Thank you to Harliquinn for beta editing!

/\/\/\/\

Skye was up with Lila's alarm the next morning. She got dressed in the dress she was borrowing from Lila.

Lila smiled when she saw her in it. "Looks so much better on you than it ever did on me."

"Really?" Skye asked.

"Yes. I bought it without trying it on. It's a really pretty dress but it never fit me quite right. Glad it found a new owner. And, you can keep it. Doesn't fit me at all anymore anyways" Lila said.

Skye smiled, "thank you."

They both went downstairs and had breakfast with everyone.

"How are you feeling today, Skye?" Laura asked.

"I'm okay," Skye said.

"Nervous at all?" Laura asked.

"Yes," Skye said.

"I'm sure it will all work out," Clint said.

Skye nodded slightly. She didn't think so. Nothing ever worked out the way she wanted. She would get so close to something good happening, and it would be ripped away. Admittedly this time would hurt worse than any other. She had finally found a family. If things went the way they normally do for her and she got taken away from them, she would be completely broken.

Everyone finished eating and Lila hugged Skye. "You have my number. No matter what, keep in contact."

"I will," Skye said, hugging her "Thanks for sharing your room with me."

"It was fun. Like I had a sister for a few days," Lila said with a smile.

Skye smiled. She said bye to Cooper and Nate as well before the three of them headed out the door to school and work.

Skye went upstairs and started to brush through her hair in the bathroom.

Laura went upstairs and saw her. "Would you like me to help braid your hair or anything?"

Skye looked up at her and smiled. "Really?"

"Yeah. I miss doing it for Lila. She doesn't let me anymore. I would love to," Laura said with a smile.

Skye nodded. "Okay."

Laura stood behind her and started to braid her hair.

"I know Clint has told you this, but no matter what happens today, no matter where you end up, you will always have a safe place to come here. Okay?" Laura said.

"Thanks. I appreciate that. And I appreciate that you let me stay here," Skye said.

"Of course," Laura said as she finished braiding her hair by putting an elastic in to hold it in place.

"What do you think?" Laura asked.

Skye took a good look at it and smiled, "thank you. It's perfect."

"You're all packed up?" Laura asked.

"Yes," Skye said. She went back to the bedroom and picked up the packed suitcase.

Both ladies went downstairs where Thor and Clint were talking.

"Hello, Skye," Thor said. "Are you ready?"

Skye nodded "As ready as I can be," she said.

She hugged Clint and Laura. "Thank you for letting me stay here."

They both hugged her.

"You are always welcome here," Laura reiterated.

Skye went and stood with Thor.

"We will be seeing you soon, I am sure," Thor said to the other two adults before transporting himself and Skye to the courthouse.

They both went inside and to the courtroom. Thor took her bag and took a seat.

Skye went up to the front where Steve was with her social worker.

Steve smiled and hugged her. "Hello," he said.

"Hi," Skye said hugging him tightly. She looked at Ruth, her social worker, and said hello as well.

"Hello, Skye. How are you feeling?" Her social worker asked.

"Nervous," Skye said.

"Giving you fair warning, this judge only recently became a judge for the family court. He was in the juvenile court till a couple of months ago," Ruth told her.

Skye sighed. "One I know?"

"Yes," Ruth said.

"Who?" Skye asked.

Ruth gave her a name.

"Are you kidding?" Skye asked, looking very upset. "He will never agree to this. He hates me."

"Skyler, he doesn't hate you. He was frustrated with you, like we all were," Ruth said.

"He told me if he saw me in his courtroom again, he would not hesitate to send me to Juvie," Skye said.

"You're not in trouble today. He is not going to send you to juvenile detention. I have already talked with him. Skye, trust me," Ruth said.

Skye sighed and looked at her watch. "The hearing doesn't start for fifteen minutes, right?"

"Right," Ruth said.

"Good, I need the bathroom," Skye said.

"It's just outside the courtroom. You want me to go with you?" Ruth asked.

"No," Skye said as she went.

Steve looked at Thor and nodded to the girl. He had a gut feeling she was going to run.

Skye went into the bathroom and left the room a few minutes later. She headed towards the front door of the courthouse. If she didn't have a chance of getting out of the system, she was not going to go to some group home. She would take care of herself.

"Going somewhere little one?" Thor asked.

Skye froze.

"You need to be in the courtroom," Thor said.

Skye took a breath and took off running. Thor went after her.

Skye was almost out of the courthouse before she was grabbed by Bucky, who was coming into the courthouse. "Don't think so, Skyler," he said.

"Bucky! No, please, let me go. I can't go back to a group home. I won't be safe," Skye said. They could hear the panic in her voice.

