I've Got The World On A String - Frank Sinatra
A/N: I just wanted to give a shoutout to those that left reviews last chapter :) Thank you Avestuz, Valerie E. Mackin, RckyFrk, and Gilyflower! Thank you so much for sticking around and reading! And thank you for leaving me a review letting me know you are enjoying this story. It means more than you know, to know someone is reading and liking this story I'm working on. It helps me find the motivation to write when I get the chance :) So again, Thank you so much, from the bottom of my Steve Rogers loving heart!
My phone ringing woke me from my slumber and I wanted to throw the damn thing out the window. I had been having the best dream capable before I was awakened, Steve and I were having a picnic in a field of wildflowers, the sun shining brightly and making Steve's impeccably blue eyes even bluer, if that were even possible.
"Hello?" I grumpily mumbled into the receiver after knocking numerous things off of my nightstand in my blind search for my phone.
"Hello, Birthday Girl!" Caroline chipperly squealed over the phone. I cracked an eye, looking at my phone to check the date. Sure enough, it was my birthday. Somehow I had managed to miss the date as the past month had dragged on. It was understandable, though, my mind had not been running on a straight path lately as my heart occupied a different country. Steve had been on a mission for the past month which hadn't been the easiest on my anxiety. Steve had made it a point to call me every day he could just to ease my mind and for that I was grateful. This time apart did afford me some options of bringing Steve up to date on how nice it was to have the technology we did today. I had given Steve a crash course on what sexting and phone sex were, but not before making a complete ass out of myself first. He was completely adorable about it all, telling me I wasn't the weird one for telling him his voice made me want to touch myself because there was nothing weirder than a 97-year-old being in a 35-year old's body. I called him a cradle robber and we got back to the task at hand. Steve picked it up quite quick but after that initial time, he had the worst timing. He had loved the Snapchat app, taking full advantage of the fact the pictures wouldn't save for the rest of our lives.
"Have you heard from Dick Pic or am I the first person to wish you a happy birthday?" Caroline chuckled. Yeah, Snapchat and Steve were quite entertaining and pleasing to the eye but the timing wasn't so nice.
"Can you please not call him that?" I grumbled out as I sat up in my bed. I could still smell the slight fragrance of the beautiful flowers that had been in my dream and it brought a smile to my face.
"Not my fault he likes Snapchat so much," she laughed. "Did he already beat me to the punch, though?"
"No, you are the first as usual," I laughed as I navigated to my bathroom.
"Are you peeing with me on the phone again, it sounds like you are in a tunnel," Car asked.
"Guilty," I mumbled before putting her on speakerphone and getting my toothbrush ready after finishing with my 'business'.
"They say you are supposed to get a year wiser on your birthday, yet you still seem to have the mindset of a 12-year-old," she chuckled.
"Hey, it's only because I'm so comfortable with you. And well, because you are the shit," I snorted.
"Ha Ha, good one," she said in an unimpressed tone. "Get ready, I'll be over in twenty."
"What are we doing at," I paused looking at the alarm clock, "Is it really already 11 AM?!"
"Yes, Sleepyhead, it is," Caroline said. I could hear the jingle of her keys in the background and knew I was pressed for time. "I'll see you in ten minutes."
"You still have your key right?" I asked.
"You know it," she replied.
"Okay, well then since you can let yourself in I'm going to go hop in the shower," I told her before hanging up on her and heading to the kitchen to start the coffee I'd be needing badly today. The dream I had had of Steve and I must have lingered stronger than intended as the fragrance of flowers got stronger as well. As I approached the end of the hallway I could see exactly where the fragrance was coming from. The room was covered from wall to wall in different flower arrangements. "Steve," I smiled to myself as I looked around for some kind of note. There was no note in sight until I noticed the little brown bag and the to-go coffee cup sitting on my kitchen counter, beside it a folded piece of paper.
I wish I could be there right now but life doesn't always afford us the opportunity to have the things we wish for, however it does grant us the things we need. Just like the air I breathe, you were something I not only longed for but needed most in the world. Thank you for granting me the opportunity to be the luckiest man in the world. Happy Birthday, Beautiful. I hope all your wishes come true today. I love you.
Forever Yours, Steve
A lone tear fell from my eye as I read his letter, it broke my heart that he was so far away, regardless that it was my birthday or not. I longed to be held in his embrace once more, a month was just far too long. Caroline came barreling in the door as I let out a sob.
"Oh, hell no! The Birthday Girl does not cry on my watch!" she said as she ran over and wrapped her arms around me. "Wow, Dick Pic must have put most of the floral shops in the city out of business for the week."
"I miss him," I mumbled against her shoulder as I tried to fight off the tears.
"I know you do," she replied as she stroked my hair. "I wouldn't hold my breath but maybe you'll get a birthday miracle," she said with a weak smile. "But even if that miracle doesn't happen, we've still got a birthday to celebrate. So get your ass in the shower, we've got plans, bitch." I giggled as I pulled back from her wiping my tears from my face and looked around the room one more time. "Put a little pep in your step," she said as she gave me a swat on the ass, "One."
"If you think you are giving me birthday spankings you have lost your God damned mind," I shouted at her as I headed for my room.
"I'll leave all the spanking for Dick Pic to do when he finally gets his ass back here," she said off in the distance.
I jumped in the shower without giving her comment a second thought. I had talked to Steve the night before and from what it sounded like, the mission was far from being over. I knew getting my hopes up to have him here with me today would only be a huge disappointment for myself but my heart still wished he would surprise me.
"So what's the big hurry anyway?" I asked as I walked out from the bathroom, my towel wrapped securely around me.
