A/N- Hey folks, sorry it's late. Honestly hadn't written a single word for any story since Mid-May;

In that time:

- eldest daughter graduated from college, so my family flew down to meet her and get her moved back home.

- eldest daughter prepped for her backpack through Europe trip with her friends from school

- youngest daughter graduated high school, and had to attend college accepted students day (another flight down south), and got covid, most likely at a welcome to zzz party. At least she got to see Taylor Swift at the Meadowlands before she got sick!

- my mom moved back from Florida, and got covid.

- eldest daughter returned from Europe, now we are prepping for her to move into apartment in NYC as she started work this week. Of course, she got covid! And next weekend we are in Philadelphia, as she has been invited to an invitational event related to something she did in college.

So - have been crazy busy and lost my muse, and have become something like the unofficial travel agent, moving coordinator, and nurse for the family! Am hoping to get my creative spirit back soon; luckily this was almost fully written before my summertime blues hit.

And still no repeat of covid for me!

Enjoy!

Previously:

Steve laughed, a warm and inviting sound that invited reciprocation. Smiling at each other, Bella was amused that he blushed as brightly as she did.

Just then, Bella's phone beeped with an incoming text. When she saw Steve making no move to start his workout and was looking at her expectantly, she reached into her bag to check her phone.

It was from Sophie. They had just signed a lease agreement for a bigger apartment for next term, and they were supposed to meet over there to take measurements for some new furniture. Bella was already running late.

She looked up at Steve with an apology in her eyes. "I've got to go, my roommate is waiting, and she can get very testy if I'm late. But it was nice to meet you, Steve."

Still surprised she had no clue who he was, he extended his hand. "Likewise, Bella. I hope to see you again."

Bella shook his taped hand - it was taped up like a boxer would do - and gave him another smile. "Me too. I'm usually here a few times a week." She took her hand back, nodded, and walked out of the building, texting Sophie as she walked quickly across the campus. Steve watched her go, amusement on his face, before his smile slowly faded and he hung the bag up, his muscles loose and ready to pound on the bag, taking his frustration out by bashing it to smithereens.

Steve was lost, literally ripped from his time, his mind stuck on and endless loop, repeating that last day of his life.

His happiness, his excitement about his date with Peggy, hoping to hold her warm body close and roll her soft brown hair through his fingers...

And then, the bomber heading for New York, crashing into cold waters, diving down into the dark...

Then he woke and ran out into a very different Times Square than he remembered. He was, quite literally, one of those time capsules they used to bury back when he was in grade school.

Steve threw a hard punch at the bag, sweat flying from his brow. Hit, hit, hit, he let himself get lost in the rhythm, as he thought what he would do next.

Chapter 20

Over the next several weeks, as the muggy days of June gave way to the sweltering heat of July and the paved streets of the Capitol began to shimmer, Bella and Harry kept themselves busy with a mix of work and play that had them at a new destination every weekend. Harry had a whole slew of places he was planning on taking her, and Bella had never felt as completely content with her life as she did that summer.

Their first trip - shortly after school ended - was to visit Renee. In Bella's mind, the trip went very well, and her mom was very enthusiastic about her English beau, sometimes so much so that Bella was embarrassed.

"That accent, it's just so sexy!" Renee had exclaimed one afternoon while Harry and Phil jogged along the beach, leaving Bella and her mom sitting on their porch sipping Mimosa's. "And those green eyes! Photographs don't do them justice!" Leaning forward on her chaise conspiratorially, Renee stage whispered. "Is he good in bed? I bet he's good. He has the look of a man who is experienced."

"Mom!" Bella protested, shaking her head but unable to completely stop her lips from curving upwards. "Please don't ask how well my boyfriend performs in bed. I'm not comfortable talking about my private time."

Renee waved her hand. "Pfft! Oh Bella, don't be such an old maid! You're a grown woman now! It's important to talk about this stuff, it's often how you learn of new things to try!" When Bella still didn't look convinced, Renee shrugged. "Still shy, I guess. Well, I can always get you the Kama Sutra for Christmas, and I think I kept a few of my Vogue specials on how to keep your man happy."

At Bella's sour look, Renee giggled. "Bella, this stuff works! I can tell you Phil is always happy with me, and he is really fantastic in bed! Even after four years together, he can still make..."

