Chapter 18: Songs of Past and Present:

September 25, 2013 ~ Two days after their brief getaway at Lacy's house, Chloe and Steve found themselves once again in Chloe's cozy living room. The afternoon sun streamed through the large windows, casting a warm glow over the space. The air was filled with the heady aroma of freshly made hot chocolate, giving the room a calming and inviting ambiance.

Steve, ever the gentleman, had suggested the idea of sharing some of his favorite classical music from the 1940s with Chloe. "Music can be a gateway to one's soul," Steve had said, his eyes twinkling with enthusiasm. "It tells a story of where we've been and what we've felt."

Chloe smiled, her interest piqued. "Well then, Captain, show me what moved your soul."

Steve carefully selected a vinyl from a stack on the table, dusting it gently before placing it on the turntable. The soft, crackling sound of the needle finding its groove was soon replaced by the rich, melodious notes of Glenn Miller's 'Moonlight Serenade.' The room filled with the enchanting sound, drawing them into another time.

Steve leaned back, a nostalgic expression on his face. "This was one of my favorites," he said softly. "The harmonies, the saxophones…" His voice trailed off as he lost himself in the music.

Chloe listened intently, swaying gently to the rhythm. "I can see why you love it," she said after a few moments. "It's so smooth and... elegant."

Steve nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "It's simple but profound. That's what I love about most of the music from my era – the 1930s to the 1950s. It's not overly complex."

Chloe chuckled, arching an eyebrow. "Are you saying modern music is too complex for you, Steve? You're starting to sound like one of those classic clichés – the man out of time who doesn't like anything new."

Steve laughed, a deep and hearty sound. "I suppose I am," he admitted. "But there's something about the straightforwardness of it that I appreciate. It's like a conversation with old friends."

Chloe Harper had a mischievous glint in her eyes as she leaned closer to Steve Rogers, who already seemed uneasy. The exasperated look on his face was priceless, and she couldn't help but push his buttons more.

"Come on, Steve," she teased, holding up her smartphone. "I think you'll like this one. It's a modern classic!"

Steve cringed internally, bracing himself for whatever new torture Chloe had in mind. Despite all his battles and skirmishes, nothing prepared him for the relentless pace of late 20th-21st-century pop culture.

Chloe started the playback, and the all-too-familiar beat of TLC's "No Scrubs" filled the room. She grinned wickedly and tilted her head as she began singing along, her voice dripping with playful sarcasm.

"A scrub is a guy that thinks he's fly, and is also known as a busta…"

Steve ran a hand through his hair and pinched the bridge of his nose. His voice was a plaintive whisper. "Are you really doing this? Right now?"

Chloe's laughter rang out, clear as a bell. "Oh, absolutely, Cap. This is for your own good. If you're going to live in the 21st century, you've got to get with the times!"

Her singsong intonation continued, "Always talking 'bout what he wants and just sits on his broke ass…"

"Chloe, please," Steve pleaded, though there was a slight smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He glanced out the window, as if seeking refuge. "You know, back in the '40s, music had a certain... simplicity. There was respect in the lyrics."

Chloe paused her performance and raised an eyebrow. "Respect? You mean like 'Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy' and songs about pie and apple trees? Steve, every era has its own kind of music. This," she waved her phone, "is just today's version."

Steve sighed, the nostalgia evident in his blue eyes. "I miss crooners like Bing Crosby and the big bands. Songs that made you feel something without having to dance around... this."

Chloe couldn't help but chuckle. She loved this exasperated side of him. It was rare to see the super-soldier so rattled by something so innocuous as a rap song. She resumed singing, adding extra flair to each line just to draw out his reactions.

"If you don't have a car and you're walking, oh yes son, I'm talking to you…"

Steve threw his hands up in mock surrender. "I get it! I get it. Music today is... different. But seriously, isn't there something a bit more... refined you can show me?"

Chloe put her phone down, a victorious sparkle in her eye. "Alright, alright. I suppose I can ease you in with something a bit less… aggressive. But, Steve, you have to admit, watching you squirm was kind of fun."

