The next few weeks was pretty much the same routine; wake up, breakfast, train, lunch, train, dinner, and then evenings with the Avengers like we're one big happy family. Steve and I manage to sneak away to get in some stolen kisses. Oddly enough, this is what Steve's and my relationship has become. Teammates, who flirt and kiss. My body aches for something more than just kisses, as does my heart, but any capacity that I can have Steve will do...for now. Most the team continue to tease us about our obvious interest in one another. We both have created a flow of sucking it up and playing along. To my knowledge no one has discovered our little rendezvouses. That is until Clint approaches me alone.
"So, you and Rogers seem to be getting closer." He states standing in my doorway.
"Uhm, yeah, I guess you could say that." I sheepishly respond.
"You two just going to sneak around and make out, or is he going to step up and ask you out on a date?" I turn towards him, eyes wide, I was wrong about no one knowing. "Yeah, there's cameras throughout the compound. I was asked to check something out and noticed you two hiding about."
"Clint, I'm sorry. I just...."
"Nothing to be sorry about. You should date, and Rogers is a good pick. However, the problem seems to be there's no dating. Just the benefits."
"No, that's all we've done is kissed. I promise." My cheeks start to flush. Clint may not be my father, but he has played the role of my dad for almost seven years now. Awkward conversations are still awkward.
"I wasn't even talking about that, it's just, I don't want him playing with your emotions. You seem to be a lot more involved with him than he you. Like he's scared to move your relationship to be public. Are you ok with the way things are?"
"We have busy lives Clint. You of all people should know that. I don't think there's time for us to date."
"There's plenty of time if you make it. I'm about to take some time off for a while. I'm making time for my family. If he wants to take your relationship to the next level, and actually take you out on a date, I think that would be amazing. But if you're ok with just the kissing and nothing concrete, well, you're an adult. But can you think about it? Maybe when you guys are alone talk to him about it. If that's what you want of course. And Nat and I are always here, or a call away if you need to talk. Nat is close with Steve. Even she's raised some concerns with me."
"Did you tell her?"
"No, she noticed a hickey on your neck." I look down at the floor. I remember that day well. I told Steve he would leave a mark and he only laughed it off. And when he actually did leave a mark, I told Nat it was a burn from my straightener. "Just be careful. If you tell me, you're ok with this, I will trust you."
I smile at him wrapping my arms around his shoulders for a hug, "Thanks papa bear."
"Not you too. I told Nat to quit with that nickname."
"It fits. Clint is too formal sometimes, and dad is too personal. So, papa bear." He rolls eyes and leaves my room. I put my earbuds in and begin putting my clothes away. There are very few moments of normalcy at the compound so I find peace in every mundane moment I encounter. Apparently, my music is too loud and I don't hear someone knocking on the door frame, but they decide to come over to me to tickle at my sides. I let out a shriek and smack at Steve, taking my earbuds out. "What the hell Steve! I about had a heart attack." I look towards the door; it's closed and locked. This is our little routine. If we go into one another's rooms, we always make sure to lock the door.
"Sorry I couldn't help it, you looked so into the music with your whisper singing and dancing. I had a free moment before I left and I wanted to see you." He gives me a cheeky grin and I know what he's referring to.
"Where are you going?"
"A few of us are heading to Lagos." His hands grab at my waist pulling me closer.
"Wait, a few? Who and what for?"
"Just a small mission. Sam, Nat, and Wanda. We got some intel concerning Crossbones. No need to worry. I'll be back before you know it. Clint and you are going to the farm while we're away." He pecks at my lips, but I don't return the gesture.
"Why can't I go? I've been training for five weeks with you guys."
"Don't make this a big thing. We don't need that many people for the mission. And Tony, and myself, do not feel you're ready. You lost focus when Bruce left, and you're just now recovering. But that's part of this job."
"But I don't want you to leave." I pout up at him. Why am I acting so needy?
