It was a hot day for the end of September and Steve had been working outside at the new house since he came back from his run, very early. He was covered in sweat, dirt, and mulch dust from doing yard work, finally taking a day to break from working on his gym. His phone buzzed in his pocket and he knew it had to be Natasha. Almost no one else ever texted him.

Wiping off his hands, he reached into his jeans to grab the phone.

It was Natasha. "So do I have to come the whole way to Wakanda to see you?"

He smiled. He'd been keeping the farm in his back pocket, he wasn't sure their timing was right. He wasn't sure where their friendship really stood besides texts at this point. But now maybe it felt like it was headed somewhere positive.

He typed back, "I don't think THAT's a good idea." He was going to leave her hanging for a little while. It wasn't often he had information that Natasha didn't already have her hands on.

Sitting on Clint's front porch with a book in one hand and her phone in the other, Natasha read her text and her heart sank. Oh my God, he doesn't want to see me.

Steve waited a minute to see if she would respond but she didn't. He went back to planting his new hostas along the front porch. The work wasn't keeping him satisfied like it usually did because he found himself wondering about Natasha's question. If it seemed like she was ready to see him, maybe that meant she actually was ready to see him. After he finished lowering the last hosta into the ground and had it buried and mulched, he stood up and looked at his handy work while he brushed himself off. His heart just wasn't in it today, he was too distracted.

He couldn't stop thinking about Natasha. He knew that he had other priorities and that she probably didn't feel the way he did, but he couldn't help it. His heart hadn't felt like this in ages and although it was hard to let himself get carried away, he felt like maybe it was time he found a little happiness. He'd tried to push his feelings aside the past few months but now that she was back, he just couldn't anymore.

He wasn't sure if the feelings would be the same on the other side but it was time to try. He wasn't going to walk away without fighting for her. If she didn't feel the same, at least he would have peace of mind knowing he tried.

He expected full effort from everyone in his life but he was hardest on himself. He'd been glad when other members of the team had found someone to share their happiness with, so why couldn't he let himself do the same?

What have I been waiting for?

Then the answer struck him plain as day...

The right partner.

Steve smiled. Although that phrase made him think of Peggy, he'd finally let go of her. God must have had his reasons for keeping them apart, he thought. It just wasn't their time. But his chest felt fluttery when Natasha's face popped into his mind. He'd pushed Natasha away when he first met her years ago because it was too fresh in his mind being in love with Peggy.

And the years changed that. Peggy grew to be a distant memory even though he'd gone to visit her in person. And now it had even been months since she passed.

Steve had found himself feeling awkward when Natasha was interested in Bruce. She'd slowly burrowed her way into his heart without him even realizing it.

Yet, when Bruce broke her heart, he made an effort to support her and be a good friend and chose to not take the opportunity to get closer to her in other ways. It just didn't seem like the right thing to do.

Steve knew what he'd rather be doing than working today.

He gathered his garden tools and started off for the detached garage to put them away. His nerves buzzed in anticipation. He ran into the house to shower and change into a pair of jeans and a light blue button down shirt. He rolled his sleeves up to his elbows and checked himself in the mirror one final time. He looked happy.

As he was driving away from the house, a memory of Natasha flashed over him and he smiled. He was remembering sitting in her hospital room reading to her and what it felt like to be the man who stood by her side.

***

Clint was doing some trimming around the front of the house when he saw a vehicle approaching. Though the driveway was long and the truck was not close, with his brilliant vision, he could see it was Steve driving this mystery truck. Clint waved a friendly hello and waited for him to get closer. He was surprised to see Steve but not shocked that Steve would remember where he lived. After all, he could memorize anything he wanted to.

As the truck neared the house, it slowed and made a quiet ruffling sound on the gravel driveway. Steve's window was down. "Do you need a farm hand?" Steve joked.

"Of course you would get here after all the heavy lifting is done," Clint played along. "Good to see you, buddy." Clint motioned across the driveway. "You can park right over there."

Steve parked his truck and stepped out onto the gravel, he admired how fresh the air was today.

"To what do I owe this pleasure?" Clint asked.

"I wanted to come visit Natasha," he said and added "not that I don't want to see you." No one had actually told Steve that Natasha was staying there but he knew. He knew.

"No offense taken," Clint said. His tone got more serious and he said "She'll be glad to see you. I think she's about sick of me." Clint was truly glad to see him, he knew this would be good for Natasha. Much like Sam, Clint already knew what feelings could be between Steve and Natasha.

