Natasha woke up with warmth surrounding her. She tensed at first but smiled as she remembered Steve was the source of her heat. Her eyes glanced at him as he slept peacefully. She admired his features as she stared and got lost in a daze. She hated to move from him, but nature called. Slowly and quietly she unwrapped his arms from around her waist and stood up careful not to wake him. Natasha tip toed to the bathroom down the hall. Before she left, she gave herself a once over. Her eyes were still puffy but they didn't hurt and were no longer red. Her face looked drained and she could tell the lack of sleep had caught up to her.

She grabbed a cloth and washed her face, hoping it would brighten her up a little. To her relief, it did. Her hair was a little wild but with a swift finger comb through her hair, it was back to normal. She walked back into the living room, only to find that Steve was now awake.

"Hey Nat." He said sheepishly. "How you feeling?"

"I'm ok. I didn't mean to wake you."

"No, you're fine. I guess I got a little cold without you." He said with a soft chuckle.. God, how she loved his voice.

"Well, it's 1 in the morning, so why don't you just stay here tonight?" She suggested hoping he would take her offer.

"Are you sure? I don't want to put you out of your way." He asked hesitantly.

"If I wasn't sure, I wouldn't ask. I promise its fine." A soft smile forming on her lips. "You can sleep in the guest room, if you want."

"Ok, Thanks." He still seemed unsure, but Natasha brushed it off. This was the least she could do, seeing as how he cradled her to sleep. Steve got off the couch and followed her into the vacant room.

"Here, you go. If you need anything, call me. My room is right next door."

"Ok, I will." He kicked off his shoes and was about to get undress when she grabbed his arm and kissed his cheek. His face turned red and his eyes grew slightly. "That was for being there for me. I appreciate it. You don't know what it meant to me, really." The seriousness in her voice was apparent.

"I'd do it again, if need be."

"I don't doubt that for a second." She smiled before pulling back and leaving the room with the door shut. Steve's face lit up like a kid as he touched his cheek. His experience with women were very rare and to have someone as attractive as Natasha around, Steve couldn't help but feel alive. He was so happy that he didn't go to bed for another 30 minutes. He was at peace, which for him was a rarity, but he supposed her presence was all he really needed to get some rest.

Back in Natasha's room, she herself was trying to fall asleep. Her smile was just as wide as she bit her lip trying to calm herself. Her heart fluttered every time she thought of him. His eyes, his hair, his chest, his laugh. She thought about what he said, "Any man would be lucky to have you, including me." It made her cheeks heat up. Was this her chance at redemption and true love? Was Steve the man she had been waiting for? Those questions led her back to bed.

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Natasha POV

The smell of bacon and pancakes filled the air as I stretched across my bed. Liho jumped on top of me, clearly missing the affection I didn't give her yesterday.

"Hi, my little baby. Mommy's sorry. I was just upset." I cuddled her and gave her a kiss before letting her go and going to the bathroom and handling more morning rituals.

"Good Morning, Steve." I spoke emerging from the bathroom and walking towards the kitchen.

"Good Morning, Nat. I made you a little breakfast." He said pointing at the food on the stove.

"It smells amazing. I guess, I'll finally be able to try those delicious pancakes, you say you can make. " I glanced at his attire and saw that he was wearing the outfit he had on yesterday. I knew he didn't have any clothes here, but it wouldn't have killed me to see him in his boxers just for a little. I shook the thought from my head and asked him what he had planned for the day.

"Well, I'm going to go on my run when I get back home. Then, relax for a little, maybe sketch a few things."

"Sounds like thats going to be a jam packed day." I reply making light of his practically empty schedule.

"All in a hard days work." He joked flipping the pancake over and placing it on the plate. "Alright, breakfast is served." Putting the plate in front of me and grabbing his own before sitting. It looked heavenly. The pancakes were perfectly golden with butter still on top. It was as if they came out of a book. I dug in, pouring the heated maple syrup on top. Taking a bite, I moaned at how good it was.

"Oh my God. This is amazing." I spoke with my eyes closed and my mouth full. "You have to make this for me every morning."

"I'd love to but if you want to fit in your ballet outfit, I suggest I only make it once a week."

"Well if I run with you, then I'm sure I'll be able to handle it." I said smirking at him.

"I don't know if you'll keep up. I run two miles."

"Try me." I said raising my eyebrow and finishing the rest of my food.

"Ok. Go get dressed and I'll wait for you. We'll go running and see just how fast you are." Steve said as he began to grab the dishes and wash them.

"Fine, but leave the dishes. I'll get them. You cooked."

"It's ok Nat. I got it. Go ahead." I glared at him, but did as he said. 10 minutes later, I was dressed and ready to go.

"We're going to go to my house, so I can change and freshen up. Is that fine?"

"Yea, it'd be nice to know how you live."

"It's nothing special."

"I'll be the judge of that Captain." I smiled at him softly and looked at the area. It was 10 a.m. and the streets were busy as usual. Kids were outside playing and people were walking their pets.

"I always wanted a dog." I heard Steve say.

"Oh really? Why don't you have one?"

"I don't know. I never went and did it. I keep saying I'll go, but I never do."

"Well if you're up for it, I'll go with you one day." I said hoping he might actually take me up on my offer.

"That'd be great Nat. Maybe we can go Wednesday, I get off at 7."

"Ok, I can meet you at the precinct since I get off earlier and my job isn't that far from there."

