Steve left me to myself in my room to get ready. I should have known Nat wouldn't let me down, she had filled my closet full of clothes and even had a perfect little black dress and some strappy heels. I head to the shower to get ready for the party. Not long after I got out of the shower and just barely had my hair dried, I hear a knock at my door. I shuffle my feet to door only to look up to see a smiling Steve Rogers standing above me. This was unexpected, but I'm not mad about it. I swing the door wider to invite Steve inside.
"Come on in Rogers, I don't bite. Hard anyways." He giggles and shakes his head. He looks down at me realizing I've only got my robe on.
"I'm sorry."
"If I was uncomfortable with you in here, I wouldn't have invited you."
He nods and smiles, "Listen, I don't want to sound too forward, but I did enjoy our chat today, and I don't want you feeling like you're alone tonight." He pauses before looking down at the floor and returning to look back at me, "Well I just wanted to offer to escort you to the party tonight. Only if you wanted to though."
I smile at him, "Wait is this a date Rogers?"
"This is me escorting you to your party."
"Is this you buying me that drink?"
"No, but only because it's an open bar. I will however get you a drink." He smiles down at me, and steps a bit closer. Our eyes linger on one another for a moment before he says, "So, I'll meet you at your door in about an hour?" I nod my head at him. Not long after the door closes there's another knock. I head towards it thinking that it's Steve again. Only to be slightly disappointed that it's Nat. She looks down at my body realizing I'm wearing only a robe.
"Steve was in your room." She looks back down at me only wearing a robe, "and you're in that. So how was your day?" She smirks at me. I roll my eyes. "That good or that bad."
"It was a fine day."
"The day was fine or the Captain was?"
I laugh at her silly joke. "I mean, I'm not complaining about either."
"I KNEW IT! So, what was he doing in here?" she playfully pokes at my ribs.
"It was nothing, he just asked if I would like him to escort me to the party." She lets out a gasp and has a goofy smile on her face. "What?"
"You've got a date with Steve?"
"It's not a date. He's escorting me downstairs because I don't know everyone."
"You know me and Clint. Can we not escort you down?"
"Nat you're making this into a bigger deal than it is."
"He's escorting you into a party where all his colleagues are. Letting everyone know that he is interested and not to get too close." I shake my head. I would like to think that what she's saying is the reality, but I've never dated, so I doubt the authenticity in her words. She sees my concern. "Listen, I've worked with Steve for many years now. If he didn't want to spend time with you after showing you around, he wouldn't. Like you, he's not the greatest at picking up on cues from someone they're interested in. I know you haven't dated anyone and honestly Steve is a perfect match for you. You're both...innocent."
I huff at her words. If I fully believe what she's saying I could open myself up to disappointment. But what if Steve is only trying to be nice? I push back the butterflies. "Do you mind helping me get ready?" She gives me a big toothy grin and I realize now that she had been holding a makeup bag already planning on doing my makeup. So, I hop on the bed and let Nat get busy on painting my face.
"Steve is a traditional man. So, let's keep this basic and old school glamour. I'm thinking a small winged liner, red lips, big loose curls for your hair. And obviously the little dress I got you. Clint may kill me, but you're twenty-two and beautiful. You should own it!" Nat sets to work on my makeup and hair, and before I know it she's finished. I go to get the dress and walk towards the bathroom to change. "No. You better get another thing I got you in your top drawer." I look at her confused only to walk over and open the drawer. Lingerie! Delicate black lace lingerie. I look at her with stunned eyes. "Oh stop being such a prude. It actually will work perfect with the dress. I'm not saying you have to show it to Steve, but if the moment is right you want to be prepared."
"Natasha Romanoff!! This is not a date."
"Put the damn lingerie on, and I'll see you later. You've got ten minutes to get dressed before Steve arrives. And if he's anything, it's punctual. Make a good impression." The red head quickly leaves my room and I start to put on all the new things; the lingerie, shoes, and dress. As soon as I start to zip the dress up there's a knock on my door, and just like Nat said, Steve is very punctual. Oh shit. Oh shit. Oh shit. I can't fully zip my dress up what do I do?
There's another gentle knock on the door. "Charlie, it's me Steve." I try again and I can't reach the zipper. I have no other option, Nat isn't here. I open the door and he stands staring at me shocked. "Charlie, you look...you're beautiful." My cheeks flush up at his words and face. "You ready?"
