Surprise! A new chapter!

More Steve and Maria, getting to get out on an actual date!

I so appreciate the reviews.

Qweb: You are very welcome. And thank you so much for the review.

iammarvelgirl: Thank you. I am thankful for those such as your grandfather who served and hope the respect showed in this tale. I know you still miss him.

Lattelady: Thank you. Glad you enjoyed Tony's apology. I felt the issue between them needed to be resolved and hoped that it would come across believably.

kali rogers: Thank you so much for your kind words. Unfortunately, we do experience some of the same things you mentioned about your country (the excuse to party, the sports and money), but I find myself moved to tears by the Flag and the patriotic music.

Now, on with the tale.

Stroll 8

"Did I do something wrong?" Steve asked, approaching Maria outside her office.

Looking confused, she motioned him inside, took his hand and led him over to the sofa.

"Why do you ask?"

He sat down, pulling her onto his lap and wrapped his arms around her. When she rested her head on his shoulder, he turned his head and settled his chin on the top of her head.

"I've missed you," he explained.

She sighed, turning her head to kiss his neck. "Me, too," she admitted, snuggling close. "I'm sorry that things have been so busy these last few weeks. We haven't had much time together, have we?"

"It's not just that," he told her. "I understand that things have been busy. Even when we do see each other, passing in the corridor or whatever, you barely even acknowledge me. Are you having second thoughts again? Did someone say something else?"

She sat up, taking his face between her hands and gazing into his eyes. "No, Steve. No doubts, no second thoughts." A gentle kiss affirmed her statement. "I'm sorry to have made you think that."

Biting her bottom lip, she continued. "I'm sorry that I seem a little cold sometimes. It's just what I feel I have to do to maintain authority around here." She held his gaze, willing him to understand. "Because I'm a woman, I've had to be even stronger and tougher than the men to be accepted and respected, feared maybe. Anything that could possibly be seen as a sign of weakness or vulnerability could undermine what I've worked so hard to accomplish here."

He nodded understanding. "And holding hands, kissing, or even smiling could be seen as weakness or vulnerability."

"Unfortunately, yes," she agreed. She suddenly smiled. "But I can usually manage to sneak in a quick snog if we can manage to find ourselves alone."

He smiled back, taking her up on her offer by claiming her lips, finding her warm and compliant. After several minutes, he pulled back and sighed.

Her index finger traced his full lower lip. "Do you have plans for the rest of the day?" she asked.

He shook his head. "I put a couple of groups through their paces this morning, but the rest of my day is all clear."

"So, do you want to spend it with me?"

"Best offer I've had since they pulled me out of the ice," he told her.

"Great," she said, sliding off his lap. "Let me finish up a couple of things and clear it with the boss."

"Did you have anything in particular in mind?" he asked her.

"Just with you and away from here," she responded.

He considered for a moment. "Dinner and a movie in New York?"

The SHIELD base was far enough outside the city proper to offer a bit of privacy for their operations, but close enough that those stationed there could avail themselves of it's attractions without too great a difficulty.

"Sounds like a plan," she agreed. "I shouldn't be too long. I'll let you know."

"Car or bike?" he asked as he headed towards the office door.

"Bike," she answered quickly. "It's been a long time since we rode."

"It's getting a little cool," he reminded her.

"Don't worry. I'll keep you warm," she teased.

He waggled his eyebrows. "You certainly do."

About an hour later, she presented herself in Nick's office. After updating him on her current projects, he sat back and glanced at the reports she had sent him, then looked up at her.

"You've certainly been busy, Hill."

"Feeling motivated, sir," she told him. At his questioning look, she expanded. "Plans."

He watched for a moment as she struggled to keep a smile from her face. Finally, she surrendered, the grin lighting up her whole face.

"So, I can assume that you and a certain captain will both be out of pocket for the night? Heading into the city?" he asked.

"We should be back sometime late tonight," she corrected, "but, yes."

"Good. You both need to get away from here for a while from time to time. And we'll contact you if anything major comes up," he told her.

"I have no doubt of that," she answered, rising to leave.

