Title: Gold Rush

Pairing: CaptainAmerica-WinterSoldier-FemaleOC (poly)

First language isn't English, so please point out spelling or grammer mistakes. Be specific when pointing them out so I can correct them.

Don't get used to chapters being this long. It just felt wrong to cut it in half.

Feedback is always welcome.


Chapter 7 part 2

When I enter the gym I'm hit by the usual smell of cleaning products and sweat, what is a horrible combination if you ask me. The compound has multiple gyms, but this one is reserved especially for the Avengers. The other gyms are used by agents and other faculty members.

The Captain hadn't heard me walk in. His back was turned to me and his focused was on the punching bag in front of him. One was laying on the floor next to him, the seam ripped and the filling coming out. Mister Stark mentioned once that he had to order new punching bags every month and I thought he was just being dramatic at the time. Maybe he wasn't.

As I walk closer I can't stop my eyes from going over the Captain's form. He had discarded his t-shirt and was only wearing a tank top, making his muscles very visible. I swallowed hard as I watch his back muscles move with every move he made. Damn that man shouldn't be allowed to take his shirt of in public. A scene from the Netflix series Bridgerton came to mind and I shook my head to keep from laughing because when I saw the scene I thought it was ridiculous, but now I'm doing the exact same thing. I decided to make my presence known before I ended up doing something incredible stupid.

"What did he ever do to you?" I asked making sure my voice was loud enough so the Captain would certainly hear it. He stopped immediately and looked over his shoulder, his hands catching the bag as it swung back at him. He stopped it so casually. His forehead was covered in sweat and his hands were wrapped with wrapping tape.

"He doesn't fight back," the Captain responded as I walked closer. The tap of my heels on the concrete floor practically echoed through the room: "Mister Stark requests your presences in the conference room upstairs."

"I'm sure he does," the Captain mutters as he turns back to the punching bag. He takes it down and throws it over his shoulder like it weighed nothing. I almost laughed because he made it look so ridiculously easy. He threw the punching bag in a big box, that was holding multiple once.

Maybe he got a phone call too and he already knows what's going on. The man walks to a bench where his gym bag is and graphs a towel to wipe away the sweat from his forehead. So many inappropriate thoughts were running through my head as he wiped away the sweat from his forehead and his neck, but I managed to keep them to myself. When he's done, he pulls out a white t-shirt and pulls it on. It's probably for the best he covers up because I am turning way too much into Daphne Bridgerton.

"What's that?" I asked as I see the Captain put his stuff in his gym bag and I notice a small pocket book. It looked like some kind of notepad or something you used to doodle in. The Captain hesitated for a second and I could tell it was something personal.

"It's just a sketch book, something to distract myself when work gets to…chaotic," the Captain confessed and went back to packing his gym bag.

"And does work get chaotic a lot or is it just something you do sometimes?" I asked curiously, but knew I shouldn't push it. Creating art is always something very personal and if someone doesn't want to share it, you should respect that. I used to paint, years ago. I wasn't any good at it or anything, but I liked learning and practicing and some finished paintings I did like. Kai was always very pushy about seeing my work and hanging it up once they were finished, but Yuri respected my insecurities about my own art better and kept Kai at bay. He was a very talented musician, but he didn't share much of his work with us and I kept Kai in check in respecting that. I'm sure Yuri wrote multiple music pieces, but he only shared two with me. The memory of him playing one of those pieces on the last day I saw him hit me harder than I expected it to do after all these years.

"It tends to get chaotic on a weekly basis," the Captains voice pulls me from my thoughts and I shook my head to push the memory back. This is not the time or place to get hung up on memories. I rub my eyes quickly to get rid of the prickly feeling of tears forming and cough before asking: "Must be difficult to find a free moment to sketch without your colleges breathing down your neck."

"Surprisingly it isn't. We tend to spread out once we get back or after a debriefing. Everyone needs his or hers alone time after a mission," the Captain explained and threw his gym bag over his shoulder. I focused on his bicep tensing up to keep me focused on the conversation we were having. He sighed before asking if I had any idea why my boss wanted to see him.

"He mentioned something about the Sokovia Accords and bringing in Natasha and Rhody, but that's all I could hear. He tends to mutter to himself," I said and saw the Captain tense up significantly when I mentioned the Accords. I know he wasn't a fan of them but I don't really understand the whole situation regarding the Accords. From his reaction I don't think it's a subject he likes to talk about. Mister Stark has been going on about the Accords all week. Something was up and it was something that mister Stark and the Captain didn't agree on.

"Look, I can always tell mister Stark I missed you when coming down here. Maybe I might owe you for helping him escape you every now and then," I offered him with a smile. He met my eyes and gave me a small smile back: "Maybe next time. I should go up to see him."

"You sure? I could smuggle you out the building and…" I started and that seemed to make the man laugh. He threw his head back at the idea of me smuggling the Captain America out of the compound: "Smuggle me out the building? I'm beginning to find this intriguing. Where would we go once you smuggled me out of the building?"

"I think you can handle yourself once your outside," I pointed out and we started walking to the exit of the gym. His words reminded me of when he asked me out last week, what still felt like some kind of dream to be honest. I was glad that I had an excuse to decline his offer, but I did like these little moments we had so I wondered why I didn't want to go on a date with the man. A date…the word feels so daunting to me. All the dates I've had since losing Kai…and Yuri... had been horrible in each in their own way. There was never anything practically wrong with the guy's I think, but I would find some small thing that would just rub me the wrong way. Second dates never happened and I only had the occasional hook-up with Brooklyn when he was between girlfriends. The man's a kind of a womanizer.

"But maybe it would be smarter if you come with me to make sure Tony doesn't follow me," the Captain continue and I chuckle and blush slightly because I realize this was him being casual about asking me out again. It felt less official though, more spur of the moment.

"I think I can keep a better eye on my boss from the inside and keep him distracted," I said and the Captain gave him in. I noticed he looked slightly disappointed and that bugged me for some reason. It wouldn't be an official date or anything, right? Just spending time together, like that night with the Chinese take-out. When we reached the door to the gym, I turned back to the man and pretended to sigh dramatically: "But if you really think you need protection from my boss, who am I to say no. Someone has to keep an eye on you when the Sergeant isn't around."

"That's the spirit," the Captain said and flashed me his million dollar smile that made my knees shake slightly. He opened the door for me asked me when we would head out. He looked far too happy about this and it made my stomach do a summer sault. I pulled out my phone and called mister Starks private number. He tends to ignore his work phone and only a handful of people have his private number and he always answers that phone. It's sort of an emergency phone he really needs to pick up. I doubt the Captain has that number.

"Hi boss, I'm at the gym but I'm afraid I missed the Capsicle…," I said and the Captain raised an eyebrow at me with a very stern look. I bite the inside of my cheek to shake a dirty thought from my head that involved some form of punishment: "…do you want me to head to his place and bring him in?"

