Jo: Um I mentioned that I changed the name in a earlier chapter. This is not the Bucky story, I dont know what made you think that xD. The dialogue isn't that different, just adjusted a few mistakes is all. Thanks for reading it again and taking the time to comment all over agan xD. Oooo LOTR For a christmas present? NICE. I have the extended version, which reminds me. I think I might watch it again for the holidays =3
CJ/Oddball: Well it depends, are you the one who wrote that sweet comment about being sad that the next one is going to be my last fanfiction and that I should know that I am leaving behind a great list of stories, or something along those lines? Even if its not that person I am still glad to know you. Please do sign your name as CJ or Oddball, whatever is best ^^. Lol I am happy you love them so much, I am rather fond of them too. They are so functional compared to how dysfunctional Johnny and Elise were in the Fantastic four story. BTW they will be making an appearance here haha xD. Awww you like Olli and Steve that much. Yeah the whole cousin of PEggy thing bothers me too .Especially in the comics cause Peggy and Steve had a longer relationship and she was a blonde and looked a lot like Sharon. :/ which it makes it double awkward. Sharon on her own is pretty kick ass I love her, but I dont know, I really dont want them to end up together in the movie. I ship Steve/Widow or even Steve/Bucky is fine for me xD.
Yes I know, fast update, but I really wanted to get this chapter out before the next one. I am finally bringing in the main antagonist for this story and the Bucky one. whooot whooot. The next chapter is going to be a humdinger. :/ There will be angst, there will be action, there will be romance ;) ;). But most of all...MYSTERY!
PS: To anyone who doesn't know Elise is my character from the Fantastic Four story. Fans of that will be a little shocked by something that I unveil in this one about Johnny and Elise's future. ;)
HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYBODY!
xx
SSC
"Blaaaaargh."
Steve heard his girlfriend's roaring cry from within the bedroom. He was startled into action and quickly headed from the kitchen to check on her.
"Olli?" He called full of alertness as he entered the room. He looked to find her sitting and sulking at the edge of the bed. She was grumbling gibberish under her breath while pulling her red socks on.
"Olli what's wrong?" He inquired softly, approaching her. She looked to him, her lips pulled down in a heavy frown.
"My period started."She muttered. Steve's brows lifted in surprise, unsure of how to respond. Wasn't it a good thing?
Olivia sighed woefully and then straightened up to her full height.
"Oh well it was good while it lasted." She said with a nonchalant shrug and then grinned up at him.
"High five's all around!" She exclaimed and raised her arms, palms out. Steve was still a little puzzled by the shifts of moods but he couldn't resist high five's. Her grin widened when their palms met in a exuberant clap
"We shall resume Hanky Panky next month." She announced and then clasped her hands on her hips. Steve smiled in vague amusement.
"Are you gonna be okay?" He was still concerned, from what he recalled periods were never a easy time for women.
"Yup, I just need to get some form of exercise in, so the cramps don't mess me up for the week." She stated and turned to search her room for her trainers. Steve stood wordlessly while watching her glide to her shoe rack and then return to her seat on the bed with her purple trainers at hand.
"Man I can't believe I got my period two days before Christmas. It's going to be a red Christmas this year." She declared and then started laughing to herself. She glanced up at Steve mid merriment to find him watching her with a incredulous lift of his eyebrow.
"Sorry." She mumbled, sobering."I make bad period jokes to mask my pain."
Which wasn't a lie, she could feel the stirrings of her aches rising to the surface. She knew she had to get some cardio in her system before her cycle decided to mess up her whole holiday.
"Sorry Olli." He murmured his heart going out to her. "Anything I should be aware of during your...delicate time?"
"Lol, delicate, you are so cute." She giggled while rising to her legs again, trainers on. "Um let's see. I will be craving chocolates, hopefully I won't get cramps but with the cold there isn't a guarantee if I do get my cramps I think it's best I'm left alone with Anakit who can keep me warm."
"I can keep you warm." He objected with a pout.
"Yeah I know babe, but I don't want to snap at you during my aches you know? I am thinking that's more of a level we reach once we've been dating for half a year."
Steve considered her words and then nodded in understanding.
"Oh I'll randomly burst into tears or get emotional, in that case I will make myself feel better by watching a Disney movie, cry my heart out and then I should be as right as rain."
"It sounds really tedious." He mused pityingly.
"It does but what to do. There is one other thing I will be craving but we can't do that."
He was quick to catch on to her evocative words.
"Really?" He whispered in wonder. "That?"
"I know, weird right?" She responded with a dubious shrug. "But that's about it. Now I need to go for a jog or something."
"You want company?" He asked already heading towards his duffle bag, under the bed.
"Yes please." She pleaded, grinning at him. "But at a human pace and preferably towards a grocery store so I can hydrate. I don't like carrying water bottles with me."
Steve knew that Christmas was going to be very eventful for him. It was after all the first time he would be spending the holidays with such a tight group of friends and of course, Olivia's parents.
The old, married couple arrived early in the morning at their door step. Olivia was making breakfast when Steve had answered the door and was greeted by the beaming pair. They were both dressed in matching white sweaters adorned with red reindeers.
Mr. Thorne had given Steve a hearty clap on the back while walking in. Steve was quick to help Layla with her bags which earned a affectionate pat on the cheek from her.
"Such a gentleman." She had uttered fondly while walking into the room, Steve was earns had reddened from the fondness.
Olivia welcomed her parents lovingly, hugging her mother tightly around the shoulders. She showed them to her bedroom which was their residence for the time being. Steve was more than happy to share the couch with Olivia, after all, it transformed into a bed, to the Captain's wonder.
May your days be merry and bright
The gentle tune of Jim Reeve's White Christmas began to play through Olivia's stereo system, his rich baritone filled the air within her apartment, wallowing the home in Christmas cheer.
The rest of the day was rather hectic. The Thorne parents didn't rest like Steve expected them to after a plane ride. They came right out after changing into more comfortable bottoms that weren't jeans.
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Layla occupied Olivia's room to wrap her presents. She denied entry for anyone till she was done, she didn't want them to see her gifts.
Steve was helping Olivia decorate the Christmas tree, which was huge. He guessed the tree to be around 8 feet tall and took up a large space in the corner of the living room, by the spacious window, making the flat screen TV seem miniscule. The tree was brand new and Mr. Throne had questioned her daughter about the purchase.
"Because of him!"She exclaimed pointing an accusing finger up at her boyfriend while holding a Christmas angel in one hand.
"Me?"He echoed, perplexed.
She nodded grimly and then looked to her father.
"Steve told me this really sad story Pa, about how he didn't have a Christmas tree and it just broke my heart. No one should be denied a Christmas tree, especially ninety five year old war heroes." She insisted and then turned to hang the angel statue on the tree.
"Amen." Noah agreed solemnly and then handed his daughter another Christmas decoration.
Steve was frozen from the joy that flooded his veins. This enormous Christmas tree was all for him? His heated stare was focused on his girlfriend, his blue eyes were glittering with love. He wanted to gather her soft body into his arms and hug her so tightly that she couldn't breathe, the intensity was overwhelming. But he felt uncomfortable showing such affections with her father present and half wished the man was helping his wife.
