Steve and Natasha had settled into a routine in their daily life. Lots of it involved working on the house together but they were discovering so much about each other at the same time. They'd started to cook together and of course, Steve was still making it his mission to knock her socks off when it came to taking her out. Not to be undone, Natasha insisted he let her share some of that burden and cost. They babysat for the Bartons one night, they took a road trip to visit Wanda and Vision, and Steve had even taken up a new secret hobby in the garage.

Everything was going right except that one little thing was missing but they would eventually get there and they both new it.

One afternoon, late in the month, Natasha was decorating the front porch with pumpkins and yellow mums. She wanted to put something out there to play off the new blue siding and she spent quite a while getting it just right. Steve walked out of the garage and he was talking on the phone, obviously finishing up a conversation and he looked uneasy.

"That looks great," he said as he got closer to the porch. "Gettin' crafty on me there, Romanoff."

She laughed. "Maybe it's because there are no decorations around here, I just feel the need to get in touch with my creative side."

He smiled and sat down on the front steps next to her. "That was T'Challa," he said as he held up his phone and let out a sigh.

"Oh?" Her brow furrowed because she knew it could be concerning Bucky and that could be serious.

"They've had a power loss... an unexplained power loss." He looked off into the distance. "Even the backup generators were down. They were hacked."

"So Bucky's awake?" she asked.

"Yes, he is. Nothing happened but they're on alert. T'Challa has asked that I come to stay for a while, just in case... he's sending for Sam and me tonight."

"That soon?" she asked and she realized she was disappointed by the news.

"Yeah," he sighed and laid a hand on her shoulder. "But it will be good to see Bucky."

"I guess we better get you packed up then," Natasha said, standing up.

Steve wasn't sure if her feelings were hurt or if she was truly trying to be helpful and pack with him. He wrapped his arms around her legs and pulled her close. "Baby, I'm going to miss you."

As she sat down sideways on his lap and hugged him, he breathed in her scent and tried to memorize it for when he was gone. He squeezed her a little tighter and said, "We have time for a special dinner before I go. We should make something nice."

"I'd like that," she said. And they were off to pack him up.

***

They made a steak dinner for themselves and ate together as the sun went down. It would be maybe an hour until a helicopter would arrive. While they cleaned up dinner, Steve snuck in lots of kisses, hopefully enough to last him until he got back, whenever that might be.

"There's a little something upstairs for you," he said, slyly.

"What is it?" she asked excitedly.

"Take a look," he smiled.

Natasha raced out of the kitchen and up the stairs as Steve followed, walking instead of running.

"Steve!" she screamed as he caught up. "Oh my goodness! I love it!"

He walked into her bedroom and she was standing back looking at a painting of the sunset that was leaned against the wall.

"It's our first date..." she said with an "awww" in her voice. She grabbed him for a hug. "This what you've been up to in the garage?"

"Yeah," he said, looking bashful. "You don't have anything on your walls and I hoped you might like it."

"Babe, I love it," she said. "I'm going to go get it framed. It's perfect."

"I'm glad you like it," he smiled. They started to walk to the stairs because it was almost time for Steve to go. He grabbed his bags at the bottom of the stairs to move them to the front door.

Natasha turned around and ran back up to her bedroom. "I have an idea!" She came back carrying the painting. "Doesn't this look like it would go perfectly in the living room?" She started to hold it up to the wall.

"I thought you would want that in your room," he said.

"Yeah but it goes so great in here, don't you think?" She was more excited than Steve.

"Sure but are you going to take it with you when you go?" he asked.

When I go? Right... I have been telling him this was temporary. Her heart started to pound, knowing she had to say the next part.

She put the painting down gently and turned to him. "Do you want me to go?"

"No," he said in an almost whisper.

"I've been thinking... I'd like to stay here with you. If that's okay? I don't really want to go."

