Here is that chapter I spoke about. You know the one I said I'll publish last week...but didn't.
:/ Sorry about that. I was busy. I'll start my replies now! :D
Guest: thanks! (and it was you who had reviewed before) their time will come, dont worry ;)
MidnightCoffeeAddict: Aw thank you sooo much you are too sweet, I am uber happy you are loving the story :D. What's your favourite scene? :)
Heroherondaletotheresuce: Thanks! Yeah that was fun to write I hope you like this chapter :3.
Jo: Well soonish? I know I keep dragging it and keep promising it will be soon but there is a lot more to write before they do but I can promise it will be in this arc of the story, if you know what I mean xD.
Kristybauer7: Yeah I want a cinnamon roll too. I think I was craving them so much that I hoped that writing about it will make it a reality. Haha sadly it was not :( Sam is my cinnamonroll! I love him so much .
Amalieaunstrup: I know I am conflicted too. I ship Nat/Steve and Nat/Bucky. I believe we have discussed this before and I mentioned I was losing my mind xD. Actually! I was thinking about including a scene later on where Olivia gets super stressed over the Winter Soldier ending with Cap in the hospital. I'll get to it once this is done :). Thanks again and you are my muuuuse.
Kaayrakoi: Aw thanks and thanks again for being kind about my errors. I check as much as I can but after all I am only human, you were really sweet about it though :) Much appreciated.
Mistyworld: Here is moooore :D
Thanks for all the reviews and keep em coming ;)
xx
SSC
Steve was pretty sure he had the biggest smile on his face as headed to work that morning. But he tried his best to seem like the stoic SHIELD officer he was supposed to be. He did loiter in the apartment after having breakfast with Olivia, it was hard to leave the flat, but the thought of returning to her, alleviated him.
He went through the usual training rounds with the Agents. Had a meeting with Fury then one with the S.T.R.I.K.E team and then it was lunch time. He hoped Olivia found something to eat. He did have some leftover Chinese takeout.
He couldn't eat his lunch, not all of it anyway. The insides of his stomach felt like it was fluttering. He couldn't stop feeling giddy at the fact that Olivia was in town, in his apartment. He concluded that a cup of warm coffee should help sooth his senses. He approached the empty coffee station within the kitchen and then began to pour himself a mug. He began to wonder what she was up to. He wanted to call and check up on her.
"Wow Cap' you are really out of it today."
Steve was startled out of his thoughts by the sudden appearance of Agent Kevin Odell. The man was smiling brightly while standing beside him, at the corner where the counters met. He seemed almost smug while leaning against the edge of the marble counter. His arms were folded across his chest, the pull and tension to his suit emphasized his strapping arms.
"What do you mean?" Steve inquired innocently.
"I was singing and you didn't even notice." Kevin stated dejectedly.
Steve's fair brows rose in wonder. "You can sing?"
"No. Which was why it's weird you didn't notice." Kevin admitted with a crooked grin and glimmering ebony eyes.
Steve smiled apologetically "Sorry, I was just thinking about something."
"You mean someone." Kevin said, his eyes gleaming all knowingly. Steve didn't argue, there was really no point denying it any longer. Noticing the captain's submissive ways Kevin's smile brightened.
"What's up Cap?" He asked.
"Olivia dropped by this morning." Steve confessed humbly, a manly blush coloring his chiseled face.
"That's great!" Kevin enthused excitedly.
"Yeah, it is." Steve admitted with a wistful sigh.
"So I am guessing she is staying for the weekend." The agent asked.
"The whole week actually, she got some time off work." Steve said with a enthusiastic little grin, his blue eyes a lit.
Kevin smiled gently, happy for his friend. He reached over and lightly patted the Captain on his arm. "That's awesome, we should all hangout sometime, I would love to see her again."
"Why don't you come over tonight?" Steve suggested "We are ordering in."
"How adorably domestic." Kevin hesitated, his taunting smirk dimmed to a tight lipped smile "I would love to Cap really, but I have a lead I need to follow."
"How is that going by the way?" Steve asked, expectantly.
"Stark hasn't found anything which is alarming, I mean its Stark." Kevin confessed despondently.
"Yeah, that was distressing." Steve agreed reluctantly. He remembered all too vividly when all the searches Tony had put up came up empty handed. He wasn't surprised, the only picture Kevin had was one of him and his sister when they were very young.
"Even if it was just a picture. It's hard to look for someone when you don't know what they look like." The Captain added kindly. But the moment he had uttered those words, he regretted it. Kevin's mouth was curved down in a deep, pensive frown. His dark eyes that were usually a light with amazement, was dark and brooding.
Steve wanted to immediately assure the male.
"Maybe there is a way to come up with a sketch or something?" Steve suggested carefully.
