Author's Note: I guess I just couldn't let you leave without giving you a proper proposal ;) I won't drone on and on about how much I love and appreciate you all, I think I've said thank you enough that it probably doesn't mean much anymore haha but I still do mean it. Thank you so very much.
As always, you can check out my Polyvore (samitballi. polyvore. com) for a set from this chapter titled HEA: Epilogue :)
Also I quickly wanted to address those that expressed some lingering questions about Irina and Kellen and the twins and so on, I leave it all entirely open to your imaginations. If you want Kellen and Irina to wind up together- right away or after a while- than that's how it happens. If you want Anya and Ryland to get married right away or wait a couple years than that's how it happens. Because this whole experience has been so inspired by you all I felt it only right to give each of you the ending you want- the ending you create. I can't make everyone happy of course but I hope that, in leaving some things up in the air, I've given you something better than an ending- a non-ending. A continuation...so that, if you so wish, these characters and stories can live on in your imagination, in your own words, and so on. I've loved working shoulder-to-shoulder with so many of you that it only feels right to leave the ending in your very capable hands :)
But anyway, go ahead and read on!
Enjoy!
Summer didn't exactly mean time off for Anya and Ryland. It did for everyone else, but the two of them got stuck taking mission after mission after mission. While everyone took off for multiple vacations and travels, Anya and Ryland's only travel was for work. They got to go to some far away places like Bolivia in July and Serbia in August; but it didn't compare to some of the trips their family were taking. Steve and Mickey took the girls to Florence, Italy (something that became a tradition when the girls were old enough to travel) and then on a roadtrip across the United States. Dahlia touted Auden around New York for almost a month before heading up to Asgard. She decided to stay there for the remainder of her summer spending every last possible second with Auden as she could before fall brought on a mountain of school work. Bruce and Danni had to come home to man the coffee shop every couple weeks but they still managed a trip just about every weekend and every other week. Luckily with Kate being as young as she was, the Stark family didn't go very far. They went to the Hamptons for two weeks then Malibu towards the end of July. Of course they were one Stark short though which felt a little strange. The Barton family was one short as well, missing Anya as they did some world traveling. Anya swore she was fine with them jetting off Greece without her but if she was being honest, she felt like she was seriously missing out. Especially because they didn't stop at Greece and decided to hit Belize later that month as well.
But at least they were doing something worthwhile. At least they weren't stuck at home redoing the guest bedroom again. They were running around like big damn heroes saving lives and unsuspecting victims. It was worth missing some great vacations to keep their homeland safe. It was worthy, but also exhausting. Between the fifth of June and the fifth of September, Anya and Ryland saw just twenty-four consecutive hours off duty. They got a call-out just two days after Dahlia's graduation and they hadn't stopped since. Some days were pure travel- all day and all night on a plane or a train or whatever means S.H.I.E.L.D. devised to get them where they needed to be- and some days were entirely action- fighting, spying, and all those assassin type going-ons. It was every adjective between exhilarating and exhausting. By the time school started up again, Anya was literally begging for a break. Just two weeks would do it. She could deal with just one, but she need some downtime. If they didn't get some vacation time soon their relationship was going to start caving in.
Obviously they knew how to work together even on those terribly long days, but even the healthiest of relationships couldn't last the workload they were given. Part of Ryland was convinced it was a test- either brought on by Fury or by fate- to see whether or not they could actually make it as a partnership in S.H.I.E.L.D. and in marriage. A test they were averaging about a C+ in.
They weren't compromised and even when they argued, it never got in the way of the mission, but arguments were definitely happening at a more frequent pace. They hadn't fought so much since they were kids arguing over video games and juice boxes. Nowadays it was how to properly clean a sniper rifle or which way to hold a garrote. That's not to say their intimate life had suffered at all. Coming off a mission usually meant adrenaline was pumping, hearts were racing and pupils were already dilated. It was a recipe for the sweaty kind of lovemaking. (At least on days when they weren't too sore to get up.) But even a nightly romp around the bedroom wasn't enough to keep their relationship afloat. They needed time to relax and unwind without the threat of attack looming heavily over them every second. The only time they ever got to throw their feet up was on the plane on their way to the next mission- but even then, their feet were up but their noses were plastered to their tablets, reading up on their new target(s) and mission(s).
Finally, and after a particularly grueling mission, Anya and Ryland were sitting on a train back home. They were tired and more than a little bit sore and positively ready to see their family again. They stayed in contact via texts and phone calls and emails but video chatting wasn't always a possibility especially with Dahlia in Asgard or Bruce and Danni in Scandinavia. They were excited to see their loved ones again and to sleep in their own bed.
"First thing I'm gonna do when we get home," Anya said as she leaned her head against his shoulder, legs tucked under her in the confines of the small train chair. "after we've done the whole reunion thing, is take a bath."
