The Captain and the Troublemaker 🔞

Forty-Four

Steve, Tony and the team had spent the last 3 months looking for her. Tony had received video messages from her, letting him know she was fine.

They found that she had asked her staff to take over her businesses for a little while, and had given them all a bonus.

Tony had spoken with Shuri, over the months, and knew that Lia had visited Wakanda a few times. Shuri would keep him updated on how Lia was doing, and had informed him that, herself and her family have all tried talking with Lia, but she didn't want to return to the compound. Tony had asked if he could travel there, but Lia had made it clear, that if any of them ever crossed the boarder, she'd disappear for good.

Tony felt as though he had lost her, for good this time. He would speak with her at least once a week, but if he ever tried to bring up Steve or about coming back, she would hang up. He just didn't know, if he would ever get her back this time.

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Lia stood on the balcony, looking out over the city. She absolutely loved it there. The people, the world, it was amazing. She couldn't help but smile, seeing children play and dace about below.

'I thought I would never see that smile again..'.. She chuckled at his words... 'You look as radiant as ever Miss Lia..'

She turned, and smiled at him... 'You've said that every day for the past 2 weeks Thor. If anything is radiant, it's Asgard. It's so beautiful. No wonder we rarely see you on earth, I wouldn't want to leave here either..'.. He laughed, and held out his arm for her to take.

Lia took his arm, and the two walked through the large hallways of the palace... 'How's Loki doing? Does you parents believe he has changed his ways?'

Thor sighed, glancing at her... 'Whatever you spoke about, and did for him, it seems to have changed him. He is like the brother I once knew. Mother and father are still unsure, but with you here, I believe it will help'

Lia smiled, and leaned her head against Thor. She had first portalled to Asgard, 3 days after she left the compound. Her bar manager Eli, had sent her a message that Cap, Sam and Bucky had turned up at her bar, looking for her. She didn't know if she could do the portal, but with the guidance of the Ancient one, she managed to make it happen. Since then, she would split her time, to Wakanda, Kamar-Taj and Asgard. She loved all three places, and portalling made things so much easier.

'Let's go see him. I would like to go riding through the forest again..'.. She smiled at Thor... 'I need to swear. Being all prim and proper is driving me insane..'

Thor laughed, and nodded at her... 'Very well, my brother will take you riding, but please be careful, you are in a delicate condition..'

Lia slapped his arm and scoffed... 'I'm pregnant, not incapacitated. Besides, I'm a super solider, with badass powers remember. I can handle myself..'

Her hand slipped down to her small bump, softly caressing it. She knew she would have to go back at some point, she wouldn't keep him out of their child's life, she was just scared.

Everyone that she was close with, knew of her pregnancy. The Ancient one, Wong and Mordo, as well as a few others at Kamar-Taj. Thor and his family, as well as the people on Asgard, but it was her family in Wakanda, that knew first.

Shuri had run tests on her, after she collapsed 6 weeks ago. That's when she found out she was pregnant. They were all happy for her, until they could see it in her face. Ramonda especially had talked with her privately, on their walks around the Wakandan palace, giving her advice and motherly care.

Lia was terrified of how the others back at the compound, especially Steve. How was she going to tell him, he was going to be a dad?

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'Mother, he has a right to know..'.. Shuri was feeling the guilt, of keeping such a secret. She spoke with Tony every week, and it was on the tip of her tongue to tell him. She did not want to betray her sister, but as Ihobe had now passed into her second trimester, she wondered if her sister would ever tell the others.

'No Shuri, it is not our place. I know you mean well, but it is up to Ihobe. She will tell them in her own time..'.. Shuri saw that look her mother gave her. It was one that would make you squirm until you gave in and did as you were told.

'Yes mother. I will not say a word..'... She nodded. And she would keep that promise, she would not say anything, but the file she was sending across, would say everything. Shuri worried for her sister. She knew Ihobe was putting on a front, so that no one would worry. Her sister didn't deserve to go through it all alone.

Shuri waited until her mother had left the lab, and sat down at her station. Pulling up the file, she quickly added in a message, before sending it. She looked around, hoping that she hadn't just made a mistake..

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Tony was in a meeting with the team, going over a mission. He was only there in an advisory position. On the rare occasions, he'd join them on one if they needed him. Cap was talking about intel on another Hydra base, in Europe. Tony was barely listening, spacing in and out.

'Boss, a file marked urgent has come through from Shuri. You're going to want to see this..'..

Tony's stands up, coming to stand next to Steve... 'Friday pull it up, what is it?'

The whole team watch as a holo display appears above the meeting table. It showed test results, appointments, and then a video popped up. They all couldn't believe what they were seeing.

The video was of a sonogram, as a small little bean flickered in and out, and then the sound of a heartbeat, echoed through the room.

Steve dropped in his seat, staring at it. He knew. He knew why she was hiding. He had to find her.

'Friday is that correct?'... Tony asks, his voice barely loud enough.

'Yes boss. File shows Miss Lia is pregnant. Gestation 12 weeks 3 days. Baby looks healthy and is progressing well. Miss Lia has another appointment with Shuri in 2 days time. There was also a message attached to the file. Would you like me to tell you?'..

'Yeah, what's the message?'... Tony puts his hand on Steve's shoulder, knowing that he was probably panicking.

'Message from Shuri... I gave my mother my word not to say anything, and I have not. I sent the file as I know our sister needs you, and the Captain. I fear she is struggling. She is not the Ihobe I know and love. She is lost to her pain. I will give you and the Captain coordinates to enter Wakanda. She will be here in 2 days, come then. I am sorry I never told you, but I did not want to betray Ihobe. I hope to see you both soon..'..

The holo display cut off, and Tony looked around the room at everyone, seeing that their eyes were on Steve. He looked down at his friend, seeing him with his head in his hands, resting on the table... 'Uh, congratulations Rogers..'.. Tony gave his shoulder a squeeze... 'Get your ass up, and go get your girl and kid..'

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