Please let me know what you think?

Should we add Thor as a romance, like we did in the original story: Avengers: Trials of Destiny, or leave him out? Last chance!

Remember, this is a reverse harem!

Enjoy!

I don't own Marvel!

Arriving back to the compound with Clint was a bit overwhelming, and that was un understatement. Walking into the lobby of the compound, Desi was surprised when she saw Loki standing beside Thor with a rather large collar around his neck.

"Hello, Lady Destiny. Excellent work out there! I must say, it's always interesting to see how far you've grown." Thor exclaimed.

"Thanks, Thor…" Desi said as she couldn't help but look around the room, noticing the tension, "so, I'm going to assume the God of Mischief has everyone feeling a little tense?"

"A little?" Bruce snickered, Nat looking at him with watchful eyes.

"I'm not liking this, especially right now with what you seen." Steve pointed out, crossing his arms as he leaned back against the wall.

"Point Break has notified us that Reindeer Games has been ordered here for a 'probation' if we want to call it that. We didn't want to make any decisions until everyone was here to vote in on this." Tony explained, allowing Desi to nod.

"Steve has already decided against it…" Thor whispered to her, noticing the way she looked to him apologetically.

"He'd be useful, even resourceful in some respects." Nat commented but Clint rolled his eyes.

"We don't need him." Clint stated.

"Agreed." Bucky whispered.

"I don't like the idea of him but…I'm with Nat on this one; he could provide some insight; if he's here to truly redeem himself." Bruce whispered.

"Tony?" Steve asked him, but he shrugged.

"Not a fan, but I agree with Jolly Green there." Tony said, Steve looking at him in disapproval.

"Are you out of your mind?"

"I don't think so, but it's only 11pm." Tony teased.

"It seems we're split- Desi?" Thor asked of her.

Her eyes glazed over Loki, his eyes piercing hers and her mind drifted to their dance at the ball back on Asgard. Loki read her thoughts and smirked, pleased to know he made a such an impact on her. despite all of that, he was being given a chance, but it'd mean nothing if he wasn't accepted.

Did he even want a chance?

Would they give that to him?

"I don't mind him here," Desi spoke, "and before you fight me; you should keep him on that collar until everyone agrees to it. Set minds at ease."

"Like the look of the collar on me, pet? I must say, I'm surprised to know that you have that side to you…" Loki said, flashing her a wink.

Desi couldn't stop her blush growing on her face, covering her smile from the sudden comment, but Bucky caught it.

"I'm watching you, puny God." Bucky muttered, his jaws clenched when he saw Loki's unamused glare.

"Yeah, even more worried to be concerned…" Clint whispered, noticing her reaction but he knew her past. She wasn't used to these types of comments, the deadly glare coming from Bucky was making it worse.

"That's a good idea, but what makes you think it's going to stay on him?" Bruce questioned.

"This is a magical Asgardian collar; only I can take it off." Thor simply explained, bringing the tension in the room down a bit.

"So, what, is he tagging along with us on selected missions, or should we keep him here at the compound then?" Bruce questioned.

"Reindeer needs to stay here until Thor deems him to be there." Tony said but Clint looked down to Desi as they began to banter.

He saw her small yawn and chuckled, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. She smiled up at him, wrapping an arm around his waist as she rested her head against his shoulder. She knew now that he saw her almost as a sibling, she felt she could lower her guard with him.

"Come on, they'll be at it for a while." Clint told her, guiding her towards her room.

Opening the room for her, Desi giggled as her dogs were sitting and whining on her bed as she walked in. Clint pushed them back gently as she climbed into the bed, quickly noticing her dogs snuggling close to her.

"Rest, I'll come for you when there's any changes."

"Okay, thanks Barton." She responded with a loud yawn, closing her eyes as she quickly fell asleep.

Waking up in the middle of the night at some point, she had settled herself with watching Pride and Prejudice when she heard a knock on her door. Her dogs growling but shushed them as she opened her door carefully. She nearly gasped when Loki pushed himself into her room, silently closing the door behind her with a finger over her mouth.

"Silence, darling."

