A/N: Okay readers, here's the deal. I've never been a stickler for reviews, but I'm simply not getting enough. I've really worked hard on this story and my betas have taken lots of their time to help me develop this story and I'd appreciate SOME kind of feedback. ANY feedback. If I don't receive anymore soon, I'm shutting down the story permanently. I'm beginning to feel like this is just a huge waste of time. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate everyone who has read/followed/faved this story. I just would like to receive some feedback. I hope that is not too much to ask. I hope everyone is enjoying the story so far.

a/n update: Okay, so I got a VERY rude review on my story today and I'd like to address something about my story to clear everything up. First of all I would like to state, that I apologize for threatening to take down the story for not receiving enough feedback. I guess that really rubs some people the wrong way. I simply am asking for constructive criticism and NOT flames. I hope that's not too much to ask. I would simply like to know what my readers think of my writing and how I can improve it. Receiving constructive criticism is VERY important to me. Secondly, this is a story CENTERED around my OC, Valli Avalee. Just in case you didn't understand that so far in the story or in the summary. I apologize if you thought of anything different. There is a reason the story is labeled under Captain America and Iron Man/Tony Stark. More of that will come. I promise. I would label it under Nick Fury, but won't let me for some strange reason. Please if you have any concerns, questions, suggestions, or ANYTHING about my story, please approach me in a RESPECTFUL manner. Please, I beg you. No flames please. I really hope I didn't make anyone angry. Please enjoy the story. I

Chapter 5:

"Hello? Anyone here?" Valli called out as she walked down the hallway. "Hello?" She checked the kitchen, the entertainment room, bathrooms, knocked on bedroom doors only to be greeted with silence. When she entered into the living room, her Uncle Nick was sitting on the couch reading what seemed to be a newspaper.

"Everyone is gone. Sent out on a mission about twenty minutes ago," he said still looking at the newspaper.

"Well, thanks for telling me sooner, Uncle Nick."

"How have you been coping?" Fury asked.

Valli shrugged as she settled onto the couch next to her uncle. "Eh... fine, I guess. I almost got smashed by the Hulk the day before yesterday. But everything else is just... peachy, I guess."

She turned to face her uncle, finding him to be studying her intently.

"What is it? Do I have something on my face?" she said, wiping her hand around her lips and over her chin.

"Stop that," Nick said sternly.

She instantly removed her hands from her face and into her lap.

"Stark tells me that you've been in your room pretty much all day yesterday and today"

Valli looked at him quizzically, "Stark? How would he know? He's drunk like ninety percent of the time anyways."

Nick raised an eyebrow, "Yes, but even Stark can sense when something's not quite right. Is something going on that you need to talk to me about?"

"No, Uncle Nick. Everything is fine. I'm doing fine," she replied quickly. Deep down inside she knew doing the right thing would be to tell her uncle about the black gem that she found, but she wasn't quite finished with it yet. She wasn't a very good liar, but she'd managed to get this far without telling anyone else what was going on. What was so different about her uncle? However, that eye patch was very intimidating, so she tried to focus on his one good eye without giving in.

"Are you sure? We don't need to-"

"Uncle Nick," she giggled, trying to hide her frustration. "I'm fine. Don't worry about me."

He studied her one more time, his expression full of concern. "Alright. Well, if something does go wrong, you contact me right away. Am I understood?"

Valli sighed. "Yes, Uncle Nick. I promise."

"Well, I'm getting ready to go back to the helicarrier" Fury said, standing up. "You sure you'll be fine alone until the Avengers get back?"

"Yeah, Uncle Nick. I'm sure"

"Alright, Vee. I'll be back soon to come and check on you. Behave yourself."

"I will, Uncle Nick."

With that Nick Fury, had left through the door.

X X X

After her Uncle Nick left, Valli decided to just watch T.V. and find something to eat until the Avengers returned. As she rummaged through the refrigerator, she couldn't stop thinking about how Stark had reported her actions to her uncle.

"Snitch," she muttered to herself.

A part of her wanted to have something waiting for Stark when he got back to the tower, however another part of her argued that maybe he really was concerned for Valli and just wasn't exactly sure how to approach her about it. After all, she had snapped on him, numerous times to be exact. Plus, she had been locked up in her room since she had arrived at the tower. She didn't want anyone to become suspicious of the gem, which would mean that she would have to spend less time in her room and more time with a bunch of men with superpowers... though she had a hard time considering Tony a man, he acted more like a kid at times. That's why she was here in the first place. Valli realized that she would just have to suck it up and commit more time to her job before anymore suspicions arose.

Going back to searching for food in the refrigerator, Valli noticed the sound of a door opening. She looked behind her to see the Avengers enter through the door, looking very worn out and tired.

She grabbed a water bottle before closing the refrigerator door and stood there awkwardly, waiting for someone to say something when she heard the voice of Stark.

"Honey, I'm home!" he yelled as he entered the room, already out of his suit, his arms open wide.

"Hello, Mr. Stark," Valli said.

"Hey there, Sparky. Finally came out of your lair, I see,". she responded with a sour smile. Stark smiled back. "So what's everyone looking so bummed out for? It's barely six o'clock. C'mon the day is still young. Unlike Grandpa Rogers."

"Stop trying to pick a fight, Stark. No one wants to hear that right now," Clint said, sounding exhausted and irritated.

Tony shrugged in response as he flopped on the couch.

An uncomfortable silence filled the room as no one said anything and Valli continued to feel even more awkward as she continued to stand there.

"Sooo... " she started, not sure how to continue with her words. "How was it?"

Everyone in the room turned to her, with looks of exhaustion and annoyance on their faces.

"Sorry, sorry," Valli said, as she backed away slightly. "Just... thought I should ask. It's... kind of my job, anyways."

"Your... job?" asked Tony as he arched an eyebrow. "I wasn't aware you had a job. You've been sleeping and playing recluse."

"I've been a bit busy with... with... "

"Busy with what?"

"With... uh, ya know. Stuff and things."

"Stuff and things?" Natasha said, joining the conversation.

"Yeah. So who wants food?" Valli said, quickly changing the subject.