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Chapter Text

June

Thump thump thump, the rhythmic sounds of feet on concrete could be heard faintly through his earbuds as ‘Burnin for You’ for you plays. The sun was peaking over treetops to say good morning; a cool breeze blew through the trees, rustling them. The smell of fresh morning dew and birds chirps from their nests, waking up for the day. Steve turns the corner taking another lap around the Washington Monument and reflecting pool. The bright morning sun reflected off the water as he checked his watch. He could get in another lap before meeting Sam under his usual shade tree, gasping for air. He smirked, remembering the first time he met Sam Wilson. The song ends as he slows down to a walk, stopping next to Sam, lying sprawled out like a starfish in the grass.

Steve huffs a laugh, “You gonna make it?”, he asked, offering at hand to his friend. He’s barely winded, that wouldn't have been the case before Doctor Erskine’s serum. Steve suffered from numerous illnesses, including Asthma, high blood pressure, scoliosis, and the list goes on and on. Now he can run a mile in just a couple of minutes without breaking a sweat; not to toot his own horn, but he can get up to twenty-nine miles per hour while running.

Sam peeks open an eye, “Is this what you do for fun? Drag my ass out of bed at the ass crack of dawn to make me feel inferior?”

Steve cocks an eyebrow, “It’s not the only enjoyment I get during the day, but it does make for a great start.”

“I hate you.”, Sam replies dryly. He shoots his hand up and accepts Steve’s offer.

Steve chuckles, “No, you don’t.”

Sam nods as they walk towards their favorite coffee shop, “You’re right, I don’t hate you. Have you thought about talking to that VA therapist I suggested?”

Steve groans, “Not this again.”

As they cross the street, Sam starts in again, “Steve, I’m serious. All you do is work, work, and more work. Your only enjoyment is tormenting me, that isn’t healthy for either of us.”

Steve stops frowning, and Sam follows his gaze. Their favorite coffee shop is closed due to a gas leak, Steve needs his morning coffee. Although caffeine does nothing for him, it’s a familiar taste he enjoys. Sam quickly pulls out his phone, suggesting another shop a block over.

“So, you’re just going to ignore me?”, Sam asks as they approach the small coffee shop.

Steve takes in the architectural beauty of the building; red brick with black windows and doors, in chunky white letters above the door,  ‘Cakes and Coffee.’ A white and black striped awning is hanging over, covering a couple of outside tables and chairs. The shop sits on the corner of the street; over at the street corner is a two-faced sign, written in beautiful handwriting ‘Today’s Special! Jumbo Cinnamon Rolls!’ Steve stopped to read the sign, tugging a navy ball cap from his pocket.

“What did you say, Sam?”, Steve asked as he opened the door, immediately hit with the sticky sweet smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls.

Sam releases a deep breath, looking up at the sky, asking someone, somewhere, to send him some patience as he follows the super soldier into the little shop.

The coffee shop is pretty busy with people sitting at tables inside, sipping their coffee, working on their phones or laptops. Steve pauses to look around; one of the walls is the same red brick as the exterior, while the other walls have been painted an off-white. He also noted the art they had hanging on the walls, Steve had an eye for art. When he was younger, he won a gold medal for his artistic abilities in the “Art of the Future” contest. He noticed a sizeable wooden shelf against the exposed brick wall, filled with bags of coffee beans and already ground coffee available for purchase. Steve hops in line; he looks up at the board above the register at all the hot coffees, lattes, hot chocolates, and iced coffees they have. The price is much better than his usual spot; his eyes then fall to the case of treats. Blueberry, cranberry orange muffins, lemon blueberry scones, apple turnovers, donuts, about six different cookies, and cupcakes with flavors he has never heard of.  On top in a smaller case sat the jumbo cinnamon rolls, icing cooled as it melted down the sides. Steve’s mouth watered.

“Can I help you?”

Steve blinks at the young woman behind the counter; she’s a peppy little blonde with a big smile. He reads her name tag, Amy. “Uh, medium black coffee and three of those.” He points to the cinnamon rolls. “And whatever he wants.”, he gestures to Sam behind him.

“Cinnamon latte and an apple turnover, please.”, Sam says with a smile and a wink.

“Your total is fifteen sixty-five.”, Amy smiles, “Alright, gentlemen, what is the name? And will that be for here or to go?”, she asked, swiping Steve’s card.

“Wilson and to go, please.”, Sam pipes up.

She writes the name on the receipt, “If you gentlemen would move down that way, your order will be ready in a few minutes.”

They move over to the area designated for picking up orders; Steve shoves his hands in the pockets of his joggers, looking around at the place. He could see himself enjoying a cup of coffee while reading a book; he loves the natural light the ample windows allow. Does he hear jazz music? He looks around, spotting an Alexa on the wooden shelf with the coffee ground next to a plant.

There is a commotion behind the counter, a hissing sound, and liquid hitting the floor.

“Oh crap!”, Amy says before hollering into the kitchen, “Aubrey! Can you fill these orders? The coffee machine is doing that thing again!”

Steve watches as the kitchen door swings open; she has to be at least five foot ten, just five inches short than him, medium-length strawberry hair piled on top of her head; she’s dressed in a black t-shirt covered with flour and dark blue jeans hugging her ass and thighs, a peach-colored apron tied around her waist. When the sunlight hit her face, Steve noticed her nose and full cheeks were lightly dusted with freckles; her ocean eyes popped from behind her thick-framed black glasses.

She quickly got to work filling orders, glanced in his direction, doing a double take, and her cheeks pinked up. Steve realized he was caught staring. He quickly looked away, but not before Sam noticed. The other man nudges him, making a face saying, ‘Stop that.’ But he couldn’t look away; god, she was beautiful and young, too young for him. Sam rolled his eyes; yeah, that wasn’t going away anytime soon.

“Wilson!”, she hollered, even her voice was alluring. She walked towards the pick side of the long counter.

Steve quickly stepped forward before Sam could. “That’s me.”, he said quickly.

The trade-off was somewhat awkward; Steve fumbled with the small to-go bag of his cinnamon rolls and Sam’s apple turnover.

“Enjoy.”, she said sweetly, smiling at him.

Steve beamed, “Oh, I will…..” He looked her up and down again, taking in her thick body; God, she’s beautiful. He noticed how she bit her lip as he brazenly checked her out. 

Sam cleared his throat behind him, raising an expectant eyebrow. Steve passed his coffee and turnover back.

“Aubrey! I can’t tell if these muffins are done or not!”, a man yelled from the kitchen.

“I better go.”, she smiled, stepping away from the counter, “Come back again.” She smiled; Steve’s knee’s felt weak. He stepped out of the way, watching as she turned on her heels and walked back to the kitchen.

Once outside and out of people’s earshot, Sam piped up like Steve knew he would. “What the hell was that?”, he asked with a shit-eating grin, “Was Steve Rogers flirting?”

Steve carefully dug into the bag, narrowly avoiding spilling his hot coffee down his compression shirt. “I have noidea what you’re talking about.”, he said, stuffing a large amount of the cinnamon roll in his mouth. It was the perfect bite, lightly sweetened, yeasty, buttery, with that punch of cinnamon in the brown sugar filling and the sweet, tangy goodness from the cream cheese icing. “Oh my god, Sam.”, he said, rolling his eyes back, “This is the best cinnamon roll I think I’ve ever had!”

Sam scuffs, taking a sip of his latte. “I don’t know who is better at avoiding their feelings, you or Stark.”

Steve scowled as he chewed another large bite of the gooey cinnamon roll, washing it down with a swig of coffee. They stopped at the corner between Sam’s house and Steve’s apartment like they always did. He sighed. “I’m not avoiding my feelings. I just don’t want to talk about them.”, he said, heading towards his apartment building.

Sam stood there blinking, watching his friend walk away. “You realize that’s the same thing, right?”, he hollered. Steve raised his cup in the air shaking his head; Sam rolled his eyes and turned towards his house.  

Steve smiled as he started on his second cinnamon roll; he could see his apartment building a block away. He’s been out of the ice for over a decade, and acclimating into the twenty-first century has had its ups and downs. SHIELD had been helpful; he enjoyed going on missions with Natasha and STRIKE before he found out that HYDRA had been growing under their nose the entire time. After that whole debacle, Steve decided to stay in DC and help set up SWORD, the Sentient World Observation, and Response Department. Steve will never know why the names always had to be a mouth full. But he felt comfortable with Director Maria Hill at the helm; she was perfect for the job.

For the most part, Steve thought he was thriving. He meets with Sam three mornings a week to jog; when he doesn’t jog with Sam, he’s at SWORD’s gym. He meets with Natasha and Clint when they are in the area for dinner; sometimes, he travels to visit Bruce. When he’s not at SWORD or on Missions with the Avengers, Steve is at home. He can’t complain about much, he has his apartment with an amazing view that he owns and a decent size nest egg in his account, hanks to his military back pay from the years he was frozen and his current employment. He’s a lot better off than he was in nineteen forty-three; growing up during the Great Depression was an experience compared to the present time. It made him thankful for the little things, with millions living in poverty and having little to eat, let alone money to spare. Both his parents were Irish immigrants, which was an added hardship. The Irish were not received well in America during that time; they were accused of spreading diseases, suffered racial slurs, and were blamed for the unsanitary conditions in which many were forced to live.

His father, Joseph, died during World War I, just two months and four days before Steve was born. He was leaving his wife, Sarah, to fend for herself and their newborn son he would never get to meet. Sarah faced her struggles as a widow Irish immigrant; women had minimal rights in the twenties. Adding on the fact that she had a sickly child to take care of, thankfully, she could find work as a Nurse. They barely made ends meet, but Steve was raised to appreciate what he had. After all, there were those less fortunate than them. Unfortunately, in nineteen thirty-six, at the age of eighteen, Steve lost his mother; she had been working in a tuberculosis ward and ended up with the deadly disease. Thankfully he wasn’t alone, he had Bucky after all. Since childhood, his best friend was always willing to step in and take a punch or throw one for Steve. Being a sickly child with his parentage, he might as well have had a target painted on his back. If it wasn’t for Bucky, he sighed at the thought of his childhood best friend. He needed to call him soon; he was thriving in Wakanda.

Steve had finished the last bite of his breakfast as he reached his apartment building. As he entered the building, he shook his head as if that would clear the negative thoughts about his past. He waved to the security guard Doug at the crescent-shaped desk as he checked his mail. Taking the stairs to avoid any unwanted interactions with his neighbors, he took the stairs two at a time.

He came to his floor, digging the keys from his pocket, when the neighbor in four B opens her door. Juliette walks out, dressed in sweats with a basket loaded with scrubs; she’s a nurse at Sibley Memorial Hospital. He chuckles at the comparison to his first neighbor, “Kate,” aka Sharon Carter.

“Hey, neighbor!”, she beamed, pulling her dark brown hair into a ponytail.

“How’s it goin’?”, he asked, unlocking his door.

She shrugged, “Oh, you know, working the night shift.” She gestured to the basket, “Gotta get these going so I can crash. You?”

Steve nodded, “Eh, same old same old, can’t complain. Don’t work too hard.”, he said, slipping into his apartment.

Once inside and the door shut, he locked it immediately. He sighed, leaning on the door. Home sweet home, he pushed off the door, walked into the kitchen where he tossed his empty coffee cup and paper sack in the trash. He looked around his apartment; the open floor plan allowed him to look into the living room from the kitchen. He loved the style of his apartment, Pepper called the style industrial chic. There were exposed brick, reclaimed wood pieces such as his bookshelves held up by iron bars, and exposed rafters. He had a loft that he used as a studio, the big windows allowed so much sunlight that it would have been a shame not to take advantage. Down the hall from the living room was his master bedroom with his custom, super soldier grade bed and ensuite bathroom with a large bathtub. Yes, he made sure to install one when he bought the place. He likes to soak after challenging missions. Across the hall from his bedroom was a smaller one with an ensuite bathroom.

With a sigh, Steve instructed Alexa to play his playlist; contrary to popular belief, he does know how to use his iPhone and his laptop, but did he still enjoy acting dumb around people who treated him with kid gloves? Abso-fucking-lutely!  Loverboy started playing through the sound system; he began to move around singing along with ‘Working for the Weekend.’ Yes, Steve Rogers loves eighties music, don’t get him wrong, he still loves his jazz, mainly when he is up in his studio.

Steve sank into his marshmallow-soft couch, checking the time. It was only a little after eleven in the morning. His mind wandered back to the girl in the coffee shop, Aubrey. Would two visits in one day be too much? Probably. He could go back Sunday morning, skip going to SWORD’s gym, get another run, and then head over to the coffee shop. Yes! That works! Steve lay back, hands tucked behind his head, a smile on his face.

The sun hadn't yet started to peek over the top of the nation's capital; birds chirped offers in the distance, waking up for the day, and a cool morning breeze blew through the trees rustling the leaves. Aubrey sighed happily as she unlocked the bakery door; she quickly typed in the passcode, not wanting to set off the alarm. Sunday mornings were her favorites, there wasn't a rush of people. She was the only one in the bakery for an hour before the openers showed up for their shifts.

Aubrey walks into the kitchen, flips on the lights, grabs her apron, pulls it over her head, and ties it off behind her. She sits her phone on the work table off the corner, pops in her earbuds, and clicks on her Spotify list. The smooth voice of Corinne Bailey Rae fills the silence with ‘Put Your Records On.’ She flicks on the oven, spinning around and dancing as she moves over to the industrial refrigerator, pulling out eggs, milk, unsalted butter, and ricotta cheese. She gathered her dry ingredients, flour, sugar, salt, and snagged a bag of lemons.

Before she knows it, Aubrey has a tray of ricotta cheese danishes with lemon zest.

The cafe is flowing with customers, and orders of coffee and lattes are pouring in. Amy and Sasha are fluttering about filling orders; Zak, her fellow baker and best friend, is filling the display case with their regular goodies.

Aubrey pushes the door open; her eyes immediately land on the man from yesterday.  Tall, blonde, blue eyes, neatly trimmed bearded jaw, and muscles for days. Yep, that's him, alright. But today, he’s opted for black running shorts and a blue compression shirt that barely fits his broad chest; the sleeves hug his upper arms, making his biceps look massive. His blonde hair peeks out from under a black baseball cap, and when his cerulean blue eyes meet hers, Aubrey forgets to breathe.

She stumbled forward, the tray hitting the door frame. Littering the floor with her perfect ricotta cheese danishes, her face flushes red as she looks up at the man. He looks concerned; Aubrey quickly ducts back into the kitchen.

Zak raised an eyebrow at Aubrey when she plastered herself against the wall. “What’s wrong with you?”, he asked, arranging a tray of muffins.

“I dumped a tray of today’s special on the floor.”, she said, covering her red face.

“You did what?”, he asked, trying not to laugh.

Aubrey sighed, pulling her hands down and shooting him a look. “You heard me.”

“What happened?”, he asked, grabbing the tray and moving toward the door.

Aubrey turned to look out the kitchen door window, “See that guy there?”, she pointed toward her mystery man.

Zak looks through the window, “Muscles?” Looking at his friend, “He's hot.” He wagged his eyebrows.

Aubrey groaned, “I know that's the problem!”, she whined.

Zak laughed, “People come and go outta here all the time.”, he shrugged, pushing the door with his hip. “The chances of you seeing him again is slim.”, he tried to reassure her.

“Two days, Zak, in a row he’s been here.”, she said, holding up two fingers.

Zak chuckled, “I doubt he will come back.”

Aubrey took a deep breath; maybe Zak was right. What are the odds of him making Cakes and Coffee his new regular spot?

Boy, was she wrong!

Monday, Muscle Man showed up again, this time in a fitted navy suit that hugged his thighs and ass with a powder blue shirt and no tie. The top buttons of his shirt were open, exposing just a peak of blonde chest hair. Aubrey felt her mouth go dry; the smell of burning muffins quickly stole her attention as she rushed back into the kitchen. Sadly, the muffins didn’t make it.

Tuesday, he returned. When she heard his sweet as caramel voice ask for a black coffee and a lemon blueberry scone, she peeked up into the window of the kitchen door. Today he was dressed in jogger shorts that showed off his powerful legs, a grey Under Armor shirt, and a black baseball cap. Aubrey almost burnt the cinnamon raisin bread.

Wednesday, he was back again, clearly making Cakes and Coffee his regular coffee place. Today he must have been out to stop her heart completely because those tight grey joggers hugging his thighs and ass made it impossible not to notice the way his muscles moved and flexed under the fabric, a long sleeve red compression shirt clung to his thick arms; his hat was flipped backward today. He smiled when he saw Aubrey leaving the kitchen. That morning’s tray of chocolate croissants ended up on the floor, and Aubrey was red-faced in the kitchen.

Friday

“Can we kick him out? Ban him from the bakery?”, Aubrey asks Zak as she liberates the just-this-side-of-overdone strawberry white chocolate cookies from the baking sheet. “He’s a liability to my baked goods!”, she pouted, looking at the sad state of today’s special.

Muscle Man had come in dressed in a navy compression top and what looked like matching kevlar pants and heavy boots; he flashed a wary smile when he ordered a large cup of coffee and six apple cinnamon muffins. He gave her a wink from the kitchen doorway when his tired blue eyes met hers, peeking around the door; her brain miss fired, which led to this morning’s disaster.

“Looks like you’re the liability, not him.”, Zak replies, shrugging, raising his brow, and snagging one of the cookies that ended up being too burnt to place in the display case. He stuffs half of the thing in his mouth and gives Aubrey a thumbs up. Pleased they aren’t a total loss, Aubrey sets aside the acceptable ones.

“Well, it’s not my fault.”, she huffs in annoyance, moving the cookies with a gloved hand, “He’s like too good-looking to be real.”

“No, you’re right. Nobody but a Greek god should have those muscles.”, Zak agrees, polishing off the rest of the cookie, “But you practically shut down every time he walks in here, and it’s obvious this is his new coffee spot.” Zak dusts off his hands, “You just need to talk to him already and save us a lot of trouble.”

“Trouble?”, Aubrey huffs, scowling at him.

Zak nods, “You deal with crushes the way my thirteen-year-old nephew does.”, he says flatly. “It’s driving us all crazy.”

“I do not!”, Aubrey said, affronted, checking the front before walking out with the cookies; she placed them in the case and hurried back.

Zak raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. “He is obviously into you, so stop hiding!”

Aubrey scuffed, adjusting her glasses. “You can't possibly know that.”  How could somebody like that be interested in somebody like this? She thought, suddenly aware of how tight her jeans and shirt were.

“He is in here daily! And trust me, he doesn't want Amy, Sasha, or me at the register. He looks at the kitchen every time, for fucks sake.”, he said, walking towards the front. “All I’m saying is think about it!”, he called over his shoulder.

Aubrey thought about it for about two seconds, then decided she’d live in the kitchen the rest of her life. Yep, solid plan!

Saturday morning, no baked goods were at risk. Aubrey had come to work an hour early; today's cinnamon twists made it to the display case.

“Aub, can you watch the register for me?”, Sasha asked as she walked out the kitchen door with a tray of cupcakes in her hand.

“Sure.”, she replies, not bothering to look around the shop. She really should have looked.

Aubrey dusted the flour off her hands as she placed the tray of brown butter peach cupcakes with a bourbon buttercream frosting in the case. She was proud of these, the frosting swirl was perfect! Duff Goldman would be proud.

“Excuse me, miss?”

Oh no, the honey, thick and sweet voice.

Aubrey slowly looked up; there he was, muscle man in all his muscular glory. She gulped, seeing the sleeves rolled up of his crisp white button-up shirt, exposing his thick muscle corded arms, dark sunglasses hanging at the open buttons, revealing a bit of chest hair. Jesus Christ, was he doing that on purpose? Tease the fat bakery girl. Dark-washed jeans clung to his thighs, and oh, that ass. His hair is mussed up, his beard neat, and his blue eyes shine in the morning light.

“Y-yes?”, she stuttered, feeling her cheeks heat up.

He smiled at her, “Hi, I’d like four of those cupcakes you just placed in there and a small black coffee, please.”, he gestured to the case.  

She silently nodded, grabbing a box; she began to assemble his order. “Did you make those?”, he asked.

Aubrey blinked at him, “Uh, yeah, I mean yes. I did. I made those brown butter peach cupcakes; they have a bourbon buttercream.” She placed the cupcakes in the box, “I do a majority of the baking.”, she said, closing the box and putting a sticker on the seal. “Baking is a passion of mine.”

Muscle Man smiled at her, Aubrey felt her knees go weak. 

“You're really talented.”, he said, tugging his wallet from his jeans.

“T-thank you.”, Aubrey replied, pouring his coffee.

“Anytime.”, he flashed another knee-weakening smile as she started to ring up his order.

Aubrey blushed hard. “Your total is sixteen twenty-three.”, she said, happy not to stutter this time.

“I’m Steve, by the way.”, he offered, swiping his card.

“I’m Aubrey.”, she said, pulling his receipt to hand to him.

He pulled out a twenty, stuffing it in the tip jar and grabbing the box of goodies and his small black coffee. “Cute.”, Steve said, flashing her a smile. “Have a good day, Aubrey.”

Aubrey watched his denim-clad ass walk out the door, biting her lip as he placed his sunglasses on. She saw Sasha walk out of the restroom, winking at her and mouthing, “Your welcome.” Aubrey glared at her as she made a beeline to the kitchen. Nearly smacking Zak in the face, from how close he was standing next to it.

“So, how’d did go?”, Zak asked, leaning against the counter. “Did you get Muscle Mans’s number?”

“His name is Steve, and no, I didn't get his number.”, Aubrey said, sliding on some gloves. “I barely made it through that conversation with my dignity intact.”

Zak laughed as he returned to filling his monster cookie sandwiches.

“Aubrey, can I have a quick word?”

Aubrey looked over her shoulder; Greg, her elderly boss, stood in the doorway leading to the back of the building.

“Sure.”, she smiled, “Hey Zak watch those mini quiches for me?”, she asked.

Zak gave a thumbs up over his head.

Aubrey followed her boss to his office.

“Have a seat.”, he gestured to the chair across from his little desk.

Aubrey sat down, her heart thumping wildly in her chest.

Greg settled into the rickety old chair behind his desk, “The Real estate agent called me this morning .”, he stated; his face was unreadable. “I know we’re supposed to do this through the proper channels, but...I accept your offer.”

Aubrey let out a deep breath she hadn't realized she was holding. “Really?”, she asked.

He smiled and nodded, “We will close the deal in a month.”, he said, holding a hand out.

Aubrey took his hand happily, “Thank you so much, Mister Jenkins.”

Greg waved his hand, “None of that; I’m not your boss anymore.” He chuckled, “Oh, I almost forgot.” He dug a set of keys from his desk drawer. “These are to the apartment upstairs. You're welcome to do what you please with it,”

Aubrey took the keys and thanked him multiple times as she left his office. Despite the mishaps earlier during the week, Aubrey was on cloud nine. She would finally get to make her dreams a reality. She knew Muscle Man's first name now, Steve. Life was pretty good.

Chapter Text

The smell of bacon frying, light caramel, the almost nutty scent of coffee brewing, and the ding of the bell in the kitchen welcomed Steve as he walked into Patty’s Diner. The black and white checkered flooring and old red padded booths are tabled and lined with chrome. Lunch counter with red padded stools, regular older men sit at the counter chatting back and forth, drinking coffee, and eating biscuits and gravy. 

He spotted Natasha waving at him from the back corner. He nodded to the waitress, stopping at the counter to pour himself a cup of coffee; he was a regular fixture at Patty’s. 

“Hey guys.”, Steve greeted as he hurried into the booth next to Sam. 

“So tell me about this baker girl.”, Natasha asked.

“Hello Steve, how are you this morning? Oh, I’m good; thanks for asking Natasha.”, Steve said before sipping his coffee. 

Nat rolled her eyes, “Hello Steve, how are you this morning? Tell me about the baker girl.”, she smiled, cradling her chin with her hands, elbows on the table. 

Clint snorted, sipping his coffee. 

Sam, the traitor, had spilled about Steve’s frequent visits to Cakes and Coffee. 

“How’s the family, Clint?”, Steve asked, trying to change the subject. 

Clint opened his mouth to reply when Nat spoke up, “No way, Rogers, spill.”, she insisted, “I heard you've been there every day this week.” 

Steve scowled at Sam, who made his best impression of innocence. 

“Please tell me you got her number at least.”, Natasha said, sipping her milkshake. Who orders a strawberry shake with breakfast anyway? 

Steve sighed, knowing she’d do a full background check on Aubrey if he didn't give her something. “No, I didn’t get her number.”, he admitted licking his lips nervously. “I did get her name yesterday morning.”, he smiled proudly. 

Before anyone could reply, Carol, the waitress, walked over with a tray loaded with plates. They had been coming here enough that she knew their orders; her kind brown eyes and graying hair wrapped in a tight bun on her head. 

“Here we go, kids.”, she smiled, grabbing the first plate. “Spinach omelet with a side of bacon for Natasha.”, she said, placing the plate in front of Natasha. 

“Stack of hot cakes with a side of sausage for Clint.”, she sat the plate in front of Clint, pinching his cheek playfully. 

“French toast with a side of bacon, for Sam.”, she sat the plate in front of Sam with a wink. 

“And a Rogers special, a double stack of hot cakes, two sides of bacon, and two sides of sausage for Steve.”, she smiled, sitting two plates in front of Steve.

“Thank you.”, they all replied happily. 

“You guys enjoy.”, she smiled and headed back to the counter to grab the next table order.

They all started to dig into their breakfast; Steve thought he saw the light at the end of the tunnel. 

“So, you're telling me”, Clint paused, taking a drink of orange juice before stuffing another fork full of pancake into his mouth, “that you went there every day for a week and only got her name?” 

Steve groaned. 

“Technically, he already knew her name.”, Sam added, taking a bite of his powdered sugar-dusted french toast.

“You're a real Benedict Arnold, you know that?”, Steve said as he sliced into his first stack of hot cakes with a little more force than necessary. 

Natasha raised an eyebrow, “Really?”, a knowing smile on her face. Steve hated when she gave him that look; it was like she could read his mind, which was a scary thought given who she was. 

Sam hummed as he washed down his french toast with coffee, “Her name is Aubrey.”, he supplied happily. 

Steve frowned, there would be no quarter on their run next week for this traitor.

Clint popped his head up, smiling as he chewed. “Awe, that's a cute name. It still doesn't explain why you don't have her number.”, he said, giving a shit-eating grin before stuffing more pancakes into his mouth. 

Natasha nodded, “Yeah.”, she jerked her thumb toward Clint, “What he said.” 

Steve looked down into his coffee cup, wishing he could dive into it to get out of this conversation. “Shewashidingfromme.”, he mumbled. 

“I’m sorry, what?”, Natasha asked, leaning closer towards the super soldier. 

Clint nodded, “I can read lips, and I didn't even catch that.”, he added.

Steve huffed, “She was avoiding me.”, he said. 

Clint and Natasha shared a look.

“How old is this baker girl?”, Natasha asked curiously as she sliced another piece of her omelet. 

Steve shrugs, biting into a piece of crispy bacon. 

“She looked young, college kid, maybe.”, Sam offered, squawking when Steve pinched his leg under the table. 

Clint's eyebrows shot up, “Tony is gonna have a field day.” He chuckled as he picked up his coffee cup.  

“Is she cute?”, Natasha asked, watching Steve’s face. 

Steve smiled at the memory of Aubrey knocking into the doorway and dropping a tray of something that smelled good on the floor.  The way she blushed profoundly and squeaked when she noticed he was looking. 

“That face says it all.”, Clint smiled, pointing his fork at Steve.

Thankfully, the subject changed to what project Clint was starting next at the farmhouse. Steve was suspicious, it wasn't like Natasha Romanoff to give up easily. He wanted to ask what gives but was afraid the conversation would lead to more embarrassment, and Steve wasn’t about to look a gift horse in the mouth. 

Steve’s phone went off halfway through their breakfast, followed by Sam’s phone. SWORD was calling. 

Sam wiped his mouth with his napkin tossing it on his plate, “A man can’t even finish his breakfast.”, he grumbled. 

Steve grabbed two pancakes, put bacon in the middle, and made a sandwich. 

Natasha raised her eyebrow at him, and Steve shrugged. “I gotta eat.”, he said, taking a big bite and smiling.

She watches her friends leave before turning to Clint, who just pushed his empty plate away. 

“Laura still has you on that diet?”, she asked. 

Clint wiggled back in his seat, giving a content sigh. “Yeah, but what she don’t know won’t hurt her.”, he said, patting his food baby.  

Natasha rolled her eyes, “Feel like doing some recon?”, she said, sipping up the last of her milkshake.  

Clint shrugged, “Why not? But if this goes bad, I’m telling Steve this was all your fault.”, he said. 

Natasha blinked, she wasn’t afraid of Steve Golden Retriever Rogers. “Fair enough.”, she said before shooting her hand up, “Check, please!”

The sun was shining, the late July wind blew lazily through the city. Aubrey walked side by side with Zak and Kash, her three-year-old black and sable German Shepherd, happily walking ahead of them, his padded blue harness wrapped securely around his chest. 

“So his name is Steve? No last name?”, Zak asked, plopping another spoon full of ice cream in his mouth. “Sounds like a serial killer or something. I feel like I recognize him from somewhere.”, he added. 

Aubrey rolled her eyes, “America’s Most Wanted? And you told me to talk to him.” 

Zak shrugged as they started up the long path towards the Smithsonian; people moved in and out of the building and surrounding buildings. 

Zak stopped in his tracks as they walked past the building. Aubrey was engulfed in her phone. She stopped when he did, Kash sitting by her feet, long pink tongue sticking out of his mouth as he huffed because they stopped. 

“Aubrey…”, Zak said, pointing to a giant banner. His friend didn’t look up. “Aubrey!”, he said a little louder. 

“What?”, she asked, not bothering to look up. 

Zak grabbed his friend’s chin, “I found out Muscle Man’s last name!” He moved her face in the direction he was looking. 

Aubrey blinked, “Holy shit!”, she said, probably too loud for a crowded sidewalk on a Saturday in the middle of the day. 

Ahead of them was a large banner promoting the Captain America exhibit. 

Zak smiled wildly, “Aubrey, Captain Freakin American has been lusting after you.” 

Aubrey frowned, tugging Kash’s leash. “Come on.”, she said as they two walked on, leaving Zak to catch up. “No, Zak. Steve Rogers has been flirting with me.”, she corrected once he caught up. 

Zak rolled his eyes, “Amy said he looked at you like he wanted to eat you up; that is lusting, not flirting.” 

Aubrey huffed, “Why am I friends with you?” 

“Because we both love Taco Tuesdays and Star Wars, and nobody else will put up with your crazy ass.”, he smiled, jumping to the side when she tried to punch his shoulder. “That we’re platonic soulmates, this….”, he gestured between them, “Was just meant to be.” 

Aubrey sighed, this was true; Zak was her roommate, her best friend, her brother from another mother, and her platonic soulmate. 

“Whatever.”, she laughed, “We have to head back soon; I’m taking the afternoon shift.” 

Monday

Clint walked into Cakes and Coffee, immediately inhaling deeply. It smelled like sugary coffee heaven, and he was here for it! He noticed the girl at the register, she was young, with light strawberry hair that reminded him of Pepper but just a bit darker; that must be Steve’s baker. He moseyed around the bakery taking in the décor; he walked over to the shelf and looked at the packages of coffee beans for sale. 

Aubrey was handling the register, hoping that Steve wouldn’t come in today; she wasn’t sure if her little heart could take it. 

“Have a great day.”, she smiled, handing over a skinny latte with three pumps of caramel and extra whipped cream. There was nothing skinny about that latte now. 

She noticed a man mulling around, looking at everything, almost like he was appraising the place. When he saw the line had cleared up, he walked to the counter, sliding his sunglasses on top of his head. 

He looked her over quickly, spotting her name tag. He smiled like a cat who got the cream; he nodded as if he approved. 

“Can I help you?”, she asked, willing her face not to show how uncomfortable she was. 

He leaned on the counter, “Iced caramel coffee and six of those double chocolate chunk cookies, please.” 

Clint watched as she added the cookies to a little brown sack. “Are these made fresh daily?”, he asked. 

Aubrey looked up, “Everything in the display case is made fresh daily or prepped the night before.” She gave him a friendly smile. 

Aubrey pulled a paper cup from the stack, pulling a marker from her pocket. “Name?”, she asked.

“Clint.”, he smiled. 

She quickly whipped up his iced coffee and handed over his order. “Here you go, thanks for stopping by.”, she said with a friendly smile.

Clint nodded, “Thanks, have a good day.” He smiled, sliding his sunglasses back down as he left. 

“Well, that was weird.”, Aubrey mumbled to herself.

Tuesday

Bruce ducked into the little coffee shop, he didn’t like being drug into these sorts of things. Whatever Steve did on his own time was no concern of his, but when Clint wouldn’t shut up about how great the cookies were and how fresh the coffee tasted, he finally gave in. As he walked in, people moved aside, looking at him in shock. He just smiled, giving a little wave; he was used to people gawking at him. 

If it were a few years ago, he’d be embarrassed and bothered by the stares, but ever since he embraced the Hulk and they merged, so to speak, little things like staring didn’t bother him as much. 

Stuffing his large green hands in his pockets, Bruce looked at the display. Today’s special was salted caramel apple macaroons, which looked baked to perfection. 

“Can I help you?”, someone asked. 

Bruce looked down at the young lady standing behind the case; she had a kind smile and didn’t stare at him like the others, which was nice. Her light strawberry hair was pulled into two buns at the base of her head, thick black glasses, and her name tag read ‘Aubrey.’ 

He cleared his throat, “The uh, salted caramel apple macaroons. Are they any good? I don’t think I’ve ever had a macaroon before?” 

“Absolutely, I made them myself this morning.”, she said proudly, adjusting her glasses. 

Bruce nodded, looking at them again. 

“Would you like to try one?”, she asked.

He shook his head, waving his big green hands. “Oh no, that’s o—”

Aubrey smiled, “It’s on the house; I don’t mind a bit. No sense in buying them if you don’t like them, right?”, she said, sliding a gloved hand into the case. She placed the little sandwich cookie on a napkin and handed it over. 

“Thank you.”, Bruce nodded. He took a bite of the little cookie, the shell was perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. There was a satisfying crunch; the filling was a creamy buttercream filling that tasted like a caramel apple and just a hit of salt that balanced the whole cookie out. He hummed happily as he plopped the rest into his mouth,m. “Wow, that was amazing.”, he said. 

Aubrey beamed, “I’m glad you like it.” 

“I’ll take a dozen and a small chi tea, please.”, he said, looking at the colorful chalkboard above her head. 

“Sure thing.”,  she said, grabbing a cup and a marker. “Name?”, she asked. 

Bruce blinked; everybody knew his name, literally everybody. “Uh, B-Bruce.”, he said. 

“All right Bruce, if you’ll step over, Sasha will total you up. And over there is the pick-up; we’ll call your name when it’s ready.”, she said, writing his name on the cup. 

As he walked out of the bakery with a little bag of goodies in hand, he looked down at his cup, smiling at the recycled symbol on it. While he was taken aback, the young lady wasn't like the usual women Natasha set Steve up with. He was pleasantly surprised; then again, it is pretty possible Nat never really asked Steve what type of woman he preferred, or man. 

Bruce doesn’t judge. 

Zak watched the tall green man walk to the door; he slid up next to Aubrey. “Hey, is that—“

“Shh..”, Aubrey said, waiting until Bruce ducked out of the building. 

Zak was nearly vibrating out of his skin, “Holy shit! That was the Hulk….well, Bruce Banner. Holy Shit, Aubrey, he was in the shop!” Zak squeaked. 

