"You're ready?", he grinned with excitement, as they stood outside a hallway.
"How bad can it be?", she scoffed and rolled her eyes. She was officially meeting The Avengers, at the New Avengers Facility.
The door slid open, and everybody turned around. "Everybody, this is Hope.", he placed his hand on the small of her back, his face beaming. Hope had her hair pulled back into a ponytail, and she was wearing her casual clothes, consisting of a black leather jacket over a white shirt, with skinny jeans and boots.
"Whoa, what?", Sam Wilson's jaw dropped slightly, stunned by her beauty and stood up from the couch he was lounging.
"Unbelievable.", James Rhodes murmured as he looked up from his tablet.
"Oh my lord, she's beautiful.", Peter Parker whispered.
"That's Scott's partner? Lucky bastard.", James Barnes commented to Steve Rogers, his lips curled up slightly forming a smile.
"Language Bucky. But she is beautiful.", Steve agreed.
"She is dashing.", Bruce Banner turned around and spoke to Thor, who couldn't help but stare and nodded in agreement.
"I heard she's well-trained in martial arts, maybe both of you can have a go at it some time.", Clint Barton nudged at Natasha Romanoff, his face in a lopsided smile.
"I would love to. You guys aren't much of a challenge anyway.", Natasha smirked.
Beside them, Wanda Maximoff and Vision let out a laugh. "More girl power!", Wanda smiled at Vision, her hands wrapped around his arm.
"So you're the Wasp now huh?", Tony Stark walked towards Hope from the bar counter, with Pepper Potts by his side.
"Hi Tony.", the corner of her mouth going up slightly. "It's good to see you again.", and to everyone's surprise, she pulled him close for a hug, and he patted her back, with a smile on his face.
"Wait, you guys know each other?", Scott was looking at the both of them, wide-eyed and confused.
"We were childhood friends.", she replied. Even though their fathers despised each other, their mothers were close friends, who knew each other through Peggy Carter. During their difficult times, they had often kept each other company, but as they grew up, they drifted away, both occupied with their respective family business. "Congratulations on your wedding by the way, you're a lucky man.", she smiled at Pepper.
"Thanks. But you know Hope, I thought you would have a much better taste in men.", Tony remarked sarcastically, winking at her and glanced at Scott.
"Hey, what's that suppose to mean.", Scott put his hands on his hips and shook his head in frustration. To be honest, he didn't like Tony Stark very much after their encounter in the fight at Germany.
"Scott's a great man Tony. My father wouldn't have let him wear the suit if he wasn't.", she stood up for Scott.
"I know Hope, I'm glad you're happy now.", Tony smiled for at her, he was truly happy for her. After everything they had went through, all of them deserve some happiness.
"Thank you.", Scott mouthed at her, his eyes sparkled brightly.
"Hey I'm Sam.", he had dashed in front of Hope, a hand reached out, blocking Scott away. "Also known as The Falcon.", he grinned.
"I know you.", she shook his hand. "You're the guy that Scott beat at this facility.", she smirked.
"I'm sorry you had to see that. I'm usually not in such a bad form.", he grabbed Scott's shoulder and gave it a light squeeze. "Right Scott?"
"That's a bad excuse Sam.", Rhodes had walked to their side, shaking his head while smiling mockingly at him. "Rhodey.", he looked at Hope and nodded his head. "Maybe we could get a drink some time, just to get to know each other, since you're an Avenger now.", he winked.
"Count me in.", Sam added.
"Are you guys seriously asking my girlfriend out in front of me?", Scott questioned, frowning, as he flung his arms around their shoulders, squeezing them hardly.
"Yes we are.", they replied in unison.
Scott looked at them with disbelief.
Hope narrowed her eyes, an eyebrow arched, with a thin smile on her face, entertained by their banter. "Maybe someday.", she replied. She wanted to test Scott's reaction.
"What? Uh huh. No. Not without me.", Scott held out his finger and signalled no.
"Come on tic tac, you didn't tell me you had scored such a babe...", Sam muttered in his ear, patting his chest.
"I wouldn't have if I had known what you guys were gonna do.", he replied, clearly annoyed.
Sam and Rhodes chuckled away.
"I thought you said she was your partner Scott, you didn't mention girlfriend, so I simply assumed she's just your mission partner.", Barnes sauntered over. "Nice to meet you ma'am.", he shot her a provocative glance, and held out his hand.
"Yeah, well. We're not only that kind of partners.", Scott mumbled.
"I'm...", Barnes was about to introduce himself, but was cut off by Hope.
"You're the Winter Soldier.", she observed his metal arm.
"I prefer not to be known by that.", he commented, while she thought it was a handshake, Barnes had gently took her hand and kissed it instead, bowing a little.
"Like a true gentleman Barnes.", Scott rolled his eyes. "You do know that she can break your arm.", he quipped.
"I wouldn't mind.", he smirked mischievously and let go of her hand.
"Stop flirting with her.", Scott huffed out in frustration.
"You know, he's right. About the breaking your arm part.", Hope remarked. She glanced at Scott and bit her lip, stifling a laugh as she observed Scott's annoyed expression. She didn't expect this meeting to be this fun.
"You should probably stop flirting Bucky. Don't want Scott to go Giant-Man on you.", Steve let out a laugh, putting his hand on Barnes' shoulder.
