Darcy was still having to remind herself that she and Steve were dating now. They were more than friends.
At first, the only thing that had changed was they spent time kissing. They still hung out a lot of the time, still talked, still went out.
Only now, instead of only doing things as friends, they were going on dates, holding hands in public.
Several weeks had passed since they'd become a couple. It was now the middle of December. Darcy had always loved Christmas time, the feeling in the air around the holiday. She'd already decorated her apartment, and was encouraging Steve to do the same for his.
She knew that Steve's feelings on Christmas were mixed. He did like the holiday, but he'd never had much money. Gifts weren't the point, they both knew, it was the religious aspect that was most important.
It would be Steve's first Christmas in the twenty-first century. Darcy wanted it to be special, but she wasn't sure what to do. She'd gotten him small gifts. She didn't have to get him something flashy and expensive to show him she cared.
Steve picked out a small tree for his apartment, and Darcy spent time with him helping him decorate.
They didn't only decorate the tree, though. They strung up Christmas lights in the living room window and put a wreath on his front door.
Darcy had wanted to do more, but Steve had said what they'd done so far was enough.
Darcy baked home maid cookies and they drank home maid hot chocolate. It was very relaxing.
Bruce and Tony weren't having any luck recreating the serum. They'd been trying since Steve was first afflicted, but all of their experiments weren't having any success.
Natasha had given Steve something to do other than art. She'd suggested that although he couldn't be Captain America, there was nothing stopping him from still helping the team.
He helped with tactical analysis, observing the situations the team found themselves in and offering suggestions from a soldier's perspective.
Darcy was happy for him, he seemed in a much lighter mood now that he could still help the Avengers.
Their relationship was sweet and unhurried. Neither one felt the need to rush into anything, they were both just happy to be together.
Tony had confided in Darcy and Jane, telling them that Erik was, in fact, struggling with the aftermath of Loki's mind control. Darcy had suspected as much.
Tony wanted to help Erik, and Clint, too, but Clint was coming back to himself faster than Erik.
It was the SHIELD training, they all knew it.
Clint was talking to Erik on a regular basis, trying to get a sense of where the older man was at mentally.
Both Tony and Clint mentioned that Erik was doing much better than when they'd first found him.
Darcy still worried for her friend. If Clint could come back from this, Erik could, too, she hoped.
Darcy and Steve were going bowling that night. They'd gone to the movies multiple times, catching Steve up on pop-culture. Doing the same thing two or three times in a row got boring, though.
Darcy had suggested bowling, and Steve had hesitated, but agreed, saying it could be fun. He wasn't as skinny as when he had first lost the serum, but he wasn't overly muscular, either. Darcy didn't think there would be any problems, and it would be fun for both of them to do something different.
They went out to eat first, because they were out anyway. They ate at the tower a lot of the time, usually when they'd go to the movies, they'd eat before leaving.
Neither Darcy, nor Steve, were picky about where they ate. A lot of the food tasted different to Steve, and it had taken him some time to get used to it. He still commented on it, at times, but he was adapting to the twenty-first century rather well, in Darcy's opinion.
They talked about random things as they ate, the conversation was light, easy.
Darcy loved times like these; when Steve was relaxed and they just talked about nothing in particular.
"It's going to be fun, I promise." Darcy told Steve as they made their way to the bowling alley they'd chosen.
"I believe you, Darcy." Steve assured her. "I'll try to have fun."
Darcy smiled in reply.
They exchanged their normal shoes for bowling shoes and both got a ball.
The rules were simple enough. Steve knew the basics, he'd just never played before.
They played several games, Steve winning more than he'd expected. Darcy was good at it, but Steve was a fast learner, and picked up on what she was doing quickly, implementing it into his own strategy.
They had fun, and decided they'd do it again, preferably when it wasn't so cold out.
Neither of them liked the cold that much, still, and Darcy didn't see that changing anytime soon.
They stopped and got hot chocolates on their way back to the tower, which they drank to warm up some as they walked.
Christmas was getting closer every day. Darcy had never gotten over the excitement the month of December got her into. Everyone was nicer — usually — around this time of year. There could be assholes, but people tried to be nicer around Christmas. Not everyone was religious, and that was fine. Darcy, herself, hadn't been to a church service in years. Her family used to go to the Christmas Eve service when she was younger, but they'd stopped when she was around thirteen. She couldn't remember why, specifically.
Steve wanted to go to the Christmas Eve service, and Darcy planned on going with him.
Darcy had looked up recipes online to some of the things Steve had likely had to eat around this time of year before the war. She was planning on making them for him, and trying them for herself, too. She was sure he'd like the gifts she'd gotten him, too.
Darcy wasn't entirely surprised when Tony announced he was throwing a Christmas party.
She was excited for it. The team hung out more often than they used to, but it would still be something to look forward to.
Steve seemed like he was looking forward to it, too.
"I wonder if we're supposed to do a gift exchange at this thing." Darcy commented to Steve as they sat on his couch.
They were trying to alternate who's apartment they hung out at, if they weren't going out, that was.
