Disclaimer:

Like always, none of this belongs to me and it's all Marvel's.

A/N:

Reviews are great motivators for more quicker updates. Thanks for reading my story.

Plot:

When Elizabeth agreed to work for SHIELD, she didn't expect to help the Avengers, let alone striking a friendship with the Captain America. But after years of hiding from who she really is, can she finally accept that she's different, but even more, can she finally control her fear of losing control?


Chapter 3

Izzy glared at the the door as she tried to quickly unlock the door but it seemed like nothing was in her favor this morning. Her coffee pot had crapped out on her and after ten minutes of trying to get it to work, she had found out that she was out of coffee, her favorite pair of jeans had ripped as she tried putting them on, and when she was half way on her way to open the bookstore (in a new pair of jeans, which had their tags on and were uncomfrotable) it had started pouring on her.

The keys slipped from her shaky, cold fingers and fell into a small puddle by her feet, letting out a string of curses before she bent down and snagged them, shaking out her fingers and keys of the water. Today sucked and it wasn't even 9 a.m yet. She let out a sigh of relief when the door opened and quickly made her way inside, slipping out of her shoes as she did. They were wet and slopping against the floor and she already had wet hair and clothes dripping on the floor so a puddle from her shoes wasn't welcome.

Izzy dropped her shoes by the desk and dug through her purse for her phone, happy when it was dry along with the rest of her stuff. She was sure there was some extra clothes in the storage room she had left and went to change. She was thirty minutes early, Izzy had been woken up to loud thunder and was unable to go back to a peaceful sleep after that, just slipping in and out of it instead, keeping her brain busy from going down that path again.

She had worked for SHIELD almost two months now, and had gotten into the habit of coming home and waking up late. Barely making time for her bookstore and declining substitute positions, she had told Maria Hill that she needed to go home earlier as SHIELD wasn't her whole life like the rest of them. So far everything happening there was enjoyable for her, a different pace from her life in the Wizarding World and certainly different from being just a 'Muggle', especially after yesterday, she had definitely needed to take some time off for her personal life.

Thankfully Izzy had made it to the bookstore with thirty minutes to spare but unfortunately she had gotten soaked on her way there. She made her way to the bathroom and peeled off her wet clothes, putting on a new pair of jeans and her Wizard of Oz t-shirt and wrung out her hair in the sink. She left her socks on, a quick flick of the wrist and both her shoes and socks were dried, and slipped them on again.

Siccum, she thought, running a hand through her wet hair and letting her magic dry it as she did, she walked out going to the front of the door to unlock it and turn on the open sign. Izzy grabbed her phone and headphones, popping them in and turning her music on shuffle and started to do her morning check in. She needed to clean up after yesterday and missed doing it in the morning because of the package she had gotten. She started to smile as she heard her favorite song come on and started moving her head along.

'Boogie girls, they love them higher shoes
Them ghetto girls, they love to buy some more
Them Cali girls, they shop around the world
Them Chelsea girls, they love to wear them pearls
Come on now'

Izzy started mouthing the words of the song, grabbing books from the seating area so she could put them back in their proper place. Izzy had placed some comfortable couches and chairs for people to either grab some books and read or play with some of the games she had brought from England and normally she would have cleaned this last night but she was too lazy to.

'No matter where they are from, girls just wanna have some fun
Two shakes one pieces of sun, then we just get nice
Temptation on the run, these girls just wanna have some fun
Two shake one pieces of sun, then we just get nice'

Izzy was so busy distracted by the song and cleaning she didn't hear the door open and realize someone was watching her sing alone to the song until she turned around and gasped. Steve was leaning against the shelves, amusement clear on his face and her face burned red. Pulling the headphones out, she paused the song, unable to make eye contact with him for a few minutes.

"How long have you been standing there?" she asked, finally getting the courage to make eye contact.