Aubrey rolled her eyes, “Yes, Zak, I know; I served him.” 

“What! Really what did he say? Was he like Hulky? What did he order?”, he asked, following her to the kitchen. 

Aubrey rolled her eyes. “He was very nice.”, she said, washing her hands. 

Zak deflated, “That’s all you are giving me, isn’t it?”, he asked. 

“Yup!”, she replied happily. 

Wednesday

Natasha checked her reflection before sliding out of the seat of her black Corvette Stingray. As she entered the little shop, she pulled her sunglasses off and looked around. It was a cute little bakery, decent amount of people going in and out. She walked up to the display case; the special of the day was honey buns. Thick, lightly browned with a laying of icing over the top, they looked delicious. 

She looked behind the counter, clocking a tall, somewhat built man, his brown hair longer on top, almost fluffy, and the sides faded. He was laughing with a woman a few inches shorter than him, her light strawberry hair braided into two french braids resting on her shoulder. She seemed comfortable with the man; when she turned, Natasha caught her name tag ‘Aubrey.’ 

She raised an eyebrow, taking in the younger woman’s curves and full cheeks. Her dark glasses rested on her freckle dusted nose, full cheeks pink from laughing. 

Natasha cleared her throat, “Excuse me.”, he called over the counter. 

“Holy mother of God.”, Zak said, eyeing the redhead. 

Aubrey rolled her eyes. “We can’t afford a lawsuit.”, she whispered at him as he walked towards the counter. 

“Can I help you, ma’am.”, he asked with a smile. 

Aubrey rolled her eyes, going to the register. 

“Are the honey buns any good?”, she asked, her voice smokey. 

Aubrey watched as Zak attempted to flirt with the redhead, who obviously had no interest in him. She did, however, keep glancing over at Aubrey. 

“Natasha!”, Aubrey hollered out into the crowded bakery. She sighed when she noticed it was the redhead, her heels clicking on the floor as she walked. 

“That’s me.”, she said, taking her honey bun and the double shot of expresso white mocha coffee. “Thank you very much.” 

Aubrey smiled, “You’re welcome.” 

Natasha turned to walk away but stopped. “Are you the baker?”, she asked. 

“I’m the head baker, yes. The man you were flirting with over there is my assistant baker.”, Aubrey replied. 

Natasha raised an eyebrow, she liked this little firecracker. “Interesting. How old are you?”

Aubrey was taken aback by the question, “I-I’m twenty-six.”, she replied. 

Natasha schooled her expression, “I heard this place was changing owners. Will you still have a job when it happens?”, she asked. 

Aubrey cleared her throat, “Yes, I will, because I’m buying it.”

“Oh, so you’re buying the place, that’s great. The world needs more female business owners.”, Natasha said.

“Will that be all?”, Aubrey asked rather shortly.

Natasha turned to leave. “Have a good day,” she nodded. 

“You too.”, Aubrey smiled. 

Amy asked, “That was Black Widow, wasn’t it?”, as she walked up next to Aubrey.

Aubrey nodded, “I think so.”, she replied. 

“What are the odds…”, Amy shrugged, grabbing a couple of cups, “Might want to go check on Zak in the kitchen. I think he might be having a heart attack.” 

Aubrey walked into the kitchen, finding Zak over mixing some batter. “Hey, you okay?”, she asked. 

Zak nodded, smiling, “We had a moment, Black Widow and I.”, he replied. 

Aubrey’s brows shot up, and a laugh escaped her, “Really?”, she asked. 

Zak nodded, “She’ll be back. You just wait and see.” 

“Yeah, okay, Zak.”, she laughed, patting his back and making a mental note to toss out whatever he was over mixing. 

Thursday

Sasha yawned from behind the counter as the morning rush slowly filtered out of the building when out of nowhere, Iron Man landed on the sidewalk in front of the bakery. The patrons outside the door jumped, one woman spilled her coffee, and a man nearly fell to the ground. Sasha watched as the red and gold suit slowly crawled away as Tony Stark walked into the shop. 

He looked around, pulling off his blue-tinted glasses, “Well, this place is just adorable.”, he said, walking up to the counter. He leaned an elbow on the counter as he looked around for someone. “I’m really digging the vibe in here. Hey, I’m looking for Aubrey. Do you know where I can find her?”, he asked. 

Sasha nodded quickly, turning on her heels; she ran into the kitchen. 

Aubrey was off her own world listening to her baking playlist as she piped pate a choux onto the line baking sheet for tomorrow’s special cream puffs, she was off tomorrow, and Zak bless his heart, could not make choux dough to save his life. 

“Aubrey!” Sasha all but screamed into the quiet kitchen. 

Zak, who stood at the workbench, icing a cupcake, jumped, dropping the cupcake on the floor. “Jesus Christ, Sass!”, he said, grabbing his chest. 

Aubrey looked over her shoulder, frowning in confusion as she pulled an earbud out. “What is—“

“Tony Stark is out in the shop; he’s asking for you.”, Sasha said breathlessly. 

Aubrey’s eyes widened, and her hands tightened around the piping bag, squeezing the dough all over her hands as she squeaked out, “What!” 

Sasha nodded, “He’s out there, waiting for you.” She gestured to the door behind her. 

After her soul reentered her body and she washed her hands, Aubrey followed Sasha out of the kitchen. And sure enough, Tony Stark was standing there, thumping his fingers on the counter. Thankfully, nobody had entered the shop while they all had a quick meltdown in the kitchen. 

“Hello.”, Aubrey smiled as she walked up to the counter. “Can I help you, Mister Stark?”

Tony smiled wide, “Wow, you are a looker; I love a woman with a little extra to grip onto. I love the hair, by the way. Gotta love redheads. I always knew he had a thing for copying me.” He spoke without so much as a breath. 

Aubrey blinked, confused, “Excuse me?” Should she be offended by that comment? Statement? Did the man ever breathe? 

The man waved his hand sporadically, “Anyway, word on the street is you are a fantastic baker. I wanted to see if that was true or not.”, he said, resting his fisting on the display case on each other, cradling his chin. “So Aubrey, what is your favorite item in this case?”, he asked. 

Aubrey blinked slowly, shaking her head. “Um, today’s special is a slice of lemon pound cake with a lemon glaze; the specials are usually my favorites or whatever I feel like baking that day.”, she said, pulling on some gloves. She reached into the cabinet, feeling Tony’s eyes on her. “Here you go.”, she said, handing over the thick slice of pound cake to him on a napkin. 

“Thanks, kid.”, Tony said, accepting the slice. He took a large bite, eyes rolling back dramatically as he chewed. He hummed happily, taking another taste of the lemony sweet, tart, and zingy cake. “Damn, that is good.”, he said, looking at the last bite before tossing it into his mouth. “Got anything to—“

Aubrey put a small to-go cup on the counter, “House blend coffee, two pumps of creamer, and one pump sugar-free caramel.”, she said, pushing it towards him. “De-cafe.”, she added. 

Tony eyed the cup dubiously as he picked it up; he sniffed it and then took a small drink. He made a ‘hey, that’s not half bad’ face and took another long pull from the cup.

 “I can see why Cap is smitten.”, he said quickly, before turning around and walking to the shelf that housed the coffee beans and grounds. 

Aubrey hadn’t even had a moment to process what the man said before he placed six bags of ground on the counter.

 “I want all of that.”, he gestured to the display case. 

“Excuse me?”, she asked, confused. 

Tony nodded, “Yeah, all of that; I’m having my guy drive over here now. My employees are going to love this stuff,” he said, draining the cup. Digging out his wallet, he slid a black card across the counter. Aubrey, in a haze of confusion, rang the man up, sliding his card back over. Which didn’t go unnoticed by Stark, “Your all right, kid; you have my blessing.”, he said, putting on his glasses as a black SUV pulled up. 

A serious-looking man in a black suit walked in. 

 “Hap, look alive.”, Tony said, tossing a bag of coffee ground at the man, “You gonna love this stuff. Make sure all the treats get back to the Tower.”, he said, walking out the door.

Aubrey watched as what looked like little robot bugs crawled over Stark, forming the suit around him. “Oh, don’t touch the lemon pound cake that’s mine.”, Iron Man said before taking off. 

Aubrey turned around, looking at Zak and Sasha peeking out the kitchen door, “What even is my life right now?”, she said, grabbing a stack of boxes. 

Darken the city, night is a wire

Steam in the subway, earth is a afire

Do do do do do do do dodo dododo dodo

Woman, you want me, give me a sign

And catch my breathing even closer behind

Do do do do do do do dodo dododo dodo

It was a beautiful late July morning; it wasn’t quite warm yet, and the slight lazy breezing moving through the city rustled the vibrant green trees. Steve got lost in the music as he jogged around the reflecting pool, moving around people as they walked lazily enjoying the morning. He and Sam had just returned from South Korea late last night. He hadn’t slept much while they were gone or when they came home, his apartment felt lonely. They were escorting a Dr. Choo, working on a temporary serum to enhance soldiers in the field. Steve disagrees with what he’s doing; he is thankful he hasn’t had much success. They brought the doctor to SWORD to see if they could use the formula to create a drug that would boost the stats of wounded soldiers, thus changing battlefield medicine and saving more lives. 

In touch with the ground

I'm on the hunt I'm after you

Smell like I sound, I'm lost in a crowd

And I'm hungry like the wolf

Steve looked up as he moved through a crowd of people; thankfully, nobody seemed to notice him. He blinked, doing a double take at a woman across the pool; she was walking a dog. Her hair looked almost red in the sunlight from under her black ball cap. His heart skipped a beat, he wanted to get closer and see if she was who he thought she was. He picked up his pace, not so much that it would draw attention to himself. 

Straddle the line in discord and rhyme

I'm on the hunt I'm after you

Mouth is alive, with juices like wine

And I'm hungry like the wolf

Steve lost himself listening to the music and watching for the girl in the black hat with the dog; he stopped when he reached the side of the pool that she should be on. Hands on his hips, he took a couple of deep breaths, looking around. Then he heard a laugh sweet as cotton candy, he turned around, and there she was on the steps of the Washington Monument. Aubrey. 

He couldn’t help but smile; she sat with a massive-looking German Shepherd at her side. The dog was lapping water from a collapsible bowl, absolutely making a mess of it. He saw her; strawberry blonde hair pulled away from her face tucked under her cap, a low-cut green tank top exposing just a touch of her creamy-skinned, full breast, tight high-waisted exercise leggings.  He turned to walk towards her when a tall man dressed in joggers and a long sleeve shirt walked over to her, tossing a lightweight grey jacket at her. He said something to her that made her throw her head back, laughing as she handed over the rope-like leash for the dog. She slid the jacket on and then leaned on the man’s shoulders as they talked. 

If it wasn’t for the music in his ears or his heart beating like a jackhammer, he probably could have heard them. With a sigh, Steve turned off his music and pulled out his earbuds, suddenly not in the mood for a run. He started towards his car when he heard a bark, and someone hollered. 

“Kash!” 

Steve looked back to see a dog running towards him, chasing after a leaf. In a quick moment, Steve grabbed the leash and stopped the dog. 

He was crouched down, petting the dog as he sat waiting for his owner to catch up. “Is that your name, Kash?”, he asked, petting the dog as the canine leaned into the pet. “You’re a good boy, huh? Yeah, you are.” 

“Oh my god, Kash.”, Aubrey said, stopping when she reached her dog. “Thank you, so mu—” the words died in her mouth when Steve stood up. “Steve!”, she smiled. 

Steve smiled at her, chest rising and falling rapidly. He looked away, clearing his throat. “I believe this guy belongs to you?”, he said, handing the leash over. 

Aubrey nodded, taking the leash, “Yeah, thank you. He normally doesn’t do that.” 

Steve chuckled, looking down at the dog who looked slightly guilty, looking up between them, with his big golden eyes. 

Aubrey looked down at her feet. “H-how are you? I haven’t seen you in the shop in a week….or s-so.”, she said, kicking herself for revealing that she knows how long he’s been gone. 

Steve smiled, “Work, I had to travel.”, he said, it wasn’t a total lie. “I’ve been missing the coffee and this cute baker.”, he said in a moment of courage. 

Aubrey blushed, “I would say it’s not been the same without you stopping in every day, but things have been somewhat hectic the past week.”, she spoke.

Steve raised a curious brow, “Oh yeah?”, he asked.   

She hummed, “Well, let’s see, Clint Barton, aka Hawkeye, stopped by, and this beautiful redhead who seemed to know what I was thinking and single handy crushed my best friend; he’ll get over it.” She gestured behind to the man on the steps who just waved at them. 

“Doctor Banner dropped by. He’s very sweet, by the way.”, she laughed with a smile. “Then Iron Man landed outside the bakery scaring the crap out of some regulars before buying up everything in the display case.” 

So, Aubrey isn’t dating that guy; good to know. Realizing that his friends essentially stalked the woman he was hardcore crushing on, sank in. “I’m sorry, what?”, he asked.  

She laughed, nodding, “Yup, it was a crazy week without you.”, she said, smiling up at the super soldier. 

Steve groaned, rubbing his face. “I am so sorry.”, he started. 

Aubrey waved the apology with a kind smile, “Don’t worry about it Steve. You couldn’t have known they were going to do that. Besides, I think they were just looking out for their teammate, Captain.”, she said with a mischievous smile. She had no idea where this bravery was coming from; just two weeks ago, she was a babbling, stumbling mess around the man. 

“I should have. I shouldn’t have….”, he started then stopped. Captain? Shit. “So, you know who I am?”, he asked, stuffing his hand into his joggers. 

She nodded, looking up at him. “You’re Steve Rogers.”, she smiled sweetly. 

Steve couldn’t help but smile back; God, she was too pure for him and young. But he was a selfish man, “Would you let me make it up to you?”, he asked. 

She cocked her head, “And how would you do that?”, she asked. 

“Dinner? O-or lunch, next Friday?”, he asked suddenly, unsure of himself. “I know it’s a week off, but I have um….Captain things to do this week.”, he admitted rubbing the back of his neck.  

Aubrey chewed on her lip, “Can I let you know tomorrow?”, she asked, watching as his smile fell. “I need to check my schedule; things are changing in my life right now.”, she said, looking down at her dog, who leaned into her leg. 

Steve nodded, “Yeah, sure. No problem, let me give you my number.”, he said, pulling his phone out. 

They exchanged phones, adding their contact information before handing each other’s phones back. They stood there smiling at each other like a couple of fools until Steve’s phone rang; it was high-pitched and very annoying. Tony was calling. 

Steve frowned at his phone, “I better get going.”

Aubrey nodded, “It was nice seeing you outside the bakery.”, she said, taking a step back, realizing how close they were standing. 

Steve smiled, “I hope we can see each other outside the bakery more.”, he said as his phone went off again. 

They said their goodbyes and Steve took off in the opposite direction as Aubrey headed back towards Zak. 

Zak sat, almost vibrating off the stone steps as his best friend made her way back towards him; he flew up when she reached the bottom step. “What did he say? Did he send the others to the shop? Tell me everything!”, he said quickly. 

Aubrey laughed as he grabbed her arm, wrapping it around his as they headed towards her Jeep. “Well, he had no idea that the other Avengers showed up while he was gone and seemed a little peeved about it.” Zak nodded hastily, wanting more juicer details. “He asked if he could make it up to me.”, she laughed as Zak stopped, jumping up in the air throwing his fist up happily. 

“And you said yes, right? I can’t believe Captain America asked you out. Where are you going? Is taking you somewhere fancy?”, he quickly fired off the questions. 

She rubbed behind her ear, “First off, Steve Rogers asked me out, and secondly, I didn’t exactly say yes.” She watched Zak’s face morph into a state of confusion, “I didn’t say no either; everything is just hectic right now with me buying the bakery and moving into the apartment above it. I have so much to do.”

Zak scuffed, rolling his eyes, “Oh, please, Aubrey.”, he said as they reached her Jeep. 

“You work way too fuckin’ much; let Steve take you out. You guys obviously have a thing for each other. I could see it from where I was sitting.” 

Aubrey thought about it while she opened the door, letting Kash climb into the back seat. “I mean, we zinged, that’s for sure, but I don’t know, Zak. I’m tired of wasting my time.” 

Zak paused, buckling in, “Aub, how will you find your Sunday love if you’re too afraid to take a chance?”, he asked as they both finished buckling in. “I mean, Steve freakin’ Rogers could be your Sunday love. Are you willing to risk it?”, he concluded. 

Aubrey sat back, looking at him, “I hate it when you’re right; it feels wrong.” She mumbled. 

Zak laughed, “I think it feels kind of nice.” 

Steve paced the floor in front of his couch, where his teammates and so-called friends sat, watching him walk a hole into his living room flooring. 

“I can’t believe you guys!”, Steve's voice boomed, rubbing his face, annoyed.

Clint had the excellent sense to flinch; he would have heard that even if he weren't wearing his hearing aids. 

Nat sat poised on his couch with a blank expression, her arms crossed. 

Bruce winced, then sipped his green tea. 

“It’s called looking out for our friend.”, Natasha snapped back. 

Clint and Bruce nodded in agreement. 

Steve huffed, glancing over at Sam. “You got anything to add?”, he asked the other man. 

Sam held his hands up, “Hey man, I don’t agree with how they did what they did.” He started. Natasha shot him an unhappy look, “But, and a very big but, I do understand why they did it. You’re a popular figurehead, Steve, but most importantly, you’re our friend, and nobody wants to see you get burned.” 

Clint nodded, “Seeing you sad is like watching a Bald Eagle cry or something.”, he added. 

Bruce blinked, shaking his head, “I don’t know about that. But I would like to say I approve. Not that it matters in the end what I think, or any of us for that matter.  She was very kind and didn't gawk at me and made me feel like a regular customer.”, Bruce said. 

Clint nodded his head, “Yeah, she is pretty cool.” He turned to Bruce, “Did you try the cookies? Oh my god, they were amazing!” 

Bruce shook his head, “No, I had these salted caramel macaroons they were—” 

Tony cleared his throat from the speaker of Natasha’s phone, “If she got a visit from all of us and didn’t run the other direction or sick Kujo on you, she must be into you too.”, he said. A loud clanging noise echoed from his end, “Shit…”, he muttered. 

Steve fixed a glare at Stark, and Clint snorted. 

“He’s giving me the Captain America is disappointed in you look, isn't he?”, Tony said. 

“Yup.”, Clint laughed. 

Steve scowled. 

“How did it go anyway?”, Sam asked, stretching out on Steve’s couch. “Obviously, you had to have run into her and talk because we wouldn’t be here getting a talking too. Which I would like to add, I had nothing to do with.”

Steve rolled his eyes. “You had everything to do with this. If you would have just stayed quiet.”, he mumbled, looking away from the traitor. “And yes, we bumped into each other and talked.” He admitted as everyone scooted a little closer, waiting. “Iaskedherouttodinner,” he rushed out. 

Clint frowned, sticking his finger in his ear, “I know the batteries are good in these.” 

Bruce chuckled, “None of us caught that one.” 

“Quit dancing around, Cap; I thought you hated those USO days!”, Tony hollered from the other end of the phone. 

Natasha raised an eyebrow, silently saying, ‘get on with it.’

“Fine, I asked her out to dinner next Friday,” Steve said.

A loud clang rattled from the other end of the phone, “What! You assembled us here just to chew our asses out for no reason!”, Tony hollered from the phone. 

Steve’s face pinked a little as he rubbed his bearded jaw. 

“What did she say?”, Natasha asked, leaning forward. 

“She has to check her schedule, but we exchanged numbers.”, he replied. 

Clint clapped his hands, “Hey! My man!”

Steve rolled his eyes, “It’s just dinner.” He mumbled. He wouldn’t admit to his friends that he was nervous she’d turn him down. 

“Just be careful, Steve. This girl is ten years younger than you; she might not be ready for what you are.”, Natasha added. 

Clint frowned thoughtfully, “Well, technically, Steve is older than thirty-six. He’s one—” 

“Not helping, Clint!”, Steve hissed. 

The doorbell rang; that was their pizza delivery. Steve went to the door and thanked the delivery man at least a dozen times for carrying ten pizzas up three flights of stairs. The man left with a big smile and an even bigger tip. 

“I’m sorry, Steve, I’m just trying to look out for you. I value our friendship.” As she joined him in the kitchen, Natasha said, grabbing the paper plates and napkins for him, “She knew who you were the moment she spotted Clint. Regardless of the age difference, she’d be a fool not to say yes .”

Steve nodded. He hoped, he just had this feeling about her. He wanted to see where things went. 

Chapter Text

Aubrey lay in bed fiddling around, staring up at her iPhone, which was open to Steve's contact information. She'd thought about him asking her out all day; work seemed to drag that day. Saturdays usually went by fast too. She sighed, dropping the phone onto her chest; Kash looked up from his spot at the end of her queen-size bed. Once he was sure his beloved human was alright, the German Shepherd yawned, stretched out, settling back into the mattress. His honey golden eyes closed as his breathing started to even out; the canine didn't bother moving when he heard the bedroom open or felt another human flop into the bed.

"Excuse you.", Aubrey mumbled, scooting away from Zak, who had just invited himself into her bedroom.

Zak sighed, "Why are your sheets always so soft?", he asked, rubbing his hands on her dark sheets.

"Because I wash them regularly?", she said, rolling her eyes.

Zak shook his head, "Nah, it's cause you've got them bougie bamboo sheets.", he said, rolling onto his back, head close to her. "Sooooo, did you text him and tell him yes?", he asked.

Aubrey chewed on her lip, "No, and I don't know if I will or not.", she admitted.

Zak frowned, "And why the hell not? You guys totally zinged!", he said, shooting his hands up and dropping them dramatically.

Aubrey shrugged, "I'm scared, Zak.", she admitted. "And that whole thing with my grandfather, I'm sure that's bound to be unearthed."

He reached over, grabbing her hand and linking their fingers together. Zak knew this was more than that; he knew Aubrey was insecure, she had always been. "First off, not every guy out there is a Brad. I mean, look at me..", he gestured with his free hand, "I am living proof that not all men are fuck boy Brads." He pulled her hand up, kissing it, "You're not the same girl you were back then either."

"And secondly, you are not your grandfather. You have never been; look at you doing everything he didn't want you to do. Your grandma would be proud.", he smiled.

Aubrey winced at the mention of her ex's name and grandfather as she chewed on her bottom lip; it was a nervous habit. It was no secret that Zak hated the guy, with good reason. He made her feel guilty for eating certain things and commented about her stomach. He said he only said anything because he loved her; she now knows better but the residual effects of his toxicity remain. Aubrey was too big, she wasn't pretty enough; along with his mind games about her body, he was always jealous of her friendship with Zak, telling her straight men and woman can't be just friends. On several occasions he tried to get her to move out of her shared apartment with Zak, saying it wasn't suitable for his girlfriend to live with another man. Thankfully Zak stood beside her and talked her out of it. Being college students who worked minimal hours, she and Zak lived on ramen noodles and frozen pizza's the first year and a half they lived together. Her grandfather was another story entirely and one she would not like to think about, thank you very much.

"Regardless of the fact that he is Captain America, who served in World War II and is a semi-active Avengers, he's a man under all that patriotic garb." He waved his free hand around, "And he is a man who is interested in you.", Zak finished looking over at his best friend. Her mouth opened to protest or speak. He wasn't sure, but he put a finger on her mouth, "And before you start with, you can't possibly know that blah blah blah.", he said, mimicking her, "I know that because you're a catch, babe. If we weren't forever in the friend zone, I'd totally tap that ass—"

Aubrey rolled her eye's pulling her hand from his. "Gee, thanks.", she mumbled, crossing her arms.

"— Secondly, you are intelligent as fuck. And I can tell you he did not come into the shop every day for a week just for the coffee;  I mean, it's good but not that good. Let's face it, you were off your game and were a total wreck."

Aubrey scuffed, slapping his chest. Kash lifted his head for a moment and then laid back down.

Zak raised his hands in surrender. "I'm just sayin' he was in there for you, and he was totally checking you out.", he said, wagging his eyebrows.

Aubrey blushed, "Really?"

He nodded, "Oh, he totally was; he likes what he see's.", Zak added, bumping shoulders with her.

Aubrey sat herself up against the wall, Zak following suit. Fiddling with her phone a few minutes more, she looked up at Zak.

He gently squeezed her leg, "I'm right here with you." He smiled.

She nodded, having a moment of appreciation for her best friend. She unlocked the device, hitting the message button. "What should I even say?", she asked him.

Zak rolled his eye's snatching her phone. His thumbs flew over the screen for a few moments and then passed it back.

Aubrey: I just checked my schedule, and I'm free Friday night if that still works for you.

She nodded her approval, handing the phone back to him. Zak shook his head, closing his eyes for a moment, silencing a laugh.

He sent the message, "Now we wait." He smiled, wrapping his arm around her shoulders.

Aubrey gratefully fell into her friend's embrace; she lay her head on his chest as they waited. After ten minutes, Zak decided to order chinese takeout for lunch. He sat up to place the call when Aubrey's phone went off.

He looked over his shoulder, excited. "Is that him?", he asked, hanging up the phone mid-order.

"Zak the eggrolls!?", Aubrey said, pointing to his now dark phone screen.

Zak scuffed, turning around to face her, "Eggrolls can wait. This is a matter of importance!", he said.

Aubrey huffed, unlocking her phone. She hit the message button, her heart is beating rapidly, trying to beat right out of her chest.

Steve Rogers: That's great to hear! Friday is still good; I can pick you up at 6.

Zak read over her shoulder, "Tell him yes! I wonder what kind of car he drives?", Zak said, turning to his phone again to order takeout.

Aubrey: 6 is perfect, 634 Hudson Ave Apt 10.

Aubrey watched the message bubble appear; she chewed on her lip, watching it flash. Zak is in the background, finally ordering their lunch.

Steve Rogers : Great! Are you opposed to motorcycles?

"Holy shit!", she squeaked, looking up at Zak.

Zak fumbled with his phone after hanging up. "What? What is it?", he said, giving her his undivided attention.

"A motorcycle.", she squeaked, "He drives a motorcycle, he wants to pick me up on it!"

Zak smiled wildly, "No fuckin way, that's hot. I'm totally jealous!", he said, settling back next to her.

Aubrey: I'll be honest, I've never ridden on a motorcycle.

Can I even ride a motorcycle? Is there a weight limit? She thought to herself.

Steve Rogers : Just hold onto me, and I'll keep you safe.

They had moved out into the living once their food had arrived; they sat together on the floor in front of their second hand, mainly like a third hand leather couch. A wide variety of food was laid in front of them on the wooden coffee table while they watched reruns of Law & Order: SUV.

Steve knew he must have been smiling like a mad man because Maria had stopped talking and stared at him, eyebrow raised in amusement. Steve cleared his throat, adjusting his chair before glancing at the other agents with his best 'I am Captain America, hear me roar' look. Everyone quickly averted their eyes to Maria, who went on with the briefing, thank god. He already knew what was going on; he was taking point running the mission from behind the scenes. He preferred less active duty these days; he wanted to pass the stars and strips onto Sam, but he hadn't exactly talked to him about it yet, so he would continue to stay on the sidelines for now. He was only stepping out when they needed him to.

"Everyone clear?", Maria asked the room.

Several voices mumbled as they rolled their chairs back, preparing to leave. "Wheels up at zero six hundred.", Maria said, dismissing them.

As she walked over to Steve, her heels clicking on the floor, she slid into the seat next to him. Her lips pursed as she crossed her arms, leaning back in the chair.

"So, who is she?", Maria asks.

Steve rubs his hands over his face before running his fingers through his beard, "Hopefully, someone important.", he replies with a smile.

Maria beams, "It's about damn time. I'm happy for you, Steve.", she pats his shoulder. "You're still good for the mission, right? I can ask someone else to come in."

Steve waved her offer off. "I said I'd run point, and I'm gonna do it.", he said firmly, crossing his arms as he leaned back in the chair, gently rocking it. "Besides, our date isn't until Friday.", he said, smiling at the thought of Aubrey.

Maria raised a brow. "So, I should mark you as unavailable all weekend?", she asked out of curiosity.

Steve rolled his eyes, standing up, "First date,  Maria. I want this to last; I don't plan on rushing.", he replied over his shoulder.

"So you have a date with baker babe Friday, huh?", asked Natasha falling in step with the super soldier as he walked out of the briefing room. "Where are you taking her? You're not driving the beast, are you—"

Steve sighed, shaking his head. "Aubrey.", he said, stepping into the elevator. He turned around, pressing the basement level.

"What?", Natasha asked, confused.

Steve smiled, "Her name is Aubrey. Not baker girl or baker babe, and yes, I am taking her on the beast. She's excited to ride it.", he said as the doors started to close between himself and Natasha.

The redhead raised an eyebrow, "I'm sure the bike is all she is excited to ride."

Steve hummed, "We'll see.", he said as the door closed.

Did he find victory in the ex-assassins shocked expression? Yes, he did. Did he revel in it for the remainder of the ride? You bet your ass he did. Walking out of the elevator into the parking garage, Steve noticed Sam leaning against his little silver Honda parked next to Steve's bike, a 2012 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim, his first purchase after thawing out.

"Ready for lunch?", Sam asked.

He nodded, "Where to?", Steve asked, swinging his leg over the bike.

Sam opened the door to his car, "Patty's?", he suggested.

Stave nodded, "Meet you there.", he said as the bike roared to life.

He took off first out of the parking garage and Sam followed him.

Steve enjoyed the freedom that riding a motorcycle offered, he wasn't contained to a small space of a vehicle. Sam says he's claustrophobic, most likely due to his time in the Arctic Ocean. He doesn't remember much other than his call with Peggy going out; he remembers the plane falling, then nothingness. Sam also says that he might remember if triggered, something about his brain protecting him. Steve would be happy to never remember anything after that. 

The cool afternoon wind rustled through his blonde hair, Steve took a deep breath. He hated when his mind went down that rabbit hole; Sam said it was the Alice in Wonderland effect. Steve hated it because he would think of Peggy, Howard, the Howling Commandos, and Bucky before Hydra. Steve sighed, pulling into the parking lot of the diner. He watched as Sam claimed the spot next to him.

The other man frowned, "You good man?", he asked.

Steve nodded, running his fingers through his hair. He felt his phone buzz inside his pocket; pulling it out, he saw a message from Aubrey. "Yeah, I'm good.", he smiled.

Once settled into their booth and lunch ordered, Steve opened his phone to reply to the message.

Aubrey: Do you like Apple pie or Cherry the best?

Steve Rogers: Would it be to cliché to say Apple pie?

Aubrey: Maybe just a little, lol

"Man, is this what my sister goes through with her kids?", Sam sighs dramatically, crossing his arms on the table.

Steve shrugs, putting his phone away. "Sorry, Aubrey texted me.", he says, taking a dip of his iced tea.

"What! When did texting become a thing?", Sam says probably a little too loudly for a Saturday afternoon in a crowded diner.

Steve frowned, looking around, "Keep it down, will yeah?", he mumbles.

Sam ducks his head, "Sorry. But seriously, why didn't you tell me?", he asked, picking up his coke. "I thought we were best friends.", he says, then takes a sip.

"Don't let Bucky here you say that, he's held that title since nineteen thirty.", Steve laughed.

Sam waved it off, "I'm not afraid of that cyborg.", he said, scooting closer to the table. "Seriously, when did you start texting?", he asked.

"Probably twenty-eleven; it took me a while to adjust to the twenty-first century.", Steve says cheekily.

Sam rolls his eyes, "Oh, he's got jokes now." He deadpanned, "I'm serious man, spill the tea.", he says.

"Fine. She texted me earlier this afternoon about going out Friday.", he said, shrugging.

Sam's face broke out into a vast toothy grin, "So she agreed then?", he asked.

Like the angel she was, Carol walked over with a large black tray...

"Hello, there, boys.", she smiled, "Frisco melt, seasoned fries with sauce on the side, and a side salad with Italian dressing for Sam." She sat his plate and bowl in from of him. "And for Steve, two loaded clubhouse wraps, fries, and a side slaw." She placed a plate in front of Steve.

"Thanks Carol.", Steve smiled.

Carol pinched his cheek, "Enjoy, honey.", she said, walking passed Sam. She patted his cheek before heading off towards the lunch bar.

Sam picked up his sandwich, mouth practically salivating. "So, where are you going to take her?", he asked, taking a bite of his sandwich.

Steve stabbed some of the slaw onto his fork as he spoke, "Well, I was thinking something simple, ya know? Maybe We, The Pizza.", he finished speaking and promptly stuffed his face.

Sam hummed, dabbing his face with his napkin, "Keep it casual.", he said around another bite of his sandwich; he washed it down with a sip of coke. "You taking the bike?", he asked.

"That's the plan.", Steve replied, gathering another bite of slaw onto his fork. "If the weather is an issue, I'll just take the truck." He shrugged.

While Steve's transport of choice was his bike, he'd also purchased a truck. No, it wasn't good on gas, but he was comfortable inside the cab, and Sam said that was all that matters.

The two continued their meal, chatting back and forth about the mission Steve is going to Sam's recon mission with Scott Lang, aka Ant-Man or, as Sam calls him, TicTac.

Steve walks from his bathroom into his bedroom, fresh from the shower, towel slung around his waist. He drops his duffle bag into the chair by his bedroom door, sitting beside his shield. He doesn't plan on using it, but it's nice to have just in case. He's all packed and ready to go; he drops his towel, tossing it into the laundry basket. Since moving into his apartment, Steve has adopted the habit of sleeping naked. He crawls into bed, the cool sheets feeling amazing against his still overheated, fresh from the shower skin.

He snatches his phone off the nightstand, setting the alarm and checking his messages. He has a few from Nat, wanting to know more about his date Friday. A Captain America meme from Clint; he snorts, rolling his eyes. And a message from Aubrey he forgot to reply to.

Aubrey: I was just curious, trying to figure out tomorrow's special.

Steve: What did you end up picking? Sorry for the delayed response; it's been a day.

Steve smiled at her response.

Aubrey: Are you traveling for work?

Aubrey: Sorry that was nosey.

Aubrey: I understand; just be careful out there doing whatever you're doing.

Steve's heart skipped a beat; this woman was unreal and so sweet.

Steve Rogers: I will be.

Aubrey: 🤨 I've seen videos of you jumping out of a plane without a parachute.

Steve snorted a chuckle. She had a point.

Steve Rogers: No airplanes involved; I'll keep my feet firmly on the ground, ma'am.

Aubrey: You do that, Captain.

Aubrey: I need to head to bed; I'm glad I text you. Be careful out there, Steve.

Steve Rogers: I'm glad you did too. I will be!

Steve Rogers : Goodnight, Aubrey.

Aubrey: Goodnight, Steve.

Steve falls asleep that night, hopefully to dream about the future and with a smile on his face.

I can't stop this feeling

Deep inside of me

Girl, you just don't realize

What you do to me

When you hold me

In your arms so tight

You let me know

Everything's alright

I'm hooked on a feeling

I'm high on believing

That you're in love with me

Aubrey mumbles along with Blue Swede as she drizzles the thick caramel sauce over the baking dish of apple pie bars; she smiles, thinking of Steve. Hoping where he's at that, he is safe; the timer goes off for the second batch of bars. Aubrey turns on her heels, catching two heads around the kitchen door, watching her. Zak and Sasha.

"What?", Aubrey asks as Zak steps into the kitchen.

He leans against the workstation crossing his arms, "Oh nothing. You're singing while you bake.", he says with a smile.

Aubrey shrugs, "I've been known to do that from time to time.", she said, placing the dish on the cooling rack.

Zak hums, "I've known you for seven years. You can't fool me; you took my advice and texted him again, didn't you?", he asked, smiling.

