I AM SO SORRY. I really wanted to have this ready by Tuesday but I was just having a hard weekend and writers block. But I promise I have not lost interest in this story. I'll try and make an update again this Tuesday too. I really hope you guys lie this chapter, happy reading!

Savannah: Thanks for the review and input. I realize she is a pretty happy person, but don't worry I'm planning some angst. :D

The Red Dove: Just gotta say, you've got a nose for trouble haha. And that is an excellent question.

Tenebris: Mhm, a seed you've planted in my head now. (Honestly I didn't mean him to come off suspicious, but that is a great idea! Probably isn't what you're thinking though. Hope it won't disappoint.)

Accio: Really? You're so sweet gah I just wanna cuddle all of you.

Cara: Thanks for the review again, It means a lot! And really? I'm glad you liked it! I'd be telling Steve too, he's just the perfect protector. As is Stark and Bruce and Thor and everyone else ha.

Cerulean89: Thanks again! :3

Lianadare8: Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it :)

VampWolf92: Thank you!

Disclaimer: I don't own the Avengers, just my OC's. And I also forgot to mention that all this flower stuff is stemming from the episode of Bones that aired last week. So just letting you all know why this flower obsession is around haha.

Pain and grief. Pain and grief. Pain and grief.

Adrianna stared down at the little flower on her doorstep, too stunned to pick it up. She felt her whole body freeze up, locked in place out of pure terror. He was here, at her home. He knew where she lived now. She wasn't safe anymore. Along the fear of that realization came anger. It burned in her veins, mixing and melding with her fear and forcing her into action.

Adrianna picked up the flower and hurried back inside, shutting her door and locking it tight. She went to her room and found her phone. It was about seven in the morning now, thankfully Sadie wasn't up yet for whatever reason. Adrianna checked on her daughter and was satisfied to see her sleeping soundly. Her chest rose and fell with each breath, letting Adrianna know all was well in her daughter's world.

She walked from the crib over to her bed and found her purse lying haphazardly beside it. Adrianna dug around and produced her phone. She unlocked the screen and scrolled through her contacts, finding Steve's number easily.

"Hello?" Steve answered. He sounded a little breathless, probably from a workout.

"Steve, can you come over here?" Adrianna asked, keeping her voice as strong as she could. She wouldn't let her fear override her but still Steve could detect her unease.

"Uh, sure. But Addi why? Is everything okay?"

"I'll explain once you get here Steve. Just be by soon, alright?"

"Okay. I'll be there soon." He promised, his voice firm.

Adrianna hung up and set her phone down. She felt her hands shaking nervously, dreading what was to come. She'd have to tell Steve everything. She really wasn't sure how he'd react, anger seemed to be the answer. She'd be pretty upset if he'd been keeping something like this from her. She ran her hand through her hair and let out a deep breath. He'd be here soon, Steve would be here soon and he'll help her no matter how angry he got.

Not ten minutes later and her doorbell rang. Adrianna hurried over to the door, peeking through her peephole. Steve's face greeted her, he looked anxious and Adrianna couldn't blame him. She unlocked the door and opened it.

"Steve," Adrianna stepped aside, letting him inside. After he walked in she closed the door immediately, locking it again.

"What's going on Adrianna?" He asked, her behavior was setting something off in Steve.

"Coffee?" Adrianna asked as she went into the kitchen. She needed coffee, it'd hardly help her nerves but she didn't care. She grabbed her pot and some mugs, pouring the hot liquid into each. She swiveled around and opened the refrigerator. Steve came around and place his arm behind her, essentially trapping her between the refrigerator door and himself.

"Adrianna, will you please answer me?" Steve asked, his brows furrowed. He didn't come here to play games. He looked down at his girlfriend with stern eyes. She wavered under his glance and finally nodded. Steve sighed gently and stepped aside.

Adrianna got her creamer and shut the door. As she poured the vanilla flavored dairy into their cups she spoke.

"You don't know anything about Malcolm, apart from the fact he's Sadie's father. That's my fault. I should've explained everything sooner but I just wanted to forget him, ya know?" She scoffed at herself, stirring the coffee lightly.

"He wasn't the best guy out there. He was the only one who really gave me the light of day so I stuck by him, I was only sixteen. So naive. After a couple years of marriage he got worse and worse, especially if he drank. It'd be little comments, degrading me once in awhile like 'you shouldn't wear that top anymore because it makes you look fat'. Stuff like that. After awhile he upped the insults, got it in my head that I didn't deserve anyone, most of all him. That I was nothing."

Steve looked at Adrianna and switched his jaw. How anyone could talk to Adrianna, any woman, like that was beyond him. He started to talk but Adrianna stopped him, placing her hand on his.