Steve shook his head, unable to hide his own laughter. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"And that's why you love me," she quipped.

Steve rolled his eyes affectionately. "Doesn't mean you can just ambush me with '90s R and B. I need time to adapt. Remember," Steve had a playful smile on his face. "I'm still getting used to the idea of color television."

Chloe settled beside him on the couch, her expression softening. "I know, Steve. It's a lot to take in, and I can't imagine how overwhelming it must be trying to catch up with everything. But just promise me you'll try to keep up, even just a little. There's a lot you might end up liking, surprisingly."

Steve looked at her, his eyes filled with a blend of affection and exasperation. "Only if you promise not to torture me with any more of those TLC women's lyrics. Deal?"

"Deal," Chloe agreed with a laugh, extending her hand. Steve took it, giving it a gentle squeeze, his playful tormentor becoming his anchor in this bewildering, fast-paced era.

"Now, about this modern music," Steve said, leaning back and smiling. "Maybe you can show me something a bit more in line with what you think I might like. Anything softer for a start?"

"Alright," Chloe said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "How about we try someone a bit more universally acclaimed? Someone even you might have heard of based on my obvious obsessive fandom—Michael Jackson."

Steve's eyes widened in surprise. "Michael Jackson? The King of Pop? I've heard of him, sure. He's hard to miss even with my, uh, lack of modern culture. And besides, You have all of his records and pictures of yourself at his concerts, I didn't forget."

Chloe grinned, impressed. "Well, let's see if we can turn that recognition into genuine appreciation. This one's called 'I Just Can't Stop Loving You.'"

As the familiar tune started playing, Steve leaned back, visibly relaxing. He nodded along to the music, a small smile forming on his lips. "You know, this... this isn't bad at all."

Chloe beamed next to him. "I knew you'd like it! Michael Jackson's music has a way of transcending time, don't you think?"

"Definitely," Steve agreed. "Very different from 'No Scrubs,' that's for sure."

Chloe laughed, then queued up another classic Michael Jackson hit. "Here's 'The Girl Is Mine,' a duet with Paul McCartney. Two legends coming together."

Steve listened intently, his foot tapping to the beat. "Okay, I can get behind this. Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson... that's quite a combination."

"Wait till you hear 'Burn This Disco Out.' It's got an incredible groove," Chloe said, hitting play again.

Steve was visibly enjoying himself now, a rare look of ease and contentment on his face. When the song ended, he turned to Chloe with a thoughtful expression. "I'll admit, Chloe, Michael Jackson might be the only post-World War II artist I can say I strongly approve of."

Chloe's pleasure was unmistakable. Her eyes softened as she mentally noted Steve's progress in becoming more acquainted with the later 20th and the 21st century. "I'm glad, Steve. It's progress, and it just means we'll have a lot more fun exploring the music of the past few decades together." Chloe had to keep herself from letting out a girly scream in front of the Avengers' leader.

Steve nodded, appreciative and content. "I probably say this alot, but Thanks, Chloe. For everything. You make all this—the new world—feel a lot less daunting."

Chloe smiled, gently nudging him. "That's what I'm here for, Captain. Now, how about another Michael Jackson classic?"

Steve chuckled, feeling more at home in this new time than he ever had before. "Absolutely. Hit me with your best shot."

Chloe didn't hesitate, selecting another hit. "This one's called 'Man In The Mirror.' It's a powerful song about self-reflection and change."

As the soulful lyrics played, Steve found himself deeplymoved. He absorbed every word, feeling the depth and sincerity in Michael Jackson's voice. "This one really hits home," he admitted softly. "I can see why he's so revered."

Chloe smiled, seeing the impact the song had on Steve. "It's one of his most iconic songs. But there's more where that came from. How about 'Smooth Criminal'? It's got an unforgettable beat."

Steve's foot began tapping almost involuntarily as the energetic rhythms filled the room. "This is fantastic," he said, his voice slightly elevated with enthusiasm. "It's so different from what I'm used to, but in a good way."

