Hey guys! Alright so, i'm not actually that happy with this chapter. But I needed a filler soo. But yeah I'm not happy with this chapter, I think my writing is going down hill a bit. People are telling me otherwise but I still think it.
Anyway sorry is this chapter sucks, I didn't really know what to do and i'm visiting my family in Maryland and we went somewhere in DC, so I got inspiration. Sorry if it sucks!
Ghost dog?
Chapter 25
Steve slowly woke up, he looked down and saw Natasha in his arms. Smiling, he slowly and gingerly pulled his arms back away from her. She shifted, causing Steve to stop moving; then she stopped. He silently got out of bed and walked over to his dresser. He put on a clean white undershirt and some basketball shorts that sat low on his hips, in a way only muscular men could pull off. Silently he combed his hair and parted it perfectly. Then looking over at Natasha who was still sleeping peacefully, he smiled, walked over to the bed and kissed her head. Slowly, he walked to their bedroom door and opened it, careful to turn the knob completely before pushing the door so it would make no noise. Once out of their room, he opened the blinds covering the windows so he could see the sunshine. He smiled looking at the shining, bright day.
He had plans today … plans only he and JARVIS knew about. He was going out alone, so he was glad the day was nice. After taking the elevator to the communal floor, he began to make breakfast for everyone, sunny side up eggs, southern fries, and steak with white sausage gravy. As the smell of the delicious breakfast cooking lingered, Bruce walked into the room.
"Good morning," Bruce stated quietly as he began to make tea.
"Good morning," Steve replied with a smile as Natasha wandered in, both still in pajamas.
Steve quietly handed Natasha her coffee cup filled with fresh black coffee. She grumbled a thank you and sat down. Steve smiled and kissed her head then went back to cooking. Soon, Thor walked in and broke the calm silence.
"Steven, what is this delightful smell!?" He asked loudly. Thor had become fully accustomed to calling Steve, 'Steven,' instead of Lord Steven, ever since that sad night on top of the tower. At first, everyone was confused as to why Thor wasn't using "Lord" in front of Steve's name, but Steve told them not to worry about it and no one asked again.
"Sunny side up eggs, southern fries, and steak with white sausage gravy," Steve responded quietly as he stirred the white gravy.
"That sounds delectable!" Thor said happily followed by a gulp of his coffee just as Clint walked in.
"Good morning," Thor, Steve, and Bruce said simultaneously.
"Fuck off," Clint grumbled sitting at the table and slamming his head down.
Natasha raised an eye brow, "What's your problem?"
"Thor's fucking cat, Fred has decided my air vent is a lovely place to meow in the middle of the night." Clint grumbled causing everyone to laugh except Thor, who took great offense.
"Lord Barton! You have no right to blame my furred comrade!" Thor said sternly to Clint.
Everyone tried to hold in their laughs, but there were snorts coming from various members of the team. "I can blame him because I know he did it! I pulled him out of the vent this morning!" Clint growled.
"Lies! You are just looking for a scape goat for you mental health issues!"
"Mental health issues! Oh no, don't you even say that. I wouldn't have mental issues if it wasn't for your brother Lo…," Clint was cut off by Tony.
"Mental health issues! Yikes what did I miss!?" Tony asked with a cocky grin.
Thor grumbled something under his breath and Natasha chuckled. Tony laughed, "So whatcha cookin' Capsicle!?" Tony asked with a grin.
Steve frowned and repeated the breakfast menu, "Sunny side up eggs, southern fries, and steak with white sausage gravy."
"Oh, sounds good," Tony said as Pepper walked in.
"Good morning," Pepper said quietly then looked over at Clint he was slumped over with his head on the table, "Is he alright?" She asked.
"Apparently Fred has been waking him up," Natasha replied quietly. Then she took a sip of her coffee.
"There's no apparently about it! That damn cat has been keeping me up!" Clint growled.
"Stop disrespecting my furred comrade, you foolish m…," Thor was cut off.
"Okay, both of you stop; we don't need fights." Steve said as he placed a bowl of southern fries on the table. He heard Clint grumble something so he flicked Clint's head as he walked back to the counter to grab the bowl of gravy and plate of steaks. Once he placed those on the table, he returned to the counter to get the last plate, which contained sunny side up eggs. He placed the plate on the table and then sat down next to Natasha.
After Natasha and Pepper made up their plates, Tony then made his and then the three most food obsessed people raced to get their food before the others. Over time the group had found that it would be easier to come up with a way to get their food. So they made up a "schedule" to do so. Natasha and Pepper go first, followed by Tony. Once Tony was finished making his plate, Clint, Thor, and Steve were allowed to fight over the remaining food. That generally ended with Thor and Steve having the most food, and Clint getting the last bits. Because he wouldn't get a full-plate, it allowed Clint to eat the leftovers from the other day, which he didn't really mind. For a while, everyone ate in silence, especially Thor and Clint, who Tony nicknamed the duo as 'Food savages,' but JARVIS broke the silence, "Captain Rogers?" JARVIS asked.
"Yes JARVIS?" Steve responded. He noticed how everyone stopped eating so they could listen and find out why JARVIS was requesting Steve's attention. The entire group was very nosey…
"Last night you asked me to remind you about your plans this morning. And that is exactly what I am doing," JARVIS said.
