Omg thank you guys for the wonderful reviews, you guys get an early update! I am so glad you all like the story so far. Again, if there's anything that I need to improve on please don't hesitate to tell me. Again I'm going to remind everyone that this story is pure fluff and family oriented. There's not gonna be a bunch of action sequences. ;)
AccioVoldemortsNose: I can't remember ever reading a fic that's done that but I'll remember not to do it myself. It does sound annoying. XD I'm so glad you like it Accio, and not to mention honored! :)
Missamerica1122: Thanks so much! I'm so glad my characters aren't stereotypical and I'm really glad you like them :)
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Disclaimer: I don't own the Avengers, sadly. I think if I did I might just hoard them all to myself haha.
The first week of Adrianna's job went about as swimmingly as one could imagine, which wasn't very. It was tiring and difficult to help Pepper manage this company and in all honesty Adrianna didn't know how the heck Pepper managed it on her own. To say Stark Industries was busy was a gross understatement, there were so many companies that depended upon them and that meant loads and loads of paperwork. It also meant there were stocks to watch, meetings upon meetings to attend, and it was all hard to keep on top off. Not to mention it was difficult leaving her daughter. The whole month she lived in New York she hadn't had a job to leave her baby for and it was a lot harder than Adrianna had anticipated, especially when Sadie was awake when she left.
By the end of the third week though everything was beginning to smooth out. Sadie was even growing used to the routine she and her mother had, spending an hour with her mom every morning and getting to be with her again in the evening and of course on weekends.
Adrianna had also figured out a system to keep her office organized. Her office! Her office itself was bigger than her modest apartment. It was decorated beautifully too, Tony even said she could redecorate it however she liked but right now it was more than she could ask for. The office space was huge and had dark furnishings. The walls were ivory colored and the floor was light. One of the walls had a large window on it with soft yellow curtains. Her chair was about as plush as could be and still professional. There was a small leather couch with matching chairs and a glass coffee table in one corner, a yellow rug underneath the table and a throw on the leather couch that Adrianna had brought over whenever she could really use a nap. There was a TV in the wall facing the couch and chairs, letting her monitor the stocks and anything else that may be of importance. Her desk had a set of two computer screens along with a keyboard, the system being the same one Tony himself used. Overall it was incredible and Adrianna was astonished at how generous Tony could be under his arrogance and showmanship.
Along with spending time at work and off work with Tony and Pepper, who often took her for dinner or such, she also got to associate with Bruce and Steve. When she found the time she'd visit Bruce in his lab, usually bringing him some snacks or lunch so he didn't starve himself. He'd even be with them a dinner sometimes. Often she found herself watching Steve as he worked out and then hanging out together afterwards. They simply relaxed together, chatting about this and that but nothing majorly important to their lives and neither pried. Each had personal boundaries set, lines that couldn't be crossed. Adrianna couldn't help but remember the first time she'd actually visited Steve's gym, how she'd been surprised at how it looked and again in awe at how Tony liked to accommodate his friends, even though he endlessly teased the soldier and annoyed the scientist. What had surprised her even more was watching Steve boxing, hitting his punching bag with a lot more force than anyone she knew could muster. She obviously hadn't been able to keep her eyes off him, the sight still made her stomach feel like a bunch of butterflies were caged in it.
Sweat dripped down her forehead and down the back of her neck. Her run on the treadmill was almost over. It was strange how she could never find the time for this but now that she worked at Stark Towers she was able to do so. Adrianna wasn't uncomfortable with her body although she still had her days where she'd nitpick at herself. She was simply enjoying the break from work. She'd finished earlier than intended and had been looking for something to do. JARVIS had suggested visiting the gym where she had found many pairs of workout clothing located in the locker room, free for everyone to use. Finally the treadmill began slowing down to a walk to allow its user to cool down and regulate her breaths more comfortably.
