A/N: I still don't own the characters.
A/N1: Here's part one of the teams downtime. There may be a couple more before I slide back in the AoS timeline for a bit.
Chapter Seven
Steve didn't bother waiting for Fury's assistant to notify him of the coming intrusion. Nothing much escaped Fury's notice and over the past year or so it had become a game for Steve to attempt to sneak up on the man. Today was no exception.
Even with Fury's back to the office and Steve moving silently toward him it wasn't a surprise when Fury said, "Nice try, Captain."
Steve shook his head and moved to sit on the couch that Fury typically used for his less formal meetings. "One day I'm going to catch you, you know that right?"
"We'll see." Fury chuckled. "I assume this drop in is about you wanting a few days off."
It wasn't a surprise that Fury already had some idea of what brought Steve up to this level. There were certain agents that Fury had taken particular interest in. There was no point in explaining any more so Steve just kept his face neutral as he stared at his director.
"This new girl… She's risky, Cap." Fury had said as much to Coulson but, it seemed the girl had something special.
Hearing that Skye was a risk from the man that Steve credited most of the blame for what led up to the Battle of New York was more than a little funny. But instead of pointing that out, Steve said, "Romanoff, Banner, Stark…"
Before he could continue, Fury interrupted, "I take your point." In the silence that followed Fury took a seat as well. After several moments he spoke again, "What's your take on the girl?"
"Skye." Steve told him, firmly. "Her name is Skye."
The two men had what would appear to be a staring contest, almost a silent battle of wills. On this very rare occasion Fury ceded, "Skye. Pretty name."
"She is smart and quick on her feet." This wasn't the place for Steve to lead with his emotions. Fury wasn't interested in emotion, he was interested in facts and usefulness.
"Be that as it may, she's made a few poor choices." Fury thought about her past with the Rising Tide and the incident report from Austin he'd read.
Steve stared at Fury with no small amount of disbelief. "Who hasn't made poor choices, sir?"
Fury sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. A sure sign that Steve's jab had made the hit. "Fair point. Apparently this Skye has a way of inspiring loyalty."
"That she does, sir." Steve readily agreed. He had felt protective of Skye before even speaking to her and from what she told him, Coulson had bonded with her instantaneously.
Fury stood and walked back to his place behind his desk before looking Steve in the eye. "The time is yours, Rogers. Use it wisely."
The conversation had gone about as well as Steve had expected and he had gotten the time off that he needed. The moment he'd fully opened the door Fury calmly informed him , "I'll be keeping an eye on your Skye. Just so you know."
Steve looked over his shoulder, "Noted, sir. And just so you know… So will I."
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
When the bus was about twenty minutes from the airstrip Coulson called for a team briefing in the living space. As usual Ward was the first to appear, he simply nodded to Coulson and took a seat on the couch that Skye had been using as a crash pad a few hours prior.
Next to join them was FitzSimmons still debating the best possible way to incorporate a tracker into night night rounds. Ward made a half hearted attempt to understand what they were saying but between the speed and technological terms he was lost. His attention quickly snapped to Skye as she joined the group. He frowned when she didn't didn't take the open space next to him on the couch, choosing instead to sit in the chair farthest away from him.
"Alright, once we land you four will have at least 72 hours of down time. Give or take." Coulson explained. The team knew that they were getting at least two days off but Director Fury had been in contact and requested Coulson's involvement in planning a mission that would require a little extra time.
FitzSimmons and Skye all had momentary bouts of excitement, while Ward just raised his brow at the change. "We each have rooms reserved at The River Inn, near the Triskelion. Feel free to use them or stay on the bus, your call."
"Another real bed!" Skye clapped with enthusiasm.
Simmons snorted a bit, "You should actually sleep in it and not stay up all-"
"JEMMA!" Skye cut her off and glared at her which made Simmons cover her mouth looking like she genuinely hadn't meant to say it out loud.
Ward glanced between the two, this was the second time someone had alluded to Skye not exactly using her room for sleeping. It grated on his nerves that apparently everyone but him knew what she had been up to. If anyone should know what had Skye up all night, it should be him.
Before the discussion could go any further Coulson continued, "Though none of you should be actively working, I expect frequent check ins." He rested his gaze on Skye, as if this order while applicable to the team was actually meant for her. After a moment she nodded. "Keep your phones with you at all time in case something urgent comes up but most importantly…"
Coulson looked at each of them seriously,"Have a bit of fun. You all have earned it."
