Author's Note:
No triggers but hints for what is to come. On another note, if anyone has any scenes or scenarios that they would like to see let me know. This is a bit of a slice of life fic after all. And always let me know what you think and where I can improve.
Astrid was standing in front of the mirror putting in her earrings. Shamira had just finished getting dressed up herself and the two of them were ready to go. The two of them dressed in red, white, and blue for the Fourth of July. All decked out for the celebration Her first Fourth of July in the U.S and she was glad to be spending it with Steve.
Astrid smiled as she thought about Steve. They had been dating for about five months now. Dinners, movies, art galleries, walks through the park. All of it lovely but as a relationship, they hadn't gotten past long hugs. Her nerves were getting the best of her. Astrid knew the two of them were taking things slowly. But she couldn't stop thinking about what it would be like to kiss him. Feel his lips against hers. Would they be warm, soft? Would it be like fire, electricity? Astrid was dying to know.
"Shamira?" Astrid asked walking into the living room where Shamira was sitting on the love seat reading a newspaper. "What's it like to kiss a person?"
"Depends on the person," Shamira responded flicking through the newspaper. She put it down though when she realized what Astrid asked. "Why do you ask? Has Steve been pressuring you? If he has I don't care how much we both like him. You deserve a man who respects your boundaries and-"
"Shamira no, he hasn't even brought it up." Another thing that Astrid appreciated. He hadn't even pressured her to hold hands. "It's me who has been thinking about it."
Shamira gave a big smile at that. Stood up and walked over to Astrid. "You really thinking about taking the next step forward?"
"Been thinking about more than that." Astrid chuckled. It wasn't only thoughts of kissing Steve that were keeping her up at night. But it was way way too soon for that. "But I honestly don't know. We've been dating for a while now and I don't know if it's the right time or-"
"Do you feel like it is?" Astrid nodded. "Then it is the right time. Trust me. He's not going to say no if you pull him in for a kiss."
"But when will I know if it's the right moment?"
Shamira placed a hand over her heart. "You'll know it in here." Astrid got the feeling that Shamira knew more than she let out but Astrid didn't feel like prying at the moment. Maybe later when they got back home.
They were actually going to go out of town for the Fourth of July. Down to New Jersey. Away from the crowds. Watch the fireworks off the beach. Mr. Barnes was letting them borrow his car and Astrid got tomorrow off of work. They were going to be staying at Barnes's beach house. If Astrid was going to find the perfect moment it was going to be during this trip.
Astrid slipped the last few things in her purse just as she heard a knock at the door. She unlocked it with her mind as Shamira and Astrid grabbed up their bags and started heading out.
Steve was in the hallway ready to help. Astrid quickly gave him a kiss on the cheek. Sliding him her to-go bag to carry before heading down. Bucky was in the car keeping it going so that they wouldn't get in trouble for parking.
Pretty soon they had all the bags loaded into the car and were on their way. Bucky and Shamira sitting in the front while Steve and Astrid were in the back. It was a couple of hours away. Far enough away to make it a road trip but not too far as to make it a dreadfully boring road trip. It also gave Astrid and Steve plenty of room to cuddle up next to each other.
"You finally managed to get a day off from work?" Bucky asked Astrid. "How did you manage that?"
Astrid wasn't going to say mind control which was the actual answer. "It wasn't easy, that was for sure." Her boss, the chief of surgery had strong mental defenses. Shamira glanced at her. She knew the actual truth.
"Well let me tell you, you are going to love this place. Right smack on the beach. Not far from the boardwalk but pretty isolated. We'll have the beach to ourselves." Astrid had a fairly good idea of what Bucky and Shamira had planned. Considering the way that his hand was squeezing her thigh at the moment. Steve and Astrid both rolled their eyes at their friends but also glanced at each other. Those two being occupied with themselves meant that Astrid and Steve had time for themselves as well. Giving Astrid all the time in the world to figure out when the best time to kiss him will be.
An hour later Astrid was attempting to read the new Agatha Christie novel. Barely paying any attention to the pages. In reality, she was paying more attention to Steve who broke out his sketchbook and was trying to draw something. He was still pretty secretive about his art. Astrid kept glancing at him. Trying to see if she could sneak a peek. To no avail. He was probably drawing the scenery outside.
"Okay, who wants burgers and milkshakes?" Bucky called out. "There's a diner right around here that's to kill for."
That broke Astrid out of her stupor. She was never one to say no to food.
"Bucky's right, the place is really good," Steve added in closing his sketchbook up.
"You've been there before?" Astrid asked.
Steve gave her a smile. "This isn't my first trip to the shore with Bucky."
