Keira's POV

I spent the next two weeks working hard, taking in three puppies and watching over them. Their names were Bella, Sam and Aslan; One Australian Shepherd and two labs - one black and one yellow. I missed Steve and spent as much time as possible texting him or calling him. We were both eager to see each other again, but my job kept me from going over to the compound. I didn't think they needed dogs over to halt meetings and training. I also worried I would show up and they wouldn't be there because of a mission. Apparently, I'd been wrong about that when one day Wanda showed up at my door.

"Let's go. Steve's been dying to see you. He's about to drive us crazy with all the training we're doing," she said. She grabbed my purse and coat while taking my wrist in her other hand.

"Wait, I can't leave the dogs. It's my client's rule for this week," I struggled to pull my wrist from her grasp. She eyed them over her shoulder and took the leashes off the hooks. At this all three ran around in circles, waiting for us to take them on a walk.

"Bring them. We've got a huge lawn they can play in. Besides, it'll give us an excuse to take a break from the meetings. I'm officially over working today," she commented.

"Are you sure? Tony won't mind?"

"Of course not. Bring whatever toys they like. We shouldn't be cooped up inside on this beautiful day. Let's have some fun," I smiled and packed a tote bag full of tennis balls and poop bags just in case. I also packed baggies of dog food and water bowls. I hooked up the dogs to their leashes, handing Bella, the Australian Shepherd, to Wanda, Sam and Aslan, I held myself. We exited the apartment and she helped me pile them in her red Range Rover to drive to the compound.

"You know you're welcome to stop by any time you want. Even if you have some furry companions. Is that the only reason you pushed back the dates?" Wanda said, pulling up to the entrance of the compound.

"I didn't think you would want me to interrupt important meetings or training. I don't have the schedule for those things, and I'd be afraid of being an inconvenience. The other problem would be showing up and you would be going on a mission," I told her.

"Steve would text you if we were going on a mission. Sometimes not all of us go on them though. He could stay here while another group went. It depends on what skillsets are needed. You wouldn't be any inconvenience. We'd love to have you around. Have slumber parties. We have training early in the mornings, occasionally around 4 in the afternoon when we don't get a chance to train early or we need to double up on it. Meetings typically take place Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Just so you know weekends are absolutely free," she explained. We got out and opened the back doors to let the dogs out.

"I'll have to remember that for next time. I'm so used to spending time alone, I guess I didn't realize I could come see you guys,"

"What about your other friends? Do you spend time with them? The nurse and the three others," Wanda said.

"I do. They stay busy, though. Our schedules – their schedules – don't sync most of the time. We constantly have to pencil in time to spend with each other. Though, those plans could change as well. The only exceptions are big events, like galas or benefits, and holidays. I thought birthdays too, but they cancelled on mine this year," I explained.

"Hmm. Are you always alone?"

"Not always. My parents come up to visit every now and then. Up until the letters, I stayed home unless I wanted to pick up books and I have to get groceries each week. Now, I'm starting to get to know you guys. But I still don't want to be a burden to anyone," I said. Wanda tilted her head, studying me.

"What? Is there something on my face? My clothes?" I asked.

"No. It's just-,"

"Keira! You're here!" Steve's voice cut her off. He sprinted over to me and lifted me into his arms; Wanda had to take the other two leashes while he spun me around. He put me down to kiss me, turning his attention to the dogs.

"You brought friends. Come on, let's take them out back. There's a pool and everything. I'll tell the others to come down and take the rest of the day off," Steve said.

"Thank me for kidnaping her for the day. Good suggestion. We need a break from work," Wanda chimed in, handing Sam and Aslan back to me. Bella, the Australian Shepherd had taken a liking to her, walking in step with petite woman. Steve draped an arm over my shoulders, thanking her, and brought us through the entrance; we passed by the conference room to get to the back door, which led out to a huge infinity pool and a fenced in yard that seemed to stretch for miles.

Steve disappeared inside while Wanda helped me set up the bowls, filling them with water. I unpacked the food bowls and fed them lunch while Wanda and I talked waiting for Steve to return with the other Avengers.

