First, Thanks to Wintersupersoldiers beta this for me

And second, Look only 15 days to update this! I was in a writing mood lately. :) So you don't have to wait so ling.

Anyhow, I hope you like this Chapter.

Chapter 33:

Let It Grow

"Rogers," Toni uttered. She was at a loss of words for a few moments, as her mind couldn't wrap itself around the fact that Steve was here in front of her. Why was he here? How did she not scare him off before with her cruel words? "The man of justice, peace, and the American Way. What are you doing here, Cap?" she asked, trying to keep her emotions in check.

Steve stood a few feet from her, not moving, as he stared at her. His eyes were drilling into her, and it was unnerving to no end. To make things worse, he wasn't speaking.

The genius couldn't take the silence. It was driving her crazy. Why couldn't he just say something? Anything? "I thought I made myself clear, Rogers," she said, trying to sound as cruel as she could be. "Are you look-"

"Shut up," he yelled, interrupting her.

Toni was shocked by the coldness in his voice, and it stunned her for a few seconds. It was a struggle to find her words, but she refused to be silenced by him, even if she had no idea of what to say. "Excuse me?" she said. "You did not-"

Steve's glare only deepened. "Did I not tell you to shut up, Stark?" he said, as he finally took a step to her.

Hearing his harsh tone, it filled Ton with a few different emotions. One was anger, because no one was allowed to talk to her like that, like she was a child, and she was close to snapping on him for that. However, guilt and sadness also filled her, because she had brought this pain onto him. "Why w-"

He stepped even closer, almost threatening. "What part of shut up do you not understand?" he asked, staring down at her.

"The shutting up part. You know me, never one to shut up," she replied, quickly. She eyed the super soldier, never seeing this level of anger pointed at her, and it truly scared her. "Just love to making you cry."

Steve left out a heavy sigh. "Why do you keep doing this?" he asked, clearly annoyed.

Trying get over her fear, Toni gave him a confused look as she pulled the suit jacket tighter. "So do you want me to talk? Or not? Geez, Rogers. Make up your mind."

He took another step forward her, his anger lessening but still very much present. "You frustrate me to no end! Do you know this, Toni?" He asked, loudly. "You're driving me crazy, and I don't know what to do. I'm racking my brain." He paused for few seconds, thinking. "But stop pushing me away!"

Her heart started to race as he referred to her by her first name. Not only did that frustrate her, it made her slight of breath, because she had tried so hard to get him to refer to her by her last name in their last conversation. When he did, she knew she had gotten to him, exceeded in pushing him away, but yet, he was here, and she was confused. "I drive everyone crazy, Rogers," she replied. Steve gave her a look, and it send shivers down her spine. "So why are you here?"

"If I mean nothing to you, why are you wearing my dog tags?" he asked, his eyes drilling into her. "And I want an honest answer for once."

For a few long seconds, Toni just stared at him with her month hanging open. Without meaning to, her hands went to the tags and gripped them tight. The cold metal cut into her hands, but she didn't let go. She was holding on for dear life in the hope of hiding the tears from Rogers. How did he know? The only person who knew was Bruce, but why would he tell the Captain? "I don't know what you're talking about."

Steve stepped toward the brunette, who a step back for each step the blond took to her. "Then show me."

Toni felt herself shake as she backed into her father's headstone. Why was he doing this? Why couldn't he just let things be? Did she want him to leave her alone? She wasn't sure, because she wasn't sure if she could handle all of her guilt on her own. "No."

A soft smile appeared in his face. "You know that tells me everything."

"Why are you pushing? Didn't you hear me when I told you I was playing you? It was all just a game to get what I want," she said, her voice shaking. She knew she wasn't fooling anyone with her shaky tones.

"I heard you, but you're not a very good actress," he replied, as he stood a few inches from her.

She took a deep breath as she held the dog tags close, refusing to let go. "I don't know what you're talking about. I am a great actress." Rogers were standing so close that she could feel his hot breath on her, and it drove her crazy.

