I don't really know where this moment is taking place. Maybe after the second Avengers film? Lol Anyway, I hope you like it.
New York is at peace again. Space monsters aren't destroying skyscrapers and parked cars. Civilians aren't running for their lives while clutching their bags or their loved ones' hand. Government officials aren't on their door about the chaos. Everything is at ease, as it should be, so Steve asks Natasha to accompany him to the park for a picnic. At first, she thinks he's joking, but when he grabs a sack with turkey sandwiches, lemonade, chips, and chocolate cake, she knows he's serious. She agrees to their outing, though not before looking at him like he lost his mind.
"Superheroes don't have picnics, Rogers," she says, as she spreads out the blanket for them to sit on. They're under an oak tree.
Steve sets up their lunch and waits for her to be seated before he sits down himself. "What do we do then?"
She unwraps a sandwich. "We kick ass and save the day."
"Language, Romanoff."
She smirks at him. "I'll admit it's a nice thought. I think the last time I had a picnic I was undercover."
"Which probably means we should things like this more often." He opens his bag of chips.
"I can see it now: Captain America takes on a roller coaster at Coney Island." She grins.
He smiles. "Would be a site, huh?"
"Unforgettable."
"I think sometimes we're so busy defending the universe that we forget to enjoy the beauty that's in it." He glances around.
Two children play a game of hopscotch. A couple walks their dog while enjoying doughnuts. A group of elderly people sing happy birthday under a pavilion; there's cake and ice cream. Three teenagers snap selfies and chase each other around the park. And there's a man reading a book on a bench: Moby Dick, it looks like.
Natasha takes in the view as well. "I think you may be right. We should take in the moment once a while."
A woman begins to play a slow tune on a saxophone, and Steve wipes his mouth on a napkin and stands. He holds out his hand for Natasha.
"Dance with me."
"I didn't know you were this corny, Rogers."
"Back in my day-"
"Oh, boy." She rolls her eyes and smirks. "Another one of these tales."
"Hey, things were simpler back then. We danced in parks under the moon with the women we were courting and-"
"So you're courting me now?"
"You wish, Romanoff. Are you going to dance with me or what?"
She sighs and takes his hand. For his sake, she'll dance.
They find a spot near the blanket while still under the oak's shade, and Steve places one hand on her lower back while he holds her other one. She looks over his shoulder as they sway in circles. He wonders how she feels being in his arms. Does she feel secure or does she feel too vulnerable? Nat has never really needed protection, and she certainly puts on a brave face when needed. He knows she can take care of herself, but he hopes this makes her feel a little bit sheltered.
"You sound like you're in your head, Rogers." She looks at him.
He smiles up at the leaves, then back at her. "You know me so well."
It slips his mind how instinctive she is.
"What are you thinking about?"
"Nothing in particular."
"Liar." She smirks at him.
That's becoming one his favorite things about her. Her sly smile and bluntness.
"Fine. I'm wondering if you're comfortable with this."
"You're not the first guy I've danced with, you know?"
"Agreed. You're guarded most times. It's just hard to know how you feel about things."
"I won't disagree with you there." She pauses, and her head falls onto his chest.
All Steve wants to do right now is shield her from the world.
"Safe," she whispers as she closes her eyes. "I feel safe with you."
He rubs her back in comfort, knowing how much that took for her to say. He kisses her forehead in place of words, and they continue to dance to the sax.
"Thank you, Nat."
"For what?"
"For taking in the moment with me."
She smiles up at him. "Anytime, Rogers."