Steve smiled on just one side of his mouth, lips closed. He reached back into his truck and pulled out two bouquets of flowers.

"She's not here right now though," Clint said. "I expect her back any time now. You are welcome to hang out with us and wait."

Steve nodded and changed direction from closing his door to reaching inside the truck again. He pulled out a blazer and laid it on the driver's seat. Then he started rolling his sleeves down and buttoning them, finally putting the blazer on. This wasn't a date but Steve wanted Natasha to know he was interested in her and that he was not here on a whim. He needed to look serious.

"Come on in the house," Clint motioned and they started up the steps.

Steve stepped inside and looked around, he was surprised how quiet it was.

Laura yelled from upstairs, "Clint, you have to start getting ready."

"I'll be up in a minute - Steve stopped by," Clint returned. He turned his attention back to Steve. "We're going out tonight. Nat is going to babysit."

Steve looked uncomfortable, "If I'm in the way, I can..."

Clint interrupted him, "No, not at all. Don't be silly, Nat will be back any time now. Just have a seat, make yourself comfortable." Clint did not want Steve leaving, he was glad he'd shown up.

Steve sat down on the couch and laid the flowers across his lap. Clint thought he looked like a fish out of water while at the same time being impressed that he showed up with flowers and dressed so well.

"Hope you don't mind," Clint said, "but I have to grab a shower or the wife's going to make me sleep in the barn tonight. It's been awhile since we've had a date night."

Steve nodded. "Three kids... that must be a challenge to get out alone."

"Well yeah but not as much as finding someone to watch them who we feel safe with. Keeping a low profile is a concern as well, I guess."

Just then, Laura came down the stairs carrying Nathaniel on her hip. She was wearing a long bathrobe but her hair and makeup were complete. Clint headed for the stairs and they passed each other. "Keep walking, Mister," she called after him.

Steve stood up to greet her. "Mrs. Barton," he nodded his head.

"Captain Rogers, please, call me Laura," she said as she walked to him.

"As long as you call me Steve," he said. "These are for you." He handed her one of the bouquets and made a wide eyed face at Nathaniel.

"That was sweet, thank you," she said. "Come on in the kitchen and keep me company. Would you like some lemonade?"

"I can't pass that up," he said. Steve sat at the kitchen table as Laura put Nathaniel in his high chair. She whisked around the kitchen as if she didn't have to look at what she was doing. It was like a dance. She poured Steve a glass of lemonade and handed it to him.

"Thanks," Steve said. He looked at Nathaniel. "He's getting big."

"Yeah, he's about 16 months now... it goes too fast," she said. Laura was in the cupboard looking for something and Nathaniel looked at Steve and Steve smiled warmly at him. Nathaniel made a squealing noise and waved his arms around a little. Laura sat down next to the high chair and gave Nathaniel some crackers.

"Big plans tonight?" Steve asked.

"Not too big. We're pretty easy to amuse... probably dinner and a movie." Laura gave him a warm smile. "I assume you came to see Nat," she said, hiding behind her glass of lemonade. She wanted to be encouraging without prying too much. After all, he didn't know her very well.

"Yeah," he said with a little smile at the corners of his mouth. He immediately felt bashful and looked down but it was too late now, it was out there. Maybe it was for the best.

"I think she has missed you," Laura comforted him.

She thought Steve seemed relieved. Laura was trying to feel him out since she thought he might be playing a big part in Natasha's life. She was sure he was trustworthy since Clint had risked everything for him but she was trying to look out for her friend and she needed to see it for herself. Judging by his reactions and body language, she was getting a good feeling so far.

"I wasn't really sure if she did," he said as he stared off, quickly refocusing his attention on Laura. "She gave me a good scare."

"She did," Laura nodded. "When Clint got back and I saw his face, I was sure someone had died. He was white. He said he was glad you were with her after it happened. He knew she would be in good hands."

Steve nodded as he watched her speak. He could tell why Clint and Natasha loved her so much, she had a kind, soft nature and she was easy to talk to. He started to feel like it was okay to open up to her.

"I was until she didn't want me there. I wanted to be there for her... it was hard not to be able to do that. I'm glad she found comfort here with your family though."

Well, I'm sold, Laura thought.