The plane began making its descent to land and the team scattered, presumably to gather their belonging for the three day break at hotel. Skye didn't notice that instead of Ward making his was to his own bunk had followed her to hers. Ward stood silently in the door frame watching as she began packing her electronics into a bag.
As much as he wanted to interrogate Skye about why she apparently didn't make use of the bed he couldn't find a way to ask without sounding disapproving. What came out sounded gruff and almost like an order. "We're going to take the SUV to the hotel. May and Coulson have things to handle at the base. Meet us in the cargo bay in five."
Skye jumped slightly when he spoke. Her mind had been too occupied thinking about her date with Steve. She zipped up her bag before answering, "It's ok. I'll find my own way to the hotel later."
When she tried to walk past him Ward lightly grabbed her arm pulling her to a stop. "Come on, Rookie. You can get some actual sleep and then I'll even take you to dinner."
A few weeks ago Skye would have jumped at this offer. Now, knowing that Ward was with May she couldn't help but think this was a invitation given out of pity which made her feel insulted. "I'm fine, Ward. I've already got plans."
Ward tightened his grip when she again tried to push past him. He knew that Skye had never been to DC and he was pretty sure she didn't know anyone in the area. "You shouldn't wander through the city alone, especially with no sleep. If it's so important that it can't wait, I'll go with you after we check in."
"Ward," Skye said trying to be patient, "First of all, I'm a big girl and would be fine on my own. Secondly, I'm not going to be alone."
"Do you really think meeting up with one of your hacker buddies is a good idea right now?" His voice taking on a scathing tone. He considered the last time Skye had run off to find one of her friendsshe'd been found in their suspect's apartment…half naked in his bed.
Skye felt an cold rage rush through her system. Of course Ward assumed the worst of her. Why wouldn't he? It took a huge amount of control not to snap back at him. Instead she stared into his eyes, radiating her anger and in a tone that almost frosted the air, "What I do when I am 'off the clock' is none of your business, Agent Ward."
She didn't wait for his response before yanking her arm out of his hold and storming off. Ward hadn't missed the way she had thrown his own words back at him and realized that perhaps their relationship still hadn't returned to normal. He scrubbed a hand over his face, considering the idea that Skye may not actually let things roll off her back and that his words may have hurt her more than she let on.
Before he could make it to the cargo bay and try speaking with Skye with a more level head, Ward found Coulson and May standing in command center. Even though Ward knew he had approached the topic the wrong way with skye, he still felt that the possibility of her meeting up with known Rising Tide associates needed to be discussed. "Sir, I have a few concerns about Skye."
Coulson immediately shifted his focus from the teams previous mission reports displayed to his specialist. "What do you mean?"
" going off on her own, sir. Being evasive about her plans." Ward did his best to keep any emotions out of his voice.
"And this concerns you because…?" If Skye wasn't willing to open up to Ward about the new occurrences in her private life Coulson wanted to respect her choice. But if what Ward was continuing to question her loyalty even after the Hub, it was a subject that needed to be addressed.
Ward found it a bit odd that Coulson didn't seem effected by Skye's renewed secrecy. In Austin he hadn't hesitated to assign a tail on the off chance that Skye was hiding something. "If she's meeting with any of her hacker friends, it could cause issues. Would you like me to monitor her while we're inactive?"
Silence fell between the three agents standing around he table. Coulson sighed and glanced to his second in command, searching for a way to ease Ward's mind for the time being while maintaining another team members privacy. When all he got as a response from her was a silent shrug Coulson sighed. "That won't be necessary, Agent Ward." Then glancing out one of the planes small windows, Coulson saw none other than Captain America hugging the girl in question. "I can assure you that Skye's friend is in no way a hacker."
When the team leader left and it was just May and Ward in the room, she sighed. "You shouldn't worry so much about Skye."
To say that Ward was shocked by May's advice would be a wild understatement. He thought that if anyone would doubt Skye it would be May. Not bothering to hide the doubt in his voice he asked, "You don't worry about what she could do?"
"Not since the Hub."
