Supesfan: Thanks ^^
Allison: I know right! Even I really enjoy writing about them, well I'll try to update as fast as I can :).
Jo: Haha thank you so much ^^.
Kristybauer: Jealous Stevie is hella cute.
debatable-cerealkiller: Umm...That's quite the pessimistic thinking haha..haha...ha. Well it's not going to be ALL butterflies and unicorns, that particular plot you were helping me with is one of the difficult things they will have to face as a couple, but lets see ^^. This story was meant for fluff though, now the Bucky story, that has A LOT of angst xD.
DJK: YAY NEW READER, thank you!
Kaayroki: Aw thank you so much! Yeah her depression was something I was pulling out of a personal experience, I am so happy you were able to relate with it. Thanks again, you are too sweet ^^. I hope you like this chapter :D. BTW how come you were away from the net? I hope everything is okay :). As reasonable as their pace is I think even they are getting frustrated by how...PG it all is xD. You will see what I mean ;).
Hey guys thank you sooooo much for all the reviews, please keep them coming. I hope you guys enjoy this one, things get a little...steaaaameh.
xx
SSC
Steve was surprised when Olivia had called him that morning and told him(very sheepishly) to meet him at the children's hospital. Firstly he had wondered what on earth Olivia was doing in the children's hospital. Couldn't be for a diagnosis, she wasn't a child (though an argument can be made). Maybe it was something to do with Norah?
He couldn't deny his curiousity or the need to see her, so as requested he headed to the hospital that morning.
He entered throw the automatic glass doors into the lobby. There were nurses dressed in dark blue scrubs bustling about the space, hurrying after doctor's or working at the reception counter.
He's eyes scanned the area but he didn't find his girlfriend anywhere. His eye did linger on a person dressed in what looked to be a oversized, baby blue onesie with a hoodie and floppy ears to match. The stranger's back was turned to him and busy chatting to one of the nurses.
Lost and extremely self aware under the wide eyed looks of children and their mothers, he decided to give her a call.
Pressing the cell phone to his ear he waited for her to pick up, oddly enough Olivia's ringtone emitted from the near the mysterious, short, person in the costume.
Steve was startled to find that the adult in the onesie was Olivia Throne. He stood gaping at the sight of her for a while, wondering what on earth possessed her to dress up in such a manner. She grinned, oblivious to his bewilderment and waved at him while leaning back on the edge of the counter.
"Hi." She greeted when he approached her.
"Hey." Steve responded while tucking his cellphone back into the pocket of his blue jeans. They were paired with a casual black polo shirt and his rain proof jacket.
"So..." He mused his clear gaze skimming over her strange attire "A children's hospital was not where I was expecting our third date to be."
Olivia sighed and nodded despairingly.
"I know I know." She sighed while rubbing the apples of her cheeks, penitently from under her glasses. Steve was quick to note how the long sleeves of her strange costume stretched all the way to the base of her fingers, making her hands seem smaller than usual.
The material of the costume seemed velveteen and sagged over her body. Making her seem plump, childish and extremely adorable. He was fighting the urge to pinch at the floppy ears on the top of her head. He was a little alarmed by the face of the hoodie. It had a pair of gibbous, black eyes with a round blue nose at the center.
"Ugh I totally forgot about this thing I had organized." She groaned sadly, grabbing his attention.
"What did you organize?" Steve asked, his blue eyes glimmering dotingly. She glanced up at him from beneath the head cover, his heart melted at the sight of her woeful gaze.
"Well it's Halloween and most of the kids here can't really enjoy it the way other kids can. So Claire, Charlie and I had put together this sort of indoor trick or treating day. We thought it would be a fun activity for them." Olivia explained, gesturing to the many Halloween decorations hung up down the corridor towards the rooms.
Despite the sinister celebration of Halloween, the decorations were more on the lighter side. The pumpkin lanterns were carvings of princess silhouettes. There were smiling black, flat cardboard, bats pasted along the walls.
"Olli that's great." Steve exclaimed in amazement. His delight eased her guilt and she smiled hesitantly.
"Yeah but I was thinking about what I wanted to do on our third date that this left my mind until Charlie reminded me last night." Olivia reluctantly admitted. She had a whole day planned which involved one of their favourite past times, exploring the city and then a picnic afterwards. But all of her plans came to a depressing, crumbling demise when Charlie had called her late the previous night, asking her about the decorations.
She was stressing about how Steve would react. She didn't want to disappoint him, but from the large grin on his handsome face, she doubted it.
"It's fine, this sounds like a really great thing I want to be a part of." Steve insisted lovingly.
"Yeah I kinda didn't give you much of a choice." She mused sheepishly while scratching at the back of her head, through the malleable material of her onesie.
"These kids weren't given much choice either, so really I want to be here. I'd be insulted if you didn't want me here."
Steve's words surprised her, it was so heartwarming and inspirational that she couldn't help but rise up on her tip toes and place a chaste kiss on to his lips. Steve laughed, both flustered and delighted by the affection.
