Chapter 2
There were times Emily felt lost in a sea of people in New York. Everyone was focused on themselves and focused on getting from point A to point B as fast as possible. If you didn't keep up with them on the sidewalks you'd be given dirty looks and grumblings of 'tourist.' Emily didn't understand that. How does wanting to stop and enjoy the beauty of the city, or a store front, automatically make you a tourist? It's like New Yorkers forgot how to stop and appreciate the city around them. And not just the iconic cityscape, but the little things. Like the smell of fresh baked goods from the family owned bakery on Grand street, or the bright colors from the flower stand outside the florist on 6th Avenue. Or simply smiling and saying hello to each other instead of plowing past each other like other people either don't exist or they don't care.
"Good evening George," Emily greeted the old security guard, stopping at his desk on her way out. She always made sure to greet him on her way in and out of rehearsal.
"Evening Ms. Dugan," George said with a smile. "How was rehearsal?"
"I'm still working on perfecting a few pieces, I tend to lose my tempo at the same part each time."
"I'm sure you'll master it like you always do," George reassured her. "And until then, maybe these will cheer you up," George said, grabbing a vase full of flowers from under his counter.
"They're beautiful George, you didn't have to," Emily said, pulling the vase closer and taking a delicate whiff of the blossoms.
"I can't take credit for them," George chuckled. "They were delivered earlier today."
That took Emily by surprise. Occasionally she'd get a single flower or two after they performed, but never a bouquet and never on a regular day when they hadn't even had a concert. Plucking the note from the bouquet, Emily read: Thank you for the photo album, Steve.
"From the smile, I take it you know who sent it," George commented.
"I do," Emily said, pocketing the card and lifting the vase from the counter. "Have a good night George."
Careful to make sure she didn't crush the flowers on the cab ride home, Emily had to hold the vase in the crook of her arm as she unlocked her apartment door. Closing the door behind her with her foot, Emily set her violin case and the flowers on the counter. She filled a cup with water, pouring it into the vase and letting her fingers dance across the soft petals.
Her phone buzzing against the counter had her reaching for the device, an unfamiliar number flashing across the screen. Her finger hesitated over the decline button before she changed her mind and hit accept.
"I'm not interested in whatever you're selling," Emily declared, trying to sound firm.
"Emily?" Telemarketers didn't normally know her name.
"Steve?" She hadn't expected him to ever use the number she gave him. "I'm sorry I didn't recognize the number. I thought it was a telemarketer."
"I promise I'm not selling anything. Just calling to thank you for the photo album."
"The flowers were more than enough. They're beautiful." Emily gazed back at the flowers on the counter as she made her way towards her tiny living room.
"You got the flowers. Good. I had Jarvis find me the address, but I wasn't sure if it was correct." Steve rubbed the back of his neck. Leaning against the balcony outside his floor, he took in the New York skyline, trying to imagine where Emily was among it.
"I wouldn't let Tony hear you questioning Jarvis' capabilities," Emily said, smiling as she relaxed back on her couch.
"It's not just Jarvis. I question all technology," Steve joked. It was hard to believe what the world had accomplished over the past 70 odd years.
"It can be overwhelming, even for someone who's grown up with it."
"So…" Steve said. "I didn't know your grandfather was 'Dum Dum' Dugan."
"Well, we never exchanged a proper introduction when we met." Emily had been in such a state of panic she hadn't thought to introduce herself. Not that she ever openly advertised the fact she was related to a Howling Commando. The only people who knew were Anna and Trip.
"Not very gentlemanly of me."
"You did offer to walk me home." Even though there was an unconscious Hydra agent he had to take care of, he'd offered to help her safely home.
"Yeah, Sam didn't appreciate that."
"I did," Emily murmured, pulling her legs into her chest.
They didn't talk much longer than that, and when they hung up, Steve found his pulse pounding as fast as it had when he'd nervously dialed her number.
Emily saved Steve's number to her contacts after they hung up, in an attempt to avoid any future embarrassment should he call again. Pulling the hair tie from her wrist, she threw her hair up into a high ponytail. Her tense muscles resisted the action, and it had her thinking a nice hot soak in the tub might be the perfect way to unwind tonight. Passing by the vase of flowers on her way to her bathroom, Emily found herself smiling as she paused to smell them again. It had been a long time since anyone had gotten her flowers.
…
Anna wasn't answering her phone, again. All Emily wanted was to talk to her best friend about the obnoxious new cellist and about Steve and the flowers. But she wouldn't answer her phone, and after leaving several voice mails Emily gave up and called Trip instead.
