I grab my heavier black knit sweater and head for the elevator once more, hitting the lobby button to wait for Steve, Jack and Dustin.
Steve and Dustin? Together? In New York City? Not my best plan. Not only does my brother hate my boyfriend, my boyfriend didn't seem too impressed by my brother either. Walking from the elevator around the corner towards the lobby waiting area, I sit down on one of the plush couches and take out my phone, texting the one person who can offer me advice.
I need advice. ASAP
-Skylar
What is it this time?
-Claire
I may or may not be going to Rockefeller Center with my brother and boyfriend who may or may not hate each other.
-Skylar
Yikes! Not a good first impression?
-Claire
Let's just say Dustin was being Dustin.
-Skylar
Just be cool, but firm in your resolve to not tolerate fighting. If they disagree, pinch their ears and come home.
-Claire
Thanks. I'll TTYL, leaving now.
-Skylar
I turn off my phone and stuff it in my pocket, standing at the arrival of Jack, Dustin, and Steve. I notice both Steve and Dustin have a hard look on their face and neither will acknowledge the other's presence. Great. Why do I have to have a stubborn brother?
"Ready to go?" Jack asks excitedly, jumping up and down as Dustin tries to zip up his fleece sweatshirt.
"Yes, if you'll hold still and put on your jacket properly." Dustin says in an annoyed voice.
Halting his jumping, Jack stands patiently as Dustin zips the remainder of his sweatshirt and places a hat over his blonde hair.
"Okay let's go!" Jack says excitedly, racing out the door with Dustin quickly following him.
"Everything okay, honey?" I ask, coming towards Steve and taking his offered arm.
"Just peachy." Steve says in a tight voice, not looking me in the eye.
"Steve what happened?" I ask, following a few paces behind Dustin and Jack so they won't hear our conversation.
"Your brother is just- really interesting." Steve says, biting his tongue for whatever he really wants to say.
"I know. He's an ass. I'm sorry you two had to meet under these circumstances. He really is a good guy once you get past his nasty, temperamental, over protectiveness." I argue looking at the back of Dustin's head as he walks slightly hunched over behind Jack.
"I'm sure he's a great guy. He seems to really care about you. It's just- I don't like his outlook on life. He seems to only want to go for a thrill ride and then when it comes down to doing work he seems uninterested." Steve says in a hard tone.
"I know. He's always been like that. Always wanting to have a good time and not do any work. He's a pirate. No work and all play." I say, leaning my head against Steve's leather-covered shoulder. "But he's a good guy. He cares about his family and friends and will do anything to protect them. Including being shipped off to the Middle East to defend his country."
Stopping short, Steve looks at me, finally, and stares with disbelief. "He's a soldier?"
"Yeah. A jarhead." I say, seeing Steve's face wrinkle in confusion. "He's a Marine."
His face suddenly shifting to a more sympathetic look, Steve begins to walk again, a slower pace to his stride. "I had no idea. I thought he was all talk, no action. I'm sorry I misjudged him."
"Don't apologize to me. Apologize to him. He'll be happy to know you don't think too poorly of him. Don't tell him I told you, but he was a huge Captain America fan as a kid. He read all your comics and watched all your war videos." I say, whispering the last bit to him, knowing his enhanced hearing would pick it up.
"Really? I didn't realize they were so popular." Steve says, genuinely surprised.
"Yeah they were, still are. Ever since the invasion more people have been watching the old Captain America stuff. I think it brings back hope that New York will rise again, even after such tragedy." I say, motioning towards the different signs, memorials, and artwork displaying thank yous to the Avengers and mourning the loss of lives.
"Did you ever watch the videos?" Steve asks, speeding up his walk to stay near Dustin and Jack.
"Yeah, when Dustin would watch it. I never imagined I'd get to see Captain America in the flesh, or date him for that matter." I say, hugging Steve's arm tight.
"Well I'm glad you did. I don't know where I'd be without you." Steve admits, looking down sheepishly at his feet.
