Natasha found Stella a few hours later in her room.
"Hey, I was waiting for you in the kitchen," The redhead said once she found her.
"I'm sorry, I guess I got distracted." Stella replied, the incident from earlier still on her mind.
"Still feel like taking the tour?"
"Sure." She was going to have to figure out her way around this place somehow. It had taken her 45 minutes to find her room earlier. Stella followed Natasha into the hall.
"Down there are the rest of the residences," Natasha said, pointing down the hall and around the corner where Stella had discovered the extra wing that had seemed invisible earlier. "The rest of the team is down there with the exception of this room who's-"
"Steve," Stella finished for her. Nat quirked a brow. "I knocked on his door this morning looking for you," Stella explained. Nat nodded, though she looked suspicious.
"Something happen between you two?" She asked casually. Stella sighed. Where to begin?
"It's a long story."
"Well if you ever feel like sharing..."
"Hey, does anyone else live here that wasn't at breakfast?" Stella asked suddenly, remembering the man from earlier.
"Well Bruce doesn't normally make it to breakfast. He's usually cooped up in his lab."
"Besides Bruce?"
"There are a couple of maintenance staff and security…The housekeepers of course. The chef." Stella chewed her lip. The blue-eyed man definitely did not check any of those boxes.
"No one else?"
"Thor occasionally when he isn't off in some other galaxy." Stella studied the floor in front of her as they walked the halls. Had she imagined the altercation from this morning? She knew Thor from tv, he looked nothing like the man on the lawn. Natasha seemed thoughtful. "Oh, and Bucky."
"Bucky?" The name sounded familiar, but Stella couldn't recall why. "Who's that?"
"He's…new to the team."
"…Do he and Tony not get along?" Natasha shot her a look.
"How did you know that?"
"I ran into him this morning," Stella answered. She hesitated. "…I guess we got into a bit of a disagreement."
"Really? That's strange, he normally keeps to himself."
"I kind of accosted him I guess," Stella continued. "It's no big deal."
"Hm. Okay. Well, if you have an issue with him again let me know and I'll say something to Steve." Why would she say something to Steve? Stella thought to herself, but before she could ask her jaw dropped in shock.
"This is the screening room," Natasha explained indicating the room Stella was staring into. The room had a massive screen that encompassed the entire opposing wall. Facing the screen were a few sofas and reclining chairs and even a popcorn machine in the corner. "You'll have to join us for movie night. This week we're watching the Dark Knight."
"I'm not really into superhero movies," Stella managed once she shook herself out of her reverie.
"That's fair." Nat agreed. "We switch off choosing. This was Clint's choice." The girls continued down the hall, passing a few other rooms. "This is the game room. We also use it for events." This room was also huge and contained a pool table, a bar, a few sofas and even a foosball table. The tour continued for another hour and consisted of Bruce and Tony's lab, an indoor bowling alley, a garage for everyone's vehicles featuring cars Stella had only ever seen in magazines, a garage consisting of jets, a lap pool, another lab, several conference rooms, a library, a running track, the dock that overlooked the lake, a spa, and of course a massive training facility.
"Which of course, you're welcome to use," Natasha added. "You should join us for training sometime."
"I don't know…" Stella did like to stay active and she had taken a few kickboxing classes but she was sure it was nothing like how the Avengers trained on a daily basis.
"Come on, what else are you gonna do all day?" Stella had to give her that one.
"Steve mentioned at breakfast that there's going to be a meeting tonight. Regarding Loki," Stella hedged.
"Yes."
"Do you think it's alright if I went? I mean, he did try and kill me."
"I'm sure that'll be fine. The team will probably want to hear what happened."
"Do you think you'll find him?" Stella asked.
"I hope so. Loki's slippery, he knows how to disappear but the team is strong. I'm sure we'll be able to track him down. SHIELD is looking for him too." Stella nodded to herself. "Meeting's downstairs in conference room A at 7," Natasha said before dropping the girl back in the residential wing.
"Thanks." Stella opened the door to her room. To her surprise a wrapped parcel lay on the bed. She picked it up and briefly examined it before unwrapping it. Inside was a brand new phone. She peeled the card off the box and flipped it open.