***

Natasha drove to the grocery store in silence, not realizing she hadn't even turned the radio on. She was feeling better about herself and more positive. Every day on the Barton farm had helped her feel more like a whole person and not the empty shell she was after the accident. She felt much better since her phone call with her therapist this morning, especially after Steve's text that he didn't think it was a good idea she come see him in Wakanda.

She had gone to the nearest town to pick some things up from the store. After she was finished, she sat in her car and looked at her phone.

Do I? ...or do I not?

Screw it.

She typed, "Would love to talk if you have time soon."

Send.

She started to drive again. No sound had come from her phone so she knew there was no message from Steve. She was a little disappointed, patience wasn't always her strong suit. She wasn't far from Clint's house but it was feeling like a long drive today.

Approaching Clint's house, she noticed a navy blue truck in the driveway. She didn't recognize it, her curiosity piqued.

She parked behind the truck and started to grab her bags out of the passenger's seat. From behind her came a deep, friendly voice, "Hey, stranger!" She heard firm footsteps on the porch. Natasha turned around to see Steve, her mouth fell open. She felt like there were fireworks going off in her chest. She hadn't seen him in so long, her first instinct was to drop the bags and run into his arms. Keep it together, Natasha.

"Oh my goodness, what are you doing here?" she said and grinned, reaching her arms out for him.

Steve walked over briskly to give her a hug and take the bags from her. "Thanks," she said, "I'm actually okay to carry things."

"Of course," he said, "I'm just trying to be...."

"...a gentleman?" she asked.

Steve couldn't help the smile that crept across his face, he leaned over to give her a hello kiss on the cheek. "I'm glad to see you."

"Is that your truck?" She asked.

"Yeah, it is." He wasn't about to spill the beans yet and tell her about the farm, which was why he really needed a truck.

Natasha eyed the truck. "I like it."

As Natasha made it into the house, she kicked off her flats. Steve took notice and couldn't remember ever seeing her in flats before - she was usually a kick-butt boot kind of girl. She looked nice today, he thought. She had dark jeans on with a blue flowery, flowy shirt.

She turned around to look at him again, still wide eyed and said "How did you know I was here? I didn't even tell you."

Steve dipped his head to one side and smirked at her. "Where else would you be?" he asked.

They walked into the kitchen where the kids were sitting at the table. There was paper and art supplies everywhere. "Auntie Nat! We were drawing with your boyfriend!" Lila shouted.

Natasha laughed and decided to ignore that comment. It would be harder to explain it to Lila and five minutes later, she would forget everything anyway. "That's great, guys!" she said.

Cooper held up one of his drawings for her to see. "Steve helped me work on perspective."

Clint walked in the kitchen, fresh from the shower and dressed in slacks and a button down shirt.

"Oooooh, Daddy you smell good," Lila said enthusiastically. Steve and Natasha looked at each other and smiled.

"Thanks, baby," Clint said. "It's Mom's favorite after-shave. Listen, Mom's almost ready to go. I want you guys to be really good for Auntie Nat."

Within minutes, Laura was dressed and ready to go and then they were off. Steve was getting used to the noise level within the house. He's started to wonder how Natasha got any rest while she was trying to recover.

"Okay, kiddos, it's time to clean up the table so we can have dinner," Natasha said authoritatively.

"What's for dinner?" Lila asked.

"I'm glad you asked," Natasha said, "I picked up some things for us to make." She looked at Steve. "Steve, would you like to stay for dinner?"

"I'd love to," he replied.

"Well then, we are going to make cheeseburgers..."

She was interrupted by cheering from the kids.

"There's more though, guys. I bought french fries and stuff to make milk shakes!"

"Yaaaaay!" Steve joined in the cheering. Natasha laughed heartily at his comedic timing. She looked at the kids. "Guys, tell Steve what he has to do to get his milk shake though..."

"You have to eat all your dinner first," Lila beamed.

Steve grinned, "That shouldn't be a problem."

"I know, I wonder if I bought enough food," Natasha joked.

Cooper and Lila started cleaning off the table while Natasha unpacked the bags.

"What can I help with?" Steve asked.

The kids ran to put their things away in their bedrooms. "Hang on, big guy, we can't start until they get back - they will skin me alive!"

Steve thought Natasha looked so relaxed.

"You look great," he said.

"Thanks, I feel pretty good... Getting a little restless but it's nice here." She looked reflective. "So what are you doing here?"