"You can't tell me that our late nights meant nothing. You can't tell me that the nickname game meant nothing. You can't tell me our kiss meant nothing. It-"

"You have some nerve!" she snapped interrupting him. She remembered that kiss after she had awaken from her coma. It wasn't long before she had learned of Bucky's death. "How can that kiss mean anything when you were swapping split with Peggy seconds later?"

Steve kept his glance on Toni, but she could see him falter a bit. "That was a mistake."

"A mistake? Really?" she asked, trying to force that image out of her head. She hated how it felt to see them kissing, and she hated Steve for making her feel like that.

He stared at her for a few long seconds before he answered, "Phillips told me I did a great disservice to my best bud for kissing you, and I couldn't disagree. I knew how Bucky felt about you, and I didn't want to betray Bucky's memory. I didn't want to dishonor Bucky by going after you."

For a few long seconds, she just stared at the super soldier, recalling a few choice looks that Phillips and Rogers were giving each other while Howard held her. "What? You backed off because of Phillips?" she asked, and for a second, Toni didn't hate anyone more than him.

Steve nodded. "I thought he was right."

"Thought?"

"Yes, I realized he wasn't, but by then, it was too late."

Toni couldn't take Steve's soft tone anymore, and she would rather face his anger. She knew how to handle him then. With his soft tones, she had no idea and wanted nothing more than to bolt, but there was nowhere that she could go. She was trapped. "Why was that?"

There was a short pause. "Because I love you, and you deserve the truth."

Toni felt a tremor run through her as she leaned back against the gravestone. How could three little words affect her so much? Why did he have to say those words to her? "No." She was shaking.

"Yes, and I deserve the truth."

His words snapped her back to reality, and it took a few seconds for her to focus on the determined man in front of her. "I gave you the truth," she replied.

"Which time?" he asked.

Her story was falling apart, and she knew he would figure out the truth soon, learned that she left Bucky and her father to die. He would hate her, and even if he didn't right away, he would hate her soon enough. "What do you what from me?" she asked, trying to hold back her tears.

Steve stared at her, eyeing her blood red eyes. "I want a real conversion, Toni. Talk to me."

Why couldn't he understand that she didn't want to talk? She was tired of talking? She tired of feeling things…What about your father? She thought to herself as she flashed back to the letter. She was doing the exact thing that her father told her not to do. She would be getting an ear full from him if he was here.

"Toni, please," he said, almost begging after a few long seconds of silent.

Freaking, she ducked beneath his arms and bolted. She didn't give him another look as she tried to disappear into the trees. She held her father's letter close to her chest as she reached back to the journal, which was slipping from the rim of her pants. As it held her father's words, she couldn't bear to lose it. She couldn't lose the last tie she had to her father, who had shown her that she could be loved. That he did love her.

She could hear Steve yelling at her, begging her to stop running, but she couldn't stop. She couldn't, not with everything that had happened. It was killing her to face him, while she tried to hold everything in. Why was it so easy for him to break through her shields? She had worked years to build them, and with one look, he could bring them all down. For that, she hated him. How could he do this to her? How could he love her? She couldn't understand how that was possible.

*O*O*

Pepper was pacing the Avenger's Tower, waiting for some word on Toni. Unlike Toni, the CEO knew this tower wasn't Stark Tower anymore and wasn't going to fight that losing battle. However, it didn't mean she liked it. She hated how involved Toni had gotten with the Avengers, wishing there was some distance between them. She hated the constant worry that Toni might not come back. She hated that Toni put her life on the line everyday by being Iron Man, and she wanted her to stop. She couldn't take another scare like this.

"Care to talk about it?" Bruce asked, bring her out of thoughts. "I know I'm not the best, but I'll listen."

