Steve was waiting patiently for Gabby to finish her day shift at New York-Presbyterian Hospital Columbia and Cornell emergency room. He was just peering around curiously at the scene that was playing before him. Looking at the bustle and hustle of the hospital reminded him of back in the day at the army bases in his own time. It was all very familiar to the super soldier and brought him nostalgia.
It was 7PM on New Year's Eve, Steve and Gabby were going to spend it together with a quiet night at home with dinner, drinks and then settling in to watch a movie. Unbeknownst to Gabby though, Steve knew it was indeed her birthday. Steve understood Gabby did not like to be made a fuss of, but she deserved to be celebrated for the wonderful human being she was. Steve looked at his watch, her shift was running over time. There was a grin on Steve's face, he would wait every day for Gabby no matter how late she was. Steve would always be there at the door when she finished, tolerantly waiting for his best girl. To walk her home nice and safe. It was that smile of Gabby's when she saw him, coming out of the doors that always made his day. Gabby's face always lit up with joy when she saw Steve waiting for her to take her home even though he was there every day. Little crinkles would form in the corners of Gabby's eyes caused by her high apple cheeks. Steve loved that about her. The joy that she brought to the world when she just smiled. If there was a physical form of happiness, love and joy. It would be the pint-sized woman, Gabriella Barton. For he would be alone in a modern, with all that he knows lost to time. Steve would be lost if it were not for her.
Gabby was fast becoming an especially important person to Steve. The world was not as big and scary with her light and angelic aura radiating in it. Just with her smile alone, it just made everything all the while better in a bizarre world that didn't make much sense anymore. To Steve it sounded cliché, but it was true. Gabby is Steve's best friend and his person now. It was nice to have some form of actual purpose since coming out of the ice, guiding him into his new life.
The doors to the trauma station opened. Steve covered his mouth with his hand and had to hold in a laugh but smiled big with his eyes. Gabby had skidded out of the doors, almost losing her balance from going too fast around the corner. There was a hint of fear in her eyes, but she swiftly caught her poise because of all her years in gymnastics as a child and teenager. Gabby's crazy blonde hair had fallen out of her braid haphazardly. There were little curls falling around the frame of her face. It looked cute to Steve because her innocence showed. There were other loose curls bouncing freely, not bound by the tight braid anymore "Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. I know I am a little late, but I had to help with an extra procedure in the operating room. And it was kind of cool for me to learn. I was the nurse who assisted them put the femoral back into place. I have never done anything like that before. I saved a man's life. How cool is that?".
"Very cool" Steve laughed and being the gentleman, he took her backpack from her hands and carried it for her "I always knew you were destined to be something great".
The wild excitement was evident across her face from enthusiastically talking about her job. It was her passion in life helping people whether it was the patients that were hurt or the families with them. Her hands were going everywhere in all directions, showing her delight even more. He was glad times had changed and were for the better for women doing the jobs men had done in the 1940s. Gabby got quick hellos from various nurses and patients as they walked along corridor. Steve put his arm around Gabby's shoulder, a smile on his face and looked at her with a slight cheeky glint in his eyes "I am glad you had a great day at work. But are you ready for tonight?".
"Huh?" Her eyebrows became pressed together, then looking up to him quizzically "New Year's Eve?". Gabby was feeling a bit confused. But with the look on Steve's face, Gabby knew he was up to something and had a different plan for the night. Steve was never good at hiding things from her, and she could read him like a book even without her powers. Not that she had ever or would ever think of using them on him nor could she do much with him being the super soldier he was "I really don't like the look you have there on your face. What do you know that I don't? What are you up to Mr Rogers?".
Steve was nodding his head, a smile on his face knowing he was about to be caught out. Holding the door open to the staff car park of the hospital "The dishes that we are cooking and eating tonight? The margherita pizza and vanilla ice cream? They happen to be your favourite dishes for only special occasions. Am I right about that Miss Barton?".
The snowy air was drifting through the hospital garage, whistling through the structure and making noises as it went. Gabby could feel the cold weather more than most. There were goosebumps all over her skin despite the many layers of clothing she was wearing to keep warm. Gabby has never been a fan of the snow. Whilst most people loved it with the fun it brought. She hated it more than anything. It always brought back evil memories of her life back when she was in HYDRA captivity, where there was snow, cold and nothing else. Living in that cage, with only a thin blanket on a stone-cold concrete floor was living hell. Steve wrapped her scarf a little firmer around her neck to keep the chill away because he could see the uncomfortable look on her face. Steve had come to know Gabby's ticks when it came to her PTSD and anxiety "Yeah? They are? And what of it?".
Together they walked to Steve's car that was just ahead of them and a little to the right. It was a SHIELD issued SUV MG.
Steve leaned down to her, the corner of his mouth lifting into a cheeky smirk. He had the perfect gift in mind for her and he couldn't wait to see the look on Gabby's face when she got it later "Your dad called me. He said to say happy birthday and said sorry he couldn't make it".
Joy filled her face as Steve held out a small white cloth box "Oh Steve, you didn't have to do this. Just doing all the stuff tonight would have been enough for me".
Getting Gabby this gift for her birthday was the least Steve could have done for her. He had looked at countless jewellery shops in New York to find the perfect necklace. Some pieces were over the top or too simple for Steve's liking "You deserve to be treated special any day really but more so on your birthday. I am just sorry I couldn't manage to get your dad home for it. I honestly did try for you".
Gabby opened her present and inside the box was a gorgeous piece of jewellery. It was a lovely wish bone necklace that had small diamonds encrusted into it. The chain was elegant and made of silver "I figure we all could use a little bit of luck".
"I don't need luck when I have you as my best friend" Gabby mentioned to him, clasping the necklace around her neck "You happen to be my first one actually".
"Best friend now, am I?" Steve questioned, putting emphasis on the word best, looking at her quizzically. Steve's face lit up with a joy when she said that. His cheeks rose, causing little creases to form in the corner of his eyes "I will take that as an honour coming from someone as incredible as you".
"Steve!" Gabby was looking at the beautiful necklace again. It was such a kind and lovely thing for Steve to get for her birthday "Really, thank you for the necklace, I love it!" Gabby held the wish bone charm in her hands, twirling it under the garage lights. The sparkles casting shimmers across the walls "I am never going to take this off. It wouldn't hurt to have a little extra luck right now. This just might be the little extra magic I need to survive my crazy life the way it is".
Gabby held out the necklace to Steve "Will you help me put it on, please?"
"Oh, of course" he obliged, and Steve took the delicate necklace from Gabby's hands, unhinging the clasp on the chain. Gabby turned around, pulling some hair away to help Steve put it on. There always the one little curl that was always hanging free. He laughed, moving it aside "Your hair is so crazy".
Carefully, he put the necklace around her neck. She turned, smiling at Steve "You do know how to pick gifts, Steve. I really do love this".
He could not fathom how much fear Gabby had been living in if she had thought a necklace would give her the luck, she needed to survive life.
