October 4th: Just for today
(Pre Infinity War)
„Promise to not turn off you phone and share your status once a day, understood?", Steve was leaning against the rental car in the half empty parking lot as he was on the phone.
Wanda's voice on the other end was easy and she chuckled: „Yes, dad... don't worry so much, Cap. I have Sam with me and it'll only be half a week until we are coming back to assist you."
Steve's eyes were locked on Natasha who was looking around the area nearby while talking. The sun was reflecting off of her blonde hair and her light summer dress was covered in a flowery print.
He quickly replied: „I know... just be careful, you two. And if we need the jet or you earlier I'll let you know."
The call ended and Steve opened the trunk of the car. He took out his own bag as well as Nat's and she soon was by his side again: „Are they alright?"
Steve nodded while he locked the car: „Fine... they promised to be careful."
Nat grinned: „They are all adults, you know?"
Steve sighed: „Yeah, I know. But sometimes I feel like I am responsible for their safety. They are in this situation because of me."
Nat rolled her eyes and picked up her own bag: „No, they are not. Everyone had a choice and they chose this."
They started walking towards the nearby building. It was a hotel, not too big but still three stories tall. Steve nodded: „Okay, okay. I'll try to think about that."
There was a short period of silence, but when they were almost at the entrance to the lobby Natasha said in a low voice: „So... what are we? On a business trip? Married couple?"
Steve considered their options for a second before glancing down at her hand. She was still wearing the ring Clint had given her as he made her promise to stay safe before she had gone on the run. It was a small silver band with a ruby embedded in it - not too posh but still really beautiful.
He looked up to meet her eyes with his again and murmured: „Engaged."
She knew immediately what he was suggesting and nodded: „Good..."
They both put on smiles as they approached the reception and Steve was holding Nat's free hand with his. He had gotten a lot better at this.
He pulled out their fake passports and softly put them on the table: „Hey... do you have a room available for a couple of days?"
The lady typed something on her computer. Her Croatian accent was thick in her voice, but it was still clear to make out what she was saying: „Yes, a few. Double bed or singles?"
Nat chuckled and leaned her head against Steve's arm: „No need for separate beds."
The lady nodded and scanned their information. She cleared her throat and attempted small talk: „Are you here for honeymoon?"
Steve smiled and pressed a light kiss to Nat's hairline: „No, unfortunately not yet. We are getting married next year."
The lady nodded again, half listening and pretending to care: „Congratualtions. Here is the room key. Enjoy your holiday."
Nat thanked her and took the documents and keycard from the desk. The two of them took their luggage to the room. Steve dug through his things to find a lighter shirt to wear. Although it was September it was still warm in Croatia.
After he had changed he looked around for Nat and saw her standing on the small balcony. He hesitated for a moment but eventually joined her.
She didn't look at him when he stopped next to her at the handrail and instead kept focused on the sea. From their balcony they could overlook large parts of the beach and the hotels and restaurants lining up on its edge. It was getting late and the sun was starting to set, bathing the whole scenery in orange and yellow and lilac.
Her eyes still focused on the horizon Nat slowly said: „This is beautiful..."
Steve smiled and turned to her. Her green eyes were shimmering in the same shade as the ocean and the soft peachy color of the scene was illuminating her skin. The wind was playing with her soft locks and dress.
He could hear her voice in his head. He remembered what she had said to him on Sokovia when they thought they were about to die.
Where else do I get a view like this?
She had been right back then and she still was. But it was not the sky and the world below, not the sunset or the sea. It had never been. It had always been her he was looking at.
Slowly he responded: „Yes... it is."
Nat now turned to face him too and their eyes locked. There was a familiarity in this. In the two of them standing together. It reminded her of Sokovia and she saw it in his eyes that he was thinking the same. A sigh escaped her mouth and she was leaning over to hug him. He wrapped his arms around her immediately and said: „I wish this was a holiday for real."
Steve could feel her smile against him as she replied: „We could make it one... just for today. Only for a few hours. The drug cartel can wait until tomorrow."
Steve loosened the embrace a bit to look at her face again: „Why not? I think we deserve this..."
Nat smirked: „But don't let the others know. We should be the hard working part."
Steve started laughing: „Sure... This will be our secret."
Nat chuckled: „Okay then... let's find some place to eat. I'm starving."
Steve slowly let her go, but took her hand on the way to the door and their fingers intertwined: „I wouldn't like that. Not so close to our wedding, you know?"
Grinning Nat locked the door behind them: „Since this is something like our pre-honeymoon then I guess, you will have to pay. To prove you'll be a good husband."