"Yes, I need to see him today and check out the Veteran center downtown if he isn't home. He likes to hang out among his fellow senior citizens," mister Stark said with a serious tone. He must really need to see the Captain, but I guess he would have to wait a few hours. I kind of liked the idea of helping the Captain get back at my boss for all the times he's snuck out to avoid the Captain: "Got it, any other place I should check?"

"Check Yankee stadium. He likes watching one of the most borings sports in the world for some reason," mister Stark told me and I chuckled at my boss his choice of words. The Captain wasn't impressed by what mister Stark was saying about him: "Will do boss."

"If you bring him in before nine, I'll get you something sparkling," my boss teased me and I rolled my eyes: "You still owe me something sparklingly from the last time I helped you avoid Captain Rogers."

"Fine fine, two pieces, but only if you get him here before nine," my boss reminded me and hung up on me. I put my phone away and looked at the Captain: "You owe me a nice piece of jewelry Captain."

"Capsicle?" he asked me with a tone and look that made my previous improper thoughts return. I bite the inside of my cheek hard to get rid of them and put my phone back in my bag and told the Captain with a smirk that it was one of the nicer nicknames he calls the man. Mister Stark can get really creative with coming up with nicknames for his fellow Avengers: Legolas, Point Break, the Winter Wonder, Reindeer Games, Underoos, Platypus, Manchurian Candidate, Capsicle, Beef Cake trio and the list goes on.

"I think you owe me more than one rescue now," the Captain pointed out and I thought about what my next move would be. Mister Stark said to check out the man's home, but that felt very personal and I don't need to see the man's home. Yankee stadium sounded like a good place, not that baseball interest me in the slightest. But it provided distraction in case the conversation would die and there were drinks and food: "Hmm I don't like owing people. How about I take you to Yankee stadium and we'll call it even? Apparently I should check it out."

"And you buy me a hotdog," the Captain said and I pushed the button to the elevator: "Just one, because I have a feeling my wallet won't be able to offered feeding you."

"Deal, but we'll need to make a stop at my place so I can change into something more appropriate," the Captain said as we waited for the elevator to arrive. A thought accord to me as we were waiting there. Friday sees all. The A.I. will know we are leaving and inform my…our boss. Or he'll let it happen and bug me afterwards relentlessly to find out what happened. Either way this is going to end annoyingly.

"What's wrong with the workout routine?" I asked and make it obvious that I'm checking him out. There was something very sexy about the lose hanging sweatpants and the man shouldn't be allowed to wear a white t-shirt. It's just too much.

"Would you want to go to Yankee stadium dressed in those heels?" the Captain points out and he eyes me over just as obviously as I had just done. I was surprised by this for the man didn't seem the type to openly check anyone out. I decided that I liked him doing it, made him seem less old world and more current century. I shook my head and the Captain continued: "Why don't you get me out of here and I'll pick you up at your place in an hour? You can find some flats to wear."

"That sounds like a good idea Captain," I said and he quickly pointed out that his name is Steve. I was really liking this little name banter we had, so I decided I was going to stick with calling him Captain: "Come along Captain. It's not polite to keep a girl waiting."

We took the elevator to the underground parking lot. I expected my boss to be waiting there to stop us or Friday speaking up at any moment, but neither happened as we made our way to the Captain's car. During our car ride I pointed out it was a little bit pathetic that the man needed my help to avoid my boss and kept up the playful banter until we reached my place. He assured me he would be back in an hour to pick me up. I practically ran up the stairs to my apartment and once inside I immediately called Tessa to ask for her advice on what to wear. I knew she was working, so wasn't surprised she denied my call, but I kept on calling her until she picked up five minutes later, while I was undressing: "What? I'm at work and my boss is being a total bitch today!"

"I'm going to a baseball game with the Captain in an hour and I don't know what to wear to something like that. I need help!" I told her and I could practically hear her mouth fall open: "What? You are going on a date with him? What happened to polite conversation?"

"Tess, not helping. What do I wear? And I don't know anything about baseball," I said and I put her on speaker so I could jump in the shower.

"Forget about the game, he can tell you all about it. And I would say don't wear heels, so go for something casual clique," Tessa said while I washed myself and I went in my head over every clothing item that I had, but the realization that this was technically a date made my brain stop working properly.

"Be specific Tess," I shouted from the shower and Tessa started mentioning all my clothes and ensembles that I had worn when we went out together. I couldn't understand most of what she was saying but when I stepped out of the shower, dripping wet on my bathroom floor, she came up with a casual outfit that would be flattering, stylish and also comfortable to wear to a baseball game.

"And wear your black All Stars. Didn't they have those back in his day? Oh my God I can't believe you are going on a date with the Captain America!" Tessa shouted excitedly as I dried myself of and towel dried my hair. I was still getting used to having it so short, but quickly learned the benefits of having short hair: "Shout louder Tess, I'm not sure the neighbors of that family you work for heard you."

"You have to call me tonight when you get home. I don't care what hour!" Tessa told me and I knew she would be blowing up my phone the whole afternoon and evening asking how it was going and whatnot. When I was dry I pulled out a black skinny jeans and a white shirt out of my closet and got dressed. I stuffed the shirt if my pants for it was a lose shirt and Tessa told me to also wear my red leather jacket.

"How about I come by tomorrow morning for breakfast and then tell you how it went," I told her and pulled on my black All Stars. Tessa accepted my offer and I was pleased because I knew she would keep me up until late wanting to know everything: "Even better, Hillary isn't here. She met a guy and she texted me earlier she's staying at his place tonight."

I applied a little bit of makeup but made sure to wear red lipstick. I was checking myself out in my hallway when Tessa asked me how I looked and I came to one conclusion: "I look like Emma Swan, but with brown hair."

"Well she's a badass, so it'll work," Tessa said and I heard the buzzer to my apartment go. I adjusted my jacket one more time and graphed a smaller purse. I told Tessa I had to go and hung up on her before pushing the intercom: "Who is it?"

"I'm in need of a watchful eye ma'am, know a girl who can help me out?" the voice of the Captain came through my intercom and I blushed as I realized I was actually doing this, I was actually going on a date with Captain America. How the hell did this happen again?

"You should try the woman who lives on the ground floor Captain," I joked and heard the Captain chuckle: "Get your ass down here ma'am."

"Oh Captain, language please! This is a decent neighborhood," I said with a teasing tone and graphed my keys. I looked myself over one more time before heading downstairs. The Captain was leaning casually against the wall next to my front door. I smirked at him when I opened the door. He was wearing a dark pair of jeans and a nice shirt, with his sleeves rolled up and sunglasses were . His hair was combed neatly aside and by God he looked handsome.

"What will my neighbors think when they hear you talking like that to a lady," I greeted the man and he chuckled at me as I walked outside: "I'm beginning to think you are no lady."

"Nonsense Captain, I'm lots of lady," I joked and pulled the door close behind me. I turn to walk towards his car, that was parked in front of my building and notice the Sergeant leaning casually against the vehicle, his hands stuffed in his pockets and sunglasses on his nose. I stopped and turned back to the Captain, with a raised eyebrow: "It seems like you found someone else to keep an eye on you."

