We Won! Now What?
The next thing I knew, a warm feeling spread throughout my body. And I could open my eyes and even move a bit.
“Hello,” I smiled.
Steve gently helped me sit up as a look of complete relief flooded his features. Tony moved closer to me.
“There she is. Kid, don’t do that to me again, alright? You scared the hell out of me!”
My smile turned sheepish. “Sorry, T…”
“It’s alright, I’m just glad you’re okay.” He ruffled my hair.
I looked over to my left to see brilliant emerald green eyes boring into mine.
Reaching out my hand, I spoke, “Thank you, Loki. I don’t know how long I might have been out without your help.”
He held my hand as if it were made of glass. “It is I who should be thanking you, Lady Evangeline. You saved my life. Without even knowing
who I am. So I thank you. With everything I am.”
I could feel Steve’s arms tighten around me.
What was that about?
“No one deserves to be puppeted. You deserve every free breath you breathe,” I responded to Loki.
I finally took time to look at the rest of the team.
“Oh man, you all look like you got hit by a truck, then a train, then the truck backed over you again…”
“Gee thanks, Evie. It’s not like we just fought an army of aliens or anything. You should see how you look.” Clint laughed.
“Oh yeah! Did we win? Where are the Chitauri? What happened?”
“Well, things looked pretty bleak, then Nat found a way to close the portal. But a nuke was coming in, so Tony took it and put it through the portal. He almost didn’t make it back before she closed it, but he did. But then, he wasn’t breathing, so Hulk grabbed him out of the air and ripped off his face mask. He yelled in Tony’s face and he woke up blabbing something about Shawarma.”
I turned my head slowly to face Tony again. “And you just got mad at me for being unconscious?! Stark! You could have been lost in another world! Dead!”
“Okay, okay! I know, but I had to help somehow. Besides, I’m here now aren’t I?” He smirked, but his eyes betrayed his worry that I might never forgive him.
“Oh, T. Please try to take more care of yourself in the future, alright?”
“No promises.”
After another lighthearted glare at him, I put my hand on Steve’s arm. “Alright, here we go.”
I started to heal him, but he pulled me away, breaking the connection. “What are you doing?! You need to heal yourself first before trying to heal everyone else! We’re fine. Nothing serious. You can heal us tomorrow.”
“But I don’t want you in pain…”
Natasha spoke up. “Trust me. We’ve been through worse. We can last until tomorrow.”
I pouted. “Fine. Tomorrow for sure. Is Bruce okay?”
“He’s fine,” Nat started, “Just getting a change of clothes from Fury.”
“Oh, good!”
“Alright then!” Tony interrupted and clapped his hands, or should I say his metal gloves, together. “Shawarma everyone?”
Shoulders shrugged and heads nodded from the group in assent.
“I think I’m going to rain check, T… I don’t think I’m quite strong enough for that at the moment.”
“I’ll stay to help you,” Steve surprised me by saying.
Tony looked between the two of us. “Okay then…”
I rolled my eyes. “Tony, seriously. He’s just gonna help me out considering I’m so weak that I don’t think I could stand on my own. Oh! That reminds me, I think I saw the guy who controlled Loki.”
“Is that who that was? That purple guy?” Steve asked.
“You saw him too?”
“We all did, in the magic, before you destroyed it.”
Loki looked uncomfortable. “Yes, that was him.”
“Where is he? We will destroy him together, brother! You will have vengeance!” Thor boomed.
“His name is Thanos. He is extremely powerful, and it seems that he now has set his sights on Lady Evangeline.”
Concerned eyes fell on me.
“Where is he? I’m not letting him get to Evie!” Tony declared.
A quiet fury burned in Steve’s eyes when he looked at me. “He won’t touch you.”
A bit of my heart melted… just a bit.
“I believe that since you decimated his army, he will have to spend time trying to regroup. In the meantime, we can devise a plan. But it seems highly improbable that he would strike now. It would be a poor move,” said Loki.
Silence, as we contemplated.