There was no more explanation to be offered as far as May was concerned so she left Ward standing there lost in his thoughts, wondering what the hell had actually happened at the Hub.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Skye was still seething as she made her way to the cargo bay. Ward had no right to comment on what she chose to do with her off time considering how he spent his. Just as she passed the lab, Simmons again yanked her in. "Crap! Jemma, you're gonna yank my arm off if you keep this up."
"Oh hush you!" Simmons gestured toward the runway through the open cargo bay door. "He's here. Captain America is here! Which I'm assuming you know because he's probably here to pick you up, isn't he?"
Simmons was practically vibrating with excitement which made Skye laugh. "Yes, he owes me coffee."
"You don't seem very happy about it? Why aren't you happy about it?" It was a fair question. The run in with Ward had seriously dampened Skye's good mood.
"My all knowing supervising officer is just being a grade A jackass." Skye sighed and shook off the last of her anger. She wasn't going to let Ward's mood ruin her day. "And honestly, I'm kind of nervous…"
Suddenly Simmons had a better understanding of why her friend wasn't practically skipping off the plane. Between first date jitters and angry specialists Skye had every right to be frazzled. "If it makes you feel any better I've been watching him since we landed and I'm pretty sure he's just as nervous as you are."
"How can you possibly know that?" Skye scoffed.
"Just look," Simmons adjust where they were standing so that Skye had a clear view of Steve as he stood facing the bus but fidgeting and shifting on his feet. "And a few moments ago he was pacing. Clear signs of nervousness."
Even if Skye refused to admit it Simmons was obviously right and seeing it actually helped ease some of Skye's tension. Squaring her shoulders Skye looked to her friend and said "Ok, well wish me luck."
"You don't need luck. Just be you." Simmons smiled. "Oh and I expect a full update as soon as you get to the hotel. No excuses!"
Skye laughed and headed down the ramp. She could tell when Steve spotted her because stood up and bit straighter and sent a huge smile in her direction. Without even realizing it Skye sped up a little bit and was almost jogging to where he was, when she got closer instead of stopping she jumped and wrapped her arms around Steve's neck.
Suddenly having Skye in his arms was a very pleasant surprise for Steve. He had half expected their greetings to be slightly awkward given that they hadn't spent much time together yet. Though he should have expected Skye to figure out a way to keep him on his toes. Quickly catching on, he wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her up a bit. "Is this how you greet everyone or should I feel special?" He teased her with a low chuckle.
"Well I figured the guy who helped me stop Norwegian terrorists and then made me laugh all night deserved a hug." When Steve placed her gently back on her feet she smiled up at him. "Are you complaining?"
"Not at all. Feel free to hug me anytime." He briefly tightened his hold on her waist essentially continuing the hug.
In this moment, Skye wondered why she was nervous in the first place. So far everything between Steve and herself had flowed so easily, why would a coffee date be any different. "I'll keep that in mind. Now, where is the coffee you promised me?"
Steve smiled, "I know the best place to get coffee in DC." He took his hands from her waist but, immediately grasped her hand. Just like at the Hub the second he had touched Skye, a certain warmth spread through him that he was desperate to hold onto. "Any problems with motorcycles? It's the easiest way to get around here."
"My only issue with them is that I don't have one of my own." Skye laughed.
The two made small talk about the merits of different models of bikes as they walked to where his had been parked near one of the hangar bays used for smaller planes When he handed her a helmet but didn't produce one of his own Skye looked at him confused. Steve shook his head and helped adjust the chin straps before explaining, "I'm not risking your safety and I heal a bit faster than most."
After he'd adjusted the helmet to his satisfaction, he stopped and looked in Skye's eyes. They both seemed to freeze as he gently ran his fingers from the chin strap to the bruise on her cheek. The simple touch took Skye's breath away and she moved into his touch. Steve started to lean down and close the distance between them, giving in to his desire to brush his lips against hers.
Her eyes fluttered closed just before their lips met. The same electricity she felt whenever Steve touched her jolted through her system. Skye slowly moved her hands to grip his arms before sliding up to circle his neck, bringing her body closer to his.
Feeling her pressed up against him brought what Steve had intended to be a chaste kiss to another level. He deepened the kiss, swiping his tongue gently over her lips while dropping one hand to grasp her waist again, trying to bring her even closer. When Skye moaned, Steve took advantage of the opportunity to explore her mouth.
