While I work on the sequel to The A-Team, it ym4yum1 suggested I do some oneshots. I really like this idea, and I'll set these oneshots during different periods of their relationship. There'll be a note at the start of each chapter that says when they take place. And once again, all fluff people.
This first oneshot one is set around the time he and Adrianna first start dating, after Addie has moved into the tower.
Disclaimer: I disclaim all that I don't own. I apologize for spelling errors and any inconsistencies in my writing or writing style :)
Steve brushed a hand through his hair as he waited outside of Adrianna's door, feeling his nerves bunch beneath his skin. He really shouldn't feel so anxious, but the prospect of seeing Adrianna, his girlfriend, always made his insides jumble up. He was falling hard for her but he couldn't find the will to stop. All he could do was flap his arms and hope that he never hit the ground.
He took a sharp breath when the doorknob turned and smiled when Adrianna's face showed up in the doorway. She looked relieved to see it was him, and it reminded Steve of the hold Malcolm had on her. He was scaring her and she was rightly being cautious.
"Hi Addie," Steve says when she steps aside, allowing him entrance into her apartment. Stepping inside her space still makes his heart race, as though he's trespassing here. This nervousness makes him feel like a teenager, something he didn't get to truly experience before.
"Hi Steve, sorry I'm not ready yet. It's been a little hectic this morning," She says, brushing away wayward locks of hair. Steve smiles and chuckles softly. She's dressed comfortably for a day in the house, wearing sweats and a tank top, not for an evening at the movies.
"It's okay Adrianna, where's Sadie?" He asks and looks around. He wanted to see Sadie before they left.
"In the kitchen with Tony. Make yourself comfortable, I'll be out in a few minutes." She promises, walking to her room. Steve watches her go, his stomach flooded with butterflies.
"Hey Cap," Tony calls from the kitchen, snapping Steve out of his daze. "Quit ogling your girl and come say hi to Sadie."
"I wasn't ogling her," Steve argues as he turns around and walks to the kitchen. After living in the same space as Tony for a span of months, Steve has quickly learned what phrases like 'ogling' mean. He smiles at Sadie when the baby spots him from her high chair. She thrusts her small hands out and babbles at him incoherently for a moment, obviously wanting his attention.
"Hey Sadie-bear," Steve coos, lifting her up and kissing her cheek. She giggles and tries kissing him back, slobbering on his mouth and chin.
"Whatever you say old man," Tony shrugs and hands Steve a napkin. The soldier accepts it, though he rolls his eyes at Tony's comment. He balances Sadie on his hip while cleaning up, bouncing her slightly.
"So you're taking her out for a movie I hear?" Tony asks, leaning against the countertop behind him.
"That's right," Steve nods and tosses the napkin in the trash.
"I expect you to keep your hands to yourself, soldier," Tony says, "No feeling Adrianna up during those mushy parts."
"What?" Steve blurts, his cheeks reddening.
"Relax, I'm kidding." Tony laughs, "You're more uptight than Director Fury, loosen up. Have some fun tonight."
"Our ideas of 'fun' don't seem to match up very well," Steve replies, his cheeks still burning. He looks down at Sadie when she kicks his torso to get down. Smiling, he sets her down and Sadie immediately toddles over to her toy chest in the corner of the living room. Both men follow her so they can keep an eye on her.
"Oh come on, we're not that different." Tony says, throwing his arm around the Captain's shoulder.
"Says the self-proclaimed playboy," Steve smirks.
"Clever," his friend responds, "but really. Just take my advice and relax, everything will go great."
"And you're so sure of this because...?" Steve asks skeptically. Tony isn't known for his outstanding relationships. The longest partner he's had is Pepper, but she's the only girlfriend he's really taken seriously.
"Because I'm a genius. I'm good at my job and that requires a lot of observational skills. And observing you two, you're good for each other. Even if you had a bad date it wouldn't be the end of your relationship. We're teammates, trust me." Steve listens intently and slowly begins to nod as Tony's speech sinks in.
"Thanks Stark," he finally responds.
"Don't mention it," He claps Steve on the shoulder and smiles.
"Da!" Sadie says, making both of them turn to her. Sadie had wandered back over to them and was lifting her favorite bear blanket for Steve to see. He smiled, glad she liked it so much. He still remembered how happy it made her when he first gave it to her.
"Da!" She said again, staring up at him.
"What's she trying to say?" Tony asked Steve.
"I don't know, you're the genius right?" Steve quips in response, crouching to Sadie's level.
"It's a nice blanket huh, Sadie?" Steve says, smiling. She nods and hands it to him, then gestures to be picked up again. Steve happily complies, picking her up and standing upright again with ease.
"She really likes you. Maybe she's trying to say your name?" Tony ponders aloud.
"She's said my name before though," Steve replies, equally perplexed. He wonders what she could be trying to say.
"Da," She says again, wrapping her small arms around his neck. She sighs contentedly and closes her eyes, laying her head under his. Steve looks down at her, considering the possibilities. Dad? No it couldn't be...
"Sorry I kept you guys waiting," Adrianna says as she enters the room, putting a pair of earrings on. Her entrance brings him out of his musings and when he sees her he completely loses his train of thought. She's not overly dressed up, wearing a simple pair of jeans and a nice lilac top, and her hair is down in loose waves.
