100 Reviews! I would like to thank everyone of you guys who have read and supported me and helped me improve my writing! Especially my friend Tina and ym4yum1! Big hugs and kisses to them! So here is a special chapter! Please let me know what you think

Hugs and Kisses Winter

Ask Her to Dance

Chapter 21: Bombing of Britain

Steve stood outside her room, he was nervous about asking her out for an evening stroll, both of them had, had a long day with the trip in but he wanted to spend more time with her than just a car ride; he wanted to take her out and see London. Clearing his throat he knocked, "2nd Lieutenant Moldihan, it's Captain Rogers." Please say yes, please say yes, I want to spend at least one hour with you, show you what love can really be.

"Hold on one moment please," Her beautiful voice rang out to him through the door. He waited nervously spinning his captains hat in his hand and within a moment the door opened, the sight of her made him take a sharp breath. Her long blonde hair was down curling almost to her breasts, her lips painted a succulent red and her baby blues lined with a crisp black line. "Evening ma'am, um, I..." started stumbling over his words slightly, "I... I was hoping, no, no wondering if you would like to take an evening stroll down to Berkeley Square." He let out a pause, "With me that is; but I'll understand if you don't want to I mean you've had a long day and..."

Kitty smiled at the way he got ahead of himself and stumbled over his words, she politely cut him off with her answer, "I would be delighted Captain. Let me just get my coat." Steve let out a deep sigh as she turned away to grab her jacket. He watched her as she slipped it on, scooping her long curls out from under the collar, picking her crochet beret off the hanger she looked into the mirror making sure it was sitting right on her head before turning to him. Steve found his breath being taken away again. The royal blue beret contrasted her blonde hair beautiful and making her skin and hair look more fair and her eyes brighter. She closed the door behind her tucking a small change pursue into her pocket and pulling out her mitts. Looking down at his feet and back up again a blush over took his cheeks as he wordlessly offered her his arm. He could see her blush a deep pink as she took his arm.

He smells so amazing, he didn't smell like Barbasol like all the other soldiers did, Steve smelled of a mixture of Old Spice Original and maybe a hint of Cargo aftershave, but she wasn't sure. Just then as they exited the building she felt his hand on hers, the winter air was warmer than it had been, the snow didn't crunch under their boots, instead it stuck to them. In the streetlight she could see tiny sparkling snowflakes drifting down from above them.

"Kitty, I don't think I ever properly congratulate you." He started.

"You did captain, just after we found out." She smiled up at him pressing closer to him.

He felt her get closer to him, his heart leapt at the feeling, looking down at her he took in how happy and comfortable she looked with him, "You know when I told you I wanted our relationship to be more then rank I meant that."

"I know you did." She could feel his warmth through the heavy coat as they walked by the shops. The smell of candied walnuts and chocolate filled the air and feeling a Christmas hung around them. People were trying their best to make the best of the season despite what was happening around them. They walked along in silence enjoying each other's company. Kitty gazed up at him longingly,

Maybe I should just do it, tell him that I love him, just take the plunge. She took a deep sigh, trying to calm her nerves, she was going to jump in feet first.

"Steve?" She asked looking up at him.

"What is it Kitty?" He felt her lean her head against his bicep.

At the sound of his voice she couldn't do it anymore she felt her heart drop to the pit of her stomach with nerves, "What is your favorite thing about Christmas?" She asked quietly.

"Spending time with people I care about," He breathed, "And you?" By the tone of her voice I thought she was going to tell me something else.

"Probably the candied walnuts," she laughed light hearted, "It's truly spending time with the people I'm closest too." She gave his arm a tight squeeze as they entered the park, "But there is something else that I love about the winter."

"What's that?" He asked as he felt her hand slip from his arm.

"You'll see." She smiled before walking away from him.

"Where are you going?" He asked stopping and watching her.

"You'll see." She smiled.