Stella,
I know you lost your phone last night. Hope this helps.
-S
Steve.
Stella dropped the phone back in the bag, none too gently before stalking over to the window. She collapsed into one of the chairs and stared out onto the grounds.
She wasn't ready to face the anger and betrayal she felt towards Steve yet. She wasn't sure she ever would be. After all her life was over, or at least put on indefinite hold because of him.
Her life.
Her eyes slid back towards the phone that lay innocuously on her bed. Her boss, her friends, the band…were they worried about her? Did they even know she was gone? She sighed before standing and snatching the bag off the bed. She had a few calls to make before the meeting…but what was she going to tell them? That her long lost dad was Tony Stark and now the God of Mischief was after her because of it?
After a few minutes she decided to tell them she needed to leave town suddenly due to an elderly relative needing care. Her boss and the majority of her friends were understanding…with the exception of one. She stared down at the texts as they came in, one after another and all from the same person.
Is this really Stella?
What the hell happened?
Your apartment is covered in police tape and cops have been in and out all day.
CALL ME.
She sighed. She should've known Jace wouldn't buy her story. After all, he did live in her building. She decided to ignore the texts for now until she could come up with what she was going to tell him. Besides, it was time for the team meeting.
XXX
Stella found the conference room after only going the wrong way two times. Luckily, she eventually found Wanda and Sam and followed them. Most of the team was already at the meeting. She snuck in and took a seat towards the back of the room, noting Steve, Vision, Clint, and Natasha were already there. Bruce rushed in not long after her, accompanied by Thor. Stella marveled at the man who towered over the group at well over 6 foot. He was still dressed in his Asgardian clothes, though he was missing his cape. He was however, still holding Mjolnir.
"We waiting on anyone?" Natasha asked.
"Just-"
Steve was cut off as Bucky appeared in the doorway. He stood there awkwardly for a moment before Steve continued, "Buck, come sit." Bucky nodded and entered, sparing Stella a glance as he did. She stared at him stonily.
Once everyone was seated around the table, Bruce began typing away at a computer at the front of the room. The screen above the table blinked to life before focusing.
"Tony," Natasha greeted as the man became clearer. Stella felt her fingers curl into a fist.
"Hi all, sorry I can't be there in person. Something came up on the West Coast that needed my attention."
Bullshit. Stella thought to herself. You just needed an excuse to get away.
"I see you've all met Stella." Eyes from around the table swept towards her. She resisted shrinking under their heavy gaze. "I hope you'll treat her well during her time there."
"I'm sorry, who is this?" Thor said, turning to look at her. He quirked his head to the side.
"Are you an enhanced?" He questioned in his heavily accented voice.
"Stella is my daughter." A hush fell over the room. "She's here because Loki attacked her last night."
"What happened?"
Steve stood. Stella couldn't deny that when the man stood, people stopped to listen. It was impressive.
"Loki broke into her apartment in Manhattan. He tried to capture her, presumably to use as a bargaining chip against Tony."
"How did he know she was Tony's daughter?" Thor questioned. "I didn't even know Tony had a daughter."
"There was a data breach yesterday afternoon. Initially we thought it was Hydra but apparently it was Loki."
"That's not my brother's style…He knows nothing of technology. If he found out information from the breach, it means he's working with someone else. Someone who knows tech." The team processed this for a moment.
"How did she escape?" Wanda asked suddenly. Once again, all eyes fell on her. Stella didn't know what to say. All she could think was, Well, Steve and I had just fucked and…
"I was there," Steve offered. The team turned to look at him.
"Why were you there?" Steve cleared his throat awkwardly. Stella smirked and crossed her arms.
Get out of this one Rogers.
"He was surveilling her for me." Tony cut in.
Little do you know how closely. She thought to herself bitterly.
"Because of Hydra?" Clint asked. Awkward silence once again.
"Because he just found out about my existence." Stella cut in. The room fell silent.
"Stella will be staying here until we bring Loki in." Tony said, the first to recover. "Do your best to be accommodating."