Barton eyed the CEO from the bar as he poured himself a drink. It was just the three of them in the lounge. Romanoff had disappeared soon after Rhodes having the same mission. She went to find Toni, though her motives might have been different than Rhodes. However, the chances were higher that the master assassin would find the genius before anyone else did. No one could hide from Romanoff.

Pepper glanced toward Barton as he poured himself a drink. "I'm good." She wasn't in the mood to talk to any of them, because in her mind, they all were at fault for whatever happened to Toni. As soon as she could, she was taking Toni and bringing her back to Malibu no matter what the brunette said. She couldn't let her stay here anymore.

Bruce glanced toward Clint, who was still eyeing Pepper. He took a deep breath as he let out sigh. He opened his month to speak, but nothing came out. He closed his month after a few short seconds, only to open it again, though it was the same result. No words formed on his tongue. He let out another sigh.

"You're planning on taking Toni back with you?" Clint said, anything but friendly. "Away from the Avengers."

Not knowing how he knew she was thinking that, Pepper gave him a look, but she didn't respond. She didn't have time for this argument, nor did she want to have this argument, because nothing they said would change her mind. It was for the best to get Toni out of this Tower and back home, where she would be able to breathe. She wouldn't have so many things weighting her down. She wouldn't have to worry about dying all the time.

Bruce jolted up from his seat as he stared wide eye at Barton before he turned to the CEO. "What?!"

"I can see it in her face," Clint said, holding the glass close to his lips. His eyes were narrow as he stared at her.

Was she really that readable? "I think it would be best," she said, knowing it would be useless to deny it now.

Bruce rubbed his temper as he thought about Pepper's plan. "Toni should have a say in this."

Yes, Pepper knew he was right, but Toni didn't always think clearly, always doing things half-cocked. The CEO couldn't help but wonder where Toni would be without her. Would she even be alive, considering how many times that she had to force the genius to eat? "She doesn't know what's good for her," she replied.

Clint slammed the glass down, careful not to break it. "She isn't a child. Stop treating her like one."

Pepper glared, because she wasn't treating Toni like child. She was treating her how she needed to be treated; she needed someone to watch her, to tell her to take care of herself. "What she needs is to get away, and stopping risking her life on a normal basis. She isn't a super anything." She couldn't take it anymore. What if Toni died? "What if she gets hurt and can't recover? She isn't an agent or a soldier. She can't handle it."

"It isn't her, who can't handle it. It's you, who can't handle it," Clint shot back.

Bruce let out a sigh. "Easy, Clint," he said. "But he has a point. Toni is an adult, and you can't make choices for her." He gave her a slight smile as he took a deep breath. "However, I get it. I know this isn't easy for you, but we can't just make decision for her."

Oh, yes, she could, and she would. "You don't k-"

"Did…I miss something?" Rhodes asked, as he stepped into the room. With a raised eyebrow, he glanced between Clint, Bruce, and Pepper, who were all glaring at each other. The tension could be cut with a knife.

Pepper let out a sigh as she turned to Rhodes. To her surprise, he hadn't entered the room alone, but to her dismay, it wasn't with a certain Brunette. "I thought you were looking for Toni," she said, her tone was anything but warm.

Rhodes put his hands up as if to show he was surrendering to her. "I did," he replied, "It's just harder than I thought. She wasn't at any of her normal haunts, and I can't figure out where she went. I thought…well, hoped that-"

Pepper couldn't believe any of this was happening. How could they lose her again? Was this all Steve's fault? "And this is why!" She snapped turning back to Clint. "This is why I am bringing Toni back with me. This act of hers only got worse."

"You're looking at it wrong," Dugan stated as he stepped in deeper into the room. He leaned heavily on his worn cane. "You forget what this team has done for her."

Pepper tried to keep back her glare, because she knew she needed to calm down; however, it was so hard lately. She had been feeling out of the loop lately, and it was only made worse with Toni's disappearance. "I thought you three were looking for Captain Rogers," she asked. She kind of hated that the Captain right now.

