Astrild; Goddess of Love

Chapter 22 - Heart of Gold

Author's Note; Let me know what you guys think of the story so far? Would love to know your thoughts so comment and vote as always and thanks for reading, FanGirl8ygc3804

"I must admit Pepper you throw one hell of a party!" I yelled to her over the music. Everyone in attendance was wearing a mask, it had been her idea so that I wouldn't have to be on edge hiding my wings and markings.

"Thanks," she replied modestly before Tony joined us. "Go and mingle," Pepper said in encouragement as they left to make their rounds.

I made my way to the bar and ordered a simple glass of water. Then walked around trying to mingle as Pepper suggested with no luck; I was branded a freak. I headed for the balcony and was given a wide birth.

Freak

What's that?!

Why is she here?

Were the only glimpses of thoughts I got before I shut them out. Once I was outside I caught my breath and sat down with my legs over the side of the building; the gift of flight means I have no fear of heights but it was still a dizzying view downwards.

"You're not thinking of jumping, are you?"

"Steve! You frightened the life out of me!" I shouted at him and slapped his arm as he sat next to me.

"Sorry," He smiled.

"I'll forgive you just this once." I said leaning my head on his shoulder.

"It's a beautiful view, I'll never get tired of it." He said.

"Me neither. My friends at the Institute would love it too but they'd say we were too exposed to an attack." I sighed wishing they weren't so paranoid.

"They have a point but try telling that to Stark." He said seriously before realising he'd insulted my brother, "Sorry."

"It's OK. I've not known him long but I see your point. He's a diva." I agreed with him.

"You rang?" Tony poked his head around the corner to the balcony.

"That's just creepy." I whispered to Steve as my brother headed towards us, sort of it was more of a weave.

"Don't come any nearer Tony, you might drunkenly fall off." I smiled.

"Hey! I'm not that drunk, yet!" He winked and headed back inside after colliding with the door on the way. "Watch out, there's a door there!" Steve and I only just managed to stifle our laughter.

We sat in a comfortable silence for a few minutes. Steve ran a hand through his hair and gave out a deep sigh.

"Steve?"

"Liz?"

"What's wrong?" I asked looking up at him.

"I was just thinking about the past. I used to wish I was back there every day, but now not so much. Thanks to you." He stroked my hair and put an arm around my shoulders. He played with one of the loose curls of my hair as I spoke.

"Steve? What are you going to do about Bucky?"

"I honestly don't know. Let him find his own way I guess. I've not moved so he'll know where to find me."

"Steve," I tilted my head too look up at him, "you should stay here where it's safe."

"No, Lizzy. I love you but no." He called me by my old nickname and to be honest I liked it, wait what?! Did he just... "I need to be where he can find me, when I had nothing I had Bucky." He smiled remembering.