"Around the time you said something about 'Cali girls?" he said, a small smile on his face. "So you sing?" he folded his arms in front of his chest, tilting his head at her. Izzy was distracted by his smile, feeling her heart rate increase at the way he was looking at her. She noticed his shoulder's were slightly damp and the front of his jeans were wet, and blushed at the thought of him making the trek to come here even though it was pouring cats and dogs.

"No, I hum. This was just an accident we shall never speak of," she answered, turning back to cleaning up. "You're early again aren't you?" she glanced back at him, watching him straighten up this time, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck.

"I didn't think you'd mind, I mean I can go back–" his face was pink and all she could think was cute and let out a chuckle.

"That would be kind of redundant wouldn't it? It's alright, I'm actually kind of glad you're here right now, before the rush starts," she told him, reaching for a book on a high shelf. "If you could give me a hand actually, there's a stool in the front and I need to put that book where it goes." She pointed at it, giving him what she hoped was a hopeful smile.

"Happy to help ma'am," he said, but instead of turning around he walked up closer to Izzy, keeping eye contact as he got close. She felt her breath hitch, staring up at him when he stopped in front of her, and had to take a deep breath. Immediately she regretted it, cause all she could smell was rain, trees and oranges causing her to bite her lip, eyes darting to the books in front of her. "Here," he handed her the book, not breaking away eye contact and her heart was hammering so loud she was sure he could hear it as well.

"Thanks," she muttered, moving past him quickly. She had to, otherwise one of her customers might see them making out again at the bookshelves and that was something she wanted no one to see. "Did you start on your book?" Izzy turned back around and gestured him to follow her.

"I, uh actually finished it last night," he said from behind her and Izzy gave him a surprised look. "I had a lot of down time to do it so," he rubbed his hand behind his neck. "You were right, it was really good. They teach that in high school here?"

"That's what my workers tell me. They're high schooler's," she answered his confused expression. "I needed some help after I opened up. It's great really, makes my life easier. You want another book?" they were in the back now, where a couple of customers had left some books and games open in the lounge and Izzy bit her lip at the mess. "Shit, this is gonna take a while. I'm sorry to cut our conversation short."

"Maybe I could help you, if you want?" Steve asked, looking at the mess as well.

"You want to help me?" she asked, surprised.

"Well, I would love to get another book recommendation from you and maybe more an explanation on them too," he was nervous and Izzy had a hard time keeping a smile off her face.

"I'd like that. You could just clean up the games and I'll handle the books?" she asked. Normally she would've declined but she had wanted him to stay and she kind of guessed that he wouldn't be okay with standing just around. "So what'd you think about the book?" she gather the books from the table and piled them up in her hands, slightly staggering from the weight. "I got it," she waved Steve down when he started getting up to help her.

"I really enjoyed it. I wasn't a big fan of Millie in it," he told as he started packing up a game. "What is this?" Izzy glanced back at him and smiled.

"Trivial Pursuit. A lot of the people enjoy it," she answered, walking around as she placed books in their original place. "I was very partial to Clarisse, but the whole book itself was interesting. I like that the author drew inspiration from the destruction of the Library of Alexandria and then from World War II."

"I knew it was a bit familiar. From when Hitler had books burned because they didn't agree with his ideology and then Stalin with the "Great Purge". Though I do like the ending, Guy gets to be a part of a whole group of people who think books are just as vital part of the world as anything," Steve ranted as he piled up the games on the table. "It's nice to know that people just don't dismiss the truth all the time and see what the world actually is."

"Screw mass media, right?" she called out from the non-fiction section, and Steve smiled at her joking tone. "There was a time in my school where the mass media was reporting false news about– certain things, and people refused to see the truth. Ever since then, I don't trust it very much." Izzy walked back to the area, her arms free.

"That sounds rough," he sympathized, and Izzy couldn't help but stare at the way he but his lip when he frowned.

"It was," she agreed. "But what can you do? I mean, I suffered detention almost everyday for speaking the truth, and if I could go back in time, I'd the same thing over again." She had joined him in the carpet, sitting crossed-legged next to him and leaned back against the chair.

