The Universe Awaits

Steve Rogers wasn’t just a chef, he was a genius. Felicity Smoak had heard those words ever since returning from her rebellion working for Queen Cafe, Starkly Delicious’ greatest competition.

Her parents, the famed Donna Smoak and Anthony Stark, couldn’t help but rave about Steve Roger’s cooking and frankly, Felicity was sick of it. SICK OF IT. She was Oliver Queen’s pastry chef, the best in the business, and what do her parents put her on? Waitressing. Then they say that they’re totally giving HER cafe to Steve Rogers.

Fuck that. She should’ve stayed at Queen’s, but Laurel was pissing her off and she couldn’t stand Oliver’s longing stares.

Natasha Romanoff, a barista with a history of hourglass drawings on cups, introduced Felicity to Steve Rogers. And goddammit, she now knew why her mom loved him so much.

Steve Rogers was like 6’4 with short cut blonde hair and blue eyes and broad shoulders and a charming smile. Natasha and he gave each other looks while he wipes his large hands down his apron, looking nervous.

Felicity HATED him.

Usually, she didn’t hate people. She liked people actually. She was a nice person and her friends could agree with that but she was sick of hearing how he’s so perfect and lol you don’t get the cafe from her parents.

Steve, on the other hand, was confused. Felicity Smoak was gorgeous, tiny and just his type and she HATED him. He didn’t know why. She liked Nat and Clint and even Bucky who ruined Starkly Delicious back in the 90’s because of the HYDRA Cafe. But she hated him and he didn’t know why.

But he wanted some answers, now.

He watched her one slow night as she smiled sweetly to an elderly couple as they leave. He watched her as she juggled two trays of dishes difficulty.

“Need help?” He asked kindly, wiping down the stove.

“No.” Felicity said in short voice. She really didn’t like him. He saw her wobble, one of the dishes tilting and he quickly set down the rag and made to to her, catching one of trays before it fell.

“No help, huh?” Steve grinned at her. She simply glared at her and moved past him, into the kitchen. He sighed and followed her to the dishwasher. “Why do you hate me?”

“I’m sorry?” Felicity asked, setting the tray down. She turned around and put her hands on her hips.

“Why do you hate me? I haven’t done anything wrong.”” Steve said, setting his tray down.

She stared at him in disbelief. “Are you mocking me?” She demanded. He was really confused now. “You know, I realize that it was probably pretty to go work for Moira and Oliver Queen but I didn’t think that Dad would replace me with 200 pounds of perfectness.” She flapped her hand toward him.

“Replace?” Steve repeated. “What are you talking about?”

She turned back towards the dishes, but Steve caught the bitter look on her face. “Didn’t Dad tell you? He’s giving you Starkly Delicious.” Steve blinked. Wut?

“Why would he do that?” Steve asked in bewilderment.

“Because he’s pissed that his daughter went and worked with Queen Cafe? I can’t think of any other reason why he’d put me on….waitressing.” Felicity tossed a fork into the sink roughly. “I’m a pastry chef, Rogers, not a goddamn waitress.”

“I’m sorry.” Steve replied. “But that explains why he’s always laughing.” Felicity paused and Steve continued. “I heard him talking to Rhodey the other day. He said he was messing with someone. Put her on waitressing instead of the kitchen to teach her a valuable lesson. Didn’t think it was you, though.”

Felicity turned with big eyes.

“I also heard him say once she admits that Starkly is better, that she can come work in the kitchen.” Steve gave her a half grin. “And, you know Stark is never going to give me Starkly, right? He doesn’t trust me.”

“He doesn’t?” Felicity asked warily.

“No.” Steve shook his head. “Bucky and I were war buddies, but I lost him. When I found him in HYDRA, Stark was adamant that we dump him in the Potomac. It ended up Starkly was split. Your mom, me, Sam, Bucky, Scott, Clint and Wanda on one side and everyone else on the other. Stark even brought in Peter.”

Felicity frowned at the thought of her genius brother.

‘

“It was a mess, but Stark still doesn’t trust me.” He smiled at her. “I’m not getting Starkly. You are.” He paused. “Was that the only reason why you hated me?”

“I’m also sick of hearing how perfect you are.” Felicity shrugged.

“Okay.” Steve agreed. He grabbed her hand (holy shit, she’s tiny)  and began to drag her to the oven.

“What are you doing?” She squawked.

“We’re out of souffles. Make souffles.” Steve ordered.

“You’re insane.” Felicity scoffed, but there was a glint in her blue eyes that showed how happy she was to make the souffles.

Miles away, her parents watch behind cameras.

“I ship it.” Donna whispers.