"Just, let me finish okay? I need to tell you everything." Steve reluctantly nodded and entwined their fingers.

"When Sadie came around I thought it'd change him, that a baby would make him a better man because now he had something that was a part of him. I was wrong of course. One night he came home after a night at the bar down the street and we got into an argument. He actually slapped me, right across my face. He'd never done that before and when he realized what had happened, saw me sobbing on the carpet, he apologized and promised not to do it ever again." She felt Steve's hand hold her fingers tighter as she spoke.

"Thank God he didn't ever hit me again but it was already too late. I left the next week, Sadie was already about eight months old then. I felt awful taking her away from the only father she'd ever had but I knew it was for the better. He'd tried contacting me for awhile, while I lived in San Francisco. But he gave up when I moved to New York because he didn't know where I went." Her voice trailed off. Steve could tell she was on the verge of bursting but she steeled herself, taking a deep breath and then a sip of coffee.

"Only my dad's ever known what happened. I moved to New York because he was here, it was risky being with my dad but the farther away from Malcolm I was the safer I felt. Having my dad around helped too. He didn't start calling me until after the charity event. He must've seen a paper or something that linked me to Stark. he found my number and started leaving me phone calls."

"He left you phone calls?" Steve looked at her sternly. As awful as he felt for Adrianna, as badly as he wanted to help her he felt... betrayed she hadn't told him. He was mad that she'd left him in the dark. Didn't she trust him?

"Yes. But he didn't know where I was, or he said he didn't so I didn't want to worry anyone." Adrianna looked up at him, her eyes locked onto his as they both simply stared at each other. Neither was willing to back down so Adrianna kept talking.

"But now he does know. H-He left me that flower on my doorstep." Steve looked away first, glancing to the flower. He picked it up, looking at the orange petals. For such a happy color it certainly brought a lot of fear into her life.

"It means pain and grief..." Adrianna said quietly. Steve glared at the flower. He wasn't mad at the plant itself, but at the message it left behind. That Malcolm left behind.

"I-I called you because I didn't know what to do and I figured you would..." Adrianna looked down at her coffee mug. Adrianna knew Steve was angry but she didn't know if it was at her or Malcolm. Maybe it was both.

"We'll talk about this some more later, okay?" Steve finally said. His voice was so serious that she didn't dare deny him.

"Right now, I think we should find you somewhere safer to live..." Steve thought for a moment. It didn't take long for him to think of a solution.

"I'm gonna take you and Sadie to Stark Tower. You can stay in my apartment while we ask Tony about getting you an apartment in there, okay?"

"Is he going to be alright with that Steve?" Adrianna ask. Adding to the fact she didn't like imposing on anyone like that, she didn't want to tell Tony every aspect of her past like she was trying to with Steve.

"Yeah, he will be. And we don't have to tell him everything, but you'll have to sooner or later Addi." Steve said, gently taking her hand again. He was giving her an option, tell Tony or not tell Tony. Adrianna nodded, he was right. She'd have to tell him at some point.

"Okay."

"Alright, why don't you pack up your clothes and stuff and I'll get Sadie ready?" He suggested.

"Alright." She nodded softly. As Steve turned away Adrianna pulled him back. She gave him a chaste kiss and was pleased when he returned it.

"Thank you, Steve..." She smiled gently, her eyes glistened with unshed tears. Again she steeled herself and went about finding her suitcase. Steve looked after her, stunned for a brief moment by her kiss and blushing profusely. He finally just nodded and went to get Sadie's bag ready before he woke up the baby herself.

At the Tower Steve and Adrianna sat in his apartment together. Adrianna was watching Sadie crawling around on the floor. She'd put up some rubber things on the corner of his coffee table so Sadie wouldn't hurt herself. The baby staggered onto her feet and grinned as she went and grabbed her teddy bear blanket. Adrianna chuckled softly, admiring her daughter's actions.

Steve smiled gently. Despite all the upset Adrianna was experiencing her daughter never ceased to bring a smile to her face. Steve and Adrianna had called Tony earlier and explained what had happened and why she needed to move into the Tower. Tony, as predicted, had readily agreed to let her move in and was adamant she let him get her apartment all ready for her before moving her into it. It'd be right across from Steve's, which provided Tony more teasing opportunities that neither Steve or Adrianna had tried to stop. It was worth her and Sadie's safety.

Honestly, being right across from Steve had made Adrianna feel much more safer than even just staying in the Tower. She felt safer the minute her boyfriend had agreed to come by this morning. Sadie yawned, drawing her mother's attention to her.

Adrianna walked up and lifted her daughter, blanket and all, into her arms.

