ym4yum1: I'm glad you were able to read those parts, and that you enjoyed them!
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The Red Dove: Haha he'd look cute that's for sure.
Princess PrettyPants: Thanks :3 I totally forgot about Harvey for a minute there (too much big stuff planned XD), thanks for reminding me XD
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Disclaimer: I don't own the Avengers blah, blah, blah. And oh my gosh, I have 200 reviews on this story and have 250 followers! Thanks to everyone for following/favoriting/reviewing. It means so much to me that you guys enjoy this story that much!
Sorry it took so long for this chapter. I hope you still enjoy it! So... some new characters. How do you feel about them?
"Ready for this Cap?" Tony asked his friend as they strolled through the metal halls. Agents hurried past, preoccupied with whatever business Director Fury had assigned them. The scene gave Tony a sense of déjà vu.
"Yeah," The Captain nodded as they walked on to the room Coulson had assigned them. Steve had been unsure about coming here at first but now that they were here Steve felt a little more at ease. He hadn't even needed to make an excuse, Pepper had taken her to make sure the bridesmaid dresses fit properly. Bruce and Bucky had offered to babysit Sadie too until Steve returned.
Steve and Tony saw Coulson outside the same interrogation room they'd come to last time. They approached the Agent and he let them inside, greeting them as he did.
"Mr. Stark, Captain Rogers."
"Agent Coulson," Tony simply couldn't resist. He refused to use Phil's first name, something that still irked the SHIELD Agent to no end. This time, though, he chose to ignore Tony's teasing.
"Why does he want to talk to me?" Steve asked, perplexed. Phil shook his head.
"He hasn't told us, but if he tries anything I'm sure you can take him," he responded. Tony made a gagging gesture behind the agent's back. Steve nodded and Coulson let the two men inside the room. Just like last time Tony would be inside if things got out of hand.
"Captain Rogers," The man sat at the cold looking table, his hands cuffed. Steve looked at Harvey, taking a seat across from him.
"Mr. Wyatt... Why did you call me here?" Steve asked him.
"I wanted to apologize." He answered clearly, looking a little ashamed.
"Apologize? To me?"
"Not really. I wanted to apologize to Adrianna but I knew I would have better luck getting you here." Harvey shrugged.
"Okay, what did you want to apologize for?" Steve asked, a little annoyed but he had to hand it to him. He would never have let Adrianna in here with him. Not even with all the SHIELD agents roaming the building or him and Tony standing by her side.
"I wanted to apologize for hurting her. It wasn't my intention," Harvey said, softer this time. Steve still wasn't so sure but at least the man was showing some remorse.
"How did you find her?" Steve asked. That concerned him the most.
"I don't know if you'll like the answer," Harvey responded. He stared at Steve, taking him in. The soldier's muscles were taut beneath his plaid shirt. His eyes were hard but his face looked even, not angered though.
"You changed your hair."
"A bit of a shampoo mishap. Why won't I like your answer? Because it's Malcolm?" Steve asked him. Tony smirked in the corner of the room but carefully watched Harvey and his interrogator.
"I see you got it, and yes." Harvey answered, "He just can't let her go."
"And you can?" Tony mocked him, raising a brow.
"After this fiasco, I can. She's not mine, she never was." Harvey's voice softened at his second sentence.
"So Malcolm told you?" Steve asked, steering the conversation back on track. Harvey nodded, confirming what they already knew. Steve and Tony spent a little more time getting some more answers, especially about what else Malcolm might have in store to which Harvey couldn't or wouldn't confirm anything. Steve rose from his seat and looked at the man before him. Harvey stared right back.
"If you ever try to contact Adrianna I swear to God you'll have more to worry about than just jail time." Steve spoke, his voice as cold as ice. Tony was even surprised by the anger he conveyed.
"And the only reason I'm not doing this now is because you helped us. But my kindness does not extend any farther than this."
"...Understood." Harvey looked a little paler as he nodded. Steve and Tony left the room, letting the agents go inside after them. As they walked down the hall Phil approached the two heroes.
"I'll schedule a meeting with Mr. Reeves as soon as possible," Phil said as he kept in stride with the angered soldier. Steve nodded solemnly, everything passed by him in a blur. He was not about to let Malcolm get away with harming Adrianna.
"Wow, you girls look hot!" Pepper grinned as Adrianna and Natasha, along with two of Pepper's other friends who'd be bridesmaids too, stepped out of the dressing room. Surprisingly not many people recognized the assassin, probably because she mastered being stealthy and they didn't expect her to try on bridesmaid dresses. Adrianna looked at herself in the mirror and felt her cheeks flush pink.