"Come on." Steve called turning around, looking for the blonde who had suddenly disappeared from his sight. She had disappeared into the darkness. He could see other couples in the park, some out for an evening stroll, others stealing a kiss by dimmed streetlamp light on a bench. Many were military men American, Canadian, or British with a dame they just meet and may never see again, but among them there were civilian couples. He could only imagine that he and kitty looked rather out of place not holding hand but merely walking engaged in conversation. Letting out a sigh, he looked up at the sparkling snowflakes that were drifting gently down from the sky, "Kitty." He called her name again, draping his wool coat over his arm and removing his hat from his head running a hand through his hair thoughtlessly.

"Hey, Captain over here." He heard her voice just as cold snowball hit the center of his back. He looked over his shoulder smirking at her, "So that's how you want to play 2nd Lieutenant."

She gave him playful wink placing her hand on her hip, "See I told you, you would find out." In the few hours they had spent alone together today their relationship had bloomed into something more. She seems so much more at ease; I've never seen her look so happy and I mean truly happy. I only wish it could stay this way. Dropping his coat and hat to the ground he scooped up snow throwing the ball at her. Kitty let out a playful yelp as she ducked avoiding the first snowball, but she couldn't avoid the second one. The second snowball was sent her way then she was bending down to get her own handful of snow. Hitting her square in the back of the knee; it sent her reeling off balance and she tumbled into the snow laughing, "I haven't had this much fun in a long time."

With a smile Steve extended his hand to help her up. Reaching, Kitty grasped his strong hand and he started to pull her up; but the heavy wet snow under their feet had other plans. Just as she was about to fully straighten up they slipped. Falling back, she pulled at Steve in an effort to regain her footing but his feet slid out from under him as well.

"Kitty," gasped as he landed practically on top of her. His elbows, were the only this that stopped him from crushing her with his weight. His legs her spread straddling her hips, their bodies inches away. With each breath she took the swell of her breast brought their bodies together. "Captain Rogers," She panted, looking up into his eyes. Leaning in slightly, Steve let his body come closer to hers, his blue eyes darting over her face. Reaching up she brushed his hair back into place, but it did no use it simply flopped back down in front of his eyes. She could see how smooth his skin was, light blond stubble that had started to form on his strong jaw line, and his long butterfly wing like eyelashes that contrasted against his cheeks when he closed his crystal blue eyes. He had the kind of face that said take me home to meet your parents. Her body ached for his touch, being so close to him but yet so far, he's only inches away, perfect for a kiss. She leaned up slightly the tips of their nose touching, his body heat warmed her but the snow at her back kept her shivering.

Steve could almost taste her lips, his body was reacting in every way he enjoyed and hated at the same time. Just do it Steve, you know you want it. The dull whine in the distance didn't break the intimate moment that passed between them. He could feel himself getting hard yearning for every inch of her body to be pressed naked against his. "Kitty, you are shivering, you must be cold," He breathed closing his eyes, nuzzling his nose against hers.

"People don't always shiver because they're cold Captain." She too let her eyes flutter shut at the feeling of his breath tickling her lips. She was just going to let the moment happen. Then she felt it the kiss; Steve timidly pressed his lips against hers. To him it was nothing like kissing Peggy there was something much more, a hot fire seared through his body. It was a feeling both of them had been waiting for. His hair brushing against her forehead, as a light wind blew over them. Kitty arched her back bringing them closer together, her breathing growing heavy, his lips they're better than I ever expected. Reaching up, she started to wrap her arms around him, his lips parting to deepen their kiss,but as quickly as had started the moment was gone, Steve pulled back.

Opening her eyes, she saw the look of concern his brow furrowing, "Steve? What is it?" Sitting up underneath him she reached out and touched her shoulder. Her answer came moments later. The air raid sirens moans rose up around them through the silence, she felt her heart start pounding.

"We don't have much time." Steve grabbed her hand pulling her up, picking up his hat and jacket he took hold of her hand again. The peaceful night had just turned into a nightmare. People out on the streets of London screamed, panic stricken running every which way for cover. Steve pulled her quickly through the crowd, even though he wasn't running she was struggling to keep up with him, "Steve slow down I can't keep up." Her fingers slipping from his with every step they took. Then it happened someone heading the opposite way as them knocked into her and their hands slipped apart.