"Olli I have to ask." His gaze dropped to her attire "What...are you?"
"I ask myself that a lot." She joked earning a smile from him.
"But right now I am an illegal, genetically modified extraterrestrial experiment six two six, who is a fugitive from the law and is being hunted down by the Galactic Federation." She said, posing gallantly. "I honestly completely forgot about this because Charlie and Claire took over all the major things for me because I had a lot on my plate with work stuff. Totally forgot to organize a costume so I just put this together last minute with what I had in my closet."
"You had this in your closet?" He asked disbelievingly while pointing to her outfit.
"Yeah, it's my onesie. " Olivia stated glancing at the suit and then back up at him.
"Sexy right?" She winked.
"Um..." The Captain was conflicted, was it weird that he still found her extremely appealing in the strange get up?
"Steve!"
Rogers was alerted by the familiar voices in sync that called his name. He spun around to find two figures approaching him, down the corridor. He recognized them to be Claire and Charlie and they were dressed even weirder than his girlfriend.
Charlie was wearing a white shirt paired with a black tie and pants. Which was ordinary enough, but his hair was a bright, lime green. He had brushed it neatly to the side with what Steve guessed was a very thin comb. Charlie also had two gossamer wings attached to his back and a sunny yellow crown a top his head.
Claire looked equally bizarre with the same wings and crown. However, she wore a wig that was an alarming shade of bubblegum pink. The colour contrasted heavily with her tanned skin tone. Her outfit consisted of a lemon yellow t-shirt and long black pants.
They waved at the sight of the Captain and that's when Steve noticed the two black stemmed wands in their hands, with individual golden stars.
"Oh wow." Steve marveled, stifling a laugh "What are you two supposed to be?"
"Cosmo and Wanda, duh." Claire uttered as the couple posed back to back.
Steve sighed and looked to his girlfriend.
"Is every one going to be dressed as references I won't get?" He inquired dolefully.
"Side effect of dating me." Olivia responded with a cheeky smile. Steve considered this, it's pretty worth it considering the source of entertainment.
Charlie's brown eyes moved to Olivia. He suddenly frowned displeased by her costume.
"A onesie, really? Such low game." He sneered teasingly.
"Well I am sorry that I haven't been planning my costume since January." Olivia snapped halfheartedly.
"Please, we were still in Beta stages then. You should see me prepare for Comic Con." Charlie insisted pompously.
"I don't understand." Steve abruptly announced "I am also extremely under dressed."
"It's okay Cap, I got you covered." Olivia uttered and then turned away to retrieve something from atop the receptionist counter. She hid item behind her back before he could see. Then, using one hand, she gestured for him to bend down.
Steve did so, obediently and bent at the waist and lowered his head. He was surprised when she placed a hat on his head. But it wasn't an ordinary hat. It had limbs of some sort that draped and framed his face in a mass of plush, apple red, polyester fleece. He searched around for a reflective surface and found a small, round mirror within the receptionist desk. He stealthily picked it up and then looked at his reflection before frowning immediately.
"It's a squid." He stated bluntly, directed a flat look down at Olivia.
Indeed it was. The body of the squid was long and pointed and made his head seem elongated. The hat had two large googly eyes attached to his forehead area and the long red limbs were the tentacles.
"Yes." Olivia grinned unaffected by his dead-panned expression.
"I am suddenly digging dreadlocks." She mused fondly to herself.
Steve narrowed his at Claire and Charlie who were openly snickering at the sight of him. He calmly averted his attention back to his girlfriend and gave her a look of pure concern.
"Why do you have this?" He demanded, tugging at soft tentacles by his face.
Olivia chuckled nervously. It was from her hat collection.
Olivia had to admit it was a tiring day, but luckily the air was cool so she wasn't sweating in her onesie while running around with the children. They even got some from the other sections in the hospital to join in, without limiting the fun to just the palliative and oncology unit.
The nurses had helped immensely and the whole day was fun for the kids. She loved knowing she helped bring smiles to their faces. But the thing that brought the biggest, dopiest smile on to her face, was seeing Steve interact with the kids.
It was such a heartwarming sight. Kids would be hanging off his back, his arms and sitting on his shoulders. He would sit beside the bed ridden children and count their candy with them while slyly adding to their pile. She was distracted by the sight of him a few times while walking that she nearly ran into a wall, in fact she did a few dozen times.
Charlie and Claire were particularly beloved by the children. They played their roles to perfection and the children adored it.
Olivia felt a little guilty for forgetting about the Halloween tradition that Charlie and Claire had helped her set up. It had started a few years ago when Norah was battling her disease. They had initially done it to lift the child's spirits for missing treat o treating, but it became a thing of the hospital.
She was amazed that she got through the day without being depressed over the lack of Norah's sweet smiling face. Last Halloween without Norah was a nightmare.
When the day was over Claire and Charlie offered to stay back to take down the decorations, since Olivia was the one who had set them up that morning. Steve wanted to assist but the couple insisted that they do it and it was part of the plan.
