Nat POV

I was exhausted. Here, I am at 2 p.m. painting the third ballet room and I could barely keep my eyes open. I had been at it for 4 hours now and I just wanted to sleep. The last four days have been endless, but well worth it. I've been spending my time with Steve and Dodger nonstop. To be perfectly honest, I'd rather be with them right now than at my studio.

I looked around at the almost finished room. The walls were a beautiful light grey. They had a few touch up spots left and then I could move onto the next room. I smiled at the thought of almost being done with the whole paint job for my entire studio. I couldn't wait to open. Having kids come in and learn to dance would be so fulfilling. I don't know if its because I can't have kids of my own or what but something about it made me feel so impactful, like I was serving a real purpose. I envisioned what it would be like to have a full class. All the little girls running around in their tutus, leaping in the air. I daydreamed and found myself dancing to the music I played throughout the studio. I jumped in the air and let my feet guide me from position to position. I was so lost in the music that I didn't notice Steve until the song ended and I finally stopped dancing.

"STEVE!" I smiled widely jumping onto him.

"Hey Nat." He said hugging me back tightly before placing me softly on the ground.

"You got through a lot already." He commented as he took in the room.

"Yea, I got here a little earlier today." I reply resting my hands on my hips glancing around before returning my attention back to him.

"Sorry, I couldn't make it sooner. I had to do some work at the precinct with a case."

"It's fine. I understand." I was just happy he was here. It had been a month and a half since he started helping me with the studio and it was always amazing. We had been going slow for a while and honestly I've never felt more alive and free.

"What's left?"

"Really just a few touch ups and one last room. The plumber is coming tomorrow to check on the bathroom and thats it. I should be ready to open as planned."

"I'm really excited for you Nat." Steve said as he beamed at me. It was nice to know I had someone rooting me on.

"Thank you, Steve and thank you for all your help. You don't know how great it's been."

"Well you are my best girl."

"Oh am I?" Raising my eyebrow

"You know you are, which is why I wanna take you out tonight." He said confidently.

"Are you asking me on a date Rogers?" I said flirting with him.

"Only if you say yes."

"Mmmm...let me think about it...." I pretended to ponder the question with my finger lightly tapping my cheek. "Yes." I finally say.

"Perfect. I'll pick you up tonight at 7. Wear something nice."

"Where are you taking me?"

"I'm not saying, just be ready."

I smirked at his dominance, rolling my eyes and going back to painting with his help. We did that for the next two hours. I would glance over at him occasionally stealing glances. His white t-shirt hugged his muscles as his arms worked up and down. I could feel myself getting aroused but I knew he didn't want to yet. Trust me, I've made it clear plenty of times and he hasn't taken the opportunity not once. He always pleases me, but never fully goes all the way. I try to return the favor but he insists on pleasing me alone. I can't tell if I should be put off by it or just appreciate the innocence of it.

I kept working until I painted the last empty space against the wall.

"DRUM ROLL PLEASE." Steve yelled and I slammed my hands rhythmically on the shiny hardwood floors. "I'D LIKELY TO PROUDLY ANNOUNCE THAT NATASHA ROMANOFF IS FINALLY THE PROUD OWNER OF A COMPLETELY RENOVATED STUDIO"

"WOOOOOO" I screamed throwing my arms in the air. I jumped onto him and wrapped my legs around his waist. I smiled so hard my cheeks turned red. Steve spun me in his arms as I took in the room. Finally, we finished. I had my studio. It was amazing. I never felt so happy.

"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you." I say kissing him all over his face. "I couldn't have done it without you." Pulling back and staring at him.

"I don't believe that for a second but you're welcome. I'm glad I could help."  He put me down and I rested my head on his shoulder, standing side by side. "This is the best thing that has happened to me in a while." I felt myself getting emotional and forced my tears back.

"I'm glad I was here to witness it."

"Thank you Steve really." I said wiping the tear that escaped.

"It's no problem. Come on, let's get out of here."  Steve reached out his hand for me to take and we descended down the steps of my building and into the car.

