AN: Hi thanks so much for reading, comments, follows etc. A relatively small chapter, follow up to the bust up between the sisters in the previous chapter.

All the usual stuff applies; I don't own anything other than original characters.

Chapter 24: The Dregs and the Gregs

'Hey, you been here all day?' Steve asks as he walks into the lounge. He's fixing his dinner jacket, tucking the pockets in and looking over at Andi cautiously. She looks up from her bowl of cereal and peers at Steve, her mouth drops open slightly, 'woah, you look hot.' He's wearing a suit and a bow tie. She thinks he looks fancy and Andi can't help but think a little bit dashing. Andi looks down at herself, last night's shirt and she's under a blanket on the Avenger's couch. Her hair is un-brushed and she doesn't think she remembers cleaning her teeth. Steve looks tense and Andi waves at him, 'don't worry, I'm not hitting on you.'

After the night before at the bar, Bucky brought her back to the tower and they slept. They didn't talk, didn't fool around, just slept. He left early in the morning and she's been hiding there since. Steve subtly checks his watch and eyes her breakfast snack oddly, it's past seven in the evening.

Andi bites the bullet and asks, 'what time are you picking up Amelia?' She puts the spoon to her lips and at his surprised face, she continues, 'come on, one of us had to bring her up.' Steve turns from surprised to sympathetic and Andi winces at the pity painted across his gorgeous features. Steve sighs and fiddles with his cuffs, avoiding eye contact with his girl's sister. 'I'm not, actually.' Andi looks panicked, he continues 'she has Rosie, no sitter. Missed out on a dance last week as well, this is the third event, but I get it,' he nods sadly. Andi watches him, processing what he just told her.

Suddenly she is up and out of her seat. She pushes the blankets away and stands. Steve looks away quickly at the sight of her bare legs and then watches her from the corner of his eye, as she leaves without another word. She walks down the corridor, steps into Bucky's room and shuts the door loudly. Steve calls, 'thanks for the chat,' then mutters to himself 'that was fun. I'm sure I suggested pants.'

Amelia is watching TV and there's a knock at the door, initially she feels a jolt of electricity run through her veins, imagining Steve on the other side of the door. But then she remembers the party she bailed on and realises it can't be him.

She walks to the door slowly and peers through the peep hole. It's before nine, so she rationalises it can't be anything to worry about. When she looks, she pulls her head back in surprise and wonders if she can duck down and pretend she's out. The door knocks again and then a voice says, 'I can hear you and the television. Open up.' The female voice demands and Amelia huffs, opening the door. She comes face to face with her baby sister.

'Why aren't you out with Steve?' Andi launches and Amelia stumbles, querying her sister, unsure of what she means. 'The ball thing, I saw him, dressed up to the nines, but no girlfriend, no plus one. So, once again, why aren't you with him?' Amelia wants to laugh that after twenty four hours apart this is what has pulled Andi back home. Amelia steps away and leaves the door wide open. Andi hesitates but then follows her, looking around to put her mind at ease, that it's still home and it hasn't changed. She spots a box of wine on the coffee table, shaking her head, 'thought you would have learnt.' Amelia looks her in the eye, 'I thought you had too.' Andi shuts her mouth and wipes her smirk away.

Amelia drops onto the couch and stares at the wine, 'it's for you, it's an apology.' Andi smiles lovingly at the sentiment and sits down beside her sister. 'Were you going to throw stones at the tower until I came out or what?' She's on the edge of the sofa and her legs are squeezed together, her hands clenched in front of her mouth. 'I honestly didn't know, Mia. He was at the diner and we left. I wanted to tell you, but it needed to be me and not while you were in D.C or with Steve or Bucky. And then, you've just been so happy and I didn't want to ruin that for you. I felt nothing but disgust when I saw him, I promise.' Amelia believes her sister. 'I get it, I do.'

Andi sags slightly and rests a knee on the couch, turning towards Amelia slowly 'what do we do?' Amelia stands up and as she goes to grab two wine glasses she announces, 'we move on. We leave him be. We stay away.' She pours the wine and hands Andi a glass 'and we set our Avenger boyfriends on him,' she jokes as she gulps it back. They both pull a face at the taste and Andi chuckles, 'just the one boyfriend I think...' Andi trails off and Amelia wonders what she means, but leaves it. Her sister is not feeling so charitable.