Steve looked at everyone's faces, Tony's mouth was japing open. "Thanks JARVIS," Steve responded quietly to the AI.
"OH MY GOD CAPSICLE HAS PLANS! Capsicle never has plans!" Tony announced.
Everyone nodded in agreement, "What's he doing Red?" Tony asked.
Natasha shrugged, "I actually have no idea," She replied.
"Why is it so surprising that I have plans?" Steve asked.
"It's just that you rarely ever do anything other than go to work, go on missions, and hang out with Natasha and us," Pepper explained.
"Well I'm sorry I'm breaking the normal routine." Steve said as he got up, "But I have plans."
"Come on Capsicle, at least tell us your plans before you go."
"Indeed! What is so important Steven?"
"Guys, I just need to do something. Let it go," Steve said quietly as he lifted his plate and walked to the sink to wash it.
"Seriously Steve, where are you going?" Natasha asked.
"Just don't worry about it. There's nothing wrong. It's just something I have to do," Steve said quietly as he put the plate down on the drying rack.
"You know I'm just going to ask JARVIS after you leave," Natasha said with a smirk.
"I know. That's why I already asked JARVIS not to tell you," He smirked then kissed her head, "I'll be back by six. I promise," He said, then he walked to the elevator and headed to his floor to change.
"That's a long time. I wonder what he's gonna be doing," Clint said quietly.
Natasha sighed, "JARVIS what is he doing?" She asked.
"Didn't Captain Rogers just tell you that I've been told not to tell you?"
"Yes, but I can hack into your system and shut you down. So please answer my question," Natasha said.
"I don't think you'll actually want to know Ma'am."
The group looked at each other, "We do," Everyone said in unison.
"He's going to Washington DC – to the war memorials…"
"Oh God… That's depressing," Tony muttered.
….
Steve was lucky Fury liked him so much. When Fury asked Steve why he was taking a day off and Steve told him, he fully expected to have his off day request denied. But instead, Fury said he could borrow a Quinjet to get there faster. God only knows why Fury thought this was so important, but Steve didn't turn down the Quinjet. So, being in DC in a matter of minutes because of the Quinjet was nice. Considering it would have been hours if he took his motorcycle. So he was already at the memorials.
He stood at the Washington Memorial, he remembered how he met Sam here. That was before Hydra came out of hiding. He remembered lapping Sam at least ten times, causing Sam to grow irritated. He smiled and looked around. He saw something… a small very light tan dog with big pointed ears hiding behind a tree. The dog was watching Steve closely. Steve watched as the dog ran off into the bushes and disappeared. He thought it was weird but what could he do. So Steve began to walk to the Korean War memorial.
….
Meanwhile in Avenger's tower, Natasha and Pepper sat talking in the living room of Steve and Natasha's floor, simply taking some time to relax. "So do you know why Steve went to the War Memorials?" Pepper asked.
"I don't know, I wish I did. It's probably going to be really hard for him. If he would have told me, I would have gone with him to comfort him," she said with a sigh.
"Maybe he has unfinished business," Pepper said quietly with a sad smile.
Natasha sighed and nodded, "Yes, but I just wish I could comfort him about it. But I know deep down its something he has to do on his own."
Pepper nodded and took a sip of her tea. "So Bruce told me you found out about the gender," she said after a few minutes of silence.
"Genders," Natasha corrected.
"Oh my god, how many?"
"Two."
"Oh my god that is so exciting!" Pepper said happily.
Natasha nodded and smirked, "Would you be willing to tell me the genders?" Pepper asked politely.
Natasha smirked, "As long as you promise NOT to tell anyone that I'm having twins. Or tell anyone the genders."
"Promise."
"One boy and one girl," Natasha said with a smile.
"Oh my god, that is so awesome! What about names?"
"I'm not telling you that," Natasha said with a roll of her eyes.
"Ugh. At least tell me if you've chosen names yet."
"We have."
"Can I at least tell Tony the genders? He's been making schematics for the baby's room on your floor for like a week," Pepper asked.
"No, he can build the room; Steve will probably paint it," Natasha said.
Pepper sighed, "Fine, but I'm helping you pick out the furniture."
"Well thank you; your godmother chances just rose a notch," Natasha said with a smirk.
"Yes," Pepper said with a grin while performing the fist-pump motion.
….
At the Korean War Veterans Memorial in DC, Steve stood on the side walk staring blankly at the nineteen statues of soldiers creeping through bushes. The stone grey soldiers gaining a green tint from being weathered. The greenery surrounding the memorial was purposely overgrown to allow it to cover the stone soldiers' feet. The black onyx wall beside him was clean and shiny, perfectly polished to reflect everything it faces. He turned and looked at the polished wall, and saw himself next to soldiers faces carefully engraved in the stone. Then he kept walking and saw large letters carved into the black stone spelling out "Freedom is not free" and he couldn't agree more.
He looked down at his shoes and began walking again. Everyone was silent, the environment was solemn. Children were being held tightly by their parents, so they wouldn't run, be loud, or misbehave. He stopped at the head of the memorial and saw a younger man crying into his mother's shoulder. Steve looked away. He reflected upon how hard he tried to get into the Army. Now, when he looks back, he realizes how much he hates war.
He looked over at the trees, there was that dog again … that little tan dog with big ears, peeking out at him with his amber eyes. Steve watched as the dog disappeared into the shadows once more. He let out a sigh and begins to walk down the exit side walk towards the next memorial – the Vietnam Memorial.
