"It's been two weeks!" Clint yelled in frustration.

"Thor wouldn't put her in harm's way." Steve told him, but Clint was continuing to pace.

"Not intentionally." Nat spoke, crossing her arms as she stood beside Bruce.

"I'm sure she's fine, she's resilient." Bruce assured them but Tony looked upset with Pepper rubbing his back in reassurance.

"The kid should be fine; I wonder what held them up." Tony told Pepper softly.

She smiled, "I'm sure she'll be back soon, I'm more worried about him…" she said as she looked over to Bucky.

Bucky was sitting on the sofa, his right leg shaking as he had a hand in his hair with Steve sitting beside him.

"He's hasn't spoken or even left the tower." Pepper told him.

He opened his mouth to speak when he heard thunder outside. The group walked towards the windows as they watched the night sky; the thunder being all too familiar to them when a bright tunnel of light hit the balcony to reveal Desi clinging to Thor as he clung to her waist. Pepper immediately took out her phone and took a picture of them, a smiling Nat as she took a glance at the picture.

Desi pulled away, adjusting herself, unknowing of Thor's gentle gaze on her as he guided her into the building.

The duo froze when everyone looked at them, and she couldn't help but blush.

"Tiny, did Asgard give you that body? You look good." Nat told her.

"Tasha? Oh my god!" Desi came forward but Pepper cut in front of her.

"I'm sorry, but can you stand by Thor while I take a picture of the two of you? I might not see you too often like this." Pepper asked of her.

"Yeah, of course. Send me a copy of those, okay?" Desi said with a wink, before going back to Thor.

Thor smiled his gaze never leaving Desi's face as he took her hand in his, placing it on his arm as he watched her pose.

Pepper took various pictures, sensing Natasha leaning towards her.

"Send me some copies too." Nat whispered to her before walking up to the duo.

"Now can I have a hug, Tiny? We've been worried sick about you for weeks now." Nat told her.

Desi ran up to Natasha and wrapped her arms around Nat, embracing her tightly. "I'm sorry to have worried you all, but I missed you guys so much." Desi told her.

"You still give the best hugs…" Nat spoke softly, hearing a chuckle beside them.

"Don't hog her to yourself." Nat pulled away when Desi looked over when she saw the source.

"Clint!" Desi squealed as she embraced him just as tightly.

"I'm also really sore if you could be a doll?" he asked, making her chuckle as she placed her fingertips on the back of his neck, and she heard him sigh.

"Oh yeah, the best hugger." He said as he pulled away. Nat punched him in the arm, making him wince at the sudden attack.

"Force of habit, sorry." Clint explained.

"I'm always happy to help." She said as Bruce walked over to her.

"It's good to see you again, Desi." Bruce said as he gave her a side hug, hugging him back briefly.

"You as well, I hope your trip was alright?" she asked, mindful to not overwhelm him.

"It was thanks. But I'm glad Thor brought you back, I think the others were ready to send a search party." He said, smiling sympathetically.

"Well, I'm just glad I got back before that happened." She told them, scrunching up her nose playfully.

Pepper gave her a hug as well, Tony clasping a hand on her shoulder and squeezing; Desi knew he wasn't an expressive kind of man.

"It was three months and two weeks, Angel!" Tony's explained.

"Wait, really?" she asked, her eyes widened when Pepper released her.

"Time is different on Asgard, I apologize for delaying our return. A lot of unexpected events happened that required both of our attention." Thor told them.

"I'm glad you're okay, kid, just write me a letter next time and how you are doing, okay?" Tony asked of her.

"I will, I promise Sir Tony!"

"Desi."

She turned back over and saw Steve looking down at her, smiling up at him.

"Cap."

"Not Rogers?" Steve said, raising a brow.

"Not Mercy?"

Steve smirked as he pulled Desi into a close hug, feeling his hand on her lower back.

She was on high alert with how close he was, out of character of him.

He rested his head over hers, taking in her scent and her embrace.

She felt his anxiety and placed a hand on his cheek, her hand glowing once more as she felt it disappear.

He let out a breath of relief, he hated to admit it, but he missed her terribly. It might have been because of the night they spent time together, but he was happy to see her again. He reluctantly pulled away, smiling in embarrassment.