"Nothing is going happen to you while I am around and having your six" Steve took out his car keys, pressing the button to unlock the car "You can teach me tonight how to make the best margherita pizza in New York".
Her laugh echoed through the garage, bouncing off the walls. Those little creases that formed in the corner of Gabby's eyes with her trademark apple cheeks appeared again, the happiness not just in her smile but also in her eyes. Steve would never get tired of hearing that noise nor seeing that big, bright grin of hers. It was all light and joy. A warmth that spread to anyone around her "Oh, not just the best pizza in New York. I learnt from the best and that happens to be my dad, Clint Barton. He makes the best pizza in all the world. And yes, I have been to Italy on numerous occasions. Although the coffee is way better over there. Here, unless I make it. It is so burnt and bitter. That is why I just used syrups with everything if I get a coffee to go".
In a day of modern times, the old-fashioned values of yester year had lost their way into the modern era. Steve held onto them though because he couldn't lose everything from his old life now could he. Steve opened the car door for her, ushering her in with his hand "After you, ma'am".
Gabby thought of something then, Steve could not always be the one with the surprises hiding up his sleeve "We should both go and have a look at the diner that is in Brooklyn that is still here from the 1940s. You would have been to it in your time".
Steve smiled, genuinely besotted at the woman who had fast become his world standing before him and had become Steve's whole purpose since coming out of the ice "I would very much like that but today is your birthday and it is all about you, not me. So, we are going home and having all of your favourite things tonight".
Closing the door and walking around the car, the smile on Steve's face did not falter. He thought himself an incredibly lucky man. Steve climbed into the driver's side, putting the keys in the ignition and started the car. Gabby turned on the heating, holding out her non gloved hands to the flowing warmth "Bring on spring because I swear to god this has to be the coldest winter in New York and the start-up of my childhood was on a HYDRA base in Russia where I had just a blanket to keep me warm".
There was a buzzing noise from Steve's jacket pocket, he pulled it out and read the text message "Hey, why don't we grab a couple of coffees from Sweetbrew. That might keep you warm".
"Then home?" she asks wilfully "You know me and the cold. I hate it".
"Then home" Steve agrees, nodding and smiling because he had a home.
Gabby had now taken out her brown contacts. With her bright eyes watching him suspiciously now. But Steve was not giving anything away. He either has nothing planned or he has the best poker face in the world. And that is saying something because her father had the best one going around being the assassin spy he was.
"You know the way to my heart, Steve Rogers" pulling across her seat belt securely "I am getting very spoilt on my birthday. Thank you!".
Steve followed suit, pulling his seat belt on and pulling out of the parking spot. One eyebrow was slightly raised with a small, crooked smile on his face "Oh, anything for my best girl on her birthday".
They arrive at Gabby's home and the house is filled with the fragrance of margherita pizza. Gabby was feeling puzzled at the smell. Her dad always made margherita pizza for her but how on earth could it be him? He is out of the country on a mission with her Aunt Natasha in Africa or something. She follows the smell to the heart of the home, her big modern kitchen. Cooking or baking is one of her favourite things to do when she was home. It always gave her a sense of calm and grounding away from the craziness of work. There in the kitchen, she finds her dad who just putting the half-cooked pizza back in the oven.
"What the hell?" she muttered, disbelief across her face "What is going on? What are you doing here?".
Clint looks up just as she rounds the corner into the kitchen. He watches as her face changes expression from wonder to shock to excitement as he places the pizza tray onto the cooling rack. "Happy Birthday kiddo" he manages to say before she launches herself into his arms. Gabby hits his chest with the full force of her little frame, nearly knocking him off his feet. There was something about Clint's hugs that made them extraordinary to Gabby. They were always warm, welcoming and loving to her. They were her safety zone.
Clint loved his daughter so much and would go to the ends of the earth for Gabby. Clint closed his eyes, wishing he was around her more but work always called him away on top secret missions. She may be 23 years old now, but Gabby would always be his little girl and his little miracle and good luck charm.
"Easy tiger" Clint mumbles steadying them both, then easing her onto the floor. Then looking at his daughter, she was growing more and more beautiful each time he saw her. Gabby may not have been his daughter by blood, but he raised her as his own. Her nurse friend Laura always said they were basically inseparable and always joined at the hip. Gabriella Barton is a daddy's little girl.
"Oops sorry" she chuckles, still clingy onto her hug not quite ready to let go, only slowly letting herself out of the embrace. Gabby looked up to her dad as if he was on the highest of pedestals, her idol "I thought you were halfway across the world and couldn't make it for my birthday?".
Clint nodded, biting his bottom lip slightly and looked over to Steve "Well, I almost didn't make it back home, but the captain here helped me by pulling some strings with SHIELD and I got home in time to be here for you. I can't thank you enough for helping me get home to my daughter for her birthday. It really does mean the world to me".
Steve stood back leaning against the door frame watching on with a big cheesy grin on his face "Anytime if it means those smiles there will be on both of your faces. It was worth it".
Clint teased Gabby, flicking a pretend smell away with the dish towel at her "But please Gabriella. You really need to go and get out of those scrubs because you are stinking out the house. Just go and have a shower will you".
"Shut up!" She playfully rolled her eyes at her father, knowing he was just goading her on and trying to get a reaction "You really do think you are very funny Dad. Don't you! Can you please just stop embarrassing me".
He took a step forward to her, giving Gabby a kiss to her cheek "I am your father, it is my job to do that"
Gabby smiled, having now finally letting go of her dad and feeling on top of the world because he was home. She walked over to Steve, not helping the big beam of a grin that was spreading across her face. Then on her tippy toes, Gabby reached up and gave Steve a kiss on the cheek "Thank you for everything".
He looked down to Gabby, the corners of Steve's eyes forming little wrinkles again and he smiled too. Pure adoration formed across his face. Steve would do whatever he could to make her happy "You are more than welcome".
Looking on from the kitchen, Clint could clearly see Gabriella had clearly become Steve's best friend. Maybe even something more.
Now that Gabby had gone to shower, Clint turned and opened her tall, stainless-steel fridge and reached in to grab two beers. He held out one to Steve. Who stepped forward, gladly taking the beer from his best friend's father "So, has she made you watch all of the Harry Potter films yet?".
Taking a sip of his beer, Steve laughed "The theatrical or extended versions? Because we have watched both more than once each" Gladly wanting to watch them all again if it made Gabby happy.
The fatherly love was clear across Clint's face, just thinking about Gabby as his daughter "Yeah, she has that special thing about her where you just want to be around her. Gabby just makes you feel like you are a better person. I have done some bad things in my life with my job, but she makes it all a hell of a lot brighter. Gabby makes life worth fighting for you know. She is proof that there is some good out there despite going through what she did. With what Gabby actually went through with HYDRA was worse than being down in hell itself. I was sent there to annihilate the threat originally. I am glad that I decided on a different course of action. She was just an innocent little girl who didn't know any other way. How could I not give her a chance? Show her another way. A good way".