Steve walked downhill on the clean pathway that led him to the Vietnam memorial. He looked to his right at all the names engraved in the shiny black onyx – thousands upon thousands of names of the men who died. Some of the names had people visit. They would use a pencil to make a transfer of the name. Others had loved one who would drop off flowers, gifts, and other items that meant something to the deceased. Each and every name was the name of an individual who died or went missing – not those who died of wounds later in life.
It amazed Steve how a simple black stone wall with names carved into it could cause so much emotional pain. Even to him, a man who didn't even lose someone to the Vietnamese. Steve looked down in sadness, everything was silent, and it wasn't too crowded either. He looked at one of the panels and saw a toy Captain America shield gifted to a deceased loved one. He saw flowers at other panels, crosses at others, and many other things. He knew all war was horrible and sickening. But seeing all these names … it just made the Vietnam War look worse than any others.
Steve looked about three panels down and saw an old man, crying on his knees. He had a Vietnam Veteran's hat on. Steve watched with sad eyes. Veterans were brothers, all of them. It may not be by blood, but it's a brotherhood none the less. And as a brother of this veteran, it was his duty to help and talk to this man. So, slowly Steve walked towards the man. The man's hair was grey and he had tears streaming down his face. Steve slowly kneeled down next to the man and looked at him.
"You ever lost someone son?" The old man asked with a shaky voice.
Steve nodded slowly, "I've lost many people sir."
"It's what hurts the most," the man said quietly, his sobbing had slowed, but his voice was still shaky.
Steve nodded in agreement, "Having so much to say and not being able to say it."
"You understand it. You're a veteran aren't you?" He asked. Veterans had the knack to sniff out fellow veterans.
"Yes sir."
"Iraq?"
"Yes sir," Steve lied.
"Son, you can't bullshit a bull shitter. I can recognize Captain America when I see him," the man said with a smirk.
Steve went a bit wide eyed, "I apologize for lying sir. I didn't think you would believe me if I said I fought in the Second World War," Steve said with a smirk.
"I remember my father used to show me newspaper clips of you. He would tell me stories about how you fought; I'd watch your old movies with him too." The man said with a grin. His sadness was slowly abating while thinking about those happy memories.
Steve smiled, "Well, my movies weren't that great, but I'm glad somehow my legacy went on," he said with a chuckle.
"Well I enjoyed them."
Steve chuckled and began to get up, "Have a good day sir," he said as he began to walk away.
The man grabbed Steve's wrist and Steve looked down at him curiously, "Thank you," the man said.
Steve smiled and nodded, "I've been where you are. Sometimes a fellow soldier is all you need," Steve said.
The man smiled and nodded, "Esuddo."
"Churahe," Steve said back quietly with a faint smile.
Steve slowly walked away from the old veteran. He looked at the panels, scanning them carefully. Then he saw a name, a last name that he recognized. He stopped at that panel and looked at the name 'Steven Falsworth'. Steve's heart dropped, was this Montgomery Falsworth's son? Or was it just a frightening coincidence? And if it was the son of the howling commando Montgomery, he had named his son Steve. Slowly, Steve traced his finger against the perfectly carved silver name, his lip quivered at the thought of his friend naming his son after him. Letting out a deep sigh, Steve shoved his hands into his leather jacket pockets.
He began to walk down the path, but in the corner of his eye, there it was again. The dog, that little tan dog with big ears, amber eyes, and big paws. Steve noticed the dog didn't have a collar, and he looked skinny. A stray maybe? If it's a stray he wanted to help it, but chasing the dog would only make it run. Quietly he exited the Vietnam memorial and went to the small sitting area behind it, where he sat down and reflected on what he just witnessed.
"When did humanity become so cruel...?" he asked himself solemnly. All those names he just saw, are soldiers who died or went missing during the war. And only some had people who visited and cared. He closed his eyes tightly, flashing back to the war zone. He shook his head trying to clear it out and opened his eyes. He had to go… he had to go to the memorial he had been avoiding for so long.
He had to go to the World War Two memorial…
….
It had been about five hours since Steve departed the Tower. He said he would be back at six, so Natasha had three more hours to wait. She knew he was never late, especially if he promised. Steve didn't break his promises unless something really important came up. So Natasha certainly expected him to be on time. However, she was terribly bored. Five hours of listening to Pepper complain about work, Tony, and her parents was really starting to get to Natasha. So here she was, sitting in her black leather recliner, leaning back - beyond bored - staring blankly into space, not paying attention to anything Pepper was saying, "So, have you and Steve gotten any baby supplies yet?" Pepper asked.
Upon hearing, 'you and Steve,' Natasha snapped out of her trance and looked at Pepper, "Hmm?"
"Have you and Steve gotten baby supplies yet?" Pepper repeated.
"Oh. No, we both think we have time and can do it later," Natasha replied.
"Oh my god, what am I going to do with you two workaholics. I'm taking you out to browse and get an idea of what you want for the twins," Pepper said.
Natasha heaved out a heavy sigh; she knew better not to argue with Pepper when it came to things like shopping. "Fine," Natasha replied begrudgingly.
"Really!? You're not gonna argue with me about it!?" Pepper asked with astonishment.