"A birthday girl deserves to be pampered, right?" Car said from my walk in closet. "Here I think you should wear this." She tossed the royal blue top with the silk bow that tied around the neck and my beige A-line skirt that had a small bow at the waist, on my bed before walking back into my closet for a pair of shoes. I got dressed in my underwear and bra before she came out with beige ballet flats, " The first store we are going to today is a damn lingerie store."
"What did my underwear ever do to you?" I gasped as I dressed.
"Nothing, and I'm sure it's the same for Steve as well," she mumbled under her breath.
"Hey! I haven't ever heard him complain," I retorted.
"Of course he's not going to complain, he's getting laid. The man may be a gentleman but he's still a guy. Once sex is on the table, their brains go to their dicks. But still, something unexpected laying beneath your clothes is always a nice surprise for them. And you," she said as I dressed.
"I don't care about that kind of stuff," I said as I rolled my eyes at her.
"Have you ever slid on a super sexy set of panties and felt the slightest bit sexier?" she asked in complete disbelief. I looked over at her as I brushed my hair, not answering because she'd know the answer is no without even saying anything. "Oh, my sweet, sweet Joe. You have no idea the kind of fun and confidence you are missing out on, my friend." I rolled my eyes once more at her and continued to finish pinning my hair back in a half up style so it could naturally dry. "Oh and don't worry about doing your makeup. We're not going to lift a finger today. Well, besides dressing ourselves," she chuckled.
Caroline ushered me out the door shortly after, taking me to a salon. First, we received pedicures and manicures, followed by getting our hair done. "Are you hungry?" Car asked as we exited the salon.
"Sure," I smiled.
We stopped at a small cafe for a quick bite and my nerves were on edge. It was as though someone was watching me from a distance and I couldn't shake the feeling. "Is Gibson alright?"
"Huh?" she said, a clueless look on her face as she looked up from her phone.
"That's who you're texting to right? Gibson?" I asked.
"Oh, oh yeah. Yeah, he's fine. Just asking how our day is going and what else I have planned for the day," she answered before looking back at her phone and typing out the rest of her message. That feeling came back as soon as she looked back down at her phone. The feeling of eyes on me and I looked around, extremely paranoid of the situation and doing what Nat had told me to do when something like this happened. Nat, I hadn't seen her in a month either. She and I had gotten pretty close over the past few months and she was helping me understand the risk of being with a superhero wasn't just the risk of losing him because he is always put in the line of danger, but that the risk was being his significant other. She had explained to me what had happened to Pepper, the bad guy taking her and using her as a pawn to play against Tony. Ever since she had explained that story to me she had been teaching me self-defense and how to be aware of your surroundings. This was the first time I felt I needed to use what she had taught me. I couldn't find anything while looking around so I did what she had suggested, looking without making it obvious. I took the compact mirror out of my bag, using it to look around and found a man staring at me that was no one I had ever met. He looked suspicious, standing on the street corner in a jacket that was probably one size too big for him, his hair long, his chin scruffy with a week full of growth, a glove on one hand and a blank baseball cap on his head. He was looking directly at me but didn't hold any devious or evil doing in his eyes. His body language and look on his face only gave off the feeling of a scared or nervous man. I turned in my chair to face his way but he disappeared before I could locate him. "Are you okay, Joe?" Caroline's voice startled me, making me jump in my seat.
"Yeah, I just...I thought I seen somebody," I said as I put the compact back in my purse.
"Who?" she asked as she signed the receipt.
"I don't know," I answered. The image of the man was emblazoned in my mind and the more I thought of him, the more I felt that he should have been familiar even though he wasn't. It was very odd.
"Well, we've got two more places to hit before we head back to your place," Caroline said as she stood up and waited for me to do the same. We walked around the corner from the cafe and down the sidewalk of the busy city until Caroline stopped in her tracks in front of a shop that had been painted black. "Agent Provocateur," she nearly sang in a breathy voice. "Come on," she said giddily and grabbed me, dragging me behind her.
The place had a darker tone than most stores, the shelves and tables painted black, only the back mirrored wall and lit showcase walls making the place not seem so dim. The walls and shelves were lined with different types of lingerie, the tables covered in panties. As I drank in the space Caroline got to work pulling different styles of bras, panties, garter belts, corsets and more for me to try on.
"Could I help you?" A very lux woman asked as she walked up to me.
"Oh, I'm just really looking around. Never been in here before," I replied quietly.
"Well if you change your mind and need some help, my name is Nicolette. Please don't hesitate to ask," she smiled before walking away.
"Oh God, Joe! Check this out!" Caroline shrieked, "You've got to try all of this. I promise you'll love it." Caroline walked up to the counter with a bunch of items in her hands, ready to check out and I didn't know if I was relieved or worried she wasn't going to make me try the stuff on in the store.
"And the total is $8,539.32," Nicolette said, making my jaw nearly hit the floor.
"Yes, Mr. Stark said to charge it to his bill," Car said before looking back at me deviously.
"Absolutely not! Caroline, I cannot allow you do to that," I scolded her. "Nicolette, I am truly sorry we've wasted your time."
"Would you like me to hold these items for you until later, Ms. Smith," Nicolette asked as she placed the last item in a bag.
"Oh, that won't be necessary, Nico... Wait, how did you know my name?" I asked, extremely confused since Caroline hadn't said my last name since we had been in the store.
"Oh, Mr. Stark called a short time ago stating you would be visiting and that this was a birthday gift," Nicolette explained. "He said no spending limit and that you would more than likely not accept the gifts."
I sighed, how did Tony know anything about our schedule today..."Caroline...Were you talking to Tony earlier today and not Gib?"
"Maybe," she said giving me the puppy dog look. "He called me a few days ago knowing your birthday was coming up and knew they wouldn't be back in time. He wanted to treat you to a shopping spree. I called him today while I was waiting for you to finish getting your hair done and told him that I was going to bring you here. He said he had a tab here and to let you 'go crazy'." she explained further.
