"How long will results take?" Steve questioned, his phone pressed against his ear. It had been a few days since he had sent Stella's hair to Bruce for analysis.

"I should have them tomorrow," Bruce answered.

"Can you let me know as soon as you have them?"

"Sure. Why are we testing this girl against Tony's DNA again?" Bruce queried. Steve sighed.

"It's a long story…And Tony should be the one to tell you." Bruce hesitated from the other end of the line.

"Alright. I'll let you know, Steve."

"Thanks Bruce." Steve took a long swig of his beer when he hung up the phone.

"Old friend?" Steve looked up from his seat at the bar. Stella had just come through the kitchen doors.

"Something like that," Steve responded with a smile. Stella returned it.

"So…I have a question for you," She started coyly. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. A nervous tick, Steve thought before he could help himself.

"Oh?"

"Tomorrow is my day off and I happen to have an extra ticket to the Yankees game…" Steve had a bad feeling he knew where this was going and a feeling of uneasiness grew in his stomach. "Feel like keeping me company?" Steve hesitated.

"I thought you weren't dating right now."

"Did I say anything about a date?" A smile pulled at the corner of Stella's lips. "No time remember?"

Steve's immediate response was a resounding YES, but something held him back. This girl could be Tony's daughter…Sure she was smart, funny and sweet, not to mention gorgeous, but Tony wouldn't be happy to find out Steve had been flirting with his estranged daughter while he was supposed to be getting information on her. Although, the game would be a good opportunity for Steve to get to know her outside the bar. And she had said just as friends…

Though Yankee stadium wasn't as lowkey as some dive bar in lower Manhattan. Steve could easily be recognized there. He was lucky he had been able to maintain a low profile so far, but he couldn't count on that forever.

"I actually have plans tomorrow," He lied, regret lacing his words.

"Oh." He saw Stella's face fall. "Gotcha." Steve couldn't stand the look of disappointment on her face.

"Maybe another time?" She gave him a weak smile.

"Sure Teddy." Steve watched her walk away to take another customer's order, decidedly unhappy with himself.

By tomorrow he would have his results from Bruce and Steve would be able to head back upstate. He was surprised how saddened he felt about this. While he was looking forward to going home and getting back to Bucky, Steve had grown to look forward to the time he spent with Stella every night at Russo's.

Well if she's Tony's daughter which I'm certain she is, I guess I'll be seeing more of her, He thought to himself wryly. Depending on how Tony handles things…Although I'm sure she won't be happy to find out I spied on her for weeks. As time passed, Steve's guilt about lying to Stella had grown significantly.

But if she isn't Tony's daughter you can ask her out, A voice at the back of his head added.

She looks just like him. She's definitely his kid. But as Steve watched the woman throw her head back and laugh at something said by one of her customers, he desperately hoped she wasn't.

Even if she wasn't Tony's, what would you do? Keep lying to her about who you are? She doesn't even know your name, Steve. He begrudgingly took another sip of beer. It seemed his simple mission had gotten a lot more complicated.

XXX

"I'm sorry, say that again?" Steve said into the phone, his voiced laden with disbelief.

"It's negative. The sample you sent me isn't a relative of Tony's."

"Are you sure?" Steve demanded.

"Science doesn't lie, Steve…What's going on?" Bruce questioned. "What're you and Tony hiding? Who is Stella Rivera?"

"Nothing. I've got to go, Bruce." Steve hung up before Bruce could reply.

The test was negative. Which meant Stella wasn't Tony's daughter. Camilla had been lying.

Steve felt his spirits lift, then deflate. This didn't change anything. He had lied about who he was from the moment he had met her. He couldn't date her now. Not that he deserved to after the lies he had fed her. Steve sighed.

He guessed he could go back upstate now which was good news. He called Tony and left him a voicemail that the test was negative. It took Steve no time at all to pack his few belongings up. After he was done, he took a seat on the bed and debated his options. He felt…weird leaving with no explanation. And to be honest, he didn't want to.