"It hasn't even started yet," Bucky said, looking confused.

"But, the judge hates me," Skye said, squirming.

"I'm sure he doesn't," Bucky said.

"I'm sorry, Bucky," she said before she punched him hard in the gut.

Bucky let her go and grunted.

Skye started to run again before she was caught by Thor. "Little one, you need to come back to the courtroom." he grabbed her and looked at Bucky.

"You okay?" Thor asked.

Bucky took a breath. "I'm fine," he managed to get out.

Skye squirmed and got out of Thor's grasp.

Bucky was able to grab her again.

"Skyler, stop it or you and I will have to have a conversation you do not want," Thor warned.

Skye continued squirming and looked so sad.

Bucky put his hands on her shoulders and bent down so he was at eye level. "As angry as I am with you right now, I will make sure you are safe."

Skye swallowed hard and nodded.

"Go. Courtroom, now." Bucky said.

Skye sighed and did as she was told. Bucky and Thor followed behind, and they went into the courtroom. Bucky gently nudged her to the front.

Steve looked at Thor and Bucky. Thor nodded, telling him she tried to get away.

Steve raised an eyebrow at Skye.

Skye sighed.

He wrapped an arm around her, giving her a small side hug. "Why does Bucky look annoyed?"

"Um. Well," Skye said.

The judge came in.

"We will talk about it later," Steve said.

The hearing started.

"Miss Smith. I am happy to see you here for a good reason," the judge said.

Skye took a breath and nodded.

The judge spoke to her social worker and Steve.

"You're single, correct?" The judge asked Steve.

"Yes, Your Honor," Steve said.

"You do great things for this city and the world. But the nature of your work comes with danger, and you can be called away at a moment's notice. How can you ensure she will be safe in your absence?" the judge asked.

Steve explained how the people he lived and worked with were family and there would always be someone there to take care of her if he had to go away at a moment's notice. He pointed out Pepper, who was there that day as well. She had already agreed that she would keep an eye on her if he is called away.

"It has been noticed that she, too, has some of the superhuman abilities. And there is a target on her back. Do you plan on letting her fight with you?" the judge asked.

"She has been being and will continue to be trained. But she will not be fighting with the Avengers until I can be sure she will be safe. Likely not till she is at least eighteen," Steve said.

Skye scowled. She was unaware that was a decision that had been made.

"She looks thrilled about that," the judge said.

"She can feel however she wants to. My job as her parent is to keep her safe, and that means she will not be fighting as long as I can prevent it," Steve said.

"She has a record of sneaking out. How can you ensure she won't do that and join the fight?" The judge asked.

"The home she will be living in has a lot of security. She wouldn't make it to the door," Steve said.

"If I may?" Ruth asked.

The judge nodded.

"In the seven months she has been under the mentorship of Mr. Rogers and the other Avengers the amount of trouble she has been in has dropped greatly. There has only been one instance, early on, where she got in trouble. It is clear that they have been a good influence on her and her behavior. And I think that there is no better place for her," Ruth said.

The judge nodded. "I have looked at her record and am impressed by the changes that seem to have been made. And I'm sure, had he known about her in the beginning, he would have taken her in. I trust that he intends to do what is needed to protect her, and I don't doubt being with this family she will be safe."

Skye was standing there. She thought she could hear in the judge's voice that he was going to deny custody to Steve, and she was frustrated. She mumbled something under her breath.

Steve took a breath. He had heard what she said and was not impressed.

"Was there something you wanted to say, Miss Smith?" the judge asked. He had heard her mumble and knew what she had said. He wanted it repeated.

Skye's eyes went big. She hadn't intended that to be more than a thought in her mind. "No, Your Honor," she said quickly.

"You said something under your breath. I'd like you to repeat it," the judge said.

"Respectfully, no, Your Honor," Skye said as she looked down, her face red with embarrassment.

The judge shook his head and looked at Steve. "You certainly are going to have your hands full with her. I see no reason why you can't be granted the custody that you should have had from the beginning. I am granting full custody of Skyer Smith to Steven Rogers," the judge said before ending the hearing.

Skye looked up in surprise.

Steve pulled her into a hug. Skye hugged him, holding back tears.

The judge came down with the paperwork.

"Change of name at all?" the judge asked.

Steve looked at Skye. "Your choice. You want to change your last name?"

"Oh. . . um. . . yeah. Last name to Rogers," Skye said.

"You sure?" Steve asked, "you don't have to if you don't want to."

"I do want to," Skye said with a smile.

"Okay," Steve smiled at her.

"Do you want to add a middle name?" The judge asked.

