It doesn't take long for me to quit pouting and fall asleep. I have just met Steve Rogers and I'm insulted he didn't want to kiss me, while drunk. Ugh I need to get over this. I drift off, and before I know it, I am being woke up to my curtains being pulled back letting the too bright sun in and Natasha Romanoff jumping on my bed.
"It is time to wake up!! Ugh, you need a shower, you smell like a bar." I groan at her unearthly cheeriness this morning. My head is pounding and I prefer being wrapped in my cocoon of blankets. "Charlie Allen, get your ass out of this bed and in the shower, breakfast will be ready soon. And you have a busy day!"
"Stop shouting at me!" I still haven't looked up at her, just bury myself deeper in the blankets. She starts pulling at all the blankets.
"I knew we shouldn't have trusted Sam with making you a drink, come on. I'll get you some aspirin, but I promise go ahead and get in the shower you'll feel much better." She finally has removed me from my cocoon, but I'm still in fetal position on the bed. "Steve has already been talking about how he's looking forward to helping you train." She has gotten my attention, and she knows it. I peek one eye open at her. Am I ready to see Steve, did I embarrass myself too much? "Ahh, that got your attention. Now, shower. I'll get you an outfit for training. I'm sure there's fresh coffee, and maybe just a slice of peanut butter toast for you. You've got to get your day started." She grabs at my wrists fully pulling me up.
"So, I didn't make an idiot of myself last night?" I squint my eyes at her and my hands go to my temples to massage my head.
"Not that I saw, but I saw Steve carrying you out last night. Want to explain that?" I let out a groan and walk towards the bathroom. "No, you will talk to me. I'm a great wingman, and not as protective as Clint. Spill the beans."
"I kept tripping last night, so Steve carried me so I wouldn't fall."
"And that's all?" She tilts her head and sneers at me knowing I'm not fully telling the whole truth.
"He unzipped my dress, and I attempted to kiss him." Nat lets out an animated gasp beaming at me before she realizes I said attempted and her face falls. "But he told me I was drunk, so I walked out of my dress."
"While he was still in here?" I nod my head shamefully. "Oh my God! I didn't know you had it in you! Where has this minx been hiding?"
"She wasn't present until alcohol was involved. Now I don't want to further this conversation. I'm showering, you bring me aspirin! It's going to be a long day." I turn on my heels only to realize that was too fast and groan and head towards the warm shower. When I finish Nat has left, so I slowly dress and add some mascara, and take the bottle of aspirin that Nat left on my night stand. I feel awful.
I open my door only to find Steve leaning against the wall. "You waiting on me Rogers?"
"I figured you might find the dining area easier with me as your guide, and I wanted to check to see how you were feeling."
I furrow my brows at him, "I have felt better, I think after the promised coffee and peanut butter toast I'll be ok. Nat's already gave me some aspirin." Steve nods at me, neither one of us want to mention our closeness last night. For now, it's better left unsaid. We both turn and head towards the direction of the dining room.
Once we enter the dining room the chatter in here is not helping my pounding head. Nat hands me a plate with a piece of toast and a mug of coffee. The color is a perfect dark caramel, just the way I like it, and the smell is intoxicating. This is just what I needed. I sit across from Clint who looks down laughing at me, "Hush." I whisper towards him. Steve sits down beside me. I notice Tony scoffing at me, so I turn and give him a quick grin.
"How are you feeling this morning Hunger Games. You looked a bit drunk when Capsicle carried you away."
"And thankfully he was there to save the night. I might have passed out next to Sam if not."
"No, I would have carried the Lady Charlie to her bed chambers. I would never leave you lying about alone." Thor winked over at me. He is such a puppy. I can't contain how adorable he is, I just mouth thanks to him.
"After this perfect coffee I'm sure I'll be feeling more like myself." Everyone continues eating and talking amongst themselves. I just sit there and drink the coffee, smelling it in between sips, trusting the bittersweet mug to ease my pounding head. I didn't realize how zoned out I was until I feel Steve's arm wrap around the back of my chair. Clint narrows his eyes at Steve, definitely playing up the father role, I giggle into my mug. Steve glances at Clint, only to quickly return his arm back into his lap.
Not too much longer the group splits up. Steve, Sam, Nat, Clint, Wanda, Thor, Loki, and myself head to the training room, while Bruce, Vision, and Tony head to the lab. I feel my head slowly start to return to normal, but I still feel slightly sick.
"You going to be able to train today Charlie? Looks like the alcohol had a bit of an effect on you last night?" Sam chuckles in my direction.
"Coffee is so helpful. Remind me never to trust you to make my drinks again though."
"To be fair I didn't realize you had never drunk before. I did hope that the extra alcohol would loosen you up. Not that you needed it, but still it was entertaining to watch."
"Woah, woah Charlie does not need loosening up. Charlie needs to focus." Clint interjects.
"Come on Papa Bear, Charlie, is twenty-two, you eventually have to let her live and enjoy life." Nat responds, coming to my defense.
"I also want to make sure she is fully prepared, around here you just never know what the day will bring."
"Okay, can we quit talking about me like I'm not here. Clint, I promise not to get drunk again, but I can't promise I won't drink. But you're also right, I need to be prepared, so maybe no more drinking, for a while."
"No worries Charlie, Rogers and I will make sure that you don't get drunk again." Clint turns and looks at Thor, "And your chaperone Clint will watch you as well."
I let out a belly laugh, "Chaperone?"
"He's not your father, and he may be your uncle but he's acting more like your chaperone keeping you out of trouble." I just smile and nod at Thor. I guess that's the best description of Clint I could come up with. We've always been close, but he's never tried to take the place of my dad.