Steve quickly slung his bags off and walked to her. "I was hoping you'd say that." His heart was racing now too and he held her tight and kissed her until he was leaning her back for a deeper kiss. And in the frenzied heat of passion, in between their needy kisses, he breathed out "Tasha, I love you."

Her mind raced to register what he had just said. This man that drove her crazy and made her want more of him had just said "I love you."

Natasha threw her arms around him and pulled him close, standing on her toes to poke her head above his shoulder so she could be as close as possible. "I love you, too," she said, her voice broken a little.

"Baby..." he said and his squeeze lifted her feet off the ground. "You make me so happy."

She laughed and he heard her sniff a little. He pulled her back in front of him and looked at her with a big grin. His tough little spy was choking back tears.

"You never called me Tasha before," she said, looking at him smiling questioningly.

"I have... actually. When you were in the hospital, I did."

They both heard the sound of a helicopter approaching. "Walk me out?" he said looking at her with a furrowed brow. As they walked out onto the front porch, he said "I wish I had a picture of you to take with me."

She knew he meant a printed picture because that was exactly Steve's kind of thing but she said "I think I can fix that. I will send you something."

The helicopter was now sitting in the front yard and Steve gave her one more hug with his bags in his arms. "Hold down the fort," he said and winked at her. He started to walk away but 6 steps into it, he turned back and came to meet her lips with his. "One more for the road."

On his way to the helicopter, Natasha yelled out "I love you!"

He turned back to say "I love you too," over the sound of the helicopter.

Sitting down inside and buckling up, Steve's heart was still beating quickly and he was still shocked at the news that she loved him. He looked out the window to the porch where she was standing and gave a wave. He couldn't wait to get back to see his girl. He was thrilled beyond belief that she wanted to stay.

A few minutes after they were in the air, his phone buzzed and he looked to see Natasha had sent him a photo; it was the photo Laura had taken on their first date. A smile crept over his face as he sat and looked at his phone.

He picked his phone up many more times that night to look at that photo.

***

"Buck!" Steve said as he entered the room. Bucky walked towards him and embraced him in a hug. "It's good to see you."

"Steve," he said, as if it was a statement of truth that needed followed by nothing. "Sam," he added and nodded to him and stepped over to shake his hand.

"Barnes," Sam nodded.

"So it looks like I have two babysitters for the foreseeable future," Bucky said, looking not completely disappointed. "It's been really weird since yesterday. I don't know anyone - I mean, they're all nice but..." Bucky patted Steve on the shoulder. "You guys hungry? - T'Challa said we should make ourselves welcome in the kitchen and they'll cook whatever we want."

The three headed to T'Challa's kitchen. The staff was more than happy to create something for them and they relaxed in the dining area while they waited.

"So catch me up on the last six months," Bucky queried.

"Business or personal?" Sam asked, stifling a laugh.

Bucky gave him a strange look. "Okay..."

Sam's grin widened like the cat who'd eaten the canary. He looked towards Steve and said "Your boy here's got a lot to tell you." Sam broke out into a deep chuckle.

"That's true, I guess," Steve said with a little twinkle in his eyes. "But give me a second, I have to send a message here." He started typing on his phone. Even though she was asleep, he wanted to let Natasha know he was there. Sam looked at Bucky and motioned with his thumb towards Steve. "Okay, sorry," Steve said, looking at Bucky.

"Stevie, what the hell?" Bucky teased him.

"I bought a house..." Steve said and Sam shook his head. "It's got a good bit of land, it used to be a farm." Sam continued to shake his head. Steve looked at Sam as if he was getting aggravated. "And I'm seeing someone."

Sam nodded. "That's the real news."

"Steeeeeve," Bucky laughed. "You should have led with that. The other thing is great too though."

Steve looked happy to see his old friend and to deliver good news to him.

"Sam, I'm glad to see someone is keeping this jackass in line," Bucky said.

"It's a tough job but someone has to do it," Sam snickered.