"So you're really not gonna give me a hint?" I ask  referring to our date tonight. I look over at him with my head pressed against the headrest.

"Nope. All you need to know is that I'm taking you out." He said smiling at the road.

"Are you sure I can't get it out of you?" My voice dropping as my eyes narrowed in like he was my prey.

"I'm pretty positive." He spoke confidently not bothering to look at me.

I leaned over and whispered in his ear. "I don't know Rogers. I have my ways of making men talk." I nibbled on his ear while his hand gripped the steering wheel tighter.

"I..I..um.. Nat sit down. It's not safe." Steve said trying to reason.

"If you want me to sit, all you have to do is tell me what I want to know." I kept sucking on his ear as I moved my hands down to his pants. I could feel his hardness through the joggers he wore. "Come on, Steve...Please." I beg him seductively as I stroke him. "Tell me."

Steve let out a soft moan as my lips moved down to his neck. It was too much for him to handle. My delicate hands traced the outline of his dick. I knew I had him right where I wanted. I went in for the kill, but the car stopped abruptly jerking me forward. Luckily, I was still strapped into my seatbelt, but I hit my head on the dash.

"What the hell was that?" I quickly straighten up and focus on him.

"The person in front of me stopped short. Are you ok?" He said finally glancing at me for the first time since we got in the car.

"Yea, I hit my head but it's alright. Nothing too bad."

"Are you sure?" He asked concerned.

"Yea, I'm ok. Really." I grabbed his hand and gave it gentle rub.

"Told you it wasn't safe." He teased. I rolled my eyes and pulled my hand away. "Aww don't be like that. " He joked trying to grab my hand back.

"Yea whatever." I pretend to be upset focusing my attention out the window.

"Aww Nat. I'll give you a small hint." He reasoned and I glanced back at him. "You do not need to wear heels."

"Thats it? That's my hint." I ask exasperated.

"Yea and I think it's a pretty good one because I'd hate to have you walking or standing in heels."

"Mhmm so it must be something that's gonna require walking a long time..." I tried to wrack my brain for anything that might entail that, but besides a marathon or museum walk, I couldn't think of anything.

"Don't try to figure it out. It's not something you'll get easily. Just enjoy the surprise."

"Fine. I won't guess for now."

"Are you hungry?"

"I could eat."

"Do you want to stop anywhere and get some food?"

"Yea its actually not far from my house, I just want to grab a quick, light snack. I don't know if I'll be fed on this mysterious date of ours." I smirk giving him a side eye.

"I can assure you, you will be fed and if you want more afterwards than we can get some more." He smiled at me.

"Deal." The car ride continued with friendly banter until we eventually arrived at the Red Room. My favorite Russian restaurant. "I can walk to my house from here since I'm only a block off."

"Are you sure Nat?" I smiled at his concern.

"Positive, don't worry. I'll probably end up talking for 30 minutes alone with my friend. She works here."

"Alright. I'll be back at 7."

"I know." I gave him a kiss and hopped out the car. I glanced back to see him waiting for me to get inside. He always did that. It was one of the many gentlemanly traits he possessed that many men these days didn't. I waved at him when I made it inside and he waved back before pulling off.

"TASHA!" Wanda called out to me excitedly while she made her way over. "How are you?" Roping me into a hug.

"I'm good. How are you?" I said matching her excitement.

"Great. Working. There's so much to tell you. You wanna order first?"

"Yea, I'll just get an order of shashlik. Trying to keep it light today."

"Wow a first." She teased. I pull out my wallet to pay but Wanda quickly stops me. " You get one of the house." I look at her questioningly. "A friend of yours, tall, muscular guy, said he was a friend and that you mentioned the restaurant to him, so you get a free meal on the house. Thanks for the referral." She winked.

"Oh Steve. I didn't even know he came. He didn't tell me and I just saw him."

"Well he ordered a decent amount. Don't know if he actually ended up liking it but you should ask him."

"Yea I will."

