Maria Stark

by agentbanner

Hours after Maria Stark was born, she was taken. Years later, Tony see's a lady on the street who looks just like Pepper, but him as well. Steve simply asked for ingredients from a neighbor. Never would he think that he would fall for her.

2. Chapter 1

Tony Stark paced in the hallway of the hospital. He never let his worries show, but this one time seemed acceptable. Besides, pacing didn't mean that he was worried. No. He was just bored of sitting. That was it. Tired of sitting. A scream came from the other side of the door he was pacing by. His eyes grew wide. Faltering in his pacing he reached for the doorknob when a hand touched his. Startled, he jerked his hand away and looked at the person. Bruce Banner stood, smiling slightly, next to him. He gulped. A nervous smile appeared.

"Bruce." He greeted. Bruce patted Tony on the back.

"Don't look so nervous. I'm sure she'll be fine. Lots of babies are born premature. The others are on their way." With that he sat on a chair across from the door. Tony faced him.

"What others?" He asked, confused.

"The others. Romanoff and Barton, Steve, and Thor if he can." He shrugged. "Communications with Asgaurd are so-so. We think he got the message." Before Tony could comment that Bruce had invited two assassins and a thunder god here, another painful cry came from the room. At the same moment the rest of the Avengers rounded the corner along with Rhodey.

"Ouch." Clint Barton comments. Right as Tony was about to say a snappy comment back the door popped open. A doctor in a pristine white lab coat walked out.

"Tony Stark?"

"Yes that's me." Tony said frantically. The doctor smiled brightly.

"Congratulations. You can come inside now. Why don't your guests come in after the child gets used to you and Mrs. Pepper. She did wonderful by the way. I'm sorry there were so many complications and that you could not have been inside the room." The doctor gave a smile and moved aside to let Tony in.

---

Pepper leaned back into the hospital beds pillows. Tony had squeezed in next to her. He lay on his side with an arm draped around her. The day had passed in a blur after he had gone into the room. Pepper had been covered in sweat, but a smile was on her face. A pink bundle had been in her arms. After Tony held his little girl in his arms she had been passed around from person to person. It was funny watching Clint and Natasha hold her. Clint didn't really know what to do with her and just passed her off to Natasha to hold. Natasha seemed to be a natural with the little girl. Steve cooed over her and held her in awe. Thor had actually made it in time. By far out of everyone he had no idea what to do. While he was certainly the most fascinated, but he only held her for a moment. In fact, he just sat in the chair with her in his arms. He didn't move. Bruce had loved holding the little girl. This little girl didn't know whom he was, she wouldn't make him mad, and she didn't cry at all. Rhodey had scooped the baby up in his arms and laughed slightly. He thought it was great, crazy, but great that they had a child. All of them left at the same time with congratulations, well wishes, and promises to visit again.

"Pepper?" Tony mumbled.

"Yes?" She whispered back.

"I already miss her." Pepper laughed softly.

"Hmm." She hummed. "Me too. I can't wait to take her home tomorrow."

"Good job today." Again she laughed. Her hand ran through his hair, making both sleepy.

"Thanks."

"Thank you." He said after a few minutes of silence.

"For what?"

"Maria River Stark." Pepper kissed Tony on the head. Both fell asleep quickly after that.

The sleeping couple awoke to yelling. The hallway lights shone through the crack below the door. Darkness still filled the room though. Glancing at the clock Tony saw it was 3:49 in the morning. Pepper sat up, Tony followed. She reached for his hand. Worry filled her voice.

"What do you think is going on?"

"I don't know but I'm going to find out." He kissed her head and walked towards the door. The yelling had gotten louder. Words could be made out.

"Stop him!"

"He has a child!"

"Don't let him get away!"

Tony threw open the door to see a man charging down the hall towards him. A pink bundle held in one arm like a football. Doctors and nurses ran behind the man, yelling and pointing. Instant panic filled him. A pink bundle. Like the one Maria was had earlier today. But the chances it was Maria were low. Right? The man suddenly made a turn down a hallway away from him. He licked his lips. What if that man had Maria? He could hear Pepper saying something to him but it didn't register. His feet were already taking him towards where the man and doctors had fled. It lead to a stairway. Instead of going down them he ran to where Maria and the other children were. He ran up to the glass where you could look at them and froze.

"Tony?" He heard Peppers voice behind him. "Tony, are you okay?" Pepper touched his shoulder before looking at the glass with him. She gasped. Tony pulled her into a tight hug, shielding her from the sight. He breathed in deeply as she began to cry as questions tumbled out. He pulled her away from him. Looking her in the eyes he spoke.

"I am going to go downstairs and see if they caught the man who took her. Go back to bed." Pepper shook her head. Grapping his hand she started to lead the way to the elevator.

"No. She is our daughter. We are going together." Downstairs in the lobby cops had gathered. Chair were strewn everywhere along with paper and clipboards. A fight must have broken out. Doctors and nurses spoke with the cops around the room. A doctor, whom was speaking to the chief cop, saw them walk out of the elevator, hand in hand. The man frowned and pointed to them. Tony and Pepper walked towards them.

"What happened?" Tony demanded. "Why wasn't Maria in her bed." The doctor opened and closed his mouth like a fish. Finally the cop spoke.

"We believe the man who came in here broke in there just to take your daughter."

"Dam right he did. None of the other children are missing are they? Did you catch him?" He almost yelled. Pepper squeezed his hand tightly, silently pleading him to stay level headed. Tony sighed, frustrated. "Do you know who he was, what he looked like, a motive, anything about him at all?" The cop shook his head sadly.

"We have suspicions, but no real evidence." The doctor stared at the floor. Pepper started to cry again. Tony pulled her into a hug. He asked if they could both go home. Seeing no reason for the couple to stay the cop said something about looking for the man and Maria before letting them go. Tony had Happy come and pick them up. Tony carried Pepper into the tower. He laid her down in their bed and drew the covers over her. Right as he was going to go put his iron man suit on, to go look for the man who took Maria, Pepper started to cry in her sleep. He lay with her and comforted her for a while before taking off in search for Maria and the bastard who took her.

---

Tony and Pepper Stark stood in the kitchen. A small birthday cake with 23 candles light shone brightly in the darkened room. The couple blew out the candles sadly. Just as they had done for the past twenty three years. Two cards lay on the table. One from Pepper and one from Tony. Both envelopes were labeled to Maria. When their missing daughters first birthday came around they baked a cake and wrote her letters. Every year they did the same thing. Tony cut two slices of cake. Along with two glasses of wine they curled up on the couch. Neither spoke. Pepper turned on the television. The news was on.

Riiiiiing. Riiiiiing. Tony's phone rang. Aggravated he glared at the caller I.D. He had told everyone not to bother him today. Nick Furry was calling.

"What do you want?" He demanded. Pepper sat up, uncurling herself from him.

"We have a situation." At those words the television flashed breaking news. Not bothering to see what it was Tony kissed Pepper and went to get his suit on. Pepper continued to watch the news. A prison was shown. A news reporter appeared. Behind her pictures of a man and a women.

"We urge everyone to stay indoors. Currently two prisoners have escaped. A Gary Star and his wife Michelle Star have escaped. These two are known for their cunning skills in hiding, technology, and vast varieties of sciences. We have several teams currently trying to find them. Please stay indoors." Pepper looked out the window as Ton- Iron Man flew away off to help.

Tony had been gone hours. It was around four in the morning but she hadn't slept all night. All she wanted was for him to come home. Or at least she wanted him to call. The news had claimed that the Avengers had apprehended the prisoners. Whether that was true or just a lie to keep the public calm she didn't know. Her phone rang. It was Tony. Frantically she opened it.

"Tony?" She asked worriedly. A soft chuckle resounded from the other side of the line. Pepper sighed in relief.

"Hey Pepper." Tony said.

"Where are you?"

"I am on my way home. Capsickle is with me. Happy's bringing us back in the car."

"Steve is with you?"

"Yeah his flat complex may have possibly accidentally gotten hit with Thor's lightning and burned to the ground. Complete accident." She could hear Tony's smile.

"So the bad guys were near his flat?"

"More or less. Anyway he's going to spend a few nights with us until he either finds a new flat or they fix his."

"Alright. I'll make sure a guest room is ready for him." They paused in the conversation. Normally Tony would have either hung up by now without a goodbye or just said bye and hung up. "Tony, what's the matter?"

"Nothing. Nothing. We are almost home. Bye." He hung up. Pepper cleaned up the two slices of half eaten cake, the wine glasses, and placed a glass case over the rest of the cake. She walked down a corridor and made sure a large room was prepared for Steve. By the time she had walked back into the kitchen area the elevator pinged open. Steve and Tony walked out.

"Hello Pepper." Steve nodded. Tony rolled his eyes and hugged his wife.

"Hello Steve. Your room is down that corridor, third door down on the left." Pepper greeted over Tony's shoulder. Steve smiled before heading that way, obviously tired from the nights events. Once she heard the door shut she spoke. Slowly she rubbed circles into Tony's back. "What's wrong?" She whispered.

"After we had caught the prisoners, I was walking one of them back towards a jet to transport them back to Furry when I saw her." When he didn't continue she asked.

"Who?"

"This girl. She looked just like you Pepper. Your hair, the way she walked and held herself, and she your blue eyes. I-I don't know. The girl was a perfect blend of me and you. I thought it might have been Maria…but I turned to give someone the prisoner and when I looked back she was gone. I searched for her for a while but it seemed hopeless. Jarvis got a good look at her so I'm having him scan the area for her. I know she's probably not Maria but if she is I just want, I just- I, we searched so long for her and what- what if…if," Pepper cut him off.

