Wednesday had come and it was time for Nat to meet Steve for the case. She had on a black dress similar to the one Audrey Hepburn worn in Breakfast at Tiffanys. She kept it classy with simple black heels and a single diamond necklace. It was 7:00 a.m. and the case was to begin at 9:00 at the courthouse. She did one look at herself before grabbing Steve's gift and heading upstairs. Her nerves were a little on edge since they've both been working and haven't had time to see each other since the kiss a few days ago. Nat walked upstairs and knocked on his door.

"Hey Nat." Steve said with a small smile. "I'm almost ready." He continued fixing his tie.

"Ok." Nat stepped inside and sat on the couch, dropping the bag on the table in front of her.

Moments later Steve was sitting next to her. "So we're going to leave shortly, I wanted to briefly run down everything with you." She nodded waiting for him to continue. "Although this should be open and shut, I just want to prepare you that not everything goes that way. We will have a lot of evidence so I'm not worried that the judge won't rule in our favor. Now, there is going to be a projector on there and everything that is shown will be on the tv for people to see. There is no jury and its a small room, so it will only be me and you, Bruce and his lawyer, the judge and bailiff as well as any witness. Sound good so far?"

"Mhmm" Nat replied. She listened intently though she felt uncomfortable, she tried not to show it.

Steve continued on with the explanations but stopped once he noticed Nat wasn't exactly listening to what he was saying.

"Natasha? What's wrong?" He sighed setting his paperwork on the table.

"What? Nothing." She spoke quickly hoping to dissipate whatever thoughts were running through his head.

"Clearly something is wrong because I've been saying stuff the last ten minutes and you haven't been responding.."

"I'm sorry..." She suddenly felt small. She hated when he got upset especially if she was the cause which only happened once before.

As if he could sense it, Steve took a deep breath and relaxed. He left lawyer mode and went into Steve, the man she lov—liked. "Nat, come on, what's the problem? Is it about Bruce?" He touched her hand gently hoping to get her to at least look into his eyes. Nat slipped away and stood up.

She spoke quickly, getting it out. "It's not that..It's just I..I messed up things with you...and I wish I hadn't and now I don't know what it means."

"What do you mean?'' He asked confused.

Nat threw her head back in frustration sighing loudly. "I kissed you, like deep and clearly you didn't want that because you left and I figured I'd just stay away to save myself the embarrassment.  I didn't mean to ruin our friendship Steve. You're so important to me and I'm really really sorry.  I promise it won't happen again. I j—"

"Nat stop." He said standing up interjecting her from the rambling. "One, I didn't leave because I didn't want to kiss you, it was because I did. I wanted to do a lot that night, but you had been drinking and I wanted anything that happened to be when you are fully aware of what you were doing and Two, you need to stop running every time there's a problem. You avoiding me because you thought you were wrong was unnecessary because it could've easily been addressed like right now. " Nat put her head down and lightly shook it.

"I'm sorry Steve."

"Oh and three, stop apologizing. You do that often and I know it's because of him, but you don't need to do that with me. Not everything deserves one, ok?"

"I thought I had messed everything up." She gave a sad chuckle as she wiped the tears bundling in her eyes.

"No, you didn't." He said walking up to her lightly cupping the elbows of her arms. "Me leaving was more for me than you." He laughed.

"Why?" She asked confusing, meeting his eyes.

"Have you not seen you?" He replied with a smile. "I am a man you know." He gestured down knowing she'd catch his drift and the blush was confirmation that she did.

"I didn't realize I had that affect."

"Hey, a man can only show so much restraint." They both chuckled before looking back at one another. Nat took a step close and wrapped her arms around him and rested her head on his chest. "Thank you Steve"

"It's nothing Nat. I'm glad we cleared it up."

"Me too." She said pulling back.

They both looked at each other with goofy smiles on there face. "I have something for you before we go actually." Nat pulled them out of their trance and walked over to the table. "Here."

"Its a gift I got for you. I was planning on giving it to you when you came the other night but I uh..you left so I didn't get the chance." She said trailing off.

"Can I open it now?" He asked sitting on the couch.

"Of course." She handed him the bag. Steve looked through the paper and pulled out the vintage art set.

"No way! No fucking way!" His face showed nothing but astonishment. "This isn't what I think it is, is it."

"If you think it's a vintage art set from your grandparents generation then yes it is." Nat replied with a chuckle.

