Greetings, dear readers. I hope you are all well. Here's the next chapter, done and ready for posting. I'm sure you're well aware, that the Avengers et al don't belong to me. The stuff you don't recognize from movie and comics most likely sprang from my rather active imagination. I hope you enjoy all.
Princess PrettyPants: Thanks. I love confetti!
Qweb: Yay, indeed. Thank you for making the sacrifice of rereading the whole thing. I hope it wasn't too much of an ordeal for you.
ChEiFi: Gesh. You want a wedding, too? Some people! I guess I'll get to it sometime. Maybe. Yes, Maria's insecurity will still rear its head from time to time.
sailorraven34: Thanks. It's really fun writing the interactions and creating back stories.
a graceless heart: Thank you. I'm glad you liked.
Sandy-wmd: Yeah, Steve could have saved her a whole lot of angst with a simple explanation, but that wouldn't have been nearly as fun, would it?
Jokerang: One of the things I find fascinating about writing Maria is how she can be so confident and controlled in her work, but so very unsure in the personal matters.
Spitfire 303: Why, thank you kindly. You're sweet.
star3235: Yay for them is right.
And yay! for all the lovely reviews. You have no idea how happy they make me. Story time!
Stroll 26
"All right. You'll have plenty of time for that later," Darcy interrupted. "Time to show off that ring, Hill. You do know that a newly engaged woman has a legal obligation to start flashing it around to every other woman in the area. Particularly, those who have no immediate prospects of getting one of their own in the near future," she said, reaching for Maria's hand.
"Legal obligation?" Maria asked.
Darcy shrugged. "I could be wrong. You can look it up later, but for now, you should probably let us look, just to be safe."
With a shake of her head, Maria held out her hand for the other woman to grasp. Squealing with delight, she pulled it close, turning it this way and that as the examined the ring.
"That is gorgeous," she declared with a sigh. Jane, Betty, and Pepper crowded close, agreeing that it was a perfect choice as the men offered Steve their own congratulations.
"Nat?" Darcy called to the assassin. "Did you see this beautiful ring?"
Rolling her eyes, the redhead stepped close and leaned over to look. After several moments, she shrugged. "It's a ring," she stated.
When the young intern started to protest, Maria caught her eye and shook her head slightly. "Yeah. It's just a ring."
"It's okay, I suppose."
Maria knew her friend was happy for her, even if she didn't make the big public display.
"What's okay?" a deep voice asked.
They all turned to find Nick and Phil had slipped into the garage without being noticed.
"Maria's engagement ring," Darcy told them.
"Engagement ring?" Nick frowned.
"Yeah." The young woman grabbed the Deputy Director's hand and pulled her over towards the two man. "Natasha says it's okay, but the rest of us think it's absolutely gorgeous. Don't you thing so?"
Before either man could respond they were interrupted by the arrival of another vehicle. The silver blue minivan slid into an empty slot and the sound of doors opening and closing echoed in the cavernous garage.
"Dad!" a voice called.
Phil lit up as he turned to greet the new arrivals. Max dashed towards him, wrapping his arms around him. On their post-wedding trip, the boy had shyly brought up the question of what to call his mother's new husband in light of their new relationship. He had shrugged when asked his preference, throwing out several ideas before his very casual suggestion of 'dad.' Mia had looked a little uncomfortable until they assured her that she could choose for herself.
It was decided that she would stick with 'Phil,' at least, for now.
Sandwiched between Jen and Charlotte, she smiled and nodded at something one of the older women said. She glanced at the gathered group, her gaze landing on Darcy, still holding Maria's hand out. Her eyes widened.
"Oh, my...Is that what I think it is?" she asked, running over to join them. The other two followed at a more sedate pace.
"That depends," Steve commented, wrapping his arms around Maria from behind. "On what you think it is. If you think it's a hippopotamus, then, no, it's not what you think. On the other hand, if you think it's an engagement ring, then you're exactly right."
