In the days that followed we did not do any group training, there simply wasn't enough people to make it work.

I spent some time reading, I went out into the city to replace some old clothes, I flew out to Clint's house with Thor to visit Laura and the children, and Pietro took me out on more than a few dates.

Going on the dates were hard because I normally cook dinner and it's hard to slip away when there are so few in the tower.

But we made excuses and slipped away at least 4 times. But not without notice from our flat mates, and the press.

As easy as it is for us to go out in disguise, the media already knows that I like to go out in the city, and that I can change my appearance. After the second date, Pietro had to excuse himself during our dinner to sprint over to a photographer, take his camera, and quietly (but forcefully) ask him to delete the pictures and leave us alone.

Back in the tower, Bruce had grown suspicious. Although he would not say anything directly. Tony on the other hand cornered me in the tower when I was heading off to my room to change into sweats to play video games with Thor one evening. Pietro was sleeping off a grueling work out from that afternoon.

"Daphne?"

"Tony?"

"Are you screwing Speedy?" He blurted out. On any other given day I might have gotten flustered and embarrassed about being asked such a blunt question. But today, today I had a good answer,

"No, are you screwing Speedy?"

Tony gave me a look, but pressed the conversation.

"Are you dating Speedy,"

"Define dating," I tried to avoid answering, to my advantage Thor looked down the hall.

"Daphne! Are you still going to play the Mario Kart with me?"

"Yes, Tony's just getting in my way,"

"Tony leave Daphne alone, your sexual advances have failed for three whole years, I do not think you will succeed in any way today,"

"Thor?" Tony shouted, "Shut up,"

"I am only stating the obvious," he replied, waving him off and heading back into the living room.

I slipped away from Tony and into my room. I changed clothes quickly, and went back out to the living room where Thor was waiting.

We played the game as we normally would. Shouting at the screen and trying to shove each other.

After a few rounds, Thor was selecting our next course and he said to me,

"Tony looks but he does not see. Banner and I know what you and the man of speed are hiding from the group,"

I sighed, "You do?"

"It is obvious to my eyes, although I'm not sure it is so plain to others,"

"You won't tell will you,"

"If you would like me to keep this a secret I will, but I must ask. Why do you not tell everyone, and celebrate your love for one another?"

"Is that how things go on Asgard?" I asked,

"It is. It is a grand celebration,"

"But it's not a wedding?"

"Of course not, weddings are affairs of the family and the closest of friends,"

"Hmm... Well you may have noticed but things aren't quite like that here,"

"Then explain it, I do not understand why being in love is something to hide,"

"Well to be honest, we are famous... We're considered celebrities. All of us. Our lives tend to be watched and analyzed by the media. We get judged by the world, based on what the photographers and reporters say. So, if word gets out that Pietro and I are dating... The tabloids will be publishing all sorts of nonsense about us and the other members of our team,"

"Why would they publish anything but the truth?"

"I don't know, but they portray celebrities differently than how they really are,"

"Have they published such inaccuracies about you in the past?"

"Not about me, but a lot of others. Nothing stands in their way to do the same to me. And Pietro. I don't want him to get dragged into that too,"

"Then perhaps that is a good way to express your love. Keep it silent to keep it safe,"

"That's a good way to put it," I agreed.

"I still find it disheartening that you must keep such a joyous occasion away from those who care for you,"

"Well, I don't have to keep it away from you and all of our friends. We just chose to because Tony has issues in keeping his mouth shut,"

"That is understandable. But in the future I hope that you will keep in mind that I am not so loose in my words, and will surely keep your secrets safe,"

I smiled at him, he's always been a good friend. "Thanks man, I really should have told you and the others before. And I'll let Pietro know in private tomorrow,"

He smiled at me, and we continued our game. He asked me one final question,

"Does his sister know?"

"Long story short, yes. So does Natasha and Vision,"

"Something tells me that there is a funny story behind that, but perhaps it's for another time... Because right now I'm about to kick your arse on this course,"

"No! No! Damn it!"

We played a few more games before I decided to call it a night and left him to play on his own for a while.

I went into Pietro's room instead of mine, he was sleeping but I didn't feel like waiting until tomorrow to talk about this.

I crossed the room quietly, and sat next to him on the bed. He slept soundly, but no longer looked utterly exhausted.

I place a soft kiss on his cheek and shook his shoulder. "Pietro?" I whispered to him.

"Hmm?" He groaned.

"Pietro, it's just me," I smiled, giving him another kiss.

His arms snaked around my hips and pulled me to him.

"Daphany, vhat's wrong?" He whispered not opening his eyes, but pulling me closer against his chest.

"I have to tell you something,"

"Mmm, vhat?"

"Our little secret is out," His eyes shot open, but he didn't say anything for a moment.

"Who knows?" He asked, now holding my arms.

"Thor, Bruce and Natasha figured it out. And I think Tony did too,"

"Вот дерьмо" he whispered "I vas hoping Tony vouldn't find out. At least not for avhile,"

"I know, me too. But it's okay. We know that we have each other, and I think it's time to tell everyone else when they come home,"

"Do you think they will want us to stop seeing each other?" He asked, an edge of worry in his voice.

"I don't think so, and it's not like they can stop us," I said,

He smiled and gave a soft laugh, "a bit of rebel aren't you?"

"Only a little," I winked kissing his nose.

"Do you think Wanda and Vision vill tell the others about their secret romance?" He asked exaggerating the last two words.

"Probably, but if not we are going to respect that and keep our lips sealed,"

"It vill cost you," he taunted.

"Oh? And just how much do you charge Speedy?"

"Von keess, everyday that I can't tell anyvon,"

"Don't you already get that?" I giggled.

"Yes, but this is extra,"

"Well, I think that's affordable," I leaned in a kissed his warm lips. He kissed back, and moved his arm up to to press my center back closer to him. I pulled away, but placed one last peck on his lips. And whispered, "I want you to get some sleep,"

I tried to step away, but his hand shot out and grabbed mine.

"No, stay. You're already here,"

I smiled at him, "If I stay you won't get any sleep at all. And I want you to rest, you had a very long day,"

"One more keess,"

"Oh no ya don't. I know you, you're not tricking me SpeedyBoy,"

"Just von more keess, then I vill sleep. I promise,"

I shrugged my shoulders, and rolled my eyes playfully. I was very sleepy from the late time and having lied down with Pietro to talk. But never the less, I stepped back up to the edge of the bed and place my lips on his one more time.

His large hands caught my face gently, holding me fast in the kiss. I knew he would do this, and I still let him. God he makes me weak.

I would not let this go further, no matter how much I loved it. I pulled away, "that was one hell of a good night kiss, now please get some sleep. For me?" I whispered.

He grinned at me, then closed his eyes. I couldn't resist, and kissed the top of his head one last time before leaving the room.

The halls were quiet and dark, and I had no problem slipping back into my room beyond anyone's notice.