The End of the Line | a Captain America Fanfic

thirteen

The meeting room is filled with anticipation and tension, each member of the Avengers team gathered around the expansive table, their expressions a tapestry of concern and determination. I sit upright, my curly light-brown hair cascading around my shoulders like a soft halo. Beside me, Nat offers a reassuring squeeze of her hand, while Pepper sends a supportive smile from across the table, her strawberry blonde hair framing her face with a gentle elegance.

"We've received intel that the scepter is located in Sokovia," Steve begins, his voice commanding attention. "Our mission is to retrieve it before it causes even more damage."

I seize the opportunity to speak up. "I should come with you."

Steve glances at me, a furrow forming between his brows. "Anna, I don't think it's wise for you to come on this mission. It's too dangerous."

"It's Anastasia," I interject. "And I'm more than capable of handling myself."

Nat reaches out to lay a calming hand on my arm. "Steve, she's been through more than any of us will ever realize. She knows what she's doing."

Steve sighed, his blue eyes softening. "I know, but I can't help but worry. I just want to keep you safe, Anna."

My frustration boils over, my temper flaring. "Why are you so protective over me?" I demand, my voice rising. "We barely know each other. We kissed, but that's it. You don't get to treat me like some damsel in distress."

The room falls into a heavy silence, all eyes turning to Steve and me. Tony smirkes, unable to resist making a comment. "Ah, young love. Or is it just unresolved sexual tension?"

I shoot Tony a glare, my frustration evident.

Tony raises his hands defensively. "Hey, just trying to lighten the mood."

Nat steps in, her voice calm yet firm. "Let's focus on the mission at hand. We need to work together to ensure its success."

"I concur. We could use all the help we can get." Bruce says calmly.

Thor offeres his support in his booming voice. "Aye, she may surprise us yet. And I could use another warrior by my side."

We all look at the Captain, waiting for a response.

Steve sighes, running a hand through his hair. "Anastasia, I'm not trying to undermine you. I just want to keep you safe."

I shake my head, my frustration boiling over. "I don't need you to protect me, Steve. I need you to trust me."

The room falls into a tense silence once again, the weight of their argument hanging in the air. Finally, Steve speaks, his voice quiet but resolute.

"I'm sorry, Anastasia. You're not coming with us."

My jaw tightens, my fists clenching at her sides. I knew I wouldn't win this argument, but that doesn't make it any easier to accept.

As the meeting draws to a close, I can't shake the feeling of resentment that gnawed at my insides. I had wanted nothing more than to prove myself to the team, especially Steve, to show them that I am more than capable of handling whatever challenges come their way.

But as I watched the others file out of the room, leaving me behind, I couldn't help but feel like an outsider once again. And as I sat alone in the empty meeting room, I couldn't help but wonder if I would ever truly belong.

•❃°•°❀°•°❃•

My sister, Pepper and I gather in the cozy living room. Nat, with her fiery red hair cascading around her shoulders, leans forward eagerly, her green eyes shining with excitement. Pepper, her strawberry-blonde hair framing her face with gentle waves, fixed me with a look of eagerness, her blue eyes filled with curiosity.

"Okay, Anastasia, spill the tea," Nat ures, her voice a mix of excitement and impatience. "We want to hear all about what happened with you and Steve. And don't say it's nothing. We were all there and it was pretty damn obvious. Even Stark saw it and he's terrible at taking hints."

I shift uncomfortably in my seat, my frustration simmering just beneath the surface. "It's a long story," I begin hesitantly, my mind still reeling from the whirlwind of emotions that had consumed her earlier.

Pepper leans forward, her curiosity piqued. "We've got all night," she reassurs, her voice gentle yet insistent. "We want to know everything."

I take a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. "Well, it happened before the meeting," I begin, my voice tinged with frustration. "I was just finishing up my workout in the gym when Steve walked in. We started talking, and then... things just kind of escalated."

Nat's eyes widen with interest, her gaze fixed on me with rapt attention. "And then what happened?"

I feel my cheeks flush with embarrassment as I recount the intimate details of the kiss. "He leaned in, and before I knew it, his lips were on mine," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. "It was... unexpected, to say the least."

Pepper let out a soft gasp of surprise, her eyes wide with astonishment. "Oh my gosh, Anastasia. That's incredible!"

Anastasia nodded, her frustration mounting with each passing moment. "Yeah, it was... something. No, that's an understatement. It was pretty amazing But then, just as quickly as it happened, Steve pulled away and practically ran out of the gym."

Natasha frownes in concern, her green eyes filled with empathy. "That's... strange. Did he say anything?"

I shake my head, my frustration reaching a boiling point. "No, he just apologized and left. It was like he regretted kissing me or something. But then, during the meeting, he kept calling me 'Anna' and acting like I needed to be protected."

Pepper frowns in confusion, her expression thoughtful. "That's strange. Why would he do that?"

I shrug, feeling a sense of frustration and confusion gnawing at me. "I don't know. It's like he's treating me like some damsel in distress, when I'm anything but."

Pepper leans forward, her expression thoughtful. "Maybe he's just trying to protect you because he cares about you. But it sounds like he's being a bit overbearing."

I nod in agreement, feeling a sense of relief knowing that my friends understand my frustration. "Yeah, exactly. And then, when I tried to speak up and defend myself, he shut me down."

The atmosphere in the living room shifts as Nat's brows furrow with a mix of concern and frustration. "Honestly, I lowkey hate Steve for how he treated you today," she admits, her voice carrying a hint of anger. "It's not okay for him to dismiss your feelings like that."

My eyes widen in surprise, touched by Natasha's fierce loyalty. "Nat, you don't have to hate him for my sake," I protested softly, feeling a surge of gratitude for her support.

Nat shakes her head, her expression resolute. "No, Zaya. You deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, especially by someone like Steve. And if he can't see that, then he doesn't deserve you."

Pepper nods in agreement, "Nat's right, Anastasia. You deserve someone who respects you and values your opinions. And if Steve can't do that, then he's not worth your time."

I feel a sense of warmth wash over me, grateful for my friends' support. "Thanks, guys," I murmur. I don't know what I'd do without you."

•❃°•°❀°•°❃•

A/N: That escalated quickly lmao... nearly 500 reads! Thank you so so much! I really hope you like it as much as I do but if you have any ideas for improvement I'd be super grateful to hear them! - Lots of Love, Nastja <3

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