"I understand. Come on, you're tired. Lets go to bed."

---

"Steve? Oh thank goodness you're okay. I was away when I heard the building caught on fire, but I thought you were still in the flat." Steve turned from the pile of ashes he had been staring at. Relief flooded through him. A smile light up his face as he was embraced in a hug.

"Maria. I'm glad you're all right too. I'm so sorry we couldn't spend your birthday together as we planned." Steve broke away from the hug only to grab her hand in his. Lacing his fingers through hers, he looked her over. Her copper hair was pulled back into a ponytail but her brown side bangs fell into her eyes. She was dressed in a simple navy blue skirt and white V-neck. Gray high heels made her the same height as him. Her blue eyes shone with sadness as she pulled him over to where their flat used to be.

"It's fine Steve. Duty called. Where are we going to stay now? I stayed with a friend last night. I would have called you but I wasn't sure where you were. And you don't have a cellphone." She added. Seeing nothing in the piles of ash that seemed to be salvageable, Steve led them away and back into the streets.

"Hmm. Have you had breakfast?" He asked, almost avoiding the housing question. It was sad to loose what had felt like his first real home since the ice. Thankfully all of his older, more sentimental things were stored safely in his room at Avengers tower.

"I haven't." She replied. Steve smiled. He began to take them to their favorite coffee shop.

"How about we discuss everything over breakfast?" Maria only hummed in agreement. Leaning into him as they walked she smiled. How she got so lucky as to have Steve, she would never know. He accepted that criminals had raised her, a thing most people wouldn't accept. Gary and Michelle Star, the two masterminds who had broken out last night and caught again actually met her for dinner before getting caught, they had a strange relationship, were not her real parents. She knew very well who her real parents are; she just didn't know what to do about it. Steve was the only one that she told about being raised by criminals.

Being a lab rat for their experiments was awful. When the Stars had taken her from the hospital they didn't know who she was. They just needed a girl with her exact blood type. All they wanted was someone to experiment on. Already she knew her body was different because of the chemicals they put in her. One day Gary, her 'father', had stabbed her in the leg. But instead of staying open and gushing blood like a normal wound, it closed itself up after a little blood came out. Regeneration. Her body could regenerate itself when wounded. Dying would be harder now. Along with regeneration meant a higher metabolism. Meaning a longer life span. The day she explained all of this to him just happened to be the day he told her he was Captain America. Thank goodness he had been okay with her unique 'condition' but then again he had a 'condition' as well.

It had taken him months to tell her that he was Captain America, a fact that she had figured out within days of becoming friends with him. At first he lived directly across the hall from her. The first time they spoke was when he needed to borrow a cup of flour. He had seemed really nervous, as if he wasn't sure whether people asked for things from their neighbors. Of course she had given him the flour. After that first meeting they seemed to bump into each other occasionally at places. Soon they were fast friends, hanging out at each other's flats, going out, and doing normal things that both seemed to enjoy. Maria taught him how to use different electronics and spoke about history; each time she did these subjects she found an excuse to so he wouldn't know that she knew who he was.

The day he told her he was Captain America she had just accepted it. She already knew and was okay with it. That was the day they had really become a couple. It wasn't long after that they moved into her flat together. Both didn't talk about the subject of relationships with their friends but if asked they would reply with, "I have a girlfriend." Or in her case, "I have a boyfriend." Steve being a bit shy and Maria just one not to talk about it, neither ever told anyone about being in a relationship. If people wanted to know they would ask. Upon reaching their favorite coffee shop, Secret Coffee, they sat in their usual seat outside. It was a small coffee shop in a large building surrounded by even larger buildings. A busy street ran on one side of it. From where the couple sat they had a perfect view of Avengers tower. Steve went and got their drinks.

"I stayed there last night." Steve said abruptly.

"Hmm. You stayed where?" Maria asked, fully aware that he meant Avengers – Stark – Tower.

"I stayed at Avengers tower." He said softly. Not wanting others to overhear them.

"Really?" She took a sip of her white mocha. "What was it like?"

"Big, obviously. I've stayed many times before. It was very; well I don't know how to describe it. Fancy isn't the right word. It was comfortable I guess. Not a worn out t-shirt comfortable but a new t-shirt comfortable. Well maybe not even that. Nowhere is truly comfortable here. All of the technology was confusing still. Lonely." He ended with. Maria felt a little hurt. Nowhere is truly comfortable here. Does that mean he's never comfortable with her? Not wanting to ask she moved onto his last word.

"Lonely? Why?" Steve blushed. He mumbled something into his drink. Maria smirked. "What was that? I couldn't hear you." Steve glared at her before saying it, once again softly.

"Because you weren't there." She smiled and leaned across the tiny round table to kiss him on the cheek.

"I missed you too, soldier." Neither spoke as they drank the rest of their drinks. The topic of where to live had been forgotten for the moment. After their drinks ere finished they began to walk again. Avengers tower grew larger as they walked towards it.

"What would you say about living in Avengers tower?" Maria stumbled at his words. He steadied her quickly and wrapped an arm around her waist.

"Avengers tower?" Her voice was soft. That would mean living near her biological parents. Who were still searching for her. Steve pulled them out of the traffic of people and onto a bench. Making quick a decision in her head, she decided to tell him about her real parents. The ones that thought she was either dead or living another life as someone else. She trusted Steve with her life. They had been dating for four years. Finally telling him the complete truth about her past would be good, right?

"Yes. Avengers tower. I know its not ideal, but Tony and Pepper are-," Maria interrupted him.

"Are my biological parents." She grasped her hands together tight. Looking down she squeezed her eyes shut. Steve was shocked.

"W-what?" He stumbled. Confusion filled him. He knew her parents were Gary and Michelle Star, the criminals. Sure she looked nothing like them, but they raised her, right? He thought back to the day at the hospital. If his memory served him right, yesterday would have been the 23 birthday of the Stark's daughter. 23rd birthday. Maria turned 23 yesterday. Maria.

"Holy," he started but stopped. He hated cussing. "Maria River Stark, 23. Maria Star also 23. Oh my. Tony is going to kill me. I'm dating his missing daughter. How did I not see that before?" Maria finally looked up at him. She bit her lip.

"Please let me explain?" She requested. Steve stood up. Tears started to form in her eyes. Was he leaving her? Did he think she was lying? Instead of walking away he pulled her up with him and started to walk towards Avengers tower. "Steve what are we doing?"

"I need to walk while you explain. Also I need to talk to Banner. If the Starks aren't in at the moment we'll run up and see him." Not wanting him to ask questions just yet she sped into her explanation.

"Today 23 years ago Tony Starks child was taken from the hospital. They had confusing science reasons to take me specifically; they didn't want me because of my parents. They experimented on me, trained me, and taught me to be a killer." At this she paused. Steve, who thought at first that she was using him somehow, started to believe her a little. It made some sense. She never really spoke about her past happily, the long weeks she would be gone, and the weapons he found on accident one time. But at the same time she couldn't be serious.

"I am sorry I lied to you when I said I was a travel agent and about my past. I don't know how to prove it to you that I'm their child. I learned around the age of ten who my parents really were." She stopped talking. Not knowing what to say next. She could go into detail about the Red Room, how her parents tortured her if she couldn't hack into a database quick enough, or how she finally got away from their grasp.

"That's a lot to take in." He commented. Instead of leading them through the front door he took them around to the back.

"Steve, there isn't a door here." Without answering her he leaned casually back against a portion of the wall. He wrapped his arms around her as the panel spun around. Maria let out a scream before she started laughing. They were in a small room, about the size of a broom closet. "Wow."

"Secret entrance. It only activates for the Avengers, Pepper, and Agent Hill. Jarvis?" He didn't let her out of his arms.

"Yes, Mr. Rogers?" A voice replied. Maria gripped Steve tighter. Steve let out a soft chuckle.

"Are Tony and Pepper home?"

"No, sir."

"Good. When do you expect them to be back?"

"They will not be back until ten tonight."

"Please do not tell Tony we were here."

"Sir, I cannot do that." Steve frowned.

"Then please do not tell him we were here unless he asks specifically?"

"Yes sir." Steve smiled triumphantly before wiggling out of Marias death hug and taking her hand. "What floor is Bruce on?"

"He is in his lab."

"Thank you. Come on." He gave her a reassuring smile before leading them out of the closet. Just to confirm her suspicions, when he closed the door she looked at it to see what it said; a smile light up her face as she saw the words "janitor" written on it. Once in the elevator Maria spoke again.

"Are you mad at me?" His grip tightened slightly on her hand.

"No, confused. I don't understand how I didn't see it before. Either you are telling the truth or this is a plan to get to Tony and Pepper."

"Is that why you haven't let go of my hand? So that if it is the second option I can't get away?" He smiled sheepishly at her.

"Yes, but I'm hoping it's the first option." Maria swung their hands back and forth.

"Don't worry, it is." With that the elevator doors opened. The lab was actually an entire floor. Tables littered with different materials covered the area. He led her away from them and down a hallway. Several doors and turns later he opened a door. Light flooded the room from an entire glass wall. Bruce Banner was crouched over a table filled with vials of colorful liquids. He was mumbling to himself as he wrote down on a notepad. The couple walked into the room unnoticed. Only when they were a few feet away did he notice them. Surprise registered on his face before a smile.

"Steve." He greeted.

"Hi Bruce," pulling Maria out from behind him he introduced them. "This is Maria, Maria this is Bruce Banner." Maria gave a timid wave and smile.

"Hi." Bruce Banner stood motionless in front of her for a moment. Maria. The thought of Tony and Pepper flashed through his mind.