Bella cut her off. "Mom! TMI! Please!"

Renee tilted her head and looked at her daughter. "Oh Bella, why are you so embarrassed? You are a beautiful woman, vibrant and sexy, with a hunky-dory boyfriend who looks like he wants to ravish you! And you seem so confident now, it's very nice to see! Don't be so embarrassed."

Bella titled her head, thinking about that. It was true, she realized; her confidence had greatly improved over the past year. Whether that came from her training and knowing she could defend herself, or perhaps it was just her growing up, she wasn't sure.

But she liked it, and never wanted to go back to feeling like she constantly needed rescuing.

After a few more racy comments from Renee that were met with Bella's unfriendly glare, Renee finally capitulated. "Okay, okay, no more embarrassing talk. Maybe one day, but clearly not now." With a put-upon sigh, she leaned back again in her chaise, keeping her eyes on Bella. Bella looked away but felt her mother's stare on her, and after a few moments finally huffed in annoyance.

"What is it, Mom?"

With her head still tilted, Renee gave her a thoughtful look. "I have to say, Bella, you really do look fantastic. I don't think I've ever seen you look better." Her eyes looked over her daughter's body, which was covered only by a bikini top and a pair of shorts. "Yes, you really look great." When Bella - done with this conversation - huffed again and leaned over to grab a book, Renee's eyes widened and she squealed. "And you have abs! I never thought I would see the day!"

Bella shook her head, but she finally gave her mom a small smile. "I feel good, Mom. School is good, and Harry...well, Harry has been great. I'm in a really good place."

Renee had smiled at her daughter. "Then I'm glad for you, Bella."

Two weekends later - the last of June - had Harry surprising Bella with a trip to Greece. Bella had expressed a desire to go there 'one day', and Harry made that happen for her.

"Harry! You can't be serious!" she'd said, astounded at his casual announcement that he had 'booked them a week' on a Greek Island!

His eyes twinkling like polished emeralds, he smiled down at her. "I could make a joke," he teased - he had of course told her about his Godfather, Sirius Black -"but I won't." He gently squeezed her upper arms. "I want to do this for you, Bella. We deserve to have fun this summer, it's been such a crazy year."

Bella answered him with her lips, and pulled him in for a deep, sensuous kiss before dragging him to the bedroom where she could thank him properly.

Two days later - after hearing the 'oohs and ahh's' from Sophie, who had returned home to London again for the summer - and after informing SHIELD where they would be going, they were off on their trip.

After portkeying to Athens, they cleared the local Auror checks, and a second, shorter portkey took them to the island of Naxos in the Aegean. Harry had arranged for a private, two bedroom villa that sat high on a jagged cliff, with steps down to a private beach shared with four other similar homes. The calm waters of the secluded lagoon and the rocky heights around it made for a spectacular vista that had Bella staring in wide-eyed delight, much to Harry's amusement.

At twilight of that first day, as she sat on the veranda sipping a fruity drink and watching the sun dip below the horizon of the iridescent blue waters of the Aegean Sea, Bella thought the place was as close to a Paradise she would ever get in a vacation spot.

Making love to Harry on the lounge chair under the stars that night was pretty good, too.

Over the next few days, she met the occupants of the homes they shared the beach with. All of them were Magical, and Bella found out that this part of the Island was warded and protected with various charms to keep away the muggles. Thus - with their privacy guaranteed - they could use their wands here, and Bella had fun taking lessons from Harry on simple, everyday magic, very different than the combat focused lessons she had practiced with her teacher in Washington.

One afternoon, when Harry wasn't looking, Bella tried to summon some water to splash him while he was building himself a sand castle. Unfortunately, she overpowered the spell, and a torrent of water like a giant wave came crashing down on him, soaking him completely and demolishing the castle.

When a sputtering Harry stood up from the muddy wreck, Bella was giggling. "Oops!" she said, covering her mouth with her left hand while twirling her wand in her right. "So sorry, let me dry you." Another flick, and sand was pouring down on Harry's head like confetti, sticking to his wet body and making a mess.

Spitting out the gritty sand that was literally covering every inch of him, a half amused and half ticked Harry saw Bella leaning over and clutching her belly. "Oh, you think you are funny, Bella? It's so on, my wicked little Witch!"