"He just showed up here, it's a coincidence I swear," he obviously lied and I felt warm on the inside when he flashed me his million dollar smile. He walked me down the steps and to his car. I didn't have any time to think about the Sergeant showing up and what that meant or didn't. Was this a date or not? He has asked me out before so I would think he would want this to be a date, but who brings his friend along? Then again the Sergeant has been nice, saying cheeky things every now and then.

"And since you dressed up so nicely it would be a waist to turn back now," the Sergeant told me as I reached him and he opened the door for me, a cheeky smirk on his face. He was dressed like the Captain: dark jeans and a dark shirt but with a jacket over it. He tends to wear dark color whenever I see him.

"My offer of protection only applies to the Captain I'm afraid," I said with a teasing tone and the Sergeant leaned closer before I got in the car: "Well someone has to protect you from him ma'am."

"Sure I don't need protection from you Sergeant?" I asked as I sat down and sent the man a wink to make sure he didn't misunderstand my words. He didn't and sent me a smirk that made him look so damn handsome. I don't think I can handle being in a car with these two men when they look this fine! I saw the Captain smile triumphantly at the Sergeant, who elbowed him in his side playfully. Both men got in and the Captain drove us to Yankee stadium.

"So why were you in the neighborhood Sergeant? Any bad guys live in my neighborhood that I should know about?" I asked and moved to the middle seat and kept my eyes on the road as the Captain drove.

"I'll let you know if I found any. How did you end up taking Steve to a baseball game?" the Sergeant asked and I saw the man do his best to suppress a smile as I looked at him: "I owed him a favor and he milked it for all it was worth."

"Sounds like him," the Sergeant responded and the Captain couldn't keep his smile in anymore. He flashed me his smile threw the rearview mirror and I looked away to not grant him the pleasure. He mentioned it was worth it and I could tell his tone was slightly cocky and I liked the sound of it. The Sergeant noticed it too and I could tell he liked it too.

"I should warn you I know nothing about baseball except for the fact that there's a lot of spitting in it involved for some reason and Madonna looked really good as baseball player in a League of their own," I said and we stopped at a red light. Both men turned their heads to me indicating they didn't understand what I was talking about.

"Spitting?"

"Madonna?"

"Isn't she a singer?"

"Yes my dear Captain she is, but sometimes singers try acting and one of her good acting jobs, to my humble opinion, was in the 90's movie a league of their own about women's baseball during World War two," I explained and realized it might be a movie he would like: "It's been a while since I've seen that movie, I should watch it again. It was a good movie. Tom Hanks was hilarious in it."

"Isn't he the guy from the Toy Story movie?" the Sergeant asked me and I was surprised he knew that movie. Apparently so was the Captain, because he eyed him curiously. The Sergeant noticed and he got slightly defensive as he answered: "What? Sarah's boy's like watching movies and it beats listening to Sam go on and on about something."

"Yeah, he's the voice of Woody," I pointed out and thought it was kind of adorable he preferred watching a Disney movie with kids then listening to his friend/college.

"What's that movie about that you mentioned earlier?" the Captain asked and took a right turn. I reached an area I haven't been to in New York. I can't believe that I actually haven't been to Yankee stadium in all the years I've lived in the city. Brooklyn and Michael were big fans, so why haven't I ever tagged along?

"Well it's the war, as I'm sure you have heard of and all the men are away so they organize a baseball league for women as entertainment to boast the people in these depressing times. Naturally it's not much of a success in the beginning because a woman doing a man's job is ludacris, but then they book success and it leads to eventually an actual league after the war ends," I explain and check out the neighborhood we were passing through. It had some really nice architecture: "It's about feminism and females becoming more then just housewives."

"Sounds like a good movie," the Captain said and I agreed and wondered out loud why I hadn't seen it in so long. Maybe I should invite Tessa and Hillary over for a girls night and watch it. I knew they knew the movie and would love to see it again.

When we arrived at Yankee stadium the Captain and Sergeant pulled out caps to go along with their sunglasses. I rolled my eyes as I saw them walking. How can people not recognize them anyway? They are practically walking buildings. I feel so small compared to them while I'm walking between them. I noticed the Sergeant wasn't sticking by the Captains side and he seemed very at ease, even though we were in a very public place, with a lot of people. I ended up buying tickets for all three of us. The Captain advised me on what section I should get tickets for and we ended up sitting high up.

"Smaller crowd and less prying eyes," he told me as we made our way up. Less prying eyes, huh. My head was so confessed on how to interpret the situation, but I was glad we would have some privacy as we sat here. Well, there won't be anyone siting near us or hearing us talk. I was so glad we went home to change because my feet would be killing me going up all these steps in heels. I felt my phone go of but ignored it. I t was probably Tessa or my boss, but I didn't want to face him at the moment.

"I'm going to get us some food. Do you guys want anything?" the Sergeant asked us and I checked my phone for any messages my boss might have sent. He did actually and when I read it I had to bite my lip hard to not turn beat red. I swallowed had to make sure my voice didn't sound weird as I spoke: "Wine, but I somehow doubt they would have that so something sparkly. I'll drink anything, but no beer."

The Sergeant told me he was buying when I wanted to open my purse, but I remembered I still had my boss his credit card. He told me to get him a new suite for the Gala. The shop he likes has his measurements and I've been there before getting him new suits before. I pulled out the card and handed it to the Sergeant: "Nonsense, it's on my boss. He owes me."

The Sergeant was hesitant to accept the card, but he did after a few seconds. He took his leave and the Captain and I leaned back in our seats. The game had already started but I didn't know the teams that were playing. Judging by the hour they are playing and the day of the week, they're probably not major teams.

"Tony gives you his credit card?" the Captain asks me when the Sergeant was gone and I nodded. I have a work credit card to do their shopping, miss Pots oversees the account. So mister Stark started giving me his card whenever he wanted me to buy something private for his girlfriend to surprise her. Or when he wanted to buy something for Morgan that he knew miss Pots wouldn't approve of.

"You must really have their trust to just get something like that," the Captain pointed out and I looked at him. He thought he said something bad and wanted to apologize but I stopped him: "I do actually, I'm the glue that keeps those two together."

"What do you mean?" the captain asked and I debated telling him how it really worked between my bosses. But he is Captain America and not some gossip person and he's friends with them: "They have no time for each other, so it's my unofficial job to make sure every now and then they do something for each other. I have a stack of cards in my desk I bring to mister Stark every now and then and help him write some lovely words to miss Pots to make sure she knows he's thinking about her. They would never make it if they didn't have someone to make sure they made time for each other. Oh that reminds me I need to arrange date night next week."

"Date night?"

"A romantic dinner with flowers for miss Pots or one of those ridiculous horse carriage ride through center Park or a nice piece of jewelry or perfume," I said and pulled my phone out again and put in an alarm to remind me that I needed to plan that tomorrow.

