to the compound so they could speak again. He told her to expect to see or feel little or no discernable progress, but he was hopeful that a new scan when she returned would show some changes in her brain. She left his office less afraid and more eager to begin.

After a quiet dinner, Tony asked Ellie with him to the terrace. They sat close on a seat for two and Tony put his hand on her belly, saying softly "Hey little Rogers."

"The baby likes your voice, Tony. How much is the birth date pool up to?"

"Almost five hundred. The name pool is at three fifty, the first word just passed two hundred, but the who's name will it say first is the killer. Over a thousand. Pepper and I were pretty detached from everyone when Morgan came around. The team is enjoying this, and it's cool that you're letting us. It's boosting morale."

"The baby and I love it. Steve likes it too. He's really worried about us, Tony, and I'm worried about him. He says this could be cataclysmic."

"It could, but it won't be. I won't let it. None of us will. You're going to be safe at Aprillia, and as comfortable as anyone could be through whatever happens."

"I didn't like signing the papers for Morgan this morning."

"I didn't like having them drawn up. We're protecting our daughter in case the worst happens, not anticipating that it will. Steve's made provisions for you two, as well."

"I know, but that's just for him... I don't like the fact that it could be both of you, Tony. I never imagined that Pepper would want a suit."

"It's for a worst case scenario. Somehow I suspect even you would have joined the fight if not for this." He moved his fingers gently on her belly. "Just promise me something, ok?"

"It depends on what."

"Don't name it Tony if it's a girl. That's just cruel."

Ellie laughed. "I promise. We're having a hard time with girl's names. The boy's name was a foregone conclusion."

"James Buchanan?"

"Of course. JB."

"Ellie?"

"Yes?"

"I think a lot of us won't be coming back. I feel it in my gut. Shit it's hard for me to say this out loud... if Steve doesn't come back, you'll be safe. Taken care of. Okay?"

Ellie nodded her head because she couldn't speak. She felt the conviction in him that there would be losses, grave ones. It terrified her to feel that from him. Tony Stark didn't anticipate or accept defeat.

"Now, I'd like to have a private word with little Rogers. Can you just tune out or something? Does your stuff do that?"

"I'll hum. It works, I promise. Any requests?"

"Back in Black?"

"I don't know that one. How about Cheek to Cheek?"

"That'll work too."

She didn't hear a word he said, but she felt every emotion that coursed through him. Fear, protectiveness, hope, humor, but mostly love. How did she ever get here, sitting in the Avengers compound as they prepared for an unprecedented mission, with Tony Stark, cheek pressed to her pregnant belly, whispering to her son?

"When he lifted his head, Ellie found herself saying, "I love you, Tony." He put a hand to his face, saying, "Mrs. Rogers, I'm shocked!" but she knew his feigned surprise was just masking awkward emotion. "I know you don't do sappy, but hear me out, I don't expect an answer.

"I love you, and I promise that if you don't come back, we'll be there for Pepper and Morgan. And I know that if... If Steve doesn't come back, you'll be there for me and the baby. It'll be inconceivably awful, but none of us will be alone. That's something to remember. Let's go find out what's for dinner."