Author's Note:
This is such a cute chapter and one of my favorites. Astrid and Steve are really coming together. Also trigger for sexual situations (female masturbation). Basically, skip all of the bath scene if it's a problem. As always please review and let me know what you think.
'They are running late,' Astrid pointed out glancing at Steve's watch. 'If they don't show up soon I think we should head in without them.'
'Give them a minute,' Steve suggested looking up at Astrid with a smile. 'They'll be here.'
'They better be. You've been looking forward to this movie for a while. There's no way that I'm going to let you even miss a moment of it.' Steve and Astrid were standing outside there nearest movie theater. Waiting for Bucky and his date. Shamira was stuck at work which was why she wasn't here. Astrid really wished that she was. They would have been inside by now. Instead of standing out in the cold. Despite Steve's warm clothes, she was still worried about his health.
Just as Astrid was about to insist they head inside she saw Bucky come running up. A bouncing blonde in his hand.
"Sorry we're late," Bucky huffed glancing at his date. "Judith and I got caught up in something." Judith giggled twirling her hair around a finger. Astrid rolled her eyes. She knew exactly what they were caught up in. "Judith this is Astrid and Steve."
"The pleasure is mine," she stated shaking Astrid's hand with a smile. Astrid took it with a firm grip. A smile on her face.
"Ma'am," Steve said holding out his hand. Judith glanced between her and Steve. Giving Astrid a 'seriously' look before taking Steve's hand like it was a piece of trash. Astrid decided right then and there that she did not like Judith. She was going to have Shamira give Bucky a hard time over this. If the boys noticed they didn't say anything.
"Shall we head inside," Astrid suggested. "It's getting a bit chilly out here. Steve and I already picked up the tickets."
"Then Judith and I will grab the popcorn," Bucky announced causing Judith to break out in another fit of giggles. Astrid couldn't roll her eyes more. But at least they were heading inside now. Astrid handing Judith and Bucky their ticket before Steve and her headed to their seats. If Steve wasn't looking forward to this movie so badly, she would suggest that they bail and go to literally anything else.
She somewhat changed her mind when Steve snuggled into her tapping the side of his head. Astrid got the message and connected their minds. One adorable thing about Steve was that he could not stop talking when watching animated movies. With Astrid, he didn't have to fight it. He could share his thoughts without annoying everyone else. His excitement eased Astrid's feelings about Judith. They were kind enough to bring the popcorn after all.
Her sour mood completely disappeared when the movie started and Steve started talking about the watercolor backgrounds and cell animation. Asking questions about what colors were being used. Astrid noted that it was mostly earth tones. Though he noted that the backgrounds were not as detailed compared to the previous Disney films. Clearly done on a cheaper budget.
The only time that his mind quieted down was during the Baby of Mine part. That part of the film hit them both deeply. Snuggling into each other. Tears pooling in their eyes. Grateful that they both understood how it felt to lose their mothers. Their mood-brightening once the pink elephants showed up. Good mood continuing through the rest of the movie. Tears of joy at the end when he reunited with his mother.
"That was absolutely delightful," Astrid stated as they left the theater. She had her arm wrapped around Steve. Drawing him in close. "So nicely done."
"I actually found it to be a bit boring in parts," Judith replied. Astrid shrugged. Everyone had their own opinions. "Honestly though I don't get animated movies. Seems like a waste of time to me."
Steve was taken aback. "Animation allows us to express ideas that we would normally be unable to. Plus the sheer artistry of it."
Judith huffed not even bothering to look at Steve. Astrid could feel her sour mood coming back. Glaring at Bucky who mouthed sorry at her. "I mean art is great and all but it's not like it adds much. You can't make a career out of it."
"Steve's an artist," Bucky pointed out. "A really good one."
She finally turned her attention to Steve who seemed to shrink into Astrid. He wanted to be anywhere else right now. "That's not the kind of thing that you can support a family on though."
Astrid had moved on from not liking her to finding a ditch she wanted to shove her into. "Steve's work is good enough to make it into art galleries," Astrid replied plastering a fake smile onto her face. "Also if work is slow I'm a doctor. I think the two of us would be able to support a family just fine."
"That may be true for now," Judith explained talking as if she was speaking to a child. "But what are you going to do when you have kids and have to stay at home to raise them."
Oh, she was one of those kinds of women. Astrid didn't have a problem with them as long as they didn't have a superiority complex. Like they were better than those women who worked for a living. And boy did Judith have one.
She sent one thought through to Bucky. 'I better not see this one around again.'