"You're just saying that, you'd be fine without me." I say, trying to hide my happiness at hearing his confession.
"No, really. Thank you, Skylar. You've not only been by my side since I first woke up, but you've befriended me, cared for me, and now you love me. It's more than I could ever dream of." Steve says, stopping to make me look up at him, a dead serious look on his face.
Blushing at his intense stare, I smile shyly and look downward. "You have no idea how much I needed to hear that. And to be honest, you've helped me more than you'll ever know too." I say looking back up and giving him a full fledge smile.
It's true, before Steve my life was a mess. Between Dustin's deployment and the unknown along with it, Dante's criminal operations, and Xander's reintroduction to my life, I had been going through a roller coaster of emotions. When the opportunity came to meet and help Captain Rogers be reintroduced to the twenty-first century, I eagerly accepted. Of course I had no idea it would morph in a friendship and now a relationship.
Smiling brightly in return, Steve's hand reaches up and cups my cheek. Leaning his head down, his lips meet mine in a passionate kiss that puts our previous kisses to shame. Having to stand on my tiptoes, I eagerly warp my arms around the super soldier's neck, pressing my chest into his.
"Ewe, gross!" Jack says, covering his eyes.
I remove my lips from Steve's, smiling at my cousin's response to seeing our kiss. I'm still trapped in the warm, strong arms of my soldier, but I don't mind. His body is warm, and my sweater feels like nothing compared to the cold day.
"Just wait a few more years, Jack. Then you won't be saying that." I say, laughing as Jack makes a gagging sound.
"Hey man what's the hold up?" Dustin asks coming up to us, noticing me wrapped in Steve's arm and Jack's disgusted face. "Oh hell no! Please tell me you two weren't just lip locking."
Giggling at my brother's clear discomfort, I bury my head in Steve's chest, loving the smell of leather mixed with his aftershave and cologne. "Sorry Jack, sorry Dust."
"Can we go before it gets too dark out?" Dustin whines, taking Jack's hand and beginning once more on our walk towards Rockefeller Center.
"Hey Dustin, can I talk to you for a minute?" Steve asks, making my Marine brother stop and stare at the super soldier.
"Sure. Star you go on ahead with Jack, we'll catch up." Dustin says, letting go of Jack's hand and walking towards Steve.
I look between Steve and Dustin, noticing Steve looking worried and Dustin looking slightly less threatening towards my boyfriend. I quickly kiss Steve's cheek before taking Jack's hand and beginning to walk towards Rockefeller Center at a faster pace. I don't hear what Steve and my brother talk about, I just hope whatever it is, Dustin can accept my relationship with Steve.
We arrive at the center a good hour or two before sunset. The crowded Thanksgiving streets are bustling as people prepare for the Black Friday sales. I buy some food from a street vendor and stand behind Jack as we watch the skaters below.
Steve and Dustin haven't caught up to us yet, so I opt to go skating while we wait. I send a quick text to Dustin telling him we're going skating, before walking down to the rink level. I rent two pairs of skates, one for me and one for Jack, and help my cousin tie his laces. I've been skating since I was a kid and am fairly good at it. My mom let me take lessons as a kid so I know some of the cool tricks you see on television. I tie up my own skates and lead Jack onto the rink, mixing in with the other skaters.
Jack isn't that good of a skater since he hasn't done it too many times. Coming from Los Angeles, my little cousin doesn't have a lot of experience with cold or snow. I show him the basics, how to stand properly without falling over, how to push yourself from one foot to the next, and how to break. Jack gets onto the concept rather quickly, but still has a balance problem. I have to skate nearby to make sure if he falls he won't hurt himself too badly.
It's fun. Honestly it is really fun to be back on the ice again. I ice skated and played hockey in high school on youth team, but I haven't been able to take the time to go skating for fun since college. I quickly remember all my own routines and I show a few of my moves to Jack. When I land from one of my jumps I hear clapping and turn towards the entrance to see Steve and Dustin applauding my performance. Skating closer towards my boyfriend and brother, I kiss Steve's warm lips and give my brother a hug.