"I've learned it's easier not to get between you and shopping," Natasha stated quietly. She rose out of her chair and walked to the elevator. "Let's go…"
"Yes!" Pepper said happily walking toward Natasha, where they both entered the elevator and headed down to the garage, got in Natasha's car, and drove to the store Pepper had suggested.
Natasha stood in the store looking around at what looked like endless amounts of baby furniture. Pepper began walking, leaving Natasha to follow her. They looked at rocking chairs first, naturally Natasha wanted the black one. They have been talking purely about gossip the whole time, "I think Clint's going to propose to Bobbi soon," Pepper stated.
Natasha shrugged, "He loves Bobbi, there's no doubt about that. But his crazy jealousy thing will drive her away," Natasha stated, as they crossed into the crib section of the store.
Pepper nodded understandably, she then saw a sign 'Maternity clothes.' "You need maternity clothes," Pepper stated.
"I'll shop for clothes with Bobbi, she understands my wardrobe better and doesn't try to put me in yellow," Natasha stated quietly.
Pepper sighed, "Yellow would complement your hair and eyes,"
"Yellow is a color for pansies,"
"I like yellow,"
"And you're a pansy,"
Pepper grumbled something causing Natasha to smirk, "Then let's at least shop for baby clothes," Pepper said.
"Fine," Natasha said quietly as they began to walk to the newborn clothing section. Pepper went off to look at clothes and Natasha sat down in one of the glider rockers on display. She would rather be shopping with Steve, Bobbi, or even Clint for this stuff, because Pepper's taste was far from her own.
After about five minutes of peace, Pepper came running back holding something behind her back. Natasha looked at her quizzically and Pepper grinned. She pulled a "Captain America" style combat suit onesie from behind her back.
Natasha glared at her, "Oh hell no."
….
Slowly Steve walked across the ramp leading to the World War II Memorial. He stepped onto the main platform and looked up. There was a massive brass eagle's nest with an eagle guarding it above him clinging to the stone pillars. He looked straight ahead at the fountain shooting out water in an elegant pattern. He saw the thin stone walls with the name of each U.S. state engraved on a gold star. Then he saw families walking around, some respecting the memorial, others letting their children run through the fountain, or run around to climb on the stone memorials.
The Vietnam and Korean War memorials were so solemn and silent, everyone was sad. But here, everyone was happy - because America won World War II. However, Steve couldn't wrap his head around it. So many men perished in that war, so why was it such a joyful environment? People were playing in the memorial!? How disrespectful had people become in the last 75 years? To play in the memorial fountain - that is horrible! Steve watched, his baby blue eyes hurt. Upset that the war he fought in and almost died for was remembered in such a way! How dare these people disrespect such an important memorial in such a way? "These people are so inconsiderate, so disrespectful!" He thought angrily. He could no longer watch this; he was so disgusted that such a dreadful and horrid war was treated in such a ways.
(Not joking readers. I went to the memorial and people were playing in the fountain. I was so pissed!)
Quickly he walked off towards the Franklin Roosevelt Memorial. He sighed and sat down on the rectangular carved stone. He looked at the specially built water falls, then looked in front of him and read the perfectly carved quote on the clean stone, 'I HAVE SEEN WAR,' Steve continued reading 'I have seen war on land and sea. I have seen blood running from the wounded … I have seen the dead in the mud. I have seen cities destroyed … I have seen children starving. I have seen the agony of mothers and wives. I HATE WAR.' Steve read it, over and over again. He had seen all this … and he hated war with all his being. Before the serum, all he wanted to do was be able to join the army and see action, to help the cause. But in reality, he hated war … he hated it with a passion. His eyes were glossy from the horrible memories of war. Although he wouldn't admit it, he had severe PTSD. Natasha helped with it, but sometimes he it became difficult to control. Flashbacks of the war, and the first death camp he ever saw swirled in his head. Slowly he closed his eyes tightly and hunched over, letting everything sink in. After a few minutes, he sighed and stood up.
He walked past the statue of Franklin Roosevelt and walked into the grove of cherry trees. The blossoms hadn't bloomed yet, but it was still very beautiful. Quietly he sat down on a bench and looked around, watching the cherry trees shifting in the wind. The green, freshly cut grass was vibrant, even though it had been trampled in different places by the feet of those who were visiting the memorials. Steve watched the scenery as the dog who had been following him all day peeked out from behind a stone slab at the FDR memorial. Slowly and wearily it crept towards Steve, its tail between its hind legs and ears flattened against its head.
Slowly, Steve put his hand down close to the ground and far away from himself so the dog could smell him. Once the big eared, big pawed dog reached him, it gingerly smelled Steve's hand. Steve smiled a bit as the dog moved Steve's hand with his snout so it rested on his head. Steve chuckled and pet the dog's head gently. Steve noticed the obvious knife wounds on the poor dog's face. He noticed that the dog was very dirty, so dirty that the dog was actually white, not tan. Steve also noticed that the puppy was severely emaciated.
"Hey buddy, you've been acting like a little ghost all day." Steve said quietly as the dog jumped and landed his front paws on Steve's leg so he was standing on only his hind legs. Steve smiled and continued to pet the dog. The dog licked Steve's face and Steve smiled.
"Are you a stray?" Steve asked the dog who just continued to wag his tail, like he had never been abused.