"Maybe.", she said, lifting the already cooled bars from the dish and placed the parchment paper down to cut into little rectangles. "He's easy to talk to over text; I hope it's the same in person.", she says, placing the individual bars on a cake tray.

Aubrey pulls her gloves off, then pulls her phone from her back pocket. Zak watches his friend take a picture of the beautifully put-together tray of apple pie bars. With an amused face, he watches her send a message, then a few moments later, receive one. Being the nosey dick that he is, Zak peeks over her shoulder.

Aubrey:

Steve Rogers: Oh man, those look incredible, sweetheart!

"Oh honey, you're already in deep.", Zak said, startling his friend.

After recovering from her minor heart attack, Aubrey shoots Zak a dirty look. "I am not.", she says, snatching up and heading out the kitchen door. When she returned, her face was pale. "Oh God, Zak, what if I'm doing it again?", she asked.

Zak frowned, "Doing what?", he said, watching her prepare another tray.

Aubrey turned toward him, spoon in hand, dripping with caramel. "You know what I'm talking about.", she said, gesturing with her hand. He watched the spoon moving around, "That thing where I jump head first into the deep end.", she said, head falling back with a groan. "Maybe I shouldn't text him?", she turned toward him, hand jerking.

Zak grabbed the spoon, "Let's just put this down before one of us, most likely me, gets caramel in their hair.", he put the spoon back in the bowl. "I think you're freaking out because you're nervous; this is your first date in two years, and the whole grandfather business, but I digress. It's okay to be a little scared, I'd be worried if you weren't. Just take it one day at a time." He shrugged, "If you want to text him, then text him. If you don't, you don't; there isn't a recipe to follow here, Aubrey. You're blind baking, just make sure you take a moment to step back and check in with yourself and you'll be fine."

Aubrey nodded; she could do that, right? Just take it one day at a time and get to know each other. She could do that, no problem. She was sliding her phone into her pocket; maybe she should keep him at arm's length. Aubrey's phone went off in her pocket; she fought the urge to reply to Steve's messages. Taking a deep breath, she pulled herself together. This was going to be a long week.

Meet Kash, aka Kashy Boy, my one-year-old German Shepherd and inspiration 🖤🖤🖤

Chapter Text

Steve pulled up to a sizeable red-bricked apartment complex, with large bay windows representing the number of apartments. He chuckled, looking up and seeing Kash's nose pressed against the glass. He gracefully removed himself from his motorcycle, adjusting his shirt. Sam had helped him pick out his outfit; he was ashamed to say how many different pants and shirts he tried on once he was showered and fed after coming home from his mission. Steve felt good and knew he looked good in a black tee. Sam said he looked like he was one flex away from ripping the shirt; his dark jeans hugged his thighs and ass just right.

His motorcycle boots clunked on the sidewalk as he walked towards the entrance. He noticed a buzzer system to get into the building, he was pleased with the security; he pressed apartment ten on the list. Steve frowned when buzzed in without checking to see who he was, but he opened the door and went in regardless. The lobby was nice and modern; to one side, there were mailboxes for each tenant. To the other side was a large bulletin board with flyers. Across from the entrance was a sleek sliver elevator, he pressed the second floor; the ride was quick. He watched as the doors opened, revealing a long hallway with doors spaced out every so often. The walls were a crisp white on the bottom and a dark blue on the top, separated by a piece of trim.

Steve knocked on the door, taking a step back and stuffing his hands into his pockets. The door opened, revealing the man Aubrey had been with jogging, and at the bakery, he was slightly confused.

Zak smiled, "Hey man, come on in.", he stepped aside. "Aubrey is still getting ready.", he said, leading Steve into an open floor plan living room. The living room and kitchen were essentially one, the kitchen was separated by a bar with three stools. On either side of the apartment were two doors, which Steve assumed were bedrooms, the one in the middle, and the bathroom.

Zak went to the kitchen, "Would you like a drink or something?", he asked, opening the refrigerator.

Steve cleared his throat, "No, thank you.", he spoke.

The other man nodded, closing the refrigerator door. "I'll see how much longer she'll be.", he said, walking past Steve. He went to the door on the left, knocked once, and opened it, Kash bolted right out. The German Shepherd locked eyes with Steve, running over, wagging his tail rapidly.

"Hey buddy.", he murmured, petting the dog while watching the bedroom door with a frown. He looked around the living room, there were pictures of Aubrey and the younger man on the tv stand, his arm slung around her shoulders or waist. A list on the refrigerator, written in Aubrey's handwriting and what Steve would assume was chicken scratch. All signs led to, yes, Aubrey living with his man. That left him feeling slightly possessive, even though he knew logically he had no right to be.

Zak reappeared a moment later, "She's almost dressed. Take a seat, man.", he smiled.

Steve did as suggested; Kash reminded content to get loved on, so he followed Steve.

"Kash seems to like you, he doesn't latch onto people quickly.", Zak said, watching the Shepherd fall to the floor, showing his belly for scratches.

Steve hummed, "He's a good boy.", he said, smiling at the canine at his feet.

Zak nodded, "I don't want this to come off as the shovel talk, but it is what it is. Aubrey is very important to me, she is my best friend, the sister I didn't know I needed.", Zak said, watching the super soldier. "This is me asking one man to another, don't break her heart. She likes to act like she's fine and everything is fine when it's really not. You get what I'm sayin'?"

Steve shoved his jealousy aside and felt grateful for this younger man sitting in front of him, saying the "If you hurt her, I'll hurt you" speech to a two hundred and some odd pound super solider, Captain America at that. He truly loved and cared for Aubrey, and he couldn't find it in himself to be upset at that.

"I understand.", Steve said, looking back down at the dog between his legs.

Zak sighed, "That took a lot out of me, I need a beer. It's not every day you have to give a superhero the talk.", he laughed, getting up and heading towards the kitchen.

The bedroom door opened and Steve almost swallowed his tongue. Aubrey looked terrific, her hair was down around her shoulders in loose curls; her cream-colored blouse and light blue faded jeans matched perfectly with her tanned ankle boots. Her dark glasses made her ocean eyes pop.

"Hey!", she beamed when her eyes finally landed on his face; after taking a detour to roam up his tree trunk legs, slim waist, and broad shoulders, to that neatly trimmed thickly bearded jaw and those playfully sparkling blue eyes.

Steve couldn't help but return her bright smile, "Hey."

"Sorry it took so long; someone used all the hot water.", she said, shooting Zak a look. He had the good sense to look mildly guilty.

Steve shook his head, "It's all right. I was a little early.", he said.

Steve followed Aubrey to the door; she said goodbye to Kash. The German Shepherd cocked his head, watching his human walk out the door. Zak called the dog over to him, where he laid out on the couch.

"You crazy kids, have fun!", Zak hollered as Aubrey closed the door.

Aubrey gulped, seeing the motorcycle outside her apartment building; she stopped on the sidewalk as Steve walked on towards the bike.

"Are you okay?", Steve asked, walking back to her. He gently took her hand, which was dwarfed compared to his. "We can take an uber or something?", he offered.

She shook her head, "N-no, it's fine. I'm just a little um—"

"Nervous?", he finished for her.

Aubrey nodded, Steve chuckled, squeezing her hand. He gestured towards the bike, taking her with him; he grabbed the helmet from under the seat.

"Safety first.", he said, slipping the helmet on her head.

Aubrey frowned, "What about you?", she asked, looking up at him.

"Super Soldier, pretty girl.", he said nonchalantly as he climbed onto the bike.

"Even super soldiers have a weakness.", she mumbled, climbing onto the bike.

Steve smiled as she slowly wrapped her arms around his middle, "Hold on.", he tossed over his shoulder as the bike roared to like.

Aubrey let out an embarrassing squeak as they pulled away from the curb; she pressed closer to him, squeezing her eyes closed.

"Open your eyes, pretty girl.", Steve said, rubbing her hands.

Aubrey slowly opened her eyes; the sun was setting behind the capital, casting darkness over the buildings as the setting sun's blue, orange, and pink sky blended perfectly like a watercolor painting behind them. The cool wind nipped at her cheeks as they sped down the street.

"It's beautiful.", she said, resting her cheek against Steve's back, seeking out his amazing body heat.

Steve glanced over his shoulder, smiling, "Gorgeous.", he replied.

They pulled up to a white brick building; the trim around the large front windows and door was gray, and metal tables with red plastic chairs sat out front. A round sign stood out from the building, a black and white star with one red point with bold lettering 'We, The Pizza.'

"I hope this is okay.", Steve said, knocking the kickstand down. "I thought casual was better than some stuffy fancy place."

Aubrey wasn't sure how he did it, but he pulled himself off the bike and offered her his large calloused hand. "Oh yeah, this is great." She smiled, taking his hand. "I've had my fill of five-star dining for a lifetime, give me pizza and beer any day of the week."

Steve gently unclipped the helmet and helped her take it off; he smoothed her hair down while his heart skipped a beat at the blush on her cheeks. "Perfect.", he said, placing the helmet over the handlebar.

Without a second thought, Aubrey laced her fingers with Steve's as they walked into the establishment. There was more seating inside, the same white brick carried inside, industrial-style fixtures on the ceiling, exposed wooden door frames, and the building walls were the best part next to the delicious aroma of pizza. John Lennon's lyrics to Imagine on the wall are in big blue lettering, the lyrics multicolored. Quotes with a picture of Bono, Bob Marley, and others lined the wall on large canvases. Stairs were going up the second floor, the wall there was a line with different-sized metal pizza pans, and another wall filled with frame magazine covers and articles. Approaching the counter, there was an extensive menu hanging on the wall. There was a large display of different pizzas behind a glass divider; Double Pepperoni, Bacon Me Crazy, Buffalo Chicken, Honey Ham & Pineapple, The Greek Pie, Marketplace, Forest Shroomin', the list goes on. They had garlic knots, wings, salads, beer on draft, and unique sodas. Pineapple, Don't Forget Your Ginger Roots, Lemons Love Limes, Catherine & Shirley's Temple. The smells mingled together, garlicky, cheesy, tomato-y, and a slightly yeasty aroma.

Steve ordered a slice of just about everything they had made up, with a side of garlic knots and two Boston Lagers. They sat in a quiet corner to enjoy their dinner; armed with plates and about a million napkins, they dug into their meal.

"How long have you lived in D.C?", Steve asked, wiping his mouth.

Aubrey quickly chewed her bite of pizza, "I moved here for college, so about eight years now. What about you?", she replied, taking a drink of her beer.

"I moved about a couple of years ago, I lived in D.C before for a few years." He took a drink of his beer, "Did you study? Is it pastry? Is that right?", he laughed unsurely.

She nodded, "Yeah, that's right." She laughed with him. "No, I studied political science, actually.", she said, taking another bite.

"Really?" Steve asked, surprised, "How did you go from that to the bakery? If you don't mind me asking."

Aubrey shook her head, "No, it's okay. We're getting to know each other," she smiled reassuringly at him, "and my grandfather pressed me into it; he offered to pay for my college. I spent a lot of time with my grandparents; my father and mother were diplomats."

"So it was a family legacy thing then?", Steve asked.

"Oh, for sure, but after my grandfather passed, he left me a large sum. I decided to drop out and took a part-time job at the bakery.", she took another bite, covered her mouth as she spoke. "That was five years ago, and now I am buying said bakery." She swallowed her bite with the help of a sip of the lager. "He wasn't a very good man, my grandfather; this is my way of making up for that.", she added.

Steve couldn't help but smile and fall a little more for this woman sitting across from him. "You're amazing, Aubrey.", he smiled. She blushed, tucking a curl behind her ear. "I mean it, you are truly amazing."

"Tell me something about Steve Rogers.", she says, wiping her hands. "Something not written in a book somewhere.", she rests her elbows on the table and rests her chin on her hand.

Steve chuckled, "Oh man, hmm, let's see." He wipes his hands off, "Oh, my favorite color is light blue." He wipes his mouth, "I really like eighties music. Well, all music in general, except for some newer stuff and country." He shook his head in distaste, "Not my favorite genre; I really enjoy cooking shows.", he said, resting his thick arms on the table, "I've taught myself to cook, and I'm not half bad if I do say so myself." Steve paused trying to think of something anything.

"Let's play twenty questions; you start.", Aubrey suggested.

Steve smiled, "Alright, what's your favorite movie?", he asked, blue eyes twinkling at her. "I enjoyed Star Wars; I would have to say The Empire Strikes Back is my favorite.", he said.

Aubrey nodded, "Oh, no doubt. My favorite movie is Princess Bride. It's one of those movies I could watch repeatedly.", Aubrey took a bite of pizza, covering her mouth. She asked,"Is your birthday really July fourth?"

Steve chuckled, "It is. Sounds so made up, right?", he shrugged. "July fourth, nineteen eighteen. What about you, when's your birthday? And that doesn't count as my question since you never gave me your answer."

"Fair enough, October thirty-first."

Steve sputtered into his beer, "No way, really?", he asked.

Aubrey nodded, "Yep, I've had some pretty fun parties.", she laughed.

"I bet. Favorite Holiday?", he asked.

Aubrey groaned, "I hate that question. It's a toss-up between Halloween and Christmas. But Halloween, and not because it's my birthday.", she said, twisting her mug. "What about you?"

"Thanksgiving, hands down. I love being around my friends; they're my found family.", he said, popping a garlic knot into his mouth, "Can't forget the food either."

They continued their conversation, getting to know each other, telling embarrassing stories, and laughing at each other and themselves. It was as if they had known each other a lifetime, the laughing and flirting went on until the employees started to close around them.

When they left, the sky was dark and the stars had come out to play. They took their time climbing onto the bike, and the ride back to Aubrey's apartment took much longer than the drive to the restaurant.

Steve stood leaning on his bike as Aubrey stood in front of him. "I'd like to take you out again sometime soon if that sounds like something you'd like.", he said, reaching for her hands.

Aubrey nodded, "Yeah, I'd like." She bit her bottom lip looking up at him.

Steve desperately wanted to lean in and capture those lips, nibble on the plump bottom lip himself. But he wouldn't. He was going to do this right, it's what she deserved; instead, he laced his fingers with hers. "God, your hands are like ice.", he spoke, bringing her right hand up to his face, pressing her cool fingers into his warm cheek. Spring was slowly fading, but the nights were still a little chilly, especially on the back of a motorcycle. "You should get inside.", he said.

Aubrey made a sad noise, "I don't want to, but I should.", she said. In a moment of bravery, she leaned up on her tiptoes and pressed a chaste kiss on the corner of his mouth. "Goodnight, Steve.", she whispered.

Steve inhaled sharply, taking in the scent of lavender and something sweet. "Goodnight, Aubrey.", he replied, watching her walk away from him into the building. He stood there waiting until she was in the building, then he climbed on his bike and headed home.

Aubrey had barely made it in the door when Zak came sliding out of his bedroom which faced the street, in his underwear and socks with Kash hot on his heels, nearly hitting the wall as he caught himself. "You little minx! I saw that little innocent kiss!", he said, pointing at her as he regained his balance.

Aubrey snorted, "You shouldn't be spying.", she said, slipping off her boots at the door. She bent down to love on her fur baby.

"I have no sex life or dating life to speak of, I must live vicariously through you!", he said, grabbing two beers from the fridge.

They both flopped onto the couch together; Zak tossed his legs up on the coffee table as Aubrey tossed hers on top of his. Zak handed her a beer and in unison, they popped the tops off, clinking their bottles. They both took long pulls.

"So, how was it?", he asked, draping his right arm over the couch behind her.

Aubrey leaned her head back on his arm. "It was great. The best first date I've ever had.", she admitted.

Zak whistled, head jerking a little as he took another pull from the glass bottle.

"Right.", Aubrey nodded. They stared at the blank tv, silent for a few minutes. "He wants to take me out again soon.", she smiled.

Zak held his bottle out to her and they knocked bottles again. "Look at you. My baby is growing up, dating superheroes.", he said, pulling her close with his right arm.

Aubrey playfully shoved him, "Steve is so funny, Zak. He's smart and kind, he's just so thoughtful." She sighed.

"And a gentleman, not trying to get some lip action on the first date.", he added.

Aubrey nodded, "He lay his hand over mine while on his bike; he held my hand and asked me all the right questions and said all the right things."

Zak awed, "So could you see a Sunday love potently?", he asked.

She smiled fondly. "I could.", she replied, squinting as if trying actually to see it. "Yeah, I could."

"I'm happy for you.", Zak said, pressing a kiss into her temple as they lay on the couch together. Kash jumped up, snuggling into Aubrey's right side. The three silently sat there, before Zak ruined the moment by commenting on Steve hooking him up with Natasha. Aubrey rolled her eyes and shoved off the couch, heading towards her bedroom.

Once she was changed into her pj's, teeth brushed, and hair pulled back, she climbed into her cool sheets, put her glasses on the nightstand, and plugged in her phone. She snuggled into bed as Kash claimed his usual spot at the foot of her bed.

She awoke the following day to a message from Steve.

Steve: Good morning, pretty girl. I had a great time last night. I can't stop thinking about you.

Aubrey's heart fluttered as she replied.

Aubrey: Good morning, handsome. I did too.

Steve: How would you feel about dinner Wednesday night?

Aubrey: I'd like that.

Steve: I'll text you later. I hope you have a great day.

Aubrey went to work that morning with a bit of pep in her step and a smile on her face, and she did have a great day. A particular super soldier came into the bakery for a cup of coffee and three banana nut muffins. He kissed Aubrey's cheek as she walked around the counter to hand him the order, whispering, "Thank you, pretty girl." in her ear. Aubrey absolutely melted.

Chapter Text

May...

Steve had just pulled on his shirt to walk out the door; when there was a knock, he frowned; he wasn't excepting company. Looking through the peephole, he sighed, unlocking the door; Natasha pranced into his apartment as if she owned it. The heels of her knee-high boots clicked on his hardwood floor.

"I'm surprised you knocked," he said, closing the door behind her. 

Nat leaned against the kitchen counter, "Gotta keep you on your toes." She raised a curious brow as she took in the old paint-stained jeans and white tee with his old running sneakers. "Where are you going dressed like that?" she said, gesturing to his clothing.

Steve sighed, "I'm going over to Aubrey's. Her roommate is moving out, and she is painting her living room. I offered to help her; why are you here? Not that I don't love your random drop-ins," he asked. 

"Ah," she crossed her arms. "I just wanted to see what you were up to. So things are getting serious with this girl?" she asked. 

"Aubrey, her name is Aubrey, and yes. We've been exclusively seeing each other for a while now," he said, glancing at his phone. "Listen, Nat; I gotta get going." 

Natasha nodded, "I see. Have you had SWORD run a background on her?" she asked, moving towards the door slowly, so slowly that Steve wanted to push her along.

"No, Natasha. I have not; I prefer to learn things about her as we continue to get to know each other." He said curtly. He was getting fed up with the whiplash from his friend one moment, she was encouraging him, and the next, she was cautioning him. He opened the door for her.

She nodded again, "Fine." She replied dryly, moving past him without another word.

Steve took a deep breath, grabbed his keys, and locked up his apartment. 

Aubrey smiled as she kneaded the bread dough; it was crazy to think she and Steve had been dating little over a month now. After their third date, he had made it clear that he wanted to be exclusive; the thought made her heart flutter. She covered the bread with a cheesecloth to rise; she loaded the dishwasher while she waited, reminiscing on the past month. After their wonderful casual pizza date, Steve had stepped his game up. 

Their second date was at a little Italian restaurant; they had a candlelit dinner with wine and laughter. The company was perfect; the conversation flowed easily. 

Aubrey had ordered the chicken parmesan, which was amazing, and Steve ordered the chicken carbonara, which was also delicious. They shared bites off each other plates and enjoyed fried mozzarella stuffed ravioli, salad, and breadsticks as an appetizer. That night when Steve dropped Aubrey off at her building, he kissed her cheek, and just as he did before, he watched her walk into the building and to the elevator. 

A week later, Steve fixed dinner at his house. They made homemade lasagna together; Steve made the pasta while Aubrey made the sauce. She loved Steve's kitchen, the concrete countertops, the iron and wood shelving, and the white tile backsplash. Aubrey noticed Steve touched her more, resting his hand on her hip as he reached around her, making her heart stutter. Or the way he stood behind her at the stove, his hand resting on her lower back. They sat across from each other, eating their meal, chatting about their day (What Steve was aloud to talk about at least). After dinner, they settled on Steve's couch to watch a movie; he didn't give her an option where to sit. The super soldier immediately tugged her down next to him; Aubrey smiled and blushed as he rested his arm behind her. And at the end of the night, just like he had done, Steve kissed her cheek, then waited for her to walk into the building. 

They had met for ice cream and a walk with Kash, Aubrey's arm looped around Steve's while he held onto Kash's leash.

Steve had only had to cancel one date; he was called outta the country to run point. He wouldn't say more than that, she had learned to accept there was a part of his life she wasn't privy to, and on some level, she was okay with that. The thought of Steve risking his life every time he walked out the door made a lump settle in her stomach. 

It wasn't long before Aubrey sliced the homemade bread into sandwich slices; she made up four loaded with all the fixings sandwiches. Thick slices of turkey, cheddar cheese, tomato slices, lettuce, mayo, and mustard on the three for Steve. She sliced up some carrots and grapes; she pulled down a bag of chips from the cabinet. 

The buzzer from downstairs went off; Aubrey moved off quickly to press the button down. She looked around the messy apartment; boxes were stacked in the corner, filled with what was left of Zak's belongings. After years of living together, they were finally moving on and adulting, as Zak called. Aubrey rolled her eyes at him and asked him what the hell doe she thought he's been doing for the last eight years. He wasn't going far, just above the bakery. 

The knock on the door alerted Kash, who had been snoozing away on the couch; he hopped up and made a beeline to the door. 

"Is that Steve?" she asked the dog. 

Kash whined and nosed at the doorknob. 

Aubrey rolled her eyes, opening the door; Kash immediately jumped up onto Steve before he could step foot in the apartment. 

"Hey, Kashy boy," Steve cooed, petting the canine. 

Aubrey stood there watching Steve love on her one hundred pounds of muscle and fur German Shepherd. 

It never ceased to amaze him how incredible this woman looked, in tattered blue jean shorts and an old band tee, barefoot. Steve longed to see that all the time, especially at his home; it felt so domesticated. 

"Hey, pretty girl," Steve said, engulfing her in a hug. 

Aubrey buried her nose in his chest; he smelled of a woodsy aroma with a dash of citrus. "Hey," she replied, letting out a content sigh. When he chuckled, it rumbled through his chest, making her smile. She looked up at him, "I made you lunch." She said, slowly untangling herself. 

Aubrey laced her fingers with his and led him to the kitchen; Steve smiled like a lovesick puppy as he slid onto a bar stool. Aubrey slid the plate loaded with two thick sandwiches, carrots, and grapes in front of him, along with a glass of iced tea.  

"I made an extra just in case," she said. 

Steve smiled at that; never once did she make a big deal or comment about the amount of food Steve consumed. Her face was always a smile when they went out to eat, and Steve ordered as he usually wood; she was just the sweetest. "Thank you, sweetheart." He said, grabbing her hand as she let go of the glass; he pulled it up to his lips and pressed a kiss on her skin. 

They ate lunch in compatible silence, which Steve loved dearly. He enjoyed not always having to talk; as their relationship progressed, there were evenings when Steve came over, and they just lay on the couch watching tv. Or Aubrey will come over, and Steve has paperwork thrust upon him; she will curl up on the couch with a book while he sits on the other end with his laptop. It's nice.

Natasha sits in Steve's oversized, expensive, yet surprisingly comfortable desk chair. She scoots closer and places her to-go cup from Cakes and Coffee on the large desk. She smiles at the pictures on his desk, one of the original Avengers, another with Sam and Bucky. She still isn't sure how he got those two to stop fighting long enough for a picture. It takes her a few tries to hack into Steve's computer; he must have been paying attention. 

"Does Steve know you're here?" Maria asked from the doorway. 

Natasha doesn't bother to look up, "No, he doesn't." she admitted without care. 

Maria walks into Steve's office and closes the heavy wooden door, "What exactly are you doing?" she asks, walking around his desk. 

"Background check," the redhead replies, fingering gliding across the keyboard. 

Maria hums, looking over her old friend's shoulder, "On his girlfriend? Do you suspect something?" she asked. 

"I don't know; I think Steve is getting into deep." She mumbled, grabbing the mouse and clicking away. 

Maria sits on the corner of Steve's desk, crossing her arms, "Don't you think Steve should be the one to do this? If he wanted to?" she asked. 

Natasha doesn't look away from the screen, "Steve always sees the best in people. It's his character flaw," she replies. 

The other woman scuffs, "I don't think you give Steve enough credit. He's not naïve; the last time someone thought he brought down an entire organization, you helped him." And with that, Maria shoved off his desk, heading towards the door, "Lock the door when you leave." She said, closing the heavy wooden door behind her. 

Natasha didn't bother responding; she knew what she was doing was for Steve's good. She frowned at the screen, "That can't be right." She mumbled, retyping Aubrey M. Daniels into the search. She got the same results; there was now Aubrey M. Daniels living in D.C or twenty-six years old for that matter. Natasha sat back in the chair, crossing her arms, "Who the hell are you?" she asked the computer screen. Sighing, she hit print; closing out the web browser, she spun out of the chair, grabbed the paper from the print, and left the room. 

Aubrey stepped back, looking at the living room wall; she loved the Hinting Blue over the off-white. She watched Steve on a small step ladder, painting close to the trim. His shirt rode up a little, exposing a sliver of his taut stomach, jeans tight on his ass. She bit her lip, turning quickly to grab a couple of water bottles instead of staring at her boyfriend's ass. A boyfriend who has yet to kiss her, and boy, did she want that; feeling his soft lips on her cheek, hand, and forehead was nice. But she wondered what Steve Rogers's lips tasted like. Would he kiss her soft and sweet? Or would he go in for the kill? The frustration was real. 

She walked up to him as he sat the paintbrush down, holding up the cold bottle to him. 

"Thank you, sweetheart." He said, leaning down and kissing her cheek. 

Aubrey sighed, "Your Welcome." She smiled at him; his dirty blonde hair was mused up, making her want to run her fingers through it. 

Steve watched Aubrey walk over to the paint bucket, the sound of upbeat drums coming through the speaker; he stepped down and recognized the song Redbone 'Come and Get Your Love,' watching her start bobbing her head a little, singing along. 

Hail (Hail), what's the matter with your head, yeah

 Hail (Hail), what's the matter with your mind

 And your sign an-a, oh-oh-oh

 Hail (Hail), nothin' the matter with your head

 Baby find it, come on and find it

 Hail, with it, baby, 'cause you're fine

 And you're mine, and you look so divine

He couldn't help but smile as she lost herself in the music; he loved moments like these where Aubrey was herself, where she let go and was happy. He loved seeing his girlfriend happy; he sometimes couldn't believe she was his.  Steve's palms itched as she started to sway her hips; he wanted to get his hands on her soft body and kiss her. God, he dreamed of soft-looking, plump pink lips. He wasn't sure what possessed him, but he took off across the room. 

Come and get your love

 Come and get your love

 Come and get your love

 Come and get your love

As he reached out to place a hand on her arm, Aubrey turned around with the paintbrush in her hand, slapping him in the side of the face with the wet brush. 

Hands flying up, Aubrey covered her mouth, "Oh my god." She said, eyes wide, "Baby, are you okay?" she asked, trying desperately not to laugh. 

Steve nodded, licking his teeth as he looked away before reaching up with his paintbrush, smearing paint on her cheek. "Yeah, honey, I'm fine." 

Aubrey gasped, "Steven Grant." Scolded with no heat whatsoever, she flicked the brush back in his face. She giggled, walking past him. 

Hail (Hail), what's the matter with you feel right

 Don't you feel right, baby

 Hail, oh yeah, get it from the main vine, alright

 I said-a find it, find, go on and love it if you like it, yeah

 Hail (Hail), it's your business if you want some, take some

 Get it together, baby

"Oh, it's on," he said, turning on his heels. 

Aubrey squeaked when she noticed; thank goodness all the furniture and floor had been well-covered thanks to Steve. Because what happened next was sheer chaos, Steve moved around the couch as Aubrey flung her paintbrush dripping at him, covering the man in speckles of light blue paint. Steve repaid her in kind; Aubrey stuck her hand in paint, reached up, and dragged her hand down his face. As Steve closes his eyes, she moves around the other side of the couch. Steve huffed, taking off to follow her; they played this game where she moved one way and her moves that way. It continued until the super soldier eventually cheated and caught her in the kitchen. His big hands landed on her waist, gently grabbing her spins her around to face him; in one smooth movement, she picked her up and sat her on the counter.

 Aubrey gasps at Steve's strength; her heart is beating rapidly, her chest rising and falling as they stare into each other's eyes. Her legs instinctively part for him; Steve steps in between her thick thighs, his big hands resting on her bare thighs. 

Come and get your love

 Come and get your love

 Come and get your love

 Come and get your love

Steve surged forward, capturing her lips; the kiss was everything he thought it would be. Her hands move to his arms, slowly trailing up to his shoulders as she gets more confident. Eventually, they end up in his hair, nails scraping his scalp, and Steve groans into the kiss. Aubrey's lips part for him as he slides his tongue into her mouth, deepening the kiss; her legs tighten around him as Steve moves his large hands up her thighs to her bottom, jerking her closer. When she whimpers at him, nibbling at her bottom lip, Steve can feel his cock becoming interested in his jeans at all the little sounds she makes. 

Aubrey whines into the kiss when she feels the hardness in Steve's jeans, Jesus Christ. 

His hands fly up to her face, gently cupping her jaw as he does his best to slow their frenzied kissing down, "Aubrey," he says in between kisses. "Aubrey, sweetheart." He pulls back gently, looking into those ocean blue eyes, then down to her swollen lips. He can't help; he's weak; Steve leans in for another kiss. "Baby, we have to slow down," he says as his thumb traces her bottom lip. 

Aubrey sighs, nodding her head. She knows they should slow down, but damnit, she wishes they didn't have to; she doesn't trust herself to speak just yet, so instead leans her forehead into his. 

They stay like that until they both claimed down; Steve picks her up off the counter and then slowly puts her on her own two feet again. 

"We should get cleaned up," he said, taking in all the paint on her body. 

Aubrey nods, "That's a good idea." She says, looking around at her apartment. 

"Why don't you go shower? I'll order dinner and start cleaning in here." He suggested. 

Aubrey frowned a little, "Are you sure? I don't mi—

Steve leans in, cutting her off with a quick soft kiss, "Baby, I'm sure." 

She sighs happily, then turns to head to the bathroom. Steve orders them Thai food; unsure of what to get, he orders a little of almost everything. By the time Aubrey walks back into the living room fresh from the shower, her wet hair braided lying on her shoulder, soft pajama bottoms, and tank top. Being human, Steve couldn't help but notice she was not wearing a bra. He moves into the bathroom quickly, gripping the vanity; he takes several deep breaths before he pulls off his shirt to clean up the best he can. 

They ate dinner on the floor in the living room under the dim light; there was something simple and romantic about it. At eleven thirty, Steve decided it was best to go home; Aubrey and Kash walked him to the door. He bent down, giving Kash some scratches behind his ears. He pulled Aubrey into a goodbye kiss that lasted several minutes due to their leisurely kissing. 

When Steve arrives at his apartment close to midnight, he isn't entirely surprised to see Natasha sitting on his couch drinking a beer. 

"What the hell happened to you?" she asked, taking in his paint splatter disheveled appearance. 

Steve shrugged off his coat, "Painting gets messing," he replied, shrugging. 

Nat hummed, "Indeed it does," she said, finishing her beer. 

"Can I help you with something?" he asked, slipping off his shoes, "I'd like to grab a shower and head to bed." 

Natasha watched Steve walk over to the couch; taking a seat next to her, he sank down with a sigh. He looked happy, she almost hated to bring this up, but she had to. 

"What's up, Nat?" he asked, looking over at his friend. 

With a heavy sigh, Natasha slid the file over to Steve on the coffee table without a word. 

He raised a brow, "What's this?" he asked, hoping it wasn't what he thought it was. He carefully opened it; he looked down, eyes closing in disbelief; taking a deep breath, his nostrils flared, he shot up off the couch. 

Natasha was just as quick to her feet; she watched the super soldier pace the floor in front of her, hands flexing. "Steve, listen I—"

Steve turned on her, "No, you listen to me." He growled, "I don't understand why you can't fuckin' listen to me." 

"I am trying to protect you!" she countered.

Steve scuffed meanly, "I don't need your protection. I lived through a hell of a lot on my own without your protection, Natasha," he spat her name. "You say you want me to be happy, then let me be fuckin' happy! Stay out of my relationship!" he said, anger seeping into every word. 

She crossed her arms, face unreadable. "Really?" she asked calmly. 

"Yes, really! Now get the hell out of my apartment." He pointed to the door, his chest rising and falling with anger as he watched her walk to the door. "And the next time you come over, you better use the door; I am tired of people breaking into my fuckin place. It's disrespectful." He said as she paused in the open doorway. "Stay the hell away from Aubrey," he added before the door closed. 

Steve sat down on his couch, running his fingers through his hair; he looked up at the file. Shaking his head, he shoved it off the table, and maybe he was a little harsh towards Natasha. But goddamn it, he was tired of her meddling in his life. Boundaries had to be set. 

Later in bed, Steve decided he would call Sam and get his thoughts on this. But right now, he was going to do his darndest not to let the fallout with Nat sour his high any longer. 

The month of May comes to an end in the best possible way for Steve; he's seen Aubrey several times a week, and they've gone out to dinner and stayed in for dinner. The more he found out about this woman, the more he found himself falling for her. 

Even though they had just seen each other the day before for lunch, she never seemed to tire of seeing him, and Steve, well, he was selfish when it came to Aubrey. He would see her every day as long as he could until she told him she didn't want to see him anymore. 

It was a perfect Saturday morning for a Vendors Market; the sun was shining a warm breeze blew lazily. Steve held Aubrey's hand in his, their finger intertwined. They walked down the row of tables with fresh produce, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and squash. Others had handmade soaps, lotions, candles, and other little nick knacks. 

Steve left Aubrey looking at peaches; he was drawn towards a table with handmade jewelry pieces. Hands in his pockets, he walked up to the table. He noticed the piece right away, a beautiful bracelet—round purple and pale blue beads with little silver accent pieces in between the purple and blue beads.

"You have great taste, young man," 

Steve looked up; the woman with greying brown hair braided into pigtails sat behind the table. "It's beautiful; what stones are those?" he asked.

The woman picked up the bracelet, "These are crystals, Amethyst and Aquamarine." She handed it to him. "Aquamarine is calming, cleansing; it inspires truth and trust." She says, pointing to the beautiful light blue round crystal. "And Amethyst encourages peace of mind, positivity, and protection."

Steve looked over at Aubrey, smiling as she handed a young boy money for the peaches she would make a pie with later. 

The older woman hummed, "I see. I was right; you do have great taste." She smiled at him knowingly. 

Steve chuckled, "I'd like to think so. I'm fortunate," he said. He looked down at the bracelet and the woman he was head over heels for. "How much for the bracelet?" he asked. 

Aubrey finished her purchase of fresh peaches; she looked over her shoulder, looking for Steve when she found him; she couldn't help the smile. Blonde hair danced in the breeze, bluish-green eyes bright, and a bright white smile as he laughed at something an older woman behind a table had said. He must have felt her eyes on him; he turned his head, smiled at her, and winked. Aubrey felt the butterflies in her tummy flutter; she blushed. She was falling, for him, falling so quickly. It didn't feel like they had only been dating for months; it felt like she had known this man her whole life for years. She wanted to tell him what she was feeling but feared what he would say, so she'll just hide her feelings for now. 