A softened look with a small smile appeared on Steve's face. He understood where Clint was coming from when talking about Gabby. God knows what Steve would have done without having her coming into his life when he had come out of the ice. Every shift Gabby had as a nurse, Steve would be there happily waiting to pick her up and take her home safely. His favourite thing was seeing that big smile of hers "I understand that. I really do.God knows what I would have done without her since coming out of the ice. It was hard coming from the 1940s till now in this modern age of God knows what. Everyone I knew had died a long time ago. I was feeling a bit lonely for a little while there but then I met her "supposedly" at the gym late one night and here we are now".
Clint took a sip of his beer, motioning Steve to look at the photos on her fridge to tell him stories behind some of the photos "And now you have Gabby, who can talk under water by the way. I have an endless supply of stories from when she was younger. I would say little, but she is a petite girl anyway. Amazing at gymnastics, even better at archery. Of course, she learnt that from me. I never miss a shot I fire".
Pride now coating his words, Clint looked over at all the photos from Gabby's life. She had come a long way from the little girl who had only spoke Russian to the young woman she was now who could also speak French, Spanish, German, Italian and Hebrew. Steve had seen all the photos before, but it was nice to hear the stories from Clint who took them.
Gabby came out, tusking her wet hair behind her ears but otherwise letting it fall down her back to air dry. Her face dropped in mortification, cringing at seeing Clint and Steve looking at the photos. The tales her father could tell "Oh god Dad. Are you telling stories about me again?"
It was a father's rite of passage to embarrass their child on their birthday. But deciding they had the company that was Steve, he wouldn't do it so much. There was a small smile on Clint's face, a cheeky one at that. Steve could see where Gabby got her humour from. Going to the fridge, Clint opened it and got out a gin and tonic mixer for Gabby. She gladly took it, taking a sip. Clint kissed the top of his daughter's head "I would never want to embarrass my beautiful daughter".
Her nose crinkled up, little creases formed around the nostrils "You did just by saying that",
A slight, sentimental look and smirk had emerged on Clint's face looking at her blonde, crazy locks. God, he had remembered how hard it was to try and brush it when she was a child. Remembering how parents would keep their children away from her with the wild way she looked. But Gabby is his little girl and always will be. Clint refused to change her to be normal, not wanting to break her spirit and reform her to societies standards "Clearly your hair hasn't gotten any tamer. Still as wild as ever as I can see".
She smiled, scratching her scalp "Seems to be getting worse as I get older though".
Just watching on, Steve could not help but feel privileged that he was included as a part of the Barton clan now. Clint loved Gabby to the moon and back and it was as clear as day of that love. Even a blind man could have seen it. The bantering between the two was soothing for the soul. It was nice to be a part of a family after losing all that he had known. To have a home and a family.
The timer from the oven had since gone off. The smell of baked pizza wafted through the townhouse "Well, we had better eat this pizza then shall we birthday girl. Steve will you please escort the young lady to the lounge so I can sort this out. I guarantee if Gabby sorted this out it wouldn't make it to the plate" he joked
Steve held out his arm as the gentleman that he was "Ma'am, may I escort you to the lounge?".
Sighing with a bright grin on her face, Gabby gladly took the arm of her best friend. Her arm so small against the super soldier's own "Lead the way, good sir?".
Clint watched Steve Rogers with his daughter, seeing how they were acting towards one and other. A contented smile on his face because knowing his daughter would be okay without him around.
Taking a sip of his beer, Steve eyed the worn-down pair of children converse shoes that was sitting beside the gas heater. He had always seen them there during his time with Gabby but never had asked about them "I need to know the story behind those. I can see there is a story".
A distant look appeared on Clint's face as he thought back to how he had bought those shoes for Gabby "When I brought Gabby home, she had never owned a pair of shoes. So those high-top converse shoes were the first shoes I bought her. No child of mine was going to look uncool. Besides, she hasn't grown much since then so they will still fit her".
Her nose screwed up, trying her best not to show her dad's teasing had gotten to her. She took a bite of her pizza "Shut up, Dad".
Steve decided to join in on the teasing, laughing "But they still fit you Gabby".
Both Steve and Clint laughed together at the expense of Gabby own embarrassment "Steve, I thought you were supposed to be on my side. Quit teaming up with my dad, will you".
"Mr Barton…" Steve had begun to say but was interrupted by Clint. Whom had his hand up, shaking his head at Steve.
Clint shook his head. There was no way he was going to let Steve be formal with him "I won't hear Mr Barton because it makes me feel old, please call me Clint, Steve"
Steve chuckled; the apple of his cheeks more pronounced with little dimples showing "Sorry, old habits die hard".
"But you were saying?" Clint urged him on, putting the crust of the pizza in his mouth "Please go on about the praise about this amazing food I prepared for kiddo's birthday".
Although Clint was not Gabby's biological father, Steve could see she had clearly taken after Clint. They both had the same ear to ear smile. Something funny must have been said because they had both begun to laugh together. Both laughs sounded the exact same "This really is the best pizza in New York, Clint".
Easily getting of the lounge with the empty bottles in hand, looking at Gabby and Steve if they wanted another drink "Refill everyone? No one will be sober by mid night if I have anything to do with it".
Clint was sure the life of the party. Just as Gabby was sure to be. This was nice for Steve to be a part of the Barton family. Not that alcohol affected Steve since having the super soldier serum, he accepted the offer of a new beer none the less "Yeah sure, that'd be great"
"I am surprised you can get up off the couch old man" Gabby feeling a bit cheeky, even a little tipsy "I could hear a creak and I don't think it was the couch"
"Woah, low blow there Gabriella Maree Barton", then walking behind the couch and Clint ruffled his daughter's hair "Just because you are 23 years old, does not mean I won't ever stop ruffling your hair".
Leaning down, Clint gave Gabby a kiss on her head. She meant the world Clint "You will always be my little girl no matter how old you get. I love you, kiddo".
As proud as punch, Gabby's trademark grin appeared on her face "Love you too, Dad".
"Your dad is pretty amazing" Steve.
Gabby had never told Steve her whole story. Today was as good as any "Yeah, he is" Gabby "He was actually your age when he found me, 27. I was 7 and HYDRA was all I knew"
"How did you end at HYDRA at such a young age?"
"My parents were dead beats, who were addicted to drugs. Sold me as a baby to get money for their next fix. God knows where I would be right now, let alone who I would be if HYDRA kept me. Probably some weapon of mass destruction. That's why my dad and I have kept almost all my powers a secret from SHIELD. My dad doesn't want that for me. That is why only him and Fury know the actual extent of what I can do".