"Bella likes you. She's super protective of her owner and doesn't really take too kindly to others, except me. And now you," I told her, noting the way Bella had curled up at Wanda's feet when she was done eating. She blushed and reached down to stroke Bella's black and white fur.

"I've always liked animals. I thought that maybe with this power that I wouldn't be good with them anymore. I thought maybe they would fear me,"

"You've got good energy. Even I can sense that about you. Animals can sense the same. You're able to draw them in just like I am," She grinned, coming over to hug me.

"We're all in trouble of falling in love with you. Especially Steve. I think he's falling deeper in love every day. He'll probably marry you by the time this year is over. You're already becoming part of this family," she told me.

"Letter girl. Come here and give me a hug," someone said. We let go to spot Bucky standing outside, his arms outstretched. I indulged him and gave him one of my best.

"Okay. I could get used to this. Are you hungry? We made sandwiches. Only ham and cheese, but we could make something else if you want," he said. He released me as Tony brought out a platter full of sandwiches.

"I don't mind ham and cheese," I said, taking one. Steve came up and pulled me to one of the pool chairs. He sat down, helping me to sit in his lap; he wrapped an arm securely around my waist, leaning back. Water bottles were passed around and we chatted while we ate.

After lunch, I got up and pulled out the tennis balls, luring Bella, Sam and Aslan out to the yard. I threw all of them, watching as they sprinted to get them.

"Damn, you've got an arm on you, Keira. Those went pretty far," Tony said.

"I used to play softball. Not on a high school team. More like a minor team. I managed to get people out on occasion," I said, throwing the balls again as the dogs brought them back.

"Remind me to invite you when we play for charity again. You could help us out," he said. He took the chance to throw a ball when they brought them back to us. We spent the afternoon playing with the dogs, throwing balls and playing tug of war with the other toys I brought, running them until they relaxed by the pool.

"I'm calling in pizza. Keira, you're staying for dinner, right?" Tony said.

"If you don't mind. I wouldn't want to wear out my welcome," I said, hesitating.

"Nonsense. Stay. What kind of pizza do you like?"

"Pepperoni," Tony gave me a thumbs up, placing the order. Steve sidled up next to me, capturing my lips in a kiss.

"Want to go swimming? It's heated so we don't freeze," he suggested.

"I didn't bring a swimsuit. I didn't expect to stay this late. Too busy having fun, I guess,"

"Do you want to swing by your apartment while we wait for the pizza? You can grab what you need. I'd like you to spend the night," he said. He held me close, heat radiating off his body; his hands rubbed my arms creating instant goosebumps. Heat coursed itself through my body at his touch. I found myself nodding and he told everyone we'd be right back. Wanda assured me the dogs would be cared for while we were gone.

Steve and I got on his motorcycle, riding back to my apartment. I let him to pack a bag of clothes, slipping in a swimsuit and pajamas. I put in a couple of blankets for my furry companions and grabbed toiletries and chargers that I needed to spend the night. I met Steve back in the living room to return to the compound. The pizza had arrived when we got back, and I changed into my swimsuit before grabbing a slice.

Everyone wanted to do something different – Tony wanted to back to the lab, Wanda and Nat wanted time alone, the others going to sleep or a hobby – leaving Steve and me alone at the pool. The dogs were out there with us as well, content to lay on the concrete while we swam. At one point, I ended up in his arms, my legs wrapped around his waist. He leaned in to kiss me, my hands snagging in his wet hair. We drifted until my back hit a section of the pool wall. Steve's hands slid up and under my bikini top, his thumbs skimming over my nipples. I gasped, allowing him to slip his tongue inside my mouth.

He pulled on my nipples and kneaded my breasts, eliciting moans from me. He pulled back, both of us breathing hard.

"Is this okay?" he asked.

"It's okay," I answered. He kissed me again, moving from my lips to my neck. My hands slipped under the waistband of his swim trunks to squeeze his ass. I wanted to keep going, to have sex in the pool with him; we were interrupted by a wet nose and a bark from one of the dogs. He sighed, pulling back to let me take them out to use the bathroom. I came back and he draped a towel around my shoulders.