"What I assume she would look like?" Kevin countered but then his froze, his gaze shinning with a new found realization. Steve awkwardly watched the man stare into space for a good minute before deciding to speak up.
"What is it?" He asked.
Kevin snapped out of his reverie.
"You just gave me a great idea!" The agent exclaimed grinning widely "Man I could just kiss you!"
Steve was alarmed by the man's zealous excitement. Seeing this, Kevin laughed and lightly patted the captain on the arm.
"I'll tell Olivia to do that for me." He winked and then hurried off out of the staff room, leaving Steve staring after him in bewilderment.
An hour before Steve was supposed to go home, he received a summons from the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. He sighed and reluctantly climbed into the elevator to go meet with Fury. He was planning to sneak away without notice until Fury had ordered to see him. Naturally, Steve couldn't disobey an order and went searching for the man in his office.
Steve arrived at his planned destination and the door was already open, awaiting his arrival.
"Fury you wanted to see me?" Steve questioned, stepping into the room and marching to his desk.
Fury was standing with his back to the door and staring out the window. At the sound of the Captain's voice, the man turned and nodded sternly.
"Yeah Cap." He said, reaching for a file on his desk "I read your report on the Paperclip mission. So it's safe to say you approve of STRIKE."
Steve nodded in consent, with his arms clasped firmly behind his back.
"They go in get their job done with minimal qualms." The Captain added confidently.
"Good." Fury managed a fraction of a smirk before quickly masking it with his usual, strict demeanor "Our efficiency in missions have gone up since you joined us Cap. You have painted quite the reliable team."
"Noted Sir." Steve acknowledged. The Captain was about to take his leave when the word 'painted' used by Fury, brought up a task he had made a reminder.
"By the way I have to ask you something." Steve said, grabbing the Director's attention.
"About?" Fury asked, vaguely curious.
"My apartment Sir. What are the rules regarding my home if I want to make any changes to it?" Steve asked hesitantly.
Fury had his attention focused on a document on his desk, but his interest was reeled in by Steve's strange request.
"Are you planning to renovate Cap?" The Director inquired, one brow raised.
"I was thinking about painting the walls. I am not a fan of the hotel room look." The captain worded, very carefully.
Fury's eye narrowed a little. Steve tensed, worried that Fury has seen through the Captain's crafty words. After a moment of intense scrutiny, Fury's expression softened.
"Well if or when you leave the premises either when you are relocated or otherwise. We will have to make sure everything is exactly how it was. So your intended redecoration wouldn't be much of a hiccup. Got nuts or whatever" The director insisted with a nonchalant wave of his hand.
Steve resisted the urge to grin and nodded in understanding
"Alright, thanks." He said. He lingered for a moment unsure if he was dismissed or not. Fury's was no longer interested in his presence so Steve took that as a sign to leave. He turned away with every intention of parting, when Fury abruptly spoke.
"Monarch's."
"What's that Sir?" Steve inquired looking over his shoulder.
"Monarch's." Fury repeated soundly "It's a hardware slash paint supply store downtown. They have a good selection. Real vintage shit too."
"Thanks I'll check it out." Steve smiled "Have a great weekend Fury."
"You too Rogers."
Steve saw it, the mischievous twinkle in the older man's eye. Like he knew the Captain's secret . Steve tried not to be too dismayed by it and focused on the happy thought of going home.
Home to Olivia.
Steve made a quick stop at a cafe nearby, just in case Olivia was hungry. He didn't want his guest to starve and he always liked the bagels at that particularly bakery. He had hoped someday Olivia would get to try them.
"Olli?" He called gently, stepping in to the short opening of his apartment. He had a brown paper bag clutched in his hand while the other one closed and locked the door.
He walked through the short room and stepped into the living room "I brought some snacks in case you are hungry. Sam called and said he will be here by sev-"
His words were forced to a halt when he spotted her, curled up and fast asleep on his couch. His body immediately tensed as if the very act of breathing might cause her to stir awake. He tip toed in her direction and his gaze trailed up her legs and to her face, just to make sure she was actually slumbering.
Sure enough she was sleeping soundly and even snoring a little. Steve smiled at the sight and admired her for a moment. He was quick to notice the absence of a blanket to keep her warm. Her knees were pulled up impossibly close to her body into a fetal position. She had changed out of her running clothes and seemed more at ease in her plaid pants and Charlie Brown t-shirt.
Casual, but extremely cold.
Luckily he had thrown a blanket on his single leather seat near the entrance. He set the brown bag on the shelf beside the record player and stripped the blanket off the chair and approached Olivia.
He stretched out the folded sheet to its full length and then carefully draped the material over her body.
Maybe it was the sudden breeze formed by the bellowing blanket, or the sensation of the wool brushing against her skin. Olivia stirred under the sheet and raised her head.
"Steve?"
The Captain flinched, remorseful of having woken her by trying to be attentive.
