Author's Note:

I absolutely love this chapter. It encapsulates the two of them so well. No triggers for this chapter. Just fluffy goodness. As always please review and let me know what you think.

Astrid wasn't entirely sure what was going on with Steve. Ever since Christmas, he had been acting strangely. Well technically more like since the New Year. He had started saving money like crazy. Taking extra shifts at the pharmacy. Actually, selling his art on the side which surprised Astrid the most. He had also taken to hanging out with Shamira. Just the two of them. With that, and Astrid pulling extra hours at the hospital due to men enlisting, it really cut down on the time Astrid and him spent together. When it got too much she would grasp the locket around her neck and remind herself that he was always with her.

It seemed like he was planning something but she had no idea what. She could easily find out. Both Bucky and Shamira seemed to know what was going on but they kept it tight-lipped. It would be easy to force either of them to tell her. But judging by the way Shamira was keeping it hush and Bucky not allowed anywhere near her without either Shamira or Steve, she wasn't going to pry. Too hard.

"You're not even going to give me a little hint?" Astrid asked Shamira. The two of them were curled up in their apartment. Waiting for the boys to come pick them up for a double date. A date which surprised Astrid as she only learned about once she got home from her shift and Shamira threw a dress at her. Telling her to put it on. What was odd was that Astrid had never seen it before in her entire life. Brand new. It was her favorite color as well. The same shade of blue as Steve's eyes. When she asked Shamira where she got it she only replied that Steve picked it up for her. Astrid shrugged and put it on. Fit like a glove.

"If I told you not only would Steve find a way to kill me but you would as well," she replied flicking through the pages of the book she was reading.

"That big of a deal then. Must be something serious."

Shamira put her book down and glared at her. "I really can't tell you anything can I?"

"No, you really can't."

As Shamira was about to counter there was a knock at the door. Seemed like they were here. Shamira put her book down and got up. Astrid opening the door with her mind. Both Bucky and Steve walked in. Dressed in really nice three-piece suits. Her and Shamira were in evening dresses. Astrid was pretty sure this was the first time they had dressed up nicely to go anywhere.

Shamira went straight to Bucky and he twirled her around in his arms before engaging in conspiratorial whispers. Astrid rolled her eyes at them while she looked at Steve who seemed starstruck.

"I can't believe I found someone like you," he stated rubbing the back of his head. Astrid gave him a smile and took Steve's arm. He seemed exceedingly nervous. Glancing up at her constantly.

"You alright?" she asked placing a hand on his forehead. His temperature seemed fine. "We don't have to go if you are not feeling well."

Steve had an expression on his face as if she suggested that she set the apartment on fire. "What? No. I want to go," he sputtered turning a bright crimson. "Unless you don't want to go with me." She swore she heard Shamira and Bucky groan in the background.

"Of course, I want to go with you. Nothing could pull me away from you." His entire demeanor seemed to change.

"Even though I can't seem to get myself recruited." Steve was going to try attempt number three soon.

She cupped his face. "I would stay with you regardless if you enlist or not. You're the man I'm in love with. There will be no other in my life." That boosted his confidence. Perking up. Astrid ran her hand through his hair. "It's only that I know you're been pushing yourself hard. You've been looking pretty worn out."

"I'll be fine." He flashed her a smile. "I got my best girl on my arm. She won't let anything happen to me."

Even now Steve could still cause her to blush. She gave him a small smile and glanced at their two companions. Instead of paying attention to each other it seemed like they were more fixed on her and Steve. What was going on?

"You two doing okay?" Astrid again them.

"Fine," Shamira stated as Bucky stated at the same time. Seemed like everyone was acting weird today.

Astrid didn't get a chance to ask what exactly was going on as Steve all but dragged her out of the apartment. Leading her to the restaurant. Which turned out to be one of the nicest and most expensive places in Brooklyn. She's always heard that the food was phenomenal. What was odd though was that the waiter seemed to be paying special attention to them. Particularly her. Making sure that she was never in want of anything. He kept glancing between her and Steve. A disbelieving look on his face. Astrid shrugged it off. It wasn't anything she wasn't used to. What took her by surprise however was when Steve whispered something in the waiter's ear and left without giving them the menus.

"I've ordered for us," Steve answered when Astrid gave him a look. Odd but whatever. As odd as Bucky's and Shamira's behavior. They seemed to be reassuring Steve the entire time. As if he was about to bolt and run out of the restaurant. It got odder when the waiter brought the drinks. When Astrid took a sip out of her glass her eyes opened wide. Staring at the glass. Turning it in her hands. It was like she flashed back to Germany. Back home. Drinking with her old friends in Germany before heading out on another mission.

"Is this Riesling?" she asked. Shamira and Bucky glanced at each other before turning to Steve. "And I do mean actual Riesling." She took another sip. Almost bringing tears to her eyes. "How did you even get this? I didn't think we were even importing this."