When Noah turned away to pick up the fairy lights, Steve quickly spun her around and kissed her. Olivia was startled, even when he released her she was wide eyed and her lips were pursued from his kiss.
Steve grinned down at her, his eyes a gleam.
"You are very sweet." He noted factually. Olivia laughed and then smiled smugly.
"Don't I know it." She winked and then resumed her tasks of hanging decorations, which the Captain eagerly helped with, humming along to the music.
The rest of the day continued on. Steve was amazed by how many holiday baskets were delivered to Olivia's doorstep. Most of them were wicker baskets filled with baked goods and candy cane. She said they were from her clients, Steve was thoroughly impressed.
Noah was delighted by all the treats and stopped working sometime at noon in order to eat the chocolate muffins while sitting on the couch. Steve eventually joined him and Noah happily passed him a ginger bread cookie and a glass of milk.
Steve received a call at noon from Stark, asking him if he would arrive early to help out with a few things later on before the dinner. Steve was more than glad to help and Olivia figured they would meet at Tony's either way. After all, the industrialist was sending a limo for her and her parents.
Steve decided to leave at around five, till then he was helping Olivia organize what she called "goodie bags". They were crimson, paper bags with a drawing of a green Christmas tree in the front. Olivia had packed them with lollipops, cookies, chocolates and other treats. Steve was helping her by dividing all the rations equally into the twenty different bags.
They were seated on her living room rug. They had pushed the coffee table to a side to allow more room to work. Anakit was confined to the bedroom in punishment for trying to steal the cookies from the donations.
Steve was quietly stuffing a lollipop into the bag when Olivia abruptly yelled out from beside him.
"MA!" She screamed, startling the man.
"WHAT?" Layla's surprisingly loud voice countered from within the bedroom.
"MA DID YOU TAKE THE WRAPPING PAPER?"
"YEAH IT'S ON THE CARPET!"
Olivia's amber eyes scanned the span of the rug, over the area littered with ribbons, tape and decorations, but she found no long roll of paper.
"IT'S NOT THERE!" She hollered.
"THEN CHECK UNDER THE COUCH!"
She stretched over her boyfriend's lap to reach the belly of the couch, sure enough she found the paper sticking out from underneath the settee.
"FOUND IT, THANKS!" She yelled out in gratitude before turning back to her spot beside the captain.
Steve was a little mystified from all the unexpected yelling but he uttered no complaint and resumed his given task.
"Alright so here is the list of people we have to send out these goodie bags to." Olivia presented him a crumpled piece of paper with a list of names, just as he was done packing the last bag.
Steve's keen gaze skimmed over the list. Most of the bags were for the kids from Norah's class, the Avengers, Claire and Charlie and then lastly someone he was not expecting.
"You put Jim the pilot on here?" He read, amused and taken aback.
"The man kept our love alive." Olivia explained passionately. Steve laughed while shaking his head in enjoyment. He didn't argue, she did have a point and he was glad she remembered.
"Do you know his last name?" She asked slyly after a moment. Steve smiled and breezily repeated the man's name and address. After all, Jim's family was in New York too. He asked her how she was planning to deliver all the gifts before the twenty fifth. She stated that Charlie was doing some runs and offered to take her along. Steve wished he had known earlier of her plans, but he had already agreed to help out Stark.
They were done with all the gift wrapping and packaging and leaned back to take a well deserved stretch. They sat on the rug and admired the large Christmas tree. Steve was the one who was amazed by it. He had never seen such a large tree in a home. Only once through a window when he was spying on a rich kid's house with Bucky. The snow had them shivering but Steve didn't want to head home, he was too enchanted by the merry interior of that house.
He never thought in a million years he would part of such a occasion. He felt at home with her, peaceful.
"So..." Olivia drawled, cozying up to him and distracting him from the dancing lights. He looked down to find her hugging the curve of his bicep while grinning up at him.
"Want me to wrap my present, from you?" She asked, cheekily. Steve smiled and rolled his eyes.
"Hilarious." He muttered. "I had yours already wrapped."
"Damn it." She cursed, pouting up at him.
"Come on tell me what you got me." She persisted, tugging at the sleeve of his azure sweater.
"Sure, first you tell me what you got me."
Olivia gaped, taken aback by the breezy tone of his impish words.
"Fine." She grumbled in defeat and Steve grinned victoriously.
"Shall we find out what my parents got us?" She mused out loud, eyeing the boxes and their shiny wrapping paper, underneath the tree. They had seen Layla sneak past them to place the gifts there.
"No." Steve argued.
Olivia ignored his protest and began to crawl towards the presents as if they were beckoning her.
"Come on, a little sneak peak." She whispered slyly, her fingers inching towards the wrapping. Steve quickly gripped her by the hips and pulled her back to his lap, but she resisted and fought to get to the gifts.
"Olli, no." He exclaimed steadying her between his legs and then forcing her arms across her chest and enveloping his arms around her.
"Olli, yes." She laughed manically.
He eventually subdued her quite easily with his powerful physique, Olivia considered it a unfair advantage considering she wasn't a super soldier. Steve eventually had to head out to get to Starks. He informed her parents who promised to see him at Stark's party. Olivia kissed him at the doorstep and he headed off. He was excited for the evening's Christmas party.
Getting the parents ready for the party was a bit of a hassle for Olivia Thorne. The first problem was they didn't get dressed on time. Layla was fretting over what to wear in a excited state. Noah didn't take it too seriously and spent the time watching TV with Anakit instead of getting dressed.
Olivia found her mother's enthusiasm highly entertaining. Layla had brought her finest set of pearls for the occasion alone.
Steve had called earlier to check on their whereabouts. Olivia was frustrated to report that Noah was still not dressed, but her father had overheard and spurred into action. After all, it was the Captains orders.
Olli had finally ushered them out of the house, coats and all. The car had arrived to take them, the sleek black limousine had caught a few wandering eyes on the street. Layla and Noah 'oohed' and 'aahed' over the fancy transport.
They arrived at the Avengers HQ. They were directed to the main party area by a tux suited body guard at the entrance. They took the lift, as the elevator ascended Layla and Olivia quickly touched up on their hair and makeup using the reflective surfaces.
Olivia wore a red sequined dress that glimmered in the light. The dress had a boat neckline and long sleeves that were cut off at her wrists. The loose skirts of the dress reached just above her knees. She had paired the outfit with black, Mary Jane pumps and golden bangles with gypsy earrings to match. She didn't want to be to daring by carrying a red lip and instead opted for a more natural make up look with her favorite nude lipstick. Olivia kept her hair down in neat curls but clipped her bangs atop her forehead.
Her mother had glammed up in a rich, bottle-green silk blouse with dark grey pants. She had thrown her famous faux, ebony fur shawl over her shoulders and looked like a Russian heiress. Her father stood comparatively simple with a dark green sweater to match his wife and brown suede pants, he looked like a university professor.