"Are you out of your mind? They're not going to like you in here." She whispered harshly, but he could hardly contain his smirk even if he tried.

"Ah, worried your new lover boy will make assumptions? I wouldn't worry pet; I was hoping to have you for a moment." He told her.

She looked over to him quizzically but her smirked as he laid down on her bed, noticing her set up as her dogs stared at him.

"Please join me, I merely wish to talk for a moment. Join you in your relaxation, if you will."

She looked at him with apprehension but laid down beside him.

"You fought brilliantly out there earlier today. I'm glad to see you are alright, are you hurt anywhere?" he asked her in a careful tone.

She shook her head, "No injuries, though I'm thankful to Barton and Astros. If they weren't there, I'm not sure if I would've been okay."

Loki noticed her rub her bare arms, realizing she was in shorts and muscle shirt. He couldn't do much but summoned a blanket for her, loving to see the surprised look on her face.

"I love how you can do that," she said with a smile, "so tell me, what really happened?"

"Ah, learning more about me, are you?"

"I mean, it's only fair." She pointed out.

He looked down to his hands, and she knew he wasn't the affectionate type. She carefully placed a hand on his arm, and although he didn't look at her, he flashed a small smile as he appreciated her attempt.

"All-Father was somehow swayed by would-be mother to give me a chance. She felt me being by your side would somehow benefit me, and as much as I've enjoyed your company to a certain degree, I'm not sure what she was expecting." Loki stated.

"Maybe she's hoping that you find peace…"

Loki looked at her, and she could see the pain in his eyes; the vulnerability. His memories from back on the aircraft replayed in her mind and smiled at him sympathetically.

"I remember seeing a memory of you: you and Thor had fought side by side. You were so thrilled to be by his side. You had this…this beautiful smile, ready to cause a fun kind of mischief. I would've liked to have met you before all of this, you know." She stated.

"Why? So, we could've been friends with one another?" he jested.

"Plus, that but, more so that we wouldn't have felt so alone…" she said softly, "Wouldn't have felt less unwanted."

Loki saw her pain, remembering her memories. Even now, grasping her hand, he could see the memories play over and over in her head. It hurt knowing she clung to her time waking up in the bar Hell House, and struggling with what was given to her.

"I…agree as well. Can you imagine the mischief we would've created?" Loki questioned.

She chuckled, shaking her head in agreeance, "And I would probably have fun with most of them."

"What do you mean by most?"

"You and I both know you'd get me too. I wouldn't be too fond of those." Desi explained, giving him now a knowing smirk.

"And I'm not sorry for that," Loki said, chuckling along with her, "Are you feeling at home here?"

"It's not a home for me just yet, but I'm comfortable for now. Do you miss Asgard?" she asked, keeping the small up for him.

"I miss the music, to be honest. Not the ale or the fighting, as I know Thor would." Loki answered.

"Ah, I can see you now," Desi teased, looking up almost in a daze, "listening to music as you read. Maybe laying out in the grass as you finish the latest book that drove you mad with urgency."

"Fantasize about me, pet?" Loki teased, making her chuckle.

"You wish," she said, giving him a hard look, "I wonder if you can sing as well?"

Loki smirked with his mischievous smile, making her gulp as his sudden gaze on her, "Would you like to hear me sometime?"

Desi found herself looking into his greenish eyes, ad she found herself enraptured by them. Loki placed a hand over hers, and he saw her memories of their dance replaying in her head.

"I think of that dance often…" Loki admitted, making her merely blink but saw the blush stain her cheeks, "will you allow me to see you tomorrow night as well?"

"Maybe, depends on if you behave."

"We'll see," Loki teased, "Now, don't suppose you'd allow me to see what you were watching."

"Oh, sure." She said, smiling as she pressed play on her remote.

Loki didn't believe it was possible, but the movie was slightly entertaining, and see Desi becoming emotional now and again. At the end of the movie, Loki watched as this Mr. Darcy came towards Elizabeth Bennett, and noticed Desi smile almost desperately; what was with this movie?

"You have bewitched me, body, and soul. And I love-I love—I love you. I wish never to be parted from you from this day on."