Trip's smile did not falter under Pepper's intense glare. "Not even I could keep up with Captain America. He was on a mission, and there was no chance we could've kept up with him."

Pepper threw her arms up in annoyance, unable to believe what was going on. How could they lose both Steve and Toni in the same day? What else could happen? The sky start falling?

Jones stepped forward, smiling as well. "Knowing Steve, he'll find her and bring her back."

Clint smiled as he picked his cup back up. "Good. He better. Mommy and Daddy need to get together, so we can be one big happy family."

Bruce chuckled as Pepper gave Barton a look. When did Toni and Steve become the mother and father of this group? She wasn't sure how good those two would be together, though he might give Toni something to hold on to. He could ground her, which was what she needed, but Pepper was scared that he might do the opposite. He could end up destroying her.

*O*O*

There was a point where Steve wondered if he should gave up and stop chasing Toni; however, that very thought made his stomach uneasy. He hated the idea of not being with her, and he knew if he gave up, he would regret it. He regretted it before and he would now. He would regret not loving her, and besides, he was getting to her. Her reactions were clue enough, which was why he followed her. He could see the struggle in her eyes. He could see her fear.

With a deep breath, he followed after her, giving her some space to run, as she needed the space, though he wouldn't let her get to far away. He would catch up with her in no time once she stopped, and he would approach her again and get her to tell the truth. He would get her to talk about whatever was haunting her. He could tell by the looks in her eyes that this ran deeper than just him, and judging from where he found her, he knew it had to do with her father.

Howard, he thought, wondering what he would think of the situation. What would that man do if he was here now? Not the young 1940's version of Howard, but the older adult version of Howard. What would the older father version of Howard be like? He couldn't imagine the harsh version of Howard that Toni portrayed, as he could only see Howard as the caring man that he knew. Sure, he had an ego on him, but Steve had to believe that Howard would be here for his daughter when she needed it. And if he wasn't, Steve would make him.

Steve took another deep breath, wondering when he had been gotten in so deep. How did he love her that it hurt to be away from her? Hurt to see her hurting? How did he fall for her, when she always kept him at arm's length? How could've he had fallen for her when she kept pushing him away? He wasn't sure, but he knew he was going to fight for her, even if she was cruel to him. However, he knew it was all an act now, and he was stupid before for thinking she meant any of that. He wouldn't fall for it again.

When the genius stopped running, the Captain found her at a base of the big, leafy tree on the edge of the mostly empty Cemetery. The parking lot, a few feet over, was separated from the green fields by a huge metal gate with one opening; her white Audi was parked near the opening, making for an easy escape for her. It was the only vehicle in the lot accept for two cemetery vehicles, a black SUV, and a lone motorcycle, which looked oddly familiar. Next to Toni stood her Iron Man suit, which landed with a light thud when it dropped from the sky, and it stood close only a yard way, acting like a body guard.

He eyed the armor before he glanced down at Toni, who looked tiny in that oversize coat. There was a part of him that wondered where she had gotten the coat, but he was grateful she had something to wrap herself in. It was cold, and it provided some kind of protection for her. In her hands, she held a journal and an old letter, and he could see the death grip she had on them. He didn't know what was written on them, but he knew it had to mean something for her hold on them so tightly.

Steve closed his eyes wondering how he should approach her, though he knew either way would probably get the same reaction. He knew that she would fight him like she always did. She would throw insults and would strike-

"Steve."

The soldier cursed to himself, not noticing anyone coming up behind him. Turning around slow, he let out sigh as he found himself staring down Romanoff. He wasn't sure how she found them, but he had given up a long time ago, trying to figure it out. "I thought that bike looked familiar."

Natasha gave him a look, as if that was an answer to his statement, and took a step toward Toni. "I have seen those shoulders before," she said, eyeing Toni, who hadn't moved.

"Why are you here?" he asked, unable to look away from Toni. He had also seen those shoulders before, and he didn't need anyone to tell him what they meant.