"Whoa!" She could hardly believe the dress fit her so well. The strap-less, sweetheart dresses were light due to the summer heat, but went well with Pepper's romantic theme. The silver color highlighted the bright red sash around each woman's waistline. The front was knee-length while a flowy overlay made the back of the dress long enough to reach their ankles. Overall each bridesmaid felt very comfortable and none needed any adjustments.
"I have to agree with Pepper here. We're pretty fantastic," Pepper's blonde friend, Wendy, said.
After everyone made sure the dresses fit properly the group left the store. The dresses were going to be delivered to the tower just in time for the wedding. All the women, sans Natasha who chimed in here and there, chatted excitedly about the impending marriage on their car ride to lunch. Pepper was taking this whole wedding thing in stride, easily overcoming any roadblocks she met.
Adrianna was particularly looking forward to the event. She hadn't been to a wedding since her own marriage to Malcolm. He'd never let her see her friends and she'd regrettably missed a lot through the years.
Things are different now Adrianna, she reminded herself with a soft smile.
"What are you smiling about Harding?" Natasha asked, raising a brow. The redhead's hair had grown out and now reached her shoulders in length.
"Just how things are different now with Steve."
"Oh yeah! Pepper was telling us about him." Wendy piped in, eagerly looking to Adrianna.
"He's a soldier right? I bet he's super hot." Kayla, Pepper's other friend added with a conspiratorial smile. Adrianna felt herself blushing again, unable to help it.
"Yeah, he is. Want to see a picture?" She asked. The women nodded, both curious. She dug out her phone and opened up the correct app. The two women happily scrolled through the photos, admiring the ones of Steve and cooing over the ones of her daughter.
"She's so adorable." "She looks just like you." "He's such a sweetheart." As they continued scrolling they found a more recent picture.
"What happened to his hair?" Wendy asked, laughing lightly.
"Well..." Adrianna grinned as she explained.
Adrianna walked back into her and Steve's room, putting her hair up as she readied herself for the day. She could hear the water in the bathroom running, indicating Steve was still showering. Adrianna had taken Sadie downstairs while Steve got ready too, letting her be entertained by morning cartoons. Adrianna smiled as she heard the girl's laughter. The water stopped as Adrianna finished getting her blouse buttoned and soon the door opened, releasing a cloud of fresh steam.
"Morning Birdie," Steve hugged Adrianna from behind and Adrianna happily sank against his clothed chest.
"Morning Steve." She tipped her head and looked up at him, soon letting out a gasp of laughter.
"What?" Steve asked, releasing her while she continued giggling.
"Y-Your hair!" She covered her mouth while she laughed, trying to stop herself. Steve's face scrunched in confusion and he walked back to the bathroom. He wiped the steam off the glass and gasped himself.
"What happened?" He asked, shocked. His once blond hair was now a rich brown.
"I-I don't know..." Adrianna managed to calm herself, though an amused smile still crept across her face. Steve glared at Adrianna, obviously not amused. Adrianna could only offer him, what she hoped was, a consoling smile. She walked up and hugged her boyfriend, still giggling in spite of herself.
"I'm sorry honey. But, you have to admit it is kind of funny..." Adrianna looked at her boyfriend and slowly his stubborn expression melted. He raked his fingers through his hair and sighed deeply, smiling a little.
"Yeah, I guess it is." He admitted. "But whoever did this isn't going to get away with it."
"We'll see about that," Adrianna chuckled and pulled away. She kissed his cheek and after they both finished their morning routines Adrianna began exiting the room.
"I think it looks good Steve," She smiled as she left the bathroom. Steve watched her go and slowly smiled further, walking after her. Not ten minutes after they ate their breakfast did they receive a phone call from a certain billionaire asking...
"Hey Rogers, bad hair day?"
As everyone's laughter died down the car slowed to a stop beside their restaurant of choice. The driver looked to the women through his mirror and wished them all a good afternoon. Everyone thanked him and Pepper requested he pick them up again in two hours to which the older man easily agreed. The women filed out of the car and headed to the small Greek café for a well deserved meal.
"I see your hair's still brown," Bucky noted as Steve approached him. Tony had gone upstairs to finish some work he had to do so Steve decided he'd relieve his friends of babysitting duty before getting lunch.
"Good of you to notice," Steve playfully nudged his friend's shoulder, rougher than intended but Bucky retaliated easily.
