30. Date
"Are you sure you don't want to go alone? I'll head back to the hotel."
Sif's response was to curl her hand tightly around Natasha's arm. "Do not dare abandon me. I have no idea how to talk when on one of these – what do you call it?"
"A date. You're on a date. And it should have been a double date…" Natasha said. Loki was wandering Asgard somewhere; as a result she had to go alone with Sif to meet Steve downtown for dinner and dancing.
"A date. Right." Sif grimaced as they entered the restaurant and were waved to a table where Steve waited; as soon as he saw them he stood and flashed an uncertain smile.
Sif stopped. "Urd's testicles – could we not just go and slash at each other with swords instead?"
"No." Natasha pushed her firmly to the table. "Hi!" she added in a bright voice.
"Ladies." Steve helped Sif into her chair. "I ordered wine, although I can't have any."
Natasha shook her head. She kept meaning to ask Loki to develop some sort of potion or magic to let Steve drink alcohol, but now it was too late. He lurched into an awkward story about the army and she tried not to roll her eyes. A few stiff belts would have really helped the evening along.
By the time they reached the dance club Sif wore a look of murder. The evening was not going well. "Steve," Natasha said in desperation, "take Sif on the floor, will you? Show her how to jitterbug."
"Do you think I really…" His words were cut off as Natasha pushed him and Sif forward to dance. At least it would give her time to down a shot.
Half a bottle of vodka later, Natasha realized Steve and Sif were doing okay. The warrior maiden smiled up in his eyes as he twirled her expertly, and he laughed as she added a step of her own.
Natasha snuck out before they could come looking for her.