'So, Steve, this gala, why are you sat here watching re-runs?' Amelia sighs loudly and shuffles down the couch, pausing The Office and placing her feet on the coffee table and sinks low amongst the cushions. She grabs one and holds it over her face. Her stifled voice admits, 'I don't know!' Andi tries to pull the cushion away, 'don't lie to me.' Amelia throws it down and straightens her legs quickly, pushing the coffee table away. 'I don't know, ok? I didn't know what to wear!' Andi looks unconvinced and asks about the time before. Amelia is stunned, 'now you're prying about me with Steve?' Andi can tell this is a sore point and reassures Amelia, 'no, I missed your smiling face at Steve's side and so did he.' Amelia groans at this and feels instantly bad.

'Oh God, that was sickening, you did that on purpose!' The room falls silent and after a while Amelia speaks, 'did he really look sad?' Andi swirls a mouthful of wine, considering her choice of words, 'he looked disappointed.' Amelia sucks her lip in and then says quietly, 'I'm not what he needs, what will people say?' Andi looks confused and pours herself another wine, 'people who?' Amelia shrugs, 'press, the public, teenage girls, the President?' Andi laughs at this 'don't be insane, he doesn't know any teenage girls and the President does not care who Captain America is dating.' Amelia looks shy and picks at the cushion in her lap. 'I'm not a model or magazine ready.' Andi leans her head back, 'you're much better than all of that, I know that and so does Steve. Trust him, he likes you, loves you even, he doesn't care what anyone thinks and neither should you, you're a babe.' Amelia laughs heartedly and she raises a glass, they clink together and Andi says seriously 'go with him next time, no shitty excuses. Promise me?' Amelia just nods, unconvinced in herself. 'Seriously, you are beautiful, I'm not being biased, I mean it.'

Amelia stares into her glass, 'what about you and me?' Andi swings an arm around her sister and cuddles into her, 'I think we can make it.'

After a while she adds 'God, I wish I had seen you pounce on him, Bucky said it was epic.' She looks pensive, 'and…that was about all he said to me.' Amelia looks sad and rocks away from Andi, thinking about Bucky, 'I was so rude to him.' Andi waves a hand, as if to say don't worry, 'he's a big boy.'

Amelia curls into her sister, throwing a blanket over them both, 'I'm sorry that I kicked you out. Thank you for coming home.' Andi looks off to Rosie's door and can see the gentle glow of her night light. Andi looks teary, 'I nearly lost you both once because of that asshole, not this time. You are stuck with me!' Amelia relaxes and Andi shuffles down to put her legs on the coffee table also.

'So, before you went all Jerry Springer on Greg's ass, how was the bar? What did Steve think?' Amelia scoffs, 'I'm not really sure it was his thing and blue eyed Bucky was just worried about where you were all night!' Andi doesn't respond, thinking how he doesn't seem bothered by that now. Andi hasn't seen him since he crept out in the morning and he literally spoke two sentences on the way to the tower last night, both about Amelia's punching ability. Amelia smiles to herself 'Steve is meant to be coming for dinner sometime this week, you want to invite Bucky?' Andi shakes her head, 'maybe, see where the week take us.'

…..

Three days later, Steve and Tony step into a tower elevator and stand against one side. Opposite them is a young employee, he is busy texting. As they begin to chat, he looks up and double takes. Tony is his usual colourful self, 'just another Manic Monday!' Thinking for a moment he says, 'you know I rather enjoyed our guest's company at the weekend, excellent chess player. I've offered her a job.' Steve raises an eyebrow, 'doing what?' Tony looks around, 'I don't know yet.' Steve just exhales and asks about Pepper, they chat until the elevator dings and opens. Stark gets ready to leave, 'don't forget, party, this weekend! And don't forget your date this time, okay? She really ups your cool factor.' Steve shakes his head and places a hand in his pocket. He mentioned the event once, but Amelia seemed a little skittish and managed to avoid answering. Once Tony has left, the elevator doors silently close and the buttons relight for the remaining floors. Steve checks his tablet, smiling at a picture he's been sent of Rosie and Amelia cooking something messy for dinner.