"What's the plan for Loki?" Sam asked.
"I've alerted SHIELD as to what happened. They're busy looking into his whereabouts and trying to decipher his next move. Thor, do you have any ideas what he could be up to?"
"Besides causing chaos? No. I was in Norway following a lead, but it was a dead end." The team processed the news for a moment.
"For now, the only thing we can do is wait to hear back from Fury and SHIELD. Once they have a lead on him, they'll let us know and we'll handle it." Steve said, capturing the group's attention again. The team nodded. "Great, meeting adjourned." The table stood as one.
"Stella, if you could hold on a minute," Tony said, still on the monitor. Stella hesitated then nodded, not wanting to cause a scene. The team filtered out of the room.
"Listen, kid..."
"Don't call me kid."
Tony sighed.
"I'm sorry I had to take off this morning. The data breach also hit Stark Industries and I needed to do some damage control at HQ."
"It's fine." She said stiffly.
"Listen, I know yesterday was a lot but I'm really hoping we can start over."
"Respectfully Tony, I have no interest in doing that." He stared at her for a moment, his expression unreadable.
"Fine. If that's what you want." They stood in silence for a moment. "The staff will provide you with anything you need; food, clothes, etc. You're safe anywhere on the grounds. There's a protective force field surrounding the entire property. You'll be safe there." Stella nodded to acknowledge she was listening. Tony hesitated before continuing, "…I'm sorry about all this. I know it's the last thing you wanted."
"I just want to get back to my life."
"And you'll get that. We'll find Loki, I promise." Stella nodded. "Okay, then. I'll let you go."
"A word, Tony?" A voice said from the doorway. Stella looked up to see Steve hovering there. She brushed past him and into the hall where the rest of the team was still milling about.
"So you're Stark's daughter?" Thor stated, approaching her.
She nodded. He stuck his hand out for her to shake.
"Thor, God of Thunder." He introduced.
"Stella." She said, then continued. "No title."
He cracked a smile. "I'd like to apologize for whatever my brother has put you through."
"Thank you," Stella was surprised by his kindness.
"We'll find Loki and when we do, he'll pay for his crimes." Stella nodded, not sure how to respond to that. She just wanted to get home.
Bruce approached from behind Thor. "Natasha mentioned you may have had some issues sleeping last night?" He questioned. She nodded. Stella guessed the woman had seen it on her face.
"Yeah, I guess I was a bit overwhelmed." He nodded.
"Here," He handed her another bottle of pills. She peered at the label.
"What is it?"
"Something to help you sleep. At least for now."
"Thank you, Bruce." He smiled. She wondered if she should ask him about her anxiety medication. She of course hadn't had the chance to grab it when her and Steve were running from Loki. Stella refrained for now, deciding she would find a time to ask when there were less people around.
XXX
Stella woke the next day feeling much better than she had the day before. She glanced at the clock. It was late. She guessed the pills had worked better than expected. She debated how to spend her day and decided she'd check out the training facility. It was late in the morning so she was sure training was over by now. Hopefully she'd have the place to herself. She dressed in one of the workout outfits Natasha had given her and headed down to the facility.
She looked around the massive room which was roughly the size of an airplane hanger, wondering where to start. There were multiple exercise machines, but she had never used those to work out before. She preferred taking group classes, they kept her motivated.
Stella spotted a punching bag over by the wall and walked over, her interest piqued. She got in her stance and did a roundhouse kick. The bag moved slightly, the thump echoing through the facility. She wondered who had used the bag which was showing signs of strain. Steve came to mind. Was this the work of a super soldier?
Her anger spiked and she punched the bag harder. She did a couple combinations, taking her anger towards her ex-lover out on the bag.
"You're gonna regret that later," She heard a voice say behind her. She whipped her head around to see Bucky leaning against the wall nearest her, his arms crossed as he watched her.
"Oh?" She questioned humorlessly. He bent and opened the trunk next to him, pulling out two rolls of hand wraps. He strolled over before tossing them to her. She caught them. She had forgotten all about wrapping her hands, too focused on venting her frustrations.
