America's Sweetheart (Steve Rogers) - 1

26

"Did you get what happened outta her?" Nat asked, looking at the comparisons of genetic code between Mo and Steve's. They were almost the same but differed. Banner had been right in saying that Hydra had nearly succeeded when it came to the serum.

Steve had explained everything to her once she'd calmed a little. But the long and short of it was that she was terrified. He'd never seen her in such a state and had then just decided to take the opportunity to ask about Zola. She'd told him all that had happened and Steve could feel the anger bubbling inside of him. Hydra had been all but ready to make her one of their own. 

Their own version of him. 

Steve nodded. "He tested on her."

"And she didn't feel anything after? No change?" Banner asked. 

"No." Steve said darkly. "Looks like Howard's preservation methods have kick started it though."

Tony looked at him. "How come?"

Steve shot a look at them all. "She pulled the door straight off its hinges when she opened it..." It was echoes of just how out of sorts and off balance he'd been when he'd begun the pursuit of the Hydra agent who'd shot Erskine. "She can't control it. Not yet."

"But she will" Tony replied. "Steve...she could be useful."

"No." He glared back at his friend knowing exactly what he was thinking. "She's already scared enough as it is. JARVIS started talking to her and she thought she was hearing things. She needs to adjust."

Nat nodded. "He's right. She's just woken up in a different time, found out that she's enhanced...it's too much Tony and you know it is."

"Where is she now?"

"In my room," and then he shifted slightly, wondering how to put the next part. "Look guys...I need to call time on my role in The Avengers for the while, you know I do – I have to help Mo adjust." Steve now told them as they all looked completely stumped by what he was saying.

Thor now spoke up . "For how long?"

Steve shrugged. "I have to get my priorities right, of course I'll still help, but there's missions where you won't need me."

Tony sighed and massaged his forehead. "But if we do need you, you'll still come right? Because I'm gonna be honest, I really don't wanna play the role of follow the leader."

"Course I will. I'm not calling it quits, but I need to take a step back." And then he came out with the revelation that no one had ever known about. At least it would make the others see why he was making the decision "Before I went into the ice, I asked her to marry me. I knew the answer, but never got to hear her say the word 'yes'".

Nat smiled weakly. "You gonna make an honest woman of her Rogers?"

"I'm not gonna wait any longer than I already have. I've learnt that much."

"I always told you to get a life." Tony smirked and gave him a clap on the back, "But I guess this is probably the only thing I've ever agreed with you on."

"I love weddings, I remember this one time on Asgard there was a wedding and Loki and I..." At this point everyone zoned out as Thor began to tell the story.

Nat patted his arm. "Probably best not mention you're the god of thunder to Mo just yet."

Steve glanced at the doorway. "I'd better go and see if she's ok. I'll catch up with you later" and went to find Mo who was looking at her picture by his bed in his room.

She looked up as he came in. "It's strange to think this was years and years ago...yet for me it only feels like five minutes." She didn't feel like the girl in the picture anymore. If anything she felt as though she'd lost her identity somewhat. 

"I felt exactly the same..." and then put the picture down, taking her by the hands. "I've spoken to the others; told them I'm taking a step back."

"Steve..."

He silenced her with a kiss, "No. I'm taking you back home with me and I'm gonna help you"

"What about the whole...serum thing." She said uncomfortably, looking at her hands "I never wanted this. I don't know how to control it."

"Which is why I'll be with you. Soon you'll forget you'll even have what you have. You don't have to use it." He said, embracing her tightly as she became upset again.

"I'm so scared..." She whispered.

He knew her well enough to know that she never got scared. "I know sweetheart, I know...but it's gonna be ok. I promise."

"Where's home for you? Now?" Mo asked.

"DC. You'll like it."

She looked up at him, those blue eyes of hers piercing his own. Instantly he wanted to melt. Every time he looked at this woman he fell in a love a little more, even if he thought he was already fully feeling it. He'd never stop feeling it. Not now. Not ever.

"Take me home, Captain." 

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Thankyou for reading! I hope you enjoyed the story, however it's far from over! In fact it's only just beginning for Steve and Mo. 

Book 2 will be published soon! 

Gee