The colleague opposite looks up and catches Steve's attention, 'that was Tony Stark. The Tony Stark. Fucking hell.' Steve is not impressed by the bold language but returns to his Stark pad and ignores him, just offering a nod and a pleasant smile.

The kid continues to talk, 'I've only been here three hours and I've met Tony Stark!' he almost pats himself on the back. He checks his watch and puts his phone in his back pocket, 'I'm Greg by the way.' He holds out his hand and Steve stares at it warily. He accepts it and firmly shakes the hand, 'Greg,' he repeats slowly. Greg looks up and beams at him. Pointing sarcastically to his name badge, clicking his tongue and winking.

'Hey, a few of us are going out for drinks tonight, to celebrate my first day, care to join?' Steve is surprised by the kid's confidence and forwardness. He reaches for his phone and flies off a message, while Greg continues to talk. 'I don't think so,' Steve mutters as he puts his phone away. 'Besides you won't finish your first day.' Greg opens his mouth like a goldfish and someone steps onto the elevator.

'Hey Cap, how are you?' Steve idly talks to the new person and keeps one eye on Greg. He's blanching in the corner and when the new occupant departs two floors later, Greg steps forward and asks, 'your Captain Rogers? How did I mess tha?' Steve nods and quotes Andi, 'last time I checked.'

Greg looks around, shrugging 'look man, I dunno what your problem is, but let me do my job and I'll let you do yours and we can just get along. It appears we have a lot in common.' Steve wants to laugh at the implication that this jerk could take him on and that he is going to "let" him do his job. 'Thank you, Greg, but Mr Stark knows the Millers and he will be disgusted when I tell him how you have treated them.' Greg scoffs, exhaling with realisation, 'this is about Amelia?' Steve is annoyed at the mention of her name, curious about why didn't he ask about Andi. For someone who dated the younger sister, he seems obsessed with the second Miller. Steve bristles and stands straighter. 'Unbelievable, tell me you aren't her bit of stuff? What a let-down, for you that is. Women of America will weep when they find out that is what you settled for.'

In a flash, Steve yanks the emergency button and pauses the elevator, he backs Greg into a corner and gets close to his face. 'Speak about any of them again, kid, and I'll make sure you don't work here, but also, by the end of today, there won't be a place in New York that will employ you.' Greg knows his number is up and spits back at Steve, 'Mia wanted me, always did, in fact I'm pretty sure I felt it again the other night. When she was lying on top of me.'

Steve looks down and smiles dryly, 'was it her knee in your groin that gave you that impression?' Steve backs away and pushes the button, resuming the elevator. 'On the ground floor, security will meet us and they will escort you from the building, Mr Hooper.' Greg looks surprised that he knows his name and when the elevator dings, he makes a desperate scrabble to leave.

But as the doors open Bucky stands there, his arms folded and hair hiding his menacing face. He looks up and shakes his head, as if to say don't move. He steps in and blocks the door, stopping Greg from leaving. Greg throws his arms up, he looks frustrated but unbothered, however, he's sweating, his shirt stained dark grey, giving him away. 'Ah good, the other boyfriend. Christ, they've really got some back up now, haven't they? Two super villains or whatever the hell you are!' Steve leans back casually and the elevator quietly rides floor to floor.

'This is all because I dated your woman?' Greg asks Steve venomously, 'you can't fire me over that!' Steve just shakes his head and laughs bitterly, 'no, we aren't firing you because of that.' Bucky interrupts 'no, it's because you are a sole-less sack of shit and we all deserve better than to see your ugly mug around here.' Steve nods and agrees casually, 'that about covers it.'

Bucky stretches his arms and extends his fingers, Greg's eyes follow his metal hand and he backs further into the corner. He holds his hands up, 'look, I'm out of here, ok? I'll keep away.' He seems legit and Bucky and Steve stand down slightly. 'But I can't promise they will be able to stay away from me. Andi has always liked a challenge.' Bucky dives and pushes Greg up against the wall of the elevator, his feet dangling above the floor.

'Buck,' Steve says seriously. He looks between his furious best friend and the gaping employee. The elevator opens and a man in a suit looks between the three and mumbles about taking the next one. The doors close and Bucky drops Greg to his feet. Greg chokes out, 'just watch out for them, both of them. Andi will do a midnight flit when she's had enough, bit like the dad guy did and it's no wonder, have you met the kid, annoying as hell.' Steve steps closer, warning him to shut up. Greg snarls and whispers to Steve, 'and Amelia… she's trouble, that's for sure, but in the best way.'