"I'm in," Shamira stated. "If both of you say it's good then it must be."
"That settles it then," Bucky stated. He pulled the car down another road. He was right. Soon enough he parked in front of a nice looking diner. Bucky hoping out of the car and trotting to the other side. Opening up the door for Shamira. Steve and her got out of the car themselves and started heading for the door. Holding hands. Bucky draped his arm around Shamira's shoulders. Catching up to her and Steve. Steve opened the door for the four of them and soon they were in a booth. Surrounded by other families enjoying the holiday.
"Happy Fourth of July," the waitress stated seemly appearing from nowhere. "What can I get you all?" Astrid had barely even looked at the menu. Turned out she didn't need to as Bucky ordered four cheeseburgers, vanilla milkshakes, and apple pie for dessert. Astrid glanced at Steve who shrugged his shoulders. Guess Bucky knew what he was doing. The waitress jotted down the order and vanished to serve another family.
"We have another thing to celebrate," Bucky stated. Steve already knew where he was going with this. "Happy Birthday to the most stubborn punk in all of New York."
Astrid felt her heart sink to the pit of her stomach. Today was Steve's birthday and she had no idea. What would Steve think of her now? Not even knowing her own boyfriend's birthday.
"Seriously?" Steve asked. "I asked you to not make a big deal about it."
"And why not?" Astrid asked. "I think that it's a very big deal. If it wasn't for your birthday I wouldn't have the most amazing boyfriend in the world." That caused him to blush. Bucky and Shamira chuckling at him from the other side of the booth.
"Seriously though Astrid loves birthdays," Shamira added in. "You should be ashamed for not telling her."
"I didn't want spectacle," Steve answered rubbing the back of his head.
"If I knew I would have gotten you something," Astrid pointed out.
Steve looked at her. Eyes soft. Taking her hand in his own. "The ability to hold your hand anytime I want is already the best present I could ever ask for." Now it was Astrid's turn to blush. Steve always had this way with words. She wanted to kiss him so badly right now. But it wasn't the right time. She could tell in her gut.
Soon the food was placed in front of them and she realized that Bucky was 100% correct. This burger was amazing. So was the milkshake.
"So was this your plan?" Shamira asked. "Show the Germans how a traditional Fourth of July is done?"
Bucky held up his hands. "You got us."
Astrid turned towards Steve. "You thought about this as well?"
"I know how much you miss Germany," Steve started. "And how you can't go back anytime soon. So Bucky and I thought that if we could make the U.S feel more like home to you two then you wouldn't feel as homesick."
Astrid's heart melted at that. While Shamira shook her head.
"I swear, you two," Shamira stated. "That's really sweet. Astrid will say the same thing when she can form a coherent thought. So trust me when I say that both of us are extremely grateful. And I'll be repaying that gratitude later." Bucky gave Shamira a smile. Those two would definitely be busy tonight. She gave Steve a smirk as Bucky kissed Shamira. She wondered when those two would stop playing games and realize they were meant for each other. Still, she felt a pang in her chest. Wishing it was as easy for her and Steve as it was for Shamira and Bucky.
Pretty soon they were back in the car and on their way to the beach cabin. They arrived around mid-afternoon. Astrid stepped out of the car and looked over the cabin. It was quaint. White paneling. The front door leading right to the beach. Waves lapping on the shore. If she looked out to the left she could see the boardwalk out in the distance. This really was a nice place. Paid to be a banker.
Once Bucky opened up the cabin Astrid and Shamira stepped inside to get changed while Bucky and Steve set up a place on the beach to see the fireworks later that night.
The cabin had one large living room area, a bathroom, and two nicely sized bedrooms. Astrid and Shamira picked one to change in.
"Having fun?" Shamira asked as she was getting changed into her bathing suit.
"Loads," Astrid answered doing the same. "Do you remember the last time we were at a beach?"
"Wasn't it in Italy?" Shamira clicked her tongue a couple of times. "Pretty sure it was Italy."
"Are you sure it wasn't France?"
Shamira scoffed. "We were barely there for a moment."
"The only reason we lingered in Italy was because we were stopped by the Italian army and I had to convince them that we were two stupid tourists. And not smuggling people out of the country."
Shamira laughed. "Oh, I remember. Some of your finest work." She let out a whistle. "Damn you are fine in more ways than one."
"I feel ridiculous." She turned around to face Shamira who was the picture of elegance.
"Trust me. Steve will be more than happy when you finally kiss him. And as a bonus picturing you in that outfit will definitely keep him warm on those cold nights."