With a gesture, Harry's wand flicked into his hand, and Bella squealed and began to run for the steps up to the house. She had not learned to apparate yet, and thus chose the only means of escape she had.

"Harry!" she called while running. "I'm so sorry!" Her apology was ruined by her laughter, but Harry didn't care, he loved seeing the often serious girl completely letting her guard down and being silly.

With a lazy flick of his wand, Bella suddenly floated up, screeching. "Harry! No, I'm sorry! I'll clean it off!" She was gasping and giggling even as she rose up, now easily fifteen feet off the sand, and moving slowly overhead towards the azure water.

Suddenly remembering her wand, she made a cutting motion, trying to negate Harry's spell, forgetting for a moment that she was high in the air. With a screech, she began to fall - feet first - towards the sand, and made a frantic motion trying to cast an Arresto momentum to stop her fall.

Harry was faster. Another flick, and Bella was soaring out over the water, tumbling over and over like she was a punted football.

"HAAARRRYYYYY!" she squealed, and then with a huge splash she was in the water, perhaps thirty feet from shore.

With a spin, Harry apparated to her position, immediately dropping into the water next to her, his wand again stowed in his invisible wrist holster. He grabbed her around her waist even as she swam up towards the surface. Pulling her flush against him, they rose together, the laughing pair enjoying their shared silliness and meeting in a wet kiss.

The pair made friends with several interesting people in the other villas. Being wizards and witches, their neighbors of course knew who Harry was, but thankfully there was no hero-worshipping, and they had a nice time visiting with them and having a big group dinner with all of them one night.

All in all, Harry and Bella spent almost a week in the Villa; they swam, sunbathed, and grilled fresh seafood and lamb, whil availing themselves of the many things to see and do by taking plenty of short apparition trips to other islands, enjoying both magical and mundane sights. Bella took a lot of photographs - mostly for her Mom and Sophie - and the ones she sent them were met with praise and the occasional lewd comment from both of them. Overall, the week they spent there was a wonderful de-stresser.

In fact, Bella would have said the week was perfect, save for an incident that happened near the end of their stay.

They had been strolling through Athens, having visited the Acropolis earlier that day. Harry had taken Bella to the areas that were warded for Magicals, and they'd spent some time shopping in the Wizarding market there, with Harry picking up a few gifts for his friends back home.

When they walked from the market, they strolled aimlessly through the old city, Bella hanging off Harry's arm and the two acting like young lovers anywhere in the world. The weather had cooled a bit, and the stars were just beginning to shine when Harry had suddenly pulled them up short, grasping Bella's hand and forcing her to stop.

"Harry?" she asked, not understanding what was the cause for his sudden alarm.

Harry didn't answer, but his wand silently slid into his hand, and his eyes turned left and right before narrowing on a robed figure perhaps thirty meters from them. The figure was standing unnaturally still in front of a shadowed doorway that was cut into the stone retaining wall they'd been walking past. The wall cast long shadows on the cobblestone street, and with a quick glance around he realized that the street was deserted.

Harry had been feeling edgy since they left the Wizarding district, and his magic had been 'restless.' He'd noticed, over the past year or so, that his magical senses had improved greatly, and he was much more in-tune with potential threats around him than he ever was before. A sixth-sense, in a way, but Hermione has said it really was just his magic becoming more refined.

"Straight ahead," he whispered to Bella, his eyes never leaving the stranger who waited without moving. In the dim light, the stranger's robe looked almost as dark as the shadows around him, and his cowl and hood were both pulled up around his face and neck.

Bella's eyes slowly moved upwards, and when she saw the still figure she gasped, a chill running down her back. She almost uttered the word 'vampire,' but caught herself in time; she knew that the vampire - and she knew of nothing else that could stand so perfectly still, like a statue - would hear anything she said, and there was no reason at all to alert it that they knew what it was.

After a few moments of the tense standoff, the ominous figure began to walk towards them, its gait steady and unhurried. Bella felt her heart speeding up until it was thundering in her chest, and her own wand - concealed in a wrist holster like Harry's - flew into her hand with just a tiny flick of her wrist and a quick mental command. When her fist wrapped around the familiar wood, she felt her magic stirring, a warm pulse against the cold feeling emanating from the approaching figure.