"What kept you guys so long?" I ask, looking between the two men, who seem a lot better in each other's company now.
"Let's just say we came to an understanding." Dustin says, giving me a wink.
"I hope that means you won't be bickering between each other anymore." I say, half joking half, serious.
"Can't promise you that, Star, but I can say I will be more understanding and accepting of your relationship. Steve's a good guy." Dustin says, patting Steve on the back.
"Thank you Dust!" I say, happily hugging my brother tighter.
"C'mon guys! Are we skating or what?" Jack asks in an impatient voice, looking bored at our conversation.
"Okay, okay Jackie, we're coming." Dustin says, stepping onto the ice in his rental skates and chasing Jack around the rink.
"You need help there, soldier?" I ask, watching as Steve struggles to get onto the ice.
"Um maybe. I've never been ice skating before." Steve says sheepishly, having a hard time keeping his balance.
"C'mon I'll teach you." I say, taking his hand in mine and helping him further onto the ice.
I repeat my teachings to Steve, who learns the concept quickly and is somewhat successfully in applying it. We skate around the rink, my hand in his as he tries to keep up with my graceful movements. He's clumsy at first, but just like at dancing he soon figures out the moves and becomes a natural.
We leave the rink a while later, wanting to get back to the tower before dark. I easily untie my skates and return them without any problem. When I return, I notice Steve is having a hard time undoing his. I sigh internally, loving the way his frustrated face causes him to flex his muscles and tighten his jaw line. Unfortunately for me, Steve notices me staring and arches an eyebrow in my direction, making me blush at being caught gawking.
"I could use some help here, Sky." Steve says, motioning towards the tightening knit of his laces.
I smile, taking pity on him. I kneel down before him, taking the black laces in my small fingers and using my nails to loosen the tightened knit. I work silently, noticing Steve's observing eyes watching my movements intently. I finish one skate quickly and move on to the other. I begin the same process over, but the second skate is easier since Steve hadn't tried to mess with the knots.
"You got the skates on, but you can't get them off?" I say, noticing the knot really tight and well done, almost by a person who's skated for a long time.
"Um yeah. I was having difficulties and Dustin was already looking for you and Jack on the ice so this nice woman helped me." Steve says sheepishly, turning a bright pink.
"Oh really?" I say, my voice calm, but my temper and jealousy spiking.
I will admit I'm easily envious. I hate people messing with my family, friends, and especially my boyfriend. When I was dating Josh it was a major problem in our relationship, since he had a 'playboy status to maintain'. I'm an only girl child; I don't share anything, particularly my boyfriend.
"Yeah she was nice, but she doesn't hold a candle to you." Steve says sincerely, putting a finger under my chin to make me look at him.
I finish with his second skate and stand quickly, feeling the sudden urge to run. Steve must sense my uneasiness, for he grabs my wrist before I can go to far. Quickly slipping on his shoes and grabbing the skates in his free hand, he leads places the skates in the return bin.
"Hey handsome, I could've helped you take off your skates. All you had to do was ask." A female says in a voice attempting to sound seducing, but mostly sounding fake.
Turning around, I send an icy glare towards the woman attempting to move in on my man. She's tall, around 5'6 with blonde hair, blue eyes, fair skin, and large boobs. She clearly cares a lot about appearances since her boobs look bogus, an obvious face-lift is apparent on her too tight appearance, and her clothes are too tight for comfort. She looks around my age, maybe a little older and she has all the appearance of a sex goddess.
"Thank you, ma'am, but I managed just fine." Steve says respectfully, trying to be polite without sounding too harsh.
"I'm Candice. Candice Williams. My father is John Williams." Candice says, batting her false eyelashes in an attempt to be seductive.
"Nice to meet you Candice. I'm Steve and this is my girlfriend Skylar." Steve says introducing me and making the blonde Barbie look at me for the first time.