No longer frozen, Skye met his tongue with her own. What had started as soft tentative was quickly morphing into a more consuming passionate kiss. Skye's ran her fingers through Steve's short hair and smiled slightly against his lips when this made him tighten the hold he had on her waist.
The loud sound of metal smacking against concrete from inside the near by hangar suddenly made the two jerk apart. Steve looked around for a moment, trying to remind himself of two things. First, they were in public which made continuing more than just problematic. Second, this was their first date and Skye deserved a great deal more than a quick tumble. She deserved romance and respect.
After taking a deep breath, he looked at her again and took pride in the fact that he was the that caused her eyes to be slightly gazed and her lips to be parted as she caught her breath.
Steve smiled and couldn't stop himself from leaning in to quickly press his lips to her once more. "I promised you coffee."
Skye was still unable to find her voice so she just nodded and let him help her onto his bike.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
When Clint returned to Avengers Tower after handling a quick check in with Dr. Selvig, he wasn't surprised to find that Steve's bike was missing along with Tony's jet. After dropping his things in his living quarters, Clint set out to see what the plan was. After all Tony never just handed over his toys without there being some form of strings attached.
Of course, Tony was in his lab toying with what looked like the boots to a new suit. He didn't even bother looking up when Clint took a seat across the table from him. "Trying to add a bit more umph to the thrusters but, I can't seem to get the balance right."
It was a good thing that Tony generally didn't require anyone to actually understand what he was talking about when he got in one of these moods. The only other teammate that could really keep up was Banner and he was at SciTech teaching the next class of lab rats how to recognize gamma radiation. "Jets gone."
Tony smirked. "I, being the kind and generous sort, lent it to Romeo."
"And I'm sure your generosity won't extend to giving Cap privacy, will it?" Clint chuckled and leaned forward a bit. After living with Tony for a few months, he'd started to see the fun in not being so disinterested.
Tony gave Clint a look of mock hurt and grabbed at his chest. "You wound me! I would never interrupt a man's first date. Give me some credit, Katniss."
It took Clint a moment to piece it together because there was no way that Tony would actually not find a way to mess with Steve's date. "Jet needed repairs, didn't it?"
"Yea, it'll be ready by morning. You up for a field trip?" Stark questioned his teammate while reaching under his lab bench to grab a couple hidden beers.
Grabbing one of the bottles Clint laughed. "Oh, I wouldn't miss this for the world."
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Steve stopped his bike in a small alleyway off P Street after about a ten minute ride. He had briefly considered prolonging the drive just so Skye would have to keep her arms wrapped around him for a little longer.
Skye climbed off the bike, took off the helmet and looked around confused. "The best coffee in DC is in an alley?"
"No. But the best parking near the best coffee is." Steve grabbed her hand once again and pulled her along. When she spotted a small patio surrounded by flower boxes that almost exploded with colors, she knew that's where they were headed. He looked at her and smiled, "Trust me."
He held the door open for her and as she stepped into the shop she was floored by the splashes of color. Much like the flower boxes on the patio the walls glowed and made the small space seem warm and welcoming. It wasn't crowded but there were a few people scattered throughout the seating area, obviously enjoying the relaxed quiet environment.
She looked up when an older man came out from behind a curtain near a vintage cash register. "Ah Mr. Rogers! It's been too long since you visited."
"Business kept me away, Emilio*." Steve laughed and reached out to shake his friends hand.
Emilio looked past Steve to include Skye, "You are forgiven only because you have brought in such a beautiful woman. Now, would you like your usual?"
"Make it two, please." Steve told him. When Skye looked at him with with raised eye brows he realized she may have taken his ordering for her as a sign of chauvinism. "Sorry, it's just, I promised you the best coffee and I know that Emilio makes the best specialty coffee. I didn't mean to… Crap."
Skye looked at how flustered Steve had become and couldn't help but laugh. "It's a good thing you're cute, you know that?"
" been a long time since anyone called me cute."
She laughed, when she looked up at him again and their eyes locked Steve felt the same desire to kiss her lips he had at the airstrip. Only this time he knew how warm and soft her lips would be, he knew how it would feel to have her in his arms. That knowledge made it impossible for him to resist pulling her close and capturing her lips again.