Olivia had no arguments, she was eager to use the rest of the afternoon to spend time with her sweet, handsome, boyfriend. She asked if he would like to hang out at her place. Steve was a little stunned by the invitation at first, but he shyly agreed.
His bashful ways made her extremely aware that they were no longer just friends. It would be the first time they would be hanging out at her apartment, as a couple, alone. She couldn't stop her mind from wandering and furiously reminded herself that it was their third date.
"I am sorry if that wasn't your idea of a second date." Olivia stated apologetically while opening her front door. She managed to unlock the door and pushed it open and stepped inside.
"No don't apologize, it was fun." Steve insisted, brushing past her and into her apartment.
The wailing mewls of Anakit were the first thing that greeted the Captain. The cat bounded in his direction and meowed up at him, demanding his affections. Startled but humbled, Steve gently gathered the feline into his arms.
Anakit purred and curled up into the crook of the Captain's elbow and settled there comfortably. Steve smiled, amused by the kitten and stroked its fine fur while strolling into the apartment.
He was surprised to find that Olivia was no longer at his side. He looked ahead to find her lazily shuffling towards her couch. Her posture was slackened and her shoulders slumping heavily. Steve did not miss how exhausted she was.
He smiled dotingly at her and followed her to the living room with Anakit in his arms.
Olivia allowed her body to fall back onto the reclining area of her couch. She sank into the plush, colorful pillows. A deep sigh of relief escaped her lips. Steve was about to join her at the more upright area of the settee but she patted at the free space, beside her.
Steve was surprised by the request at first. Anakit jumped out of his arms and joined his owner and curled up by Olivia's head, on the arm rest.
The long sectional area of the couch was luxuriously tempting. The captain accepted her invitation and sat down on the empty spacing before allowing his body to slant back. He was flooded with an instant sense of relief that spread all the way down to the tips of his toes.
Olivia laughed all knowingly, seeing the satisfaction on his face. Steve smiled and adjusted his position a little. His body was a lot bigger and one leg hung off the edge of the recliner. Seeing this, Olivia lifted her head so he could slide his arm under the curve of her neck. Then he shifted more to her side and felt a bit more comfortable.
The lay there, silent and serene. Steve liked this, the feeling of a warm soft body beside his and not have it be a heart racing thing. Sure he was extremely aware of her beside him but at the same time he was reassured by it.
Olivia was pretty sure this was what heaven felt like. Relaxing on Captain America's bicep, she could giggle from the immense glee she felt. Her whole body felt sated even though her stomach was growling in protest, demanding the lunch they had missed. Candy wasn't enough of a meal and most of the treats weren't really sweets. They had to take certain precautions to not impose on the children's recovery.
She smiled at the fond memory of seeing him interact with the kids. She slanted him a doting look and smiled.
"You were so good with them. Thank you for being there." She murmured gratefully. Steve grinned and shrugged modestly.
"No problem, it was fun." He said looking to her with those sky blue eyes "The exhaustion is totally worth it."
Olivia's dazed stare dropped to his body, her eyes slowly dragging over his broad physique. The polo shirt he wore hugged his impressive build and she felt that familiar yearning warm her body.
I can think of another exhaustion worthy thing we could do She thought, suppressing a dreamy sigh. She pinched her eyes shut and immediately stopped herself, determined to not let such thoughts motivate her.
"So what now?" Steve inquired innocently from beside her. He was busy petting Anakit, who had roamed over from the arm rest and lounged comfortably on Steve's flat stomach.
"I don't know." Olivia drawled a little entranced by his slender fingers and the way they scratched Anakit under his furry jaw.
"Do you want to eat something?" She asked after a moment, feeling her own stomach growl.
"Yes but I can't be bothered to move." He responded earnestly. Olivia nodded in agreement.
"Me neither." She grumbled and squirmed, trying to fish out her phone from the pocket by her thigh.
"I'll just order." She announced, producing her cell phone and then dialing frantically.
Steve watched Olivia, keenly. She was chatting to the owner of the pizzeria, located a few blocks away. He remembered the day they first discovered it. The owner was a old Italian gentleman named Adamo. He was a short, fair man with a large pot belly and a extremely contagious grin tucked away under a thick, black, busy moustache. He was very friendly and kind. Steve remembered how fascinated he was by how easily Olivia interacted with the owner.
He loved watching her interact with people, her warm friendly ways made her eye light up and ten times more attractive.
She was grinning wide while chatting lively on the phone. She occasionally glanced Steve's way while stating orders, a silent way of asking if he wanted anything else.
He couldn't think of anything he wanted more than to kiss her.
His body burned with the urge to wrap her up in his arms. She just looked so odd and adorable while conversing in that blue onesie of hers. In his distraction, Steve hadn't realized he neglected his cat petting duties. Anakit was not pleased by this and stood up before wandering off, searching for other means to amuse himself.
