Hey guys! Here is the next update :) Steve and Charlie had a lot to talk about...Please let me know what you think! Let me know what you like or don't like, any suggestions you may have. Thank you so much for continuing to read this story! It means a lot to know you guys like it :) I hope you're all having a good week! :D

Despite her decision, Charlie still felt torn. She hated this. Hated the constant back and forth of her thoughts. She wanted to be Steve's friend but every survival instinct she had told her to run. She was desperate to know if he was okay but he had hurt her. Charlie kept going back and forth, trying to stay firm in her decision to pull away but never able to feel okay with it. Was she running because she was scared or because she was protecting herself? Did Steve need her or did he have more allies now?

Lord, I don't know what to do, Charlie prayed. She'd been praying the same sentence over and over again without a clear answer. God seemed to be silent although she knew He was there. Am I not listening to You? Is that why You haven't given me an answer? Charlie asked.

You already know the answer.

Charlie pushed that thought away. Sometimes, well most times, God didn't speak in words but more in thoughts or feelings. Usually, if she asked a question, the first feeling or thought she had she attributed as God's answer. Unless she didn't want to hear it. Charlie scrubbed at a dish that was already clean, trying to convince herself that running away was the right answer.

"Lotte?"

Charlie dropped the pan in the sink, dousing herself in soapy water.

"Nattie! You scared the daylights out of me!" Charlie turned towards Nathan. There was a hint of amusement on his concerned face as he handed her a towel. She dried her hands and face off. Her shirt unfortunately had a large wet spot on it.

"And you've been scaring Betty and I," Nathan said. Charlie went back to her dishes, not wanting to look at Nathan.

"Charlie, you know Betty and I don't push you but I think you're making the wrong choice." Nathan didn't comment about her lack of eye contact and instead, settled next to her against the counter. Charlie didn't know what to say.

"Something else happened the last conversation you had with Steve. Ever since then you've been shutting down and getting ready to run."

"How did you know?"

"Lotte, I've been watching over you for eleven years now. I can tell when you're about to run." Charlie stayed silent. She hadn't realized how observant her guardians were. Nathan was watching her, waiting for her to say something. All of her words seemed to be stuck in her throat.

"Don't run away, Lotte. You've been happier in this past month getting to know Steve than I've ever seen you. Don't run away from that. It's okay to get close to people. Not everyone will hurt you," Nathan said softly. But he did hurt me, Charlie thought. Can you blame him? Look at the situation he was in, her mind reprimanded her.

"I don't know how, Nattie," Charlie replied. She hated how her voice sounded small and scared. She wasn't a child anymore. But she was still terrified of the unknown, the new.

"Nobody knows how unless they try."

At that moment, Charlie's phone rang. She and Nathan both looked at the caller. Steve. Charlie's heart began beating faster.

"Well, it looks like you've got a chance to try. I'll leave you to it then," Nathan said. He gave her an encouraging nod and left the room. Charlie's heart was in her stomach, hands shaking. At the second ring, she gave herself a calming breath and dried her hands. She picked up after the third ring.

"Charlie."

"Steve." Despite the turmoil she'd endured, the hurt, and the decision, it was good to see him again. He looked good, uninjured. She had expected that but it was still good to see. She also noticed his apartment.

"Did you get a new apartment?" she asked. Steve looked around him and nodded.

"Yeah. Thought it would be best if I moved after…all that's happened."

"Makes sense."

Silence. Awkward, tense silence. They never used to have such uncomfortable pauses in their conversations but a lot had happened. Charlie didn't know if she should start or ask or what to say. She still didn't know what was right or – You already know the answer. Charlie gulped.

"Steve-"

"Wait, let me speak first," Steve interrupted. Charlie quieted, giving him time to speak.

"I'm sorry." That…wasn't what she was expecting.

"I'm sorry I called you and didn't trust you. I've been replaying our conversation over in my head and-and I hate how bad it sounds. You didn't deserve to be questioned like that when you've done absolutely nothing to show me you weren't who you said you were. And I'm sorry I hurt you." Charlie blinked. He knew she was hurting?