"Let's go up to my room. You can take a shower first," he said. We brought Bella, Sam and Aslan inside with us and set up their beds to sleep on. I went into his bathroom to take a shower to get the chlorine out of my hair. As I cleaned off, my thoughts roamed to what almost happened in the pool.

Steve's POV

In the pool, things got a bit heated between Keira and me. I felt the sexual tension building up between us earlier. I craved her touch and I wanted to be able to touch her. I let instinct take over, making sure to ask her permission to do so. I wasn't sure if we were moving too fast and forced myself to take a step back just in case.

We could've done more in the pool than just touching, but at the sound of a dog barking, we stopped. I wanted the first time to be special and allowed my cravings die down. I changed into sweatpants, leaving my shirt off, while I waited for her to get out of the shower; I laid back to clear my head, starting at the soft touch of Keira's hand on my chest.

"Your turn," she said, tracing a line down to the waistband of my sweatpants. She paused as I inhaled sharply. I swallowed hard when she slid her fingers up again. The featherlight touch had my head spinning. I found it hard to focus, my breath becoming shallow. She drifted those digits over my shoulders and down my arms and back across my chest. She pushed back to where I was lying flat on the duvet, moving to straddle my hips.

"Keira…"

"Shh. Relax," Her fingers moved slowly, tracing over every curve of my chest, my arms. She leaned up to trace my face; I closed my eyes, succumbing to her. I felt her lips cover mine, the press of the towel covering her breasts against my chest. My hands came up to hold her against my body. They slipped around to the front to loosen the towel, which fell over my sides. I moved my hands to her bare back, stroking her soft skin. I didn't dare go any farther than that, restraining myself.

I rolled Keira over, ridding her of the towel, tossing it to the floor.

"I won't do anything you don't want me to alright," I told her. She nodded and I kissed her, tracing over the swells of her breasts. She shivered but made no sign of having me stop. I continued my path, pausing when I reached her pubic mound.

"Should I stop? Or do you want me to keep going?" I asked.

"Keep going. I don't want you to stop," she answered. I used my knee to spread her legs apart, slipping a hand between them to stroke her folds. Keira arched into me, a low moan escaping her lips. She drenched my fingers and I slipped a finger inside her. I pumped in and out slow, adding another finger to play with her.

Her hands gripped my arms, her hips bucking against my palm; she was panting, moaning urging me on. I kept up the pace until her walls clenched around my fingers and she came, calling out my name. I removed them and licked them off, tasting her. I kissed Keira, lifting her to get under the sheets. I held her close, stroking her side.

"I love you," I told her.

"I love you too," she said, burying her head in the crook of my neck. Her steady breathing helped me drift off to sleep

awaiting a new day.

The next morning, I woke to Keira sprawled against my chest, her long hair fanned across her arm. Carefully, I shifted her off me to take a shower. When I came back in, she was sitting up in bed, the duvet wrapped around her.

"Morning," I greeted her.

"Good morning. I woke up and I didn't know where you were. Then I heard the shower running," she said. I leaned over to kiss her. She carded a hand through my hair, tugging me closer. She reached down with her other hand and pulled off my towel around my waist. I moaned as she wrapped her hand around my cock. She stroked it, passing her thumb over the tip. She switched speeds, my cock becoming erect with each stroke. Faster she went until I called out her name and came over the edge.

"You didn't have to do that," I panted.

"I know. I wanted to," she said, kissing me. I slid in beside her, turning her head to face me. We kissed for a while and then her phone rang. She reached over to answer it.

"Hello. Yes, Ms. Hutchins. Of course. I'll see you then. Thanks. Bye," she said. She hung up and kissed me one last time, getting out of the bed.

"Is everything okay?" I asked.

"Yeah, but I've got to go. My client is coming home early. She's meeting me at my apartment at three. I've got to get the dogs back to the apartment," she said.

"It's only noon. You don't have to leave right away,"

"I know. I thought we could grab lunch. Only an hour though. I've got to grab groceries too," she said. She dressed in jeans and a gray tank top, a multi-colored cardigan on top. I nodded and got ready. We took the dogs out for a walk and rode down to a pet friendly café to eat lunch; I got a veggie calzone and Keira got a soup and an Italian panini. I dropped her off at her apartment, helping her get the dogs to her door.

