CHAPTER FOUR: The Kitchen

SHIELD/Avengers Tower

In the following weeks Steve and Wanda developed a pattern of spending the nights together. Sometimes it was out of lust and other times for mere companionship. They never spoke about the arrangement or even acknowledged it existed outside of their time together. They still constantly bickered in public and maintained their distance but at the end of each evening, they'd end up together. When missions would separate them for a couple days, this awkward energy seemed to build between them as neither really knew what to do. But, they'd always find their way into comfort again and continue.

Steve wasn't sure about the arrangement. It was so out of character for him. He was raised in a time where women were properly courted and married by gentlemen. He was expected to respect those ideals so why did he always find himself at her door? It was selfish of him but he liked having someone there. Wanda always kept him on his toes, in every way. He couldn't lie and say he didn't enjoy their time together but he was always left with a pit in his stomach like this wasn't right to be doing with her. He knew she felt as he did and had made it clear she was on the same page but it still nagged at him.

Wanda on the other hand was just enjoying their time together. She was doing everything possible to not think about what they were doing or the implications of it. She didn't want to and she didn't care to. She was having fun. It was quite interesting to watch Steve, who was always stoic and righteous, turn so intense in the evenings to her pleasure. She loved to still push his buttons but she didn't give him as hard of a time. Afterall, she needed him to save some of his energy from their arguments for the bedroom.

That night they found themselves in a debriefing room with Natasha, Maria and Sam as well as a few SHIELD agents. They had just gotten back from a mission in Latvia and were all exhausted. Maria led a debriefing on a follow-up mission they were planning once their source found a secure location. An agent handed out folders with the information to look over. When he got to Wanda, everyone seemed to notice his sly smile at her and his suggestive eyes. Wanda had shrugged it off as Steve raised his brow. This hadn't been the first time the agent had been flirty with her but she didn't pay him any mind.

"I need you to look over these. Once we get the signal, we'll be on the move." Maria nodded at them before leaving the room, prompting everyone to get up.

"Man, they are working us," Sam sighed, looking at the packet in front of him.

"They won't have intel for at least another day," Natasha replied coolly.

"You don't think?" Steve jumped in.

"Not based on this source's record. Their information is good but it's slow." Steve nodded.

"If that's the case, I'm going into town to see some buddies." Everyone looked at Sam. "Look, I'm tired but I need to take a breather from this place. We've been going non-stop and I haven't seen anyone in weeks," he explained.

"Just keep your watch on in case," Natasha commented before she left the room.

"You two should come with," Sam said, speaking to Steve and Wanda. "You're always cooped up in this tower or out on mission. Take a break and see some people." Wanda cleared her throat.

"Thank you, Sam but I have no one to see." She said, sarcasm in full effect and left the room. A long pause filled the room.

"Well that backfired," Sam mumbled, looking at Steve.

"She's still healing."

"I suppose. I can't ever get a good read on that girl. She's just…" Steve raised a brow. "I don't know. She's just weird."

"She's trying to adapt here, Sam. She's lost everyone and I don't think she really knows how to… connect with people." It was the first time the thought had occurred to him. He saw Wanda push people away constantly but it was getting clearer to him why she did.

"If you say so, man. I'm gonna head out. Are you game?"

"I should stay. I need to go over this packet anyway," Steve sighed. Truth be told he wasn't exactly cut out for that scene.

"Alright," Sam patted his shoulder. "Just don't lock yourself away up here." With that, he left and Steve followed a moment later. As he turned the corners of the halls, he saw Wanda up ahead with the agent from the room next to her- agent Simmons he believed. He slowed his pace as he watched them. Wanda was clearly trying to go but the man seemed keen on keeping her attention. Wanda gave him a forced smile and finally took off towards the elevators. An agent brushed by him and ran up to Simmons. They clapped hands like they were celebrating. Steve focused in on them.

"What'd she say?" the agent asked.

"Does it matter? I've got her," Simmons bragged. Steve's jaw clenched knowing they were talking about Wanda.

"So then you made a move?"

"I've made a few. She's lonely and knows everyone hates her here. It won't be hard. Just a little affection here and a nice word there."

"Make her feel special, right?" the agent laughed like this was a normal thing between the two. As Steve caught up to the pair he effortlessly grabbed Simmon's arm and guided him towards an empty hall.

"Go," was all he said to the other agent who scurried off.

"What the hell?" Simmons said as they rounded the corner. Seeing empty hallways on both sides, Steve let him go and pinned him against the wall.

"I will only say this one time." He didn't lose his composure but kept a low, level tone. "Leave Maximoff alone." Simmon's confusion was clear but he nodded quickly. With that, Steve let him go and took off, leaving a confused and worried Simmons behind.

Steve made his way to the quarters where he found Wanda in the kitchen, making food. It smelled good and distinctly different from most prepared foods here. It must be a Sokovian dish. Sometimes she'd make them, treating him to a delicious meal.

"You doing okay?" he asked as he set the packet down and made his way over to her.

"I'm fine." A blatant lie. She wished Sam's comment hadn't affected her as much as it had. He hadn't meant any harm but it was a clear reminder for her that she was alone. She had decided that maybe cooking some familiar food might help bring her some peace. "You didn't go with Sam?" Her tone was casual but her interest was piqued.

"Not my scene."

"And this is?" She tilted her head.

"I can't say no to good food," he smiled. This made her lips curve upwards.