"Hi Maria. It's nice to meet you."

"Could you do us a favor?"

"Of course. What is it?" At this Steve fumbled a little over his words. He knew many things were possible now days, and having been in this century for around twenty something years now he knew much more, but was what he asking possible? It should be right? Bruce furrowed his eyebrows. What did Steve want to ask? Instead of asking Bruce, Steve turned to Maria and whispered something in here ear. Maria smiled.

"Yes, that is possible. It's a blood test. DNA." Maria was about to add more but Steve spoke first.

"Bruce, I would really appreciate it if you could keep our coming here and speaking a secret from Tony and Pepper." Bruce nodded.

"Because you think Maria here is there missing child?" He asked casually. Steve was astonished. How did Bruce figure it out? Not wanting Bruce to know the real reason he started speaking excuses.

"What? N-no, why would you think that?" Bruce almost rolled his eyes. Maria was biting her lip, trying not to smile at his bad lie.

"Well for one DNA and blood test, second her name is Maria, and third she has Tony's eyes and Peppers hair and facial features except that brown hair in her bangs. Is that natural?" He asked her.

"It's natural."

---

"Hey Bruce." Tony called into the lab. Bruce looked up from his papers. He had been examining the DNA tests still, completely in awe by the answer. The girl was not only Tony and Peppers daughter, but her blood was mutated. It was amazing. He couldn't wait to run some more tests. Not wanting Tony to see he shuffled the papers into his file.

"Tony, how did the date go?" Tony, who had noticed the papers, smiled.

"It went swimmingly. How has your day been?"

"Fine. I finally finished the SCIENCEY STUFF. I was actually just about to go to bed." Bruce started to walk towards the door, Tony in tow.

"Really? I'd like to see that, do you care if I look around some?" Bruce knew that Tony had caught on that he was hiding something. Thankfully he had cleaned up all of the evidence that he did DNA tests.

"I don't mind. Just don't mess or blow up any of my experiments. Goodnight Tony." Tony watched Bruce leave with interest. Wandering around the lab he found nothing out of the ordinary; nothing for him to be suspicious about. But Bruce had left the lab to quickly. From a normal persons view he just wanted to go to bed, but Tony knew him better than that. Deciding he wasn't going to find anything worthwhile in the room, he asked Jarvis.

"Jarvis, what did Bruce do today?"

"He ran some tests on blood and tested the new thermoelectric generator."

"Did he find anything that should concern me?"

"Yes, sir." Tony stopped, slightly puzzled. What could Bruce find that involved Tony.

"What test did he run that concern me?"

"DNA and abnormal blood, sir." Tony stopped playing with the empty test tube he had found. DNA and abnormal blood?

"Jarvis were there any visitors today?"

"Yes, Mr. Rogers and a friend." Capsickle brought a friend to the tower? Did Rogers even have friends?

"Who was the friend?"

"Unidentifiable." Stark almost dropped the test tube. Unidentifiable? That had never happened to Jarvis. Going over to one of the large windows he commanded Jarvis to show him the tapes from when Steve was there. Jarvis darkened the rooms and placed the holographic screen on the window. The first shot was of Steve holding someone in the secret entrance. A female, long copper hair was all he could see. When they exited the room he stopped the frame as it got a full front view of the female. Tony sucked in a breath. It was her. Her. The girl he had Jarvis searching for.

"Jarvis! Why did you not tell me it was her?!" He let the tapes roll, following Steve and her into the elevator and up to Bruce's lab. The sound was low, he couldn't make out what they were say.

"I could not identify."

"You didn't identify her? I gave you the clip of when I saw her. You should have been able to put them together. Show me the clip of the day I saw her. Turn the volume up on the one from today." Right as the volume turned up the screen went fuzzy. When Jarvis pulled up the video from the other day, it was fuzzy as well. Black and white static covered the screen. Tony was baffled. "Jarvis. What happened to the tapes?"

"It is as though they were never in my system, sir." Tony immediately ran to the floor where the AI's systems were located. Nothing was out of order. No viruses, nothing downloaded, absolutely nothing was wrong with the AI. So why couldn't he look at the videos?

---

"I'm sorry." Steve mumbled into Amelia's hair. They had been lying side by side in the hotel bed for a while now, neither really ready to sleep. Steve had his arms wrapped around Amelia's middle and his nose pressed into her peach scented hair. Amelia rolled over to face him, their noses pressing. She wrapped her arms around him.

"What are you sorry for?" She whispered.

"I didn't believe you. When you said you were Tony and Peppers daughter sure I saw the resemblance but it didn't make sense." Amelia bit her lip.

"Want me to explain everything without rushing?" Steve nodded. Unraveling herself from him she sat up and leaned against the headboard. Steve followed suit.

"Okay, I guess starting from the beginning would be good. I was taken the night I was born, not because of my parents but because of science reasons that would confuse you, no offence. From day one they put these shots into me with different substances so I would become immune to many poisons, diseases, and so that my body would start to regenerate. I was sent to the Red Room for years on and off. My parents stayed close. I was taught many languages. Different exercises strengthened my mind. Learning how to fight, shoot weapons, gymnastics, and other things that would make me stronger and faster. In short I was tortured for different reasons in different ways, but that's not important. Basically I was raised in order to do my adopted parents bidding. Things like hacking, gathering information through a variety of means, assassinations, stealing, and just different things." She paused. Waiting to see if he had anything to add. When he didn't speak she continued.

"I was actually raised by the name Maria, as it was the name on my hospital bracelet. When I turned ten I learned who my parents were. It was by complete accident. It just turned out that the information was located in Stark Tower. Not going into the details of how I got in there or what information it was I took, I saw some information in a file with all of their missing child's information. It was just the stuff at the hospital from when I was born but it was enough. Over the next few days I got samples of their blood and hair, once again I wont mention how, and did some tests. After that I was determined to get away from the life I had to live.

"But being a girl raised in the Red Room and with two criminals, I knew I would have to wait for the perfect time. Which just happened to come when I was 16. I got an assassination offer from someone besides my parents. By then I was out of the Red Room and just with my parents. The people who gave the job offered to get me away, which is exactly what they did. From that day forward I went on the assassination and information missions given by whomever. The Stars couldn't find me and they still haven't. Although I'm sure they could if they wanted." Her voice got softer near the end. Steve didn't know what to say. The first thing he said made her laugh.

"I was there when you were born. I mean I knew I was dating a younger lady because I'm over 90 but… " He groaned into his hands. Maria laughed some before taking one of his hands in his. She rubbed slow circles with her thumb.

"Yes, you were but because of your metabolism super soldier thing and my metabolism regeneration thing its okay, in my mind at least. Please don't leave because of that."

"I won't."

---

Pepper kissed Tony once before loading onto the plane. Work called her away, yet again. Tony went home alone. Bruce had been avoiding Tony for the past week, but Tony was determined to figure out what Bruce knew. Walking into the man's lab he smirked. It was his lucky day. Steve was talking with Bruce as they looked over some papers. Neither heard the billionaire walk in.

"Her blood's amazing. She has a faster metabolism like you do. Do you know how she came to be that way?" Bruce asked excitedly – or as excited as his soft voice would get – while pointing out things on the papers. Tony glanced around Steve's arm to see the paper. His eyes widened in shock. Steve moved to scratch his head, his elbow rammed into Tony's face. All of the men were shocked. Bruce shuffled the papers together while Steve started to apologize as Tony cursed repeatedly.

"I am so sorry! Don't sneak up on people like that!" Steve scolded. Tony held his nose.

"So who's got this super fast metabolism?" Tony asked, ignoring the fact that his nose would probably bruise. Steve and Bruce looked at each other briefly.

"I thought you knew that Steve's metabolism was faster. Are you sure you're feeling alright? Maybe you should have you nose looked at." Bruce suggested. Tony shook his head.

"Of course I know about Super Soldiers fast metabolism, what about the one you were just looking at?"

"We were looking at mine." Tony groaned. Did they think he was an idiot?

"Seriously, I know you weren't looking at Steve's, I know what his looks like. This one was obviously different. Also when I walked in you said it was a female. What are you hiding? And don't tell me it's nothing because Steve brought a guest here a week ago and the tapes won't show who it was." He touched a holoscreen next to them to prove his point. The security cameras came up but all that was shown was the time stamp of the day Steve came into the lab. Bruce and Steve looked confused. Steve sighed.

"I don't know what is wrong with Jarvis, but I can assure you that what we are doing is-" Steve ran out of words. Technically it did involve Tony because it was his daughter, but Tony didn't know that. He ran a hand through his hair. Bruce had no explanation to offer. "Tony, I know someone who was raised by criminals and they experimented on her, thus giving her a strange metabolism like mine. She really doesn't want everyone to know about it because she doesn't want to become a lab rat again."

"Oh." That wasn't what Tony had been expecting. Bruce smiled nervously.

"I'm just going to go now. By Tony, Steve." He mumbled as he walked away. Tony looked at Steve, who was staring out the large window.

"So how long have you know this girl?"

"W-what?" Steve spluttered. He expected Tony to ask him things about the blood and videotapes. Not about Maria. "Five years. Why?

"You've never brought her to meet all of us." Tony speculated, smirking.

"It's kind of hard to. You know, hey lets go eat dinner with Tony Stark, Pepper Start, two deadly assassins, a thunder god from another realm, and a man who turns into the Hulk when angry. That sure sounds inviting."

"We could behave."

"You? Behave? Clint, behave? Thor, talk about pop-tarts and burn the toaster trying to make some? Maybe eventually." Tony laughed. Thor did have an obsession with pop-tarts. They lapsed into a strange silence. Tony was never silent.