"I love it. It's amazing. Where did you even find this? There were only a few made in the world."

"I told you I love art, so I've made a few friends over the years. It's nothing. I just wanted to give you something for all you've done."

"My god Nat. This really is amazing." He continues to hold the set opening it up to examine the insides. It was like watching a child open up the first gift on Christmas morning.

"I'm glad you like it." She was glad that he took joy in the gift. She doesn't know what she would've done if he didn't like it. "There's something else too."

Steve put the set gently on the table and looked in the bag pulling out a small tube.

"I think I have achieved a higher level of life now." He laughed as he examined the Russian seasoning that he loves. She couldn't help but join in.

"Thank you. Seriously." He leaned over and gave her peck on the cheek. She could feel her stomach do jumps at the connection. The way he made her feel would never get old.

Eventually it was time for them to go to the courthouse. It was a tall brick building that could been seen from almost any block in Brooklyn. They both entered the building 30 minutes before the case began. Steve gave last minute pointers before they entered the court room. Precisely 5 minutes before the proceedings began, Bruce walked in with his lawyer. He was clean shaven with glasses and a suit. It was a little gruff but he was playing on the little ole scientist schtick. Hopefully the judge would be sympathetic to the nerdy man. Bruce glanced over at Nat and gave her a small smirk licking her lips. She immediately felt afraid. The man who had used her as a punching bag for years was a mere 8 feet from her and if things didn't go well there was no telling what would happen to her after.

"All rise." The bailiff said. " for the honorable Judge Matee. The court is now in session." Everyone stood as the old gentleman walked in to the courtroom and took a seat. His salt and pepper hair was neatly combed and his black circular glasses sat on the edge of his nose.

"Romanoff v. Banner. In the matter of assault and battery, revenge porn and destruction of property, Mr. Banner how do you plead?"

"Not guilty your honor." His voice gentle and nothing like Nat was used to. It shook her to the core. She lightly tapped her fingers against her side and tried to calm herself. She could feel Bruce's eyes burning a hole in her side with a smile, heightening her anxiety. She tapped faster until she felt Steve's hand in hers, his thumb rubbing circles in the back of her hand. She looked over at him and he smiled.

"It'll be ok baby. Don't worry." And she didn't. Instead she thought about he fact that baby rolled off of Steve's tongue so easily as if they had been together for years. A new spark in Nat ignited and that was all she needed to calm down and let her pulse return to normal. She glanced over at Bruce, who no longer sported the smug smirk. He had seen the interaction and wanted nothing more than to rip Steve's head off.

"Attorney Rogers, you're representing Ms. Romanoff. What evidence do you have to bring forth against Mr. Banner?"

"Your honor, Bruce Banner has been in a relationship with Ms. Romanoff for roughly three years. He has been abusing her physically for two out of the three and has left bruises all over her body.  A month ago, my client broke up with her ex and he threatened her. When she didn't get back with him, he blackmailed her and said he had pornographic images of her and said that she had to rekindle their relationship to prevent this information from coming to light. Now, Ms. Romanoff is a decorated philanthropist with her own foundation and images like that could hurt her work, so she did. During that time he continued to abuse her physically and verbally. She finally left again and that's when Mr. Banner destroyed her apartment including over $9,000 worth of damages." Steve spoke with an assertive tone that oozed truth. He had walked around the room commanding the attention of everyone there. He was confident in what he said and concluded with "Thats all your honor."

"Mr. Delgado, what is your clients defense."

"My client has been with Ms. Romanoff for three years and they have had a rocky past but he has never assaulted her. She has made fake claims in hopes that she can punish Mr. Banner for leaving her. See Ms. Romanoff is not who she claims to be. She is a cheater and liar. Mr. Banner and Ms. Romanoff have had several arguments over the past year because of her promiscuity, even sleeping with her neighbor, Steve Rogers, also her lawyer. Mr. Banner says that she was in possession of Steve Rogers clothes and found her leaving his apartment in the morning with a shirtless Rogers. Obviously any man would be upset knowing his girlfriend of three years had been sleeping around. As far as images go, Mr. Banner doesn't have any images of Ms. Romanoff and only said that out of anger which he is sorry for. Furthermore, my client does not believe he is at fault for damages caused because it was Ms. Romanoff's doing. After their last encounter, Mr.Banner ended things with Ms. Romanoff and out of rage, she started throwing things around the apartment and trying to hit him. Once her advances were rejected. She tried to and I mean this in the most respectful way, offer herself sexually orally to keep Mr. Banner from leaving." Natasha immediately snapped her head towards Steve in shock. She had never tried such a thing. It was disrespectful and downright horrific. Steve looked at her but didn't say anything as per court etiquette, he simply made a face to assure her he would handle it. "Ms. Romanoff has no other evidence to defend her claims and I ask for immediately dismissal of the case."