"And you don't necessarily need to be back tonight, but you probably want to before midday tomorrow. They're saying we're in for a major storm and to expect some major rain to start in then."

She smiled and shook her head. "Yes, dad."

"And don't forget to fill the hummer up with gas," he teased.

Exiting the office, she fired off a quick text to Steve, letting him know she would meet him in the garage as soon as she changed. In her quarters, she quickly stripped off her uniform, replacing it with a pair of nice jeans and a thick cable knit sweater in a rich shade of burgundy. She brushed her hair, then replaced the ponytailer, dusted a bit of blush on her cheeks, and dotted a bit of color on her lips. Satisfied with the image in the mirror, she grabbed up the jacket and gloves he had gotten for her and made her way to the area of the motor pool where personnel kept their private vehicles.

Steve was waiting for her, his own jacket zipped, a helmet in each hand. He smiled broadly when he saw her and leaned towards her, his eyes asking permission to kiss her. She nodded, meeting him halfway for a quick peck on the lips.

"Ready to go?" he asked.

In response, she reached for her helmet, strapping it on as she climbed onto the bike.

"Guess that's a 'yes'" he laughed, mirroring her actions. When he was settled, she wrapped her arms tightly around his waist and he fired up the motorcycle, pulling out of the garage and heading for the main road.

Though both helmets were equipped with microphones and earpieces to enable communication, the ride was mostly silent as they simply enjoyed the passing scenery and the presence of the other. Occasionally, Steve would take one hand off the handlebar to briefly pat her hand or knee.

Or to relocate her hand when she allowed it to wander too far south.

They finally arrived in the parking lot of an old fashioned diner that Steve had discovered while exploring the city. Inside, the place was neat and clean and had probably changed little since the place had opened back in the 40's. The waitress who greeted them at the door could have also been there since the place opened, though her lined face and snow white hair contrasted to her sharp, sparkling eyes and energetic step.

"Steve!" she greeted the captain, patting his cheek and smiling broadly. "Welcome back. And with a young lady." She turned to look at Maria, scrutinizing her carefully, then finally nodding as she led them to their table and handed them menus. When Maria ordered a bacon cheeseburger with chili-cheese fries, the woman broke out in a huge grin and slapped Steve on the shoulder.

"Couldn't see you with one of those girlies who comes in and orders rabbit food," she told him.

"Not in a place that smells like this," Maria answered, taking a deep whiff of the mixture of coffee, meat, grilled things, and a dash of cinnamon. "Apple pie?" she asked with a raised brow.

"Elise makes the best," Steve told her.

"I'll put a couple of pieces aside for you," the woman told him, glowing with pleasure as she left to deliver their orders to the cook.

While they waited, they discussed plans for the remainder of the day, finally settling on a movie, then some bowling. When the meal was delivered they dug in, both sighing with pleasure.

"So," Maria asked. "How did Katya go over at the tower?"

When Natasha had returned from a recent mission in eastern Europe, she had been followed off the plane by a large black and tan rottweiler. She claimed that the dog had saved her life when an enemy soldier had surprised her and now she was returning the favor.

The animal was slightly malnourished and showed some signs of past abuse, but she was utterly devoted to the red-headed assassin and extremely protective of her. In fact, Clint's welcome back had almost gotten his throat ripped out before Nat had convinced her that he was in fact a friend.

After a clean bill of health from the SHIELD veterinarians, Natasha had named her and decided to take her back to Avenger's Tower. The fact that everyone knew it would totally annoy Tony Stark was just icing on the cake.

"She's making life there interesting," he told her with a laugh. "Stark tried to kick her out, but Miss Potts reminded him that they had told us all that we were to make ourselves at home there. They've fixed a special doggy door keyed to her collar so that she can go in and out of Agent Romanoff's quarters whenever she likes. Miss Potts set up an area for her on one of the other floors for her to play and exercise and where they can make sure she's taken care of when Nat and Clint are out of pocket."

"She's getting along with Clint now?" Maria asked, remembering how he had frozen when the dog had growled at him at their first meeting.