Steve gave the dog a sad smiled and realized this German shepherd puppy was a stray who had obviously been abused in the past. He never understood how people could hurt animals. Dog try to please their master – that's all they do. And even after being smacked around, dogs forgive their masters. "You wanna live in Avengers Tower, huh Ghost?" He asked the dog who was now calling 'Ghost.'
"Alright, Ghost. We have one hour to get you tags, a collar, a leash, food, bowls, treats, toys, and a bath - then we head home," Steve said quietly. Then he picked up the dog who simply licked his face once more.
Steve chuckled and began to walk off, carrying the dog carefully with one arm while he used his other hand to hold his phone. He pressed a button on the phone (that Tony made for him) "J where is the nearest pet store with an indoor pet bath?" Steve asked.
….
Natasha looked at her watch, 'he's late,' she thought. 'Fifteen minutes late.' And now she was worried. Steve was never late. "He's never late. There has to be something wrong," said the pessimistic red head.
"I'm sure he's fine." Pepper replied.
"I know, but he has so many enem…"
"Excuse me Mrs. Rogers," JARVIS interrupted.
"Yes JARVIS?"
"Captain Rogers has asked that you come down and meet him in the lobby."
"Speak of the devil," Pepper mumbled.
Natasha nodded, "Alright." She said, standing up and walking toward the elevator. She pressed the lobby button and the elevator descended to the lobby.
….
As Steve turned the car off, Jarvis spoke to him, "Captain Rogers, I suggest you hide the dog when you get him out of the car, considering Mr. Stark's extreme fear of dogs," JARVIS suggested.
"I'll cross that bridge when I get there."
"I don't doubt that. But when Mr. Stark finds out, he may make you get rid of the dog."
"That won't happen," Steve said as the elevator door opened.
Natasha stepped out of the elevator, "You're late."
"For a good reason," Steve said quietly but then added, "Please don't be mad."
Natasha gave him a skeptical look and watched as he walked outside and out of view. Once he came back into view he was holding a World War II cammo leash connected to an American flag collar loosely around a pure white German shepherd puppy's neck. Once Steve opened the door and walked in with the dog. Steve smiled and patted the dogs head.
"You know I don't like dogs," Natasha said quietly.
"But look at his cute little face!" Steve said then he knelt down and gently stroked the top of Ghost's head.
"How did you come across him?"
"I found Ghost in DC, hiding and popping out of nowhere. Poor guy was filthy; he was obviously abused." Steve explained kissing Ghost's head and scratching his back. Steve couldn't lie, he had PTSD, and there was no known cure for this disorder. But there was one thing really proven to help - dogs. Natasha calmed Steve down when he had night terrors or nightmares. But when he wasn't with her, he was exposed, no Esuddo, no back. He didn't have anyone who could calm him down. Before he started dating Natasha, Fury sent him to PTSD counseling and they suggested he go try and get a dog. He went to the pound, but never found the right dog. Pets for Vets wasn't able to help either. The counselor and dog trainer kept saying there was no dog that was a good fit for Steve. Until now, he had never met the perfect dog. However, Ghost was the perfect dog.
"You've already named him?" Natasha asked.
"Yeah, I named him Ghost because he kept disappearing and reappearing," Steve replied with a smile as he pet the dog.
Natasha could already tell Steve was attached to the dog. She sighed and knelt down silently putting out her hand and allowing Ghost to sniff her. Ghost began to wag his tail and he stepped forward to lick Natasha's face. Natasha smiled faintly, but she pushed him away and wiped off her face. "You can keep him, but Tony can't find out. And you have to keep it away from me, since I don't like dogs," Natasha stated.
Steve gave Natasha a warm smile and stood up and put the leash around her wrist. She gave him a curious look when he asked, "Can you take him up for me while I get the toys, food, and supplies?"
"Fine," she said begrudgingly as she walked to the elevator with Ghost. The dog bounded towards the elevator in a playful and adorable way, with the tips of his pointy ears bouncing up and down with each step he took. Natasha couldn't help but smile at how cute the dog looked. When the doors of the elevator opened, she and Ghost stepped in. Ghost sat down on the floor and leaned against her leg.
Quickly, Steve came running into the elevator, carrying a bag of dog food on his shoulder and bags in both hands. He looked at his wife smiling at the dog. "Admit it; you like him."
"No I don't," Natasha refused to admit she liked the dog, even though deep down she found him adorable. She didn't love Ghost, but she didn't hate him either.
Ghost let out a small, high pitched puppy bark and the two of them quickly shushed him. "Ghosty, buddy, you gotta be quiet. If Tony hears you, he'll go mental," Steve said as he pressed the button to their floor and the elevator began to ascend.
"You realize he has no clue what you're saying right?"
"That's not true. He understands noises and body language."
"Yes, but he doesn't understand English."
The elevator doors opened. Steve, Natasha, and Ghost stepped out. Natasha had completely forgotten about Pepper still being in her suite until Pepper turned around and saw the dog, "Tony's gonna have a mental break down…," she said wide eyed.
"I know, I'm sorry. But please don't tell anyone." Steve requested and put down all the pet supplies. He pulled the metal dog bowls out of the bag and rinsed them out. After grabbing a towel and drying off the bowls, he filled up one with water and the other with dog food. He put them down and Natasha took the leash of off Ghost, who bolted to the food bowls that had just been placed on the floor. Ghost began to eat quickly. He was starving and probably thought he wouldn't get to eat again. Natasha put the leash on the counter and Steve pulled out the dog toys - a squeaky, stuffed squirrel and a portion of an elk antler, which was great for chewing.