We walk through the doors of the training room. Steve is being uncharacteristically quiet. I ignore it and just want to get this day started. He finally speaks up, "Okay, Charlie, I know you're used to fighting against Nat so let's completely take you out of your element and you can spar with me." Steve finally speaks. Clint gives him a knowing glance while Nat winks at me.
"I shall watch thee fair Charlie." Does Thor always talk like this? I don't know whether to be annoyed with it or find it charming.
"I wouldn't mind watching you as well Charlie." Loki gives me a sly smile.
"Don't watch too closely, you may end up with an arrow through you." Clint jogs off to weights, Nat and Wanda following behind him. I'm pretty sure they're going to be chatting more than anything.
"Listen Rogers, it was a rough night last night, so take it easy on me."
"Not a chance, princess. You got to earn your spot here."
We start circling around each other. I look him up and down trying to focus on how his body moves. Does he favor one side over the other? Is he more apt to use his arms or legs? Needless to say, he's quick, and smooth with his movements. It's like he was born to fight. Thankfully I'm quick as well. Although I haven't been enhanced with super serum. I'm just the average, highly trained, individual. He punches towards my right side only for me to block him. "You're going to have to do better than that." I sneer at him. Before I can react, he kicks his leg towards me, but I duck out of the way before he makes contact. I use my crouching stance to propel my body towards him. We both fall to the floor, and I think I've gotten one over on him. He however kicks me over his head, still holding my arms, and launches his body to be over top of me.
We stay like that for a moment, breathless, before he lets out a smile, "You got cocky at the end. I always make sure I'm on top." He winks at me.
"Is that one of your innuendos Rogers?" I flirt back at him.
"I could tell you, but then I would have to kill you. And I much prefer to taunt my prey." I feel my cheeks flush, and my eyes cast downwards, unable to look into his eyes anymore. He tilts my chin up, "And I prefer if you would look at me while I'm talking to you." Steve winks and licks his lips. My body is on overdrive right now. Whether Thor senses it or our closeness is making him uncomfortable I have no clue.
"Alright Rogers, get off her and let me have a go."
Thor, Loki, Sam, and Steve continue to take turns sparring with me, before I've had enough. "Alright boys, I'm hot and exhausted, I need a swim." At this point we have gained an audience of the other three Avengers.
"I'm going to head back and shower." Nat replies, Clint, Wanda, Loki, and Sam followed suit. Leaving me with Steve and Thor.
"You know I wouldn't mind a quick swim myself." Steve smiled at me.
"I'm going to run and get my swimsuit." I turn to head to my room before Thor picks me up, throwing me across his shoulders, running towards the pool.
"Who needs a swimsuit?" He quickly jumps in the pool still holding me. For an inside pool the water is cold. Almost too cold. I come up from the water gasping.
"Why is it so cold?"
Steve steps over to the pool before removing his shirt and shoes, his muscles glistening from his sweat. "It's supposed to feel nice after a training session." He jumps into the pool, and swims over to where I am coming out of the water smiling at me. I let out a giggle before placing my hands on his shoulders, attempting to dunk him. I did not succeed. Instead, he grabs me by my waist slinging me under the water. When I come back to the surface, I notice Thor getting out.
"Where are you off to Thor?" I call out while Steve is playfully splashing me.
"I can sense when I am not wanted. You two are ignoring me. And I don't enjoy swimming with my clothes. I also have some business to attend to. Farewell dear Charlie, until we meet again."
"Until we meet again Thor!" I sloppily salute the god, only to be thrown back under the water by Steve.
"This isn't fair! I have a shirt and shoes that are dragging me down."
"Well, princess, if you really want to go with that excuse just remove them."
Complying to his suggestion I tread to the shallow end removing my shoes and shirt, left only with a sports bra and leggings. Steve stalks towards me. I look up into his eyes, "What are you doing, Rogers?"
"I believe we have some unfinished business from last night." When he reaches my side, he wraps an arm around my waist pulling me closer. I can only stand silently looking up at him. My body is frozen and ready for his command. He gently shifts some of my hair off my face, his thumb remains on my face, caressing my cheek. "Is this, ok?" I silently nod, my eyes not leaving his. "Princess, I need you to actually use your words. Can I kiss you?"
"Y-yes Steve." I hiccup. His lips crash onto mine. His right hand never leaving my face, and his left arm wraps around me, pulling me closer to him. My body reacts and I jump up to wrap my legs around his waist to bring my petite body closer to his lips, arms wrapped around his neck. His perfectly soft lips. I feel his tongue gently ghosting my lips, and I open my mouth to allow him entrance. We are stuck in this captivating stance for what I feel is mere seconds before I feel Steve pull away. My hazel eyes stare back into his blue green eyes.
"We should go shower and have some lunch." He finally whispers. His eyes never leaving mine, we're still wrapped into one another.
"I'd rather stay here with you and continue what we started."
He laughs at my boldness. "I would rather do that too, but look around Charlie, there's cameras everywhere here." I look around and he isn't lying, there's cameras all around the training area. "They're not to spy, and very rarely does anyone look at them. It's precautionary, in case someone breaks in." He removes his arm from around me and I sullenly remove my hands from around his neck and before I can unwrap my legs from around his waist, he gently peppers kisses on my nose and neck only to come back to my mouth for one quick peck. "But if you would like we can continue this another time."
I look up at him returning the peck, "Most definitely." I smile up at him. He returns the smile. "Now come on, everyone will wonder what's taken so long." Steve responds guiding me out of the pool.