Hell Froze Over*Avengers*Captain America*Reader*

7) Family reunion

"How long have you known?" you asked Bruce in accusing tone. You were slowly processing and realized you were pissed at Bruce. How could he keep something like this from you? From Steve?

"For a while. She demonstrated her powers when... when she needed my help."

"That's not what I'm asking."

Bruce sank deeper into the couch. Those two looked like kids about to be scolded by their parents and the irony was not lost on you. Except it brought tears into your eyes. Goddammit shit.

"And what are you asking?" Katie chipped barely audible as if she was afraid you were gonna hit her.

God, had you ever hit her? Or well, were you ever gonna hit her? You prayed not. You really would have to lose your nerves to do that – or she would have to turn evil under a mind-control or something, wouldn't be the first time something like that happened and—alright, this was so not helping.

"I'm asking Bruce since when has he known that— that-- how long does he know who you are."

Their jaws went slack, their eyes widening in horror. Absolute silence filled the room as their breaths hitched.

"What do you mean?" Bruce continued to play dumb lamely. You gave him a pointed look.

"Oh, okay. You wanna play dumb? Cool. Let's see the facts. First of all, your name is not Katie. I'm like... ninety percent sure. Ninety five. Your name is either Lillian, Grace or Ava."

Judging by their shocked faces, you were right. You had always wanted that. You loved those names. Then again, maybe Steve didn't like either of those? You had never asked him so far. But you didn't think 'Katie' was it for him.

"Or... maybe Sarah." After Steve's mum. That would be acceptable. "Anyway. There's your powers. There's your health issues. There's your goddamned hair and eyes, the necklace – I cannot believe I didn't figure it out sooner."

"I'm-"

You held out your index finger to stop her when she wanted to interrupt you. "Nope. I'm talking, young lady."

Bruce and 'Katie' drew in sharp breaths. Oh god. Did you just called her young lady? You cleared your throat awkwardly.

"The similarity is unmistakable. But honestly? You almost disappearing when Steve— was not very well? Yeah, pretty big clue. Also I can just wonder how it's possible that your DNA didn't match with any person walking this Ea-" you stopped in midsentence, another realization striking you. You gaped at Bruce. "Oh my god! That's when you learned! You helped her, didn't you? She did have a match!"

"Two, actually..." Bruce admitted with a timid smile, but you shot him a sharp glare that made him slump his shoulders.

You collapsed into the armchair at the weight of the news. Bruce had known since then. He had manipulated the results so you didn't find out! Why?

Why wouldn't he want you to know you would have a daughter? How could he not tell you that?! That your adult daughter was right here?! You didn't even know her name. Were you such a terrible mother? Did this girl say something to Bruce, something you were about to do in the future that he couldn't tell you?

You didn't notice you started crying until you daughter was kneeling in front of the armchair, taking your hands into hers, watching your with pleading eyes, as watery as your own were.

"Please, please, don't cry. I didn't want to make you cry," she whined miserably, her voice so small. "Please, I'm so sorry... mom."

You shrieked hysterically. It was one thing to think – to practically know – you were a mother, a mother to this girl, but actually hear her call you that? That was... that was-- you stared at her soundlessly then as silent tears rolled down her cheeks.