Note: After: Chris Crush (main), chapter 21, Snowpiercer.
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Happy birthday, Steve Rogers! Happy 4th of July!
Watching The Fireworks
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Friday, July 4th, 2014. Avengers Tower.
"Happy Birthday…"
Natasha's sleepy voice greeted him as soon as Steve started to stretch, but he only hummed in response, and rolled over her, holding her like a pillow. Smiling, she tried to move, but found it impossible, as she was completely encased underneath his muscular body – fast asleep, his 240 lb weight like a ton. It wasn't like him to sleep late, but his birthday party last night had ended just a few hours ago, and she was delighted remembering how happy he had been.
The team hadn't missed the chance to celebrate having their Captain back, safe and sound. Understandably, the only one missing had been Thor, who had remained in Asgard to help his father, fulfilling his obligations as Crown Prince – to Jane's dismay.
Tony had suggested a themed celebration, and Bruce had engaged the other 40s expert to assist them in planning the surprise party. Brilliantly, the geniuses had been unbelievably sensitive. "You know him best, James."
Pepper had coordinated everything with perfection and Bucky had worked hard by her side – as he had done everything since he had been accepted within the Avengers. Despite his success acting as Captain America – following Steve's wishes – without the mask he was still reluctant, and terribly reclusive.
Natasha had been the one person Bucky had kept the farthest distance, still feeling guilty about their shared dark past – both her and Steve had respected it. No one had known about their previous encounter in Russia, except Steve. So, the unofficial story had been that the former KGB assassin had avoided anything and anyone that had reminded him of his time working as a puppet for the Red Room. However, to plan Steve's birthday, they had needed to meet, eventually, and she hadn't missed the chance to reinforce the importance of Bucky's presence in Steve's life.
"You are his best present," she said kindly.
Stunned, he had looked at her quickly, before nodding humbly and leaving in silence.
In order to fulfill the assignment that Natasha had given to him – to take care of Barnes and make him stay – the archer had kept a close eye on the former sidekick. They all had honestly tried to make Bucky feel welcome. More than ever, Steve's happy party needed a happy Bucky. So, Clint had talked to Bobbi, who had called Jane. Suddenly, a flirty Darcy had found a catering company specialized in vintage parties, and a smiley Bucky had been helping her to select the menu. Hawkeye had hit the bull's-eye – as usual.
Finally, to set the mood, Sam had assembled a playlist with tunes from the 40s, and they all had worn themed outfits.
It had worked perfectly. The celebration had been amazing – intimate and elegant, like the Captain himself.
Unforgettable had been the sparkle in Steve's baby blue eyes when he had seen Natasha. She had wore that same vintage pin-up dress she had used when she had first taught him how to dance – a navy blue taffeta evening gown, with a low heart-neck, puffed sleeves and a merry-go-round skirt. It had made his heart swell. "Nat! You're stunning," he had said before kissing her passionately. "I love this dress. I love you."
She had whispered between his lips, "I love you too."
He had been very grateful for the sweet homage, particularly with seeing his new friends taking care of his old friend. For Steve, it had been almost four years without Bucky, mourning him. All his previous experiences at themed parties had had the bitter taste of nostalgia, reminding him of all he left behind. Having his best friend by his side had changed everything – the place, the clothes, the songs, everything had looked as if they had been back to the time where they had been just the two inseparable kids from Brooklyn.
As they had hugged each other, and Bucky had wished him happy birthday, Steve had replied, visibly touched, "Thanks for being here."
To save them from becoming too emotional in front of the group, Natasha had put her plan immediately in action – the dance had started but with everyone mismatched, so Pepper had invited Bucky, while Darcy had taken Steve. After a while, when the couples had started to change back to their right partners, Natasha had approached, dancing with Tony. Before they had gotten close, Bucky had asked to change his pair with Steve's, and ended up dancing with Darcy, who had looked the perfect pin-up 40s girl. The Black Widow hadn't missed it either.