Mia squealed with delight as she looked at the ring, then threw her arms around the couple. "That is so cool." She stepped back to take another look at the ring. "Mom. Char. You have got to see this."
"Congratulations," Jen told them, smiling broadly as she stepped into her husband's embrace. After a welcoming kiss, she leaned past her daughter to examine the gift. She let out a low whistle, then smiled at the happy couple. "Stunning."
Nick greeted Charlotte with a tender kiss and a hug. Then, she leveled a stern look at Maria, stepped forward, and held out her hand. The brunette placed her own hand in the other woman's and waited. Charlotte studied the ring for several moments, watching it glint in the light.
"Very nice," She looked up at Steve. "1920's vintage. Art deco."
He nodded. "There's a jewelry store in my old neighborhood. Been run by the same family for several generations. The guy there now put out some feelers and helped me find just the right setting, then replaced the stones." He looked at his fiancee. "He assured me that they're conflict free."
Dr. Adair continued her study. "Appropriate." Finally, she nodded. "You did well, Captain."
"Thank you," Steve answered with a smile.
"Just one more question."
They waited. She looked around.
"Why are we standing around in the parking garage? I was promised food and drink and I don't see any down here?"
"Funny story, actually," Darcy started to explain.
"That can wait until we're all upstairs where there IS food and drink," Pepper interrupted.
"You know, they may want to celebrate in private," Betty interjected.
"Why would they want to do that?" Max asked. "It's more fun to be with your friends."
"Yeah, friends are fun, but sometimes, it's nice to just have alone time with just one friend at a time, right?" Phil asked him.
"I guess," the boy reluctantly agreed, though he didn't seem entirely convinced.
Steve looked at Maria, who shrugged. "We need to eat, anyway."
"Which is not to say that we might not sneak out early," Steve added.
The group moved upstairs and Tony had the staff pull out several bottles of champagne.
"The good stuff," he told them as the trays were passed around. As Jen's nod of consent, even Max and Mia were offered glasses. Everyone drank a toast to the happy couple, then drifted into small groups.
Maria sat on a barstool, sipping at her drink and watching their teammates relaxed, talking and laughing together. Steve stood next to her, his hand lightly stroking her back. She smiled at him, then pulled out her phone. She dialed while he watched curiously.
"Peggy Carter's room, please."
He leaned close, listening as the call was routed to her room.
"Carter."
"Hi, Peggy. Maria Hill."
"Maria." Peggy's said affectionately. "I'm assuming you had that conversation we discussed with a certain young man?"
"I did."
Steve leaned close. "She said 'yes.' Peggy."
"Naturally. She's a smart woman."
They both laughed. "Thanks, Peggy," Maria told her. "For everything."
"You're welcome, my dears. Now, go, celebrate. I'll be looking for that wedding invitation."
"Yes, ma'am. As promised, you'll receive the first one," Maria replied.
They said their goodbyes and Steve took the phone from her hand. "One more quick call," he said, pulling up a number. She looked at it and nodded.
It rang several times before it was answered.
"Pierce residence."
"Hey, Dr. Pierce. Steve Rogers," Steve replied.
"Who?"
"Steve Rogers," he repeated. "From New York."
"Who is it?" they heard Margaret in the background.
"Someone in New York?" he answered.
"You put your hearing aids in while I grab the extension," she told him.
Steve grinned at Maria.
"Hello?" Margaret said into the phone.
"Hi, Mrs. Pierce. It's Steve and Maria from New York."
"It's the kids. From New York," she hollered at her husband.
"That's what I told you," he answered, picking up the phone again.
"And it's Margaret," she told Steve.
"Yes, ma'am."
Maria leaned close to the phone. "Don't worry. We don't need anything this time. We're just calling to see how you're doing."
"We're good," the other woman answered.
"Also wanted to ask. We know your last visit didn't go real well, but we wondered if you might be willing to come back sometime. Maybe for a special occasion?"
"Have to a pretty special one," Hawkeye warned.