Desi covered her mouth as she squealed, and Loki although finding it sappy, saw her melting expression, her eyes watering as he confessed to the Ms. Bennett, and he realized: she was a hopeless romantic.

"You enjoy this?"

"I know very little with not having ever had a boyfriend, but what girl wouldn't want a confession like that?" Desi exclaimed, almost fantasizing such an idea.

He smirked, mentally remembering this feature of her. She was the emotional type, but to see her being herself was enlightening for him.

Hearing a knock on her door, she sat up when she saw Thor and Steve walk into her room.

"Lady Destiny, have you seen" Thor eyes widened when he saw his brother, "LOKI!"

"Nothing happened, brother I assure you." Loki tried to defend himself as he stood up in haste but was pointless when Thor dragged him out of the room, making Desi chuckle at the scene.

"Why was he in here?" Steve asked her but she shrugged.

"He was bored. He joined me for a movie," Desi explained simply, "but nothing happened with my two doggies here; I promise."

Steve took a deep breath but could only nod as long as she was safe.

"I need your help tonight, unless you need to rest more?"

"No, I'm free. What's going on?"

"We learned from the nuclear assignment that there was going to be a possible meeting with an unknown organization. The intel showed that they're meeting at the Hunter Bar tonight, it's an underground bar and club. We need to go in, capture and secure those attending the meeting. Your role in this is to be on look-out, jump in only if I call you; okay?" Steve explained.

"Who will be joining us?" Desi asked.

He handed her the file, and she quickly went through the different layouts of the place, trying to get familiar with the exits and processing the possible expected problems she'd expect.

"It'll just you and I, and some other SHIELD agents who are already undercover there; are you ready?" Steve asked.

"Well, is there a backstory for why we're there?" Desi asked.

"No." He answered, and she merely nodded.

"Why don't you get dressed? Maybe ask Nat for something to wear?" Steve suggested.

"I have my dresses, remember? But will do." Desi stated as she stood.

He nodded before he left the room: why was he nervous?

Desi made quick work preparing herself, wearing a sparkling silver dress that went down to her mid-thigh with sparkling white canvas shoes; quickly realizing she couldn't walk in heels just yet. She had her long pitch-black hair braided over her shoulder, with nude pink lipstick with black eyeliner, keeping it simple for herself.

Desi sprayed perfume on herself before she walked into the living room area, where she saw the team look over to her.

"Oh, now that's too good." Nat teased, smiling at how beautiful was.

Loki and Bucky both swallowed hard, her dress being held up by spaghetti straps, her breasts and cleavage wonderfully displayed.

"It's not too much?" Desi asked, unsure if this was a good idea.

"No, it's perfect. What do you think Tony? Captain?" Nat asked.

"Definitely a good distraction, as long as Capsicle can keep an on her for us." Tony admitted.

Steve gave a hard swallow when Desi approached him with a smile on her face. He wasn't sure what to say, but this what made him nervous.

She was beautiful.

"You look good, Captain. Are you ready to get to work?" Desi asked, looking amused when he cleared his throat.

"I am, and I'll keep her safe, you have my word." Steve told them all, but he didn't ignore Bucky and Loki's stare.

"Be sure you do." Tony told him.

"Ready to go?" Steve asked her, and she nodded.

"Yeah, will you someone check my pups for me?"

"I got them, you have fun." Nat said, smiling at her with a knowing look.

"I will, I promise." She swore, throwing a wink at her.

"Let's go." Steve called out, bringing her attention back to him. Desi walked into the elevator, waving at everyone as the doors slid closed.

"Ten bucks says that Buck will follow." Tony betted.

"I'll take that." Clint countered.

Bucky glared over to Natasha, and she glared back at him, "What?"

"I'll watch her dogs."

"She didn't ask you…have you even spoken to her alone since she got back?" she countered.

Bucky looked at her with bewilderment.

"I can read people and she's more relaxed with you but can't help but notice that your body language has changed…you may want to rethink your status with her before she gets back." Nat said before she went to Desi's room.

"She's right you know, she's a good one." Clint added, joining her.

