Nat set up the final booth and looked around the park. The trees were vivid green and the sweet sounds of birds chirping filled the air. The sun was at an all time high, but not blistering hot, just enough to give the two women a light sheen of sweat. There were about 15 other volunteers that had been working the past two hours setting up for the tech drive. The event was located across the street from Nat's foundation which made it easy for everyone to find.

"Is that everything?" Maria asked.

"Yea, we're good.  People should be arriving soon, so we're right on time." Nat said with a smile.

"Ok, I'm going to check on the food, so the volunteers can eat now before it gets too hectic."

Maria walked off leaving Nat to tend to the phone call that had just came in. A smile danced across her face as she saw Steve's face pop up.

"Hey stranger." She said answering the phone, mindlessly walking.

"Hey Nat. How's everything?" Steve asked knowing she had been busy working hard these last couple days.

"Things are great. We set everything up and the volunteers are eating now. I'm going to do a few things. People should be arriving in about 20 minutes."

"Ok. Sounds good. Sam and I are gonna get there in about an hour, so I'll see you. I just wanted to call and check on you." Nat's heart warmed at the gesture. He really was out of this world.

"Thank you. Can't wait to see you...and Sam." She quickly added, which didn't go unnoticed by Steve. He chuckled and agreed with her. "Neither can we."

"Alright, bye." She said sweetly.

"Bye."

Nat hung up and looked around to make sure everything was in place. There were a few pieces of garbage laying around. Moving the garbage bag over, she walked around picking up the few pieces. The park authority had been gracious about letting her use the park and she wanted to make sure they didn't regret it later on. They had garbage cans by almost every station there. They had a concession stand, with burgers, hotdogs, funnel cake and fries, a dunk tank, apple bobbing, mostly for the adults, Balloon pop, Face painting, Soda toss and more. She was proud of her team and what they could pull off. By the time Nat fixed a few more things, the fundraiser was in full swing. Kids and parents poured in. Some carrying bags of wires, old phones and computers. The DJ was playing Billie Ellish "Therefore I am" and mixing newer and older songs in. It was a hit. Nat went to the main check point to see if any of the girls needed help with the check in. It was 10 dollars for admission per person, unless the child was 3 and under. That included all the games, but food was separate.

"You guys alright here?" She asked the college students. They had volunteered for community service hours for their university nearby.

"Yes, we're good. I think we have enough bands." The younger blonde one spoke.

"Ok, call me if you need anymore bands or change. I'll run over and get some."

The girls nodded and Nat continued to make her rounds.

"MS. NATASHA." She heard a high pitch voice scream. Nat turned around to see the small, brown eyed girl running to her.

"SOPHIEE." She screamed back matching her energy. "How are you pumpkin?" Sophie was her former mentee, who had left two months ago because she no longer needed her. It was a bittersweet moment, but she was glad she could help the young child get better.

"Good." The girl smiled showing her missing front tooth.

"I see you lost your tooth."

"Yea I put it under my pillow for the tooth fairy." She said as if she knew without a doubt, it was the right thing to do.

"Well I hope they brought your money."

"Yes. I got—" She began counting her fingers. "5 dollars." Her hand outstretched.

"Oh My Goodness. 5 dollars, it must've been big tooth." Nat replied with fiend shock.

"It was! Right daddy?" The little girl looked up at her father, who Nat barely noticed.

"Yes it was princess."

"Oh Hi, Mr. Martin." Nat rose to meet the man.

"Hey Natasha. Quite the turn out you have here."

"Yea" She said glancing around with her hands in her back pocket. "Took a lot of planning but I'm glad we could pull it off, the kids love it."

"Me too. Sophie has been having the time of her life." Martin said roughing up Sophie's head much to her dismay.

"That's good. I've missed her so much." Nat said smiling down.

"She's missed you too. I'll bring her by some time."

"Thank you. I'd like that."

"Me too. Maybe we could meet up too, without the little angel sometime.." He asked with a nice smile..As smooth as it was. Nat was already head over heels for someone else.

"Actually I'm uh..I'm kind of seeing someone already..." She said softly trying to let him down softly.