"Well that is quite generous of him but over $8,000 is a bit much. Nicolette, how much is the full set for this one?" I asked her as I held up a black lace bra.
"The Bra, panties, and garter come to a total of $1,768. 97," she smiled as if that was a steal but my mind was completely blown. I didn't know what to do as I stood there and tried to wrap my brain around spending that kind of money on something that not everyone could see, not that Steve wasn't worth it. But I couldn't even fathom spending that much on a wedding gown I'd wear once and everyone would see, but to spend it on something only Steve would see just didn't make sense to me. "Excuse me, Ms. Smith," Nicolette interrupted my thoughts, "Your phone is ringing."
I grabbed my phone from my purse and answered it without even looking at the screen. "$8,500 is fine Mrs. America. Please take the bag on the counter and don't worry about the damage being done to my bank account," Tony's voice came through before I could even say hello.
"Tony, that is just too much," I began to argue.
"No, it's not. Pepper did much worse on her first visit there. I never understood why you would spend so much money on such little fabric, but you won't hear me ever complain about it. Pepper swears by their products and I enjoy the benefits of it. Rogers can thank me later. You enjoy your day and your new stuff. Grab the bag and go. I can't argue with you any longer, I'm being summoned," Tony said before I heard the phone beep with the signaling of him ending the call. Nicolette held out the large bag to me with a smile and I grabbed it after putting my phone back in my purse. I couldn't help but shake my head as we left the store.
"I promise no surprises at the next place," Caroline said as she hailed a cab. We pulled up not too far from my apartment, a small shop that had a worn look to it. "This is where I got that silver dress," she explained as she opened the door for me. "I think you'll love it in here."
The place was similar to a thrift shop I had shopped at when I was younger and that aspect alone made me comfortable immediately. Caroline went about her business looking at items as I lost myself in the racks of vintage clothes. The first thing that stood out to me was the beautiful royal blue satin on one rack. The dress was floor length and looked like it had a slight train, the fit being more of a fitted one. I grabbed it off of the rack after realizing it was my size and held onto it for the fitting room. I searched the store found a few more dresses that had different silhouettes from the dresses I had already had at home. I also found a few beautiful blouses, pencil skirts, trumpet skirts, puddle pushers and fitted flare skirts.
"Here you have to try this on," Car said as she tossed a dress over the door of my fitting room.
"Car, I have enough to try on," I sighed.
"Yeah, but nothing like this," she replied.
I tried on all the clothes finding that most of them fit perfectly. The blue dress had been stunning and I tried to talk myself out of buying the formal dress but my heart made an excuse for why I would need it, so it went into the 'Buy' pile. I picked up the dress Caroline had thrown into my room and figured I'd try it on. The dress was black and clung to every curve of my body. It had thick straps but the neckline plummeted to a stop between my breasts, the back only being fastened by one strap that crossed my shoulder blades. The skirt of the dress was fitted as well, stopping just above my knees but the slit over my left leg coming up high on my thigh. The split in the skirt was not a normal 'peek-a-boo' design as it revealed my leg even in a still stand. "Car, isn't this a bit much? Or should I say too little?" I shouted from my room to get her attention.
"Just come out here so I can see it," she hollered back at me. I took a deep breath and opened the door, stepping out just a few steps so she could see me. "Oh, hell yeah!" she said, wiggling her eyebrows. "That'll put Dick Pic in an early grave."
"I'm not trying to kill my boyfriend. I think there are enough battles he's fighting to survive," I scoffed.
"Joe, I don't think you realize how damn sexy that dress is," she said as she stood up and began walking towards me. "He wouldn't be able to keep his hands off of you. It's like an uber sexy vintage cocktail dress. You have to get that. I mean Stark is always having little shindigs at his place and this is something that would knock the whole damn place dead," she said as she walked around me to assess the dress. "Yeah, if you don't buy that, I'm buying it for you."
After purchasing my items we headed back to my apartment but as we walked inside Car's phone pinged with a message and her whole demeanor changed. "Um, so I'm taking you to dinner and I just realized what time it is, I'll be back at seven to pick you up. Be ready," she said as she typed a reply on her phone. "I'll see you in a little while." And just like that, I was alone again, the sweet fragrance of the flowers that had overtaken my home assaulting my nose with a reminder of the sweet gesture by Steve. And the ache in my chest started again. I sighed, trying to keep my composure in an attempt to salvage my makeup from the makeover at the salon. I took out my phone and found no messages from Steve. Not one notification from him or anyone else but I didn't have much time to think about that when I realized I had forty-five minutes to get ready before Car would be back to go out to dinner with me. I ran to my room, sitting the millions of bags on my bed and noticed a black garment bag with a note attached and beige high heels sitting atop.
~Wear Me~
The note was written in a handwriting I was unfamiliar with so I couldn't guess where it came from since there was no name of who it was from. I looked at the clock seeing that I only had thirty minutes left to get ready and ran off to the bathroom. Thanks to Caroline's pampering day my hair and makeup were done but the day had worn on my hair slightly so I retouched the loose curls and reapplied my lipstick before walking back into my bedroom. I picked up the beige pumps, sitting them on the floor before moving the note off of the garment bag and reaching for the zipper. I slid the zipper slowly down, afraid of catching the material of the garment in the teeth of the zipper. I had just finished pulling the zipper down when my phone pinged with a message from Caroline.
Don't forget your lingerie - C
I rolled my eyes, knowing Steve was half way around the world, I had no reason to get all gussied up.