"Don't worry princess, I'll be back soon. All in one piece." His lips start kissing on my neck and I lose a sense of what we were talking about. A small whimper escapes my mouth. Steve deeply inhales, his mouth still on my neck, he whispers, "That sound is enough to make me want to stay." My cheeks blush as I smile up at the ceiling. "Listen, as much as I enjoy kissing, would you want to, I don't know take this to the next level?" Steve pulls his face off of my neck to look at me. I search his eyes, trying to think of the best way to respond.
"Steve Rogers, are you asking if we can have sex?" His eyes darken as he nods his head. "You want to have sex, but not take me out on a date." He quickly looks down, before sucking air in between his teeth.
"I knew that was bound to come up." I look at him confused because I'm not sure what's happening. "I would love to take you on a date. Life here is busy and hectic. Not to mention I don't enjoy going out of the compound for everyone to stare and take pictures. They don't know you, but the tabloids would love to blast your face on every magazine about the mystery woman with Captain America."
"We can always do something small at the compound. I don't know, even watch a movie." He looks at me with a pained smile.
"Yeah, we could do that. I just don't want either of us to get too attached. This line of work is tough, and there's no guarantee. And I don't know if I can be good enough for you. For what you deserve." He looks down. He's always lifting my chin up so he can see me, so I return the gesture.
"Steve, don't you ever think you're not good enough for me. You're perfect." He scoffs, "but I understand what you're saying. How about, for now we can be friends?"
"With benefits?" He smirks down at me.
"For now."
"For now." He agrees. "I'll text when we're heading back from Lagos." He closes the gap in between us, pulling me in by my hips and crashing his lips into mine. I bring my hands up into his hair and slowly start walking him backwards to my bed. When he reaches the edge, he sinks down on the bed looking up at me before I climb into his lap straddling him. His hands start to roam my body before I push him to lay back on the bed. "Charlie, you have no idea what you do to me." I smile into our kiss and move my lips to his neck, kissing and sucking on it, before giving him a little nibble. He squeezes my hips, "Easy, I do have to go on this mission."
"This is payback for leaving marks on my neck, that Nat saw." I smile onto his neck, continuing my love bites. He shifts his weight to roll us over, pinning me to the bed. He looks down at me smiling before placing his hand under my head, bringing me closer to continue kissing. He grabs at my bottom lip with his teeth, gently biting it and pulling back before looking back down at me.
"I believe this is the best I've ever seen you look, princess. As much as I don't want to, I have to leave. Hopefully we can continue this when I return."
I lean up so I can whisper in his ear, "We will continue this and more when you return." I lay back down on the bed looking up at him through my lashes. He deeply inhales.
"Don't make promises you can't keep, princess."
"I wouldn't think of it Captain." He slams back onto my lips one last time.
He pulls back looking down at me with a devilish grin, "Be a good girl until I return." And with that he gets up off my bed and heads to the door.
"I'll save being a naughty girl just for you Captain." He turns back to look at me biting his bottom lip.
"I can't stay Charlie, so stop talking and making me want to." He slowly walks out the door and closes it behind him. I lay back on my bed slowly breathing trying to cease my heart from racing.
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"You ready to go Charlie? I know Laura is looking forward to spending some time with you." I grab my bag and nod walking towards Clint. Tony is taking us in a Quinjet to the farm for a week or so while Steve, Sam, Nat, and Wanda are in Lagos. Since Clint isn't returning, he said he's retiring, now that he's found his replacement. "How are you feeling not being on the mission with Steve?"
"I don't like it." I shrug, but what can I do about it. Tony and Steve both said I wasn't ready. Clint grimaces nodding his head. "You know, I'm sad that the others are there without me too."
"Yeah, but Steve has a special place in your heart." He winks.
"It's not like that, Clint."
"Oh, what's it like?"