Emilio coughed from behind he counter and broke the spell. Steve pulled back slightly grinning like the kid who got caught stealing from the cookie jar. "Why don't you go grab us a table on the patio?"
Skye nodded but before walking away she smiled at Emilio, "It was really nice to meet you. If your coffee is as good as this guy says it is you and I are going to have to become pals."
Both men laughed and watched as she made he way outside. "She seems like a great girl. You should try to keep her around if you don't mind be saying so, Mr. Rogers."
With his eyes still locked on Skye through the window Steve said, "That's the plan."
He reached into his pocket to pay for their drinks but Emilio stopped him. "On the house. It's good to see you smiling."
Steve couldn't argue with that. It felt good to be genuinely smiling, it felt even better knowing that the cause of his sudden up swing in mood seemed to be just as effected by him. He quickly made his way over to where Skye had made herself comfortable and set the large coffee cup in front of her. "As promised, the coffee in DC."
"We'll see." She smirked at him and brought to cup for her first sip. When the warm sweet vanilla and caramel flavor burst on her tongue her eyes fluttered closed and she made a noise of appreciation in her throat. "Oh wow. You weren't kidding! This is fantastic! What is this?"
Hearing that low almost moan coming from Skye made fantasies of her making similar noises because of him bloom in his mind. Steve had to clear his throat before he could respond and even then his voice was a little raspier than it had been. "It's called Hello Gorgeous."
"You're kidding?" Skye laughed. "Captain America's favorite coffee is one called Hello Gorgeous?!"
Just like when she would tease him during their phone calls, Steve laughed. "We all have our guilty pleasures."
"And how did you discover this one? You don't seem like a guy that would think to try this?" Skye asked.
She wasn't wrong. Steve had always taken his coffee black, during the war there wasn't a lot of sugar and other coffee odds and ends passes around encampments. "A few weeks after I was moved here from New York, I was just wandering around the city. As I'm passing this place some college kid is scrambling out looking like the devil himself is chasing him. That's when Emilio bursts out the door screaming in Greek waving a ladle around like its weapon…"
At this point he has to pause because Skye has started laughing so hard he knows she wouldn't understand. "Oh God! I can actually picture that! No wonder the kid was scared."
Steve nodded, "He should have been. When it looked like Emilio was going bash the guy on the head I stepped in. While I was trying to hold back Emilio the kid ran off, probably the smartest thing he'd ever done. The next thing I know I'm being dragged into the back and Emilio is shoving a breakfast plate at me. Turns out what started the whole mess was because the guy asked for hot sauce to put on his eggs and Emilio sees that a blasphemy."
Skye was still laughing picturing the man she just met dragging Steve Rogers and force feeding him while complaining about the use of condiments by a stranger. "And you ended up with a Hello Gorgeous, how?"
"By that point I was too scared to tell him no! When he handed me a cup of coffee I didn't ask questions, I just drank it." He defended himself.
From there their conversation fell into the same easy rhythm it had the night before. Skye told him about how she really came to become a member of Coulson's team. After an hour or so, Steve asked one question she was scared to answer honestly, "Why does SHIELD have you tagged?"
As much as she wanted to brush off her mistake, she knew that he would find out the incident with Miles one way or the other. "I told you that before I joined SHIELD, I was working with a group of hackers."
He nodded, "Yea. Are they keeping tabs on you because of that?"
"Not . Another one of the hackers, sold some SHIELD intel to the Centipede program and I… sort of warned him the team was looking for him because… Well he was my boyfriend and I didn't realize he'd actually sold the intel."
"Huh." Steve tried to keep his tone reasonable. "How did you find out he sold the information?"
Skye looked down feeling guilty for her mistake, "I didn't know until the team found proof of the payout. He'd been lying the whole time, I just didn't see it."
It was easy for Steve to understand breaking SHIELD protocol to try and help a friend which to his mind was exactly what Skye had done before she found out that the accusation was true. He really couldn't fault her for trying to protect someone she cared for. "What happened you your boyfriend?"
"Ex." She was quit to correct him. "Miles got a nifty tracker too but his doesn't just monitor his access and protect SHIELD servers like mine. His is a bit more… Strict."
Hearing Skye confirm that she wasn't with the Miles guy anymore helped ease the tension that had built up in his shoulders. "So they have you wearing that as an insurance policy?"