"Ready to sleep baby girl?" She asked in a hushed voice. Steve looked up at her, admiring the mothering tone his girlfriend had taken on. She swayed back and forth, rocking Sadie as she headed to his bedroom. He heard her start singing a lullaby to Sadie and listened intently to her soothing voice. He got up and followed them both quietly. He stood in the doorway as Adrianna continued lulling her baby to sleep. She set her on the bed and put some pillows around so Sadie wouldn't roll off the bed. Adrianna turned to leave and was mildly surprised to see Steve standing there. His frame fit in the entire doorway. She found herself blushing at the fact he'd been watching her, listening to her sing.

"Come on Addi, let's let her sleep." Steve smiled softly, chuckling as he left the doorway and retreated from the room. Adrianna rolled her eyes and followed. As they walked towards the couch she saw the orange marigold on the arm of the chair and glared at it. She grabbed the orange bloom, ignoring Steve's confused expression. Adrianna walked into the kitchen and tossed it in the garbage, determined to try and erase him from her life.

"Addi, are you alright?" Steve asked. Her body was rigid as she returned to his side, anger and hate radiated from her body.

"I'm fine," She answered curtly. Steve switched his jaw softly but didn't press. She'd tell him on her own time. He nodded and they both sat on the couch again. Adrianna took the remote and began flipping through the channels. In the back of her mind though she worried over what Malcolm would be doing to exact this promise he'd left on her doorstep.

The next Saturday brought little relief for Adrianna. The only consolation it brought was the fact she wouldn't really have to leave her apartment in Stark Tower. Her father had come by just a few minutes ago and taken Sadie for the day. Though it gave Adrianna a twinge of fear she'd let her dad take Sadie. It would do her daughter some good to get out of the apartment and spend some time with her grandpa. Her father had been informed of Malcolm's threat the day Tony and Pepper had come back to the Tower. Speaking about Malcolm never got any easier but she'd pushed through it like a champ.

Her apartment was nice with most of the furniture being a deep, dark mahogany. She had a white couch, thankfully it was leather so Sadie couldn't really stain it. The walls were cream and the carpet beige. Her kitchen had a white tiled floor and lilac walls. The cabinets were dark mahogany with white granite. Her room had a nice sized bed and a brand new crib for Sadie to sleep in and the apartment's floor plan overall was like Steve's. If Adrianna could pick one word to describe it she'd have to pick beautiful. Tony sure had an eye for style though Pepper obviously had her input as well, especially in the color choices.

Adrianna sat on her bed absolutely unsure what to do with her day now that it was open. She didn't want to worry about Malcolm but it seemed that was all she could do lately. Even with Steve, Tony, Pepper, her father, and even Natasha and Clint (who called her on Friday on their way home) to keep her company Adrianna just didn't feel safe. She'd gone by to her apartment on Wednesday to pick up a few more things she'd forgotten and there had been four more marigolds waiting for her. She'd left them there but even just thinking about the flowers was making her insides cold.

Adrianna wanted to blow off some of her pent up energy. She didn't really step out of her apartment much this week. Tony had given her permission to simply work from her apartment and Adrianna had taken him up on the offer after Monday had ended with her spilling her coffee over her desk due to her phone ringing. Adrianna hardly felt herself now. She didn't like this Adrianna, this person who was too fearful to step out of the apartment and so scared that she didn't feel even marginally safe now. She felt sad, scared and angry all at the same time.

She ran her hand through her hair and got up. Adrianna changed out of her pajamas and into a pair of sweats and a tank top. She pulled some socks on and her shoes, lacing them up tight. After pulling her hair up she grabbed a water bottle and headed out to the gym. Maybe a nice, long run would help her relax. Staying at the apartment wouldn't help her whatsoever.

Adrianna would've invited Steve but she knew the weekend was his designated chore day. He wasn't a messy person to begin with so he didn't have to do much. But she understood why he put it off until the weekend to mop and sweep and dust. In all honesty she was surprised the Captain willingly cleaned his apartment like that. It was also his grocery day. Steve absolutely abhorred shopping for anything but groceries even more so. The prices often concerned him, even though he had the money for it the cost of food was astounding to him. It also didn't help that there was a lot of groceries around to choose from. But Adrianna had helped him the last couple times so surely he could do it on his own.

She left the tower, telling Jarvis to tell Steve what she up to and that she'd be back in an hour. Adrianna walked down the street but once she reached the park she picked up the pace, jogging wholeheartedly. The release of energy felt good. She pushed all her thoughts away as she went down the path past couples and families that were enjoying the warm, sunny day together. The sun beat on her bare shoulders and face. She could hear her sneakers scraping on the pavement with each step she took. Her breaths were fast and hard but she hardly cared. She went around the entire park twice before she finally stopped for a breath. She stood next to a lamppost, trying not to double over from the effort of her exercise.