The elevators dinged and opened up into the party hall. They were greeted by heavy chatter, warm glowing lights and many bodies walking about the illuminated space. Large, gleaming red, Christmas ball ornaments dangled from the ceiling. Fairy lights decorated the walls and a ten foot tall Christmas tree stood right at the center the giant glowing, silver star seemed to graze the ceiling.
Olivia was gaping for the longest time at the sight of the tree.
"My jaw dropped at the view of it too." A masculine voice she was very familiar with, uttered from behind her. She spun around and was stunned into further disbelief at the sight of a grinning Charlie.
"Charlie?!" She exclaimed, his girlfriend suddenly appeared beside him.
"Claire?"
Her friends laughed and eagerly accepted Olivia's joyous embrace.
"Oh my, God. What are you guys doing here?" She demanded, releasing them from her hug.
"Can you believe Stark invited us?" Claire stated merrily.
"What?" Olivia blinked several times, processing the information. "Is this why you guys canceled your party?"
"Yah, wouldn't you?" Charlie bit back lightly with a cheeky grin.
"Touché." Olivia mused, nodding in agreement. She focused her soft, concerned glance on to Claire.
"But this is great so you guys made up?" She worded, uncertainly.
"Yeah it was so weird." Claire laughed shyly. "Stark called me out of nowhere, it was really awkward at first and then he just apologized and it was nice. Anyway he invited us and Charlie begged me to accept the invite and here we are."
Her boyfriend lovingly hugged him her side. Olivia was very proud of her best friend for being a good person and not letting a grudge from a life time ago keep her bitter.
"This is so great, oh my God I am so happy. We are going to get so drunk." Olivia cheered blissfully. Claire and Charlie cheered enthusiastically.
"Young lady." Her mother's chiding voice grabbed their attention. Olivia sighed exasperatedly, How on earth was she going to get inebriated with her parents around?
"Hey you guys." Charlie greeted instantly charming up Olivia's parents. They were after all quite familiar with the young man's ways.
"Looking sharp Mister Noah." He complimented, giving her father a hearty clap on the shoulder. His glittering stare moved down to Layla who was beaming up at him.
"Man, Layla you are a sight for sore eyes." He whistled.
"Oh you cheeky darling." She tutted and affectionately patted him on the face.
Claire's greeting was a lot more graceful, giving Noah a kiss on the cheek and then hugging Layla . Olivia watched them greet each other until she was suddenly reminded of her missing boyfriend. Her gaze wandered about the room, hoping to spot him.
"Steve is at the bar with the rest of his A-team." Claire announced smiling all knowingly at her best friend.
"Right I'll just go report our arrival. Where will you guys be?" Olivia asked in a haste to go in search for him.
"At the drinks table no doubt, making sure Charlie doesn't get Noah drunk."
"Thanks Claire. I'll come find you." She promised and then headed off.
Olivia hurried to find her boyfriend. It was a little challenging with all the people she had to push through. Especially when she nearly got bumped into by Jennifer Walters, although she considered it to be a blessing.
Olivia couldn't help but feel rather small compared to all the heroes that took up every corner of the space. She was busy being dazed by the sight of the X-men that she almost forgot her quest to find Steve, until she spotted him by the bar. She was immediately mesmerized by him.
Steve was looking sharp in a plaid red shirt with black lines that drew down his impressive torso, the shirt was paired with a simple, silk black tie. The material was snug against his physique and tucked neatly into the belt of his black pants. He had rolled the sleeves up to the bend of his muscled forearms.
The captain was surrounded by Tony, Sam, Kevin and Thor. All the men looked dashing in varying shirts and pants of the Christmas theme. Thor's attention was demanded by a ring of adoring females. The man seemed to elicit awes from whatever he uttered. Sam was talking animatedly to Darcy who was giggling.
Whatever Sam had uttered cause Steve to erupt into a fit of laughter. Olivia's heart melted in adoration as she watched him laugh.
As if sensing her presence he abruptly glanced up, mid laughter. His smile remained frozen on his face but his eyes lit up at the sight of her. She smiled and began to approach. As she drew closer Steve's gaze ran down her attire, his orbs darkened in smoky appreciation.
"Hey babe." She greeted finally reaching him.
"Hi." He smiled sweetly, grasping her hand and reeling her closer to his body. Olivia grinned and leaned into his firm form, palming his broad chest. She admired him from beneath her inky lashes, her eyes dark in desire.
"If I had known you would looked this handsome tonight I would have insisted we leave together, we would be late but it would be worth it." She whispered suggestively.
"You keep talking like that we wouldn't be here for much longer." Steve murmured back, a bold step from his usual bashful ways.
"Is that promise?" She asked, her voice full of lustful intent. The Captain's grin widened as he leaned in, to steal a kiss.
"Is the Captain actually flirting?"
Kevin's appearance interrupted their almost kiss. The couple turned their heads to the Agent. The man was snickering, dressed in apple green sweater and black jeans.
"This is shocking." He breathed teasingly.
"Stop eavesdropping Odell." Steve frowned.
"Sorry, I have strangely good hearing." Kevin moved his mirthful gaze down to Steve's girlfriend. He smiled at her.
"How you been Olli?"
"Great." She exclaimed and then pouted. "You would have known that if you came to hang out with us once in a while at Washington?"
"I am really sorry about that, work stuff got in the way, this is the most fun I've had in a long time." He apologized and gently hugged the female, she eagerly returned it.
"Our training sessions aren't fun?" Steve cut in, scandalized.
Kevin shot the captain a flat look.
"You want me to answer that?" The agent responded dryly, earning a laugh from the web designer. They chatted for a few more minutes by the bar. Steve had ordered his girl a cranberry juice which she was happily sipping from. She noticed from the brim of her cup that Kevin's gaze kept shifting towards the elevator doors, expectantly.
"You waiting for someone?" Steve voiced her thoughts, also noticing the man's actions.
"My date actually." Kevin answered shyly.
"Ooo who is she, is she here yet?" Olivia demanded her head spinning around in search of a woman.
"Why are you so excited?" Steve inquired from his girlfriend, amused by her enthusiasm.
"I'm nosey, babe." She responded with a nonchalant shrug and her drink at hand.
"What she like?" She asked directing her question to Kevin, her eyebrows wiggling in anticipation.
"I honestly don't know, we just met on accident." Odell answered vaguely.
"That's the best kind." Steve murmured and then aimed fond stare down at his Olivia. She laughed, abashed and gently elbowed him in the side.
"I suppose I should take that into consideration." Kevin responded smiling at the couple's adorable ways. "Anyway she might take a while, the lady is a little hard to read, I am not even sure if she is coming."
"Of course she will, how could she not?" Olivia suddenly exclaimed. Kevin was startled when she abruptly gestured to his head with the passion of a artist with a zest for life and beauty.
"I mean look at this face, man!" She announced looking to her boyfriend for his encouragement.
"You are handsome." Steve noted a lot more collected in his compliments.
"Thanks you guys." Kevin grinned with a proud puff of his chest.
"Wow Kev, your parents are so supportive and young."