"Your honor, If I may." Steve said standing up.

"Go ahead."

"I have proof of the fighting and other forms of evidence. These are texts from Mr. Banner to my client beginning two years ago, apologizing for the assault.

Tasha, I'm sorry baby. I promise I won't do it anymore. I hope you like the flowers.

Bruce you always say you won't hit me again and you do, I can't keep dealing with this, I just need time.

Ok baby, Whatever you need. Im sorry.

The next message is from three months ago.

I'm sorry, that's the last time. I just get so mad when you talk to other people. I love you, I promise not to do it anymore. I'll come over tonight and make it up to you.

The next one...

Why the hell aren't you answering the phone Natasha?

Who the fuck are you with?

I will fucking kill you if I find out your with somebody else?

Pick up the phone.

Damnit answer the fucking phone.

"As you continue to read through these, you will see there's more evidence of this. Constant berating from Mr. Banner. This is not an isolated incident, it was continuously going on for years and as Mr. Delgado mentioned earlier, I am Ms. Romanoff's neighbor and do have first hand experience overhearing the arguments and fights. Obviously, I will not use my testimony as the sole example. We do have another neighbor who witnessed Mr. Banner acting violent and belligerent after he found out that Ms. Romanoff was pressing charges. You can see it here." Steve said clicking the small remote in his hand to change the picture on the TV to pull up the police report. "As far as damages go, Ms. Romanoff did not cause damages to her own property because she was not home when it occurred. Bruce Banner had access to her apartment with a key and after she broke up with him he damaged her property including her only photo of her late parents."

The judge listened as Steve concluded before addressing the cause for concern. "Mr. Rogers, were you sleeping with Ms. Romanoff."

"No sir."

"Is Mr. Banner telling the truth in regards to Ms. Romanoff leaving your apartment while you're unclothed and being in possession of your clothing."

"Technially yes. However I would like to explain."

"Please do."

Steve knew this would come up because of the discovery portion of the case and he was prepared. "The day Ms. Romanoff and I met, we were on the train and she accidentally spilled coffee on my shirt. She took it to the dry cleaners for me and brought it home with her. It was still in the plastic when I received it and I have the receipt as well." He said handing it to the bailiff to pass to the judge.

"As far as me being undress while Ms. Romanoff left my apartment, I had on pants and shoes,  I just didn't have on a shirt yet because I was in the middle of getting dress when she came to my door with my mail. While she stood there and we talked, she noticed my art work was damaged and she stepped inside briefly because she wanted to see what happened. In fact, that art fell off my wall because Mr. Banner pushed her into the week prior and caused it to fall. Once I told her, she felt bad and left. Mr. Banner was coming off the elevator and assumed the worse because he was most likely projecting his own actions onto her."

"Thank you Mr. Rogers. I have made a decision and I find Bruce Banner guilty of assault and battery, revenge porn and damages.  Mr. Banner you will serve 7 months in jail as well as 4 years probation, where you must commit 30 hours per week to community service." The judge banged his gravel and the court was adjourned.

"We won!" Nat said jumping out of her seat, immediately throwing her arms around him and kissing him on his lips. Steve wrapped his arms securely around her lifting her up slightly. Nat broke the kiss and beamed at him.

"Hope that was ok." She said with a goofy smile on her face.

"More than ok." Steve gave her one more kiss before setting her down and walking out. Neither bothered to spare Bruce a glance, too focused on the high of winning.

"That was amazing Steve. You are a fantastic lawyer."

"Thank you Nat. I'm glad you could see me in action." He said with a wink. " Now that you are a free woman what would like to do?"

"Well maybe we can go out to eat, I'm kinda hungry. I skipped over breakfast."

"Ok we can go to Maggiano's. I know how much you like Italian."

"Ooooo yes, a victory lunch. I'm all for it." They go to Maggiano's and continue discussing the events of the day.

"Did you know he was going to bring you up in the case?" She asked as she twirled the spaghetti around her fork.

