1700 Hours (aprox 5 p.m.)

He had served in one of this countries deadliest wars, killed more men than his conscience was willing to remember, and seen sights that would turn the strongest man's stomach. But the extraordinary beauty before him wiped his mind clean of everything except her. Darcy Lewis was stunning in her casual attire but here and now, that red dress clinging to every curve and nook, she could be a goddess.

That's not to say her outfit was the only thing that shocked him to his core. It was the relieved smile that spread across her flushed face when she threw the door open and the way her eyes got large and dark as she took in his appearance.

He had Sam to thank for that one. The outfit was both casual and fitting. Apparently Jarvis had suits made for each of the permanent residents for multiple occasions, but Steve had never tried one on preferring his own out of time style.

It looked like though, he'd have to start wearing some of the newer suits judging by the way Darcy kept running her eyes over him in a manner not suited for the public to see.

But they had a date to go on and he was itching to show her that he could be the right guy for her outside of these towers. He only hoped she'd want this side of him too.

After she had slipped a shaking hand into his, Steve had found it impossible to let go of it even as they entered the Stark issued black car. He had no idea what the name of the vehicle was but it sure did look like it was a pretty penny.

They sat close together, Darcy clinging to his arm, fingers entwined as they made their way through the winding streets of Manhattan. Her face was practically glowing as he pointed out all of differences he could remember. Where the buildings looked the same and how he'd come over from Brooklyn with Bucky to watch the boxing here on the weekends. It seemed so much more different now than it had on that first day with her. Things were personal. The way she listened, the look of unadulterated interest made his heart swell. So he continued to talk, aware of how silent she stayed though it never seemed wrong... more like she was truly enthralled by his jumble of words.

But it was he who was trapped. He could ramble on for hours if she would continue to look at him like this. She was seeing Steven Rogers. Nothing else. But they didn't have hours tonight.

Sooner then he thought, they'd arrived at the destination.

The restaurant had been suggested by Ms. Potts, who had stopped by his apartment with Tony close to her heal. The other man seemed to not let her out of his sights these days and if he felt like how Steve did, he could understand why. Pepper had insisted on delivering him the suit in person and had some advice to offer as well. Though hers was unsolicited, it was accepted gratefully. He'd never turn down advice from the woman who kept Tony Stark in line.

It was a sleek place but not gaudy. The hostess immediately sat them at a semi private table far off to the side of a wide stage.

"Swanky." Darcy murmured, her hand finally leaving his as she made her way to sit. He fought the urge to pull out her chair and the look of dry humor on her face made him smile bashfully and shrug. He could be a modern date if she wanted him to be. She winked as she situated herself and waved for him to sit. Old habits and all.

"It was Ms. Potts idea. This place, I mean." He replied, sitting across from her. His hands splayed awkwardly on his lap, having not the slightest clue what to do with them.

But Sam said this might happen. To avoid awkwardness, Steve began to contemplate the "beginner" questions that his friend had given him. What type of food did she like, though he had a good idea. Comfort foods. Then drinks, but again he already knew that too. He opened his mouth to stutter out a question when the waitress arrived to take their order.

Darcy smiled sweetly and asked for a Shirley Temple whole Steve ordered water. The woman left and they were alone again. He was drowning in his own skin. God, he didn't know how to date anyone, let alone a 21st century girl.

But he should have known better.

"Ms. Potts was crazy intimidating when I first met her but I think you have to be to keep a man like Stark from blowing New York up with a new toy he invented or whatever it is he does." Darcy continued, her voice was a lowered, though do to the setting or from her earlier affliction, he wasn't sure. The sound, however, made his fists ball to keep from reaching out and touching her. In any way.

Holy Cow, when did he turn into this perv?

"Yea, I'm glad she pointed me here." He mumbled. His long fingers traced the smooth edge of the table as he watched the way her eyes danced with hidden mirth.

The wooden table top was smaller in size, having only their menus and a tall glass bottle of water sitting in the middle. He held his breath as she moved these things aside and lightly grasped his fingers, pulling his right hand to the center of the table.

"Where was your favorite place to eat?" She asked, smiling bashfully at their hands.