"She seems to have accepted that he's going to be where Nat is most of the time. She's even gotten to the point where she doesn't growl at most of us anymore when we're in the same room with Natasha. She watches us closely, but doesn't growl."

"Most of you?"

He grinned. "She still has to growl at Stark when he walks in."

Maria laughed. "Smart girl."

"Of course, then he started talking about getting an dog of his own. Miss Potts came home one day with a little brown dachshund she calls Brody, but Stark says that's not a real dog. I figure he'll be bringing in something before long."

"Sounds like it's turning into pet central."

"Dr. Banner had a fish tank installed on his floor. Says they're relaxing. Thor hasn't expressed any interest in a pet yet. Do they even have pets on Asgard?"

"I'm not sure I want to know," she responded. "And what about you?"

He smiled at her shyly. "I always wanted a dog when I was a kid, but mom could barely keep food on the table for us, much less feed a dog. We played with the strays on the street some, but then there was my asthma to worry about with that."

"And now that you can afford it and don't have to deal with the asthma anymore?"

He shrugged. "I've thought about it. Katya and Brody seem to get along alright, so it would probably be okay to bring another dog into the mix, but I'm not sure it would be fair with the kind of hours I'm away either on jobs or at the base."

She nodded in agreement. "But if I do, would you go down to the shelter with me to pick it out?" he asked.

Maria froze. That seemed like a big step. Finally, she nodded. "Sure."

They finished their meal and pie that was every bit as delicious as advertised, then headed to a nearby theater to catch a movie. It wasn't a great one, and neither Steve or Maria could have told you later what it was about, but they were together, holding hands in the dark and sharing popcorn and a box of junior mints.

Riding to the bowling alley, they could tell that the weather was changing, the winds starting to pick up and the moisture in the air increasing. Steve noticed her shiver as they secured their helmets to the motorcycle. He took off his jacket and wrapped it around her, looking up at the sky.

"Looks like that storm may be moving in faster than they thought," he commented.

Pulling her phone from her pocket, she activated the weather ap and studied the information, then held it out to show him. "The forecast is now for early tomorrow rather than midday."

"Do you want to go ahead and head back now?" he asked, his disappointment clear.

"Nah. We've still got plenty of time," she assured him. "Besides, we've been caught in the rain before and it didn't do any damage."

He laughed, remembering their first stroll and the storm that drove them into the coffee shop.

"Baby should be here by now, shouldn't it?" he asked.

After a moment of confusion, she laughed. "Yeah, I suppose it should. Probably should have thought about a sitter."

"Did we end up with a boy or a girl?" he asked.

"Don't know," she shrugged. "Never bothered to ask it."

"Such good parents, aren't we?" he joked, pulling her quickly across the lot into the bowling alley.

The next few hours were spent in good-natured competition on the lanes as they talked, joked, and shared beer, nachos, and hot wings. When they were finally ready to leave, they discovered that the expected storm had, in fact, picked up rapidly and rain was now pounding the city with a vengeance.

"Should we try to talk to Thor about this?" Maria asked, standing next to Steve as they watched the sheets of rain coming down.

"Do you want to wait a little while or go ahead and try to make it back to the base?" he asked her.

After thinking for a few more minutes, she looked at him.

"Let's go for it."

With a nod, he took her hand and they started across the parking lot towards the bike. As she stepped off a curb, the toe caught and she fell, landing with a small splash. Steve reached out a hand to help her up and she grimaced slightly.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"Caught myself on my hand when I fell," she told him, flexing her wrist. He looked it over, pressing gently.

"Can you move your fingers?"

"Yeah. I don't think it's broken. Just a sprain, probably."

"Looks like it may be starting to swell already," he told her.

"I'll put some ice on it when we get home."

When they got to the motorcycle, he helped her secure her helmet, settled his own, then they both mounted and he hit the starter.

Steve soon decided that this was not a good idea. The heavy rain still coming down combined with the standing water on the street made for a treacherous ride. His concern was less for himself and more for his passenger. He knew her hand was hurting from the way she kept reposition it, trying to hold on to him without causing more pain. He could also feel her shivering and knew that between the rain and her fall, she was soaked to the skin.

