The music blared around him, he heard the clink of dishes and the chatter of various people. He sat down, and thought to himself, isn't it ironic? There are so many people here-including his teammates. But, he still felt alone. He probably was the only one.

But, as he looked around, he noted that he wasn't. There was a woman who looked to be about his age, sitting at a table meant for two people all by herself. Steve walked over to the woman."Excuse me? Mind if I sit here, ma'am?"

She looked up just then, surprised to see him. "Seat's all yours," was her reply. When Steve sat down, there was an awkward silence, indicating that neither knew what to say.

Steve decided to start the conversation himself. "Not much of a party person?"

She shook her head. "I've never really felt like myself at parties-it always make me feel like I'm pretending to be someone else-putting on a dress and high heels and makeup. I've always felt more comfortable in a t-shirt and jeans."

Steve nodded in understanding. "Yeah, I'm not much into parties either. I'm just not…."

"Tony Stark?" she guessed-at that, he nodded. She went on, "He's a good guy and all, but I've seen too much of him. My mother is a good friend of his-the reason why we were even invited to this party. I'm a grownup, but she still drags me to his parties. You'd think I'd be so used to this by now, that I would be more into parties. It's just not the case for me."

He nodded in understanding. "I see him every day. I know how you feel, he's a good teammate, though."

She tilted her head. "Teammate? Wait...You're Captain America! How did I not notice this before?"

He stuck out his hand. "My real name is Steve Rogers, you are?" He smiled his pearly-white teeth.

She shook his hand. "I'm Ava Jade."

He smiled again."Well, it's nice to meet you." She smiled back."You too."

For the rest of the time, they talked about various topics-Ava was really easy to talk with-gorgeous too, with her straight, long blond hair and green eyes.

When the party was wrapping up, Tony came to their table."Hey, Cap...Am I interrupting something?"

Ava's mom came by."Hey, do you need a ride home, honey?"

Ava shook her head. "I'm good. I'll take a cab."

Ava's mom's brow furrowed."Are you sure?"

She nodded."I'm good, love you."

Ava's mom smiled."I love you too, thanks Tony for this amazing party."

Tony nodded."Don't forget our coffee date on Thursday."

"I wouldn't miss it," she said before she walked away.

Steve turned towards Tony,"What is it, Tony? Are you going to ask me if I need a ride?"

Tony shook his head."Don't forget about tomorrow's team meeting."

Steve replied, "I wouldn't miss it."

Tony nodded his head. "Good, goodnight Ava-look out for your mother for me, would you?"

Ava nodded. "Don't worry,Tony. I think she can look out for herself."

With that, Tony left-the club was pretty empty, except for them. Ava gestured to the clock on the wall. "Well, I should probably get going."

Steve didn't want to see her go."Do you need a ride home?"

Ava smiled. "That would be great." They both got up and left. When they got to Ava's house, Steve walked her out to her house-he wondered if Ava could hear his heart beating."I had fun tonight. I've gotta say, I think that party was the best time I've had in ages."

Steve smiled. "Me too." Ava leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. Steve grew warm.

"I hope we see each other again, Steve."

"I do too."

They then parted their separate ways. Steve got in his car and drove away. Ava was about to put her keys in her door, but she froze-why did she feel like she was being watched? She shook off the thought, unlocked her door and turned her living room lights on. She kicked off her heels and laid down on her couch, her heart fluttering all the while.