The three of them simultaneously looked in the direction the taunting words resounded from. Olivia was shocked to find the Fantastic Five's, Tempest. The woman was dressed rather casually in a plain red sweater and tight skinny jeans. Her raven hair fell to her shoulders in soft waves. Her emerald eyes were dancing in hilarity while absorbing the sight of Steve and Olivia.
"Haha." Kevin responded dryly and then pulled her closer by the waist. Her hip clashed against his, their shoulders bumping like old friends.
"Guys this is Eli, you probably already know her." He introduced wryly as if he was already used to people knowing the Tempest.
"Hey Captain." She greeted with a nod of her head.
"Hi Eli." Steve smiled and then looked to the woman beside him.
"This is my girlfriend Olivia." He established, nudging her gently with a palm to her back. Olivia was still reeling over the fact that she was in the presence of another superhero. It was hard to believe how ordinary the powerful crime fighter looked.
"Oh, you are Olli." Eli breathed earning a startled look from Olivia.
Oh my God, she knows who I am. She thought dreamily, feeling a little faint.
"I've heard great things." The Tempest added coyly, reaching out for a hand shake. The web designer abided, shyly.
"From whom?" She asked beaming up at her.
"Usually from Kevin." Eli answered released Olli from the greeting and patting him on the shoulder.
"Cause he has such a crush on Steve, he pretty much documents everything about him."
Kevin dead-panned, despite the shade of red that colored his cheeks. Steve was just as embarrassed and Olivia began laughing.
"Shouldn't you be somewhere else, not embarrassing me?" He hissed to his best friend.
"I only speak the truth." Elise countered innocently.
"Where is your better half?" Kevin demanded.
"Did someone say Johnny Storm?"
They looked to the sudden appearance of a grinning Human Torch. The man was dressed in a shamrock, green sweater with illustrations of prancing deers. He had paired the top with navy blue jeans. Olivia was star struck, how can the bleach blonde make a ugly sweater look good?
Johnny moved his piercing blue gaze dotingly to acknowledge his fiancé, then Kevin and finally the Captain. His playful smile wavered a little at the sight of the stern captain.
"Mr. Storm." Steve greeted primly. Olivia sensed there was a small, lingering animosity between the two, tall, blondes. After all, they had two very clashing personalities.
"Captain." Johnny countered, his tone equally detached, but his concentration was reeled in by the web designer.
"Who is this?" He purred while throwing his arm over Eli's shoulders.
"Steve's girlfriend." Adams announced with a coy grin. Johnny's fair brows lifted in intrigue. Olivia blushed, unused to such attention focused on her.
"Ooo." Storm cooed and forcefully took the woman's hand and shook it heartily.
"So you are the one who popped his cherry." He announced. Elise instinctively whacked her boyfriend on the chest reproachfully, with her ringed forehand, even though she had bit her lip to suppress her need to laugh.
Olivia gaped in shock. Steve was frozen in astonishment at first until a flash of recognition flared in his blue eyes and his entire body bristled in embarrassment and rage.
"STARK!" He roared, earning a bout of haughty laughter from Storm.
Tony was startled out of delivering his punch line at the sound of Steve's angered exclamation. The industrialist quickly scampered to hide behind his giggling girlfriend.
"Protect me, Pep." He whispered, clutching to the skirts of her white dress with little prints of mistletoe.
"Tony you brought this on yourself." Miss Potts noted factually and unperturbed, she took a sip of her flute of champagne. She spotted the Captain marching his way towards them with, wrathful intent in his eyes.
"You are my CEO it's your duty to protect the assets." Tony announced in a quiet panic. The guests they were entertaining by the seating area was looking around, wondering what Stark was so fearful of.
"You certainly put the ass in it." She bit back resentfully.
"This is no time for flirting, Steve is going to kill me."
Pepper rolled her eyes in exasperation but her attention was drawn in when Steve appeared with a grinning Olivia beside him, she obviously found the whole debacle amusing. She was quick to spot the quivering, slouched Tony Stark from behind Pepper. The CEO's slender frame did a poor job in hiding the man. Steve dead-panned wondering how long Tony was going to believe he was truly safe.
"Stark!" The web designer exclaimed, rounding Pepper to get to the man. The billionaire was surprised by the woman's appearance.
"Thorne hey-" He was even more taken aback when she abruptly flung into his arms and hugged him tightly.
Steve was robbed of his will to strangle the man when Olivia embraced Tony. The captain stared, unsure of what was going on until it slowly dawned on to him. He had welcomed Charlie and Claire when they first arrived after all. Olivia was obviously grateful for it.
The web designer released the shocked man from the hug and then beamed up at him.
"Thanks for doing the right thing." She said softly.
Tony's smile was instinctive and a little shy.
"You're welcome." He murmured and then cautiously looked to the Captain. Steve rolled his eyes, his anger had dissipated, he was going to let Tony walk, this time.
"This is for you two." Olivia announced abruptly thrusting two presents wrapped in shiny red paper, for Pepper and Tony.
"Merry Christmas you guys." She exclaimed.
The evening progressed on full of merry and bright. Steve decided to forget the mortifying incident for now, Olivia took it rather well, but he was the one who was embarrassed publicly. He shook his head, forcing himself not to think of it and instead retrieve another glass of Cranberry juice for his girlfriend.
He headed away from his group of chatty friends and towards the bar. The counter was considerably crowded since the last time he was there. The barman quickly spotted the captain and went to ready his order. Steve waited patiently until a woman struggling to retrieve her purse from across the bar caught his attention.
He immediately went to assist her.
"Let me get that for you Ma'am." He insisted and easily plucked the clutch purse from the lengthy distance and handed it to the woman.
"Why thank you." She breathed in relief, her voice thick with a foreign, European accent. The woman turned to him and Steve was caught off guard by her beauty. She was a tall slender woman with a head of long, luxurious blonde hair. She had a long, pristine nose, large blue eyes and candy red painted lips.
Her features were sharp and polished like a Baroness. She was dressed in a flowing red dressed that matched her lipstick. She blinked several times at the sight of the Captain, thinking him a vision.
"Oh my God, you are Captain America." She exclaimed in wonder.
"I prefer Steve Rogers." He insisted blushing at her doe-eyed glance. He didn't recognize the woman to be Stark's friend or anyone else he knew from the Superhero community.
"I'm sorry but I don't know who you are." He murmured.
"Lily Cézanne." She introduced and confidently thrust a hand out for him to shake. "I was invited by my date, who seems to be missing."
"That happens, I am sure he will come back." Steve assured kindly.
"Oh he shouldn't hurry, not when I am in such fascinating company."
Steve was stunned by the unexpected sultry look she directed at him. He chuckled nervously and turned his frazzled gaze to the bar counter. The woman grinned, charmed by his blushes.
"Who is that Steve is talking to?" Claire noted from beside her best friend. Olivia was distracted by a conversation between Charlie and Hawkeye to really notice Steve at the bar. Claire felt it was her duty to make sure no one hit on her best friend's boyfriend.
"I don't know but she is hot-" Johnny bit his lip instinctively when he felt Eli's probing stare.
