Hey guys! Still working on reposting the stories I (stupidly) took down, but I'm very excited for you all to read them again!
Prologue
"A baby," Tony Stark deadpans, staring down at the wrapped bundle. "You gathered Earth's Mightiest Heroes for a baby."
"This baby is HYDRA's newest target," Fury says harshly. "We need you all to decide who keeps it."
In sync all of the Avengers turn their heads to stare down at the baby from where they're crowded around the crib. "She's just a baby," Steve says quietly, watching her stir in her sleep. "What do they want with her?"
Fury opens his mouth to sleep, but then a machine crashes through the window, red eyes locked on the crib. It looks like one of Ultron's robots, except it's bulkier and clearly not as well-made as a Stark machine.
"Surrender the girl," It growls, red eyes watching Steve scoop her into his arms.
"Yeah, how about no?" Tony's bracelet starts blinking red as he edges in front of Steve with the others.
The robot's eyes glow a brighter red before it lifts its blocky hands and fires.
Steve grabs his shield from where it's propped from the wall and balances the baby in the other arm, holding the shield over them to protect her from the bullets. Bruce disappears into the hallway, clearly trying to keep the HUlk under control, while Clint grabs a knife and throws it into its chest where it hangs there. Natasha grabs her guns and fires, all of the bullets bouncing off, and the moment Tony's gauntlet attaches to his arm, he fires, knocking it in the head and killing it. It lands on the floor with a loud clang, and the baby is Steve's arm stirs, snuggling closer to him, causing Steve to stare at her in stunned silence.
"The girl has a personal connection to HYDRA that we're still looking into." Fury says quietly as he watches her yawn before blinking amethyst eyes open. "We have reason to believe they've already begun experimenting on her, which means they could be trying to finish the job."
"Or making more," Steve carefully sets the shield down and holds her more securely. "What do we do?"
"We'll continue taking down HYDRA; that won't stop because of her." Fury glances at the bundle blinking at everyone. "She needs someone to take care of her."
"Steve," Everyone says in unison.
Steve's head jerks up. "Why me?" He protests.
"You're the best suited for taking care of her," Natasha glances at the girl smiling at him. "Besides, she already likes you."
He glances at her before sighing deeply. "If HYDRA's after her, we all need to protect her," He says in his Cap voice. "Not just one."
Natasha nods once. "I can help, but since you're the leader…"
"I got it. She's my responsibility," He eyes Tony. "Are you helping?"
He nods once. "I'll explain it to Pepper so she understands." He digs out his phone and starts typing. "This is insane. She's just a kid,"
Steve looks down at the girl again, meeting her curious eyes and trying to keep his mind off of HYDRA's interest. "I guess you're with me tonight," He focuses on Fury. "What's her name?"
Fury keeps his eyes on the baby. "Hope."
…
Steve's eyes snap open at the wail coming from the monitor Sharon Carter dropped off, and he instantly jerks upright and darts over to the living room. He releases a breath when he sees no one else and moves to where she's crying.
"Shh," He whispers, scooping her into his arms and rocking her as he moves towards a chair. "It's alright, sweetheart. I have you."
Her crying dims to whimpers as he makes himself comfortable, and finally she snuggles into him and goes back to sleep. He starts to lift her, but he feels a tug on his shirt, and he glances down to see her with a tight grip on his clothes. He sighs wearily before settling back in the chair, smiling a little at her peaceful expression before falling asleep himself.
…
"Where is she?" Rumlow demands furiously, eyes burning in dark anger that makes all of the guards flinch.
"We'll find her," A guard says, almost whimpering. "She's too young to last on her own. If she's dead-"
"Sir," A new guard says, walking into the room. "Nick Fury has her in custody."
Rumlow curses, slamming his fist in the wall. "I want her found," He hisses darkly. "I want her found and brought in as soon as possible."
"Sir, she's under the protection of Steve Rogers," The newest guard says, shifting uneasily. "She will be almost impossible to get to."
"I don't care," Rumlow hisses. "I will join SHIELD if I have to. She will either be ours or die."
"I thought we couldn't kill her," The first guard says worriedly. "Who she is-"
"I don't care," Rumlow snaps darkly. "She always has and will belong to HYDRA." He pauses, fighting for a little control. "Find her and take her down."