Keira's POV
I got back in New York late on the 30th; around 11 p.m. I had booked the flight later so I could spend a little more time with my parents. Thankfully, they wanted to have a restful holiday and didn't pester me about finding a new job or that "special" someone. Instead, they chose to spend the rest of the days relaxed and we watched movies that we had yet to catch up on.
I took my daily jogs, always bringing Newt along for the journey. After I had received the letter from Steve, I found my mood boosted and never strayed from it, even when it was time to head to the airport. My parents hadn't questioned who Steve was, I suppose deciding I would tell them in time, when I wanted to share the matter. I planned on telling them; they would be the first to know. I would tell the rest of the family when the right moment came along. Maybe it was a bit selfish, but it was time I did things for myself.
I'd been letting people walk over me as if I resembled a doormat. Time to stand up for myself; time to speak up if something was bothering me. Hey, a New Year's Resolution. I'm getting a head start on them. I laughed as I lugged my suitcase and tote bags up the stairs to my apartment. I normally didn't struggle with it, but the presents I had received weighed the suitcase down. By the time I had reached my door and unlocked it, sweat had begun to form on my forehead. I panted and rolled the suitcase behind me, propping it against the side of the couch.
I sat down for a few minutes to catch my breath, shrugging out of my jacket to cool off. Taking a final deep breath to calm the fire in my chest, I got up and started to unpack everything in the bedroom. I threw dirty clothes in my hamper by my closet to wash tomorrow, clean ones and new ones I hung in the closet or folded to place in drawers. I know what you're thinking. Maybe I should have gone to bed, unpacked in the morning.
I didn't want to leave things until morning; I had plans for New Year's Eve and needed extra time to prepare for it. I'd be going out with my friends Jana, Charlotte, and Lena. Believe me, if they so much as insulted me, I planned to tell them how it was. I refused to be hurt any longer. I thought about inviting Natasha out, but I wasn't sure if she was a night owl like me and didn't want to text her late at night. Maybe I would send out a text in the morning to see what her plans were.
With each new item I unpacked, I found a place for it, emptying the suitcase in its entirety. Once cleared out, I shoved it under my bed and set to work on both tote bags full to the brim with new trinkets from my family. Some were placed on my nightstands, others organized on the bookcase or shelves in the living room. I dared not place anything on my desk; the space I designated for Steve because he was dear to my heart.
I still had the doodle of the dog with the ball of yarn near my computer and the other doodles I framed, two of the four on the desk and the other two I hung on the wall. They helped to inspire me when I wrote or if I needed comfort. I fingered the charm on the bracelet he had gifted me, satisfied with how I had things in my bedroom. Sighing, I changed into pajamas and wiped off my makeup to get in bed. Sliding down, I turned off the lamp on my nightstand and set an alarm to prepare for New Year's Eve.
Steve's POV
I sat in the living room by a window reading a book when Tony walked in the room.
"Meeting in ten minutes Cap," he announced, walking out again. Confused, I marked my place in the book and walked into the kitchen to retrieve a bottle of water. We hadn't had a major battle in a few days, relaxing to be prepared for the next one. Maybe we were about to be called in for one tonight. By Tony's tone, I didn't get that feeling, hence the confusion. As usual, I entered the conference room early and sat down in my usual spot, waiting for the others to file in. Tony had already seated himself at the head of the table, spinning around in his chair like a child, making me question the topic of this meeting.
Natasha, Bucky, Wanda, Sam and Bruce were next to arrive, followed by Thor, Loki, Rhodey and Clint. Each took their seats, Sam and Bucky on either side of me; Natasha had switched to sit beside Wanda, their hands linked. Silence went on for a few minutes, causing impatience within me.
"What's this about Tony? Why did you call us in for a meeting? Is there trouble?" I asked, the impatience growing more intense.
"Just a minute. We're waiting for Strange," he answered. I crossed my arms over my chest to keep from drumming my fingers on the table. I should have grabbed a pencil and some paper, I thought. A nudge in my side had me turning to face Bucky, who smiled.
"Keira's coming back tonight, isn't she? Do you know what time?" he whispered. I shook my head. She hadn't mentioned what time she'd be back, only that she'd be back today; I now had something to distract me from the growing boredom. After another few minutes went by, Strange arrived and sat down, prompting Tony to begin the meeting.
"New Year's Eve. What are we thinking? Party? How about drinks at our usual bar? Quiet night in?" he said. Really? This is what he called us in for? I thought, releasing a deep sigh.
"Party. Here at the compound. The bar will be crowded as well as anywhere else. We can also avoid people who want to see the Avengers. We can relax here," Sam chimed in. This comment received nods from everyone else.