"I had an idea. His lawyer made a snide comment about it during one of our meetings."

"You handled it really well you know."

"Thank you." It was silent for a moment before Nat spoke again. "He was lying you know..." Her voice gentle and slightly worried. "I didn't..I didn't try to blow him to get him to stay." Steve cringed at her bluntness. "I would never do that." He looked at Nat and he could tell she was bring truthful. Her honesty was one of the things he admired about her and he knew those words affected her.

"I know Nat. I didn't believe that for one second and I'm sorry he brought it up and lied to make you out to be that kind of person. I don't doubt you for a second." He reassured her.

She nodded and they both continued to eat. The night remained uneventful and soon they were back at their building. Steve dropped Nat off at her apartment and they agreed to both get coffee in the morning.

___________________________________________________________________

A week and a half later, Natasha found herself hanging on the side of her bed with her feet at her wooden headboard and her neck upside down as she watched Steve pick a movie for them to watch.

"Steviee."  She called out whining.

"Nattt" He mimicked her.

"I'm bored. I wanna do something fun."  Turning over so she laid on her stomach.

"Is that so?" Steve asked putting the remote down. "Wanna go out tonight?"

"Go out where?" She asked quirking her eyebrow.

"It's a surprise, but just wear something comfortable."

"Ugh you know how I am about surprises. Cant you just tell me?"

"No you brat. You gotta wait it out and see. Now help me pick a movie." He redirected his attention to the screen.

Nat huffed but selected a romantic comedy, The Wedding Planner. Steve settled next to her and they both watched the scene unfold. Steve's back was rested against the headboard while Nat grabbed a pillow throwing it over his groin and resting there. Minutes into the movie, Steve was running his fingers through Nat's red tresses. She didn't say how much she enjoyed it but he could tell by the way her lips tilted upwards. Since the case, they've had plenty of intimate moments like this, just enjoying each others company. They didn't bother to label what was going on with them because they themselves hadn't determined what it was yet. Steve didn't want to move to quickly for Nat's sake and Natasha was still hesitant about giving herself fully to Steve. Instead, they enjoyed these small moments and basked in each others company.

"You think they make a good couple?" Nat asked pulling Steve out of his thoughts.

"Yea. They're both good looking."  The on-screen pair looked like the standard Hollywood issued couple.

"I think they have good chemistry but I think he's gonna have some baggage."

"Oh really? And why is that Ms. Psychologist." Steve teased.

"Because guys always have baggage, either emotional or physical. Theres always something."

"And girls don't?" Steve asked playfully. "I'm pretty sure you are a shopping addict." He teased.

"HEY!" She exclaimed sitting up. "Everything I've bought I've needed. It's not my fault you don't see the use in the things I buy."

"Yea I'm sure you needed the ski mask and another black handbag. What is that? Number 28."

Nat threw her head back in laughter. "Oh my gosh! You are so exaggerating. Who knew Steve Rogers was such a drama queen. "

"Yea Yea I stand by what I said."

"It's ok Stevie. I'll give you an E for effort." Nat said wrapping her arms around his neck and giving him a peck on the cheek, which seemed to become her favorite gesture nowadays.

"Thank you. You're so generous." He replied playfully rolling his eyes and shifting so she could lay back on him.

The movie continued on and eventually ended two hours later. "What time should I be ready tonight?" Nat asked sitting up so Steve could move from the bed.

"6. I'll come back down."

"Alright. I'll be ready Freddy."

"Geez Nat. Sometimes I think you're cornier than me and that's saying something."

"Oh shut up." She giggled.  He grinned and told her bye once more before leaving.

Nat bit her thumb as she thought about the time they spent together.  She was having the time of her life with him and had never felt more free. He was coming over almost daily and they were practically inseparable. She had found her person. The person who she could feel completely herself around and be as true as she could be. She owed a lot to Steve and he was the one person she would never take for granted.

The time read 4 pm and Nat figured she'd give Maria a call. They hadn't spoke a in a couple days and she missed her. On the third ring Maria's mellifluous voice could be heard on the other end.

"Hey Tasha."

"Hey Ria. How are you?"

"I'm good, just reading up on some things. You?"

"I'm fine. Seeing what you were up to. I'm about to go tonight with Steve."

"Oh really?" Although Nat couldn't see her, she knew Maria was sporting a smirk and 'I knew it' facial expression.

"Yes, but I don't know where. He just said dress comfortable."