"How did it go?" Bucky asked.
"As good as you'd expect I guess... He apologized."
"He apologized?" Bucky asked, surprised.
"To Adrianna." Steve nodded, "He's been talking to Malcolm this whole time. Right under our nose."
"Hey, you can't seriously be blaming your-"
"I'm not. I just wish we paid more attention to him." Steve shrugged softly, sighing. Steve looked to the lab where Bucky worked, peering in through the glass walls. A woman was talking with Bruce while bouncing Sadie on her knees.
"Who's that in there?" Steve asked, curious. Sadie looked content so that put the soldier at ease.
"Oh her? She works here, I think she's Bruce's new assistant. Tony hired her." Of course he did. Steve rolled his eyes and studied the woman. Bruce and Betty's romantic relationship hadn't panned out, though they remained friends, so Tony had likely taken it upon himself to set his friend up. The woman wore a white knee-length skirt and a green blouse under her long lab coat. Her black hair rested on her head in a tidy bun, though some strands had come loose through the day, and she had narrow rimmed glasses perched on her nose.
"Her name's Dahlia Sullivan," Bruce added. Steve took this in and smiled as he and Bucky walked inside. Bruce and Dahlia were talking about his latest attempt at discovering what had happened to him, though Bruce seemed more accepting that the Hulk was a part of him now. What had ultimately led to him accepting it was the fact the Hulk had saved Tony, and of course New York City instead of destroying it.
"Daddy!" Sadie crawled off the woman's lap and ran towards Steve as fast as she could. he happily crouched down and caught her in his arms.
"Hey Sadie-bear!" Steve lifted her up and kissed the top of her head. He looked over and saw Dahlia smiling curiously. Steve felt his cheeks flush in embarrassment.
"Hello ma'am," he shifted Sadie to rest on his hip and held his free hand out to her.
"Steve Rogers," He introduced himself. She easily took his hand in her own.
"Dahlia Sullivan, it's a pleasure to meet you sir." She didn't seem to recognize him, something for which Steve was thankful. There were enough people who knew his real identity by now.
"I hope Sadie hasn't been a bother ma'am, or to you two," Steve looked to the three people who each shook their heads.
"Not at all Rogers," Bucky grinned.
"Bucky's right, it was fun having her here. Thanks for playing today Sadie," Bruce smiled to the little girl and she shyly ducked her head. The men and Dahlia shared a chuckle together.
"Did you want to join us for lunch?" Steve asked the pair, Bucky had already agreed earlier.
"Sorry Steve, I have a lot of work to do still." Bruce shook his head, pulling his glasses out of his pocket and putting them back on his face.
"I'll stay and help Dr. Banner, but thank you for the invitation sir." Dahlia smiled. She looked very pleasant and Steve could already tell she possessed incredible patience. Bruce's line of work could leave the poor scientist very frustrated at times, even with his anger management skills. Patience is a virtue, especially when working next to a man who could hulk out if you pressed the wrong buttons.
"That's alright Ma'am, and call me Steve. I trust you won't let Dr. Banner here starve?"
"Okay, Steve. Call me Dahlia, and that's actually one of my jobs. Along with assisting the doctor I'm supposed to make sure he doesn't forget to eat." Bruce rolled his eyes and smiled as he turned to get back to work.
"Good, I'm glad someone's going to keep an eye on our doctor. Thanks again guys, I think we'll get going now." Steve waved goodbye to Bruce and Dahlia while Bucky followed him out.
"It was nice meeting you!" Dahlia called out as they walked away. She turned back to Bruce and began taking down some notes. Steve glanced back to them, smiling as he saw Bruce shyly inch a little closer to the woman. Maybe not all of Tony's ideas were so bad.
Steve and Adrianna walked inside the spacious room, each holding one of Sadie's hands and carrying a bag on one shoulder. The family had come to Stark Towers a few days later, clad in swimming attire. Steve wore his new swim trunks which were a shade of dark blue with a white t-shirt and flip-flops. Sadie wore a pink one piece with white flowers on it and matching sandals. And Adrianna wore a red swimsuit with a tank top and shorts. Tony, unsurprisingly, had an indoor pool and was having his friends over to beat the heat outside the tower. The room was kept at a comfortable temperature as was the pool and everyone looked like they were having a good time in the clear water. Pepper and Natasha were busy lounging on some chairs, chatting with each other and reading books. Tony was busy trying to "coax" Bruce into the pool while Clint snuck up behind him.
