Once A Warrior Princess

Chapter 12~ Direct(or) Issue

Steve's POV

"You wanted to see me, sir?" I asked.

"Yes, I did. What do you think of your new... addition to the Avengers?" Director Fury replied.

"She's been very helpful. It took some time, but she's finally opened up and found her place with us. Why do you ask?"

"Well, that's very good to hear. Unfortunately, some rumors have surfaced about her."

"What kind of rumors, sir?" I asked. Where was he going with this? Had he found out about Melody's death magic?

"Steve, are you involved romantically with Melody?" He asked. Oh. That's what this was about.

"If I were, would that be a problem sir?" I asked.

"It would, actually. For several reasons. First off, she is only 16. So anything you do with her is statutory rape. Second, romantic relationships between teammates is a recipe for disaster. If it ends badly, it would be devastating not just for you and her, but the rest of the Avengers as well. And third, she is here as a political mediation between us and Transmonia. There are several other reasons, but keeping those in mind, I will ask you again. Are you and Melody Lupine romantically involved?" I narrowed my eyes at his comment that she was nothing more than a political mediation. She was so so much more than that.

"We are sir," I answered, my jaw taut. I didn't like where this conversation was going.

"End it. As soon as possible. And never speak of it again. If word gets out that Captain America of all people was sleeping with a minor, that in itself would make people not trust the Avengers to protect them."

"I haven't slept with Melody, sir. And I'm not going to end anything with her," I told him.

"What?"

"And another thing, what she and I chose to do in our free time is our business. That is up to us, not you."

"Steve, this could get in the way of missions. If it was between saving Melody or a civilian who would you choose?"

"The civilian. Melody can more than take care of herself. Our relationship won't interfere with missions."

"And what about the massive age gap? The fact that she's still a minor?"

"We are taking things painstakingly slow. The most we do is hold hands and cuddle. We have discussed the issue and agreed to wait until she's an adult to do anything else."

"So you haven't kissed her?"

"There have been three instances. And we agreed to stop, again, until she's 18. Anything else, sir?" I asked, growing annoyed. There was that constant urge to protect Melody, making itself known.

"What am I going to tell her mother?"

"Nothing. I'll take care of that."

"I still don't think this is a good idea, Steve."

"Good thing it's not your call to make."

"I could remove you from the Avengers," He threatened.

"Do it. She's worth it," I replied.

"Just keep it covered up. I still don't want this getting out."

"Of course, sir," I said, taking my leave.

"What did Fury want?" Tony asked, as I going the team in the living room.

"Where's Melody?"

"In her room. Said she was going to take a nap. So what happened?" Nat answered.

"Well, he knows about Melody and I," I said.

"He wants you to break it off, doesn't he?" Clint asked.

"Yeah."

"And?" Tony asked.

"I refused him. And then he threatened to take me off the team."

"Well, you're still here, so how are you going to break it off?" Nat asked.

"Simple. I'm not going to," I answered.

"Does he know that?" Bruce asked.

"Yes. For now, at least, it was an empty threat."

"Are you going to tell her about this?" Nat asked.

"Yeah. I don't know how, but this effects her too and she deserves to know."

"Good man, Capcicle," Tony said, patting my shoulder. "But do me a favor. Stop setting such high standards for all other men."

"The thing is, Tony, they aren't high standards. He's treating her as his equal, as he should," Bruce said and Tony playfully scowled at him.

"Bruce, you're supposed to be on my side."

"You are not my only friend, Tony." Tony was aghast.

"Are you... cheating on me?" He asked, a hand flying to his chest.

"I'm sorry. I didn't want you to find out this way."

"Betrayal," Nat laughed and I cracked a smile. Life with the Avengers was never dull.

"Guys, I would appreciate any helpful suggestions," I said, bringing there focus to the task at hand.

"Steve, I don't know why you're stressing over this so much. Melody can read you mind, just say you have something to say but can't figure it out and let her watch the whole thing. Problem solved," Nat answered.

"Ya'know, I forgot she could do that," I smiled.

"That girl had infinite powers. It's really not fair," Tony pouted.

"You guys enjoy bickering. I have something better to do," I said standing up and walking to Melody's room. I found her just as Nat said I would. Curled up on her bed, wound in a tight little ball of herself and her blankets. I sighed, and crawled in next to her, wrapping my arms around her middle.

"Steve?" She whispered, her voice heavy with sleep.

"Hi, baby," I said, holding her tighter.

"What's wrong?" She asked, rolling over to face me.

"I have to tell you something. The problem is I don't know how to say it," I admitted.

"Can I have a look?" She asked, her hand moving up to cup my cheek.

"I was hoping you'd say that," I smiled, focusing on what the director had said. A few minutes of silence passed before Melody's eyes opened again.

"That's absolute bullshit," She growled. "Why the fuck does it matter to him what we do?"

"I don't know, love. I really don't. But I thought you should know. I have a feeling he's not going to just let this go."

"Of course he's not. That's not like him at all. Thank you for telling me, Steve. I appreciate it."

"Of course, Doll. This effects you too. You should know about it."

"That right there? That's why I love you."

"I'm pretty sure I love you more," I smirked and she giggled.

"I know. You said losing your place with the Avengers was worth being with me. And it's sweet, but you're wrong."

"Don't sell yourself short, baby. I'd do a lot of bad things for you. And every one of them would be worth it."

"I can think of something I want you to do for me right now," She smiled.

"What's that?"

"Take a nap with me?"

"Anything for you."