Finally reunited with his girlfriend, Steve had been delighted, seeing his friend having some kind of fun with the attractive brunette. "This is great! I know him, Bucky is interested in Darcy." The soldier had asked quietly, "You planned it all, didn't you? How did you know it would work?"
Smiling mischievously, the spy had explained, "Clint's tip."
Cupping her face gently, he placed a soft kiss on her lips whispering, "Thank you."
After that, Steve had relaxed completely, enjoying his birthday party with his friends – his family – and the love of his life. They had danced the whole time, even after everybody had left.
To end the night, Natasha had planned a very special moment, so JARVIS had played Michael Bublé's version of 'I can't help falling in love'.
Instantly recognizing the song, Steve held her close, confessing coyly, "I wanted to kiss you so badly, that night," before he had captured her lips with all his passion.
Blushing, Natasha's voice had been just a murmur, "Me too." Laying her head on his chest, as her hands had been firmly wrapped around his neck, they had melted in each other, dancing slowly, until the last accord.
Then, he had carried her in his arms, bride style, saying, "I started to fall in love with you that day, with this song…" He had winked, "Our song," before kissing her once again. A kiss so intense, that had turned her into a thoughtless puddle of emotion. Cradled safe in his strong arms, she had rested her head on his shoulders, as he had left, humming the lovely melody.
It had been the perfect night, and although she would love to be wrapped up with him all day, they had a full agenda for the holiday. Natasha needed to wake up Steve, without harming him – she needed help.
"JARVIS, please, open Sneg's gate, and turn his room's audio on."
"It's done, ma'am."
"Sneg! Come here!"
Immediately, the ten-month-old dog came wagging his tail excitedly, but stopped by the bedroom door, waiting for instructions.
"Good boy! Now, come here, and wake up Steve!" Obedient, the giant puppy greeted her first, delicately licking her hand, and then, he went to the other side of the bed. Placing his huge paws on his owner's back, he started to bark softly, licking his face, and pushing slowly, but with the strength of his already 150 lbs.
In no time, Steve turned again, yawning, "Okay… buddy," and stroked his dog's head.
Finally free, Natasha placed a soft kiss on his cheeks, ready to get up. "Happy birthday!"
Pleasantly relaxed, he looked at her, blue eyes shining drowsily, but with a hint of desire, lips parted in a seductive grin, and she knew she was lost. Melting instantly as she felt his hand around her back, she came willingly. Lowering her head, their lips met in a deep and hot kiss that made her forget everything else.
The dog, however, was still there, and his barks brought them back to reality. They broke the kiss, laughing. "You're right, Sneg, we have a lot to do today!" Natasha petted the puppy's head softly, before getting up quickly and entering the bathroom.
By the time Steve finished stretching and playing with the dog, she was already showered and changed. "Your turn, babe. Then come to have breakfast," she invited, before leaving, with the dog following her closely.
When Steve left the bedroom, she was setting a beautiful breakfast table, with his favorite Irish delicacies – some of the things his mother used to make for him. "Hmmm… this smells delicious, I'm starving…"
But before he could walk towards the table, Sneg was wagging his tail, barking happily, and Natasha took Steve's hand, explaining, "He wants to show you something."
The dog led them to the hall, and jumped into a stylish sidecar that was parked there, tied with a large red ribbon bow.
Unquestionably, one of Steve's passions were motorcycles. His newest model was an up-to-date Harley Davidson Softail Breakout that had been specially customized for the superhero into a retro 1940 style – low-slung, chopper-like, donning the blue of Captain America's uniform. Natasha had got him the matching sidecar.
"Nat! This is amazing!" He hugged her, picking her up and spinning her around a few times, "Thanks," before kissing her lovingly.
Instantly, Sneg was jumping and barking around them, calling for attention. She smiled playfully, "He can't wait for you to take us for a ride." Kneeling by the floor, the couple hugged the dog affectionately.
After the tasteful breakfast, they started to get ready for the special event.
Washington, D.C.
The Avengers had been invited for an Independence Day barbecue at the White House.