"Steve," She cried out his name as she struggled against the crowd of people. She could see him, his tall broad frame quickly turn to her, running towards her. She reached for him, grasping at his outstretched hand. She felt his hand enclose around her and pull her to him. She clutched on to the front of his uniform. She was shaking something terrible.

"Let get to safety," He told her taking her hand again guiding her to a deserted alley with several bombed out buildings. Just above them a Luftwaffe plant collided with a barrage balloon. The explosion lit up the clouds, bathing them in red light. Steve heard the scream that fled her lips. Swiftly he drew her against his chest, try to settle her, "Kitty, I told you I'd keep you safe and that's what I plan to do, but you have to stay focused please." Kitty tried desperately not to cling to the front of his shirt, but bomb exploding only a block or so away wouldn't allow that, as they were showered in dust. The building that they were closest to was their best option but to their dismay the door was boarded up. Steve wasn't going to let that stop them. Letting go to her for a few moments he slamming his shoulder hard into the boards. The material gave under the presser making a hole large enough for them to get through. "This place has got to have a basement," He turned to Kitty. "Get in and find the basement and get yourself into a corner I'll be there as soon as I can."

"Steve, please don't leave me alone," She told him as he helped her into the building. Steve could see the fear in her eyes, she had tears clinging to her eyelashes. He knew there was no leaving her now not after what had just happened between them. Ducking into the build he looked around, "Kitty get yourself underground I'm going to try and find us a light."

She knew she had no choice but to listen, he had been in air raids a number of times but this was her first. She found the stairs that lead to the underground, hesitating at the threshold she looked back at Steve who was pulling something down off the shelf.

The stairs were steep and worn, but she head down into the darkness not knowing what awaited her there as she ducked under the low ceiling. A musty damp smell tickled her skin, the air felt warm around her but she couldn't find comfort, even though she had no time to think about how dirty it might have been. Keeping low she felt her way to a wall in the darkness. Another explosion rocked the earth sending her crashing to her knees. The rough cracked floor bit into her skin, as she curled against the wall under the stairs. The thin layer of grim on the floor covering her hands and her dress skirt. She couldn't stop the tears from rolling down her cheeks as she hoped the captain would come soon.

In the little bit of light Steve had found a few things that would help them make it through the long hellish night ahead; a few blankets, an old gas lantern and some canned goods. Taking a pack of matches from under his pocket he knelt down lighting the gas lantern. The room was bathed with a warm glow. He rolled the cans up in the blankets and tucked them under his arm. He needed to keep them safe he wasn't going to let them die by the Luftwaffe's hand.

She saw the light appear and his shadow rushing down to her as he made his way down the stairs. "Kitty?" He asked searching for her. So this was used for a bomb shelter at some point, his eyes landed on the jugs of water and the commode in the corner of the room.

"I'm over here Steve." The sound of her voice jolted him from his thoughts and he rushed to her side. He could see how terrified she was, the tears dripping over her cheeks; at the sight of this he felt all the shy and awkward ways he had around women disappear. Setting the gas lantern down on the floor he wrapped his coat and a wool blanket around her trembling shoulders, pulling her to him as he settled himself down by the wall. Reaching forward, he turned down the lantern so it was only a dim glow. Feeling her cling to him he wrapped an arm around her bringing her closer as another explosion erupted nearby. The ceiling shook, showering their huddled forms in another dust bath. She let out a small sob and buried her face against his neck.

Lifting his hat, he settled it over her blonde curls, placing a hand on her neck holding her to him in a calming manner. "Ssh, you're alright I've got you." Kitty took comfort knowing he was there even though it seemed the world was ending. Drawing her knees to the side, she rested them against his muscular thigh, savouring the warmth that both the blankets and his body provided. Her eyelashes brushed over his neck leaving black strips of mascara from her crying. The masculine musk of his skin had a relaxing effect on her. The bombing seemed relentless and she couldn't contain her tears but she had no choice her emotions had taken over.