Scowling when she notices me, holding hands with Steve and him obviously looking in love, Candice scrunches her face in disgust, an unattractive picture.
"You know frowning ruins your complexion." I say in an overly sweet voice, narrowing my eyes at the blonde bimbo who dares make a move on my man.
"Ugh whatever. What do you say you and me get out of here? I know some hot clubs nearby." Candice says, readdressing her attention to Steve.
"No thanks." Steve says, an edge in his voice as his face-hardens towards Candice.
"Aww c'mon, it'll be fun." Candice purrs, stepping a foot too close for my liking, attempting to run her fingers up Steve's chest. My temper snaps.
I quickly grab her wrist with a snake like reflex, my anger and temper past the point of control. I easily grab Candice's second wrist when she tries to slap me. The surprise on Steve's face and the scared expression on hers don't stop me from releasing her, or loosening my tightening grip.
"Listen you whore, don't you ever touch or attempt to touch my boyfriend." I growl in a fierce voice, my grip on her slim wrists tightening to the point where she visibly expresses pain.
"Ow let me go." Candice whines, trying to squirm in my grip.
I release her, throwing her away from me and making her fall to the floor. The frightened, confused, and angry look on her face hardens my resolve to teach the bitch a lesson. I step forward threateningly, growling deep in the back of my throat as I approach her. Understanding the message, Candice makes the smart move of leaving, quickly.
"Let's get out of here." I say in a deep voice, walking past a still shocked Steve and make my way to the exit.
Out on the busy streets, the sunlight is fading quickly and soon night will set in. Although a relatively safe city, it still isn't wise for a woman to be outside alone on a dark night. But with the crowded streets and people waiting for Black Friday, I don't fear being alone. I know how to defend myself and I'm not one to back down from a fight.
I walk quickly through the streets, hearing Steve pushing through the crowd to catch up. Yes I'm mad, yes it's unfair to take it out on Steve, but goddamn it that bitch really steamed my clams. I am forced to stop at a crosswalk, allowing Steve enough time to reach me, the serum making him reach me extra fast.
"Skylar can we please talk?" Steve asks, looking at me with worry eyes.
I know it really is unfair to put him through this kind of emotional turmoil, especially since he doesn't have a lot of dating experience. But the only thing I can think about when I picture Candice is thousands of other girls like her, girls who will flirt with a boy even if he is taken. Girls who will throw themselves at hot guys and beg for acceptance. Not only do those girls disgust me, but also the fact that she threw herself at my boyfriend really made me want to kill her. Since my bad experience with my first boyfriend, I've been extra possessive about Steve.
Luckily everyone at SHIELD acknowledges the fact that you do not mess with me. I may not be the Black Widow, trained to kill since birth, but I do know how to fight and I'm an excellent marksman who will not hesitate to throw the first punch. Everyone at SHIELD knows I can be a loose cannon if I'm provoked and after my bad attitude during those days stuck in the med bay of the helicarrier, I proved just how dangerous I could be.
"Sure what do you want to talk about, honey?" I ask, my voice purposely sweet.
"Skylar you know you're the only person I love right? You're the only one I have eyes for and you're sure as hell the only person I'd ever consider dating." Steve says, a strong resolve in his voice, as he looks me square in the eyes.
Sighing, I know he's not lying. Steve would never lie to his friends, especially to me. He would lie to protect me from real danger or to keep me out of harms way, but he'd never lie about his feelings, especially when he knows my previous relationship was a disaster.
"I know. It's just- she made me so mad. I hate girls who throw themselves at men, especially taken men, and think that since they have big boobs or fancy clothes they can just bat their fake eyelashes and get away with it." I say, looking the love of my life with sincere eyes.
"I know that's why I promise you, I will never hurt you." Steve says, looking absolutely serious, "I will never give you up. I'm yours as long as you'll have me."
Smiling at his deep confession, I wrap my arms around his neck, bringing our lips together in a sweet kiss. "And I'm yours as long as you'll have me."