"Why don't you talk about her when you're round us? You obviously trust her because you brought her hear. Doesn't that mean she knows who you are?" He asked.

"I just don't. She has a troubled past and I didn't want you all bombarding upon her before I really knew her. Maybe you can meet her in a month or so. I told her four years ago who I was. She's fine with it. And yes. I trust her completely."

"You sound like you're in love. Has the Capsickle's heart finally thawed out?" Tony teased. Steve started walking towards the door to leave. Once next to the elevator he spoke.

"She is my girlfriend, so yeah." Tony stared at the Captains reddening face as the elevator doors closed. Captain had a girlfriend? Now he had to figure out who this girl was.

---

Maria walked down the street, shivering. Winter was right around the corner. Finding a new home was a must. She stopped briefly at Secret Coffee before making her way down the street. Avengers tower loomed ahead of her. Her heart beat faster with each step. Steve had spoken with Banner yesterday and Tony had interrupted. Today she was meeting with Banner to talk more about her 'mutation', as they decided to call it. She flicked her red bangs behind her head. Also today was a new mission she would be going on. Dying her hair red was only one of the requirements. She also had brown contacts over her brilliant blue eyes, French manicured nails, and a new wardrobe for the week.

Walking into the Avengers tower lobby, she felt out of place without Steve. She had never entered it from the front. Banner had said he would come down and get her so she didn't have to speak with anyone. Glancing around at the people, and all the potential exits of the room, she didn't see him. Biting her lip, she walked over to a screen on the wall, showing the news. No one else was in the room with her except the receptionist who was behind the overly large desk. She hadn't taken notice of Maria yet. The clicking of heels filled the room. Knowing it wasn't Banner she didn't look, until a voice spoke to her. One she had wanted to hear all her life.

"I love your dress! Where did you get it?" Pepper Stark gushed at the red haired lady in the lobby. Pepper had actually stopped right outside of the lobby to watch the lady as she walked in and watched the TV. Something seemed familiar about the lady, but she had never seen her in her life. Maria took on a smile before shock could show. She glanced down at her dress. It had a sweetheart neckline with a skirt that changed into layers at her hip and ended right below her knee. The dress was white but the layers changed length and color until the bottom layer, the longest one, was a dark shade of red, matching her hair.

"I actually made the dress myself." She admitted.

"Well it's lovely." Before Pepper could say anymore a voice called across the room.

"Maria." Banner was walking towards them. Pepper turned back to the red haired lady. Maria. The name always brought pangs of sadness through her.

"Mr. Banner." Maria greeted. He smiled.

"Sorry I'm late. I got caught up in my work. Pepper."

"Hi Bruce." Pepper had composed herself. She smiled at the two people.

"Well we should get to work. I'll see you at dinner, Pepper?" Bruce said.

"Yes." As they were walking away Maria turned around and said one last thing.

"Nice to meet you Ms. Pepper. Maybe I can come back and get your measurements and make you a dress of your choice sometime." With a final smile the elevator doors closed. Maria let out a breath she didn't know she had been holding.

"You were late." She said with a small smile.

"Yeah, sorry about that. I didn't expect her to be down there."

---

With Maria gone for a few days, she was supposed to come home tomorrow night, Steve decided it would be safe to have the others over for dinner. Tony had instantly said yes, practically yelling into the phone that he would bring Bruce and Pepper. Clint, Natasha, and Thor agreed to come as well. Thankfully, last week Maria had found them a new home. It was another flat, located near the edge of the city. It had a master bedroom and bath, and three guest rooms with baths as well. A large kitchen was down the hall from the entrance, and led into an even larger living room. The flat was an older one that needed more repairs, which was why they got it for so cheap. Steve had just begun cooking when the doorbell rang.

"It's open!" He yelled. Bruce Banner nervously walked into the kitchen. He gave a wave in greeting. Silently Bruce made his way over to the bar. Sitting upon a barstool, he was about to speak when the door burst open again. Bruce glanced around for the exits in the room. Steve abandoned cutting his tomatoes, but took the knife with him. As he turned the corner to go to the front door Pepper's voice drifted down the hallway.

"I'm so sorry Steve! I told Tony to wait, but it was useless." She apologized. Tony plopped down on a bar stool next to Bruce, who had calmed down a little. Pepper came into the kitchen with Steve. "When were you going to put the pasta in?"

"Now, actually." Steve glanced over as she put the pasta into the boiling water. Finished with the tomatoes, he turned around to get the garlic bread ready, only to be scared by two more people sitting on his bar stools. Natasha and Clint had walked in silently after Tony and Pepper. Clint smirked as Steve fumbled with the bread. "Hey guys."

Thor arrived several minutes after they had started eating. His booming voice could be heard in the kitchen from down the hallway. Thor had brought a box of chocolate chip pop-tarts for dessert. Everyone sat around the table. Laughter filled the room as Clint and Thor squabbled about things. Everything was going fine. No one had asked Steve about the feminine touch in his flat or questioned about the pictures on the wall. He didn't mind if they asked, he just didn't want to give too much information out on accident.

"So Steve, I noticed a picture of you and a beautiful young lady on the wall." She watched him with a knowing smile. Steve's neck tinted red. It was Maria and him when they went to the beach together. She had on a blue with white polka dots sundress that matched her blue eyes, her copper hair was in a pony tail with her brown bangs flying into the wind while Steve held her hand as a stranger had taken the picture. He loved it.

"That's Maria." Natasha and Bruce suddenly seemed interested with Pepper's questions. Clint, Thor, and Tony were still in their own world of jokes.

"Maria, lovely name." Natasha commented.

"Yes, I think so too." Steve took a large bite of pasta, his third bowl.

"So where is Maria tonight?" Bruce asked. "She came by a few days ago and had lunch with me, mentioned a trip she was going on. It sounded rather interesting." Steve smiled. He liked the strange friendship that had been growing between Bruce and his girlfriend. Bruce needed friends. Maria didn't care about the Hulk. In fact they fought over things that Steve couldn't understand without the Hulk ever coming out.

"Oh," Pepper suddenly exclaimed. "Was that the young lady that I spoke with the other day? That Maria? She's gorgeous Steve! Does she dye her hair often? It was red when I saw her."

"Thank you Pepper. She's a-" Steve was interrupted by a the door being forced open then slammed shut. Everyone was instantly alert. Tony had taken hold of Pepper's hand. Steve motioned for them to all stay silent and put. Slow, dragging footsteps came from the entryway. A loud thump sounded. Whoever had entered had dropped something on the ground. Steve grabbed the fork and knife closest to him. Natasha and Barton had both pulled out handguns, pointing them towards the hallway. Thor's hand was wrapped around the handle of Mjolnir. Tony was the only one without a weapon, but he held tightly onto Peppers hand. The intruder's shadow came into the room. Steve pounced upon the intruder.

---

Maria groaned as she leaned against the door. She forgot her key. Again. Throwing her shoulder against the door she burst through. Steve and her did this often. Both forgot their keys and were strong enough to break the door lock. Almost once a month they had to change the door. Not caring whether any of the weapons went off she threw her bag down. The flat was quiet. Shuffling her feet slowly, she was about to get into the kitchen when a knife was lodged next to her head. The things that happened next were involuntary; her body reacted on its own. Whoever she was fighting was strong. Two shots hit her shoulder blades. A ladies scream came from the kitchen. Not even flinching she shoved her assailant to the floor stabbing the knife from the wall down into the floor next to –

"Steve?" Maria said in shock. She was strategically placed over him so he wouldn't be able to move. Steve's blue eyes stared back into hers.

"Maria?" Steve breathed. Maria bit her lip and groaned in pain. She relaxed and laid on top of him. Loosening her hand on the knife, she moved it into his hair.

"I'm home." She half mumbled half sang. Steve chuckled a little. He ran a hand through her hair. It was comfortable until a voice spoke up.

"Not to ruin the moment or anything, but Clint and I both got a shot into her shoulder blades." Natasha said calmly. Instantly Maria was standing up: Steve as well. Both looked at each other. Should they tell the others about her regeneration?

"Maria can you go to your room and I'll go get the sowing kit." Bruce ordered softly. Maria nodded and grimaced and limped her way to her room, completely pretending as the wounds were already healed. Bruce grabbed an emergency kit out of the kitchen. "She'll be fine Steve." Bruce patted Steve's shoulder as he went to Marias room. Steve turned towards his dinner guests. Pepper was shaking slightly and Tony was standing in front of her in a protecting manner. Clint and Natasha were inspecting their weapons. Thor had his hammer tightly in his hand, prepared for another intruder. Tony glared at Steve.

"What the hell just happened," He seethed. Tony brought Pepper into a hug, but continued to glare at Steve over her shoulder.

"I'd like an answer as well." Thor said, rather softly. Steve rubbed the back of his neck. Glancing around he saw the blood splatter from Marias wounds all on the wall and his shirt. The knife was still lodged in the ground by his feet. Side stepping the knife he began to talk.

"That was Maria," was his only explanation.

"I got her name. Maria, your girlfriend Maria?" Natasha asked.

"Nat she looks really familiar." Clint whispered to Natasha.

"Yes." Steve replied to Natasha. Tony's eyes went wide.

"So we just attacked your girlfriend. And she was shot. And you seem okay with that. And Bruce! I've never seen him take initiative like that. What's going on here? Is this the girl you brought to the lab all those months ago? The one that Bruce has been hanging around with and don't tell me he hasn't. I know Bruce. He's been hanging with someone that Jarvis won't let me see. I wan-" Tony ranted on, his voice raising to a yell.