Adrianna soon came to a stop, her legs tired but she herself felt accomplished. She grabbed her water bottle and hurriedly started drinking it up, incredibly thirsty. Once she'd properly cooled down she took her stuff with her and went into the locker room. After a nice shower she went back to walking towards the elevator, her long hair let loose to dry out. As she walked by an open set of heavy doors she could hear something, or rather someone. Stopping outside of them she peered inside, her green eyes curiously scanning the room. It was spacious just like the other gym and the first thing she noticed was the boxing ring in the middle of the room. Adrianna looked around and could see different paraphernalia around the room noticing it all came from another era and once she spotted exactly who was in here she instantly knew this was Steve's personal gym. Oh the lengths Tony will go to see that everyone is happy, no wonder the world was in a general peace nowadays, mostly anyways.
Steve himself was punching and hitting a punching bag that swayed harshly with each hit. Adrianna found herself staring at the man and despite how much she mentally chided herself she just couldn't stop. In fact she found herself quietly slinking inside, sneaking in and sitting on a nearby bench. She heard some old music playing in the background and saw the radio over on a table. Adrianna smiled gently to herself and focused back on the Captain. He continued this for another twenty minutes before he stopped himself, breathing heavily. She watched his shoulders rise with every deep breath, his muscles loosening and the sweat dripping down his neck. Suddenly he turned to grab something, his water maybe, pausing when he saw her. His blue eyes were wide with surprise and Adrianna found herself blushing furiously. Thankfully she was sitting somewhere that didn't receive so much light, futilely hoping it'd be enough to hide the pink on her cheeks and neck.
"Uh, did you need something?" He asked, blunt but kindly. He wasn't being rude, just curious. He actually had a childlike quality in his words that would be irresistible to anyone.
"Oh, uh n-no." Adrianna mentally face palmed at how she sounded. He raised a brow briefly before accepting her answer and drinking his water. Adrianna looked away from him, peering around the room in faux curiosity.
"So Tony made this gym for you?" The silence between them was much too suffocating.
"Yeah he did," Steve responded with a soft nod. He awkwardly shifted his weight on his feet, looking at Adrianna almost shyly. It seemed he wasn't used to visitors, or women, or maybe it was both.
"I'm sorry I just... I saw you and..." Adrianna ended with a groan, burying her face in her hands. She felt so stupid and she really didn't know why. She wasn't normally this awkward around anyone.
"Its okay," Steve started chuckling and smiled to her genuinely. "I'm just not used to being... watched. Unless its by SHIELD." He still felt a little miffed that he was on their threat list. But he wasn't letting that control his life, nor his relationship with the agency.
"I wasn't watching you!" Adrianna denied it vehemently, but Steve obviously didn't believe her.
"Uh huh, and I wasn't just talking to you." He smirked just slightly, inwardly he was surprised at what was going on. He was actually maintaining a conversation with a woman.
"I should probably get going now," Adrianna pouted and got up. As she was about to leave Steve noticed her damp hair.
"What were you doing before you got here?" He asked, brows softly furrowed.
"Oh, I was running on the treadmill." Steve's blank expression pushed her to further explain. "Its a machine that you just run on for whatever amount of time or miles you set, so you don't have to go outside."
"Oh. Well... why?"
"I think I could stand to slim down," Admittedly she probably could. Her figure had filled out after having Sadie and not really attempting to fix the situation, although she wasn't overweight.
"Actually you, uh, I think you look fine. Great. You look great." Steve stammered and looked down, his own cheeks bearing a shade of red.
"Who's watching who now?" She teased immediately afterwards, although underneath her playful smirk Adrianna was feeling incredibly flattered. Her earlier butterflies returned full swing, leaving her slightly nervous.
"I didn't say I was!" Steve blurted to defend himself, even more red than before. Adrianna watched him, thinking his blushing was incredibly adorable. She hadn't really met any guy who was so awkward around women, aside from Bruce.
"Relax, I'm teasing." She chuckled and started again for the door. "Thanks Steve," and with that she let the soldier be. Once she was gone Steve let out a massive breath as she left him wondering what the heck had just happened.
Back in Black suddenly began playing aloud, bringing her out of her reflections. She heard the AC/DC song she set for Tony blaring through the small speakers and instantly knew it was Tony. Leaving Sadie to play with her stuffed bear and blocks she got up and retrieved her cell phone. As she answered she kept her eyes on her daughter, making sure she wouldn't hurt herself.
"Tony?"
"Hey sunshine. I need your opinion on something. Meet me in your office?"