Encouraged by his reaction, Chloe continued. "Alright, let's try 'Beat It.' It's got a rock edge to it that I think you'll appreciate."

Steve listened intently, nodding in time with the pulsating beat and powerful guitar riffs. "You know, Chloe, this reminds me a bit of some of the jazz I used to listen to. The energy… it's infectious."

"Wait until you hear 'Billie Jean,'" she said excitedly. "It's one of his most famous songs."

As the iconic bassline started, Steve's eyes widened in recognition. "I think I've heard this one before! Maybe in one of those movies they had us watch during the orientation program when I woke up. It's really something."

Chloe laughed, glad to see Steve becoming more animated. "And don't forget 'Thriller.' It's a bit of a spooky one, but the music video is legendary."

With wide eyes, Steve listened to the song and couldn't help but laugh lightly. "This is amazing. The storytelling...the production value. It's like nothing I've ever seen."

As the day went on, Chloe introduced Steve to more of Michael Jackson's music: the heartfelt "Heal the World," the vibrant "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough," and the timeless "Black or White." Each song seemed to pull Steve further into the late 20th and early 21st century, making him feel connected to a part of history he had missed.

By the end, Steve leaned back, a contented smile on his face. "You know, Chloe, I'll say it again. Michael Jackson is probably the only post-World War II artist who I can say I strongly approve of. His music... it resonates with me in a way I didn't expect."

Chloe nodded, proud and pleased. "I'm really glad to hear that, Steve. You're making great progress, and it's exciting to see you finding joy in something new."

Steve gave her a warm, appreciative look. "Thanks to you, I'm finding my place in this new world. One song at a time."

Chloe smiled back, full of hope and determination. "And we've only just begun, Captain. There's a whole world of music out there waiting for you."

And so, with Michael Jackson's timeless music filling the room, the gap between past and present seemed to narrow just a little bit more, all thanks to Chloe's playful persistence and Steve's willingness to open his heart to the new world he found himself in. The future still held uncertainties, but in moments like these, Steve felt he could embrace it one melody at a time.

Steve and Chloe were deeply immersed in the music when they heard the unmistakable voice of Tony Stark at the door. Chloe jumped slightly, visibly surprised, while Steve's eyes lingered on the door with a mix of anticipation and amusement.

"Well, well, look who's rocking out to the King of Pop," Tony quipped as he sauntered into the room. "I never thought I'd see the day, Rogers."

Chloe chuckled nervously, but Steve remained composed. "Tony, always a pleasure. We were just...broadening my musical horizons."

"Good choice," Tony said with a smirk. "MJ was the soundtrack to many memorable nights back in the '80s and '90s. I might've even gotten laid to a few of his songs. Smooth, criminal, right?"

Chloe's face turned beet red, and Steve's eyes widened in embarrassment. "Tony, seriously?" Chloe muttered, wishing for a moment that the couch would swallow her up.

Tony laughed, enjoying their discomfort. "Hey, it's all part of the experience."

Steve cleared his throat, eager to change the subject. "Actually, Chloe, I invited Tony here to see if he could lend a hand with our ongoing situation regarding Sidewinder and the attacks on you."

As if on cue, Tony stepped out of his newly rebuilt and fully restored Mark 42 Armor. The suit gleamed under the lights, looking as impressive and imposing as ever. "Speaking of which," Tony said, his tone shifting to serious, "I've got some updates for you both."

Chloe nodded, regaining her composure. "Thanks for coming, Tony. What did you find out?"

Tony glanced at Steve, then back at Chloe. "Sidewinder's been busy, alright. His network is bigger than we initially thought, and he's allegedly pulling strings from the shadows. We have reason to believe he's targeting you specifically because of your work with S.H.I.E.L.D. and perhaps something more personal we haven't figured out yet."

Steve's expression tightened. "What else should we be aware of, Tony?"

Tony sighed, looking at Chloe with genuine concern. "You need to be cautious, Chloe—more so than you've been. Not everyone within S.H.I.E.L.D. is as friendly and sweet as you are. There are some who might not hesitate to befriend you and then betray you if it suits their agenda. Hell, you probably already know this by now, but most of the female employees outright don't like you."

