Ophelia's Daughter (Steve X OC)

Chapter 1 - Not so Warm Welcome

I leaned my head against the window of the car, tracing circles on the fog that made itself home there. The cold rain outside had slowed our drive down a bit making an hour ride feel like eternity.

"Almost there Agent Aspen" Happy called back to me. He was sent by Tony Stark to pick me up from my most recent safe house. Tony said, Happy was the only person he trusted to transport me safely to the Avengers Compound. He was a husky man in a tight fitting suit. His brown hair matching his deep brown eyes. You could tell he was threatening but his smile and eyes were so kind and friendly.

I was grateful for him. Happy was just how his nickname entailed, happy. He didn't look at me as anything other than a girl who needed help. He made small talk as he put my one small luggage into the trunk, held an umbrella up for me. He was even considerate enough to ask if I needed the car warmer, since it was mid fall. I liked him.

What I didn't like was my situation. Tony had talked me into moving into the compound for my own safety. I think it was more than that, but when isn't there with him? We decided, to introduce me to the team as an agent that will work directly with him and Bruce in the lab. I didn't much mind that part, I was always more comfortable around electronics than people. My past and my family made sure of that.

"Alright, we're here...are you okay Agent Aspen?" Happy looked back through the back mirror concerned once he noticed a tear fall from my face. I quickly wiped it and straightened my back. I didn't like showing my sadness, it was too much for me to handle, I wouldn't want to burden anyone else.

"Yea I'm fine, was just thinking, thank you Happy." He nodded still concerned and got out with no umbrella. I wondered why until I noticed the car was parked under a large built in concrete awning, that could cover two cars before you even make it close to the door.

I try to step out on my own but the door swung open, making me almost fall on my face. "You're late...'Agent'" I look up to see Tony Stark holding the door and placing a hand out for me to take. He wore a suit, as always. Black three piece this time with a vest. You could almost see the burgundy silk lining with his movements.

"That was my fault sir, flooding on the main roads, had to take the long way." Happy states placing my small suitcase next to Tony, giving me a wink. I reluctantly grab a hold of Tony's hand and get out of the car, thankful for Happy once again.

"Yea okay, let's go, everyone has been sitting around in a confined space for ten minutes...someone is bound to choke someone else, or worse." I freeze in place...everyone?

"Stark...what do you mean everyone?" He grabs my suitcase not looking back. He keeps walking at a brisk pace towards the door forcing me to follow.

"You know...the squad, the team, the group of annoying superheroes we all know and love, the Avengers." I choke a bit getting utterly nervous. I didn't think I would even meet them, just bump into them once in a while. I could see my glasses fogging up with my nervousness.

Tony notices how nervous I got and places a hand on my shoulder when we both stop at the door. "If we are going to make this look realistic we have to do this. I'm introducing you as a very important member to my staff at the lab. You will be working directly under me. So this is protocol." I nod and take a deep breath. I thought he would only be mentioning me to them, not forcing me to meet them. As long as they don't know why I'm really here I'll be okay. 

I hate to lie, but this is the price I pay for the life I was born into. Tony opens the door for me, I look back at Happy and wave him goodbye before I walk in. He sweetly returned the wave.

Inside, the air was crisp. Cool like you would expect a high tech building would be. There were agents walking around having separate conversations. Everyone waved at Tony and eyed me warily. I wouldn't expect anything less from SHIELD agents. The space was large and white, just an entryway. It made me wonder how large this place really was. From the outside it didn't look this huge.