Steve's brow became furrowed with sadness and tilting his head, he looked at Gabby and saw a shadow of the girl that would have been in HYDRA. It quickly disappeared and there his best friend was. Playfully nudging her with his shoulder. Steve was warm. He was what was safe to her as Clint was. Gabby pulled Steve's hand into hers. It does not feel weird for them to do this. Not to them because it was natural. It was platonic holding hands. Fingers intertwined. As they always did whenever on the couch. Looking at her with his baby blue eyes, his little apple cheeks a little more pronounced "Well, look at you now Gabby. You never let any of that change you who you are".
It was at this time Clint walked back in with the beers in hand. Gosh he loved seeing his daughter happy. Ducking his head and using his skill as a covert assassin, his smile disappeared and was as plain as anything. He sneezed, not wanting to have scared them out of their own little private bubble that they were in. Neither Steve nor Gabby jumped when he sneezed. They simply took their hands away from each other. Clint passed the beers to them over the back of the couch "It has also made her as stubborn as ever. This girl here never backs down from a fight or a challenge either. Which can be a problem which I have no doubt you will find out eventually. Like when she was 12 years old and done gymnastics with a hair line fractured ankle".
Gabby's lips curled up into a smile. The corners of her eyes forming little wrinkles because her apple cheeks rose high. She remembered that competition very well. Her leotard was a sparkling purple with black stars "To be fair, it didn't feel like a sprain, and I went on to win the beam routine in my age group".
"One of the many reasons why I have these wrinkles on my forehead young lady", then sitting down on the other wise of Gabby "Because of you and your escapades".
Steve looked between the father and daughter, laughing at the banter whilst taking a drink from his beer "Is it always like this between you two? The child like joking. Because there is no need to go to a comedy show when I get to watch this"
"Basically" Gabby answered Steve, with her trademark cheeky smile that he adored so much. "You are the only other person who has gotten to know my oddness apart from my dad. Anyone would go running for the hills away from me if they knew what I could do or what I was".
Steve's nose was a little scrunched up, his forehead furrowed in astonishment. The super soldier shrugged his broad shoulders. Steve did not see Gabby as an odd person at all. He could understand why people would torment her because of it, not being able to understand her. People fear things they don't know. Steve saw it as a good thing to be unique and be your own person. To not be like others in the herd of people "I wouldn't say you are weird. You are just being you, Gabby. That is what I like about you. You are not like everyone else. I am just not a fan when you have had a red bull. That was almost too much to handle" Steve told her, laughing "You were bouncing off the walls for hours. We had your gold shadows around here for hours".
Clint's eyes bulged, his eyebrows raised and choked a little on his beer. He thought Steve was game to give her the energy drink "You let her drink red bull? Are you mad, man?".
"To be fair, Gabriella did not inform me what they were. All she told me was that it was a soda. I didn't see the harm in her drinking a soda".
"I bet you do now", Clint's gravelly laugh sounded through the apartment, his eyes a cheeky glint in them "Oh Steve, you fell victim to those big different coloured, doe eyes and the apple cheek smile of hers. Trust me, you will never be immune to any of it. In 16 years, I still haven't been able to overcome it".
"So, we are both screwed then?" Steve commented "To forever fall victim to the smile and eyes of the literal angel sitting right here?".
The assassin's head nodded, bottom lip a little up over his top lip "Yep. And when you have children of your own either of you, you will learn. Especially daughters. They have a way with your heart that you can never say no to them", he leaned over the back of the couch and picked up the gift bag that had Gabby's present in it. Giving her a big kiss on the cheek "Happy birthday, kiddo".
"Thank you, Dad" Her eyes lit up excitedly, taking the present from her father and sitting it on her lap. Already knowing what it was but that never minded by her one bit. To go from HYDRA, being starved from genuine affection and care for years, to a loving father like Clint in her life. It was amazing. Gabby was grateful and appreciative for her father for everything he had done for her and will do in the future. Carefully, she peeled off the tape that was holding together the wrapped paper. It was blue with green stars, just like the colour of her eyes. She pulled off the gold bow on top.
Steve looked on; how meticulous Gabby was at unwrapping her present. It was like as if she were savouring every moment of it.
Upon opening the box inside, she squealed a little with excitement. There were a pair of bright pink high platform converse shoes inside. Taking them out, Gabby turned them over in her hands, marvelling at them "Oh Dad, where did you get these? I have been looking for a long time".
"Oh I know a guy who knows a guy" Clint quipped, drinking his beer and looking at his watch "Well it is almost midnight, why don't we head out to the balcony and we can watch the fireworks. Gabby, I will get the champagne ready whilst you get your millions of layers on. Meet you two out there".
Whilst holding her new pink shoes by the laces in her hands, pure admiration on her face as she hugged him tight "I love you Dad ".
"Love you too, kiddo" Over the years, Clint had seen all sorts of horrors and done some really bad things in his career. Gabby, the little love of his life was all the good in the world he needed to be a better man. Clint's eyes were closed, he never got sick of hearing those words coming from his daughter. Gabby truly was his good luck charm in life. To go through what Gabby did and to come out as good as she had done and to become the amazing young woman she was now. It was a marvel to be seen.
Steve had gotten out of the lounge seat, holding out his hand to Gabby to help her off the couch "You and your dad are close. It is nice to see".
Gabby's trademark smile appeared across her face. There was love for Clint and she was proud to be his daughter. If anyone said anything mean or untoward about her father, her powers would react and strike them. No one had a clue about her powers, and she would get a lecture from her father when she did use them unnecessarily "I would do anything for my dad".
In the corner of the lounge was her coat rack, Steve took off her purple snow jacket holding it out for her to put her arms through "Yeah, I can see that".
Next was her white, thick cable knitted beanie. Intertwined through it was silver twine. Steve thought it looked cute on Gabby, with her being so small and all. He would never get tired of seeing that smile and the light it brought to her eyes. Or the warmth it brought to Steve's heart. Just near the sliding door was another coat rack that had her black woollen ankle length pea coat. Steve grabbed that one because it was the one that would keep her the warmest. Gabby held her arms out and Steve put her coat on like the gentleman he is. Then wrapping a thick, woollen scarf around her neck "Looking kind of cute there, Barton".
"Shut up", Gabby playfully punched Steve in the arm "Are you ready to say goodbye to the year that has gone?".
He put his arm around Gabby's shoulder, his lips curved up into his crooked smile "I am ready to move on with the good in my life".
One thing that Steve had noticed the most in the modern age was that old fashioned values had been lost and left in the past. He slid open the door for Gabby that led to her roof top balcony "After you my dear".
For Steve, it was a beautiful sight to see, the snow was falling in wisps around Gabby who looked like an angel. The snowflakes almost looking like rose petals falling from the sky. Gabby put her hands up, twisting them in movements with flecks of her powers, a gold-coloured shadow twisting the snow around in swirls and beautiful shapes. Making it dance around her face, a childlike expression of wander and awe on her face. She looked at peace with all the worry lines gone from her face.