Making a quick decision, he turned towards the tower, soon arriving in the shelter of the parking garage under the building there.

"Why are we here?" she asked as he helped her dismount and removed her helmet.

"I didn't feel very comfortable riding with the weather like this," he told her, deciding to leave out the part about his concern for her. "It's hard to see and be seen on the motorcycle when the visibility is as poor as it is. I thought maybe we could stay here for a while and see if it slows down a little."

When they got in the elevator, Steve pushed a button and the cabin rose, the doors opening to reveal the medical facility. When Maria looked at him, he placed a hand at the small of her back to guide her out. Bruce looked up from the computer screen he was examining.

"What can I do for you, Captain Rogers? Agent Hill?"

Steve nodded at him. "Agent Hill slipped down and hurt her wrist. I wondered if you might take a look at it," he asked.

Maria threw him an irritated look, then turned on Bruce. "That's really not necessary," she told him. "It's nothing."

The doctor smiled as he casually approached them. "You're probably right, but since you're already here, I might as well take a look at it." He held out his hand to her.

With a sigh and another dirty look as Steve, she held the injured limb out for his examination. He gently pressed several spots, watching her face for any reaction.

Of course, there wasn't any, but he knew enough about her to know that that didn't mean it didn't hurt.

He reached for her other hand and held it, comparing the two.

"Pretty swollen," he commented. He continued, manipulating her fingers. "Everything moving okay?"

In response, she proceeded to wiggle them. "Like I said, just fine."

"Let's just double check," he said, leading her across the room and placing her hand on an x-ray machine. "Any chance you could be pregnant?" he posed.

"None whatsoever," she responded almost before he finished the question.

He grabbed a lead apron and draped it around her anyway.

"Get a picture for me, JARVIS?" he requested.

"Done," came the quick response.

He returned the apron to it's place, then picked up her hand again and turned it over to examine the scrapes on her palm.

"What's the verdict?"

"No sign of any break," the AI informed him.

"Told you," Maria muttered under her breath.

"Thank you, Dr. Hill," Bruce replied guiding her to sit on an exam table as he brought over a tray and cleaned and bandaged the scrapes. When he finished, he handed her an ice pack and a couple of pills. "Ibuprofen will help with the pain and swelling. Keep the ice on it for a while. That will also help to keep the swelling down."

"Thank you, Dr. Banner," she told him, sliding off the table. "Sorry to have bothered you."

"No bother at all," he assured her. "Part of my job."

Steve added his thanks, then led her upstairs to the large living area. Tony and Pepper were seated together on a sofa, watching a movie while Natasha sat on another, Clint seated on the floor in front of her enjoying a neck and shoulder rub.

Katya raised her head from the woman's lap and watched the two approach. She turned and growled at Tony, who growled back at her, then hopped down and crossed to check out the new arrivals. She sniffed at Steve, snorted, then turned her attention to Maria. The agent braced herself, remembering Steve's warning that she took a while to warm up to people. The dog sniffed at her, then turned to look at Natasha, tail wagging.

"Freund," she told the animal, using the German of her training to let Katya know that Maria was a friend.

With that reassurance, she turned back, working her big hand under Maria's hand and looking up at her, waiting for the woman to respond.

"Hey!" Tony yelled from across the room. "Why does she get doggy welcomes while I still get growled at?"

"Guess you just have that effect on people," Clint told him.

As Maria started scratching the dog's head, another 'yip' drew her attention further downward. A small brown wiener dog stood next to the rottweiler, tail wagging so hard his whole body was in motion. Katya looked up at Maria, then back at Brody. Taking the hint, Maria knelt, digging her fingers in the smaller dog's fur.

"Brody," Pepper called, getting up and crossing the room to gather her dog. "Sorry if he's bothering you, Agent Hill."

She gasped, suddenly noticing their condition. "You're both soaked!" she exclaimed, then darted from the room. She returned moments later with several large towels that she proceeded to hand to them.