She folded her arms across her chest as she turned to him. "Stark is a friend. I wasn't going to let her disappear again," she replied, calmly. There was something in Natasha's tone that Steve had rarely heard. There was a softness to it.

"How did you find her here?" he asked.

Natasha didn't answer him right away, allowing a few long seconds to pass before she said anything. "I have to keep some of my secrets, Rogers, but for now on, I am bugging every one of her cars."

"I'm surprised you didn't do that already," he replied with a smile. He wished she had, so it wouldn't have taken so long for them to find her. It had taken a few hours to track her down, as this had been the last place that he had looked for her, not expecting her to come here.

She gave him a look. "It wasn't for a lack of trying, but I am determined now."

Steve could've chuckled at the look in her eyes, because he could tell that she was determined, and that was almost as scary as when Toni was determined. Toni, he thought, turning back to her. She had yet to move from her spot or spotted them. She was curled up, trying to hide.

Natasha's eyes softened as she looked at him. "Steve," she started, "Stop standing here and talk to her."

He let out a sigh, because he knew this and didn't need her to tell him that. "I know," he said. He just needed to figure out what to say, because he couldn't risk saying the wrong thing and pushing her away.

"Potts is planning to take Stark back to Malibu with her," Natasha revealed, when Steve didn't make a move.

The Captain felt his heart fall as he turned to her. His shock was present on his face as he started at the super spy. His mind started to go in warp drive, as his mouth hanged open. "What?"

"So whatever you're going to do. Do it now, because I don't think Stark will put up much of a fight in this state. You're the only one would be able to convince Stark to stay."

The idea of Toni leaving the Tower and heading to Malibu didn't sit well with him at all. Yes, he knew she had a house there, and stayed there a lot throughout the year, but he didn't want her to leave like this. Without another word, he made his way over to Toni, who looked up as she heard his feet steps. Their eyes met, and no one said anything for a while.

"Oh, look it's the Stars and Stripes," she said, finally after a few long seconds of silent. "Are you all spangled today?"

Steve hated when she played this game, but if he wanted to get to through to her, he would have to play. Without saying a word, he sat on the ground and scooted close to her. He could feel her itching to get away, but he wrapped an arm around her, pulling her into his chest. He could feel her struggle in his arms, but he didn't let her go, not this time. Instead, he tucked her head under his chin and place a kiss to her head. His fingers danced along her skin, as he tried to comfort her. He wanted her to know he wasn't giving up.

After a few long moments of struggling, Toni finally settled in his arms, burying her face in his chest. "You smell like America," she uttered.

"Oh, yea? What does America smell like?" he asked, letting out a small chuckle. He glanced down at her, catching sight of the tags hanging from her neck. Granted he could only catch a few letters from them, he could tell she was wearing two sets and who they belonged to. It didn't take an idiot to know whose tags she was wearing, and he could feel his own heart race. He could make out his own name, but he also noticed Bucky's name, and it was like that that it all dawned on him. He felt his heart drop. She blamed herself for his death.

"Smells like you. Old Spice, green hills, apple pie, and justice."

Steve held her tighter, realizing what this was all about. Even if it was quite a number of years ago for him, he remembered everything that she said when she had learned Bucky had died. He remembered how she called herself a horrible, shitty friend, and now, he realized why. "Toni."

"Not the best pillow though." He could feel her shiver as she spoke. "You need some fat on your bones."

"I don't think I ever had any fat on my bones," he said, as he lifted his head to get a good look on her face. "Even before the serum, I was all skin and bones." He remembered those times as being a punching bag to everyone around them. He remembered the looks and cruel treatment he got from everyone including Bucky, but never from her. Toni never treated him differently, though she at times expected more.

She closed her eyes and held on to him. "I remember. You were my shrimp."

"Yes, yours," he said, remembering her calling him that. At the time, he didn't much care for it, but he didn't mind it now; in fact, even though he would never admit it to her, he enjoyed it when she called him it, especially with the word 'my.' He wanted to be her everything.

