After a bit of convincing on Mary's part, they caught another cab and made a stop at a local market for a change of clothes. They aimed for touristy looking clothing to help them blend into the population. Mary couldn't wait to see Steve Rogers in a patterned button-down pineapple shirt. While Steve paid, Mary googled an adult only resort; children were more likely to recognize Captain America than adults who were loose and incoherent from fancy, alcoholic beverages.

"I'm still not a hundred percent comfortable with this." Steve says, as he leans his forearm onto the counter to face her. "I should be looking for Bucky if he's still out there. I can't let Hydra get to him first."

"You need to lighten up Cap. You deserve to take a break." His eyebrows start to furrow as she continues, "We will find him Steve. I made a promise to you and I intend to keep it. We'll find Bucky before Hydra. But we're not going to find him if we're burnt out, with no help, no equipment and no communication from our allies."

"You're right." he says, letting out a sigh.

"Look I found one. It has a private beach, not too big and adults only." She turns her phone to show him and he nods. Mary still senses his resistance. "Ok seriously one night. Maybe two. You were frozen for over 60 years and I laid in a bed, half dead for 50 some years. We're doing this. If not for you, then for me. Ok?" She's breathless and tired and doesn't want to fight him on this, but they've given so much to the world, they deserve a night.

"Ok, ok. I surrender." he lifts his hands up in a mock surrender and his voice sounds lighter and he allows himself to smile at her.

"Thank you." Mary replies, playfully punching his arm. She suddenly becomes very aware of how close they're standing and the realization of spending a night in a fancy resort in Mexico with him settles over the space. "Let's go." she says and peels her eyes from his and leads the way out the door to call a cab.

"Alright Mr. and Mrs. Smith, welcome to Barcelo Karmina. We have you staying for two nights in our deluxe suite, all expenses paid. Is there anything else we can help you with?"

"No, that's great. Thank you so much." Mary replies.

"Then here are your room cards and enjoy your honeymoon."

"We will!" Mary plays up the gushing newlywed part, clutching Steve's arm with a girlish giggle and they make their way out of the lobby. Once out of sight, she lets go of his arm, but keeps their bodies close.

"Well done." Steve says, as he leans into her. "I'm impressed you managed to get an upgrade."

"Why not?" she shrugs. "All part of the act, right."

"Right"

"Here's our room. 214." They walk into a large room, with a view of the ocean and private beach that sits in front of it. There's a large bathroom with double sinks and a Jacuzzi bathtub. The living room space has two couches, a coffee table and TV. In the bedroom is a large king sized bed, adorned with flowers, chocolates and champagne.

"Well, what do you want to do first?" Steve asks her.

"Hmm...I think I'm going to find a book in the gift shop and enjoy the beach for a bit. Going to join me?"

"Maybe in a bit. I'm going to wander around and I'll find you."

"You're not serious?"

"What?"

"You're going to canvas the resort! I know how you work, because it's how I think. When we first got here, I looked for possible exits that would get us out of here the fastest. But I mean it, we're taking this "vacation" seriously." She finger quotes the word vacation as she blasts him. "Just take a break Steve."

"Right. You're right. I'll go find something to eat" Mary narrows her eyes at him. "I promise. Any requests?"

"I want a big bowl of nachos please."

He chuckles under his breath, dipping his head, "Alright, I'll come find you in a bit."

Mary gives him a slight smile and disappears into the bathroom as he leaves the room.

Steve doesn't know how to flirt, he's used to Natasha's flirty banter and women coming onto him, but this is different. He wants to spend this time with Mary, getting to know her better, but a part of him feels like he's betraying his friend and his country. He makes his way to the lunch nook, he can't help but look around to pinpoint any threats; Mary doesn't have to know he kept his eyes open the short walk across the resort. He gets Mary a bowl of chips and accepts the warm, cheese sauce they hand him with it and for himself he grabs a large bowl of salad with grilled chicken. He's used to base food, where everything is carb loaded and bland in flavor. There are so many options to choose from, he doesn't know how to decide on something beyond a simple meal.

He makes his way to the beach, walking along the sand trying to find Mary, when he hears someone call his name behind him. He turns to see a woman in a black two piece bathing suit, her long dark hair fanned out around the back of the lounge chair she lays in, her legs stretched out. He realizes it's Mary, her book beside her and gesturing for him to come sit on a chair next to her. Steve is surprised at the woman in front of him, he didn't recognize her when he walked down the aisle of chairs; her hair is down for the first time since he saw her lying in the hospital bed. Simply put, she's beautiful. Her body is taut with muscles, her pale skin highlighting every sharp edge of her body. She's wearing a big smile that lights up her face and it makes Steve feel glad that he finally agreed to do this. He would do anything to see her smile like that again.

"Hi" He finally gets out.

"Hello" she replies back, laughing merrily. "Oo nachos!" Steve smiles, handing her the bowl and settling into his chair, trying and failing to keep his eyes off her.

"What?" she says, between bites of chips.

"Nothing." he pauses not sure if he should proceed, but she tilts her head, her hair falling into her face, "You look happy. You look-really happy."

"Yeah. I feel happy. And you look...more relaxed." She teases crunching on her nachos and reaching for her book. Steve smiles, actually feeling relaxed like she says and he lets his eyes close and for the first time in a long time he sleeps; a deep restful sleep on a lounge chair in a fancy resort in Mexico.

To Be Continued...Keep reading to see Steve and Mary's relationship develop. Obviously not canon, and it's really hard to write Steve's character, but he's my favorite and I am loving writing this story. Thank you for reading!