Astrid blushed running a hand through her loose hair. She and Steve had a bit to go before they reached that point. Still, Shamira was right. When Steve got a look at her his pupils were completely blown. Unconsciously licking his lips. Bucky, however, was much more handsy. Grabbing Shamira by the waist and kissing her deeply.
Astrid wasn't even paying attention to them. Focusing entirely on Steve. Who seemed to be struggling to breathe.
"You alright dear?" Astrid asked placing a hand on his chest. He was speechless for a moment before swallowing a lump in his throat.
"I'm fine," he stated. His hands trembling as his hands touched her bare skin. She let out a gasp at the motion. Steve immediately pulling his hands away but Astrid grabbing them and putting them back in place. Closing her eyes and relishing the touch. Shamira never even mentioned that a simple touch could be so electrifying. What would it be like when she kissed him?
"As adorable as the two of you are, either of you getting in the water?" Shamira called out. Astrid glanced in her direction. Her back was pressed against Bucky's chest. His hands wrapped around her waist.
"You gals have fun," Bucky stated. "Steve and I will head to the boardwalk. See what we can come up with for dinner." Bucky untangled himself from Shamira and Steve let go of Astrid. The two of them waved the boys off before heading to the ocean.
It was the most fun and relaxing trip Astrid had in a long time. Possibly ever. Just swimming in the ocean. Being able to let her guard down. By the time the boys got back, it was late afternoon. Astrid having gone back to her book while Shamira worked on her tan. Steve and Bucky joining them after they put groceries away. Bucky settled down with Shamira and the two of them were at it again. While Steve approached Astrid.
She held out her hand for him. "Care for a stroll on the beach?"
He took her hand into his. "I would love to." The two of them started a leisurely stroll down the beach. There really wasn't anyone around. Therefore it was mostly quiet except for the sounds of the ocean and the occasional squawk of seagulls.
"I've always wanted to live by the ocean," Astrid stated. "Or on a farm. Either one."
Steve grinned at her. "A farm?"
"I'll have you know that my family successfully grew sugar beets for several years. In between dad's experiments and mom research." She wondered if she was saying too much but the look that Steve was giving her beckoned her to continue. "Dad is…was a scientist. Absolutely brilliant. He was also an amateur archaeologist on the side. Specializing in Nordic artifacts. So was my mother. It was how the two of them met."
"I would have loved to have met them."
"They would have loved you." Astrid had a hard time believing that anyone would not like Steve.
"Really? I'm not the kind of guy most women would bring home to their parents." He brushed his bangs away from his face.
Astrid had to scoff. "Why? You're smart, funny, an incredible artist. Any girl would be lucky to bring you home."
Steve let out a soft laugh and looked up at her with such warm eyes. She just wanted to close the gap between the two of them. But it still wasn't the right time.
"You know, I have the perfect place to watch the fireworks." He pointed at the outcropping of rocks slightly further down the beach. They meandered their way down there. Taking their time.
When they made their way to the top the sun was starting to set. Astrid couldn't help herself. Letting out a gasp as she watched the sunset over the ocean.
"Seriously have you ever seen anything more beautiful?" Astrid asked as the sun finally dipped behind the ocean. It was pretty dark now. Stars twinkling in the night sky. It wasn't over yet however as suddenly there was a brilliant flash of light in the night sky. A mix of reds, whites, and blues. She glanced at Steve. Trying to gauge his reaction to the light show above them.
Instead, he was looking at her as if she was the most beautiful thing in the world. The fireworks holding no appeal. She felt her heart beating fast and hard in her chest. As if her body was moving on its own she moved her hand to the back of his head and surged forward. Pressing her lips against his as the sky exploded above them. He was soft and warm and slightly chapped.
Steve clearly wasn't expecting that. Going rock still against her. Until his brain caught up with what was happening. His hand rushing into her hair. Other hand grabbing her waist. She wrapped her other arm around his lower back allowing him to arch into her. Their chest pressed together. When they broke it off the two of them were panting. Looking at each other.
"You're not doing this because it's my birthday are you?" Steve asked a slightly worried tone in his voice.
"Steve, I was going to kiss you today regardless if it was your birthday or not. I've been thinking about it for a while."
"It's just…" he swallowed hard. "That was my first kiss."
"That was my first kiss with a guy I actually like." This time it was he who initiated. They couldn't get enough of each other. The heat, the passion. Shamira never said it would be anything like this. It was like fireworks.
They kept at it even after the fireworks were over. Each other's body heat keeping them warm. Though that was soon not enough as Steve was starting to get cold. His teeth chattering. The two of them made it quickly back to the cabin.
Bucky and Shamira were nowhere to be found though Astrid was 100% they were behind the closed bedroom door. An assortment of seafood left out for her and Steve along with Steve's luggage. None of which interested Astrid or Steve at the moment as they wanted to continue where they left off at the beach. Though Astrid also wanted to get out of her bathing suit.