Arriving at the club, Desi walked beside Steve as they entered the location, feeling uneasy with all eyes on her. She had to block all the emotions around her and inched closer to Steve. Steve looked over to her and accessed the room. Various eyes lingering over Desi, and he instinctively wrapped an arm around her shoulder, feeling her quickly wrap an around him as her free hand grasped his.

"Thanks." Desi said with a smile, glancing around as he led her to the bar. The music was bustling loud, and Steve was alarmed when he saw half naked women dancing on the dance floor and on stage, though the lights were dim. Steve pulled her close to him, his mouth over her ear.

"In a moment, that back door will open. I need you to stay here while I go in, okay?" Steve told her.

"Okay, be sure you keep your link on for me." Desi answered.

"Oh my god, Estrella?"

Desi was spun around forcibly, ready to fight the person when she recognized the familiar woman.

"It's me, Sprinkles! We used to work together!" the woman exclaimed, hugging her tightly. Steve tensed but he knew the woman, Stephanie. Stephanie was a SHIELD Agent who was planted here months ago as a performer; if she was approaching them, something was wrong.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" Desi asked, remembering her from her training time at headquarters. This was Stephanie, one of the few agents that was ever kind to her.

"Our performers today completely bailed on us, and we're down for the count! All our personnel are in the back room trying to sort things out, can you believe it? It looks like they'll be back there all night!" Steph shouted over the music, looking over to Steve.

Steve sighed; tonight was going to be a bust if he didn't get back there. Desi could see his irritation and contemplated on what to do, when a thought came to her mind.

"What if I performed with you?" Desi offered, and Steph's eyes lit up.

"Oh my god, yes! That'd be perfect! Are you okay if…Happy and Grumpy perform with us?"

Desi's eyes widened, a frown on her face as she realized what this meant for them. Steve saw the look on Desi's face and leaned down to her ear, "You don't have to do this if you don't want to." Steve told her.

She leaned back, her head resting against his chest as she whispered back, "They're my brothers."

Steve saw the sad smile on her face, but Desi looked back at Steph once more before he could respond.

"Yeah, that's fine with me." Desi agreed.

Steph clapped her hands together and hugged her, "I'll see you in a few minutes on stage, thank you." Steph told her before she left towards the stage. Desi sighed as she spun around Steve, her face now filled with determination. "I'll need a favor, right now." Desi told Steve.

"Alright." Steve said hesitantly.

"Can you help me make some slits on this dress? Just, right here and here?" Desi asked as she rubbed her hand over her covered thighs. Without hesitation, Steve did as she asked, feeling her soft skin momentarily as he tore upward with his bare hands, hearing her gasp. Steve smirked when he saw her blush maddeningly, covering her mouth as she tried to compose herself.

"Are you okay?" Steve asked, amused to see her frazzled.

"I, uhh, wow. That was umm, was that easy for you?" Desi blabbered.

He nodded, his smirk never wavering when she fanned herself; was she attracted to him?

"I'm good, I'm, uhh, gonna go do that thing," Desi said, trying to compose her, "Stay safe…and low."

Steve pulled her from her arm, catching her attention once more before she could walk away from him.

"Are you sure you'll be, okay? We can leave right now." Steve asked Desi one last time, her body pressed against his. She smiled at him, placing a hand on his cheek as she tip-toed, kissing his cheek tenderly.

"Till the end of the line. Besides, I do this all the time for Deadpool, remember?" Desi whispered before she slowly pulled away, her hand lingering from Steve's cheek down to his arm, grazing over his hand as she slowly walked away.

Desi walked up on stage as the lights turned on, Steph smiling at her brightly, but her eyes wavered to two familiar men standing behind Steph.

Cole and Lemi…

"Ready?" Steph asked.

"Ready." Desi said with a small smile, getting into position as she attempted eye contact from her two once-brothers.

"Hit it!"

The song 'Mad Love' from Sean Paul and Becky G came on, and Desi sung the song, dancing along with team as she best could. The dance floor became bustling, and Steve watched as men began to leave the back room. He waited for opportune moment before he stormed in.