Steve despises the way this guy talks about people, especially women and his girls specifically. An arm stops Steve advancing in rage and Bucky calls his name quietly. Steve whispers harshly 'I don't want to ever hear your name around here again and never mention any of them, do not breathe their names. Now get out of here, before I let him do something none of us will regret.'

Bucky just smirks and the doors finally open, Greg lunges forward, pushing between the two of them and is met by three security guards. They escort him off and as the elevator doors close Steve and Bucky lean against the back wall.

'That was fun,' Bucky says lightly, his attempts at comedy fail to elevator the darkness in the elevator and Steve steps forward using his fist to select a floor. 'It's all bull, Steve, you know that, Mia-' Steve nods 'I know, but I can't explain it, it hurts to hear her talked about like that and my... and Rosie,' he quickly corrects himself. Bucky looks up at the slip, wondering what he was about to say.

Steve sobers slightly, 'thank you for coming down here so quick, where's Andi?' Bucky just shrugs. 'My place, your place, making herself at fucking home, no doubt.' Steve senses Bucky's tension and asks 'tell me the truth, how serious is this thing?' Bucky shrugs, 'we slept together… more than once, we played happy families while you were away and I can't get her out of my fucking head, it's like being brainwashed all over again.' Steve winces at the sleeping together part and then smiles a little, it's refreshing to hear Bucky so honest, but it also feels good to see him having women troubles for once. 'But people's words keep ringing in my head, she's not serious, she's flakey, bad record, do I really need that right now?' He questions and Steve wonders what Bucky has planned, his go to position is to run and hide, but before he can ask, the elevator opens and Tony stands there. 'Now why are you crazy kids beating up my new recruits?'

…

Saturday night, there's a knock at the Miller's door. Andi rushes to get it, calling to Amelia as she does. When she opens it, she leans into the visitor, 'she's in the bedroom. Thank you for this, you do owe her one remember.'

Tony saunters in, 'yes, yes, yes, world's worst hangover. I recall the story. You know, I normally only do this for the publicity!' Andi nods and Amelia speaks as she steps into the lounge, 'do you think if there's a hole in these, but they look new, I can keep them? I mean we aren't that hard-up are we?' Amelia stops dead and looks between her sister and Mr Stark and then tucks her underwear behind her back.

'Tony? Hi! Why, why are you here?' She stumbles on her words and he rolls his eyes, 'well, it's an almost Christmas miracle and I am here to make sure you go to the ball.' He walks towards her and reaches for the item behind her back, looking at them, 'bin these, you can do better. Or cut the middle out, that would work as well.' Amelia is bright red and Andi groans, gross. Amelia catches up and again asks, 'seriously, what is this?' Tony folds his hands in front of himself and Amelia only now notices his suit. 'Your fairy godmother over there, asked me to take you to the party. Apparently, you are unsure if you are worthy and have been skipping out on my private functions'

Amelia is worried she's offended him and say's 'it's not you…' Tony holds up a hand, 'Miss Miller, I can guarantee you I have heard that line over a hundred times or more and I can also promise that it is always me. Now, I have a nice dress here for you, an empty arm and an unhappy Happy sat downstairs waiting on you. So, shake a leg, get changed and let's go.' Andi looks around, for the dress, Tony picks up on this, 'oh, it's in the hall, I left it there for dramatic effect.' Andi moves to retrieve it, Amelia smiles sadly at Tony and he takes a deep breath, he stands in front of her, 'I like you and I like your set up, these two groupies of yours are fun, I also don't mind Cap and he... well, he is crazy about you. So, come to the party with me?' She looks unsure. 'Don't make me say please, it embarrassing and will tarnish the family name.' She leans forward to kiss his cheek but he steps back, 'I don't like to be touched.' She smiles fondly, not offended by the awkward millionaire. She nods, shrugging, 'I better get ready then.' Tony looks around as she moves towards her room, 'Cap spends a lot of time here, considering it's such a shi…' Andi reappears with the dress and coughs, 'oi!' Tony holds his hands up, 'I'm just saying they should kick back and hold hands at my place, it's way nicer.'