"Hey." Steve called gently, rounding the couch towards her.
She began to sit up while rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
"You are back, yay." She exclaimed in a dulled, sleepy enthusiasm. Steve smiled at her endearing ways and suddenly wanted to be closer to her. Olivia folded her legs closer to her chest, granting space for Steve to sit.
"Crap what time is it?" She alarmed, frantically searching the room for a clock.
"Five." Steve answered quickly.
"Man that's a long nap." Olivia sighed, her shoulder slumping in disappointment.
"What time did you fall asleep?" Steve inquired curiously.
"Just after you left I think." She stated while turning to face him and folding her legs in a meditative position.
"I did not think this couch would be this comfortable." She said while patting at the leather padding of the seat.
"Well you fit inside it perfectly." Steve noted fondly. She laughed and nodded in a smug agreement. Steve couldn't help but notice the slight narrowed slant to the corners of her eyes. She also had very obvious dark circles that was vivid against her fair complexion. It suddenly hit him why he was noticing these qualities in her. Olivia had taken off her glasses.
Steve smiled at the sight. It had been while since he had seen her full face without any obstructions. Not that he hated her frames, they suited her, but he liked the fresh faced Olivia more. It was an odd sight but pure, Olivia Thorne in her most simplest form.
"Oh man, this means I'm going to be up till late." She cried in despair, dramatically running her hands down her face "This is why I hate naps."
"It's alright, I'll stay up with you." Steve insisted with a cheeky grin.
"Aw." Olivia cooed adoringly and lightly punched him in the bicep.
"Are you hungry?" Steve asked in concern.
"Starving actually, is it too early to order pizza?" She inquired slyly.
"Sam said he will be here by seven, I brought some snacks so you can eat that." He said. Steve didn't wait for her reply and quickly stood up and retrieved the brown paper bag and handed it to her.
"Wow you thought of everything. Thanks." She enthused while eagerly searching the insides of the bag. She pulled out a cream cheese bagel and took a crater of a bite from it. She offered Steve one but he graciously declined, insisting that it was all for her.
While she ate, Steve told Olivia about his day and she listened intently, nodding and responding when she could. Steve loved it, coming home to someone and getting the chance to bond with them instead of greeting an empty apartment all the time. He was easily slipping into the simple habit of being around her. Which was alarming because he knew the moment she left, it would be that much harder to let go.
Pushing aside the depressing thought, Steve glanced at his wrist watch. He was amazed to find it was already six o'clock.
"I'll quickly head down to the grocery store and pick up a few things." He announced while palming his knees, ready to get up.
"You sure you don't need help with that?" Olivia asked mid chew. He saw the trepidation in her eyes and smiled dotingly.
"This isn't New York Olli." He reminded chidingly.
"Nah but I'll come along anyway." She insisted while crumpling up the empty paper bag in her hands, wiping the oil residue from her finger tips.
"Give me a sec I'll put on some jeans." She claimed and then stepped off the couch and then made her way towards the bathroom. Steve watched her departure before getting to his feet. He was about to head towards the kitchen when a insistent ringing caught his attention.
It was a very melodic, upbeat sound that emitted from underneath the blanket on his couch. He raised the sheet and discovered it was Olivia's rectangular, smart phone. He picked it up and raised it to his eye level.
"Hey your-" His cry dissolved in his mouth at the sight of the caller ID.
It was a picture of Aaron with his name blaring at the bottom. Steve was filled with a intense rush of jealously and annoyance. Why was Olivia's ex-boyfriend/ Claire's brother calling? He was tempted to press the ignore button, but the call ended before he could. He was even more astonished to find the man had called her a total of twenty three times.
What was the emergency? Is Olivia back together with him? If she wasn't shouldn't she had answered his call in the first place?
"Did you say something?" Olivia had appeared, dressed in a casual pair of black jeans and a sky blue t-shirt.
"Yeah." He said unwillingly "You're cell phone was ringing."
"Oh."
Steve handed the phone to her and she accepted it and looked upon the screen. The Captain observed her carefully. The enthusiasm in her twinkling brown eyes died at the name of her frequent caller. The displeasure she had expressed on her face lasted for a mere five seconds. Then she smiled, tucked her phone into right pant pocket and grinned brightly up at Steve.
"Ready to go?" She asked.
"Yeah." Steve nodded even though he was ridden with questions regarding her ignoring Aaron's phone calls.
"You sure I can't take one of those bags from you?" Olivia questioned with her lips pursed anxiously. They were just exiting the store and Steve had decided to carry all five bags in his arms.
"Positive, I am fine Olli." He insisted. Not that he was trying to seem gallant in front of his crush (maybe a little). But it was easier, the bags weighed like air to him and he didn't mind it.
"Still, that's like five bags." Olivia pointed out reluctantly "Let me at least take this tiny one without the risk of upping you in the strength factor."