Why? It's not like someone's going to be undressing me later. - J
You will. Be sexy for yourself. - C
I chuckled but then thought of all the drunkenly naughty sexting that could be had after work tonight. Oh, Steve was most definitely in for it. I threw my phone back down on my bed before dumping out the bag I had acquired from Agent Provocateur. I rummaged through the heap of lace, satin, and sequins before deciding the nude ones would be more fun to tease Steve with.
The fabric was soft and sheer, the push-up cups of the bra not leaving much to the imagination with its nude colored tulle and lace, the shiny silver foil like designs the only thing decorating my breasts. The cheeky brief style panties matching the bra along with the garter belt. I smoothed the nude color thigh high stockings over my legs before latching them in their suspenders. I turned to grab the item in the garment bag but my eye was caught by a flashing in my mirror. I turned more fully to assess myself in my vanity mirror. The shimmer of the silver pieces looked like it had been expertly placed on my bare skin and made me feel fancy as I looked over my outfit. I couldn't help but strike a few poses to make the lights catch the silver just right, making my body sparkle. I grabbed my phone off of my bed, quickly sending Car a thank you text before striking a pose again in the mirror and snapping a few pictures to use later.
A knock at the door notified me that I had spent too much time admiring myself in the mirror and I snatched the garment bag off of the bed and heels off of the floor before heading off to the living room.
"Use your key, Car. I've still gotta get dressed," I hollered out to her as I stood in my living room retrieving the dress out of the bag. The dress was of a dark olive color, the silhouette similar to other dresses I owned but this one much different with its sheer top. Under the sheer cap sleeved top was a sweetheart neckline top of the same olive color. The bottom of the dress was a pencil skirt, a split up the back making it easy to walk. I stepped into the dress, wiggling the material over my full hips before sliding my arms through the sheer fabric and buttoning the two buttons to cover the sweetheart neckline. I gave myself a once over in the full-length mirror in the living room before sliding my feet into my heels and grabbing my things and stuffing them into my beige clutch I just happened to have sitting on the table for some reason. I shook my head wondering who could've done all of this while I was gone with Car, my mind going straight to Nat but she was with Steve so that couldn't have been right. It had to have been Gib, Car must have put him up to it. "Did you forget your keys," I chuckled as I remembered she must have still been standing in the hallway. I opened the door to find not only Caroline but Gibson there too.
"Didn't want to come in and have you half naked. Not trying to give Gib here a show," Caroline said with a wink. "Let's go."
Dinner was nice, they had taken me to a nice Italian restaurant a few blocks from work. The food had been amazing and the atmosphere was delightful as well. We carried on in conversations and laughs but watching the two of them lock eyes with one another had made me miss Steve even more. Though they hadn't made me feel like a third wheel, I felt the void of not having Steve there with me. "I've got to get going. I have to work tonight, unfortunately," I said with a sigh.
"Let us walk you," Gib said as he stood up from the table and waited for us ladies to leave the table.
Gib and I carried a conversation as we headed to the bar, Caroline too busy with her nose in her phone to join in. "Has she been on her phone constantly around you?" I asked Gib as we got to the last block before the bar.
"What do you mean?" he asked me.
"She's been on her phone most of the day. It's just not like her," I explained.
"She's dealing with wedding stuff," he replied as he reached for the bar door. "Ladies first."
"Surprise!" The shouting crowd nearly knocked me on my ass as I jumped in freight. I hadn't been expecting a surprise party since I was scheduled to work tonight. The group looked like they had time traveled here just for my birthday. Everyone had dressed the part, looking like they belonged in the forties with me. Normally I would've wanted to be anywhere but work on a night off but the apparent forties theme party wouldn't have felt right anywhere else but here.
"Gotcha!" Caroline giggled as she walked up and hugged me from behind. "Oh, and you aren't actually scheduled to work tonight."
"You sneaky ass," I smiled at her. I took a step further into the bar only to be swarmed with the crowd who had surprised me. Everyone from a few college friends to all of my coworkers were there and it made my heart warm the slightest at all the hugs and 'Happy Birthdays' I was receiving.
"Happy Birthday, Miss America," the voice said from behind me. I turned to see Tony standing there, a smile plastered on his face and a tiny bag dangling from his finger.
"Tony! I thought you were on your mission," I said as I hugged him.
"And miss a party?" he scoffed as he handed me the tiny bag. "I couldn't bare to give you a birthday gift late. Timing is everything you know," he said with a wink before stepping away.
"Look at you! I knew I did good with that dress," Nat said as she gave me a hug that nearly cracked my back. "Happy Birthday, Joe."
"I was wondering where the hell this dress came from," I laughed before looking over her shoulder at the next person in line. "Sam!" I shouted as he stepped up to me and gave me a bear hug, picking me up off the floor and swinging me around.
"Happy Birthday, Sweetheart," he said against my ear. "Hope you've got your dancing shoes on," he said as he sat me back down.
"These aren't exactly swing dancing shoes," I replied.
"Ah, well then Maureen did good picking this up for you," he said as he handed me a bag. "Here's a hint...their shoes," he chuckled.
"Thank you, Sam. Is she here with you?" I asked looking around behind him and seeing Clint and Thor instead.
"She's at work right now, but she said she'd be here after she gets out," he said with a smile.
"Is Steve here?" I asked him as I sat the bag I had in my hands on the bar with the rest of the gifts and cards.
"He didn't come back with us," Sam said, making my heart drop into my stomach as I switched out the beige pumps for the beige T-strap shoes Sam had given me.
"What do you mean he didn't come back?" I asked as my bottom lip trembled the slightest.
"Oh no! No, he's fine," he replied as he desperately tried to calm my worried heart down. "Come on, let's dance," he said trying to change the subject. I nodded my head as I fought back the tears that had gathered in my eyes. "You lead the way, Birthday Girl," Sam said as he gave me a bright smile and the cover band began playing 'Witchcraft', the lead singer mimicking Frank Sinatra perfectly.