"I'm not surprised, but I had to at least try." They both chuckled and said their goodbyes.

While they separated, Steve was on the other side of town waiting on Sam.

"Geez Sam, how many electronics do you have?" He asked as he stepped out the doorway to give Sam a hand with all the bags of old tech he had.

"More than I need." He laughed.

They loaded everything into Sam's car and began their 30 minute drive. "How long is the event?"

"Um, I'm not sure. I told her I'd be there by now, but that was almost three hours ago."

"Oh ok, It'll probably last a while seeing as how its a fundraiser.." Sam said. He knew Steve was a stickler for time and he also knew how much he cared for Nat. Sam had never met the redhead but from the conversations him and Steve have, he was sure he would love her just as much. The two made small talk and eventually made it to the booming festival. They heard the music before they reached the park. Sam found parking a block a way and they walked up. Both were in awe of the whole thing. It could make any adult feel like a kid again. There were tons of games and people dancing, singing, eating. The two men paid their way in and handed over the big bags of electronics. Steve had scored some from a few coworkers some days after he spoke with Nat about the drive. He glanced around the packed venue and tried to spot her but couldn't.

"Aye they have the strength game." Sam pointed out to the machine with the bell at the top and hammer on the side.

"Let's do it then." Steve smirked knowing he could handle it. It had been long lasting joke between the two who was stronger. Steve was buffer, but Sam was by no means weak. An older man was manning the post and smiled when the two walked up.

"You guys wanna give it a go?" Glancing between the two.

"Yea. I'll go first." Sam stepped up to the hammer and cracked his knuckles. He bent down and waited for the guy to count.

"On 3, hit this pad as hard as you can." Sam nodded. "1...2...3." The man shouted and Sam took all his strength swinging the wooden hammer up and slamming it down with so much force, it shook the tall tower.

"Wooo, you got a lot in ya kid. Looks like you have uh 700." He said looking up at where the number flashed.

Sam turned around smugly. "Try and beat that Mr. Muscle." Sam tossed the hammer to Steve who caught it.

"Did you even try?" Steve retorted. Sam scoffed and watched Steve stand up to the post.

"Alright, same goes for you. On 3, go. 1...2....3." Steve gripped the handle tight and lightly lifted on his toes, just to bring the hammer down way stronger than Sam. The bell rang and Steve looked up to see 950 blinking on the screen.

"Like I said, did you even try?" Steve asked Sam who was standing there with his arms crossed.

"That was quite impressive." A husky voice said. Both men turned their heads to see Nat standing to the side of them. She sported a plain white tee shirt and jeans. Her hair was up in a bun with a few strays.

"Nat!" Steve exclaimed happy to see his favorite person. He immediately hugged her, which she happily returned. "You've got a lot of strength in you. Could've used you earlier." She joked releasing him.

"You know I'd come. How is everything going?"

"Great, We've raised about 6,000 so far and we still have about two more hours left." She replied looking around.

"That's amazing Nat. Congratulations."

"Thank you. Are you going to be here for a while?"

"Yea I am...Oh, I forgot, this is Sam." He said stepping aside to show Nat Sam and vice versa.

"Hi, I've heard so much about you?" Natasha said sticking her hand out to shake.

"Same here, I feel like I know you."

"Well that's good to know." She said throwing a glance towards Steve, who was turning a light shade of red.

"Ok ok. Maybe we can get some funnel cake." Steve jumped in hoping to not let this conversation turn into something else, between Sam's overzealous attitude about their relationship and Nat's teasing, he knew they'd be up to no good.

"Funnel cake?" Nat said in slight disgust. "You actually like that?"

"You don't?" Steve couldn't believe it. "Funnel cake is like heaven on earth."

"I think that's a stretch Rogers. It's fried dough with a shit ton of sugar on top." She replied beginning to walk.

"Nat you are out of your mind. How don't you like it? It's crunchy and tasty and not overly sweet."

"Its powdery and doughy. It mind as well be a beignet."

"That's ludicrous." Steve laughed. "I really can't believe you Natasha. Sam, do you hear this?" Steve asked looking back at his friend who was silently watching the two in amusement.

He held his hands up in defense. "Aye don't put me in this man."