Toni sighed deeply as she started to struggle in his arms again. "Let go," she uttered, unable to break his grip.

"Toni," he called, as he felt his heart breaking. Why did she keep doing this?

"Let go," she repeated, strongly.

With a heavy heart, Steve released her and allowed her to slip out of his arms. He kept his eyes on her, unsure of what to do or say. Did he let her run again? He wasn't sure he could handle that, granted he doubted Natasha would let her get to far from them. "Toni, talk to me."

The letter and journal in her hand dropped to the ground as she scooted away from the Captain. Her breathing became heavy as she leaned over, her head almost touching the ground. It looked like she was in some physical pain. "Stupid," she uttered. "So stupid."

Hesitating, Steve leaned over and placed a supportive hand on her back. "Talk to me. Tell me what's going on."

"You're too perfect."

He flinched back, flashing back to their fight in the lab. She had used that word as an insult, and it hurt to hear her call him that now. Was she insulting him again? Yes, he said he wouldn't give up, but he didn't know if he could take that word. "Toni," he said, not moving.

Toni opened her eyes and looked up to him. Their eyes met, and he could see that this was anything but an insult. "I insulted you and was cruel beyond belief to you. In fact, I made it my goal to anger you, to frustrate you, just to see your temper. I want to bring you down to my level, but nothing. Sure, we yelled, and our fights are epic. Just ask everyone, but you never take it personal, always being the bigger person."

She turned from him, staring down at her hands. "I hated you for that," she said, after a few deep breaths. "I hated you for being so damn perfect, and I hated that my father cared more for your legacy then his own daughter. When I was a child, it was all about the great Captain America, and I hated that. I hated you. I hated that I couldn't get my father's attention like a dead icon could. For that, I wanted to tear you down just to do it. I wanted to anger you, to bring you down to my level. I wanted you to feel what I felt."

Feeling his own heart race, Steve didn't know what Toni was trying to get at, but he remained quiet, waiting for her to finish. He knew she needed to get it out, even if it broke him to hear it. This was all about her father. How could Howard do this to her? He wanted to slug him for that.

"…But…" She started, closing her eyes. A few second passed by before she took a few deep breaths and continued. "…After everything that I had said and done, you're still here. Still willing to be here for me, and I don't know why. Why would you come back after everything? Why?"

"Because I love you."

"But why?! After everything? After…Bucky?" she asked, tearing up. "I let your best friend die, when I could've stop it all, but I didn't. So how can you say that? How can anyone say that isn't my fault?"

Steve smiled softly at her as he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her back to him. She didn't fight him again and allowed herself to pull into his arms. "If we're playing the blame game, I beat you. You were unconscious, laying in a hospital bed. How could you do anything?" he asked. "I was the one that was there, that could've stop it. I was the one he was trying to protect."

"I could've told him sooner."

"I think that would have been worse." It really would have. Steve wouldn't wish that curse on anyone. He couldn't imagine the damage that would do on a person's psyche.

Toni shifted slightly, reaching for the letter on the ground. She brought it to her chest before she leaned back into Steve's chest. "If it isn't my fault, it isn't your fault either," she said finally after a few long minutes.

Steve let out a playful sigh. "Only if you listen." He replied. "You know we should listen to people, when they tell us things."

She snorted. "Like that's ever going to happen. You don't know me very well, Rogers."

"Why do I even try?" he asked, placing a kiss to her temple. He could feel her shiver as he kissed her, but he didn't let that stop him. If she didn't pull away from him, then he took it as a good sign.

"Yea, why do you?" she asked.

"Because you're perfect." She didn't respond, didn't even move. "You are."

She snorted again. "Well, according to me I am, but I don't think anyone else will agree."

"I do."

Toni chuckled before letting out a sigh. "You're feeding my ego, you know."