"Only the best for you my love," Steve replied. Astrid looked at the glass again. Now really wondering what was going on. It was not like Steve to splurge like this. At all.

Which was why Astrid was surprised when a stew was placed in front of all four of them. The smell of it warm and comforting. A childhood memory appeared in her mind. Cold winter nights curled up by the fire. Embraced by her parents. Practicing her powers. It was when Astrid tasted it that she almost dropped the spoon.

"Hasenpfeffer?" Astrid asked still not believing it. It was her favorite dish in the world. It killed her that she hadn't had it since she left Germany. She glanced at Shamira who shrugged. Hiding her smile behind her hand. She must have told him. "How did you? Is this even on the menu?"

"I have my ways," Steve replied. Now Astrid was worried that she missed some sort of special occasion. It wasn't their anniversary. That was next month. She started racking her brain wondering what she could possibly have missed.

Shamira grasped her hand. Tapping the side of her head. 'Relax okay. Trust me. You are going to enjoy this.' Shamira was right. Astrid relaxed. Enjoying the food. Savoring the taste. The others were enjoying themselves as well. Falling into the usual banter between the four of them.

"You've really outdone yourself tonight Steve," Astrid stated once the main dish was cleared away. "I'm not sure how this night can get better." She couldn't believe how much work he had put into this. Whatever the occasion was it certainly was special. Astrid wouldn't want to this all the time but it was a wonderful surprise.

That was apparently the answer he was looking for. "I hope that it gets better for you." That was when the cake was placed in front of her. Astrid didn't even have to taste it to know what it was. She stated something in German that caused even Shamira to blush.

"Why don't you say how you really feel?" Shamira asked. Astrid didn't response. Too busy staring at the cake.

"What did she say?" Bucky asked. Shamira leaned over and whispered it into his ear. Soon Bucky was tinged red as well. "You are a lucky man Steve." He patted his friend on the shoulder.

Steve glanced between the two of them and then at Astrid. "Are you okay?"

"She's fine," Shamira replied. "She's just trying to comprehend the fact that she has a slice of Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte in front of her. I think she once stabbed someone for a slice once."

"Why does that not surprise me?" Bucky asked. They all looked at Astrid who was poking it with a fork. As if she couldn't believe it was here. Once she finally gotten around to eating it she took her time. Letting it melt in her mouth. Giving Steve bedroom eyes. If only he was comfortable with sex. The things that she would do to him.

"Okay, I need to know," Astrid stated after the plates were cleared away. "How on earth did you do this?"

"I've had some help." He gestured to someone behind Astrid. She turned around and felt her heart drop. Standing up.

"Ilse?" Astrid asked her voice trembling. "Is it really you?"

The older woman smiled. Her brown hair streaked with gray and had a few more wrinkled than when Astrid last saw her. But it was clearly her.

"It's been a long time Astrid," she could hear her voice crack. "You've turned into a beautiful woman."

"I thought you were dead. I mean. When I was last there-"

Ilse pulled her into a hug. "A few of us made it out. I don't know how many others but a few."

Astrid couldn't help herself. Lightly chuckling as she pulled out of the hug "What are you doing here?"

"Well, this is my restaurant."

"You serious?"

Ilsa nodded and Astrid let out a laugh. Turning to look at Shamira.

"Don't look at me," Shamira commented. "Steve was the one who found this place. It just happened to belong to Ilsa."

Astrid shook her head. Unable to stop smiling. It's hard to believe that one of their old neighbors also happened to be in Brooklyn.

"Anyway, we will have to catch up later," Ilsa stated pulling Astrid into another hug. "I got a restaurant to run and you have a busy night ahead."

Astrid wasn't sure what he meant by that. Sitting back down when Ilsa left the bill. Before she could look at it Steve took it. Paying for everything. Which was really strange as they normally split it between all of them. Seemed like all that saved up money was going to good use.

Once everything was paid they got up and walked out. Once they got outside Astrid felt hot. Despite the cold air. "Give us a minute," Astrid stated pulling Steve into the alleyway next door. Shamira and Bucky glanced at each other and shrugged. Content to wait until Astrid was finished with Steve.

"Astrid, what the?" Steve asked before Astrid enveloped him in a kiss.

'Sorry, but I couldn't wait until I got home to get my hands on you.' She knew she was being a little domineering but Steve was lapping it up. Groaning as she attacked his neck. Letting out a gasp as Astrid moved his hands down. So that he was clutching her ass through the dress. First time he traveled that low. Astrid, however, did not intend for her first time with Steve to be in some back alley. Lifting her head up to look at him. Both of them panting hard.