Skye looked up at Steve.

Steve took a breath. "You okay with Sarah?" he asked Skye.

"That was your mom's name, wasn't it?" Skye asked with a smile.

Steve nodded and smiled.

"I would love that," Skye said, hugging him again.

Steve hugged her tight.

The paperwork was filled out.

"Skyler, do you have something to say to the judge?" Steve asked her.

Skye nodded. "Thank you," she said.

"Well, yes. That's a good thing to say, but that's not what I was going for," Steve said.

Skye let out a breath. "I'm sorry," she said.

"Apology accepted," he said. "And I do not hate you. I had every intention coming in here to just ensure that you would be safe before approving the adoption," the judge said, making sure she knew he knew what she had said and that she was very wrong.

Skye nodded.

The paperwork was signed.

Often when adoptions were finalized in court pictures were taken with the new family and the judge. Those pictures were taken with everyone smiling. When the pictures were done, the judge shook hands with Steve and looked at Skye, "I hope I don't have to see you again in court."

"You won't," Skye said with a small smile.

Skye looked at Ruth.

"Well, I guess this is it," Ruth said. "Stay out of trouble."

Skye nodded and hugged her "I will. I'm sorry I made your job harder."

Ruth hugged her. "It's forgiven."

Ruth shook Steve's hand.

"Thank you," Steve said, shaking her hand. "I know you had a lot to figure out with this case, and I appreciate it."

"Of course, All I have ever wanted for all the kids I work with is for them to end up in a good home," Ruth said before she headed out.

Skye looked up at Steve and smiled.

Steve hugged her tight.

Skye hugged him.

"Come on, time to get you home," Steve said. They went out. Steve took Skye's bag from Thor.

Everyone who had come to support them followed them out of the courtroom.

"Buck, why did you look annoyed when you came into the courtroom?" Steve asked.

"Skyler, do you want to tell him?" Bucky asked.

"I'd rather not," Skye said.

"Skyler," Steve said. "Talk."

"I-I um. . . well . . . I got . . . I was…." She was trying to find the right words.

Steve looked at Bucky.

"I came into the building and almost ran right into her. I could tell she was trying to leave. I grabbed her, but she was pretty insistent. She decided to punch me in the gut to try and get away. And, well, she is pretty strong," Bucky said.

"I was right behind and grabbed her, and she continued to squirm," Thor added.

"Skyler Sarah Rogers," Steve said.

Skye cringed. Full named when she had barely had that name for ten minutes.

"We have a lot to talk about it seems," Steve said.

Skye sighed and nodded.

Tony hid his face and smirked. This girl, who was tiny in comparison to Bucky, had managed to get away from the man by punching him in the gut.

Pepper noticed his face and shook her head at him.

They all climbed into a car that Happy was driving and started for the compound.

"I'm guessing it went well," Happy said.

"It did," Steve said with a smile.

Skye smiled and nodded.

"That's great," Happy said.

"So, I am making lunch when we get back. What would you like, Skye?" Pepper asked.

"Everything you make is good," Skye said with a smile.

"I can't believe I don't know this. What is your favorite food?" Pepper said.

Skye shrugged.

"French fries," Steve answered for her.

"I can definitely do that," Pepper said with a smile. "How does breaded fish and fries sound?"

Skye smiled and nodded. "Sounds delicious."

Happy pulled into the compound and through the gates where security was keeping the paparazzi out.

Skye took a breath.

"It will calm down," Steve told her.

Skye nodded.

"Am I going to be going to an actual school?" Skye asked.

"Not sure," Steve said. "I'm worried about people treating you differently than they should."

Skye nodded again.

"We will figure it out," Steve said.

"Okay," Skye said.

"Ah," Thor said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out her phone and holding it out to her.

Skye's eyes lit up. "Where did you find it?" she asked taking it.

"Someone left it at my door," Thor said. "I do not know if it will work, but I will let you try."

Tony held his hand out. "I can see if I can get it working. If not, I can get your photos off of the cloud," he said.

Skye handed it to him. "Okay. Thank you."

"And, if not, I'm going to have to get you on a new plan anyway. And it can come with a new phone," Steve said.

Skye smiled. "Okay, thank you."

They got out of the car and went inside.

"Welcome home," Steve said.

Skye took a breath and let a tear fall. She wiped it away, hoping no one saw.

"Skye, this is a good thing, right?" Steve asked.

Skye nodded, "I just can't believe it has happened."

Morgan came running. "Skye!" She tackled her legs.

Skye chuckled as she almost fell backward before being caught by someone.

"Hey, Squirt. Careful," Tony told his daughter.

Skye knelt and hugged Morgan.