“Alright,” Steve spoke. “I think Loki is right. This Thanos guy would need at least a week to regroup even a small portion of forces. We will come up with a plan to deal with him. Tomorrow. We need the rest anyway. Go grab some food.”
They all moved toward the door except for Steve and Tony. The latter seemed even more hesitant to leave me.
“Go on, T. I’ll be fine. Besides, FRIDAY is here. I can always let her know to call you if anything goes wrong.”
“Fine. FRIDAY, you notify me the second something happens.”
“Of course, sir.”
“And you,” he pointed at Steve. “Take care of her. You lay one hand on her without her permission, and I will come after you.”
“Of course, sir.” Steve responded, seemingly nonplussed by Tony’s insinuation.
Tony hummed in a way to show that he wasn’t too sure about that sentiment, but he joined the others by the elevator. “Want us to bring you back something?”
“Can you pick up a pizza?” I asked hopefully.
“Sure! Usual pineapple?”
“Uh…” I thought about it for a moment. Steve will need to eat too. “Maybe only pineapple on half this time.”
“Okay,” he shrugged.
My teammates left, leaving me alone with Steve… whose arms were still around me.
~~~~~
I think we realized at the same time that we were still holding each other. With an awkward look, we pulled away.
Steve cleared his throat. “So, are you feeling okay other than the fatigue?”
I took a short check-in. “I think so, how about you?”
“I’ve had worse,” he laughed and seemed to get lost in a memory.
“So, can you help me up, please?”
“Oh, of course!”
He got himself up before helping me stand. Unfortunately, my legs did not seem to want to hold my weight. We fumbled for a moment before Steve must have gotten fed up and just picked me up— one hand under my knees, the other supporting my back.
“Where to, Evie?”
“We can go to my room? For a shower?”
His face flushed a bit before I realized my slip. “Not together, obviously! Not that I would mind a shower with you, I just mean, we only just met, I meant we could each take our own… Oof.” I smacked my palm to my head. “I’m sorry,” I said sheepishly. “It’s, uh, just this way…” and I started pointing out where to go.
Steve grinned a bit at my word fumble. With his face covered in dirt and sweat, his hair hanging over his forehead, he looked so adorable. It took all my power not to swoon again. Thankfully, before long, we had made it to my room.
“Come on in!”
He hesitantly stepped inside and set me gingerly on my feet. “This is… nice.”
“You can say it. It’s plain,” I laughed.
“Yeah, just a bit,” he laughed with me.
“I only just moved in yesterday,” I said.
“Where are the rest of your things?”
I shrugged my shoulders. “They’re gone… I, uh, lived in California for my whole life. Until two-ish days ago when my house was bombed. Fury came in time to save me, and no one else was hurt which is a blessing. I’m thinking of this as my time to start over.”
“I’m so sorry to hear that, Evie,” he gave me a short hug. “I’m glad you’re safe, though.”
“Thanks, Steve. Let me give Fury a call, maybe he can send over some of your things so you can change.”
“Why would I need that much? I can just go back to SHIELD and shower,” he laughed.
“Well…” I bit my lip. “I was thinking earlier. Maybe you and the rest of the team can move in here? I mean, I have to ask Tony of course, but it must be nicer than your rooms at SHIELD. Besides, it would mean we are all in one place in case they need us again. And it’s not like Tony is short on space here…” He stared at me, a thoughtful expression on his face.
“I’d like that, but I’m not sure Tony would appreciate you giving out his rooms.” He raised an eyebrow at me.
“Alright. Let me call him.”
Steve sputtered, and I filled with pride that I had called his bluff. I grabbed my phone and called Tony while Steve was trying and failing to get me to end the call.
“What’s up, kid? You okay? Bored of the Capsicle already?”
“Uhh, I actually had an idea…”
I could practically hear his facepalm. “Oh, great. What is it this time?”
“I was thinking we should have the team live in the tower with us.”
For once, he didn’t have a witty comeback. Maybe this meant he was actually thinking about it?