He decided to write Stella a note telling her he moved back upstate, but that he had loved getting to know her and thanking her for making his time here special. Then, he wrote her a check. He wasn't sure how much she had left to save up for school but he hoped the money would at least help.

He would drop the envelope off at the restaurant today. Since it was her day off, he could get in and out without having to see her. The thought disappointed Steve, but it was what he deserved.

When Steve arrived at Russo's it was late, almost closing time. The bar was quiet except for a guy in a suit who was seated by the door. Steve waited at the bar for the bartender to come out so he could leave the letter with them.

He took a seat at his regular stool and ran his fingers over the envelope. He was surprised how miserable he was at having to leave, but it was the right thing to do.

"Ted?" He looked up.

"Stella?" She was standing in the doorway to the kitchen, watching him with those big brown eyes. "I thought you had plans tonight?" She queried, cocking her head to the side.

"Thought you were going to the game," Was all he could manage. She shrugged.

"Didn't feel like going alone, so I picked up a shift."

"Oh." Steve didn't know what to say. He hadn't expected her to be here.

"Are you going somewhere?" Stella's brows furrowed when she noticed his duffle bag on the stool beside him.

"Uh…" Steve was panicking. Should he tell her he was leaving? He couldn't just leave the letter now.

"Miss?" The man from the other end of the bar called. Stella watched Steve, clearly puzzled. Her eyes drifted to the letter clutched in his hand.

"One second sir," She responded without looking away from Steve. "Ted?" She repeated after a moment.

"I'm uh, moving back upstate," Steve responded. "My business here finished so…"

"Oh." She looked disappointed. "Come to say goodbye?" Steve nodded, his mouth dry.

"Miss!" The man at the other end of the bar hollered. Stella sighed and gave the man an exasperated look.

"Give me a sec?" She said softly to Steve. Steve nodded, a lump in his throat forming. He supposed he could still leave the letter…No, she deserves better. Say goodbye to her face coward. Steve slumped further into his stool while Stella tended to the other man. Steve ran his fingers through his hair. You've royally fucked up Stevie.

"Sorry, I'm not interested," Stella said, her voice rising. Steve looked up. The other patron was standing now and he was looking at Stella in a way that made Steve's fist clench.

"Come on, now. Pretty girl like you could use a guy like me." He leaned forward on the bar confidently. "I can treat you to the finer things."

"No, thank you," Stella said more firmly and clearly getting angry.

"You work in a dump like this, you must be strapped for cash," The man continued. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet before flicking his credit card at her. It narrowly missed Stella's head. "Amex Platinum, Honey."

Steve couldn't watch anymore. He pushed back from his seat, maybe a bit too aggressively and stalked over to the man.

"The lady said no, buddy." The guy barely spared him a glance.

"This is between me and her," He sneered.

"Ted, it's fine." Stella started. "Don't get involved."

"It's not fine." Steve said through gritted teeth, his eyes flicking back to the man.

"Hey, she was flirting with me," The guy replied arrogantly.

"I seriously doubt that."

"You're gonna take her word for it?" Steve crossed his arms. The man eyed Steve's muscled forearms and toned physique, seeming to sense he was at a disadvantage. "Fine, whatever. She looks cheap anyway." The man didn't have time to react before Steve stalked up to him and hoisted him up by his lapels.

"Leave. And don't come back. Ever." Steve snarled. It was taking all his self control not to kick this guy's ass.

"Er…" The man had clearly been taken off guard. Then, realization dawned on his face. "Hey, you're Captain America," He said after a moment.

Shit. Steve loosened his grip on the man's suit jacket.

"…Yeah, I recognize you. Steve Rogers."

"You must have me confused with someone else."

"No, it's definitely you." The man was getting excited now. "Hey sorry for the mix-up earlier. Any chance I can get a picture?" Steve's patience snapped and he pushed the man so hard he stumbled back a few steps.

"Leave," Steve warned in a low voice. "Now." The man must've seen Steve's expression because he nodded quickly.

"Alright, alright. I just need my card." He glanced over at Stella who was still frozen behind the bar.