'Trust me. You won't.' Bucky responded. He was putting on a good show though. Taking Judith's hand. The sex better have been damned amazing.
The four of them sat down at the restaurant Bucky made reservations at. Big band music playing in the background. Astrid could see couples dancing.
"Oooh Bucky, let's go dancing," Judith exclaimed pulling him towards the dance floor. "You should join us too Astrid."
"I'm afraid I don't dance," Astrid replied sitting down at the table with Steve. Taking his hand. "We'll get drinks for you guys."
"Oh come on," she took Astrid's arm. "I'm sure we can find you a dance partner." Judith was starting to grate on Astrid's nerves. Astrid was about to lash out with her mind to get her to let go when Steve stepped in.
"She told you she doesn't dance," Steve snarled. That startled both her and Judith. Bucky meanwhile had a proud look on his face.
Judith let go of Astrid and looked between Steve and Astrid. A smile once again appearing on her face. "Okay." She took off towards the dance floor. Taking Bucky with her. Bucky shot them a look saying help me but Astrid slowly shook her head. He was the one who brought her after all.
"Thanks for that," she told Steve before turning back to look at the couples. It wasn't that she couldn't dance. She had the training, the skill, the experience. But it was dancing that landed her in the arms of that man. Which led to her mother's murder and kidnapping. It was her ability to dance that he used to entertain the men that abused her. To promote himself. It became not a joy but a tool for others to use. Her dance no longer her own. Which is why she was so grateful for Steve stepping in. He knew how she felt about dancing. Astrid focused back on Steve. Cupping his face in her hands. "How are you doing?"
"Honestly, kinda used to it," Steve replied. "This is kinda how dates went before I met you." Astrid started to feel rage start to boil in her chest. How? How could they treat Steve like that? She took his hand into her.
"I hope our dates are much better."
Steve smiled at her. Filling her heart with love. "I could be in the middle of a battlefield and I would still be amazingly happy if you were by my side." Dear word the man could get to her. Because he was always genuine. Astrid could feel it. Her heart beating fast. Like it did on their second date. And she knew right then and there that she wanted him. Wanted to know what it would be like to be with a man who actually loved her.
"Steve," she mumbled licking her lips. "Why don't we-"
"That was fun," Judith interrupted killing the mood. Astrid shot her a withering glare but she didn't seem to notice. "You should really try dancing." She shot a glance at Steve. "I'm sure you'll find a very willing dance partner."
Astrid put back on her very fake smile. "I've already found the perfect partner." She blinked a couple of times. "Have you?" Astrid had to fight against her inner desire to use her skills against her but it wouldn't even be a challenge. Also while she was pompous, self-conceited dullard, she didn't quite deserve that. Yet.
"Who wants drinks?" Bucky asked. "Steve why don't we get something for these lovely ladies. Steve glanced between Astrid and Judith looking worried before joining Bucky and heading to the bar.
"You know I don't get it," Judith stated resting her chin on her hands.
"You don't get what?" Astrid asked. She had a feeling she definitely wasn't going to like where this conversation was going.
"Why a girl like you is with a guy like him." Oh, Astrid really didn't like this conversation. "Like you look like a million bucks. You could have any man in this place and yet you are going steady with that weakling." Astrid was about ready to tear her throat out. Her jaw clenched. Judith was walking a very fine line. "Like how can you even think that he is worth your time? He can't even support you. Compared to you he's nothing. Less than nothing. There is absolutely not one remarkable thing about him."
And she crossed the line. Astrid didn't think she would be using her talents again. She promised Shamira that she wouldn't but she knew Shamira would make an exception for this.
"Steve is a better man than any of the fellas that you have gone out with. With the exception of Bucky and you're the second-choice pickings."
"I'm sorry?"
Astrid flashed her a smile. It was clear what this girl's weakness was. Her ego. "I know your type. Got every man wrapped around your finger. Or so you think. News flash. Most guys are only interested because they know they don't have to work too hard. Why else do you think that you can't keep a man? With Steve I know I'm the only one who shares his bed. Can you say the same?" Astrid could start to see Judith turn crimson. This was way too easy. "Steve is absolutely devoted to me. And makes that devotion well know. Do you know what's that like? To have a man completely loyal to you?" Astrid tsked. "Somehow I doubt it. After all there isn't much to be devoted to. Just another girl waiting to say yes to the first sorry excuse for a man who proposes." She flinched at that and Astrid knew she had her. "Or maybe you've already said yes, haven't you? Let me guess. An older gentleman. Perhaps one of your father friend's." Judging by the look Judith was giving her she was right on target. "And all of this is just trying to get another man to propose so that you can turn the first one down. Only there doesn't seem to be any takers." Astrid smile grew wide. "Bucky isn't going to ask either just to let you know. I suggest that you try and find an easier mark."