"Definitely my favorite hugger." He said softly, but the team could hear him.

"I must say that this a new look for you; I like it though. Are you a warrior like Thor now?" Steve suggested. "Something like that, it's been a lot to unpack…and load." She said with a pout when she felt someone's hand on her shoulder. She turned around to see Bucky staring down at her.

"We need to talk." He told her firmly.

"I don't suppose we could talk here?" She asked, hoping he'd let this slide.

She yelped when he lifted her over his shoulder, oblivious to Pepper taking more pictures.

"Bucky, please put me down!" she yelled hearing her circlet headpiece drop with a clink sound, but Bucky ignored it as he opened the door.

Once he put her down, he closed the door with his foot, locking the door behind him.

"Bucky, we don't need people busting the door." She reminded him.

He ignored her for a moment, carefully placing a hand on her cheek and she took a deep breath, closing her eyes as she felt his emotions.

He was pained, lonely, exhausted, with fear but he also felt relief. She felt guilty for leaving him, feeling his restlessness and his anxiety.

"Are you alright?" he asked her softly, concerned for her.

"A lot has happened…but I'm more worried about you. Have you been all right?" She asked him.

"I had nightmares of you, it was hard to sleep…" he told her.

She frowned and rested her head against his chest for a moment. He stiffened for a moment before he wrapped an arm around her, hugging her. She raised her left hand, but he caught her hand, taking off her left glove before intertwining their fingers together.

She pulled back and smiled at him, helping dispel his emotions and he let out a sigh, but he couldn't stop his smile.

"I love your smile." She said, his eyes gazing back at her.

"I, uhm, wasn't expecting that doll." Bucky said, chuckling.

"It's true though…and doll? Is that a new nickname I should get used to?" she asked.

"Exclusively for you…" he said.

"Well, I guess I should call you James then?" she teased in a soft tone, giggling. She immediately tensed when he pressed her up against the wall, and she gasped. Feeling Bucky's hands go up her arms, making her shiver as there were goosebumps on her skin.

"Only in private you can…but in public, you can call me Buck though." He whispered, smiling when he saw the effect he had on her. He leaned forward as his hands cupped her face, staring at her lips for a moment before searching her eyes.

POUND

"Open this door, or I will bust it down!" Thor yelled.

Bucky groaned with Desi chuckling at Thor's intrusion, pushing Bucky away from her as she opened the door, Thor quickly pulling her out of the room.

The team noticed how Thor kept her close, and she didn't pull away from his hand that clung to hers.

"Anyways, Thor told us you lost a good amount of weight, so we got you some things." Tony said as he came back into the room.

Desi immediately noticed Pepper and the unknown man go into Desi's room with boxes and bags in their hands, and she looked at them curiously.

"What's all this?" Desi asked as the man brought two big boxes stacked on top of each other at her feet.

"Well, Tony told me about your situation back at home. So, I thought we'd surprise you with some clothes and other items as a thank you for all you've done." Pepper explained as came to stand beside Tony.

Desi released Thor and hugged the two of them, making Pepper smile at her excitement.

"Oh, my goodness, thank you, thank you! Really, you all didn't have to get me anything! I was happy to help!" Desi exclaimed, feeling them hugging her back before she pulled away.

"Oh, one more thing." Tony said before he opened the large box, revealing a wood-white acoustic guitar.

Desi gasped, making the group smile at her expression.

"Barnes says you like to sing, beautifully by the way, so we thought you'd like this." He told her as she glanced over it.

Running her fingers over the piano, she smiled, feeling emotional.

"Don't start crying." Tony warned her, sawing her eyes watering.

"I'm sorry, I can't help it, I've never had friends, and other than Buck and Thor; I've never had gifts before." She said, elated.

The group frowned at hearing that, but she giggled when she took the piano out of the box.

"Oh, ho, ho, I'm going to play the crap out of this! Sorry Bucky, you might want to move." She jested.

Bucky smirked, walking over to Desi, and taking the piano from her, placing it back into the box.

"As long as it's playable music, it's fine with me." He told her.

She smiled and nodded, appreciating him being open to it.