As I headed to the dance floor people parted like the Red Sea. It wasn't until I had reached the edge of the dance floor that I had seen him. "Steve," I breathed out as all the air in my lungs left my body. He looked breathtaking as he stood in the middle of the dance floor, dressed in his Army best. The uniform suit was a dark olive green color, similar to mine, the pants tailored to fit him just right and the jacket just the same. His hair was perfectly parted and combed to their sides. He looked just as though he had stepped out of the old photographs I had seen at the Museum.
"Happy Birthday, Jolene," he smiled as he held out his hand for me to join him.
My feet couldn't move fast enough as I ran towards him. "Steve," I nearly sobbed as my body crashed into his and my arms wrapped around his neck. He held me tightly in place as I buried my face into the crook of his neck and breathed him in for the first time in what felt like forever. I forgot about all of the people around me, the world around me, as I felt relief consume me and my body molded into his.
"Care to dance?" Steve whispered in my ear as the band switched to another joyous Sinatra tune. I pulled back as Steve smiled at me, his eyes watering slightly as he placed his hand on my lower back and grasped my hand with his other one. "I've been itching to see you for the past two days," he said as he began to lead us in a dance.
"Two days? You've been home for two days?" I asked feeling myself getting angry over holding out on me for so long. Two days was forty-eight hours I could've had him in my arms once more.
"Well, not really. I got in yesterday afternoon. Spent most of the day trying to get everything set up for today," he explained. I could feel the corners of my lips fighting with me as I tried to hold back a smile. "I wanted to visit you last night but Nat stopped me."
"Why?" I asked.
"She knew I'd blow the surprise party," he paused, "That, and it'd take away from the surprise of me being here for your birthday. Something about that would be the biggest surprise of all if I would just listen to her," he chuckled.
"Well, she was definitely right," I smiled. "I'm so glad you are home." He leaned down, placing his lips on mine for a kiss. I felt as though I could breathe again as he melted my worries away with his lips. The kiss was cut short as he whipped me out away from him after releasing my back, then tugging on my arm and making me spin into his arms. He held me there, my back pressed against his chest as his lips hovered over my ear and his low voice sang along with the lyrics.
I've got the world on a string, sittin' on a rainbow
Got the string around my finger
What a world, what a life, I'm in love
He held both of my hands, one of his arms raising over my head to twirl me away from his body before tugging me back to him and returning one hand to my lower back. "I may have been practicing with Nat during our down time," he smiled at the shock on my face. We had danced a lot but I was always the one to lead, he hadn't felt comfortable with dancing too much before his trip. "I studied a lot while I was gone," he whispered in my ear, his deepened voice sending chills down my spine. "But I'll have to show you the rest when we are alone," his voice dropped even lower, filled with sex as the words slipped from his lips. He pulled away from my ear to look at me as I thought over his words. The worried look on my face must have given away what I was thinking since he added, "Oh, I didn't practice any of that with anyone. I've saved practicing that, for you." He gave me a wink before catching me off guard and dipping me.
"Did Captain America watch porn on his mission?" I giggled as he pulled me back up. I had been joking with him but the look on his face had said it wasn't a joke. "Oh," I said as my eyes widened.
"Mind if I cut in?" Sam asked after tapping on Steve's shoulder. Steve gave him a nod before giving me a quick kiss on the lips and disappearing into the crowd that had developed in the bar. "Surprised?"
"Definitely," I smiled at him as a slow song began. "How was the mission?"
"It was really a bunch of small missions, closing up loose ends," he answered.
"I really need to ask Maureen how she does it," I asked as we swayed to the slow ballad the band was playing.
"Does what?" Sam replied.
"How she handles you being gone for such an extended amount of time," I answered.
"She keeps herself busy for the most part. Same goes for us. What's that saying?" he paused, "Oh yeah, An idle mind is the devil's play thing," he smiled. "My mom used to say that all the time. Never knew what she was talking about until I was overseas. The busier you keep yourself the less time you have to worry. That little nagging voice in your head making you worry about the worst case scenario, you gotta learn to ignore it, or at least keep it at bay the best you can." I understood what he was saying and wrote myself a mental note to remember it for next time. Right now I didn't need to worry, the object of my affection was currently out of harm's way and sitting at the end of the bar nursing a longneck, eyes sparkling in the dim lighting of the bar as he watched me dance with one of his best friends. I gave him a wink before Sam twirled me around to face away from Steve.
The next song that came on had a kick to it as the beat sped up and the band got louder. The background singers came to the center mic before they began harmonizing to Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. I looked at Sam who gave me a wink and nod of his head that he was ready to break it down. I giggled as he swung me away from his body before pulling me back again to the side before repeating the motion again for the other side. We were a mess of arms as we swung and spun each other around before an arm wrapped around my waist pulling me away from my dance partner. As I spun around I realized Steve was now taking Sam's place, surprising me once again as he took the lead in a swing dance as well.
"Well aren't you just full of surprises, Captain," I laughed as the song ended and he stopped our dance with a dip.