Clint looked on, a soft paternal look on his face. This is the reason why Clint bought Gabby the top floor apartment of the building. So, she could have this roof top and not have to hide her powers. To have a little freedom in the trapped world she lived in pretending to be someone she wasnt. Gabby could be her own self without having to hide. She spent her whole life hiding who she truly was and what she could do. It was lonely for her. But it was the only way to protect her. If SHIELD knew everything that Gabby could do. Clint did not want to know what they would use her for or what battle she would have to fight. He wanted his daughter away from those battles and have the most normal life she could. It is what Gabby deserved after the rough start at life she had in HYDRA.
And Steve was helping with her having a normal life. Clint saw the look the super soldier was giving his daughter and he knew that soon his job as Gabby's protector would be taken upon by Steve. That look Steve had for Gabby was the same one, he has for Laura even after years of being married to her. Looking at his watch the countdown was about begin 10, 9, 8. Clint backed inside quietly leaving the two of them to enjoy that moment together. Gabby looked into Steve's sapphire eyes while he stared straight back. Both oblivious to the fireworks display. 4, 3, 2, 1. Gabby took a breath in to shout happy new year when suddenly a warm hand cupped behind her neck and Steve ducked his head down and kissed her gently. She was surprised for half a second, but her lips moulded against the shape of his and her eyes slid shut, capturing this moment in her mind forever. So natural. It is like they have done this before. It was like as if they were meant to be together. That they belonged in that moment and time.
Looking down his love, Steve's cheeks more pronounced from his smile "Happy new year", leaning in for another quick chaste kiss and then adding a name he thought suited her "Gabby".
Gabby's cheeks were a little flushed from the kiss. The smile on her face showed her happiness. It was a crinkly eye smiled that covered from ear to ear. Steve loved her unique coloured eyes. They were beautiful, it was a shame she had to hide them behind the dark brown, almost black contacts "You are eye's gorgeous, Gabriella".
"Steve…" Gabby's cheeks were crimson as she looked down to her feet, feeling a little bashful from Steve's words. She wasn't used to those sorts of comments.
Clint sighs, the assassin's face showed the emotions of knowing the inevitable had happened. His lips formed a small pout with his brows furrowed. Ever since the night he and Natasha found Gabby hiding underneath the computer desk. Seeing her so scared and alone. Clint felt responsible for her from that moment on. But now, it was to be Steve's job.
Gabby will always be his little girl. No matter how old she got nor who she was with. Clint would always be her Dad. It would always be hard for a father to let his daughter go.
The sun peaked through a thin crack where Gabby hadn't pulled her black out curtains together properly. She scrunched her nose up, hiding under neath the blankets into the comforting warmth. Even though Gabby was barely 5ft tall and a former gymnast. Her bed was a king size because she really did need all that bed and then some. Always spreading out like a star fish.
Pulling her blanket down to her nose, Gabby smiled into it. Feeling over the moon due to the fact she had kissed Steve on her birthday. It was her first actual kiss.
One of the things Gabby enjoyed doing the most was enjoying cooking for those she loved and cared about. Being an early riser, even more than Clint, Gabby was going to get up early to make breakfast for Clint and Steve. The snow outside her window was falling softly, like little shades of shaved soaps. The air was warm from having the heat pump on in her room. Gabby hated any sort of cold with a passion. Clint made sure his daughter was always warm. Getting out of her bed, Gabby pulled on her oversized cable knit jumper and slipped on her faded, grey ugg boots. She would go out shopping at the store soon for a nice and new comforting pair.
One way to a man's heart was through his stomach. With a smile on her face, Gabby walked into her kitchen. It would have to be one of her favourite places in a home to be in. Going into the fridge, she got out the eggs, cream and bacon rashers. And more importantly milk for her coffee. She loved her coffee at any time of the day. The smell of it, the taste and the warmth it brought to her. Holding a cup of coffee was a form of comfort for her. A sense of normalcy. Gabby had her favourite small Italian coffee maker in the corner of her kitchen bench.
Getting a bowl out of from the cupboard, she cracked the eggs into a glass mixing bowl. Then pouring the best cream, seasoning with some salt and pepper. Whisking it all together and to be cooked just the way she liked it when the bacon was ready. Next was cooking the bacon, she got out her favourite cast iron pan, turning on the gas and making the oil nice and hot. Watching the bacon, it always had to be nice and crispy. It didn't take long to be cooked, taking it off the pan and sitting it on the plate on the bench. Clint comes in and tries to steal a piece of the bacon. Gabby slaps his hand away with the spatula "You need to wait, Dad".
"Someone is in a good mood this morning", he teases, cheekily looking at his daughter.
"What's not to be happy about?" She asks in her most innocent of tones
"Oh I have a feeling what I know it could be" Clint opens the fridge, grabbing the orange juice out and starts to get the cups out. Hesitates at three glasses and asks her "Will Mister Rogers be joining us for breakfast?".
Gabby rolls her eyes; a hint of a smirk showing in the dimples of her cheeks and goes "Yes Dad. He will be joining us for breakfast. Steve is just out jogging", then giggles "If you could call that jogging. I can barely keep up with him" she shakes her head just as 2 pieces of toast pop up from the toaster "It always feels like my lungs were going to burst out of my chest".
"No thank you", Clint raises his eyebrows and sighs. "Try being me trying to keep up with you" he retorts just as Steve walks back through the door.
"Something smells good" Steve compliments as he grabs the hand towel he had laid out to wipe the sweat off. "Thanks! It's all nearly ready. You're welcome to shower in the room you stay in and once you're done, this should be done too" she smiles warmly before turning around to attend to the pancakes.
"You trying to say something?" Steve jokes
"Yeah dude, you stink" Clint teases, scrunching up his nose and waving a pretend smell away.
"Shut up" Steve replies throwing his sweaty towel in Clint's direction "You didn't join me this morning".
Oh there was no way in hell Clint was going to do that "Pfft. I am an old man. I don't want to have a heart attack. The way you two would work out. No thank you!".
Gabby giggles to herself, loving the banter and how comfortable she felt to have a semi normal life. Despite her dad being a lethal assassin and the guy, she likes happens to be a super soldier with the name of Steve Rogers and the title of the Captain America mantel.
Steve is a part of her family now and just as important to her as Clint was. Gabby counted herself as lucky.
Whenever Gabby cooked, it was made with love because she enjoyed it and doing it for those she loved. Her scrambled eggs were cooked perfectly with the streaky bacon nice and crispy. Steve was now just finishing his second serve of eggs and bacon "Your eggs and bacon are amazing, Gabby. The best I have ever tasted I swear to god".
"We need to have words Gabby about your choice of coffee because it isn't even coffee. It is nasty my girl" Coming in from the kitchen, making the coffees for Gabby, Steve and himself. Walking in with a look of disgust on his face, he handed Gabby her hot latte "Your extra shot latte with one sugar, vanilla and cream on top. If you even call that a latte" he mutters, pretending to give her the stink eye "Its disgusting young lady".
"And you tease me for letting her have that red bull drink" Steve joked, eyebrows raised.
