I stood in the same place, listening to their passive-aggressive arguing before it turned into peels laughter.
I loved that Nat understood what our jobs entailed, no doubt or questions asked. Why? Because up until Clint and she had little Charlie, she was a part of it. I'm sure if the situation called for it, she would go back in a heartbeat, especially if it meant little Charlie would be safe.
We knew she was angry, but I suppose that was due to what happened at the helped Barnes and Rogers escape before disappearing altogether. She had her reasons for this, and I knew that as well. My guess is that she went to pick up little Charlie from Pepper's house and came back home.
I sighed, thinking of a few days before this situation. The truth was I had been evading Steve since I saw him lip-locked with blondie. If I was being honest with myself, I knew I would have to speak to him soon, I just didn't know if I could do it, without getting hurt though. Was I strong enough?
Past events lead me to believe, I wasn't meant to be in any type of relationship. This happening only confirmed that much.
Though I knew I couldn't keep avoiding it any longer, the possibility of getting hurt caused me to drag my feet.
"That settles that situation...awesome, now what to do..." I muttered to myself as I head towards the kitchen.
I quickly attempted to distract myself by making a meal for all of us with what I see in the refrigerator. In it, I found a pack of four chicken breasts and some fresh veggies.
I end up making some grilled chicken and vegetable medley with a side of steamed white rice, and a few warmed rolls.
As I am taking everything on the table, I hear two sets of footsteps coming down the stairs and towards the kitchen.
"What's cooking there, Eyas?" Clint says as he walks in with little Charlie in his arms.
"Just some grilled chicken, vegetable medley and rice," I muttered as I set the last plate.
A knock at the front door silences us all, including little Charlie.
"Were either of you expecting someone?" Nat asks, lowly.
Clint and I shake our heads from side to side in response, looking at each other before he inclined his head to one side, silently telling me to slowly leave through the back door.
As I move silently towards the door, I hear the approaching footsteps. It is the voice that I hear speak next that makes me tense where I stand. I slowly begin moving towards the door facing the backyard.
"Marie, wait."
I let out a low sigh as slowly turning to come face to face with the last person I wanted to see.
Standing there was Steve Rogers, a pleading expression on his face.
"Rogers," my brother greets, bouncing Charlie in his arms as Charlie smiles and slaps his cheek.
"Barton." He greets back, never taking his eyes off of me.
I ignore the stare he is giving me and continue setting the plates for dinner on the table.
"Are you staying for dinner?" Nat asks, helping me.
"If that's alright...?" He asks looking at my brother, who sighs and nods as he sits a wiggling Charlie into his high chair.
Once the table is set, I quickly sit in between Nat and my brother and smile in return as Charlie throws us all a toothy grin.
Then, the uncomfortable silence sets in as we eat.
"So, how did you get here?" My brother asks him.
"I got a ride into town, and then rode the rest of the way." He says, after swallowing the food in his mouth.
"So, you rode your motorcycle out here?" My brother asks him, handing Charlie a piece of broccoli only to watch him throw it back at him in disgust. "Charlie," Nat warned, handing him a piece of chicken and a piece of carrot.
The raspberry she received in response caused us all to laugh as he scooped up the chicken and threw it into his mouth and munched on it happily.
"Have you heard anything from Tony yet?" Nat asked, suddenly.
"I tried calling him earlier, went straight to voicemail," Steve said, as he speared something on his plate.
I couldn't help my heart, and body's reaction by the sound of his smooth, masculine voice. Causing me to inhale sharply.
"I haven't tried." My brother says, looking over at me. "Have you, Eyas?" he asks me.
"No, actually. I'm going to call him later." I mention as I move the food around my plate, all while keeping my head down.
"So, he is answering your calls?" My brother asked me, surprised.
"Yes, he always does. It's a deal we made a long time ago." I replied, in a low voice, as I stabbed a few pieces of chicken and veggies.
"What deal?" He asks, suspiciously.
"I was thirteen, he was like 26 maybe a bit older, give or take a few years…anyways, I got lost one day, trying to find somewhere to eat, and ran into him. Anyway, since that day he promised to always help me no matter what, he would always answer my calls, as long as I answer his." I explained.
"...and you both kept your promise?" My brother inquired, raising an eyebrow at me.
"It's been seven years. So far so good." I say shrugging.
"That's good to know." My brother said, nodding to himself.
The rest of the meal is eaten quietly. So much so, that little Charlie ends up asleep in his high chair. Briefly, reminding us of dad when he would fall asleep in his chair.
It was just after dinner that I decided to sit down in the backyard. It had been a long time since I could sit and stare at the stars, let my mind wander. The last time I did this was with Steve back in AHQ.
Before everything happened.
I try to ignore the sting I begin to feel in my chest, as I remember what happened, along with the sting in my eyes that comes along with it. Spreading a blanket before I sit down.
"Nice night out." I heard from above me.
"Yes, it is." I mumble, trying to ignore him, tilting my head down and wiping my face of any stray tears.
"Mind if I sit down?" He asks, jutting his chin towards the spot next to mine.
"It's a free country." I mumble, looking away.
"Indeed it is." He muttered back, as he sat down next to me.
I nod, before laying back to get a better look at the barely appearing stars.
"Marie…" he began, sighing.
"Steve…" I murmur back, keeping my eyes on the glowing orbs in the multicolored sky.
"I came here to apologize… I know, you saw what happened before all of this and...I'm sorry." He says.
"From what Tony says she is the one who threw herself at you… So, why are you apologizing? I mean, we were only friends right?" I murmur, shrugging it off.
"Marie, I thought we were past this." He sighs.
"We are. I completely understand why she did it, I mean... it's you. You're Captain America. Everybody idolizes you. Why should it matter if I am your girlfriend." I mumble, indifferntly.
"Marie, she knew we have been going out since it happened. She has been a pain in the ass since I met her. Four years ago." He explains. "She won't leave me alone." He complains laying back on the blanket with me.
"So, how do you feel about kissing Peggy's niece?" I ask, amused, watching as a scowl appeared on his face at my comment.
"Ok stop. That's not funny." He says, amused. "So, does this mean I am forgiven?"
I pretended to think about it before he mock scowled at me, "I guess, you're forgiven. For now…" I replied, laughing when he lifted his head off the ground just to look at me and give me a dry smile.
The laugh that escapes me is followed by him grumbling something under his breath, before he turned to look at me a small smile pulling at his lips. "I've missed you."
"I missed you too." I mutter back, allowing him to take my hand into his.
As the night progresses and the sky begins to turn darker. We lay there, silently, watching the stars.
"Are you going to stay here or come back home?" He whispered.
"I don't know if that is a good idea." I say, sitting up.
"Why not?" He asks me confused.
Our conversation, however, is interrupted by a large dark blue orb suddenly appearing in the sky.
"Do you see that?" I ask him just. Before that large orb starts heading in the north east direction.
A blast is heard moments later causing us both to shoot up in a sitting position, we turn to look at each other before we hastily get to our feet and take off towards the house.