"H-Hotel quality shrimp dip you have here Stark." He tried to recover by looking to Tony and stuffing his mouth with seafood. Adams rolled her eyes even though she was thoroughly amused by her cheeky husband-to-be.
"Nice try babe." She gently pinched his side, tickling laughter from his lips.
At Johnny and Claire's observation, Olivia couldn't help but look in the direction of the bar. She was surprised by the leggy, gorgeous woman who was obviously flirting with Steve. The captain seemed rather oblivious and was amiably making conversation.
"Yeah she is kinda pretty I guess." Olivia grumbled reluctantly. "Got that whole long graceful limbs thing going on."
The woman's shrill laughter was drilling through Olivia's mind and then the woman suddenly reached out and caressed Steve's arm. A jolt of indignation shocked her system.
"Wow look at that she is just gripping my boyfriend's bicep like it's no big deal." She muttered keeping a tight leash on her rising irritation. Hearing the growl in her words she looked to find Claire and the rest of the group watching her expectantly.
"It's no big deal." She laughed forcefully to hide her anger and then quickly swiped one of the chocolate chip cookies from Claire's plate, to distract herself.
"These cookies are amazing." She complimented even though her unblinking stare was focused on Steve and the woman.
"Yeah." Darcy noted vaguely, quite amused by Olivia's simmering annoyance. Feeling mischievous, the intern handed the web designer a glass of Egg Nogg accented with Vodka.
"Egg Nogg?" She offered.
"Mhm." Olivia grasped the crystal and chugged it down furiously.
"Steve is as red as a tomato." Clint observed coyly, further fueling Olivia's frenzy.
"She is probably complimenting him on his righteousness or commenting on his weird Dorito shaped body that girls seem to find attractive." Tony said tauntingly.
"Steve doesn't look like a Dorito." Olivia argued, she was caught under many pitying stares.
"Oh honey." Johnny and Tony breathed in unison.
"What are they talking about, what about my damn juice?" Olivia hissed in a vehemence they were not expecting.
"Maybe I should like go up to them-nah I shouldn't got up to them I am not that girl." She worried her lip, her eyebrows furrowing. Everyone stared at her, awaiting her decision.
"Hold my Egg Nog." She ordered and thrust the half empty glass into Claire's hand.
"Oh oh, I think we are going to have some entertainment." Stark announced gleefully as the rest watched with rapt attention when Olivia marched in the direction of the bar, her skirts twitching about her hasty legs.
"Jarvis you better be recording this."
"Sir I feel I must morally suggest we not do that."
Tony dead-panned.
Olivia was frozen in place when she realized that Steve was speaking to the woman in French. The stranger was utterly delighted, even though the words sounded more practiced and smooth on her tongue she was still pretty vocal.
"Steve."
Rogers was distracted from his new acquaintances conversation by his girlfriend's appearance.
"Olli hey." He beamed instinctively and pulled her to his side.
"This is Miss Cézanne." He introduced gesturing to the female.
"No please call me Lily, I insist." She cooed affectionately, but then her blue gaze shadowed haughtily when it drifted to the shorter female.
"And you are?" She breathed in question even though her voice sounded completely uninterested. The web designer bristled a little but smiled in order to hide her spite.
"Olivia Thorne, nice to meet you." She said in a forced, summery tone.
"Nice to meet you." Cézanne responded dryly. Olivia felt intimidated by the woman's height, she was nearly as tall as the captain. They both looked like runway models. Olivia was glad she had decided to wear her heels that night otherwise the blow would have been much greater to her ego if she was at 5'5".
She averted her attention to her boyfriend and gently tugged at his wrist to gain his attention.
"Babe, you kinda forgot my drink there." She noted, seeing the glass of Cranberry juice remained in his hand.
"Oh right, sorry Olli." He murmured apologetically and then handed her the glasses chivalrously. She smiled, mainly because Cézanne's grin dropped when Olivia had referred to her boyfriend by his endearment.
"Lily was just telling me about her home town Aix-en-Province."
Olivia frowned again when Steve used the woman's first name like they were already friends. The blonde female grinned, delighted.
"You're pronunciation is improving Captain, you certainly are full of talents."
Steve blushed modestly. Olivia's usual glittering honey browns eyes were flashing with exasperation. She didn't like that this woman was openly flirting with her beau, especially since she had just established they were a couple.
"What about you Miss Cézanne, do you work here?" She asked determined to change the topic.
"Well just passing by, I was visiting a few friends." Cézanne answered coolly, sliding a smile at the Cap. Steve had his focus on Olivia who was too busy glaring at the woman to notice.
"Are they here?" The web designer asked, eager for an excuse for the woman to walk away.
"No, well my date told me to meet me at this present location, yet I can't still seem to find him." Lily pouted not to subtly hinting at the Captain's company. Olivia saw right through her deceit. Steve instantly pitied the woman, thinking she was abandoned by her date. He had a very soft spot for damsels in distress.
The man was about to chivalrously suggest that him and Olivia could keep the woman company for the evening, when Olivia spoke.
"It doesn't really look like you are giving the search that much of an effort."
Steve was stunned by the crafty sarcasm that was disguised in his girlfriend's words. Lily was equally taken aback but she recovered faster and held Olivia's stare challengingly. The captain was shocked to discovered the charged, animosity between the two women and wondered if he was oblivious to it the entire time.
Kevin's sunny grin approached from behind the blonde.
"Hey you guys, I see you met Lily." He greeted standing beside Cézanne.
Rogers and Thorne gaped simultaneously, just discovering the French woman was his date.
Olivia had rushed off soon after that. Steve was talking to Kevin one minute and looked back to her and she was gone. He excused himself from Lily and Kevin and went in search for his girlfriend.
Steve felt a little foolish. He did notice the woman was friendlier than most but he didn't think of it as ill intent, he was just happy to brandish his French speaking skills. He assumed she was just alone and making conversation, but even after Kevin had arrived the woman paid more attention to the Captain than to her date, which Steve did not find admirable.
Olivia had obviously seen through the woman's ways, he was a surprised that with all his skills in combat and ability to see an attack before it happened, he could detect when his girlfriend was feeling hostile. He sighed woefully, he wished he had a better sense of such matters.
Steve spotted Charlie by the snacks table, he shuffled through the many guests and reached the lanky male.
"Hey Cap." The brunet greeted while chewing on a cracker. Steve nodded in acknowledgement.
"Hi Charlie, you didn't see Olli anywhere did you?" He asked, his blue gaze skimming about the space.
"She is probably in the toilet hiding from the embarrassment."
"Embarrassment?" Steve echoed his eyes flaring in recognition. "So there is a reason behind her edge a few moments ago."
He didn't understand what he had done to make Olivia think he cared about that woman the way he cared about Olivia. He was just being friendly. Charlie saw the trouble in the man's eyes and smiled sympathetically.
"Olli is a very kind, giving person. Probably the most giving person I've ever met, she loves to share but more than anything I think she loves the people she cares about. I think you two have that in common."
"Among other things I guess." Steve responded softly. Charlie grinned and nodded but then his expression grew a little serious.