"Alright. I'll be right back." Wanda ran the order to the kitchen before coming back out to talk to me at a table.

"So whats been going?" I ask ready to hear all the news that's been going on with my younger friend.

"Well I have good news. As you know the owner has been having some health issues, which isn't good, but she is moving back to Russia. She's leaving in a month and since this is a U.S based company. She has decided to leave it to...ME!"

"Oh my god! Wanda that is freaking amazing. We have to celebrate."

"I know right. Everything is going to be final in about a week and then you're looking at the new owner of Red Room." She beamed pointing her two thumbs at herself.

"That is really great. I'm so happy for you."

"Thank you. Everything is finally coming together for me. I'm even seeing this guy."

"Oh really? What's his name?" I raised my eyebrows in surprise. Wanda hasn't dated anyone in the time that I have known her,

"Vis."

"That's his real name?"

"It's a nickname" She giggles. "but it suits him so well. He is honestly the best thing ever. I really like him."

"What about him do you like?"

"He is the nicest, most protective guy I've met. He always looks out for me and is constantly making me better myself."

"Thats always a plus. What does he do?"

"He works in tech. Pretty damn smart. He does a lot of stuff for Silicon Valley."

"Oooo you got yourself a Mr. Right huh?"

"You can call it that" We laughed with each other.

"Well I'd love to meet the guy who has stolen my friends heart." I say sincerely.

"Yea maybe we could do a double date. Me, you, Vis and Steve." Wanda raised her eyebrows grinning.

"I don't know. We're not an official couple. We actually have our first date today."

"Do you see it going anywhere?" She inquired.

I thought about it for a minute before responding. "Yea..I do. I've never had someone treat me like him. Alexei was sweet in the beginning but there's just things that Steve does that I've never experienced before."

"Sounds like someone is in loveeeee." Wanda sang.

"Oh please. I wouldn't call it love. Just a vey strong like."

"How'd you guys meet?"

"Um...actually I didn't tell you about this, but a couple weeks ago these two men attacked me on the way home from the studio."

"Oh my gosh Tasha. What happened? Are you ok now?"

"Yea I'm ok. I was walking home and they attacked me from behind. I got hit in the head and got a concussion. Steve was the officer on the scene. He helped me and got me home safe. Stayed with me and it just flourished from there. We're practically inseparable now."

"Wow that's a lot Tasha. I'm glad you're ok now and although, you guys met under those circumstances, I'm happy you were able to meet someone like him."

"Yea me too." I smile blushing. I was about to speak, but Wanda's name was called for my order.

"I'll grab that real quick." Wanda hopped up and grabbed my meal.  I stayed and ate there, so we could talk a little more. I still had about two and half hours before my date. We caught up on so much and discussed a possible double date if all goes well tonight with Steve. Soon I was leaving and going home to get ready for tonight.

By the time I finished it was 6:45. I gave Liho some fresh water and food. I gave myself a once over and waited until the doorbell rang promptly at 7.

I opened the door and Steve met me with a huge smile. "Wow Nat, you look gorgeous."

"Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself Cap." I say looking at his attire.

"Shall we?" He said bending his arm for me to take.

'We shall." I reply interlocking my arm.

"I guess only time will tell now where we're going now?"

"Well we have to be there by 7:30. It's actually not too far from here."

In no time, we were pulling up to Prospect Park. Steve gets out and opens the door for me before grabbing my hand and lead us towards the park trail. It was fairly dark and didn't seem too busy with joggers or bikers.

"Is this a cult meeting?" I joke looking at him.

"Well we prefer to call ourselves a belief sharing group."

"Ah yea, that sounds much better. My apologies." We laugh as a we walk deeper into the park. Soon a huge screen comes into view. Fairy lights hung between the trees and a huge clearing with a big fluffy blanket and food sat in the center. It was the most romantic thing I've seen. I felt tears begin to sting my eyes. "Steve..." My voice coming out almost as a whisper.

"Do you like it?" He asked looking down at me.