Looking at Me by Sabrina Carpenter came on and she led the singing when she Steve walk out, straightening himself out as he tried to blend into the crowd. Setting himself at the corner of the club, Steve now just had to wait until the girl Stephanie gave him the clear.

He watched as the target came in, pretending to take a sip of a nearby drink. Watching Desi dance, he attempted to blend as best he could. He couldn't help but watch the way Desi's body sway, a smile on her face as she sang beautifully, her eyes deftly surveying the room when the song ended.

"Shit, lay low. He's walking around."

"I just need to know if the drive is ready." Steve asked.

"No, it looks like it's only 70% done. Just a bit longer." Another voice came through the comms.

Desi could see Steve standing up, trying to lay low but she had to help him. She got off the dancefloor, slowly making her way through the dance floor as she sang and dance when she 'accidentally' bumped into him.

She took his hand, pulling him into the private room behind them. Inside this room was a booth with a pole and a single chair in the center of the room. She gulped, knowing she is making Steve step out of his comfort zone and pushed him onto the chair.

"Desi-"

"They were right behind you," she whispered softly, climbing onto his lap, taking his hands, and forcing them on her lower back.

"Don't freak out."

Placing a hand on his cheek, Desi pressed her lips against his neck but didn't move, sliding her hand into his hair as the sound of the curtain was opened behind her. She faked a moan before looking back to the curtain when she saw two men looking at her in their own heated gaze.

"I'm sorry, miss." The man said before they closed the curtain.

She sighed, looking back down at Steve who was looking over her face, "I'm so sorry to spring that on you. Are- "

Desi didn't get a chance to finish when he pulled her against him, feeling his large warm hand on her cheek before it slid into her hair, pulling her in for a heated kiss. Her eyes widened at his sudden boldness but felt his emotions: acceptance, desire, and pride.

She felt his hand slide down to her butt and gripped her roughly. She fought a hiss and moaned against him at how rough he was, feeling his tongue invade her mouth, succumbing to his desire of her lips.

"All clear, but you both need to get out of there."

Steve reluctantly pulled away, noticing her lips swollen by his brutal kiss, but he couldn't help his desire spike when her eyes were in a daze.

"I'm sorry."

"N-No, it was my fault. Let's…get out of here, okay?" Desi said as he pulled herself off of him.

"Stay close." He said before pulling her behind him.

Steve pulled the curtain back when they were forced against three men aiming their guns at them. Desi quickly reacted, letting up her shield right as the bullet bounced off. Steve pulled out his shield as she took out her staff.

The club quickly went into chaos.

"Ned, come on, we shouldn't be here!" Peter warned him, feeling out of place. Ned had somehow convinced him that trying to sneak in was a good idea, but now Peter was having second thoughts.

"Alright, I can see now why it's a bad idea…" Ned spoke, noticing a whole lot of suspicious people lingering, "but we should try and at least take a peek right? We just need a picture or else Flash or Liz wouldn't believe us!"

"Alright, alright, fine! But we should really- "

The door busted wide open, with vast people running out of the building, pushing Peter and Ned against the wall. Peter felt scrapes on his body as he and Ned fell to the ground as the stampede finally halted.

"What was that about?" Ned asked as he stood, helping Peter up as the door swung open once more.

The door busted open again, the men screaming as two bodies were thrown out the door before they saw a short, beautiful woman standing in front of them with a sparkling shiny dress panting heavily.

"Oh my god, is that- "

"Desi?"

Desi didn't have time to respond to Peter when she was pushed against the wall, grunting as she headbutted the assailant. Picking up her staff, she shouted as she fought him off. More men came out when they saw the teens.

Desi had just knockd out the guy before she jumped in front of them, casting a shield before she pushed them back. Forming her shield into a throwing shield, she thre wit; knocking them out.

"Are you two okay?" Desi asked, the teens nodding in awe.

"Good," she said with a smile, "Captain, the alleyway is clear."

"Clear inside as well, I'm sending men your way."

"Copy," Desi said before looking at the two with another friendly smile, "now, what brings you two young men out here?"

"I'm sorry, I just wanted what to see what the inside looked like." Ned whined.