Clint sits to the side of Gabby, drinking his own coffee and pointing to it "This right here is a real coffee. A long black with no sugar. It is the way coffee should be".
"Shut up, old man" Gabby reached for her laptop, turning it onto check her emails. Her eyes opened wide upon New York University Grossman School of Medicine "Holy shit!"
"What?" Clint asked, putting his coffee going down. A little worried about his daughter outburst.
Light gold shadows started to appear around her hands, Steve noticed. He knew what that meant. She was nervous "What aren't you telling us?".
"I had always thought of applying so I took the plunge and applied. I never thought I would have gotten in to the school. They only accept 2.5% of applicants. I do not know what to do. It means I won't have anytime spare between work and school. I need both of your opinions" Gabby ask, her cardigan hanging over her hands, drinking coffee.
"You can do anything when you put your mind to it. You should go" Clint always knew Gabby was special and her working in the medical field only made sense. She always wanted to help others "My baby girl is going to be a trauma surgeon".
"So, I should go?" Gabby asked and looked at Steve and Clint, feeling nervous about the big decision she had to make by biting her index fingernail. It just felt right to ask Clint and Steve for advice on the matter "I don't know if I should go?"
Taking a sip of his coffee. A soft, gentle and knowing look appeared on the soldier's face. Steve knew what was going through Gabby's mind. He could see the wheels turning and her anxiety happening. Gabby would rub together her index finger against her thumb to cope with her anxiety and PTSD, both from being a former HYDRA patient. She was concerned about him being alone "Of course you should go".
The bane of Gabriella Barton existence was herself. Always putting others own wellbeing before her own.
Shutting her laptop down, Gabby pulled her plate of scrambled eggs to eat. Then a cheeky thought came to mind to lighten the mood "Will you be able to handle using your I Phone without me around so much? You struggled to learn how to use Youtube! I always laugh when I remember what you stumble upon".
Steve's cheeks went a little pink remembering "I never want to want to see Red Tube again!"
Clint was midway drinking his coffee, catching him off guard and choked on his hot drink. His face pink from the coughing "You saw Red Tube, man".
"Shut up!"
Gabby and her co-worker, Nora had their coffees in hand and were walking the trauma ward corridor. Gabby had put her hair in two French braids with small buns at the base of her head. Her morning break was spent just smiling ear to ear, giggling and telling Nora all about her birthday and the kiss.
"So, what are you and Steve Rogers now? Cause that man is fine. And don't get me started on his old-fashioned manners"
Just thinking about the kiss, Gabby smiled dreamily as she took a sip away from her coffee "He was very, very sweet and such a gentleman ".
Nora sighs, jealous of her friend "Of course he would have been. The man holds values that I wish men did these days. He takes you to work and he is there waiting for you when you finish".
Gabby put her thermos coffee cup down behind the nurse's station in the emergency room. All nurses are rotated amongst the trauma and emergency. She was happy and feeling on top of the world. The smile never dropping from her face. For the first time in her life, she felt normal "He is an absolute nobleman. Always making sure I am happy and safe. I really like him, Nora".
Nora reached from behind the desk, handing Gabby a new patient file "From the look on your face. I think it is a little more than a like".
Looking over the file, it was a simple broken arm for a patient that speaks Russian.
"He speaks better Russian more than English. I know you speak a few different languages".
Gabby smiled, not finding it an issue "No problem. It is a simple case by the looks of it".
The older nurse had taken Gabby under her wing. She saw that Gabby had some talent as a nurse than anyone she had seen before. All the patients loved Gabby with her gentle and assuring nature. Nora was the one who pushed her to go back to medical school with her natural talent in trauma medicine. Nora had her own patient to go and see "Try not to go into daydream land about Steve Rogers romance. That alone is making me jealous with my husband of twenty years".
Walking along the ER beds, Gabby was feeling on top of the world. She was humming a nameless tune and a smile on her face. The feeling of euphoria was a nice change from the secrecy of her life. Always being on her guard, not knowing what was around the corner.
She looked at the patient folder, it was an older gentleman Alexei Ivanov. Pulling the curtain back, she greeted her patient with a bright smile "Hello Mr Ivanov. I see you are feeling a little under the weather with the broken arm".
And just looking at the man's face, she was so close to running out there that very second. It was the man who did all those horrible experiments and tests on her. HYDRA was still alive. Her surroundings became fuzzy, and it was feeling like as if she was out of touch with her surroundings. She could feel her contacts disintegrating because of her heightened powers.
Ivan smiled, looking at her name tag "Yes, Nurse Argent. Just a case of a broken arm for an old man", tilting his head, Ivan could have sworn he had seen her from somewhere before "Have we met before?".
Gabby was trying really hard to remember the exercises that her dad had taught her when she was feeling anxious or nervous. The five steps always grounded her before she would go nuclear.
Smell. The hospital smelt of cleanliness. Gabby had placed the blood pressure sleeve on his right arm, seeing the HYDRA tattoo "I must have one of those faces. We haven't met before sir.".
Sight. The bed sheets were white "Someone so beautiful I certainly would remember" he laughed, jokingly then added "Have you ever been to Russia? Your pronunciation if perfect".
Touch. She placed the blood pressure bandage around his arm. It was soft and squishy.
Gabby could feel the vomit coming up from her stomach. She could feel her contacts disintegrating. God, she couldn't let him see her eyes, making sure she avoided making eye contact, looking to the ground "No, I just enjoy learning new languages. What has gotten you to America?".
Hearing. "I am searching for a lost treasure that has been long lost for quite some time" The voices she could barely hear in the background. Oh god she was feeling so scared. So close to just jumping out of her skin. Gabby couldn't go back to HYDRA.
"Your eyes, so dark. I swear I have seen them before?".
Taste. Blood. She bit down hard on her tongue. Bubbles were forming in her stomach, feeling like she was about to throw up at any moment "The doctor will be here in a moment to check you over".
"It was lovely meeting you, Nurse Argent"
The colour was draining away from her face. A sheen of sweat was all over her skin. Her heart was beating so hard in her chest it felt like it was going to burst out at any moment. Checking her smart watch, her heart rate was 150bpm.
"Gabby? Are you alright?" Nora was concerned, putting down a stack of admin papers. Gabby was white as a ghost, a little delirious "Sweety, you look as if you have seen a ghost. What's wrong?".
"My grandmother in Montana had a heart attack. I need to go with my dad and be with her"
"Oh of course sweety. You go and be with your family, please I will look after everything here" Nora told her, worried about her pseudo daughter.
She couldn't get out of there sooner, grabbing her jacket out of her locker. Slinging her backpack on her bag and running out of the hospital. Her ears were ringing, flickers of her gold shadows came out from her fingertips. Thumbling, she reached in and got her gloves out of her jacket pockets and put them on. It was blowing a gale of a wind outside. Howls of the weather echoed throughout the sky. The cold, God she hated the cold. It set into her bones, making them ache. Flashes of pain resonated through behind her eyes. From down the road, a large garbage truck was coming down the road. She got out her phone and with all she had, she threw it on the road, it smashed into a million pieces before being run over by the garbage truck.