"Oh, I was in the neighborhood, thought I'd stop by."

"You look pretty nice to be in this neighborhood, old man," she said. "By the way, you might want to take that jacket off. It's about to get messy in here."

"Good idea," he said as he slipped it off and hung it on the back of a chair. He looked back at Natasha who was watching him intently. He seemed to have her undivided attention for the moment and he didn't know if it would be the case for much longer. He felt his nerves jump a little but he steadied his voice. "Natasha, can I take you out to dinner sometime?"

Her face stayed very still, only her eyes brightened a little. Steve thought Natasha's quiet meant she was working on a way to politely tell him no.

"I would like that," she smiled almost shyly. This was not what Steve was used to.

"Great," he said as his eyebrows raised a little.

Loud thumps came from the ceiling and Steve and Natasha looked up. Steve looked at Natasha. "Impressive," he said with a smirk.

"Hey guys," she called out, "no running... and come down so we can get started."

After hand washing and a quick explanation, the dinner prepping commenced. Steve felt like he was in the eye of a tornado. Natasha, Cooper and Lila were all around the kitchen. Nathaniel was entertaining himself with some blocks on the floor. Music was playing, there was giggling. Natasha was putting a pan of french fries in the oven. Steve had offered to help but Cooper told him to sit this one out because he was a guest. Natasha couldn't argue with that logic. Steve sat in a kitchen chair and watched as Natasha taught them what to do. He had to laugh at the faces the kids made when they touched the raw ground beef to mix the spices and egg into it.

Nathaniel hobbled over to Steve and rested his arms on Steve's legs. "Hey buddy," Steve said, "what are you up to?" Steve reached his arms out a little bit to see if Nathaniel wanted to be picked up and Nathaniel returned the gesture by putting his arms up and saying "up." Steve was happy to pick him up and try to entertain him because at least he felt like he was helping with the cause.

"Nat?" Steve called out to get her attention. "Could I at least set the table?"

"Sure," she said, "dishes are up there and silverware is in that drawer." She pointed it all out to him.

Steve carried Nathaniel in his left arm and walked slowly to the cupboard and talked to him. "And now we're going to get out the plates, but only a couple at a time so I don't drop you." Nathaniel was very content and watched Steve's face as Steve talked to him. Steve stacked the plates a few at a time and then napkins. "I guess we don't need silverware?" he confirmed with Nat.

"Nope, I guess not," she said.

"Why don't we eat outside?" Cooper suggested.

"Okay, that's a good idea," Nat said. "Let's make the milkshakes now then - that way we don't have to come back inside to make them."

"Nathaniel," Steve said, "let's go set the table outside." And they were off to the back yard.

Milkshakes proved to be messy. Natasha and Lila both wore streaks of melted vanilla ice cream and the kitchen counter didn't look so hot either. At least the burgers were cooking on the little electric grill and everything was almost ready.

Natasha and the kids opened the back door and started carrying the food out. They found Steve pushing Nathaniel in his swing. Natasha couldn't believe how well he fit in here. She put the milkshakes down on the table and walked over to pick Nathaniel up. He didn't want to stop swinging.

"Come on, buddy," she prodded him. He started to cry a little and looked at Steve.

Not missing a beat, Steve jumped in and said "Nathaniel, let's go have some dinner." He really spoke enthusiastically so Nathaniel would jump on board with him. Steve said, "Want to go with Auntie Natasha?" and started to pick him up to hand him to her. He was trying to smooth things over a bit. Nathaniel started to say "Nasha... Nasha..."

Steve looked at Natasha for clarification.

She said, "That's me: Nasha."

"That's cute," Steve laughed.

"Come on everyone, let's eat," she said.

Cooper and Lila enjoyed having a new person to talk to during dinner. Natasha enjoyed watching them interact with Steve. Nevertheless, they wasted no time eating and immediately wanted to run off to ride their bikes. Natasha gave her blessing and they were off.

Nathaniel was covered in his own dinner but sitting there happily listening to Steve and Natasha talk. It was as if he was hanging on to every word Steve uttered.

"I think you have a secret admirer," Natasha said and nodded to Nathaniel.

Steve smiled at him and Nathaniel smiled back. "Hey, pal," Steve said to him.

"I didn't know you were so good with kids," Natasha said.

"You think?" he asked.