"She doesn't let people in often but when she does she gets-she will deny this by the way-very possessive."
"Possessive?" Steve repeated, mystified.
"About the things that matter to her of course, that and her limited edition Beauty and the Beast DVD. Don't try to take that away from her, even as a joke." Charlie warned in jest. "Talk to her, I am sure she will open up to you, you've done the magic so far."
Steve nodded firmly, highly accepting of her friend's advice. After all the man knew Olivia more than most, in a way that Steve wished he did too.
Olivia was quiet the entire ride home. She was glad her mom and dad sat between her and Steve in the limo, she knew if he did then he would be drilling her about the debacle with Lily Cézanne.
Just at the thought of the woman made her stomach knot uncomfortably. Layla and Noah were tipsy and merrily singing Christmas carols within the car. Steve was just as silent and sending occasional doe eyed glances at his girlfriend. Olivia was staring out the window, completely avoiding his stare.
They finally arrived at her apartment. Olivia was attentive of her parents strides, making sure they didn't accidentally trip and fall on the commute up the stairs. Steve was equally caring and manned Layla protectively.
Olivia opened the flat door and Anakit was instantly rushing towards them from the living room, wailing the entire time. Layla lovingly gathered the feline into her arms, smiling drunkenly as the cat relaxed into her petting.
"Stark sure knows how to party, I still think we should have driven to Mc Donald's. " Noah announced while clumsily hanging his scarf on the wooden peg.
"Pa its one in the morning." Olivia noted exasperated by her father's demands.
"You kids these days, don't know how to have a good time."
"McObesity never promises a good time, Pa."
Steve smiled in amusement at the banter between the father and daughter, but his attention was reeled in by Layla who was struggling to take off her coat with the cat in her arms. He quickly assisted the woman.
"Oh thank you Steve." She whispered gratefully.
"No problem Layla." The Captain smiled, grasped the coat and then hung it over Noah's scarf. He then turned back to Layla who beamed up at him and then patted his clean shaved cheek lovingly with her free hand.
"Such a good boy." She muttered repeatedly under her breath, making Steve blush modestly.
"Well then we better head to bed, thanks for the night out kids." Noah exclaimed and then hugged his daughter
"Glad you guys had fun." Steve responded with a grin.
"Merry Christmas sweethearts." Layla cried pulling Steve in for a kiss on the cheek and then moving to her daughter.
"Merry Christmas kids!" Noah shouted loudly and then threw his arm over his wife's shoulders before directing her towards the corridor, they headed off with Anakit.
"Merry Christmas." She had said in unison to her boyfriend. They glanced at each other in surprise. He smiled lovingly at her, Olivia struggled to return it and blushed before turning away awkwardly.
"So that went well. " Olivia mused conversationally while shrugging off her coat.
"Did it?" Steve wondered slyly, approaching her.
She hastily hung her coat and then side swept to move into the kitchen. Steve watched her scurry away, his eyes were glittering in enjoyment.
"Yeah I mean the DJ sucked but then again that seems to the be the common complaint at most parties." She babbled on and entered the pantry. Steve calmly suspended his leather coat on the stand then pursued her into the space.
"Jarvis was the DJ." He announced smiling in mirth.
"Ah, that explains things." She mumbled searching through her fridge for nothing in particular in order to avoid looking at him.
Steve sighed and wonder how long he was going to keep evading him. He knew she hated confrontation but coy wasn't the answer to everything
"Olli..." He whispered chidingly.
"Okay, urgh I know." She grumbled, shutting the fridge door and then reluctantly looking to him. "I was mean but I couldn't help it I'm an Aquarius, we are cute but mean."
"Astrology?" He murmured watching her with glittering eyes. "That's your excuse?"
"At least I was subtle right?" She purposed with a shrug.
Steve smiled to assure her he wasn't mad in anyway. Seeing this the tension on her face eased. He decided to reach her physically.
"Olli its fine." He insisted lovingly, stepping to her. "I get it, you were jealous."
"Whoa jealous that's an intense word there, buddy." She objected passionately. Steve's fair brows raised, amazed by her blunt denial.
She frowned, fixated a stubborn stare onto him. "I don't get jealous, I am a very chill girlfriend. I think I was more...mindful."
Steve grinned and gave her a look that seemed to dare her to try and prove her point.
"Mindful, how?" He asked curious to see where she was heading with her argument.
"I honestly had no problem with you talking to her, until she put her hands on you." She grumbled irately, Steve didn't know why he was so turned on by it, but he was.
He moved closer till he was close enough to place his hands on her waist. She was brought out from her incensed thoughts by his gentle touch. She raised her gaze to his and her anger melted away at the sight of his loving eyes.
"I prefer your hands on me too." He whispered pulling her to him, their hips clashing.
"You are not mad?" She asked, searching his face.
"Not really, no." He murmured and then leaned in, gently kissing her on the cheek. "I am a little buzzed by it though."
"Of course you are you old flirt." Olivia laughed, whacking him playfully on the chest. He was equally jovial and moved his kisses down to the nape of her neck.
"It's kinda sweet that you wanted to protect me." He whispered against her skin. She closed her eyes, reveling in his embrace and large form against hers.
"It didn't feel sweet, I shouldn't have said that, she is probably a really nice person and figured you were single." She sighed wistfully and then combed her fingers through his golden hair.
"I'll try not to get worked up like that again." She promised softly.
Steve grinned and leaned back to admire her face. Her pouting lips were irresistible to him, he almost forgot what he wanted to say.
"I'll try not to give you a reason to." He avowed. Her pupils dilated in awe against the canvas of honey brown that he loved. She grinned, happy by his declaration and smothered him with a kiss. Steve was startled by the embrace at first but soon melted into her arms and gathered her against his body. She draped her arms over his shoulders and clung to him as they kissed against the fridge.
Steve thought, rather joyously, kissing Olivia was a great way to begin Christmas day.
They weren't sleepy just yet. They were talking for hours about nothing in particular while cozying up on the extended couch, under the warmth of their shared, plaid blanket. Olivia had her head rested on his chest, cuddling him as he rubbed her back soothingly. They were pressed together from their heads right down to their toes.
"This is the second Christmas I am having without Norah." She suddenly announced.
"How do you feel about it?" He asked the side of his face rested on the crown of her head.
"Better than I did last Christmas." She said, hugging him a little tighter. "There was a lot crying ,staring out in to distances and waiting for the snow to melt. I was stuck in some dark times during the holidays."
"That's understandable, you weren't alone right?" He quickly asked in apprehension. The idea of her being alone through such a tough time in her life didn't sit well with him.
"No I was living with my parents then. I started picking up the pieces at around March , figured I should stop feeling sorry for myself and try to move on." She began to trace circles on his chest, dazedly.
"Didn't think I'd move on this much though." She added after a pensive silence. Steve smiled and kissed her lavender scented hair.
"You are stronger than you look, I love that about you." He murmured pulling her closer.
"You are strong too, not just physically." She responded smiling up at him. Steve chuckled and didn't disagree.