Aubrey moved along a table full of homemade soaps; she picked up one that smelled like warm vanilla sugar. Smiling as she smelled, it reminded her of when Steve picked her up from work one evening; he couldn't stop kissing her, saying she smelled of sweet vanilla; he couldn't get enough of it. So she bought it for him, turning around she nearly walked into the man himself. 

"Hey, pretty girl," he said, placing a kiss on her temple. "Did you get everything you needed?" he asked. 

Aubrey nodded with a smile as he intertwined their finger again as they headed towards his truck. When Steve took her hand in the truck, he slipped the bracelet into her hand. 

"I love it," Aubrey said, looking at the beautiful crystals. She leaned over the seat, grabbing his face and pulling him into a kiss. It was sweet and simple; she pulled back, looking into those beautiful blueish-green eyes. "Thank you, baby." She whispered against his lips, giving him one last kiss before pulling away.

Chapter Text

May is slowly heating up into June; the days are getting warmer, the trees are a vibrant shade of green, birds are chirping and bees are buzzing about the beautifully bloomed flowers. Steve walks towards the bakery, takeout bag in hand; he can’t park anywhere near it because of the working crew, but they are supposed to be clearing out today. The grand opening of Rosie’s Bakery is tomorrow, and Steve is excited for Aubrey, she has worked hard on this. He’s also excited he will get his girlfriend back; he’s a selfish man, what can he say? She has spent all her free time reworking the menu and interviewing new staff members.

The once red-bricked building is now a vibrant white; the old scuffed-up glass windows are crystal clear, with Rosie’s Bakery in a pretty script font on one of the windows. The trim around the doors and windows is a sleek black. Steve holds the door open for a guy carrying a ladder out. Steve couldn’t believe this was the same building; the once dark tiled floor was now a beautiful black and white pattern. The red brick wall inside was no longer the red exposed brick, but white with the grooves painted black; the other walls were covered in shiplap. The counter was butcher block on top, a galvanized metal wrapped around it, a much larger and longer display case sat next to it going to the wall, leaving an opening on the other side of the register for employees to get in and out. The black metal letters were on the brick wall behind the display and register, ‘Homemade FROM OUR KITCHEN TO YOURS.’ On the far side of the bakery, the original shelves still hung, exposed wood and metal piping. Steve noticed Aubrey had already started putting the coffee beans and grounds back onto the shelf, also adding jars of jams and jellies; next to the shelf was a small wooden three-shelved display with a sign hanging ‘FRESH BAKED BREAD.’ The seating had also been updated; small square wooden tables with black metal chairs, with cushions on the seats which were placed around the open floor.

“Hey, handsome.”, Aubrey said when she noticed Steve as she walked out of the kitchen.

Steve smiled, “Hey, pretty girl. The bakery looks great.”, he said, opening his arms for Aubrey. He kissed the top of her head as she snuggled into his chest. Taking a deep breath of her lavender shampoo and lemon body wash, “I brought you lunch. Can you take a break?” he asked.

Aubrey hummed, nodding her head; she looked up at him. Steve leaned down to press a gentle kiss onto her soft lips, which quickly deepened as she wrapped her hands around his neck.

Steve pulled back, “Lunch?”, he suggested.

“Yes, please.”, Aubrey said, taking his hand and walking towards one of the tables.

Steve sat the bag down, pulling out two containers of broccoli and cheese soup with sliced bread. “I know the bread isn’t probably as good as yours.”, he said, winking at her. Aubrey blushed, looking down at her hands; he loved seeing those cheeks pink up. Once the food was set out, Steve took a seat across from her.

“I’m sure it’s delicious.”, she said, taking the lid off their soups to cool them down.

“Will you be ready to open tomorrow?”, Steve asked, blowing on a scoop full of the steamy soup.

Aubrey hummed, nodding her head as she wiped her mouth. “Fingers crossed, I’ve got Zak and myself in the kitchen tomorrow with one of the new girls, Cora. Sasha and Amy are covering the front; I’ve got almost everything prepped in the kitchen.”, she said, stirring her soup. “Will you come in tomorrow?”, she asked, glancing up through her lashes.

Steve reaches across the table, taking her hand in his, “I wouldn’t miss it for the world, pretty girl.”, he says, giving her hand a comforting squeeze.

The kitchen door opens, and Zak prances through, his smiles brightly as he sees Steve and Aubrey. “Holy shit, food!”, he says, moving over to the table and grabbing a chair from another table. He plops down, reaches over Steve’s stretched arm, and snags a piece of bread. He stuffs half the slice into his mouth, mumbling, “Tis is so goood.” He dunks the other half of the bread into Aubrey’s soup, quickly stuffing it into his mouth.

Steve sighs, “Zak, it’s good to see you again.” He deadpans; Aubrey gives him a soft smile and nudges his leg with her foot. Steve liked Zak; well, sometimes, the other man was a menace at times. “Please help yourself.”, he mumbles, rolling his eyes.

Zak pats Steve’s back, “Thanks, man.”, he says, clearly missing the sarcasm.

Aubrey does her best to control her smile. Steve does his best regarding Zak, and for that she is thankful; he doesn’t make comments about their friendship, he rolls with it when Zak crashes date night. On a couple of occasions, her human disaster of a best friend has shown up at her apartment mid-make-out session with Steve and just sat down on the couch.

Steve looks at his watch, he’s supposed to meet Sam back at SWORD. He stands up and walks over to Aubrey; leaning down, he kisses her. “I’m sorry, sweetheart, I have to get back. I’m meeting Sam.”, he said as she cupped his jaw, running her finger through his beard. “I’ll see you later for dinner?”

“Okay.”, she says, kissing him, “Thank you for lunch; I will see you later.” She places another kiss on his lips as Steve smiles.

“Very tooth-rotting.”, Zak says around a mouthful.

Steve stands to his full height, adjusting his jacket, “Well, if you wouldn’t crash our lunch date.”, Steve says as he turns past Zak; he slaps the younger man on the back. “Good to see ya, Zak; enjoy my lunch.” He winks at Aubrey as he leaves.

The slap on his back caused Zak to inhale the bite of bread he had in his mouth. Eyes watering as he blinked, looking across the table at his friend, he coughed, “I think we’re bonding, don’t you?”, he said, wiping his eyes.

Aubrey snorted, shaking her head, “Sure, best buddies, all right.”, she says, standing up.

Zak looks over his shoulder as she walks towards the kitchen, “Aren’t you going to finish your lunch?”, he hollers; Aubrey waves as the door opens and swings shut. Zak shrugs, “Oh well, more for me.” He reached over, pulling her portion over towards his stolen portion.

Sam walks into Steve’s office; the other man isn’t there yet. So, Sam walks around the large wooden desk to look out the window, and what a view, man. He looked down to see the changing Spring trees, the sun glistening off the Potomac River. He turned to face the office, smiling at his friend’s desk pictures. One taken of the original Avengers not too long after the Chitauri attack on New York, the one of Sam, Steve, and Bucky all smiling. He rolled his eyes at that one; not even five minutes before the picture was taken, Sam and Bucky had one of their legendary staring matches. The third picture was newer, Steve smiling brightly, his blue eyes twinkling, Aubrey’s hair almost red in the sunlight; they looked at each other happily. It was a candid shot; whoever took the picture witnessed true happiness at that moment.

Over two months it had been since Sam officially met Aubrey, and he liked her a lot. She was kind and thoughtful, and his favorite part is she called Steve out and gave him shit. Steve invited Sam to dinner at his apartment with Aubrey; he had never seen the super soldier laugh so hard or smile so much. To say he was happy for his friend was an understatement.

“Hey, sorry. You been waiting long?”, Steve asked, closing his door behind him.

Sam cleared his throat, “Nah, man; how’d your lunch with Aubrey go?” he asked, taking a seat on the plush armchair across from the desk.

Steve peeled off his jacket, hanging it up. “Zak dropped by, but other than that good. Will you still show up tomorrow? I think she’s nervous.”

Sam scuffed, “And miss out on that blueberry lemon loaf cake? Are you crazy? I’ll be there.”, he spoke.

Steve chuckled, sitting down at his desk, “So what did you want to talk about?”, he asked, leaning back in his chair.

“Somebody has a birthday coming up.”, Sam said, smiling.

Steve groaned, “Don’t remind me.”, he said, rubbing his hand over his bearded jaw.

Sam chuckled, “We still renting the lake house?”, he asked, kicking his feet up on the corner of Steve’s desk.

The super soldier frowned, “I don’t know.” He shrugged.

Steve and his friends have been going to a lake house in Virginia for the past couple of years over the fourth of July weekend. Steve doesn’t care for fireworks; they are loud and assault his sensitive eardrums. Sam, as he mentioned a time or two, okay, twelve, that it’s PTSD. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder wasn’t a thing when Steve was in the military; they called it shell shock or combat fatigue. The treatment for that was electric shock treatment or a quick dose of a sedative via I.V. Steve would rather jump at loud noises and avoid elevators than go down that road. But Sam has sent him several documents showing how far the diagnosis has really come.

“You didn’t ask Aubrey to go with you?”, the other man asked, raising a brow. It pulled Steve from his thoughts, which he was thankful for.

Steve shook his head, “She’s been so busy with the bakery. I haven’t seen her to ask.”, he admitted. “Do you think it would be too early to ask her to go away on a weekend trip with me?”, he asked, unsure.

“Nah, you guys have been going steady for a while now. I’d ask her.”, Sam replied, pulling out his phone with a shrug.

Steve crossed his arms, “I’ll talk to her about it tonight at dinner.”, he decided.

Sam nodded with a smile, “So, have you talked with Nat?”, he asked.

Steve sighed, “No, I haven’t.” he said, leaning back in his seat, “I feel awful about how things went down. But I feel like it was a long time coming, you know?”

“Well, I mean, you guys are close. I’d be concerned if you weren’t feeling some kind of way about it; what she did was a total breach of your trust. But I understand why she did it,” Sam replied, holding his hands up seeing Steve’s mean mugging him. “You asked her to trust you and let it go, you trusted her to do that and respect your wishes, and she didn’t. I get it, man.”

Steve rested his elbows on the desk, his chin going into his knuckles as he looked at the photograph of him and the rest of the old team. He had his arm tossed off Nat’s shoulders, and she had her arm around his waist. “What should I do?”, he asked Sam.

Sam shrugged, “Man, I can’t tell you what to do here. But if it were me, I’d just let things go for now and cool off. She will eventually come around again.”

Steve nodded, “It’s going to make my birthday party awkward.”, he said.

“That’s for damn sure.”, Sam snorted.

Steve checked his apartment one more time, ensuring everything was put away before he lit the vanilla candle Aubrey had given him, and set it on the coffee table. He loved the smell of the candle; it reminded him of her, the sweet smell of warm vanilla cake batter. He had just straightened up when he heard a knock at the door; he pulled the door open with a smile. Aubrey is standing there wearing a black square neck long sleeve crop top, a black skirt with a dark yellow floral printed skirt, and black ankle boots. Her hair was down around her shoulders, sunglasses pushing her hair out of her face. His mouth went dry; Steve had never seen Aubrey wear something like this before.

“Is this too much?”, she asked, looking down at her outfit, tugging at the top to try and hide the bit of her belly. “I knew I should have put something else on.”, she mumbled.

Steve finally snapped out of his dazed state; grabbing her gently, he pulled her into the apartment. Closing the door quickly, he pushed her up against it. His lips crashed against hers in a heated kiss, her hands immediately going into the hair behind his head. He slotted his thigh between her legs to get his body as close to hers as possible. His big hands went to her waist, Aubrey whimpered into the kiss as his fingertips grazed over her exposed skin. Her skin felt hot; she wanted more, her hands sliding on his hair, down his chest, and settling at his waist. Aubrey looped her fingers through the belt loops of his jeans, tugging his hips closer. She felt the prominent, thick bulge in his jeans. He groaned into her mouth when she rubbed against him.

And in a flash, he was gone. Aubrey looked up at him through thick lashes, slightly out of breath, swollen lips parted. Steve ran his thumb along her bottom lip, admiring her disheveled appearance.

“God, you are so beautiful.”, he said, leaning down and placing a sweet kiss on the corner of her mouth.

Aubrey blushed. “No, I’m not.”, she whispered more to herself than him.

Steve frowned, gripping her chin. “You are beautiful.”, he said, kissing her cheek. “Smart,” he kissed her other cheek. “Funny.”, he kissed her forehead. “All mine.”, he said, kissing her lips.

Aubrey sighed into the kiss.

“I made dinner.”, Steve said, pulling away. “Chicken and steak fajitas.”, he looped their fingers together.

Aubrey followed him into the kitchen, the smell just now hitting her. The spicy scent of the seasoning and the sweet aroma from the peppers and onion made her mouth water. Steve pulled out her chair; Aubrey smiled and thanked him with a kiss on his cheek. A large cast iron skillet sat in the middle of the table filled with seasoned strips of chicken, steak, bell peppers, and onions. All the fixings sat around the skillet, and a small Mexican rice dish and queso sat on the table.

Steve brought over two glasses, “Mexican Mule Sangria.”, he said, handing her the glass topped with blackberries and a slice of lime. He sat across from her, smiling as she sipped the drink with a pleasant hum. He cleared his throat. “So, um, my birthday is coming up in a few weeks.”, he said, making his plate.

“July fourth, right?”, she asked, making her plate. “How patriotic.”, she chuckled, giving him a playful wink.

Steve rolled his eyes, “Yes, brat.”, he teased. “We-I was wondering if you wanted to come this year. My friends and I rent this lake house yearly for the weekend. It’s gorgeous, and you’d love the scenery.”, he said, glancing up through his lashes, gauging her reaction.

Aubrey smiled, “I would love to come with you.”, she replied with a comforting smile. “On one condition.”, she said.

Steve raised an eyebrow, “And what is that?”, he asked.

“I get to make your birthday cake.”, she said, taking a bite of her fajita.

Steve smiled at her, “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”, he agreed.

They tucked into their meal, sharing how their week went and how excited Aubrey was for the grand opening of Rosie’s Bakery. Steve shared how proud he was of her working so hard for this; she deserved it.

With full bellies, Steve and Aubrey moved into the living room. Steve lay on his back, one arm tucked behind his head, the other moving over Aubrey's back as she lay on top of him, her head comfortably on his chest. One hand, fingers buried in the hair at the back of his head, the other resting on his chest. It had taken some talking and many cries of protest for her to lay on him; Steve tried to explain it wouldn't bother him. She finally relented.

Steve felt content for the first time in a long time; he couldn’t explain how much the woman resting comfortably on his chest meant to him.

“I’m getting pretty attached to you.”, she mumbled.

Steve smiled, “I’m getting pretty attached to you too.”, he replied.

“You're not going to go anywhere, are you?”, she asked, voice barely above a whisper.

“No, baby, I’m not going anywhere unless you tell me to.”, he replied, kissing the top of her head.

On Wednesday, June 22nd, Rosie’s Bakery opened its doors to a swarm of loyal patrons and several potential returning customers. It was an all-hands-on-deck kind of day, and they were slammed! Aubrey was completely blown away by the support of her community. Steve had come by early in the morning to watch the ribbon cutting; he smiled for a few pictures and ordered a coffee and a box of assorted pastries before pressing a kiss into Aubrey’s cheek and heading out the door with a promise to come by later.

Sam showed up next with a very excited Clint Barton in tow. Sam debated over the lemon blueberry loaf cake and a blueberry muffin with a crumble topping; he ended up satisfied with both boxed up. Clint, on the other hand, was on a mission, taking almost all the double chocolate chip cookies in the case with him. He video chatted with Laura, to whom Aubrey was introduced.

Doctor Bruce Banner arrived later in the afternoon; he was pleasantly surprised that the doorway was a little taller than the average, so he didn’t have to duck down to walk into the bakery. He was also very thrilled when Aubrey produced a box of assorted macaroons with his name on the box.

By four thirty, when they finally shut the doors of Rosie’s Bakery, the staff was zonked and pleasantly surprised that they had sold out of damn near everything. Aubrey had to place a rush order from their distributor.

Steve picked her up from work with a bouquet of roses in hand and took her out to dinner to celebrate. They made out on her couch until they were both worked up, then he decided it was time for him to head home. With a kiss goodnight, Aubrey climbed into bed with a huge smile.

All in all, it was a fantastic day. 

Chapter Text

The month of July announces itself with a heatwave. Aubrey is thankful she agreed to go away with Steve for the Fourth of July weekend and his birthday, which she was unprepared for, enlisting Zak's help to pack everything for her first overnight with her boyfriend.

Aubrey had everything but a swimsuit. She told Zak she didn’t need one, but he insisted you cannot go to a lake house over the Fourth of July weekend and not go swimming, or at least lay out in the sun. Little did he know Aubrey had no plans of wearing said swimsuit if she even found one. So here she is, walking around the clothing store, looking at swimsuits. Chewing on her bottom lip, she ruffled through the rack, holding up—a gaudy-looking swimsuit.

“What about a two-piece?”, Zak suggested holding up an emerald green slip of a swimsuit.

Aubrey blanched, “I-I don't know, Zak.”, she said, feeling very unsure.

“Aubrey, babe, listen to me. This is your first official weekend trip together; you wanna be fun and sexy.”, he said, wagging his eyebrows and holding up the swimsuit. “And baby, this is sexy!”, he purred.

So Aubrey found herself in the dressing room, pulling on the swimsuit she was sure she wouldn't find over her hips. Once the bottoms were in place, she hoisted up the top, tying it.

“You almost done in there?”, Zak asked through the door.

Aubrey looked at herself in the mirror; the dark emerald green complimented her complexion and hair color well. The bottoms were high-waisted, covering her tummy, minus the strappy bits on her hips exposing skin. The top had thick straps that slipped over her shoulder, coming together in the front to be knotted. Taking a deep breath, she stepped out of the dressing room.

Zak turned around, hearing the door squeak. “Holy shit, Aubrey.”, he said, walking toward her.

“It's too tight, isn't it?”, she asked, pulling on the bottoms.

Zak shook his head, “No. Fuck, you looking sexy as hell.”, he said, giving her a once over. “Like, if you weren’t like my sister, best friend, and platonic soulmate, I might toss my name into the running.”

She rolled her eyes, turned around, and she heard Zak whistle.

“Damn, girl, that ass though!”, he said, making grabby hands.

Aubrey swatted him away, giggling as she hurried back into the dressing room. She wouldn’t tell him because he would be insufferable, but Zak made her confidence soar sometimes. He was the best hype man, always knowing what to say to make her smile and feel sure of herself. Aubrey paused to look at her reflection one more time, she turned to the left and right; okay, maybe Zak was right. She did look good in this swimsuit.

Darling, you got to let me know.

The warm July summer breeze whips through the truck windows, The Clash coming through the radio, the sun is shining brightly as the clouds move lazily across the bright blue sky. They are about half an hour out from their destination; Steve glances over at his passenger. Aubrey was sound asleep, sunglasses on her face, lips parted slightly, strawberry hair pulled up in a messy bun. Her pale creamy thick thighs were exposed thanks to the denim shorts she was wearing, a dark Motley Cru t-shirt with the neck and shoulders cut off, revealing even more skin as it dipped down, exposing the tops of her full breast.

Steve had picked her up at six thirty that morning; he wasn’t sure what she had gotten up to the night before. Zak was involved and had spent the night at her apartment (He was keeping Kash for the weekend), so there was honestly no telling what the two had gotten into. In the beginning, Steve didn’t like the idea of his potential girlfriend living with another guy or being as close as Zak and Aubrey. But after spending time with the two of them together, there was no doubt in his mind about the platonic love Zak carried for Aubrey.

It's always tease, tease, tease

Aubrey stirred a little, feeling the warm sun on her skin as her eyes fluttered open. She smiles while stretching, glancing over at her handsome boyfriend. Blonde hair swept back from the wind, blue eyes widened under thick lashes; deep red tank top showed off his massive corded arms, worn jeans clinging to his thighs. He licked his pink lips, a smile on his handsome bearded jaw. Jesus Christ, how was this man even real?

“Good nap?”, he asked with a smirk.

Aubrey wrinkled her nose, “Yeah. Sorry, I’m a horrible co-pilot.”, she said, grabbing her water.

“It’s all right, pretty girl.”, he smiles.

Aubrey takes several long drinks from her tumbler. “So, who all will be there?”, she asked, placing the cup back in the holder.

“Sam, Bruce, Clint, his wife Laura, Tony, and Pepper, Bucky was supposed to come out, but he’s overseas.”, he replied, scratching his chin. “I think Wanda and Vision, along with Scott and Hope, might be there.”

Aubrey hummed, “No, Natasha?”, she asked, fiddling with the hem of her shirt.

Steve reached over, grabbing her hand; pulling it to his lips, he placed a kiss. “I don’t know. We haven’t exactly spoken a lot recently.”, he admitted.

“I don’t want to be the reason you two aren’t talking, Steve.”, Aubrey said, chewing on his lip.

He gave her hand another quick kiss before intertwining their fingers. “Hey, listen to me.”, he said, getting her to look up at him. “What is going on between Natasha and me isn’t your fault. Nat is a good friend; she cares, sometimes making her a little invasive. She needs to respect me and my decisions; this is between us.”, he said, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. “Don’t worry about it, pretty girl.”

Aubrey nodded, trying not to let herself sink into her head, she looked out the window as the truck turned off the highway.

“We’re almost there, you’re going to love it.”, Steve said excitedly.

The truck hit gravel, kicking up rocks and dust as they traveled under a canopy of thick trees shading the truck as they continued down the road for another ten minutes. Around the corner, a beautiful large two-story wooden house with massive windows, a storage shed attached where a garage might go, and a wrap-around deck on the second story with stairs leading to the beach. The beach house was nestled into the side of a hill, surrounded by trees; several other vehicles were already parked. Down the hill towards the equally massive lake, was an L-shaped lake-deck with a roof over most of it, three wide steps down to the water, and a ladder on the side. There was a large bed swing, several comfortable-looking loungers, and wicker chairs with a table. It was perfect.

Steve parked the truck, “Here we are, Lake Jackson.” He smiled, turning off the truck and watching Aubrey take it all in. “Seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, full kitchen, living room, the bottom level has four bedrooms and baths, and a pool table and bar. The rest of the rooms are on the second level with the rest of the house.”, he said, climbing out of the truck.

“Rogers!”

Steve turned around to see Tony walking out of the lower level sliding glass door, his arms open, cocktail in his hand, mostly bare chest with a white shirt and sleeves rolled up, blue-tinted glasses, and a broad smile on his face.

“Tony.”, Steve said, walking over to his friend and giving him a quick hug.

The billionaire let go of Steve and walked over to Aubrey. “It’s good to see you again.”, he smiled, giving her a quick hug. “I’m glad you’ll be joining us this year.”, he says, taking a drink of his cocktail, “Oh, Pepper sends her apologies. She won’t be able to join us this year, family business.”, he says.

Steve nods, understanding. “That’s all right, send her my love.”, he says, grabbing his duffle bag and Aubrey’s from the truck’s back seat.

“Gang’s already here, just waiting on you two.”, Tony said, walking towards the door he came out of.

Aubrey took a deep breath, looking at the house; she was a little overwhelmed. She was about to meet some of the most influential people to Steve; she had already become acquainted with Sam, Clint, and Bruce.

Steve slid his hand into hers, “Don’t worry about them. They’ll love you.”, he said, pulling her close to drape an arm around her as they walked into the lake house.

The inside was just as breathtaking as the outside, with hardwood floors, wooden walls, soft furniture, and rugs. There was a pleasant, homey touch, with potted plants, bookshelves, and paintings artfully hung. An industrial kitchen with a large dining table fit for a dozen people, a cute little Fourth of July centerpiece.

Aubrey followed Steve into the living room; a group of people sat on the most enormous sectional she had ever seen.

“Hey, the birthday boy has arrived!”, Sam says gleefully as he stands up; Steve drops their bags to accept the hug from his friend.

Steve chuckles, “We’re actually on time; stop acting like you were waiting hours.”, he said.

Sam rolled his eyes, moving to Aubrey, “Hey Aubrey, good to see you.”, he said, kissing her cheek as he hugged her, “Don’t be nervous.”, he whispered in her ear.

She nodded and gave Sam a thankful smile.

Steve wrapped an arm around her a little possessively, “Aubrey, this is Wanda and Vision.”, he gestured to the couple seated closest to them. She recognized them from pictures on the news and social media.

Vision stood up, taking her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Daniels.”, he said with a smile.

Wanda followed suit, hugging her instead of a handshake. “Steve talks about you so much; it’s nice to finally meet you.”, she said, laughing at the blush on the super soldier’s face.

“Aubrey.”, Clint stood up, pressing a kiss on her cheek, “It’s good to see you, glad you could make it; this is my wife Laura.”, he said, gesturing to the smiling dark headed woman next to him.

“Hello Aubrey, Clint has told me so much about you. He raves about your cookies.”, she said with a kind smile.

Scott and Hope introduced themselves next; thanks to Scott’s goofy nature, he seems to get Aubrey to relax a little.

After introductions were made and everyone seemed to settle in around one another perfectly, Steve couldn’t help the warm feeling in his chest watching his girlfriend getting along with his friends so well. Aubrey sat next to Bruce, talking with him about something; Steve wasn’t exactly paying attention as he stood in the kitchen with Tony, Sam, and Clint. He watched as Aubrey sat next to Bruce, Steve had no idea what they were talking about, but the way Bruce was laughing and Aubrey was smiling, he thought it must be good.

Tony cleared his throat, getting the super soldiers’ attention. “So this is pretty serious, huh?”, Tony asks, taking a drink of his cocktail and looking between Steve and the woman in the living room.

Sam scuffs, “Did you not see the way he was all over her walking in here?”, he laughed, raising his brows at the frowning super soldier beside him, daring him to say otherwise.

Steve rolled his eyes, taking another drink of his beer and enjoying the crisp apple and hop taste.

“I thought he was gonna pee on her leg.”, Clint said, chuckling as he nodded in agreeance with Sam.

Scott walked into the kitchen just in time to catch what Clint had said. “Who’s peeing on who’s leg?”, he asked loudly.

“Steve.”, Sam supplied quickly with a shit-eating grin.

“Ah, marking your territory, eh Cap?”, Scott elbowed him, joking.

Steve flushed as he looked into the living room, catching Aubrey raising an eyebrow in his direction, an amused look on her face.

“I hate you all.”, he mumbled, taking a beer swing as the four other men snickered.

The afternoon progresses, and they all move outside; Clint and Laura go for a hike, and Bruce and Vision sit around the lake deck talking about Nuclear physics. Scott drew the straws to prepare lunch; steak and chicken kebabs with red onion, mushrooms, peppers, and squash on the grill. Steve sat in an inner-tube floating on the lake with a beer in his hand, shades on his eyes, talking with Sam, who was set up like Steve. Tony sat on the bottom step with his feet in the water, chatting away with the other two men. Music played in the background; it was the perfect way to kick off the weekend.

Sam looked behind him to see what Steve was gawking at. “Damn Rogers, wipe the drool off your face.” He chuckled.

Tony looked over his shoulder in the direction of the house, then looked back at Steve, wagging his eyebrows.

Steve flicked water at both, getting a squawk from Tony and a slap back from Sam.

Aubrey smiled as she followed Wanda and Hope onto the deck, desperately hoping she was not drooling because of the sight of her All-American Beefcake boyfriend with his hair swept back, shades on his face, washboard abs out on display, and those tight trunks. God Bless America.

Steve itched to get his hands on her. From behind his sunglasses, he tracked her movements, watching as she laid her towel down, sliding the white cover-up off her shoulders. She tied her hair in a knot on her head as she laughed at what Wanda had said; he watched as she followed the other two women down the steps. Wanda climbed the ladder into the water, Hope followed her, and Aubrey decided to sit on the deck next to the ladder.

Steve carefully removed himself from his red, white, and blue tube, and downed the last of his beer. He swam toward the deck.

“Hey, pretty girl.”, he said, swimming up to her.

Aubrey smiled, stilling her feet. “Hey there, handsome.”, she replied.

Steve smiled as he pulled himself up, resting his arms on the deck after discarding the bottle. “You look gorgeous.”, he said, licking his bottom lip as his eyes raked over her. She blushed at the compliment; god, how he loved that blush. He slowly slid his hands up her legs, “Wanna get in the water with me?”, he asked.

Aubrey bit her lip, nodding; Steve smiled as he reached up, lifted her arms as she braced hers on his shoulders, and carefully lowered her into the water. He didn’t let go. Instead, he pulled her closer to him, encouraging her to wrap her arms around his neck. That’s how they stayed for a while, at least until Aubrey playfully splashed Steve, then it turned into a water war which ended in Steve pulling Aubrey close and smashing their lips together in a heated kiss that earned several wolf whistles.

The evening was spent around a fire on the beach, sun setting off behind the trees; everyone’s bellies were full from the fantastic meal Clint and Laura had prepared. Steve sat with Aubrey between his legs as they sipped on beers, his arm wrapped around her as she leaned back into his chest. Everyone was tired and pleasantly buzzed, except for Steve and Bruce. They decided to call it around one thirty in the morning, stumbling into the house giggling and happy.

Steve climbed into the bed fresh from the shower; Aubrey snuggled into the cool sheets. He wrapped a strong arm around her, pulling her back against his chest, nuzzling into her, inhaling that sweet, warm vanilla cake batter smell. “I’m happy you’re here.”, he admitted.

Aubrey hummed sleepily, “I am too.”, she replied with a yawn.

Aubrey wakes up the morning of July fourth before Steve; the sun is just now starting to rise off in the distance peeking through the sheer curtains of their large bedroom window. Her head lolls to the left, looking at the man sleeping next to her, his hair mussed from sleep, thick lashes fanned out over his cheeks, mouth slightly parted, bare chest slowly rising and falling, sheets pooled around his waist. Aubrey can see the faint line of his boxer briefs; biting her lip, she quickly decides how she will wake the super soldier. She carefully climbs out of bed, heading to the bathroom to brush her teeth and relieve herself. After washing her hands and face and brushing her teeth, Aubrey runs down the hall to the kitchen. Clint is on the couch, sipping a cup of coffee and watching the morning news; he gives her a nod as she heads into the kitchen.

Fluttering around the kitchen, Aubrey gathers everything she needs for cinnamon rolls, Steve’s favorite. She sifts her dry ingredients before adding the wet into the kitchen aid mixers; once her dough is ready, she drapes a clean towel over the bowl and preheats the oven. She then pulls out three blocks of cream cheese, since she tripled her recipe, and lays out the ingredients for filling the cinnamon rolls before washing her hands and heading back towards her bedroom for the weekend.

Once settled in bed next to Steve, she slowly trails a finger down his chest and abs, lightly tracing the underwear band. She watches as he sucks a breath, brows scrunching in his sleep. A little braver, she leans in and plants a kiss on his cheek, moving to his neck, slowly making her way down his body, leaving open-mouth kisses as she slowly pushes the sheet away. Steve stretches his body like a cat sunbathing; he spreads his legs. Aubrey smirks as she climbs in between his legs settling there, she looks up at the hard lines of his impressive body, and her mouth waters as her eyes fix on the slight bulge in his underwear. She starts to mouth at his rapidly filling cock, watching as his chest moves up and down a little fast.

Steve blinks awake, looking down at his groin; he nearly swallows his damn tongue. He licks his lips slowly, watching as Aubrey licks up his covered erection. “Oh, fuck..”, he breathes, voice raspy with sleep.

“Do you want me to stop?”, she asks, breathing hot over his pulsating cock.

He opens his mouth to speak, and nothing comes out; he can’t find the words. So, he nods, watching as she crawls up his body. His hands settle on her thighs as she leans over, pressing a soft, sweet kiss into his lip.

“Happy Birthday.”, she whispers in his ear, sucking the lobe into her mouth.

Steve growled lowly in his chest, causing her to shudder as his fingers flexed against her bare thighs. “Mmmm, I could -”, he gasped softly when her hand slipped to cup his hardened cock, “-get used to waking up like this.”

“Well, not every day is your birthday.”, before Steve’s brain had time to register, she slid back down his body, settling between his leg, gently pulling his underwear down, and pulling out his cock and balls. Her face level with his erection, she licked her lips slowly, “But let me start your thirty-seventh birthday off right.”

“Fuck, Aubrey.”, he groaned, head falling back into his pillow as she slowly dragged her hands down his tight abdomen and thighs, her nails grazing his skin. She finally pulled away, looking at his fully hard, flushed leaking cock.

Aubrey hummed approvingly; a disheveled moan spilled from Steve’s lips when she wasted no time gripping his base, pumping him slowly, lapping lightly at the precum that had gathered at the head.

“Fuck, pretty girl.” Aubrey looked up at him through her dark lashes. Those big, ocean eyes, braided hair tossed over. Fuck, she looked the epitome of innocence despite the fat cock pressing between her soft pink lips. “You look… so fucking good with your lips wrapped around my cock like that.” His hand found the back of her head, gripping her hair as she sucked him further into her mouth.

One hand gripped his base, delicate fingers wrapped tightly around his thick cock, continuing to lazily stroke what she couldn’t fit in her mouth, while the other slipped down to massage his heavy balls hanging between his thighs. The choked moan tore through his chest when she hollowed her cheeks, sucking him deeper until the fat head of his cock bumped the back of her throat and caused her to gag slightly around him, leaving her core throbbing.

A loud crack made Aubrey shift her graze up; a firm hand gripped the wooden headboard so tight it cracked under the pressure as Steve was desperate to stay quiet.

“Fuck.”, he gritted out, head laying back into the pillow, chest heaving as he struggled to catch his breath. “I’m not going to last if you keep doing that.” He moaned, hand cupping the back of her head, guiding her down further on his cock. “Feels too good. Fuck.”

Aubrey gagged slightly, eyes watering as saliva began to drip from her mouth’s sides as he thrust himself gently into her mouth. Each thrust went deeper than the last as he lost himself in the feeling.

“Oh, shit, good girl, baby.”, he groaned, eyes squeezed shut, struggling to maintain his composure. “Take me so well; you were fucking made for me; swear to God.” Aubrey keened at the praise, doubling down on her effort, sucking harder with each desperate thrust of his hips into her hot, wet mouth.

Steve’s control was starting to slip; Aubrey could tell by the way his grip tightened on the back of her head, fingers gripping unyieldingly around her braid, babbling praises and encouragements from his bitten lips, and his chest heaving as he struggled to catch his breath, his thighs trembling beneath her fingertips.

Steve was close.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck!”, he whimpered weakly, hips flexing up, cock sliding perfectly along her tongue and cheeks, “I’m gonna cum. Y-you-you gotta stop before I cum.”

Aubrey pulled back with a wet pop, a line of spit connecting her lips to his swollen head, as her hand remained pumping his length lazily, “Want you to cum in my mouth.” His cock twitched in her hold, the sight of her between his legs, pupils were blown, and lips were swollen; that alone was nearly enough to do him in. “Fuck my face, baby.” She said, licking him from root to tip, “Come on, I can take it,” sucking one of his balls into her mouth.

He let out a strangled groan, eyes rolling back. Not wasting another second, he guided her back down on his cock, thrusting himself sloppily into her throat. “Fucking hell, pretty girl.”, he gritted out, biting down hard on his already bitten lips to suppress the moan that threatened to spill from his lips. “The mouth on you. Fuck feels so good. You like that, huh? Like when I fuck your face?”

Aubrey moaned around him, the vibrations causing shivers to trickle up his spine as she took each deliberate, deep thrust like a champ.

“Fuck. nngh….. gonna cum.”, he choked out, hips snapping quicker. “Gonna cum— Fuck.”

