Astrild; Goddess of Love

Chapter 33 - Family

Author's Note; I logged into Wattpad for the first time in a while to see that Chapter 1 - Fresh Start has gained over 100 reads! Thank you so much to everyone that has read and/or recommended I couldn't continue without you. In addition to this Astrild has also been added to its first reading list this chapter will be dedicated to the owner of which, Thank You for your support and remember to comment and vote as always, FanGirl8ygc3804

After my briefing with Coulson I left him to his work and headed back to the Common Room. To my surprise I found Steve and Bucky playing ping-pong. I stood behind Bucky, lounging provocatively in the door way. They had a long rally going and it was a couple of shots before Steve met my gaze, which naturally caused him to lose his concentration and the game.

''Thanks Liz, but I was already winning I didn't need your help.'' Bucky said without turning around.

''How'd you know I was standing here?'' I asked genuinely wanting to know, normally sneaking up on people is like second nature to me.

''It's been a while but I know what to look for when Stevie boy's in love.'' He teased. I laughed as Steve blushed a deep shade of tomato.

''At least I don't try and hide it.'' He rebuked smirking at his friend as he made his way around the table to me. He cupped my neck in his palm and I leant into him. ''Coulson told me about the offer he was going to make you, what do you think?''

''I don't know but he shouldn't have told you before he asked me.'' I said a little annoyed, after all I wasn't just Captain America's girlfriend I'd earnt my way onto this team.

''Maybe, we can take this discussion somewhere else.'' He said knowing that I didn't want to outline my life in front of people I didn't know, ''Excuse us.''

''Sergeant Barnes, Agent Nora; You need to be debriefed, follow me.'' I heard Coulson saying to them as Steve and I left the room. We walked to one of the pods and sat side by side on the bunk.

''I don't want to be in your shadow, Steve.'' I sighed, ''But I don't want to help put my brothers and sisters in cages either.'' He looked down at his hands as he spoke,

''I'm sure whatever Coulson plans, that it will be suited to you.''

''If I take it I'm risking my life and I don't want to lose you, this life is new to me and it's a huge risk to take for someone like me.'' I put my head in my hands, unable to make the choice.

''And being an avenger for me is a walk in the park?!'' He asked a little hurt underneath the frustration. His reaction startled me. I looked up to meet his eyes with had turned to ice,

''Look I... I didn't mean it like that,'' I took a deep breath before I continued, ''I'm going to worry about you, because I care Steve.''

''Do you honestly think that I don't care about you, after everything Lizzy?'' When he spoke I had to look away from him,

''I know you care I also know that I have faith in you. You won't get hurt but you don't believe I'm ready, is that it? If that's the case why did you tell Coulson--'' He silenced me with a kiss; on hand on the bed bedside me, the other he kept behind my neck even as he pulled away from me. I caught his hand in mine, my gaze on them as I fitted my hand in his in the silence. I looked up at him as he spoke.

''No, you are ready and you deserve it. I'm selfish and old-fashioned, I don't want you at risk,'' He paused and I was about to use the opportunity to cut in but he read my mind, ''No don't interrupt. You need to do this, not for me but for you and I respect that. Coulson only told me because he knows I don't like secrets and it forces me, to urge you to take the job. Instead of holding back because of me.''