Hey guys! It's been a while, so I managed to scrounge up this chapter for you guys, the bestest readers in the world. It's not great, but hopefully it will suffice until I update next time. Hope you enjoy.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Now I've got nothing left to lose
You take your time to choose
I can tell you now
Without a trace of fear
That my love will be forever
- Neutron Star Collision by Muse
Much to her own surprise and slight disappointment, she had woken up alone the next morning, without even the slightest trace of Steve. She knew he had left her a while ago, telling by the time. For once she had woken up before 10AM. The sunlight lit up her entire room and warmed her bed, making it okay to not really even sleep with a blanket. But when he had left, he had gently rolled her off him and tucked her in. She took a quick shower before slipping into her black skinny jeans and dark grey Nirvana t-shirt.
Just as expected, almost everybody was already up and going. Natasha and Steve were training in one of Stark's fully equipped training centers a few floors down, while Tony and Bruce sat at the kitchen table, sketching ideas for something they nicknamed 'Project Veronica'. Clint was practicing his target shooting on the deck with apples strategically placed upon some of Tony's best inventions, motivating him to not miss, unless he wanted to suffer Tony's wrath. Thor was exploring Netflix.
"You're up early," Bruce commented, taking a sip of his coffee. Somehow, she didn't expect any of them to talk to her after her little breakdown with Steve. Maybe they'd gotten over it. She just played along anyway.
After finding the carton of milk in the fridge, she treaded towards the cupboard with the glasses. "Can't sleep the entire day," she shrugged, pouring herself a glass of cold milk. "Besides, I thought I might spend some time with my two favorite geniuses in their lab."
Tony shook his head. "Uh uh," he grunted. "Not happening, kiddo."
"I was kidding."
"Actually, Ellie, now that you're here," Bruce cut in, glancing at Tony. "How do you feel about needles going into your skin?"
She scrunched up her face. "Is that a trick question?" she asked, lifting a shoulder. "I dunno. Whatever, I guess."
"Great. Could you come down sometime today? I promise I just need a little blood. I won't drain you," Bruce said, lifting his hands in surrender when he said the last part.
Ellie nodded. "Sure, as long as you're not planning on drinking it or some other weird shit like that, it won't be a problem."
"Thanks."
She went back to the kitchen to make herself something to eat. At the moment, toast sounded like the easiest and quickest thing to prepare.
"Sir, Sam Wilson has arrived."
Ellie's head shot up and she immediately looked at Tony, who told Jarvis to bring the man up. The name was familiar, but she couldn't put her finger on it. They waited for him to come up patiently. She sat on the top of the counter, swinging her legs to and fro as she sipped her glass of milk. Tony quickly tossed the plates that were scattered on the table, into the dishwasher. Clint came back inside to see what was going on.
Finally, after a few moments of awkward silence, the elevator beeped and the doors crept open, exposing the famous Sam Wilson. His arms were folded across his chest as he stepped into the room, immediately scoping Tony's work of art the Avengers called home.
"Sam Wilson," Tony said a deep voice and went over to him, holding out his hand for him to shake.
"Tony Stark," Sam responded with an eager smile. "Nice place you have here."
Tony shrugged, not shrinking away from glory and recognition. He led Sam further into the place, closer to the kitchen were Ellie, Clint, Thor and Bruce were, waiting to meet the potential new Avenger. First up were Clint and Thor, who both opted to play it safe with brief handshakes. Next was Ellie and last was Bruce.
"It sort of feels like I'm just reuniting with old friends. Cap's told me so much about you all that I feel like I already know you."
Ellie puckered her brow teasingly. "Is that all he talks about? Us?" she laughed. "Wow, guy really has no life."
"Told you," Tony scoffed jokingly. He put his finger on his chin and scrunched up his face. "In fact, where is the old man? Is he still training with the Spy?" he asked them, but of course before any of them had a chance to react, Steve and Natasha joined in from behind him.
"The Spy has a name, shell head," Nat retorted and flashed a smile at Sam. "But he already knows that. It's nice to see you again, Sam."