"We also wanted to introduce to Happy, he's…everything. Chef, chauffeur, bodyguard, assistant; he's here if you need anything or if he needs you, okay?" Tony explained.

"I'm still in pain, can't you let me just rest?" Happy asked as he looked at Tony in irritation.

Desi crept closer to Happy and saw his bruises and cuts, she barely missed them with the makeup he had covering them.

"Oh, my goodness, Happy! I'm so sorry I didn't see them, here let me help you." She said as she outstretched her hands.

"No, no, I'm fine, really." He said when she placed her hand on his cheek.

Desi smiled when she saw a memory accidentally; Happy met someone.

"Don't you want to be 100% when you try to meet the nurse tonight?" Desi asked him with a coy smile.

Happy's eyes widened, noticing Tony smirking at this.

"A nurse, huh? Is that why you fought tooth and nail to stay longer?" Tony asked.

"Get her some flowers and tickets for some big play in the theatre? I remember her telling another nurse she's been dying to go that theater to see ANY play this point." Desi advised, healing Happy while he was preoccupied.

Happy let out a sigh of relief when he felt everything dissipate.

"Oh, I like her. Can I leave early?" Happy asked. Tony nodded; pleased his friend was finally dating.

"Go on, take tomorrow off too." Tony told Happy, waving his hand.

"Thank you, thank you." Happy said, kissing Desi's hands before he left excitedly.

"I need a drink." Tony said, walking over to the bar.

The group agreed to get a drink, but Desi wasn't a big drinker. They spoke amongst themselves, every one into their own little group; Desi wasn't sure who she should approach first.

"Miss Desi." Desi smiled when she felt Pepper hook her arm with hers, offering a glass drink.

"I thought I'd play it safe and get you a Sprite, did you have a nice trip?" Pepper asked, guiding Desi over to the sofa.

"Oh my goodness, it was beautiful! I almost wish I could go back already." Desi said with a smile, loving her time there.

"And…how was it with Thor?" Pepper asked, with a knowing smirk on her face as she pulled Desi down to sit beside her.

Desi chuckled, feeling the seat next to her sink.

Desi glanced and saw Nat; she guessed it was girl time.

"He has been nothing but patient and kind with me, he's very sweet and…I felt safe with him on my rough days. I even met his mother and father; they were very welcoming." Desi told them.

"What of Barnes? Did you miss him?" Pepper asked.

"So much, I wish he was with me but I'm glad we get to be partners again." Desi answered.

"What about Rogers?" Nat asked, making Desi roll her eyes.

"I missed him too, but I know he's a busy guy." Desi pointed out.

"He's turned down quite a few assignments to be here though." Nat told Desi.

"Where are you two going with this?" Desi asked, trying to understand where they were going with this.

"Well, we just want you to be happy, and we want to be supportive…we just didn't know if you had feelings for anyone. I mean, we've seen the way those three men stare at you." Pepper pointed out.

"I don't think it's a good idea for me to like anyone. I'm not allowed to have relations, being friends is most I can do and it's still risky for me." Desi explained.

Pepper rubbed Desi's back, feeling for her but Nat narrowed her eyes.

"You're not telling us everything." Nat spoke.

Desi closed her eyes, scrunching her face; she couldn't hide anything from her.

"Nat, I can't- "

"We've been friends for a while now" Nat spoke "I deserve to know."

"Nat…"

"I deserve to know." Nat repeated, voice elevated.

The group looked over to the women and Desi knew the jig was up.

Pepper noticed the men slowly creeping over to them; Tony coming to sit beside her.

"Since we met, you've always kept things to yourself. You help everyone but you won't help yourself, and that concerns me. And your demeanor has changed, you're not mingling. The Tiny I know would throw herself into all the conversations. And you've said twice now that you're not allowed to. I know something's happened, and I deserve to know what happened out there." Nat told her.

Desi saw the concern in Nat's eyes, something that was rare for her. She closed her eyes, taking a breath before she nodded to Nat.

"Okay, I'll tell you. Let me just tell everyone at once then, so I don't have to repeat myself again." Desi said, relenting as she stood up.

Bruce sat beside Natasha, and Desi immediately saw the way the two looked at each other.

Desi would question Natasha on that later.