"But Tony its-"
"Saturday, I know. But I really, really need your help. Please?" It wasn't often Tony used the word please nor was it often he sounded desperate. It was probably an act but Adrianna fell for it anyways. "It won't take long I promise and there will be lunch."
"Okay fine, only because you're getting me lunch. But can I bring Sadie? I didn't arrange for a sitter today and my dad's too busy."
"Sure, just as long as you get here. The driver's already outside waiting for you," Tony grinned on the other end of the phone and then hung up. Adrianna put her phone in her purse and sighed. She looked at Sadie and chuckled as the baby grinned up at her. Adrianna walked back over and picked her up.
"Okay Sadie, let's get ready to go." Adrianna smiled to her daughter but mentally she was cursing Tony for disrupting their lazy morning.
Once at the tower Adrianna was heading inside, Sadie on her hip and her begs loosely on her shoulders. The driver had offered to help with her bags but she'd declined. She was used to taking care of herself and Sadie on her own. Sadie was wide awake, excitedly taking in everything. Occasionally the baby would see something she recognized and point to it, such as a potted plant. This happened as her mother approached the white receptionist's desk. The woman behind took the offered ID card and examined it as Adrianna took the clipboard and pen.
"Pant!"
"Yeah Sadie, good job." Adrianna smiled and idly signed in to the building, reclaiming her ID card in the process.
The receptionist chuckled, "She's cute."
Adrianna thanked her and carried Sadie to the elevator. As they neared she could see a familiar figure also heading for the elevator. Adrianna smiled and walked after him.
"Steve," She greeted as they got close enough. He looked back around, surprised but relaxing when he realized who it was. He smiled back to Adrianna and then noticed the child on her hip. She looked like a near replica of her mom, even having her softly turned up nose, except for the curls and the freckles along the bridge of her nose. He imagined that Adrianna must've looked like this when she was that young.
"Hey Adrianna, Is this Sadie?"
"Yeah its her." Adrianna looked at her own daughter who was keenly looking at the hero. Adrianna looked back at the Captain and smiled gently to him.
"Heading upstairs too?"
"Yeah, I was actually going up to your office. Did Stark call you in too?"
"Actually he did," Adrianna felt a little puzzled. Why was he calling them both up? Whatever the reason she was sticking around.
"Do you need help with anything?" Steve asked her, noticing the few bags she had on one shoulder. She was about to decline when Sadie reached out for him, whimpering. Adrianna sighed slowly, knowing that Sadie might have a fit if she wasn't handed over.
"Uh... You think you can hold her for me?" She looked up at Steve who seemed a little taken aback. He nodded slowly and Adrianna handed her baby over to him. Sadie quietly settled in his strong arms and Steve managed to hold her comfortably albeit he looked like he would rather be helping her with her bags. Adrianna noticed this and chuckled gently.
"Thanks Steve. I appreciate it." She patted his shoulder and the soldier blushed. By then Adrianna had turned back to the elevator so she hadn't noticed.
"To your office Ms. Harding?" JARVIS asked as they both stepped inside.
"Yes please." "Thanks JARVIS." The pair spoke together at once and Sadie looked around confusedly. She didn't know where the other voice had come from and looked a little frightened. Steve noticed this and instinctively held her closer. She buried her face in his chest and her small fists clutched his blue sweater. Steve was swept in a warm, protective feeling for the little girl in his arms. She trusted him, he realized and that realization made his heart swell. He would his best never to betray that trust.
Adrianna glanced over at them, motherly instinct and love prompting her to check up on her daughter. Sadie seemed content in his arms and so she herself also relaxed. It wasn't that she distrusted Steve, oh no, it was just hard giving her child to someone else sometimes.
They soon arrived at the right floor and JARVIS told them everyone was waiting for them. Adrianna's brows creased gently, wondering who this "everyone" was. Steve didn't seem to know either so they both headed to her office awaiting whatever scheme Stark had cooked up.
"How did Stark get you to come up here anyways?" Adrianna asked Steve as they walked on.