"There was a time when I didn't look like this and I would get into trouble all the time," Steve admitted, and hurried to explain when Izzy raised an eyebrow. "I wasn't a trouble-maker. I just didn't like bullies, and someone had to stand up to them so I did. Wasn't easy when you're 5'4 and ninety pounds compared to everyone," he gave a small snort and Izzy chuckled with him.

"That's kinda hard to believe," she said, staring at her hands.

"That I fought bullies?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.

"No, no. That I do believe," she explained. "It's more that you were small once. But hey, I don't think it would've stopped you either way, you probably fought just as hard for the right thing. Sometimes you have to be the one to do the hard thing of standing up to people in the moment, or they would get away with it forever, that I understand."

"Thanks," he said sheepishly, his cheeks turning pink. She and Steve just shared a moment of silence where they looked at each other and smiled. Content and relieved to find someone who understood some aspects of their lives. Izzy was okay with sharing some moments of her life without giving away too much of the truth but so far she hadn't felt comfortable like this with anyone in a very long time. She was happy to continue sitting here in silence with Steve for the rest of the day as long as she was relaxed and comfortable like this. She was drawn out of her musing when Steve spoke.

"I think someone's trying to get your attention," he pointed towards the bookshelves and Izzy looked over.

"Hey Brian. I've cleaned up for you so you can just open up shop and start your shift," she gave him small smile, watching the skinny tall boy that worked for blush and walk away with a small wave. "Sorry, that's Brain. He works here in the mornings when I don't or if I'm busy."

"I think he has a crush on you," Steve observed and Izzy whipped her head to look at him, eyebrows raised incredulously.

"He does not. He's just shy," she said, unsure all of a sudden.

"Cause he likes you," Steve chuckled, giving Izzy an amused look. "You didn't know?"

"I tend not to pay attention to teenage boys," Izzy answered. "That would make me a felon almost everywhere." She poked his arm to emphasize her point and masked her surprise her at how hard his biceps were.

"Good point," he agreed. "What?"

"Nothing," she shook her head.

"What is it Iz?" he questioned, his eyes curious and Izzy bit her lip. She liked how he said her name.

"Your arm is well, really firm," she said awkwardly, avoiding eye contact and cursing her paleness as her face blushed.

"Oh, um…" she heard Steve say and fidgeted with her hands. "Thank you?"

"Sorry, that was super awkward of me," Izzy glanced at him and saw that he was blushing as well and let out a small giggle. Steve looked at her and let out his own chuckle and Izzy joined him and before they knew it they were laughing out loud. "I'm so sorry. That was totally inappropriate!"

"It's okay. I appreciate the sentiment behind it," he said, holding his hand over his chest as his laughter subsided. They both glanced at each other again and started to laugh once more, ignoring the looks they were getting from people who were in the bookstore at this point. "Okay, okay let's move."

"Gladly," she said, letting her laughter subside.

"You know I didn't ask, but what's Izzy short for?" Steve asked her.

"Elizabeth," she told him.

"Elizabeth…?" he prompted.

"Elizabeth Black," she admitted, a small smile on her face. "What's yours?"

"Steven Rogers," he replied. "So how'd you get Izzy from Elizabeth? If you don't mind me asking."

Izzy smiled, giving him an amused look. "Well, that's a story for another time. Can't give you everything straight up now can I? Plus, it's kind of embarrassing."

"It can't be that embarrassing now can't it?" he wondered.

"It's not embarrassing for me actually, it's more on my father and he hates how hilarious I find it," she admitted sheepishly.

Steve raised his eyebrow and shook his head."You're something aren't you?"

"Yup," she popped the 'P'.

Steve just laughed lightly, shaking his head. He looked around and bit his lip. "Your shop is getting a bit busy now." They both looked and Izzy saw that he was right. The shop already had a bunch of adults, kids and teenagers present so it was busy but not crowded though, but it made Izzy smile nonetheless. "You know your bookstore is really cool," Steve said and Izzy turned to give him a smile. "I was walking past yesterday and couldn't help but want to come in."