Back at Gabby's townhouse, Steve had brought back groceries from the organic greengrocer he and Gabby like to go to. One of Gabby's favourite things to eat is pasta and Steve had found a basil pasta recipe he think he could manage on his own without her help. Steve wanted to do something nice for her after the special night they had on New Years Eve. Steve wasn't sure what it was between them, but he hadn't felt like this even with Peggy. Thinking about it, it honestly felt something different entirely.
"Hello Captain Rogers get everything you need for dinner?" Clint drinking his own coffee, also sitting down Steve's coffee on the bench besides the royal gala apples.
"Are you sure you don't want to join us?" Steve asked not wanting to be rude to Clint "I am sure Gabby wouldn't mind".
Clint wasn't going to get in the way of romance for the new couple "Nah, I will go to a bar and watch a game somewhere. Give you two love birds a chance to talk"
"Gabby really does mean the world to me, Mr Barton" Steve told him with adoration in his eyes.
"Please, call me Clint. You calling me Mr Barton make me feel old" Clint said to him.
They barely had a chance to touch their coffees again when Gabby came rushing in the door haphazardly. She was covered in snow; her lips were turning a slight blue. Steve immediately went to her, putting his hands on her shoulders "Gabby, what happened? God you are so cold sweet heart".
Steve fusses over her, trying to calm her the best he could do in the circumstances. He pauses, realising Clint hadn't followed behind him and turns to find out where he is.
Clint was frozen in the doorway of the kitchen. His eyes were wide in horror and was frowning in concentration as he picked up the words out of her rambling tirades. Eyes widening as he realises what Gabby was saying. There was only one thing that could bring such a reaction. His memory flashes back to the time he found the young girl. Scared and alone. Teaching her ways to calm her anxiety so she doesn't become nuclear and destroy everything around her. Back then he needed Natalie to translate but in this moment he knew. There was no need for a translator. The words echoed inside his mind as his heart sank to his stomach. Hydra could be back. And his daughter wasn't safe anymore.
Steve's heart kicks up a notch as he starts to understand the severity of the situation "What? What is it? What is she saying?! Gabby it's okay. You're okay. I'm here. You're home. You're safe now".
"No, no she's not. Not anymore" Clint mutters behind him just loud enough to hear over Gabby's distressed ramblings.
"Clint? What does that mean? What is she repeating?" Steve fumbles not knowing what to do or how to react.
Clint slowly repeats what Gabby was saying in English. Not a sentence but separate words "Sight… Sound… Smell… Taste… " he repeats slowly. God he felt bad and sick to his stomach.
Steve turns to him in confusion. Clint explains it is the mantra he taught her when he took her in to help ease her pain and distress. Whenever she got anxious or had a nightmare and woke up screaming "Usually those nightmares were about HYDRA and her childhood with them" he explains.
"Which means what?" Steve asks.
"They're back. And they're here" Clint declares coldly.
Clint had always hoped this day would never come. That Gabby could lead a life of her own Have a job she was passionate about. Find a man that she loved and that would take care of her. Live happily, get married and have children of her own. To have a life that Gabby deserved after all she had been through. It broke his heart to watch the scene before him. Whether the HYDRA agent knew her or not, the two Barton's couldn't risk it. There was no other choice but to go dark and underground to keep her safe and out of their hands.
Steve was looking frightened, there were tears in his eyes that were threatening to fall. There was something in his gut that was telling him that Gabby would be leaving him tonight. It was upsetting not being able to protect someone he cared about.
The way Steve was looking at Gabby was the same way Clint looked at Laura, his wife. It was love. Why was life so cruel to those who deserved it more than anyone else "Steve, you need to go and get her into the bath. Run hot water only. You need to sit there in with her. Just talk to her, you are her anchor right now. You are the one who will bring her back from her day terrors"
He nodded, holding Gabby around the shoulders. Keeping her broken pieces together.
"Zreniye, zvuk, zapakh, vkus, trogat" she muttered absentmindedly, looking all around as they made their way to her bathroom. Gabby wasn't looking at an exact thing. She was back at that stone, cold HYDRA base and back on that chair with the clamps on her face. Doing their best to break her spirit.
It was horrible for Steve to see Gabby broken down. But it just shows how much she had endured to be where she was today but also how hard of a fight it was for her to be normal like everyone else.
Gabby could not even go out in the snow without bringing past trauma being brought to light. Everyone should be able to enjoy the snow. She was always fighting so hard to be normal.
Without letting go of Gabby, not as if he had a choice because she held onto his arm with a vice grip. Her hands were so cold, it was like as if they were made of ice. Steve turned on the hot water tap to her bath. Luckily it was a large four clawed bath for the both to fit in Turning, with his other hand, took hers and pulled her in gently "Come, Gabby. Come on. It's okay. I am here".
Gabby was delirious, in her own living nightmare being back in HYDRA but Steve's voice was still there. Echoing around Gabby to help bring her back.
Steve knew he had to be patient with Gabby. Her eyes were gold, the powers pulsating through her body.
"Zreniye, zvuk, zapakh, vkus, trogat" she whispered, clutching to Steve's blue shirt "Zreniye, zvuk, zapakh, vkus, trogat".
He held her. His huge arms engulfed her tiny little frame trying to keep the broken pieces from falling apart. The t shirt that he was wearing was soaked, clinging to him tightly. His blonde hair flattened against his forehead. Gabby's shivering was starting to subside "I'm here for you Gabby. I always will be".
Gabby's one green eye and blue eye, red rimmed and sore met Steve's worried ones. Steve could see the terror behind them, it is all he saw. They were blotched reddish and painful looking, highlighting their unique colour even more so. Gabby, once so happy and bubbly, full of life and happiness was now scared for her life because of the horror that was HYDRA "I am so scared, Steve".
Whilst Gabby was getting changed in the ensuite, Steve was sitting and waiting on Gabby's bed. He smiled, eyes a gentle look in them. Her bedroom had a wool to ceiling bookshelf, Gabby loved to read. There were days when they would sit out on her terrace together, Gabby reading for hours on end.
Steve had hardly been in her room before. It was not the polite nor the gentlemanly thing to do. It smelt nice, with a diffuser in the corner with some lavender oil filling the room.
Steve's broad shoulders were hunched over with his arms loose and fingers intertwined together. There was a feeling in the air, a feeling of dread and loss. His eyes were etched with worry, he could not lose her. Not now. Gabriella Barton was what made this new world his own. Because she was his world.
Looking up, the light casting a slight shadow across his face, making his apple cheeks more pronounced as he was trying to hold his face steady. Gabby had looked like the lifetime of agony had finally caught up with her. Dark circles were under her eyes. She looked so small in her flannelette, jeans and snow boots. Wearing his navy-blue zipped up hoody over everything. Tears were silently streaming down Gabby's face, her chest was heaving from the sobs she was trying desperately to hold in. Gabby dragged her feet along the cream-coloured carpet, taking her time because she knew she was leaving tonight. Her face broke, arms soft and hanging by her side. The only thing that gave her any strength, was her best friend. Her person, Steve Rogers.