"Smart man. I think I might like you more than Steve now."

"Well I'm always fine with a beautiful woman liking me." Sam teased knowing it would get under Steve's skin a little.

"Aw thank you Sam. I guess it is a good think you came with Steve today." Nat replied.

"Oh please." Steve said rolling his eyes. He could tell Sam was playing with him but somehow he felt a little tinge of jealousy and instinctively moved closer to Nat, who didn't mind at all.

"Is Stevie jealous?" Nat asked wiggling her eyebrows.

"Pssh no. I'm good. Glad you guys are getting along so well." Which earned her another eye roll.

Nat laughed along with Sam as the trio walked, they made it to the concessions and ordered two funnel cakes. One for Steve and Sam, who was no longer in Nat's good graces since she learned he too liked funnel cake.

Nat sipped on a water, they continued to talk until they heard Maria call out to her.

"Tasha! I've been looking everywhere for you."

"What's wrong?" Nat asked worried.

"Ashley has to leave, no one can do the tank. We need a fill in."

"Ok so is there any volunteers available?"

"No and there's a line full of little kids who want to try and dunk someone."

Nat puffed and thought for a second. "Fine, I'll do it."

"Great. I kinda figured you'd be a sport, so I grabbed your spare clothes from the office."

Nat narrowed her eyes but didn't say anything. She turned her attention back to the two men. "Well duty calls, gotta go. Thanks you guys for coming. Really."

"It's nothing. We're happy to help."

"Still thank you. I'll try to catch you guys before you go, but if I don't, I'll see you later and nice to finally meet you Sam."

"Same to you Natasha." With that she left.

Sam watched Steve staring at Nat. He could see the adoration on Steve's face and it made him happy that Steve found someone that made his friend happy. He gave him a knowing look.

"What?" Steve said with his face scrunched in confusion.

"You're crazy about her."

"We're just cool Sam. I just like watching her do her thing. She's amazing." Even if she was running around like a chicken with her head cut off.

"Well I think you better make a move before someone else does. I'd hate for someone to take her away."

"We're taking things slow right now...We kissed twice already, but I want to take her out and really court her you know?"

Same laughed at Steve. "Court man? Really? Who the hell says that these days?" Steve chuckled and continued. "Look, I just wanna make her know I want more with her and not just some quick fling. I want to make sure this works."

"I hear you. Just don't take too long, you deserve a win and from what you told me about her, so does she." Steve nodded and watched from a far as Nat got settled into the dunk tank. She was still her in her white tee-shirt but she had on a pair of grey shorts now.

She was talking animately to the children with a huge smile. He loved seeing her with them, it just made her more lovable. Steve and Sam walked around the park for a while longer but never straying too far from the tank.

The event started to dwindle down and the line for the dunk tank were considerably smaller.

"Wanna go over?" Sam asked Steve who was still stealing glances at the untouched tank.

"Yea let's go."

As they walked to the tank, they could hear Nat smack talking the kids.

"I don't know fellas, you've all tried about twice now and you still can't seem to get me in this tank."

"Yea well the wind keeps messing with the ball. That's why." One kid hit back.

"Mhmm sure we'll blame the ball." Nat said rolling her eyes upward playfully.

"You know, i don't think you're supposed to talk to kids this way." Steve intercepted. Nat looked at him somewhat surprised to see him. She hadn't noticed him before.

"And what are you gonna do about it?" Nat said crossing her arms and leaning back. She had been there for about an hour and some change and not one kid had managed to get her in.

"I'm sure I can teach you a lesson."

"Well it better be a good one because you're the last person, until i get out of here." She said with a pop of her lips.

"Good" He licked his lips. "I've always wanted to see you wet." Steve winked. Nat's mouth gaped open in shock while Sam and a few other adults nearby laughed at their retort. The kids were oblivious to the double meaning and rooted for Steve anyway.

"You little sh—" Before the words finished leaving her mouth, Steve had his arm pivoted forward and the ball left his hand. The sound of metal clinking was music to everyone's ears. Nat yelped as her body dropped into the water.