"Anything for you," he smiled. As the next song started he tugged on my arm, leading me through the crowd that had filled the dance floor and surrounding areas. He turned down the hallway, pulling me into the backstage room where I usually got ready for my sets. The room was dark and Steve fumbled through the darkness to find the switch for the tiny side table lamp instead of the bright lights of the main switch. "There we go," he mumbled to himself after turning the lamp on. He turned back to me, his blue eyes connecting with mine and making me stumble back a few steps in search for the door for support to keep me on my feet. He walked up to me, only stopping when our bodies finally made contact which only made me less stable on my jello-like legs. I was longing for his touch, I had gone too long without it. "You look," he paused as if searching for the right word, "Delicious." The soft whisper of the final word made a shiver run through my body as my sex clinched. I couldn't focus on anything but the warmth that was radiating off of his body as his hands came up to rest on my hips and his lips came down to meet mine. It was almost as though Steve's soft and innocent side had been left behind on his trip this time as the man that stood before me confidently took the lead. The music and voices from the bar on the other side of the door faded away, the only sound being Steve's breathing and moaning as he dominated me with his lips. I grew lightheaded as the desire in me built to a blinding need for him as I pushed my tongue into his mouth. I cursed Nat for choosing this dress as I tried to lift a leg around Steve's hip to pull him closer to me. He must have felt my fumbling attempt as he pulled his lips away from mine. His eyes connected with mine once more and the beautiful blue was now taken over by his blown pupils. He worked in a swift motion as he knelt down in front of me, running his hands down my curved hips to the hem of my dress. He fought with the stretchy material as he pushed it up my thighs and over my hips before stopping the skirt to bunch at my waist. I watched as his eyes widened at the garter belt and thigh high stockings I had worn underneath. His next move caught me off guard as he leaned forward pressing a kiss to my lace covered mound. His eyes were still darkened with arousal but that innocent boy lingered behind what the eye could see as he looked up at me for any sign he was doing something wrong but before I could say anything at all he had hooked a finger through my underwear, pulling them to the side before leaning forward again, letting his tongue find its way through my folds. I could barely control myself as a moan escaped my lips and my hands went straight for his hair. I latched on tightly as I tried to find something to keep me grounded to the moment but I couldn't fight my eyes fluttering shut or my head leaning back against the door as Steve silently lapped at my sex.
I knew from our first encounter that Steve had never dabbled in sexual pleasure but whatever he had studied had paid off greatly as he moved one of my legs to rest on his shoulder to open me up more for his mouth. He was relentless as he probed my center before dragging his tongue back to my clit. He used his lips to pull at the sensitive nub, the pressure causing me to buckle my body forward. I fought my body to lean back against the door again as I pulled at his hair, pushing his face firmly between my thighs, looking for the release I had longed for. What I hadn't been expecting was the invasion of his fingers in my core. The only leg I had on the floor had started to lose strength as the burning in my lower belly grew with intensity and Steve must have sensed my strength faltering as he removed his fingers from my center, ripping the delicate fabric at the crotch of my panties, and moved my other leg to his shoulder. He held me in place, his hands finding a place on the door behind my lower back so that my ass rested on his arms. He never showed a sign of a struggle as he held me in place and continued to devour me. His tongue ran over my clit, circling a few times before he began to suck it and shake his head slightly giving me a new sensation. I was standing dangerously close to my climax, searching for that last little push to send me into ecstasy. "Steve," I struggled to breathe out as my grip in his hair tightened. He hummed against me as if to answer me and that was just the thing I needed as I toppled over into my orgasm. It rushed through me like the waves rush to the shore, crashing violently against every nerve in my body and setting my skin ablaze in the process. I couldn't breathe as the cool white heat of every wave crashed through my body, my lungs screaming for oxygen as my body shook. Steve remained at his task as he continued to lap at my core, cleaning me of my arousal and moaning at the prize he had just coaxed from my body. As I came down from my high my thighs clenched around his head, trying to pull my sex away from him as the oversensitivity took its course after such an earth-shattering climax. Steve's eyes opened as he lapped at me lightly, his eyes searching my face as he pulled away. "Was that alright?" he asked softly as he helped move my legs off of his shoulders. The look in his eyes were that of the young man I had fallen in love with, the timid and shy boy who didn't know women but still held enough determination to stand up for what he believed in. His eyes never strayed from mine as he stood up, his hands never leaving my body as they ghosted over my legs and back up to my hips.
"Oh yeah," I managed to say through unstable breathing. I cradled his jaw with my hands as I pulled him down for a kiss. I could still taste myself on his lips which only intensified the realization of what Steve had just done to me. Steve Rogers had just orally pleasured me in the backroom of my workplace while all of our friends were celebrating my birthday on the other side of the door. I could feel the blush running over my skin as I pulled away, Who would've known the world's most righteous man could have such a naughty side?
"We better get out there before someone notices we're gone," he said as grabbed the material of my skirt that was bunched around my waist.
"Wait," I replied, reaching down and pushing my ripped panties down my legs. "Guess these are useless now."
"Yeah, sorry about that," he blushed.
"Here, just a reminder that you're making me go commando the rest of the night," I winked as I stuffed the ripped lace in the pocket of his uniform pants. I felt his hardened length as I pulled my hand from his pocket and looked down to the bulge in his pants. "Can I help you with that?"
"Later," he said through clenched teeth, "We better get you back out there before someone notices."
"Yes, Sir, Captain," I said with a salute after fixing my skirt.
"Come on, Commando," he chuckled before opening the door.
"Maybe I'll be a 'Howling' Commando later tonight," I softly whispered in his ear before walking out the door.
~.~
We spent much of the night drinking and dancing as the band played on all night. Caroline had surprised me with a cake that was shaped like a treble clef and Tony had surprised me with a limo for Steve and me to ride home in. Riding was definitely on my agenda but home would have to wait. I had a good buzz and any reservations I had normally, were long gone tonight.