"A wedding might do it," his wife answered.
"Is that the kind of occasion we're talking about?"
"Yes, sir," Steve replied, the smile clear in his voice. "Patience and perseverance paid off."
"That's wonderful. You two belong together. Just needed to wait for the time to be right," the older woman assured them.
"Like I told you, son. The right one's worth the wait."
"She certainly is," Steve agreed, leaning over to kiss his fiancee.
"Just let us know when and we'll do out best to be there," Margaret assured them.
"Will do."
"Now, get off the phone and go celebrate. I'm sure you can think of something better to do than gab with a couple of old folks."
Steve waggled his eyebrows. "I most certainly can."
They said their goodbyes and Maria slipped her phone back in her pocket.
"Refill?"
Tony Stark stood in front of them, champagne bottle in hand.
"Sure," Steve said, holding out his glass.
"Just a little bit," Maria agreed.
He poured, then stood silently for a moment, looking down at his feet. He cleared his throat a couple of times, then looked up at them.
"I really hate having to admit I was wrong. Which is usually not a problem, because I very seldom am, but in this case...I was." He shrugged. "I would never have imagined the two of you together, but somehow, you just work. So...congratulations...happy for you and all that other crap."
He offered a hand to Steve, who reached out to shake it, then leaned forward kiss Maria's cheek.
At the sound of a menacing growl, he froze. Katya stood next to Maria, ears forward and eyes locked on Tony as the rumbling continued.
Tony met her gaze, then stood, putting some distance between himself and the agent.
The growling stopped and the big dog settled on her haunches.
He leaned forward again, resting a hand on the woman's shoulder.
Katya quickly rose again, the growl becoming louder once more.
He stepped back, and she quieted once more, though she remained alert.
He moved towards Maria, Katya growled.
Moved back, she stopped.
"For pete's sake, Cerberus, I thought we had reached a peace accord," he responded with a frustrated sigh. "Live and let live?"
"She's just playing with you, Stark," Maria told him.
"No, she wants to play with my limbs after she rips them off," he said.
"It's okay, Tony," Maria assured him.
"No, it's personal," he responded, eyes locked on the beast, as his mind went to work. After several moments, he turned, waving one of the servers over. He studied the tray of appetizers, finally selecting a wheat cracker topped with pate.
"Here you go. Peace offering," he showed the rottweiler, stooping to set it on the floor in front of her. Maria made a covert hand signal, letting the dog know it was okay to eat the offering. Before Tony was able to rise, she snapped it up. He frowned for a moment, then snagged several more of the treats. Placing them several inches apart, he jumped up quickly and leaned in, kissing Maria on the cheek.
Katya swallowed the last treat, then looked up.
Tony stuck his tongue out at her, but retreated quickly when she loosed a low bark.
"Must mingle," he declared, slipping away.
"That wasn't very nice," Maria declared, looking over at the dog.
"But it sure was funny," Steve added, reaching over to pat the big, dark head. He could have sworn she was smiling at them. She turned and walked a few steps, then stopped and looked back at them. When neither of them moved, she walked back to them, butting her head against Maria's leg.
"What's that, Lassie? Timmy's stuck in the well?"
They looked over to find Phil standing next to them, a smile on his face.
"Who is Timmy? Or Lassie, for that matter," Steve asked, confusion on his face. "Is this a SHIELD operation or an Avengers one?"
"Neither," Phil replied, shaking his head. "It's an old movie/tv reference. After your time, before hers, I think. Lassie was this amazing dog and Timmy was her boy who seemed to keep ending up needing rescuing from something."
"Okay," Maria commented, giving him an odd look.
"I think she wants you to follow her," he explained.
"Don't know why he couldn't have just said that," she commented
"Instead of getting us all worried about poor little Timmy," Steve agreed, helping her off the stool.
She kissed him lightly, then started to follow the dog. After a few steps, Katya looked back, When she realized Steve wasn't following, she went back, gently grabbing his pants leg with her teeth.