"Thanks," She said as she undid the Velcro and began wrapping her wrists.
"Your form isn't bad," He commented offhandedly.
"Thanks." She replied shortly. She still hadn't forgotten their brief conversation on the lawn.
"Did you take lessons?" She nodded brusquely. Bucky sighed, clearly picking up on her attitude.
"Listen, I'm sorry about yesterday. It was unfair of me to make assumptions about your life." Stella glanced up at him, surprised at the apology. "Your dad and I…we have a complicated relationship."
"Please don't refer to him as my dad," She said without anger and more so from exhaustion.
"Sorry. I didn't know about your relationship with Tony. I'd appreciate if we could move on." Stella considered this. Lately, all she felt was anger. Anger at Tony for keeping her here and coming into her life after she had finally given up hope of ever knowing her father. Anger at Steve for lying to her. For making her fall for him. Did she really need someone else to be angry at?
"Don't worry about it." She conceded.
"Where'd you learn to box?"
"I took lessons back home. Mostly to stay in shape and to learn self defense."
"Your form is good, but make sure you keep your fists up." He demonstrated for her. "In a real fight you need to protect your face."
"Thank you." A few seconds of silence passed between them. "So where is everyone?" Stella asked after a moment, gesturing around her.
"On the grounds doing some training routine Natasha concocted," Bucky replied.
"Why aren't you with them?"
"Group activities aren't really my thing.".
"Is that why you weren't at breakfast yesterday?" Stella prodded. Bucky nodded.
"Sometimes I join them for training, but I prefer my own routine."
"Gotcha…So, do you have any more tips?" He raised a brow. "For kickboxing," She clarified after a moment.
"Maybe a few."
Stella practiced for an hour, Bucky giving her occasional instructions and pointers on how to improve. Finally, Bucky suggested they take a break. Stella was relieved. Sweat was dripping down her face. She was more out of shape than she thought. Bucky walked her over to a massive cooler that was imbedded in the wall. He pressed a button and two ice cold waters dropped into the chute at the bottom. He handed one to her.
"It's weird being around all this money," Stella confessed after a moment. "Not sure I'll ever get used to it."
"I get it. I grew up in Brooklyn dirt poor. It's still strange to me too," Bucky admitted. He was quiet for a moment, before pressing on. "Steve and I used to do anything to make money. Shine shoes, sell newspapers, you name it."
"I'm sorry…you and Steve?" Stella questioned. Bucky nodded.
"We grew up together." Suddenly, Stella knew why Bucky's name had sounded familiar. Because Steve had told her about him when they were still on good terms. Bucky was his best friend from childhood. The one who had been frozen and miraculously ended up in the same century as Steve.
"Oh." Bucky raised a brow at her reaction, but didn't comment on it.
Stella finished her workout a few hours later, once again drenched in sweat. Her cheeks were flushed and her hair was loose, a few strands having escaped her bun. Bucky had taught her a few new moves and improved her technique on some she already knew. Despite his brutish and standoffish exterior, he was actually kind of nice. Stella left the gym feeling exhausted but impowered. It was a good feeling after the craziness that had been her week.
She trekked back up to her room and was surprised to see the door was cracked. As she opened it, she knew right away someone had been inside.
A desk had been brought into the room and erected in front of the windows. And that wasn't the only thing. On top sat a brand new iMac. She walked over to the desk intrigued before her eyes fell on a stack of books, upon which there was a small pile of papers. She picked them up and examined them. Admissions paperwork for online courses for architecture…Stella flipped through the papers.
Who would've enrolled her in classes? How had they known about her interest in design? As if in answer to her question an envelope fell from the stack of papers onto the floor. She bent to pick it up before opening it.
Stella,
I've enrolled you in the Lutz School of Architecture's online classes. Don't worry about paying for it, I've got you covered. Before you say no, it's the least I can do since you're no longer able to save up for school. It's the middle of the semester so I wasn't able to get you in at MIT but this should at least help you get your foot in the door. Classes start next week, bright and early.
