The Red Dove: Definitely creepy and that is really interesting. I didn't know that! And thank you! :)
Coka Cookie Cola: Guess we'll wait and see! I'm glad you loved the update and I hope you enjoy this one too.
ym4yum1: I hope this was soon enough. I'm taking this story chapter by chapter and its kinda difficult sometimes figuring out what's happening next without screwing up the story itself. XD
LianaDare8: Lol like I said, wait and you shall see.
MadXHatterX94: Thanks for the review, and I hope you enjoy this next chapter :)
Lollypops101: WHO INDEED.
WitAngerandBravery: I can indeed disclose that it is not Malcolm.
RippahGoneWolf: I think I should keep you guys guessing. AKA I still need to figure it out too! XD
Cerulean89: I'm glad you liked it! :D
VampWolf92: I'm glad you like this story, I hope I won't scare you off. XD
Disclaimer: I don't own the marvel characters, I'm just borrowing them I swear! *cough*ormaybenot*cough*
"Well your Abe seems to be pretty healthy," The vet said as he brought the retriever back into the exam room that Adrianna had been waiting in for about a half hour now. She and Bruce had fed and semi washed the dog who had leaped from the tub plenty of times before the two finally gave up. Adrianna had placed a call with Tony, explaining she had a few errands to run and taken Abe to the vet for a check up right after. She'd also let Steve know she wouldn't make it for lunch and was thankful that he hadn't seemed to mind. Speaking of lunch, she could very well do with some.
"But, as you may have noticed when you bathed him... He is actually a She." The vet chuckled softly and put the retriever on the metal table. Adrianna petted the dog's head, rewarding her for being such a good patient.
"Yeah... Guess she'll be needing a name change soon." Adrianna quietly hoped the dog wouldn't get confused with the sudden change of names. As if sensing her thoughts the vet smiled understandingly. He brushed his mop of dark hair aside as he spoke.
"She'll adjust pretty quickly, you haven't been calling her Abe for very long. Now, we scanned for a microchip but she doesn't have one. And she doesn't have any missing ads out searching for her. So it seems she's in need of a home. Did you plan on taking her back with you?" He asked, setting aside a chart.
"I was hoping to, but I think I may need to consult with a few family members first." She wondered what Steve would think about getting a dog. Would he mind? She hoped not, Abe... Abby had already worked her way into Adrianna's heart.
"We'll keep her here for you then. Just come back soon, within the next couple of days. If you haven't come back by then she'll be placed with another family." The vet warned, hoping the nice young woman would return for the good natured pet. He hated seeing animals left at shelters so often without anyone to return to. But of course, he couldn't guarantee that the dog would be adopted by then.
"I'll be sure to," Adrianna promised. She stood up and hugged the dog's neck. Abby seemed to sense what was about to happen and whimpered. Her previously wagging tail had drooped to the cold metal, still and lifeless.
"I'll see you soon Abby," Adrianna whispered to the dog, rubbing her back softly.
While Adrianna was at the vet, Steve along with Bucky and Sadie had gone out for a bite to eat. They opted to get fast food, something they didn't normally do but didn't mind doing from time to time. While they'd wanted to get lunch with Adrianna she'd called and explained that she was too busy with running some errands for Tony. Steve didn't mind, the trio could survive without Adrianna for the afternoon.
They placed their order with the McDonald's cashier and sat down in the cafe like booths. Even McDonald's was modernized, trying to keep up with the ever changing tastes of the population. Steve hadn't ever gotten a chance to try McDonald's when it first started out but he didn't mind, he'd gotten to help save the world from Hydra. He'd gotten to serve his country, just like he planned on doing his entire life.
Sadie was busily watching the children at the play area and Steve smiled as he noticed she wanted to go play with them. Adrianna sometimes took her into the tower's daycare center for socialization with other toddlers her age.
"Play?" The almost two year old questioned. She pointed to the play center with wide green eyes. Bucky chuckled gently.
"Not right now bearcub," Bucky responded. He smiled and patted the top of her head.
"No play?" She sounded disappointed enough to break Steve's heart.