Aubrey braced herself, breathing heavily through her nose, when the fat head of his cock met the back of her throat repeatedly. Her nails dug into his thighs, struggling to steady herself against each brutal thrust. Teary gaze trained solely on him, blinking the tears away, not wanting to miss how he looked when he finally came down her throat. After a few more pumps of his hips, Steve let out one last filthy moan before pressing fully up into her mouth and releasing his hot seed down the back of her throat. He held her there, cock sheathed deeply as he gave a few shallow thrusts to work himself through the intense orgasm.

Steve shuddered when she released him, quickly swallowing his spend before proudly presenting him with her clean tongue. “Fuckin hell, baby.”, he chuckled, cupping her chin and brushing his thumb along her swollen lips. “That was so hot; you did so well.”

Aubrey smiled at him wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, a blush covering her cheeks.

“Come here.”, he said, pulling her up his body. Rolling onto his, Steve pulled her close, gently cupping her jaw; he leaned down, kissing her, licking into her mouth, groaning at the taste of himself on her tongue. He pulled back, slowing down the kiss.

Aubrey smiled at him, “Happy Birthday, Steve.”, she whispered, snuggling into his chest.

Steve kisses her forehead, “Thanks, pretty girl, shaping up to be the best birthday yet.”, he said as she giggled.

Someone banged on the door.

Aubrey startled, and Steve frowned.

“You two about done?”, Tony hollered through the door. “I know it’s your birthday and all, but damnit, I was looking forward to some cinnamon rolls!”

Steve huffed a laugh, “Go away, Tony!”, he hollered back.

“You have ten more minutes before I come in, suited up to steal the baker! We want cinnamon rolls!”, the other man hollered.

Steve rolled his eyes, letting go of Aubrey; he tucked himself back into his underwear. They climbed out of bed as Aubrey started to dress while Steve examined the broken headboard.

“I can’t believe you did that.”, she laughed, pulling up her jean shorts.

He shrugged, “It happens, it won’t be the first headboard I’ve broken, and it won’t be the last.”, he said, grabbing a pair of khaki cargo shorts.

Aubrey turned away, frowning, trying not to think of all the other women he’s broken a headboard with. She shoved away that little green monster on her shoulder, more like a Hulk-sized monster.

“Hey…”, Steve whispered, wrapping his arms around her from behind. “Don’t go there, okay?”, he said, pressing a kiss under her ear, “It’s just you and me now. Nobody else matters; the past is in the past.”

She nodded, a faint smile on her lips. Steve smiled, “Besides, I’m pretty sure this is the best birthday I’ve ever had. I got to spend the entire weekend with you.”, he said, kissing her neck until she giggled.

The exit to Washington greets like a big red flag, signaling their fantastic weekend's end. Aubrey sighs as she settles in for the Sunday afternoon post-Fourth of July traffic; Steve is focused on the road, so she finds it’s the perfect time to reflect.

This was probably the best Fourth of July Aubrey had ever had; Saturday went better than she had hoped. Steve’s spontaneous birthday blow job was a little louder than they had thought. She had never seen someone turn so beat red before; her cinnamon rolls were a hit three dozen scarfed up in a heartbeat. She loved how the group came together for lunch even though after breakfast, everyone split off and went and did their own thing. Aubrey blushed at the memory of their steamy make out session on the bed swing of the lake deck; Steve had slid his hand into the bottoms of her swimsuit and fingered her to orgasm, kissing her and praising her through the aftershocks.

Later that evening, after another fantastic meal, Sam prepared dessert; a vanilla cake with apple pie filling and a cinnamon buttercream birthday cake. Steve and Aubrey walked barefoot down the beach, laying a blanket out and opening a bottle of wine they laid under the stars. They lazily started making out until it got heated; Steve was between Aubrey’s legs, rutting into her as he sucked and nipped at her neck; they worked each other to orgasm.

Aubrey blushed when she realized they were outside her apartment building.

Steve raised a brow, “You all right?”, he asked with a knowing smirk.

She wrinkled her nose at him, “Yes, I’m fine.”, she replied.

They climbed out of the truck; Steve grabbed her bag, sitting it down at their feet.

“So, um, Sam mentioned that VA gala.”, Steve said, looking out the window at people walking by the truck.

Aubrey nodded; Sam had mentioned it over breakfast before they packed up.

“W-Would you want to be my plus one?”, he asked, a little nervous.

Aubrey wrapped her arms around his middle; looking up at him, she leaned up, giving his lips a quick peck. “I would love to be your plus one, baby.”, she replied.

“Oh, thank goodness, I hate going to those things alone and there is no one else I’d rather spend the evening with.”, he replied wrapping his arms around her.

They stood outside her apartment trading kisses, this was probably the longest goodbye either of them had ever had, Steve watched as Aubrey walked into her building before he climbed in the truck. Smiling like a goddamn fool he pulled out into the road heading for home, he had no idea what he did to deserve Aubrey but he thanked any and all deities who were listening. 

Chapter Text

"I don't understand why I have to go with you.", Zak whined as he followed Aubrey into a dress shop. "Don't you have girlfriends to help with this?", he asked.  

Aubrey huffed in annoyance. "Because I need a friend's opinion.", she replied, looking around the shop, "And you know that I don't, now please just help me." 

The walls were light pink with a white material bunched around and tied with a darker pink satin ribbon, which was placed every so many feet along the walls. Aubrey wasn't sure why it was ascetically pleasing by any means. On the left side of the little shop were several displays and racks of dresses, on the other were shoes and jewelry. In the middle, near the register, was a lingerie section. It smells like some flower Aubrey can't place; soft music is playing in the background. 

"I'm sorry, I'm just hangry.", he apologized, looping his arm around hers. "What are we getting a fancy dress for anyway?", he asked. 

"We'll go get lunch after I find my dress.", she said as they moved through the small store. Aubrey grabbed a red number, putting it back with a frown. "V.A. Fundraising Gala, it was a last-minute invite.", she said, looking further back on the rack. 

Zak raised his eyebrows at some of the lingerie. "We will just be avoiding that section.", he said, tugging her along. 

A short woman in a pantsuit with blonde hair approached them; her name tag read 'Stacy.' "Can I help you find something?", she asked with a polite smile. 

Zak stepped up, "Why, yes. Stacy, thank you. My friend here needs a dress. Not just any dress, but THE dress okay? She has to make a good impression.", he says. 

Stacy steps back, looking Aubrey up and down. She feels like a prized cow up for auction under the more petite woman's gaze. "I think I have just the dress." She smiled, clapping her hands together, and turning on her heels. "If you'll follow me.", she said, gesturing towards the dressing room. 

Which was just a tiny little area sectioned off by black curtains. Aubrey reluctantly stepped into the small room, waiting for the dress to be slipped through the small opening. 

"Ah! I found it!", Stacy shouts gleefully; Aubrey can hear her heels clicking on the floor as she walks back toward them. 

Sitting outside the dressing room on a plush-overstuffed chair, Zak speaks up, "Holy shit! Yes!" 

"Here we are; just let me know when you get it on and I'll zip you up.", Stacy says, handing the dress over. 

The navy material is soft in her hands as Aubrey hangs up the dress. She slowly undresses, feeling very exposed in the small dressing room. She shimmies out of her jeans, thankful she wore lacy panties and not her old ones with the pink flowers. She steps into the dress, feeling the smooth material slide up her bare legs. She pauses, looking at the neckline, and with a sigh she unlatches her bra, tossing it on her jeans in the corner on a small chair. 

"I'm ready.", she hollers, standing with her back to the opening. 

She gasps, feeling cold hands breeze over her skin, "There, honey, now, let's see this dress." Stacy squeezes her shoulders. 

Aubrey steps out of the dressing room. Zak, who was playing on his phone, glances up, down at his phone, then up again. "Holy Fuck...", he mumbles. 

Stacy clears her throat, unimpressed with his language. "You look fabulous, this color makes your hair look more vibrant. Add a pair of nude heels, and honey, your date won't be able to keep his hands to himself.", she says, adjusting the straps. 

Aubrey turns to Zak, "What do you think?", she asked, looking down at the dress. 

"I think you look fantastic! This dress is perfect.", he said, standing up. Stacy moved to find heels as Zak stood behind Aubrey in the mirror. "I changed my mind about the lingerie.", he said, an oaf escaping his mouth when she elbowed him in the gut. "Seriously, you're getting laid because of that dress and your sparkling personality, and fine ass.", he said, dodging another attempt at his stomach. 

Aubrey wouldn't lie, she felt sexy in this dress and confident. She took a deep breath looking at her reflection. Watch out Steve Rogers, I'm coming for you. 

Steve stood in front of his full-length mirror, adjusting his navy suit jacket; he unbuttoned the top two buttons of his crisp white dress shirt. His beard was trimmed up nicely and he had grown his hair a bit; he wouldn't admit it because he knew Aubrey liked it. He ran his hands over his hair, ensuring it was slicked back nicely. Sitting down on the edge of his massive bed, he pulled on his brown ankle boots; getting another look in the mirror, he grabbed his coat and headed out of the bedroom. 

His boots clicked on the hardwood as he walked towards the guest room. "Sweetheart, we have to leave in the next fifteen minutes if we're going to make it on time." he said, knocking on the door. 

On the other side of the door, Aubrey put the finishing touches on her makeup; it might have taken most of the evening watching a YouTube video on how to contour and do smokey eye make-up, but she was ready. 

"Yeah, I'm slipping on my shoes now.", she hollered back. Sitting down, she carefully slid on the strappy nude heels. She checked her reflection and adjusted her breasts; the stickers she wore were holding up the girls excellently. She took a deep breath and headed for the door; walking through Steve's apartment, she finally found him by the front door. 

"Well?", she asked, twirling around. 

Strawberry hair loosely resting perfectly on her shoulders, smokey eye makeup making her eyes pop, her lips were a peachy color, and she wasn't wearing glasses tonight. The dress, oh the dress, thick navy straps resting on her shoulders, plunged neckline going down between her full breast, a wide satin band under her breasts, the skirt flowed around her, the slit in the dress went mid-thigh; her legs looked longer with the nude heels. The look was completed with a pair of silver gemmed ears and a diamond bracelet.  

Steve choked on his saliva, eyes wide as he hungrily took in her appearance. He coughed, trying to recover as he approached her, he finally spoke. "Oh, sweetheart, you look breathtaking.", Steve said, taking her hand. He pulled her close, "Damn near gave me a heart attack.", he mumbled, leaning down and pressing his lips into hers. 

The kiss is searing and hot; Aubrey tosses her arms around his neck. Steve takes a deep breath inhaling her scent, and growls; she smells so fuckin good, he can't even begin to describe the scent. He pulls away slowly, regretfully. "If we don't leave now, I'm liable to pick you up and take you on the kitchen table.", he says hotly as he kisses the shell of her ear. 

Aubrey's thighs clenched because, oh my god, Steve has never said anything like that to her. 

In a haze, she feels Steve's big warm hand engulfing hers as they walk out of his apartment; she vaguely remembers the car ride there. 

"You with me, pretty girl?", Steve asks, his finger brushing her cheek. 

Aubrey nods, blinking; she looks out the car window, there are people everywhere. Cameras flash as people walk down the red carpet, posing for pictures before entering the prominent several stories tall building housing the Gala tonight. 

"Are you sure you want me with you out there?", she nods to the chaos outside the car door. 

Steve takes her hand in his, "There is no one I'd rather be here with than you." He kisses her hand. "Ready when you are." He smiled. 

Aubrey takes a deep breath, nodding to him. Steve knocks on the window, a gentleman opens the door for them; Steve steps out, adjusting his suit jacket. He holds his hand out for Aubrey; she takes another breath and then accepts his hand. 

The next several minutes are a blur of cameras flashing and reporters asking questions. Steve wraps a strong arm around Aubrey as they walk towards the building; he waves at the cameras but doesn't stop for interviews. 

Aubrey finally breathes when they are inside. Steve presses a kiss into her temple, asking if she is alright. She thinks she replies; she must have since Steve's smiling down at her. 

"Steve-O!" 

They both turn to see Tony Stark, dressed in an expensive suit with Pepper on his arm in a gorgeous blue backless gown.

"Tony.", Steve says curtly. He smiles at Pepper, leaning in to kiss her cheek. "Pepper, this is my lovely girlfriend, Aubrey." 

Pepper smiles, "Aubrey, it's so lovely to meet you. I've heard so much about you." She holds out her hand, and Aubrey accepts the gesture. 

"Likewise. I was sure you were a myth. A powerful woman at the helm of Stark Industries, and the only woman who seems to be able to stand this one." She nodded towards Tony. 

Tony gasps as if he is scandalized, hand going to his mouth. "Pepper, are you just going to let her get away with that?", he asks. 

Pepper laughs, "Oh, Steve, I love this girl. Please come to our annual Christmas party?", Pepper says, still chuckling. "Rhodey will adore her."

Tony shook his head. "Nope. Under no circumstances are they allowed to meet.", he says. 

Aubrey is introduced to a few other people, and Sam approaches them, commenting on how beautiful Aubrey looks. He tells her she is too pretty for Steve before he has to rush off and talk with potential donors. 

Aubrey sees Natasha in a strapless, tight emerald green dress, her red hair curled and pinned to one side. They make eye contact; Natasha nods to Aubrey then turns her attention to the man she is talking with. 

They are all directed to take their seats; Aubrey and Steve are sat at a table with Sam, Tony, and Pepper, along with a few others. Dinner was served, then speeches were made. Sam spoke about how the V.A. truly helped him when he got home and how he owes so much to the men and women who didn't give up on him. His speech is so moving that a few veterans nod in agreeance, wiping their tears away as he speaks. 

After dinner, Etta James Stormy Weather filters out of the large speakers. Steve stands up to button his jacket with one hand and offers the other to Aubrey. "Dance with me?", he asks. 

Aubrey stands; taking his offer, Steve pulls her onto the dance floor. He gave her a spin before pulling her into his arms. He slides his hand behind her back as she slips hers up to his bicep, their fingers intertwined as they dance slowly, pressed close as others join in on the dance floor. 

Cornflower blue eyes looked down into deep ocean blue eyes, Steve could feel her warm body pressed into his; heart rate spiking a little, he couldn't help but feel so much in this moment. He couldn't look away from the twinkle in her eye, the way she smiled up at him. He was such a goner, and she didn't even know it. 

"I'm so glad you're here with me, in my arms right now.", he murmured.

"Me too, thank you for inviting me.", she whispered back. 

Steve took a deep breath, "Nobody else I'd rather be here with, pretty girl.", he said, looking down at her lips as she smiled shyly, a light blush flushing her cheeks. "I love it when you do that.", he said. He pulls her closer, her breasts smashing into his chest, and as she looks up at him, Steve leans down, capturing her lips. 

It was as if time had stopped around them; they were the only other two moving, the only ones in the room. Aubrey sighed into the kiss, and Steve, he would never get enough of hearing little noses like that. She leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder as they danced.

Aubrey couldn't help but notice a man standing next to Natasha, she recognized him; he was a journalist for The Washington Post. He was doing a piece on her grandfather the last time she saw him, Keith Williams. He just so happened to look at her, eyes automatically registered he knew her. He nodded to her over his whiskey; Aubrey felt a lump settle in her stomach. 

Steve frowned, feeling her tense in his arms; he looked over to see Natasha. He quickly turned them around, hiding Aubrey from the other woman's view. As the song ends, Aubrey excuses herself to the restroom. Steve goes to the bar to get them drinks, as he does, he is approached by a shorter man with brown curly hair. 

"Keith Williams, The Washington Post. I must say, it's good to finally meet you, Captain.", he says, offering Steve a hand. 

Steve takes his hand, "Steve Rogers.", he replies.

The other man chuckles softly, "I can say I'm not surprised to see you here tonight. It's nice to see you advocating for our brave men and women.", he says, signaling the bartender. 

"Well, as a veteran myself, I understand the importance of a good support system.", Steve replies in his Captain America voice. 

Keith chuckles, "This is off the record, Steve.", he says. 

Steve isn't sure what to make of this man; he seems slimy, but he can't put his finger on it. 

"I am surprised at your company; I never thought you would climb in bed with a man responsible for so much tragedy's only granddaughter.", the other man continues. 

Steve frowns, confused, "Excuse me?", he says. 

Keith's eyes widen. "Oh my god, you don't know, do you?", he says.

Steve crosses his arms. "Why don't you explain to me, Mister Williams, what it is I don't know.", Steve says, his tone fed up. 

Aubrey approaches Steve, her heart beating rapidly. What was Williams up to? 

"Steve?", she says, hand on his arm. 

Keith watches her for a moment. "Miss Pierce, it's nice to see you again." 

The world stops spinning; the air is punched from her lungs, the walls are closing in, and Aubrey can't breathe. 

Steve shakes his head, "I'm sorry you are mistaken. This is Aubrey Daniels.", Steve says. 

Keith crosses his arms, "Daniels... Using your mother's maiden name, that's smart." 

Steve turns to Aubrey, "What the hell is he talking about?", he asks. 

"Seems the Pierce family genes are strong. Alexander taught you well, didn't he?", Keith sneered. 

Steve steps in between them, "That's enough from you, Mister Williams. You have accomplished what you set out to do; now, please leave.", Steve all but growls at the man. 

He has so many emotions flooding him now; this man does not need to be near him. 

The small man puts his hands up in surrender; taking a step back, he grabs his whiskey and takes off. 

Aubrey watches him walk away; her vision blurs as she tries to blink away tears. She reaches for Steve, he pulls his hand away from her. 

"What was he talking about, Aubrey?", he asked, his voice thick. 

She takes a shuttering breath, actively fighting back the tears; she grabs a napkin to wipe under her eyes. 

"Aubrey, tell me.", he demands. "Is your last name really Pierce?"

Aubrey loses the fight with the tears; she shakes out a sob, "S-Steve, please...." She can't lose him, but Aubrey can feel him slipping away. 

He shakes his head, "You're Alexander Pierce's granddaughter." He steps back, his hands running through his hair, "You...you knew of the history I had with him. You knew what he did to my best friend." Steve sucks on his teeth, looking away from her. "You didn't think to tell me your real name?"

Make-up starting to run, she looks up at him. "I was going to tell you, Steve, I swear I was....." 

He scuffs, "Yeah, and when was that? Huh?" he asks. "When were you going to tell me?" 

Aubrey steps towards him, "Can we please talk about this, Steve?"

Steve takes another step back, shaking his head. "No, Aubrey, I don't think we can. I need some air.", he says, walking past her. 

Aubrey feels her heart shatter as he moves away from her, as if being around her will physically hurt him.

Natasha watches Steve move quickly away from Aubrey; the younger woman turns around, she's crying. Natasha steps over to stop Steve. He holds his hands up, stepping around her, "You got what you wanted, Natasha. I hope you're happy.", he says, ultimately defeated. 

 Taking a deep breath the best she can, Aubrey signals the bartender, "Double shot of whiskey, neat.", she says, wiping the tears from her face. He slides the glass to her; she quickly snatches it up. Hissing at the burn as the amber liquid goes down, "Another.", she says, sitting down. 

"Will you stop squirming so much.", Steve said, agitated when he returned from his breather; he had found his date at the bar drunk. And as angry and hurt as he was, he couldn't put her in a cab and send her home, nor leave her alone in her apartment in her state. 

Aubrey shoved his hand away, "I can walk just fine on my own.", she grumbled, stumbling in her heels down the hallway. "I don't know why you even care.", she said, wiping the hair from her face. 

Steve huffed, "You know damn well why I care." Despite the few significant detail slip, he did still very much care about her. He couldn't just flip a switch and turn off months of feelings. 

Aubrey knew she was being a brat, but her drunk self didn't have a care in the world. "I can get home on my own just fine.", she said, as they stepped out in the warm night. 

Steve sighed, "Aubrey, please. Just let me take you back to my apartment. You can sleep in the guest room.", he pleaded with her. 

Aubrey huffed, sitting down on a bench, crossing her arms. "I hated him, you know; he never listened to him when I told him what I wanted to do with my life.", she said, hiccupping. Steve sat next to her, staring at his hands, wondering how someone related to that man could be so pure. "He wanted me to follow in his footsteps, and I just wanted to bake." She sighed, looking up at the night sky. "I never knew what he really was, not until the end after Black Widow leaked everything." Jerking her head over, she looked at Steve with watery eyes, "I'm sorry." 

Steve took a deep breath, nodding; he was so damn confused right now. He needed to just get her back to his place, sleep it off and regroup in the morning. Thankfully after a few more minutes, she seems a little easier to coerce to get in the car. She was passed out when they arrived at his apartment; he thanked the driver and carried her into the building. He was both shocked and relieved to see Bucky lounging on his couch. 

When his oldest friend raised a curious brow, Steve shook his head; he carried Aubrey into the guest room. Helping her unzip her dress, he gave her one of his shirts. Thankfully she didn't fight him to climb into bed; she was passed out again before her head hit the pillow. 

Steve's heart ached as he looked down at her; her make-up had run, her eyes puffy from crying, and her hair was a goddamn bird's nest. He slowly walked out of the room, closing the door with a soft click. 

"So, is that the girlfriend? She looked hammered.", Bucky said from the couch. 

Steve flopped onto the couch with a groan, "I don't know anymore, Buck. Tonight has been a shit-show.", he mumbled. 

Bucky turned off the tv, “You don't know?Don't know what?" 

"Her grandfather was Alexander Pierce. I just found out tonight. She told me her name was Aubrey Daniels.", he said, staring at the blank tv. 

Bucky's eyes widened. "That's a lot to unpack, pal.", Bucky mumbled. 

"Yup.", Steve nodded. 

"So I take it you didn't take the news well?", Bucky asked. 

Steve rolled his head towards his friend. "The fuck do you think?", he said shortly. "She knew who I was, she knows what he did. Months, Buck...", Steve stood up from the couch. "I don't want to talk about this anymore; I'm going to bed.", he said, storming out of the living room. 

Steve crawled into bed and stared at the ceiling. He wasn't sure if he would ever fall asleep.

Never Be the Same

Their eyes met across the crowded concert floor; Bucky Barnes immediately felt an addictive attraction to the beautiful blonde haired sweet gooey caramel-eyed woman; he had to talk to her, touch her, consume her.

One night of pure intoxicating passion with a stranger will change the course of Savannah Cassidy’s life, leaving the twenty-five-year-old pregnant, icing on top of the cake. After moving back to her small hometown in Indiana, Savannah runs into the tall, dark, and sinfully handsome stranger who happens to be a close friend of her brother after the two men served overseas together.

Neither can fight the pull; they are like moths to a flame; one night wasn’t enough. The itch, the burn in their veins to be with each other, it’s like a gravitational pull they can’t seem to stay away from each other even when they try to fight it.

Can life get any more complicated?

Chapter Text

Steve can hear his heart pounding in his ears as he does his twelfth lap around the reflecting pool; he’s well past his usual end time. In truth, he’s waiting for Aubrey to wake up. He doesn’t think he can handle it now; his mind flashes to years ago.

Alexander Pierce announced him a fugitive, he was on the run, SHIELD was after him, everyone was trying to shoot him. Then Bucky, just the thought that the older man dared to shake his hand, told him it was an honor to meet him. All the while, knowing that he knew Steve and Bucky were friends, that he would put a friend…no brother, Bucky was his brother. Brother against brother, knowing how horrible it would be for Steve to be killed by his best friend, his brother.

Steve pushed himself to run faster, feet thumping hard on the asphalt below.

He remembered how convincing and genuine he came off to be. The man was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, for fucks sake. How he made Steve suddenly question everything he thought he knew, how well he thought he knew Nick Fury.

“Sometimes, to build a better world means tearing the old one down. That makes enemies.” The words rang through Steve’s mind. He pushed himself a little bit more; he was starting to feel the burn in his calves. His breathing was harsher, he could feel sweat beading on his brow.

After the bridge fiasco, Bucky told Steve he knew him; he couldn’t place from where but he knew. Pierce knew this when he sent the Winter Soldier out again, he knew there was a chance. He also had to have known Steve would not kill his best friend, that he would instead be killed himself. He knew Bucky would likely remember it and suffer the emotional turmoil of killing Steve.

Alexander Pierce was a monster; he was sick, twisted, Hydra. The thought that Aubrey, one of the purest souls he’s ever known, could somehow even be related to that man. He couldn’t wrap his head around it.

He started to slow down. Bending over and resting his hands on his knees, he greedily sucked in several breaths.

Steve checked his watch, it was after ten; it might be safe to head home. With a pit in his stomach, Steve headed toward his apartment.

Aubrey wakes up on a soft fluffy cloud; her eyes flutter open, and her head starts to throb the moment it registers the light. Her mouth feels like she licked a cat, and her stomach rolls; she sits up carefully, trying to avoid a head rush. She groans, raising her head to look around, this is not her bedroom. Looking around, she quickly realizes it’s Steve’s guest room; her stomach drops as the memories of last night come flooding back. Aubrey stands up, realizing she is in her underwear and one of his shirts; looking around, she sees her clothes. Dressing as fast as she could in her hung-over state, Aubrey stuffed everything she brought into her duffle bag as she cleared the guest room. Checking the clock, it’s barely seven, Steve will be out on his run for another forty-five minutes. As she rounds the corner into the kitchen, she stops abruptly.

A shirtless man in the kitchen is mixing up what looks like pancake mix, and it is not Steve. His jeans hang low on his hips; his chest is broad, abs cut and defined, and his long dark hair is pulled into a messy bun on top of his head. He takes a drink of orange juice, pink tongue darting out to catch a drop before it leaves his mouth; he turns steely blue eyes to her, a jaw that could cut glass, and the sexiest dimpled chin.

“Well, this is awkward.”, he says, getting her attention.

Aubrey shakes her head, blinking. “Uh, I’m sorry, I have to go.”, she speaks, trying to hurry around him.

He holds up his hands, “Whoa, hey, wait a minute. I watched you come in last night; you were plastered. At least eat a piece of toast before you bail on your boyfriend.”, he says.

Aubrey frowned, “I’m pretty sure Steve and I are no longer dating.”, she says. When it’s clear the man isn’t going to let her leave, she drops her bag with a sigh. She watches him grab bread and plops a slice in the toaster.

“I’m Bucky, by the way.”, he offered over his shoulder as he turned on the stove.

Aubrey blinks, “As in James Barnes, Bucky?”, she asks.

He nods, “Yup, last time I checked. And you’re Aubrey Daniels…or Pierce now, I guess.”, he says, pouring batter into the pan. The toaster dings; he quickly snatches the toast, putting some butter on it. Bucky turns around with a smile, offering her the toast.

“I’m sorry.”, Aubrey mumbles, taking the toast from the man.

Bucky frowns, “Why are you sorry?”, he asks, tilting his head.

Aubrey nibbles on the toast. “My grandfather.”, she says, unable to meet his gaze.

He nods, “Ah, well, I don’t accept your apology.”, he says, turning around.

She nodded, that’s fair. Her grandfather tortured and enslaved the man for years, forcing him to kill, and then go after and almost kill his best friend.

“You don’t owe me an apology, you had nothing to do with what he did. Hell, you were just a kid.”, he said, flipping the pancake in the pan. “If there is one thing I learned during my recovery, it is that we can’t blame ourselves for things out of our control.”

Aubrey feels tears well in her eyes, “He hates me, doesn’t he?”, she asked.

Bucky hands her a glass of orange juice. “Steve is feeling many things right now, but I don’t think hate is one of them.”, he says, watching her slowly drink the juice. “He’s hurt, I can tell you that much. Probably feels the way you’re feeling right now.”

“I wouldn’t blame him if he does hate me, I broke his trust. I wanted to be seen for me, not as Alexander Pierce’s granddaughter.”, she says, placing the glass down. “I should go before he gets back. Thank you, Bucky, for the toast and conversation. It was nice meeting you.”, she said, grabbing her bag and heading to the door.

Aubrey stops in the doorway when she hears Bucky holler over his shoulder, “You’re nothing like him, you know.”

“Thank you.”, she whispers, closing the door.

Bucky shakes his head as he plops a pancake on the plate. “Those two were made for each other.”, he says to himself as he pours another pancake into the hot skillet.

Bucky was lying on the couch watching HGTV; he was in the middle of watching these guys pull up old carpet to reveal beautiful hardwood underneath the nasty forest green mess when he heard the door open, then nothing. He rolled his eyes. “She left like two hours ago-ish.”, he called out.

The door opened more and Steve walked in, his shirt soaked with sweat. Bucky watches as he investigates the living room and up the hall before grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge, chugging it down. He pretends to be wrapped up in the show as Steve walks into the room and collapses on the couch. Any minute now, he thinks to himself. Steve starts to mess with his phone, then quickly sits it down, glancing over at Bucky to stare at the tv. Bucky looks over at him, raising his eyebrows, four… Steve twiddles his fingers…three… Steve lays his head back…two…Steve sighs…..and on cue.

“How was she when she left?”, Steve asks.

Bucky turns off the tv, pulling himself up from his slouched position. “Hungover, heartbroken, confused.”, he replies.

Steve nods, “I don’t know what to do here, Buck.”, he admits, feeling helpless for the first time in years.

“I can’t tell you what to do here, pal.”, Bucky said, crossing his arms, “I’ll be here for you the best I can though.”

There was a knock on the door, and they both looked at each other. Bucky gets to his feet going to the door, while Steve heads down the hall to his bedroom. Bucky opens the front door and sees Sam on the other side, and he closes the door and heads back to the couch.

Sam opens the door frowning. “That was just rude, Barnes.”, he said, closing the door.

“Who was it?”, Steve hollers from his bedroom.

“Nobody important.”, Bucky hollers at the same time Sam calls out, “Your best friend.”

There is a tense moment where the two men stare at each other, then Bucky turns on his heels and sits on the couch. “I hate you.”, he says.

When Steve returns from his bedroom fresh from a shower, he pauses in the hallway, looking at his friends sitting as far away as possible, arms crossed and a sour look on their faces.

“Uh, hey Sam, what’s up?”, Steve says, running his hand through his wet hair.

Sam looks up, arms crossed, “Heard you dipped out on the event pretty early.”, he said ebony eye brow raised.

“It’s not what you think.”, he says, heading to the refrigerator. He stared blankly into the fridge at the bottle of ketchup. “Hey, who wants tacos?”, he pulled back, looking around the door.

Sam frowned, “I will accept your tacos. But don’t think you’re off the hook; spill it, Rogers.”, he replied.

Steve huffed as he grabbed an ungodly amount of ground beef, plopping it on the counter. He held the skillet, placing it over the burner on medium heat. As the meat sizzled, Steve rummaged through the cabinet for the spices.

“I’m waiting.”, Sam replied from his place now at Steve’s kitchen table.

With a sigh, Steve told Sam everything that happened last night as he browned the beef and seasoned it. “I just don’t know what to do.”, he finished.

The other man nodded, “I can understand that. Wow, who would have thought she was his granddaughter.”, Sam said, shaking his head, “Then again, my nephew’s biological father is an alcoholic, that doesn’t mean they will be.”

“Did he tell you he avoided coming back this morning until he knew she’d be gone?”, Bucky said, walking into the kitchen.

“Really?” Sam crossed his arms, leaning back in the chair.

Bucky nodded, “Yup.”, he said, leaning against the wall. “So Steve, what are you going to do?”, he asked, watching the other super soldier slice up some lettuce and dump it into a bowl.

Steve shrugged. “I’m not ready to talk to her yet.”, he said, grabbing bowls and sitting them on the table. Bucky pushed off the wall and helped him finish laying out a taco feast.

“You can’t ignore this forever, it’s not healthy.”, Sam said, snatching up a tortilla and passing the plate to Bucky.

Bucky nodded, “I agree. You can’t avoid your problems forever.”, he said, scooping a decent amount of taco-seasoned meat onto his softshell.

“Did you just agree with me?”, Sam said from across the table.

“Don’t make a big deal out of it.”, Bucky grumbled, biting into his overstuffed taco.

As Sam and Bucky continue to bicker back and forth, Steve got lost in thought; he knows his way of coping isn’t exactly healthy and likes to avoid it if at all possible. He could do that. He would avoid the bakery and all the places that reminded him of her. Steve nodded to himself and then took a bite from his taco. Solid plan.

Chapter Text

When Aubrey finally enters her apartment, she is greeted by a pleased Kash who showers her with kisses. Zak looks at her skeptically when she tells him she is okay, or she will be, all she needs is a shower and a quick nap. Reluctantly, Zak leaves her apartment and Aubrey locks the door behind him. Her head thumps on the wood as she sinks to the floor, feet sprawled out in front of her. Kash lays beside her, his big head resting on her thigh as he nudges her hand with his nose, honey eyes full of concern for his mom. 

“Everything is so messed up, Kashy, and I just don’t know what to do.”, she admits to the canine. 

She isn’t sure how long she sits there crying, but eventually she gets up, pulls on a hoodie, and slips into her shoes. She and Kash head out of the apartment, they walk down the deserted sidewalk towards the dog park at the end of the road. 

After watching Kash play with a Golden Doodle named Marley for an hour, they make their way home. Aubrey grabbed that shower she said she needed; Kash lay at the bathroom door waiting for her. They crawled into bed that night, the German Shepherd moved from his usual spot at the foot of the bed to lay right next to Aubrey. She wrapped her arms around the canine and began to sob. 

“Thanks for coming in. Have a great day,” Sasha smiled, handing a small box filled with cookies to a kind lady in a gray peacoat. 

“No, no, no. Shit!”

The lady looked back towards the kitchen, raising a curious brow at the commotion. Hailey, the new girl, stood at the coffee machine, craning her neck to look into the kitchen. 

Sasha smiled apologetically, “We’re having some difficulties today.”

The woman gave her a look that said ‘right’, she turned around and walked out of the store without a comment. 

Sasha quickly made a beeline for the kitchen. “Hailey, cover the front for me.”, she called over her shoulder as she shoved open the kitchen door. 

Smoke billowed from one of the ovens as Aubrey pulled out a pan of what were supposed to be leaf-shaped sugar cookies. She tossed the tray down on the work table, throwing the oven mitts off as she slammed the door shut. 

Sasha walked over to her boss and friend. “Are you okay?”, she asked, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Honey, you’ve burnt almost everything you made this week. What’s going on?”, she asked. 

“Steve broke up with me.”, Aubrey answered, wiping her tears. “I can’t get anything right, I just –”, she sobbed. 

Sasha pulled her into a hug, rubbing her back as she sobbed. “Oh sweetie, I am so sorry. Why didn’t you tell us?”, she asked. 

“I don’t want to burden anyone or have anyone feel sorry for me.”, Aubrey replied tearfully into her friend's shoulder.

Sasha tugged her back gently, “Aubrey, we’re friends; that’s what friends are for. We’re here for each other when we’re hurting.” 

Aubrey nodded, “It was just we hadn’t dated very long, you know. But we just fit together, I don’t know how to explain it.”, she mumbled.   

The other woman sighed, giving an understanding nod, “But when you know, you know. I saw the way he looked at you, like you hung the moon or something.” Sasha waved her hands for dramatic effect. “You’re allowed to hurt, Aubrey, it’s okay.”, she spoke, rubbing her friend’s shoulders, “Why don’t you step out back, take a few minutes to get it together and start fresh?”, Sasha suggested. 

Aubrey does what Sasha suggests and manages to make it the rest of the day without further incident. 

Aubrey asks Zak to cover for her the following Monday at the Bakery. She was spending the day much like she spent half of Friday and the whole weekend, in bed. 