Olivia's mouth was salivating. She was dying for a slice of cheesy pizza and Adamo's pizza was the cheesiest. She couldn't help but smile, the man's buoyant personality always lifted her spirits.
Olivia placed her phone on the arm rest and then twisted towards Steve, out of a sudden need to change her position. She was surprised when her eyes met his, as if they were on her this whole time.
"Hi." She beamed snuggling up into him, her gaze still fixated on his face.
Steve smiled sweetly, his eyes hooded and heavy with yearning while admiring her.
"Hi." He breathed.
Olivia was caught under the heated stare he fixated from beneath his long lashes. She felt her face redden, but the thrill was too great that she couldn't look away. Biting her lip contemplatively, she decided to chance the moment but asking what she had been dying to.
"Wanna...make out?"
Steve blinked, stunned by her request. Olivia grinned sheepishly up at him.
She was extremely aware of her habit of blurting out things without fully comprehending the impact her words would have. But Olivia Thorne was too head strong to take back her words, and from the uncertain yet gleaming interest in his eyes, she knew he wanted to.
"Sure." He said with a shaky, timid laugh.
Olivia grinned, eager to comply and lifted her chin. The smoldering glow had returned to his beautiful, sky blue eyes. Desire slowly softened the angles of his chiseled face as her face neared.
He pressed his yielding lips against hers and Olivia felt the tingling spark of thrill. The sensation started from her sensitized lips and travelled under her skin, searing all the way to her chest.
Steve's trembling hands slid up the sides of her face and into her soft, lavender scented hair. His actions pushed the hood of her onesie and it fell back to rest at the base of her neck, revealing her inky black curls.
His possessive actions spurred a fire within her. Olivia struggled to calm her dizzying senses and braced her small hands on his face as she pressed up, further into his hard form.
What was meant to be a slow playful kiss soon took a turn for the passionate.
Her fingers raked the short strands of his golden blonde hair. Steve shuddered in delight at the awareness of her nails dragging deliciously over his scalp. His lips parted mid kiss in awe of the lulling sensation when the kiss changed.
He felt her tongue glide into his mouth in a tentative stroking. He tensed at this, he had only felt such a sensation once from the leggy blonde officer that stole his first kiss. But she had more of a shove frenzied type of style. Olivia's kiss was a blessing in comparison, a rare delicacy that he craved with his entire being.
His apprehension began to rise to the surface once again. Just when he thought he had gotten the handle on kissing, things changed. He had heard about such wet, hot, erotic kisses but he had never fully experienced one.
Olivia felt his body stiffen against hers. The tension made her hesitate. She had an inkling that Steve hadn't kissed such a way before but she couldn't help herself. With a mingling sense of disappointment, she didn't want to push him. She was about to pull away when something changed.
His mouth slanted against hers, pushing further into her soft lips, encouragingly. She was surprised at first but the warmth of relief eased her back into the kiss. The tenseness in his shoulders bled away as she held his face lovingly in her graceful hands.
She tasted sweet. The mild strawberry flavor of the candy they had consumed, still lingered on her tongue. Combined with the heat of her mouth and the feel of her hands on his face, Steve couldn't get enough. Just when Steve began to sink into the kiss, she shifted against him.
Steve felt her leg winded around his trim waist like a forest vine. He was amazed by how quickly he understood what the action meant, he was eager to change the position too, his arm was falling asleep. With their lips still firmly attached, he decided to move them.
Steadying one arm around her, he used the other to press up right, into the backrest. She buried her knees into the couch cushions, beside his legs.
He didn't realize how intimate the position was until he felt her sitting on his lap. His hips locked between her warm, soft thighs.
She pulled away for a moment and Steve was drawn out of thoughts and his gaze fell to her eyes. She was watching him, her gaze heavy lidded with desire behind the frames of her glasses.
Steve felt that same rush of adoration he felt every time he stared into her honey brown orbs. But the feeling felt more powerful in that moment, a thrumming resounding sign of taking a step into moment he had never experienced before.
She smiled, despite the sultry look in her eye, her smile was thoroughly endearing. When she leaned in again his haunted gaze dropped to her mouth on instinct.
"You are okay, right?" She murmured uncertainly, looking deep into his eyes, her warm breath brushed against his lips.
"Yeah." He responded his voice hoarse and dream like.
"Good." She grinned, content with his dazed answer. She adjusted the frames firmly. "I wouldn't want to do anything you are not comfortable with."
It wasn't like he expected her to, Olivia was always attentive, it was her nature. But Steve still felt the need to reassure her.
"I am propped up on five throw pillows." He commented with an artful glint in his eye "I don't think I can get any more comfortable."
Olivia bit her lip in mirth and her shoulders trembled from suppressing her laughter. With her glimmering eyes fixated on him, her smiling lips descended towards him.
Steve leaned up, meeting half way to steal her kiss. Her hands slid down his face and caressed his chest. Steve braced one hand, tensely on her mid back while resting the other on the curve of her hip. The lower half of her plastic frames, lightly brushed over the bridge of his nose, but it was hardly a inconvenience.