"Hey guys!" Tony noticed the family as they approached and swam over to the edge of the pool. As he left Clint attempted to push Bruce in the water. The scientist swiftly turned around, just in time to grab Clint and drag him into the water with him. Both men surfaced soon after, laughing.
"Thanks for inviting us Tony," Adrianna smiled as she set her things on one of the many lounge chairs. Sadie stayed near her father, nervously glancing at the large pool.
"Don't sweat it Addie," Tony grinned and looked at Sadie. "Hey munchkin, wanna come swim with Uncle Tony?"
The toddler shook her head and raised her hands towards Steve. The tall man swiftly picked her up and cuddled her.
"It's okay Sadie-bear." Steve kissed her head and gently rocked her. The girls arms tightened around his neck and he looked at Tony and shrugged.
"Maybe she'll go swimming later." Tony nodded understandingly and looked to Adrianna.
"Hey, are you going to come in the water sunshine?"
"Maybe in a little while Tony," Adrianna smiled and walked back to her boyfriend and daughter. Steve looked anxious to get in the water so she gingerly took Sadie from him.
"Go on, I know you can't wait."
"Thanks honey," Steve smiled broadly and kissed her cheek. He went to their spot and after removing his shoes and t-shirt he strode over to the pool. Adrianna sat down on her chair next to Natasha and Pepper. She watched Steve as he jumped in, unable to stop herself from openly admiring him. A nudge to her ribs broke her eyes away and she noticed her two friend's attention was now focused solely on her.
"I understand he's a total hottie Adrianna, but no hellos first?" Pepper pouted. She wore a polka dot one piece which had the sides expertly carved out to hihlight her natural curves while Natasha sported a black bikini. Adrianna blushed lightly and greeted the two.
"Sorry. Hi Pepper, Hello Natasha." Adrianna lightly bounced her daughter on her knee.
"Hi Adrianna," Natasha smiled and went back to reading her book.
"Hello Adrianna," Pepper smiled too and turned to Sadie. "Hello Sadie! Want to go swimming?"
Sadie shook her head again and clung to her mom. Adrianna looked down at Sadie and stroked her hair.
"What's wrong baby? You don't want to go in the water?" Sadie looked at the pool cautiously then shook her head.
"No momma," She answered, clutching her mom's shoulders. Adrianna smiled gently.
"Okay, you don't have to. But when you do tell us." Adrianna turned back to Pepper and the two carried on their conversation while also admiring their men giggling and splashing each other in the pool. Steve and Tony soon gave up splashing each other and looked to Bruce and Clint.
"Hey Bruce, what do you say to a little chicken fight?" Tony grinned. Steve looked at Tony, raising a brow. Clint's eyes on the other hand, lit up. Bruce seemed unsure but Clint readily accepted.
"Alright Stark, let's go."
"Relax jolly green giant. You won't fight the super soldier if that's what you're worried about." Tony swam around and climbed on his friend's shoulders while Clint supported Bruce.
"Are you sure this is a good idea Tony?" Steve asked, glancing nervously up at him.
"Yeah, this will be fun Rogers, just you watch." Tony smiled to him and looked at Bruce, eager to get started.
"Ready Banner?"
"I-I guess." Tony didn't hesitate, grasping his friends arms. The two struggled, fighting to keep their balance while also trying to wrestle the other down. Steve and Clint held on to their friends' legs as they waded in the water. After a few minutes Bruce managed to shove Tony off Steve's shoulders, which also caused Steve to get pulled under too. Bruce and Clint shared a laugh and a high-five as another person approached the pool.
"Nice job Dr. Banner," Dahlia smiled to the men as she crouched down. Bruce's face sported a healthy blush as he got off his friend's shoulder.
"Hello Ms. Sullivan."
"You can call me Dahlia sir," She chuckled lightly.
"O-Okay. And Bruce is fine too, Dahlia." He smiled as she nodded.
"Duly noted. You'll have to excuse me, it seems the girls want me to join them." She waved hello to the other men and scurried off to join the three women and Sadie.
"I knew you'd like her!" Tony grinned as he swiped his hair from his face. Bruce frowned and slapped the water, splashing his friend in the face. Steve couldn't help but laugh as the two engaged in another water fight, prompting him and Clint to join in.
"They're like kids," Pepper noted as she watched the four. Adrianna laughed and nodded.
"Most definitely..."