Ryland's eyebrows perked up and he leaned down to look at her. "Ohh, can I join you?" he asked suggestively and she chuckled sleepily, letting her eyes drift shut. "For me," he said after a minute. "I just can't wait to see Katie again. At six-months-old, being gone for a month straight is like being gone for a whole year. She's probably walking and talking and smarter than me by now!"
Anya smiled, not bothering to open her eyes again. "I don't know about those first two, but she's been smarter than you for a while already." she teased, biting back a grin. Ryland laughed sarcastically then jerked the shoulder she was laying on so her head bounced off. Her apology was a soft kiss against his cheek then he let her lay against his neck again. She was ready to pass out for the remainder of their trip home but before she let sleep overcome her she mumbled, "We should go on a vacation."
"We've done nothing but travel these past two months and as soon as we get some time off you wanna travel some more?" Ryland asked, dumbfounded.
Anya chuckled but the end of the melodic sound was cut short by a yawn. "I wanna travel for us, not for work." she replied, tucking herself closer to his warmth and protection, intertwining their fingers in the process. "Rome, we should go to Rome."
"Ahh," Ryland said dreamily, settling into his seat, her sleepiness infecting him. "where it all began. The birthplace of us. The docking station for the ship called Aceland." He was rambling and she was only half listening, her giggles slower and more drawn out than usual as they both started drifting. "That'd be nice, we could chill at the villa for a couple days. Lord knows I wouldn't mind trading in the commercial airline travel we've been experiencing lately for some time on Dad's private jet. God I sound spoilt."
Anya was awake enough to actually laugh at that. "We'll stay home for a couple days then we'll go to Rome, deal?" she asked, sitting up enough to look at him. His answer was a sweet kiss on the lips then she laid her head down once more and was asleep before her eyes were even fully closed.
XXX
Fury signed off on two weeks vacation which really just translated to one and a half given the time they'd spend traveling. So Ryland worked it all out with his dad to commandeer the jet for the tail end of their time off. They spent almost a week at home with the family relaxing and falling back into the pattern of life they were used to- family meals, lounging around with Katie, picking Robby up from school, helping the twins with homework, etc.. It was nice to be around loved ones again after two months surrounded by people shooting at them and Anya missed Steve's cooking more than a little.
"Babe, are you even packed?" Anya asked, walking into the living room where Ryland was laying on the floor with Kate trying to get her to laugh. She'd gotten so big in the time they'd been gone and she was finally durable enough to actually play with so Ryland loved being around her even more than before. In fact, he'd spent his entire morning with her. Tony and Pepper had a meeting with Robby's teacher before school so Ryland was there to get the little girl up in the morning. He'd dressed her in a navy onesie with the words 'girl genius' written across the top and matched it to pink polka-dot leggings- the ends of which were tucked into little Captain America socks. Because the tower ran a little chilly at times he'd also put her in a grey hoodie with bear ears on top.
"No," Ryland replied, turning at the waist to look up at her. "but look at this...Katie's ticklish." His glee was infectious as he helped Kate turn over onto her back then started tickling her chubby thighs. Immediately Kate started giggling wildly, flailing her legs and arms all about and even snorting a little. Anya couldn't help but laugh as well, joining the two of them on the floor.
"That is undeniably adorable," she allowed, laying on her stomach shoulder-to-shoulder to Ryland. "however we have a schedule to keep and we're running late. So I need you to pack or I'll pack for you."
Ryland narrowed his eyes at her, wondering how she could think of anything other than Kate's adorable giggles. "Last time you packed for me I wound up with seven pairs of boxers, two dress shirts and no pants." He retorted, giving her a side eye.
"Maybe I did that on purpose." Anya replied sweetly, giving him the worlds most innocent smile. She leaned over to kiss his cheek then she picked up Kate and stood up. They left Ryland laying on the floor and went to the bedroom where Anya's bags were already packed and waiting by the closet door. Ryland entered a minute later and begrudgingly started getting things together for their trip. Anya already laid out his suitcase and toiletry kit so all he had to do was put the items inside but he still moaned and groaned the whole time.
"Bring something nice, I wanna go to dinner while we're there." She called to him from the bedroom where she was sitting on the bed with Katie. His head poked through the walk-in closet doors and asked how nice. "You know what I like." She said suggestively, wiggling her eyebrows at him to make him blush a little and smile.
"Suit then." He said, fully aware of the effect a well tailored suit had on her. She giggled in anticipation but was interrupted by a sudden outburst from Kate. The baby always had quite a set of pipes on her, always gurgling and making baby noises and when she was upset, everyone knew it. She also liked to have everyone's full attention and when Anya wasn't giving it to her, she was sure to let her know. So Anya went back to playing with the baby until Ryland was finally all finished packing.