"Later we'll finish later," Astrid stated pulling him back out of the alley. To Bucky and Shamira who were chuckling at them. Fond smiles on their faces. Astrid turned to Steve as if he couldn't entirely believe what was happening. "Do you have any other plans for the evening?"

"How about a walk?" Steve asked still panting slightly. "Give us a chance to cool off."

Astrid nodded. Probably a good idea. Would mean that the tension would build up. They went on a quiet stroll through the city. Enjoying each other's company. Steve holding her hand. Arms swinging between them. Their journey took them towards the Brooklyn bridge. One of Astrid's favorite places in the city. She always liked bridges. For her, it always meant crossing over from one part of life to the next. A milestone. Bucky and Shamira focused even more intensely on her and Steve. Steve was also growing increasingly nervous as they started to walk across the bridge. His palms were sweating.

"Are you sure you are okay?" she asked stopping. Steve was getting increasingly frazzled the further they walked along the bridge.

"W- I'm I'm…" his voice was trembling and he was pulling at the collar of his shirt. He glanced at Shamira and Bucky who were nodding vigorously.

"Just do it already," Bucky called out. "Before you pass out."

Shamira hit him in the shoulder. "Don't ruin the moment."

Astrid still had no idea what was going on but as Steve to her hands, she realized that it didn't matter.

He swallowed the lump in his throat. "Before I met you. I honestly thought I would never find the right partner. I mean what woman would want a guy she could step on." As Astrid was about to say something Steve interrupted her. "Please let me finish." She closed her mouth. This had to be really important "Then I met you. You… there are not enough words in any language to describe how wondrous you are. But I figured I might as well try it in your own." Astrid took a deep breath as he started speaking in German. His words shaky and his pronunciation not quite correct. But the meaning was there. "You are the strongest person I have ever met. Your strength is only dwarfed by your love for others. And your willingness to always do the right thing." He got down on one knee and Astrid brought a hand to her face. Tears pricking her eyes. This was actually happening. She never thought this would actually happen. Never mind with someone who actually knew about her past. Who chose to be with her despite who and what she was. "Astrid Schmidt, would you do me the greatest honor in the world and be my partner for the rest of our lives?" He opened the box to reveal a beautiful but simple diamond ring. Her brain going haywire. Firing in all directions. But as she looked at Steve. At the expecting face waiting for her answer, the words came to her.

"Steve," she stated looking down at him. His beautiful eyes. His smile. An imagine of them together flashed in her brain. The wedding. Finding their own place. Kids. Christmases. Birthdays. Them together for all of it. "I would love nothing more than to become Dr. Astrid Rogers." The smile on his face and joy in his eyes beat out all the stars in the night sky. As he stood up and slipped the ring on her finger Astrid leaned down and kissed him. Unable to contain all her emotions. Grateful that the universe had given her such a wonderful partner.

"It's about time," Bucky heckled. "I thought you were never going to ask her."

"I know right," Shamira added on. "I think the world would end first."

"I'm going to shove the two of you off this bridge," Astrid replied breaking off her kiss with Steve.

"Oh no, you're not. Who's going to help plan your wedding if you do that?"

"I'm sure I'll find someone." Shamira mimed getting stabbed in the chest while the others laughed starting the journey back home. Shamira and Bucky walking a little further ahead. Heading to Bucky's place. Leaving Steve and Astrid to enjoy each other. Heading to Steve's.

He kept running his fingers over the ring. As if he couldn't believe that it was there. Neither could Astrid. She kept looking at the ring on her finger. Loving the weight of it. How it belonged there. Steve beaming the entire time as well.

Astrid unlocked the door to Steve's apartment. Him following her inside. Shutting the door closed with her mind. Allowing her to fully connect with Steve. Feel what he was feeling. Love and confidence. Astrid wrapped him up in her arms. Kissing him deeply.

'I can't believe that you actually asked me,' Astrid thought as they walked to Steve's bed.

'I can't actually believe you actually said yes,' Steve replied as Astrid peeled off his suit jacket. 'Considering how many other proposals you have gotten.'

'Yours was the only one I wanted to say yes to.' She undid the vest. The tie soon following. 'I would marry you this very second if I could. Though that would definitely anger a few people.'

'I'm not sure Anna would ever forgive us." Both of them let out a laugh she undid Steve's shirt. Steve unzipping Astrid's dress. 'Still, I don't want to wait too long. I'm thinking March 25.' Roughly one month from now.

'You want to get married on our one year anniversary?" She undid the garter and the stockings. Judging by Steve's bashful look she hit her mark. She laid him down the bed. Astrid leaning over him. Kissing him softly.

'That works perfectly for me.' Steve snaked his arm to the back of her head. Pushing her closer towards him. Tonight, was a night for intimacy. To enjoy each other. Never had Astrid thought that a relationship could be like this. So filled with love. If this was what the relationship was like when they were engaged, she couldn't wait till be married.