"That's my trick. There's magic so when you look at it, you just have to come in," Izzy joked. "All my customers are under a spell to come here and spend money." She truly was joking.

"Well it seems the owner of the establishment is more magical than the place, because I barely spent anything," he said shyly and Izzy looked away, her face pinking and a small smile appearing on her face.

"Thanks," she replied, her hands picking at the carpet.

"Wait, is that the Wizard of Oz on your shirt?" Steve asked suddenly and she looked down, remembering that she had changed her clothes after the rain.

"Yeah, it's a great movie. One of the first movie of its age that was color, which was a big milestone. Plus the story itself was really great," Izzy rambled on.

"I remember when it came out and well the color thing was more of a surprise later on for me when I wasn't colorblind anymore," Steve said almost absentmindedly and she gave him a confused look.

"What?"

"Sorry, I mean when I first saw it when I was younger and well I was colorblind so when I finally could see colors, it was pretty amazing," he amended, Izzy didn't completely buy it but she let it go, knowing it wasn't her place to pry.

"It was one of the first movies I saw when I came to the States," she told him. "It was pretty cool. So do you plan on staying here all day with me or did you have other plans?"

"I didn't plan on leaving soon, unless you'd like me to?" Steve told her.

"No, I'd like it if you stayed for a while longer," Izzy told him, a small smile on her face. "It's refreshing. Not many people are clueless about me."

"So just two strangers in a bookstore getting to know each other?" Steve smirked.

"Just two strangers, in a bookstore. Getting to know each other," she agreed with her own smile. "I know nothing about you."

"I know nothing about you," he responded, his smirk still in place and a glint of mischief in his eyes. "I've got all day to find out."

"Gonna aim for the deep dark secrets first or the tragic back story?" she teased, her playfulness coming out but she knew what she was really asking him to do, 'please don't pry'.

"I was thinking about tackling them both at the same time," he nodded in seriousness but Izzy noticed the corners of his mouth still upturned, his face full of understanding. "War hero?"

"Is that information or an assumption?"

"Both."

"Out of place here?"

"Is than information or an assumption?" Steve asked this time.

"Both," Izzy chuckled. She couldn't remember the last time she had fun like this. Just talking to someone and getting to know them with no expectations for anything. "Part of a secret organization?"

"So you're psychic?" Steve asked with a laugh, but she noticed that his laugh was different this time, a bit hollow and she didn't like it. She got the hint that he was hoping for the same deal as her.

"Dark secret number one is out," she joked, nudging him with her shoulder. "You better stop before the others follow."

"Hmm, only child?" his rubbed his chin thoughtfully, nudging her right back.

"Was lonely growing up," she pretended to be sad, her lips in an exaggerated pout. "Raised by… your mother?"

"Sarah Rogers," he confirmed. "She got…ill, couldn't shake it."

"I'm sorry," she put her hand on his, giving it a small squeeze.

"It was a long time ago. Father?" he lightly rubbed his thumb on her palm.

"What gave it away?" she asked.

"Picture on your desk," he admitted sheepishly and Izzy laughed. "What gave me away?"

"Seer," she used her other hand to tap on the side of her temple. "Your mannerisms, only a mother would instill her son with such manners."

"True. So why a bookstore?" Steve asked, his face full of curiosity.

"It was simple. Didn't really involve standing out and I find it oddly comforting," she told him honestly. The only person to ask her that was Harry when she had opened it, but his had been more out of concern. Steve was just asking her out of genuine curiosity. "A breath of fresh air in muggy New York."

"We all know how hard that is to find," he agreed. "But that's not what you did before this, is it?"

"Now who's the Seer?" she joked, moving her hand back to her own lap. "It was a long time ago." Her voice had a serious note to it, a finality that Steve didn't push. "This store, and occasionally substituting as a teacher in high school is all I've got now."

"You teach?" he was surprised.