"Almost, I have a favor to ask of you." He looks down at me. "I can't fully zip up my dress do you mind?" Steve steps in my room as I turn my back to him. His fingers ghost over my back as he slowly zips my dress up. I feel his warm breath on my neck. And it's at this moment I realize how much taller and overall bigger Steve's body is compared to my 5'2" petite frame. Once the dress is fully zipped he also grabs the hook and latches it together. And then pauses his hands on my back before I slowly turn my head to look up at him. He's immobilized in place. We're way too close. This is too intimate for not a date. "Ready?"
"Right, we should go." We both let out breaths we didn't realize we were holding. He hooks his arm out to me and I wind my arm through his. "You do really look beautiful tonight Charlie."
"Thanks Steve, you clean up nicely yourself. Which I can't say that I've seen you in a bad way." I smile up at him, feeling more confident than I ever thought I could be. He truly does look handsome. Dark jeans, and a blue button up shirt that make his blue eyes even brighter. He's rolled the sleeves up a bit, showing off his forearms.
"You've only seen me one day."
"Everyone knows who you are Cap. There's plenty of photos of you out there." He just laughs as he looks down at me.
"You still nervous?"
"Not so much anymore. I met a great guy today. He doesn't seem to be interested in dating, but he's good at tours and conversation."
"I never said I wasn't interested in dating."
"You also never answered my question, usually withholding information is an answer in itself." I can tell we're getting closer to the party because the music is getting quite loud.
"Just so you know, you're not obligated to spend the whole evening with me. Have fun, and we can randomly meet back up, if you like."
"First you owe me a drink. Secondly, let's play it as it goes...we both should enjoy ourselves." We walk into the room where everyone is gathered in different groups talking amongst themselves. My arm never leaves Steve's. I spot Nat and she motions Clint to look in mine and Steve's direction and both give us a smile raising their glasses. Steve leads us to the bar where oddly Tony is standing behind making drinks.
"You were able to get the old man out to the party huh Charlie?"
"Yeah, he owes me a drink. And Rogers never breaks a promise. What do you suggest Tony?" I have never drank, so I don't even know where to begin or what to get.
"Depends, what do you like?" Tony looks at Steve, "You're regular?" Steve nods and Tony grabs a beer and pops the top turning back to me.
"Surprise me." I answer back nervously. He looks me up and down realizing why I'm hesitating.
"Wait," he looks towards Clint motioning him over, "have you ever drank before?" I look up at Steve and back to Tony.
"Well no." Clint arrives over there.
"Listen you're the honorary father of dear Charlie. She says she's never drank."
Clint rolls his eyes, "She's twenty-two and of legal age, make her whatever she wants, but don't serve her too much."
"I don't even know where to begin with what I want Clint." This is so embarrassing. I almost welcome myself to get drunk just so I don't have to feel as small as I currently do. Clint notices my embarrassment, "Make her something fruity and with vodka." He walks away and goes back to conversing with Nat and Bruce. Tony hands me the cocktail I immediately take a sip. The vodka only slightly burns my throat but the drink itself is pink and very tasty.
"I like this what is it?" I look up at Steve and he smiles before taking my cup and taking a sip. "Not bad for something pink." He responds.
"Pink lemonade, vodka, and a few other things. Otherwise known as a Pink Panty Pulldown." He smirks over at me.
"Actually, they're black." I wink at him. Steve chokes on his beer he had just sipped and Tony raises a glass at me. I turn, arm still in Steve's to go through the party and people. I still haven't seen Thor. "Stay out of trouble Charlie." Tony calls out.
"I make no promises." I respond back. I look back up to Steve and smile while taking another drink of my cocktail. On our way through the crowd Sam spots us.
"Did you forget we had a date on the dance floor tonight?" Sam pouts at me. I would love to dance, but the thought of leaving Steve's side has made me feel a certain type of way. I look up at him.
"Go ahead and dance with Sam, I'm going to catch up with Thor, no sign of Loki just yet. Be careful, he's a tricky one." We slowly unravel our arms, and I turn towards Sam.
"You better drink up sister, can't be dancing with a drink in your hand." I turn the cup up and drink it down quickly. I don't see what the big deal is anyways with this liquid. I feel nothing. I hand the cup off to one of the wait staff and let Sam lead me to the dance floor. I'm glad that it's a fast hip hop song.
After the first song ends, I'm having so much fun I continue to dance with Sam into another song. "So you and the Captain huh?"
"You too? It's not a date."
"He basically told you it was ok to dance with me. And you're going to tell me this isn't a date?"