Steve laughed and submitted to her request and bent slightly so she could retrieve the smaller brown bag within the crook of his elbow.
They made their way down the side walk, heading for his apartment which was only a few blocks away. There was a cool, calming breeze around them that made the ends of her hair swayed gently. The sun had left the skies long ago, but the colour was yet to be completely dark. The horizon still carried a little blush blue.
He watched as she busied her hands by frantically rifling through the small bag. She yanked out a mysterious object and presented it to him.
"How cute is this?" She exclaimed bringing up a small, President Obama bobble head figurine. The President's head was greatly exaggerated along with his wide, politicians grin.
"Pretty cute." Steve encouraged, smiling down at her.
"Right." She enthused, shaking the toy slightly so his head wobbled from side to side "I always wanted one of the El Presidente, it's going to look so cute on my desk."
They continued to walk silently. Olivia was fascinated by the toy and couldn't stop sniggering at the sight of it. Steve of course was laughing at her antics and couldn't turn away. However, he was reminded of all the questions that plagued his mind and decided to chance it by asking her what he had been wanting since he saw her phone.
"Olli." He called gently.
"Yup?" She acknowledged, turning her attention to him. She was caught under the wide eyed concern in his soft ocean blue eyes.
"Is everything alright?" He asked hesitantly.
"Great, I'm in DC holding a bobba head beside you, it doesn't get better."
"Thanks but I meant back at home." His polite smile softened to a pensive, attentive line. "You know you can tell me anything right?"
The intensity in her grin faltered and she averted her attention to the toy once more.
"Yeah I-I know that." She murmured haplessly and then shrugged "It's not a big deal anyway."
Steve frowned.
"Ignoring twenty calls from a former beau sounds like something I should be worrying about." He stated factually.
"That's all he will ever be." Olivia retorted firmly, her eyes narrowing behind her frames "I don't know what excuse to make for the guy, he is dating a great girl but for some reason he wants to be friends with me."
His fair brows furrowed. His pulse began to race anxiously.
"And you don't want to be just friends with him?" He asked even though he didn't want to know the answer. But he had to be sure, he had to know he wasn't just fooling himself.
"Of course I do." Steve almost felt faint from the relief "But I know him and I know for a fact that he isn't trying to be just my friend."
Steve was confused by this and waited patiently for her to explain.
Olivia was gazing a far, lost in her thoughts for a moment.
"The girl that he remembers, the one that he loved. She is no longer here and I can't be that person for him and frankly I don't want to." She confessed desolately "I am happy with the way I am now. Sure everyday isn't perfect but I take it as it comes you know?"
Steve felt such a warm affection when she looked to him. Her eyes were glittering in vulnerability and seeking assurance.
"I know." He said emphatically, smiling down at her.
"Were you running away from him?"He asked reluctantly, trying to seem brave enough to face the answer.
"I was worried you'd say that." She said with the makings of a smile on her face "No Steve I am here for you, I was planning on surprising you anyway and after all that I just got more of a reason to go."
"Plus it gets pretty lonely there without you." She added shyly.
Steve smiled, feeling both abashed and cherished by her words.
"It's worse here, believe me." He admitted "You made my day by showing up."
"Aw." She bumped into him affectionately and beamed up at him in the way that made his heart pound again.
"Anytime Steve." She said, with those twinkling honey eyes of hers.
He averted his gaze, a little bashful but grateful.
A sudden singular beep cut into their silence. It was Olivia's phone, she quickly fished it out and her gaze skimmed over the screen.
"Hey I got a text from Kevin." She announced uncertainly and swiped her thumb over the glass surface.
"I invited him tonight, maybe he changed his mind?" Steve mused contemplatively.
"Huh, that's a weird request." Olivia murmured to herself, her eyebrows furrowed as she read the text. Steve waited for an explanation but she simply smiled, hide her phone back into her pocket and then looked to him.
"Hey Steve look there." She declared, pointing to a random direction using her arm and index finger. The captain immediately stopped and directed his attention to the space she pointed to, only to find a lit street lamp. Bewildered he was about to ask her what she was referring to when he felt a sudden soft, warm press against the side of his face.
Alarmed by the sensation he instantaneously turned to the source of the feeling only to come face to face with Olivia. She had gripped the sleeve of his shirt and used it as support to get closer to him. It finally dawned on to him what she had done. She had kissed him...on the cheek?
"Kevin told me to do it." She exclaimed swiftly in defense. Like she had taken a cookie without his approval.
Steve could still feel the tingling press of her lips on his skin.
"Do you usually do what Kevin asks you to?" He was shocked he could even speak considering how hard and fast his heart was pounding. She was close, to the point where he could count the number of eyelashes she had. His longing gaze moved down to her mouth, the reasons for his undoing.
"He said you deserved it which makes sense." She announced casually and lowered herself back to the soles of her feet.