"Nothing's changed," Sam grinned and turned to Steve. The two exchanged nods. "A man doesn't get a drink around here?" he joked, looking around. Ellie nudged Tony's arm with her elbow, prompting him to whip something up at the bar for everyone, even though it was still morning. He went ahead anyway and the group moved the conversation to the around the bar. Ellie, Natasha and Bruce sat at the bar while Steve and Thor stood. Sam and Clint took the nearby couch. He was fitting in well in such a short period of time.
They mostly spoke about irrelevant things –music, movies and what was going on in the world. Debates broke out between Natasha and Tony, but got put out by either Steve or Bruce. Ellie and Thor mainly bombarded him with questions regarding the Falcon's suit and armor. Every now and then, Clint would go off topic, which ultimately just led to another debate between Tony and Natasha.
For Steve and Ellie, things were unclear. They hadn't gotten the chance to talk about what had happened between them, but Steve often found himself staring at her –watching her speak, smile and laugh and soon, he'd find himself doing the same. The only time they got a second alone was when Tony and Bruce agreed to give Sam an impromptu tour of the Avengers Tower. Steve took over the bar.
"Ma'am," he greeted her, winking.
Her lips curved. She swung her leg over the other and rested her elbows on the counter top. "I'll have a Mijito on the rocks," she smiled, resting her chin on her knuckles.
In response, Steve lifted up a bottle of Johnnie Walker onto the counter, along with two glasses. "Sorry, we're all out," he said, carefully filling one quarter of each glass.
Ellie reached out and took the glass, taking it to her nose to catch a whiff. "Not a whiskey fan. Not really much of an alcohol fan."
"I know. That's why we dilute it."
She watched him as he brought up a bottle of ice water and reached out her glass for him to pour. He filled it nearly half-way. He didn't put any water in his drink. She assumed that it was because he liked the taste.
"Cheers," she laughed, raising her glass. Steve raised his until both glasses clinked against each other, making the golden liquid inside swish about.
"Cheers."
Both threw their heads back, tossing the stuff down. Steve did it with ease with no sign of a reaction, while her face scrunched up into something filled with disgust.
"Arg," she grunted, sticking out her tongue and shaking her head. "Gross."
Steve set his glass down, laughing at the multiple facial expressions she was displaying at once. "Here," he chuckled, passing her the bottle of water he used to dilute her drink. She took it and gulped a few mouthfuls until she was satisfied. Until the rough taste was close to being completely gone. For the moment, it seemed like they were alone, even though Natasha and Thor were right there, speaking amongst each other about Jane Foster.
Ellie looked down, playing with the rim of the glass, chunks of black hair roofing over her face. Steve stalked her quietly, watching her eyes study her hands and glass.
"How'd you sleep?"
She looked up and for a second, paused. "I, uh…," she stammered, searching for enough words to make sense. "…I slept well."
Then, she laughed at herself. It wasn't because she thought she was being funny or anything along those lines. It was because she knew the answer. For the first time in what felt like forever, she was able to give an honest response to the simplest question ever asked.
"How about you?"
Steve shrugged a shoulder. "Well, I was warm and cozy."
"Oh really?"
"Really."
She pursed her lips, trying to look more serious. "Do you like warm and cozy?"
He looked up, pretending to think, playing along with her. "I'd say it's better than cold, alone and stuck in a block of ice for about seventy years," he joked, breaking her poker face. "But yeah, I like it."
"That's good," she nodded, clearing her throat and standing up. "Because I like it too and I'd just hate to have to have to go back to being cold and alone."
She backed away, getting ready to go look for Tony and the rest of the touring-gang. He threw the dishrag over his shoulder and leaned forward as if she'd taken him with her as she moved back.
"Ellie," he called out. She looked back. "You don't have to be cold and alone," he said softly, glancing quickly at Nat and Thor to make sure they were still occupied with each other. Her face softened even more as she slowly shook her head and looked away, trying to conceal her childish feelings.
"Oh, don't worry, Cap," she sighed, playing with her fingers. "I wasn't planning on."
"Great," he huffed, beginning to wipe the counter top with the rag.
"Neither was I."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Crappy ending, I'm sorry. What did you think? x