"You really take care of those things for them?" the Captain asked surprised and I nodded again: "Of course! They don't have time to think about such things. She's running a multibillion company and he's Iron man. Any free time they have, they focus on Morgan, but that means they forget each other."

"I didn't realize they had it this tough," the Captain confessed and I explained that they were actually were private people when it came to their personal lives. To the outside world they looked like the perfect couple who could do it all, but in private they barely spent any time together casually: "And it's my job to try and get them to have more time for each other. Take care of things they don't really need to look after themselves, so they have more time for each other. It's small things sometimes like knowing they have separate meetings and make sure their paths cross in the hallways. Mister Stark is good at seeing opportunities to give attention to miss Pots. She not so much though. And that's why I get payed the big bucks and get the occasional extra's."

"Like jewelry? Doesn't Pepper find that…" the Captain asks but I interrupt him: "She picks them out herself sometimes. If I get a ring it comes from her, a necklace or bracelet comes from mister Stark."

"Why is that?"

"Because a man shouldn't buy a ring for anyone else but his girlfriend," I said with a smile and was surprised at how easily I was talking to this man. Thirty minutes ago I was freaking out about this but now the words came out so easily. And I'm even talking about my bosses with him, who are his friends.

"Here you go," the Sergeant interrupted our conversation about my bosses and handed me a small bottle of wine, with a plastic cup and my boss his credit card. I looked surprised at him: "They actually sell wine here?"

"I think it's a ploy to try and lure more women to the games," the Sergeant explained and sat down on my other side. I had expected him to sit next to the Captain, but I wasn't complaining: "Smart move, it would work on me and my girlfriends."

"Not your boyfriend?" the Sergeant asked me and opened his beer with his robotic arm. I opened my bottle and poured myself a drink and tasted the wine: "Urgh, this has got to be the worst wine I have tasted in my life."

"What do you expect, you're at a baseball game?" the Captain pointed out and the Sergeant repeated his question. I eyed him curiously and wondered why he would ask that, twice. It must be obvious that I'm not seeing anyone, because what girl goes with two men she doesn't really know to a baseball game when she should be working? Or does he just want to be sure? I decided to not make it easy for him: "I think he's not much of a wine drinker."

"Then what does he drink?" the Sergeant asked me with a smirk. As he spoke he leaned closer to me and I got a slight sniff of a cologne scent. So both men weird cologne. In my experience men who wear that stuff tended to look after themselves. Made sure they were clean and well dressed. No ripped pants or yellow shirts that were originally white or shoes with ripped seams. I appreciate that in a man: "I'll ask him when I see him. Now what's the point of this game?"

"To win," the Sergeant answered before the Captain could and I rolled my eyes at him: "No shit Sherlock."

"Language," the Captain said and I was beginning to understand it was a bit of a reflex for the man to respond like that. I wonder what other little quirks he has. I wonder what quirks the Sergeant has: "Say's the man who was using the word ass earlier in a decent neighborhood."

"Want to hear a funny story about…" the Sergeant leaned closer to me again and eyed the Captain, who quickly told him to drop whatever he wanted to say, what made the other man laugh. Their interaction was interesting the observe. For individuals who have lived the lives they have, you wouldn't think they could be so relaxed and act like another man in this stadium.

"Does mister Stark know the story?" I asked the Sergeant and leaned closer to him this time. His eyes slightly widened as I smirk at him. He I doubt anyone, other than the Captain, has been this close to the man in quite some time. Or would he have slept with people since he's been released? Would he be able to handle that? Everyone needs it every now and then, but could he handle it? Dear God this wine must be stronger than I thought, because why else would I be thinking about the Sergeants sex life? The Sergeant raised one eyebrow at me as if saying what do you think, so I leaned back and turned to the Captain: "Well then I guess I'll just have to ask him about it. He loves telling embarrassing stories about you, did you know that?"

"I can imagine. Wait, what did he tell you?" the Captain asked me alarmed and it made the Sergeant chuckle and me laugh: "I'm sorry, I'm not at liberty to reveal the conversations I have with my boss. But the game, enlighten me please."

The Captain didn't want to let go of the subject, but the Sergeant started explaining the game and eventually the Captain joined in. I could tell they really liked the game because they told me everything about it in great detail. I didn't understand much about it, but working for mister Stark made me really good at faking understanding a conversation.

"So you boy's come here often in your free time?" I asked when it was half time and the players went to their locker room. The Sergeant leaned back in his seat and laid his arm behind me and I pretended not to notice it. During the game he had leaned forward, his elbows on his knees and his attention had been very focused on the game being played.

"Not as much as I would," the Captain admitted and stretched his legs in front of him. These seats must be so uncomfortable for them. I'm finding them insufferable and my knee is already starting to ache. I broke my leg when I was eight and sometimes my knee aches up in certain situations. I switched my position and tried to get rid of the ache: "And why's that? Work to chaotic?"

"After a mission with that bunch I prefer a quiet place and not a stadium filled with outgoing and loud people," the Captain explained and I could understand that. Kai and Yuri were members of the hockey team of our school and as I started dating Kai, I went to their games a lot. They always needed an hour to cool off after a match before coming out to see me. Must be a lot worse if you come back from the dangerous situations they deal with.

"So I take it you aren't much into sports?" the Sergeant asked me while finishing his third hotdog. How is he eating them so fast and how is he eating so much? I'm getting nauseated by just watching him eat so much.

"I wouldn't say that, but I'm more a fan of the aggressive sports like rugby and hockey," I said and remembered when I travelled through New Zealand we had the opportunity to see the All Blacks play. It was impressive to see them to their Haka in front of the other team. We also saw a few games in sports bar and it was funny to see how quite everyone got during the game. Everyone was so focused on the game and it was apparently disrespectful to talk during the game.

"Barton made the mistake once to challenge us to a game of rugby at his place," the Sergeant said and he told me about how the others didn't stand much of a change against him and the Captain. It had been a game between the Captain, the Sergeant and mister Lang against Sam, Clint, Wanda, Clint's eldest son and Thor. I would have loved to see that game. Apparently Sam and Clint were very frustrated afterwards.

"It's still a sore subject whenever someone brings it up actually," the Captain admitted and started his second hotdog. I was so happy I only agreed to buying them one, because I really wondered where they were putting them. I poured myself a second glass of wine. I placed the empty bottle at my feet: "Doesn't sound very fair to have the both of you on the same team."

"They had Wanda and Thor. It's not our fault she wasn't interested in playing and that Thor didn't understand any of the rules," the Sergeant defended himself while laughing at the memory. The Captain explained that Wanda had sat herself down immediately when the game began and had more fun making people trip or lose the ball by using her powers. And Thor didn't listen to the rules and just did whatever he wanted and got irritated when they called him out on breaking the rules.

"She made you run straight into Sam and he went down hard! He was not amused by that," the Sergeant laughed and slapped his own knee in the process. While he told me these stories I noticed that the line sin his face seemed to disappear. I know that's not possible, but maybe it was because he felt at ease and he was letting his guard down, making his body relax.