Steve felt her body quaking, the tears dripping down the lean muscles of his neck onto the collar of his uniform. Her warm breath came out in quivering gasps, as she tried to blink back the tears, her eyelashes fluttering against his neck. "Captain," her voice was almost a murmur, barely heard of the thundering bombs. Bowing his head he pressed his cheek to hers so he was able to hear her, "I'm so sorry."

He couldn't do it anymore, hearing her say sorry for something she had no control over broke him, he didn't care how many personal boundaries he was crossing or what rules he was breaking he had to have her closer then she already was. Scooping her up he lifted her into his lap laying her back slightly so she was cradled in his arms; he knew he was running the risk of her taking this the wrong way but he need her to understand.

She felt him lift her, and plop her down in his lap wrapping her arms about her as if she was nothing more than a simple child. There was a break from the rain of fire, and silence fell about them. The press of his lips against her ear made tears run down her face faster. Please don't let this be a dream let this all be real. I want him to truly care for me. The kiss and now this.

"Kitty, please don't apologize for something you can't control. I know you're scared but I'm right here okay, I've got you." She listened to his words, his deep voice soothing her, the press of his lips making her tremble, the memories of the park fresh in her head. "When I promised to keep you safe I meant it, I'm not going give up just because the Germans have everyone else running scared."

Turning she stared at him wide eyed, he drew back slightly. His cheeks were smudged with dirt and his hair was slightly dishevelled but he was still as handsome as ever, she could only imagine she looked like hell. Their eyes were locked as he slowly raised his hand stroking his thumb over her cheek wiping away her tears. "You're one extraordinary dame."

"Steve..." she started leaning up towards him letting her eyes flutter shut.

"Shhhh." He cooed to her, his hand coming to the back of her head lifting her towards him. He could taste her lips as their lips were only millimetres apart, the salt from her tears, the bitterness of her lipstick a mixture he could only imagine made her taste as sweet as the summer rain. This is it, our moment, it started with a kiss. If we weren't stuck here right now, if she wasn't so scared, so vulnerable I would try her take away every conscious fear she has. Make her lose herself in romance and passion. But the Luftwaffe wouldn't let them have the romantic moment they had both longed for. A nearby explosion forced them apart, sending them reeling. Pieces of stone and plaster were shook loss from the ceiling, in one flawless motion Steve laid her down on the ground and cover her from any falling debris. A beam crashed down just narrowly missing them. As soon as the shaking stopped he lifted her back against him before slamming his foot into the beam kicking it away from them. With his one free hand he pulled a blanket over both of them, "Try and get some sleep it helps these things go by faster." All she could do was nod against his chest, she hadn't realized how exhausted she was until that moment, "What about you?"

"I'll be alright there's many sleepless nights like this when you're on the front lines, most of the time I'd fall asleep out of pure and utter exhaustion and my body just couldn't go on anymore. I'll wake you when the all clear is sounded."

I know you'll keep me safe! Kitty thought as she clung to his shirt worried if she let go he wouldn't be there anymore.

Several sleepless hours passed, Kitty had drifted off in his arms, her head lulling his chest. He played with her hair absentmindedly, his eyes felt heavy as he leaned back against the wall closing his eyes. "If only you knew how much I wanted you, how I want to provide for you keep you safe." She stirred in her sleep, murmuring something against him. He let out a deep sigh the bombing was insistent; coming down like rain. Shifting Kitty slightly he folded two of the three unused blankets and laid them out on the floor making a thin mattress and pillow, he knew it would provide very little defence against the hard floor but it was something. He couldn't sit like this anymore, his back was aching. Removing his hat from Kitty's head he laid them down on the bed roll. Laying there he watched as she shifted uncomfortably before snuggling against his chest. "God you're the most beautiful creature I've ever seen. He broke every rule when he created you." Steve knew he would never have to confidence to say something like that to her when she was awake but right now he knew he was safe. He pressed his face against her hair and closed his eyes pulling the blankets up over them. As soon as he did that he felt her nestle closer to him, curving her body directly against his. Reaching forward he intertwined their fingers; there was something that felt so right and so sinful about laying with her here like this. He laid there with her until exhaustion finally took over and he fell fast asleep.