"Well it should be a fun date. I'm sure it'll be nice wherever you go."

"It's not a date Maria. It's just two friends hanging out."

"Sure, if that's what you want to tell yourself. You guys are practically a couple, I don't know why you don't just put a label on it already."

"Because it's not time yet and I don't want to rush anything. I want to do things right this time."

"I get it. I'm just messing with you. Take the time you need. I'm sure he understands."

"Yea, he's been really sweet  about everything. Hasn't pressured me or made me feel like I have to give him more than what I can."

"Thats good Nat. Sounds like a keeper."

"He definitely is." She replies biting her lip.

"Is he coming to the tech drive tomorrow?" Maria asked.

"Thats what he said. He mentioned bringing a friend of his so he probably will."

"Good because I want to get to know him more."

"Just no interrogations."

"No promises Nat." She replied making Natasha laugh. The rest of the conversation went fairly light and soon it was coming around 5:30.

"Oh damn.. Ria I gotta talk to you later.I have to get ready. He said he was gonna be here at 6."

"Yea don't wanna keep your man waiting."

"No I don't. Byeee."  Nat laughed before hanging up as Maria recovered from the shock of her answer.

Nat quickly got up and threw on a pair of cute jeans and a black tee shirt that read Calvin Klein in simple thin white letters. She opted for her white and black Nike Cortez's with her gold apple watch. The time was 5:50 now and she needed to do her hair. Since time was cut short, she put it up in a bun, making sure to slick down her edges to leave a clean polished look. As a last pop, Nat painted her lips red and gave them a pop to dry them.

At 6:05, Nat heard Steve knock on her door.

"You look nice." He commented as she opened the door. He was dressed in Adidas joggers and white tee shirt.

"and you look comfy."

"You ready?" He asked.

"Yea let me just grab my jacket." Nat went to her hall closet and pulled out red hoodie. It was just perfect for the weather. It wasn't heavy, but the fur on the inside made her feel warmed.

The two headed out and hailed a taxi.

"So where are you kidnapping me to Rogers."

"To play Billiards." He said triumphantly.

"Billard's? You mean pool."

"Yea Billards." He repeated not conforming to the modern term.

Nat couldn't help but laugh. "Who the hell says Billiards. What are you? An old man?"

"Excuse me, but Billiards is the original name and sounds way more sophisticated than pool. " He defended in a faux upset attitude.

"Aww ok. You know what? You're absolutely right. Billiards it is." She said in a teased voice.

"Thank you. It's a place in Queens, right off of Flushing Ave. We should be there in 30 minutes or so. "

Nat nodded and enjoyed the company of Steve. The two talked all the way up until arrival, where they got out, making their way inside the dark building. The windows were tinted and the atmosphere was jovial. There were groups hoarded around a few tables watching the competition between friends, while others drank at the bar.

"I'd like a table please. Two sticks." Steve said to the hostess, who was a middle aged woman.

"Sure thing sweetheart." She had a slight southern accent and honey blonde hair. "Here you go. That'll be 25.62."

Steve pulled out his wallet, while Nat handed him a 10. "I got it Nat. This one is on me." He said with a smile as he slid his card in the machine.

"Steve you really don't need to do that."

"It's fine. I don't mind. What kinda man would I be to let the lady pay for the da—outing."

"A normal one." She retorted with a slight laugh, but withdrew her 10. Steve tried to read her and see if she noticed the almost slip up, if she did, it didn't show.  He grabbed the two sticks while Nat gathered the  balls and made their way to table 9. They were in between a group of rowdy men and a group of college students. The dynamic was amusing, but not surprising.

"You know how to play?" Steve asked as she set the balls on the table and grabbed a stick from Steve.

"Yes, I played a few times with Clint. It was a long time ago though, so I might need a refresher."

"Alright, you want stakes or no stakes." Nat pursed her lips to the side as she thought. "Stakes."

"Ok for every scratch you make, you take a shot. You make three or get the 8 ball in, you automatically have to take 3. If you make two consecutive shots or more, the other person takes a shot. If they make doubles, you have to take three. Sound easy enough."

"Psshh that's nothing lightweight." Nat joked waving her hand at him.

"Last time I checked, wine was enough to take you out, so I hope you're a good enough player." He teased back.

"Ditto."  Steve placed the balls in the triangle and set up the set.

"Want to go first?" He asked.