"Get a new one." Steve's face must've truly been terrifying because the man scurried out the door, forgetting his coat on the bar stool.

The silence permeating the bar was thick and heavy. Steve chanced a look at Stella, who looked stricken.

"Stella…"

"Why did he call you that?" She asked softly. Steve swallowed.

"Because that's my name." Stella hesitated.

"Your name is Steve?" Steve nodded, still waiting for the other shoe to drop on Stella's reaction. "…And you're…Captain America?" Steve nodded again. Stella wrapped her arms around herself, her expression unreadable. Steve didn't speak.

"I'm sorry I lied to you," He started. "I just…" Where did he start?

Iron man thought you were his kid and asked me to track you down for him.

I needed you to trust me while I stole your DNA.

I didn't want you to hate me.

I didn't want the way you treated me to change once you knew who I was.

"I know why you did," She said in a quiet voice. Steve studied her.

"You do?"

"You wanted a break right? From everyone knowing who you were. From being Captain America…" Steve didn't respond. She wasn't wrong but she was still missing a huge chunk of the truth.

"I'm not mad. I get it." She continued eventually. Steve didn't know what to say. She knew who he was and she wasn't angry with him?

"Really?" She nodded and gave him a small smile.

"Thanks for taking care of that guy. My manager just left so I don't know what I would've done if things got out of hand."

"It was nothing Stella."

Silence again.

"So you're leaving?" Steve nodded.

"I have a few things to take care of upstate. I came today to say goodbye. And leave you this." He held up the envelope that had her named scrawled across it. Stella was staring at the envelope when her phone alarm went off. She looked down at the screen. "We're closed," She stated softly.

"I guess I'd better get going." They stared at one another for a moment, neither speaking. Steve turned towards his duffle bag.

"Seeing as it's your last night and all…Have one drink with me?" She asked. Steve turned to look at her. She was watching him with those beautiful, brown eyes.

Steve smiled. "Sure."

XXX

The time passed quickly. Far too quickly in Steve's opinion. He helped Stella clean and close up before she joined him at the bar. They chatted late into the night about everything from the Avengers to Stella's role as lead singer in a local band, to Steve growing up in Brooklyn over fifty years ago. One drink turned into two, which turned into three.

Finally Stella called it and said she needed to get home or she would be miserable for her shift tomorrow.

"It's late. Can I walk you?" Steve offered. She smiled.

"Sure."

After gathering their things they set off into the cool night. After a twenty minute walk they came to a stop in front of an old apartment building.

"Thanks for walking me home."

"No problem." Steve replied. They stood there awkwardly for a moment.

"Let me know next time you're in the city? We'll grab a drink or something," She added. He nodded.

"I'd like that." Stella leaned in for a hug. Steve let his duffle bag fall to the ground and returned it, holding her tightly. She was a lot shorter than him, but felt right in his arms. Stella pressed against him, her arms wrapped snugly around his neck. Her hair smelled like fresh shampoo, and everywhere she touched on Steve's body was warm. After a moment, she pulled away. The pair separated only by inches, their arms still wrapped around one another. Stella's eyes became half lidded as she stared up at him. Then, she leaned in a placed a small kiss on his lips. It was chaste and sweet, lasting only a moment. After, she stared up at him gauging his reaction.

Steve brushed the hair back from her face, before cupping her cheek and stroking it softly with his thumb. He pulled her back in for another kiss. Stella melted into him, her arms tightening around his neck. Steve held her close, wishing they could prolong this moment indefinitely.

He knew he shouldn't do this, but it felt so right.

Stella opened her mouth and the kiss deepened, their lips moving against one another's hungrily.

"Steve," Stella whispered against his lips.

"Yeah?"

"Come upstairs." Steve almost groaned.

"Stella, we shouldn't. I can't promise you anything, my life is crazy."

"I'm not asking for a promise, Steve. I'm only asking for one night." He stared down at the woman in his arms.

"Are you sure?" He asked, his eyes searching her own.