She parted her lips this time, beckoning him to try. He accepted, but the hesitation trembled in his kiss and touch. He tasted her in kind, unsure of what to do exactly. His mind was screaming at him accusatory, but her gentle kisses eased his tension.
She swirled his tongue around his and Steve felt a bolt of desire shoot straight to his groin. His blood heated and his heart was pounding to the point where he was afraid it would burst. But he didn't want to stop, it felt so unbelievably good. The sensation coupled with her hands caressing his chest was threatening to throw him over the edge.
DING DONG!
Steve jumped, startled out of the kiss. His sudden movements surprised Olivia too. The couple was breathing hard and fast from the hot kiss and abrupt actions.
"That was not thirty minutes." Olivia murmured swiping a glance at the clock about her work place and then fixating her annoyed gaze on the door.
"Who the hell-"
"OLLY OLLY OXEN FREE!"
She groaned and Steve sighed in exasperation. It was Charlie.
"Great." She grumbled lowering her attention back to the wide eyed Captain. She was utterly irked by her best friend's lousy timing, but her expression softened at the sight of his boyfriend's gorgeous blue eyes.
"Guess we are going to have to stop for now." She mused sadly while tracing the breadth of his firm, muscular chest. Her pulse was still thumping wildly.
"Guess so." He murmured back, equally despondent as his hands ran up her sides.
"Shame." She uttered eyeing his mouth, desperate to taste him again. Steve longed for the same sense of connection all over again.
With a heavy, frustrated sigh. Olivia climbed off him. Steve was quick to help her by gripping her around the elbow. Once she was standing on the carpet again, Olivia stomped in the direction of the door, her fury echoing in each determined stride. Steve hastily adjusted his rumpled shirt and made sure there was no obvious bulge on the crotch area o his jeans. He quickly wiped the lingering moisture on his lips and straightened his posture in a choir boy manner.
Olivia yanked open the door and came face to face with her two grinning Fairy God Parents.
"Yes?" She hissed.
"HI!" Claire exclaimed oblivious to her short friend's annoyance "So we brought some goodies, thought it would be nice if we all just hang out."
Claire dangled a pumpkin lantern bucket filled with candy in front of the web designer. However, Claire's enthusiasm disappeared at the sight of Olivia's glowering expression.
Steve had approached and stood smiling shyly from behind his girlfriend. Claire and Charlie simultaneously observed the couple and then nodded all knowingly.
"From the lack of ecstatic-ness on your face I am guessing we interrupted something." Charlie noted factually gesturing to the web designer.
"No-" Steve started to lie.
"Yes." Olivia cut in bluntly, surprising the Captain.
"Oops." Claire laughed nervously while offering the bucket to them.
"Gummy Bears?"
Steve kindly accepted the gift penance as Olivia reluctantly allowed them in, muttering irate gibberish all the while. Steve smiled fondly at the sight, feeling decidedly better about his disappointment when Olivia expressed hers so openly.
"Hey I know a fun game, how about embarrassing stories starring Olivia Thorne?" Charlie suddenly announced in order to bring a spirit of fun to the group as they sat on the large couch, waiting for the pizza to arrive.
Claire had found a 3 liter bottle of Cola in Olivia's fridge and brought it over with four glasses.
Steve was quietly sipping on his drink while sitting beside his girlfriend. He took up the reclining corner of the couch. Olivia sat next to him curled up in her onesie while hugging a pillow to her chest.
Charlie sat between the two ladies as Claire lounged on the opposite arm rest with her long legs rested on her boyfriend's lap. Anakit was snuggled up on the arm rest beside Steve, observing the humans.
"Great." Olivia enthused clapping her hands together in an enthusiasm Steve did not expect. "Let's start with the story of when we first met, I'm living that embarrassment daily."
Charlie dead panned and Steve bit his lip, suppressing his need to laugh at her jab at the lanky male.
"Just for that, I am going to tell him the story about Professor Grieve." Charlie threatened.
"You wouldn't." Olivia paled. Steve's interest was piqued by her uneasy reaction.
The dark haired man wordlessly lifted his girlfriend's legs off his lap, got up and then sat on the edge of the coffee counter, facing them. Charlie grinned smugly, rubbed his hands together, braced his palms on his knees and then began his tale.
"So it was our second year at FSU, and I very distinctly remember it was a Friday the thirteenth because our class was planning on having a horror movie marathon that night. Olli and I were putting up Halloween decorations."
"Nope nope, shut up." Olivia protested attempting to reach out and clamp her hand over his mouth. Charlie ducked and swerved expertly like it was practiced and pushed Olivia's arms out of the way.
"And Olli here was wearing this big ass werewolf mask." Charlie stated with a wide gesture of his hands to emphasis the largeness he depicted.
"I am so relieved you added 'werewolf mask' to the end of that sentence." Steve added with a sigh of relief.
Olivia froze in her attempts at silencing her friend to laugh uncomfortably at the Captain's words. Steve grinned, blushing as they sniggered at his unintentional joke.