"Guess Timmy needs both of you," Phil joked.
Steve set his glass down on the bar, then joined his fiancee, following the big dog through the room. She stopped at the sliding door leading out to the deck and looked up at them. Shrugging, Maria slid the door opened and the animal wriggled through the opening.
The couple followed, pausing a moment with their backs to the wall to allow their eyes to adjust to the lower light levels.
Maria felt someone grab her wrist and pull her towards the shadows. She moved instinctively to fight back, stopping when she noted the bright red hair and pale skin.
"Nat," she sighed.
The red head pulled her to the side, glancing towards the door to make sure that none of the others could see them. Without a word, she grabbed the other woman and pulled her into a tight embrace.
"I am so happy for you," she whispered, squeezing her.
Maria understood the need to protect her image.
"Thanks," she whispered back.
After several moments, she released the embrace and stepped back. She lifted Maria's hand, studying the ring with a critical eye. Finally, she nodded.
"This really is gorgeous," she told her friend with a smile.
"I'm pretty fond of it already," the brunette admitted.
Natasha turned to face Steve. She leveled a legendary glare at him. Even though she was several inches shorter than him, she still gave the impression of looking down at him. Her eyes narrowed, she placed her index finger in the middle of his chest, pressing lightly.
He held her gaze, finally giving her a solemn nod. She responded with her own nod, then slipped her arms around him, hugging him fiercely. He hugged her back, acknowledging the affection as well as the warning she gave.
She finally released him, turned on her heel and walked back into the room. Steve pulled Maria into and embrace.
"I guess she approves?"
"I think so," she answered, pressing close to him and kissing him deeply.
"You know," he said, coming up for air, "We could go ahead and slip downstairs. I don't think anyone would be particularly surprised if we were no shows for dinner."
"True."
As if on cue, her stomach growled loudly and they both laughed.
"However, we do need to eat. I have a feeling we'll be burning a whole lot of energy later tonight," she added, squeezing his backside.
"That's the plan," he agreed.
After several minutes, they rejoined the party.
Maria saw Charlotte standing next to the bar and went over to talk to her while Steve joined the small group made up of Nick, Phil, and Clint.
She hugged the other woman.
"I was so relieved to get your text this morning," she told her. "Thank you for letting me know."
"Didn't want you worrying," Charlotte told her.
"Good day, huh?"
"Let me think. I got a good report on my biopsy. Found a gorgeous beaded shawl at an antique bazaar along with several other pieces I couldn't resist. Got to spend the afternoon with Phil's lovely new family. Mia interviewed me for a paper she's doing on women in nontraditional jobs. Then, my amazing girl decides she's ready to commit to someone who realizes just how very amazing she is." She nodded. "Yeah, I would say it's been a pretty good day. I think I'll wrap it up by having dinner with friends, about one more drink than I should, and convincing my husband to spend the night here so I can seduce him into my bed."
"Sounds like a plan," Maria told her with a laugh, looking over to the men. She noticed their serious expressions and frowned. "What's going on over there?" she pondered.
Charlotte followed her gaze.
"Man talk."
"Threatening him?"
"They care about you, sweetie," the doctor reminded her, patting her arm. "They just want to make sure he doesn't hurt you."
"He won't."
Before she could move in that direction, Charlotte put a hand on her arm again. "I'll straighten them out," she assured her.
Across the room, Fury, Coulson, and Barton all stood facing the Captain.
"Congratulations," Nick told him, his face unreadable.
"Thank you, sir. I'm a very fortunate man."
"Yes, you are," Clint agreed.
Steve looked at them, then focused on Fury.
"My apologies, sir. I should have come to you first to ask your permission before I asked her."
Nick shook his head. "She's a grown woman and she makes her own decisions. I'm of a mind that this is a good one."
Steve smiled.
"But I will continue to watch closely and could always change my mind. And your duty assignment."
"Siberia," Phil reminded him.