"Well maybe after we eat, how's that sound Sadie?" Steve asked, hearing their order number being called anyways. Sadie slowly nodded while Bucky went and retrieved their tray of food.
"That's a good girl," Steve praised her and kissed her tiny nose. Bucky sat down and put the tray on the table. The tray held the men's sodas, Sadie's kids meal of nuggets and apple juice, and the men's big burgers and fries.
Steve helped Sadie with her juice box, putting the straw in easily. Bucky helped get her food out, leaving the small plush toy inside for her after. He also cut up the nuggets so she'd be able to eat them easier. The trio ate their food, with Steve and Bucky idly talking during their meal. Once they finished and once the trash was thrown away the men took Sadie inside the play area.
She toddled inside where two other children were already playing. She tried walking up to them but they were older than she was and went off to play by themselves on the larger jungle gym. Sadie seemed rather disappointed and Steve frowned softly.
"Hey Sadiebear, why don't you come play with daddy huh?" Steve smiled and crouched down, waving her back over. Sadie looked at the kids then back to her dad. She turned towards him and toddled back into his arms.
"Let's go on the slide Sadie," Bucky suggested. There was a small play area meant for the youngest kids with a short tube slide and smaller, safer jungle gym.
Steve helped Sadie up the small ladder and to the platform. She looked at her dad then the slide and he chuckled gently.
"Go on Sadie," he urged gently.
"I'm down here bearcub!" Bucky called out with a grin. Sadie smiled when she heard Bucky's voice and she sat down at the very beginning of the slide. Steve gently pushed her and the little girl squealed in delight as she slid down the tube and into Bucky's waiting arms.
"Good job Sadie!" Both the men praised while a young woman watched them both with admiration. She walked up to the three and smiled gently. Bucky's attention was quickly fixated on her, though he wasn't so distracted by her appearance that he forgot to hold Sadie. He kept his niece protectively close while Steve smiled kindly to the young mother.
"Hello ma'am," Steve greeted easily.
"Hi, I just wanted to tell you that you have an adorable daughter, she's so well behaved."
"Thank you miss, I appreciate that." Steve felt pride swell in his chest, pride for his daughter and also for Adrianna. It was Adrianna who'd raised their daughter the first year of their baby's life on her own afterall.
"I'm glad she's got such wonderful parents," She grinned softly and said her goodbyes. She went to retrieve her child and as she did both men stared after her.
"Wait! We're not-"
"Together!" Bucky finished, though the woman seemed not to here them. Bucky watched her leave and pouted sourly. Sadie wriggled away from the men and went back to the slide. Steve on the other hand couldn't help it, he began laughing hysterically.
"Steve its not that funny." Bucky grumbled, socking his friend's shoulder. Steve ignored him, too wrapped up in his laughter. His face was reddening and his eyes watering.
"Steve!" Bucky socked him again but he felt his disappointment fading. A grin pricked the edges of his mouth and soon he too was laughing.
Adrianna walked into the house later that day, having finished work. She was greeted first by the warmth in the house, though that was due to the warm breeze sweeping into the open windows, and next by the smell of dinner wafting through the kitchen. Her stomach growled, reminding her she'd skipped lunch in favor of getting back to work.
She hung her keys on the key hook, set her purse on the thin, long table they kept near the door and took her shoes off. She set the shoes under the table and wandered upstairs. She wanted to get cleaned up before greeting her family. By the time she came back down stairs, fresh faced and hair pulled in a lazy ponytail, dinner was set on the table.
"Hey there!" Steve grinned and scooped her up in a tight hug. Adrianna chuckled and smiled back, returning his hug with as equal force as she could manage.
"Evening Captain," She greeted and gave him a light kiss. Steve released her and she greeted her daughter too, hugging the smiling girl.
"I'm sorry I didn't get back sooner, and that I missed our lunch." Adrianna apologized as she got Sadie in her chair and sat down beside her.
"Hey, its fine Addie. You sounded pretty busy today," He put Sadie's bowl of spaghetti in front of her and He and Adrianna both put their own food on their plates.