Zak unlocks Aubrey’s apartment. Looking around, he notices dishes piled in the sink and takeout boxes littering the cabinets. The living room isn't in much better shape; a fuzzy blanket is strung out on the couch, and candy wrappers are on the coffee table with empty water bottles. Well, at least she is being semi-healthy. Walking past the bathroom, he sees towels in a pile on the floor and a laundry basket overflowing with clothes. As he gently pushes Aubrey’s bedroom door open, his heart breaks at the sight of his best friend. She is balled up under her comforter, Kash lying protectively around her. His nose nuzzled up to her hand, letting her know he is there. The German Shepherd doesn’t even look at him; Zak walks over to the bed. He gently scratches Kash’s snout, his big honey golden eyes look so concerned. “She’ll be okay, buddy.”,Zak says to the canine. 

Zak crawls under the covers, wrapping his arm around Aubrey. She immediately sobs and he pulls her close, smoothing her hair back. He holds her while she cries. 

“Why does it have to hurt so much?”, she sobs.

Zak swallows thickly, “I don’t know, babe. I wish I knew.”, he says, resting his chin on her head. “Let it out.”, he says softly as she sobs harder. 

Once Aubrey has cried herself asleep, Zak and Kash sneak out of the bedroom. He leaves a note on the counter, just in case, as he slips the canine’s harness on him. They sneak out of the apartment quietly. An hour later, they return, and Aubrey is still sleeping. After taking Kash’s harness off and letting the dog get a drink of water, he paws at the bedroom door. Zak lets him back in there as he grabs a trash bag and starts to clean up the apartment; it takes him an hour and a half. He’s folding towels when the bedroom door creaks open, he looks away from the tv. 

“Hey, how are you feeling?”, he asks, watching his friend pad across the floor.

Aubrey slumps into the chair, “About the same, I guess. Jesus, Zak, you didn’t have to clean the place up.”, she says, seeing her clean apartment. He’d even lit a few candles. 

Zak shrugs, “You're hurting and I’m your person; it’s kind of in the job description.”, he said standing up with the stack of towels, heading to the bathroom. “I ordered your favorite from that Chinese place. Tomorrow, you need to go grocery shopping.”, he hollered from the bathroom. 

Aubrey sighed, it needed to be done; she couldn’t stay held up in her apartment or the bakery forever. But the thought of running into Steve somewhere turned her stomach. Would he acknowledge her? Or would he ignore her? The idea of either happening made her sick. 

“Did you hear me?”, Zak said, sitting down on the couch. 

Aubrey shook her head, “I’m sorry, Zak, I just spaced.” 

He sighed, “It’s all good. I’m going to stay the night with you tonight.”, he said, kicking his feet up. 

Aubrey wanted to cry again; she crawled over to him, settling against him, her hand on his chest. 

“Thank you.”, she whispered. 

Zak rubbed her back, “You don’t have to thank me, this is what best friends are for. I’ll always be here for you.” He said. 

They sat there for several minutes in silence. 

“Aubrey?”, Zak said quietly. 

“Yeah, Zak?”, she replied. 

“When was the last time you showered?”, he asked. 

Aubrey scuffed, trying not to laugh. “Are you saying I stink?” 

“I’m not saying you don’t stink.”, he said, chest shaking as he tried not to laugh. 

Aubrey got off the couch, cursing at him for making her laugh when she wanted to feel sad. She did go and shower; she wouldn’t tell him it felt good to get cleaned up. 

As they had done before, the two sat on the floor in the living room with food spread out on the coffee table. Nights like this called for Grey’s Anatomy reruns. When they finally started to yawn, Aubrey dragged Zak into her room and they settled into bed facing each other; Kash snuggled up, resting his head between them. 

Zak watched a total beefcake of a man walk into the bakery wearing a tight black V-neck shirt, his dark hair pulled into a sleek man bun at the base of his head, pair of aviator Ray-Bans covering his eyes. As he approaches the counter, he slides the glasses up, resting on his head, his steely eyes scan the place. 

“Can I help you?”, Hailey asks, running her eyes from the man’s boots, jean-clad legs, to his eyes. 

He smirks, “I’d like a large black coffee and one of those apple turnovers, please.”, he says, pulling his wallet out. He swipes his card as Hailey bags his turnover. 

“Here you go, large black coffee and an apple turnover.” Hailey hands them over to the man. 

He winks at her, “Thanks, sweetheart.” He smiles, Hailey giggles, and Zak rolls his eyes from his place over by the shelf that he is restocking. The man leans on the counter, “Say, is Aubrey working today?”, he asks.

Zak frowns, who is this guy and what does he want with Aubrey?

“Oh yeah, she’s in the kitchen.”, Hailey nods, a little disappointed. “Want me to go get her?”, she offers. 

The man flashes her a toothy smile, “That would be great.”, he speaks.

As Hailey slips into the kitchen, Zak turns around, “What do you want with Aubrey?”, he asks the man.  

The man pushes off the counter, leaving his coffee and turnover. He holds his hand out, “I’m Bucky.”, he says. 

Zak frowns, not taking his hand. “You still didn’t answer my question.” 

Bucky chuckles, nodding his head. “I’m a….”, he chews around for the correct word, “friend, I’m a friend of hers.” 

Zak raises an eyebrow, “Really? She has never mentioned you.”, he says firmly. 

Bucky smiles, “You must be Zak then.”  

“Bucky?”, Aubrey says curiously, walking around the counter. 

Bucky turns around smiling. “Hey kid, how are ya?”, he said, pulling her into a half hug.  

“Good, how are you?”, she asks, giving him a forced smile. 

“How do you know this guy?”, Zak asks, placing his hands on his hips. 

Bucky glances at the other man, “Mutual acquaintance.”, he answers. 

Aubrey nodded. “He’s a friend of Steve’s.”, she admitted. 

Zak’s already deep frown seems to deepen more. “Really? Did Steve send you here to spy on her? See how miserable she is?”, Zak says. 

Aubrey stepped in between the two men, her hand on Zak’s chest. “Huh?”, Zak asks as Aubrey shoves him further back. 

“Zak, that’s enough!”, Aubrey says, a warning tone in her voice. “Bucky is a friend of mine as well. Maybe you should go cover in the kitchen with Blake to make sure he doesn’t overcook the macaroons.”, she says. It’s not a suggestion and they all know it. 

Aubrey watches as Zak storms off into the kitchen; she apologizes to the three customers in the building, giving them each a free scone with their orders. 

“Take a walk with me?”, Bucky suggests. He can see Zak staring daggers at him from his peripherals. 

She agrees, grabbing both of them an iced peach tea to keep cool. Aubrey steps out in the warm afternoon sun with Bucky, they walk silently away from the bakery and people.

Bucky turned towards her as they walked, “How are you really?”, he asked. 

Aubrey sighed deeply, “I’m okay, I guess. Just taking it one day at a time.”, she admitted. It wasn’t entirely a lie; she woke late this morning, her heart still ached, but she got dressed anyway, threw on a smile, and went about her business. She tries to ignore the hurt when something reminds her of Steve, so she changes where she goes for walks; she avoids the pizza shop from their first date. She gets a little bit stronger each day. It’s been two weeks, two long weeks, without seeing Steve or hearing from him. She knows her heart will never be the same, but she will be okay; she always is. 

Bucky gives her a hurt smile, “That’s good. One day at a time is good. You seem to have a good friend looking out for you.”, he said. 

Aubrey nodded, “Zak is my best friend. He would go up against anyone for me.”, she flashed him a smile. It brought her a little joy thinking about telling him whom he was trying to get into a fight with. 

Bucky chuckled, “You’re evil Daniels.”, he shook his head, “I love it.”  

They both laughed together as they walked along the streets of downtown DC. Aubrey found it easy to talk to Bucky, he was funny and kind. He never mentioned Steve or brought him up, she was thankful for that. Though deep down, she wanted to know how he was. Was he hurting like her? Does he have trouble sleeping at night? Does he regret what happened? 

Chapter Text

Steve frowned into his cup of coffee; it was bitter, burnt, and most importantly, not from Rosie’s. He dropped the cup into the trash, “Who brought the coffee?”, he asked.

Five heads popped up and nobody said a word. Steve was not okay, everyone around him could tell just by looking at him. He wasn’t sleeping well and he had bags under his eyes. He could lie all he wanted, saying he was fine, but Steve Rogers was not okay. His team at SWORD knew it; he was short and harder on them during drills and missions. He had them running from one fight to the next. 

Maybe the doughnuts would be better, he grabbed one with a napkin and headed towards his office. Steve frowned, walking into his office; this morning was starting horribly. It had almost two weeks since he had a decent cup of coffee, barely in his chair, and someone was knocking on the door. 

“What?”, he hollered. 

Agent Allen stepped in, “I have that intel you wanted, sir.”, she said, stepping into his office. Her brown, pixie hair was gelled back, dressed in the standard issue tactical pants and black shirt; Allen is by far Steve’s favorite agent on Alpha Team.

Steve nods to his desk as he logs into his computer. “Good work.”, he mumbles as she walks out of the room. 

He reaches across for the papers while grabbing the doughnut. Reclining back in his chair, he takes a big bite. Steve stops mid-chew and looks down at the offending pastry; he drops it into the trash can under his desk as he grabs the napkin spitting the bite into it. Can he not have one that’s not tainted? 

An hour later, he finishes the intel report from Agent Allen; this is too good to pass up. He sends the assemble alert for Alpha Team; grabbing the shield from its place by his desk, Steve heads out. 

Sixteen grueling hours later, Steve, followed by his team, slowly exits the jet. They succeeded, but Agent Miller was injured, thankfully, nothing major. After a few days in the infirmary, he’ll be good as new. Steve himself is pretty banged up this time; he has a gash across his thigh, a busted eardrum from an explosion, a few bruised ribs, and a gash above his eyebrow. 

He does his best to put on a good face for Maria, standing at the doors, arms crossed, her right foot tapping the ground; she has an unimpressed expression. “Maria.”, he nods, stepping aside and letting his team enter the building first. 

“Rogers.”, she says, taking in his appearance. She turns into the building, Steve falls in step with her, “What the hell were you thinking?” she growls. 

Steve takes a deep breath and sighs, “I was doing my job.”, he says calmly, even though inside he is not calm. 

Maria scuffs, “The hell you were! If you have some goddamn death wish, that’s on you, but I will not put that on my people or myself.”, she says, stopping at her office. She nods for Steve to walk in. 

“I do not have a death wish.”, he grumbles, crossing his arms. He was tired, hungry, and in desperate need of a shower. He does not want to stand here and get scolded like a damn child. 

Maria sits down at her desk. “I saw the footage, Steve. Don’t lie to me.”, she says. 

Steve groans dragging his hands over his face, hiss at the tug to the gash on his brow. “I have been doing this a long fuckin time before you were even born. I don’t think you get to tell me—” 

The brunette shoots up from her chair, “Don’t you dare pull that bullshit with me, Rogers. I have known you a longtime.”, she hissed at him, her eyes full of heat. “Goddamn it, Steve, I let you bury your broken heart in work. Thinking somehow that would help you, but you’re going to end up killing yourself and your team with you. I can’t allow that.” 

Steve deflated. She was right, he knew it, and she knew it. But that didn’t mean he liked the direction this conversation was headed. “What are you saying?” he asked. 

Maria sat back in her chair, “Steve, I don’t want to do this, but I have no other choice; It’s for your own good. Captain, you’re benched until further notice, starting immediately .”  

His fist clenched, nostrils flared, he nodded, not saying a word as he turned on his heels and exited her office. 

Steve peeled off his sweaty compression top and started to work on the buckle of his kevlar pants when Bucky walked into the locker room.

“How’d this one go?”, he asked, sitting down on the bench. 

Steve grunted as he pulled his leg up to the bench to untie his boot, “Same as the last one.”, he replied. 

Bucky pursed his lips, “More like the last six.” He crossed his arms. 

“What’s your point, Buck?”, Steve asked. Reaching to pull his pants down, he hissed when they stuck to the gash across his thigh. He’d been returning a little more battered and bruised with each mission; he knew he was getting careless but couldn’t find it in himself to care. “You’ll be happy to know Hill benched me, but I feel you already knew.” 

“Good, this isn’t healthy, Steve. What are you doing? You can’t fill the void of missing —“ 

“Don’t say her name.”, he growled. 

“Aubrey.”, Bucky thundered. 

Steve scowled at his childhood friend as he stripped off his underwear, walking past Bucky naked as the day he was born, and into the shower stall. He sighed as the hot water poured over the sore and tight muscles, he braced his arms on the wall, head hung as the stream of water beat his shoulder blades. 

“Steve, this is ridiculous.” Bucky tossed his hands up. “You’re making yourself miserable, and her for what?”, he asked, standing up and walking towards his friend. 

“Jesus Christ, Buck. Can’t I shower in fuckin’ peace?”, he asked shortly. 

“No, Steve, you can’t; this is important.”, Bucky snapped, “Maria did call me. You’re running your team ragged, picking all these missions, putting yourself in the line of fire all the time. I read the report Allen gave, she said you knew that building was rigged and went in anyway.” 

“So what!”, Steve yelled, snatching up the shampoo. 

Bucky scuffed, “So what? Steve, you could have died! Since when did you become so fuckin careless? Huh?”, he demanded. 

Steve roughly rinsed out the shampoo and started to quickly lather body wash on, not bothering to answer. 

“Fine, don’t answer me, but by god, you’ll fuckin listen to me. I have known you my whole Steven Rogers; you never go into anything without a plan, doesn’t matter if it’s hair-brained or not.”, Bucky shouted. “You’re hurting, I understand that. But for fucks sake, the girl didn’t lie to you. Sure, she should have told you. Goddamnit, Steve, she wanted to get out from the weight of her past.” 

Steve turned off the shower, reaching for the towel hanging on the other side of the dividing wall. 

“What have you always told me about my past?”, he asked. 

Steve stepped out with the towel around his waist. “That’s different, Bucky, and you know it.”, he replied, walking towards his locker. 

“Yeah, I killed people. I have innocent people's blood dripping from my hands, Steve. That girl who adores the shit out of you! She doesn’t!”, he said, voice raising as he went on. “All she has is the shadow of a crazy Nazi bastard hanging over her head, and I can understand her not wanting to be known for that. I don’t want to be known as the world’s deadliest assassin, but here I fuckin am.”, he gestured to himself. “She wanted to be seen for herself, not him, and god, Steve, I know what that’s like to my core.” 

Steve was dressed when Bucky finished; he sat down on the bench, trying to process. “Bucky.”, he said, his voice coming out more broken than he intended. 

“I know, pal, it fuckin hurts.”, he said, sitting next to Steve. “You can’t keep doing this to yourself. If you’re done with her, you need to allow yourself time to hurt and mourn that loss or you’ll never heal properly.” He patted Steve’s back. 

“When did you become the reasonable one out of the two of us?”, Steve asked, looking at his friend. 

Bucky shrugged, “It beats me. But I kinda like it.”, he said, smiling. 

Steve chuckled, “Scares the hell outta me.” 

“Fuckin punk.”, Bucky says, nudging Steve’s shoulder. 

“Jerk.”, Steve says, doing the same back. 

Steve had a lot to think about. He knew Bucky was right, but damn, if it didn’t sting. It was hard to ignore the ache in his chest when he thought about Aubrey, he missed her very much. Sure, it was only a couple of months of dating, but they saw each other almost daily with Steve dropping by for coffee and breakfast at the bakery. They texted daily and had date night once a week, sometimes twice if they could. He fell head over heels for this woman in such a short amount of time, but when you know, you know.

Chapter Text

Aubrey’s mood had significantly improved; she wasn’t faking her smiles anymore; she was honest when she said she was good. She had made an off-handed comment about wanting to go out with friends again; Zak and Sasha suggested a club; Aubrey said no, but after a week’s worth of pestering, she reluctantly gave in to them. So, Aubrey found herself sitting in a crowded bar, with the music touch too loud, playing some nineties pop song and the colorful lights a bit too bright, nursing a rum and coke. She looked down at the ice cubes starting to melt in the dark liquid; she sighed, stirring it with the little red straw. 

“What’d that drink do to you?” 

Aubrey looked up, confused, “huh?” 

The bartender nodded to her drink. She was still stirring. He was tall, head of thick dark blonde hair and kind hazel eyes. Aubrey pulled her hands into her lap, feeling embarrassed. 

“I’m Mitch,” he said, wiping his hand before holding it out to her. 

She took his hand, “Aubrey,” she replied. 

“Nursing a broken heart?” He asked, grabbing a glass and filling it with ice. 

Aubrey raised an eyebrow, watching the man curiously.

Mitch shrugged, “You see a lot being a bartender.” He said, assembling a mixed drink from what she could tell. “Let me guess; he’s the one who ended it?” 

Aubrey nodded, “Yup. Story of my life,” she mumbled. 

“Well, for what it’s worth, he’s a fool.” He said, placing the orange drink in front of her. “On the house,” he winked. 

Aubrey blushed, “Thanks,” she said with a shy smile. 

“Ah, I knew you had a gorgeous smile,” he said, tossing the towel over his shoulder. 

Aubrey sipped the new drink: fruity, pineapple, orange, and something else. 

“Aubrey!” Sasha shouted, draping an arm around her, “Let’s dance!” the intoxicated brunette said. She looks sexy in her pink cropped long-sleeve blouse, her slim tanned lower stomach on display, belly button ring sparkling under the club lights, her dark painted-on jeans, and simple heels. Her brown hair pulled back in a sleek, tight ponytail with braids. 

 Aubrey felt like a potato next to Sasha; her hair was curled, half pulled up, and the rest lay on her shoulders, long sleeve, very low-cut black top with straps crisscrossed over her breasts, dark-washed jeans, and ankle boots. Sasha had picked the top out for her. 

She shook her head, “No way in hell! Sass!” She replied over the music, taking a long pull from her drink. Starting to feel the effects a little, she downed the rest of the glass and ordered another from the cute bartender Mitch.

Zak had appeared from the dance floor; a thin layer of sweat glistened from the open top buttons of his shirt. He saddled up next to Aubrey, “Come dance with me!” he said over the music. 

“I already tried that,” Sasha replied. 

Zak sighed dramatically, “We just need to get her liquored up a bit.” He winked before signaling Mitch. “Bar Keep, my good man! Six shots of—” 

“Tequila!” Sasha shouted. 

“Tequila, if you will!” Zak finished.  Mitch nodded, confirming he had heard the order. 

Aubrey shook her head, “Oh hell no! Tequila taste like that time I thought I was gonna die from alcohol poisoning.” She pouted. 

Mitch returned a few moments later with six shot glasses filled to the brim with tequila, a bowl of limes, and a saltshaker. 

“Miitch, I thought we had something special going,” Aubrey whined to the bartender when Zak placed two shot glasses in front of her. 

Sasha gasped, scandalized, “Leave you at the bar for twenty minutes, and you’re picking up the bartender. Atta girl Aubrey.” She said, grabbing the sat shaker after Zak had sat it down. 

Mitch winked at her as he put a toothpick in his mouth and headed down the bar to serve other patrons. 

Zak turned to his female companions, shot glass in one hand, lime in the other, “Lick, shoot, suck in case you forgot Aubrey.” He winked, licking the tops of his hand. He quickly tipped the glass back and put the lime between his teeth. “Woo hoo! Bottoms up, ladies!” he said, shaking his head like a wet dog. 

Sasha followed suit, slamming a shot glass down with a gasp and a full body shake. 

“Come on, Aubrey!” Zak hollered excitedly. 

Sasha picked up the lime and the salt with a devilish smile; she started to shake her breast, “Come on, let your hair down! You deserve it!” she encouraged. 

Aubrey groaned as she snatched the salt shaker, licking right above the joint of her thumb; she added the salt, and with a deep breath, she picked up the shot glass in one hand and the lime in the other. The liquid burns a little from the high alcohol content, and the salt and the lime help the taste; Aubrey is not a fan of this particular spirit. 

Two shots turn into two more, which lead to other drinks, and before she knows it, Aubrey is on the dance floor. Flo Rida’s Low pumping through the speakers, and Sasha’s hands are on her hips. Zak has his hands over Sasha’s dancing in front of Aubrey, sandwiched between her friends as they roll their bodies with the music. 

For the first time in weeks , Aubrey doesn't have a care in the world. She tosses her head back, laughing as Zak turns around, placing her hands on his hips, grinding against her, red-faced and laughing. Aubrey feels free, and she is here for it. 

She doesn’t remember how many trips to the bar they made or go much shameless flirting she had done with Mitch. 

“You have never slept on the couch in my apartment,” Bucky says, his back turned as he stirs the pot of chili on the stove.

Sam groans, “Yes, I have; man, it’s dark blue, soft, and wide as hell.” He argues, turning to Steve. “Tell this geriatric old fart I have slept on his couch.” He hollers into the living room. 

Steve shakes his head from his place on the couch, “Not getting involved.” He replies, trying to focus on the book in his lap.  

“Ha!” Bucky turns wooden spoon stained with chili, “See, Steve even knows you are lying. Stop telling everyone you’ve slept on my couch.” He grumbles to the man standing next to him. 

Steve rolls his eyes; he’s pretty positive Sam did crash on Bucky’s couch in his Brooklyn apartment; they had all been at Bucky’s to watch the baseball game, and Steve got called away before the fifth inning. But there is no way in hell he will bring that up. 

Sam snorts, “He’s just being Switzerland. It’s what he’s good at,” Sam says, directing the past bit at Steve. 

They start to argue about the seasoning Bucky uses in the chili; Steve takes a deep breath drowning them out. It’s been like this since Bucky came home, well, actually, no, since Berlin. He doesn’t understand why they fight so much over such little things. They can only seem to agree on giving Peter Parker a hard time whenever they see him and, for whatever reason, and letting Steve know when he has fucked up. This leads them to the heavy debate in his kitchen: does macaroni go in chili or not? 

“Macaroni does not belong in chili,” Sam says as a matter of fact. 

Bucky snorts, “Well, you’re not gonna like this chili then.” He says, glaring at Sam. 

Sam holds up his hands, shaking his head in a cocky manner, “Oh no, not the I’m a scary assassin glare.” He sasses.

Bucky groans, “Steve!” 

“Still not getting involved!” he replies, turning the page in his book. His phone goes off a loud annoying tone; it’s SWORD. Thank fuck! 

“Rogers,” he answers right away; he’s to his feet in a matter of seconds. 

“We received a call there is a situation at Doctor Choo’s facility,” Agent Allen says, “Someone is after the serum components and data. 

Going to the closet by the door, he grabs his duffle bag and shield, “I’ll be there in ten,” he says. 

“Awe, no, I just made chili and cornbread,” Bucky says, watching Steve grab his jacket and truck keys. 

Steve shrugs, “Sorry, got a situation.” He says, tossing his bag over his shoulder. 

“Be careful,” Sam says. 

“No unnecessary risk,” Bucky adds. 

“I’ll be careful, don’t wait up. Mom and Dad,” he says, stopping just outside the apartment. “I’ll let you two hash out who is who,” he says, closing the door. 

“Fuck you, Rogers!” he hears Bucky holler after him. 

Aubrey is abruptly awoken from a deep liquor-induced sleep when Zak comes barreling into her bedroom; his hair is everywhere, dark circles under his eyes, and his shirt is on backward. 

“The fuck Zak?” she hisses, covering her head. 

Zak snatches the remote and turns on the tv, “Your gonna wanna see this.” 

“We are live from Cho Medical right down the road from Georgetown University Hospital, where there has been what seems to be an attack on the upper floors; Drew Jones is there now. Drew, can you tell us what exactly is going on?” the female news anchor asks. 

“Zakk, turn it off!” Aubrey whines, pulling her pillow over her head now. Everything hurts so much right now; her head is throbbing to the point she’d like to find an ice pick and give herself a lobotomy. 

“That’s a good question, Linda; reports were flooding in of a hostage situation around seven thirty last night. Dr. Choo and his team are the targets, it seems. The doctor has been working with the United States Military to develop a life-saving serum.” Drew says. 

There is a loud explosion from the top of the building, the cameraman shakes, and the view drops. 

“Holy shit, Kent, are you getting this?” Drew shouts. 

The cameraman shakes as he focuses on the roof, “Is that Captain America?” he asked.

Aubrey shoots up, scrambling to the edge of the bed; she watches as Steve tries to stop someone in black from making off with a briefcase. A chopper is waiting for the man; he turns, pointing a handgun at Steve. 

“Where is your shield?” Aubrey asks the tv. “Where the fuck is his shield?” she turns to Zak, who shrugs. 

Zak stands nearby, chewing on his nails, arms crossed. 

Steve is shot, and he goes down to one knee. Aubrey feels like she’s been punched in the gut; her head shakes as she repeats, “no, no, no.” 

“I don’t think we should be broadcasting this,” Keith says, swallowing thickly. 

Drew, somewhere off-screen, replies, “Keep rolling.”

Aubrey doesn’t want to watch what's happening on TV, but she can't bring herself to look away. She grips Zak's hand a little tighter; there is nothing she can do; she's helpless, watching the man she loves risk his life. Holy shit, the rush of admitting to herself that she loves Steve Rogers makes her lightheaded. 

They watch as Steve gets to his feet; he takes off after the chopper, which is barely off the ground. Both hands land on the feet of the helicopter as he pulls back, the man is hanging out of the aircraft, pointing his gun at Steve as the pilot continues to take off. Steve is drug across the top of the building, grabbing a metal bar on the landing pad; he tries to stop the chopper. He’s shot again; he takes a few steps back and runs at the helicopter jumping off the building. 

Aubrey doesn’t realize she is screaming at the tv, and Zak now has his arms around her holding her back. 

“Please tell me you are getting all of this!” Drew says excitedly. 

Steve narrowly misses falling through the other side of the aircraft. It’s clear to see there is a struggle aboard the plane; the entire nation watches as the plane goes down, taking Captain America with them into the Potomac River. 

“Holy fuck! Did he get out?” Drew asks, moving closer to the end of the bridge, searching over the wreckage, “Did you see Captain America make it out?” 

The camera shakes and Drew pales pulling the camera down. “Cut it now,” he says. 

Zak is on the floor now, Aubrey in his lap, crying uncontrollably, saying ‘Steve’ over and over with a death grip on his shirt. His eyes are red as he stares at the tv, which has cut back over to the female news anchor. Zak leans over the best he can to offer as much comfort to his heartbroken friend. 

Chapter Text

Aubrey pushed through the front entrance of George Washington University Hospital. She looked like a mad woman; her hair was thrown up in a messy bun, and she had tossed on dirty jeans and a hoodie from the floor. Frantically looking around, she finally spotted the receptionist’s desk; she hurried over towards the woman who could only be described as the human Roz from Monster Inc. Her greying brown hair was wrapped in a tight bun slicked back no flyaways to be seen; she wore a thick gaudy necklace that matched the pea soup-colored blouse she was wearing.

Her name tag read ‘Patricia.’

“S-Steve Rogers.”, Aubrey said breathlessly.

Patricia looked up slowly over her glasses and blinked even slower, her mouth opening and closing as she chewed her gum.

“Steven Grant Rogers.”, Aubrey said, watching the woman’s finger barely twitch above the keyboard.

“Name please.”, Patricia said slowly, her voice rough yet nasally.

Aubrey slapped the desk, “Captain Steve Grant Rogers!”, she growled.

The woman on the other side of the desk was unfazed by the outburst. Several people nearby quieted down, watching the two women’s exchange.

“Date of birth?”, the older woman asked.

“Oh, for the love of—”, Aubrey stepped back; taking a deep breath, she reapproached the desk. “July fourth, nineteen seventeen.”, she replied.

Patricia raised an eyebrow, “You said July fourth, nineteen seventeen, correct?”, she asked. She was slowly pecking away at her keyboard.

“Yes, that is correct.”, Aubrey grumbled, desperately trying not to climb over the desk and strangle the woman when her necklace.

“Aubrey?”

She swung around and saw Bucky Barnes standing a few feet away; his hair was tossed up similar to hers, and he looked as exhausted as she was.

“Never mind.”, she said to Patricia as she quickly walked toward the super soldier.

Bucky pulled her into a hug, “Hey kid. How are you doing?”, he asked.

Aubrey wiped her eyes as Bucky left an arm around her, “It’s been an emotional twenty-four hours.”, she replied as they walked towards the elevator.

After watching Steve fall into the river on national television Aubrey called S.W.O.R.D, whomever was there refused to give her any information. So she called Sam who went straight to the top, Director Maria Hill. After six hours of nail-biting silence, Director Hill called her back. Unfortunately she wasn't at liberty to divulge any information at this time, she apologized and hung up. Four hours and one anxiety attack later, a text came in from a private number "He's at George Washington University Hospital." was all it said.

The older man nodded, “Yeah, no shit.”, he said, pressing the button for the fifth floor.

“H-how is he?”, she asked, clearing her throat.

Bucky sighed, “He’s pretty banged up, but he’s alive.”, he looked down at her trying to figure out if he should tell her. “He’s got two gunshot wounds, fractured eye socket, three broken ribs, punctured lung, fracture to his spine.”

Aubrey leaned against the wall listening; her eyes closed as tears streamed down her cheeks.

“He’s in a medically induced coma; doctors are afraid if he wakes up too soon, his body will try to repair itself too quickly, a fight or flight response.”, Bucky said gently, his hand on her back as they walked down the long hall that smelled of disinfectant and artificial scents.

There was hardly anyone in the hall; two-armed guards were at the end, they nodded at Bucky as he and Aubrey walked past.

“H-how long are they saying he will be in a coma?”, she asked as they stopped at room three sixty-five.

Bucky shrugged, “Could be days or weeks. He really pushed the serum’s healing fracture this time.” Bucky cleared his throat, “You need to prepare yourself, he’s been intubated and is connected to several machines.

Aubrey nodded as Bucky pushed the door open; she noticed Sam first in a chair with a book in his hand. Next to him was where she assumed Bucky was sitting, a book sat in the seat next to a bag of skittles.

Her breath caught when she looked at Steve for the first time in weeks; his blonde hair seemed darker. It was sticking up in different directions in the front, and the left side of his face had a swollen gash along his cheek, the eye bruised and already green and yellow, and the right side of his face was scraped up like road rash. His pink lips were chapped, the bottom one was split open; in his mouth was the endotracheal tube. She wanted to cry watching the ventilator push air into his lungs, the slow rise and fall. There was an IV in the crook of his right arm.

Bucky cleared his throat, “We’re gonna step out and stretch our legs. Go get some coffee.”, he said, looking at Sam and nodding to the door.

“Uh, yeah. You want anything?”, Sam asked, standing up, the book placed in his chair.

Aubrey shook her head as she wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her hoodie, “No. Thanks, though.”, she said.

She sat down on the side of the bed; hearing the door shut, she slowly reached out, running her finger through Steve’s hair. “I don’t know if you want me here or not, but until you tell me otherwise, I’m staying by your side.”, she whispered. Leaning forward, she kissed his forehead.

And she did; Aubrey stayed by Steve’s side the rest of the day and that night and almost every night after that. If she wasn’t at the bakery, she was at the hospital sitting next to Steve, holding his hand, reading to him. He was in a medically induced coma for two and a half weeks; on a stormy Wednesday afternoon in early October, they had removed his intubation.

He looks around the water as far as the eye can see, “There’s not gonna be a safe landing, but I can try, and force is down.” He says, feeling a pit in his stomach.

“I’ll- I’ll get Howard on the line. He’ll know what to do,” Peggy replies, voice cracking through the radio static.

Steve sighs, “There’s not enough time. This thing’s moving too fast, and it’s heading for New York.” He swallows thickly “I-I gotta put her in the water.”

“Please don’t do this,” Peggy’s voice breaks. “W-we have time.” sniffles, “We can work it out.”

Steve feels his heartbreak at the sounds of her tears, he wasn’t in love with Peggy Carter. But given the chance he’s sure he would have fallen madly in love with her. “Right now, I'm in the middle of nowhere. If I wait any longer, a lot of people are gonna die. Peggy, this is my choice.” He says, gripping the controls tightly as he directs the plane towards the ocean. His instincts screamed at him to pull up, “Peggy…”

“I’m here…” she says; he can picture the tears in her eyes. She won’t let him hear her; he knows it

The plane gets closer to the deep blue ocean; Steve’s heart is racing, his head screaming at him. “ I'm gonna need a rain check on that dance,” he says lightly.

Peggy scuffs, “ All right. A week next Saturday at The Stork Club,” she says.

Steve gives a half-hearted smile, “You’ve got it,” he says.

“Eight o'clock on the dot. Don't you dare be late. Understood?” Peggy replies, voice wobbling.

Steve gives a chuckle, “You know, I still don't know how to dance.”

“I'll show you how. Just be there,” she says; the plea is there; they both know it, and they both know the outcome.

Steve swallows thickly; he’s getting closer. “We'll have the band play something slow.” He says, seeing the snow-covered patch of land surrounded by deep waters. “I’d hate to step on your….” the radio goes static

The plane crashes into the ice, and Steve’s head hits the controls. He fights consciousness, but it’s so hard; he can feel his body lighting up like a switchboard, and he can hear the hissing of the plane around him as he slowly slips into unconsciousness. He barely registers the frigid air whipping around him; his hands and feet are numb, and he can’t move as much as he wants to pull himself out of the rumble. He doesn’t feel pain; he feels nothing, and that isn’t a good sign. Thankfully he doesn’t have long to ponder, he takes a deep breath feeling that heavy darkness creeping over him again he doesn’t fight it this time; he goes willingly.

Steve slowly started to become aware of his surroundings; he could hear mumbling, he tried to open his eyes and sit up, but his body would not cooperate. His back and chest hurt something horrible, a dull ache in his right thigh. He pulled in a deep breath. Oh, fuck…, if that didn’t hurt! He coughed hard.

With flashes of the plane, the struggle, and tumbling into the river, the rush of cold water around him. Steve can feel the icy water rush up; he can almost feel the darkness closing in. He gasps for air and feels a wave of panic wash over him. He remembers picturing ocean-blue eyes, freckles, and that sweet shy smile. For a moment, he fears he’s been asleep again for another seventy years, but the rational part of his brain tells him he’s not. He doesn’t listen; he panics. His fingers curl around the sheet’s fabric; he hears a beeping sound. Then a large warm hand over his, grounding him; Bucky, it’s Bucky.

“Steve?”, he heard Bucky say, “Pal, you with me?”

He nodded, he wasn’t sure if he did or not, but he tried to anyway.

“He nodded.”, he heard Sam say as he walked towards the bed. “You saw that right?”, he asked Bucky.

Bucky let out a breath of relief, “Yeah, he nodded. Thank fuck.”, he said, standing up. Steve felt a warm hand on his left shoulder, “Hey pal. Open your eyes slowly whenever you’re ready.”, he said.

Sam sighs in relief, “Oh, thank god. You scared us, man.”, he says.

Steve took a breath, not as deep as before because fuck, that was painful. He slowly opened his eyes; the light hurt slightly until he adjusted. He blinked over and over until Bucky’s smiling face was no longer blurry. He looked to his left and saw Sam standing on the other side of the bed; his heart fell a little when he didn’t see her.

“Where am I?”, he croaked out; his throat felt like sandpaper.

Bucky grabbed a cup of ice water sitting on the bedside table, holding the straw to his friend’s lip. “George Washington University Hospital.”, he answered.

Steve sucked down the entire glass, his throat feeling much better. “How long?”, he said, trying to pull himself up in the bed. Bucky didn’t want to answer; he looked over at Sam, who crossed his arms looking at Bucky. “Buck, just tell me.”, he says, letting his head fall back against the pillow.

“Two and a half weeks.”, he answered.

Steve groaned, “Fuck. Did I at least stop ‘em?”, he asked.

Bucky chuckled; this little shit, “Yeah, Pal, you stopped ‘em.”

“Aubrey?”, he asked. Did she know what happened? Would Bucky or Sam tell her?