"Yayyyy. You got her. You got her." The kids laughed at Nat completely soaking in the water. She slowly emerged, standing with the water at her waist. Nat brushed her fingers through her hair, getting it out of face. Steve's eyes went wide like saucers as he saw Nat's wet body through the clear water. Her t-shirt clung to her small frame accentuating every curve she had. Steve immediately noticed the dark orange bra that showed through. The lace number was one of his favorites from the day they went shopping and he had to agree, she did a damn good job at picking it. His mouth almost watered but when he quickly glanced around and saw a few eager dad's staring a little too hard, he shaped up and hopped into action. He made his way to the tank's side.

"Really Steve." Nat spoke out oblivious to the stares."You know i had a streak going." She continued as she wiped the water from her mouth.

"Yea well i couldn't let it get to your head." There was a towel waiting on the small steps, Steve grabbed it and opened it wide like a mother waiting to dry off her kid from a bath.

Nat continued talking as Steve wrapped the towel tightly around her, rubbing her arms up and down to warm her quickly.

"You made a lot of kids happy, getting me in that water."

"Well i couldn't resist seeing the kids smile."

"Mhmm, whatever."

The two walked away towards the building where Nat kept a change of clothes.

"You know I've never been in a dunk tank before." Steve said.

"Well maybe next year, you can be. I'm sure a lot of women would love to see that." Nat teased.

"You one of 'em?"

"Maybe i am."

"Then, I'm all for it." Steve chuckled nudging her softly.

The two were almost at the doors when Maria walked to them.

"Hey Tash, I'm about to head out. The clean-up crew is here so you can go too."

"Thanks Ria."

"Oh by the way, what time should I come over to help you with the dress?"

"Dress?" Steve asked.

"Yea Nat's dress for the gala." Maria said knowing that Nat still didn't invite him.

"What gala?" Steve said looking at Nat confused. Nat bit her lip and looked away.

"She's being honored by Times Magazine. Most influential woman of 2020. It's next week."

"That's amazing." Steve said with a small smile. He was happy for her but was kinda upset she didn't mention it at all.

"Yea, it is." Maria said. "so what time Tash?" Her eyes teasing. She knew Natasha would be a little upset that she didn't tell Steve herself but Maria had been waiting for her to tell him for a while and time was of the essence.

"Um come at 5."

"Ok see you then."

"Mhm."

Maria left leaving Steve and Nat alone, the two finished their walk to Nat's office in silence.

"Nat..."

"Yea." She said softly.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Steve..I wanted to. I did, its just. There was a lot going on at the time—"

"You're running... again! God Nat! What is it gonna take for you to know that I am here for you?"

Nat raked her fingers through her hair in frustration. "Steve, I am not running! When I first found out, I was elated. It was the best news that I had gotten in a long time. I came home and told Bruce, but he brushed it off like it was nothing, so I took it the same way." Nat huffed, but her tone softened. "It was stupid of me but the excitement I had crashed. I stopped caring about it for a while, but when I left him, Maria brought it up again... about who I would bring. I thought about you, but I didn't think it was right to ask because we were still getting to know one another. Then as we grew closer, it seemed too late and I let my own head get the best of me..."

Steve could tell she was being honest and took a step closer to her. "Well it is late." He could tell she was visibly saddened when he said that "but it's not too late." He grinned. "I'd be more than happy to come and celebrate this night with you, if you'll have me."

"Really?" She said looking up at him with a huge smile.

"Of course. You deserve it and this is a huge accomplishment. You've got to be pretty damn amazing to be honored by Times. I'd want nothing more than to escort you."

"Thank you Steve." Nat said hugging him tightly.

"You're welcome." He hugged her back not caring that his shirt was getting damp. She pulled away and noticed.

"Oops. Sorry."

"Its fine. Im gonna wait out here while you change."

"K." Nat grabbed her clothes and changed while Steve stood outside the door.

A few minutes later, she emerged in a grey shirt and sweatpants. 

"You got comfy huh?"

"Yea, I did. I'm ready to crash." She yawned and rested her head on his shoulder, looping her arm in his.

"Then, let's get going."