“I mean, come on Tony. It’s not like you’re short of rooms for all of us here… Besides, Earth’s heroes deserve some nice space rather than
just rooms at SHIELD, right? And logically, it just makes sense to have us all in one place where we can work together.”
“Well. At least this idea doesn’t cost me millions. Alright, kid. We can try it out. If it doesn’t work out, though, I’m blaming you.”
“Sounds like a plan, T,” I smiled. “You tell everyone with you and I’ll tell Steve?”
“Got it. See ya soon, with pizza!”
“Thank you, Tony. I really mean it. See you soon.”
After hanging up the phone, Steve was staring at me.
“What?”
“I just…” he tried again. “I never thought he would agree to having me in his home. He seemed to hate me today…”
“Steve, I think most of that was caused by the scepter. The rest I’m sure can be resolved.”
“I hope you’re right, Evie…”
“Should I call Fury now to send your things over?”
He laughed. “I guess so. I don’t have much, might as well get him to send everything they gave me.”
“You got it,” I dialed Nick’s number.
Apparently, Natasha had already briefed him on what happened with Loki. We would write out our reports of the incident and hand them in to him individually later. He agreed that all of us living together was a good idea and sent someone to collect Steve’s things to bring them over.
“They should be there in 20.”
“Thanks, Nick!”
“And Evie, great work today. I knew I made the right choice putting you on this team.”
I bloomed at the praise. “Thank you for giving me the chance.”
We hung up without another word, and I turned to Steve.
“So, that’s settled then! Here,” I spread out a towel on the couch. “So that you don’t have to worry about getting the furniture dirty,” I laughed.
He looked at me curiously as he sat. “How did you know?”
“You looked uncomfortable touching anything in this room, Steve. I figured it had something to do with the fact that we are both covered in dirt and alien blood. Now, you go ahead and rest for a few, and I’ll grab a quick shower before your things come.”
I grabbed my sweatpants and shirt, both with the SHIELD emblem emblazoned on them, and some undergarments. I had just set my clothes on the bathroom counter when I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror.
“Oh gods…” I whispered.
My face was extremely pale which I’m assuming had something to do with the fact that I was already feeling a bit dizzy from standing. Streaks of gore covered my body. Dirt and sweat seemed to find a new home on my face. In all, I looked like a nightmare.
How did Steve manage to still look amazing?! That is just not fair!
I turned away and went to remove my suit before I remembered that I can’t unzip it on my own.
“Ahh fudge.” I opened the bathroom door again. “Hey Steve?”
“Yeah?”
“I, umm. I can’t get this suit off on my own,” I grimaced. “Can you help me, please?”
Showing him my back and lifting my hair, I showed him where the zipper was. He gently pulled it down, and I almost shivered to feel his warm breath that close to my ear. When he was finished, I stepped away and muttered a quick thank you before hurrying back to the bathroom. Now looking in the mirror, I could see the bright spots of red on my cheeks had moved to also cover the top of my chest.
Pull it together, Evie! You just met the guy!
I pulled the rest of the suit off and shoved it in the hamper. Turning on the shower, I waited until the temperature was warm enough before letting it run over my whole body. I let myself bask in the feeling of the warmth soothing my fatigued muscles.
I may have taken a bit longer than normal in the shower, but it felt so good! And I had to keep washing until the water ran clear, and I finally felt clean. After that, it was quick to towel dry my hair and put my clothes on.
“Hey! Hope you found something interesting to keep you entertained out here,” I laughed when I came out of the bathroom to see Steve sitting in exactly the same spot.
Steve looked a bit dazed. “Uhh, yeah. I was just… thinking.”
Okay, note to self: Steve is a terrible liar. I wonder if he was just trying to wrap his head around everything?
I raised one brow and made to comment, but FRIDAY let us know that Happy was on his way up with Steve’s boxes. I sat to get a minute to rest on my bed, and Steve got the door.
After Happy had passed two boxes over to Steve, he gave me a big hug. “I am so glad you’re okay, Evie. And I know it’s under bad circumstances, but I’m glad you’re here.”
“Thanks, Happy. I have a feeling it’s going to be a brand new start here.”