“I’m going to step out and make a phone call.”, Sam said, wiggling his phone. Bucky nodded to him.

“She knows.”, Bucky nodded, “She’s been here every day since you got here.”

Steve blinked at his friend, “She has?”, he asked.

“She wasn’t sure you’d want her here or not, but she came back every time. Sat right by the bed and held your hand or read to you.”, he replied.

Steve’s heart soared; he’d walked away from her and left her crying at the bar. Then he left her sleeping in bed, hoping she’d be gone by the time he’d come home so he wouldn’t have to watch her walk away. She still came back. He thought he was going to die when that plane fell; he was ready for death if it came knocking, his only regret was that he never got to tell her how stupid he was and that he loved her.

The door opened and Sam walked in, followed by a short, balding man in a white lab coat. He introduced himself as Doctor Roark; he was friendly and straight to the point, and Steve appreciated that. The doctor gets right to it, checking the strength of Steve’s grip and reflexes; he has Steve follow a light with his eyes that give him a bit of a headache. Roark explained his injuries in English; again, Steve was very appreciative.

“You came in with an impressive amount of injuries, Captain; two gunshot wounds, one to the left shoulder and the other to your right thigh, three broken ribs, one of which punctured your left lung, some extensive internal bleeding, and a fracture of the vertebrae.” Looking over his glasses at Steve, he says, “While it’s not the worst I’ve seen, not many people can live through what you have.”

“When can I go home, Doc?”, Steve asks.

Roark pulls off his glasses and sticks them in the pocket of his lab coat, “Spinal injuries shouldn’t be taken lightly; a super soldier or not, you could have lost the ability to walk.”, he says firmly. “While you have healed up relatively well, I am not entirely comfortable with you being discharged on your own just yet. You won’t be able to lift anything over five pounds until your Orthopedic Surgeon clears you; I’d consider it if you had someone staying with you.”

Steve looked to Bucky, hopeful; he wanted to go home and sleep in his bed.

Bucky shook his head, crossing his arms, “No dice, pal. I’m headed home now that you’re awake.”, he said.

Steve turns to Sam, looking at the man with pleading eyes. “I’m headed to New York in two days.”, he replies, shrugging.

Damn them, and they call themselves his friends.

Roark stands up. “Well, whenever you find someone, we will discuss letting you go home, Captain Rogers.”, Doctor Roark said, heading to the door. As he pulled on the door, it swung open, nearly hitting the good doctor. “Oh, excuse me, miss.”, he said, stepping aside before exiting the room.

Aubrey stumbled into the room, disheveled and out of breath. “Is he awake? Do they know how long?”, she asked hurriedly.

Steve’s heart rate spiked, and they all knew it was from hearing her voice because he was still hooked up to the damn machine.

Bucky snickered as he moved out of the way, nodding towards Sam as they both headed for the door. “Well, be—”, Bucky started.

“Anywhere but here.”, Sam finished as they slipped from the room.

Steve and Aubrey watched the door close with a click; the silence was thick with everything they wanted to say to one another.

“Steve.”, she said breathlessly as she approached the bed. Her body screamed at her to reach out and touch him, but she didn’t. “How are you?”, she asked, stopping at the foot of the bed.

Steve licked his lips slowly, “I’ll be better once you get up here.”, he said, holding his hand out to her.

Aubrey moved around quickly; she sat down on the edge as she had done a million times since he’s been here. Steve pulled himself up, holding her hand in his left; he reached with his right, his rough hand gently gliding along the soft skin of her jaw, thumb dragging across her plump bottom lip, as his hand moved over her cheek, thumb stopping by her ear as his fingers curled around the back side of her neck; he pulled her close slowly. Aubrey willingly leaned into the kiss, which started soft and sweet as they leisurely traded kisses.

“I’m sorry.”, he murmurs against her lips as he pulls back, looking into her eyes.

Aubrey shakes her head, “I should have told you. I didn’t mean to keep it from you, it’s just not something I’m proud of.”, she says with an unsure shrug.

“Can we just start over?”, he asked. When she nodded, he held his hand out. “Hi, I’m Steve Rogers.”, he says with that all-American boy smile.

Aubrey shakes her head, smiling at him but takes his hand, “Hi Steve, I’m Aubrey Daniels-Pierce.”

Steve sighs contently; yes, he’s still in this god-awful hospital bed, but he’s got his girl back; one hand tucked behind his head, the other wrapped around Aubrey, her head a comforting weight on his good side.

He smiles at the faint feeling of her drawing circles on his tee shirt. “What are you thinking about?”, he asked.

Aubrey bites her lip, gathering her thoughts. “Just trying to remind myself that this is real, that I’m here with you right now.”, she mumbles.

Steve frowns, “Why wouldn’t it be real?.”, he asks, looking down at her.

“Because I spent the better part of a month dreaming I was back in your arms, and I never wanted to wake up.”, she whispers, trying to fight back the tears.

With that admission, Steve’s heart breaks. “Aubrey, baby, this is real. I’m not going anywhere; I’m not leaving you again.”, he swears.

Aubrey sits up, shaking her head, “Don’t promise me that, Steve. You left me once, you can do it again.” Her beautiful blue eyes are watering. “You could do so much better than me, honestly. I wouldn’t blame you.”, she mumbled, wiping her eyes.

Steve frowned; he hadn’t realized what walking away really did. He spent all those months building her up, telling her she was gorgeous, that she deserved to be treated like a goddamn queen, and just when she started to believe him, he tore her down in one fell swoop. With a grunt, he pulls himself up, “Aubrey, listen to me.”, he said, reaching out to grab her chin, turning those sad blue eyes to him. “I don’t deserve you; I never have, especially not now after everything I put you through. I know it’s going to take time for us to build up that level of trust again, but I’m willing to be there every day from now until the day you decide you don’t want me anymore, trying to prove myself worthy of you.”

Aubrey searched his eyes, getting an honest look back; she slowly nodded, feeling herself wanting to trust his words.

Steve opens his arms for her, “I am so sorry, pretty girl. I never meant to hurt you, I promise.”, he says, sighing when she snuggles gently into his chest. Goddamn, was he right he didn’t deserve her but fuck if he wasn’t going to try every single day to prove himself worthy of her affection and maybe one day her love.

Natasha walks through the hospital, the heels of her boots clicking on the floor. As she finds Steve’s room, she pauses at the cracked door.

“Be careful in there.”, Aubrey says from outside the bathroom door.

Steve huffs, “I can pee just fine; you’ll be happy to know my cock was not injured.”, he hollers from the other side of the door.

Natasha rolls her eyes as Aubrey does too.

“Lucky you.”, she laughs, crossing her arms. “You are on restrictions, mister. Remember no strenuous activity, that includes extracurricular bedroom activities.”

The toilet flushes, the sink runs then the bathroom opens up. Steve is standing in the doorway in a pair of grey joggers and a hospital gown that almost doesn’t fit him. He’s resting heavily on his IV stand. “So that means your not going to play nurse for me?”, he asks, a cheeky grin on his face.

“Nurse Ratchet maybe, bed mister.”, Aubrey says, pointing to his bed.

Steve sighs, “Yes, ma’am,” he leans down a little, kissing her cheek.

Aubrey smiles as she goes to Steve’s weak side, not holding onto him, just there in case he needs her. Natasha smiles at the exchange.

“Are you gonna stand out there like a creep, or are you gonna come in?”, Steve asked as he pulled his legs into the bed. Aubrey pulled his blankets up; looking up, she noticed Natasha.

Pushing the door open, Nat stepped into the room, closing the door behind her.

“How are you?”, she asked, taking in his appearance. Bruises look green and ugly but healing at a decent rate.

Steve grunted, pulling himself up; Aubrey was there to fluff his pillow and help him adjust. “Thanks honey.”, he mumbles to her. Looking at Nat, he starts to speak, “Better now. Doc says as long as I follow the care plan, I’ll be good as new in a couple of weeks.”

Natasha nodded, “You’re going to listen to him, right?“

Steve rolled his eyes, “Yes, Nat, I am. I already have my PT appointments booked for the next two weeks.”, he said.

“Good. Do you have anyone staying with you while you are at home? Is Bucky staying?”, Nat asked, crossing her arms.

Aubrey frowned, obviously being ignored by the redhead.

Steve sensing this, grabs her hand. “Aubrey is going to be staying with me while I recover.”, he says, kissing her hand.

Natasha raised an eyebrow, “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”, he asks.

“Natasha—“ Steve starts but is interrupted.

“I don’t really know what your problem is with me.”, Aubrey says, looking at Nat. “Maybe it’s because I didn’t come clean about who my grandfather is. I’m not proud of keeping that from Steve, but surely you can understand why I wouldn’t want any affiliation with that man. Steve and I have worked through it and talked.” Steve gives her hand a supporting squeeze. “But we’re happy and working on our communication and building relationship. You don’t have to like me, but you need to respect Steve and his decision to be with me, because I’m not going anywhere.”

Natasha cocks an eyebrow; lips pulled into a smirk. “Well, I think you are in good hands, Rogers.”, she says, taking the empty chair next to his bed, “I’m glad things worked out between you two.”

“Do you have everything?”, Aubrey asked from the doorway, Steve’s duffle bag on her shoulder.

Steve looked around the hospital room once more. “I believe so.”, he said, reaching for his bag, frowning when she stepped away from him.

“Doctor Roark said nothing over five pounds.”, she said.

Steve sighed, “I’m fine.”, he said, reaching for the bag again.

Aubrey playfully slapped his hand away, “No, you’re not. You are recovering from a spinal injury and could barely tie your shoes earlier.”, he said, dropping the bag to the floor and sliding her arms around his waist. “Please, just let me take care of you.”, she said, pouting at him.

Steve chuckled; leaning down just a bit, he kissed her nose. “Fine, I’ll try to behave.”, he replied.

“Thank you, that’s all I ask, baby.”, she smiled at him sweetly.

And he couldn’t help himself; Steve pressed a kiss on her lips, tongue slipping between her lips as he licked into her mouth. Aubrey gently placed her hands on his chest, leaning into the kiss.

They jumped part when the nurse cleared her throat; Steve winced at a pull in his back.

“Excuse me.”, she flashed an impatient smile. “Captain Rogers, I need you to sign a few things.” She handed over a clipboard.

Steve nodded, “Certainly.”, he said, accepting the clipboard. He read his discharge instructions and signs, handing the paper back to the nurse.

“You’re free to go, Captain.”, she says, giving Aubrey some side-eye before she turns around and leaves.

As they leave the hospital, Steve takes a deep breath of fresh air; it still hurts a little to expand his lungs. He can feel how far he pushed it this last time; he doesn’t want to go through this again. Holding Aubrey’s hand, they walk towards her silver jeep; she lays his bag in the back seat as they climb in.

Aubrey drives towards her apartment to pick up Kash; she agrees to stay with Steve while he is recovering. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision that now has her mind wandering; they had yet to reach the sleepover phase of their relationship before their breakup. Would they share a bed? Would Steve even ask her too? Aubrey chewed on her bottom lip, going through all the possibilities. 

Chapter Text

Steve lays in bed propped up against the headboard, cool sheets pooled around his waist as he watches his beautiful girlfriend move around his bedroom getting dressed. Aubrey had spent the weekend at home with him, now it was Monday morning and she had to go to work. He thought her being in his apartment after their break would have been weird for both of them, but they fell easily into a domestic pattern. Steve was on restrictions, so he couldn't go running in the mornings or hit the gym in the basement of the apartment complex, so he settled for walking Kash. Most of the time Aubrey went with them, sometimes it was just him and the German Shepherd. They cooked together, watched movies, and sometimes they just sat in compatible silence, him sketching and her reading. 

"Did you hear me?" 

Steve looked up at her, a smile gracing her face. "I'm sorry, honey, could you repeat that?", he asked. 

Aubrey giggled, shaking her head as she slid on her sneakers. "I made up sandwiches there in the fridge, along with some fruit salad and sliced vegetables.", she says, grabbing her coat, "I also made up some breakfast parfaits for you, and there are still some peanut butter protein bombs." 

"You know I can fix my own food, right?", he asked with a playful edge to his voice. 

Aubrey walked over to the bed; bending at the waist, she kissed him softly. "You could just say thank you.", she said, kissing his cheek. She blows him a kiss before slipping out of the bedroom. 

"Thank you!", he hollers before hearing the front door click.

He sighs, stretching, looking to Aubrey's side of his bed. Kash lay there blinking up at him. "What are we going to do today?", he asks the canine. 

Kash's eyes flicker over to the spirometer sitting on the bedside table, then back to Steve. 

Steve laughs, "You are almost as bad as your mom, you know that?", he says to the German Shepherd as he reaches for the device. He grimaces at the thing before placing the clear mouthpiece in his mouth, taking a breath, then exhaling normally, watching the ball bounce around inside. He runs through the exercises Doctor B told him to do, Kash lying on the bed next to him, watching.

As Aubrey walks into the bakery, it's still reasonably early. She has enough time to get some frosting on the pumpkin cookies and get them in the display case. 

"Holy shit, I wasn't sure Steve was going to let you out of bed.", Zak winks from the other side of the counter as he refills his coffee cup. 

Aubrey rolled her eyes. "Shut up.", she said, slipping past him into the kitchen. 

Zak frowns as he follows her. "Wait, does that mean you guys still haven't boned yet?", he asks his friend, watching her pull her hair up into a bun before washing her hands. 

"Not that it's any of your business—"

"Which it is because I am your best friend.", he says, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall. 

"But no, we haven't. There's just been a lot of kissing and touching.", Aubrey says, washing her hands, a slight blush on her cheeks when she thinks about a hefty make-out session in the kitchen that had led to shirtless Steve standing in between her parted thighs. "He's still on restrictions anyway." 

Zak smiles wickedly. "Oh baby, he doesn't have to be the one doing the work. Why don't you saddle up Mister America and ride that man into the sunset?", he says, dodging the dish towel aimed at his head. 

"Zakary Andrew Montgomery!", Aubrey exclaimed, astonished at his words. 

The man in question wiggles his eyebrows at her, and Aubrey rolls her eyes. She honestly wouldn't expect anything less from him. As she grabs the tray of pumpkin pie cookies and moves to her workstation, Aubrey can't help but wonder what the super soldier's reaction would be if she did act on Zak's suggestion. Maybe he just liked spending time with her and kissing her; it wouldn't be the first time she was just used in such a way. Surely, Steve Rogers, Captain America, could do so much better than her. What does he even see in her, a chubby quiet bakery girl? If he did want to have sex with her, would they even have privacy? Steve's friends and teammates have been dropping by a lot the past few days. Her mind wanders to one of the said encounters.

"Earth to Aubrey...", Zak said, waving his arms across from her. 

Aubrey shook her head, "Sorry, what's up?", she asked as she pipped the last bit of orange icing onto the pumpkin pie, pumpkin-shaped cookie. 

Zak squinted at his friend momentarily. "What were you thinking about? Were you thinking about taking my advice?", he asked, smiling. 

"No, I was not thinking about taking your advice.", she says, annoyed, grabbing the tray of decorated cookies and heading out to the front of the bakery. 

Zak is hot on her heels. "Aubrey, hey, you know I was just teasing, right?", he says, standing next to her as she places the tray into the case. 

She doesn't say anything, so Zak follows her back to the kitchen. He watches as she starts to stack her dirty tools into a bowl, then aggressively scrubs the worktable. 

"Aubrey, hey, talk to me.", he says, grabbing her hands to stop them.  

She sighs defeatedly, "I don't understand what he could see in this," she sat, grabbing the pudgy part of her belly. "He's this beautiful man, and he's built like a god. He's got his huge hands that could wrap around both of mine and pin them, his abs, oh god, Zak, they make me drool.", she rambles on, "It's not even the physical, he's so funny and has the kindest heart, he does this little nose scrunch when he's concentrating while drawing. He has this thing when we sit on the couch together where he has to have his hand on me. Most of the time, my feet are in his lap while we read, and he rubs my ankle." She smiles fondly, "He never makes me feel bad about going for that third slice of pizza or if I don't feel like walking and would rather drive." 

Zak smiles at his best friend. "That is so sweet, I just might throw up.", he says, laughing when she slaps at him. "But I'm failing to see what the problem is here, babe; toss me a bone, something, anything.", Zak says, crossing his arms. 

"The problem is, he is perfect, and I am this busted can of biscuits. I have bat wings, Zak," she gestures to the skin under her arms, "I take two different medications just to get out of bed every day.", she sighs, tossing her hands up. "I have no idea why I am even worried about this. Oh wait, because you had to bring up sex and make me all nervous.", she whines. 

Zak grabs her shoulders, "All right, that's the last self-deprecating. I want to hear out of your mouth—"

"But I—" 

Zak sticks a finger to her mouth to silence her, "No, it's my turn to talk, you just hush it.", he says, "You are an incredibly sexy woman, Aubrey. Steve is not blind, he can see that. He can see what a sweet, kind, and beautiful soul you are. Trust me, he is playing for keeps." 

She sighed, "I'm sorry. I just get so nervous and in my head.", she said, crossing her arms. 

Zak nods, stepping close to her, his hand rubs gently up and down her arms. "I'm sorry, I pushed you into this mindset. I didn't realize you were still struggling with this. You know you can talk to me, right?", he says, looking down at his friend, face riddled with concern. 

"I didn't realize I'd respond like this.", she admits, actively feeling all the worry, and self-loathing slowly lift off from her shoulders. "I think I'm going to the office for a while. I need to do payroll and order supplies.", she says. 

Zak gives her a small smile, "Okay, well, if you need anything, I'll be here." 

Aubrey spent most of the morning in her office; she thought about what Zak had said about Steve. Maybe he was right, she shuddered at the thought. Perhaps she just needed to boost her self-confidence a little; she chewed on the idea while she did her tasks. 

Two cups of coffee and three hours later, payroll was sent out and their order for the next two weeks was submitted.  

Chewing on her bottom lip, Aubrey tugged her phone from her pocket. Clicking on Facebook, she ideally scrolled through when an ad caught her eye. It was an advertisement for lingerie, she hated how Facebook did that. But she clicked on the link and scrolled through, finding several pieces she absolutely loved and ordered said pieces. Well, that was nobody's business but her own.

Her phone dinged. She smiled, seeing a message from Steve. 

Steve❤️: I hope you're having a good morning; I miss our morning coffee and cuddles in bed. 

Aubrey: My morning just improved; I miss them too. 

Steve❤️: What did you decide for tomorrow's special? 

Steve❤️: You're bringing me cookies, right? Since you won't let me leave the apartment ☹️

Aubrey: I didn't say you couldn't leave the apartment; I said you didn't need to walk that far from the apartment to the bakery alone. 🙄

Steve❤️: Same thing! 

Aubrey: You're Ridiculous, you know that? 

Steve❤️: So I've been told. 😘

Steve❤️: Have a good day at work, pretty girl; I miss you. 

Aubrey's heart fluttered; Steve always called her that but still made her heart flutter like the first time he said it all those months ago.

She finally left the office when she couldn't push back making doughnuts for tomorrow's special. 

Gathering everything she needed for Apple Cider doughnuts, she put her earbuds in and selected the playlist she listens to when she needs that extra confidence boost. Pressing play, the sultry sounds of Ariana Grande's Dangerous Woman start to fill her ears. 

Aubrey could practically feel herself lighten up; her shoulder wasn't hunched over anymore, and she held her head high. She was starting to feel like a pretty girl. Getting lost in the music, she planned out how tonight would go down; first, she would shower, use the body wash and lotion he loved, and wear that super big comfy shirt and no panties. Steve Rogers, watch out, your world is about to be rocked. 

"Somebody is feeling themselves.", Zak said, winking at her when he noticed her swaying her hips a little. 

Aubrey smiled, "Just feeling better, is all.", she shrugged. 

Zak beamed, "I don't know what flipped your mood, but I'm here for it!", he said. Walking over to her, snagging an earbud, "What are we listening to—awe yeah, get it, girl," he said, hip checking her. 

Aubrey rolled her eyes, laughing as she dumped the doughnut mixture into the silicone molds. 

Aubrey walked into the apartment. She was very nervous, to say the least. She had planned everything out in her mind while pre-baking dough for tomorrow's special. She sat down two bags of takeout and a box of cookies from the bakery before venturing further into the apartment. She peeked around the corner into the bedroom, Steve sat with his back against the headboard, book in hand, Kash lying next to him. 

"I'm home.", she said, toeing off her shoes. 

"How was work?", Steve asked, looking up from the novel. 

Aubrey shrugged, "It wasn't too bad; sold out of all the cookies I made today.", she says, heading towards the bathroom. 

"Awe, you were supposed to bring some home for me.", Steve pouted. 

Aubrey laughed as she opened the bathroom door, "I did, but those are for later.", she replied, closing the door. 

She makes quick work of her shower, washing off the powdered sugar from today. After she is dried off, Aubrey lathers a decent amount of her warm vanilla body lotion. She grabs the sizeable oversized shirt she likes to use as a nightgown, it covers just enough to conceal that she is not wearing any underwear, and slips from the bathroom; Steve is still lounging in bed, his back against the headboard, the book still firmly in hand. 

She takes a deep breath and approaches the super soldier; Steve glances up, taking in her appearance; his eyes darken almost immediately. Aubrey bites her bottom lip as she tucks a strawberry curl behind her ear. As she slowly approached him, Steve's eyes were on hers as he pulled back the blanket as she tossed a leg over both of his, hands braced on the headboard as she straddled him. His large hands made their way to her hips as she settles on his clothed lap. 

"Hey.", he murmurs, leaning in and nosing at her nose. When she tips her head up, he captures her lips. 

Aubrey draped her arms over his shoulder. "Hey.", she said back, lips against his. She slowly kisses his bearded jaw, moving to his earlobe and gently pulling it into her mouth. 

Steve's fingers flex on her hips; he sucks in a sharp breath. He hums, "You smell amazing, pretty girl.", he says, taking another deep breath, smelling that sugary sweet vanilla smell; god, she always smells so fuckin good. 

She hums softly as she nibbles on the flesh before moving on to his neck, slowly kissing his pulse point; he swallows audibly, adam's apple bobbing. 

"Not that I mind...", he breathes, licking his lips. "Because I don't mind at all, but what's gotten into you?", he asked, heading falling back as she nipped and kissed at his neck. 

Aubrey moved her hands up, running them through his hair. "I just really missed you today.", she said, rolling her hips down, feeling the prominent bulge in his soft lounge pants. 

Steve groaned softly; his hands slid gently up under her thighs and her shirt, "Oh fuck, baby...", he growled, fingertips digging into bare skin. "You missed me, huh?", he asked, voice husky. 

She drops her chin, biting her lip, looking up at him from under her lashes. "Mmhmm.", she nods, grabbing his hand and sliding it between her legs. "Can you feel how much I've missed you?", she asked breathlessly as his fingers parted her swollen wet lips. 

"Oh, Jesus Christ, pretty girl.", Steve groans, head thunking back against the headboard again as his fingers slide into her. "You're so wet.", he breathes. 

Aubrey nods. "All for you.", she murmurs, nipping at his lips. "I want you so bad, baby."

In a matter of seconds, Steve's pants are around his ankles. Aubrey's breath catches in her throat; she knew he was well endowed, but this.... She's kneeling on the bed next to him.

"So big...", she says, voice already sounding fucked. His erection stands tall and proud against his stomach, red and engorged head leaking pre-come, his balls are resting full and heavy. Aubrey reached out, barely getting her hand around. He sighed into her touch as she stroked him, spreading the pre-come along his length. 

Aubrey was suddenly thankful she was so turned and dripping; it would make taking this big boy much smoother. 

He watched with heavily lidded eyes as she stroked his cock with a firm, slow grip. "Oh fuck, baby, that feels so good.", he says as he leans forward to capture her lips. The kiss is messy and hot, all tongue and teeth nipping; it's perfect. 

Aubrey tosses a thick thigh over his naked lap; they both groan when her sloppy wet core rubs against his throbbing erection; Steve grips his erection. 

"Are you sure you want to do this?", he asks, voice thick. 

Aubrey pulls her shirt off as she hovers over him, dropping the shirt onto the floor. "Yes," she says confidently, cupping his face, "This isn't how I imagined our first time. But I want you, Steve. I want you so bad.", she whispers against his lips, lowering herself slowly. 

"I-I don't want to hurt you.", he says breathlessly. Steve is suddenly thankful he's been doing his breathing exercises. 

"I'll go slow. You won't hurt me, I know you won't.", she soothed, her heart beating rapidly as she lowered herself onto his erection. The blunt, fat head of his cock pressed up into her; she felt like the wind was knocked out of her, and he wasn't even halfway in. Steve was the largest man she had ever slept with, not that Aubrey had a lot of sex. Her fingers dug into his shoulders as her head fell back, with a moan slipping from her lips as her body accepted his throbbing erection. The stretch was on the right side of painful and delicious, making her toes want to curl and back arch. 

Steve groaned, "Oh sweetheart, you feel so fuckin good...", he mumbled as his hands traveled up her body slowly, "Love your body, fuck!", he praised, cupping her breast, his thumbs rubbing over her sensitive nipples. He leaned his head down, sucking one of her pert pink nipples into his mouth as he pinched and tweaked the other. "Taking me so well, fuck, like you were made just for me.", he said roughly. 

Aubrey let out a whine, breathing heavily when she finally sucked all of him in, her walls fluttering around his thick throbbing cock. "Oh, God, Steve.", she whimpered, her head falling forward, arms lying on his shoulders as he tentatively lapped at her nipples. God, she was so full, so full. She had never been this full in her life; it was amazing and so much all at once. 

Steve praised her softly, kissing every inch of skin within reach, his hands rubbing soothing circles on her trembling thighs. 

Aubrey swore she could feel him in her throat; it was heady. She pulled herself up slowly, relishing the drag of his thick cock through her velvety walls. Hands planted firmly on his shoulders; she began to roll her hips, back arching as her sensitive bundle of nerves brushed over his thick curly blonde hairs trailing from his lower abdomen to the base of his cock. Aubrey closed her eyes, tossed her head back, and kiss reddened lips, swollen and parted as she panted. 

Steve couldn't peel his eyes away from her; soft strawberry hair around her shoulders, full freckled cheeks flushed, bitten lips plump and red, a thin layer of sweat on her chest. He nearly went cross-eyed, hands scrambling to find purchase on her thick thighs when she started to bounce. Oh, sweet Jesus, he was not going to last long; it didn't help that his eyes had wandered down to where his cock was impaling her over and over, glistening with their combined juices. 

Aubrey alternated between whimpering and moaning as the position had her g-spot being hit with every drag of his erection. Being on top of Steve like this, watching him go from watching where their bodies met and having his head lulled back, moaning, and being in control of their combined pleasure, was intoxicating, to say the least. 

"That's it, pretty girl.", he groaned, watching her full breasts bounce, "Fuck, just like that, God, you look so good riding me.", His fingers trailed lower, easily finding her sensitive bud and rubbing it quickly with the pads of his calloused fingers. God, how he wanted to flip them over and fuck her into the mattress, have her screaming his name like a fuckin' prayer. But he couldn't, one more week, just one more week. 

Aubrey shouted, her nails biting into his chest as she teetered on the edge of her orgasm. It didn't take much, just a few more circles over her sensitive clit, and the tight coil within her navel snapped. 

Steve watched her, completely enthralled by how her head dropped forward just a little, eyebrows drew up together, ocean blue eyes fluttering closed as soft cries spilled freely from her parted lips to form an "o" as her warm walls convulsed around him, gushing over his throbbing erection. 

He was utterly consumed by watching her come undone that he'd forgotten about his neglected cock, still held in her warm quivering walls. Steve's hands traveled up her body, relishing every curve as he went until he reached her face, sliding his hand into her hair, he pulled her close. 

"Goddamn pretty girl, that was the sexiest thing I've ever seen.", he croaked, leaning his forehead against hers. 

Aubrey swore if she weren't already flushed, she would have blushed. "W-want you to cum.", she whined. 

"Oh, pretty girl, I'm good.", he whispered, pulling her closer. 

Aubrey tossed her head back, giving him full access to her throat. Steve started to nip and suck at her sensitive skin there; Aubrey whimpered as she wiggled her hips, and he groaned into the kiss he was placing, sending a vibration through her. Aubrey experimentally rolled her hips; his kisses stopped as he sucked in a sharp breath. 

She gently placed her arms over his shoulders as she rolled her hips again, as she grabbed a handful of hair at the back of his head, and tugged it. Steve had no choice but to tip his head up; his mouth parted just a little, his blues eyes on her. Aubrey started to pick up the pace with her hips, leaning in her mouth mere inches from his. 

"I want you to come.", she murmured, each word punctuated by a roll of her hips. Aubrey then sucked his bottom lip in, nibbling on the plump flesh. 

Steve, honest to God, whined. He took a shuttering breath as his eyes fell closed, reveling in the prickly feeling of his scalp, the feel of her sweaty body next to his, and the warm tightness of her sopping wet cunt surrounding his cock. 

Aubrey shakily picked herself up slowly, dragging his cock along her quivering walls, feeling every vein of the throbbing member. Leaning forward, she licks at his nipple, then pulls the little nub into her mouth and bites it. Steve inhales sharply, focused on the feeling; that was until she dropped her hips down and immediately falling into a brutal pace. 

"Oh, shit, oh fuck.", he gritted out; he scrambled for something to hold onto. His hands found her hips, fingers digging into the soft flesh, no doubt leaving bruises. Steve could feel the pressure that had been steadily building at the base of his spine start to intensify. 

Steve's big hands grabbed onto her sides as he started to physically lift her, fucking her down on her cock. Aubrey let out a surprised squeak that quickly shifted into a moan.

Aubrey's pussy was still fluttering from her orgasm, and it only got tighter with every brush of his thick cock rubbing against that sweet, spongy spot deep inside her. 

"Fuck.", he groaned, "Want you to come with me, pretty girl. Please. Fuuck, please come with me!" He was a desperate, babbling mess beneath her, begging for her to keep going, to finish with him. "Wanna feel you come on my cock again.", he said as his thumb found her clit, rubbing quickly over the over-sensitive bundle of nerves. "Wanna feel you gush over me, come on pretty girl.", he encouraged. His right hand slid up her sweaty body as he dragged his thumb across her body lip. "Give it to me.", he growled, wrapping his hand around the back of her neck, pulling her in to capture her plump lips in a desperate, feverish kiss. 

Aubrey's climax came without warning, utterly wrecking her. She didn't have time to think before the coil in her naval snapped just as his hips stuttered and pressed up hard and deep into her trembling pussy. Her release triggered his own; a string of curses slipped from his lips as his head fell back, thunking into the headboard as he pulled her down further onto him, trying to get himself as deep as possible before the feeling of his hot seed covering her walls had her whimpering sweetly into his mouth, her pussy spasming desperately around him. Aubrey leaned into his sweaty chest, resting her head on his shoulder, trying to catch her breath. Steve's gently wrapped his arms around her, pressing a kiss into her temple as his softened cock slipped out. 

Tangled in limbs and sheets, sweat glistened bodies sticking together. Neither cared as Steve pulled her naked body flushed to his, nuzzling in her neck. They laid sated, basking in the warmth of their highs. 

After several long minutes of quiet breathing, sleep drifted over them like a warm blanket of pure bliss wrapped in each others arms.

Aubrey woke up quietly. She slipped from the bed, and Steve lay on his back, blonde hair a mess from sleep, pink lips parted, soft snores escaping from those kissable lips. Kash barely acknowledges her leaving the room; he groans with a stretch and snuggles back into the bed. Aubrey quietly pads out into the kitchen in nothing but a pair of panties and one of Steve's shirts that comes just under the swells of her butt cheeks. Rummaging through the pantry, she pulls out everything she needs for French toast using the brioche made the day before. Snagging her phone, Aubrey selects her kitchen playlist and the upbeat sound of Elton John I'm Still Standing starts to fill the salience. Aubrey grabs a cutting board and knife to start slicing the bread, moving her hips as she sings along. Dancing over to the fridge, she holds the milk, eggs, and bacon, allowing herself to get lost in the music. 

Steve smiles, hearing music coming from the kitchen; he walks quietly towards the upbeat sounds of Elton John. 

Aubrey lets loose; she dances around the kitchen, pulling breakfast together. Bacon is frying in the pan; she mixes the eggs and milk, adding cinnamon and a dash of vanilla and nutmeg. 

He stops him at the door, watching her dance; his heart skips a beat, and butterflies flutter in his stomach. Watching his beautiful girlfriend dance around his kitchen, wearing his shirt, stirs something inside him. Thoughts of yesterday and last night came back; Steve had been selfish and took Aubrey again three times last night. She was intoxicating, the way she rode him, the confidence pointing off her. She clawed at his back as he fucked her into the mattress in a slow sensual grind, her brows scrunched as her back arched off the bed, her mouth falling open as she cried out, screaming his name as she rode out her orgasm.

Whisk and bowl in hand, she turns around, moving her head when she startles, seeing a very amused Steve Rogers leaning against the wall by the fridge. 

Aubrey lets out a startled squeak; she somehow manages to keep the bowl and whisk in her hands. "Oh my god!", she gasps leaning against the counter. 

Steve chuckles. "Sorry, pretty girl, didn't mean to scare you.", he says with that crooked grin. 

Aubrey huffs, turning around. She grabs a slice of the bread and dips it into the bowl, laying it on the griddle. "Did I wake you?", she asked. 

Steve slides up right behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder. "No, I usually wake up so much earlier.", he says, pressing to her neck. "Do you have to work today?", he asked with another kiss. 

Aubrey giggled. "No, I don't, perks of being the boss.", she said, looking over at him. She smiles when Steve ops to kiss her lips this time.

"Good.", Steve says, voice husky. He was sending shivers down her spine. 

"Steve.", Aubrey sighs as he spins her around once she puts down the spatula. "You are supposed to do physical therapy today.", she says, wrapping her arms around his neck. 

He hums, burying his nose in her neck. "I have some ideas about PT today.", he growls, nibbling on her neck. 

Aubrey drops her head back, finger running through the hair on the back of his head. "Steve..", she whines breathlessly. 

He growls into her neck, "Love it when you say my name like that.", he says, reaching behind her to turn off the stove. His hands slide down, cupping her ass, and he bends down the tiniest bit, hoisting her up. 

Aubrey's eyes widen when she realizes what's happening, "Steve, you aren't—

Steve silences her with a deep kiss, licking feverishly into her mouth as he takes this to the bedroom. 

Aubrey surrenders to the kiss; she is so turned on right now that she wonders if he can feel how soaked her underwear are right now. She lets Steve lay down on the bed and kiss her until her lungs burn from lack of oxygen. He sucks on her nipples and leaves love bites on her breast as her kisses his way between her legs. Aubrey has never felt confident enough to let a man go down on her; Steve silences her with a quick bite to her inner thigh when she makes a protesting nose. 

Steve could die a happy man right now, his head buried between two thick thighs, fingers digging into his hair. 

After he makes her come with his tongue, he looks up at her like a wolf watching its prey; he licks his lips as if he is savoring her taste as he moves to box her in. 

Aubrey gasps, tossing her head back. You'd think she would be used to the stretch after three times last night. She has no choice but to hang on once Steve gives her time to adjust to his girth; he builds her up so high and wrecks her so good. He was working her through an orgasm before toppling over himself. 

They lay in bed wrapped in each other's arms for some time; Aubrey looked up at Steve. He had a soft smile on his face; one arm tucked behind his head as the other drew lazy circles on her bare back.  

"What is it, pretty girl?" he asked, his head rolling to look at her. 

There was that pet name again; she loved it, and for the first time since they started dating, Aubrey believed it; she believed he really wanted to be here in this moment with her. God, she was so in love with this man. 