"No you go ahead." She wanted to watch his technique, see if there were any moves she could steal. The last time she played, she had lost terribly.

"Alright" Steve bent over the table lining his stick with the balls. With one swift motion he broke them, getting the green striped ball in the whole and another blue one. "Ok you got solid. Even though I got doubles, I'll let you get your hit before we begin our shots."

"Fair enough." Nat looked around the table at the scattered balls. She only needed to get in 7 balls while Steve was now at 5. She saw a solid red that seemed easy enough. Nat walked to the other side glancing at Steve who was smirking with both hands resting on the top of his stick. She bent over trying to line up the stick with the ball, with a quick blow, she hit the red ball right to the edge of the pocket only for it to stop short of entering.

"Damnit!" She groaned. " So close."

"Yea but not close enough, guess its time for that drink now."

Nat playfully rolled her eyes but put her stick down to order 6 shots. She figured she'd order them now, so she wouldn't have to keep going to the bar every time she fouled or scratched. As she glanced back, she saw Steve glancing between her and the table. Her stomach did flips at the sight of him still keeping an eye out for her. As she waited for the drinks, someone slid into a seat next to her.

"Can I buy you anything beautiful?"  The 36 year-old man was average looking with a thin smile. His hair was ruffled almost in the way that Bruce's was.

"No thank you." She said before facing forward again.

"You sure. It could help loosen you up. Seem a little tense." He pushed gently placing his hand on her arm.

"No. I'm not interested." She shrugged his hand off her.

"I don't see the problem. I'm a Nice guy just trying to show you a good time. How about we go talk somewhere?" He said standing up, moving closer into her bubble.

"I said No. Please stop talking to me." Her body was tense and the hairs on her skin began to raise. Her anxiety was resurfacing and she prayed the man would stop talking to her.

"You should learn how to fucking appreciate someone trying to be nice. You stuck up woman never know when to just take it." He growled at her.

Nat backed away only to bump into someone.  "Is there a problem here?" She heard Steve's voice as his hand wrapped around her waist pulling her closer to him.

"Oh no man. No problem."  The man gave a small glare to Natasha before turning around and walking away.

"You ok?" Steve asked her as she turned into his hold.

"Yea I'm fine. Just a guy who doesn't understand the meaning of no." She gave a small smile to reassure him. She was fine now, now that Steve was there. Nat immediate felt relief and could care less about the creepy perv.

"Here are your drinks."  The Bartender interrupted giving Nat the tray.

"Thank you." She said moving out of Steves warmth to grab the 6 shots of patron.

"So I guess that means you know you'll be in for a huge loss tonight huh?" Steve said referring  the shots.

"Oh no, I only need one the rest are all for you lover boy." She smirked swaying back to their table.

Steve shook his head but followed Nat back to their table. It was still his turn, so it got in position and hit his third ball in. He smirked at her resulting in an eye roll. Steve hit again but this time missing.

"I guess we both got a shot to take." Nat said handing him his. They quickly threw their head back letting the liquid burn their throats.

"Wheww. Haven't had that in a while." Steve said while scrunching his face.

"Hope you can keep up."  Nat winked and put her empty glass back on the tray.

She moved around the table trying to get her next angle.

"Alright I'm going for the big one." She knelt down and eyed the two perfectly lined balls. With the flick of her wrist, she pivoted the stick into the balls, earning a double win. "YES! If I recall the rules correctly, a double requires three shots." Nat said slyly. "I guess you better drink up."

"Call it beginner's luck. Trust me, that won't be happening again." And he was right. The next three times, Nat shot, she hit her mark, making her the night's loser and the victim of 4 shots. She had 5 balls left and Steve was down to 1. It happened so quick, she didn't even realize how bad she was losing until she tried to count how many he had left.

Nat did her best to concentrate which was hard while Steve bore a whole in the side of her face. "You keep staring at me like that, I might just win." Her eyes never moving from the ball. Nat could hear Steve chuckle and presumably stop staring.

Natasha bent over the table for 3 minutes trying to test her shot. She was completely oblivious to men standing off to the side of her having a staring contest with her ass.

"You know you're putting on quite the show." Steve said in a teasing matter. He wouldn't get upset as long as they didn't go any further.

"Oh I am?"

"Yea you are. I'm starting to get a little jealous." He said sipping on his water.

"Don't, I can show you my floor show later." Nat said winking as she wiggled her ass in the air playfully before shooting the ball in the hole.