"Take it slowly, kid." Clint said softly, placing a hand on Desi's shoulder, squeezing for reassurance as the men stood around the sofa, refusing to sit down.

She played her hand over Clint's and squeezed him in reassurance, taking a deep breath before she cleared her throat.

"In my family…you guys know that I'm a curandera or a witch doctor. I told! when I was a child the curanderas in my family line don't…live long and should focus on our responsibility. The oldest in my family line to survive lived up to twenty-five, and the youngest is 22…which is my age right now. Lucky me…" Desi told them.

Pepper covered her mouth, grasping Tony's hand, stunned by the news.

"How did they perish?" Bruce asked.

"Primarily in a cleansing when a spirit is fighting to claim someone. Like a duende, and so forth. But sometimes it can be one spirit trying to claim us…so it can happen at any time; awake or asleep." She said, flashing them a hopefully reassuring smile.

The group was quiet, but Desi continued.

"I was lectured every morning as a child that any relationship, romantic or friendship, will cloud my judgment and I should live in solitude; that this would help make me less vulnerable for such a thing," Desi continued,

"I don't want to be selfish and try to have a moment of happiness if it'll bring anyone a lifetime of pain. That's why I've chosen to keep my distance and not pursue anything; it wouldn't be fair to anyone." She told them.

Thor looked upset, but he slowly approached Desi.

"Desi brought it to my attention that a spirit has started visiting her, staking a claim to kill her. She's been unable to sleep on her own and planned to leave, but she swore she'd try and stay." Thor informed them.

"Thor, you swore you'd let me tell them when I was ready!" Desi she screamed, tears already forming in her eyes as flashes of the spirit invaded her mind once more.

"You're so used to having no one in your corner when you have people who would willingly stay beside you." Thor countered.

"I don't want anyone to get hurt because of me."

"Some of us are willing to risk that." Thor spoke.

"It's hard enough for me already-"

"You're the only one making it hard."

"I don't want to be- "

"You're not a burden, Destiny!"

Desi's eyes widened when Thor grasped her hands, surprising her.

"You may not believe you are worthy of any of this, but I'll show you that you are," Thor spoke, "I will be staying to help you train and watch over you as you sleep, but not because I can Destiny. It's because I harbor feelings for you, Desi." He said, and she covered her mouth, failing horribly to stop her cheeks getting even hotter.

The team saw Bucky tense up, his jaw clenched in irritation as he watched Desi and Thor together. Steve was worried, seeing his friend making vast improvement because of Desi, but worried Bucky would shut himself down.

Bucky wanted her to be happy, but he wanted to be selfish…

"If we're making declarations here…"

Thor looked over to Bucky, his eyes slightly narrowed as Bucky approached the duo.

Bucky throws Thor a dangerous gaze, Desi feeling his anger and irritation.

"Then, I also have feelings for her." Bucky told said, grabbing Desi's other hand.

The men looked at each other dead in the eyes, as Desi looked at the two of them hesitantly.

"Guys, really, this isn't necessary…" Desi tried to tell them, but neither faltered as Clint approached them.

"Alright, that's enough boys, let the girl breathe." Clint said, grinning ridiculously at her predicament.

"I'm going to need to expedite the construction on that compound…" Thor said with a sigh as he stood up, and pulled out his phone to make a couple of calls.

"Oh, would you look at that, I need a refill." Desi said, leaving the men as she sped walk to the bar.

Thor looked at Bucky, smiling at him.

"Good luck, Barnes." Thor said with a smile, walking away slowly from them.

"Same to you." Bucky said, making the group smirk at one another.

"My money is on Thor." Nat spoke truthfully as she took a whisk of her drink.

"I think Thor already has the lead." Bruce proclaimed.

"I don't know…I think Bucky will sneak in there." Pepper defended.

"I'm right here, you know!" Desi exclaimed as she poured her drink, feeling a presence behind her.

She smiled when she saw Thor, his gaze soft on her when he curled a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"You dropped this, my star." Thor said softly, carefully placing the circlet headpiece back on her head.

"Alright, let's not get too clingy on Desi, okay?" Tony said as he came back into the room, bringing everyone's attention to him.

"What's this about a compound?" Bruce asked.