"Did you find his sister?" She asked with hopeful curiosity, while being oblivious to his rattled condition.
"Not yet but apparently I had given him an idea." He answered dazedly.
"Oh?" Her dark brows were raised in fascination "Interesting."
Steve watched her walk ahead with that bobble head still in her hand. Steve wanted his legs to start moving but his knees felt incredibly weak.
Sam had arrived exactly at seven that evening. Olivia and Steve had already prepared snacks and drinks by that time to greet their guest. Sam was dressed in a simple dark blue and black plaid top and cinnamon brown pants. He had brought a bottle of wine. Unfortunately Olivia couldn't have any considering her allergies.
They shared idle chatter by the kitchen. Sam and Olivia sat on the stools while Steve hurried about in the kitchen, finding glasses and plates for when the pizza arrived. Olivia offered to help which he graciously declined, insisting they were his guests.
The pizza arrived and they exchanged stories while munching on individual slices of pizza. Sam and Olivia's banter had Steve in stitches and at one point they had made him laugh mid drink that cola dribbled down his nose. That only made Olivia laughed hard, to the point where she almost toppled off the bench, if Sam hadn't caught her in time.
The way Sam caught her. So instinctively and in both his arms. Made Steve stop laughing instantly. He couldn't help himself. Steve wished he wasn't so bothered by it but it was natural instinct at this point.
The night passed on and so did the idle chatter. He loved it, his home was warm and full of energy for the first time and he didn't feel alone.
Eventually the liveliness settled down. Sam wandered about the living room, admiring the many posters and Olivia helped Steve in the kitchen. Steve took up washing dishes duty and Olivia folded up the pizza boxes and shoved them into one large, black garbage bag.
"Nice records Cap." Sam commended while running his finger down the spine of a record case he found.
"Thanks." Steve responded while drying a plate in his hand using a dish cloth. He approached the breakfast counter that Olivia stood behind. She was drinking from her glass of cola.
"Mind if I give one a spin?" Sam asked ready to take the record out of its envelope.
"Knock yourself out." Steve enthused. The veteran grinned and swiftly pulled out the disk and went in search for the record player.
"I haven't heard that many forties tunes." Olivia commented while leaning on the edge of the counter.
"What do you usually listen?" Sam asked curiously.
"Anything catchy really. I can't describe my taste in music as anything but eclectic." She answered with a small smile playing at her lips.
"That's good cause Cap here needs a little education." Sam noted directing a glance at Steve.
"I have missed a lot." The captain agreed reluctantly earning a doting look from Olivia.
"That's the worst part, you've come to a time where music doesn't really have the same hold as it used to." Sam stated adversely.
"Yeah, everything sounds the same." Olivia added with a nod of her head.
"So I am guessing we are going to avoid the radio?" Steve assumed.
"Why would we need the radio when you got a nice collection right here?" Sam exclaimed heartily and continued to raid through Steve's music collection.
"It's like watching a kid at Christmas." Steve murmured to Olivia who snickered behind her hand.
Sam played a soft yet lively tune. The music floated in the air around them, enveloping them in the life it provided. Steve was didn't realize he was humming and Olivia didn't want to remind him, it was just too charming.
"So Olivia you enjoying DC so far?"
Sam's question grabbed her attention from the Captain.
Sam had returned to his seat beside the breakfast bar and was leaning over the surface, smiling at her. She grinned and nodded enthusiastically.
"Well I've only been here for ten hours or so, slept through four. But yeah I like it, it's a lot more peaceful and the company is great." She glanced at them surreptitiously from behind the brim of her glass.
"Captain I do believe she is trying to butter us up." Sam murmured teasingly, sending a fleeting look at Steve who seemed busy with the task of drying the last plate.
"Negative." The captain muttered under his breath " We are great company."
Then he slipped Olivia a whimsical smile that she grinned to.
"Eey." Sam encouraged like a sports. He leaned back on to the edge of the counter and sighed contentedly.
"Man I haven't had pizza in a while." He breathed while patting his hard stomach.
"You one of those eat healthy type eh? Granola bars, orange juice in the morning." Olivia teased while rounding the corner of the bar to get to her seat. She hopped up on to the stool and swung her legs back and forth while waiting for a reply from Sam.
"Well I have to be to be this fit." Sam grinned.
"Fun fact, Steve doesn't have to." Olivia pointed out, sending a glance at the Captain.
"Why does that not surprise me?" Sam mused fondly.
"I know right, it's so unfair." Olivia pouted, her shoulder slumping as she rested her arms across the marble surface. Steve grinned knowing she was only joking. He discovered that Olivia like to show her amazement of another person abilities by appearing to be jealous of them. He had seen her do it many times to encourage children in their differences, it was sweet.