"Steve," she whispered after grabbing her nightgown out of her luggage. "Would you mind waiting in the living room while I got changed?"
"Not at all." Steve closed the door behind him and Astrid quickly stripped down and put on her rayon nightgown. A v neck with thin straps. Once she opened the door she saw that Steve had changed as well. Again into something that was a bit too big for him.
When he got a look at her, his mouth dropped open and he surged forward. Astrid guiding him onto the bed so that he landed on it with a flop. Her on top and closing the distance with a kiss. They weren't going to be doing anything more than kissing. Despite how sorely tempted she was to rip off both their clothes and get down to it. She wanted that moment to be special. Call her romantic but she always thought that her first willing time would be on her wedding night. She thinks she could cope with Steve running his hands down her back, through her hair. Never venturing farther than her mid back.
The two of them had to break off to breathe. Moreso for Steve than her. Both of the panting. Steve's body trembling beneath her.
"You're phenomenal," Steve mumbled still heaving. "Kissing you is better than I ever dreamt."
"You've dreamt about kissing me a lot?" Astrid asked teasing him. Given the shade of red, he turned he was thinking about a bit more than kissing. Particularly since Astrid could feel how hard he was against her. She wasn't faring much better herself. Instinctively rubbing her thighs together to relieve the tension. Astrid rolled off of him. Giving them both time to cool down.
"I think this might be my best birthday ever." Astrid let out a laugh.
"I'll have to find a way to top this one next year."
"I'm sure you'll find a way."
Astrid moved to her side and looked at him. Planting a soft kiss on his lips. "Let's get some food." The two of them got up and went into the living room/kitchen area. Bucky and Shamira were there looking pretty disheveled. Both looking at them with self-satisfied smirks.
"Seemed like we weren't the only ones having fun," Bucky stated. Shamira slapped him on the shoulder while Steve blushed. Astrid shot him a playful smile before stealing a shrimp off his plate. Everything dissolved into the familiar bickering. Turned out that none of them really saw the fireworks. Being preoccupied with other things. After eating their fill each of them headed to bed. Bucky and Steve to one room and Astrid and Shamira to the other.
"You seem really happy," Shamira stated lying on her side looking at Astrid. Astrid on her back.
"He was amazing Shamira, it was like fireworks." Shamira chuckled also lying down on her back. "You've ever felt anything like that?"
"I think that it's different for everyone." She pulled the covers up so that it was covering both of them. "Remember the last time we shared a bed?"
"Three weeks when we first moved to New York and could only afford the one mattress." Astrid's smile turned into a frown. "This trip is bringing back a lot of memories."
"I hope all of them good."
"For the most part."
"You're not thinking about him are you?" Shamira snarled the word him. As if it was venomous.
"I would be lying if I didn't say he crossed my mind." Astrid took a deep breath. Remembering her training. Use those memories to make herself stronger. More prepared for the next situation where she would be in need of them. They were tools. Nothing more, nothing less. "I'm going to have to tell Steve someday."
Shamira let out of huff. "Well you know I'll be here. Regardless of how it turns out."
"I know Shamira. I know." Astrid felt herself start to drift asleep. Tiredness seeping into her body. Tomorrow was another day.
It was the light seeping through the window that woke her up. That and the smell of waffles. Shamira woke up as well. Hopping out of bed in a split second. Astrid doing the same. The two of them quickly getting dressed and meeting the boys in the kitchen. Bucky was the one making waffles. Steve setting the table.
"Astrid, Shamira," Steve stated seeing them come out. Shamira patted him on the shoulder before hugging Bucky from behind. Kissing his neck.
Astrid meanwhile pulled Steve into a gentle kiss. She was pretty sure that she would never get tired of kissing him.
"Plenty of waffles for everyone," Bucky stated bringing a plate to the table. That broke Astrid and Steve apart and all four of them devoured Bucky's waffles before heading back to the beach. They wouldn't have to leave until late in the afternoon.
Bucky and Shamira went straight to the ocean. Astrid had to admit. Bucky was a good-looking guy but her attention was on Steve. Due to his health, he wasn't actually supposed to go into the water. But there wasn't any need to as Astrid and he took each other in on the beach.
Time got away from them and before they knew it the time had come for them to head home. They all piled into the car ready for the journey ahead. Steve and Astrid falling asleep on top of each other in the back seat. To the soft smiles of Shamira and Bucky. Who glanced at each other as well. The two of them would follow Astrid and Steve to the ends of the earth. Hopefully, they wouldn't have to.
.