Steve texted Sam to see where he was and found that he was near the exit talking to Maria. Steve let Sam know, he'd leave with Nat and told him he'd see him later. Nat and Steve took the subway home and made it there at the top of the hour. Steve could see the tiredness in Nat's eyes but didn't address it, he knew she had been working her ass off to pull this event off.

"Night Nat."

"Night Steve." She said rubbing her eyes. It was adorable seeing her like that. He smiled and waited for her to get in before he went up to his place and crashed.

___________________________________________________________________

Time flew and before he knew it, it was time for the Gala. Steve finished off his tie and sprayed a light cologne. He glanced at himself once more before leaving. He checked his phone and saw the notification letting him know their ride was arriving in 10 minutes. He grabbed his keys and scooped the orchids off the table. He knew how much Nat loved the flower.  In a few moments, he was knocking on the door and was greeted by Maria.

"Steve, perfect timing. Nat is all ready."

"Wonderful. You look nice." Steve complimented.

"Thank you Steve. You look nice too. I'm going to head out now. I want to get there a little bit beforehand and mingle. See you there." Maria said patting his arm and walking pass him. "Bye Tasha!" Steve closed the door and heard Natasha''s voice.

"Ria, can you call the tax—Oh Steve, hi." She said with a wide smile. Steve took in the sight of her and he was speechless. She wore a strapless red dress that had a thigh high slit. Her breasts were beautifully elevated and her neck bare except a small diamond. Her beautiful red hair placed in an elegant bun.

"Damn" Steve said lowly. He wanted her right then. Her skin looked soft, kissable. Her eyes shimmered with adoration. She loved the way he reacted to her. It made her feel incredible. Nat watched Steve as he walked towards her slowly. The hairs on her arms rising and her chest tightening. He leaned down and hugged her tightly, gently kissing her cheek. "These are for you." He said pulling away.

"Thank you. They're beautiful"

"They don't compare to you. You look amazing."

Nat blushed. "Thank you. You look mighty sharp yourself." She took the flowers and placed them in a small vase in the kitchen.

"I couldn't let you be the only one to turn heads tonight." He said following her with his eyes. She glanced back at him and gave a soft smile.

"I'm ready. I just need to call the taxi."

"Don't worry that's taken care of."

"You called already?" Her face surprised.

"Something like that." Steve smiled and helped her into her coat.

The two took the elevator down and when they walked outside. Nat saw the sleek black Mercedes with a slender man in a tux waiting outside.

"Hello, Mr. Rogers. Miss."

"Hello." Nat said confused. She looked at Steve hoping for an explanation.

"George will be our driver for tonight, wherever we want to go."

"Oh Steve. This is too much." Nat said unsure of how to take this gesture.

"Just enjoy it. This is your night. It is all about you and whatever you want. You deserve it. Learn how to let people love you and care for you." He gave her a reassuring smile before leading her into the car.

"Thank you Steve. Really."

"Thank you too."

"For what?"

"For just being you. Being humble and giving and compassionate. You are true gift to this world and I hope you know that."

Natasha blushed at the rain of compliments.

"I'm kinda nervous you know."

"Why?"

"This is a big deal. I mean the Times freaking magazine. It's crazy."

"Its deserved. There's no reason to be nervous. Maria will be there and so will I. If you need anything, tell me and I'll be there, whether it's to hold your hand or save you from a boring conversation." He chuckled. "No matter what."

"I'll hold you to that."

"I'm counting on it."

The pair continued small talk until they arrived at the gala. It was held in the upper east side at the Burdiou building. It was a massive building that held events of all kinds, including the Times annual gala. As the car pulled up, there was a red carpet laid out with reporters and paparazzi. Nat reached for Steve's hand and he gave her an assuring squeeze. "I got you." He said.

Nat nodded and Steve stepped out, guiding Nat. The paps went wild. She had made a name for herself in New York and with her honoring she had climbed the social tower a bit higher now. Nat couldn't focusing on anything but Steve's hand in hers. The blinding lights were new to her but she did her best to brave them. She smiled and waved, posing a few times, with and without Steve. I guess in a way this could be considered a debut for them. They didn't waste much time on the carpet instead they walked in and found their table. Nat was a  bit hungry. She hadn't had a chance to eat before getting ready and she really couldn't wait to see what they were serving. At the table, they were seated with May  and Phil Coulson, Carol Danvers, Thor and Jane Odinson and Stephen Strange. Everyone was into very different things, so the conversations that began were everlasting. Thor was about to begin his story about a fight with his brother when the host, Janet Van Dyne spoke.