The figure stopped when it was just a few feet from them, and raised two pale hands to slowly lower his hood, a stark white face revealed within.

Bella's stomach tightened at the sight of two bright burgundy eyes, crimson with fresh kill and imbued with an absolute callous sense of superiority. Looking away from those terrible eyes, she quickly catalogued the vampire's appearance; chalky pale skin, shoulder length dark hair that ruffled in the night breeze, sharp, aquiline features, and a narrow jaw. Very attractive, as all vampires were, but somehow haughty, almost regal in appearance, with a casual indifference that spoke of his killer nature, so very different than the refined look of a vampire like Carlisle Cullen.

The robes he wore were a dark grey, almost black, with a wide cowl and puffy sleeves. The vampire's only adornment was a small golden pendant that hung around his neck, in a stylized 'V' with small rubies down one side.

When the vampire briefly assessed Bella, she forced herself to stillness despite gripping her wand as tightly as she could. Thankfully the perusal was brief, like she wasn't worth his time, and he began to turn his head back towards Harry; however, he suddenly stiffened and turned back to look at her more closely.

Bella couldn't decipher the expression on his face, but if she had to make a guess it was a mix of surprise and...frustration? His eyes roamed her face with much more intensity now, his expression becoming more incredulous. His eyes bored into hers, a deep, blood red; and with a chill, Bella realized that she had not had the complete and undivided attention of a vampire since she'd faced a hungry Laurent in the meadow back in Forks over two years ago.

She felt her magic beginning to thrum in response, her muscles loosening, her senses heightened with an acuity she'd never felt before.

Bella felt Harry tensing beside her, and thankfully he caught the vampire's attention before she did something they might regret.

Harry's voice was clipped, no-nonsense. "What can I do for you? My companion and I cannot tarry." Bella held her breath, hoping this didn't turn ugly.

Finally releasing Bella from his gaze, the vampire turned back to Harry, a single eyebrow raising. "Mr. Potter," drawled the vampire in a soft contralto, the voice so smooth that it surprised Bella with its elegance. "I was not aware you were in these parts. I'd heard you had a few troubles with...some of my kin back in London, and were actively hunting there."

Harry seemed calm, but his senses were on high alert despite the genial tone of the vampire. He had recognized the robes of this vampire - clearly from the Volturi Guard - but he wasn't sure of the vampire's identity. "I think it would be courteous to introduce yourself before asking me about my travel arrangements," said Harry in a tone that matched the vampires: haughty, almost disdainful.

If not for the clear and present danger, Bella might have laughed.

To her surprise, however, the vampire's lips twitched. "My apologies, Mr. Potter. I am Demetri."

The vampire said it in such a haughty way as if it should have been obvious to Harry, as if he expected Harry to know who he was.

Harry gave a slight nod to the vampire. He had read dossiers on the Volturi as part of his duties as Head Auror, but it had been a while and clearly he needed to do a refresh on their faces as he should have recognized him.

But he certainly knew Demetri's name, and his importance in the Guard.

This vampire was extraordinarily dangerous. A gifted fighter, over a thousand years old, and reputed to be the best Tracker in the world. If it came to a fight, Harry would have to bring his A game.

"What can I do for you, Demetri? As I said, we cannot tarry."

The vampire cocked his head to the side, his lips slightly pursed, as if he was considering the pair in front of him.

Bella, meanwhile, had let out the breath she'd been holding, but was still very tense despite the seeming pleasantness of this 'Demetri.' She knew it might just be a front, she knew how fast vampires were, and she only hoped she could raise a shield in time if Demetri attacked. In London, she'd seen how fast Harry could get a shield up, and she knew she was nowhere near that speed.

The seconds stretched, and Bella feared Demetri wouldn't answer, but then he seemed to relax and softly chuckled. "I don't want anything, Mr. Potter, save the chance to meet you. I've heard much about you, of course, and often wondered just what kind of man you were."

Again, the tone was light-hearted, almost teasing, but there was just a hint of threat beneath it.

Demetri paused again, briefly glancing at Bella, before again addressing Harry. "I am in Athens on business of my own, which has been concluded successfully. I spotted you earlier at the Acropolis, and followed you hoping to have an opportunity to converse with you in less crowded surroundings."