"Antarctica," Clint added.
"Nicholas. Philip. Clinton." They all jumped at the sound of Charlotte's voice. She joined the group, giving each of the men a warning glare and she slipped her arm through her husband's.
"I know you are not threatening this young man."
The men all mumbled weak denials.
"That would be completely unnecessary," she told them.
"I promise, I am never going to deliberately hurt her," he said.
"Because this is Maria Hill and she is perfectly capable of taking care of herself." She turned her glare to Steve. "And should he mess up badly, none of you will even find a trace of the good captain."
Steve nodded. "True enough."
The others agreed as Maria joined them, sliding under his arm.
"Everything okay over here?" she asked.
"Just wishing him luck," Phil told her.
Clint grinned. "He's certainly going to need it with you."
She stuck out her tongue as Steve squeezed her.
"That ring on her finger proves how lucky I am," he told them.
"All kidding aside," Nick told them, "You both understand how blessed you are to have found each other and to be together now."
Phil grinned. "Especially considering that Cap was born a couple of generations before Maria."
Everyone nodded.
"The two of you, more than most people out there, understand the value of what you have and how easily it could be lost. I know you'll both do your best to protect that."
The couple looked at each other and smiled.
"Yes, sir," the young woman told him. "We certainly will."
Before the conversation could continue, Tony called out that dinner was ready and everyone moved to the dining area and settled into their seats. Plates were filled, compliments passed to the kitchen staff, and conversation turned to other matters.
Mia caught Maria's attention. "Have you given any thought to the wedding yet?" she asked.
Maria shook her head. "I'm still wrapping my head around the idea that I'm getting married."
"Well, if you need any ideas, we've certainly had enough weddings planned among us lately. Everything from small and lovely a huge royal wedding." She looked at the Furys. "What about you, Charlotte? What was your wedding like?"
"Wedding chapel in Atlantic City," she answered.
"Or there's always the JP at city hall like we did," Tasha contributed.
Several forks clattered on dishes and there was the sound of someone choking, then silence.
"I'm sorry, Nat. What did you say?" Pepper inquired.
The red head looked up. "City hall," she repeated. "Big building. Courts. Judges. Marriages every bit as legal as one in a church."
"You're married?" Tony choked out. "To Legolas?"
"To me," Clint acknowledged.
The others looked at each other as the duo smiled conspiratorially at each other.
"When did this happen?" Pepper asked.
Nat's brow furrowed. "Four years ago?" She glanced over at Maria.
Maria nodded. "Almost five now," she agreed.
"Five years next month," Charlotte added.
"And none of you ever bothered to mention this?" Tony asked.
Clint shrugged. "It never really came up."
"Well, now that is has come up, congratulations to you as well," Bruce told them with a smile.
The other murmured their agreement.
"How's your wedding planning going, Jane?" Betty inquired.
"Great," she told them. "Frigga is taking care of everything."
"Everything?" Pepper asked.
"With a little help from Darcy," she amended. "There are certain expectations with it being a royal event and I don't really care too much, as long as we're married at the end of the day. They get my opinions on things like flowers and colors and Darcy knows me well enough to direct her away from anything I would completely hate. All I really need to do is show of up for dress fittings and then for the wedding itself."
"Well, not quite all," Darcy reminded her. "There's still the matter of your attendants."
"Ah, yes," Thor interrupted. "Eric has agreed to stand with me, as have Fanddral, Hogun, ant Volstagg. It is my hope that my Midgard brothers Stark, Clint, Bruce, and the good Captain will stand with me as well," he said, looking at the other men.
"Of course, if they agree, Pepper, Natasha, Betty and Maria will have to stand with me," Jane commented with a hopeful smile.
The couples in question looked at each other. After brief, quiet conversations, they all agreed.
"Wonderful," Thor boomed, hugging Jane.
"Good," Darcy corrected. "But Jane's still short." She looked at her boss. "You've got the four of them, me, and Sif. You still need two more."