"Tell me more Steve," Bucky continued. "Like how does a fugitive meet 'someone?'"

"He dipped his pen in the company ink," Sam smiled, "...only there's no company anymore." He reached over and slapped Steve's back.

Steve's mind raced to find a way to tell Bucky about Natasha. What am I supposed to say? - Remember the girl you shot in D.C.? You know, the girl you tried to choke when Zemo framed you?

"Her name's Natasha," Steve said, "and she's an Avenger... or she was." He would just leave it at that.

"The redhead?" Bucky asked with a smile.

"Hands off, Buck," Steve laughed, knowing how much Bucky had a thing for redheads.

"I remember her," he confirmed. His smile faded and he got serious. "Please tell her I'm sorry I tried to kill her."

Steve nodded. "It's water under the bridge. She understands."

Bucky sat back in his chair and stretched. "So no more chasing skirts with me?" He chuckled to himself.

"Sorry, pal," Steve smiled.

"Sam, how about you?" Bucky asked. "I need a wingman."

"It's 2016, we don't 'chase skirts' anymore." Sam laughed. And no, you cannot borrow Redwing," he said seriously.

***

The three shared their meal and talked with much laughing but also a lot of serious discussion. They formulated a plan just in case the power outage was a real threat. They decided one of them would always be with Bucky and Steve would share a room with him in case something happened during the night.

Steve's mind would drift back to leaving Natasha in a hurry and feeling bad about it. But it would make getting home to her that much sweeter.

When the very friendly kitchen manager came out to check on them, Steve took the opportunity to ask if there was a nice place nearby where he could shop for something to take home.

"What are you interested in buying?" T'Challa said as he walked into the room.

"Your highness," Steve said with a nod. "Well, that's a good question..."

"I can arrange for you to go anywhere you like," T'Challa offered.

"He wants to buy something for his girl," Sam chimed in and Steve looked over at him. "I'm right... aren't I?" Sam asked Steve.

"Yes, I want to get something for Natasha," Steve said, looking downward momentarily. It's a little awkward talking about your love life like this, he thought.

"You and Miss Romanoff?" T'Challa smiled. "I'm pleased to hear this."

"I'm not really sure what I'm looking for," Steve confessed.

"I know a great place to go for that. This man has a little bit of everything." T'Challa paused. "I'm in good spirits right now - the security team has found the hacker. He's been arrested."

"This person working alone?" Steve asked.

"That is what he says," T'Challa confirmed. "However, we are still going to be cautious and follow his trail until we can confirm that."

A collective sigh of relief was in the air.

"Sam, why don't you get some rest?" Steve looked over to him.

"I can take you to this shop later," T'Challa offered.

"That would be great," Steve said.

***

Natasha woke up to complete silence in the house but the sun was pouring through the blinds in her bedroom. She laid there and thought about how quiet it was going to be until Steve got back. She looked at her phone and saw the text from him that he was safe in Wakanda. It was short but she knew he probably didn't have time to talk.

She remembered their conversation from yesterday and it sent fireworks up through her chest.

Okay, focus, Natasha... What can I get done while he's gone? she wondered. She started making mental notes of little projects and when the list became too long, she started typing it on her phone.

Then it came to her... Why not surprise Steve with something? And then the idea was fully developed and she jumped out of bed because she wasn't sure when Steve would get back. She knew the amount of work she'd just made for herself would take a while and it would involve running errands...

But it would all be worth it when he came home.

***

Steve and Bucky sat back with their feet up watching tv in a sitting room. Sitting and talking with Bucky now wasn't exactly like old times but he was reminding Steve more of himself now than the previous times he'd seen Bucky.

Bucky still had a lot of guilt for the things he'd done and it certainly dulled the light in his eyes.

"So how long have you been seeing Natasha?" Bucky asked.

"It's almost two months now. She actually moved in with me," Steve said,

"Wait..." Bucky held up his hand and sat forward. "You mean to tell me Steve Rogers is living with a girl and they're not married??"