"I won't, don't worry," Pepper replied quietly watching the dog with a smile.
Once Ghost was finished eating, Steve and Natasha were already sitting down. Steve was on the sofa next to Natasha who had her arm resting on the arm of the sofa. Ghost scrambled to his master and jumped up on the black leather sofa and sat on Steve. Steve chuckled and pet him gently, causing Ghost to plop down into a laying position. However, he was too big, so his butt hung off the end of the sofa while his chest and front legs were on Steve's lap. Steve heard Pepper and Natasha chuckle. Steve was gently stroking the dog as Pepper asked, "Where did you find him?"
Steve smiled and nurtured the dog, "DC. He was a stray. Someone abused him because he's got knife wounds all over his face. So I figured I would take him in."
"He is so cute," Pepper said with a smile.
"Yeah. How can Tony possibly be afraid of these cute little things?" Steve asked, scratching Ghost's head causing hid ears to flop back and forth.
"Yeah. I remember when I was working undercover as his assistant he made me walk him to this store and there was a cute little Dalmatian puppy and he freaked out," Natasha jumped in.
"Well, Tony explained this to me. I'm just gonna dumb it down, because he made it really complicated. So basically, Tony's father got him a dog when he was younger so he would have a friend at the house. But it was a Great Dane so it was huge. One day, the dog jumped on him and held him to the ground. Then it began to lick Tony, and the dog's tooth got stuck in Tony's nose somehow…" Pepper explained quietly.
And at that, Steve and Natasha burst out laughing. "Oh my god!" Natasha said, while laughing hysterically.
"That is hilarious," Steve said quietly.
"No its not; it was traumatic for him," Pepper defended her boyfriend.
"He's Iron Man and he's afraid of dogs. He's pathetic," Natasha said.
"Leave him al…" Pepper was cut off by the elevator door opening and Clint yelling.
"NAT WHERE ARE MY ARROWS!?" Clint yelled, not noticing the dog sleeping on Steve.
Natasha looked back alarmed, "How should I know? I don't use a bow."
As Natasha stood up and walked towards Clint, he said, "I don't know! Tony and Thor said they didn't take them, and I know Bruce and Steve wouldn't. SO that would leave you!"
"What about Pepper!?" Natasha argued.
"Leave me out of this!" Pepper yelled.
Soon, Ghost jumped off of Steve and the sofa, and he ran over and sat next to Natasha.
"Oh please! You know you took them!" Clint argued.
"Just because I'm a spy doesn't mean I steal your stuff!" Natasha responded.
Ghost began to snarl, alerting the oblivious archer that there was a dog in his presence. Steve and Pepper watched carefully. Natasha looked down at Ghost, surprised at the adorable snarling dog. It kinda warmed her heart that the dog was so quick to protect her. Ghost stood up and kept his head held high and tail up. His stance perfect and chest puffed out confidently. Clint looked wide eyed with fright at the white dog with amber eyes.
"When did you guys get a dog?" Clint asked quietly, keeping his distance from Natasha who was being guarded by a very wolf-like dog.
"Steve found him as a stray today," Natasha stated quietly placing her hand on the dog's scruff.
Clint inspected the dog from a distance and immediately came to the conclusion that the dog was abused. "What's his name…?" he asked quietly.
"Ghost."
Upon hearing his name, Ghost sat down next to Natasha and looked up at her with big amber eyes, his mouth wide open and tongue hanging out of the side of his mouth. He looked so happy. Natasha smiled a bit and pet his head. Quietly, Clint knelt down and reached his hand out. Ghost sniffed his hand and then licked it. "You know Tony's going to kick you out, right?" Clint asked.
"That's why he won't find out until we decide to tell him," Natasha said quietly.
Clint nodded and carefully pet Ghost's back and patted his head trying to let Ghost know that he was no threat to Natasha. Ghost's tail wagged and he licked Clint's hand and then he ran back to Steve and laid down in the same awkward position as before.
"I'm gonna make a note to never mess with you guys while that thing is around," Clint stated and then turned around and walked to the elevator. "I'm going to go ask Bruce if he's seen my arrows," Clint said while cautiously eyeing the dog and backing away. When the elevator doors opened, he quickly turned around and stepped in.
Once he disappeared behind the doors, Natasha started laughing, "Okay, now I like that dog," she said while walking over to the sofa and sitting down.
Steve and Pepper laughed, "Alright, well I'm going down to the communal floor, are you gonna cook dinner Steve?" Pepper asked.
"Yeah, I just feel bad leaving this poor guy alone on our floor," Steve said while petting Ghost.
"Well, bring him down maybe Tony won't take it so bad," Pepper said with a face that gave away the fact that she didn't believe that at all.
"Yeah…sure," Natasha mumbled.
Steve nodded and looked down at Ghost, shooing him off his lap. Steve began to walk to the elevator and Ghost followed loyally. Natasha and Pepper smiled at the loyal dog and stood, then followed the pair.
Once the four reached the communal floor, Steve began cooking and Ghost sat next to Natasha on the sofa while she gently pet him.