"It's going to be just for us, and a place if others decide to join us, like a headquarters for the Avengers. It'll have training rooms, bedrooms, landing zones, a healing room for Angel; everything we'll ever need." Tony explained.

"Sounds nice, when are you expecting to have it ready?" Clint asked.

"It was supposed to be this week, but they'll have it done in a few days." Tony answered, taking a sip of his drink again.

"Where will you be staying in the meantime, Desi?" Nat asked her as she approached her.

"Oh, I don't want to disturb Tony, so maybe I will go back to my apartment." Desi answered with a smile.

"I'll go with you." Bucky said as he stood by her.

"You both can stay, it'll be easier to move together anyways." Tony offered.

"It's up to my partner here." Desi said, leaving it up to him.

"What do you want?" Bucky asked in a faint voice.

"I'm okay to stay, but I'd like to get our stuff though. I miss the record player." Desi admitted.

"We'll go in the morning." Bucky said, giving a faint grin.

"Where?" Thor couldn't help but ask as he approached the two.

"Where what?" Desi asked.

"Where is your room here?"

"That one?" She pointed over to the door beside the elevator.

He saw the second door, "And that day… is that Barnes?"

She nodded.

He took a deep breath before walking over to Tony. "Stark!"

Nat grabbed her hand, stopping Desi as she tried to follow him.

"Let the boys be boys…" Nat told her.

"But what if something happens?" Desi questioned.

"Oh, it won't. Watch and enjoy..." Nat told her, enjoying the show.

Tony took a few steps back as Thor approached him in haste.

"You would allow that man to sleep so close to her?" Thor asked.

"You're a warrior, aren't you? I'm sure you have female warriors sleeping near you all the time?" Tony told him.

"I never allow myself to be vulnerable, and I will not allow her to be alone in his presence during the courting. I request that you move them." Thor said, crossing his arms.

"Yeah, no can do, Sparky. She is a big girl; she can lock the door…or open it for him; it's her decision." Tony informed him.

"I can get a hotel room, it's not a problem." Desi suggested.

"NO!"

Desi jolted when both Bucky and Thor yelled at her in unison.

Thor turned to face Bucky, who stared at him harshly.

"Neither one of us is moving, so you better get used to it." Bucky told Thor as he squared up on him. Thor looked at him for a moment before he smirked, a thought coming to mind.

"Well, then I guess I'll be sleeping in your room in the meantime." Thor told him.

"There is no way in hell you are sleeping in there with me." Bucky threatened but Thor never wavered.

"You'll get used it." Thor spoke.

Desi sighed, going back over to the sofa with Nat sitting across her with Bruce by her side.

She didn't have the energy for them right now.

"So, what kind of training are you going to be giving Desi?" Clint asked, hoping to break the tension.

"Both physical and emotional practices. Her mother had the ability to heal, create barriers, levitate objects, and even resurrect the dead. Destiny has shown the same skills, but there are some we can't assess or have been unable to." Thor explained.

"Wait a minute, you mean, bring people back to life?" Pepper questioned, wondering if she heard right.

"Indeed, we are unable to test Desi on that skill, but I believe though that with more training, maybe there are other abilities we can unlock." Thor explained.

"She was given a weapon designed for her as well as temporary armor, but I gifted her a horse for battle. We'll need a stable for him here." Thor told them.

"I'll have that prepared for her, shouldn't be a problem." Tony agreed.

"When you're free, I'd like to talk to you about her training when you're available." Thor mentioned.

"You mean, like a training simulator for her? A practice arena for her?" Tony asked as his face lit up, noticing Bruce also approaching them.

"Yeah, of course. What say you?" Thor asked.

"I'd love to actually take part in this if it's alright?" Bruce asked, curious to see what they had in mind.

"We can also speak of another weapon for her if needed." Thor offered as well.

"A training simulator for an Asgardian? Don't leave us out." Clint said, walking over with Nat close behind.

"Why not plan it now?" Tony offered as he walked back towards the elevator.

"Of course, Stark! Lead the way." Thor accepted with a burst of laughter, and Desi watched as the team followed him.

"Uh, guys, wait up!" Desi said as she stood but Thor shook his head.