He released me slightly to hold my shoulders as he got a good look at me. “Alright, you’re looking a bit pale… Food and rest. We can catch up later.” He walked back into the hallway. “Glad to hear you’re staying with us, Captain.”
The doors closed, and I looked over to Steve. “Alright, so my room is the only one occupied on this floor, go ahead and take your pick for where you’d like to be,” I said brightly.
“I’ll just take one of the rooms next to yours? If that’s okay I mean…” A hint of a blush touched the tops of his ears as he trailed off.
“Of course that’s okay! All the better to help you get adjusted to this new world. I can be closer to help if you need me!” Internally, I was jumping up and down.
Steve Rogers is going to be living in a room next to mine. Holy shit!
He led me over to the door he wanted (next to mine, of course) and FRIDAY unlocked it for him. Steve looked at the room, almost the exact same as mine but reflected, before setting the boxes down.
“I’ll go ahead and let you get a shower and settle in here,” I turned to leave.
“Hold on, I was supposed to watch you, Evie. Now it’s your turn to sit on the couch while I get cleaned up. I have enhanced hearing, you know. I’ll at least be able to tell if you’re alright out here.”
I grinned a bit before tucking my legs under me and snuggling into the couch. “At least we don’t have to worry about me staining your couch,” I laughed.
He rolled his eyes, but I could see a smile playing on his lips. “Oh so she has jokes now.” Gathering a set of clothes, he turned to me before closing the bathroom door. “I mean it. Rest. If you need anything, just call me. Okay?”
“Alright,” I stifled a yawn and leaned my head back onto the backrest.
With a satisfied smile, Steve closed himself in, and I ran over the events of the day. I started to drift off thanks to my fatigue when I heard the shower start up. The next thing I knew, Steve was gently shaking my shoulder.
“Hey Evie. Tony is back with your pizza,” he gave me such a gentle smile I could have melted. His hair was still damp and hanging over his eyes giving him a boyish look.
“‘Kay. Let’s go see everyone.”
Stretching a bit once I stood up, I started walking toward the hallway. Almost to the elevator, I had to stop and lean against the wall. “Hang on, Steve. I’m so sorry… I’m just feeling so weak right now,” I felt so ashamed.
“Don’t worry about it,” was all the warning I got before he scooped me up into his arms for the second time that day. “I told you I would help you if you needed me.”
“But… I’m too heavy! You’re not fully healed yet!” I squirmed.
“No you’re not,” he scoffed and held me still. “I’m a super soldier, Evie. Picking you up is like picking up a pillow for me. Trust me. I can barely feel your weight. Besides, I heal fast. Getting better even as we speak.” With a smile that left me dazzled, I let my concerns drop, thanked him, and wrapped an arm around his neck, content to simply hold on for the ride.
When we made it to the common floor, Steve sat me down at one of the seats at the bar and took one next to me.
“Well you two look much closer,” Tony, free of his suit, huffed but turned to me. “How ya feelin’, kid? You're still looking a bit ghostly…”
I smiled a bit to try and ease his worries. “I’m alright, T. Just super tired. I hope this goes away soon, I feel so useless.”
“You are anything but useless, Evie. Thanks to you, Thor got his brother back. You saved Loki’s life today. That’s not useless in my book.”
“Thank you, Tony…” my eyes watered.
“Oh please, don’t get all emotional on me now,” he laughed.
“Me? Emotional? Never!” I joined his laughter.
“Here’s your pizza, by the way.” Tony slid a large box over to me. He walked over to the fridge and pulled out ranch dressing before grabbing two plates for Steve and I.
“You know me so well!” I thanked him.
My stomach made a gurgle, as if it knew it was about to get food and was happy at that fact. My wide eyes looked up at Steve who stared at me in return before busting up laughing. Seeing him so unrestrained made me so happy in a way I can’t explain. He looked free. A bit of that weight he always carries on his shoulders seemed to lift.