"Can I see you tonight? Dinner?" I asked.

"Sure. Is seven, okay?"

"Seven is perfect. We'll grab steak. Have some wine," I told her. We shared a kiss and I returned to the compound.

Keira's POV

My client, Miss Eliza Hutchins, came home early from a vacation due to food poisoning. She planned on picking up Bella, Sam, and Aslan at three and I had to get them back to the apartment. I didn't want to leave Steve and the Avengers, but I had to do my job. Returning home gave me time to wind down from yesterday and this morning. Steve and I became physical but restrained from having sex. It didn't mean we didn't want to, the sexual tension between us thick with desire. I think we wanted it to be special when we were ready to take that step.

I'd see him again tonight for dinner, a long-awaited date. We didn't imagine we'd be interrupted. Right at three, I heard a knock at the door, alerting me to Ms. Hutchins' arrival.

"Hey, Ms. Hutchins. They're ready to go," I greeted her.

"Eliza, please. Did they have fun? They didn't give you too much trouble did, they?"

"No. Of course not. We had a great time. Lots of play time," I said.

"Great. I'm sorry to have to cut it short. Let me give you extra money since it's three days earlier than agreed upon," she said.

"That's kind of you, but you don't have to,"

"No, I insist. I'll call you again when I need you," she said, writing out 2,000 more than my normal price. She took her dogs home, giving me time to pick up groceries and deposit the check. I got back to get ready for tonight.

At seven, a knock sounded at my door. I opened it to see Steve standing outside in a nice jacket, black pants and a white shirt.

"You look lovely," he told me. He kissed me and cupped the back of my head. I had chosen a simple pink dress paired with black heels.

"Thank you. You look handsome yourself," I told him. His lips curved into a smile as he offered me his arm. He led me out to a blue sedan and drove down to a steakhouse. He had made reservations and we were seated in the back next to the windows that peered out onto the city.

We ordered a bottle of chardonnay and bruschetta as an appetizer while we decided on what we wanted an entrée. I decided on a filet and Steve picked a New York strip. We both got a potato, but I wanted asparagus instead of broccoli like Steve. We held hands and talked while waiting on our food.

"Has Wanda and Natasha decided on a date yet?" I asked.

"Not yet. I have a feeling it'll be a fall wedding. Wanda loves the leaves changing colors. You know, I wouldn't past them if they ask you to be the maid of honor," he answered. I choked on my wine.

"Really? I wouldn't trust myself to be able to plan an exciting bachelorette party. They don't know me well enough. What if I mess it up?" Steve smiled, rubbing his thumb over my hand.

"They already love you. They're excited for girls' night next month. They know you enough to trust you with it. If the wedding is in fall, you might be closer than you think. Would you say no if they asked?"

"No. I wouldn't. I just worry that I couldn't come up with something really intriguing," I said.

"You'll do fine. I think they would be fine with what you decide to do. I have another question for you," he said.

"What is it?"

"If given the opportunity, would you move in with me? Or would you prefer I move in with you? I'm not rushing anything, but I'm curious about your answer,"

Ah, that question, I thought. I'd already thought about it, even though we had been dating for a few weeks. Call me crazy, but I felt complete with Steve. Like I could settle down with him, if he asked me.

"I could move in with you. Though, I'd want to move out of the compound at some point. Build a cabin somewhere. Not too far away. I wouldn't want to take you away from your family," I answered. He opened his mouth to comment, the ringing of a phone stopping him. He mouthed 'sorry' and slipped his phone out of his pocket, answering it.

"Hey. Slow down. What happened?" I watched as his brows furrowed in anger. "Are you sure? I'm on a date with Keira. Okay. Stark, I said okay. I know. I'll be there shortly," he said. He sighed, hanging up.

"You've got to go, don't you? The world needs saving," I said. He nodded, meeting my eyes.

"I'm sorry. I wanted to continue our date," he said.

"It's okay. I understand. Go. I'll be waiting for you when you get back," I told him, squeezing his hand.

"I'll take you home. The mission will take a week to complete. Dinner next Saturday?" he stated.

"Yes. I'll cook for you this time," Steve got up and took my hand; we paid and left the restaurant. He drove me home, kissing me good night.