Harry nodded. "Then, you've successfully met me." Harry nodded his head ever so slightly. "And now, I must bid you goodbye, Demetri. Safe travels."

Demetri chuckled, but like Harry he inclined his head just a touch, the barest hint of a nod. "And you as well, Mr. Potter. But, before you go...may I have the name of your lovely companion?" Once again red eyes met brown, a strange intensity lurking there as Demetri's eyes seemed to swallow Bella up.

Before Bella could answer, Harry shook his head, breaking the spell of his eyes. "Unfortunately no, Demetri. My companion values her privacy. No offense meant, of course."

Demetri showed his teeth for a moment, sharp and an impossible white. "None taken, of course." One last glance at Bella, and with another small bow, Demetri stepped back a few paces, turned, and then vanished up the street in a dizzying display of speed, almost as quickly as if he'd apparated away.

Bella let out an unsteady breath, and Harry spun them on the spot, taking them directly back to the Villa. A minute later, Bella was cradled in Harry's arms in their bed, her breathing unsteady and her nerves tight. She had been frightened tonight; Demetri had a much more threatening aura than any other vampire she'd ever met. Not even James - when he admitted he was going to torture her to death to bait Edward – came close to the feeling of restrained power and menace she'd felt from Demetri.

"It's okay, Bella," Harry soothed, rubbing her back as he held her. "He was never going to get through my shield, and I've a feeling your own magic would have surged to protect you as well."

Despite his soft words, it took a long time for Bella to get to sleep that night, and memories of the fights in London and Laurent's hungry eyes in the meadow plagued her dreams. When she woke, she felt like her old scar ached, and it took her all morning before she felt at ease once again.

They spent that next day relaxing on the beach and laying in the sun, and the last few days in Greece were wonderful. When the couple returned home, they were in high spirits after having a wonderful vacation, and were more in love than before.

The pair spent the following weekend in London, seeing a show and having a fun dinner with Sophie and several of her friends from London. Harry got to know Sophie a little better and thought Bella's roommate was a riot, with Bella spending much of the evening with burning red cheeks.

It was the second week of July that Bella finally found out who Steve was.

One afternoon in July, Agent Romanoff had come down to see the trainee's progress in their self-defense class. Truthfully, she was just there to see Bella; none of the other's had gotten Fury's attention, and she knew Bella was on the short-list for Fury's dream of the 'Avenger Initiative'. Also - and she was sometimes loathe to admit this to herself - she liked the young Agent. That was something that was rare for Natasha, who didn't do 'friends', and kept almost everyone at a stiff arm's length distance.

Natasha handed Bella a towel after her class, having taken the young woman to the mat three times while handing out 'pointers' to her.

"So, Bella, I happened to hear your name come up in conversation a few days ago."

Bella barely had the strength to look up, still trying to catch her breath and rubbing her sweaty neck with the towel. "Hmm? Who?"

Natasha smirked at her: she didn't hit her that hard. "Steve Rogers. We were in the canteen, and he asked about you."

Had Bella looked up then, she would have been dismayed to see the older woman's eyes twinkling.

Bella frowned, continuing to wipe down her sweaty body. "Steve? Blonde Steve?" At Natasha's nod, she shrugged. She had seen the friendly agent a few times since that first run-in, and they had made chit-chat when they saw each other, but she still really had no clue who he was.

Subtly stretching her back, a soft 'pop' was heard, and Bella moaned as the knots in her back unkinked. "Ahh, there we go," she mumbled, only half listening to Natasha as she twisted her arms left and right. The Black Widow certainly hit hard, and she knew she'd be sporting some bruises tonight.

"Witch hazel," quipped Natasha, interrupting Bella's train of thought as if she read her mind. "It helps with the bruising."

Bella - red faced and still sweaty - grimaced. "Thanks," she said dryly.

Natasha chuckled. "No problem, Agent Swan. But anyway, Steve?"

Bella huffed in annoyance, not understanding why Natasha was pushing this. "Yes, I know him. Blonde hair, well built, handsome? I didn't know his last name was Rogers, though. But what's the big deal?"

Natasha laughed, her eyes twinkling at Bella. "Yes, that's him: blonde, very handsome. Captain Rogers."