"Of course he wasn't amused, he was sore for day's because he got tackled to the ground by me, without holding back," the Captain chuckled and I pointed out that it was a rather stupid idea to play a game where the two of them were in the same team: "It just doesn't sound fair."

"He's a very sore loser," the Captain said and the Sergeant was quick to add that the man was also overconfident. I had met him that night in the club and that was the impression I got from him. He was clearly on the prowl and hoping to score, but he seemed a little bit desperate. I think Wanda joked during the night, as the drinks were flowing, he was experiencing a dry spell.

"Remind me to never accept a game against you guys," I muttered to myself but the two men heard anyway. The Captain leaned closer to me and I tilted my head to the man as he said in a softer tone: "We'll just make sure you're on our team."

I kind of liked the idea of being on their team, whatever team that might be. Before the man could pull back I leaned a bit closer and told him I would hold him to that. He chuckled and tried to hide the slight blush that was covering his cheeks, but I saw it none the less.

"So what do you do in your free time?" the Sergeant asked and leaned forward again, pulling his arm back from behind me.

"What free time? I usually work nine to ten hours a day. Doesn't leave much time to do much else or the energy," I answered and realized how pathetic that sounded. I should do something about that.

"Wanda mentioned seeing something about a camping trip on some social media thing," the Captain mentioned and I looked at him with a raised eyebrow. I had posted some pictures on Instagram, but was rather shocked to find out that the witch had seen them: "I'm not sure what I should be more confused about: a witch checking out my Instagram account or Captain America knowing about Instagram or him knowing what is on my Instagram?"

"I would go with the first one because Wanda is so damn noisy noisy," the Sergeant mentioned casually, but I caught him sending a knowing look at the Captain, who looked like a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar. It made me chuckle and he tried to save face by keeping the attention on Wanda, who apparently likes knowing everything: "I think it's because she's bored and in desperate need of entertainment."

"And sadly she likes to pick us as her targets," the Sergeant added and the players came back out. The crowd cheered and clapped and the commentator started talking threw the speakers again. As I sipped my horrible tasting wine I asked if Wanda has found out anything good about them or my bosses.

"Why do you want to know?" the Sergeant asked, a smirk hanging on his lips. I smirked back and pointed out that it's always good to have some blackmail on someone. You never know when it might come in handy?

"So camping?" the Captain asked and made us go back to the previous conversation.

"It was a weekend away with some of my university buddies. We try to go once a year as a way to keep in touch with each other," I lied about the reason we went camping, but I did not want to talk about that with them. Some things are just private.

"What did you study at university?" the Captain asked.

"So you are the outdoors type?" the Sergeant asked.

"Archeology and yes I love getting eaten alive by mosquito's, losing our food to a hungry bear and getting our car dinged by a wild boar who felt threatened," I summed up and remembered Brooklyn wanting to catch the animal and roast it for dinner for damaging his car. It was quite the funny sight to see him storm out of the car, take one look at the animal see the creature charge at him. Brooklyn practically jumped on top of his car to save himself. We didn't let him forget the embarrassing scream for the rest of the weekend.

"Archeology? How did you end up working for Tony and Pepper with a degree like that?" the Captain asked curious, while the Sergeant laughed at my camping story, spilling some of his beer on his shoes.

"Life happened," I said, not wanting to explain why I dropped out of university: "And I didn't get my degree. I dropped out in my second year."

"And why's that?" the Sergeant asked and I'm sure the Captain sent him a look to shut up. I smiled at the attempt and at the blunt question of the Sergeant. He was a very forward man. I simply repeated my previous answer and the Captain changed the subject by asking how we managed to piss of a wild boar. I was grateful for the save and explained the story in great detail. The two men laughed at my imitation of my friends reactions. The Captain told a story afterwards of when they were younger and went camping with the Barnes family. Apparently the Barnes children lost their mother early on and instead of visiting a gravestone every year, their father took them on camping trips to remember their mother. Since the Sergeant and Captain were basically inseparable, his father invited the Captain to join them.

"My mother was so happy to have a weekend to herself," the Captain admitted and the Sergeant quickly added with a teasing tone: "Your mom was just happy you actually had a friend and got out the house every now and then."

"Shut up jerk," the Captain said and shoved his friend playfully behind me. I noticed he didn't pull his arm back and let it rest on the leaning of my chair. I bite the inside of my cheek to keep me from blushing and just like with the Sergeant I pretended to not notice: "You weren't the most sociable as a child?"

"I…euh…was a very sickly child. I didn't have time to be social," the Captain admitted. I was a bit surprised he mentioned his medical history. It is public knowledge but still, it's probably not something he'd like to talk about. Must have been though on him at that age.

"One time he passed out because he overdid it when running after an ice-cream truck," the Sergeant laughed and got shoved again by the Captain: "Shut it."

"Oh and he got nosebleeds all the time. Always funny to see him try and chat up a girl, who then ran away screaming because he looked like a freak," the Sergeant continued and he bent over, graphing his stomach from laughing: "And remember that one time when…"

"Shut it Bucky!" the Captain raised his voice and got up and placed the Sergeant in a headlock, while giving him a nudgy. I laughed at the duo's playfulness. The Sergeant tried to get lose and gave the Captain a few punches that would probably have knocked me out, but the Captain took them without much trouble.

"You are secretly a horrible friend, aren't you?" I asked the Sergeant when the two calmed down. The Captain pushed the Sergeant out of his seat and placed himself between the two of us. The Captain ran his hand threw his hair and sent his friend a look, while laying his arm back casually behind me: "I wouldn't call it secretly."

"Aren't your best friends supposed to be a little bit horrible to you from time to time?" the Sergeant asked me with a grin and I had to agree. Kai and Yuri loved making each other look bad when we started going out: "Touché."

"Did you have any brothers or sisters?" the Captain asked an turned his attention back to me. I knew he tried to steer the conversation in a safe direction and not end up going back to the subject of university, but he chose the wrong subject. I sighed and the Captain noticed I tensed up slightly: "I had a twin brother, but he died in a car crash when we were young."

I was surprised I told them the truth because I barely talk about Alec to anyone, not even Tess knows much about him.

"I'm sorry to hear that," the Captain quickly said and I could see he felt uncomfortable, so I waved it away: "It was a long time ago. And I was out cold immediately so I don't remember anything about the crash."

"Were your parents alright?" the Captain asked after a few seconds. He was probably debating on asking questions or changing the subject again. Most people would change the subject. I was used to it when Alec was brought up and it meant I never talked about him and never talking about him meant I didn't know how to talk about him. How do you talk about you dead twin brother who died when you were so young you barely have any memories of him?

"We were in the car with my grandparents. They didn't make it either," I explained and I felt my stomach turn. I felt uncomfortable and I hated that the subject of my brother did this to me. I even avoided talking about him with the shrink I saw after losing Kai and Yuri. I would lie or let out details when she came to close to the subject of my brother and family. I don't know much about them and I never felt the need to go look for them or the truth behind what happened, but having them brought up in conversation rattled me for some reason.