I wasted no time after telling the driver to just keep driving around the city. I raised the privacy window and made quick work hiking my skirt up to my waist so I could straddle Steve's lap. I gripped him by the tie of his uniform, pulling him to me for a passionate kiss and grinding myself on his lap. I could feel him starting to harden under me and it only spurred me on more as I moved from his mouth to his ear, sucking on his lobe before running the tip of my tongue over the crest of his ear. "I've always wanted to have sex in a limo," I whispered in his ear before trailing open mouth kisses down his neck. I found his pulse point, sucking at the tender spot for a moment before giving it a nibble, making Steve groan out as he shifted his hips and gripped mine in his large hands. I ground myself against him, the friction causing me to moan as I threw my head back in pleasure. Steve took the opportunity to kiss my neck, moving his hands from my hips to fumble with the small buttons on the front of my dress so he could get access to my breasts. I supported myself as I leaned back by placing my hands on his knees while still giving me the control to rock my hips against him. If he wasn't fully erect he was almost there and I was about to slide up his legs so I could work on opening his pants when his lips sealed around my nipple making me grip at the back of his head instead. His teeth grazed against the hardened peak and I let out a pleasurable hiss as I pulled at the hair on the back of his head. Once he released I attacked his mouth with my own, giving me the time to move my hips from his. I dropped my hand from his hair, quickly unzipping his pants and reaching in for his cock. I navigated my hand through the hole of his pants and boxers, earning a moan as my hand wrapped around his thick dick. I was burning alive as the desire to feel him inside me took over. I pulled him from his confines giving him a few firm strokes before releasing his lips from mine so I could raise up on my knees. I shifted forward, lining him up with my entrance before sliding down his shaft at a torturously slow pace. Inch by inch I let him stretch my walls, making sure to swirl my hips in a circular fashion for an added sensation for us both. "Fuck," I nearly shouted as he filled me completely. Steve's hands were back at my hips, gripping me so tightly I knew I would bruise but I didn't care. I continued to ride him, Steve trying to control my hips with his hands as if to slow me down but I had no desire to slow down the pace. I was heated, fire coursing through my veins as I slid up and down his member, rocking my hips at the same time trying to find the perfect friction to send me spiraling out of control. He had hit a spot inside me that left me seeing stars and I froze in that spot, his thick cock now filling me completely, the head of him touching the spot that set my blood bubbling into lava. I rocked my hips slightly, the material of his uniform brushing against my clit just right, making me jump into the abyss of the most intense orgasm I had ever had. I felt as though I could burst at the seams all while we remained together as one.
"Oh God," the strain of Steve's voice rang in my ears, sobering myself from my orgasm just enough to realize he was struggling to keep from coming inside of me. I climbed off of him, my walls still convulsing as my orgasm continued, sliding down his body until my knees came into contact with the floorboard. I gripped his dick in my hand, his member glistening with our arousal, giving him a few short strokes before sealing the head of him in my mouth. I ran my tongue over the thick vein that was now pulsing underneath, trying to coax him into his own orgasm as mine subsided. With a few bobs of my head and swipes of my tongue, he thrusted his hips upward, the warmth of his come filling my mouth rapidly as I tried to greedily swallow it down. His hands were in my hair as he tried to still my mouth on him, the hot streams of his climax still forcefully filling my mouth until his face relaxed and his hands released my hair. He finally released the breath he had been holding while he came as I pulled my mouth from him, his eyes opening lazily before he lifted his head from the back of the seat to look at me. "I really thought I wasn't going to make it," he breathed out.
"Why did you wait?" I asked as I tried to straighten my dress.
"Well, what kind of gentleman would I be if I didn't let a lady go first?" he smirked. I couldn't help from laughing and shaking my head at his witty remark.
"Oh boy," I sighed.
"What?" Steve asked with worry etched on his face.
"Looks like I'm going to have to make a trip to the dry cleaners tomorrow," I answered as I pointed to his crotch. There on his lap were the juices of our labor, what would clearly be a come stain once it dried.
"You are definitely walking in front of me when we get home," Steve said which made me laugh hysterically. "I'd never live this down if one of the guys seen me right now."
"Maybe they'd think you peed your pants," I laughed.
"Because that would be so much better," he said sarcastically.
"I love you," I smiled.
"I love you too," he replied before leaning forward and catching my lips with his own.
After telling the driver to head home I sat down next to Steve and rested my head on his shoulder as we watched the city go by around us.
~.~
"Steve?" I whispered before my eyes fluttered opened. He was carrying me down the hallway of the Stark tower, to his room.
"We're almost to bed," he smiled down at me as he nudged his bedroom door open. He didn't turn on the lights, afraid the brightness would blind me, I'm sure. He walked through the darkened room, only lit by the bustling city below us, laying me on the bed before turning on one of the small bedside lamps. "Let me get you some aspirin. I'm sure you'll be needing it unless you would rather nurse a hangover tomorrow. Totally up to you?" he chuckled as he looked at me with one brow risen.
"Hangovers are no fun," I mumbled as I sat up on the edge of the bed. Steve nodded before leaving the room in search of a cure for the ailing that would come tomorrow. I looked around the room, surely the room shouldn't have been spinning right? Nausea overtook me after I closed my eyes for some kind of relief from the spinning of my head. I ran to the bathroom, falling to my knees before praying to the porcelain Gods.
"Jolene?" Steve's voice called out, worry lacing ever letter of my name. "Alright," Steve said soothingly as he knelt down beside me, "Let it all out." He sat there with me for what felt like hours before the vomiting finally subsided along with the spinning of the room. "Here, try to keep this down," he said, holding out a few saltine crackers and a glass of ginger ale. I tried my hardest to smile at him, my body feeling weak in every muscle. The gesture was that of a gentleman, helping his mate in her time of need, but the items reminded me of so much more.
"Crackers and ginger ale?" I asked him softly as I took the items from his hands.
"This was a must have if you hung out with Dugan," Steve chuckled. "He could drink anyone under the table. Everyone but me of course. It was always a show watching someone try to out-drink him," he said looking off as he remembered old times. "Whoever it was, they were begging for this after a good ole' session with Ralph."