"You want a picture, sure, give me your phone." She offered, holding her hand out for him. Ned quickly panicked and handed his phone open to her, turning around to take a few picture of through open door.

"I'm sorry, is that enough?" the woman asked as she handed the phone back.

"It's perfect, thanks Ms. Archangel." Ned said, watching as she knocked out before cameras on each side of the door.

"Please, call me Desi. How have you been Peter?"

"Y-You remember me?" Peter asked, a bright smile on his face.

"Of course, we met at thee bodega. You like your sandwich smashed, right?" Desi said with a smile, but quickly frowned when she saw the scrapes on his face, "Oh dear, you're hurt. I'm so sorry, come, let me heal that."

Peter took his phone out and saw his scrape on his cheek but shrugged.

"Oh, it's just a scrape. It'll be gone in a couple of days, really. Besides, it's not like you can do anything to it right now." Peter offered but was surprised to see her smile never waver.

"Trust me, okay?" Desi said ever so softly before she places a hand on Peter's cheek. Peter saw in the corner of his eye her hand glow, and slowly his aches and pains disappeared, making a scoff noise when he felt overwhelmed with, is it peace? Desi healed him, but she didn't realize how open he was, seeing flashes of him being someone called 'Spider-Man', trying to be almost a small-time hero- she couldn't wait to tell Tony.

"All better." Desi told him, pointing at his cheek. Ned spun Peter around and gasped.

"Oh my god, it's gone!" Ned told him, turning on his phone camera to Peter. Peter glanced and his eyes bulged, looking to Desi in bewilderment, giggling at their adorable reaction.

"Do me next, please?" Ned asked, and Desi nodded with a big smile on her face, placing her hand on his cheek, doing the same thing for him.

"All done." Desi spoke, and Ned glanced at her in awe.

"I love you." Ned spoke, ignoring Peter elbowing her.

"That's sweet of you." Desi said with a chuckle.

"I'm Peter, Peter Parker. This is Ned Leeds, my best friend." Peter introduced themselves.

"Hi, I'm Mercy and Archangel, but you can call me Desi. Just between us though, okay?" Desi introduced back.

"Can we get a picture with you?" Ned asked and she nodded in agreement. The two posed with her and took a picture, but Desi had to get out of the vicinity soon.

"It was apleasure to meet you again but you two should really get out of here; this place isn't really safe for you two." Desi told them as she took out her money from her shoes.

Peter watched her as she handed them both one-hundred-dollar bills and they quickly took the money before she ushered them through the alleyway.

Please, get a ride, keep the change."

"You can come to my house, lay low." Peter offered but Desi smiled sadly.

"Thanks, but I don't want trouble finding you because of me. You two stay safe, okay? I'll meet you both soon, okay?" Desi spoke before she released their shoulders.

"Hey, Mercy?"

She spun around.

"Will you really look for me?" Peter asked, his eyes pouted at her, she quickly crumbled. This kid was going to be heartbreaker to someone, she knew it.

"I promise. Why don't you meet me here tomorrow after school? I hope 530 is okay for you?" Desi asked as she took his phone. Peter smiled, Ned already scrambling for a paper and pencil. Peter handed Desi the paper as she handed him the phone back.

"I'm serious, only you can both can have that address if you need to lay somewhere, or I'll come looking for you; understand? And not in the good kind of way." Desi warned him.

"Yeah, of course. No problem, thanks." Peter said, ecstatic.

"No problem, now go. Stay safe!" Desi announced, ushering them away before she went down another path from them. Desi had never met someone who knew her, her smile evident on her face; someone was excited to meet her.

"Desi, the place is secure."

"Copy, on my way back." Desi spoke, making her way back to the club. Desi approached the club and saw Steve in the front, agents around them whisking away the men from earlier.

"Ready to head out?" Steve asked.

"Ready as I'll ever be." Desi answered, Steve guiding her to his motorcycle.

"Desi!"

Desi froze, Steve looking over to the voices when he saw two men approaching them.

"Can I help you gentlemen?" Steve asked.

"We just came to Desi, can we have a minute?" one of the men asked, but Steve looked down to Desi.