"Well the mask was hairy much like a few asses I was unfortunate enough to see." Charlie added mid chuckling.
Claire and Olivia simultaneously shot the man a flat look
"Thank you for the mental picture, Charlie." Olivia grumbled.
"He started it." Charlie pointed an accusatory finger at Steve.
They rolled their eyes.
"So Olli was scaring the day lights out of everyone that night, because she is a evil little psychopath that enjoys inflicting fear." Charlie noted, narrowing his eyes playfully at his friend. Steve looked to Olivia as well who was smiling innocently.
"Some people have the funniest reactions." She insisted defensively with a nonchalant heave of her shoulders.
"Not as funny as Grieve." Charlie added.
"That was an accident!" She cried remorsefully. Steve chuckled at her outburst. Olivia's wide, pleading eyes fell on to her boyfriend.
"She was-"
"My story to tell!" Charlie quickly cut in, interrupting Olivia's explanation. She frowned but didn't object. Steve was sympathetic towards her pouting face and hugged her comfortingly to his side.
"So we were supposed to put up fliers and the board we were stapling is next to a bend in the hallway and past the bend and down the corridor is the vending machine." Charlie continued "Me being the generous kind man that I am. Offered to go and get some snacks."
"Which I paid for, you cheap bastard." Olivia clipped out. Steve's fair brows raised in wonder, not expecting her to curse.
He kinda liked it.
"I think you mean carefully spending bastard." Charlie corrected with a pretentious lift of his finger "So I go to get the stuff right? And just when I am heading down the corridor I pass by Mrs. Grieve's classroom door and I see she is struggling to open the door with box of decorations in her arms. So I quickly go and open the door for her and let her pass in front of me. Unknown of the both of us that Olli was waiting hoping I would emerge from the bend so she could scare me."
Steve gaped already predicting the outcome of the scene Charlie had illustrated with his words. He turned his astonished expression on to his girlfriend who was trying desperately to blend into the seat cushions.
"You didn't." He breathed in mock distress.
"It was a mistake!" She cried out her arms flailing. Steve bit his lip, trying not to laugh. Claire was giggling uncontrollably.
"I couldn't hear a damn thing under the mask to differentiate between his footsteps and hers!"
"She was a fifty year old woman, you monster!" Charlie yelled in deriding outrage.
Steve couldn't help but join in on the man's feigned disappointment in Olivia. Her fuming reactions were very amusing.
"You should have caught her." Olivia countered glowering at Charlie "This man has no upper body strength. I'll admit I scared the life of that woman and she started to fall back but he couldn't even catch her."
"She was heavy and nearly broke my pelvis!" Charlie screamed in defense his face reddening.
"We can't have that."Claire spoke up coolly in his defense "I make full use of his pelvis."
Steve stared, scandalized as the girl winked at her boyfriend who was scarlet despite the smug grin. Olivia was not amused and slanted Steve a look that echoed her exasperation.
"See what I have to deal with?" She said gesturing a thumb in their direction.
Steve smiled and nodded in understanding.
"Was she hospitalized? Is she okay?" The captain asked, his thoughts reverting back to the story. Even though the tale was laughable, he couldn't help but be concerned for the old professor.
"Yes, I made a sufficient, soft landing for her. Olli had apologized several times in the form of candy, cakes and, eventually, when she found out the woman was diabetic, apples were a substitute."
Steve laughed, directing a fond glance at his cheeky girlfriend.
"I got into a lot of trouble because of this loser." Olivia insisted with a stern nod of her head.
"Seems like you are the one causing trouble." Steve murmured in a gentle protest, earning a gaping look of betrayal from her.
"Yeah Cap, I was the innocent lady cushion." Charlie added like he was the one victimized in the story that made Olivia out to be some old lady assaulter. Olivia narrowed her eyes on the man as Steve and Claire wordlessly sipped at their individual glasses of Cola.
The pizza had arrived moments after Charlie had finished his story. Olivia was gratefully for the pizza guy's arrival. Charlie was about tell Steve a discrediting story of Olivia at the FSU library.
Charlie had announced he was paying for the pizza and Olivia didn't object as punishment for interrupting her hot make out with Steve and for embarrassing her.
The men took charge of bringing the plates and tissues from the sink. They left the two large pizza boxes on the coffee table and travelled to the kitchen. The ladies lounged comfortably on the couch, content in being served.
"You guys are so cute together I could just die." Claire whispered excitedly and hugged Olivia to release her cute aggression.
"Not on my couch, I just washed it." The web designer drawled dryly, earning a laugh from her friend.
"We should totally double date." Claire abruptly suggested.
"This isn't a double date?" Olivia countered with a lift of her dark brows.
"Well one that you have prior notice of, of course." Claire added slyly. Olivia grinned.
"Yeah that sounds fun, I am sure Steve would be into that."