Steve shook his head, "Times are different, Buck. I don't know, it just kind of felt like the right thing. I'm not that straight laced, am I?"

"Well, I mean, you can curse like a sailor and you're a big troublemaker... I just never pictured you living with someone like that."

Steve shrugged. He was starting to show the signs of being tired but he had to stay awake. It was still chancy to leave Bucky alone. They settled in to watch tv.

Hours later, Sam showed up and Steve went in the bedroom to lay down. He picked up his phone to look at the picture of them from their first date and he sent her a message. "Going to lay down for a little while, everything's okay for the time being. Miss you. Love, Steve" His fatigue overtook him and he was asleep within minutes.

When Steve woke up, he peeked into the sitting area to see Bucky asleep and Sam on his phone. Sam looked up at him "T'Challa wants to take us out."

"Okay," Steve yawned. "I'm going to get a shower."

Bucky stirred and opened his eyes. "We going out?"

***

Steve, Sam, Bucky and T'Challa were riding in a limousine while Steve looked at his phone to see a message waiting from Natasha. They were on opposite sides of the globe so they were playing tag to talk to each other.

Bucky saw him looking at his phone and was ready to tease him but he decided better of that and kept quiet. He really was happy for his friend; he remembered a time when Steve wanted a girl so bad but no one would give him the time of day. Bucky smiled to himself remembering what a little firecracker Steve used to be, getting into fights and all the other trouble they got into. But the softer side of Steve had wanted to settle down with just one girl and no matter how Bucky had tried to help him with that, it just didn't take. When he saw the way Peggy looked at Steve, he thought Steve's search was over. But maybe he was getting another chance.

The limo pulled into a tight space that seemed like an alley. It was very dark outside so it wasn't easy to get a good look, especially with tinted windows.

"Is this place open?" Sam asked.

"No," T'Challa answered. "The owner was a trusted friend of my father's for most of his life. He's opening up just for us."

The four men walked in through the back door and were greeted by the owner who told them they could look at whatever they wanted.

Steve walked around slowly, taking it all in and see if anything stood out as uniquely Natasha. A little flutter started in the pit of his stomach as a thought came to him.

He started to sweat a little bit as he walked towards a table of silk scarves. He looked at all the colorful designs and one of them stood out as Natasha's style. It was mostly red with some black and gray and it looked like it would fit right into her wardrobe. He picked it up and carried it with him as he walked across the room... concentrating more and completely avoiding eye contact with the others. He was headed straight for a glass countertop that was lit brightly and displayed jewelry. The owner was standing nearby and walked over to talk with Steve. Sam watched from across the room for a couple minutes, wondering what was going on. The look on Steve's face was something he'd never quite seen before. Sam caught Bucky's glance and they raised their eyebrows at each other and started walking in Steve's direction. They got close just as the owner pulled a velvet tray out onto the countertop. It was covered in diamonds and jewels and caught the light perfectly, giving Steve a glow as he looked down upon them.

"Steve?" Sam questioned.

"Yeah, Sam?" Steve turned his head to look at him.

Sam motioned his head towards the tray questioningly.

Steve waved them over. "I guess it's appropriate that you two are here with me. I could use some help."

They joined Steve at the countertop, both leaning over it to get a better look at the tray. T'Challa started walking towards them as well.

Steve picked up a square diamond and looked at it more closely. "I'm going to ask Natasha to marry me."

Sam and Bucky's eyes got wide but T'Challa grinned widely. They all started patting him on the back and congratulating him.

"I'm so glad you two knuckleheads got together, it was about damn time," Sam joked.

"Holy crap, Steve's gettin' married," Bucky sighed.

"She might not say yes, Buck," he warned.

Bucky threw his arm around Steve and said "How could she not? Any girl would be lucky to have you."