As usual, Bruce remained happily anonymous, and didn't go to the public event – after all, the Hulk wasn't a costume he could wear. Not being American, Natasha hadn't attended any National celebration before, this time, however, the invitation asked for the Avengers' family, and since it was Steve's birthday, she couldn't refuse. So, they took the Avenjet, and flew there with Tony and Pepper, Clint and Bobbi, Sam and his mother, Darlene Wilson.
The event was sponsored by the USO, United Service Organizations, with more than a thousand people, mostly military personnel and their families. As soon as the Avengers arrived, children surrounded them asking for photos and autographs – even in plainclothes they became the success of the party. Being the birthday-hero, Captain America got even more attention than usual. The most famous of the group, Iron Man kept praising the Falcon, and they were pleased seeing lots of boys who had T-shirts with the youngest Avenger.
Undoubtedly, the greatest surprise were the amount of girls, dressed as the Black Widow, surrounding Natasha. The former Russian spy was dumbfounded, but attended each one kindly and gracefully. From a distance, dealing with his own crowd of fans, Steve's heart fluttered seeing her in the middle of so many children.
Among the varied questions and requests, one in particular left the Black Widow speechless. "Are you gonna marry Captain America? He's the cutest!" asked a twelve-year-old looking girl who was holding the both heroes action figures.
A faint pink appeared on Natasha's cheeks, and by her side, Clint couldn't help but chuckle. Pulling Steve by the arm, Tony walked towards the group and replied promptly, "They're the super-couple, aren't they?" They girls cheered in unison and the couple was cornered, having to pose for side by side pictures.
It last for a while, until the president's staff appeared to rescue the superheroes, leading them to a private area. There they were received by President Matthew Ellis and the First Lady. After the initial compliments, and polite conversation, naturally, the men and women were aggregated separately.
The experienced executive, Pepper had known Mrs. Ellis before, and pulled an apprehensive Natasha to the women's group, while trying to keep a star-struck Darlene under control.
The group was reunited to enjoy the barbecue while watching the shows. The final act was a homage for Captain America's 96th birthday – beautiful USO dancers dressed in patriotic costumes, that reminded him of the shows he had done before, executed an exciting choreography with gymnastics moves. When it ended, they brought a huge American-Flag-shaped cake and called Steve to the center stage. It was thrilling to hear the audience singing happy birthday, but Natasha wasn't pleased watching all those women so close to her man. Somehow, seeing those dancers literally drooling over him, triggered a different feeling inside the redhead. Fortunately, having dealt with these types of events before, the super-soldier was tranquil, and kept everybody at a respectful distance.
After posing for the last photos with President Ellis and the cast, Steve shook a few hands before leaving the stage. He walked directly towards Natasha, with the same confidence as always, but she noticed a tension in his body, that only she could discern. It seemed that the emotion throughout the birthday celebration was weighing on him heavily, as the day was ending. Any unfounded jealousy was long forgotten because he needed her.
Discreetly, she talked to one of the president's staff, who led the couple to a quiet place – one of the small private gardens.
A sense of peace washed over them, as they sat down on a bench under a small gazebo. Despite being surrounded by trees, they could gaze up at the fireworks that were lighting up the whole sky. Steve put one arm behind her, holding her carefully, as she rested her head on his chest. They remained in silence for a while, until she asked gently, "Sad memories?"
He rested his head on hers, "Nah… a little…" She snuggled against him, and he sighed, "I miss my mother… She always tried to do something different for me, for my birthdays, Christmas, special occasions, you know? Just simple things that I loved, like watching the fireworks together." Taking a sharp breath, he continued, "When I grew up, I understood it. It was for us not to miss my father. Both of us."
"It must have been tough for her," Natasha replied melancholically. "She never remarried?"
"No." Looking at her, he gave her a faint smile, "She always told me the stories about how they loved each other very much. She taught me how to pray for him…"
The look on his face was that boyish one, showing all his vulnerability. Drawing him close, she kissed him tenderly on the lips – their first kiss since they arrived at the event – and he melted completely.