"They're friends that make out." Tony comes up behind us laughing. "You know I never thought the old man would have a dame without a date." I roll my eyes. "You two do what you need to do," he throws both arms up "but it's obvious to everyone on the team. We all think that there's something more than, 'just friends'. Not all of them have the luxury of viewing the cameras either."
"You get off on watching Steve and I make out?" I laugh at him. His teasing doesn't bother me, Tony's one of the few people I can be sarcastic with.
"Get off? No. Entertained by Capsicle not knowing what he's doing? Most definitely." He laughs.
"I would say he knows exactly what he's doing." I wink at Tony as we take our seats on the jets."
"Ok can we not talk about Steve and Charlie's love life? They're both adults Tony, let them be." Clint returns with a groan.
"Aww, but I enjoy aggravating Hunger Games." I roll my eyes up at Tony. He's became like my second adopted dad. Where Clint plays a true role of a dad, I know I can talk openly with Tony. "I've just about got your suit all sorted out Charlie. That way next mission you won't be stranded alone with no one but us old men. Although you seem to have a thing for old men."
"When will it be ready?" I eagerly ask him.
"By the time you return it should be ready."
The rest of our flight is spent between Tony and Clint talking back and forth about former missions. As excited as I am to go on missions the thought is also overwhelming. Not only will my teammates be entrusting their lives in my hands and capabilities, but also the rest of the world. When we land at the farm Tony lets me know he will be coming back when the mission is over. "Make sure you enjoy your time off. It doesn't happen very often." He waves goodbye and Clint and I jog into the house to flood the family with hugs and talk about the weeks I've spent with the Avengers. Lila is very interested in my stories; I can see the worry and fear on Clint and Laura's face.
The days go by in a blur. It's nice to be back home, going through my former normal routine. I get the urge to talk to Laura about mine and Steve's relationship, mostly the part of wanting to have sex with him. Laura and I have always had an open conversation relationship, and this is more up her alley than Clint's.
After breakfast I can't contain it anymore, I need to speak to her, before I never do. "Laur, can I talk to you a minute?" Clint and Laura look back at me from the sink. "Alone?" I respond, looking between the two of them.
"Is this a Steve conversation?" She asks curiously.
"Something like that." I look down at the ground. I can't meet Clint's eyes, or hers.
"Yeah, Laur you take that. I'm good." Clint returns to washing dishes. Laura dries her hands off and we walk out to the barn.
"So, what's this about? Is everything ok between you and Steve?"
"I mean, I don't know if there is a me and Steve."
"Clint says that he is completely infatuated with you. He's assured Clint he will do whatever it takes to keep you safe while he isn't there. That's one of the many reasons Clint thought now was a good time to retire. And apparently you two have been kissing a lot." I let out an airy snort. "But he's not taken you out on a date?"
"Do Avengers date?"
"You know one that's married."
"I don't know if we can find time. He is married to the job, but he's also...frustrated." I look into her eyes only for my gaze to fall down to the ground.
"Oh, oh.... umm, are you ready for that?"
"With him, yes. Clint may think Steve is infatuated with me, but it's really me who's infatuated with him. There's something about him. I would follow that man wherever. And I know things are, different between the two of us now, but I keep hoping that we can be more than just friends, with benefits."
"So have you two had sex?"
"Oh, God, no. He's actually quite a gentleman about us. He always asks, if this is ok, or is this what I want. I just, I want to make him happy, because he makes me happy. It's killing me that he's on a mission, without me. We haven't heard anything from them, but he promises he'll be ok. And I'm looking forward to seeing, touching, and hearing him again."
"So, for now, you both are ok with not labeling your relationship?" I nod at her. "Are you ready for sex with Steve." I nod again. "Sex can change a relationship. Especially for women. Especially women who have strong feelings for the person she's choosing to sleep with."
"I know."