Steve's face turned beet red and he turned away from her. He didn't want to lose the resolve he had been building up. Things were good between them, a nice limbo of flirting and other cute things without actually having to label what they were.

It was Steve's turn and as Nat walked towards him, he stood to let her have his seat. The small, round high table was about two feet from the able, so they could switch with ease. Nat looked at him as he walked by her but didn't say anything. She wanted nothing more than to rip his clothes off. The way his muscles moved as he pushed his stick against the balls. The way he smiled at every win. It was driving her mad. The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife. Had they been alone there was no telling what could've happened.

It was the last ball and Steve pointed to the pocket that he wanted the 8 ball to go in. "That one." He lined it up and in it went. By now Nat was used to the routine, she took another shot, this one a little slower than before because she was a tad tipsy. Her buzz was could but thankfully her tolerance for liquor was strong, unliked the 30% wine she had when she first cooked Steve his thank you dinner.

"And that ladies and gentlemen is how you beat a poor lady in pool." He said to no one in particular.

"I thought it was called Billiards old man." Nat said walking up to him.

"I'm sure the last thing I should be called is old, you've seen what I can do with my stick." Steve replied winking down at her. This time it was Nat's turn to turn red.

"Well I —I- um..You know I think our time is up actually." She said turning around to grab the empty shot glasses. Time had flown by and their two hour allotted time was 15 minutes over.

"Yes you're right." Steve enjoyed seeing her get flustered. He had learned just how much of a flirt Nat was and she made sure to tease him in any way possible. He liked being able to see the roles reversed and see her turn into a blushing mess. It just made him want her more.

Once they stepped outside, the cool air hit them. Nat drew her jacket closer to her and Steve placed his arm around her for warmth, which was greatly appreciated. The feel of his arms around, was the cherry on top.

"I had a great time tonight Steve. Thank you."

"Me too. We should play pool more often." Steve suggested.

"I'd love that." She replied snuggling closer into his arms.

"Want some hot coco?"

"Yessss." She said rolling her eyes back. "Your place or mine?"

"Yours, so we can sit in front of the fireplace and get warm."

"Ok sounds good." The two made their way back home, enjoying their company and talking about mundane things. Nat unlocked her door with Steve following close behind, both kicking off their shoes.

"I'm going to change. I'll bring you your shorts and tank." Nat said disappearing into her room. She had left over clothes from a couple days ago when he spent the night. Nat had trouble sleeping after the trial and Steve being the great man he is offered to sleep over until she felt calm. He took the couch while she stayed in bed, much to her dismay.

Nat changed her clothes while Steve heated up the milk on the stove for their hot coco. "Here you go" Nat said coming back out.

"I'll be back." Steve went to the bathroom and came back with his black workout shorts and white tank top, which clung to him like spandex. He left little to the imagination. Nat began the fire as the smell of chocolate filled the air.

"It smells so good Steve. I could taste it now." Nat moaned, letting herself fall onto the couch.

"It does and it's ready." As he spoke, Nat got up and threw her couch cushions on the floor. She always preferred to sit on the floor when they had the fire going and Steve didn't mind. Steve gathered two mugs from the cupboard and brought them over to Nat filled the delicious goodness. They sat on the floor and enjoyed the silence, occasionally hearing the other slurp the hot drink.

The heat from both the hot chocolate and fire warmed them. "This is has been the best day ever. Really, it has."

"Yea it has. Sometimes I think about all the fun stuff I missed out on when I was with Bruce. All the friends I lost and time wasted." Nat said softly.

"Well then I guess we have a lot of making up to do then." He said nudging her softly. His smile comforting her.

"We can start tonight." Nat replied biting her lip.

"Mhmm what have you got planned?"

"My favorite activity in the whole world.." She said easing into hoping she wouldn't have to convince Steve to watch a movie.

"Fine. What movie?" He chuckled knowing her play.

"Monster-In-Law." Nat said grabbing her remote, quickly turning on Netflix.

"I actually like that movie. Wanda and Jane are hilarious. I like them together a lot." Steve said shocking Nat.

"I would've never guessed."

"Yea well there's still a lot to learn about me."

"Good, I look forward to finding out." She settled back onto the floor, grabbing the throw on the couch and tossing it over the both of them. She used Steve has her pillow and enjoyed the darkness with the only light coming from the TV and fireplace. Neither one would trade this for the world...