"Good," he replied, as that was definitely what he wanted to do. She needed a boast, and he would gladly give it to her. He would gladly do anything for her.

She took a deep breath before she spoke, "My father wouldn't let me blame myself either, even though he knew his death was coming." The Letter was shaking in her hands.

He knew? Was that why he was so cold to her? Howard Stark was a subject that Toni rarely approached, and she never really brought it up with him. Never. It was only ever in passing, and she would run-though she wouldn't use that word- when he brought it up. "Toni."

"He's an idiot you know. He refused to listen and just let himself to die, not listening to my warning. How dare he do that to me?" she asked, not expecting an answer. "After everything, after hating him for years, I really started to like him, really like him and then he had to die on me. How could he leave me again?" Tears had started to run down her face. "How could he die after I started to love him? How could he?"

Steve held her tighter. "Toni, it wasn't by choice," he said, recalling what Dum Dum had told him back in the nursing home. After the time traveling, Howard had been a proud father, which he could tell from Dugan's many stories.

"He could have stayed. He could have."

She glanced down at the letter before she handed it to Steve. He looked at for a second before he read it. It was a long lengthy letter, and he was shaking by the end of it. His first thought was to laugh at Howard's disapproval of him, his distrust of his innocence. He kind of wanted to know what Howard would do, if he saw them now. However, he pushed that thought away as he stared down at the woman in his arms. She needed him now.

"Toni." He called, feeling the emotions in the letter. He could only guess to what she was feeling. He would only guess at what Howard was feeling when he wrote this, but he wasn't going to let her go. He was going to show her it wasn't her fault.

"I can't believe I rushed him off that phone call. How could I? I was so stupid. So cold." She buried her face in his chest, trying to hide from the world.

"We all have done things we regret," he said, placing another kiss to her head. "Hindsight is twenty, twenty."

"I just wished that I…" Toni drifted off as she closed her eyes. She was quiet for an ungodly amount of time, and she was so stiff in his arms. "And you love this hot mess?"

There was no doubt in his voice as he spoke, "Yes."

After a deep sigh, Toni added: "Fine, Spangles, I'm wearing your dog tags and I have no interest in taking them off."

Ah, the nicknames, Steve thought, fondly. He bent down and looked at her. "Yes, I am aware," he said, loving the fact she was wearing them and had no interest taking them off. "But it's good that you admit it though." There was a wink in his eyes as he teased her.

Toni pushed out of his arms slightly and stared at him. For a few long seconds, the two were silent as they looked into the other eyes. "Okay, let's do this."

He felt his heart skip. "Do what?" Was she saying what he thought she was saying?

"But I have conditions. I'm going to need you to tell me how awesome I'm on a daily bases and that I'm right all of the time," she replied with a smile.

His hand travel to her cheek, cupping it. His finger caressed her skin, so lightly it tickled. "Won't be an issue, though it might be difficult for the second one." There was nothing he would rather do.

She looked down for a second before looking back up. "You'll have to deal with my mood swings, and…negativity," she added, slowly. He could sense her hesitation as she spoke. He could hear the tones in her voice change.

Leaning closer, his lips were inches from her, and it took all he had not to kiss her right then. "That doesn't scare me," he said. "There's nothing you can do to scare me away, and I'll be positive for the both of us."

"You know that sounds like a challenge," she said with a smile.

"A challenge you will lose," he said, wondering if he would regret that. Toni had done some scary things in battle, almost giving him heart attacks. He could imagine the old man jokes if anyone knew.

Toni laughed with a smile. "You're perfect."

Steve smiled because it wasn't an insult this time. It something so much more. "No, I'm not, but that won't stop me from trying for you."

"Geez, Rogers, just kiss me already. I'm dying over here." She was beaming now as she spoke. "This is what I get for falling for an old man."

"I am anything but old," he countered. Yes, he was over 90, but he wasn't sure if he considered himself a 90 year old. He had a body of a 25 year old, and he wanted to use it.