"So, you do trust me?" Charlie asked.

"Yes. I do trust you," Steve said sincerely. He looked so serious and worried. Worried about her reaction. You already know the answer. Charlie took a deep breath and let go. Let go of all the turmoil and struggle she'd had over the past few days. Let go of her desire to run. She would stay and trust Steve because she wanted to.

"Thank you, Steve."

"Don't thank me yet, um-I-"

"Oh. Go ahead then."

"I'm sorry I asked you about your trust but I would do it again." Now Steve looked guilty and torn. The hurt came back but Charlie waited until she gave into it again. She had a feeling why Steve would repeat his actions.

"I'd do it again because in that situation, the way I've been trained, it would be negligent if I didn't ask. We've only known each other for a little while and after learning SHIELD was actually HYDRA, it made sense to ask. As much as you didn't deserve it and I'm sorry-"

"Steve, it's okay," Charlie interrupted. Steve stopped, looking at her in confusion.

"I understand why you asked and you're right, it did make sense for you to ask. It's okay."

"Really? Because-"

"Wait," Charlie interrupted, making a split decision. "Now it's my time to talk." Steve closed his mouth and nodded. Charlie took a deep breath and tried to find the right words.

"As much as I understand why, it still hurt. It hurt a lot more than I was expecting. I-I don't get close to people, Steve. It's one of the reasons why you're my only friend. When I get close to people, I usually end up getting hurt. And when I get hurt, I-I run. I run away." Charlie bit her lip, her instincts telling her to stop talking. But she didn't want to. She wanted to talk to Steve, to stay friends with him.

"But not this time. As much as it hurt, I'm not going to run away. I offered you my real name and I'll still give it to you if you want. Because I want to be your friend, Steve. I'm not going to run away from you," Charlie finished softly. She hoped he understood. She didn't feel like she'd explained very well but she'd never done this either.

"I'm really your first friend?"

"Yes, Steve."

"Charlie, I had no idea. I'm sorry I asked and put you on the spot-"

"Steve, it's okay. I think we both understand each other better now so it's all for the best."

"But still, I'm so-"

"Don't say sorry again. You've apologized enough," Charlie said. She smiled and for the first time in the last few days, it was sincere. Steve sighed but smiled too.

"Thanks." Charlie knew she was making the right decision but there was still something she needed to say. She needed him to know.

"One more thing," Charlie said. "I need you to understand that I'm…terrified. This – not running – making friends is all new to me. Don't get me wrong, I want to be friends but it scares me. So, if you see me pulling away or putting a wall up, tell me. Call me out because…because I don't want to do that." Charlie bit her lip and looked up at Steve. She hadn't realized she was looking away. Steve wore a mixture of understanding, guilt, and surprise.

"You really want me to do that?" Steve asked. Charlie nodded. She felt vulnerable and open, her instincts so strong her leg was tapping, itching to run away.

"Why would you give that to me? And offering me your name? Why me?" Steve asked, confusion coloring his face.

"Because…because you're the first person to see me and not some broken child. I don't want to be seen or known just because of my past. I want someone to know me," Charlie admitted. She hadn't known that was true until the words were past her lips. Steve was the first person to see Charlie, not the bruised little girl in the rain. Steve chuckled making Charlie look at him in confusion.

"What?"

"You know that's the reason I wanted to be friends too? You see me as Steve and not Captain America."

"Well that's your name isn't it?" Charlie laughed. Steve laughed with her and whatever tension they still had, dissipated. Charlie felt lighter, like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. This answer was much better than running away.

"Now, tell me what actually happened. I get the feeling your world just flipped, again." Steve's face fell slightly and he sighed again. He looked lost, sad, and determined, all rolled into one expression. Before he started, Charlie held up a hand.

"I think I need some tea before I hear this. Give me a sec," Charlie said and stood up. Steve chuckled.