"Nonsense, you rest up for tomorrow. You'll need your rest for your training." Thor told her.

"By myself?" Desi asked.

"Jarvis will tell us if you have a nightmare, and we'll come running." Tony assured her.

"I'll be up here with her." Pepper offered, and Desi smiled.

"Thanks, Pepper." Desi spoke when Bucky pulled her towards him, his arm wrapped around her shoulder now.

"Come doll, I'll take you to bed." Bucky offered.

Desi laughed nervously, noticing Thor narrow his eyes at them.

Steve saw this also and smirked before pushing Bucky away.

"Come on, let's leave her be." Steve told him.

"You're still no fun." Bucky remarked.

"Someone's got to keep the peace." He said, sighing with a shrug.

"You're with me Barnes, right where I can see you!" Thor exclaimed.

The moment Bucky turned away towards the elevator in a disgruntled mumble, Desi panicked, looking at her bedroom in contemplation. She was tired after a long day, but she couldn't bring herself to sleep. What if the spirit was waiting for her?

Desi hesitated, forcing herself to her bedroom, unknowing that Steve was watching her.

Steve watched Desi with concern, he had never seen her afraid before, and it hurt to see her in such a fragile and vulnerable state.

"Do you want to stay with her?"

He looked over to Pepper, who walked towards him.

"Would it be alright, ma'am?" Steve asked.

"It's fine with me, you're a team. Bonding is good and; besides, I can see what you both have in common." Pepper pointed out.

"What's that?"

"You both struggle with showing your vulnerability." Pepper said as she walked out from behind the bar with water bottles, heading her way back to the elevator.

Steve spun around and saw Desi's door open, looking back at Pepper one last time before he went towards her room. Steve caught a glimpse of her wearing shorts with a muscle shirt, her long hair loose, realizing it now went passed her buttocks.

Desi paced in her room before she attempted to sit on the bed, but she couldn't allow herself to lay down. She began to take deep breaths before she realized she wasn't going to get any sleep like this.

Desi pushed the end table closer to her bed before she sat up against the wall, hugging her legs as she rested her head against her knees. She could feel herself shaking, but she hummed any random song she could think of, trying to calm herself.

Desi tried to close her eyes, but immediately she snapped her eyes as she could keep seeing the ghost white eyes.

"I can do this. I can do this. Just close your eyes, you can manage this…" Desi said before she hit the wall, hating herself as she fought her tears, fighting back the sob wanting to come out. She wasn't easily spooked, but this one really did a number on her.

"Destiny."

Desi looked up and watched Steve as he walked into her room.

"Rogers, what are you doing here?" Desi spoke, why was he here?

Steve didn't speak as he approached her, sitting close beside her in their small space. Steve didn't say anything as he put his hand on the side of her face, pulling her head to rest on his arm.

Desi didn't say anything, but she wrapped her arm around his.

"I'm not going anywhere." Steve spoke, hoping that was enough.

"Please don't." Desi whispered, closing her eyes as she was already relaxing against him.

"Do you want to talk about the dream?" Steve asked her, but she shook her head.

"I don't want to scare you." Desi told him.

"You think I'm scared of a ghost?" Steve asked.

"Of me, Steve. I don't you to be afraid for me." Desi whispered.

Steve saw the hurt in her eyes, her vulnerability evident on her face. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder, allowing her to rest her head against his chest.

"You already shoulder so much; I won't do that to you. I'm okay to shoulder this alone." Desi continued.

Steve took a deep breath, seeing that same quality of him also in Desi, but he still wanted to help her as she helped him.

"I'm with you till the end of the line, Destiny."

Desi's eyes widened, remembering Bucky telling her the exact same thing.

"Are you sure?"

"I am."

"…I've always been able to sense spirits, but this is the first spirit I've ever seen. In my dream, I couldn't see her at first, but I could hear her. She knew I died, something about replacing her or being with her," Desi let out a shaky breath, her arm tightening around his, "she said she's come for all the Montoya women before me."

He stiffened when he heard her sob, her tears going through his shirt, and he released her arm. HE wrapped an arm around her shoulder, allowing her to bury her head into his chest.

"Steve…I-I'm scared." She admitted.