After looking at combinations and settings, Steve got it narrowed down enough to sketch out what he wanted. It was a large square diamond in the center of the ring and the band had smaller colored gems going down each side, surrounded by small diamonds. One colored side was red and the other was blue.

"Red, white and blue?" Sam questioned.

"I guess it turns out that way," Steve sighed. "But I was thinking the red is her favorite color and blue is my favorite so it has a little piece of both of us."

"It's perfect," Sam smiled. "You're going to make old Sam all sappy..." he trailed off.

Steve was unsure of her ring size but the owner told him it wouldn't be a problem to resize this particular setting once he got home and they took a guess. The owner put the jewels and diamonds inside bags and into a velvet bag and told Steve to come back in two days to pick the ring up.

Steve was settling up with the owner for the ring and the scarf when T'Challa offered to pay. T'Challa was grateful for Steve's help and thought the world of him.

"Thank you," Steve said in a deep voice, "but a man needs to buy a ring for his wife." Bucky and Sam glance at each other while Steve examines the ring sketch.

"Wife?" Bucky asked.

Steve laughed and got a little pink, "Okay, I might be getting a little ahead of myself."

The four men left the shop and headed to a nice dinner. Steve felt like a different man sitting there in the restaurant. He felt like he could breathe.

•••

Natasha sat on the floor in the front hallway mixing a gallon of paint with a stir stick when her phone began ringing. "Hold on, don't hang up," she said as she ran into the living room for her phone.

SGR flashed on the screen.

"Hi, baby," she said as she picked up the phone.

"It's nice to hear your voice," Steve said, sounding tired but happy. "I couldn't sleep so I wanted to call you."

"Another nightmare?" she asked.

"Yeah, but that's not why I called. I just knew I wouldn't be waking you up if I called now." He paused. "So what's my best girl up to?"

Natasha glanced at the paint can. "Oh, you know, the usual. Nothing too exciting here."

Steve was standing on the balcony outside the bedroom in nothing but pajamas and even though it was chilly, he was fine. He just didn't want to wake Bucky up. "Is it cold there yet?"

"It's getting a little bit colder, yeah," Natasha said. "How is everything going there?"

"No more incidents," he said. "It could have been just one guy but they're still following his trail just to be safe. I'm still not sure exactly when I'll be home," he said disappointedly.

"That's okay," she consoled. "You enjoy your time with Bucky ... and Sam. Are you at least getting to spend time with Bucky?"

Steve thought back to picking out the ring. "Yeah, we're spending time together. And Sam is even behaving himself."

"I'm glad," she said.

"You're not going to spend the week all alone in the house, are you?" he asked.

"No, no. I've been out running errands already and I'm getting together with Laura tomorrow. We're going out for drinks. I'm also going to see the kids for Halloween."

***

Two days had passed and it was time for Steve to pick up the engagement ring. All four of them returned to the shop again and this time the owner met them and introduced them to the jeweler who he'd had join them in case there were any parts of the ring not to Steve's liking.

But it was perfect. And Steve held it up to the light and got a good, long look. The jeweler put the ring in a dark gray velvet ring box and then into a bag to give back to Steve. Now the pressure was on Steve to keep it safe.

Back in the limo, Steve looked at Bucky and asked "Do you think you'd be comfortable coming home for the wedding - provided she says yes?"

Bucky opened his mouth to answer but hesitated because he didn't want to disappoint his best friend. He also really wanted to be there to see it for himself.

"I'd be more than happy to bring him and stay with him," T'Challa interrupted.

"Thanks, that's wonderful," Steve said.

"Thank you," Bucky looked directly at T'Challa.

A few days later and Steve was saying a heartfelt goodbye to Bucky. This time, he wasn't leaving Bucky in a cryogenic chamber as T'Challa had urged they try letting Bucky live a more normal life. The plan was to take it day by day and Bucky would stay at the palace.

Steve and Sam sat down on the plane and Steve patted his pocket to feel the ring box. He was going home to see his girl.