"Well girl your figure isn't bad." Sam commented his dark eyes quickly scanning her form. This grabbed Steve's watchful gaze.
"Who is buttering who now?" Olivia retorted cheekily even though her face was a little pinked by the vague compliment.
"Here feel this." Steve was surprised when Olivia gestured her hand to her belly, silently insisting that Sam touch it. The veteran was not shocked by this and lightly poked the woman in the lowest part of her stomach and then laughed.
"Wow, so soft." He commended in awe while biting his lower lip to suppress his laugh. Olivia shrugged in a smug, cool manner.
Steve didn't understand their fascinations with each other's bellies. It's like watching two kids compare their brand news kicks in a school yard.
"Hey this is a great song." Sam was distracted by the sudden upbeat melody that resonated from the horn.
He grinned in the Captain's direction "You jive to this Cap?"
"Actually I've never been dancing." Steve confessed reluctantly.
"What?" Sam exclaimed in concern "Dude you serious?"
"Yeah I uh-I never had the chance." Steve admitted while consciously rubbing the back of his neck.
"Well why not now?" Sam suggested and immediately looked to the silent female.
"Olli you dance right?"
"Well um, I know the steps." She shyly looked to Steve.
"What do you say Cap?" She encouraged bravely.
"I might step on you." Steve warned.
"Or you might not." She remarked optimistically. His lips twisted in a shy half smile and despite the lack of confidence in his nod, he really did want to learn.
"So the moves are pretty simple, you have to move in a box." Sam instructed as they all stood on Steve's carpet in the living room. Him and Sam had effortlessly pushed the couch to a side to provide more room for them to practice.
"A box?" The blonde male echoed tentatively. Sam nodded in acknowledgement.
"Corner to corner, it's really simple." The former solider looked to Olivia and gestured an open hand for her to take.
"My lady." He enthused with a glimmer in his eyes. Olivia smiled and accepted his hand and Sam gently pulled her close. They stood a few centimeter's apart. Steve studied the way Sam arranged Olivia's hand on his shoulder and then posed his on her waist.
"You pretty much have to think of it like rocking a boat." Sam stated to the Captain and then looked to Olivia. He nodded to her and she immediately understood and was mentally prepared when Sam took a step forward.
"Down, up, up down." The veteran chanted as he guided Olivia in a straight path across and then vertical and then transversely again.
"One two three, one two three." Sam continued to count as Olivia followed fluently. Steve stood at a cautious distance while observing them. It was nerve wracking how effortless Sam made it seem.
"Pretty smooth there Sam." Olivia voiced Steve's thought with a teasing smile.
"Mama taught me well." The man noted with a haughty lift of his chin. Olivia grinned and nodded, impressed by his comment.
"Alright Cap your turn." Sam insisted and brought the dance to a halt. He released her and Olivia lightly stepped away from the man and looked to Steve, awaiting his hand.
Steve gulped down his nervousness and secretly palmed the length of his pants, just in case they were clammy. He wanted to avoid embarrassing himself at any cost. He had to remind himself that it wasn't so bad. He was in the company of people he trusted and there wasn't a crowd ready to laugh at him when he failed.
He smiled tensely and stepped forward. Sam guided him with a hand to his back, in a brotherly patience to the center of the carpet. Steve didn't resist as Sam adjusted him by the shoulders a little and then motioned for Olivia to come closer.
She obliged and Steve reached for her hand. Their fingers met and a sudden jolt of electricity passed through his skin, startling him. He was used to such a sensation each time their skin grazed in some subtle way. However he wasn't expecting Olivia to comment on it.
"Whoa, totally sparked you there." She murmured apologetically.
"No it was my fault." He uttered on reflex. They exchanged shy glances and resumed to take their positions. Unaware of Sam who watched them very slyly.
Under Sam's instruction, Steve attempted the waltz only to accidentally stomp on Olivia's foot, several times. Her being so close and in his arms didn't help him gain his composure. He was a little dazed by the floral scent of her perfume, or was it her shampoo? She smelt of lavender.
"Sorry Olli." He echoed each time, wincing regrettably.
"Chill it's fine I barely felt it." She insisted after the fifth failed attempt.
"You need to relax." She pointed out and then narrowed her stare on him "Am I making you nervous?"
"Unchartered territory type situation." Steve confessed under the glow of her honey brown eyes.
"Ah." She mused pensively and then added "Well it's not nice to rush an old man."
"Hilarious." He grumbled sardonically.
"Brittle bones and all, anytime you wanna take a rest you let me know." She commented earning a roll of his blue eyes "You out of breath? Want me to roll in the oxygen tank?"
"How about you stay sharp so I don't step on you again?" He ordered affectionately.
"Yes Sir." She retorted dryly, earning a smile from him.