"They're gonna hurt themselves," Natasha remarked as she rolled her eyes. Dahlia sat next to Adrianna now, piling her long hair on her head in a ponytail.
"So... I haven't met you two officially yet. I'm Dahlia," She introduced herself to Adrianna and Natasha.
"Natasha," the spy greeted, nodding in acknowledgement.
"Adrianna, and I hear you've already met my daughter." She smiled and turned Sadie to face the woman.
"It's nice to meet you both, and yes I have. She's a very well-behaved girl Adrianna," Dahlia looked down at Sadie and smiled to the shy girl.
"Remember me Sadie? I played with you and Bruce." Sadie stared at her, uncertain but she slowly nodded. For the next half hour the women watched the men simply be boys, engaging in diving contests and physical combat all in good nature of course. Bucky had arrived just a few minutes before and he, too, joined in the activities. Steve easily beat the men at holding his breath but Clint had them all beat when it came to diving. The women chatted among themselves, occasionally encouraging the boys in their pursuits. Soon Pepper and Dahlia joined them in the pool, much to Tony's enjoyment. He happily grabbed Pepper and pulled her in sooner than she would have liked to have gone in.
"Hey Sadie, wanna come swim with daddy?" Steve swam to the edge of the pool, looking to his daughter softly. She turned to her father and Adrianna soothingly rubbed her back.
"Come on bear cub!" Bucky encouraged, "You can be like your dad."
"Daddy?" Sadie looked up at her mother quizzically.
"Yeah baby, just like daddy." Adrianna nodded. Sadie looked pensively to her father but she got off her mom's lap an toddled over to him. Adrianna tossed Sadie's pool floaties over to Bucky who caught them easily. After the two men got them over Sadie's arms Steve helped her into the shallow end of the pool. Steve waded on his knees while Sadie got used to being in the water. Adrianna smiled, glad Steve had taken so easily to his role in Sadie's life. It comforted her to know he'd be there for her, even if Sadie wouldn't want him there! She pulled her clothing off, revealing the red one piece she'd recently bought.
Pepper had insisted she get something new, especially since Steve hadn't seen her in one before. Sure, they'd been in Tony's pool before but Adrianna hadn't done much swimming before now. She'd been much too insecure.
It's different now, She reminded herself. She smiled and strode over to the diving board.
"Rogers, 12 o'clock." Stark nudged his friend as he waded over. Steve looked behind and noticed Adrianna walking over to the diving board. He honestly couldn't take his eyes off her and she could never stop finding ways to garner his attention, especially like that. The swimsuit she'd been so nervous about hugged her body perfectly, accentuating every dip and curve. No doubt Pepper had a hand in picking it out.
"Uh, Steve. You okay there pal?" Tony waved his hand in front of the soldier's face. Steve immediately came out of his stupor, just in time to hear Adrianna splash in the water. He sheepishly looked back to Tony.
"Yeah, fine. I'm fine." Steve looked down at Sadie and smiled, paying attention to her now. Tony rolled his eyes, biting back his remark.
That night, after all the pool fun and the nice meals Tony had graciously provided, Steve laid down in bed exhausted. He smiled though, the day was thoroughly enjoyable. He knew his family was home, safe. Sadie was in a deep sleep in her bed, Abby likely resting by the girl's side. He could hear Adrianna brushing her teeth and knew she'd be in bed soon.
Soon enough the woman crawled into bed, burrowing under the cool sheets despite the hot air outside their home.
"Hey Birdie," Steve greeted as he snuggled closer. He kissed the back of her hair. The dry strands indicated she had blow dried it earlier.
"Mhm, hello soldier." She turned to face him, peeking up at him under heavy eye lids. Steve bit back a yawn as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
"Have I told you how beautiful you are today Birdie?"
"Yes, several times Steve." Adrianna chuckled. The love-sick soldier had whispered it to her whenever he could, which was pretty often considering she'd been near him most of the day.
"Good, because you are." Steve dropped a kiss to her forehead and listened to her sigh sweetly.
"Thank you. You're just as handsome," She responded as she snuggled closer. The two lay in silence a moment, Steve nuzzling her cheek and occasionally planting soft kisses to her skin. The tender affections left Adrianna breathless.
"I love you," she said, her breath barely a whisper. Steve smiled and simply rested his head above her own now.
"I love you too Adrianna," he yawned. They both settle in the soft mattress together, ready for a good night's sleep. As Steve finally began to drift off, he was aware of Adrianna briefly delivering a kiss to his neck. He practically beamed as he let his tiredness consume him for the night.