"Yeah about that I-" The sound of the doorbell surprised them both. Their friends would've just walked in, or maybe called beforehand. The couple looked to each other, confused but ultimately Steve decided to get up. He didn't like the weird vibe he was getting, the hairs on the back of his neck stood up and a fist gripped his stomach.
"Hello?" He opened the door and peered out. Before him stood a young man, not barely past his teenage years. He didn't seem very threatening so he relaxed a little. All he held was a bouquet of flowers, nothing sinister.
"I have a delivery for a Ms. Adrianna Harding." The delivery man held the flowers to Steve.
"We didn't order any, but I suppose I could give them to her. Do you know who they're from?"
"I don't sir, I apologize. Maybe she's got a secret admirer." He shrugged, stepped off the porch and walked back to the van he was driving. No doubt there were more bouquets to be delivered so Steve let him go. He shut the door and took the flowers with him into the kitchen.
"Who are those for Steve?" Adrianna asked him, surprised by the large bouquet.
"For you I guess." he shrugged and set them in a vase. He filled it with water and Adrianna got up to take a look.
"Is there a card?" She asked. Steve dug through the dark green leaves and nodded. He found the small card and looked it over with his girlfriend.
To my dearest Adrianna...
"Suppose these aren't from you then?" Adrianna chuckled and set the paper aside. Steve rolled his eyes and nudged her playfully back to her seat. They went back to their meal, deciding to put the flowers out of mind for now.
While Steve did the dishes, Adrianna cleaned up Sadie. The toddler had got spaghetti all over herself while eating her meal. She smiled to her daughter now as she bathed her, wondering idly about the flowers. Had her dad sent them? Maybe Tony as a joke? She didn't know. Adrianna sighed gently and gently scrubbed her baby's hair.
Sadie babbled gently as she played with her toy ducks and the bubbles in the tub. She murmured crossly when Adrianna rubbed the damp rag over her face, not liking that part of getting a bath.
"I'm sorry baby girl," Adrianna cooed. Sadie gave a glare to her mom, causing Adrianna to giggle when she turned away again. That glare was all Natasha, Sadie must have seen her glare at Tony when they hung out.
Steve walked in as Adrianna unplugged the tub, letting the water out. She grabbed Sadie's towel, set her on the mat and began drying her off. For a moment, Steve just watched the two, enjoying his girlfriend's and daughter's presence and listening to Adrianna play peekaboo as she dried Sadie. He stepped out, quiet as he could so he wouldn't disturb them, and walked to Sadie's room. He got her little clothes out and a book ready for her bedtime story.
Soon after Sadie was in bed, snoring lightly, Adrianna and Steve went into their room too. Adrianna was already in her pajamas, so Steve showered briefly and got dressed while she read a book in their bed. Once that was taken care of Steve stepped back into the room and climbed into bed with her. He watched her a minute, waiting patiently for her to finish. She'd admitted to him one of her pet peeves, something Malcolm had done often, was rushing her to put her book away.
She peered at him from the corner of her eye and smiled wryly. He was much like a puppy dog sometimes, his baby blues so innocent and pleading without him realizing it. She bookmarked the corner of her page and set the book aside. Adrianna turned over into her side to face him while propping her head on her elbow and hand.
"Yes dear?" She implored with a soft chortle of laughter.
"Who says I wanted anything?" Steve asked playfully, mimicking her position.
"You seemed quite eager for some attention Steve, I think I can take a hint."
"You are spending way too much time with Pepper," Sure, Tony was sassy but Pepper could be a spitfire too. Steve smiled and gently traced her fingers, starting from thumb to pinky. Adrianna smiled softly and let silence reign them both for the moment. She felt his slightly callused fingertips stroke her thumb, index and middle fingers. Adrianna felt immediately soothed at his touch, whatever stress she felt from work or her silent fears about Malcolm vanished. She couldn't deny she felt a surge of warmth when he traced her ring finger, naked since she'd long ago pawned her engagement ring and wedding band for her 'escape funds'. The desire to have her finger cloaked in silver once again surprised and frightened her.
"Are you okay Adrianna?" Steve asked her, concern furrowing his thick brows and creasing his forehead a little.