"Are you ok with that? Even if it means he still doesn't want a label?" Again, I nod. "Well, ok. Let's go to town. Make sure you're protected." She walks over to me wrapping me in a warm hug. "Thank you for trusting me. Charlie, I am always here for you. Papa bear is too." She winks at me and we head to town.
__________________________________________________________________
A week passes by before I get a panicked call from Tony, "Get ready to leave, I'll be there in fifteen minutes. We need you. Steve needs you. Wanda really needs you."
"Tony what's wrong?" I can hear it in his voice.
"Do you not watch the news? I'll be there in fifteen minutes. I can explain on the ride back."
I hurriedly run around the farm collecting my things. I give Clint, Laura, and the kids big hugs and wait in the field for Tony. Clint must know what had happened, probably from Nat. He assured me everything will be ok. Trust the team and we'll protect one another. Shortly after Tony arrives and I run in the jet. "Tony what's going on?" I almost scream, not able to contain my rising anxiety. What is wrong with my people?
"Things didn't go according to plan. The team is ok, but...Steve didn't notice the bomb strapped to Rumlow. Thankfully Wanda did and saved him, but when she tried to contain the energy, she placed it in a building. Twenty-six civilians were killed." My hand goes to my mouth as I gasp. I know Wanda is beating herself up. I'm thankful she kept Steve safe, but I know she's devastated about her deadly mistake.
"What can we do?" I ask with tears in my eyes.
"It's complicated. There's going to be a briefing with Secretary Ross and the whole team. I'm not sure. She needs you. You've been working on your empathy, maybe you can help her get some rest, or I don't know see the bright side of things."
"What about Vision?"
"He's awaiting her arrival."
We land at the compound, beating the team there. Tony informs me they're five minutes out. My mind and heart are racing. I don't know what to say or do. How can I make things better? Lives were lost. Innocent civilian lives were lost. There will be consequences for this. I feel guilty for my relief on the team being safe. Not long into my thoughts I hear the commotion of them landing and I head towards the landing zone. I can hear Steve shouting, "Where is she? I need to see Charlie now!" I push around the few agents lingering about before spotting Steve. He runs up to me wrapping me up in a hug and placing an urgent kiss on my lips. I pull back surprised. We've never kissed in the open before.
"How's Wanda?" I look around and spot her with Vision. He's holding onto her whispering.
"Not now, Charlie. I need you. Come with me." He growls under his breath. What is going on? He leads me away from the commotion and into my room, closing and locking the door behind us. "Did you mean what you said?" I stare confused up at him. "About wanting to continue where we left off?"
"Steve, don't you think with what..."
He cuts me off, "I don't want to talk about it Charlie, not now. Right now, I just need you. All of you." I look at him up and down and take a deep breath. Am I ready for this? "Please, Charlie, I need you." Steve pleads. With that, I rush to him, slamming my lips onto his. He feverishly starts taking off my shirt. I fumble around with his suit not knowing exactly how to get the damn thing off. He pushes me back onto the bed and removes it himself, leaving only his boxer briefs before hovering over me. "Are you sure you're ok with this?" He asks. I nod my head not wanting anything to distract me from him. "Charlie, you know you have to use your words to talk to me."
"Yes, Steve. I'm just, nervous."
"I've got you." He starts kissing on my neck, kneading my breasts in his hands. I can feel myself getting hot and pulsing. Steve's body drops lower and I can feel his bulge through his thin boxer briefs. I let out a mewl, causing Steve to groan in my neck. He hovers back above me, unbuttoning my pants and pulls them down. "Take of your bra." He grunts at me. I comply. He looks over my body, "You're so beautiful." He responds before crashing his lips back into mine. His hand finds its way in my panties and he uses his leg to spread my legs further apart before finding my clit and gently rubbing it. He hisses through his teeth, "You're soaking wet princess. Just for me." My senses are overwhelmed with Steve. I just want him so bad. He continues to massage my clit before finding his way to my breast, using his other hand to flick at a nipple and his mouth sucking on the other one. He glances up at me seeing the pure pleasure on my face, he slips a finger in and smiles at my gasp. His thumb still massaging my clit he slips in another finger. "You're so tight. Are you a virgin?"