"Good Evening everyone, thank you all for coming to the 96th annual Times Influential Woman Gala. As you know, the Times have had a long standing tradition of honoring woman who do exceptional work in the community and affect the lives of many. This year's influential award goes to a woman who has dedicated her life to making the lives of children better. She started her foundation Motherless children almost five years ago and today has touched the lives of her 50,000 children. Her impact has been exceptional and we are honored to be the ones to give her the appreciation she deserves. If you would all join me in welcoming Natasha Romanoff."

As her name was spoken, her picture appeared on the two large screens near the stage. It was a photo from a few years ago when she first began. The crowd clapped and applauded as Nat stood up. Steve grabbed her hand to help her steady. She gave him a quick hug and walked to the stage. Janet handed her the large golden T with a sphere on top. Nat couldn't fathom this. She spoke into the mic beginning her well prepared speech.

"Wow...Thank you all for being here today and thank you to the Times for honoring me tonight. I know most self-deprecating people say this but I never in a million years expected this. I've never won anything of this magnitude before so its very special. I am earnestly grateful for the recognition I have received for my work, because I am very sure that every other nominee for this award was as capable if not more, of winning this award. I don't do what I do for the recognition, but because I can make a change in the lives of so many young children who have suffered the lost of a mother." Nat looked at the sea of people and centered herself on Steve knowing he'd be giving her the motivation to go on. "I have faced several challenges on my way here, but each one of them has only strengthened me to make me the person I am today. I lost my mom at a very young age and it was hard not having her growing up. I struggled with things that most girls didn't, like not being able to have the period talk or learning about boys and all the crazy things they can put you through." Which earned a laugh from the audience. "I know it's hard for kids to grow up without a mom and I will work hard to make sure that children don't miss out on the very thing that mothers are supposed to offer like love and support from a woman. This foundation has been my baby and it has grown into a cute toddler now, but I couldn't have done it alone. Maria Hill is not only my best friend but my right hand. She helps me day in and day out, without her, I really don't know where I'd be, so thank you Maria for everything." The audience clapped again, giving Maria a strong sense of appreciation. "Not only has Maria been there for me but Steve. He was an unexpected godsend that I am thankful for everyday." Nat found his eyes in the audience as she spoke. "You have been my rock, my hero, my confidant and I appreciate you so much. I care about you more than you can imagine. Thank you for being everything to me." Steve listened in shock. He didn't know Nat would shout him out, at least not like this. It made his heart flutter and he knew for sure, tonight would be the night, he made Nat his. "Thank you all for this tremendous honor and I hope that I can continue to do what I love for many years to come." She smiled in the audience and turned to walk to off stage.

The applause from the crowd and the high from accepting the award kept her spirits up. She didn't intend on throwing Steve out there, it just happened. She didn't have time to think about it, until she saw him at the end of the stairs waiting for her.

"Oh my gosh, I have no idea what came over me. I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable." Her lips moving quickly.

"No it's fine. I actually enjoyed the shout out." He grinned and held up his arm allowing Nat to snake her arm through his.

She breathed a sigh of relief, silently grateful she didn't make a fool of herself. The two walked back to their table and settled in nicely. The rest of the night continued smoothly, they ate small salads that did nothing to fill their bellies. There were plenty of people coming up to her who wanted to speak with the honoree. She gained a few more sponsors and donors who learned in better detail about her work. Natasha was on cloud nine, her smile never faltered. As she continued to mingle with other guests, Steve engaged in a small conversation nearby. He would steal glances at her now and again to see her speaking animatedly about her foundation. Sometimes she felt his eyes and would look over and give him a smile. Nat's heart fluttered every time she looked at him. She knew he was watching her and the attention he gave her was unprecedented. It felt like she was the center of his universe all the time. The energy in the room was high and soon enough the soft music that was playing in the background turned slightly classical indicating the dancing portion of the night. Nat looked around the room, hoping to spot Steve who was no longer in line of view. After a quick scan, her heart dropped a little not seeing him. She was gonna go sit down when the voice, she'd learned to love resounded in her ear.