Desi had her eyes closed, squinting it tightly as she heard Lemi's voice. It had been so long…

"Desi?" Steve asked, noticing her distraught look.

"Really, I expected from you sister." Desi heard Cole speak, and she laughed bitterly.

"I think you're confusing me with someone else. I don't have a family," Desi spoke, looking up at Steve, "Can we please go?"

Steve nodded, seeing her eyes water as she was trying to contain herself, "Let's go."

"Desi, wait." Steve stood in front of Desi protectively, the man taking a step back.

"You made your choice. Respect her space." Steve told them before he guided Desi away from them.

Steve climbed onto the motorcycle, taking Desi's hand as she climbed behind him, clinging onto him as they drove off. During the drive, he could feel his shirt dampen, her arms clinging tightly around his waist. Steve wanted to call Bucky, knowing he'd want to be the one to comfort her but Steve wanted to be selfish for a moment. He pulled up to a late-night street market and parked, taking her hand and helping her off the motorcycle before he climbed off himself.

"Where are we?" Desi asked, never been here before.

"This is my favorite place to come to sometimes, reminds me of New York back in the day sometimes." Steve told her, slowing his step to match with hers.

"This is really amazing, Steve…" Desi whispered, smiling as he walked her through the market.

Walking through the market, Steve found a stall where they were selling hoodies, sweaters, and shirts. He picked up a dark blue zipper hoodie with the words Brooklyn in red and white bold lettering and opened it up for Desi. She looked at him questioning when he helped into it, zipping it up for her. She blushed at how close he was to her, his breath against her cheek as he secured the zipper for her.

"I didn't want you to get cold, is it comfortable?" Steve asked, noticing the blush on her cheeks.

"It's almost too big, but I like it like that. Thanks, Steve." Desi answered, smiling in appreciation as he paid the stall owner. Steve offered her arm, which she took, allowing him to escort her through the market. Desi appreciated him distracting her, playing and finding knick-knacks together; Steve went even as far as to buy them matching NYC souvenir t-shirts. Steve led her to his final location, the only pizza joint in the market. He held the door open for her, allowing her inside first as she looked around curiously.

"Want pizza? My treat." Steve offered.

"Oooh, pepperoni please." Desi asked, pouting at him. He chuckled, but nodded as she followed behind him diligently.

Grabbing their pizza and drinks, Steve and Desi sat in a booth in the corner, but Steve didn't take a bite.

"Aren't you going to eat?" Desi asked.

"I want to see what you think, first." Steve answered.

Desi threw a glare but took a bite, and her eyes widened from the flavor.

"Oh my God!"

"That good?" Steve teased.

"I just think I just had an orgasm in my mouth!" Desi commented.

"Language!" Steve warned her, making her giggle.

"Sorry, it's really good. You have fine taste, good sir!" Desi said, flashing him a thumbs up before she continued eating. Steve was happy to see her relax around him, eating their pizza in relaxed silence. He quickly finished his pizza and took a deep breath.

"Those two men, they were your brothers, right?" Steve asked, getting straight to the point.

Desi looked up at him, taking a moment to collect herself before she nodded.

"Yeah, Lemi and Cole, paternal twins; not identical." Desi answered.

"I'm sorry, I would've warned you if I had known." Steve told her, but she smiled sadly.

"There was no way you'd really know; it's not something I've dealt with just yet." Desi told him.

"Tell me about them." Steve told her, hoping to help her.

"Well, Lemi is the nice one. He's the one who probably met, you know? He always looked out for me and protected me. He served in the Air Force before he applied for the SHEILD INITITAVE, but he's just as deadly with a sniper rifle," Desi told him, "Cole, however, is the tough love kind of guy. He's a Marine, also skilled in sniping, but he struggles communicating with me; always has. He has always been just as protective but…still."

"So, you're the baby of the family?" Steve asked and she nodded as she took a sip of her drink.

"Don't you dare make fun of me, Steve Rogers! You have been warned." Desi warned him, making him chuckle as he held his hands up in defense.

"I wouldn't dream of it." Steve told her. She smiled sadly, looking back at the table again, playing with her straw.