"It's not. He's escorting me tonight." Sam makes a smiling face at me. "Not that type of escort. He accompanied me tonight, so I wouldn't be alone."
"Whatever helps you two sleep at night I guess." He shrugs. "Steve doesn't do this. Come to a party with a female, I mean. I know you two just met, but you seem good together, so far."
The song ends. "Come on Bird Brain, I need another drink."
"Am I the one accompanying you now?" He looks over towards Steve, "The Captain might get jealous."
"He won't. Let's get some more drinks, and then you can introduce me to the god talking to Steve." He laughs and leads the way to the bar where Nat is at.
"So what will it be Charlie?" Nat smirks at me. She knows I hadn't drank until tonight.
"Umm, Tony made me a Pink Panty Pulldown, and it was delicious." Nat nods, prepares the drink, and slides it over. She spots Bruce and before heading over to him asks, "Having fun?"
"Yes, now go spend some time with your man." She smiles and she heads towards him.
"Hey I've got to run to talk to someone real quick. You mind waiting? Then you can load back up on your drink, and we'll go meet Thor." I shake my head at him and take a big sip of my cocktail. I don't know if it is possible but Nat's was better than Tony's. Before I know it Steve slides in a stool next to me.
"Are you having fun, my pet?" He asks. There's a different edge to his voice, and I've never heard him use that name on me before, but maybe he's had a bit too much to drink.
"It's even better now that you're here." I guess the alcohol is definitely getting to me now, but it's nothing I haven't been thinking all day.
"Oh really? And what are we going to do for an after party." He smirks over at me, reaching up to tuck a piece of hair behind my ear. He's dangerously close. "Don't have a quick comment to that huh? We could leave early you know? No need to stay at this boring party."
"Steve, I haven't even met Thor yet. Or Loki."
"Ugh Thor is boring, although Loki is quite charming." I squint my eyes at him, confused.
"So Loki, I see you've met our newest member, Charlie." Sam walks up behind me placing his arms around my shoulder. I look around the place and don't see Loki, and then my eyes catch Steve, he's still beside Thor cutting up. My eyes turn back to the man sitting in front of me. "Loki?" His appearance changes from the handsome Steve, to smooth and silky Loki.
"Ahh, sorry to have to meet you not as myself. You just seem so comfortable with Captain Rogers, wanted to see what else was there. The offer still stands for an after party though." He spins and walks away. I pick up my cocktail and swallow it back. I definitely need to be drunk, at least tipsy if there's going to be multiple Steve's tonight. I look at the empty cup sad and back at Sam. He jumps over to the other side of the bar.
"Listen, I can't make the pink drink, but I can make other things. And your man looks like he could use another beer." He motions over to Steve who is in fact empty handed now.
"Get him a beer and surprise me Sam, something fruity and with vodka." He whips something up and hands me the cocktail and beer and we head towards Steve and Thor. When we arrive, Steve has a big smile on his face and I hand him the beer. He thanks me quickly before grabbing my hand and looking over to Thor.
"Thor this is the newest team member Charlie, Charlie this is Thor."
"Pleasure to meet you Lady Charlie. I saw that Loki tricked you over at the bar. Funny he chose to be our Captain Rogers to meet you." He smiles at me before engulfing my whole body in a tight hug. Before he releases, "Steve has talked about you quite a lot. Does this mean you guys are dating?" I giggle and shake my head. "Ahh but in the future, you may win the heart of that old man." He winks and pulls away finally. I take a sip of the drink Sam prepared for me. I can definitely taste more vodka in this drink, I'm going out on a limb and say that this will be the last drink of the evening. I sit down in between Steve and Sam. Steve slightly shuffles closer and lazily lays his arm in my lap.
Random conversations continue on and I just soak it all in with Steve so close to me, and then my song comes on "Yeah" by Usher is playing and I feel the need to dance. I look over at Steve, "Dance with me." He looks down at me with his blue eyes slightly patterned with a green.
"I don't dance to this type of music." He responds.
"Oh come on, get another drink of your beer and come on."
"Charlie I can't get drunk." I look at him confused. "Due to the super soldier serum." I nod.
"I don't care, just dance with me. It'll be fun."
"Here Steve have a drink of this Asgardian mead. It's aged a thousand years. And then get your ass out there and dance with the beautiful lady before I do." Steve reaches over and take a swig and shivers a bit. I giggle at him.