"But one thing I've learned is that Christmas is always more Christmassy with kids. I miss that, the whole magic they bring with their wild fantasies about Santa Claus climbing down the chimney, how they just eat up whatever story you tell them about the bearded man and his reindeers. Plus watching the way their eyes light up on Christmas morning when they get what they want and the candy that they crave in their socks. That's always fun." She expressed with a doting, motherly grin he had never seen before. He rather liked the look on her, the way her honey brown eyes lit up beautifully.
"The whole house becomes so much more alive, I think I missed that the most on Christmas." She mused with a sigh.
Steve stared at his girlfriend wordlessly for a moment, his mind buzzing with a million questions that he managed to shrink down to just one. But he struggled to bring himself to ask it. Will I sound too hopeful? Will it strike a nerve?
"Do you-" He cleared his throat, still a bit hesitant even though he was dying to ask.
"Do you ever think of bringing that magic back?"
"You mean like renting a bunch of kids for the day?" She joked.
"You wouldn't have to if you had your own." He murmured.
She still in his arms. Steve held in his breath for a moment of panic, hoping he hadn't caused her to retreat to her defenses again.
"Honestly I never thought myself as someone who would have kids." She answered her voice soft and thoughtful.
"How come?" He asked.
"Marriage for one thing, I enjoyed being single too much. Plus it always scandalized my mom when I told her that I was planning to be a unmarried woman with a boyfriend on the side while living in a penthouse." She chuckled richly at the thought of her mom's shocked expression. "I dwell in solitude, I had the best friends I could have ever asked for, a great job that I enjoyed, what more is there right?"
"Norah changed all that?" He noted seeing that she was talking in a past tense, meaning those weren't her current opinions. The opinions he was desperate to know.
"I love Norah but she was more like a sister to me, we had this kinship. Like the baby sister I've never had. But seeing her, raising her made me think it wouldn't be so bad to have a family and officially adopt her. At least that was the plan until she passed."
"Do you still hope to, even after what happened?" He chanced it knowing the sadness was beginning to creep into her voice again.
"I never thought I would want to after all that heart ache." She mumbled.
"Now?" He urged.
"I'm not sure."
Steve sighed in silent relief. Not sure, that I can take. It was better than a blunt no, because he had started imagining a future with her, a real future and he wanted to be sure he wasn't deluding himself with such fantasies. He found hope in her indecision.
"What about you?" She asked after a while, the weight of her head moving on his chest as she angled her face to look up at him from his shoulder.
"I always figured kids would be in my future." He answered, truthfully.
"Even when you struggled to get a date?"
He laughed at her frank words.
"Even then, it's what kept me going. The white picket fence and everything else that comes with it." He explained, but then his thoughts fell solemn when his mind wandered to his fears.
"My biggest fear was that my kid would inherit my poor health. Though I suppose that's not much of an issue now. But then after waking up from the ice I wanted to be left alone, the burden of all that lost made me think I was better off alone, but I don't think I am made for solitude despite being used to it. Being with you confirmed that."
"That's ironic considering I am all about independence." She snorted in amusement.
"You can be independent and still be with someone, just like you can be married and have kids while recovering from a loss in the past. It's how much you choose to let your fears define your future."
Olivia fell silent, heavily contemplating his words and knowing the deep, subtle, meaning they held.
"What if I am never ready?" She voiced her insecurity. Even though his heart felt a little heavy he still deliberated the question with a doting smile and looked to her with love in his eyes.
"Never is a awfully strong word, Olli." He chuckled amiably "I never thought I'd be in the army, let alone lead one or end up time sleeping into the future and meet a girl like you. Yet here we are."
Olivia held his stare with glittering eyes full of awe. He bravely held her gaze and hoped, prayed, that he had maybe managed to convince her otherwise. She blinked and then grinned up at him.
"Are you high?" She demanded incredulous, eliciting a bout of laughter from him.
"You are spouting wisdom like some hippy." She teased as he continued beam, strangely proud of himself. She chuckled, equally amused and then buried her face into his chest, breathing in his crisp, sweet scent and sighing wistfully.
"I hate that you make everything sound so simple." She mumbled into his sweater. Steve grinned and closed his eyes, relaxing into the comfort of her body beside his.
"Hate is a strong word too."He whispered before allowing the spell of sleep to carry him to his dreams.
"Olli?" He heard her voice, dispelling her from her sleep.
"Blerrgh." She groaned into her pillow and turned away to hide against the crook of the couch.
"Olli wake up." He urged, shaking her by the shoulders.
"Blaaaargh." She moaned again, trying to ward him away.
Steve sighed in exasperation.
"Wake up Olli it's Christmas." He insisted poking her between her shoulders blades. She exhaled heavily and then rolled back to face him.
"It will still be Christmas in two hours." She grumbled while shifting closer to his warmth. Steve smiled in amusement as she hugged his side and then threw her leg over his waist, ensnaring him in a half embrace.
He glanced to the view from the window, it has stopped snowing a while ago but the skies were still a light shade of grey. He was currently the only one awake in the entire household. Steve had been suppressing his excitement over Olivia seeing his gift for her, but he could no longer contain it, especially since the day had come.
"I want you to open my present." He pleaded brushing his lips against her forehead.
"Is it in your pants?" She breathed bawdily into the nape of his neck.
"Olli." He groaned tiredly.
"Fine fine." She sighed rolling onto her back. Steve grinned, happy that he had managed to convince her with his impatient whining. He sat up as she sluggishly pushed up on to her rear.
"I'll go wake the parents." She announced. Steve nodded and then rushed to the kitchen, the kettle had boiled over and he knew a fresh cup of coco would wake everyone up.
" Okay who is first?" Olivia asked with a enthusiastic clap of her hands, as they all gathered around the Christmas tree and it's pile of presents. She was quick to fall into the spirit of Christmas once she had washed her face and drank most of her hot chocolate.
They sat on her rug. Steve was beside her with Anakit between his crossed legs. Noah had his back propped up against the coffee table with Layla by his side.
"Us." The mother announced and then quickly thrust two separate gifts into Steve and Olivia's laps. Anakit was meowing in protest to the package that blocked his view of everyone. Steve quickly picked it up and began to unwrap it.
"Oh wow Ma, this is gorgeous." Olivia exclaimed being the first to have neatly torn into the wrapping. It was a beautifully knitted red sweater. Steve discovered he had one in his size and to match hers. His initials were stitched on the back in white woolen string.
"Did you make this?" He asked, marveling over the design.
"It was nothing, I figured it might keep you two warm for the next month or so." Layla said modestly. "Sorry if yours is a little tight Captain, I had to guess your size considering I couldn't use my husband's measurements."
"Thanks Habibti." Noah grumbled sarcastically before taking a sip of his beverage.
Steve hastily removed his sweater, sat in his white shirt for a moment while fitting his hands through his new sweater. He pulled the material over his head and was content to find it filled his form snugly.
"No Layla, it's a good fit, thanks a bunch." He noted appreciatively to the older woman. Layla beamed at the captain. Olivia wore hers too and knew they looked like a dorky couple wearing matching sweaters, but Steve didn't seem to care and wore it quite proudly.