"That must have been traumatic," the Sergeant pointed out and I saw the Captain sent him a look again. The Captain seems to be more considerate, sensitive, polite then the Sergeant is, who seemed to be rather blunt. I didn't mind it. Kai and Yuri were very blunt people, who never sugarcoated anything. Social politeness annoyed me more than blunt people.

"I guess at the time, but like I said I don't remember anything from the crash and I barely knew my grandparents," I explained and couldn't even remember my grandparents faces. I don't remember much about my childhood before I ended up in foster care but I did know they weren't in the picture. It was just me, my brother and my dad. Mom wasn't in the picture either, but I never knew why.

"So you were an only child?" I asked the Captain but I was pretty sure I knew the answer to that question. I liked visiting the museum a lot, especially the history department. I always had to walk past the exhibit about the Captain. Must be weird to have an entire exhibit about your life. The Captain took my question as a sign to change the subject: "Yeah, one was enough for my mom to take care of. Whenever Bucky and his sister, Rebecca, came over, she always said afterwards she was grateful she only had one kid to look after."

"The Barnes kids fought a lot?" I asked and zipped up my jacket for it was starting to get cold. The Captain noticed and I felt his arm touch my back and gently pull me against side. He moved slowly and I understood it was so I could pull back. He was offering comfort but also being considerate. I didn't mind though an leaned into his side.

"A lot doesn't sound like it would do it justice," the Captain said and smiled, knowing he was the one now embarrassing his friend. He didn't smirk at me or give me a teasing look about his arm around me and neither did the Sergeant, who just continued casually: "We didn't see eye to eye sometimes."

"Sometimes? You managed to fight over the stupidest things," the Captain said and the duo started arguing. I observed them. Both had smiles on their faces and if you ignored they were built like houses, you could mistake them for two casual guy's at a baseball game. The Sergeant even looked rather relaxed. When I run into him at my work he always seems slightly on guard, prepared to defend himself. Especially his face always looked so…hardened. He probably has to defend himself constantly from prying eyes and accusing words about his past.

"Can I ask you a question, but you don't have to feel obligated to answer it at all," I asked the Sergeant and the duo looked curious at me: "And you can just change the subject if I'm overstepping."

"Shoot," the Sergeant said and I could tell he was getting guarded, but did his best to hide it.

"Have you ever looked your sister up?" I asked knowing it's a very personal question, but I was curious and for some reason it didn't feel wrong to ask the question. He asked why I dropped out of university and I did not hold it against him for asking. For some reason I don't think he would hold it against me for asking. The Sergeant looked down at his feet and I tried to keep my face as friendly as possible. I didn't want him thinking I was judging him or anything like that.

"No, I haven't," the Sergeant answered after a minute and I felt a bit honored he answered my question, but I decided not to push my luck and asked if he never thought about getting a new identity. He was surprised by my question but I noticed the gratitude in his eyes for not asking more about his sister: "Because it doesn't feel right. And besides, what should I do if I get a new name? Buy a house, get a job?"

"Well yeah, why not?" I asked and wondered why he made it sound so ludacris. Why not try and move on? I wonder if him staying in this place, surrounded by these people isn't a way to hide or maybe even a way to make sure he's kept in check.

"Because he'd be bored out of his mind," the Captain pointed out and lifted the conversation away from the tense tone: "He wanted to join the army ever since he was little. His dad worked at the camp where we both went during the war to train."

"Your dream was always to become a soldier?" I asked, not able to understand that. Not really surprising since we grew up in different times. The Sergeant nodded: "Basically."

"And what about you?" I asked and lifted my eyes to the Captain: "Also the army dream or did that sketch book have more meaning once upon a time?"

"No, I always wanted to fight in the war but my illnesses didn't allow me to join. So I had a backup plan. What about your dreams? Being a personal assistant can't be your dream job," the Captain asked me and I picked up on him not really answering my question. I wonder why that is, but I wasn't going to mention it: "What makes you think that Captain?"

"You seem like the type who wants more out of life then run the lives of others," the Captain pointed out and I was baffled by his observation. He didn't know me that well, but he was right. I sighed and slumped slightly in side. His arm tightened on me: "Well it does make me feel like a God, manipulating the lives of others, but even that will get boring someday."

"Someone sounds like a sociopath," the Sergeant pointed out and I smiled at him. He'd been quite for a few minutes and I wondered if it was because I overstepped, but his eyes told me it was alright: "Maybe it does."

"What will you do when the job becomes boring?" the Captain asked and I noticed they hadn't played attention to the game since the players came back out. I felt flattered they're attention was completely focused on me and our conversation: "I don't know. I want to go back to university but as the years tick by I just get more comfortable with the way my life is going at the moment. Going back would mean quitting my job because there is no way I would be able to juggle both, meaning I wouldn't have an income and university is very expensive, so I would probably run out of money quickly."

"So not going back any time soon?" the Sergeant asked.

"Sadly no, I'll just have to keep indulging my curiosity by visiting ancient countries," I sighed dramatically. Sadly my last real vacation was three years ago. Being on my own means it isn't really that interesting to have three weeks of vacations. All my friends tend to go away with their partners, partners or their families and I don't like being the third wheel.

"Went anywhere interesting?" the Captain asked and he tightened his arm on me again as I shivered from the cold: "Mostly European countries and New Zealand and Australia. I want to go to South Africa and Egypt and Japan as well someday."

"Where in Europe?" the Sergeant asked and he leaned back in his seat and laid his arm behind the Captain. It shouldn't mean anything, but for some reason it felt like there was more to it. The Captain didn't react to it, so I continued: "France, Spain, Portgual, Germany, Slovenia, Denmark, Greece, Italy…"

Kai came from ancient money and he loved spending it on me and Yuri. Mostly because it annoyed his grandfather a lot. So we went four times to Europe and visited multiple countries at a time. On our last trip we visited north Europe and even did a tour with huskies. It was an amazing trip but I hated the cold nights.

"That's a lot! How could you afford traveling that much?" the Sergeant asked bluntly and I chuckled as the Captain sent him a look, again. I really liked his bluntness. It was easy, there was no pretending or carefully moving around to not upset anyone. I smirk at the man when answering: "I'm cute, I get around."

The Sergeant seemed to get my joke, but the Captain didn't so I explained that I had rich friends who took me with them. The man pointed out that was generous of them and the Sergeant asked if I was the social type and I laughed at that: "Oh no! I wasn't what you would call the social type. I had a handful of friends who would put up with me and that was enough."

In high school I had three girlfriends and then Kai and Yuri after a while, but that was it. Being a foster kid made grow up with thick skin and a rather unpleasant attitude, so I tended to keep everyone at bay. Only a few managed to see behind my thick skin. I got better when I went to university. I guess I felt less embarrassed about my situation or the need to justify my home life. Michael and Brooklyn were friends of Kai and Yuri, but I didn't get along with them in high school. They were entitled jerks, but I put up with them for Kai and Yuri and eventually they grew up I guess. After...it they started looking out for me, especially Brooklyn. I thought it was funny at the time, because he was the one I liked the least.