"Huh? Oh yeah. I'm great Steve," She smiled and hoping to dissuade any of his fears she leaned and gave him a tender kiss, leaving her poor boyfriend with a light flush to his cheeks.
"Just fine." She promised afterword. He nodded softly but knew she still had something on her mind.
"You wanted to talk about something over dinner, what happened at work Birdie?"
"Oh! I... Well... I was thinking..."
"Yes, and?" Steve hoped his prodding this time wouldn't clam her up.
"What if we got a pet? A dog?" Adrianna questioned, sitting up a little. She had almost forgotten about poor Abby and felt quite guilty. At least now they were going to discuss it though.
"A dog?" Steve repeated, a little surprised. Was that why she'd been busy today? Had she gone to a shelter or something?
"Yeah. I found one today and she's just the sweetest thing. She's fixed, she's got all her shots, Bruce and I cleaned her up, and-"
"Whoa, hang on Birdie, take a breath!" Steve interrupted her rambling. Adrianna stopped speaking and did as he suggested, her cheeks blushing just a little.
"Does she have a family already?" He asked, gently once he was sure she relaxed.
"No, she doesn't. And I just know you'd like her and so would-"
"Adrianna, calm down. I'm not opposed to the idea." Steve sat up now and smiled reassuringly. He tucked back some of her hair and gently cupped her soft jaw.
"In fact, I'm quite open to it. Why don't we visit her tomorrow and go from there?" He suggested.
"Okay," Adrianna smiled and nodded. Steve was just glad to see her calm down.
They both settled back in bed and while Adrianna shifted to his chest and fell asleep Steve's thoughts shifted to the dog. Would it enjoy living with them if they kept her? Would she get along with Sadie? He knew he didn't need to worry about allergies, a doctor's trip a few months back had taken care of that. A dog... He'd always wanted one, way back when they were kids Bucky had even had one for a short period before he found its actual owner. Despite the sniffles and itchy rash, the dog was a great playmate and comfort for the young Steve.
Yeah, a dog would be a great to the addition to the family. With a content smile Steve turned off the light. He pulled Adrianna's hair tie from her hair with gentle fingers and let her hair loose, noting that some seemed to be shorter. Maybe she'd caught it in something and had to snip those ends off? He didn't know and decided not to worry, then closed his eyes.
He watched the couple walk out of the shelter, hand in hand while their new companion trotted alongside them. The retriever seemed to be smiling, they were such happy dogs. He hated dogs, they were nothing but mangy flea and tick infested creatures. If Adrianna was with him they wouldn't have had a dog, or that child but that was a different matter. She was a very devoted mother, another reason he was so infatuated with her. He heard her laugh, the sound was pure joy and he watched as she leaned into the taller man with complete trust.
Oh how he envied him! He should be standing beside her, holding her near as they walked back home. Not some former military guy who didn't even have a job. He wasn't supporting their family at all, it was just Adrianna. If Adrianna were his she wouldn't need to go to work, he'd be supporting her and caring for her needs.
The only thing that consoled him was that she'd received the flowers. He'd been watching from the kitchen window as the two got his gift and set it aside without another thought. If a bouquet of flowers didn't set off their radar then he doubted his next few presents would either. He melded into the crowd, glad that the two hadn't noticed his intense gaze. He went back to his car and drove on to his home, his aunt had left it for him in her will and he hadn't had to wait long to inherit it. The old, sick woman had just needed an extra push towards the end, one he was all too willing to give.
Back in New Jersey he entered his ramshackle abode and went down into the basement, ignoring the cat that lounged on the dusty chair. He didn't mind cats so much, this one took care of itself by hunting the rats and mice that plagued his home and in turn he gave it water now and again. Down in the basement he sat down at his workbench and began carving into the wooden sculpture of his love's favorite creature. He didn't much like them either, but she did so he put all his concentration into his gift. She'd love it he was sure! It was one of his greatest pieces yet with many intricate details.
Dearest Adrianna, you will be mine soon enough.
He just had to exhibit patience, and luckily for him, he was a patient man.