Maybe it was her teasing tone that riled him a little or maybe he eventually got the hang of it. Either way it didn't take long for Steve to find his footing and he was eventually waltzing with Olivia. It wasn't as graceful as Sam made it seem but it was a start. Steve didn't feel as inexperienced as before.
"Not bad Cap." Sam commended while observing their slow, rigid movements across the carpet "Took a while but what's a few grey hairs."
"Alright you two should not be around me at the same time." Steve grumbled crossly when Olivia laughed at Sam's comment.
"Careful Sam, next thing you know he is going to yell at us to get off his porch." She added coaxing a chuckle out of Sam.
"You darn kids." Steve grunted jokingly.
"Eey!" Olivia and Sam simultaneously cheered, beaming at the Captain.
"Why don't you try the twirl now?" Sam suggested.
"Yeah twirl me Star-boy." Olivia enthused. Steve grinned and did as Sam had instructed earlier. With a measured, cautious balance. Steve brought his arm above her head and spun her around clockwise and anti clockwise and then brought her back to steady, rhythmic steps.
"Well done Cap, you just passed your first Waltz class." Sam clapped as they slowly came to a stop.
"Thanks pal." Steve uttered gratefully and Sam chivalrously patted the Captain on the back.
"No problem." The veteran insisted with a jovial wink.
"That was fun, what's next?" Olivia asked when Steve reluctantly released her.
"Next is I have to head home, early start tomorrow." Sam glumly.
"Aw." Olivia pouted and glanced at the clock above the mantel and was startled by the time the face display. It was midnight.
"Wow it's late." She pointed out in amazement.
"Yeah, but hey this was fun." Sam stated heartily.
"Yeah it was, nice getting to know you Sam." Olivia smiled and stepped to Sam, with her arms out ready for a embrace.
"You too girl." Sam hugged her tightly and then released her before looking to Steve and beaming at him.
"Thanks for having me over Cap."
"Anytime, let's do this again." Steve insisted, bringing the man into a brotherly half hug.
They escorted Sam to the door and then exchanged a few more pleasant goodbyes before Sam left. Olivia and Steve hesitantly made their way back to the living room, smiling all the while.
"You throw a great party." She commended looking to him.
"Yeah?" He asked and she nodded eagerly. Steve smiled and shrugged, humbled by the praise.
"The dancing was fun, it wasn't as nerve wracking as I thought it was going to be."
"You caught on quick, I was a real clumsy thing when I first started dancing." Olivia stated as they returned to the living room. She plopped down heavily on the couch and sunk into the comfortable leather. Steve stood lingering in front of her.
"You seemed to know what you were doing." He praised grinning down at her.
"Yeah that's after a lot of practice." She responded reminiscently.
"Maybe that's what I need, practice."
Olivia did not miss the sly implication of his words. She looked to him to find him smiling surreptitiously down at her.
"Steve are you asking me to dance?" She ventured, her eyes glimmering in amusement.
"In more words than most, yes." He confessed and stretched out an open palm for her. She eyed his hand for a moment warily, as if she couldn't believe he was actually making such a request. Then she smiled and accepted his hand confidently. Steve pulled her up and reeled her into the Waltz position.
The soft melody continued on in the background. It was a lot more gentle and romantic compared to the jiving energetic rhythm it was before. Steve wondered if Sam had switched the records just before he had left.
Steve was slowly easing into the dance but he still couldn't help but look down at their feet, just to make sure he was swaying the right way.
"So what were you practicing for anyway?" He asked to fill the silence.
"I was trying to help out Charlie. Back in college he had this crush on a girl. Jaime, she was really sweet." Olivia smiled at the fond memory "Anyway she loved to dance and Charlie had two left feet, but he had asked her out to this real fancy place and he didn't want to say no, incase dancing came up."
"So you taught him? How?" He probed in an attempt not to be distracted by her soft hands on his.
"Actually we taught each other, what I remember was when I was ten and my dad would let me stand on his feet. Charlie couldn't do that to Jaime obviously, the guy is heavier than he looks." Her quirky words made him laugh and she paused to smile at the sight of his gorgeous grin.
"So we found this DVD tutorial and tired it out a couple times on the roof. It was fun." She stated.
"Did he get his girl?" He asked.
"Yup. For that brief three months until she was caught cheating on him with her best friend Giselle."
"Oh." Steve's enthusiasm deflated, pitying the lanky male "That must have hit him hard."
"Not as hard as you might think. I think he saw it coming." Olivia mused, Steve's eyebrows arched in wonder and she slipped him a half smile.
The calming voice of Nat King Cole paired with the soft melody on distant piano, surrounded them in a sea of serenity. Despite the comfortable silence they had fallen into. Steve couldn't ignore the magnetic attraction and hoped that he wasn't the only one experiencing it. He didn't want to stop dancing. She fit so perfectly in his arms. Sure she was shorter and smaller in comparison but it just felt right.