"Great. It'll be just between those here. It's much too late to get those who are away here in time. Strange, Wong's invited too. Feel free to invite dates or friends you think might want to be here. Now let's discuss themes…" Tony said, going into more details. A vibration in my pocket alerted me to a text from Nat.
'Want me to invite Keira? I have her number. You could finally meet her.' It read. I looked up at her and shook my head. I typed out a message to send back.
'I want to meet her alone. Talk to her by myself. I'll introduce her to everyone during a better time.' As much as I longed to see her, I still wanted it to be in a quiet place. I'd introduce Keira to my friends in time. I had my response to her in mind, but I didn't want to compose it until another time; I wanted to try and wait until it got closer to the 18th. The meeting winded down, plans coming into place and we headed off to bed. I didn't expect Keira and I to meet in just a few days' time.
Keira's POV
My alarm went off and I got up to start tidying up my apartment. I did laundry and vacuumed the floors until they were spotless. I set to taking down the decorations and placing them back in a spare closet where they'd stay until the next year. The laundry had to done in three separate loads, hanging and folding everything as it dried.
I ran out to the grocery store and the ABC store to pick up meals for the week and supplies for later tonight once I got home from the wine bar with my friends. While out I sent a quick text to Natasha about coming out with us and shortly got a reply back.
'Sorry. I can't. I've made other plans. Want to get together later this week? I'll introduce you to my fiancée,' it read.
'Sure. What about Saturday night? I'll be happy to meet them. The more, the merrier I always say,'
'Sounds good. Wanda is going to love you. See you Saturday. Would 8 be okay with you? We can meet at a bar on 6th. Unless you'd rather have a girls' night in?'
'8 is fine. I think a girls' night in would be nice. I'm at the store now. Would you like me to pick up anything while I'm here?'
'No, we can bring our own alcohol and snacks. If there are certain snacks you want, feel free to grab those. Since you're hosting, that is. We're not picky,' I sent back 'ok' as my response, grabbing chips and brownie mix, deciding to add chocolate chips and marshmallows to it. I also threw in ingredients to make a feta garlic dip. Returning home, I unloaded the groceries and proceeded to get ready for my night out.
I showered and wrapped myself in a towel, pulling out the dress I planned on wearing for tonight's festivities. It was a black flapper-like dress and I paired it with a red leather jacket and black heels to complete the ensemble. In fact, it would go with my friends' choices, all of us agreeing to be a little flashy tonight. It was about to be the 2020's after all. It would be fitting to go out with a bang.
I did my makeup a bit dark and smoky that might be enough to capture anyone's attention. If only I'd been brave enough to ask for Steve's number. I could have invited him out with me. He was the only one I wanted the attention from. Grabbing my keys, phone and purse, I exited my apartment taking a cab to the designated meeting place to hang out with my friends.
Thankfully, they were in a cheerful mood and celebrated the night without any insults. We stayed out together for three hours, going our separate ways; I head back to my apartment and celebrated the new year with a glass of champagne, indulging in spicy bloody marys until going to bed. I wouldn't expect running into Steve at my favorite coffee shop.
Steve's POV
Preparations were made for tonight's party. We were having a simple feast; flatbreads, cheese plates and a multitude of dips. Wine would be provided ranging from whites and reds, rosés and champagne also included in the mix. If guests chose to have cocktails or beer, an open bar had all the items needed in order to fill their needs.
I walked in from my usual run to see decorations of black and gold being put up and furniture being arranged to talk to each other. I made to go to my room when Tony asked me for my assistance while I was still in workout clothing. I helped to move couches and chairs, forming a complete circle; it resembled the round table from the legend of King Arthur.
Funny, I never considered us knights. We were heroes, yes, but modern ones. Well, some of us were, Bucky and I both being from a different time; Thor and Loki from a completely different place. We moved the piano from the library in case those of us that played wanted to show off some skills. As everything came together, I was dismissed to get changed into a white, button up shirt and gray trousers. I combed my hair back in a slick back look, meeting my friends in the lounge. Natasha, who was wearing a gold, strapless dress, approached me, champagne flute in hand.
"Keira invited me out tonight. I said no because of the party tonight. For a moment, I thought about giving her your number," she told me.
"You didn't have to say no if you wanted to go out with her tonight. That's way too tempting. I would have dropped everything to go out with her if she asked me. I'm trying to make it to the 18th. It'll be worth it, though I'm still nervous about her reaction," I said, grabbing a beer from the bar.
"You shouldn't be. I believe she'll react well, even if she realizes who you are. My question is why you haven't already gone over to her apartment. I know you're being patient, but you're also longing for her. Why not put an end to that longing?"
"I've wanted to, but I don't think barging in and kissing her is the answer. I think the reward for waiting will be breathtaking. And I still believe meeting in a place that's quiet is ideal," I said.