"Sorry for the trail," Maria told her, looking back at the wet footprints and puddles they had left in their wake. "The storm caught us unprepared."

"I understand," Pepper told them. "The forecasters have been saying for days that it would hit hardest tomorrow, then it just suddenly picked up and moved in."

"We thought that maybe we'd wait here for a little while and see if it lets up enough for us to make it back to the base tonight," Steve told her.

"Is the rain likely to lighten up soon, JARVIS?" Pepper asked.

A radar display suddenly appeared in the air in front of her. "Unlikely, Miss Potts. Though the front moved in quickly, it now seems to have virtually stalled and is unlikely to clear out for several hours."

Steve and Maria both looked at the display.

"Why don't you stay with me tonight?" he told her. "Get out of those wet clothes and you can have my bed."

"Smooth, Captain," Tony called.

"And I'll take the sofa in my apartment," Steve finished.

"That's silly, Steve," Maria told him. "You're too tall to sleep on the couch. You take the bed, I can sleep on the sofa."

"This is stupid," Pepper suddenly muttered, checking her handheld data pad.

"I'm sorry?" Steve asked, never having heard the woman be so rude.

She looked up. "Sorry, Steve, not you. Me. There's really no reason for anyone to sleep on the sofa." She typed something into the pad and headed toward the elevator, motioning for them to follow her. When the doors opened again a few moments later, she led them down a corridor.

"Clint and Natasha are the next level down, Thor has the whole floor a couple of levels down, Bruce took a secure level a couple of levels below that, near the labs. Tony and I have the penthouse upstairs." She stopped next to a door, pointing to the one across the hall. "That's Steve's quarters there. Will this be alright for you or would you prefer something off more to yourself?" she asked Maria.

"Um. This will be fine," Maria responded, still not entirely certain where the other woman was going with this.

With a satisfied nod, she palmed a panel on the wall, causing the door to open. She motioned for the others to follow her inside.

"This is your living room, television, stereo," she pointed. There was a quiet knock at the door and she turned, smiling at the two women standing there.

"Claire, Regina. Sorry to disturb you."

"You didn't disturb us at all, Miss Potts," the older woman stated, pulling a wheeled cart behind her as she stepped into the room. Her salt and pepper hair was cut in a short bob, her trim figure clad in dark slacks and a white shirt. She smiled at Steve.

"Captain Rogers," she nodded a greeting. The other young woman smiled at him as well, her smile much more coy in nature.

Pepper indicated the older woman. "This is Claire. She and her husband Max keep things running around here. Regina is part of the staff that helps them." Her look at the younger woman had a flicker of warning in it. Claire took a basket from the cart and pointed the other woman down the hallway.

As they went to work, Pepper continued with the tour.

"Dining area. Fully functioning kitchen. Stove, refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker. Of course, there isn't any food in there."

Claire spoke up. "Actually, I brought along a few things. Coffee, bread and butter. Some fruit and granola bars. Small container of milk."

"Thank you," Pepper told her, then turned back to Maria. "Of course, you're always welcome in the common kitchen upstairs. You can bring in whatever you want or just let the staff know and it will be picked up with the next grocery order." She looked at her with a smile. "And when Steve and Thor are both here, we're pretty much getting grocery orders every day."

She led them down a short hallway, opening a door to an small room with a desk and chair. "You can use this as an office or we can get a bed in here and you can use it as a guest room." Across the hall, she opened another door where a washer and dryer sat. "Clearly, this is your laundry room. You can do your own or let Claire know and someone on the staff can take care of it."

The final door led to the master bedroom. Maria almost gasped. The room was larger than her whole apartment on the carrier or at the base. Probably larger than both of them put together. Clair and Regina were busy covering the bed with fresh linens.

"Television, stereo here too," Pepper pointed. "All controls as voice operated. You can get anything you want to watch or listen to." She looked around. "There are more blankets in the closet there if you get cold, or you can just adjust the thermostat, of course."

"Bathroom is through here." She led them through the door. "Jetted tub, full spa shower with steam. Speakers in here, too, so you can listen to music of your choice."