"Didn't get to go out much." He replied, stunned by her question. "Money was tight and restaurants weren't as plentiful as they are now." He spoke honestly, feeling the little lifts in his stomach at the reminder. She knew him. Knew who he was. Maybe this was too good to be true.

"I did like this one joint though. It was owned by this large Italian family who had damn near a hundred kids. Food was amazing. Always smelled like tomatoes and beef. The mother sort of took in kids, fed em' and sent em' on their way. She filled my belly a few times. Good food. Good people." He smiled, the memories fresh and wonderful. He could almost smell the tangy stews.

"Do you think the place is still there?" She asked, her eyes shined a little and he wondered if she was upset. He hadn't meant to make her tear up.

"Um, I don't know. I guess I assumed it'd be gone." Like everyone-thing else.

"Well next time we go out, we should look it up. You never know." A smile tilted one lip and he realized he hadn't needed to worry about this date. What he lacked in dating graces, she made up with just being herself.

"Sounds like a plan." He grinned back, aware that they just agreed to a second date. Maybe tonight won't be so bad.

1930 Hours (aprox 7:30 p.m.)

"I don't know, Steve. I've had so many majors and minors and plans. The thing is, I just don't want to be this thing that has to be put in a box and told what to do. Like, I don't want to follow the rules someone else has made, right?" She spoke passionately, her hands waving as if to show him her meaning. He nodded, knowing exactly what she was saying.

"I love what I do with Jane, and not because I can wear my P.J.'s to work, though that's a super plus. I love it because I'm surrounded by good people, doing good things and that kind of makes me feel at least a little important." She finished, face flushed pink.

He felt a pang in his heart. Her words were so very close to how he had felt all those years ago, many more to her. He had wanted so badly to join the army, to do what his country needed that he tried to cheat his way in. Illegally. Not something most people care to "remember" about the all American, never lied or cheated, hero. But he felt important when he was chosen. Special. He could finally help.

So her words, the way she looked down at her half eaten food as if she hadn't meant to say that last part, made his chest tighten.

"I think you are important." He blurted. Oh Jesus, did he actually say that? Might as well follow it up… "You are a part of something bigger and braver than the masks and gadgets. You, Darcy Lewis, could be the very string that is holding this thing together." Yea, shouldn't have followed it up. Now he looks like a bigger idiot.

But her face became the most stunning shade of rose as she tenderly bit her lip to keep the smile from shining on her face. He could only stare, wondering when he had fallen this hard.

"Aw, shudup you big goon." She sighed happily and raised her glass, just as the musician started to play a sweeping melody on the stage.

2100 Hours (aprox 9 p.m.)

The ride back from the dinner was tense, but only because he was pretty sure they both had one thing on their minds. The dinner had been wonderful, full of laughing and talking and swapping stories. He was positive she knew more about him then any history book could teach her and that was a heady concept to grasp.

But by the time they were ready to leave, both he and Darcy had been… flirting. It started with him pushing a stray strand of hair back behind her ear and the touch sent sparks running through his body. She had felt it too by the look of half hidden lust that danced in her eyes.

And the rest of their evening out was spent this way. Little touches, words spoken close to the ear, even when they needn't be.

He felt her sitting next to him in the car and the way she practically vibrated with barely restrained passion was about to set him off, when the door opened.

They were here at last! Hand-in-hand they rushed up to the tower doors, uncaring if the security guards saw them as they hurriedly made their way to the private elevators.

No sooner had the doors closed, then she was on him. He kissed her hard, not even trying to contain the urge to delve into her open mouth. She moaned deeply and he swallowed the sound, growling when she ran fingers under his now untucked shirt.

She was going to see him burn, that was for sure. But boy, did he enjoy the heat.

That is, until the elevator doors opened not to his private floor, which he had assumed Jarvis would be taking them, but instead to the launching pad. Where all of the other Avengers, including the Black Widow and Hawkeye, were standing, staring open mouth had the stuttering couple inside the elevator.

Right… Thor and Jane were scheduled to leave.

Ok friends, I have no idea if you folks even like this little tale of mine so send me a review and let me know what you think. I'd really, truly appreciate it!

-MoonandWinter