Tony
Stella wondered how Tony had known about her desire to go to school for architecture. She didn't have to guess long before the answer came to her.
Steve. She had told him all about her dream and saving up for school. He must've told Tony. Stella flung the letter down onto the desk and stalked away, crossing her arms.
She wouldn't accept this gift. She couldn't. She didn't want any handouts, and certainly none from Tony. As far as she was concerned, he could take this gift and shove it.
XXX
It had been a week since Stella moved into the compound. Some days she bumped into Bucky in the gym, others she didn't. She enjoyed the man's company when she did see him. He was quiet, and nothing but nice to her despite that first interaction. Somedays she would practice her kickboxing and he would give her advice, others he would work out silently beside her as she did weight training. She couldn't help but be impressed at his silent routine as he lifted weights far too heavy for normal men or did so many pushups she lost count.
Besides Bucky, the team was kind to her and she found herself gradually warming up to them. With the exception of one.
Steve had tried to engage her in conversation on multiple occasions, but Stella rebuffed him every time. She didn't think she could ever forgive him for what he had done to her. Despite that, she was incredibly lonely. At home she saw her friends all the time if she wasn't working or rehearsing with the band and at her job her patrons kept her company. Though the team was sweet she hadn't really connected with anyone yet. Natasha was friendly enough but Stella was still reeling from her life being turned upside down and in truth, could have accepted Natasha's invitations to hang out a few times, though she kept turning her down. She didn't let new people into her life often and the last time she had, she ended up paying the price. She knew it was unfair to extend her grudge against Steve to the whole team and was doing her best to let her hang-ups go. She hoped time would help with that.
She glanced over her shoulder. Her textbooks that Tony had bought for her were stacked neatly on her nightstand. Just because she had no intention of actually attending the classes didn't mean she couldn't look through the materials, right? Most of it was pretty technical but she had read the introductions to all her books, including all the handouts and the syllabi. It wasn't like she had much to take up her time these days. Besides, it was what she always wanted.
She picked up her admissions paperwork. Today was supposed to be her first day. Stella looked longingly at her computer which she hadn't booted up on principle since it had been gifted to her. She tore her eyes away before rolling out of bed. She walked over to the window and looked outside. A thick blanket of snow covered the grounds, turning the lake into an icy sheet. Winter had come suddenly and fiercely.
Slowly, her eyes drifted back to the computer. She stared at it. A deep seeded pool of yearning gathered in her belly. She had been saving up for architecture school her entire life…And now it was being handed to her. Was it so wrong of her to give in? Just because it was the path of least resistance didn't mean it was the wrong path, right? She had heard that somewhere though she couldn't remember where…
It couldn't hurt to log on for one minute…
A few hours later
Stella waved to her professor and fellow students over her webcam as her second lesson ended. She snapped shut the computer and fell back against the seat of her chair. The classes had been amazing, as had her teachers. The other students were accommodating and friendly, the curriculum fascinating and compelling.
She had loved it. She knew immediately she would join for Thursday's class as well. Tony had signed her up for a part time schedule, only two classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but it was better than nothing.
She found herself wanting to say thank you, but she still had mixed feelings towards the man. She sighed.
Wish you were here to tell me what to do, Mom.
Once again the crippling loneliness threatened to overwhelm her. Missing her mom only made it worse.
Stella decided to head down to the kitchen to grab some lunch. She had missed breakfast and her stomach was growling in protest. And maybe seeing one of the other tenants of the compound would help appease her loneliness.
The kitchen was abandoned when she arrived with the exception of Wanda who was sitting at the island eating a bowl of cereal.
"Hi," Stella greeted when she saw the redhead.
"Stella," Wanda greeted. Stella helped herself to some leftovers from last night's dinner that the chefs had prepared for the team, chicken and potatoes. She waited as the microwave heated up her food. "How was class?" Wanda asked after a moment of silence passed between them. Stella quirked her head to the side and stared at her.
"How did you know?" Wanda blushed.
"Sorry. Your thoughts were broadcasting pretty loudly. I can't always control it." Stella's eyebrows disappeared into her hairline.