"You catch on quick." She whispered as softly as the tender melody . She raised her gaze and Steve was caught under the gentle glimmer in her eyes.
"In fact you are ready to hit the town." She encouraged, grinning sweetly.
Steve smiled and shook his head humbly.
"I think I'm comfortable here for now."
Olivia's heart fluttered under the devotion in his sea blue gaze. She didn't really know what to say under such a doting look. Her face felt hot from the intensity and she slyly turned away with a coy grin. Steve laughed as if amused by her reactions but did not comment on it. She was grateful for if he had, she would be redder than she already was.
The warm scent of honey comb that he consistently emitted made her feel like she was floating on air. She didn't want to stop either and was perfectly comfortable with dancing with him, just for a little while longer.
"Come on Steve I can't take your bed, it's not fair since you slept on my couch last time." Olivia argued while standing in her plain black t-shirt and SpongeBob pajama pants.
"Hey that was an accident. It's not like you could have carried me." Steve retorted while fluffing his pillow and then throwing it on the right arm rest of the couch.
"True but this is different, I can refuse." Olivia pointed out.
"I can carry you." He warned with a mischievous gleam in his eyes.
Olivia rolled her eyes and firmly placed her hands on her hips. Determined not to picture him carrying her and focus on the main problem. Steve's relentless need to be Mr. Goody Two Shoes. She admired it, really she did but she didn't want to take up the man's bed. She had planned on sleeping on the couch anyway and she had placed her suitcase by the couch to mark her territory. Obviously this had not gone unnoticed by the man and he had transferred her belongings to his room, without a notice.
His room was clean and orderly with fresh bed sheets and extra pillows. She was suspicious he had arranged them for her. She didn't even know when he had the time to tend to such tasks.
"Look, I get that you are gentleman extraordinaire but I've made this my home. My body print is still on this leather and I am pretty sure I drooled at some point." She gestured frantically to leather seat. Steve sighed both amused and exasperated.
"I am not letting you sleep here Olli." He tried to be firm but failed to be serious with the grin that wormed it's way across his mouth "You are my guest, you should sleep in the bed."
"For the whole week?" She had marveled.
"Yes." He concluded, she pouted.
"It's fine really I'm much more comfortable on the couch." He insisted with a smile of assurance.
"That's hard to believe." Olivia grumbled.
"I'm serious." Steve stated. Which he was, he hasn't grown accustomed to the softness of the bed yet.
"I don't know." She murmured eyeing him and the couch repentantly from beside him. Steve sighed once more and stopped arranging his new sleeping quarters and turned his attention to her.
"I made the bed for you." He persisted gently "Used my new sheets too, you would be hurting my feelings if you didn't appreciate my skills in bed."
"Oh my gosh you did not just say that." She gaped resisting the urge to laugh maniacally "That's hilarious. Can you say that again into my phone."
"In bed making." He yelled out hastily, stopping her search for her cell phone.
"I meant making the bed." He reworded, his tone considerably softer. Steve felt his ears burn in embarrassment from the wicked gleam in her eyes. Steve knew she wasn't going to forget his awkward mistake anytime soon.
"Sure." She drawled teasingly earning a flat look from him.
"Fine fine I'll go." She surrendered with her palms held high "but we are figuring out some sort of system. I'll sleep on the bed tonight and you get it tomorrow."
"I am willing to discuss that, tomorrow morning." He responded diplomatically.
"Don't think you can avoid it mister, I am very stubborn." Olivia countered catching him in his lie.
"So am I." He murmured.
"Another skill I bet." She winked making him feel a trifle faint.
"Well then, good night." She added with a nod of her head and sweet smile.
"Good night." He responded equally pink cheeked and grinning.
Olivia glanced culpably at his make shift bed and then grudgingly made her way to his room. Steve waited for her to disappear behind the bend of the wall. The moment she did, he began to unfold his plaid cover.
"At least take one of the extra pillows." Olivia announced appearing once again while hugging one of the plush, tall white pillows to her body, her cute face peeking out from the side.
"Fine." Steve grumbled in agreement trying not to be distracted by how adorable she was. Olivia beamed in triumph as the Captain accepted the cushion.
"And you can borrow Alfie." She produced a tiny, inanimate elephant. It's synthetic fiber exterior was a light blue and it had pink padding for the inside of its long ears. Steve had seen the stuffed toy before when he was at her place. She said that she had it since her college years. He knew it was strange for a grown woman to own a soft toy but at the same time, it made sense. Olivia was very attached to her child like interests.
Steve didn't judge he too missed his teddy bear from his childhood.
"Don't you need him?" He asked hesitant to accept the gift.
"Nah I got Montoya." She insisted grinning in assurance. Steve smiled and gratefully took the elephant from her. Olivia flashed him one last smile and then turned to leave. Steve watched her walk away with a dreamy look in his eyes.