"Yeah, definitely." She shifted forward to lean her chin on her hand. "Is there anything you're not good at, Rogers?"

"I never learned to dance," he said with a mock-frown.

"And yet, I'm sure you could do that too," she teased. "Let me grab a towel so I can get this little guy cleaned up." She jetted for the house. Natasha returned to find Steve pulling Nathaniel out of his highchair and standing him up on the table. Steve held Nathaniel up while Natasha wiped him down.

Cooper and Lila were keeping themselves busy on their bikes so Natasha and Steve sat down with Nathaniel on a large, covered swing. He sat in the middle and banged his hands on the wooden slats for a little while. The day had been hot but the evening was beginning to be more comfortable and a cool breeze was kicking up. Nathaniel flopped over and laid his head on Steve's leg. He patted his hand on Steve's knee for a minute and he started babbling softly and singing his own version of the ABC song. Natasha covered him up with the towel and rubbed his back lightly.

"These kids adore you, Nat," Steve said softly.

"They're pretty great," she said. Natasha looked up at Steve very honestly. "I'm really glad you came to visit."

"Me, too." Steve turned to look out at the field in front of him but he wasn't really looking, it was more of a stare into space. "You know, I thought it was possible I was never going to see you again." He wasn't brooding, he wasn't complaining. He was just being open and honest.

Natasha's chest ached a little and she knew she should choose her words carefully. This was her friend. They'd been to battle together, she'd even risked everything to help him save his best friend. He obviously meant a great deal to her.

She turned to look at him but she couldn't will her neck to make the complete turn, she was feeling embarrassed.

"It wasn't you," she said. "Well, it was," she paused, "but it wasn't."

It was an awkward moment for her but Steve met her gaze with a half smile and said "What?" She was thankful he was ribbing her. She laughed lightly at herself.

"You don't have to explain," he tried to be comforting.

"No," she turned her head slightly sideways and said "I really do." She tried to compose herself before an avalanche of information fell out of her mouth.

Steve folded his hands on his lap and tried to give her the space she needed to open up.

"I guess I needed a little space," she sighed. "You didn't do anything wrong. You actually did everything right... and I'm sorry, I wish I hadn't kept you away. I shouldn't have done that."

Steve could hear the stress in her voice and he hated to hear her being this hard on herself. He had to break his silence to show a little support. "You were going through something, Nat."

"Yeah," she whispered. Natasha was quiet for a long moment. She turned her body towards Steve carefully, so as not to disturb Nathaniel, who was now fast asleep. "I felt really.... worthless... when I woke up in the hospital."

Steve's brow furrowed and he felt a little lump in his throat. Here, next to him, was one of the most amazing people he knew and she was feeling worthless? Instinct took over and he put his hand on top of hers. He felt maybe he was too forward by grabbing her hand but maybe she needed that much support. Rogers, just hold her hand, it's not like you tried to put your arm around her, he thought. "Nat..."

"And you were incredibly supportive, just like this. The nurses told me everything. At first, it made me happy. And then all I could think was that you were wasting your time on someone who was so not worth your time..." Her voice caught in her throat and Steve gave her hand a little squeeze. She looked at his concerned face and continued. "I mean you're... you're a model human being. You're such a good person. And then there's me."

"Natasha..." he whispered.

"When the nurses told me how good you were to me, I couldn't tell if you were being a friend or more than a friend. But either way, I felt like I wasn't good enough for you. I didn't have the heart to even face you. I knew seeing your face would break my heart and make me lose my nerve. I just couldn't.." she trailed off. "I just couldn't let Ross find you in the hospital because of me."

Steve wanted to lean over and kiss her square on the lips to let her know how wrong she was about herself. But the little boy between them was a good deterrent and Steve was also unsure of exactly what she was saying about her feelings for him.

"You're not some kind of horrible influence on me, you know," Steve chimed in firmly. "I'm just a regular guy, there's nothing that great about me. How could you think you're not good enough?"

"Steve, you are pretty much a national treasure... an actual hero. You always do the right thing..."

"I don't always do the right thing," he gave out a quick chuckle. "...Obviously since I am a wanted man now."

"You had good reason," she said. "Years ago, you gave your life to save the country, you gave up everything. It's like you have... this inner goodness that shines through. People aren't this good. I have never met someone as pure and true as you."