"He told me that he had a surprise." And you'd be there, he thought but didn't add. He simply shrugged and Adrianna accepted the story. They soon reached her office and she could see it was filled with people. Steve mentally put names to the familiar faces. Clint, Natasha, Bruce, Pepper, Thor, Stark. It seemed they were discussing something, probably just chatting about noting in particular. Natasha was seated in one of the chairs while Clint stood next to her, his hand protectively on the back of the seat. Bruce was on the couch, Pepper was in another chair, Thor was standing off to the side peering at the bookcase, and Tony was sitting with his feet propped up on Adrianna's desk. Once the trio neared the room all eyes were on them. Natasha said something and they all nodded in agreement.
Adrianna opened the door and held it for Steve who would've objected had he not had a child in his arms, instead he thanked her and stepped inside, all the bones in his body screaming at him for not being the gentleman. It was hard living in this day and age when the morals he'd been taught as a child weren't really necessary now.
Tony was the first to speak when Adrianna stepped inside. "Now that is adorable."
Adrianna ignored him despite the heated embarrassment in her veins while Steve blushed faintly. "What did you call me in for Tony?"
"I needed your help. Everyone wanted to meet you." He smirked as the group watched them both and Adrianna sighed, rubbing the bridge of her nose. She finally looked at everyone again and set her bags on the floor by her desk.
"Everyone, this is Adrianna Harding, Adrianna this is everyone. That exciting couple over there is Clint Barton and Natasha Romanoff, AKA Hawkeye and Blackwidow. You may or may not remember them from the Chitauri attack."
"We're not a couple Stark," Natasha growled to the billionaire. He rolled his eyes, his expression silently exclaiming Yeah... right.
Natasha shook her head and looked at Adrianna. "Nice to meet you Adrianna," She said peaceably, although anyone could see she was now thoroughly annoyed. Clint nodded to her in greeting and Adrianna waved, "Hello."
"You already know that talkative fellow." Tony motioned to Bruce. They both exchanged greetings and she did the same with Pepper. The red haired woman was looking over at Sadie and Adrianna could tell she was anxious to get over there and coo over her. Inside Adrianna smiled at that. Her daughter wouldn't just have her and her grandpa to care for her...
"This is Thor, the God of Thunder. He's got a real mean swing." Thor looked at Adrianna and walked over. He smiled to her broadly, showing his immense pleasure upon meeting her.
"Lady Adrianna it is a pleasure to meet you. Stark has told us much about you." He brought her hand up and kissed it in greeting, which Adrianna blushed upon. How couldn't she now? But she knew it was just that, a greeting and she felt relieved to know it. Steve on the other hand shifted his feet and narrowed his eyes, uncomfortable with the action but he kept his mouth shut. This, surprise, didn't go unnoticed by Tony who smirked.
"And you already know the Capsicle," Tony grinned. Adrianna smiled to the Captain fondly before focusing back on Tony. "Thanks for the intros Tony."
"Don't mention it sunshine. Now why don't you introduce us to the little munchkin that has taken a liking to our fearless Captain." Adrianna nodded and looked at Steve who seemed more at ease with holding the little girl.
"This is Sadie, my daughter." Sadie looked at the group of people and clung tighter to Steve. Pepper stepped over and cooed over the baby as Clint looked at Adrianna curiously.
"Your daughter?"
"Yeah. I had her about twelve months ago..." She shrugged, glancing back at her daughter. Sadie began warming up to Pepper and even giggled as Pepper tickled her rosy cheeks.
"Who's her father?" He asked, innocently. Stark had left the kid out of the conversation, even though there were plenty of pictures in frames around the office. Adrianna looked at him stiffening and inside her insides felt like ice. She sighed softly, "He's no one you know I'm sure. And anyway he's not around."
Tony looked around at everyone and sensing his newest employee's discomfort he changed the subject.
"Okay everyone, how's about we head to lunch?" He asked.
The whole group all nodded and started chatting about their lunch plans. Everyone seemed unsure about where to go Thor wanted pop-tarts, Clint wanted a burger, Natasha wanted something spicy, and Steve wanted something familiar. Bruce, Pepper, and Adrianna didn't care either way and neither would Sadie since she had her lunch packed up.
Stark broke the arguments, "I know just where to go."
The group had piled into one of Stark's limos and soon they arrived at their destination.
"Shawarma?" Adrianna looked at the establishment as they all clamored out, puzzled. "What's shawarma?"
"You'll love it sunshine. Now come on!"