Chloe swallowed hard, feeling a chill run down her spine. "I understand. I'll be more careful."

Tony placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Good. And remember, you've got the best team in the world watching your back. Between Steve, me, and the rest of the Avengers, we won't let anything happen to you."

Steve nodded in agreement, his eyes full of determination. "We won't let Sidewinder or anyone else get to you, Chloe."

Chloe felt a warmth in her heart, thankful for the friends and allies around her. "Thank you, both of you. I appreciate it more than you know."

Tony gave her a reassuring smile before glancing back at the Mark 42 Armor. "Now, how about we continue this briefing over some more Michael Jackson? I think 'Bad' might be fitting for the mood."

Despite the gravity of the situation, Chloe and Steve shared a small laugh at Tony's suggestion, finding a moment of lightness amid the looming threats. With Michael Jackson's music playing softly in the background, the trio huddled together, with Steve and Tony strategizing and planning their potential next moves against Sidewinder, with Chloe innocently sitting down in the background listening to the two Avengers work.

In the midst of it all, Chloe found comfort in knowing how amazing the duo of Steve and Tony was. They had each other's backs, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. And that's one of the biggest reasons Chloe found the Avengers so admirable. That they would go through hell and high waters to help the innocent.

In the midst of Tony and Steve formulating a possible plan to keep Chloe safe from Sidewinder and his society, Michael Jackson's music continued to play softly in the background, creating a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere. They were deep in discussion, voices low and serious.

"We need to make sure she's always with someone," Tony said, glancing at Steve. "The moment she's alone is the moment she's vulnerable."

Steve nodded, deep in thought. "Agreed. We also need to secure her apartment; it's too exposed, especially if they already know where she lives."

Almost as if on cue, a sudden, sharp sound shattered the calm. The unmistakable crack of a gunshot rang out, echoing through the apartment. In an instant, the group froze, eyes wide. But the bullet, aimed with precision, struck Stark's Mark 42 Armor, producing a loud metallic clang. The armor, built to withstand much more than a single sniper shot, held firm.

"Everybody down!" Steve shouted, instinctively moving to shield Chloe.

Tony didn't waste a second. "J.A.R.V.I.S., initiate perimeter scan with Mark 42. Find the shooter!"

The Mark 42 Armor immediately responded, activating its scanning systems and taking off to investigate the surrounding area with incredible speed. Cloaked in the protective suit, Tony turned to Chloe and Steve, eyes serious but calm.

"You two alright?" Tony asked.

"We're fine, thanks to your armor," Steve replied, his voice tight with tension. "But we need to find that shooter, and fast."

Unknown to the three, the shooter moved with practiced precision and silence, easily evading detection. Within moments, the assailant disappeared into the shadows, leaving no trace behind.

Minutes later, the armor returned, broadcasting J.A.R.V.I.S.'s findings. "Sir, the surrounding area has been thoroughly scanned. No trace of the shooter was found. The bullet is untraceable—there are no identifiable markings or material residues that could lead us to the source."

"Damn it," Tony muttered, frustration evident in his voice. "They're professionals, no doubt about it."

Steve took a deep breath, his focus shifting back to Chloe. "We need to get you somewhere safe, Chloe. Whoever did this isn't going to stop until they achieve their goal."

"Agreed," Tony added. "Let's get you secured in your bedroom for now. It's the most defensible spot here until we figure out our next move."

Chloe, mostly shaken but determined, nodded. "I t-trust...you...both"

Together, they quickly guided Chloe to her bedroom, ensuring she was protected at all times. Tony stayed by the door, his armor vigilant, while Steve secured the perimeter. Inside her locked room, Chloe could still hear the faint strains of Michael Jackson's music, a haunting reminder of how quickly calm had turned to chaos.

Turning off the music, the room fell into a heavy silence. The only sound was the faint hum of the Mark 42 Armor's systems as Tony Stark and Steve Rogers stood in Chloe's living area, their faces etched with concern and determination.