There had been a press release a few weeks ago, explaining Captain America's disappearance. People hadn't recognized Steve yet, which was a good thing. None of the Avengers and associates wanted it getting out that he'd lost the serum, making him vulnerable.
There hadn't been any kind of public outcry yet, either. The Avengers were doing their best to do damage control, to appease the masses and still do their duty.
In a sense, Steve had his anonymity back. He could go out in public and didn't have to disguised himself, because people saw what they wanted to see.
Right after the battle in New York, people had been trying to get glimpses of Captain America, shocked that he was alive after all the time that had passed. The serum, which had already been haled as a marvel of modern science, had been brought back up in conversations with scientists and specialists all over the world. If it had the capability to keep someone alive, in suspended animation, for seventy years — what else could it do?
The sort of backlash there would be if it got out that Steve had lost the serum, had had it taken away somehow — they were leaning toward magical interference, but weren't sure — it would be all over the news for weeks, months.
I've already gotten everyone something to exchange on Christmas." Steve told her.
"I did, too, I was just wondering if we were going to exchange something at the party, also." Darcy explained. "You never know."
Steve nodded. "We'll find out."
Everyone who attended Tony's Christmas party had a good time. Darcy saw Pepper, who she hadn't seen much of, and talked with her for several minutes.
The entire team that was on Earth was there.
There were alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to choose from, a lot of food, Christmas music.
It was only for the team and close friends.
Even Erik made a short appearance. He hadn't stayed long, but he had showed up, wishing people a merry Christmas and happy holidays.
"This is great," Darcy said as she sipped at her Eggnog.
Steve, who had just gotten back from a conversation with Natasha and Clint, nodded. "It's nice." He agreed.
Darcy smiled, standing close, but not touching Steve. Neither of them were big on PDA, the most they'd do in public was hold hands.
Tony suddenly appeared in front of them. "Are you two having a nice time?" He asked.
"We are." Steve replied. "This was nice of you, Tony."
Tony shook his head, smirking. "What else was I supposed to do?" He hesitated, then continued. "I was just checking up on you. I'm asking everyone, so you're not getting special treatment or anything."
Steve nodded.
Darcy sent Tony a smile. "You've been working so hard, you deserve a break, Tony."
"I don't need one." Tony replied quickly, lips pressing into a line of discomfort.
"It's almost Christmas." Steve pointed out. "I — you and Bruce aren't having luck with the serum, so… I don't mind if you take a break. You both need one. It's all you've been working on. You've done some things for your company, I know that, but… you've been focusing a lot on the serum, and…" He trailed off.
Tony blinked. "If you say so, Steve."
He'd stopped calling Steve 'Capcicle' and even 'Cap', instead just saying some variation on 'Steve' when he and Steve talked.
Tony shifted, fidgeting. "Well, I have other people to mingle with." He made his escape, walking over to where Bruce stood.
"Wow." Darcy muttered.
"Yeah," Steve agreed.
It was now Christmas Eve.
Darcy had surprised Steve with some of the things he'd had before the war, which she'd already been interested in, so making them hadn't been a problem.
Steve had liked the nostalgia, being reminded of things he used to have without the underlying grief that came with remembering. He still missed Bucky, of course, but his grief wasn't so overwhelming.
They head down to a church that Steve chose for them to attend for the Christmas Eve service. Darcy hadn't minded which one they went to.
The service was like the ones she remembered from her childhood. By the end of it, she felt uplifted.
She didn't plan on going to Church on Sundays regularly, but she made mental plans to go on Easter Sunday.
The next day, Darcy and Steve exchanged presents.
Steve had, ironically enough, gotten her a book of recipes. It had several from different decades. He'd also gotten her a new sweater, which she planned on wearing as soon as possible. It wasn't holiday themed, but it had autumn colors.
Steve liked the art supplies she'd gotten him. She'd remembered the things they'd gotten together a few months ago, so it hadn't been hard to get refills of things he would want. She'd also gotten him ingredients for hot chocolate and for making your own marshmallows.
They both tended to for deals on things, trying to find the lowest prices. Darcy had considered getting Steve more things, but reminded herself that the holiday was more about being with loved ones than the gifts you exchanged.
"They're great, Darcy." Steve told her, looking through his art supplies. "I'll use everything, this was thoughtful of you. And the ingredients are great, too."
"Thanks, I'm glad you like them." Darcy replied. "This sweater is really cute, thanks for it. The recipes will come in handy, too."
Darcy and Steve set their presents down on the floor. Darcy's sweater was back in its box.
Steve leaned over her, and her heart sped up with anticipation. She knew his tells now, he wanted to kiss her and she was eagerly waiting for it.
She wrapped her arms around his back, and leaned up a little, his arms coming around her shoulders and smoothing down her back. His lips were soft, pliant as they moved together with hers. Kissing Steve wasn't going to get old any time soon. She loved doing it, the way it started off slow, but gathered in intensity the longer they prolonged it.
They spent the rest of the morning just being together, occasionally making out.
Dinner was down in the common area kitchen, for a change. Everyone attended, and it was nice and calm.