"It was weird to see them again, acting as if though we didn't know each other, you know? I had hoped one of them would pull me into a hug, or tell me they were sorry, or that they missed me but…" Desi frowned, fighting the lump in her throat, "I haven't heard anything from them since that day. I can't help but wonder if I meant anything to them…to make them walk away so easy. Am I…to naïve? Am I useless? Am I…am I not worth fighting for?"

Desi fought a sob, cupping her mouth as she felt the tears fall down her face. Steve hated to see her like that, and wrapped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her into his chest as she cried. He was grateful the joint was empty as she cried, allowing herself to finally let go.

He held her for over a couple of minutes until she finally calmed down, wiping her tears away before she pulled away. Desi didn't like to show her weakness to anyone. She knew she was an emotional person and cried a lot when she other's painful memories, but she hated to feel weak, as if she was uncapable to handle herself. The thought of the team no longer relying on her worried her more than anything.

"I don't know about your family, but I know you enough to know that you Destiny are none of those things," Steve said with a firm tone, Desi looking up at him, "You are kind, thoughtful, and a powerful woman. You are worth it, never doubt that. Your place is with us."

"Thank you…" Desi spoke softly, and Steve flashed her smirk.

"Let's head back to the compound." Steve announced as he stood up, helping her out of the booth.

The drive was silent, and Desi kept thinking back about her brothers until they arrived back at the compound. Steve and Desi walked into the living room area, surprised to see Bucky standing in the kitchen with a drink in his hand.

"Buck." Steve acknowledged him.

"Rogers." Bucky spoke as he approached Desi.

Glancing over her, Bucky saw the shirts in their hand, a Brooklyn hoodie covering her dress; but her puffy eyes stuck out to him.

"Buck-" She stilled herself when Buck cupped her face, looking deeply into her eyes.

"You were crying, what happened?" Bucky asked.

"I'm fine, I have a huge headache from the headbutt earlier, but I just need a shower." Desi said, refusing to look at him.

"Go ahead, I'll be right there." Bucky told her, running a hand through her hair as she pulled away from him.

Her and Bucky haven't had any time to be together, but she can't help but feel them slipping away from their original closeness. Did she look too much into this? Did she give her virginity too easily?

"Okay," Desi looked over to Steve and smile sincerely to him, "Goodnight Steve. Oh and, thanks for tonight, pizza again soon?"

Steve smirked and nodded, "Will do, goodnight."

Desi smiled at the two super soldiers before she headed towards her room. The moment the door closed; Bucky looked over to Steve with narrowed eyes.

"You like her, don't you?" Bucky asked, his eyes narrowed at her. Buck was a fool for not realizing it sooner, but the stolen glances Steve was giving her, the touches, and now the hoodie he bought her.

"She had a rough night; I was just distracting her." Steve told him, alarming Bucky.

"What happened?"

"She'll share that when she's ready. It's not my story to tell." Steve answered, wanting to respect Desi's privacy.

"I just need to know, Rogers. Do you like her?"

"He does."

Steve and Bucky glared over to Loki who was leaning against the wall. He smirked at watching the best friends in argument, but it made things interesting for him.

"What?"

"Desi won't let me read her, she's very protective," Loki pointed out, "but the Soldier is very loud of his thoughts. It appears he kissed the young healer during their mission."

Bucky looked back at Steve for him to deny it but Steve was blank.

"I did."

"And what of me? Did you consider our friendship?"

"Did you consider her feelings?" Loki reminded the Winter Solider.

"What did you say to me?"

"She's wandering if you're tired of her. If what you had was just a grateful friendship for her saving you," Loki explained, "She did give you her virginity. She thought you really liked her as she did for you."

Bucky's eyes widened.

"No contact, no checkup- she's pulling away because of you," Loki said, "But not to worry. I'll take care of her for both of you."

"You're not insinuating…"

"I may have feelings for her," Loki told them, "It'll be interesting to have her. She's not worth you both destroying your friendship. Besides: the soldier who only loves his past lover Peggy, and the other soldier who had a new girlfriend every week. You really don't want to hurt her, am I right?"

Loki disappeared without another word, leaving them conflicted.

How did it get to this?