"Stop it!" A voice yelled, interrupting him. All eyes turned to Maria, whom was standing a few feet away from Thor. Her electric blue eyes burned with anger. Bruce was behind her. She had obviously changed her clothing. What was tight black and grey leather pants and tight black tank top was now sweat pants and a loose blue t-shirt. She pointed a finger at Tony. "Don't you yell at Steve. You don't know anything about me or Steve and I. I can explain." She commanded in a voice that, if thought about, sounded rather like Peppers when commanding, but with Tony's tone.

"Are you sure?" Steve asked worriedly. Maria turned to him. She nodded.

"Not everything-everything." She said in a code only Bruce and Steve would understand. "But everything."

"Shit." Clint suddenly exclaimed. "I know who you are. You're the Mistress." Natasha pulled a gun out, pointing it right at Maria, who didn't react.

"The Mistress?" Thor asked. Natasha nodded.

"The Mistress. Born and bread assassin. Fury ordered us to kill her years ago, but we haven't been able to find her. Natasha here shot her several times last time we saw her. Thought she was dead till the assassinations of her type continued. It's claimed that she can't die." Clint said. He had a gun pointed at Maria as well now. Steve had slowly moved over to where Maria was. He stood slightly in front of her.

"Let's not kill Maria just yet. Why don't we let her speak first?" Steve asked cautiously. Steve entwined his hand with Marias. Natasha growled.

"She needs to die. Do you know how many people she's killed?" Natasha's accent leaked through. Something that only happened rarely.

"Just as many or even more than you Nat. Please." Steve begged. Steve and Natasha had started working out together after Loki was sent back to Asguard. Their friendship was something he valued. Her gun lowered, followed by Clint's.

"Hurry up and explain." Natasha and Clint sat back down at the table. Thor followed suit. Pepper had unwrapped herself from Tony as they sat down at the table. Bruce, Steve and Maria were the last to sit down. She shrugged.

"I regenerate."

---

Maria rolled her eyes. Fury and others wanted a demonstration of her regeneration abilities. Bruce was already convinced by the data, and even though Clint, Natasha, Thor, Stark, and Steve had assured that her gunshot wounds had closed, Fury wasn't sure they were ever there in the first place. Fury's intimidating stare did nothing to Maria. She slouched against the wall, Steve at her side.

"Are you sure about this?" Steve worried.

"I've gone through worse than a few knife cuts and gun shots. This is nothing compared to those times." With that Maria pushed off from the wall and headed towards Fury. "Can we get this over with? It's my night to make dinner." Fury simply nodded. Steve moved to where Tony, Bruce, and Fury were behind the glass. Maria stood in the center of the small room, Clint and Natasha on either side of her.

"Go." Fury commanded. Not bothering to take turns, both Natasha and Clint fired shots first into her legs then up to her head. She kept her face neutral and stood strong. Steve had lurched forward to help her at the first shots. His face changed from worry to displeasure as she was shot. Blood splattered everywhere around Maria. She rolled her eyes and winked at Steve. The shooting stopped. Bruce faced away.

"I'm out of bullets." Clint said. Natasha nodded in agreement. Natasha pulled out several knifes instantly throwing them at Maria. Clint popped his arrow out, sending several arrows at her as well. It wasn't a pretty sight. Steve turned around. Seeing knifes and arrows slice through his girlfriend was never something he wanted to see. Tony turned around as well.

"Jesus Furry can't you see she's still standing? She regenerates I think that's been proven now. This is mad." Tony growled. His furry seemed to be coming out of nowhere. While he wanted to see her regenerate, something in him snapped.

"I agree with Tony. This is torture." Thor agreed.

"Sta-" Furry started.

"Sir I believe he's right." Maria called out. "I am still standing, my wounds from the gunshots are gone, the majority of the knifes and arrows have already fallen out as I've healed and what more can you do? I think the fact that I lived through the gunshots would be proof enough. If you want I could swallow a bomb. I've done that several times." Maria pulled several knifes from her leg, tossing them across the floor. Steve spun around. She had swallowed bombs before? Tony and Bruce slowly turned around. Fury just stood there. "But understand this Mr. Fury. I will not be your lab rat. I would rather be your enemy." Maria threatened. She threw the rest of the projectiles to the floor.

"Lets get you cleaned up." Steve said. Even with the blood caking her body, he held her hand and stood close as they walked away.

"I like that Steve has someone." Thor commented.

"Yeah me too, but who is she exactly?" Tony mumbled as he walked away as well. The blood stains covering the two agents and the rest of the room were starting to make him sick.

---

Christmas was coming soon. Steve and Maria didn't have plans. Just spending it together would be enough. Tony had other plans though. He invited all the Avengers over to his house for Christmas. Not the tower, but his actual house. Maria flipped through the mail casually when she came upon the invitation. It was in a red and gold envelope, a sure sign that it was from Tony. Steve wasn't home yet, but she really wanted to see what it was. She tore through the envelope and pulled out the paper. It was red with green trim. Swirly letters on the top addressed it to a Mr. Steve Rogers and a Ms. Maria. She chuckled. Even though her and Pepper had become good friends, she had yet to tell them her last name.

It was weird getting to know her parents. Steve and Bruce were still the only two people who knew. Plus Gary and Michelle Star, if they even counted. Star just sounded too much like Stark. She was afraid. Maria didn't know if she was ready for them to know. What if they got mad at Steve for dating her? What if they suddenly acted differently around her? They would surely ask a million questions. She only really cared about what they thought of her and Steve. Pepper had mentioned that she rather liked it, but that's from a friend's point of view. Not a mothers. Maria continued reading the colorful paper. A Christmas party. At Tony's house. That sounded like fun. The door opened and shut.

"Steve! Pepper and Tony invited us to go to a Christmas Party. I'd like to go." A loud thump came from the kitchen. That wasn't Steve. She placed the mail down on the table. Grabbing the closest thing nearest to her, the cordless lamp Tony gave them, she made her way over to the Kitchen. Another thump came from the kitchen. Someone swore. Someone she knew.

"Mom?" She called out. Stepping into the kitchen Gary and Michelle Star turned around. Both had a pot in each hand. They smiled awkwardly at her. She sighed. Even through all the torture and Red Room, they were still the people that raised her. After she left to do jobs on her own they started being nice to her. It was strange, but it felt like she had parents that cared. Her parents placed the pots back on the counter. "What are you doing here? Do you really need to steal my kitchen utensils? Last time you stole all the knifes and Steve came home before me an-"

"Steve! You're still with him? That's wonderful!" Her father interrupted. His grey eyes shone with excitement. Stubble covered his chin and deep purple coloring was under his eyes. Maria examined her mother. Michelle Star also had the deep purple coloring under her eyes.

"Oh dad, mom, how long has it been since you've slept? Seriously. When did you break out? It wasn't on the news and you didn't message me." She took one of each her parents hands and lead them to the couches. Once they were sitting comfortably, both of their eyes drooped.

"We broke out three days ago. I'd explain how, but it might take a while. In simple terms we cloned ourselves without really cloning ourselves." Gary drifted off into sleep.

"Night Dad." Maria took a blanket from a basket off to the side and placed it around both her parents. Michelle grabbed her daughter's hand. Maria looked into her eyes.

"We missed you." She mumbled before drifting off to sleep. Maria smiled softy.

"I missed you too mom." She whispered before stepping back. Gary had fallen onto the arm of the couch and Michelle had leaned onto Gary. All Maria could do was smile. Until the door opened and Steve's voice rang through the house.

"Maria?" Steve called from the hallway. Maria ran through the kitchen and caught Steve at the end of the hallway.

"Shh, I have guests over. You may not like them, but please just let them sleep. Come help me make dinner for us four." She said. Steve tensed. Guests he wouldn't like? This couldn't be good. Maria took his hand. "Please?" Steve nodded. They walked into the kitchen. Steve looked over the bar, past the table, to see the couch. No one was there.

"Maria where are your guests?" He asked. She handed him a large pot. Puling spaghetti out from a cabinet Maria gestured towards the couches with it. After Steve had filled the pot with water and placed it on the stove to boil he walked over to the couch. He frowned. These people looked familiar. It hit him. "Maria." His voice said angrily. "Maria." His voice had tones of worry, but mostly angry as he walked back to the kitchen where Maria promptly put a knife and two tomatoes in his hands.

"Cut." She commanded as she peeled a head of lettuce. "I know you're mad."

"Maria I'm mad, but is it okay for them to be here? After what they did to you?" He hadn't started cutting the tomatoes. Instead he was leaning against the counter watching her. She sighed.

"You're supposed to be cutting the tomatoes Capsickle. I know they treated me badly, trust me I was there, but after I left and didn't see them for a while, the next time I saw them things were different. I can't really explain. Even with the whole breaking out of jail thing and meeting in creepy warehouses they're still my parents. Have you cut the tomatoes yet?"

"Yes, where do you want them?" Maria pointed to a smaller pot she had put on the stove.

"Put the pasta in while you're at it." He poured the pasta in the now boiling water and spoke before she could give him another task.

"Are you 100 percent sure their not going to stab you with any needles or tell everyone all your deepest darkest secrets?" Concern bled out of his voice. Maria threw the loaf of French bread at him. He caught it and cut it in half.

"Yes Steve. I am 100 percent sure. Although we need to turn the radio on so we know when the prison notices their absence." She smiled sheepishly at that. Steve laughed gently and shook his head. "Are you done being angry?" She asked cautiously, placing a hand on his shoulder. He abandoned the bread on the counter just as she abandoned her lettuce. Wrapping his arms around her waist he pulled her close.