"You can read minds?" Wanda nodded. "Wow." Stella didn't know how to react to this revelation.
"I understand if you're freaked out by that."
"Not at all…I think it's amazing," Stella admitted as she pulled her now hot plate out of the microwave and took a seat beside the redhead.
"Do you mean that?" Stella nodded and smiled.
"What else can you do…if you don't mind me asking?"
"I can also move things with my mind and have some experience with mental manipulation."
"What's mental manipulation?" Stella questioned as she dug into her potatoes.
"Take it from personal experience, you don't want to know," Natasha commented, entering the kitchen. She smiled at Stella when she saw her. "Hey, we missed you at breakfast."
"Tony signed me up for architecture classes. Just part time on Tuesdays and Thursdays."
"Architecture? You may take after Tony after all. Isn't it pretty technical nowadays?"
"I guess it is, yeah," Stella admitted.
"That's great. How'd you like it?"
"It was amazing." She replied. "So interesting. My professor is a retired architect. He studied at Yale and has worked on projects all over the world."
"I'm glad you like it," A familiar voice added. Stella looked up when Steve walked into the kitchen, Sam at his side.
"I guess I have you to thank for Tony knowing that I wanted to go to school," She said after chewing longer than necessary. She was doing her best not to be hostile for the moment since he had done something kind for her.
"It was the least I could do." A moment of silence passed between them. Stella was sure Wanda was getting a mental briefing of everything that had gone down between her and Steve but couldn't control her wayward thoughts.
"So Nat said you're interested in joining us for training," Sam said, breaking the silence and walking over to the fridge. He held his water bottle under the nozzle for ice. It gurgled noisily.
"Uh…that's not exactly what I said."
"Come on, it'll be fun," Natasha remarked, elbowing her lightly.
"I seriously doubt that."
"Come on... Maybe we can even get Barnes to join if you come." Wanda said offhandedly.
"What do you mean?" Steve questioned. "Why would Bucky come if Stella was there?" A look of realization crossed Wanda's face and she flushed again.
"Err…Sorry again."
"They've run into each other a couple times in the training facility," Natasha answered for her. "Friday told me," She said after seeing Stella's look of confusion.
"Right, the A.I. Tony developed to run this place."
"I run more than the Avengers' Compound. I'm also responsible for Tony's suit and other tech at Stark Industries," A female automated voice replied above them. Stella jumped in surprise. "Sorry miss." Friday said after a moment.
"She takes some getting used to."
"Damn, ice machine is jammed again. Too bad Stark isn't here to fix it," Sam complained.
"Shall I call Dr. Banner?" Friday queried.
"No, don't bother him with this."
"Mind if I take a look?" Stella questioned, sliding off her stool. Sam bowed out of her way.
"By all means." She glanced underneath the hood at the nozzle which was empty. Then she opened the fridge door and felt along the side for the handle. She pulled it which popped open the inner compartment, revealing the mechanism inside. Stella pulled out the ice tray and examined the gears.
"Looks like there's a small blockage here…Wanda, can I borrow your fork?" The telepath handed it over. Stella lodged the fork in between two of the gears and pushed. They didn't move. "Sam can I have your help?" He nodded and walked over. "Can you give this a push? You're stronger than me."
"Sure." He pushed and the gears started moving again. Stella popped the tray back in before closing the door.
"Give it a try." Sam held his water bottle under the nozzle and this time a few cubes of ice dropped into it.
"Wow, I'm impressed."
"Guess you take after your dad, after all." Stella let the comment slide. Sam couldn't have known things weren't great between her and Tony.
"The machine at my job used to jam all the time. Got used to fixing it I guess."
"So tomorrow you'll be there for training?" Natasha pressed, brushing aside the ice machine issue. "Come on, I have something special planned." Stella sighed.
"Fine. What time do you guys meet again?"
"7 a.m." Stella choked on her water.
"Too late to back out?"
"Yup," Natasha replied with a smile. "Make sure you dress warm."
A/N: Hi guys! I know this chapter was kind of a filler. I promise in the next chapter things will start getting juicy. Stay with me!