ᴋᴇᴇᴘɪɴɢ ᴜᴘ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴛᴀʀᴋ'ꜱ | Avengers POV | ON HOLD

NINE: 12AM

"Morgan sweetie, it's time for dinner. Leave Ari to get some rest now" Pepper whispers making her way into your room. "Okay mommy. Shhh Ari is sleeping." Morgan plants a kiss on your forehead before crawling down the bed and running to Pepper. Morgan spend every second possible with you since the accident telling everyone how she was looking after you. It was incredibly sweet and warmed your heart especially how she was always so careful around you. You were completely passed out again after taking your evening dose of pain meds. You'd been on bed rest since leaving the medical bay. Recovery wasn't as speedy as everyone had hoped. Pepper did not react well when she found out what happened.

**The day after the mission**

"Tony how did you not see it fit to tell me my daughter was in the medical bay!!"

"Pepper I didn't want to worry you."

"You didn't want to worry me! Our daughter risked her life! She nearly died! She just went out there and just did... *sigh* Ariana yet again did not think first... What the hell WAS she even thinking!?"

"She was trying to protect her partner on the mission. You know because we have a daughter who has a kind and nurturing heart that would always put anyone else before herself."

"I think it's more than that Tony. She's like him doesn't she."

"She won't say. She keeps saying she doesn't date anymore because of Ryan. What did Ryan even do? I thought he was a good kid. I didn't even know they weren't together anymore."

"Tony I think that's a conversation for you and Ari."

**Present day**

It's was around 12am and you'd started to come to again after your meds had wiped you out. Since the accident you were in an incredible amount of pain and absolutely exhausted. You haven't left your room in over a week. Not through choice but due to the fact of how bad your injuries were. You'd been given crutches to help support yourself up when needing the bathroom which really was a big help. You look over to your clock and read 12:05am. Your stomach began to grumble, you'd missed dinner so you were pretty starving. You knew everyone would be in bed and you didn't want to disturb anyone so you decided to sit up slowly.

You leaned over across to your crutches placing your arms inside the supports. You slowly lifted yourself before moving over to one of your draws grabbing an oversized sweater. You pulled it over your head covering your whole body including your shorts. You make sure your knee brace is secure before you slowly began making your way to your bedroom door. Careful not to put too much weight on your right knee. You slowly and quietly opened it peeking out looking either side of the corridor. No one was around. You exit the room and begin to bobble down the corridor.

Arriving at the staircase you begin contemplating whether to get help. Stupidly you chose against it heading to the top of the stairs. One by one you step down wincing in pain. You only get halfway down before realising how bad of an idea it was. Tears begin flooding your eyes you can't take another step. You lower yourself down pulling your arms out the crutches and in pure frustration you throw them to the bottom of the stairs not caring who hears you. You drop your head in you hands and begin sobbing.

"Ari..?" You freeze a moment hearing the voice behind you. You lift your head and begin wiping the tears away with the sleeves of your sweater. "Oh hey Steve. How you doing? Don't mind me I'm just sitting admiring the view." Trying to cover the fact you're in excruciating pain, completely embarrassed and starving. You hadn't seen him since the mission. He lets out a faint chuckle before making his way down the stairs, placing himself next to you. He takes his right arm and wraps it round your shoulder pulling you in slightly. You allow you head to rest into his chest, tears begin flowing again. "I'm sorry Steve I didn't mean to wake you, it's just I was hungry and I thought I could stupidly make it down a flight of fucking stairs. I guess I was wrong huh?" Trying to laugh it off. "Language." That's all he say. You raise you head looking at his face. He just looks down smiling. "Sorry." You giggle.

"So Ari, how's about I help you down the rest of the stairs, I rustle you something up we talk about our day and then I'll carry you back up to bed?" He slightly pulls you into is chest more. "Sounds perfect Captain." Steve proceeds to stand up before helping you up to your feet. "Now do you want to try get down the rest of the way or do you want me to carry you?" You can see the concern in his eyes. "If you don't mind could you just carry me down? I don't think I can do it... not yet." He smiles in response. He gently lifts you off your feet placing one hand underneath your knees very gently and the other on your back. Bridal style he carries you the rest of the way down and walks you all the way over to the sofa in the main living area. He then goes back to collect your crutches and bring them over to you.

"So ma'am what can I get you?" He says placing one hand behind his back crossing the other one in front of him like waiters do. This makes you chuckle. "Hmmm I don't know... pancakes?" Steve furrows his brow. "Pancakes at-" he checks his watch "12:30am??"

"Yes pancakes. I've been craving them for days."

"If that's what the lady wants then that's why the lady shall get." Steve makes his way over to the kitchen and makes you pancakes as requested. After he's done he brings them over to you. He has two plates, one for you and surprisingly one for himself. "Oh you hungry too?"

"Well you know I started cooking them and you know how good they smell. Also I couldn't leave you alone to eat, that would be rude." He winks and then begins tucking in. You quickly join him and within minutes your done. "Wow did you inhale those Ari?" He says in amusement. "Haha! I was starving and I've got to say. Best pancakes ever."

"Best pancakes ever huh? Now what did I do to deserve a friend like you." He playfully pushes your arm. "Ouch!"

"Oh Ari I'm so sorry I didn't-"

"Got ya! Oh you should see your face." You fall back laughing slightly.

"Hey that's mean!"

"Sorry Captain. How can I ever make it up to you." You begin leaning over to him slightly on the sofa.

"Well I could think of a few things." He begins leaning into you too, cupping your right cheek. Both of are leaning into each other's lips. You're inches away and you stop. "Wait.." you hesitate pulling back slightly. "What is it Ari?" He holds his position. "We shouldn't." You look down to your knees. "Why's that?" He still hasn't moved. "I... erm... Steve you should know... I don't do the whole dating thing and I don't want us to ruin the friendship we have. You're my best friend." He still doesn't move to your surprise. " I know but let me ask you something." You feel his hot breath against your lips. "Mhm?" That's all you can get out. His touch is sending shivers down your spine. "Take all this no dating thing away. Take away the fear of ruining our friendship just for a moment. Answer me this. Do you want this?" He looks into your eyes. "Do I want what?" You hesitate. "Do you want me to kiss you?" Your eyes widen slightly at how open he is being about it all. You clear your throat before speaking again.

"I-".