"And I've seen you lay down your life to save the world," he said very seriously, in a deeper voice. "That counts for a hell of a lot, Nat. I respect you for what you do when the world needs saving. You don't turn a blind eye, you're strong. You do the right thing. "

"But I didn't always..."

"But you do now," he said.

She nodded.

"Don't ever think you're not good enough for anything or anyone. I'm no better than anyone else out there. You were dealt a bad hand and you turned everything around. The things you did before, those weren't your choice. You already confessed your sins to the world and did your penance. You deserve to be happy."

"I'm getting there," she said. "I've been having regular calls with a therapist. It's helping. It really is." She glanced down and noticed Steve's hand was still on top of hers. "And, you are better than most people but I'm not putting you on the Captain America pedestal, if that's what you're thinking. You're always Steve to me." She gave him a warm smile. "You know, I know someone else who is very supportive of his teammates' happiness and yet he doesn't seem to think he deserves the same..."

Steve raised his eyebrows. "Me?" he asked innocently. She gave him a half smile while she carefully picked up Nathaniel and laid him face down over her chest and shoulder.

"Steve, you are always throwing yourself into the line of fire and you're always there for the rest of us... and yet I feel like when I see you having a genuinely good time, you stop yourself — like you feel guilty or something."

Steve leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. Looking down at the ground, he let out a little sigh. "Before you and I became friends, everyone I was ever close to was taken away from me. Why did I deserve to have a life?" He turned his head up to look at her and with the faintest of smiles, he said "I'm working on that too."

"Oh?" she raised an eyebrow. "That's great."

"Well, my PTSD nightmares have been pretty out of control lately. Wanda helped me... and Sam and I have been having pretty regular discussions about it. I'm trying to lean on my friends a little more. And it's time I move on. I realize that what we do everyday is dangerous and that life is precious." He leaned back onto the swing and looked over at Nathaniel with a slight grin. "It may not be a normal life but it's time I balance it and find some normal. Feeling guilty about living won't get me anywhere. I'm doing a disservice to the people I lost by not moving on."

"I like it," she smiled. "That's a good way to look at it. You deserve to be happy."

"We both deserve a win," he looked at her tenderly. She watched his mouth slide into a soft smile and her eyes moved down to his chin momentarily. She thought that his chin looked more relaxed than usual, even with the beard, and it wasn't just his chin, it was all of him. It was like he had a little glow and he was more self-assured - in a different way than usual. He was always confident as a leader but tonight he seemed confident as a man in his own personal life.

"I better get this little man to bed," she said as she patted his back and stood up slowly. Cooper and Lila started riding their bikes over to her. The sun was starting to fade.

"I should go," Steve said as he stood up.

Natasha reached out to put her hand on his arm, "Oh no, please don't go. I would love to talk if you have time. I just need to get the kids ready for bed."

"Okay," he said. Natasha could tell he was trying to analyze the situation. I bet he thinks I'm hitting on him, asking him to stay. Ehh, maybe not. Now I'm not sure.

Lila motioned to Natasha with her hand like she had to talk to her privately. Natasha bent down with her ear close to Lila's mouth. Lila whispered something to Natasha. Natasha grinned knowingly and said "You can call him Steve," then she looked at Steve and asked "right?"

Steve nodded. "Absolutely."

"Alright, Steve. Will you give me a piggy back ride upstairs?" Lila asked meekly.

"You're such a baby, Lila!" Cooper chided her.

Natasha shot Cooper a little glare and Steve said, "No, that's no problem at all. Climb on." And he squatted near the ground so she could climb on.

"Daddy makes me hold onto his neck," she reassured Steve.

"Good deal," said Steve. They all started walking back to the house. Cooper was gone and up in his bedroom before the rest of them even made it to the front door.

Natasha carried Nathaniel up the stairs to the second floor while Steve followed behind with Lila. He admired Natasha's comfort with the kids as he watched her climb the stairs. At the top of the stairs, Steve turned around and lowered his voice "I'm going to let you off right here, Miss Lila." He didn't feel a gentleman should be in the upstairs of someone else's home. "Thanks, Steve," she smiled and ran off.

"Cooper, Lila... you both need to get showered before bed. Get started," Nat called out. She looked over to Steve while she still held Nathaniel and said, "Go ahead and get comfortable, I'll be about ten minutes or so."

Steve nodded and headed back down the stairs. Footsteps ran across the upstairs hallway. He was amazed Nathaniel was still asleep. He's used to it, I guess.

