I Thought You Were Different: Part 5

Promise

The following day was filled with remaining introductions, meetings, the startling revelation of what Clint and Nat had done, and the slow realizations that plans weren't very forthcoming. The prospect of fighting a being like Thanos was so foreign, so daunting, that even with the Guardians taking their place in the mix, it was beyond anything that this team had considered. To say that stress was rampant was a disillusioned understatement, and to say that there was a single person or creature there who wasn't affected by it was a blatant lie.

Feeling Steve's hand and his fingers intertwined tightly with yours was welcome, but it was also a sad sensation; you had forgotten what it was like, to have even just this simple contact, and to be his wife with so much going on as a team. You had been crushed under the pressure for so long, and by so many things, that little pleasures had been cast aside and it was threatening the tiniest thread of happiness that you clung to.

"Hey," he whispered, gently leaning against you as you sat in on the day's final meeting, "when this is done, I want to talk to you."

"Oh, God, why? What now?"

"Relax, doll, not like that."

"Can you blame me, though?"

"No," Steve sighed, completely understanding, "I can't. But trust me, nothing bad this time. I've had my share of bad for the day."

~~~

One by one, your team and your visitors left the room, finding that night had already fallen and that it was time to turn in. Your kids had gone to bed a few hours ago already, and in a strange turn of events, were being monitored closely by Loki of all people. It was a new sensation to trust him, but he had yet to prove himself to be anything other than a willing participant in the fight to come, and so far, committing to your side. The sensation of trust didn't stop you from letting Steve go on ahead so that you could make a quick stop by each of their rooms on the way to your own, and the unlikely caregiver took notice with a curt nod.

You had barely stepped foot into your quarters when you came to a fast halt, with Steve blocking your path. "Doll," he smiled, his hand extended for you to take, "take a walk?"

"A walk? Steve, it's after midnight."

"So? Wait...it's not because you're afraid of the dark is it? I can protect you."

"Talking about yourself again?" you smirked, slapping your hand into his. "Come on, tough guy, I've got you."

"Darn right you do," he answered smartly, following behind and pulling the door gently closed after he passed through. He couldn't help himself from stopping by each of the kids' doors just one more time before continuing on; he was a man to wear his heart on his sleeve where his family was concerned, and it made it too easy to fall in love with him over and over as you watched. Once he was satisfied with the sounds of their gentle snores, he gave your hand a squeeze and led you through the building and through the front door, into the dark of night.

"Okay, which way do you want to go?" you asked, but he was already well into his own plan.

"Towards the lake. There's a full moon tonight."

"This isn't a trick to get me skinny dipping again, is it?"

"Hmm," he stopped and considered, bringing his free hand up to his chin thoughtfully, "I hadn't gone there, but now that you mention it...it's been quite a while, and I could be persuaded into the water."

"Yeah, like it would be a tough sell," you snorted, heavy sarcasm hanging from your words. It wouldn't take much more than a point towards the lake to get him to go along with it.