"I love you," he said.

"I love you too. Be safe. Come back to me," I told him. Then he was gone.

1 Week Later

Late Friday night, I was startled awake by knocking on my door. I threw on my robe and answered it, thinking something terrible had occurred. Steve stood outside, still in his combat suit. He smelled of smoke and looked as if he'd been buried in rubble; there were cuts and bruises marking his skin.

"Steve. Did you just get back?" I greeted him. He nodded and pulled me flush against his body. He kissed me hungrily and walked us into the apartment. He kicked the door closed, pausing to lock it. He took off my robe and lifted me on his hips to cover my mouth with his. I pushed the cap off his head, my hands gripping his hair. He carried me to the bedroom, laying me on my back.

He removed his suit, leaving him in only an athletic shirt and boxers. I pulled the t-shirt off him, running my hands over his chest, circling to his back. I felt his muscles, rippling as he lay over me.

"I've missed you, Keira," he told me. He kissed me, tracing every inch of my body with his hands. He dipped one hand into the waistband of my pajama pants and rubbed my clit through my underwear. I let out a moan and he pulled both off me, stroking my folds, inserting two fingers inside me. His other hand slipped under my tank top to pull my nipples. He worked me until I came crying out his name.

"I need a shower. Join me," he said, pulling me up. We waited until the water got hot, getting in. We didn't go past touching each other and kissing, the tension releasing from his muscles. I lathered him up and cleansed his body of all the dirt and debris from his mission. We dried off and climbed in bed, his head on my chest while I stroked his hair. Within minutes he was asleep, and I let myself drift off with him.

I woke first and noticed 1. I had somehow ended up on top of Steve and 2. We were holding hands. I released his to glide mine over his features. It stirred him and he opened his eyes to meet my gaze.

"Good morning, Steve," I greeted him.

"Good morning. What time is it?" I glanced at my phone to check.

"11. Want brunch?" I answered.

"That sounds great. What do you want?" he said. He made to get out of bed, but I kept him from moving.

"Leave it to me. How about pancakes, eggs and bacon?" I said.

"My mouth is watering thinking about it,"

"Stay here. We'll have brunch in bed," I said, sliding off him. I found my discarded clothes from last night and dressed, setting out for my task. I fired up the coffee and got to work on making the food, bringing it to him when I was done. We ate and spent most of the afternoon in bed cuddling or making out.

"I'm still staying for dinner. Hopefully, there won't be any interruptions this time," Steve said, linking a hand with mine. He kissed it, before kissing my lips. We could only hope as right when he said it, his phone pinged.

"Nothing to worry about. Only Natasha checking in," he said. He texted back and pulled me against his chest, stroking my hair. He was quiet, like something was bothering him.

"Do you want to talk about it?" I asked. He shook his head and kissed the top of my head. I didn't push, only enjoying his touch. After a few moments, he spoke.

"The enemy hit us with a powder that caused hallucinations. They were different for everyone. Wanda saw herself losing control and killing everyone. Tony saw only blood and dust, as if the world had been completely destroyed. Natasha saw the Red Room again, only she had to be forced to kill Wanda. For me, it was you…dead," his voice broke and he held me tighter. "It was my fault. I dodged a bullet, but it hit you. You died in my arms," he said.

"Steve…"

"I can't lose you, Keira. It would kill me if you died. I felt empty when I thought the life had drained from your body. We only escaped when Strange intervened and drenched everything in water. The powder dissolved instantly. He told us he would take care of everything else. I had to come see you. To see if you were okay," he continued. I turned to face him and saw he was crying.

"Hey. It's okay. I'm right here. I'm fine. You haven't lost me. You won't lose me. I promise," I said. I did my best to comfort him, letting him hold me as long as it took for him to calm down.

"I love you. I need you to know that. I'm in love with you and I want my life with you in it. I want to be with only you," he told me.

"I love you too. I want you. For eternity," Steve kissed me, releasing me so I could fix dinner. I went with chicken paprikash, lighting up Steve's taste buds.

"Wanda is going to want some of that. It's delicious," he told me.

