The party was well underway when Cassidy and Nat arrived. There were dozens of reporters outside wen the car pulled up, and Cassidy recognized some of them from the disaster press release. Nat nudged her shoulder. "You okay?" Cassidy nodded as Happy opened the door for them.

Cameras started flashing when they stepped out and Happy started ushering them into the venue. Cassidy stopped to answer a few questions from trusted reporters, mostly what the evening was about, and how they were gong to raise money to help the city.

Steve fiddled with his tie while he nursed his drink. That's probably one of the only things he hated about the serum. His inability to get drunk. He still liked the taste of whiskey though. He also hated wearing suits. He never thought he looked good in them. Not like Tony. The man could wear any kind of suit and make it look like a million bucks.

Steve just felt like a penguin. Clint came up beside him, with a beer in his hand. "I hate these things." He said, taking a swig. Steve nodded. "I just feel so out of place. I don't like all the attention on me." Steve told him. Clint nodded. "I get it, but unfortunately, all eyes are on you Cap, you're the leader." He told him, before clapping him on the shoulder and heading over toward Bruce.

Clint was right. He was the leader of the Avengers now, whether he wanted to be or not. People were going to look up to him and expect him to take charge. Which he didn't really mind he guessed, he had done it in the war, but he was afraid of failing. He was afraid of failing the team, of the people, and most of all, now he was afraid of failing Cassidy.

He was so lost in his thoughts he hadn't noticed she'd arrived. He heard her laugh from across the room and choked on his drink when he laid eyes on her. She looked beautiful. Well, she always looked beautiful but tonight she looked…stunning isn't even good enough.

Steve had felt bad about what had happened the last time they were together. He didn't know why he ran. Well, he did, and he thought he was an enormous ass for doing so. It was clear Cassidy wanted to take the next step. Steve did too, he just couldn't. He knew she had been avoiding him and he didn't blame her. He felt like he was screwing this whole thing up. He needed Bucky. He would know what to do.

When Cassidy and Nat entered the venue, her eyes immediately scanned the room for Steve. She had found him with Clint over by the bar, having a drink. He looked damn good in a tux, she had to admit, But then again, she was sure he would look good in anything.

He hadn't noticed her yet and she wasn't even sure what she'd say to him when he did. Nat was right, she needed to talk to him, and she planned on it, but there were other things that needed to be taken of first tonight.

She mingled with the donors she had invited, telling them about the plans for fixing up the city. Tony flashed his charm on the women of course, making them putty in his hands, as he always did. She even saw Steve chatting up a few of them too.

They had various raffles going on, one being a night on the town with Tony Stark, which was the donation box that was overflowing with checks. Another was a day in the lab with Tony and Bruce, this one was mostly for children, it was like a learning day. It was pretty full too. The one that Cassidy wasn't too happy about was the night on the town with Captain America. That one was almost as full as Tony's and she didn't like the idea of Steve being out with anyone else.

At least he won't kiss them.

Or maybe he will, and it is just you that he doesn't like.

Cassidy rolled her eyes at how stupid she was being. Steve was her soulmate, of course he wanted to be with her. She just wasn't sure why he was so hesitant to actually be with her.

Cassidy finally had a break from talking to donors and guests, so she grabbed a drink and slipped out onto the balcony so she could breathe. She winced as the bourbon slid down her throat, definitely not her drink of choice, but after the few weeks she'd had, she needed something a little stronger than what she normally drank.

She was out there for a few minutes before she heard the door open. She turned to see Steve coming out to join her. "I've been looking for you." He said softly.

"Sorry, I need to take a break from schmoozing." She said with a small chuckle. He nodded and came over to stand by her, looking out over the city.

"Steve, can I ask you something?" It was now or never. If she didn't talk to him about this now, she never would.

"Of course, you can."

She wrung her hands together and drug her bottom lip through her teeth. "Do you not want me?" She asked in a small voice. Steve's jaw dropped. "What are you talking about?"

'Well, it's just that we've been seeing each other for well over a month now, and you haven't kissed me. At first I just thought it was because you were being a gentleman but I can't help but think now it's something else." She told him. She sat down in one of the chairs and he sat next to her. Steve felt awful. No wonder she had been avoiding him. He'd made her feel like there was something wrong with her, when it was Steve's problem.

He took her hands in his, rubbing his thumb across the back. "Sweetheart no, it's got nothing to do with you. Of course, I want you. How could I not?" He told her.

"Then what is it?"

Steve sighed, looking down, closing his eyes for a minute before speaking. "I know it probably sounds crazy, believe me it does in my head. Bucky was the only person I've ever done anything with. Being with you, without him, makes me feel like I'm being unfaithful to him, which I know sounds crazy because he's not even here. I just can't help it and I'm so sorry I made you feel like it was you. I never wanted to hurt you."

Cassidy had never thought about what Steve was going through without Bucky. She hadn't even known him and because of her soul bond, she ached for him too. It must be worse for Steve, having been with him only to lose him.

"I'm sorry Steve, I never even thought about that. I wish he were here too, but I'd like to think he'd be happy knowing we had each other." She told him softly, squeezing his hands.

Steve nodded and smiled at her. "I think so too." He looked down at her lips, then back up at her eyes, which were twinkling in the moonlight.

"So, Cassidy, is it alright if I kissed you now?"