Skye nodded. "I'm sure my little stunt at the Hub didn't help matters but…"
"You were saving your friends." He reached across the table to still her fidgeting hand. "And you made a mistake. We all do. What matters is you trying to make it right."
It shocked Skye how easily Steve seemed to accept what she had said. There wasn't any anger or disappointment like there had been with the team. He just let it go. "Thank you."
Steve smiled at the beautiful woman in front of him and marveled at the fact that she had been honest with him when she clearly expected his opinion of her to change. "No need to thank me. I'm just calling it like I see it."
They sat in silence for a few moments, Steve still holding her hand across the table and gently rubbing his thumb over her knuckles and stared at her as she looked around a bit. She finally asked, "I think you should show me a bit more of the city. I've never been here."
"You know what… I know what we should do." He tugged her up from her chair and started to guide her back to where he'd parked his bike. "It'll be fun."
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Ward had started pacing an hour after he and FitzSimmons checked into the hotel and continued well into the evening. Every so often he would pull his phone out of his pocket and start dialing Skye's number only to stop himself. It had been hours since she had left the bus and she had yet to even drop her things off in her room. At one point he'd sought out Simmons to see if she had any clue about Skye's whereabouts. He had told her that he was just concerned because Skye had never been to DC and he didn't want her out alone at night. All she'd told him was that he had no cause for concern and she was sure Skye would fill him in herself later.
Unable to handle not knowing where she was Ward broke down and texted her. 'My dinner offer still stands. I'll be at the hotel bar if you're interested.' He sat on his bed for a few minutes and flipped through the channels on the tv as he waited for her reply. When 15 minutes had passed and she still hadn't responded, Ward began to get nervous. Skye was the type to answer instantaneously. When five more minutes passed, he decided to actually call but there was no answer. He started pacing again.
This was one of the longest times he had gone with no contact from his rookie. He needed a distraction before he did something drastic, like pinging her phone to get her location, so he decided to head to the bar. Maybe she didn't respond because figured she was would just meet him there.
He made his way to the a stool that gave him an optimal view of the entrance ordering a scotch when the bar tender passed. Ward realized this was the second time in as many nights that he was sitting alone in a bar drinking. He was hopeful that Skye would pop up again.
Four drinks and two overly flirtatious sorority girls later, there was still no sign of Skye. The longer he waited here the more frustrated he grew. As he took his eyes off the entrance to look at his phone someone took the open seat next to him. Ward didn't have to look up to know it wasn't Skye.
He glanced over at the Calvary while she motioned to the bartender to get her a double. "How were the meetings?"
May shrugged and sipped her drink. She'd been watching Ward for a few minutes before she joined him so she wasn't surprised when he gaze kept shifting to the door. "Looking for someone?"
"Told Skye to meet me here so we could grab dinner. She hasn't showed yet." Ward stretched the truth, May didn't need to know that there was a chance that Skye had t actually agreed to it.
What Ward wasn't aware of was that May had been with Coulson when the hacker had dutifully checked in. "I don't think she got those messages. When she checked in with Coulson I didn't hear her mention them at least."
Ward's face turned hard. Skye had checked in with Coulson but not him. He was her supervising officer and she shouldn't ignore protocol just because she was pissed about him questioning her plans. It was his job. She was his responsibility.
May could see the specialist impassive mask wash over Ward's face. He obviously didn't realize just how angry Skye could be because he questioned her loyalties. May could explain it to him but she knew it wasn't her place. If Ward wanted to make any progress with Skye as her SO he needed to learn to trust her a little bit more.
The specialists sat, not speaking to anyone for another couple of drinks. Ward still seething that it seemed like Skye was actively trying to avoid him and May wondering how long it would take Ward to realize that his assumption that Skye was meeting with someone that was on SHIELDs radar wasn't completely false. Just the idea that he was a suspect was wrong.
After she polished off her glass, May stood and placed one of her hotel card keys in front of Ward. She knew he was smart enough to understand the implied invitation so she didn't bother with saying it. Ward picked up he card, deciding to have one last drink before joining May hoping that it would distract him from the irritation.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Steve hadn't been lying when he told Skye that the easiest way to maneuver DC traffic was a motorcycle but what he had forgotten to mention his penchant for disobeying other traffic laws. She was pretty sure they'd made it from the coffee place to what looked like a park in front of the National Archives. "What was the rush, Turbo?"