"I know." She bit her lip and looked around the table. "Jen, I know we haven't really known each other very long, but we're both a part of this strange little family now. I would love it if you and Mia would finish out our wedding party." She looked at them hopefully. "You'd get new dresses out of the deal if nothing else."
"Really nice, Asgardian gowns, not ugly old bridesmaid dresses," Darcy added.
"Fancy gowns that you'll still probably never had occasion to wear again," Natasha commented.
"Not helpful, Nat," the intern mumbled.
"Besides. You've got to kind of feel sorry for me, don't you?" Jane asked. "Spend so much time in my lab, I don't really have many friends I can ask." She put on a sad face.
"You have always told us to include the outsiders," Mia reminded her mother. She stopped, a concerned look on her face. "Thor's like, some kind of royalty, right?"
Jane nodded.
"So, this wedding is a big deal?"
Another nod.
"You don't think people might have a problem with someone in the wedding party looking like this?" she asked, fingering the scars on her face.
"Absolutely not," Thor assured her. "We are a warrior people. Battle scars are born proudly as reminders of the strength of the survivor." He held her gaze. "There is no shame is showing that you were stronger than that which sought to harm you."
"Well said," Steve told him, squeezing Maria's hand. Though they had never really discussed it much, he had noticed that she had a tendency to stay well covered in public.
Mia considered a moment, then nodded. "I think I like your people," she told him, then turned to her mother. "Can we, mom?"
Jen looked to her husband. "What do you think, Phil?"
He looked a bit surprised to be asked, then smiled as he remembered that he was now a parent, too.
"I'd love seeing the two of you all decked out," he told her.
"Thank you, Dr. Foster. We'd be honored," Jen said.
"Jane," the bride told her.
"Jane."
Talk turned to other subjects and everyone relaxed, enjoying a good meal and catching up with what was going on in the lives of their teammates and friends. As the meal ended, the group started making their way back into the common area.
Steve leaned towards Maria.
"Do you think we've put in enough of an appearance ?" he whispered, sliding his hand up her thigh.
"I don't think anyone would be surprised if we called it a night," she told him, her lips meeting his in a promising kiss.
He rose, taking her hand to help her from her chair. Looking around, they quietly headed towards the stairwell to head down to their level. They has almost made it to the door when a voice called out.
"Steve. Maria." They turned to find Pepper heading towards them. She held out a bottle of champagne. "Thought you might like a little bubbly for your private celebration."
"Thanks," Steve told her, reaching out to take it.
She hugged him, then Maria. "And congratulations. I'm really happy for you both."
Releasing her, she gently pushed them towards the door.
"Go."
They didn't need to be told twice and hurried down the several flights of stairs to their level. Hand in hand, they hurried down the hallway. He came to a stop, pushing her up against the wall, hungrily claiming her lips. She wrapped her arms around him, passionately returning his kiss.
"Your place or mine?" he mumbled against her mouth.
"Yes," she mumbled back.
He laughed. "That wasn't a 'yes' or 'no' question, sweetheart."
"Either or," she told him. "Doesn't matter, just need to pick one or I'll be tearing your clothes off right here in the hallway."
He hand hands pulled the tail of his shirt from his pants, sliding her hands over the warm, bare skin.
"Whichever," she said.
His hands went to her hips, guiding her to the door of her apartment. He set the champagne bottle on the table just inside the door as she pulled his shirt over his head, dropping it to the floor as her hands traced the familiar contours of his torso.
"I love you," she told him.
"I love you, too," he replied, his fingers seeking out the zipper of her uniform top.
And then, there were no more words spoken or needed as they left behind a trail of hastily discarded clothing as they headed back to the bedroom and their celebration became very private.
And that wraps up another chapter. Thank you so much for taking the time to read. I'm aware of how busy everyone is at this time, so I appreciate your time investment. I would love to know what you thought.
I may have a one shot ready to go in the next few days, hopefully. If not, Merry Christmas.