God the look on his Gabby's face broke his heart. Her face was contorted with pure sadness and grief. Immediately Steve got off the bed, reaching her in a few strides. Putting his arms around her, holding her gently. Steve could feel the sobs vibrating through her body "Oh Gabby".
"I am not letting go till they stop" she whispered, her voice muffled against his chest "This is so unfair".
Steve closed his eyes, holding back his own emotions for the sake of Gabby's own. He lowered his head down to her, giving her a chaste kiss to the hair "And I am not letting go till you need me to. No matter long it takes because I will always be here for you".
He sighs, holding the broken-hearted girl in his arms from falling apart. Steve didn't know what to do with the inevitable. That the Barton's were going to be leaving him that night. Steve would be alone yet again "It all feels different now, doesn't it"
Gabby takes a deep, slow breath. Taking in the cologne of Steve's "Yeah, yeah it does".
Regrettably, Gabby pulled away from Steve, wiping the tears away with the back of Steve's jumper she was wearing "I guess we had head out to my dad now. I wish we could stay in here and hide away from everything out there".
Steve wiped away her tears with his thumbs. Looking at Gabby with pure admiration and love. Like as if she was the stars on a clear night sky "But then if you did that, you wouldn't be you. Would you? You escaped HYDRA because of who you are".
She breathed out; a shadow of a smile appeared to the corners of her mouth. A hint of pink blush "All I have been doing my whole life and hiding. Hoping to God those bastards don't find me again. You make me sound like I am some superhero or something. I am anything but. HYDRA made me to be a soldier, an assassin".
"You are Gabriella Barton, and you mean the world to me" Steve told her, 'But we need to walk out of this room so you can go somewhere safe where they can't find you".
Now that Gabby was fully alert again, she agrees and together they walk out of her room. She puts one small hand on Steve's cheek. Forcing him to look her in the eye. Her light blue eye as clear as day. Her green eye, as light as moss from a forest ground. He grabs her hand from his cheek. Not moving it away but instead kissing her palm gently and resting his cheek back into her palm.
Steve notices the packed bags, wanting to go with her and Clint even more "Let me come with you" he pleads.
She shakes her head and smiles softly "Then who will be Captain America?".
"America needs you here" Clint says, "We'll be back but not until I know they didn't come after her".
"You have a duty to your country" she explains softly "The world needs you, Steve. It needs a bit of old fashion to give it a bit of hope".
"But you are my world, now" Steve told her.
"Steve, I am so sorry. I don't know how long I will be away for. It will be just until we know it's safe to come back. Until we know they didn't find me, but can you please walk me to my dad's car?" Gabby asked, wanting just a little while longer with Steve.
Steve looked at those big, doe eyes of Gabby's that were red rimmed from all the crying she had done. They were still beautiful to him. Always will be. He put a tender hand to her cheek, wiping her wet cheeks dry "Of course I will".
Gabby's stomach was bubbling with nerves and worry, making her feel a little ill. She gulped, nodding her head absentmindedly, whispering "I am really scared, Steve".
Knowing Gabby needed his strength to leave. God knows by the looks of it she wouldn't leave on her own accord. Steve took her hand, smiling warmly down at her "Of course I will. It will be my pleasure".
Clint ducked his head slightly, peering at Steve with a side eye and nodded his thanks. Steve's eyes were glistening also. Feeling heartbroken that his little love was going to leave him. The two men knew they had to do what was best for Gabby's safety.
It was a silent walk to her front door of her home. It would have to be the longest time Gabby had stayed in one place in her whole life apart from the farm. Leaving her home, not knowing if she would ever make it back broke her heart a little more.
Outside it was snowing softly, an otherwise magical evening on a nightmare of a night. For just a moment, Gabby, stopped on the top of the steps. Not wanting to go anywhere "Do I have to go?".
Fear was riddling through Gabby's body, making her frozen to the spot and then looking up to Steve's kind, blue eyes "I don't want to go".
God. Why did she have to look up at him like that. With the tear rimmed, beautiful eyes of hers. This was the only way to make sure Gabby would be safe from the possible hands of HYDRA. As much as Steve didn't want her to go. The pain strongly showing on his face. Gabby really did have to leave and go somewhere safe and underground. He squeezed her hand strongly, sighing begrudgingly "Yeah, yeah you have to".
"We will see you soon" Clint had his hand outstretched to shake Steve's hand, assuring the super soldier "This won't be forever. If it has anything to do with me, Fury or Natasha. This will be over before we all know it".
With a sturdy breath, Steve took Clint's hand and shook "I have no doubt. You look after yourself out there too".
Clint nodded, then looking at Gabby "Meet you in the car, sweetheart".
The snow was falling a little harder now. Snowflakes as big as a quarter were falling on their clothes. Normally, Gabby would be running for the hills away from the cold. But not today. It would mean leaving her best friend, Steve. The powers that were like shadows from her hands, normally glowed a beautiful gold colour were now a pale purple as she reached into her side satchel "I want you to have my book".
Steve couldn't take her book "Gabby, I can't take this".
"You will hold onto it till I come back" Gabby warned him.
"I will guard this with my life" Steve replied, holding out his hand to take her to the car "Come on".
In taking Steve's hand, she felt stronger "Okay".
He opened the car door for Gabby, the handle ice cold to the touch.
"You aren't getting your jumper back, though, I am keeping this" Gabby joked.
Steve smirked, leaning down to her 'I wasn't expecting it back".
He kissed her chastely on the lips. The first time since on her roof top on New Years eve. Steve put his hand around her waist, leaning down into the car "You both be safe".
"Don't worry, I will bring your girl back before you know it" Clint said to him, leaning over from the drivers side of the car "There is only so much of her rampant talking I can take"
With a smile, Gabby looked at Steve "Your girl am I now?"
"If you want to be?" Steve asked with a bit of luck.
"Yeah. Yeah I do" Gabby answered whole heartedly and touching Steve cheek "You may be Captain America but you are still Steve Rogers. You need to be safe too".
"I will" Steve replied, kissing her hand. He had to keep it together for her despite feeling he was going to fall apart any second "Now you had better get into the car before I have seconds thoughts on keeping you here myself".
With strongest of wills, Gabby let's go of Steve and sits down in her seat. She fastens her seat belt whilst all the while not breaking eye contact with Steve outside, tears breaking the barriers and falling down her cheeks "Drive now Dad".
Clint sighed, sadness across his face when he saw purple shadows come from her hands with the sadness she was feeling, and it worried him. It broke his heart to take away Gabby just as she had started making a proper life for herself.
GABRIELLA BARTON WILL RETURN IN THE AVENGERS