Hi everyone! This was a request from Sportsfan64 (their stories are awesome so have a read!) - thought it'd be a lot of fun to plonk our favourite soldier and spy into a more difficult environment in terms of their feelings for each other.. Enjoy and do let me know what you think! x

Steve scanned the crowd in sight of Natasha, hoping he might steal her for a dance. He'd been learning and wanted to impress her. He finally caught sight of her at the bar. He started to make his way over when he saw Bruce pull up a bar stool he stopped and turned to talk to the nearest stranger, in hopes that Natasha hadn't spotted him. He repeatedly glanced in the direction of the bar as he pretended to listen to whomever he was talking to. He kept waiting for Bruce to leave and his heart sank when it was Natasha who did. He mentally scolded himself for feeling the way he did, though. He'd had his chance and he didn't fight for her as hard as he should have, he knew that, but it didn't stop him from getting jealous every time someone approached her. Even so, if Natasha thought Bruce was good enough for her then it was all right with Steve. After all, he just wanted her to be happy, even if he wasn't'.

'I've seen her flirt up close,' Steve said, smirking knowingly, 'this ain't that,' he hoped Bruce didn't hear the regret in his voice, 'you both deserve a win.' He smiled at the scientist before leaving, a drink in hand. He sighed, taking a long swig, didn't he deserve a win too?

It's been three months since that conversation now. The new Avengers had been trained and low and behold, Bucky showed up out of nowhere. He was in the psych ward doing tests and he would be there for a while until he was completely better. Bruce had come back from his AWOL stint and Natasha seemed less forlorn and stern.

The team were all in the living room, Bruce and Natasha sharing the love seat while they all watched the new Fast & Furious movie. Steve kept sneaking glances at the pair until finally, he snapped. If she was happy without him, he could be too. He pulled out his phone and texted Sharon.

That evening, Steve put on a nice shirt and jacked, leaving out the tie, trying not to be too formal. He took one more look in the mirror before heading out. On his way out he walked head long into the one person he really didn't want to see.

'Sorry, Nat,' he murmured as he tried to sidle past, 'wasn't looking where I was going.'

'It's alright,' she replied, 'where are you going? I thought it was Educate Steve Night? I brought Star Wars.'

'I can't tonight, sorry,' he looked at her apologetically, 'rain check?'

'Yeah, okay,' Her voice gave away her disappointment and Steve felt terrible but she didn't think of him like that, 'where are you going?' she asked again.

'I've uh,' he faltered, maybe he could cancel, no, bad idea, 'I've got a date with Sharon – I finally called her.'

'Oh, right,' Natasha nodded, 'have fun.'

'Thanks.'

Needless to say that Steve's date with Sharon was awkward. The soldier couldn't stop fidgeting and hiding behind his menu. Sharon definitely noticed.

'Steve, is there somewhere else you should be?' Sharon asked in true Peggy style.

'What? No,' Steve blushed, 'I just have a lot on my mind,' he grimaced at his own terrible excuse, 'how're you liking the new job with Fury? Has he turned you into his new Maria Hill?' he tried to make small talk.

'Steve, is this about Natasha?' Sharon said straight off the bat. Steve looked up from his menu properly. He didn't answer for a long time.

'She's the one that set us up originally, yeah.' He rubbed the back of his neck, hoping his cover worked.

'Steve if you're still in love with her, that's okay.' She soothed.

'Apparently not if she doesn't love me back.' Steve sighed.

'Well, maybe I can help?'

'At this point I'll try anything.' Steve tried to joke.

'Maybe try spending time with other people besides the Avengers? See if it helps,' she suggested, 'I don't mean flirt with anything that moves to make her jealous but just maybe take a few people on dates and see what happens.'

'Does this count?' he asked sheepishly.

'Steve, you knew my aunt, I feel like it'd be weird if I thought of you as more than a friend.' She raised an eyebrow.

'Agreed.' He chuckled.

'Just give it a go, you never know what might come of it.'

'Thanks, Sharon.'

'Anytime.'