"Sometimes that's all you need," the Captain said and the Sergeant checked his phone. He elbowed his friend and showed him it and I felt the Captain tensed up. I'm guessing it must be work related so I leaned back slowly and felt the Captain's arm slide away as I moved: "Is it time to bring you in Captain?"

"Yeah, I'm afraid so ma'am. I should go in before Tony does something stupid," the Captain sighed and I made the joke that my boss probably already did something stupid. I could tell the Captain appreciated the joke, but he stayed serious: "I can drive you home."

"Nonsense Captain, I can take a cap. The compound is the other way," I declined and he looked conflicted. I wasn't surprised, he is the chivalrous type. I stood up and the two men followed me. I felt the Captains hand at the small of my back as we make our way up the stairs to the exit.

"I'm sure Stark can wait thirty minutes longer, Captain," the Sergeant said with a teasing tone and it made the Captain smile slightly.

"He has been waiting for you for two hours by now, what's thirty minutes?" the Sergeant added and he met my eyes. I wasn't sure, but I think he was asking for a little help. I really didn't mind taking a cap home, but I decided to help the Sergeant out: "Or you just take me with you? I can work from mister Starks office at the compound and you can take me home afterwards."

"And if we make her wait that long, we'll basically owe her dinner at least," the Sergeant said and we both walked next to the Captain and looked at him like two children trying to persuade their parent into buying them a toy. I was quick to add that I wasn't cheap when it came to restaurants.

"And if it gets really late, we'll even owe her a movie," the Sergeant continued and the two looked at each other. I can't believe I am helping the Sergeant. I should go home and enjoy the rest of my evening. Working at mister Starks office didn't sound like fun, but the idea of going to dinner afterwards, maybe even a movie sounded…well…intriguing. I can't believe I'm actually the one now technically arranging a date.

"It could take a while," the Captain looked at me to make sure I was alright with that and the Sergeant quickly added that they would owe me a second date if it got really late. I turned my eyes to him: "I have a life you know."

"No you don't. You told us so earlier you work long hours and that you don't have time for much else," the Sergeant pointed out and he smirked at me. The Captain just smiled and sighed: "Alright, but no complaining we made you wait."

"Sure I will, I'm a woman, it's what we do," I joked and the Sergeant laughed at my joke. A lot of people were moving around, getting new drinks and snacks. It was difficult to stick together and the Sergeant offered me his arm. I accepted it, looking down to avoid his smirking eyes. He was so devilishly handsome it was a little unnerving.

"So what are you in the mood for dinner?" the Sergeant asked me and for some reason his question felt very domestic. Kai would ask me that question every night and I flashed back to his smirk because he knew I hated it when he asked me that. I would always suggest something and the other two would disagree and we would end up eating something else.

"I'm not sure yet, but Italian is always good," I suggested and shook my head to stay focused on what the Sergeant was saying. The Captain appeared on my other side, his hand at my back again.

"Hmm some spaghetti does sound good," the Sergeant said and I quickly pointed out that I liked spaghetti carbonara more. Apparently the Sergeant has never eaten that before, so I smirk at him: "Maybe if you are lucky, I'll let you try some of mine."

"I'll keep you to that," the Sergeant said and the Captain opened a door for me. The Sergeant let me go, but was quick to grab my hand again and place it back in the crook of his elbow. I didn't flinch as I felt the robotic hand touch mine, but I did look at it because I was surprised it didn't feel cold. It's a metal arm, how can it not feel cold? Mister Starks suits feel cold.

"What is it?" the Sergeant asked and I could feel him freeze slightly. He must think I'm being weird because of his arm. I probably should be, but I guess I'm more weirded out by the fact it doesn't feel cold then that it's a robotic arm. I meet his eyes: "Your hand feels warm."

"The woman who made it added sensors that warms up my arm to the rest of my body temperature," the Sergeant explained and I looked confused at him: "You mean it never feels cold? Like mister Starks suits?"

"Yeah I guess," the Sergeant answered and I chuckled. He eyed e curiously and in explained that his arm feeling warm was rather convenient. He didn't understand why I thought that was funny, so leaned closer to his ear and whispered: "What woman wants to sleep with a guy who has a limp that's feels like…"

"Excuse me ma'am, are you asking about my private life?" the Sergeant interrupted me in a cheeky tone. I knew he was trying to embarrass me but I was quick to turn the tables on him: "No I was pointing out an interesting fact about your sex life."

He chuckled and I could see a slight red on his cheeks. I couldn't let that pass by unnoticed: "My my Sergeant, are you blushing?"

"I have no idea what…" the Sergeant started defending himself, but I picked up on his voice cracking just a little bit. Seeing him caught made me laugh: "Yes you are! Did my words really embarrass you that easy?"

"You are quite something ma'am," the Sergeant whispered in my ear and I smirked at him as we reached the exit to the stadium. The Sergeant and I kept talking to each other with teasing tones and suggestive themes, while the Captain was distracted by his phone. I didn't mind since the Sergeant was offering me a distraction. He was becoming very flirtatious and I kind of liked it. I hadn't really felt comfortable to flirt with anyone, but it came so easy with this guy. And it was never anything really inappropriate, just suggestive, a light teasing to make me blush. As we reached the car and our teasing ended I thought to myself that I could get used to this.

"Taylor what took you so long?" mister Stark yelled down the hallway as I walked in with the two men behind me. When we arrived I noticed an immediate difference with the Sergeant. All the playfulness and flirting was gone and his frame became more rigid as he walked. The lines in his face were also more noticeable.

"I thought I'd make you sweat a little bit," I shot back at him before the Captain could response. I could tell he had wanted to: "I'll be using your office in the meantime."

The Captain quickly began arguing with my boss and the two didn't pay me any more attention. I turned to the Sergeant: "Mister Starks office is down this hall. Feel free to visit me if you need a break."

"I'll remember that," he said in a low voice and a small smile hanging on his lips. He didn't though, but I ignored it. I used mister Starks computer and logged in under my account. I had enough work to do so I quickly lost track of time. I called with miss Pots for thirty minutes about a few details involving the Gala and in the end Morgan wanted to talk to me too. Apparently miss Pots was at home, worrying about mister Stark. It was clear in her voice. I told her I would get him to call her when I saw him and she was grateful for that. I was at the coffee machine when I saw the Captain leave the conference room. Even from afar I could tell he was agitated. My boss tended to rub people the wrong way and from what I understand the Captain and my boss don't get along.

"Need some caffeine?" I asked raising my voice, but kept my eyes aimed on the machine I was operating. They had been going at it for an ninety minutes and I was actually surprised it was taking this long. I kind of thought they would only last for thirty minutes, forty-five tops.

"Yeah, make it a strong one," the Captain sighed and I could hear him walk over to me.

"My boss being that annoying?" I asked.