Quietly, Thor and Bruce emerged into the living room and stopped dead in their tracks. "Tony's gonna die," Bruce mumbled.
Thor looked so confused, "By Odin, is that a deformed Cerberus?" Thor asked.
"Thor it's a dog." Bruce corrected.
"I do not know what that is." Thor said and walked over sitting down next to Ghost and gently pet him,
"It's a mammal on earth that is a sub species of a wolf." Bruce explained
Natasha and Steve were on the verge of laughing. Poor Thor. "Ah a wolf. I know what that is."
"Then you know what a dog is." Bruce stated.
Thor nodded with a smile and continued to pet Ghost.
"Seriously though, Tony is gonna freak." Bruce stated.
"We have a plan." Natasha said quietly.
Thor smiled while Ghost licked his face. Bruce smiled and walked over quietly, then put his hand in front of the dog's snout, allowing Ghost to smell him. Once Ghost smelled and approved of Bruce, he licked Bruce's hand and Bruce pet his head then walked over to his chair.
"What is this delightful creature's name?" Thor asked with a smile as he stroked Ghost's back.
"Ghost," Natasha said quietly.
"He's very well-behaved; were did you find him? I mean he was a stray wasn't he?" Bruce asked, making the assumption Ghost was a stray due to what he looked like.
"I found him when I was out," Steve jumped in and Bruce nodded.
Slowly, Clint walked in and spotted the dog. He walked to the counter and sat down on a stool, wearily keeping his distance from Ghost. Clint eyed Ghost wearily. Bruce smirked, "Why are you afraid of him?" Bruce asked.
"Because he's super protective of Nat," Clint responded.
Natasha nodded happily and scratched behind Ghost's ears, "Yep, I can sick him on anyone I want," she said, causing Steve to roll his eyes.
The elevator doors opened and Pepper stepped out of the elevator and walked in quickly, "Tony's coming up from the lab in five minutes," she warned everyone then she sat down in one of the chairs.
Everyone went silent, waiting for the elevator to open again and for Tony to step out.
Soon the elevator dinged and the doors opened, allowing Tony to step out. Ghost's ears perked up and his face turned to the direction of the hallway, anticipating meeting his newest friend. The footsteps of Tony in the short hallway echoed through the silence of the room. Tony slowly walked into the room "Jesus, why is everyone being so quiet?" He said while scanning the room. "No, No! Absolutely not!" He said loudly causing Ghost to jump off of the sofa and run over to Tony, who subsequently climbed on top of the counter to get away from Ghost.
"Tony, calm down, he won't-," Steve was cut off.
"Get it out now! It's going to kill me! JARVIS send my iron man suit!" Tony yelled.
"Sir, I really don't think that's neces…"
"NOW!"
An Iron Man suit flew in and attached itself to Tony, who, pointed the repulsers at the dog.
"Tony please don't!" Natasha said.
"Dogs are the fluffy spawn of Satan! I will not stand for that in MY tower!" he yelled, causing Ghost to jump and place his front paws on the counter top, which caused Tony to jump back in fear.
Steve pushed Ghost's paws off of the counter and stepped between Tony and Ghost. "Tony please calm down. If you give this dog love, he will protect you, and he's a great dog, he won't do anything wrong. He's very calm," Steve said, trying to keep Tony from shooting Ghost.
Tony glanced down at the dog nervously. "Fine," he mumbled getting off of the counter, still in his Iron Man suit. He sat down at the table and brought his legs up to his chest so the dog couldn't touch him, and sat there in his Iron Man suit as everyone began to sit down and Steve served Avgo Lemano soup.
Tony watched the dog's every move, using his peripheral vision. "So how was your day Cap?" Bruce asked trying to break the awkward silence of everyone watching a sick, and nervous Tony.
"It was good. Very peaceful," Steve replied quietly.
"How did you like the World War II memorial?" Natasha asked.
"I hated it."
"Why?" Clint asked.
"It was too happy for all the horrible things that happened during that war," Steve said solemnly.
"I think it's best for some to reflect on the good, since so little good was left after the war," Bruce was trying to find the light side of the situation.
"Yeah, I guess. I got to talk to other veterans though, so I guess it wasn't too bad," Steve said remembering the crying old man.
"That's good."
"Alright, I get you went to the memorials. But you had to bring back that beast!?" Tony asked. He was still in his iron man suit…
"Come on Tony! He's adorable. Look at his little face!" Steve said trying to defend Ghost.
"Why would you bring it back here?" Tony asked.
"Because he was abused and was a stray, he deserved a good home," Steve answered.
Tony sighed, "Yeah whatever."
Ghost walked up and sat under the table, laying at Steve's feet. Clint yawned, everyone devoured their soup, they were hungry and the conversation was longer than it seemed. Clint got up, "Well, I'm gonna go do some target practice; I've done nothing productive all say, so I may as well work on my skills."
Bruce sighed, "I need to get back to the lab. I have a lot to do," Bruce said, filling up his bowl with more soup and following Clint to the elevator.
Tony stood up in his Iron Man suit. "I'm going to make a dog proof, light weight Iron Man suit," he said, walking to the elevator.
Steve, Natasha, and Pepper laughed, "He's being ridiculous," Natasha said with a smirk.
Steve and Pepper nodded in agreement. Slowly, Steve stood up and began to clean up dinner dishes. Natasha yawned, "I'm going upstairs; I'll meet you their Steve." Ghost followed her out.