Morgan hugged her. "Come play with me."

"In a bit, okay?" Skye said.

Morgan nodded before running off again.

Skye got up and looked at who had kept her from falling. "Thank you," Skye said.

Bucky nodded.

"And, I'm sorry. I hope I didn't hurt you too much," Skye said.

"Forgiven," Bucky said and shook his head with a smirk.

"How did the girl hurt you?" Yelena asked, a chuckle in her voice as she came into the room.

"She didn't," Bucky said.

Thor smirked. "You did seem to be in some pain."

Tony couldn't control himself anymore and started to laugh.

"She just caught me by surprise and knocked the wind out of me a bit," Bucky said.

Steve had to take a breath to control his face. Even though she shouldn't have punched him, it was amusing to watch his best friend have to explain how the thirteen-year-old had caused him some discomfort.

"Alright, it doesn't matter. Skyler, we need to have a conversation," Steve said, gently leading her away from the group.

"I'm sorry," Skye said as she was led into the back office.

"I know," Steve said. "Now sit."

Skye sat.

"So where do we start? Trying to use Thor's weapon without permission? Not listening to Thor? Lying to Clint and Laura about being hurt? Trying to take off from the courthouse? Punching Bucky and not listening to him or Thor again?" Steve said, sitting down as well.

Skye sighed and looked at her hands. "I'm sorry."

"Today was a big day, and I don't want to ruin your happiness. So, I know you have apologized to Thor for when you were there. And to Clint and Laura and Bucky for today. You need to apologize to Thor for today still, correct?" Steve asked.

Skye nodded.

"Do that and start listening to the adults in this family, and no more hitting any of them either," Steve said. "In fact, I see no reason you should be hitting anyone unless it's in defence or training," Steve said.

Skye nodded. "Yes, Sir."

"I do not want to have another conversation about these things again. Am I understood?" Steve asked.

"Yes, Sir," Skye said.

"Okay," Steve hugged her tight. "You are safe now."

"Were you serious about me not going out fighting till I'm eighteen?" Skye asked.

"Yes, I was," Steve said.

"But, Peter got to fight before he was eighteen," Skye said.

"That was Peter, and not my decision to make," Steve said. "You can train, but you will not be fighting any bad guys till you are at least eighteen, or if you are doing so in self-defence, of course."

Skye nodded.

"Come on," Steve said, getting up.

Skye went into the kitchen where everyone was. She looked at Thor and mouthed "I'm sorry."

"Skye. You can do better than that," Steve said.

"I'm sorry for trying to take off on you," she said.

"Ah, all is forgiven little one," Thor said.

Skye smiled.

"Come and play now?" Morgan asked.

Skye went with her and played with some dolls with Morgan.

"I'm going to see if I can get this phone working," Tony said, heading to his office.

"I need to get back to Asgard for a few days," Thor said before heading off.

Steve sat at the table with Bucky and smirked.

Bucky shook his head. "How long before I live this down?"

"Not sure," Steve said.

"Steve, seriously, it wasn't that bad. Just a surprise," Bucky said.

"I believe that, because I doubt she even used her full strength," Steve said.

"So, you think she could hurt me if she tried?" Bucky asked.

"I think she has knocked me on my butt. So, she could do the same to you," Steve said.

"Fair enough," Bucky said. "She is going to be stronger than you if she already knocks you on your ass."

"Probably," Steve said.

"Scared?" Pepper asked from the counter where she was frying up some fish.

"Terrified," Steve said. "I do want her to be better than I ever can be, but if she gets stronger than me. . . ."

"Could she get stronger than you though? She has the super serum, yes, but only in half her DNA. Her mother wasn't super, right?" Bucky said.

"No, she wasn't. And I don't know. I think, given time, anything is possible," Steve said.

"What about it scares you? It's a good thing. She will be able to protect herself," Bucky said.

"Yes. But, with great power comes great responsibility," Steve said. "I accepted that responsibility somewhat knowing what I was getting into. She didn't decide this."

"But she wants to train. She wants to do this. If she didn't want to, you would never make her. right?" Pepper said.

"No, I would never have forced her to start training. But, now, she is known to the public. There will forever be a target on her back, whether it be to hurt her or to try and get her to join some villain. And, yes, she is a good kid. I don't think she would ever want to hurt anyone. But she is young and vulnerable," Steve said.

"Which is why we keep her safe until we can be sure she knows how to pick up on people trying to hurt her, not help her," Pepper said.

Steve nodded.

Soon lunch was ready, and the seven who were around were called to eat. They all sat down at the table.

"Did you change anything with your name?" Yelena asked Skye.