"It's habit." He admitted a little sheepishly. Again, his hand found hers as he led her toward an opening in a very tall gate. "This is the National Gallery of Sculpture."
As they walked further into the garden, Skye was getting more curious about why they were here. She enjoyed art as much as the next person but, this seemed like an odd place to start touring in DC. It wasn't until the path opened up to a beautiful fountain and she saw a live band off to the side playing a jazz type song she didn't recognize. "Oh wow. It like a little concert!"
Steve grinned at her excited tone. "Jazz in the Garden. Every Friday during the spring and early summer."
They continued walking along the path by the fountain closer to where the band was. Part of the beauty in this whole thing was that people had started dancing and laughing in groups. Steve could see how Skye's eyes were shining with excitement as she looked around. He moved his hand to the small of her back and leaned in a bit closer to her ear, "May I have this dance?"
As soon as she nodded Steve twirled her into his arms and began leading her in simple dance with one hand still on her back pressing her close. The height difference allowed Skye to gently rest her head on his chest and they moved and swayed.
After dancing through several songs, Steve suggested that they take a break. Finding an open table in the patio of another restaurant Skye suggested she held the table while Steve went inside to order them some drinks. While she waited for him to return Skye reached into her bag to grab her cell phone. She had promised that she would check in often but she hesitated when she thought of calling Ward. He was her SO which meant that it was technically him she should take the time to call but, she was still upset over how he had treated her. It hurt that he still doubted her even after the Hub. She seriously doubted he'd changed his view on her going out on her own since she left. Talking to him would likely just ruin her good mood, she decided to call Coulson. "Hey AC! Just letting you know I haven't defected."
"That's good to know." Coulson chuckled. "Have you made it to the hotel yet?"
"Not yet, actually. I'm being good, Steve's just showing a few places around here." Skye winced hoping she wouldn't be in trouble for not checking in yet. "You still haven't made it to the hotel?"
She heard the wary sigh on the other end, "Meetings filled with time consuming red tape. Now you go have fun with Steve but be safe please. The two of you are magnets for danger."
Skye laughed, "I'm pretty sure we could handle any trouble that popped up AC."
Before putting her phone back in her bag she noticed the missy text and call from Ward. Again she hesitated while considering at least texting him to let him know that she wasn't going to meet him but she did already tell him that she had plans. She got so caught up in her thoughts she hadn't realized that Steve was already back with a couple waters and a huge order of fries. "Should we be expecting trouble?"
"Always, Rogers." She grinned at him. "Sometimes a little bit of trouble can be a lot of fun."
Catching on to her teasing tone, "Why do I get the feeling that you bring that little bit of trouble every where you go?"
"Because you're a smart man." Skye told him seriously while she snagged a fry.
Again time and conversation took on a life of its own. When most of the fires had been eaten Skye asked Steve what tv shows and movies he still had to catch up on. "One of the STRIKE team members gave me a box set of this show, Firefly. He told me it's about space-"
Skye interrupted, "Oh you will love that show! I loved sneaking away to watch it when I was younger but I have seen it in years."
"Would you be interested in watching it with me?" Steve heard himself say. The question had spilled out before he could really think about it. But now that he had it seemed like a great idea."I mean we don't have to. It just seems like it could be fun. You could tease me about having to explain things but it's your call."
She could see that he was getting a little flustered again. It was adorable watching a blush creep over his high cheek bones and hear the way he would ramble slightly. When he seemed to run out of steam Skye leaned over in her chair and pressed her lips to his. "On one condition."
Steve sighed, relieved that Skye hadn't taken his invitation as an insult. Sometimes he still had a hard time adjusting to the ways dating and courting a lady had changed. "What's that?"
"We have to get pop corn."
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Thirty minutes Steve led Skye into his apartment loaded down with shopping bags. Her initial demand of popcorn spiraled into purchasing other 'movie night snacks' when he told her that he had yet to try a lot of what passed as snack these days.
Together, they set up all of the food and then started the first episode. As they sat on Steve's couch and laughed at the antics of Mal and his crew Skye unconsciously moved closer to Steve. Halfway through he had slung his arm over her shoulders giving her the opportunity to snuggle into his muscular chest.