"Would you like to dance?" His breath near her neck sent chills up her spine. She turned around and gently grabbed his hand.

"I'd love to."

The two walked to the white tiled dance floor and began the simple waltz. Natasha half expected Steve to step on her toes. After the first time she taught him dance lessons, he had come back a few times but never seemed to get any better. The Steve in front of her, did know a thing of two. He was actually a great dancer.

"It seems you've gotten another teacher. I don't recall you being this....in-tuned." Nat said teasingly.

"Well I may have fudged how well I was at dancing and with a little practice alone. I was able to master it." Steve replied as he led her around the floor.

"Mhmm so there's no one else then."

"Nope, would you be bothered if there was?" Steve asked hoping she could read between the lines.

"Depends."

"On?"

"How well you enjoyed it."

"Lets just say, you're the only teacher I'll ever want."

"Good to know." Nat's lips curled up and the song continued to play.

"This is nice. Dancing. It's been awhile where I've actually danced with other adults, let alone someone else, like this." She said resting her head on his chest.

"Maybe we should do it more often. Not just lessons." Nat's heart jumped at the thought. She would love nothing more to be wrapped in his arms for hours on end, dancing or not.

"I'd like that a lot." Steve smiled at her confession.

Eventually, the night came to an end and they were both in high spirits.

"I don't want to go home yet." She said as she let the wind run over her when they walked outside.

"Then we won't. I'm actually a little hungry." There he went again sporting that schoolboy grin.

"What do you say we get some Italian?" Biting her lip in excitement.

"Italian sounds good. We can go to Angelio's."

"Ooo I could go for some bolognese." Nat rolled her eyes to the back of her head and moaned.

"If you keep that up, we might not make it." Steve's eyes darkened at the prospect.

"Can't say I wouldn't mind that." Nat teased but was cut off by her stomach growling loudly, "I guess my stomach has other ideas though." She chuckled cutting some of the sexual tension.

"Come on, I'll get you filled." The words left his mouth before he could stop them. He didn't mean for them to be that sexual.

"Do you mean with food?" Her eyebrow quirked in anticipation.

"Uh yea...yea..Of course." Steve replied turning a nice shade of red.

"Mhmm." She relished in making him a little embarrassed, but didn't go any further.

They entered their car and arrived in no time to Angelio's.

"I'll have the lasagna and she'll have the spaghetti bolognese and a bottle of red wine please." Steve ordered to the waiter.

"Ok, we'll have that ready shortly." The waiter walked off.

"This night has been really great. Thanks for coming." Nat said with her arms resting on the table.

"It has. I'm glad I was able to come accompany you tonight."

"Me too. It would've gone a lot different if you hadn't."

"Oh really, how so?" Steve said leaning in.

"Well for starters it would've been very very boring without you." She said leaning in too. "and I probably would've had to deal with a lot more men hitting on me."

"Guys were hitting on you?" Steve hadn't noticed. He only saw a few men come up to Nat and he assumed it was about her accomplishments.

"Only a couple, you and your big muscles scared off all the other ones I'm sure."

"Good, I don't want anyone thinking they might actually have a chance."

"Whose to say they don't?" Nat deadpanned.

Steve's eyes widened in surprise. He had assumed that they were a thing at least in the beginning stages. He hoped this was something. Steve was silent in his thoughts clearly letting his mind get the best of him, which didn't happen often.

He felt Nat reach out her hand and grip his. "I'm kidding Steve. I'm only interested in one man at the moment." Nat gave him a knowing smile before pulling her hand back.

"Nat?"

"Yea."

"Why did you shout me out in the speech?" He had to know if it was deeper than him just being there for her as friend. It was a big gesture and he needed to know if he was maybe reading into it.