"Here you go ladies," Bucky stated placing a drink in front of Astrid. Steve hopped back up. Looking surprised that Judith was still alive. Nursing his own something. Nonalcoholic of course. If he actually drank either Astrid or Bucky would have to carry him home.
Astrid downed it and smiled. "Actually I was thinking about heading home early. Care you walk me home Steve?" The look that she was giving Steve made clear her intentions to everyone at the table other than Steve. He still knew nothing about women. She slipped off the chair and took Steve's hand.
Bucky shot her a wink. "Have fun, you crazy kids." She gave him a wave as she took Steve out of that place. Heading straight for his apartment. Astrid would make food there if she had to.
"What happened?" Steve asked.
"Let's just say that Judith and I had a very interesting conversation and we are probably never going to see her again."
"I got that much from Bucky. Honestly was surprised that she was still there when we got back."
Astrid raised an eyebrow. "You expected me to scare her off?"
Steve shrugged. "Wouldn't be surprised." They had made it back to his apartment. Astrid opening up the door with her set of keys and heading in.
"I won't lie and say I wasn't tempted." Astrid started pulling the hairpins out of her hair. "I'm going to take a bath and start getting ready for bed." She swore she heard Steve run into a wall.
"You..you're going to have a bath here?" Steve stammered looking at her.
"If you're okay with it." This would be the first time Astrid had bathed at his place. Normally waiting until she got back home. But at this moment she just wanted to soak in some hot water. Steve nodded looking at little wide-eyed. Astrid smirked and started stripping off her clothes as she headed to the bathroom. Grabbing a nightgown first before heading in. "You can join me if you like." She thought that she heard something crash and Steve calling back saying to enjoy herself.
She turned on the hot water and took out a vial out of her mobile kit. She never went anywhere without it. Never knew when she needed it. Dumping the vial in the tub. Immediately bubbles started to froth up and Astrid stripped off the remainder of her clothing. Stepping in she could feel the tension leaving her body. Closing her eyes as she took in the scent of lavender. Knowing that Steve was just on the other side of the door. Probably changing. It made Astrid heat up in a whole other way. Sliding her hand down her body. Reaching for her sensitive spot.
Astrid normally never did this. Never really wanted to. But the tension between Steve and her was slowly driving her insane. Not wanting to put pressure on him either. This was the next best thing. Imaging that it was Steve's hand as she brought herself close to release. Her hand gripping the edge of her tub as she got closer and closer. Moaning his name as she tipped over the edge. Not caring if he overheard. He should know that he was in her thoughts during her most intimate moments.
She stood up and got out of the tub. Her body feeling like jello. Taking the towel and wrapping it around her body. Fixing up her hair for the evening. Finally changing into her nightgown and exiting the bathroom.
Looking around for Steve she found him in bed. He sat up when he saw her come in. Covered in a thin layer of sweat.
"Steve?" she asked laying a hand on his forehead. "You feeling okay?"
"I'm fine," he replied his words rushed out. His cheeks were flushed and was panting slightly. Eyelids half closed as he looked at her. She kissed him softly on the lips. Steve eagerly responding. Hands moving lower than they had ever before. Fingertips dancing along her lower back. Holding her down as she felt him grow hard underneath her. But before she could start grinding into him he shifted underneath her. Moving out from underneath Astrid. She suppressed the urge to groan in frustration. She would wait for Steve. No matter how long it took. So she settled for wrapping her arms around him. Holding him close to her body.
"Do you want kids?" Steve asked. Astrid was slightly taken aback. Not expecting this line of questionings.
"I do. I'm thinking at least two."
"A boy and a girl."
Astrid hummed in response. "That would be perfect. Sarah and Joseph Rogers." She felt Steve's breath hitch slightly.
"Do you mean that?"
"Absolutely."
Steve was quiet for a moment. "Well, then we need at least four."
"Let's aim for one first and go from there."
Steve turned so that he was facing her. "You really want to have kids with me?"
"Steve I could think of no better person to father my children than you." The kiss he gave her was soft. Sensual. Like he was wrapping her up in a cocoon of love. Astrid couldn't get enough of him. Connecting their two minds together. Letting the love between them flow as they fell asleep in each other's arms.