Princess of Mischief {Loki Fanfiction} Book 2

Chapter 5: {Steve's POV}

Steve's POV:

     I felt like it was a bad idea to have left Annabelle to deal with the elevator and meet me downstairs but I was already walking through the labs by time I reconsidered so it was a bit too late to change my mind.

     I walked through the multiple offices until I came to the one I wanted: the largest one of them all at the end of the hall. I knocked on the door and Nick looked up from his desk, motioning for me to enter once he saw who it was.

     "Ah, well if it isn't the Captain." Nick joked as he stood from behind his desk.

     "Fury." I nodded his direction.

     "What is it I can help you with Rogers?"

     I simply kept my hands behind my back as I replied. "Nick I'll be leaving for tonight but I need the keys to my apartment." Nick nodded his head before going over to a filing cabnit to recieve what I requested. It seemed odd to have to ask for my keys but he claimed it was for the protection of us all. Before he grabbed them, however, I added to my last remark. "I'll be leaving with the girl." Nick's eyebrow rose curiously at my words, turning slowly with the ring of keys.

     "Captain, I... do hope you understand we have a fragile relationship with the Asgardians and particularly a God who we gave oath to watch after his daughter. A princess... Surely you know she can't leave the towers." Nick looked to me thoughtfully and I nodded before retorting.

     "And I completely understand. But... Emi doesn't even know what's going on and Tony really doesn't want to watch after Annabelle." I ran my hand through my hair.

     "Well Tony has no choice in the matter. He and Emi must deal with her. It's bad enough we allow you to live amongst the people but... to allow Loki's daughter-"

     Quickly I cut the man off. "Nick, she has a name, and I give my promise to look after her. She is not a child anymore." Walking over to his desk, I placed my hands on the top and balanced my weight. "Besides, she'll be safe with me."  I finished off, holding one of my hands out towards him for the keys to my car and apartment. Nick could only sigh in defeat as he turned to close the filing cabinet.

     Once Nick handed the keys to me, he gave a stern glare. "You watch after that girl, Captain. I don't want to have any more issues and I do not want to deal with her father and his family." Nick frowned and I understood his concern. What I was doing could put everyone in danger but it was a risk I was willing to take. I would never hurt Annabelle and I would never let anyone hurt her.

     I gave my goodbyes before sprinting out of the room down through the winding facility under Stark Towers and headed up the flight of stairs. Once I had reached the lobby, not even out of breath, I found Annabelle leaning against the wall next to the main entrance, twirling the necklace she wore around her finger. I smiled to myself for a moment to take her in.

     She seemed so innocent, just as she was as a child. But she wasn't the energetic 14 year old anymore who ran around with my shield and ran from Tony and Hawkeye acting like an Avenger. No... She seemed broken almost. Broken inside with hurt seeping through the mask of protection she was hiding behind. I knew this because I was the same way once. 

     "Ready?" I asked as I finally walked up to her, suddenly stopping when Annabelle raised her head to look towards me. Her eyes, those faded deep green eyes seemed darkened with sorrow. Wet trails from her tears streamed down her face as she looked to me sadly.

     "Annabelle..." I walked up to her and pulled her into a tight hug, embracing her and hoping to comfort her. Her left hand clenched the necklace over her heart and her right arm remained at her side as she stiffened against me. Instinctively, I began to rub her back softly. "What troubles you Anna-Bee?" I used the nickname the Avengers called her when she was younger. A soft chuckle - a sad one at the most - escaped her lips so I pulled back just enough to look to her.