I dished up pineapple slices on my plate and one pineapple and a few cheese slices on Steve’s. “Feel free to not eat the pineapple. I know it can be divisive as not everyone likes it, but it’s my favorite.”
“You know, it’s amazing having fruit so readily available. During the war, everything was so rationed. This is luxury compared to what we had on the front.” He picked up the pineapple slice and took a big bite. I waited for a poor reaction, but was pleasantly surprised when his eyes widened. “This… this is actually really good! Who thought of putting pineapple on pizza?! It sounds so strange, but it’s so good! You have a new fan of your pizza, Evie.” Steve continued munching happily on his slice until it was gone. He reached for another pineapple one from the box but stopped himself and raised his eyebrows at me as if to say, may I take another one?
I grinned as much as I could with my mouth closed and motioned him to go for it. From there, we both ate together in companionable silence; enjoying our first food in what was probably a few days.
“Ah, there she is! My brother’s savior!” Thor boomed.
I waved as he and Loki came over. “How are you doing? Are you going to stay here with us?”
“We must go tell father the good news of Loki, so we are returning to Asgard. But we will be back when we can! We still have to keep an eye on you,” he winked.
“Thank you, Thor. I really appreciate your willingness to help. I can’t tell you how much it means to me.” I tried my best to explain, but words were failing me. Looks like all the emotions of the past few days were catching up with me…
Loki interrupted. “You saved my life. It’s the least we can do. Odin will likely want to meet you when we have told our story. Would you be up for a trip to Asgard eventually?” He raised one brow in a challenge.
“If he wants me there, I will be there,” I raised my chin defiantly.
Loki grinned and Thor spoke again. “She is a warrior! You will get along with the Warriors Three nicely!” I had no clue who they were but figured I would learn soon. “Come, brother! Let us go home.”
We exchanged hugs and ‘see you soons’ before the brothers walked onto the balcony and called for Heimdall. They were enveloped in a blue light before they had disappeared from view.
“Tony, I think you hold the best entrance award, but they certainly have the best exit award,” I joked.
“Oh shut up, kid. I brought you pizza.”
I just rolled my eyes and went to clean up after Steve and I, only to find that he had already cleaned everything. The box sat empty as he had polished off the rest of the food.
“Thank you, Steve!”
He blushed a bit. “You’re welcome. I made the mess too, my ma would’ve had my ear if I didn’t help clean.”
I laughed and asked Tony where Natasha, Clint, and Bruce were. Apparently, they were moving into their own rooms.
“Well, since we’ve already done that, why don’t we watch a movie or something, Steve?”
“Sure. Need me to carry you the five steps to the couch?” He joked.
“You haven’t caught on yet, Steve? I never walk anywhere,” I sassed back. I started walking the few steps to the sunken couch, but instead, I was picked up and lightly tossed onto the couch.
I sent a playful glare to Steve. “That was uncalled for.”
“Why do you think I did it?” He sarcastically responded as he sat next to me.
Another note to self: Steve Rogers is a little shit. A cute one, but still a shit.
Righting myself, I asked Steve about movies he may have seen before. I wanted to try and watch something he might be familiar with, but still easy to watch.
He thought for a moment. “I remember one called Casablanca and another called Mrs. Miniver, but I’m not exactly in the mood for something serious. Those films by Walt Disney were pretty big though, and they were fun. Maybe one of those?”
I thought about cartoons the Disney company had released previous to 1943– when Steve got the serum.
“How about Fantasia? It’s pretty much all music that they animated into scenes and easy to watch.”
“I remember hearing about that one, don’t think I ever saw it though…”
“Don’t worry, I used to put it on all the time to fall asleep to the music.”
Turning on the completely gigantic TV, I found an app called “Stark Streaming”. I asked Tony what it was.
“Oh, it has every movie, show, and whatnot ever released all in one place. Easy right?”
“Of course he managed to get that…” I mumbled under my breath. Apparently Steve heard me because he snickered in response.
I managed to find Fantasia and turned it on. Soon, I was snuggled into the armrest of the couch. Steve grabbed a blanket and draped it over me. I was fast asleep soon after that.