Bella's eyebrows scrunched up as she leaned forward, stretching her arms forward and slowly turning her head, trying to unkink her neck. "He's a Captain? He told me he wasn't sure if he was joining SHIELD." Another pop, and another moan and she finally stood up straight. "Is he a Captain in the Military? I thought he was just a recruit or trainee like me, or maybe an Agent already. But why are you bringing him up?"

"Mm," Natasha hummed, enjoying herself, though Bella didn't understand why. "Apparently, Steve didn't see you for a while and asked if you were still working out at the north sector training gym. I think he missed you."

Bella continued toweling down, nodding. "We've talked a few times, he's always very friendly, I guess."

Natasha finally couldn't take it any longer and chuckled at the clueless girl. "Yes, I'm sure he's been friendly. I think he might like you a bit, Bella."

Bella finally stopped her toweling and turned to Natasha, her mouth a wide 'O.'

Chuckling, Natasha continued. "I can see the lights are on now, Swan." Shaking her head, she chuckled again. "I think he actually asked Phil about you too. Wanted to know a little bit about 'the pretty, young brunette who he has seen taking self-defense training.'"

Bella was motionless for a moment, before looking up at Natasha. "I…you think he likes me?" Bella finally said. "Like...likes me, like?"

Natasha nodded; and, to her surprise, she found that she was enjoying herself. There was something just very genuine about Bella.

In this profession, it was rare to meet people like that.

Meanwhile, Bella was a bit uncomfortable. "Are you sure? I mean...I don't want him to get the wrong idea. I've not done anything to lead him on, either. I mean, Harry and me..."

Natasha laughed again. "Oh Bella, don't worry about it. I think The Captain can take a letdown from a 'pretty, young brunette.' He's faced worse, believe me."

Bella chewed her lip thoughtfully, thinking about the handsome man, his name percolating through her brain. Steve. Steve Rogers. Captain Steve Rogers. Captain...

Natasha watched in amusement as the realization slowly came to Bella, and her mouth dropped open this time.

"Is he...is...is Steve...is he Captain America?" Bella asked in a squeaky voice, gripping the towel tightly, her mind racing over their interactions.

To her extreme mortification, she recalled a brief discussion they had a few weeks ago. Steve had asked her about her defense training, and Bella - thinking he was asking because he wanted to get training too - had remarked something like 'oh, it's not too bad once you get used to it. You should go for it, the teachers are all really good."

He had just given her this little smile, and Bella realized now he had been humoring her.

And then, even worse, she thought about the few times he caught her checking him out!

Bella put her face in her hands. "Oh no, I've made a complete ass of myself in front of Captain America!"

Natasha laughed, but gave a soft nudge with her shoulder. "Don't sweat it, Bella. Half the women in SHIELD have taken a liking to the dear Captain. You're not the first to check out his butt, I promise you that."

For the rest of the week, Bella avoided her normal gym times, and would blush at the sight of Natasha who would wink at her whenever the Spy spotted her. When Bella finally told Harry the story a few days later, his eyes twinkled and he laughed, and she finally laughed with him, seeing the humor in the situation.

Harry, of course, spent hours with her in bed helping her forget her embarrassment.

It was mid-August - a week before the start of her Junior year - that Bella finally met Tony Stark. She'd heard about him, of course; Natasha or Phil were always complaining about his latest antics, and she'd overheard Maria Hill complaining about his latest hack of SHIELD's servers.

Bella had been walking with Natasha, telling her mentor and - at least she'd like to think - friend about her latest trip with Harry, and about the various things they'd seen on their weekend excursions. Natasha was back in DC for a few days before she was heading back to Russia on her deep cover assignment, and they didn't know when she'd be back: it might be months before they saw each other again.

They passed by a suite of offices on their way to see Phil Coulson, when a sarcastically friendly voice called out from an adjoining corridor. "Well well, if it's not my favorite SHIELD agent and part-time personal assistant, Miss Natalie Rushman...or this week is it Natasha Romanoff?"

Bella turned to see a handsome man in a dark tailored suit approach them with an amused grin on his face. His eyes were bright, moving over Natasha before they focused on herself, trailing up and down with an assessing look in the gaze. She felt like she was being measured, and without a doubt the Bella of a year earlier would have been blushing and averting her eyes from the very self-possessed man.