"Don't ask," the man said and I could hear in his tone he was doing his best to be polite. Must have been a very serious conversation in there: "I'm afraid we won't be able to take you out for that dinner. We need to head out in an hour."

"Should I feel guilty for playing hooky with you earlier?" I asked and handed him his coffee. I hope I didn't end up keeping him from some situation that he was desperately needed to save the day. Then again, if that had been the case, I think the Captain wouldn't have come with me.

"No, I'd rather not head out, but apparently my hands are tied," the Captain sighed again and drank from his coffee. Whatever had been going on in there must have been very serious.

"There's a pair of scissors at my boss's desk. Want me to get them?" I asked and could see a small smile coming out on the Captains lips: "I'm afraid you'll need something bigger and more sturdy to cut these ties."

"To bad," I joked and drank from my coffee.

"If you like I can drive you home now," the Captain offered and I told him to walk with me so I could get my stuff. I distracted him with idly chitchat and I got him to tell me stories about his childhood and a young Sergeant. As we walked to the garage I asked if his trip would take him anywhere interesting.

"Europe actually," the Captain answered and he added that he expected to be back by Thursday. A two day mission then. I wonder if that means it's a 'big' mission or if two day's is a normal amount of day's when they head out.

"Sounds like it will be exhausting," I point out and let the man open the garage door for me. He seems to make a deal out of opening doors for women, so I'll just indulge him. Although I'm perfectly capable of opening a door myself.

"It will be unfortunately."

"And you have to put up with my boss the whole time?"

"Unfortunately yes," the Captain admitted. So mister Stark will be gone for two days. Miss Pots won't like that. I saw the Sergeant lean against the Captain's car as we walked up to it, a sour look on his face. I decided to try and distract the two men so our evening doesn't end on a tense note: "Let me guess, you just happened to be in the neighborhood?"

"Yes ma'am, as a matter of fact I was," the Sergeant responded and the Captain unlocked his car. The Sergeant opened the door for me and before I got in I turned to him: "Is you popping up everywhere just a coincidence or do we need to have a discussion about stalking people?"

My little joke made the man laugh and I got in the car. I picked back up on the conversation I was having earlier with the Captain about their childhood and quickly got the Sergeant to join the conversation when I mentioned the stories the Captain had told me about him. Traffic was good so we reached my street quicker than I anticipated: "And what do you gentlemen have planned for the weekend? Painting the town red perhaps?"

"No apparently it isn't cool anymore," the Captain said and he parked in the street in front of my brownstone. The lights of the lady living on the ground floor were still on. She's the noisy type, so she's probably checking the street every now and then to check that nothing is happening. She's only slightly paranoid.

"I doubt it ever was actually cool, but I won't hold it against you," I said as I unbuckled my seatbelt. The Sergeant was quick in getting out and he opened the door for me before I could open it myself: "You know I can manage to open a door myself every now and then."

"We're actually going to a party," the Captain told me before the Sergeant could respond to my comment. I walked around the car and made my way to the pavement: "Look at you two being all modern and outgoing. How did they manage to get you to leave your ivory towers?"

"It's sort of a work party," the Captain explained and I could hear the Sergeant sigh behind me. He must not be looking forward to it. Wait, a work party: "You mean like an Avengers party?"

"I guess you could call it that," the Captain admitted and I laughed at that: "At first you'd think that would be so lame, but then you remember you will probably have a witch and a God attending."

"Wanda will be there, but Thor is never certain. He tends to show up whenever it's convenient for him," the Captain pointed out and I started getting all these crazy images of what that party would like in my head. The funniest one I came up with was Thor playing beer pong.

"Oh well in that case I would pass. Why go to a party if there is no God attending? You boys have fun at your party," I joked and opened my purse to pull my keys out. I noticed the curtains of the ground floor apartment move and knew she was watching us. Noisy old bint.

"Come with us Friday?" the Captain asked me and I could tell even the Sergeant was surprised by his invitation. Is he really asking me out again? Last time I had decent excuse I could use to turn him down, so I didn't have to think on weather I wanted to turn him down. But I'm free Friday, so I don't have an excuse I could hid behind. Did I want to say yes? Today had been kind of great and when we had to leave the stadium I was unhappy about it. So why not accept this invitation?

"I'm going to pass on that, because partying with my boss doesn't sound like the best idea," I ended up answering. The Captain leaned with his arm out of his open window and I thought he looked far to mundane like that. He wasn't wearing a cap and the wind was messing his else tidy hair up. I bite my lip for I was finding the disgruntled look a good one on him.

"We'll shush her away when she gets to close," the Sergeant joked and I understood the reference. He leaned his arms on the roof of the vehicle and sent me his devilish smile, while he lowered his sunglass a bit and looked at me over them. Damn, how can a man be so sexy while doing…just that. He sent me a smirk that made my knees wobble slightly.

"Even then…" I tried to respond but noticed my throat was suddenly very dry and my heart was beating faster. I could not accept this invite. My bosses will be there and not to mention their friends. I liked that we were sort of alone at the stadium. I mean no one was watching us. Everyone's going to be watching us at that party. I knew the Captain wasn't known for talking to women much, so him talking to me all night would get noticed, especially by my boss.

"Just say yes so he doesn't get turned down twice in one week," the Sergeant interrupted me and I was perplexed by his statement and not to mention the look he was giving me. Tessa was maybe on to something by using the words smoldering.

"And I'm not sure Bucky can handle getting rejected so you'll have to say yes," Steve chipped in and I couldn't help but wonder if this was some rehearsed thing they did. But then again this was Captain America and the Winter Soldier we were talking about. I doubt they waste their time on pick-up lines and stuff like that.

"Just come with us. We do technically owe you for tonight," the Captain repeated and I had to admit that his slightly pushy attitude was beginning to wear me down. There was just something about him and the Sergeant that was so…intriguing. I gave them both a curious look as I asked: "And who's asking me out technically?"

"Does it really matter?" the Sergeant responded with another smoldering look and smirk. I did notice the Captain didn't know how to respond to my question. I bite the inside of my cheek and walked up the stairs to my front door so I could hide my blushing face: "I guess I don't have a choice then."

"Took you long enough to figure that out. We'll pick you up at eight," the Sergeant said and pulled the car door open again to get back in, but I stopped him by saying I would meet them there at nine. I could put up with some of their chivalry, but I'm not some dame that was going to follow their lead. I play by my own rules.

"Nine it is," the Captain said and I noticed the Sergeant wanted to argue with me, but the Captain stopped him in time. I opened my front door and the Sergeant called after me with an assertive tone: "Don't be late."

Is it me or does he like to be in charge? Well so do I: "We'll see about that. Goodnight gentlemen."

As I closed the door behind me I caught the Sergeant shaking his head and the Captain sending me a smile that made my stomach do a summer sault. I walked upstairs and when I was safe and sound in my apartment, I leaned against my door and wondered if that had just actually happened. Did I agree on going on a date with Captain America and the Winter Soldier? I think I need a drink.