"I don't know if angry is the right word. What they did to you was wrong and no human being should have to go through that, but they gave me you. You wouldn't be you without them. Instead you would be Tony and Pepper's child, my niece I guess… Okay lets not think of it that way. We aren't blood related so it's all right. They gave me you and that's all that matters." He smiled down at her.

"Oh Steve," Maria sighed. Right as she leaned in for a kiss an excited squeal came from the couch area. Both turned their heads to see the Stars ducking back under the shield of the couch. "Mom, Dad," Maria groaned. Michelle's eyes popped back up twinkling with excitement. "If you're awake you might as well come and meet Steve. Dinner's almost ready too, but you guys need to wash up. At least our faces and hands." Gary and Michelle shuffled over to the hallway leading towards the rooms. Once the bathroom door was shut Maria let go of Steve and went back to her salad.

"I'm done with the bread, the pasta is almost done, as well as the sauce, so all we need is your salad." Steve wiped his hands on a towel before setting the table. Once both of them were done and the table was completely set, food and all, Maria started to worry.

"What's taking them so long? I'm going to go check on them." Maria knocked on the bathroom door only to be met by silence. She turned the doorknob, surprised that it was open. "Mom? Are you ok-," Maria stared into the empty bathroom. She heard the front door shut. It opened and closed once more. Maria went back to the kitchen to find Steve reading a note out loud.

"Dear Steve and Maria,

While we would love to get to know Steve and spend time with you dear, we're afraid we can't. A friend in the prison notified us saying that they know we aren't in prison. Sorry sweetheart. We thought we would have more time. Maria, we'll see you at our planned time next time, no more jumping in and scaring you. Steve, you hurt our break our little girls heart and we will hurt you. Don't test us. We love you Maria! Don't forget that. We're so sorry.

Love,

Mom and Dad." He handed the note to her.

"I figured they wouldn't stay for dinner since you're here, super hero and all. I guess this means that Furry will be calling for you to go get them." She smiled. "I'm actually proud of them for being able to escape so easily. You know they let you capture them right?" Steve's face turned to a shocked one. Maria laughed. "Their evil geniuses. If they didn't want to get caught, they wouldn't ever be caught."

"I guess your-" The house phone rang, interrupting Steve. Picking it up he nodded before saying he would be on his way.

"Duty calls." Maria mumbled.

"Bad news, it's not just your parents that escaped. Remember the guy Tony put down a few years ago? I think I told you about him. He's an enemy of your parents. Scorn?" Maria stopped breathing.

"No. He can't be out. My parents are in danger if he's out. I have to go find them!" Maria ran to her room and grabbed a hand gun along with a couple of knifes. She placed them strategically in her shorts, floral combat boots, and sweat jacket. Steve called out her name.

"Hurry up and I'll take you to find them on our way to the Tower. I have to go there until they figure out the location of Scorn. Your parents too." Maria and Steve raced out of the house. Flying down the streets on his motorcycle, Maria instructed him to all her parents hiding places on the way. At the second warehouse they entered, only to find it empty, Maria called her parents. By good luck her parents answered.

"Mom?" Maria shouted into the phone.

"Mari we're on the run. You shoul-," her father started.

"Daddy Scorn broke out of prison." Silence met her on the other end. She heard her mother whisper no again and again. "Dad you and Mom need to get to a safe place. One where Scorn would never think you would go."

"He knows all of our hiding spots! He was our partner for years!" Her mother's worried voice said.

"There isn't one place you could go? He knows all of your hiding spots?" Maria's breath picked up. What we're they going to do? "Mom, Dad, stay where you are. I'll come protect you."

"We both will." Steve said, surprising Maria. He held her free hand. "If their going after your parents then I'll go with you and help capture Scorn."

"What about my parents?" Maria whispered.

"If I happen to turn around and they disappear when I look back…" He let his sentence sink in. Before continuing. "It's not like they've committed mass murder within the last few years. All they've done is break out of prison and make food that makes other sick. Right?"

"Right! They aren't as evil as they once were."

"Hey!" Her parents said. "We're just as evil. We just had a change of… mind. Yes. A change of mind." Maria gasped.

"I have an idea. It's not the best one, in fact it's crazy, but it might work. Can you meet us at the coffee shop I told you about the other day? Yes that one. Good. See you soon." Maria hung up and dragged Steve back to his motorcycle. "We're going to our favorite coffee shop to pick my parents up." Steve didn't question her. They jumped on and went off. Maria spotted her parents walking towards the coffee shop in the darkness where the streetlights didn't reach. Maria pointed. "Just go to the tower. Tell them I'm bringing guests."

"You're taking them into the tower?" Steve yelled back.

"Yes, Scorn will have to come get them. Why not bring him to us rather than search for him?" With that she jumped off the motorcycle. She summersaulted across the pavement before hitting the curb. Standing up she frowned. One arm hung limply by her side. Michelle and Gary ran up to her. Gary watched as her arm fixed itself.

"That's amazing. I'll never get used to it." He whispered. Maria rolled her eyes.

"Come on, we're going to Avengers tower. Now keep up." She set off at a fast pace. One her parents could thankfully keep up with. Once inside the tower she ushered her parents into the elevator. "Jarvis? Where's Steve?"

"With Tony and the others in the room with the balcony. Shall I take you there?"

"Yes please. Mom, Dad, you need to stay with me and keep your mouths shut." The elevator started moving.

"Sweetheart," Michelle started. "You know that the Starks are your real parents right? Is this okay? I mean the police report put Gary down as the kidnapper even though he denied it and the police had no evidence. The last time we broke out Iron Man practically killed us. The only reason he didn't was because he saw you in the corner of his vision and went after you."

"They don't suspect anything. I hang out with Bruce all the time. He knows. So does Steve. Romanoff and Barton know I'm the Mistress, but they haven't told anyone. Well actually all of the Avengers and Pepper know I'm the Mistress, but only the spy twins know the true extent of what I've done. And they all know I can regenerate. We had a lovely show of the spies attacking me to prove the point. Don't worry."

"Scorn knows." Gary whispered, scared.

"We just want the best for you now." Michelle said. The elevator stopped moving.

"Show time." Maria said before the door opened. The trio stepped out, catching Barton and Steve's attention. Steve nodded and went to Maria's side. Barton stared. His hand slowly went for his bow. "Barton is you shoot my parents I will kill you." This caught the room's attention. Romanoff, Pepper, Tony Bruce, and Fury all turned around from where they were huddled around a computer.

"Your parents?" Fury stated. "That makes things hell of a lot more complicated."

"Just listen. Scorn is an enemy of my parents, I'm sure he's hunting them down, my thinking was just to bring him to us rather go where he will have the upper hand." Fury seemed to think about it.

"I think it's a good plan." Steve commented.

"Fine with me. If this plan doesn't work I'm taking matters back into my own hands. I'll be back to check on your progress later. I'll be taking their ass's back to prison when this is done though, even if the plan works." With that Fury marched out to his helicopter. Steve squeezed Marias hand, worried.

---

Bruce had been talking with her parents non stop for the past two hours. It was seven o'clock now. They we're just waiting for Scorn to make his move. Pepper was talking with Steve on the couch while Natasha and Barton had gone out onto the balcony. Tony maneuvered his way over to Maria.

"So is your hair naturally like that?" Maria laughed. "What's so funny?"

"Bruce asked that same question the first time we met. I think it's like this because of my weird genes."

"Well you can regenerate. I would call those genes very weird." Tony smirked at her.

"Actually, my genes were normal when I was a baby, same with my blood. Ask my parents about all the science stuff if you're really interested. I hate having to explain it all."

"What do you mean?" Tony turned towards the Stars whom were now drawing on a whiteboard, who knows where they got that from, with Bruce. "I mean their evil scientists and all, but you're their kid."

"That's where things get complicated." She threw him a smile that just about stopped his heart. It looked so much like Pepper's smile. Her laugh, her main hair color, her facial structure, his eyes, the brown bangs, and who knows what else.

"Maria," he mumbled. Maria smiled, confused and mildly scared that he figured things out. Before she had a chance to say anything Natasha and Barton were bursting through the doors yelling 'duck'. On instinct Maria threw Tony to the floor and covered him with her body right as the windows blew in. Glass flew threw the air towards all of them. Maria heard a deep, growling, angry noise. One she identified as the Hulk. The second the glass had all landed a small round object flew into the room. A grenade.

"Grenade!" Maria heard Steve's voice, and it only boosted her actions. She couldn't let anyone get hurt. Tony watched in horror as Maria grabbed the closest large shard of glass, cut her stomach open slightly, placed the grenade inside, and curled herself into a ball on the floor. His stomach churned. He had seen many horrible things happen when kidnaped, but getting to know this girl and knowing Steve and Bruce liked him mad it worse. Steve yelled Maria's name as the grenade went off. Instead of fire bursting everywhere blasting people into the walls, Maria blew up. Nothing seemed real to Steve. His girlfriend's blood splattered his face as he watched her burst into a million pieces.

The Hulk roared. Tony, whom had been closest to Maria, had blood covering him all along his side. Natasha and Barton stood up from behind the bar. The Hulk uncurled itself from Gary and Michelle; he had protected them during the blasts. Pepper shakily stood from where Steve had quickly, and strategically, placed her behind the couch. Tony rolled over, away from where Maria had been, towards the bar. Vaguely in his mind he felt someone helping him up, one of the spies. No one moved.

"Well this is a sad scene." A voice drawled out. All heads snapped to the window where a man had appeared. His outfit was an all black business suit: black shirt, tie, jacket, pants, and shoes. Even his hair was black. A smile seemed frozen onto his face.

