The Family Business (Steve Rogers)

Chapter 8: I Saved the Best for Last

The two of them stepped off of the jet at the Avengers Tower, Cara was buzzing with excitement. This was the first time she had been here. Still in training, she had only ever been to a SHIELD building or on the helicarrier. In fact most of her belongings were on the helicarrier in her room. It had more of less become her home over the past 6 months.

Noticing her visible excitement Steve couldn't help but smile at her. Cara looked all around as they walked from the landing pad to the interior of the tower. They were met by a small group of people, one of them a SHIELD agent asking Steve for a signature on something, another one carefully taking Steve's SHIELD and attempting to take Cara's bow but she refused, collapsing it and holstering it on her left hip. Then a doctor ran up beginning to assess both of them. Steve set the pen down on the clipboard shoving it back toward the agent without looking away from the Doctor and Cara.

"She was injured during an explosion, she'll need stitches. And checked for a concussion. Or any other injuries!"

Cara smiled at Steve, blushing. The doctor chuckled lightly.

"We'll be sure to give her a full work up Captain Rogers, not to worry."

With a serious face that was tinged with worry he nodded to the doctor before he and Cara walked away. As they left Steve standing there, she was having a hard time getting rid of the smile that was on her face. This mission had been a blast- no pun intended. Steve had allowed her to really shine, showcasing her abilities without judgment or the constant reminder of rules or protocols. He didn't even freak out about her being injured. It had helped her relax, feeling more confident in her abilities.

Cara knew Clint meant well but she was starting to think his overprotective tendencies were holding her back. She was making more mistakes because she was afraid to make them, trying to execute missions like a machine. Archery and assassinations had been a natural talent for both she and her brother, like it was in their DNA. For a while now they had only had each other, the rest of their family either dead, locked up, or never in the picture. That's part of the reason Clint insisted on training her when the time came and why she so eagerly accepted. Both Bartons were skilled killing machines, and together it was like watching an art form unfold. But, Cara was beginning to think maybe it was time for them to get some space for a while, at least in the field.

After having her wound properly cleaned, she was just starting to get stitched up when Steve walked in. Cara smiled through a wince at the discomfort as she watched him walk in and come over to a place he could see her getting stitched up. The doctor also looked at Steve for a brief moment, questioningly. Steve must have noticed as he unfolded his arms briefly and adjusted his stance before recrossing his arms.

"I realized you probably don't know your way around. Thought maybe once you got the all clear that you might want a tour."

"That would be great, thanks."

He nodded and turned around leaving. Cara noticed he was standing just outside the suite in the hall, waiting for her. 'What a dork' was all she could think watching him slowly meander around the doorway as if he was standing guard in a trying-to-be-casual way. She couldn't help but smile to herself. The instruments clacked back down to the tray and the doctor snapped his gloves off, tossing them into the trash beside the table.

"Alright, you're good to go. No concussion, you might have some ringing in the ears or some muffled effects, that's normal it will go away. Also be careful with the stitches, don't go ripping my handiwork on the next mission out okay? Oh and you were given an antibiotic to prevent infection. Other than that, I'll see you next time."

Thanking him before she left, she hopped up and headed out to the hall. Steve was waiting, pacing slowly still, arms crossed, and biting one thumb slightly. He didn't notice her right away, deep in thought. When he did see her he noticed she was watching him pace with a smirk. He unfolded his arms. They fell gently to his side as he stood up straighter.

"Everything all good?" He asked.

"Fit as a fiddle."

"Excellent, let's get going. So, you've seen the medical suite. If we head this way," he started walking down the long hall "you'll find Dr. Banner's lab."

Throughout the tour Cara nodded, smiling, asked questions both sincere and sarcastic. Steve smiled as well, enjoying telling her all about the tower and some funny stories about living there. They approached a long hallway of doors that were generously spaced, they also offset from one side of the hallway to the other. They walked down the hall chatting. He pointed out his door as they walked past before stopping a few doors down at a door on the opposite side of the hallway from his.

"And this, is a very special room I think you'll like." Steve said opening the door for her.

They walked into a blandly decorated, but modern none the less, room. Cara looked at the large comfy looking bed, the empty book shelves, arm chair, and the beautiful desk. She took a peek into the en-suite bathroom, admiring the white marble, the waterfall shower and the deep soaking tub. Turning to Steve she gave him an impressed look.

"It's nice. Secret lab? Hidden safe room? VR?"

"I don't even know what that last one is, but no nothing like that."

"So then what makes it so special?"

"It's yours."

Cara turned again to look at him, she was in disbelief, maybe she had misheard him. He was smiling at her reaction, waiting for the realization to hit her fully.

"Wait, did you say my room?"

Steve nodded at her, watching the sheer excitement build. Cara smiled looking around again. She was already visualizing her things in the room, new bedding, some plants, as well as some paint changes if she was allowed. She turned back to Steve, beyond excited not exactly sure what to say. Her own room in Avengers Tower, she couldn't believe it.

"How? How am I allowed a room here? This is- this is unbelievable!"

"I called Director Fury while you were in medical and gave him a full report on the mission. He and I both agreed that you belong here. Your stuff should be here on the next jet from the helicarrier."

Without thinking she threw her arms around him laughing excitedly, saying thank you over and over. Steve couldn't help but laugh at her excitement and as she pulled away from him they looked at each other, locking eyes. Their smiles slowly faded and just as Cara felt herself wanting to lean into his lips, he let go of her, clearing his throat. Cara did the same, scratching the back of her head trying to play it cool.

"Well come on, I should um, I should uh, show you the rest of the tower. I saved the best for last."