Astrild; Goddess of Love

Chapter 9 - Just Another Sleepless Night

Author's Note; This story has finally reached 100+ read so just a massive thank you to everyone who has read. As always please feel free to leave comments and vote. FanGirl8ygc3804

I was still pretty tired when Bruce and I arrived back at Stark tower. I even took the lift up instead of flying and I still nearly fell asleep in the lift.

"Well, I think someone needs to get some rest," Bruce chuckled.

"I don't what you're talking about," I reply stifling a yawn.

"You shouldn't try and go too long without sleep," he stated matter of factly.

"I won't," I smiled knowing full well that's what I was doing.

"You will and we both know it, so I'm taking executive action. As your boss I demand you take tomorrow night off and relax, in other words let your powers recuperate."

"But-" I try and get out of it, he cut me off before I could form a single excuse.

"No buts. You're having tomorrow off; don't make me get Natasha to babysit you."

"Fine." I sighed defeated. I kissed him on the cheek before heading into my room to a coma-like sleep.

* * * * * *

At some point during the night Bruce came in to check on me, following a nightmare he'd had concerning my welfare. Finding me well he decided to stay put just in case. Of course neither of us wanted to sleep then.

"Do you want to talk about it?" I asked cautiously.

"No. I'm sorry I just can't believe I-we weren't enough to protect you," he mumbled finishing with a sigh.

"It's OK so long as you guys try your best, besides I have plenty of tricks up my sleeves," I winked trying to reassure him.

"Yeah but remember the time when you got captured by SHEILD?" He asked. I nodded solemnly; it was only thanks to his influence I'd escaped into his custody.

"What if it happens again?" He put his head in his hands.

"Well as the little sister of one of the world's most famous people; I doubt they'll try again never mind succeed." He seemed a little calmer after that.

"Liz?" He asked becoming groggy.

"Mhm?" I reply half asleep myself.

"Do you like Steve as more than your friend and trainer?"

"I nearly burnt the guy to a cinder yesterday, what do you think?" I asked rhetorically trying to hide the fact that I sensed a kindred spirit in Steve.

"Girls punch guys they like." He murmured before drifting off to sleep on my sofa.

That was where I found him when Steve called ready to start training the next morning.

"Liz? Are you awake?" He called softly through the door. I dragged myself out of bed grabbed the nearest piece of clothing, which happened to be Bruce's shirt, putting it on and answering the door. "Come on in while I get changed, take a seat." I gestured to the unmade bed as Bruce came out of the bathroom.

"You're out of toilet pap- oh morning Steve," he said politely. "I'll leave you in peace," he said winking at me obviously. I laugh nervously, what if Banner was right?!

"I'll just get dressed more appropriately." I said grabbing my SHIELD training gear and dashing to the bathroom to change.

"Much better," Steve mumbled under his breath, when I reappeared a few minutes later.