Natasha closed the door of her apartment and glided to her couch, sinking into the cushions and letting out a contented sigh. She was euphoric and relaxed, a natural consequence of the released tension. Her mind was flooded with the memory, the sensation of their last session causing a slight smile to play across her lips. The taste of him, the scent of his cologne, the feel of his hands and body weight against her.
He was so dominant, so in control which was not like his usual self. It was the right amount of everything. Not so forceful that she was an unwilling participant, not so rough as to take away enjoyment, not so lustful that they went too far and regretted it.
He is really progressing on the physical front. So, what to teach him next? Physically well we will have to start getting more sexual and naked. I don't want to push him further. He isn't the kind of guy that can separate physical love and emotional love and that is a complication I am not willing to get entangled in, not matter how good it will feel in the moment.
So, dating side. I wonder what kind of girl he would be interested in? Hmmm... that would be a good place for our next lesson.
Natasha stretched out on the sofa letting her mind drift to what the right kind of girl for Steve Rogers would be and how to help him figure it out.
Steve lay back on his bed, content, relaxed and happy. For the first time in a long time he didn't feel the pressure of the world on him, the dull ache in his heart and that he was alone and out of place in the world. He drifted off to an easy sleep, the first since before he had undergone the experiment. The next morning he awoke more refreshed and rested than he had felt in a long time, the tension in his muscles eased and his head clear.
He headed into the shower enjoying the feel of the hot water, relaxing and comforting. After towelling off he checked his phone and saw he had a message from Natasha.
Breakfast? I'll pick you up at 9:00.
He quickly replied "Sure".
Steve stopped himself from adding "Looking forward to it.". Natasha would not appreciate it and it seemed not quite like himself.
Natasha Romanoff, what are you doing to me? He thought to himself.
An hour later Steve was dressed, ready and waiting for her on his couch, watching one of the movies that Natasha left behind. This one had a scene that was getting a little bit steamy when he heard Natasha's knock. Steve quickly turned off the TV and went to answer the door.
Natasha was there in jeans, a tight red top and black jacket. He long red hair was loose and falling around her shoulders. She looked great.
"Hey Cap."
"Hello Romanoff." Steve could feel the start of a blush sweep over his cheeks. He was nervous, anxious, elated. It was a long time since he had felt this way.
"You ready?" She asked.
"Yeah. So where are you taking me?" Steve enquired.
"For a long breakfast. It would be a good setting for your next lesson."
Steve raised his eyebrow. "What kind of lesson can I learn over breakfast?"
"You'll see." She smiled.
25 minutes later they were seated and had finished placing their orders when Natasha asked Steve a few very pointed questions.
"Describe your ideal woman." Natasha ordered.
"Ummm... I mean I hadn't really... is this the right place to do this?" Steve stuttered.
"Cap, I'm asking for an idea of what you are looking for, so I can give you advice." She explained.
"Well... I..." Steve hesitated.
"Hmm. I guess you need some help with this too. Is she outgoing and talkative or more reserved and shy?"
"Outgoing. Or more accurately she speaks her mind. She isn't shy about that." Steve answered immediately.
"Ok, good. Is she more a thinker and planner or an impulsive doer?"
"Thinker and doer. She can take action when necessary, but it isn't reckless."
"Serious or good sense of humor?"
"Serious."
"Girly or more of a tom boy?"
"Girly."
"Interesting combination, Rogers. I'd have you pegged as liking a more quiet, thoughtful kind of girl."
"Good to see I can still surprise you." Steve grinned.
"You surprise me all the time. Normally with what you don't know." Natasha teased.
He gave her a reproachful look and slight frown.
"Well Steve it's time we got to the core of what you are learning today. The different kinds of women out there."
"Different kinds? Do you mean like race or ...?"
"No, Cap. I mean more like behaviour or personality types. From my experience people fall into one of many categories."
"Your experience? I thought you didn't date in your line of work?" Steve questioned, puzzled.
"I don't date but I am trained on neurolinguistic programming and psychological profiling. It makes gathering intel or infiltrating social gatherings easier." Natasha retorted.
"Ok... so there are different types of women?"
The waitress set down their breakfast plates and smiled at them. Her eyes widened with surprise and recognition as they met Steves. She stood there her mouth agape for a good 15 seconds after putting their plates down.
"Thank you." Natasha said pointedly.
The waitress barely noticed, her gaze lingering on Steve.
"Thanks." He said.
"No problem, Captain Steve! I mean Mr. America! No... shoot."
"It's ok. We'll call you if we need anything." Steve replied kindly.
The waitress nodded and scurried off.
"Well that is a perfect example of one of the types. Fame seekers." Natasha noted, helping herself to some eggs.
"Fame seekers?"
"Well you are Captain America, hero solider, savoir of New York, Cosmos Bachelor of the Year. Some women out there want you for all that." Natasha pointed out.
"And that's a bad thing?"
"If you are looking at a long-term romantic partner then yes. If you want to end up as tabloid fodder like Stark, then no." Natasha specified "They just want to the status of having dated or slept with you. A romantic, long term relationship is something they have no interest in."
"Oh." Mumbled Steve. "So, what other types are there?"
"The desperate. Wants a boyfriend or husband so bad they don't care who it is. Comes on too strong, too fast. What the desperate and the fame seekers have in common is they don't care about you." Natasha continued.