"Tea's a good idea. I think I'll make some myself." They both stepped away from their phones to make a cup of tea and to gather their thoughts. Charlie felt the conversation had gone well. It had been heavy and a little awkward but it was good. She felt better than she had in days. Except the worry was creeping back in and she knew what she was about to hear was not going to be happy.

"Alright, go for it." Steve took a fortifying breath and then dove right in. Charlie listened in sorrow as Steve described running with Natasha, finding the bunker, learning that all he'd worked for had been for nothing. He described crashing at Sam's place (a friend he'd met while running) and the plan they'd created to capture a man named Sitwell.

"And that was the night you called me."

"Yeah. It was the night after I discovered Zola."

"That makes a lot of sense," Charlie mumbled, feeling guilty. Steve had good reason for questioning her, even if it did hurt. Charlie almost said something to that effect but the look on Steve's face stopped her.

"Steve? What happened when you found Sitwell?" Charlie asked softly. He looked so lost and hurt. Charlie wished she could wipe that expression of his face.

"I found Bucky." Again, not what she expected. Images of decomposed, mummified bodies came to mind. Charlie was both very confused and very disgusted. And Steve still looked heartbroken.

"Bucky? You're best friend?" Steve nodded but didn't say anything. Charlie waited, giving Steve time to find his words. He seemed lost in his thoughts, so lost.

"Steve, what do you mean you found Bucky?" Charlie asked. Steve startled at her words and then shook his head.

"Bucky…he attacked us. I didn't realize it was him until I ripped his mask off. HYDRA turned Bucky into an assassin. They call him the Winter Soldier," Steve explained softly. Charlie could see the hurt on Steve's face and it hurt her to see it.

"But I thought Bucky…"

"I know, me too. I thought he was dead, gone. But HYDRA must have found him and…turned him into a weapon. They gave him this wicked metal arm. He's as strong as me." Charlie searched Steve's face. She saw something she didn't quite like.

"Steve, that's not your fault." He looked up, unbelieving.

"You are not responsible for what happened to Bucky-"

"But I am! After I found him in HYDRA's compound I should have sent him home. I shouldn't have let him join the Howling Commandoes. I never should have let him onto that train," Steve said.

"You really think he would have stood for that?" Charlie waited for Steve to look at her before she continued speaking.

"He was your best friend, Steve. I don't think he would have left you by yourself. Don't blame yourself for his choices."

"HYDRA finding him and turning him into an assassin was his choice?"

"No, it wasn't. But, it was his choice to stay next to you, to fight with you. Don't take that away from him," Charlie said gently. Steve opened and closed his mouth, agitated.

"He doesn't even know who he is, Charlie. He didn't recognize me," Steve admitted. Charlie's brows furrowed in confusion, in concern.

"HYDRA must have done something and wiped his mind. Even after I called his name, he didn't recognize me, didn't even know his own name."

"Steve…I'm so sorry," Charlie nearly whispered. The pain was evident in Steve's face, his body language, his voice. He didn't deserve that pain. Nobody deserved to have their friend turned against them.

"What are you going to do?" Charlie asked, breaking the heavy silence.

"I'm going to get him back," Steve stated, simply.

"I fought with him again on the helicarriers and I-I think I got through to him. He beat me senseless but…he saved me too so he's in there somewhere. I just need to find him. But that's like trying to find a needle in a haystack. His trail has nearly gone cold because I was in the hospital for so long. I have more information but it's still not enough. I need to find him."

"With that determination, you will. Trust your instincts Steve. You'll find him," Charlie reassured. Steve glanced up and nodded. A spark of hope had reignited in Steve's eyes. It was better than the wash of pain she'd seen.

"However, speaking of hospitals. How bad were your injuries?" Steve looked away and fidgeted. Charlie sighed and prepared herself for the worst. She stared at Steve until he finally relented, quickly listing off his injuries. Needless to say, her jaw was on the floor and the worry she had was coming out her ears.

"And they let you out of the hospital after a week!?" Charlie cried. Steve cringed sheepishly.