At a particularly funny moment Skye giggled then glanced up to see that he was no longer focused on the show. He was staring down at her intently, desire clearly written in his expression. Skye's heart began to race, she unconsciously ran her tongue across her lips remembering the kiss that had been interrupted at the air field.
That small movement brought Steve's attention to her mouth, lust rushed through his blood. He cupped her cheek with his free hand and gently brushed his thumb along the the bruise wishing for the thousandth time that he could have some how protected her. When Skye gently sighed and leaned into his touch Steve slowly began closing the distance to claim her lips again.
Skye wasn't surprised when the sweet, gentle contact still sent a bolt of desire down her spine. Needing more contact she gently grasped the back of his neck and tried to pull him closer and deepened the kiss which was quickly growing more passionate as every moment passed.
His mind began to swim, engulfed in Skye's warm vanilla scent, her finger tips lightly scratching his neck. When he felt her lightly tug on his bottom lip he couldn't stop the low grown from escaping. He shifted the hand to bury into her hair and gently pull giving himself room to ghost his lips along her jaw. When he reached her ear he whispered, "You are so beautiful."
She couldn't form a coherent response because he gently nipped at her ear lobe making her gasp. His arm tightened around her waist pressing her firmly to his sculpted chest. Skye turned her head and captured his lips hungrily. She suddenly needed more, she wrapped her arms around his neck and moved to straddle his lap unconsciously trying to get as close as she could.
The change in position made it possible for Steve to wrap both arms around the girl that had been haunting his thoughts. He slowly began running his hands over Skye's back, reveling in the way she moved against him. Instinctually Steve slipped one hand under the hem of her shirt making her whimper as soon as his warm touch the silky skin of her back. That small sound rang in his head and shook something slightly primal loose.
With speed usually reserved for combat, Steve laid her across his couch, pressing into her from above. Releasing her lips his mouth began traveling to the wonderfully flushed skin of her neck. When his explorations brought him to sensitive juncture of her shoulder he bit lightly, just as she had to his lips minutes before. Skye's entire body tightened as she arched further into him, quietly gasping his name.
Steve pulled back a little to look at her, needing to capture how beautiful she looked splayed out on his couch, lips swollen from his kiss. The sight took his breath away.
When looked at him and saw the boyish grin spreading across his face her heart melted. She hadn't meant to get this carried away on their first date. It was pretty common knowledge that Steve was an unwavering gentleman, it was one of the traits that made him so appealing to Skye. It took her a moment to calm her breathing down especially given that he was mostly still pressed against her.
This moment was one that Steve knew he would cherish and think back on whenever he thought about Skye. As he continued to stare at her, he realized that she needed to know that he didn't consider whatever this was between them was meaningless. He needed to make sure that she knew just how important she had become to him.
Steve started to pull away, knowing that if he was going to get through this conversation he would need a little space or he would be hopelessly distracted. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to… I just kind of got caught up the the moment."
"You're not alone in that," Skye rushed to reassure him as she sat up. "It was a great moment to get caught up in."
He looked over to her with that same grin breaking across his face. "I'm glad it wasn't just me."
It took Steve a few more moments to think of the best way to say what he needed to. When he'd gotten it pretty well work out he gently took one of her hands in his."I'm not going to rush this. What's happening between us… It's real. You deserve to be treated like a lady and I'd like to be the one that does so."
's words took Skye's breath away. This was one of the few times that she was rendered speechless. The only thing she could think to do at this moment was to once again bridge the gap between them and press her lips to him. She kept this kiss soft and quick. When she went to pull away, she was surprised as Steve pulled her back to continue the gentle kiss.
As they pulled away from one another Skye finally found her voice, "You're right, this is real."
Relief washed over him when Skye agreed that there was something between them. Pulled her close once again, much like they had been before. "I think we're going to have to restart this show, I was a bit distracted."
A/N2: I mention a couple places in DC. These places/events actually exist. Soho Tea & Coffee is an amazing coffee house. And yes they serve Hello Gorgeous and it tastes like heaven in a cup.
*Though not named Emilio, the anecdote about the college student running in fear for his life over hot sauce is true. It happened. It was hilarious.
The Jazz In The Garden does happen in the spring and summer on Friday nights.
A/N3: I promise at least Clint and Tony will be making an appearance in the next chapter.
Please please R&R! It keeps me happy.