"Probably not as much as he is into you." Claire teased, pinching her friend in the side. Olivia laughed at the ticklish sensation and warded off her friend's hands. Olivia chanced at glance in Steve's direction, watching him listening to Charlie's babbling with a attentive smile.
She admired him dazedly for a moment, taking in the curve of his biceps, along his broad chest and large pectorals and then back up to his chiseled face. Suddenly he looked to her from the corner of his eye as if feeling her staring. He smiled and she grinned on reflex.
"By the way, what are you doing for Thanksgiving?" Claire suddenly asked, snapping Olivia out of her ogling.
"I am heading home to see the folks as usual. Why?"
"What about Steve?" Claire pointed out.
"Crap."She cursed harshly glancing up to make sure he hadn't heard. To her relief he hadn't but the realization still floored her.
"I didn't think about that." She mumbled rocking back and forth nervously. IT had completely left her mind that Steve might have to spend Thanksgiving alone. After all, he was an orphan and she knew that very well. She wanted to take him home, she really did, but...
"Isn't it too soon to meet the family I mean this is like our third date." She noted fretfully.
"So what? This is in November you guys will have plenty of dates before then." Claire insisted to assure her. Olivia rolled her eyes at the hypocrisy in her statement.
"Funny you should say that, you waited a whole year till you decided Charlie should meet the family."
"Your parents are sweethearts and they are welcoming to anyone who comes to their home. You know what my parents are like, you've met them." Claire grumbled reluctantly.
"They are interesting..." Olivia lied, repressing her true opinion on Aaron and Claire's parents. They were difficult human beings."But I am sure they are just doing that whole screening process because they care. Charlie is going to ace the interview anyway."
"No he isn't." Claire smiled, amused by Olivia's attempt at reassuring her "But I don't care. I love him and I am going to be with him either way."
The web designer grinned, proud and impressed by Claire's confident answer.
"Your parents are going to love Steve. Your dad will faint." The curly haired female noted factually.
"No doubt about that." Olivia mused to herself "My mom will love him too much if you know what I mean."
"Was she like that with Aaron?" Claire asked smiling curiously.
Olivia tensed on reflex, that question was awkward to dwell on. Claire rarely asked about Olivia's past with her brother, but when she did, it was a intense question.
"I never took Aaron home." She answered reluctantly "I didn't get a chance to."
Aaron and Olivia had ended things long before Thanksgiving that year. She had been grateful in a way. Things were fun with Aaron, he knew how to have a good time and Olivia always searched for one back in the day. They had a great dynamic until Norah came around and became Olivia's number one priority. But even then, she didn't feel a sense of connection with Aaron, not the way she felt with Steve.
The alarming thing was she had known Aaron for a year before they started dating. She had only known Steve for more than a few months and they had been dating for less.
"Do you want to take Steve?" Claire asked seeing the pensive look in her friend's eyes.
Olivia hesitantly met Claire's clear gaze. Even though she saw the concern her friend expressed, there was a glint of mischief in her eyes, as if she already knew Olivia's answer.
Movement from the kitchen grabbed her attention. It was Charlie and Steve and they were heading back to the living room. Olivia lifted her chin up a notch and smirked at Claire.
"I will neither confirm nor deny that." She said flatly, Claire rolled her eyes at her friend's mysterious ways.
Steve couldn't remember a time when he felt so relaxed, but he also didn't recall falling asleep.
His eyelashes swept open and the first thing he saw was the Olivia's living room ceiling. His eyes rolled about observing the space to the framed nerd posters. it was definitely her living room. His attention fell on her TV screen, it was frozen on a bright blue light.
Steve remembered what had happened. They had all sat down on the couch to watch a movie. He did not recall the title but he remembered there were cowboys and aliens. He had tried to stay awake but he felt so exhausted and the six pizza slices he had consumed only helped the fatigue.
He felt something shift against his body. Surprised he looked to find it was Olivia. She was sleeping soundly, curled up into his side.
An instant rush of heat reddened his cheeks. He stared at her, tongue tied and heart racing. He took a deep slow breath. It was just a nap, it's not like they were in a compromising situation. He was worried his heart was going to give out from how fast it was pounding, but seeing the pure serenity on her sleeping face, he felt his shock and embarrassment melt away.
Olivia had her face buried into the side of his chest, her arm and leg wrapped possessively around him. He had unconsciously held her close to him with his left arm snaked around her back and to her hip.
He glanced a head to find Claire and Charlie. They had taken up the entire vertical space of the sectional couch. Their feet were facing the Captain as they spooned each other. Charlie took up the back of the couch and Claire was curled up, facing him, using his arm as a pillow. It was thoroughly adorable.
His gaze wondered back to his girlfriend, his stare glowing lovingly. He had to conclude, Olivia won the endearing award in his eyes. He had almost forgotten one very important member of their little nap gang, he only remembered him when he heard him purring beside his ear.
Anakit was comfortably asleep on the edge of the backrest, above Steve's right shoulder. The kitten had its tiny paws tucked into his downy, fluffy fur. His diamond shaped face was lowered towards his puffed chest and his eyes closed to slits.