"Scorn." Gary whispered angrily. Michelle moved behind her husband while the Hulk moved in front of them. "Why can't you just stay away? Look what you've done. If my daughter dies…" Gary stared to make a move, but the Hulk held him back. Scorn let out a bark of a laugh.

"Your daughter?" He crooned. This time Michelle moved forward, only to be stopped by the Hulks other arm. The assassin twins pulled out their gun and arrows. Steve had maneuvered Pepper behind him. Tony had moved over to Pepper, discretely pressing the bracelets he had grabbed while behind the bar. He tsked at the spies and Gary. "I wouldn't do that if I were you. And you're still calling her that, Gary? I would have figured they knew by now. "

"Of course they're still calling me that, idiot. It's not like I un-became their daughter." Steve's heart filled with joy and relief as Maria walked out into the room. She had gray sweatpants and a white t-shirt, no shoes. He watched as her eyes rolled at Scorn. When her eyes came into contact with his she smiled. Taking the few steps towards him, she jumped over the blood splatter and leaped into his arms. "Hey." She mumbled into his neck.

"I thought you were dead." He mumbled into her hair.

"Oh how touching." Scorn rolled his eyes. "Maria, how lovely it is to see you again. Must we always greet each other with you blowing up?" Maria pulled away from Steve only slightly, just enough to see Scorns face.

"If you wouldn't throw bombs in all the time then we wouldn't have that problem would we, Scorn." She felt Steve's grip on her tighten. "It's okay." She whispered reassuringly. "It doesn't affect me." While Maria and Scorn spoke, Romanoff and Barton had been preparing their weapons. Hulk kept letting out grunts of anger while her parents occasionally tried to get past him to hurt Scorn. Tony had Pepper wrapped in a tight hug behind Steve and Maria. Without warning Barton let an arrow go at the same time Romanoff threw three knives. The objects bounced off of his skin, harmless.

"What are you?" Tony asked, not sure if he was awed or disappointed. A mix of both he supposed.

"He's a monster." Michelle whispered. "While we were experimenting on Maria, trying to make her how she is now, he was practicing on himself. Using several of our formulas he created a way to have skin that won't break with sharp contact like that. We don't even know if he can die."

"Oh and you're precious Maria isn't any different? You just saw her blow up then walk back in the room." Scorn argued.

"Maria can die." Gary said softly. "We didn't make her invincible. That would be cruel." Maria nodded in agreement. Steve thought about this new information. He wasn't invincible either. They could grow old together, albeit slowly but together non the less. Tony stared at the back of Marias head. While this information soaked in Clint let an explosive arrow fly. It got tangled in Scorn's black hair before exploding. A small puff of smoke covered his face, but he didn't fall.

"Time to move." Steve told Maria. Tony moved himself and Pepper towards the bar behind the spies. Maria and Steve had taken two steps forward to attack Scorn when he spoke.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." Scorn pulled a gun out and shot Hulk. Instead of a bullet wound it was a serum. Hulk instantly started to wobble on his feet. His green skin started to tan and his form shrunk. Michelle and Gary grabbed onto his arms as he fell backwards, unconscious. As the Hulk shrunk, he shot Romanoff with a different serum. She stumbled backwards after yanking it out of her skin. She started to fall, but Clint caught her.

"Natasha? Nat?" He called as she too fell unconscious. Barton lay her on the floor before taking another arrow out to shoot. The smoke around Scorn had cleared, leaving him a clear shot. Scorn rolled his eyes.

"Did you learn nothing?" Scorn said. An arrow was shot as another gunshot was heard. Barton fell to his knees before falling onto Natasha's stomach.

"What did you do to them?" Maria growled. Scorn held up a gun, pointing it straight at Steve. He held his shield up, but Maria stepped in front of him. He waved his extra hand in the air.

"I needed them out of the way. They'll just cause trouble. Besides, I came here to see you my dear. Now I need you to help me. I have a job for you. A target."

"I don't do those kind of things anymore."

"Oh you don't? Then why did my sources catch you around the sight where the Prime Minister was killed? Hmm? Besides this is no normal target."

"That was one job. Whose the target?"

"A baby. He leaves the hospital in three days. He was premature. Just like you if I remember correctly."

"I'm not a baby snatcher. Do your own dirty work. You have nothing to offer me."

"Oh but I do. Help me or I kill your beloved and your parents." He held up two guns.

"You hurt them and I'll," she growled.

"You'll what? Kill me? I'd like to see you try." As he held one gun up Steve rolled over to Michelle and Gary to protect them with his shield. Scorn laughed. "Guess again." He sang. His hand swung to the other side of the room where Tony and Pepper stood.

"Why do you want them dead? They've done nothing wrong. They aren't Marias family." Steve questioned. Maria tensed. This was not how she wanted to tell Tony and Pepper that she was their daughter.

"You don't know? Maria was adopted. Well the papers were never official. She was taken from a hospital on the night of her birth. Maria River Stark, that's your real name." He smirked. Pepper gasped. Her daughter? Maria was her daughter? Tony didn't take his eyes off of Maria. His suspicions had been true. The hair, the eyes, and the way she spoke and walked. Maria took a step forward: and another and another until she was standing a foot away from Scorn.

"Maria." Steve's low tone warned. He was worried for her. Tony and Pepper now knew that she's their daughter. The game had changed.

"Steve," Maria didn't turn to look at him. She kept her head straight and her voice level. If she looked at him her voice would break. "Steve you need to know that I'm sorry and that I love you. God I love you. I'm so lucky to have you."

"Maria," Steve's voice became worried.

"Mom, Dad. If I make it I will meet you where you raised me. My home." Michelle had tears forming in her eyes. Gary nodded solemnly.

"Maria please," Steve practically begged.

"Tony and Pepper. It was nice finally getting to meet you. I promise I planned on telling you. It was just finding a way to soften the blow that I am dating Captain America."

"Steve!" Tony turned to glare at Captain America. Steve's eyes were trained on his girlfriend. Maria lunged forward, knocking Scorn off his feet. Taking no time he had pulled Maria down with him. Steve lunged forward, but didn't want to leave Michelle and Gary unprotected so he stepped back. Maria knew what she was doing. Rolling out on the balcony Tony moved. Letting go of Pepper he grabbed his bracelets and slipped them on. He pressed the buttons right as Maria and Scorn stood up. A few words were exchanged before Scorn smiled evilly and Marias eyes went wide.

"Maria!" Steve abandoned Michelle and Gary as his girlfriend was toppling over the edge of the balcony, with Scorn in tow. He ran and watched as they fell. There was nothing he could do. Tony ran over to the egde and jumped. Pepper screamed from behind right as the Iron Man suit burst by Steve, following Tony down. Michelle and Gary stayed as they were making sure Banner was okay.

"She'll be all right Steve. It's not that easy to kill her. You just saw her blow up and walk back into the room. A long fall like that won't kill either of them." Michelle called from inside. She bustled about Bruce before going to see how the spies were doing. Steve nodded and helped with the spies. Maria would be okay. Pepper gave him a weak smile as they tended to Romanoff and Barton together. Millions of questions flew through her mind, but she knew now wasn't the time to ask them. When Tony flew up, empty handed Steve's heart stopped. Tony shook his head when Steve opened his mouth. Michelle mumbled something about her being okay before giving him a task to help the unconscious.

---

Steve stared at Avengers tower. A coffee, once warm, was wrapped in one of his hands. Christmas day was tomorrow. His sigh floated away into the wind. He really had to stop doing this. Every Saturday he came to their favorite coffee shop. Everyday Saturday he sat in their seats facing the tower. Everyday Saturday he became sadder that she wasn't there with him. This couldn't be healthy. A waving hand brought him out of his thoughts. Tony hand in hand with Pepper was walking towards him. The billionaire flashed him a pearly white smile. He waved hack slightly.

"May we sit with you?" Pepper asked. She was worried about Steve. Maria's disappearance had really hurt Steve. The one thing that really brought him, really connected him, to the new century was Maria. Besides the Avengers, Steve's reason for living was Maria. They spoke about him dating Maria. Pepper was all for it. It took Tony a while, but a few wonderful stories about Maria from Steve and Tony was all for it as well. Tony had a search team looking for her, but they had found nothing.

"Of course." Steve gestured towards the two empty seats. He gazed into the busy Christmas shopper filled crowd. People stared at the Starks. Tony and Pepper didn't seem to notice the people who were slyly taking pictures, the people pointing, and just the overall attention.

"Are you coming for Christmas tomorrow?" Pepper asked.

"I am. Are the others coming?" Steve drank a sip his coffee, only to grimace at its coldness. Stark smirked. Pepper's phone started to ring. She mumbled sorry and walked over to a less crowded section of the coffee shop's patio. Tony watched her protectively.

"So how are things? You haven't been over in a while." Tony took his eyes off his wife for a second to look at Steve.

"Things have been goo-"

"Pepper." Tony stood abruptly. "Pepper's gone." Steve stood and followed Tony over to the patio corner where Pepper had gone. "Jarvis prepare the suit. Steve can you look for Pepper over there and I'll go this way?" Steve nodded. Tony's only fear was loosing Pepper or leaving her alone in the world. It had been hard hearing about his daughter's life and to know he many never see her again after just learning she was alive. Steve searched through the crowded streets. He looked through the heads of people to thankfully see the blonde-copper hair he was looking for. Pepper was running though. Away from him at that. Before he could do anything Pepper was trying to cross the street, only to be hit by a car speedily sliding on the ice.

"PEPPER," Steve yelled.