"It's fine Addie," Steve smiles, his eyes never straying from her. She smiles back at him, her cheeks growing rosy.
"So, shall we get going?" She suggests, grabbing her purse. Steve nods and reluctantly hands Sadie to Tony after he and Adrianna say soft goodbyes. She looks a little disappointed when he and her mother take off, but Tony is able to distract her just as the door shuts behind them.
"How did you like the movie, Steve?" Adrianna asks her boyfriend as they walk out of the theater, into the warm summer air. She realized it wouldn't be long before the long days would shorten, allowing colder weather to take over. But for now, she enjoyed walking hand in hand with Steve as the last bits of sunshine burned the sky into shades of pink and auburn.
"It was really good. Almost as good as the book. The effects were really impressive," Steve replied. As much as he didn't like having to learn to use new technology, even back in the war, he always appreciated animation. And the three-dimensional effects were truly a marvel to Steve.
"They changed a few things, but I'm really glad we saw it." He smiled, glancing down at Adrianna. A blush dusted his cheeks when he saw the slightly amused look in her eyes.
"Sorry, a little over excited I guess."
"Don't apologize Steve, I'm just glad to see you passionate about something from this century. We should go out and see more movies," Adrianna responds. She strokes his hand with her thumb, reveling in the warmth and protection she feels from his grip. Steve nods and smiles.
"Yeah, we should..." He agrees, especially because seeing another movie with Adrianna means more time to be her boyfriend, to be her guardian. Steve squeezes her hand affectionately and she responds by leaning shyly against his arm. The two walk in silence for a few minutes, ignoring the rushing traffic of people and cars.
"When did you have time to read The Hobbit?" Adrianna asks once they reach Stark Tower. They both walk inside the lobby and wait for an elevator.
"Back when I was promoting war bonds, when Captain America was just a gimmick, I would read it between shows. I found time for it, just like I did for my drawings." Steve shrugged, mildly amused by her question. Adrianna simply nods because she knows thinking about World War II, about his earlier life, still hurts him. He's slowly recovering, slowly learning that he doesn't need to completely let it go to have a future again. Adrianna doesn't want him to just forget it, his past is important to him. It defines the qualities that make him Captain America, that helped him save the world.
"I'm glad you allowed yourself those pleasures then," She says softly. Steve smiles softly and feels his heart quicken when wraps her other arm around his and her hand clutches his bicep. Once the elevator arrives, they step inside and Steve presses the button to take them up to their floor.
"I hope there's plenty more to come," Adrianna says. Steve looks down at her, blinking in surprise when he sees she's already staring up at him. Her eyes are warm, adoring, and the look she's giving him practically begs for him to do something. It's almost the same look when they went on their first date, before she kissed him. But this is different, she's more desiring and yet instead of acting on it she waits. What does she want me to do?
"Just kiss her Rogers, for the love of God." Tony's voice cuts through his musings and immediately ruins the mood that once surrounded them both. Adrianna retracts from Steve, who feels rooted to his spot, and both blush wildly.
"Tony?" Steve looks around, realizing they've arrived at their floor. Tony stands outside the open doors, staring at them with a teasing smirk. He crosses his arms and shakes his head.
"Learn to take a hint Cap," He chides.
"Tony..." Adrianna nearly hisses, obviously embarrassed. She crosses her arms around her abdomen, shielding herself while Tony's crossed arms look more intimidating or mocking.
"Can you just give us a few more minutes? And where's Sadie?"
"She's fine, Pepper's inside with her." He assures, smiling to calm the cautious mother. Adrianna lets out a small breath of relief.
"Alright, I'll let you have a few more moments of peace, but no funny business." Tony winks and struts away, closing Adriana's door behind him. Steve and Adrianna stand awkwardly for a few seconds before Steve kindly ushers his date outside of the elevator. They walk over to her door and Steve shyly scratches the back of his head. Adrianna keeps to herself, as though they're being watched still. She bites her bottom lip and Steve feels regret wash over him.
"I-I'm sorry, about back there. I haven't... I would have had I known..."
"It's okay Steve," Adrianna soothes, smiling softly. "No harm done, Captain."
"Really, Addie... because I didn't mean to-"
"It's fine, Steve. Really. Let's go inside and we'll knock Tony down a peg or two, okay?" Adrianna suggests, smiling. She tucks back her hair and starts to reach for the door. Steve watches her, still regretting he missed his chance. He looks at her face and catches the same emotion flicker through her eyes. She wanted him to kiss her, Tony was right. She wants me... Before she turns the handle, Steve grabs her wrist. She looks up, surprise etching across her face.
"Ste-" He cuts her off, pressing his mouth against hers. Steve feels his eyes close and his head swim. Adrianna stares up at him for a second, watching his intense expression relax. She registers him kissing her, softly and almost unsure. But when she allows herself to relax against him, Steve grows more confident. He kisses her again and when the two part, they both wear giddy grins.
"I hope there's more to come too," Steve says softly. He brushes back her hair, tucking it gently behind her ear. She sees his cheeks are red, much the same shade as hers. His eyes are adoring and bright. Adrianna can't help but smile more and peck him one last time on the lips.
"There will be," She promises. Steve takes her hand in his again and the two walk back into her apartment, both happier than they've been in a long while.