Downstairs, he remembered that all the dinner mess still needed to be cleaned up. He ran outside to make sure nothing was left behind and then he started cleaning up the kitchen. He had to chuckle when he saw the melted vanilla ice cream on the side of the cupboard. He worked while he listened to the sounds coming from upstairs. The shower had turned on, there were more footsteps. This house sure is full of life.

He heard a little crackle and the sound of Nathaniel's voice cry out, but it sounded strange. He was washing dishes by hand when he realized it was a baby monitor. Then he heard Natasha's voice whispering gently and saying "It's okay, buddy. Let me rub your back." It sounded like he was winding down. Natasha started humming to him. Steve didn't recognize the song and he wondered if it was a Russian lullaby. In any case, Natasha was babysitting like a pro. He went on cleaning up.

A few minutes later, things had quieted down and Natasha was on her way back downstairs. When she got to the bottom of the steps, she saw that Steve was wiping off the countertop in the kitchen. Oh man, this guy's killin' me... I don't know why but that is so sexy. She let out a little laugh to herself.

Steve heard her chuckle and he turned around from the kitchen sink and their eyes met.

"You didn't have to do that," Natasha teased.

"It's my pleasure," he said. "Just returning the favor for having me to dinner."

"Come have a beer with me," she said as she grabbed the beers out of the refrigerator.

As they walked to the couch, Steve watched her walk and noticed that her hair was tied back now. "I like your hair," he nodded to her hair to illustrate.

"Thanks, I couldn't take it anymore," she revealed.

"Whatever you're doing, it's working for you," he smiled.

"Rogers, have you learned to flirt?" she teased.

Before Natasha could notice the pink flush over his cheeks, her cell phone chimed. She took it out of her pocket to take a look. "...Clint," she said and then shook her head and laughed.

"Everything okay?" Steve asked.

Natasha didn't want to embarrass Steve but she thought their friendship was strong enough to handle it so she told him. "He wants to know if I sealed the deal and if not, how much more time should they give me..."

They shared an easy laugh together. He knew Clint's teasing was not aimed directly at him so it was easier not to get flustered.

"I told him to come home anytime," she said dryly.

"You're going to kick your fake husband out so soon?" he laughed.

"You're not a bad enough life choice to be my husband," she amused herself. "I've picked some real winners!"

Natasha watched his face. She enjoyed seeing him have a light moment because he truly didn't get enough of those. She liked the way his eyes crinkled around the edges when he was like this. His eyelashes looked noticeably darker when he laughed because he shut his eyes a bit... and something about that made her feel weak in the knees.

"I've missed laughing with you," he confessed. "I probably need to go though."

"Where are you off to? Do you have somewhere to stay?" She was playing it cool but she really didn't want him to go. It had been a long time and she wasn't sure when she would see him again if he walked out that door.

"I've got lots of things to tell you," he almost gushed. He reached over and laid his hand on her forearm. "We'll save that for another night."

Natasha nodded and they both stood up from the couch.

"How about I call you and we'll set up our date?" Even Steve was surprised by how much he was letting go of his inhibitions now.

"I'd like that," she said as they walked to the front door. "Please be careful driving, it's getting late."

"I promise," he said in his firm, deep voice. "I'll call you later?" he confirmed with her.

"Sure, Steve."

He leaned in and gave her a hug and he didn't end it too soon. He didn't really want to let go and neither did she. Natasha liked the sensation of him being right there in front of her, so firm and solid. It just felt right. Steve gave her a kiss on the cheek and then he was off to his truck. Natasha watched as he climbed into his truck. Oh, I'm in so much trouble, she thought. They each waved as he drove away. Natasha closed the door and looked around the house, feeling slightly giddy. "Uh oh," she said and she ran to grab Steve's jacket off the kitchen chair. She tried to catch him but he had already driven away into the darkness.

Natasha held up the jacket to marvel at the size in the shoulders and then she put it near her nose to see if she could smell any trace of him. Sure enough, it smelled faintly of Steve's aftershave near the collar. She returned to the couch, still clutching the jacket and turned on the tv to distract herself. After all, it wasn't normal for her to feel weak in the knees like this... She had never had a relationship where the other person had maintained any level of effort. After a little while, she sent Steve a text.

"Glad you stopped by tonight. I have your jacket here, I'll bring it next time I see you. : )"