"It's alright. I'll spare myself.", Barnes put up his hands in surrender.
Scott quickly scooted to Hope's side, and curled his fingers around her hand protectively. She laughed as she was enjoying his reaction and she never expected him to be this jealous or protective. "So this is Cap huh?", she simpered at him, her forehead raised as she nudged him.
"Yes he is.", a goofy smile blossomed on his face. He was most excited for her to meet Captain America. "He's awesome."
"Hi Hope. Scott's told me all about you.", Steve smiled warmly, and gave her a firm handshake.
"Really?", she blushed slightly. She could see why Scott had a fanboy crush on him. He was definitely handsome, but he exuded a charismatic, warm and humble personality. Not to mention, aunt Peggy used to tell her stories about their adventures together.
"He said you're a brilliant scientist and fighter. I look forward to working with you in the future."
Hope looked at Scott, trying to keep herself from blushing too much. "I used to know Peggy, well she was aunt Peggy to me. It feels unreal that I'm meeting you now. She used to tell me stories about you. And she loved you, you know..."
Steve was surprised but a tinge of sadness flickered in his eyes. However, he was glad that now he knew another acquaintance of Peggy, it comforted him. "She was a great agent. Even during that time, she always stood up for what she believed in.", his tone full of admiration. She was his source of inspiration.
"Well, if it's any consolation, Cap here is dating her niece.", Natasha had overheard their conversation.
"So you have an affinity for the Carter family.", Hope laughed.
A faint blush crept on his face, and he awkwardly ran his hand through his hair.
"Maybe one day we could train together.", Natasha offered.
"That would be great for a change. I'm getting bored of only training with Scott.", she joked.
"What? You could have told me Hope. I would have up my game by not letting you win every time.", Scott looked at her, faking disappointment.
"Really?", Hope raised a brow, judging him.
"Can I be there when you guys spar?", Clint raised his hand, grinning.
"Hey! You're married!", Scott lightly punched his chest.
"He's married but I'm not.", Bruce revealed a dopey smile.
"Not you too Banner.", Scott placed a palm on his face.
"Not to worry Scott, he's only there for Natasha.", Thor interrupted. "I'm Thor, this is Bruce, he's way friendlier than The Hulk. May I add though, you're beautiful. Scott's a lucky guy.", he complimented her.
"What can I say. I have good taste.", Scott grinned. Hope rolled her eyes and smacked his shoulder.
"So you not only can shrink, but you can fly too?", Peter looked at Hope, his eyes full of wonder.
"Yes I can. You must be Peter Parker, the youngest Avenger.", Hope smiled at him.
"That's so cool. I'm a big fan of your father by the way. Please don't tell Mr Stark that.", he whispered in her ear.
"It will be our secret.", she promised.
"What did you guys say?", Tony thought he had heard his name.
"It's nothing.", Peter was quick to reply.
He squinted his eyes suspiciously but he turned to Hope and smiled, "Welcome to The Avengers Hope."
"Things definitely didn't turn out as I thought it would be.", Scott mumbled, frowning, while holding a glass shot of whiskey in his hand.
Hope was casually seated on top of the bar counter, facing him. "How did you think it would turn out? They love me.", she chuckled, she could clearly see that he was jealous. She had never seen this side of him before, and it was cute. "Are you jealous?", she frowned, although her eyes were reflecting the opposite, as they brightened with a tease and her lips curled up, breaking into a smile.
"What? Jealous? Me?", he dramatically pointed a finger to himself.
She let out a laugh.
"I just don't like the guys fawning over you.", he looked at her, his expression solemn as he placed the glass on the bar counter.
"You're silly.", she shook her head slightly, still smiling.
"I'm silly for being jealous?", there, he admitted it.
"They were obviously teasing Scott. I thought of all the people, you would know that.", she took his hands in hers, and pulled him closer.
"I know they don't mean it. But I just get hot and bothered when they flirt with you.", he tilted his head slightly, smiling a little, thumbs gentle stroking her hands. "I mean, come on, wouldn't you be jealous if Natasha or Wanda comes flirting with me?"
She hesitated, contemplating the question.
"Seriously, it's taking that long for you to answer?"
She giggled. "I would be. But then they probably wouldn't. You're not their type."
"But I'm your type?", he grinned cheekily.
"Not really.", she teased.
He rolled his eyes. "You hated me. But don't think I didn't catch you checking me out a few times while I was shirtless.", his grin turned into a smirk. He could still clearly remember the days when she trained him to become Ant-Man. He thought she was going to kill him before he even made it.
"I did not.", she denied, but she was lying. She had despised him from the beginning, and it did not even occur to her that she would be attracted to him later on, although he does look quite hot shirtless, something she would never tell him.
"Don't be coy."
She smiled shyly. "Scott?"
"Yeah?"
"I love it when you get jealous though.", she leaned forwards and whispered in his ear, her arms slid up around his neck.
"Does that mean I need to get jealous more often?", he smiled as he pressed a kiss on her neck, which sent shivers to her whole body.
She smiled broadly, and gently kissed him on the lips. He smiled into the kiss, and kissed her back.
"Get a room you two!", Sam yelled from behind.
They ignored him, without a care in the world.
