Chapter Twenty-Five

Of course, most of the Tower knew that Steve and Evie were a couple by lunchtime, thanks to Tony. It took all of the Avengers to keep him from broadcasting it over the intercom system.

"Just wait till the news gets a hold of this," Bruce sighed to Evie over lunch on the common floor. "They're already all over you and Clint."

"What? What are you talking about?" Clint sat up straighter in his chair.

Pepper threw him an apologetic look as she pointed to a stack a newspapers and magazines. "Most of them published before we even knew what was in them," she said. "You two stayed pretty close during the Tower debut, and all the reporters latched on to it."

Clint grabbed several of the papers and Evie moved to look over his shoulder. Basically, they all insinuated without actually affirming that Evie and Clint were dating.

"Geez Louise! Can't a girl just enjoy an evening with her big brother without worrying about consequences?" Evie huffed.

"It's ok," Pepper soothed. "We already contacted all of the papers and most of them retracted their comments regarding you and Clint before the paper went public. A few of the magazines, however, refused."

"What, you mean glorified gossip sheets?" Clint rolled his eyes. "I'm sorry, Sis,"

"It's okay," Evie moved behind his chair and slipped her arms around his neck and press her cheek to his. "We're in a same boat. When they actually stop make conjectures and just ask us, we can just tell them the truth."

"Actually, that may not be a good idea," Clint winced.

"Why?" Evie asked, completely confused.

"If we announce the world that you are my sister, it would make you a target for anyone with a vendetta against me." Clint answered. "I couldn't stand it if you were hurt because of me."

Evie sighed and looked at Steve. "I guess your story is the same? Gotta keep my relationship with you quiet for my own good?"

Steve huffed his own sigh, walked around the table to her, and gentle enfolded her in his arms. "I'm afraid so for now. We probably won't be able to keep it quiet for long, but as long as possible would be good."

"So how do we do that? Not leave the Tower together or something?"

"Just always go out in groups of three or more." Tony commented off-handedly.

"Easy for you to say," Evie mumbled, letting her head rest against Steve chest.

"Hey, I don't like it either," Steve soothed. "I'd tell the world myself if I could, but I need you safe. We all do."

"Okay." Evie conceded, earning her a kiss on the top of her head from Steve.

"Aww," Pepper cooed to Tony. "They're so cute!"

Just then, JARVIS interrupted the conversation. "Sir, Mr. Odinson is on the roof."

"Who?" Evie looked at Tony, confused.

However, Tony ignored her. "Well, let him in, JARVIS! Bring him down here." He told A.I. excitedly.

"Already working on it, Sir." A few moment the elevator opened revealing a huge man with shoulder length blond hair and silver and red armor.

"Point Break!" Tony jumped up and gave the giant a hug.

"Man of Iron!" the man boomed, giving Tony a bone-breaking hug.

"It's good to see you, Thor," Pepper greeted with a smile.

"Lady Pepper! As lovely as ever." Thor kissed her hand and then he greeted Nat in a similar fashion. Evie was surprised how well the Russian took it.

"Hawkeye! Captain!" Thor turned to the two other men and clapped him both on the shoulders in boisterous manner. "How is it with you?" he asked.

"Great, all things considered," Clint answered. "There someone you need to meet, big guy." Clint motioned Evie forward. "This is my sister, Evelyn."

"Friends call me Evie," she added as she offered her hand to shake.

"A honor, Lady Evie!" he boomed, kissing her hand too. "I did not know that Hawkeye had a sister."

"I didn't know I still did either, until a few days after the battle." Clint answered. He gave Thor a quick explanation.

"How wonderful to be reunited after so many years." Thor grinned at them as they all moved to sit in the living room.

"And you, Steven? How is it with you?" Thor asked as they all settled onto the sofas.

"Cap's got a girlfriend." Tony answered for Steve.

"Indeed?" Thor asked, his smile widened. "I am happy for you, friend. Who is she?"

"Me," Evie grinned as she snuggled down next to Steve, who blushed but slipped an arm around her shoulders.

"My congratulations, Captain and Lady Evie!" he boomed happily. "My friends, we should celebrate this joyous occasion!"

Tony sat up grinning. "I like your thinking, Point Break," he pointed at Thor. "JARVIS, let's have a music!" Instantly, AC-DC blared through the room's hidden speakers.