"Hey baby girl, how's the Big Apple treating you?" Emily could hear the smile in Trip's voice and it automatically had her smiling back.
"It'd be better if you visited more often. Maybe come to one of my concerts." She knew his secret agent life made it hard to come around, but she missed Trip.
Because of their grandfathers, they'd seen each other a lot growing up and became close friends, practically like siblings. Anna joined the fray when college came around and slowly Trip slid out of the picture as the SHIELD academy and then SHIELD itself took up more of his time. Technically she wasn't supposed to know about Trip's SHEILD status, but it was practically impossible for him to keep it from her.
"Next vacation, I'll be front row with flowers and a teddy bear. I promise." Trip always felt guilty for not seeing Emily more, especially since her grandfather passed away. She'd been close to him, just like he'd been to his. He'd missed the funeral because of an assignment, but he made sure to send flowers and a card as placeholders until he got back.
"So, what's new in your life? Any guys I should be aware of? I can run thorough background checks on anyone."
"No guys. At least not in the romantic sense."
"Uh-huh, sure. What's his name?" Trip knew Emily. She never thought any guys were interested in her romantically.
"It's really nothing, Trip. We've just started talking and I'm positive he's just being nice."
"Then there's no harm in giving me a name." If there was even a hint of a guy in Emily's life he wanted to make sure the guy was decent.
"Steve Rogers," Emily relented, blushing. It was silly to even bring him up to Trip.
"Steve Rogers, as in Captain America?" Trip was not expecting that. He definitely wouldn't need to do a background check on the guy. Captain America was an old school gentlemen that wouldn't hurt anyone on purpose. How he'd met Emily, Trip couldn't imagine, but he couldn't help thinking the two would actually make a good couple.
"That would be the one, yes." Emily braced herself for Trip's reaction. They'd both grown up on stories about the Howling Commandos and Captain America. He could go the 'he's too old for you' route or the ultimate shipper route. Emily wasn't sure which would be worse because both had him insinuating they were dating when they weren't.
"Congratulations. I think you've just scored the best boyfriend in the history of boyfriends. Other than me of course."
"He's not my boyfriend."
"You don't bring up boys unless you like them. And if he doesn't like you he's crazy. Ergo, if you're not dating now you will be within the year. Write me down for that. If I'm right you owe me dinner."
"You're ridiculous." Trip's eccentric sense of humor had Emily missing him even more. "So, how about you? Any girls catch your fancy while you're being James Bond?"
"Actually yeah," Trip admitted. "There's this cute biotech girl on my team, smart with a British accent. Nothing's happened, but I'm open to something."
"Put me down for a month tops. With your smile and charm I'm sure she won't turn you down." Trip had a way with the ladies, but he wasn't a player in the least. When he pursued a girl, he meant it.
"Sure thing. Hang on," Trip said, pulling the phone from his ear as Skye approached. Apparently Coulson was calling them all to a briefing. "Sorry Em, I gotta go. Boss is calling a meeting. But keep me updated on the Captain America front and keep rocking the violin."
"And you stay safe. Remember you're not bullet proof. And let me know how it goes with the girl." Trip hung up first, the line clicking dead. Emily felt lighter after talking to Trip. He always knew how to cheer her up, get her out of a funk, and relax.
A/N Hello :) Some of you asked for this to continue, so here it is. I'm sorry it's so short. I'm still not sure exactly where this story is going so I'm just gaining momentum with it (slowly). I love to hear your thoughts (and/or suggestions). Hope you liked it even though it's short. I have an Instagram strictly for my fanfictions where I post aesthetics with quotes and such. My username is the same as on here: gracelesslyfalling. Check it out if you're interested and let me know what aesthetics you'd be most interested in seeing.
Onto Guest review responses:
Pam: I totally understand you putting Steve and romance in two separate atmospheres. He is such a gentleman. I'm glad I could prove you wrong. I think Steve just has a completely different approach to romance than any of the other Avengers. Hope you liked this little update and you're still on board with Stemily.
Cheryl: I'm so glad you're happy about Steve/Emily story. I didn't know anyone was really excited for them. I thought maybe the interest in their story would peter out after Anna's story moved on past the part with Emily in it. Glad you're excited for this story.
Jo: haha glad I could make you squee in happiness with starting this story. Glad you love it so far!
To the guest who say they are cute: I agree, they are pretty cute in their interactions. Cute is exactly the vibe I was going for so yay for me succeeding.
Rach
xoxo