"Can't wait. I have a few dogs in mind already." He spoke with excitement as his smile widened.

We talked for the next 10 minutes about animals and their upkeep before arriving at his building.

"It's gonna be a small hike Nat. I live on the 3rd floor." He teased.

Looking at him devilishly, I replied. "Good, I'll just consider it a warm-up."

I followed Steve up to his apartment and it was nice. It had a great view of the Brooklyn Bridge and was industrial style. It was simple, but had a little character from the record player on his desk to the samurai sword hanging above his fireplace.

"Ill be right back. Imma change and get ready."

"Ok." I replied before looking around again. I came across a book on his coffee table and curiosity bit me. I sat down and opened the book. It was sketches. Multiple. A few of the Brooklyn bridge, one of a cat that looked just like Liho and an unfinished portrait of a woman. She looked familiar but with only half her face done, I couldn't make out who she was. I kept flipping through until I heard footsteps. He emerged from the bathroom with a small smile.

"Hey you ready?" I ask.

"Yea I am. You can leave your stuff here if you want." He pointed towards the counter.

"Alright." I placed my phone, wallet, and keys there before leaving his apartment.

"So, I typically run the blocks surrounding the water because it has a nice view, but they'll have benches in case you need to rest." He smirked at me.

"You know what Rogers. You're gonna be the one who needs the bench not me. Now, let's go." I put my hair in a ponytail as we walked out the building.

"We're gonna go on 8th ave and then run the block off the bridge." He said as he began to run.

I didn't respond instead I just ran. He was a few steps ahead of me, but I could tell he was trying to keep a good pace, so I could keep up. Little did he know, I used to run every morning for training, so this was nothing. I could run circles around him if I wanted.

"On your left." I called out as I passed him. I looked back at his face and he grinned at me. I turned back around and could feel that he was hot on my tail. I picked up speed and created a distance.

"Come on, Rogers. Don't tell me you can't keep up with a little ballerina." I yelled without looking back.

"I'm just going easy on you Nat." He replied.

"Well I guess you should know, I only like it hard." I turned and looked at his face which was clearly flushed. I laughed at my double entendre and kept going. 12 minutes later, I slowed up and felt Steve come up beside me.

"You cheated." He panted.

"How'd I cheat?" I said acting hurt.

"You didn't tell me you ran." He accused.

"Well you didn't exactly ask. You assumed. I figured I'd have a little fun with you." My mouth forming a smile as the sweat dripped down.

"I'm glad I know now. I'll never underestimate you again Romanoff."

"Good because I need a break." I said finally stopping my run and walking towards a bench. I let my head hang off the back while the breeze flowed over my skin. It was the only cool thing, in this heat.

"I told you, you would." Steve said sitting down next to me.

"I only need it because I've been staying ahead of you."

"Whatever you say Nat." He chuckled and we grew into a comfortable silence. The view was amazing and it was not because of the water. I looked over at him. The sun kissed his skin and his shirt was dampened with sweat. It clung to his muscles like wet spandex. I didn't realize how long I was staring until he snapped me out of my trance.

"Liking what you see huh?" His face smug.

"Shut up." I laughed playfully hitting him. "I was daydreaming and you just happen to be in my line of sight."

"Ok. We'll go with that." He stated not believing my lie.

"Don't really have a choice, Rogers." I said standing. "Come on, I'll race you back to the house." Before he could respond, I jetted off the way we came. I was almost there when I felt two strong arms grab me from behind.

"Got ya." Steve yelled out lifting me in the air.

I screamed and laughed, trying to pull away. "No Stevie, put me down." I wiggled but I couldn't get out.

"Not until you admit you cheated again." He said reinforcing his grip on me.

"Neverrr." I continued to laugh as held me in his arms.

"Ok have it your way." He took off running as I screamed holding onto his neck for dear life. I was so scared he would drop me.

"Ok, I cheated. I cheated. You win." I screamed out as we neared the steps of his building.

"Thank you. Thats all I wanted." He put me down with a huge grin and I rolled my eyes.

"Yea, yea. I just didn't want to die while you tried to carry me up three flights of steps."

"Are you saying that you won all on your now?" He said walking towards me with his arms out to get me again.

"No, No, No, No." I squealed running up the stairs with him behind me. By the time, we made it to his door. My back was pressed against it and he was towering over me. His left hand on my waist and his right holding him up against the door. His face inches from mine. I felt the heat in my body rise as the sound of our breathing filled the air. I looked at his lips and back up to his eyes only to find his eyes looking at my lips. I licked them out of habit and was about to speak when he said.

"I think we should go inside now huh?" His blue eyes stared deep into mine.

"Uh. Yea yea we should." Our eyes still locked as he put his key into the door. I couldn't think straight. My mind was going a million miles a minute. I turned around and pushed the now unlocked door open.

"Well that was fun." I said trying to cut the sexual tension that was now present.

"Yea it was. We should do it again sometime." His voice sounding huskier than usual.

"Yea I'd like that." My breath was caught in my throat and I knew I had to leave. " Um, I have to go. This was fun though. I'll see you soon."

"I can drop you off." He said with his face almost as if he was sad to see me go.

"No, it's ok. It's nice out. I think I'm going to just take a little walk and then get the bus." I said grabbing my things from the counter. "Thanks anyway. I really did have fun." I smiled before walking out and leaving him all alone.

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Sorry for any typos.