Adrianna downed a good portion of her water, which thankfully hadn't warmed in the sun just yet. Sweat dripped down her hair, her chest, her back, nearly everywhere. She was about to start a run but someone approached her.

"Did you get my flowers Adrianna?" She couldn't see his face, it was hidden under his baseball cap which was low on his head. His head was turned down, hiding his face for the moment. He stood tall, proud as always.

"Get away from me Malcolm," Her voice was small, pathetic really as she stared at his familiar frame. She gripped her water bottle with shaking hands. Her legs felt like jello.

"Adrianna I just wanna talk with you," He looked up at her now. He wasn't nearly as tall as Steve but he still had that height advantage. He was grinning, appearing to be pleasant. His dark eyes were the only clue to the malice in his soul.

"Well I don't want to talk with you," She shook her head and turned to walk away. He reached and grabbed her wrist, his long fingers wrapped around her arm and his nails dug into her skin.

"Don't run away again Adrianna," He growled. A frown now replaced his smile and he stared at her angrily. He pulled her closer and Adrianna whimpered quietly. She tried to pull her arm free of his grasp but she couldn't.

"Let go of me Malcolm," She pleaded.

"Not until I'm done." He stared down at her and slowly his other hand reached up to her cheek. His fingers stroked along her cheek and her jaw like he used to do whenever he apologized for upsetting her. Adrianna didn't find any comfort in his touch, not anymore.

"I miss you Addi. You and Sadie. I want you to come home," He said, his voice almost pleading. Adrianna didn't fall for it. She felt her resolve harden, allowing her to take courage.

"No Malcolm," Adrianna made her voice as hard as possible. She stared up at him and saw his stunned expression. She had never in her life told him 'no'. He was so stunned she managed to get her arm free. She didn't step back though, instead she decided to stand up to him.

"I'm not going back with you. New York is my home now. And Sadie's. You're not going to bully me anymore."

"You have no right to keep my daughter from me Adrianna," He hissed, anger radiating off his entire being.

"The courts seemed to disagree Malcolm. Now get out of here before I call the police."

"I'm not scared of you Addi," He glared at her and she could truly see how much he hated her with that angered, disgusted look.

"And I'm not scared of you Malcolm. Not anymore." She replied firmly, returning his harsh look. Malcolm stared at her a moment longer and then stalked off. As he walked away he spoke one last time.

"You're going to regret this Adrianna. Just you wait!" He yelled to her.

Adrianna watched him go. She held her breath, only turning around and heading back to the tower when he was out of sight. But certainly not out of mind.

Steve left his apartment, dreading the fact he was about to go grocery shopping. He hated having to spend so much money of food when in his day it had only cost a fraction of what it cost now. He sighed deeply and paused for a moment. He saw Adrianna coming up the hallway. He smiled but it wore away as she looked up. She looked about ready to cry, her lip was trembling as she came up to her door and started to open it.

"Addi?" Steve came up behind her, softly standing near her.

"Addi what's wrong?" He looked at her, concern weaving through his mind and body. He hated seeing Adrianna upset and even though he had yet to really see her cry he imagined it would painful for the both of them. Her hands were shaking too much to let her type in her pass key.

"He came up to me, at t-the park." She stammered, her voice so quiet Steve almost misunderstood her. Once he comprehended her words he immediately pulled her into a hug. She practically melted against him and he realized she had been fighting to keep herself calm on her way back. He could feel her tears soaking into his shirt. Steve numbly entered her pass code and walked them into her apartment. Once inside he went back to comforting her, away from anyone (particularly Tony's) prying eyes.

"Shhh... its okay Addi. Everything's alright," He whispered, hugging her close.

"He-He grabbed my arm and I-I was so scared. I told him I wasn't but I really was." Adrianna's words came out in a rush, muffled by her boyfriend's chest. Steve heard every word though and frowned at the fact Malcolm had the nerve to even touch her. He tightened his hold on her and rubbed her back in soothing circles.

"Oh Addi... you don't have to be scared anymore. I've got you. But I'm so proud of you."

"Why?" She asked, looking up. Her brows were furrowed over her puffy eyes.

"Because you stood up to him. Not many people would've done that Addi," He tucked back a lock of her dark hair and smiled comfortingly. Adrianna still didn't seem to understand but she accepted it anyways. She tipped her head into his touch and slowly began to calm down.

"How about you go shower and I'll make us something to eat, deal?" He suggested. Adrianna slowly nodded and pulled away from him. He watched her walk into her room and just a moment later the shower started running. Steve rake his hand through his hair and sighed deeply. He walked into the kitchen and started cooking, all the while trying to control his anger. Malcolm had come up to her. He'd threatened her, not just verbally but physically as well by grabbing her arm like that. He'd upset Adrianna on purpose. He'd have to pay for that, somehow.

Steve would make sure of it.