She rolled her eyes in fond amusement. What a kiss ass.
They soon discovered that Noah's gift was hidden beneath the sweater. Olivia had received a silver bracelet which she adored. Steve got a brown leather belt with the initials Cpt. which he found highly amusing.
Olivia had gifted her mom a lovely blouse and her dad a collection of travel books which he had immediately run off to read, within her room. Steve had given Layla a hand bag which Olivia had helped him pick out. Noah's present was a satchel similar to Indiana Jones that he gushed affectionately over.
The parents eventually left the living room. Noah to read his books with his leather satchel while Layla wanted to try on the blouse and throw away her old, tattered, handbag.
Steve finally had the chance to share his gift with Olivia and he wanted to do it privately.
"Go on." He encouraged sitting across from her, waiting for her to rip into the foil. Olivia smiled mirthfully at the sight of his eager grin.
"Man you are practically giddy, what did you get me Cap?" She questioned teasingly. She gently unwrapped the paper to find a medium sized, cardboard box. She opened it, spread the decorate, pink, paper aside and then gaped at the sight of her gift.
"Oh my gosh." She uttered in hushed amazement.
It was a helmet. Not just any helmet, a WWII helmet, blue in colour and round, just like the dancers in the tours had worn. She had been searching for one for years, well two actually, one for her and one for Norah. Her niece had wanted one for her Captain America fancy, Olivia just liked the shape of it. She admired the shape and colour of it, and the fact that it had the letter "O" painted in white on the forehead area.
"Do you like it?" He asked studying her reactions carefully.
"I LOVE IT!" She exclaimed and then abruptly jumped into his arms, hugging him tightly around the neck. Steve caught her in time and then held her to his body, his body trembling in mirth. She was squealing in tightly and then released him but still remained close, clutching the helmet to her stomach.
"Babe, where did you get it?" She asked.
"That's my secret, I am just glad it's your size." Truth was Steve had begged Claire for her help. As much as he knew Olivia it was hard to find her something she would like, most of her fantasies regarding her presents were fulfilled by herself. She bought her own trivia items being the big nerd that she was.
Claire, Charlie and Steve had mulled on the topic for the longest time until Claire remembered the one thing Olivia couldn't find, the helmet. Steve wasn't proud of it, but pulling rank and fame at the Smithsonian got him what he wanted. He loved her and wanted the best for her.
"This is so effing cute." She sighed gleefully then looked to him, her eyes glittering.
"I love you." She avowed passionately, staring deep into his eyes. Steve was taken aback by her swift, meaningful declaration. Blushing red he leaned in for a kiss which she happily obliged, she didn't care if her parents happened to walk past.
She eventually released him from her heady kiss even though she was reluctant to. Steve's soft lips were too damn addictive.
"Okay your turn." She announced breathlessly and handed him his gleaming gift. Steve gripped the flat, rather large, rectangular box in his hand. He eagerly ripped into it and then lifted open the box.
"Oh wow." He breathed in wide-eyed amazement.
The box was filled with a neatly arranged set of new brush pens, graphite pencils of different sizes, water colour paints, brushes and they were all complete with a brand new black, moleskin journal. It was similar to his old book in size and hefty build.
"Olli you didn't have to buy me so many supplies." He chided softly.
"Of course I did, it's always good to try out new media." She insisted grinning at him, he returned the smile ruefully. Olivia carefully picked the items out of the box to direct his attention to the object beneath.
"Now this thing is cool." She said, picking out the article from within the compartment. Steve observed it to be a flat wooden board of some kind with twelve systematic holes on the right side of it. The left had a tiny clip on the top and then another one in the centre.
"What is it?" He asked, voicing his uncertainty.
"It's a work station, you keep it on your lap, you can store your pens in the holes and the paper goes here. Makes drawing easier and portable I guess." She explained, demonstrating how to stand operated and placing across her lap as an example.
Steve was amazed by how convenient the simplistic object was. Many times he had complained to himself for not being able to find an ideal position to draw on his lap, but this surface made things much easier. He was eager to get into the practice again.
"I feel like I should have gotten you something more." He said, feeling like his present was less grand in comparison.
"Don't be silly I love it." She scolded hugging the helmet to her chest and gazing upon it as if it was made of pure gold. "This is going in my work collection. It even has a O on it, so cute urgh!"
Steve smiled and watched, besotted, as she brought the helmet over her head. It fit her head perfectly and the admiral blue, complimented her inky mess of curls. She grinned to the point where the apples of her cheeks pushed up at the frame of her glasses. He smothered the endearing smile with a ardent kiss.
The slight hood of the helmet had blocked his path at first but he quickly tilted his head to the side and deepened the kiss. Olivia was quite content with being the recipient of his affections and wrapped her arms around his neck, clinging to him.
He ached for her, his heart was filled with some much love he wished to express, physically, he left like the organ would burst. But he knew he couldn't not yet anyway, her parents were still in the house and she was still in her cycle.
He hoped he would still be in New York when she was done, because the moment she was, he was planning on ravishing her.
Lily Cézanne stepped into the threshold of the house she was summoned to. The place was a light with candles of different sizes and shapes, there was no illuminated light bulb anywhere within the hall.
"Did you do it?"
She heard her soft, gentle voice call out in question from within the living room. She tensed instinctively. It was terrifying how that woman knew exactly where she was. Exhaling to reveal her nervousness she travelled further into the house, following the source of the voice.
She emerged at the arch into the wide space. The room lacked furniture and the thing that drew her attention was the figure that stood by the window. It was a woman, tall, slender and dressed in a long dark dress. She had her back turned to Lily, the candle light that flickered from the sides illuminated the woman's thick, spiraling, chocolate brown hair that fell past her shoulders, down her back and reached just over her shapely behind. Her caramel colored skin seemed warm and welcoming in the candlelight.
"Oui Madamé Lyuba, though I do not see the relevance of it." Lily answered coolly.
"That's not your concern, dear." She responded, her voice as rich and smooth as velveteen. "You may do as you wish now, thank you so much for your continued support."
"That's it?" Cézanne demanded, surprised by the frank dismissal. "I thought you would have more tasks for me."
"No." Lyuba countered briskly, shaking her head, still turned away.
Lily fell into a deep, pensive silence, unsure of what to do next. The mysterious woman's head turned a little, revealing the slant to the curve of her nose, down to her voluptuous lips.
"Your lingering suggests you are not satisfied with my dismissal." She noted calmly.
"The pay was good and I enjoyed the city life. But I suppose I should find work elsewhere." Lily mused, picking at her nails.
"Yes. I'll transfer you the rest of your money and a little extra for your pains. Your cooperation was highly valued." The woman turned her attention to the view of the moon from above the skyscrapers.
"How was the party by the way?" She asked.
"Interesting, I met the Captain, he is as handsome in person as he is in the movies." Her dreamy smile abruptly curved down to an annoyed frown.
"If only he wasn't in love with that tiny woman." She grumbled enviously.
"Yes." Lyuba murmured. "I think it's time I put it to the test."