"Who said it was good?" Steve chuckled and made his way around the counter.

"I did. You haven't let me down so far." He stopped right behind her and she turned to look up at him.

"There's always a first time for everything." She eyed him suggestively and bit her lip. His smile faltered a bit as something else stirred in him.

"Stop," he said quietly. "You know they have cameras in here."

"No, Clint specifically requested this floor off limits." She stepped up right against him.

"And you think SHIELD cares?" He tried to not have such a reaction to her.

"You think Natasha wouldn't?" She let her hands land on his sides before running up his back slowly. He looked around nervously as if he would suddenly be able to spot cameras.

"You think she'd do anything out of protocol?"

"I think she would for him." Steve eyed her carefully. Wanda let out a laugh.

"I did an energy search of the room. There are no cameras, Steve." He rolled his eyes.

"Really?"

"Yeah, I just wanted to make you sweat." He gave her a look before leaning over and kissing her. He grabbed her thighs and lifted her onto the counter. They let themselves melt into each other as the food boiled next to them. Steve then pulled back and stepped away from her.

"What?" Wanda asked, confused why he had ended it.

"I'm starving." He smirked. "First we'll eat and then we can go into the bedroom." Wanda's mouth almost dropped at his cheeky comment and surprising swagger.

"Wow," she laughed. "Who said it had to be in the bedroom?" She asked innocently and slowly pulled the zipper of her jacket down before taking it off. Steve swallowed hard.

"Just because there aren't any cameras doesn't mean someone can't just walk in." A mischievous smile spread across Wanda's face. A light of red energy sparked in her hand as they heard the front door click. Steve looked to see the key card screen glitch and go black.

"Guess they can't now." He just shook his head and laughed.

"You are something else." He walked up and pulled her in again but this time, they weren't holding back. Wanda's legs spread open to allow him to stand in between and get even closer. It didn't take long for their clothes to come off and leave them standing naked in the kitchen as Wanda laid back on the counter and Steve slid into her. She moaned at the feeling and his hands crept up to her chest, making her arch her back up as he began to push in and out. They continued their rendez-vous for the next hour before finally ending up on the couch. Wanda laid on top of his chest, as she traced his jaw.

"I can't believe we just did that in the kitchen," Steve chuckled. "The things you make me do." His thumb brushed off a little bead of sweat on her forehead.

"I don't make you do anything. You want it," she smiled and bit her lip.

"I do." He grabbed her face and kissed her roughly. "I definitely do." A noise from the door made them both jump. Someone was trying to get in. They scrambled up to quickly throw their clothes on. Once Wanda was done, she turned to Steve. He tried not to laugh at her messy hair. Instead, he used his hands to try and flatten it, making her giggle. She moved back over to the neglected food and Steve bee-lined for his room to grab another shirt that didn't make their activities so apparent. Just as he was about to walk out of the room, he heard the front door open.

"Maximoff," Sharon acknowledged as she walked into the quarters, confused. Wanda kept stirring the stew but looked up to meet her gaze. "The door was jammed. It kept glitching when I scanned my card."

"Sounds like SHIELD's problem." Wanda hadn't meant for it to come off coldly. She just didn't know how to approach any of the agents here.

"Yeah, I'll have someone take a look at that." Sharon said, glancing around. Wanda had seen and worked with the woman quite a few times. She was nice and very dedicated to her work.

"Paprekesh?" Wanda asked, motioning to the food.

"No, thank you. I've already eaten. I was actually looking for Steve." Wanda hoped he had changed.

"He's in his room." Sharon gave her a polite smile and began towards it. Before she could get there, Steve walked out.

"Sharon?" He looked at the woman in uniform. "Did something happen?"

"No… I- uh," She glanced over at Wanda for a second before focusing on him again. "I'll be in base this next week and I wanted to see if you wanted to grab dinner?"

This surprised Wanda. She didn't know they knew each other on a more personal level. She was aware that they seemed to work together more often than most other agents but it had never dawned on her why. Suddenly she felt very uncomfortable in the room. She knew if she left, it would only make things awkward. She just stared down at her food, trying desperately but failing to block them out.

Steve wasn't sure what to say. He and Sharon had always had something there but he had never tried to pursue it. He just wasn't sure he would be able to have a full relationship given his past and how busy he was now. Now, there was Wanda and whatever they were doing as well. He wasn't exactly sure how to answer either. What he did know is he couldn't leave her hanging there.

"Uh, yes, that'd be nice." Sharon smiled at him and stepped up to give him a kiss on the cheek, making him feel awful. "I'll see you soon." She waved at Wanda and left.

"Wow," was all Wanda said after a moment of silence.

"What was I supposed to say?" Steve asked, as he moved towards her.

"Anything you wanted, Steve." Wanda swallowed hard but tried to not let it show. She had really wanted to avoid this conversation. "This is just a physical thing. We both need something the other can provide. That's all it is." It was a little harder to find those words then when Wanda had gone over them in her head. Steve was shocked by her nonchalance and brush off of their… whatever they were. He hadn't read anything emotional into it but it was still jarring to see her have no sentiment at all.

"Yeah, I suppose you're right." They both tried not to look at each other. "I just feel awful about not being honest with her." Wanda scoffed.

"Steve, you're not expected to tell every woman who you've slept with before you've even started dating."

"What about who I'm currently sleeping with?" Wanda didn't look up but instead poured two bowls of stew.

"That's your call."