"You ready?" I clumsily stand up reaching for his hand. Thankfully Steve is quick and catches me. Realizing how close we are, his arm around my waist while the other reaches up to ghost across my heated face. "The question is are you ready? You think you can handle this?"
"Rogers I was born to handle this." I kick off my heels and toss them to Sam who looks at me confused. "Come on, show me what you got." I lead Steve out onto the dance floor and start dancing on him. He awkwardly sways back and forth and I turn back around to him and place his hands on my hips. "Steve find the beat of the song and move your body with it."
"I told you I don't dance to this type of music."
"Loosen up and have fun. Move with me." His eyes focus down to my hips watching me. I'm glad I took my heels off. I would definitely be stumbling around out here. Finally Steve finds an easier flow and starts enjoying it a bit more. Once the song ends a slow song comes on and I turn to walk back to the couch where Thor and Sam are. Steve grabs my arm and pulls me back.
"I danced to your song, now I think you owe a dance with me to this one." I step back to Steve and put my hands around his neck. He places his hands back on my hips and pulls me closer to him. I pull my attention up to his face. He really is a handsome man. His kind eyes offset how angular and chiseled his features are. I take a deep breath and smell his clean scent, mixed in with a woody and slightly sweet cologne. I smile up at him and he smiles back down before I relax my head on his chest. He wraps his strong arms tighter around me. Just as I was getting good and comfortable the song ends and starts an upbeat song, one of which I'm no longer in the mood for. I just want Steve to hold me. He pulls away as I stumble a bit from the alcohol and the lack of support from Steve. He quickly grabs me up again. "I think you're spent for the night. Let me walk you to your room."
"Aww but the party just got started. Are you sure we have to go?"
"You can stay if you're feeling up to it. I won't make you do anything you don't want to do. This party is going to be wrapping up soon anyways. I was getting tired as well." And just to emphasize he's tired he lets out a yawn.
"Alright Rogers, let's go to bed then. I need my shoes." Steve guides me back over to where Sam and Thor are and grabs up my shoes.
"Everything ok?" Sam looks up to Steve.
"Yes, we're both tired, and I think Charlie's first time drinking is catching up to her." I scoffed at him. I only had three drinks.
"Oh damn, this was your first time drinking? I might have put a lot of vodka in your drink. I'm sorry." I waved my hand at him letting him know it was nothing.
"Well good morrow Lady Charlie. I'll see you in the morning, hopefully not in pain. Steve maybe you can make sure she has a good evening." Steve's eyes narrow at Thor.
"Thor, this is not a date." I say to him. "He was just..."
"Escorting you to the party. Well you two run along then. I doubt this is going on much longer anyways." Sam finishes my sentence.
Steve again tells the two Avengers goodnight before too quickly turning around and I lost my footing only to start falling again. Gracefully he wraps my body up in his arms and carries me bridal style. "There now I don't have to worry about you falling down anymore." I lazily smile up at him before resting my head against his chest. When we make it to my room I become more alert at the shifting of Steve's body to open my door. He gently lays me down on the bed. Thinking I'm asleep he starts to head out the door. I sit up on the edge of the bed.
"Steve. Can you unzip my dress so I can put something else on?" Liquid courage stepping up. He turns to look at me motioning me to turn around for him. I stand up and turn, moving my hair to the side giving him ample space to unzip the dress. He gulps deeply before slowly moving his hands down my back, unzipping me. He lets out a cool breath causing me to shiver and I turn to look back at him and he looks down at my face. I turn to fully face him. "Thank you." I step closer to him and wrap a finger around one his belt loops and pull him closer. He moves his arm up to my face resting a thumb on my cheek, fingers wrapped around my neck. He returns the pull until his forehead is resting on mine. He hesitates and pulls back a bit more before ghosting his lips on my forehead, and fully pulling away.
"You're drunk. I can't do this." I step back realizing that he's shot me down. I turn my eyes to look at the floor only for Steve to use his hand to push my chin up to look at him. "It isn't that I don't want to. But I would prefer if you had a clear mind. I don't need you to regret anything once you're sober." I give him a slight smile still hurt from the rejection. "We'll continue this another time. And besides, this isn't..."
"A date. I know." I roll my eyes at Steve. "Goodnight Steve." Without thinking I go ahead and step out of my dress, only to expose the new lingerie to Steve, Nat wasn't lying, you never know. I walk over towards my closet to grab an oversize shirt. Steve is still lingering in my room. Eyes not leaving my body. He realizes that he's staring. "Goodnight Charlie. I'll see you in the morning." He quickly turns and heads out the door.