Skye smiled and nodded. "I took Rogers as my last name, and I have a middle name now."

"Sarah," Steve said with a smile.

"After your mom?" Bucky asked.

Steve nodded.

"How old were you when she passed? Or was it while you were frozen?" Skye asked.

"I was eighteen," Steve said. "She was a nurse in a TB ward of the hospital. She got it, and it ended up taking her life."

"TB?" Skye asked.

"Tuberculosis. Now it is very treatable and easier to prevent, but at the time it wasn't. And in the end, it took her," Steve said.

"It's a disease that usually causes damage to the lungs, but can affect other parts of the body too," Pepper told her.

Skye nodded.

"But I bet she would love that her granddaughter has her name as her middle name," Pepper said with a smile.

"She definitely would," Bucky said.

"Yeah. You two grew up together and both ended up surviving because of medical experimentation, right?" Skye said.

"Yes," Steve said.

"Your dad was a scrawny kid who didn't know how to stay out of fights. I had to save his ass numerous times because he didn't know how not to pick on people who were twice his size," Bucky said with a smirk.

"You're right, and now I wouldn't have to try to take you down," Steve said smirking back at his friend.

"You think so, huh?" Bucky said.

"Don't even have to think about it," Steve said.

"Boys," Pepper said warningly.

Skye snickered

Tony and Yelena smirked.

"Daddy, Mommy is mad," Morgan whispered to Tony.

Tony coughed a laugh away. "Not at you, Squirt. Don't worry about it," he whispered to her.

"I personally would like to see Captain America and the Winter Soldier fighting," Yelena said, a smirk still on her face.

"Maybe we will have to arrange that," Steve said with a smirk.

Tony chuckled, "should I have the ambulance ready for whoever ends up hurt, or should I just call the morgue to start planning a funeral?"

Skye was holding in a laugh, but lost it at that point and laughed to the point of tears.

Pepper shook her head. "You three are the biggest children here."

Steve smirked at Bucky, who was smirking at him.

Pepper looked at her husband with her eyes narrowed.

"Okay, Pepper is right. Come on. We both know I would kick both of your asses. So, let's just agree to keep the ass-kicking to the villains," Tony said.

"Ha!" Bucky said.

"As if," Steve said.

"Do I need to ground all three of you?" Pepper asked. She was getting seriously annoyed. "Because I will do it."

"Pepper is right," Steve said. "Let's all be men about this and change the subject." He would never admit it but even he feared the wrath of Pepper.

"Thank you," Pepper said.

The conversation was changed, and lunch was finished. Skye and Tony cleared the table after.

"So, your phone was water damaged. But I have been able to get into your cloud and your pictures are there. You have a laptop, right?" Tony asked.

"Yes," Skye said.

"When you have a minute you can bring it to my office, and I will show you how to access them, " Tony said.

"Okay, thank you," Skye said.

"Of course," Tony said.

"How did you get into my cloud? Isn't it password protected?" Skye asked.

"It is," Tony said.

"Did you hack my cloud?" Skye asked.

"Yes, and it took ten seconds. You need a better password," Tony said.

Skye chuckled. "You hacked my account and I'm the one getting scolded?"

Tony chuckled. "Not scolding, just informing you that you need a better password than a password that is in the top ten commonly used passwords."

"I just have a bad memory. I will forget anything," Skye said.

"I'll help you figure out something better than what you have," Tony said. "You need to be more careful now than before. People wanting to hurt you will hack your accounts to try and find a way into your life."

Skye nodded.

"So, what social media do you have that we need to change the password on?" Tony said.

"I have none," Skye said.

"Come on, the truth," Tony said. He couldn't believe a teenage girl in today's society didn't have any social media.

"Honest, I have never been allowed on social media. And my phone and computer were checked weekly for it," Skye said.

"Okay. What about an account on a music platform?" Tony asked.

"That I do have," Skye said, "and an email account, and my cloud storage. My school account has a password, but that one I didn't choose. Those are the only things I have passwords for. Oh, and my phone had a password," Skye said.

"Okay. Have you been using the same password for all your accounts?" Tony asked.

"Yeah," Skye said.

Tony nodded. "Okay. We will change them all."

"I can't change the school one. I don't think there is even a way for me to do it. The school picked the passwords and gave them to us," Skye said.

"Okay. Well then, we won't worry about that one," Tony said.

When they were done cleaning, Skye grabbed her laptop and went to Tony's office. Tony found the pictures for her before they set new passwords for all her accounts.

Morgan came into the office. "What are you doing?" she asked.

"Helping Skye," Tony said, picking Morgan up and setting her in his lap.