"Alright," Steve said and Natasha disappeared behind elevator doors.
"Captain Rogers, Ms. Potts. Mr. Stark has requested both of your presence in the Iron Man lab," JARVIS requested.
Steve knew what this was about, but he kept his mouth shut and walked to the elevator, "Thank you J," Steve said.
As the elevator made its way down, Pepper looked so oblivious. Steve tapped his foot impatiently as the elevator came to a stop and the doors opened.
Steve and Pepper walked into the lab and saw Tony sitting in a chair, waiting for them. Steve and Tony glanced at each other and then looked at Pepper, "What?" she asked innocently.
"Pepper, I don't know how to tell you this. So…" He stopped and looked at Steve. "I'm gonna make Capsicle tell you."
"Wait, what!?" Steve said franticly.
"Go on tell her!" Tony said.
Pepper looked so confused and Steve looked so nervous, "Well. Uh… Tony, is dying…"
"What!?" Pepper yelled. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I was waiting for the right moment."
"Are you joking!? Why would you keep this from me?!"
"Well, I thought making an omelet like I was going to do last time was too impersonal."
"So getting Steve to tell me wasn't impersonal!?" She yelled at Tony.
"Well…"
Steve interrupted Tony, keeping in from digging himself deeper in the hole. "Pepper, I assure you that Bruce, a team of doctors, and myself are doing everything we possibly can."
Pepper nodded nervously. "How far is Bruce with this?" She asked.
"I talked to him. He said he could be done tonight," Steve said quietly, just as Bruce and Leo Fitz came running out of the elevator holding a metal heart in his hand. "Speak of the devil," Steve announced.
"I got it! I talked to Thor about the destroyer and that's the key! Its mechanics can make a human heart!" Bruce said excitedly, "It will be immune to the poison."
"Thank god," Pepper mumbled.
"Explain how it works! I wanna be able to make another one and understand it just in case," Tony demanded.
"Fitz would you like to explain?" He asked the young scientist whom he had befriended while taking care of the young man whose brain almost died from lack of oxygen under the ocean.
"Y-yes. Uhm." Fitz closed his eyes tight, trying to collect his thoughts and think about word choice. He had changed since the "Ward" incident. Everyone loved him and they were devastated to hear what Ward had done to him. And that's why Bruce cared for Fitz himself while he was in a coma. Fitz snapped his fingers and opened his eyes, "So, th- the technology in the destroyer bot is made of a flexible metal, and and…" He shut his eyes tight.
"Aero-mechanic engineering," Bruce chimed in when I noticed that Fitz couldn't find he word.
"Yes, that! And the machine is linked persons…" Fitz shut his eyes tight again trying to think.
"Psyches," Bruce said.
"Yes. We created this metal shaped heart to be like the destroyer, without the weaponry. If we attach it to your major vessels, it should directly…" He shut his eyes again.
"Work," Bruce said.
"Yes, it should work for the holder. Which would be your brain," Fitz finished his explanation.
"I didn't understand any of it, but that's great," Steve said with a shrug.
Pepper sighed in relief and Tony smiled, "Thank god for Brucie … and the other science nerd," Tony stated.
"We need to do the surgery immediately so there will be no further damage. We can drive to the hospital together and say it's a late night business meeting and no one will suspect a thing," Bruce said.
"Indeed," Fitz stated.
Tony and Pepper nodded, "Let's go," Tony said and walked towards the elevator with Bruce and Pepper following him.
"Good luck!" Steve yelled as the elevator door closed.
….
Steve just finished his shower. Natasha was already in bed. Slowly, he walked out of the bathroom, his hair wet from the shower. He smiled at Natasha in bed reading. He walked over and laid down next to her. He smiled, "What are you reading?" He asked.
"Red Rabbit. It's a Tom Clancy book."
"Don't you have enough action in your life?"
"I haven't had any action in four months. I'm dying," she said while she put her book down on the dresser.
Steve smirked, "Five months to go until they're born. Five months until our new adventure," he said then he kissed her head.
Natasha grinned as Ghost jumped up and laid at the foot of the bed. Steve smiled looking at Ghost. "He'll be nice to have around the babies."
"I like him, but there's really one huge problem."
"That would be?"
"Basically my whole wardrobe is black and this white dog sheds a lot,"
Steve chuckled, "But he's so cute! He's like a mini wolf with big ears and paws!"
"Yeah I guess. But now we need a cat,"
Steve's smile faltered a bit. But he gave in, "Well if I can have a dog you can have a cat,"
Natasha grinned in victory and said with a breathy laugh, "Maybe we can get Fred back from Thor,"
"Probably not," He said with a smirk
Natasha chuckled "Goodnight Steve,"
"Goodnight Natasha," he said, then he placed a kiss on her temple and wrapped his arms around her and they drifted to sleep.
A dog and two kids on the way! I visited the DC memorials and left flowers on the panel where my uncles name is at the Vietnam memorial. And I went to the World War 2 memorial and kids were climbing on stuff (The last time I went people were playing in the fountain) So I got part of my inspiration there. And plus I have a white German shepherd named Ghost and he's my best pal, so I gave him a spot in Our Situation.
Alright, well sorry for the sucky chapter. Next chapter will most likely be better.