"I am officially ready to spend a week in Rome with my amour." Ryland exclaimed, leaning over Kate on the bed to give Ace a kiss. It could only last a second but it was sweet enough to put a smile on both of their faces.
"As am I." Anya replied, grabbing Kate off the bed and heading for the door. But when Ryland didn't immediately follow she stopped and asked, "You coming or what?"
"Yeah, yeah, I just gotta get one more thing. Go ahead, I'll meet you in the garage." Ryland told her offhandedly, pulling on the sleeves of his gray Henley. "And don't worry about your bags, I'll bring them down to the car. If you could just bring Kate upstairs for me that'd be great."
Anya was immediately suspicious of the nervous smile on his face so she narrowed her eyes, but figured it was best she just didn't know. Whatever was up with him, she let it go and told him to hurry up because the jet was already fueled and waiting for them at the airport. She gave him one more curious look before shaking her head and going to the elevator with Kate. Of course she still tried to think of what could have him acting so odd but there were too many options, and knowing Ryland it was something completely random.
"Tony and Pepper home yet?" Anya asked as she arrived at the communal level where her dad was lounging on the couch, his legs thrown over the backrest and his head dangling off the end, a book on his chest.
"Nope, they went to lunch. I'll watch the lil' one for ya if you and Rye gotta go." he offered, struggling to get up right. He went a little lightheaded when all the blood rushed down from his brain but he cleared the fog and stood up, reaching for Kate. The baby traded arms just as a wide yawn made her head too heavy to hold up. Anya smiled when Kate's head hit Clint's clavicle and immediately closed her eyes.
"Thanks, we're 'bout to leave whenever Ryland finishes getting his things together." Anya replied then decided to test out her dad and see if he knew why Ryland was acting goofy. "He said he still had something to get but wouldn't say what. In fact he's been acting a little weird all day...you wouldn't know why, would you?"
Clint gave her the most blasé shoulder roll she'd ever seen as he said, "Nope, sorry, Little Bird, that boy of yours is just strange." with a small chuckle. She laughed and agreed, figuring it was probably just her imagination. "I'll see you when you get back. Be safe and have fun. I love you." Clint told her as he reached for a hug. She hugged him back, her head falling onto his shoulder just like Kate's, then he kissed the top of her head.
"I will," she promised, letting the hug linger a little longer. "I love you too, Dad." Clint's arms were like a vice around her, holding her tighter than even their first hug after she got back from all those summer missions. For that eternal minute Anya felt as young as Kate, just resting there in her daddy's arms letting him support her. It felt better than she could remember it feeling in the past and she didn't want to let go, but eventually they had to part.
"We'll call and let you know we made it there safe." she swore, knowing he'd ask if she didn't automatically promise. He thanked her as he watched her climb back into the elevator with a bittersweet feeling in the pit of his stomach. He used Kate's hand to wave at Anya and before he knew it his Little Bird was gone. He knew she'd be back in a couple days but he knew she'd be different when she made it home again. He knew she wouldn't be just his for much longer.
XXX
It was something close to a twelve hour flight to Rome even on the jet and with the time difference working against them, it was early the next morning by the time Anya and Ryland made it to the villa. They'd slept on the plane so they weren't sleepy but they were both reasonably tired just from the traveling. So they gave themselves a couple hours to settle in and relax before they headed out for brunch. Ryland didn't bother to change but Anya slipped into jeans and a blue lace blouse then dug around her suitcase for a pair of yellow ballet flats then they were off exploring their favorite city. One of Anya's favorite parts of Rome was the food and all the amazing little restaurants they were able to find. Every single time she returned to The Eternal City she found some new place to eat and it was always delicious.
After lunch they walked around the city a bit holding hands and making sure not to get lost. Ryland insisted on buying her something from every little shop they stopped at, whether it was a dress, a piece of jewellery or just a little Italian trinket she could bring home to the apartment. Every mission and every vacation Anya ever went on that was out of her home state, she bought a dreamcatcher. She'd started up a little collection and so while they were in Rome shopping on their second day in the city, Ryland helped add another ornate dreamcatcher to her collection. There was a small part of her that was superstitious and so she hung them on the bed back home (and even in the guest room) as well as the bed they shared in Rome for the week. It seemed to work too because they both slept peacefully and soundly every single night while they were away.
Then, on the night before they were set to return to New York, Ryland woke up around four in the morning. There was a slight breeze blowing in through the open bedroom window so he stood up to close it. Anya was still asleep and he didn't want to wake her so he had to be quiet as he pulled the French casements closed, latching the old hardware with a heavy clunk. Luckily the most Anya did was roll over onto her side, hugging a pillow to her chest since Ryland wasn't there to snuggled up to. He smiled down at her, admiring the way her hair sprawled out on the pillow around her and her legs wrapped around the blankets, her right thigh sticking out almost all the way up to the hem of her night gown. How could it be possible for someone to sleep pretty?