"Ralph?" I mumbled through a mouth full of crackers.
"Ralph...Like ralphing...throwing up?" he replied, looking at me as though I may have been a born on a different planet.
"Gotcha," I nodded, "Grandma must have picked up this remedy from you guys then."
"I'm sure she did," he smiled. " She had to give it to Dugan one time." That had earned a surprised look from me. "Well, Dugan's only weakness was women. And Sharon figured that out when she challenged him to a duel."
"My Grandma...Drinking?" I asked in disbelief.
"Oh yes, she was quite the fish back then," Steve snorted. "Anyways, one night we were all throwing back a few cold ones after one hell of a mission and Sharon walks up, 'So I hear there's a champ sitting at this table that needs to be knocked down a few pegs.' And so, of course, Dugan takes the bait but he hadn't been looking when he answered her. When he did look up we all couldn't help but laugh. You see, my buddy Bucky and Dugan had been fighting over catching the eye of Sharon, so when she approached him he was so dumbfounded he couldn't function. She'd take a shot, and he'd take two without even realizing he had already taken one before. So imagine this," Steve snorted again, "She's figuring out he's lost. She'd take a shot, he'd take a shot, Bucky would move a refilled shot glass in front of him, and Sharon would ask him why he's not taken his shot yet. This went on for what seemed like hours. It got to the point where Sharon was just sitting there with an empty shot glass in front of her and she would just repeatedly ask him why he hadn't drunk his yet." Steve erupted in a full on laugh making me chuckle as I tried to picture the woman who had raised me, drinking in a bar full of men. "He was so drunk he couldn't even stand up. Buck and I had to carry him back to base and once we got there Dugan unloaded his stomach. Sharon came back as we were trying to get him in bed, saving the day with some crackers and ginger ale. She made some joke about giving a redhead ginger ale and Bucky fell in love. He was so lovestruck with her. Couldn't blame him, though, she was a looker."
"I bet Bucky didn't like my Grandpa very much," I smiled, leaning my head back against the wall as I let my stomach settle.
"He complained about it every day," Steve smiled. "I hate to be selfish, but I'm glad Buck never got the chance."
"Why?"
"Because if he had, you wouldn't have existed. And I'd be left lonely for the rest of my life," Steve paused as he cupped my jaw with his hand. "I would've lost the love of my life. Which reminds me, I'll be right back," he said before getting up swiftly and leaving the bathroom. He returned handing me an envelope, "I was told to give you this."
I opened the red envelope wondering who it could be from. I had, had enough surprises today but this one was probably the most surprising. Inside the envelope had been a card, although generic in style the writing inside was most definitely one of a kind.
Jolene,
Happy birthday, Love. I was blessed the day you came into the world. Thank you.
Love,
Peggy
Tears stung my eyes as I read and reread the writing. Although it was short, the heartful meaning behind each word was conveyed as if her voice was speaking it to my ears.
"What is it?" Steve asked, putting his hand under my chin and making me look at him, instead of him trying to read the card I had clutched to my chest.
"Can we visit her soon?" I asked as I sat the card off to the side and Steve leaned in for a kiss. I held up my hand, covering his lips with a finger, "Let me brush my teeth first."
"Okay," Steve smiled before picking up the card and helping me up off of the floor. I wasn't sure which thing he was saying 'okay' to but I knew he wouldn't fight me about going to see her again.
After brushing my teeth I changed into one of Steve's regular t-shirts, walking out of he bathroom and over to the other side of the bed. Steve was already laying there, chest naked and a blanket covering him to his stomach. The image almost made my stomach flip again, only this time from giddiness instead of sickness, wondering if there were any more layers underneath that blanket or if Steve was truly going to bed naked. I pulled the blanket back on my side of the bed, sitting down on the edge before reaching for the pillow to move the extras to the chair in the room. My attempt to move the pillows were halted as my fingers made contact with the little white box.
"What's this?" I asked as I turned around on the bed so I could face him.
"It's for you," he answered before moving on the bed to face me. He reached out, picking up the box and holding it out to me.
"Steve, you really didn't have to get me anything. Just you being here is enough," I said to him without taking the box. "I mean you did give me a field of flowers in my house after all," I smiled, remembering the dream that it had stirred for me while I was sleeping.
"I just really wanted you to have this," he said as he set the box down in front of me. The look on his face was pleading me to open it, like if I didn't take it I was dismissing him and my love for him.
I picked up the box, watching Steve's face as his eyes watched my hands before looking up at me to watch my face. I paused for a moment, looking at the tiny box before pulling off the top. I was silent as I pulled out the delicate chain, glancing up at him to catch his eyes watering. Whatever was on this chain meant a lot to him and I questioned if I should've even been touching it. The chain was no longer lax, notifying me that something was hanging from its bottom. As it appeared from the box I took time inspecting the tiny tarnished ring that had been transitioned into a charm and the small gold heart charm hanging in the middle of the circle.
"It was my Mom's," Steve's voice said catching my attention and causing me to look up at him. The tears began to build in my eyes immediately, keeping me from being able to focus on his beautiful face as he continued talking. "We couldn't afford much when I was growing up but Dad did his best to get her a ring after they had been married for so long. It wasn't the ring that meant the world to my Mom, but the thoughtfulness of my Dad. I knew you could appreciate that."
"I love it, Steve," I stuttered out before leaning forward and catching his lips with my own. Steve understood me like no one else ever had. He knew it wasn't about the materialistic things for me, but the meaning behind the items.
After Steve secured the necklace around my neck we fell asleep holding one another. Exactly what I had wished for when I woke this morning, had come to fruition and I couldn't have been any happier. The flowers, the dress, the pampering, the shopping, and the party could never hold a candle to the best gift I had received today, Steve coming home to me.