Stark began, his voice low and serious. "Steve, we need to figure out who's behind these attempts on Chloe's life and why they're so determined to get to her."

Steve nodded, his brows furrowed deep in thought. "They've had multiple chances. The alleyway attack, the park attack on September 11th, and now this?" He took a deep breath, frustration evident. "What makes you think it's a group of people all having it out for her?"

Tony sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Think about it, Cap. These aren't random assaults. The precision, the timing—it's all too calculated. Whoever this is, they have resources, they have information, and they have a personal vendetta against Chloe. This isn't just one madman."

Steve shook his head, clearly troubled. "Chloe's one of the kindest, humble and most caring of innocent people I know. She wouldn't hurt a fly. Why would anyone harbor such hatred towards her?"

Tony narrowed his eyes, his tone turning sharp. "Stop being so patriotic and blind, Steve. Being a good person doesn't make you invulnerable to others' hatred. It might even make you more of a target. You need to wake up and face facts. Someone's after her, and they won't stop until they've achieved whatever sick goal they have in mind."

Steve clenched his fists, feeling the weight of Tony's words. His mind raced, trying to process the reality of Chloe's situation. "I know, Tony. It's just... hard to accept. Every time I turn around, someone's out to hurt her. And I'm supposed to be the one who protects people. Why can't I stop this?"

Tony placed a hand on his friend's shoulder, offering a rare moment of genuine empathy. "Steve, you are protecting her. She's still here, still fighting, still believing, and that's all because of you. But we need to be smart about this. Whoever is behind these attacks knows what they're doing, and we need to be a step ahead at all times."

Steve nodded slowly, meeting Tony's gaze with renewed determination. "You're right. We need to dig deeper, find out who has a personal grudge against Chloe, or who stands to gain from her being out of the picture."

Tony tapped a few commands into his smartwatch, accessing files and data he had on the recent attacks. "I'll have J.A.R.V.I.S. cross-reference any known enemies or suspicious activities that coincide with Chloe's timeline. We need to look at this from every angle."

Steve sighed, feeling overwhelmed but resolute. "We won't let them get to her, Tony. We'll find out who's behind this, and we'll put an end to it."

Tony nodded, a cold fire in his eyes. "Absolutely. They've messed with the wrong people."

As they continued their serious and lengthy conversation, strategizing and formulating plans, Chloe remained locked in her bedroom, unaware of the deepening bond between her protectors or the lengths to which they were willing to go to ensure her safety. The facade of normalcy had shattered, but in its place, a steely resolve had formed. They would uncover the truth, no matter how deeply it was buried, and they would ensure Chloe's safety, come what may.

A/N's: Wow! And that socks Chapter 18. An Assassination Attempt On Chloe's Life?! Yikes. When I said something wild would happen last chapter, I wasn't lying haha. Can you all guess who fired that precise rifle shot? I Know who fired the shot, But you know what they say, A Magician Never Reveals His Secrets! I honestly like the idea of someone like Steve becoming fond of Michael Jackson's music.

Originally I was going to cut straight into the serious part of the No Scrubs pun, but then I decided the transition into the shooting part of the chapter would work better if I transitioned into a more serious and mature tone from the brief joke with TLC, to the calm and genuine tone with Chloe showing Steve Michael (The Goat!) Jackson's music, To Tony's arrival and then of course the infamous shooting at the end! Overall I'm not sure how I feel about everything in this chapter. I like it, But I feel like It may need some tweaks. But I did like the idea of Steve getting into Michael Jackson because of Chloe, that's for sure, so that will remain the same. But overall I may or may not tweak some things about it in the future.

Anywhos, Don't Forget the Fandom Page of "Captain America Legend Reborn" (SEARCH THIS IF YOU WANT TO FIND IT!) Is always up and running for you all to view. Don't Forget To Follow, Fav & Review! Have Fun, Stay Safe & Be Good People! See You All In Chapter 19! DUECES DUDES!