Standing there admiring her, Ryland got an idea. He had to contemplate for a minute, trying to decide how exactly he wanted to go about this new plan, then his smile widened and he went to the closet for his suitcase. He'd stuffed the empty black duffle bag into the corner with something special inside. He knew Anya well enough to know she'd find that special something if he hadn't hid it well. That's why he didn't keep it in the apartment back home and why he insisted on packing himself and unpacking himself. He was actually lucky to have made it so long without her finding the little velvet box weighing heavily on his heart.
It took him a minute but eventually he found the little blue Tiffany box in the bottom of his bag and pulled it out. He hadn't even really meant to buy the ring when he did, it just happened. He'd gone with Steve to help pick out a necklace for Florence since she did so well in her summer concert and the ring was just sitting there. The sales associate at the 5th Avenue store immediately noticed the sparkle in Ryland's eye and asked if he wanted to see the striking little ring. He said sure and as soon as it was laying in the palm of his hand he knew it was the one. It would look perfect on Anya's little fingers and he couldn't wait to put it there. Of course it wasn't cheap and it had to be sized, but that was the beginning of summer and he still hadn't given it to her yet.
What better time than the present, he thought. What better place to propose than Rome?
So Ryland pulled out the little box and lifted the round diamond ring from its confines. It had a classic kind of beauty, one stunning diamond encircled by a double row of bead-set diamonds and a diamond band for just enough sparkle and shine. At first Ryland wondered if maybe it'd be too flashy for Anya- she never did like flaunting her wealth- but Natasha helped convince him it was perfect. She was the first opinion he sought out when he found it, then Irina. The two of them helped ensure the ring would be perfect, then after it was finished and he could bring it home, Nat hid it in her room so that way Anya wouldn't accidently stumble across it. He'd gone to her before they left for Rome looking to collect that special little box just in case he could work up the nerve to ask Ace while they were on vacation.
When the time actually came he was sweating bullets but smiling so wide it actually hurt. He didn't want to make a speech or get down on one knee cause that's not what Anya wanted- not her style. So instead, he crawled back into bed beside her and waited a minute to make sure she was still asleep. Then he slipped the ring on her finger while she was still out of it.
It really did look absolutely stunning there on her left finger, the diamonds sparkling in the light just like her nailpolish did. He had to wait until she woke up which was hard, but the first step had been taken at it was a load off his shoulders. He'd finally taken the leap of faith and all that was left to do was snuggle up beside her, watching the light from the moon reflect off the diamond and drift back to sleep dreaming of all the possibilities their future together held. However he was only asleep an hour or two before a gasp woke him up. He was sort of startled by the sound so loud right next to him but before his eyes even opened he started to smile.
When Anya woke up on her own she instinctively rubbed her eyes with the back of her hands. It actually took a second after that for her to realize what had scratched her but as soon as it registered she let out a breathless little gasp and stared down at her hand in amazement. Beside her Ryland watched out of one eye as she examined the most precious diamond he could ever give her, then she pounced on him. She excitedly rolled over on top of him as she whispered, "Babe!? What!? What is this!? What!?" a couple times.
Ryland grunted from the sudden weight of her as he tried to situate them so she wasn't crushing him. "Oh, that." he mumbled lazily, rubbing sleep from his eyes and looking up at her from below. Then oh so casually, as if he was just asking how she'd slept, he asked, "Will you marry me?"
She was too stunned to answer at first, too caught up in the moment and the surprise and the sleepiness she still felt. Her heart was pounding against her ribcage so hard she swore he could feel it against his own as she laid on top of him, looking into his chocolate brown eyes but more than aware of the little glistening ring on her finger beside his head. She had to take a step back in her mind and process every bit of what was happening, every bit of information, then she attacked him. Her lips hit his almost violently in a passionate kiss that left them both breathless. At some point in the middle of the kiss she started crying because when Ryland kissed her back softly he could taste a little saltwater on the edge of her lips.
Anya honestly didn't think it would surprise her when Ryland decided to propose. It'd been such a long time coming she just figured she'd know when it was going to happen, but it took her completely by surprise. She had absolutely no idea whatsoever what he had planned which made it all the better for her. It made her heart try to beat her to death and her hands shake, but it was so very perfect.
It took a minute for her to catch her breath again and settle the pounding of her heart but she couldn't contain her smile at all as they settled into the bed together. "Yes, yes, a million times yes. I will absolutely marry you, Ryland." Anya whispered as she curled up next to her fiancé, the dumbest smile on her face. His only response was to keep whispering, "I love you." a million times over and over, trying to make their happily ever after last evermore.