"Steve...You know how much I've gone through in the last couple months and for years it was like that. It was pain after pain. My parents passing, then being in the foster system, meeting Bruce, and then learning I can't have kids..." Steve could see the beginning of tears forming in her eyes. "I've been through so much and I've had no one. Yes, I had Maria and Clint, but they weren't there from the beginning, they barely knew half the things that Bruce did to me. They stayed there distance and were always an open ear but you..." She softly chuckled. "Oh god, you were the one who never stopped. You were there for me in ways that I didn't even realize. You offered me a safe haven. You listened and you comforted me when I felt like I was alone and couldn't go on. There were days where I literally prayed for someone like you and here you are...I'm beyond grateful that I met you that day on the subway. I'm grateful that you came to me that night on the rooftop. I'm grateful for every movie night and every coffee run because those are the things that gave me strength to really wake up and move on. You showed me that not every man is an abusive asshole and that I'm more than a quick lay." Steve gritted his teeth to stop himself from interjecting. He hated that she once viewed herself that way. "You taught me that I can be valued and cared for and treasured. You were my saving grace and I know that has absolutely nothing to do with my foundation, but if you didn't save me, there would be no foundation to save, so thats why I added you and put you in there. It wasn't planned but I'm grateful that people know how important you are to me."

Steve didn't know what to say. Her eyes reflected nothing but honesty and earnest. "I really don't know what to say but thank you. I didn't realize how much of an impact I had on you but I'm happy that I was there. You've impacted me just as much." Steve was about to speak again, but the waiter came back with their wine and poured two glasses.

"Thank you."

"Thanks"  They said at the same time.

"You're welcome. Your food is almost ready."

The two nodded and went back to talking. "You know I don't think I ever asked but since you're don't really have any family, what do you for the holidays?" Nat asked sipping her wine.

"Um not much actually. I usually just watch Christmas movies or spend my days painting. Nothing special. You?"

"Um. I actually spend it at the foundation doing a toy drive for some of the kids.  Thats usually a week before Christmas. On Christmas day, I'm just home alone. Those are the times I wish I had a dog."

"Well maybe we can spend time with together this year." Steve said taking a sip of the wine.

"I'd like that a lot. Beats sleeping in all day. Maybe we can watch your favorite holiday movies."

"Yea Merry Liddle Christmas is my favorite so far."

"Then I guess that'll be the first one we watch."

Steve chuckled. "Yea and you can pick one of your favorites too."

"I don't have one." Nat shrugged.

"Oh gosh, were gonna have to binge some beforehand."

"Steve, the holidays aren't for another couple months."

"Exactly, we need to have your favorites picked out beforehand."  He said as if it was themes obvious thing ever.

"I suppose." Nat replied. They continued small talk with a few suggestive phrases thrown in. The waiter bought their food and they both dug in.

"Mmm this is amazing." Nat said as she took another spoonful.

"Yes it is. Here have some breadsticks." Steve said pushing Nat the basket.

She looked at him confused. "What?" He asked not understanding her trepidation.

"Its just...its two carbs this late."

"Ok?" Steve furrowed his eyebrows not understanding her point.

"Nothing. Nothing sorry. It's stupid."

"Its not stupid, if it's on your mind."

"...Bruce..he um..he was always told what I could and couldn't eat or made to feel bad about eating too many carbs especially at night. I guess I'm just not used to a man trying to fatten me up." She chuckled at the end to make it not seem so bad.

"Well you never have to monitor what you eat around me. I love a woman who isn't afraid to keep up with me...in any way." He winked. "Really though, enjoy some breadsticks. It'll taste absolutely delicious with it."

"Alright you've won me over." Nat reached over and grabbed a breadstick and gathered some sauce to put on it. It was magnificent. The soft hot bread practically lit her senses. "I don't think I've ever tried this with breadsticks."

"Are you serious?" Steve asked incredulously.

"Yes, I'm Russian remember. We don't have these dishes. We have our own styles."

"I guess you'll have to show me sometime."

"Mhmm, then you can put that seasoning to good use."

"Ah yes, I can't wait to break out the good stuff." Nat shook her head laughing. He really was a ray of fucking sunshine.

The two finished their food and continued to laugh throughout the rest of their dinner. By midnight, they were on their way home for a much needed rest...