However, Bella had gained a lot of self-confidence over the past year, and she was finally comfortable in her own skin. So instead of blushing, she simply raised an eyebrow and looked inquisitively at Natasha for an introduction, though she of course knew who the man was; his face was on magazines quite frequently, and anyone who knew anything about popular culture knew who Tony Stark was.

Before the Black Widow could make the introduction, the man was speaking to Natasha again, though his eyes never left Bella. "SHIELD has certainly continued its policy of hiring beautiful women it seems, though this one looks younger than most."

Natasha clicked her tongue while Bella rolled her eyes as Mr. Stark stopped before them, giving Bella a moment to look more carefully at him. She'd seen him in several briefings and on TV over the past year, and he looked much the same as he did on television. His strong jaw sported a close cropped goatee, and his bright eyes were filled with a hint of mischief.

He also had a tremendous 'presence' about him. Bella couldn't quite define exactly what it was, but some people, she'd decided, seemed to just 'fill' a space more than others, and Tony Stark was one such person.

Natasha finally spoke, making a small gesture with her hand. "Agent Swan, this is Tony Stark. Mr. Stark, Agent Isabella Swan."

Stark nodded at Bella, a wide smile on his face. "Agent Swan, a pleasure." When Bella nodded in reply, he gave her an insouciant grin. "I don't know where they've been keeping you, but I'll be sure to mention to Fury that he needs to get you out more often; you're quite easy on the eyes, which is a nice reprieve from all the usual SHIELD types." With a quick glance at Natasha, who sighed at his antics, he then mumbled out an insincere apology, speaking in a fast, rambling undertone. "Not speaking directly about you, of course, Agent Romanoff, because we both know that you're easy on the eyes too."

Bella chuckled at his offhanded, casual delivery of compliments mixed with jibes and digs. "I'd heard you were quite smooth, Mr. Stark. But unfortunately I'm still a trainee, and a full time student, and the Director keeps me plenty busy. I don't think I'll be 'getting out' anytime soon, though I thank you for the thought."

Tony smirked and his eyes glittered, pleased that she could hold her own with him. "Ah, so I was right, you are young. Let me guess: Junior year, Georgetown University?"

Despite her effort to maintain a poker face, Bella's eyes widened a bit at his accurate knowledge of her schooling. She glanced over at Natasha, who just shook her head and chuckled. "Careful, Stark. You just gave away that you hacked our database again, and you'll just encourage Fury to find more ways to keep you out. Save that little trick for more than just impressing our new agents with your clandestine knowledge."

Tony's grin grew wider. "Oh, but it's more fun when Fury tries to keep me out. And I'm sure Isabella here can appreciate a man that has insider information."

His cockiness made Bella giggle. "It's just Bella, Mr. Stark. Surely you gleaned that little tidbit from my file?"

Natasha smirked as she watched Bella easily handle Stark and his verbal flirt-sparring. The girl had indeed come a long way, and she would be a fine Agent one day soon.

For his part, Tony was impressed with young Agent Swan; her file had, in truth, been buried behind some impressive security, and he only came across it because she was cross referenced with the Avengers Initiative, which was supposed to be Fury's idea of a 'dream team.' He'd done research on the other candidates, who all had impressive backgrounds and accomplishments to their names. He wasn't sure exactly why Isabella Swan was included in such a rarefied group, but he decided he wanted to meet her, and had intercepted them when Jarvis - who had been keeping him abreast of certain activities at SHIELD - had alerted him that she was scheduled to meet with Phil Coulson.

He was impressed, and he would certainly keep an eye out on the young Agent. "Well, Bella," he emphasized her name, "I didn't want to take any liberties, certainly before we'd met." And then he grinned again. "But I'll certainly remember it."

Bella grinned, and Romanoff shook her head in exasperation before touching her elbow. "It's been a pleasure, Stark, but we must be going. Phil is waiting."

After parting ways with Stark and finishing their business at SHIELD, Bella accompanied Natasha back to her apartment, chatting about this and that. Bella didn't know it, but Natasha let very, very few people know where she lived, as she probably fully trusted less than a dozen people on the whole planet.

Natasha reflected on this as she grabbed her travel bag and locked up her apartment; she had not even really thought about it as they left the SHIELD compound together and walked the mile or so back towards the brownstone she lived in. Natasha's normal 'warning radar' that had kept her alive when so many of her colleagues weren't was simply not bothered by Bella's presence: not even a ping.