"I saw him… in a dream…"
With a quaver in his voice and moistened eyes, he poured out his heart to her, telling her everything about his 'near-death' experience, where he had found in his parents the strength to endure the tough process of awakening for the first time, after being in suspended animation for sixty-six years.
Natasha held him tighter than she'd thought possible, "Steve, I'm sorry. I didn't know it was that painful."
"The doctor explained that it was the energy flux, running through my brain and muscles, after they warmed my body, and everything started to function normally again."
"Like in the transformation?"
"Stronger." He smiled shyly, "But… they were there… with me…"
"It must've been a beautiful encounter…" she ran her fingers through his hair, trying to comfort him.
"Joseph, my father. I look a lot like him, but I have my mother's eyes." Deep blue eyes were shining with sheer emotion. "He told me to live and love."
"Wise words." Green eyes sparkled with the same intensity, as she kissed him, whispering, "I love you."
Wrapped on each other, they enjoyed the fireworks, until it was time for them all to go back to the Tower.
Avengers Tower.
During the flight back, the girls secretly complained with Natasha about the flirtatious dancers. And as they were back to their own places, Bobbi stopped by the Romanogers floor and handed the redhead a paper bag, "Here, I got you a brand new one."
Looking inside, Natasha questioned in disbelief, "What do you expect me to do with this?"
"Wear it!" The blonde winked, "Dance for him!"
The redhead shook her head no. "Thanks, but no, thanks."
"Don't be dumb. They were all drooling over those dancers." Bobbi added coquettishly, "I already got mine!"
Before the spy could utter an answer, Steve came walking towards them. Quickly, the blonde got back into the elevator, "Bye! Happy Birthday, Cap!"
Totally embarrassed, Natasha turned to Steve, holding the paper bag behind her back, and he asked curiously, "What did she want?"
Her mouth opened and after a while the best she could say was, "Well… Bobbi…"
"Are you… blushing?! Why?"
Walking around them, Sneg bit the package, tearing it. Immediately, Steve reached down and picked up the costume that had fallen on the floor.
Mortified, Natasha walked away, without looking back.
After taking care of the dog, she finally went to their bedroom – the paper bag was carefully folded, over her bedside table.
Wearing only his T-shirt and boxer briefs, Steve stood by her side, holding her by her waist, but she was beyond upset, and couldn't face him. Cupping her chin gently, he spoke full of concern, "I'm sorry about the show. I didn't know. I didn't want to make you uncomfortable."
"I… I wasn't… Bobbi was just being nosy." She rolled her eyes, "The girls didn't like the dancers."
"It was part of the act. Like I did before. They were supposed to cheer for Captain America."
"It was a lot more than cheering, right?" She pulled out of his arms and walked towards her dresser.
That was the jealousy he was expecting, and he knew he needed to explain himself, even if he didn't do anything wrong – he had learned it already. "I know. I'm sorry. Some of them tried to overstep, but I didn't let them. You saw it, didn't you?"
"Not even in the past?" It was his turn to pause without an answer, and she continued harshly, "Tell me you lived surrounded by all those women and nothing happened."
That was one thing he loved and hated about her – unpredictability. Of course she would come with something he wasn't expecting. "You… you weren't even born…" he tried to justify himself, but he knew her enough to recognize the dangerous look on her face. There was no other option, he had to confess everything. "I went out with one of the dancers, during the few months I did the USO shows."
After taking out her makeup, she entered her closet, inquiring, "Define went out."
"Long trips, lots of shows, the cast was together for weeks." Taking a deep breath, he resigned, explaining, "Friends with benefits. Only the term is new…"
"Did she wear the costume?"
"No! Well…" He was stricken, "Nat, please. I can't talk about this… it's wrong for so many reasons."
"Okay. Sorry." She left the closet wearing her bathrobe, and sat by his side on their bed.
"What's really bothering you?" He had learned it too – for her, the best defense was always a good offense.
