Something To Marvel At :||: Steve Rogers

4.1 'Dual Purpose Party'

Dr Helen Cho played by Claudia Kim

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The opera music playing through Banner's noise-cancelling headphones could be heard from where I sat on the other side of the ship. Tony was in the pilot seat, monitoring our journey back to Stark Tower, while Steve and I monitored Clint. He was laid out in the centre of the jet on a stretcher, Natasha fussing over his wounded side that she had packed with an emergency patch to keep him stable until a doctor could repair it.

"Hey Banner," My brother called. "Dr Cho is on her way in from Seoul. Is it okay if she sets herself up in your lab?"

Nat glanced over at Bruce who was immersed in his opera and strode over to crouch in front of him, relaying what Tony had asked in hushed tones. "Uh, yeah, that's fine," He confirmed.

I caught Steve's eye, his lip quirking up at the sly look we shared. My breath hitched at the sight of him and I felt like a teenage girl again staring at my posters of Captain America I had on my walls, fantasies running wild. The sharp corner of his jaw and those blue eyes always had me staring, and that sweet mouth of his. A proud smirk began pulling at those lips, that I knew so well and yet couldn't get enough of. My cheeks flushed furiously and I ripped my eyes off him, though I could feel his silent laughter aimed at me from where he stood opposite me.

Tony rose from his seat. "Jarvis, take the wheel," My brother walked past, gestured for me and Steve to follow as we headed towards the rear of the aircraft to where Thor stood protectively over the sceptre. "Feels good, right? We've been after this thing since S.H.I.E.L.D. collapsed," My brother glanced at the god. "Not that I haven't enjoyed our little raiding parties."

"No, but this brings it to a close."

"As soon as we find out what else this has been used for," I added. "It's not just weapons anymore. Human enhancement?"

"Banner and I will give it a once over before it goes back to Asgard," Tony turned to Thor. "If that's alright with you?" The god of thunder nodded. My brother glanced at me. "Iz?"

"I'll have to join you another time," I sighed, rubbing my shoulder as I worked out a kink in the muscle. "My schedule is looking a little full."

"I thought it was the end of this fashion season?" Steve's words had Tony and Thor glancing at him with raised eyebrows that screamed 'whipped'. The Captain exhaled impatiently. "So Izzy tells me."

Now it was my turn to laugh at him. Grinning, I reached up to rest my arm on his shoulder, my fingers going to the hair at the back of his head to gently stroke it. "Yes it is, but it's not quite over yet. I look forward to the farewell party though."

"Of course," Thor grinned. "A victory should be honoured with revels."

"Your friends are still coming, right?"

I levelled a deadpan expression at my brother. "My friends are not there for your entertainment."

"I never said they were," My brother totally denied, trying to feign innocence whilst glancing at a grinning Thor.

Steve was looking at me, I could sense his face mere inches away as he placed his arm behind my back and gave my right hip a squeeze. Leaning into his side, I peaked up into those dazzling blue eyes.

Tony gagged and turned away from us. "I can't believe the Fossil ended up with my sister. Jarvis, get us home faster so I don't end up barfing at the goggly eyes they're making at each other."

"Oh? So you can go make them at Pepper instead?"

Nat shook her head, a small laugh escaping her. "You two couldn't be mistaken for anything other than siblings."