Something to think about another time.

As she opened the door to her cab that would take her to the airbase, Bella squeezed Natasha's elbow - a gesture that surprised the Widow, as she was not a touchy-feely person - and the younger woman wished her luck on her mission.

After seeing her friend off, Bella stopped for a quick bite before heading to her apartment, showering and readying herself for her night out with Harry. They were heading to New York, to see a revival of A Tale of Two Cities that was playing on Broadway for a limited engagement. Bella had loved the book, and the review she'd read of the show had only increased her desire to see it performed.

Thankfully, Harry once again made it possible, and Bella was thrilled when he surprised her with the tickets a few days ago.

As she was finishing her hair, Bella heard the front door open, and then Sophie's voice rang out. "Yoo-hoo, Bella." A jangle of keys and a few noises from the kitchen preceded Sophie herself, who stuck her head into the open door to Bella's room. Her eyes widened a bit when she saw Bella all decked out in a beautiful blouse and skirt ensemble, hair gently curled with strands hanging down her cheeks, and more makeup than she'd usually wear. Nodding in appreciation, Sophie wolf-whistled. "Wow, girlfriend, what's the occasion? Hot date with Harry tonight?"

Bella smiled at her roommate. "Yes, he's taking me somewhere fancy, and I figured I'd make a real effort tonight." Of course, Bella couldn't tell her they'd be portkeying to New York for the night; Bella held so many secrets from Sophie these days that she felt that their friendship had suffered for it. A year ago, Bella would have had lunch or dinner with Sophie at least three or four nights a week, going to parties together, spending lazy afternoons watching junky TV shows or exploring Georgetown and DC. Now, it seemed sometimes weeks would go by before Bella realized that she'd not been out with Sophie in ages. In fact, even though Sophie had gotten back to DC a week ago after spending another summer at home in London, Bella had not seen her roommate at all except for a welcome-back lunch and a few minutes in the early mornings and late at night.

Bella only hoped that once the semester started, they'd have more of a routine and they'd be able to spend more time together as they both would be on campus for classes and their schedules would be much more aligned. She knew that Sophie didn't hold it against her, and believed that Bella was simply completely in love and hung up on Harry, spending all her time with him and enjoying the fruits and benefits of a young and sexually active relationship.

Of course, Bella did nothing to dissuade this notion, as she could not tell Sophie that she was spending a lot of time training as a secret government agent, learning how to incapacitate enemies, escape pursuers, shoot guns and cast magical spells!

Still, though, their separation saddened Bella, and she wanted to do better. She had missed her friend this summer. "Hey, Sophie, do you have plans on Sunday? It's supposed to be sunny, and maybe you and I could just go to somewhere and have a picnic? Just the two of us?"

Sophie blinked a few times, before a slow grin spread across her face. "Absolutely, dahling!" she answered in her posh British accent, and they both giggled. "It's been a while since we hung out. I missed you this summer."

"Me too, Sophie. Me too."

When Sophie stepped up behind her, their eyes met in the vanity mirror, and Bella raised her hand and gripped Sophie's, giving her friend's hand a gentle squeeze.

"You look wonderful, Bella. I can't wait to hear all the spicy details about tonight, and about your studly boyfriend! After all, you can thank me for having met him, dragging you to London last summer and all."

Bella laughed. "Yes, that's true. Thank you Sophie - I owe you big."

With a smile, Sophie leaned down and gave Bella a light hug before walking to her own bedroom, flipping on her stereo as she breezed around the room. A minute later, Bella heard Amy Winehouse's gravelly voice echoing through the walls, Sophie's own tenor singing scratchily along with it.

Harry arrived a few minutes later, and after chatting with Sophie for a bit and posing for a few pictures, the couple left Bella's apartment arm in arm, enjoying the fading golden light of late August in DC. The air was pleasantly cool, and the city felt vibrant and alive. After ducking away for privacy, Harry apparated them to a MACUSA checkpoint in midtown Manhattan, where they walked out onto Broadway and 49th street about a half hour before show time.

While they casually strolled through the bustling streets, the crowds a mix of commuters on the way home and theater-goers making their way to their shows, neither of them were aware they had caught the attention of a pair of golden, immortal eyes.

A/N – surely everyone knows who that is