"Yes." He should have said no. He should have told her the truth. But she knew his name now…She knew who he was. Wasn't that enough?

Steve let himself be pulled inside. He followed Stella up the stairs, almost as if he was in a trance. When they arrived at her door, she pulled out her keys. Steve couldn't help himself. He wrapped himself around her back, drawing their bodies together. His lips pressed against the hot skin on her neck. Stella relaxed against him, momentarily forgetting she was supposed to be unlocking the door. Steve placed a few kisses down the side of her neck before administering a small bite at the base.

"You better unlock that door before your neighbors get a show," He murmured against her skin. Coming back to her senses, Stella pushed the key into the lock and shoved the door open. Steve swept her into his arms, kicking the door shut behind them. Stella's lips found his and they kissed one another greedily.

Steve walked blindly until they hit the counter. He placed Stella on the edge, quickly filling the space between her legs. Stella's hands trailed from Steve's shoulders down to his chest and wasted no time before unbuttoning his shirt and flinging it off. Their lips crashed together again, their hands roaming all over one another's bodies.

Steve was never like this. When he was with a woman, he always took his time. He was patient and gentle. But with Stella it felt like his rules just flew out the window. He couldn't stop himself from touching her and her fleeting caresses and hot kisses were driving him crazy.

Stella's fingers ran from his pecs down over his tank top, feeling his muscles beneath her fingers. When she reached the hem, she tugged on it. He grinned and pulled it over his head.

"Wow," She breathed when his chest was revealed. Steve had to laugh. "You look like you were carved from stone, Steve." His eyes slid over her delicate features, her full lips and wild brown hair.

"Says you. You're a doll, Stella." After he said it, he realized just how dated he sounded. Stella didn't seem to mind though, grinning up at him.

"A doll?"

"Sorry I guess that's kind of old fashioned."

"Don't be. I like it." Her fingers snuck through his belt loops and she drew him to her. Their next kiss was tender and sweet, their lips moving against each other's slowly, relishing every second. Their tongues met and Steve stepped closer, taking Stella in his arms and holding her close as he kissed her. It felt nice to hold a woman again. It felt nice to hold Stella.

Stella pushed him away before pulling her shirt over her head, revealing a simple black bra. Steve did his best not to stare and this time Stella was the one to laugh.

"Like what you see?" Steve blushed and laughed sheepishly. He liked how much fun he was having with her, how much fun he'd had with her since the moment he met her. Making love was often so serious. It felt good to take it easy and laugh at themselves.

Stella slid off the counter and took his hand, leading him back towards her bed. Her apartment was a studio so it was only a few short steps from the kitchen area.

Once they reached the edge, Stella pushed him onto the bed. Steve got onto his elbows to stare at her. It was strange to have a woman take charge, but he found he liked it. Stella smirked at him before unbuttoning her jeans and shimmying out of them. Steve felt himself salivate.

Stella's body was the stuff of his dreams, soft curves and ample assets. She crawled towards him from the bottom of the bed and he felt himself harden even more.

She covered his body with hers, their lips meeting again. He rolled her beneath him and for a while they simply lay there kissing, alternating between kisses that were long and deep and ones that were quick and playful. Eventually their hands began roaming again and Stella's fingers slid down Steve's back onto his butt. She squeezed it through his jeans.

Steve broke the kiss and tended to her neck, planting soft wet kisses at her nape. Stella moaned, her hands trailing to his belt. She deftly unbuckled it, his pants following suit. Once they were undone, she pushed them down over his hips. Steve lifted himself so he could kick them off.

Once he was only left in his boxer briefs, Stella's fingers toyed with the elastic before sliding over the top and fondling him through the fabric. Steve groaned and bit down hard on her collarbone. His fingers pulled down her bra straps, revealing her nipples. He took one in his mouth and lathed his tongue over it. Stella arched into him. He cupped the other breast, twirling the bud between his fingers.

Stella continued stroking him through his boxers but when Steve lowered down her body, she couldn't reach any longer and pouted. Steve smirked and kissed her hip, gripping the sides of her panties.