"Yes, Steve, but I want you." I moan looking down at him. He smiles up at me before readjusting himself. Ripping off my panties, he spreads my legs further apart before hovering over me once more.
"Are you sure you're ready?" He looks at me, hunger in his eyes.
"Yes, please Steve, fuck me." I answer him in barely a whisper, almost unable to talk.
He gently puts his member at my entrance, teasing me. I grab his hips, urging him to just put it in. "No princess, when I'm ready. I'm enjoying watching you squirm undeath me. Anticipating my next move." He smirks down at me, before crashing into me. I let out a very audible moan before placing my hands on his back, holding on to him with my nails. He seethes enjoying the sensation. He continues to drive into me, before quickening his pace. His hand goes back down to my clit rubbing it once more. He smiles above me, and then nibbles on my neck. My body is buzzing until I can't contain it anymore and moan once more before reaching my climax. Steve looks back down at me again, smiling, "Such a good girl. You think you can do that again, for your Captain?"
"Please, Steve, don't stop." I call up at him wrapping my hands around his arms. Holding him tight.
"Say it. Call me your Captain, princess." Steve doesn't slow his pace. His devilish grin smiling at me. "Tell me you want to cum again."
"Please make me cum again, Captain."
"Such a polite little one." Steve quickens his pace. My body is overstimulated and I climax again, tightening around Steve's dick. Seconds later Steve's breathing changes and he himself climaxes. He slows his pace, allowing us to ride out our climax. He looks down at me once more before sweetly kissing my forehead, nose, and ending with my mouth. He collapses on the bed beside me. Breathing heavily. Once his breathing steadies he turns to the side, raising up on one hand. "Are you ok, princess?" I haven't quite caught my breath yet. I begin to nod, realizing he hates when I don't use my words. I turn my body to the side, looking at him. Sweat has gathered around his hair line, he's got a goofy grin looking at me, and I am fully captivated by this man. So much that it hurts. He's, my Captain. I want him, and I will protect him. He will not leave my side again. My Captain.
"I'm ok. Great, actually." He pecks at my forehead and rolls over my body to get off the bed. Slipping both arms under my body he carries me to the bathroom, sits me on the counter and turns on the water. Steve adjusts the water until it's just right and carries me into the shower. He takes his time carefully placing me under the shower head, making sure my hair is fully wet before grabbing the shampoo and lathering it in my hair. He turns my body under the stream to rinse my hair, "Close your eyes, princess, I don't want soap to get in your eyes." I comply smiling. He continues with the conditioner, carefully rinsing it out, and then onto the soap and washing my body. I can't help but smile up at him towering above me, treating me like a doll that can break. When he's finished washing me, he gently kisses me. Nothing full of lust, just pure, sweetness. He places my body to the back of the shower before washing himself.
"Do you need help?" I ask. My voice is deeper and sleepier than it had been earlier. I'm riding the high of having sex with my Captain.
"No princess. Just watch." When he's finished, he helps me out of the shower, wrapping my body in a towel before grabbing a towel of his own. He guides me out into my bedroom, going to my closet and grabbing me some lounge clothes. Steve uses the towel to dry off my body before dressing me. He guides me to the bed. "Sit here, I'll be right back." He jogs off to his room, returning still with just the towel and gets dressed himself. He sits on the bed beside me, "Turn around. I'm going to brush your hair." Taking his time to brush my hair, he sighs. "I needed that, Charlie. Thank you, princess."
"Thank you, Captain. It was perfect." He smiles down at me. "Do you want to talk about it?" Asking about their mission in Lagos.
"No." Shaking his head, he brings his hand to my cheek. "You're perfect princess." He gives me a quick soft kiss again. "Let's go check on Wanda."