"I'll be sure to pack her some up. If you think this is delicious, wait until you see what's for dessert," I said. I planned to make a lava cake, having the chocolate in the middle pool out. At that, my phone rang. I glanced at it to see it was Jana.

"Hey, can I call you-,"

"I need you to come down to the banquet at the hospital. We're getting a huge award. The rest of the girls are here. Maybe you can meet someone," She cut me off.

"Jana, I'm busy. I can't," I said.

"Come on, please. What are you doing? There are plenty of hot men down here. Please, come. For me," she begged.

"I'm on a date right now. I'm not interested in meeting anyone else,"

"You're on a date? Bring him then. Please, please, please,"

"I-," I looked over at Steve who was waving at me. He mouthed 'Let's go' at me.

"Okay. We're coming. You're still at New York Hospital, right?" Jana confirmed it, squealing when I said I'd come. I hung up and we cleaned our plates and I changed into a silky purple dress and silver heels. We stopped by the compound along the way so Steve could drop off his uniform and change into something more formal. I gave Wanda and Natasha some affection while I waited, both women leaning on my shoulders. Steve came down and we left to go to the banquet.

"Jana works at the same hospital Strange used to?" Steve asked, pulling into a parking spot.

"Yeah. I guess it's getting the award for the best hospital in New York. Oh, by the way, Jana's the same one that flirted with you at the benefit before Christmas," I told him.

"Think she'll try it again tonight?"

"She doesn't know you're dating me, so yes. I think she might," I answered. He led me inside the hospital, and we asked where the banquet was being held. We took the elevator to the seventh floor where a large conference room had music blaring from it. I told the guard my name and he let us in. I texted Jana we had arrived and a few minutes later, she found us; she gave me a huge hug, focusing on Steve next.

"I remember you, cutie. Change your mind about taking me home?" she greeted him, sliding her hand against his arm. A twinge of jealousy surged through me, but I pushed it away, trusting Steve.

"Actually, Jana…"

"Where's your date? I thought you said you were bringing him," she stated.

"I did," I said. I motioned to Steve right as Charlotte and Lena walked up to us.

"What? You don't mean…Captain America is your date?" Jana asked, removing her hand.

"Steve Rogers. I'm actually Keira's boyfriend. She's told me all about you. Jana, Charlotte, and Lena, right?" Steve said. All three girls' jaws dropped open.

"You're dating Captain America? An Avenger?" Charlotte managed to say.

"Yes, Steve and I are dating. Have been for a couple of weeks now," I answered. He draped an arm over my shoulders, a smile curving his lips.

"How? Where did you meet? What circles are you in where you know an Avenger?" Lena asked.

"Pen pal event," we said at the same time.

"You…but I thought…oh my god…" Jana stumbled, trying to find the right words.

"Great banquet. I wonder if Tony is here. He likes to celebrate awards like these," Steve said. Sure enough, we spotted Tony by the makeshift bar, holding hands with a blonde woman I didn't recognize.

"I believe that Stephen Strange is here too. He used to work here. I doubt he'd miss an award for it," Jana said. They were still in shock and I managed to stifle a giggle.

"Wonderful. Another Avenger I'd like you to meet. Excuse us," Steve said. He pulled us through the crowd, leaving my friends staring at us. We stopped in front of a table where a tall man with black hair with silver streaks in it stood. He also had a beard that resembled Tony's.

"Strange. Did everything go okay at the end?" Steve greeted him.

"Captain Rogers. Yes, I took care of everything. What brings you here? Who's your lovely friend?" he said. His blue eyes shined like crystals.

"Keira MacPherson. She's my girlfriend. She has a friend who works here, and she invited us to come join the banquet. Keira, this is Dr. Stephen Strange. The wizard I was telling you about," Steve answered him.

"Master of the Mystic Arts is the real title. So, you're the girl from the letters. Tony may have mentioned you. It's a pleasure," Stephen said.

"Nice to meet you," I said. We were soon joined by Tony and he introduced me to his wife, Pepper Potts. My friends found us again and we spent the rest of the night dancing or talking to each other. The banquet lasted until midnight, Steve returning with me to my apartment to spend the night. We climbed in bed and curled up in each other's arms; our bond had grown two-fold and I desired to be his forevermore.