"Well, that was my last account with a password," Skye said.

Tony handed her a piece of paper. "Put this somewhere secure and remember where it is."

"I'm going to lose it. I know I will," Skye said.

"Well, think about your room. Think about somewhere safe you can keep it," Tony said.

Skye thought about it. "I might have an idea. I think I am going to forget, but I have an idea," she said.

"I'm sure you won't," Tony said. "Now go put it there," he said.

Skye took her laptop and went and hid her paper with the passwords somewhere in her room.

There was a knock on her bedroom door.

"Come in," Skye said.

Steve entered the room. "How are you doing?"

"I'm okay," Skye said.

"What were you and Tony getting up to?" Steve asked.

"He showed me how to access my cloud on my computer for the photos on my phone. And helped me change my passwords for my email and such," Skye said.

"And social media?" Steve asked.

"I don't have any social media," Skye said.

Steve tilted his head.

"I've not been allowed. Legally you have to be thirteen, and the most recent group home wouldn't allow it till sixteen. They kept an eye on my computer and phone to make sure I was following the rules," Skye said.

"You didn't get any sneakily?" Steve asked.

"No," Skye said. "Promise."

"Okay. Do you want to get an account on any?" Steve asked.

"Maybe," Skye said.

"If you want to, let me know, and we will talk about how to keep yourself safe on social media," Steve said. He didn't want her to have to go behind his back to get them. If he knew about them, it would be easier for him to keep an eye on things.

Skye nodded. "Okay."

"And you know, if you need to talk about anything, you can talk to me right?" Steve said.

"Yes, I know. And if it's something I don't want to talk to you about, there are other people I can talk to," Skye said with a smile.

"You mean girl things?" Steve asked.

"Yes," Skye said.

"Well, it's okay if you do talk to any of the women here about those things. But I will do the best I can, even with the girl stuff," Steve said.

Skye nodded. "Okay."

"Your diabetes was under control while you were away, right?" Steve asked.

"Seemed to be, yes," Skye said.

"What do you mean seemed? Don't you keep track of that pretty regularly?" Steve asked.

"I can tell when my sugars are off just by the way I feel. But I do usually check often," Skye said.

"Usually? Come on, Skye, yes or no. Did you keep track the way you are supposed to while away?" Steve asked.

Skye looked down and shook her head.

"Okay. Why?" Steve asked.

"I ran out of the stuff to test with," Skye said.

"Why didn't you say something?" Steve asked.

Skye shrugged.

"I need an answer, Skyler." He wasn't angry, but he was concerned.

"I know how much of a hassle it is to have to go and get the supplies," Skye said.

"Is it not just going to the pharmacy and picking up a prescription?" Steve asked.

Skye shrugged.

"You have been made to feel like it's a hassle?" Steve asked.

Skye nodded.

"Are you allowed to pick it up, or will I need to make some calls to make sure that the pharmacist is aware of the fact that I'm your parent?" Steve asked.

"I can pick it up myself. I have done it in the past. The pharmacist knows me," Skye said.

"Okay. Let's go get it," Steve said.

Skye went with him, and they headed out. Happy drove them.

"From now on I expect you to let me know when you are getting low. Do you need the medication, too, or just the testing supplies?" Steve asked.

"I've only got today left for the medication," she said, avoiding eye contact with him.

"And you were going to go without?" Steve asked.

Skye looked out the window but didn't say anything.

"I asked you a question," Steve said.

"I was," Skye said.

"Skyler, that is very dangerous," Steve said.

"Sorry," she said.

"Nope. I don't want an apology. I want a promise. You will never do this again. You will tell me," Steve said.

"Promise I won't do this again," Skye said.

"Just going to put in here, if he is busy just let me know, and I will take you," Happy said.

Skye nodded. "Okay."

Steve nodded. "Thank you, Happy."

Happy nodded.

"I'm annoyed knowing I have super-serum in me, and I still end up diabetic," Skye said.

"Yeah. I was diabetic till the super serum. I'm sorry you got it," Steve said.

"Seriously? So, the super serum fixed it for you, but not me. How does that make sense?" Skye said.

"I don't know," Steve said.

"Is there going to be testing done on my DNA to see how the super serum affects me differently because it's only half my DNA?" Skye asked.

"It's possible. I don't want you to become a pin cushion, though," Steve said.

"Already am from diabetes," Skye said.

"Yes. But that is necessary for your health," Steve said.

Happy pulled into the parking lot of the pharmacy that Skye had told him.

The three got out and went inside. Skye got her prescriptions that Steve paid for.

The pharmacist looked Steve up and down, and Skye rolled her eyes.