---

The house was quiet when Maria entered. It had been a full year since she had been there last. Tears threatened to form at the thought of seeing Steve again. Her heart beat faster. Steve. Damn she missed him. That was the worst part of defeating Scorn. Being away from Steve without any contact. A renewed energy surged through her. Throwing her bag to the ground in the kitchen she ran to their bedroom.

"Steve?" She burst in. No one was there. Searching the rest of the house she found he wasn't there. That was what she had suspected though. Deciding there would only be two other places he would be she set off on foot for Avengers tower. Her copper hair was longer than ever. It flowed down to the top of her waist in layers. What had once been brown side bangs were now straight side bangs. Tight jeans, high-heeled boots, a white shirt, a maroon leather jacket, and a black scarf kept her warm. Pulling out her cellphone she called him. It rang. And rang. And rang. And rang what felt like forever. Steve had to have his phone on him. Just this once.

"Steve?"

---

Tony paced the hallway of the hospital. This time there were no screams of pain, but a deadly silence. He sat down, devastated. He could have stopped this. Why did he look away from Pepper? His hands ran through his hair and left them there. Bruce sat in silence next to him. His nerves were bad because of his worry. Anger radiated through him that this had to happen to Tony.

Steve had been pacing the hospital walls for what felt like hours. It was his fault. Pepper getting hit by a car was his fault. He could have stopped it. Steve couldn't face Tony yet. Not now. First Tony lost his daughter, then he got her back, and then he lost her again. He had Pepper and now he might not. All this family seemed to do was be ripped apart. Tony taken hostage and ripped away from Pepper was something she still had nightmares about. They talked about it sometimes. They mainly talked about Maria though. Steve burst out onto the roof of the hospital. The cold wind felt like a slap in the face. One he felt he deserved. His phone scared him, ringing loudly in the quiet. Not bothering to see who it was, he was really too depressed to care, he answered.

"Hello?"

"Steve?" A rushed voice said. Maria. He nearly dropped the phone in shock.

"Maria!" He exclaimed happily. Maria laughed on the other end. All of his bad feelings went away with her cheery laugh.

"Oh Steve. I've missed you so much."

"I missed you too." He interrupted. A thought finally hit him. Maria was Tony's daughter. His feet carried him quickly back the way he came. Hurrying to Tony.

"Steve where are you?" He felt a large weight fall upon his shoulders.

"I'm at the hospital Maria." He said softly, back in the hospitals hallways. She gasped.

"Why? Are you okay? Are you hurt? Is Bruce hurt? What happened? How lon-" She rushed out. He heard her breath pick up and heard her as she began to run. "What hospital?" He gave her directions.

"I'll wait for you in the lobby and then fill you in."

"Stay on the phone until I get there?"

"Of course." She stopped talking but he heard her occasionally yell at people to move, the beat of her breath, and her occasional worried mumble. Steve stopped at the end of the hallway. Bruce and Tony were sitting in chairs across from the door that would lead them to where Pepper was. Neither man looked up from where they stared until Steve started calling Tony's name a few meters away.

"Tony, tony, tony," Steve's wide eyes and frantic calling must have done something to Tony. He stood up instantly. His eyes glanced at the phone Steve held in his hand. Steve held the phone out. Tony listened to the street noise on the other side.

"Move! I'm in a hurry!" Maria's voice yelled.

"Maria?" Tony mumbled, astonished.

"Tony?" She said back. "Where's Steve? Can you tell him I'm almost there? What floor are you on?" Tony mumbled something incoherent. Steve was gone.

"Steve's not here."

"Nevermind I see him. I'm gonna hand up now alright Tony? I'll see you in a few." With that she hung up.

Steve ran tapped his foot impatiently as he watched the hospital doors for Maria. The second she ran through the doors he had her in his arms. He spun her around several times before setting her down. His hands moved from her waist up to her face. Her blue eyes were watery and a shaky smile graced her face.

"Hi Steve." She said softly. Her arms were wrapped strongly around his middle. Their faces inched closer before Steve closed the gap. A nurse behind the desk cleared her throat, causing Maria and Steve to split apart, but their hands connected. Both gave sheepish smile before Steve pulled her away. "So who's been hurt?" Maria asked softly. Steve grimaced.

"Pepper." Instead of taking the lift he guided her up the stairs. Taking two steps at a time they went up the stairs. "She was hit by a car when trying to cross the road this morning." He said bitterly. Two more hallways and they would be there. Before Steve turned the final corner Maria pulled him into a hug.

"Tell me what happened." Maria had sensed the underlying anger Steve had.

"I was at our coffee shop. Same seats and everything, the ones facing Avengers tower. Pepper and Tony came and joined me. We were talking when Pepper's phone rang. She excused herself and went to talk to whoever it was. Tony looked away from her for a second and she was gone. He went one way down the street while I went the other. Then I spotted her. Before I could get to her the car came. So Tony called an ambulance and I carried her. We've been waiting for news on her health. Then you called." Steve shook his head. "I should have been able to stop that car Mari. If I had gotten there two seconds earlier." He drifted off. Maria ran a hand through his hair.

"It's not your fault. You don't know who called her, do you?" Steve mumbled something before kissing Maria quickly.

"Why haven't we thought of that? Oh Mari it's good to have you back." He pulled her around the corner. Bruce and Tony were still sitting in the chairs, staring at the door. Maria smiled. Not letting go of Steve's hand she half ran down the hallway. Bruce looked away from the door to where they were coming down the hallway. His eyes grew wide before a smile grew. He stood and walked the few steps to meet the couple.

"Maria!" Maria finally let go of Steve's hand and flew into Bruce's open arms. Tony had finally looked away from the door. "It's so good to see you."

"I missed you too Bruce." He held Maria at arms length before stepping away for Tony. He seemed shocked that she was really there. "Hey Tony."

---

"What if things go badly? What it Tony and Pepper are disgusted somehow or what if my parents disagree or gosh what about Bruce or maybe Nat will," Maria rambled on in the elevator. Steve laughed. It was funny seeing her panicked. He kissed her to silence her.

"It's going to be fine Mari. I'm sure they all approve of our relationship, I asked both Gary and Tony about it. Also you know Nat is fine with it. She asked about you the other night. Said you needed to call her back, apparently she has big news." Steve said. She squeezed his hand tight. Natasha and her had become good friends over the year. She had also gotten pretty close to Clint. Maybe it was just their pasts that let them connect so much, but the trio could always be found together in the gym, movie room, balcony, or roof on Wednesdays, which had become their hang out day. "You should stop worrying. You know these people just as well as I do, maybe even more. You connect with them on a level I can't. Clint and Nat will surely be excited for us. Bruce too. I think he was al for us being together since the day I brought you in the first time. Thor will be delighted. We've already told Gary and Michelle and you saw how happy they were. I wouldn't worry about Tony and Pepper."

"I guess your right." Maria sighed. Thor was someone she found funny. He didn't completely know the customs of Earth. Steve and Thor were good friends though

"Although, if Tony goes for his Ironman suit we're leaving." Steve seemed a little more nervous now. Maria laughed.

"Maria!" Clint and Natasha called from behind the bar. Clint was shaking up some drinks while Natasha sipped a blood red one. "Congratulations." Maria saw that Natasha had already seen the engagement ring. Always the observant one. Clint furrowed his brow before looking over at us. He smiled brightly.

"Congratulations!" He yelled, a little drunk. Tony and Pepper came in from the balcony.

"What are we congratulating?" Tony questioned. Ignoring the question Maria opened her arms. He and Pepper each gave Maria a hug. "How are you?" Maria and Steve internally sighed. Neither one noticed the rings. Marias was a small white-silver ring with two red gems and a blue gem in the middle. Steve's was the same but thicker. Maria had thought it would be fun to get rings made in his colors, of course she didn't know what he planned. She was just rambling on one day about how fun it would be to design them and then went on to tell him how she would be a reminder that they can live normal lives and still be Captain America and the Mistress –she was trying to get Fury to let her be on the Avengers team. Clint, Natasha, Bruce, and Steve were all for it. It had taken a while to win Steve over though. Tony and Pepper didn't like the idea though. Too much danger.

Once everyone was situated on the couch, Pepper then Tony then Steve then Maria then Natasha then Clint, the movie began. Bruce and Thor came in about a third of the way into the movie. Thor was confused so they restarted the movie. Steve went through and tried to explain some of the reasons people would do things in the movie and how things worked. Maria shook her head. They had their own language just as Bruce and Tony did. The popcorn had run out with complaints from the spies for more. Maria volunteered to get it. Bruce joined her by the microwave.

"Congratulations. How did he ask?" He asked softly. A knowing smile lay on his lips and a twinkle was in his eye. He had become just as much of a father as Gary was and Tony became.

"He asked me yesterday, which as you know signifies the date I came home last year and left the year before, at our favorite coffee shop." She held her hand up for his inspection. He chuckled.

"Red, white, and blue. Captains colors."

"I was talking about how fun it would be to get rings like this a couple of weeks ago. I couldn't believe he actually did it, but I'm very happy with them. How did you know he asked? We're curled up under the blanket." Before Bruce could answer the popcorn was beeping and the spies were calling out for the popcorn. Plopping back down on the couch Steve was still moving his hands around, explaining some piece of machinery to Thor, a phaser to be exact.

"Captain, you have ring. Did you do something honorable to deserve it? That is what we do back home." Thor boomed. The room got oddly quiet. Maria had been in the process of handing popcorn across Steve to Tony, with her left hand holding the side of the bowl. The newly engaged shared a quick look before the spies, who were comfortable enough to be drunk with Maria and the others, started singing a marriage tune, Thor booming congratulations and something about coupling, and Bruce looked for exits in case of Tony's reaction.

"Surprise?"