"I see. You're still a romantic Rogers. It's sweet. You should know we're hanging out Saturday night. Don't give me that look. I can't help it. She's contagious in a good way. I'm getting used to the idea of becoming her friend. I'm bringing Wanda. It might be nice for her to have both of us as a friend,"
"You're unbelievable. But I love you for it. The three of you will be a good match as far as friendships go," She laughed and we continued to talk among our friends, cheering when the new year rang in.
"Here's to new beginnings," Tony said, raising his glass to toast everyone. New beginnings, indeed. My world was about to change, starting tomorrow.
Keira's POV
My alarm blared at me encouraging me to pull my body out of bed. I needed to go out for a run, energizing my mind for the day. I didn't have much to do today and nobody to see. Work wouldn't resume until the next day and I decided to grab coffee and maybe go see a movie or try something new. I could go ice skating, I thought. I was halfway through my run, only a half hour left, and my thoughts went to a chocolate chip muffin and an iced mocha for breakfast. I was determined to grab it after the jog; my favorite coffee shop wasn't too far from my apartment.
Finishing up, I went back to my apartment to grab my wallet, not bothering to change because I'd be going out in the afternoon anyway. New Yorkers didn't care what you looked like as well. It was an easy way, about a mile and the atmosphere gave me motivation to keep coming back.
The place was quieter than your average Starbucks and a little cheaper too. The aroma of it hit you as soon as you walked in; a blend of cinnamon and espresso, which created a nice smell in the building. It had shelves of little trinkets you could buy either to gift to somebody or to decorate your home with.
There was also a small library with books people donated if they needed to. The furniture was vintage leather, dark in color, matched with midnight black tables, gold etching in the surfaces in a brilliant pattern. It was like you were taken back to the past while also being in a modern shop. There was wood paneling, the whorls in the wood making you feel as if you were on a pirate ship.
I'm not sure most people even knew about it, but there were enough people who did so it would stay in business. I walked in and the barista all waved at me; I became a regular, plus some of them were clients of mine. They knew my order by heart and began making it before I reached the counter to pay for it. I didn't know that among all the patrons sitting in the shop, the one person I longed to meet was among them. I didn't know Steve Rogers was here until it happened. As soon as I received my iced mocha, I turned to sit down to wait on the muffin, I collided with someone.
Steve's POV
New Year's Day descended upon us and I still started the day with an early morning run. The route I took had me passing by a small coffee shop, which looked inviting. Normally, I wouldn't have gone in it, settling for the coffee brewed at the compound. Today, I decided to do something new. I kept going, running until my workout came to an end; I returned to the compound and changed into a gray t-shirt, blue jeans, and a black jacket. I slipped on brown loafers, grabbed my wallet and a book, heading out to the coffee shop on my motorcycle.
I needed quiet, a place to put my mind at ease. Read until my heart's content. I entered, preparing for people to come up to me, to meet Captain America, but not one did. Most of the customers were engaged in reading the newspaper, working on their computers or indulging in a book of their own. I think some of the baristas recognized me, but they didn't make a big show of it as I approached the counter.
"What can I get you?" the girl behind one of the registers asked.
"What do you recommend? It's my first time in here," I said.
"We have a dark roast that's popular with our customers. Or there's an iced mocha that has extra chocolate in it. If you're looking for breakfast items, the muffins are our best sellers. If you don't want those, then the croissants are the next most people go for. Some of them come with jam in them of varying fruits. It just depends on what you're in the mood for,"
"I'll take the dark roast, medium-sized and a…banana nut muffin," I said. She rang up my order, asking my name out of policy reasons and I went to sit down at one of the tables. I opened my book and within five minutes my order was ready. While reading, I ate my muffin and sipped on the coffee. I lost track of time and didn't realize the small amount of liquid sitting in the bottom of my cup had turned cold.
I was too engaged in my book that I didn't notice the door to the shop open or the woman who entered it. If I had, I wouldn't know that the woman who came in was the one I'd been writing to for the past several months. I didn't notice the baristas wave to her like they knew her from past visits. I took a sip of my coffee, grimaced at the coldness and got up to purchase a new cup.
I had decided I wanted to stay a little longer instead of returning to the compound and wasting precious time training or being in my room, planning on getting refills for the next couple of hours. I didn't pay attention to where I was going and didn't see a woman turn to go sit down. The result of both of our actions caused us to collide…hard. Hard enough to knock her cup into her body and spill the coffee onto her shirt; mine also opened out onto her, both cups and ice hitting the floor.
I heard her gasp as she took a step back from me. My head snapped open when it happened to see what a mess I caused. She was dressed in a white tank top and olive-green jogger pants, the same shade, which matched her eyes. Her long, light brown hair had been pulled up into a ponytail and none of the liquid had gotten into it.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean…I didn't see you. Let me get some napkins. I'm really sorry. It's all my fault. I should've paid attention to where I was going," I said, frantically grabbing nearby napkins to dry her stained shirt.