"New foster parent?" the pharmacist asked her.

"No, my biological father," Skye said. "You obviously don't follow the tabloids."

"I don't have time to," the pharmacist said.

Skye nodded. "Well, he is my biological father and legal guardian as of a few hours ago."

The pharmacist nodded. "You know her medical history?" the pharmacist asked

"I do," Steve said.

"Okay, good," she said. "Do you happen to have the court order so I can verify that what she is saying is true?" She asked Steve.

Steve pulled out the documents he figured that it might come up and showed her.

The pharmacist looked over it and nodded before handing it back to Steve. "Thank you."

"Not a problem," Steve said.

Skye was given her prescriptions before the three of them left and headed back to the car.

"You get looked up and down like that all the time?" Skye asked.

"What?" Steve asked.

"The pharmacist looked at you like you were a piece of meat," Skye said.

"Did she?" he asked, a smirk on his face.

"It does happen a lot," Happy told her, opening the door for her.

Skye got in. Steve got in on the other side. Happy got in and started for home.

"You will get used to it and not notice after a while," Steve said.

"Would you if it was me being ogled?" Skye asked.

Steve took a breath. "I see your point. But I have no control over other people looking at me."

"I get that," Skye said.

"And you are thirteen, so there better not be anyone ogling you," Steve said.

"Well, there was in Asgard," Skye said.

"I know," Steve said. "And I was not impressed with him. It wasn't your fault."

Skye nodded.

Happy pulled in at home, and they went inside.

"Go test, and let me know if it's off," Steve said.

Skye did as she was told. "It's fine," Skye told him.

"Okay, good," Steve said.

"I'm going to go rest for a bit," Skye said.

"Okay," Steve said.

Skye went off.

Steve went down to the gym to work out for a while.

A few hours later everyone who lived at the compound was back for dinner. Steve went and checked in on Skye, who was looking through her pictures on her computer.

"Dinner is ready," Steve said.

Skye closed her computer and went with him and sat down.

Everyone ate and talked.

"How does it feel now that you are here for good?" Wanda asked.

"I'm thrilled," Skye said.

"Good. Because now that you are here, I will be working you harder in training," Wanda said.

Skye smiled and nodded.

"In case it's not known, she will be training, yes. But I don't want her out fighting till she is at least eighteen," Steve said.

"Why not?" Wanda asked.

"Because she is a kid and should focus on that," Steve said.

"Come on, she is not a regular kid," Wanda said.

"Wanda, I'm not arguing this," Steve said.

Wanda let out a breath. "Okay."

"I think it's bullshit, too," Skye said before slapping her hand over her mouth. She had a bad habit of saying things she didn't intend to.

Steve looked at her eyebrow raised.

"Sorry," she said quickly.

"We will talk about it later," Steve said.

Skye sighed and nodded.

They finished eating, and Skye went to her room, hoping if she got out of Steve's view he would let it go.

Steve grabbed a beer and sat down in the living room.

Tony came and joined him with a beer as well.

"Am I being unfair?" Steve asked.

"You are trying to protect your daughter, no one can fault you for that," Tony said.

"But you let Peter fight at fifteen," Steve said.

Tony laughed. "I didn't let him. He would have done it with my help or not. My helping kept him alive. If I had it my way, he wouldn't have been fighting," Tony said.

Steve nodded. "Do you think I'm being naïve to think she won't do it behind my back?"

"I think she will at the very least try," Tony said. "Difference is, Peter didn't live here where it's not easy to sneak out."

Steve nodded.

"If you were thirteen, would you just want to sit back and not do anything with super abilities?" Tony asked.

Steve shook his head. "Probably not."

"I don't think it is wrong for you to want to keep her safe and from fighting for as long as you can. But I think you also need to realize that at some point she will try. And I don't think you can keep her from doing it till she is eighteen," Tony said.

Steve nodded.

"She might not have a choice. She could be targeted while she is young and vulnerable. So not truly preparing her for it is probably worse than letting her fight," Tony said. "And I don't think you can truly keep her locked in here forever."

Steve chuckled, "Wouldn't it be great if I could?"

Tony nodded.

"If Morgan wanted to, would you let her? Would you build her a suit?" Steve asked.

"If I didn't, she would probably figure out how to do it herself. She has already proven she is highly intelligent and stubborn. If she wants to and I don't let her, she will do it herself," Tony said.

Steve nodded.

"My advice, make sure she puts school first. If she can do that and get the grades you expect, then let her train like you were planning to anyway. And, when we find ourselves in a position where the Avengers need to fight, if she is truly ready don't try and stop her. Let her. We will all have her back the same way we do everyone else," Tony said.

