Welcome to the 21st Century, Captain.

Chapter 9

Elena POV

Everyone had moved to the lounging area at S.H.I.E.L.D after Director Fury dismissed us all. It had been awhile since I'd been to Russia. I don't have a lot of very fond memories from my time spent there, considering that I was shot . . .four times.

"So," Tony said as he jumped on the couch and made himself comfortable, "You and Cap-sicle, huh?" Oh my god, here we go.

"Tony, just stay out of it." I said quietly as I seated myself next to Steve on the loveseat. Steve looked over at me and smiled charmingly. I blushed slightly and turned away.

"Okay, something is definitely up." Tony said as he sat up straighter on the sofa. Clint and Natasha, who were sitting at the table turned toward us. Bruce, sitting on the sofa next to Tony on his computer, and Thor, standing at the window and gazing out towards the city, did the same. Thor had arrived earlier today, after he had visited with Jane and Darcy first. I wonder how they're doing?

"What is 'up'?" Thor asked with a furrowed brow. He still wore his Asgaurdian armor, minus the helmet and cape.

"Nothing," I tell him, "Nothing is up, Thor. Don't worry."

"You two got freaky, didn't you?" Tony blurted out rudely. Sometimes, I hated that billionaire.

"Tony!" Everyone yelled. Bruce smacked him hard on the back of the head.

"Ow!" He complained as he rubbed his head, "What the hell was that for?"

"Keep your comments to yourself, Stark." said Steve with an angry look on his face. Since I was sitting so close to him, I could see the traces of a faint blush on his cheeks. Aw, that's adorable.

"Don't fight the truth, Grandpa," Tony muttered under his breath. Oh, that is it.

"Okay!" I yelled as I shot up from my seat. "Yes, Tony! Steve and I are romantically involved! But we have NOT had sex! Are you happy? Is that what you wanted to hear?" Tears pool in my eyes and I try not to let them spill over. I quickly walk out of the lounging area and head towards the rooftop.

God, that was so embarrassing. Why the hell does Tony always have to do that? I love that guy and everything, but sometimes I wanted to choke him. He always wanted to know what was going on in my personal life. I'm a damn adult and I can do whatever the hell I want!

"Now look what you've done!" I heard Steve suddenly yell. I stopped in my tracks, tears flowing down my face and listened. "Why do you have to get into everyone's personal life? Just stay out of it, Stark! Where I come from, men don't make women cry!"

I heard Steve's angry footsteps and the doors to the lounging area open and close. His footsteps got closer to where I was standing, and as he rounded the corner he saw me leaning against the wall as I wiped the rest of my tears away. He whispered my name sadly and walked over to me, reaching out and cradling me to his chest.

"Don't cry, Elena," Steve whispered in my ear, "Please, don't cry." He reached up with his hand to gently wipe my tears away. I looked up into his beautiful blue eyes and smiled a quivering smile.

"Sometimes I want to murder Tony," I muttered. Steve just laughed and nodded his head in agreement.

"Yeah," He said as he leaned his forehead against mine. "I think everyone who knows Tony does at one point in their life." We laughed quietly as Steve gently pressed his lips to mine. I was the first to pull away, looking up at him questioningly.

"Steve?"

"Yes?"

"What are we?" Steve's brow furrowed at my words. He looked at me with a confused expression.