She looked at the counter. "Regina just brought in some fresh towels and toiletries. Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste and mouthwash, new toothbrush and brush and comb, deodorant." She moved the door to check the back of it, nodding approval at the fresh terrycloth robe hanging from the hook on the back.

"Is there anything else you need?" she asked.

Maria shook her head as she looked around. "I can't imagine anything."

"Just let me know if you do," Pepper commented, leading them through the now empty bedroom and back into the living room.

"This is way too fancy for the night," Maria protested.

"Oh, this isn't for the night," the other woman corrected her. "JARVIS?" she spoke into the air.

"Yes?"

"You have Agent Hill's biometric information on file?"

"Fingerprints, voice print, retina scan."

"Can you key this apartment to her information only."

"Done," he responded.

"And anyone else she wants to have access, of course," she continued.

"Of course."

She turned back to the SHIELD agent. "This apartment is yours to use whenever you want it."

"That's kind of you, Miss Potts, but I already have an apartment on the helicarrier as well as one on our base," Maria informed her.

Pepper waved dismissively. "I know you do. So does Steve. So do Natasha and Clint. Now you have one here, too. We designed the tower with plenty of living space so that everyone involved in the Avengers Initiative would have a place here."

She frowned slightly as a thought crossed her mind. "We need to get something set up for Phil as well," she commented, making a note on her datapad.

A soft knock drew their attention to the door.

"Would you like me to answer it?" Steve asked.

"Um. Sure. Though I really wasn't expecting company," Maria said with a smile.

Nat stood outside, a stack of clothes in her hands. She set it down on the sofa. "We're close to the same size, so I brought you some sweats, a sleep shirt, and some socks."

"Thanks, Nat."

"Welcome to the neighborhood," she red-head told her with a grin.

Maria looked around. "I'm really not sure..."

"Look," Pepper told her. "I know you have your own place on base, but doesn't it kind of suck to live in the same place that you work? I mean, you're never really off duty."

She considered a moment, "Not that you really get much time off, I'm sure, but when you're there, you never know when someone's going to be knocking on your door with a problem."

"What about privacy?" Maria asked.

"As I said, this apartment is coded to you and you alone. No one else can come in or out without you allowing it."

The agent pointed towards Pepper's datapad. "What about it?"

"JARVIS will only respond when you address him directly. He monitors everything here but won't act or respond unless you use his name, then ask. Nothing is recorded or monitored from any other location in the building," she assured her.

Natasha picked up the argument. "This would be a place where you could actually just be you. You wouldn't have to be 'Deputy Director Hill' all the time."

"Like we talked about earlier," Steve whispered softly in her ear, wrapping his arms around her from behind. "You could kiss me without endangering your authority."

"Exactly," Natasha added.

When they looked at her in surprise, wondering how she had heard his soft whisper, she smiled. "I'm an excellent lipreader," she explained.

Pepper took charge again. "Steve, Agent Hill, you both need to get showered and changed into dry clothes before you get sick, then come back upstairs and I'll have some soup warmed up and waiting for you."

Maria looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "The apartment comes with a mother hen?"

The Stark CEO blushed brightly. "Sorry. I was the oldest in my family and pretty much raised my younger siblings so I kind of got used to taking care of people."

"Then you went to work for Stark," Natasha added.

"And it was more of the same," Pepper agreed. "Anyway, you don't need to decide anything right now, but you do need to stop leaving puddles in the floor. It's dangerous for the rest of us," she said as she headed towards the door, Natasha following.

Steve pulled her in for a kiss. "So?"

She wrapped her arms around his neck. "You looking for a new neighbor?"

"Not just any neighbor," he told her. "I'm very particular. Are you interested?"

"I just might be at that," she told him.

Well, I have some time off, so I've been doing some writing. I generally only post on weekends. It seems that there are more reviews written then, so I'll see how a mid-week chapter is received. If the reviews are there, I may get another chapter or so up, either of this or Risks or Complications. Otherwise, I'll focus on what I should be doing (chores) and let the writing sit. Either way, more will show up eventually. Please let me know what you think. I really love reading your thoughts and reactions.