The Genius laughed. "Oh, so are you saying you're not so innocent, or do I get corrupt your innocence. If so, you won't know what hit you."

He could help the blush that was forming on his face. "What do you think?" he asked, closing the distance between them. Toni wrapped arms around his neck, pulling herself flat against him. Her lips felt salty, mostly from her tears, but she still tasted sweet. He knew he would never get enough.

Toni broke from the kiss first, but she didn't go far as she was smiling against his lips. "I can get use to this."

As Steve helped her to her feet, he held her close, not letting her out of his arms. "You better as I'm never letting go," he said, holding her. She leaned in and gave him another kiss, but this one was heavier than before. Steve's hands traveled to her lower back, pressing her against him. His fingers brushes against her soft skin; however, before anything it could get any heavier, they were interrupted with a loud thud.

"What the hell?" Toni asked, annoyed, as she pushed out of Steve's arms. "Can't a girl get some action?" Her eye was twitching as she eyed the scene in from of her. "Who…" The words died in her throated as she eyed the guy on the ground with a camera around his neck. She folded her arms crossed her chest and left out a puff. "Really? Here? I swear these guys are like mosquitos."

Steve let out a sigh from next to her as he eyed Romanoff manhandling the reporter. "You'll be deleting those photos," the assassin ordered. "Deleting them, now!"

"Natasha," Steve said, giving her a look. Though he knew she wouldn't kill the reporter, he was slightly worried at what she might do to him. She had that protected look in her eyes.

Romanoff gave him a look before turning back to the report. "Now!"

The Reporter gave her smile as he scooted away. "It's freedom of the press," he said. "Think about the attention these photos will get."

Toni let out a sigh as she face-palmed. "Romanoff, let him go. The legal hassle isn't worth it," she said. "I so don't want to deal with an angry Pepper. She'll pitch a fit if she heard we manhandled a reporter." Romanoff turned and gave her a look, but she didn't say anything. "Besides, this isn't as bad as the naked pictures of me that the media got once."

Steve turned to her, completely shocked. "What?"

"Yes, Rogers, you can google them if you want," she said with a wink.

He tried to fight the images of her naked out of his mind, but it was failing. He also couldn't keep the blush from his cheeks either. He really was screwed, wasn't he?

"You're impossible, Stark," Romanoff said, with a sigh, as she turned back to the reporter, who had taken that moment to dash away. Either of them could've stopped the man, but no one chased after him, knowing it was best to let him go. "You know that photo of Rogers and you kissing is going to be on the six o'clock news."

Toni shrugged. "It could be worse," she replied. "Granted, have you seen what I am wearing?"

Natasha sighed again. "Impossible," she repeated, stepping to the genius. She placed a hand on Toni's shoulder and squeezed. "But it's good to have you back. Don't do that to us again."

Toni smiled. "Oh, I knew you love me, Tashie."

Romanoff's eye twitched. "Don't call me that."

"Oh, you're no fun," Toni teased, shaking off the assassin's hand.

Chuckling, Steve stepped to Toni and softly pulled her into his arms. He enjoyed the feeling of having in her arms, knowing she was his. With a great smile, he placed the kissed to her head. "Let's get you back to the Tower."

Natasha shook her head as she watched the two. "You two are going to make me sick," she replied as she headed toward the gate.

Toni snickered as she leaned against the Captain. "Success."

Steve stared down at the genius, who was leaning heavily on him. He could practically feel her exhaustion, but he could also feel how happy she was now compare to before. It brought a bigger smile to his face, because she wasn't fight anymore. She was going to let this happen. She was going to let this grow. Yes, he knew they had lot to work on, her nightmares being one of them, but she wasn't going through this alone. He was going to be there. She was going to let him be here.

:)

I hope you liked it. Toni finally let Steve in.

Let me know throw reviews. I love reviews.

Also, I was wonder who might be watching that 6 O'Clock news to see that kiss. ;p Same person who has that missing picture?