Steve gently rubbed her arm, feeling a heavy frown on his face he was glad she couldn't see.

"You're a strong person, she's just another spirit you have to fight." Steve said, hoping to strengthen her.

"And if I fail?" Desi asked.

"We won't let her take her; we'll find a way together." Steve answered.

She hummed, accepting his answer for now.

"Get some rest, I'm not going anywhere." Steve told her softly.

"Steve?"

"Yeah."

"…Till the end of the line."

Steve smiled when he heard Desi's yawn, slowly stroking her hair in hopes it'd help her sleep. After a couple of minutes, he felt her head grow heavy and he very carefully grabbed the blanket from the bed nearby, cautious to not wake her.

Steve stiffened when he felt Desi shift, draping her arm around his stomach as she snuggled against his neck. He couldn't fight his blush; Desi didn't know what she was doing but that was a first for him. Steve rested his head against her, securing the blanket over once more when he felt her warm hand hidden in the blanket. He felt brave at that moment and took her hand in his.

"Steve…" She groaned.

Steve's eyes widened, fighting a shudder when he felt Desi's warm tingling breath against his neck a second time and he took a hard swallow. He released her hand, but trailed his hand up and down her arm, noticing quickly goosebumps traveling her arm. He felt her shiver, warm breath tickling his neck once more that creating another shudder come through.

They stayed for a prolonged period, and he wasn't an idiot; he was attracted to her. He always put himself before the mission though, ready to sacrifice himself for the sake of others; but he was beginning to question if he still had the right mentality.

Both Steve nor Desi didn't start off on the right foot, but he remembered Bucky's advice; Desi was just like him before the serum, trying to prove herself to those who doubted her.

Steve had to consider Bucky's feelings also, knowing Bucky fancied Desi also but Steve couldn't help but wonder if Bucky was serious about her. The Bucky that Steve remembered was a womanizer, always with a new woman in his arm.

Steve shook his head, he hated himself for thinking like that, but he could hear Tony in the back of his head.

"Try to have a life, live a little."

Desi felt movement underneath her and slowly opened her eyes with a yawn escaping her mouth when she felt a tap on her arm. She looked over to the intruder and smiled when she saw Natasha kneeling in front of her.

"Hey Tiny, feeling safe in America's arms?"

Desi threw her a funny look when she felt a weight on top of her head, her eyes widening in the predicament she was in. Desi gazed over herself in Steve's arms and blushed profusely.

"You're lucky Thor and Buck sent me…" Natasha said with a smirk before she began to poke Steve.

Steve opened his eyes briefly before pulling Desi instinctively in his arms, making Desi redden like crazy.

"Time to wake up, Rogers." Natasha said a little louder, and Steve reluctantly woke up.

Steve hadn't slept that well in a while, but when he looked down at the bundle in his arms, he couldn't stop the smirk on his face.

"You might want to separate before the others come up." Nat suggested before she stood, pleased to see the two of them finally mending their friendship.

Steve quickly stood up, helping Desi onto her feet as she removed any aches, he may have developed from their position.

"Morning, Steve." Desi muttered as she smiled up at him.

"Good morning, Destiny," Steve spoke, smiling at her, "any nightmares?"

"No, but thank you for staying." Desi answered.

"Of course, I'm glad I could help." Steve responded, clearing his throat nervously.

Steve was feeling awkward and Desi couldn't help but chuckle.

"How about I make breakfast? Do you like pancakes? Bacon and egg?"

"You don't have to make me anything, really." Steve offered but he could already see the determination in Desi's eyes.

"Both it is then," Desi said as she walked out of her room, making Steve chuckle at her stubbornness, "you can join us too Nat."

"A home-cooked meal? Yes, please." Nat agreed.

"See you there!" Desi yelled as she left her room, leaving the two alone in her room.

"It was good to see you like that." Nat spoke.

"Like what?" Steve asked, looking at her a questionable look.

"Happy, relaxed. She has that effect on us, but…I'm glad to see you two together." Nat said.

Steve stayed quiet, but Natasha smirked; she knew what he was thinking.

"Don't let this go, is all I'm going to say," Nat spoke one last time, "Let's head to the kitchen before she comes for us."