They laughed, told stories of past holidays and ate good food.
The Avengers were called to assemble the day after Christmas.
Darcy and Steve were in the common area with Clint and Natasha when the call came in, relayed through Jarvis.
"They waited until after Christmas, at least." Clint muttered.
Steve nodded in agreement. "I still feel like I should be going with you."
"I know you do, and trust me, we all miss having you out there with us." Clint replied. "You're still helping, though. It wasn't only Natasha's idea that you help plan how we handle missions."
Steve sent Clint a smile. "I know I'm helping this way, still, but — I can't help wanting to be out there."
"I understand." Clint replied.
Steve turned to Darcy, giving her a look. "I'll see you later?"
"You bet you will." She gave him a smile.
Steve nodded, reaching out and taking her hand, giving it a quick squeeze.
Steve was gone for several hours, following the rest of the time via com and video, offering suggestions as they completed their mission.
There hadn't been any long-term missions in a while, which Darcy, and everyone else, were grateful for.
The team was back before sunset, tired, but successful.
Steve took Darcy out to a movie theater that played old and classic films. There was a showing of one of the movies he'd liked from the 1930's that he wanted her to see.
Darcy was interested in things that he liked, so she'd been excited to see it.
They still hadn't gotten fully caught up on the pop-culture and historical events Steve had missed. Darcy thought it would take years, and she didn't mind one bit. She knew Steve enjoyed getting caught up, as well. He would look up references people made to understand them, too, and the two of them would talk about them.
Darcy had seen The Wizard of Oz as a kid. Steve mentioned he'd seen it when it came out, which she thought was cool.
"Are you excited for 2013?" Darcy asked as they were going back to the tower.
"I'm looking forward to it." Steve replied. "I'm more hopeful about being in this century than I was when I was first found." He admitted.
"I'm glad you're more hopeful." Darcy responded. "You've adapted really well, you know that?"
Steve's face flushed, but he nodded, smiling. "You were and still are an amazing help to me."
"I've liked helping you since we met." Darcy told him, feeling her own face heating with slight embarrassment.
Steve squeezed her fingers at her reply, smiling until they got to her apartment door.
The next three days went by quickly, and it was New Years Eve.
Tony had offered one of his TV's to watch the ball drop at midnight, and almost everyone made plans to take him up on it.
The team spent some time together before midnight, talking and relaxing.
Pepper was there, too, sitting next to Tony. Erik had declined, saying he'd rather sleep instead.
Darcy and Steve were sitting next to each other on one of the loveseats. They weren't holding hands, but their bodies brushed together when one of them moved.
"It's about time the two of you got together!" Tony suddenly commented, and Clint smirked.
"I knew they were together since before Christmas."
"Seriously?" Tony asked, glancing between Steve and Darcy with skepticism.
"They've always been close." Natasha added. "We weren't sure, at first."
"We're right here." Steve broke into the conversation.
Darcy snorted. "You're all hilarious." She said sarcastically. "Are we going to talk about Steve and I's relationship status until the ball drops?"
Pepper and Natasha shook their heads.
Tony slumped back against the couch he was sitting. Clint sent both Steve and Darcy an apologetic smile.
There was silence as the seconds ticked by, counting the time until the new year.
"Ten minutes." Clint informed them.
The people onscreen were talking about something, but Darcy tuned them out, anticipation for midnight overshadowing what they were saying.
Time seemed to crawl by at a snails pace.
Five minutes. Three minutes. Sixty seconds. The countdown began.
Darcy took Steve's hand, squeezing his fingers hard. He squeezed back, glancing over at her with intensity in his eyes. For a second, Darcy wished they were alone.
There would be time to kiss Steve later, she reminded herself.
Thirty seconds. Twenty. Ten. Five… four… three… two…
"One!" Everyone in the room said at the same time.
It was now 2013.
"Happy New Year!" Was exchanged between them all.
Things wound down after that, people exchanging good nights and leaving for their apartments.
"You want to come in for a bit?" Darcy offered.
"Sure," Steve agreed easily.
"We can hang out at your place tomorrow."
Steve nodded. "Of course."
They closed the door behind them and went to the couch. It was big enough for them to sit together, so they sat on it more than anywhere else in her apartment.
"I think I owe you a kiss." Steve told her, and Darcy nodded.
"New Years Eve kiss." She confirmed, winking.
They turned toward each other, Steve's arms wrapping around her waist. Her arms went up to wrap around his neck, fingers flexing against his skin.
Their lips pressed against each others, the kiss chased at first.
They'd done some experimentation, figuring out what both of them liked and what they didn't.
Before things could get too carried away, St*re pulled back.
"If we don't stop, we'll be doing this all night." He commented, and Darcy laughed.
"You know we'd both like it."
Steve hummed in agreement, pressing one more kiss to her lips.
"That's very true."
Neither of them made any attempt to move out of their embrace.
"Happy New Year, Darcy." He murmured, lips close to hers.
"Happy New Year." Darcy replied back just as softly, closing the barely there distance between their lips.