"I love it. This is the best first date, I've ever been on." I return his gaze with teary eyes.

"You deserve so much more." He said sincerely before walking us over to the blanket.

"Mi'lady. If you will," He said gesturing towards the blanket.

"Why thank you, kind sir. Don't mind if I do." I sit on the blanket making sure to adjust my dress.  I look at the assortment of foods at our disposable. There were cheeses, grapes, crackers, nachos, garlic grenki, caviar breads, lavish rolls with smo, and buzhenina. There was a nice mix of American and Russian foods perfectly representing Steve and I. It was a small, intimate gesture that spoke volumes to how much he cared about me. Steve sat down getting comfortable.

"I remember we were hanging out one day and we discovered that we were both huge Disney fans, so I figured we could watch a Maleficent and eat some of our native snacks." He chuckled.

"This isn't what I expected for our first date and I'm so glad. This is so different and out of the box. This tops any restaurant date."

"Well I'm glad I could impress you. Now, before we begin, I just wanna say I made this food, so if I butchered any of your delicacies, feel free to let me know." He said bashfully.

"I highly doubt you butchered it. Over the last couple weeks, I've learned that your meals are by far the best my Russian mouth has tasted."

"Your lips are by far the best my American lips have tasted."

"Oh really? Is that so?" I raise my eyebrow leaning towards him.

"Mhmm." He nodded.

"Well I guess it wouldn't be fair to deprive of you something so delectable." I smirk before pressing my lips against. My hand quickly found the back of his neck, deepening the kiss. His hands rested on my thigh. He gripped it tighter before moving under my dress to caress my inner thigh. I felt myself moan into his mouth as his hands brushed against the black lace underwear I wore. His fingers pulled them aside but I moved his hand away, pulling away.

"Captain, I don't know what kinda girl you think I am. This is only the first date." I tease smirking at him.

"Of course. I just wanted to make sure a beautiful lady like yourself was well taken care of." He said before nibbling on my neck causing another throaty moan to escape from me.

"Thank you for consideration, but I think we should try some of these foods you made before we get in trouble for indecent exposure." I eased giving us some distance knowing that was the only way to escape his mouth.

"Alright." Steve looked flush and I could tell he was slightly aroused. I felt a little bad but he was the one who said he wanted to wait, so I pushed the thoughts out of my head and reached for a grenki. I placed the flavored bread into my mouth and was definitely satisfied. "This is delicious." I ate happily, reaching for a couple grapes. "Where did you get the recipe? Was it my friend at the Red Room?

"Oh no, online." He chuckled nervously. "I forgot to tell you I went there. I guess your friend let you know I came by. She's sweet by the way."

"Yea she did. How'd you like it?"

"It was great. I really enjoyed it. I can't wait to try more dishes."

"Well maybe I can cook something for you, return the favor for once." I joke.

"I'd like that. Maybe that could be date number 2." He suggests.

"Who says there will be a number 2?" I quirk my eyebrow at him.

"Wishful thinking." He grins. I just chuckle and keep nibbling. Soon the movie begins, the sound was astounding. I felt like I was in a real theatre. It was loud and the picture was really clear. This was one of my favorite Disney movies, I saw the first Maleficent, but hadn't made my way to the second one yet. I was completely enamored with the movie. About 30 minutes, I rested my head on Steve's shoulder. He pulled me in closer and I slid down to rest on his lap. His fingers found their way through my hair. If I hadn't loved the movie so much I would've been asleep just as quickly as I laid down. By the end, I was tearing up and smiling. Disney never fails.

The end credits rolled in and I sat up slowly. "That was wonderful Steve. Thank you so much."

"No problem. I'm glad you enjoyed it."

We got up and strolled back to the car. "How'd you pull this off?" I was curious by the lack of people in the park and the fact that no one else stopped to join in on the movie.

"I have a friend who works here and he was able to help me out a little."

"Sounds like a keeper."

"He is." He chuckles opening the door for me to get in. "How'd you like the snacks?"