Steve considered slipping back into sleep only to be sharply reminded that it was a Sunday and he had a jet to board. Keeping a cautious eye on his slumbering girlfriend, he slowly slide his hand under his body and pulled out his phone from his pocket. He looked up on the lit up screen and gaped.
It was almost seven and he had told Jarvis he would be back by six. It was odd that the diligent AI hadn't called to check up on him.
His despondent gaze moved back to the sleeping Olivia. He knew what he had to do next and he hated himself for it. He would have just slipped out without disturbing her sleep but he didn't want to seem rude. Sighing woefully, he reached out and gently cupped the side of her face. She was warm and soft under his finger tips.
"Olli." He called reluctantly. She didn't stir right away but when he said her name once more, her eyelids fluttered. Steve waited patiently as she stirred awake, her inky lashes lifting when she opened her eyes.
He met her bleary gaze guiltily.
"Steve?"She called, her voice slightly raspy from the nap. She stared at him confusedly for a moment before glancing around the living room and then back to him. The realization had dawned on to her pretty features and she smiled.
"I knew I shouldn't have eaten that fourth slice." She murmured jokingly under her breath.
"You and me both." He agreed and then a look of remorse shadowed his eyes as he met her gaze again.
"Sorry to have to wake you but I have to go." He said contritely.
"Already?" She asked, wide eyed and alarmed. Steve heart squeezed in regret, he really didn't want to go.
"Yeah, early morning mission tomorrow." He answered reluctantly.
Her gaze lowered in discontent but she nodded in understanding
"Right yeah sure." She muttered under her breath while releasing him from her possessive hold. Olivia was blushing at seeing how tightly she had been hugging him unconsciously.
"Should I wake them?" She inquired sitting up and looking to her friends. She bit her lip to suppress her smile when Charlie abruptly snored.
"Nah it's fine, they must be tired." Steve mused kindly, sitting up right.
"I'll have to wake them up sometime, otherwise they will stay forever." She commented. Steve smiled, amused and not at all surprised.
The couple sluggishly made their way to the front door, hand in hand. Steve was dreading going home, back to an empty apartment in a city without Olivia. He forced himself to look at the brighter side of things, he would back again in five days.
Olivia reluctantly opened the front door and Steve stepped out before turning to face her.
"I had fun." He stated with a wide grin.
"Me too, best nap ever and the other stuff was great." She murmured the last part flirtatiously, earning a sheepish smile from him. She laughed, smitten by his adorable reactions and squeezed his hand in hers. The affectionate grasp gained his attention, he looked to her from beneath his long sandy lashes.
"So I'll see you next week?" She hoped.
"Yeah." He breathed a little dazed by her doting smile and glimmering eyes. He stepped closer, covering her under the shadow of his large build. She untangled her hand from his and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, pulling him in.
Steve melted into her embrace and leaned down as she searched for his lips. They mouths met in a warm, soft, kiss. The heat and passion in her kiss left him dizzy and desperate for more. He gathered her in his arms, wrapping them around her mid back. She fell on to him, her body pressing up against his as she clung to his shoulders, forcing him down.
It was odd how he lost all train of thought every time they kissed, and there was just the sensation, the intense rush and desire. The only harsh reminder that the moment was fleeting were his lungs, they burned for air. But Olivia was the one to pull away first, her breathing sharp and hot against his lips.
Steve's eyes swept open at the absence of her mouth and stared deep into her honey brown eyes. They were swirling in banked hunger and he found himself feeling overwhelmed and thrilled all at the same time. He wanted to challenge and discover what she offered in that frenzied gaze, but at the same time he wondered if he was ready to.
But then she blinked and the pure want in her eyes had vanished. She smiled sweetly and combed back a few messy strands of his blonde hair. His ears reddened at the action, it was highly welcomed by him.
She looked too him, a seriousness took over her doting eyes.
"Stay safe, okay?"
He grinned and nodded firmly.
"Yes Ma'am."
She smiled, satisfied by his answer and placed one last chaste kiss to the side of his face. His dimples deepened shyly at the action, the lavender scent of her skin brushing under his nose.
She lowered herself back onto the heels of her feet and Steve reluctantly returned his arms back to his side.
"Bye Olli." He breathed amiably.
She smiled, tilting her head to the side.
"Bye Steve."
He lingered for a few seconds before sighing and turning to depart. He descended the steps and then stopped at the bend to the first landing, to glance back at her, over his shoulder.
She was still there, leaning against the frame of the door, waiting for him to disappear out of her line of sight. He did not miss the lingering sadness in her soft expression. He had half the mind to run back to her and sweep her up into his arms, but he held his ground and clenched his fists. He knew if he did turn back, then he was a goner and Fury would be calling him, demanding reasons for his absence.
He sent her a short wave. She grinned, giggled at his cute antics and waved back. Steve smiled, happy that he had brought her a little amusement.
It's okay. He thought optimistically We will be picking things up again in no time.