"It's been known to happen here and there," she added, "I've been told I'm a good teacher anyways so I figured why not." Izzy shrugged.

"Sounds like a good enough reason to me," he agreed. Izzy just nodded as she looked over at the shop from her position. A lot of people were here at this point, some by themselves or in group and she felt her cheeks turn up slightly. She watched Brian explain, or at least that's what it looked like to her, to some older guy about a game, and she peered a bit to notice that the three o'clock shift was coming in, indicating they've been here for a while now.

"So, tell me something trivial about yourself," Izzy went back to him, only to see him observing her with curious eyes. "Do you I have something on my face? Cause if I do, it's not polite of you to not mention it all this time."

"No, no, nothing like that," he shook his head, a little more forcefully than she would've thought but let it be. "Something trivial huh? Alright, as long as you do too."

"Deal," she held out her hand and they both shook it and Izzy pulled hers back, letting it rest on top of the other in her lap. She nodded at him to go first, Steve letting out a huff as his brows furrowed.

"I hate– apple pie. A lot of people think I love it, it being all American, but I absolutely despise apple pie," he told her and Izzy just raised her eyebrows at it.

"So is it just apple pie or apple anything?" she asked, only half serious.

"No, just apple pie. Now your turn," he said, and she scrunched her nose. A trivial fact about herself, that shouldn't be hard. Izzy felt her brain go blank, unable to think of anything trivial about herself. When was the last time she had thought about something simple and plain about herself; she had never actually done it. "It's more difficult than I thought."

"Nothing to give?"

"I-uh, love being out in the open. The fresh air, the open breeze and the smell of the trees, it reminds a lot of home. Which was mainly the school I went to but it was home. Here in New York, you don't get fresh air like that, and Central Park is nice and all, but it's not the same," she said, fiddling her fingers together and not making eye-contact.

"Was it nice?" at Izzy's confused look, he elaborated, "you're school. I mean you said it was home, so was it, like home?"

"Yeah. I met my family there, I grew up and found myself there so it's home. Or was, hasn't been for a while but at least I knew for a moment what it felt like," she said sadly. "Better than never feeling that though right?"

"I disagree. I mean home can be anywhere, it's feeling of belonging somewhere. Why shouldn't you always feel like that instead of once and then being happy that you at least felt it? I don't think that's how it should be," Steve said, his own eyebrows furring to think and Izzy just stared at him.

"Something certainly messed you up, didn't it?" she concluded. She saw Steve give a tight smile in response. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be, it's not like you did it," he said. "Is it obvious?"

"Fortunately no, you're safe from the masses," she told him. "I just, well you sound exactly like someone who's been put through the ringer, and I've been there so."

"I'm sorry," he grimaced.

"Don't be. We all have a past," she told him. "You maybe wanna get some coffee? I could use a cup and a walk."

"Yeah that'd be–" he paused, and pulling out what looked to Izzy a flip-phone and she raised an eyebrow. "I–uh, I have to go actually. Work." She watched him get up, extending a hand out to her.

"Oh, umm, it's alright. Maybe some other time," she shrugged, grabbing his hand and letting him pull her up. "I should probably help around here anyways."

"I'll see you tomorrow?" Steve asked hopefully.

"Same time?" she asked, amused as he scratched the back of his neck, face slightly pink.

"I could come at your opening time if that's better?" but she shook her head.

"No, it's fine, it's okay," she assured him. "I'll see you tomorrow then?"

"Tomorrow," he agreed with a nod. Izzy watched as he looked conflicted in his head for a few moments before she helped him out.

"So do we hug goodbye or shake hands now?" and she let out a giggle at his look of relief. "I mean I could go for either."

"Maybe a handshake this time since I've made it awkward enough," Steve agreed

"Maybe next time you could just go for it," she suggested to him. "I wouldn't mind."

He nodded his head, giving her a small smile holding out his hand, "I appreciate that. Tomorrow."

"Tomorrow," she agreed, shaking his hand.


Thank you so much for keeping up with this! Hopefully you guys enjoy this.

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