"I think they were really good."  I answer honestly once he gets in the car. "They taste authentic. I don't have any complaints, so you'e got my stamp of approval to make them anytime you want."

"Great! I'll make some more next time."

We chatted the rest of the car ride until we finally arrived at my house at 10:15. He opened the car door for me and walked me upstairs. "I had a great time tonight Nat. I hope you did too."

"You know I did. It really was great. You've set a high bar for yourself mister." I poke his shoulder playfully.

"I know." He looked down rubbing the back of his neck. "but at least you know there's never a dull moment with me." His eyes meeting mine.

"Never." I leaned up and kissed him, giving him a strong hug.  He pulled out of his daze and shyly smiled. "Well I guess I'll go now. Goodnight Nat." Giving me one last pack.

"Steve..." I grab his sleeve to stop him from walking. "You don't have to go. I..I want you to stay." I bit my lip. I was nervous if he would take me up on my offer. He's never spent the night over, well not intentionally anyway.

"Are you sure?" He looked surprised.

"Yea, but only if you're comfortable. I was thinking we could just relax and sleep, it's a little late." Steve didn't respond and I figured he was probably trying to find a nice way to say No. "I'm sorry, It's probably too much. Forget I asked. I'm sorry." I quickly turned around to go inside to avoid any further embarrassment.

"Wait Nat, No." Steve called pulling my waist gently. I looked up at him and saw him smiling widely. "I'd love to spend the night with you. I just wanted to make sure it was something I should do. You're very beautiful and I wouldn't want to go too far with things when we're in bed."

"Steve, nothing wouldn't happen unless we were both okay with it. I trust you." Our eyes bore into each other and yet again our lips connected, smoothly, and hungrily. I pulled away before it got to intense and led us inside.

"Hello Liho" I heard Steve say as we entered my home. It brought a smile to my face knowing that was so connected to my lifestyle already.

I sat my bag down and hung my cardigan on the coat rack by the door, Steve followed suit. Soon we entered my bedroom and the tension filled up. This was a lot.. The aura wasn't bad, it was the sexual tension that was strong. I guess the bedroom made it more real. Anytime we slept at each others house, it was always on the couch cuddled up, nothing more..I started to rethink if it was a good idea letting him come in here. I couldn't look at him because I knew that if I did, I'd be ready to take him right here and now. I kept my back to him as I walked over to my dresser.

"Um. I still have your clothes that I borrowed. I don't know if you sleep in PJs or boxers, either is fine. Whatever you're comfortable with." I spoke as I looked through my drawers. My body felt stiff, that sudden light airy feeling was gone, replaced with a heaviness. I knew it was crazy seeing as how we've done light sexual things, but the gravity of the situation was getting heavier by the minute.

"I actually have a go bag in my car. I'll grab that, I have a few things in there." I heard from behind me.

"Ok." Not daring to look back. I sit in front of vanity and hear him walk out. I begin taking off my jewelry and unpinning my hair, letting my red tresses fall off my shoulders. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. I figure now is a good as time as any to hop in the shower. I quickly grab my stuff and do just that, enjoying all 22 minutes of it. When I came out, I walked into my bedroom expecting to see Steve sitting there, but he wasn't.

"Steve.." I called out. I threw on a big shirt and padded off to the living room. He wasn't there either. I grabbed my phone and saw a text.

Hey Nat, I don't think it's a good idea that

I spend the night. I'm just going to go home.

Maybe another time. Sorry. I hope to see you

soon.

I read the text and felt so stupid. I should've known it was too soon for him to stay the night. I guess I just didn't want the night to end. I probably pushed him away now. I should've known. The fact that he doesn't even want to have sex should've been the first sign. I'm moving too fast. I cursed myself as I played that conversation over in my head. His hesitation alone should've been the red flag but nooo I just ignored it and let him come in anyway. Great going Tasha. I felt tears sting my eyes and I just let them go.The first good guy I come across I manage to fuck it up. I crawled into bed and cried myself to sleep....

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