"That's alright. No harm done. I'm just glad I ordered iced coffee. It wouldn't have been good if it had been scalding hot," she said, taking the napkins from me. Our fingers brushed and my breath hitched as a shock went through my skin.
"I am sorry. I got both of our coffees on you. And you just ordered it. Your shirt is stained. I apologize. I-,"
"It's fine. Really. I'm not upset about it. I planned on changing anyway. The stains will wash out. No big deal. You can stop apologizing. I guess I should have looked up instead of walking to the tables," she said, placing her hand on my wrist. Her eyes flashed up at me and my mouth went dry. They were familiar, but not really. It made me think of Keira and I had to clear my throat to say something.
"At least let me pay for another coffee for you. I was already going to get another one for myself anyway. What did you order?" I offered. Damn, she's making me nervous. Why do I feel hot all of a sudden? I feel like I know her from somewhere, I thought.
"Sure. Thank you. I had a medium iced mocha," she answered, removing her hand to wipe off her shirt a little more. I felt bad because it now revealed her sports bra from where it had spilled on her.
"Take my jacket. It might cover up the stain," I said, shrugging it off and handing it to her. She took it and slipped it around her shoulders, the size too big but helpful to hide the giant stain.
"Thank you. Not to be weird, but it smells good. Whatever cologne you wear, keep wearing it," she told me, rolling up the sleeves.
"Keira Macpherson," one barista called out. Chills went down my spine. The name, the girl I had been writing to had been called for.
"That's me. I was waiting on that chocolate chip muffin. I'll be waiting over there," she pointed to a table by a window and glanced me. "Hey, are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost," she said, placing a hand on my arm. The same electricity went through my body as she did so.
"I'm fine. Uh, I'll bring it to you. Would you mind if I joined you?" I said.
"I don't mind at all. It's weird. I feel like I know you," she said walking past me. My Keira. The woman I was falling in love with was the one I just spilled coffee on. I purchased another dark roast and another iced mocha for her, walking over to the table where she was seated. My hands were shaking. She noticed, the same olive-green eyes she told me about, appearing concerned.
"Are you sure you're okay?" She asked, taking the mocha from my hand.
"Yeah. Your name is Keira? Keira Macpherson?"
"That's me. Forgive me. I just realized I haven't asked you your name. I'd like to know the person who accidentally spilled coffee onto me. Though, I figured out who you are. I recognize you from the news. You're Captain America. I don't actually know your real name, however," she said, leaning in and whispering the last part. She had a twinkle of amusement in her expression and tone, a hint she was laughing at me.
"My name is Steve Rogers," I noticed her smile falter as she registered the name. I tried not to wince. This wasn't the reaction I wanted. "Nice to meet you," I said, tensing waiting for her to say something.
"You're Steve Rogers? You're the man I've been writing to this entire time? But you're…"
"Captain America. I'm painfully aware of that. It's what I kept from you. I wanted to tell you, believe me, but I-,"
"You were frightened. Of how I'd react. I understand. I know Captain America signed up for the event, but I didn't know Gloria would assign me to you. How interesting," I nodded, waiting for the rest to sink in. I expected her to get excited as all my fans did, to ask me all about the Avengers and what it was like being one. I expected her to get up and shout to the world she was here with Captain America and how she got to write to him. I was afraid she'd turn away from the man behind the mask.
My expectation never came. Instead a smile, small and genuine, stretched across her lips. It was gentle enough to make my heart hammer in my chest, yet powerful enough to put an end to my fear.
"You're my Steve? The man I've been waiting for all these months, for all my life. The one I'm falling in love with," she said. She hesitated to take my hand, but did it anyway, stroking the back of it with her thumb. The tension I'd been holding released, a calmness spread over me as I returned her smiled. This is the reaction I'd been wanting. For her to see me as I am.
"You're not disappointed?" I asked, closing my fingers around hers.
"No, I'm not. I'm happy. Happy to finally meet you. I've wanted to see you for so long. I've wanted to feel your touch as I have it right now," Keira replied.
"I'm glad. If it's no trouble, I'd love to talk to you. Alone. Unless you'd rather stay here. I want to spend the rest of the day with you. Get to know you. And then I'd like to ask if you'd like to go on a date with me. Is there some place we can go to do exactly that?" I said.
"My apartment isn't too far from here. We can go there. Unless you think it's too forward," she answered. I squeezed her hand, watched as a blush colored her cheeks.
"It's perfect," I said. We got up, taking our coffees with us and began the journey to her apartment. We still held hands, talking along the way. In the few short moments it took to get to her home, we had also began a journey into the rest of our future together.