Steve let out a breath and nodded.

"Navigating parenthood is hard. And add in a teenager who has been through hell, has super abilities, and has already proven to be highly stubborn. If you don't let her fight, she will find someone who will. And that might not be on the good side," Tony said.

Steve nodded again.

"We do not want to have to fight against her," Tony said.

"No, we don't," Steve said.

"So. Like anything else with parenting. Make sure she does what she has to do. Make rules and expectations around it, but don't try and fully stop her," Tony said.

Steve nodded. "Okay, thanks, Tony."

Tony shrugged. "God, I'm getting old, talking like this."

Steve chuckled. "parenting has changed you."

"It has changed you, too. And you are just starting," Tony pointed out.

Steve nodded. "Okay. Well, I think I need to go talk to her. I've let her stew long enough," he got up and went and knocked on the bedroom door.

"Come in," Skye said softly.

Steve went in. "Have you given any thoughts on redecorating this room?"

"Um, not really. I love it already," Skye said.

Steve nodded and sat down on the end of her bed.

"Okay. So, I'm not thrilled with the idea of you fighting. But, I also know that trying to stop you probably won't end well," Steve started. "Here's the deal. School is your priority. I know you are smart, and I expect your grades to represent that. If you can keep up with schoolwork and training, and being a regular teenager, we can revisit this conversation in six months. Deal?" Steve said.

Skye smiled and nodded. "Deal."

"Now, the swearing has to stop," Steve said.

"I know you hate it. And I'm trying. It's just that I'm so used to swearing," Skye said.

Steve nodded. "You've been allowed to?"

"Yes," Skye said.

"Okay. Well, I want you to do your best to stop. I don't think it is appropriate for a thirteen-year-old to be swearing," Steve said.

"Well, you don't seem to like anyone swearing," Skye said.

"Well, I don't. But I have no control over what the adults say around here," Steve said.

Skye chuckled, "You know certain people swear a lot more when you are not around. And no, I will not be giving you names. But they do seem to respect your wishes to not swear in front of you, for the most part."

Steve nodded and smiled. "I didn't know that. Well, I'm glad to know they have respect for me. I'm not thrilled they swear around you, though."

"Steve, I have been around swearing my whole life. The amount I swear is far less than most adults I have been in contact with. The people around here who do swear don't do it that much in comparison to other adults," Skye said.

"I do believe that," Steve said.

"I will do my best to stop swearing. Even when you're not around," Skye said.

Steve smiled. "I appreciate that. Others around here let you swear?"

Skye shrugged.

Steve chuckled. "I'm not getting names. I get it."

"No one around here would let me swear disrespectfully," Skye said.

Steve nodded. "Well, tonight, calling bullshit on the rule I set was disrespectful."

Skye nodded. "You're right, it was. I'm sorry."

"Next time there will be more than a conversation about it. Got it?" Steve asked.

"Yes, Sir," Skye said.

"Okay. It's forgiven. Now," he handed her his phone. "I have gotten about two dozen texts from Lila."

Skye chuckled and took his phone. "I'll call her."

"We can go get you a new phone tomorrow," Steve said. "We are going to have to get you new ID's with your new name as well."

Skye smiled. "Okay."

"I'll let you call your friend. Bring me my phone when you're done," he said before he left the room.

Skye called Lila.

"Hello," she said.

"Hey, Lila," Skye said.

"Why have you taken so long to call me and tell me how it went?!" Lila asked.

"Sorry. I figured Steve told your dad, and you were told," Skye said.

"Well, I was. But I wanted to hear from you," Lila said.

"Fair enough," Skye told her about most of what had happened in court that day.

"I heard my parents talking. Did you really take down Bucky trying to get away?" Lila asked.

Skye laughed. "No! I just knocked the wind out of him. I wasn't trying to hurt him, though."

"You think you could?" Lila asked laughing

"I don't know. In a few years maybe, but I'm not as strong as Steve. Yet. And I think he could easily take Bucky down," Skye said. "And there was an argument about that at lunch today."

"Oh my god, no! What happened?" Lila asked amused.

Skye told her all about the lunch discussion.

Lila laughed. "I'm sure Pepper was thrilled."

"She threatened to ground all three of them," Skye said, laughing.

Lila continued to laugh as well.

They talked for the next hour before Lila was told she needed to get off the phone for the night. They said goodnight and hung up.

Skye went and found Steve in the office. He was working with Banner on something. She held up the phone.

"Thanks," Steve said taking it. "It's getting late, and it's going to be a busy day tomorrow. You should start getting ready for bed."

"Okay. Good night," she said to both men before heading off to shower and get ready for bed.