Chapter Five
Homecoming
Elizabeth stared at the mirror in front of her.
She was dressed in a simple attire. Her dress was just above her knees, something she didn't usually wear. Her hair was combed into a proper hairstyle that Carol would approve of. She was even wearing heels, though she knew they wouldn't go out of the room anyway.
She had bought the dress yesterday, along with some clothes for James. He had wanted to take her dancing after his hair was cut. She had looked up some old music and downloaded them just for the occasion.
She had cut his hair an hour ago.
"You can do this," she told herself. "It's only dancing. Besides, it'll help James."
"You're not getting self-conscious on me, are you, doll?" she heard James's voice ask her outside her door. He had gotten used to calling her that, and she secretly liked the way he said it.
"I'm not," she reassured him. "Just mind your feet. I don't like dancing in heels and I'd rather not step on your toes."
"You won't," he said. "You ready?"
She opened the door and took in his new look. His hair was longer than the military cut he had before, but it seemed perfect to her. He had just shaved, she could tell, and he smelled of cologne. The suit was perfect on him, and she suddenly realized why he was so popular with the ladies.
"You look handsome," she finally said.
His eyes lingered on her for a moment longer before he spoke. "I don't know how I got so darn lucky to have you, to be honest."
She couldn't help the blush that spread on her face. It made him smile before he extended his arm. "Shall we?"
Together, they went downstairs. There, she played the songs she had gotten before going back to James.
For the first few ones, he seemed deep in thought, as if trying to dig up and old memory. Finally, a song came on that made him lighten up. He took her arm and led them into position before beginning to dance.
They went slow, at first, as he tried to think of what to do next. Sometimes, he would seem surprised that his body even remembered what to do. He gradually became confident on what to do next and began to dip her every once in a while.
"You seem to know what you're doing now," she commented.
"So do you," he replied.
"I danced in school," she told him before he spun her around. "Mostly these kinds of dances. I never thought I'd use them, though."
"And I thought you couldn't get more perfect," he muttered before dipping her. "You look lovely in that dress, by the way."
"Thank you," she said, smiling up at him.
James looked down at the petite girl in his arms. He was amused by how short Elizabeth was compared to him; her head rested on his chest. He twirled her around the room, smiling at how she went with what he did. It was like second nature.
When he first dipped her, she gave him a look of surprise but allowed herself to fall. He liked that, the way she would simply trust him. Of course, he knew it was incredibly stupid, but when it came to her, he found it endearing.
Memories slowly began to come to his mind as they danced. Mostly bits and pieces, though. He remembered that he liked dancing and that he would often try to get Steve to join in. He remembered that a lot of girls had wanted to dance with him, and that he would often agree with them.
Too soon, the music Elizabeth had downloaded ran out. She made a move to go towards her laptop but James held her close to him. With him leading, they moved slowly across the floor.
He realized he was humming a song, though he didn't recognize what it was. He looked down to see Elizabeth closing her eyes as she placed her head on his chest. He involuntarily smiled at the sight. It seemed she had that gift, making him smile.
He truly liked her. A lot.
It was the first time in years he had felt anything for anyone. Secretly, it scared him. What if something went wrong? What if she didn't feel the same way? What if he pushed her too far?
"You stopped humming," said her voice, pulling him back to reality. Her hand reached up to touch his face. She locked eyes with him and gave him a small smile. Then, she began to sing.
"The strands in your eyes that color them wonderful
Stop me and steal my breath.
And emeralds from mountains thrust towards the sky
Never revealing their depth.
Tell me that we belong together
Dress it up with the trappings of love
I'll be captivated, I'll hang from your lips
Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above.
I'll be your crying shoulder
I'll be love's suicide
I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life."
James stared at her as she continued to sing. It was a beautiful sound, and he never wanted her to stop. He felt as if she had come out from his dreams and into his life.
Eventually, the pair had to get ready for bed.
Right before they went back to their rooms, Elizabeth's phone rang. He watched as she picked it up and answered it. Slowly, her face paled and she looked at him in worry.
"What do you mean you're going home early?" she asked.
He froze as the doorbell rang.
She ended the call and ran towards the window. She peeked out. Then, she looked back at him, her eyebrows furrowed.
"Carol's home," she began. "And she's with Captain America."