Tony finds himself sat on the sofa, Rosie woke from her nap thirty minutes ago and is now putting hair clips in his hair. Andi is beside him watching a film and eating popcorn, ignoring the makeover taking place. He leans in and says 'you could help me, you know.' Andi doesn't look at him, 'why would I do that?' Rosie hums in consideration and removes all the clips, ruffling Tony's hair and starting again. He huffs and Andi asks dryly 'I thought you didn't like being touched?' Tony shifts and whispers to her, 'I'd let you give it a try.' She just laughs and he says knowingly, 'I bet Sargent Barnes would be eaten up jealously. I don 't want to end up with my own metal arm.' Andi ignores him, looking down at the mention of Bucky's name. It's been a while since she has seen or spoken to him. She offers Tony some popcorn, 'I shouldn't, I am about to eat a five hundred dollar a plate dinner, that is if your sister shakes her tail feather sometime today.' Amelia can obviously hear and calls 'I'm coming, I swear.' Tony reaches into Andi's bucket and starts scoffing popcorn, asking 'what about you baby Miller, you coming? I could throw you around the dance floor.' Andi says flatly, 'tempting. But I think Mia needs to do this alone.' Tony observes her and pouts his lips, processing her words. 'It's nice, very sisterly. Reminds me why I like being an only child, no one else to think about.' Rosie grabs Tony's head and turns it straight ahead, Andi just laughs at Iron Man being directed by a four-year-old.

Amelia's voice calls 'tell me if I look like crap? It's not what I would have picked. I've tried to do something a bit different with my hair, be a new me, but now I'm not sure... about any of it!' Tony smirks at Andi, adjusting his jacket. He opens his mouth but his comments fall away as Amelia steps through to the lounge and he watches her closely. He stands up and Rosie topples onto the couch giggling. Andi calls his name in dismay, for just letting the child fall.

'Not crap,' he says as he approaches Amelia. He goes still and quiet, staring at her and Andi watches them, she starts to stir on the couch saying, 'maybe, I will come.' She's not sure about the look Tony is giving her sister. He puts his hand out and squishes Andi's face, pushing her back onto the sofa, she cries hey and Rosie laughs.

'I already have a date, thank you.' He keeps his eyes on Amelia and even she looks around awkwardly, then he offers her his arm, 'right, let's do this.'

Amelia takes a deep breath and gathers herself, she can do this. As they start to leave, Amelia stops him and pulls a glittery, gold clip from his hair. He gives Rosie a look and points two watchful fingers at her. Andi spins and leans over the back of the sofa, calling, 'Hey, Tony, thank you.' She turns back to the TV and her popcorn but shouts 'send me the details of that job, can you?' Amelia looks surprised and Tony is pleased she considered his offer. He responds 'I'll have my people talk to your people.' She laughs, 'I don't have people.' Tony winks at Rosie, 'I think we both know that's not true. Later kids,' he pulls the front door closed behind him.

In the car on the way there, Amelia fiddles with her hair and Tony bats her hands away, 'stop that, you look great.' Amelia places her hands in her lap and her pupils dart around the limo. 'You know, he'd rather be at home in front of the fire, just like you, but alas this is the life.' Amelia nods and swallows, 'what is this event for?' Tony shrugs, 'sea turtles? Art grants? Who knows? Pepper, that's who.' Amelia smiles when he mentions his partner and she relaxes a little. 'This is a really nice thing, that you have done for me.' She looks at him seriously and he sighs, 'yeah, well, I had some making up to do and Rogers will fill his tights when he sees me arriving with you, so it's a win-win for everyone really.' Amelia giggles at him and looks out the window, smiling to herself. She realises suddenly, 'I need to pay you for the dress.' Tony waves a dismissive hand, 'already docked it from Rogers. Not your concern.' Amelia protests but he ignores her. Tony looks at her as she stares out the window, 'What will Daisy do without you?' Amelia laughs, 'it's Rosie,' Tony smirks, 'Yeah, that's what I said.'

AN: Thanks for reading, feel free to let me know your thoughts. I've written Christmas and Thanksgiving scenes, but I'm not savvy enough to time posting them with real life! So, Merry Christmas! xx