Visibly embarrassed, she spoke quietly, "I just want to know if you fantasize about… the… costume."
"No. Why?"
Showing all her vulnerability, she answered, "Because… you asked me to wear that Betsy Ross' getup… when we watched the movie 'The Nanny Diaries'… Do you remember?" That had been the day when they first got together.
Taking her hand in his, he kissed it softly, "I remember everything about that day, one of the happiest of my whole life." Smiling, he replied kindly, "I said I was joking about the outfit, right?"
Her heart fluttered, and she smiled back, "I can wear it, if you want…"
But he stopped her with a tender kiss, and when they broke apart, he was completely serious, "I don't fantasize about the costume, or any woman who wore it." She looked relieved, but he knew she needed to understand it all. "That time, I saw myself as a joke, a dancing monkey. I was in a bad place. She had lost a fiancée in the war. We helped each other, but it didn't mean anything, other than that."
Knowing that he was telling nothing but the truth, she hid her face in shame, admitting, "Now I feel silly…"
"You're not." Caressing her face gently, he confessed sheepishly, "I don't want to make you jealous, ever. But I do like that you care about me…"
"I'll always care… I love you."
"I love you… wearing anything…" and he winked playfully, "Or nothing at all…" Blushing, she punched him slightly on the chest, and he pulled her to sit on his lap. "Nat, I don't need any fantasy when my reality is you."
Speechless, she drew him to a searing kiss that let them both panting for air.
Tracing his fingers through her silky hair, he continued, "But… You… wearing that blue dress… last night… Wow! I have to come clean, that was a long-time dream!"
She had a big grin on her face. "Talking about dreams…" Getting up, she winked mischievously, "Let's take a shower. We're gonna try the sidecar this weekend? We need to get up earlier."
"How early we are talking about?" He got up in a jump, carrying her in his arms, and she couldn't help but giggle. "I'm still entitled to a few birthday wishes, right?"
Biting her lower lip, she smiled coyly, answering, "Yes, Captain..."
"This is definitely the best birthday ever!" and Steve kissed Natasha again… and again…
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Next: Chris Crush (main), chapter 22, Captain America: The First Avenger.
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Author's note: Thanks to all readers, you're the best!
Answering a reader's question about the characters' ages in the MCU [Marvel Cinematic Universe].
Steve was born in 1918, crashed in 1945 at 27 years old, and was found in 2011, 66 years later. It means that, chronologically, he is 96, but biologically, he lived only 30 (96 – 66) years. Another way to make the same calculation: 1918 + 66 = 1984. That would be his 'adjusted birth year' to any fake document, making him 30 years old.
Natasha was born in November 22, 1984 – Scarlett Johansson's real birthday.
Bucky's age is far more complicated. Born in 1917, died in 1944, also at 27 years old. After he was revived by the Soviets, he was kept in a cryogenic stasis when not on missions. Although there's no exact number of years he had been awaken, he definitely lived more than Steve.
A especial thanks to my friend & beta Lovedrr! I couldn't have done it without his infinite kindness & immeasurable help! Romanogers, check his stories!
xxoo Mari
Ref: Fanfic: Chris Crush (main) #1 'Prologue' – Natasha teaches Steve how to dance.
#6 'The Nanny Diaries' – [Steve about the Betsy Ross' outfit] Can you dress like this for my birthday?
Ref: Movies: Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) – Steve's weight, 240 lbs (109 kg). Iron Man 3 (2013) – President Matthew Ellis.
Ref: TV Show: Marvel's Avengers Assemble (2014) 1x23 'One Little Thing' – Darlene Wilson, Sam's mother.
Ref: MCU: Bucky died in 1944. Steve crashed in 1945, and was found in 2011. Steve missed Bucky for almost a year in the past, and three years in the present.
Ref: Harley Davidson press release (2013) – San Diego Comic-Con reveals Harley-Davidson in upcoming Marvel film, 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' – the newest Softail motorcycle, the Breakout.