"But they must care something about me if they want to date me." Steve disagreed.
"Perhaps I should explain more clearly. Who you are as a person, your personality, hopes, dreams, likes and dislikes don't matter to these two types. It isn't important to them. You the person isn't important. Only you the dream version or fantasy they have of you is what they care about."
"Oh." Steve frowned. "It sounds like you speak from personal experience on this one."
"I'm a spy, Rogers. And I have been trained in lies and secrecy since I was a child. Not even I know who the real me is anymore. All that exists about me is fantasy." She sighed.
"That isn't true, Natasha. You are a wonderful, complicated woman." Steve spoke, his voice soft, eyes staring into hers.
"What makes you think I'm not just showing you that? That the person you see is who I am and not an illusion to draw you in?" Natasha purred.
"Because a fantasy woman wouldn't be as annoying or infuriating as you can be." Steve quipped.
"Cap!" Natasha scolded, hitting his arm lightly.
Steve smiled at her and reluctantly, after a few seconds, she smiled back.
"So... the fame seekers, the desperate and...?" Steve prompted.
"Hmmm... The not wife or girlfriend material."
"What?"
"These kinds of women aren't right for you or anyone really. Maybe they have commitment issues, are unreliable or untrustworthy or they just see you as a friend. The point is there is something fundamentally wrong with them for a long-term kind of relationship. They aren't worth wasting your time on a relationship you know will go nowhere."
"So how do I tell if someone is one of them?"
"It might take a while, or it might be obvious from the start. You talk to them, try to figure them out. They can't hide the truth for too long. They'll do something that will hurt you or let you down and prove they weren't ever right for you."
"Seems risky though. From what you've said they can be charming and interesting and even be a girlfriend or wife before you find out. Can they ever change?"
"No. Only time and therapy can fix them. And even then, it is only if they really want to, not because they are forced to or are only doing it to keep you. It isn't worth waiting around and hoping they can be who you want or need them to be. It's better to cut your losses and find someone else."
"Seems a bit harsh."
"Cap there are over 6 billion people on the planet. I'm pretty sure you can find someone else who you'll be compatible with without the drama."
"But you aren't certain." Steve objected.
"Trust me, Cap. They aren't worth the pain, time or energy. It ends in heartbreak you had seen coming from early on. Shall we move on to the last two types?"
"I guess."
"The last two are very close. The ok... but and the right one."
"Ok but?"
"You date them, and they seem like a good person, like a great match. But there is just something off. Maybe they don't share your core beliefs. Maybe you can't see yourself proposing to them. Maybe there was never that spark to begin with. This person is ok but if you stay with them then you'll be settling. They aren't bad, but they don't make you feel like this is it. This is what love is supposed to be."
"But don't all relationships go through ups and downs?"
"They do." Natasha acknowledged. "But with this person you stay with them out of fear, loneliness, convenience, habit. You care for them, love them or have loved them. But this isn't a down... It's just..."
"I think I understand. So, Romanoff, how do I find the right one?"
"The right kind of woman might have nothing to do with your interests, your personality or "usual" type. She is someone who when you're near her she makes you feel calm, happy and like you've come home. She does little things for you because she cares. You share core beliefs; the same life goals and she sees you. Not who she wants you to be or the shield. You as the person you really are and accepts it. And you do all the same things for her."
"It's a pretty impressive list."
"It is. It's the most important part of a real relationship. Not that I would know too much about it." Natasha added.
"Then how do you know to tell me?" Steve queried
"Because I've been through all the others to know what real love and relationships shouldn't be like. And I've seen what they could be. "
"You've seen what it could be?"
"Yeah." Natasha smiled enigmatically.
"With you or with someone we know or...?"
"A girl can't give away her secrets, Cap. That concludes our lesson for today."
"It's a lot to take in."
"Then let's make it simple. The right girl will want to be in a relationship and get to know the real you. She will share your core beliefs, make you want to be a better person."
"Now that is something I can work with. Do I have any homework?"
"Yes. Two things. I want you to think about the right kind of girl for you. Her personality, her interests, what she believes in and how you two would work together. And secondly I want you to plan a date."
"A date? Who for?"
"Me, Cap. But I want you to pretend like I am the right one you've figured out and a stranger. How would you impress me?"
"Well... I'm not sure. Dinner and probably something else? Like a movie or seeing a fight?"
"Remember Cap, you have to pretend you don't know me. Like it's a first date. You don't know that I like rom-com movies or the UFC. You need to plan a date where we can get to know each other."
"Oh... so the theatre maybe? And still dinner. Would it need to be candle lit or? "
"Stand down, Cap. You don't have to have it ready right now. I'll give you a week to ask me out on the date and the date should be no less than 2 days in advance and no more than 7 for a girl you really want to win over."
"Well... I wasn't expecting this."
"I like to keep you on your toes. Besides I think we need to work on the other aspects of dating. We've been neglecting them lately."
Steves cheeks went red as he recalled their previous lesson and he nodded in silent agreement. Natasha was right. He wouldn't be ready to date if all he didn't utilize all her knowledge.
Natasha rose to leave, stopping by the cashier to pay for their food. She was not surprised to see the waitress look displeased and a phone number scribbled onto the receipt.