"May I?" She nodded, smiling. He pulled them down and off her long legs, before settling down between them.

Steve hadn't done this a ton of times; going down on a woman had been pretty taboo back in his day, but he let instinct take over. He bent and licked her softly. Stella moaned and her head fell back against the pillows.

"Fuck," She gasped. Steve teased her with a few more gentle laps of his tongue before sucking a little harder. Stella reached down to grasp the back of his head, her fingers locking in his hair.

"Does that feel good?" He questioned, lifting his head and stroking her with his thumb. She was very wet. Steve spread the wetness up to her clit and circled it with his fingers. Stella nodded, her eyes closed in the throes of pleasure. "Look at me," Steve commanded. Stella looked down at him, her eyes glazed with passion. "That's better." He kissed her inner thigh reverently.

"Steve?"

"Hm?"

"I want you." Steve looked up at her again.

"Are you sure doll?"

"Yes." Stella sat up, pulling him with her and kissed him shamelessly. Steve broke the kiss and stood, shucking off his underwear. He stepped out of them and then back onto the bed.

Stella was laying there in her all her nude glory, looking beautiful and fuckable, her lips swollen from kissing, her eyes trained on him. Steve covered her body with his, kissing her deeply.

"Are you sure this is what you want?" He asked again, stroking her cheek. Stella nodded, biting her lip.

"Use your words, Stella."

"Yes Steve. I want you." Steve smirked.

"Do you have something?"

"I'm on birth control. And I got tested a few months ago. I'm clean." She stared up at him, the unspoken question in her eyes.

"I was tested recently too." This time, Stella smirked.

"Of course Captain America is the perfect model of sexual health." Steve shrugged.

"I try and set a good example." Stella giggled.

Steve dropped a kiss on her lips and aligned himself with her entrance. He held her gaze as he pushed inside. Stella gasped but didn't break eye contact. Steve stopped when he was about halfway in to give her time to adjust to his size. Once he was nestled in fully, he paused again. "Are you okay?" He kissed the side of her mouth. She nodded. He gave her a stern look.

"I'm okay," She clarified, amused.

"Good." He began to move.

"God Steve," She whispered, letting her eyes fall shut. Steve's fingers found hers and drew her hands up above her head, holding them there as he moved inside her. Stella's hips ground back into his and she circled them beneath him, wrapping her legs around his waist. She pressed her heels into his butt, driving him forward.

Steve's eyes opened and he stared down at the woman who was gazing up at him while he fucked her. He pressed their lips together in a deep, lingering kiss. Stella moaned into the kiss. Their tongues twined together.

They made love throughout the night all over her apartment. In between rounds they talked about anything and everything, wrapped in one another's arms or Stella reclined back on his chest. Steve even played some of his favorite music from the 40s for her on his phone ("the quality isn't as good as it is on vinyl, but you can't beat the convenience of a smartphone").

Later that night (or more accurately, in the early hours of the morning) Steve lay with his head in her lap as Stella stroked his hair back from his face. "It must be a lot of pressure…being Captain America," She said thoughtfully. A woman had never held him like this, and Steve found he liked it. Girls always expected him to take charge; to be the one calling the shots, and while he liked it at times, it was unbelievably nice to just relax and let her hold him.

"It is," Steve admitted. "Everyone's always looking at me to lead the team or be this shining example of perfection. Sometimes I'm focusing so hard on being Captain America that I forget what it's like to just be…Steve." Steve had never told anyone this before but it was the truth. Being Captain America oftentimes felt like having the weight of the world on his shoulders. He was expected to set an example and be a role model while people like Tony were able to do what they wanted with little repercussion.

Steve stared up at Stella while she ran her fingers through his hair. He wondered how long it had been since he had felt this content, not just with a woman, but in general. Since he had been this happy.

It had been a long, long time.

A/N: Hi all, hope you're enjoying this story so far. If you'd like to read more, please leave a review! They inspire me to write and update more often! :) Big thanks to Tjy49 for reviewing the first chapter!