"I'm really okay. I heal fast-"

"Steven. You were shot three times! And…and is that a lingering bruise on your face?"

"I need to find Bucky! I can't sit in a hospital for weeks," Steve grumbled. Charlie sighed, rolling her eyes up to the ceiling.

"I'm beginning to realize why Bucky stayed with you during the war. You need someone to remind you to take care of yourself," Charlie mumbled in reply. Steve grunted, wearing a reprimanded look.

"Well, I'm glad you heal fast otherwise I'd be marching back to DC to slap you back into bed."

"Thanks," Steve replied sarcastically. Charlie laughed, standing up to put her tea away. As she sat back down, she saw Steve's expression turn from disgruntled to thoughtful.

"You look like you have a question on your mind," Charlie prompted. Steve looked up, searching her face. She suddenly had an idea what he was going to ask.

"Will you explain the two names to me?" Steve asked gently. Charlie took a shuddering breath but nodded. He deserved to know and she had offered it to him.

"It – maybe it's not as big as I-I think it is but basically I have two last names. I have my birth name and the name I took when I decided to stay with Nana and Nattie. My birth name…I don't give that out because of my record," Charlie said. Steve's face was open of judgment except for curiosity and confusion. She realized how wrong that sounded and held up her hand.

"Wait, I mean – that sounds bad. Record – what I mean is hospital and child protection services records and – and maybe a few theft records. Petty theft…stealing candy and such…" Charlie trailed off, looking at her hands. She wanted to stop there but now that she was talking, the words needed to be said.

"My records contain my history, my past. Everything that I wish I could forget. Keeping my original last name was…a connection to my father and I'd rather not have that anymore. By taking Nana and Nattie's last name, I became theirs and…"

"And?" Steve asked when she fell silent. Charlie's hands were trembling at the memory of her past. They always did this when old memories were brought up.

"And it kept my family from ever finding me. I didn't want the sheriff to find me and bring me back. When I stumbled upon Nattie and Nana's doorstep I begged them not to tell the police, so afraid they would bring me back. For the life of me, I don't know why they listened to me. They arranged everything – must have pulled some strings – but after two years, I was theirs. On paper, they've adopted me. They never got my parents approval or that of an agency but I've never looked too closely, too happy with the blessing I was given. So I took their name and never looked back. That's why I have two names." Charlie rubbed her hands against her pants, trying to do something other than tangle her fingers together. She glanced up at Steve. He looked…sad.

"I'm sorry you had to go through that, Charlie."

"It's fine. It happened and nothing can change that. To be honest, I…I don't think they ever came looking for me. That's a good thing right?" Charlie asked. Because, if they never looked for her it meant she was safe from their harm. But it also meant they never cared about her. Maybe didn't even want her. Charlie could see that Steve was thinking along similar lines.

"I'm sorry." Two words, so simple. Yet, they were powerful to Charlie. Besides Nana and Nattie, she'd never met someone who cared for her so sincerely. Charlie felt her eyes prick with tears.

"Thanks," she whispered. She took a deep breath and held back her emotion. Besides, this emotion was much better than the turmoil from before.

"Well, this has been a heavy conversation."

"No kidding." They both chuckled. A ring came from Steve's phone and he looked in the corner of the screen.

"Duty calls?"

"Something like that," Steve sighed. Charlie nodded. She had this incredible urge to tell him not to go. She didn't want to stop talking to him.

"Well, before you go, did you want my name? I did offer it to you…"

"No, that's okay. I trust you. Plus, I don't want you to give it to me over phone. We didn't crush HYDRA, they're still out there and I never know who's listening. But on that note, keep your eyes out and stay safe okay?" Steve said, concern suddenly coloring his face.

"I should be saying that to you. I'll be fine but you. You stay safe Steven Rogers, you here?" Charlie demanded. Steve chuckled at the familiar phrase and nodded.

"I'll do my best ma'am," Steve replied with a smile. Charlie couldn't help but smile back.