Pushing herself up, she kissed him, "Nothing, just nothing," she said, smiling. 

In a swift movement, Aubrey was on her back, Steve hovering over the top of her, his naked body pressed into hers. 

Aubrey gasped, "Steve, you're going to hurt yourself," she frowned. 

Steve gave her that goofy crooked grin, "I'm fine, baby," he said. His right hand came up to cup the side of her face, his thumb rubbing over her cheek. He leaned in, pressing a kiss on her lips, taking a deep breath, and inhaling her scent. It was a simple sweet kiss, at first, until he nipped at her bottom lip, licking into her mouth; he groaned, tasting her, so fuckin sweet. They lazily made out, her arms wrapping around his neck, pulling him close. Her legs parted as he slotted himself between her thick thighs, as he pulled back, taking in her flushed cheeks, swollen lips, and sparkling ocean-blue eyes. His heart felt so full, like nothing he's ever felt before, and before his brain had time to connect with what his lips were saying. 

Steve whispered, "I love you," against her lip.

Chapter Text

It was getting cooler now that October had made itself known; fall was in full swing. Chilly autumn air, trees were turning beautiful shades of red, brown, and yellow. Steve had gone back to the apartment the other night, and in a moment of pure happiness, he had told Aubrey he loved her. 

Steve whispered, "I love you.", against her lip. His heart was thumping like a goddamn jackrabbit as he watched her slowly blink at him. "You don't have to say anything back.", he whispered, rolling onto the bed next to her.

Her head rolled toward him, her fingers reaching up lazily to touch his jaw. "I know.", she whispered. 

Steve sighs as he jogs steadily next to Sam; this will probably be one of their last morning runs until the weather warms up. They were both wearing hoodies and taking it extra slow this morning.

Sam frowns as he watches Steve acting like he did not just say what he did; he slows down, shaking his head. 

"W-what did you say?", Sam asked, panting, one hand bracing the tree, the other on his side. The wind cools the sticky sweat on his face. 

Steve sighed, "I told her I loved her.", he said, hands on his hips. He was watching his friend double over, trying to regulate his breathing. 

Sam nodded, "I thought that's what you said, but I also wasn't sure because of the pulse in my ear beating like a drum.", he panted, gesturing to his ear. 

Steve chuckled, "Am I crazy for saying that? I feel crazy, but I've wanted to tell her for weeks.", he admits. 

"Well...", Sam huffed, wiping sweat off his brow. "You've seen each other since April?", he asked; Steve nodded. "I mean, it's only been six months. Why did she say?" 

Steve's heart skipped a beat, "She said I know.", he replied, frowning at himself. "I think I rushed it, Sam." 

Sam laughed, "I think she will tell you when she is ready, sometimes you just don't get there simultaneously.", he says as they fall in step together, cooling down from their run. "This the first time you said that to someone?", he asked. 

Steve nodded, a little unsure; he hated this feeling.

Sam raises a curious brow, "Not even Peggy Carter?" 

The super soldier sighs, "I barely knew who Peggy Carter was. When we met, I was getting ready to make the biggest life-changing decision.", he says, "It was a wartime whirlwind romance, I wasn't in love with her when I...", he looked over at Sam. "Well, you know..." He hates talking about it. Thankfully Sam knows this and nods. "But it couldn't be ignored that we had something, and maybe if things had turned out differently, I could have loved her." He looks over at a couple walking with a little one bundled up. "Who knows, we could have gotten married, had a couple of kids, and died in each other's arms." He shrugs. "But I'll never know.", he says. 

Sam stops, eyes trained on Steve, trying to get a read on his friend. "And you're okay with that?", he asks. 

Steve pulls his eyebrows together, thinking. After several minutes, he looks at Sam, "I am. Things with Peggy weren't meant to be." He smiles a little, "Aubrey, now that feels so right, Sam." 

The other man smiles, hand reaching out to squeeze Steve's shoulder. "I'm happy for you, man.", Sam says as they continue their last walking lap before heading for coffee and a pastry. At this point, he's no longer sure what the point of running is. 

Aubrey watches, unimpressed, as Zak holds onto the butcher block work table top; his knuckles are white, his face is red, and he is wheezing. With a huff and an eye roll, Aubrey crossed her arms, "Are you done yet?", she asked. 

Zak takes a deep breath, letting go of the table to wipe the tears from his eyes. "I can't believe that you Han Solo'd, Steve Fuckin Rogers!", he wheezes. 

Aubrey frowns. Reaching out for the oven mitt next to her, she slaps him on the back of the head. "It's not funny, Zak!", she growled. 

"I beg to differ, this is gold!", he says, ducking out of the way of the oven mitt as it returns for a second whack. "The poor bastard.", he says, finally calming down. 

Aubrey tosses her hands up, turning around. "Why do I even bother talking to you.", she spoke, grabbing a tray of pumpkin, ghost, and bat sugar cookies, all iced accordingly. 

"Whoa, hey now!", Zak said, running around the table and stopping her. "You love me.", he said, taking the tray from her and sitting it back down. He steps closer, pulling her flush to his chest. "I'm sorry, I don't understand. You love him, and he loves you. Aubs, he told you he loved you after dicking you into the mattress." 

She sighed, wrapping her arms around him, "I know. But I'm scared that it was a heat of the moment, you know?", she mumbled into his chest. 

"Babe, I have had some mind-blowing sex. But not once have I ever wanted to say I love you.", he says, rubbing her back. "You have nothing to be scared of, and I think you'll have to beat that man off with Thor's hammer to get him away from you." 

Aubrey lets out an unattractive snort, and they both start to laugh. 

"Thanks, Zak, maybe you're not a horrible friend after all.", she says. 

Steve and Sam walk up to Rosie's Bakery; Halloween decorations are set outside, an archway of plastic jack-o-lanterns and orange Halloween lights, cobwebs on the doors with two matching wreaths. It was nothing compared to the inside. Aubrey had found the ideas on Pinterest; it was apparent what her favorite holiday was, if you didn't know. She swore it had nothing to do with her birthday. 

Sunday, while the store was closed, Steve had helped her, along with Zak and Sasha, decorate the bakery. When it was all said and done, they stood back looking at their handy work. Zak informed them it looked like a Hobby Lobby threw up in there; Steve couldn't help but laugh until he caught his lovely girlfriend's glare, then his laughter turned into a cough.

"Wow.", Sam said, taking it all in. "When she said it was go big or go home...", he nodded. "Girl went big!", he chuckled. 

Steve sighed. "That archway took me all morning.", he said as they walked underneath it. "Each pumpkin has two holes in which I ran a zip tie through and tied it to the PVC pipe, then ran the lights around and in between the pumpkins.", Steve said, holding the door open for his friend. 

As soon as they walked into the bakery, the two men were hit with the scent of fall; crisp apples, warm cinnamon, and vanilla. 

Sam's eyes widened, "Wow. It does look like a Hobby Lobby threw up in here.", he said, looking around. 

Steve rolled his eyes as he approached the display case full of apple fritters, cinnamon sugar muffins, little pumpkin hand pies shaped like pumpkins, pumpkin cream cheese danishes, and adorable little Halloween cookies. Steve's mouth watered when he noticed the special pumpkin cinnamon rolls.

"Hey, Steve.", Sasha greeted him with a smile. 

Steve smiled back, "Mornin' Sasha, how's it going?", he asked, pulling his wallet out. 

"Everyone loves the decorations.", she said, grabbing a small cup. "Your usual?", she asked. 

He nodded, "And three of the cinnamon rolls, please.", he said, looking over at Sam, who was eyeing the case with a hungry look. 

"Two of those danishes for me.", he said, looking over at Sasha. 

Sasha poured their coffees and placed the pastries in little to-go boxes. "Here ya go, gentlemen.", she said. 

Steve and Sam walked over to a table off in the corner, his usual table where he met Aubrey for lunch or an afternoon pick-me-up. 

Sam snatched up one of his danishes, took a large bite, and hummed, chewing the pastry. "I swear to god, Steve, if you don't marry that girl, I will.", Sam mumbled around a mouthful. 

Steve raised an eyebrow as he took a bite of his treat, Sam chuckled, washing down his pastry with a swing from his caramel coffee. He nodded over Steve's shoulder, smiling. 

Steve sighed happily when he felt the familiar touch of his loving girlfriend on his shoulder; he relaxed into her. Aubrey pressed a kiss into his cheek, smiling as she used her thumb to wipe a bit of cream cheese off the corner of his mouth. 

"How was your run?", she asked, sitting down next to Steve. 

Sam sat down his pasty to wipe his mouth. "Completely and utterly pointless.", he said, gesturing to the half-eaten and whole danish sitting on his plate. "I'm going to have to let my suit out after this.", he said. 

Aubrey giggled and Steve swore his heart stopped. Jesus Christ, he was so gone for this woman. 

Sam's Assemble alarm went off, he frowned. "Damnit, duty calls.", he grumbled. Standing up, he packed up his treats and grabbed his coffee. "Call you later.", he said to Steve, who nodded. 

"Good to see you again.", Sam said, kissing Aubrey's cheek. 

"Bye, Sam.", Steve hollered after his friend. 

"Be safe.", Aubrey added. 

They watched as Sam headed out the door and disappeared around the corner. Aubrey laid her head on Steve's shoulder, he wrapped an arm around her, pressing a kiss on her temple. 

She turned her nose into his neck, taking a deep breath, breathing in the scent of Steve; oh, how she loved that smell. "I love you too.", she whispered against his skin. 

Steve smiled, his heart thumping wildly. "Yeah?" he asked. 

Aubrey pulled back, smiling at him, "Yeah.", she nodded. 

Steve gently tipped her chin upward, a smile on his face. "Good, because I am so in love with you.", he whispered against her lips.

Chapter Text

Steve nodded to the doormen on his way into his apartment building, stopping by the mail room on his way to the stairs. Mail in hand, he quickly jogged up the stairs taking two at a time; he was ready to start the weekend. Aubrey was staying until Monday; he wanted to take her out for her birthday, but she said she would rather stay in, watch movies and cuddle on the couch. If that's what she wanted, then that's what she would get. Walking up the hall to his door, Steve couldn't help but smile. Aubrey had decorated the outside of his apartment for Halloween with a three-tiered pumpkin placed on the right side of his door; on the other side stood a sign that said Happy Halloween, with little pumpkins scattered around the base that she had painted little faces on, a brown mat sat on the floor in front of the door in thick letters it said STAY SPOOKY with little ghosts all over it. But the icing on the cake was the massive round black and white striped wooden door hanger, with Happy Halloween in orange wooden letters and the enormous bow he had ever seen at the top.

Stepping into his apartment, Steve was first met with the smell of warm apple cider, then the pitter-patter of paws as Kash ran to greet him.

"Oh no, pal, what did she do to you?" he chuckled, crouching down to greet the German Shepherd, that was dressed in a sweater that looked oddly similar to his old USO tour costume, a little soft mask over his face with an A in the middle and a little plastic shield on his back.

"I happen to think he looks adorable!" Aubrey hollered from the kitchen.

Steve followed the smell of what he thought was homemade bread into the kitchen, stopping at the doorway; he leaned against the frame crossing his arms and watching. His eyes slowly worked up Aubrey's body as she stood in front of the stove wearing dark grey knee-high socks with tombstones, black cats, pumpkins, a bubbling cauldron, skulls, and bats all over them. Black cotton shorts that were just on the right side of too short, and an orange crop top with two little ghosts on it. Her strawberry blonde hair was braided back into two pigtails, and she had opted for her thick-framed glasses over contacts.

He couldn't get over how right this felt, Aubrey in his space, Kash leaving dog hair on everything.

"Baby, you okay?" Aubrey inquired as she looked over her shoulder at the super soldier.

He was behind her in a few short strides, wrapping his arms around her waist and molding his chest to her back. "I'm fine, pretty girl," he smiled, resting his chin over her shoulder. "What are you making?" he asked, looking down at the pot as he kissed her bare shoulder.

Aubrey took in an audible breath feeling his warm lips, the scratch of his beard on her bare skin; she melted into his touch. "Chicken gnocchi soup," she sighed as he kissed the curve of her shoulder up her neck. "T-There's some focaccia in the oven, too," she stuttered.

"Sounds good," he rasped as his hands started to migrate to her hips, settling there as he continued to kiss and nip at her exposed neck. "Can you take a break?" he asks as he sucks her sensitive earlobe into his mouth. And Aubrey, honest to god, whimpers as she fumbles to put the wooden spoon down. The noise goes straight to his cock, which gives a twitch as it plumps up. Steve turns her around to face him; her face flushed a pretty shade of pink that Steve loves. 

Aubrey knows that look in his eye; he's been thinking about this all day, and she knows it will be fast and slopping. She doesn't care.

With a squeak, Aubrey is hauled up into the super soldier's arms; her legs and arms instantly wrap around him. The kitchen island countertop is a little cold under her; she loosens her grip on her boyfriend. Arms still around his neck, her thigh parted as Steve settles between them. He goes right back into kissing her neck.

Aubrey's head falls back as her fingers tangle in the hair at the base of his head, "Steve," she breathed.

"Happy Birthday, pretty girl," he murmured as he kissed the column of her neck.

She swallowed hard, "Best birthday ever," she sighed, feeling heat pull to her lower belly, thigh clenching around him as she tugged on his hair a little harder.

"Wanted to beat you home," he says, kissing her exposed throat. "Cook you dinner, take you to bed," he breathes against her hot skin.

Steve gently tilts her chin with his thumb and pointer finger; he leans down for a kiss. It starts slow and sensual; he sucks on her plump bottom lip, giving it a nip; his tongue licks across the seam of her lips, begging for entrance, which was automatically given. His hand wraps around her pigtails, pulling them; she gasps, and Steve surges forward, deepening their kiss, which now has moved to hungry and desperate. Her arms tightened around his neck as his hands moved down her body, kneading her soft, plump flesh as went; settling on her thighs, Steve tugged her forward.

Aubrey shivers as she feels Steve's erection pressing into her; she's already soaked through her shorts. When he finally pulled away, Aubrey took a shaky breath feeling light-headed.

"But you are already a step ahead of me," he whispers as his hand slowly moves between her legs. Steve's brain short circuits as his fingers explore the wet heat between her legs; Aubrey is not wearing any underwear. They groan when his fingers slip between her sopping wet lips, "So wet for me—Jesus fuck—wanna be in you so bad."

"Steve, baby, please," she mewled, fingers working at the hem of his shirt, tugging it up.

Clothing is removed in a flash; Steve places his large hands on Aubrey's hips and groans when she sucks on his tongue. He grips her thighs to hoist her back up onto the counter, "No, not here; we eat off that counter." She says, holding onto him.

Steve glanced around the kitchen; his brain fogged with arousal; Aubrey was attacking his neck with her tongue and teeth, and the feel of her naked body against his was almost too much. He raises a brow at the table but nixes that idea; he didn't want to face the neighbors when he took it down in pieces. So he settled for a kitchen chair; sitting down on the padded chair, he adjusted Aubrey on his lap.

Her thick thighs spread wide over his lap, arms draped over his shoulders; she started to move his hips over his hardened pulsing cock.

Steve's head fell back as his fingers fumbled to grip her thighs, "Jesus Christ, pretty girl—fuck—feels so good." He groaned, biting his bottom lip. His head shot up, eyes widening went her felt her grip his cock teasing the crown of his cock against her entrance. "Sweetheart wa—oh fuck—" growled, feeling the slow slide of his cock into her warm wet pussy.

"Steve," she keened, nails digging into his shoulder as her walls fluttered around his cock, filling her to the brim.

His hands made their way to her waist as she braced her hands on his shoulders; she slowly pulled herself up, whimpering as the fat head of his cock stretched her open; Aubrey shuttered as she slid back down, swallowing his cock inch by inch. She started slowly riding him, focusing on the feeling of his thick shaft dragging in and out of her, but when she picked up the pace, now bouncing on his cock with abandon. Steve's head falls back, and his eyes close; he tries to calm himself down before this is over quickly.

"That's it, pretty girl, fuck, make yourself feel good," he groans. Steve does his best not to take over and buck up into her; his fingers dig into the meat of her thighs as she speeds up, rocking her hips. His hips give an involuntary jerk that has her moaning above him. "You like that? You like fucking yourself on my cock, sweetheart," he nips at her ear.

Aubrey lets out a downright pornographic moan, "Yes, ngh, fuck—again, do it again," she begs.

So he does, again and again, as she is begging and pleading, never saying what she wants. Hell, at this point, Aubrey doesn't know what she wants.

Steve can't help but watch her breast bounce as she fucks herself on his cock, a thin layer of sweat over her flushed pink skin, swollen kissed lips parted, her brows scrunched up in pleasure. The most beautiful thing he's ever seen. He leans down slightly, taking a pebbled bud into his mouth, swirling his tongue around, and biting at it.

"Steve," she pants his name, finger digging into his hair jerk his head back as she kisses him. "Please," she whispers into his lips.

With a growl, Steve takes over, setting a hard and fast rhythm. Aubrey feels the coil in her belly tight with each hard thrust; she desperately clings to his shoulder as his pace quickens, sliding into the sweet spot deep within. The slap of their skin and the harsh breaths echo around the kitchen as he fucks up and pulls her down simultaneously.

"Right there, oh, right there— fuck—don't stop," she cries out.

"Gonna cum for me, pretty girl," he pants, fingers moving quickly to find her clit. Steve can feel the tingle at the base of his spine; his balls draw up. "Come on, pretty girl, cum for me; let me feel you," he babbles, fingers rubbing.

Her back arches beautifully as her pussy clenches around his throbbing cock buried deep within; she cries out his name as she cums. Steve grunted as the last few snaps of his hips pulled him over the edge; his hips stuttered erratically, muscles tense as he came hard with a low groan pumping himself empty inside her. His head falls into Aubrey's chest; she wraps her arms around him, holding him close as they come down from their high.

Aubrey frowns, sniffing the air, "Oh shit, the bread!" she says, scrambling off Steve's lap and snagging his shirt off the ground.

He chuckles as he gathers their clothes, pausing to look at her, standing in his kitchen in his t-shit. She looked over at him with a smile, and Steve's heart skipped a beat; he could practically feel the love radiating off her; this wasn't the best sex they had had; it was messy and rushed, but even after it was all said and done, she still looked at him that.

They ate dinner at the table, feet tangled under the table. At the same time, they enjoyed their soup, salad, and flatbread after eating their fill of the soup, which Aubrey made plenty of, always thinking about Steve needing extra calories. The dishes were done together, Aubrey washing them off and Steve loading them into the dishwasher; they traded light kisses and grinned the entire time while music played in the background.

Once the kitchen was cleaned, Steve sank into the couch, stretching his long legs onto the coffee table. He was dressed in sweatpants and a comfortable t-shirt, ready for a lazy night of watching movies. With Kash in tow, Aubrey came out of his bedroom in fresh pair of pajamas with a giant fuzzy blanket in her arms; she tossed it over him before climbing onto the couch and snuggling into his side. Steve kissed the top of her head she settled into; grabbing the remote off the back of the sofa, he turned the tv on. They made it halfway through Beetlejuice when at six o'clock sharp, there was a knock on the door; Aubrey scrambled off the couch Kash following.

Steve watched from the doorway as a bumble bee, a power ranger, and a vampire shouted, "Trick or Treat!"  He smiled as Aubrey commented on each child's costume, letting them pick their piece of candy. Kash sat at her feet, sneaking a pet here and there or a kiss or two, tail thumping the entire time.

On and off over the next hour, several knocks were on the door; Aubrey and Steve would trade off passing out candy Kash following whomever to the door. When they weren't passing out candy, they were cuddled up on the couch, Steve lying sideways with Aubrey in front of him, and their legs tangled while they watched Halloween Cookie Championship.

"There is no way that cookie is going to stay up; look at it, wobble," Aubrey mumbled, feeding Steve a piece of caramel corn and then popping a bit in her mouth.

Steve chuckled, "I don't know; it looks like she put enough icing there." He replied, watching the baker on tv squeeze an ungodly amount of icing onto a sugar cookie haunted house.

"It'll fall just you wait and see; her dough is too blonde," Aubrey stated.

Steve sighed, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her head as she snuggled back into his chest.

The doorbell rang again not even ten minutes later; Aubrey pulled herself from the couch; Kash watched her from the armchair he had claimed as his. The German Shepherd was over this trick-or-treating business.

"Steve, we need another bag of candy," Aubrey hollered from the door as she closed it.

The super soldier frowned, climbing off the couch, "What do you mean we need another bag of candy?" he wondered, walking toward the front door. "I just dumped two bags in that bowl; that was five hundred pieces of candy," he grumbled. Stopping in the kitchen, he walked into the pantry, grabbing another bag of two hundred and fifty pieces of candy. Aubrey had gone shopping, coming back with several bags of candy; each one was two hundred and fifty pieces, Reese's, mini Hershey bars, Twix bars, Snickers, etc. When she slid his debit card back with the receipt, he told her he didn't want to see the total. But if he had to guess now, he probably spent over a hundred on candy.

He wasn't about to make a stink of it either; it had taken much begging on his end even to get Aubrey to take his debit card. The woman was stubborn as the day was long, but fuck if he didn't love it.

"Here, pretty girl," Steve said, pulling open the bag. "This is our last bag of candy," he told her as he dumped it into the bowl.

Aubrey held the bowl while he filled it, "I think we're just getting stragglers now anyway." she leaned up, kissing his cheek before turning to put the bowl on the side table.

There was a knock on the door; Steve leaned against the wall watching as Aubrey pulled the door open, greeting the little boy dressed as Captain America. He had to be about three years old; his mother was standing with him, prompting him to say 'Trick or Treat!' and 'Thank You!' Behind them was the boy's father holding a baby girl dressed as probably the cutest pumpkin Steve had ever seen. He felt his heart warm as Aubrey talked to the little girl, getting a gummy smile from her. He could see them doing that one day; the thought made his stomach flutter.

Once the door was closed, Steve wrapped his arms around her, "Do you see yourself doing that in the future?" he asked, tugging her back against his chest.

Aubrey snorted, "Passing out Halloween candy?"

"No, smart ass," he rolled his eyes, resting his chin on her shoulder. "I mean taking our kids trick or treating."

Aubrey stilled in his arms; Steve suddenly felt his anxiety spike; was that too soon? He knew it was crazy that they had been dating for seven months, and he was already so in love with this woman. Did she not want that with him?

When he finally blinked again, Aubrey was facing him, her hands holding his face as she smiled kindly up at him.

"There you are," she whispered, her thumb rubbing over his bearded cheek. "Where did you go?" she asked softly, voice so sweet.

Steve frowned, "Did I make you uncomfortable?" he asked, voice small unsure. "I shouldn't have said that, especially not after—

"Steve, baby, shhh," Aubrey smirked, placing her finger over the super soldier's lips. "You just surprised me, is all." She leaned on her toes and kissed his lips, slowly wrapping her arms around his neck and leaning further into that firm chest. Her finger curled up into the hair at the back of his head; Steve leaned, humming when her mouth opened for him as he deepened the kiss. Aubrey reluctantly slowed the kiss down and pulled back, looking into his eyes. "Of course, I imagine those things with you. I want everything with you," she whispered against his dark pink kissed lips.

Steve smiled brightly, happily, as he cupped her face, kissing her again. Lips still on hers, he leaned down, gripped her thick thighs, and hoisted her into his arms. Aubrey squeaked against his lips, quickly wrapping herself around him.

"Oh, sweet baby Jesus," she breathed, heart beating rapidly. "I'll never get over that."

He chuckled, taking a step towards the door and locking it.

"Seriously, every girl wants to be picked up. It's not something we fat girls get to experience," she shrugged.

Steve paused momentarily, looking at her with a frown. "We'll come back to that," he said as he made his way through the apartment, shutting it down. It was Aubrey's turn to frown.

Once inside the bedroom, he gently deposited her onto his bed, settling with one tree trunk of a thigh between her legs. He looked down at her, smiling as he tucked a stray curl behind her ear, his left arm holding himself up as his right hand cupped her face. "You are not fat," he said, kissing her lips softly.

"Steve, you don't hav—

He gently placed a finger over her lips, "Hush, I'm speaking," he smirked. He kissed her jaw, "You are not fat." He started again, kissing down the side of her neck. "You are gorgeous," he kissed down her throat. Aubrey's breath caught. "You are smart," another kiss to her shoulder as he tugged on the neck of her shirt. "You are kind," he nipped at her shoulder, pulling a soft sound from her before pulling himself up; he quickly tugged her shirt off and disregarded it with his own, then promptly rid her of her bottoms. "You are brave," he kissed down her chest, pausing her envelop her nipple in his warm wet mouth. Aubrey whimpered, biting her bottom lip. He pulled off her sensitive swollen nipple with a wet pop, "Your body is—fuck pretty girl, your body is stunning." He breathed as his hands moved over her naked body.

"Steve," she whined, covering her face.

He gently pulled her hands away, "Oh no, you don't." he chuckled, pinning her hands above her head with one of his. "I'm going to show you just how much I love you and your body, and you're going to watch me," he said, leaning down to bite at her other nipple. Aubrey gasped, arching up into him.

And he did just that, slowly and carefully taking her apart with his lips and tongue until she was a mewling, babbling mess under him. Only then did he finally rid himself of his sweats, which had started feeling tight and unbearable twenty minutes ago. She whined his name as he slicked his throbbing cock up with the copious amount of fluid between her thighs, watching her squirm her blue eyes on him as he stroked his cock with a firm hand. They both moan when he finally slides into her, mouths falling open; Aubrey tips her head back into the mattress as Steve drops his forward, trying to calm himself down. Steve takes his time, slowly rolling his hips, lips moving softly over her chest, shoulder, and lips.

Aubrey feels so much right now, her hands on Steve's massive biceps digging into the thick muscle as he sweetly fucks into her. They have had a lot of sex in the past couple of weeks, but this is different. The soft touches, the slow roll of his cock into her sweet spot, pushing her higher and higher. When he grabs her hands and laces his fingers with hers above her head, his mouth mere inches from hers, their eyes locked together as her grinds his pelvis into her, simultaneously hitting her g-spot and rubbing her clit. That's when it hits her; he's making love to her; It's almost too much, yet not enough; she closes her eyes, her mouth falls open, and her brows furrow as the pleasure builds.

"I love you," he pants, fingers gently squeezing hers. "God, I love you so much." He breathes, kissing the corner of her mouth, he can tell she's close, and he is too. So he picks up the pace.

"I love you, I love you," she chants as he kisses her neck, his cock working her over.

Steve grunts as her body tense up, milking his cock, and he's cuming with her, feeling her walls quivering around this pulsating cock as he paints her walls with his seed. His hips twitch with the aftershocks as he languidly thrust as they ride out their orgasm. Utterly spent, he has enough sense to roll off her; Aubrey snuggles into his chest, listening to his heartbeat as it thumps rapidly.

They lay together, basking in the warmth of their lovemaking, their finger lazily tracing along the others above them. Steve kisses her forehead; he takes a deep breath, "Move in with me?" He asks quickly.

Aubrey frowns for a split second before her brain registers, "What?"

"Move in with me, pretty girl," he asks again, this time much slower.

She props herself up on her elbow, eyes searching his for any sign that it just might have been the moment that made him speak out. "Are you sure?" She probs.

"Never been more sure of anything in my life," he replies cocking his head to the side, the look of utter love and affection on his face.

"Yes," she whispers back.

"Yes?"

She nods her head, "Yes, I will move in with you."

Aubrey lets out a squeamish giggle as Steve surges forward, pushing her onto her back, and hovering over her; he dips down, capturing her lips in a toe-curling kiss.

"You have no idea how happy you've made me," he breathes, eyes bright and playful.

She runs her fingers through his thick beard, gently tracing his lips with her finger. "I think I have an idea," she replies with a soft smile.

That look on her face, the look of complete happiness, he would do anything to see her smile like that for the rest of his days.

Chapter Text

Steve walks into the apartment, hands loaded down with groceries. He was welcomed by the scent of warm vanilla and cinnamon, the smell he had now associated with the home since Aubrey had moved in. He smiled, taking a deep breath, remembering the move-in day.

Aubrey carefully dropped another box on the island, this was the last one for the kitchen. She wiped her brow with her shirt sleeve, looking around the kitchen and living room, she couldn’t believe how much she owned. She also couldn’t believe she was moving in with Steve.

 She jumped, feeling strong arms wrap around her midsection and tug her back a couple of steps. 

Steve chuckled deep in his chest, sending shivers down her spine. “Sorry honey didn’t mean to scare you.”, he whispered, planting a kiss on her neck. 

“Steve…”, she whined, leaning against him, her head lulling back against his chest. Closing her eyes, he kissed her neck, his beard rough against her smooth skin. “I’m all sweaty...”, she breathed as he pulled her earlobe into his mouth, humming. 

“I like it when you're all sweaty.”, he whispered. 

“Oi, keep it PG or I walk!”, Zak hollered as he walked past with another box labeled ‘Bedroom’. 

Aubrey giggled as Steve planted a kiss on her temple. “He won't leave, he was promised lunch.”, Aubrey smiled. 

Steve scrunched his nose, giving her a playful look as he pulled the box toward him. Popping open the cardboard box, he started to pull things out and sit them on the counter. He picked up another tumbler, Steve wasn't surprised, Aubrey had a million of these. But when he turned this one around in his hand, he couldn't help the deep belly laugh. The top half was white glitter, while the bottom half was red and blue with big flakes of glitter and stars on one side, an image of his shield, and written on the other side, ‘As Far As I’m Concerned, That's America’s Ass.’

“What are you--oh my God!” She snatched the cup from his hands. “Zakary!”, she hollered, face beet red with embarrassment. 

Steve placed his hands on the counter, head hung, shoulders shaking with laughter. 

“Oh, you hush.”, she grumbled. 

Zak walked into the kitchen, he was smiling. “What's up? Ooooh, he found it!”, he chuckled. 

Aubrey waved the cup in his face. “I told you this wasn't coming with me.”, she huffed. 

“I spent $45 getting that made for you, you’re keeping it.”, he crossed his arms. “And Steve looks like he got a kick out of it.”, he shrugged. 

“I hate you so much.”, Aubrey deadpanned. 

Steve chuckled as he pulled two beers from the fridge, handing one to Zak. 

“No, you don’t.”, they replied in unison. 

Aubrey frowned as the two men clinked their bottles together before taking a drink. “I don’t like this.”, she mumbled, gesturing to the two men who looked at each other with a shrug. 

“Oh, now come on, pretty girl.”, Steve wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. “Don’t be like that.”, he kissed her sweetly. 

Aubrey hummed into the kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck. 

“I’m going to need more than one of these if you two are going to continue with that shit.”, Zak snarked as he walked from the kitchen. 

Steve snorted, “You could always go home?”, he suggested. 

“No dice, Rogers! I was promised food!”, the other man hollers from the living room.

Steve sighs, “Damn, I’ll have to try harder.”

“And don’t even think that getting naked will scare me off. You’re my sexually grey area, my friend!”, Zak yells out. “I’m comfortable enough with my sexuality to admit that!”

The soldier's eyes widened, “Sexually grey area?”, he mouths.

Aubrey chuckles, “He’s saying he would—“

“Get on my knees for you, suck you off, do my duty to my country.”, Zak said, walking back into the kitchen and ruffling through the snack drawer. “You can bet that all-American, apple-pie ass I would.”, he says as he makes off with a bag of chips.

Steve frowns, “I’m so uncomfortable now.”     

Aubrey hums, patting his chest as she grabs the takeout menus. “I'm thinking Thai.”, she says. 

Kash meets him at the door, carefully sniffing the soldier. The German Shepherd seemed to be adjusting well to the move; he spent a lot of time as it was at Steve’s, so he was comfortable. But he’s been alert whenever someone walks into the apartment, they must wait for the standard security sniff and search. Especially when it's just the canine and Aubrey home alone, when Steve is home, Kash is less invasive. 

“Hey, pal.”, Steve greets the dog as he moves to the kitchen, dropping the bags on the island. 

“Steve, is that you?”, Aubrey hollers from what sounds like their bedroom. 

He smiles at the thought of their bedroom. 

“Yeah, honey, unloading groceries.”, he replies. 

Aubrey pads out of the bedroom, wearing one of Steve’s S.W.O.R.D shirts and leggings. Her hair is damp from the shower, laying on her shoulders, and her thick-framed glasses are resting on her nose.  She smiled brightly at him as she stopped next to the soldier to kiss his cheek. 

“Did you get the gochujang?”, she asked, grabbing a bag and helping unpack. 

Steve nods, toss the jar up, and catches it. “I had to go to two stores, but yes, I did.” 

“Thank you, baby.”, she blows a kiss. 

Steve kissed her temple as he reached over to place the spices in the cabinet by the stove. 

As they put away the groceries, the two chatted about their day. Aubrey had recently hired a new baker to assist Zak in the kitchen, giving her more time to be the boss. She still stepped into the kitchen every morning to make the special for the day. They talked about how well Lacy fitted in with the rest of Rosie’s Bakery family. 

Steve chatted about his day, sitting in on a few meetings and helping strategize a few upcoming missions. He still hasn't been out in the field since his accident, even though it was a couple of months ago. He didn't like to talk about it much.

“Oh, Thanksgiving is in a couple of weeks.”, Steve says as he pulls the chicken thighs for dinner out of the fridge. 

Aubrey hums as she slices up an onion. 

“I don't know what you do for Thanksgiving, but I fly out to Pepper and Tony’s. Well, we all do, actually.”, he tells her as he slices open the package of meat. 

Aubrey raises a brow as she grabs a bell pepper. “We?”, she asks. 

“The OG team, plus Sam, Wanda, and Vision.”, he replied, grabbing the grill for the gas stove top. 

Aubrey chews on her lip, “Are you asking me to go with you?”, she questions. 

“Well, I would like you to go with me, but I was trying to see what you usually do every year.”, he smiled over his shoulder. 

“Oh, um, well, Zak and I usually cook a small dinner for the two of us. But I think he’s going to Sasha’s this year.”, she shrugs. 

Steve quirks a brow. “Oh?”, he asks curiously as he squeezes a bit of olive oil on the grill.

“I think they are dating, but he hasn’t said anything yet.”, Aubrey replies, bringing the cutting board over to the stove. 

The soldier frowns, “He hasn’t said anything to you? You two are like Thing One and Thing Two, Meredith, and Christina.” Aubrey snorts, she’s forced him into watching Grey’s Anatomy with her. “Did something happen?” 

“No.” Aubrey giggled as Steve took the cutting board dumping the onions and peppers onto the hot grill. “He’ll tell me when he’s ready, when it means something.” She shrugs, digging out the spices they need. “When he’s ready to admit it’s a relationship, he’ll come to me.”

Steve shakes his head, “I don’t understand you two. It’s probably for the best anyway.”, he sighs. 

After the pair finishes cooking black pepper chicken with veggies and white rice, they sit at the table with a glass of wine and eat their meal. This has become a nightly ritual for them, whoever gets home from work firsts starts on dinner. Unless it’s Wednesday, grocery day, they cook together after all the groceries are put away. It’s all very domestic, and both of them love it! 

Later that evening, Aubrey is already in bed with her tablet reading a book and Kash is snoring away in his new dog bed, exhausted from his evening walk. 

Steve walks out of the bathroom, towel around his waist. Aubrey looks up at him over the top of her tablet, licking her lips at the thickly corded muscles shifting under his tan skin, the hard lines of his hairy chest, the divots of his sculpted abs, the trail of hairs leading down and disappearing under the towel. 

He walks over to the dresser they share now, opens the first drawer on the left side, and pulls out a pair of boxers. As he drops the towel, Aubrey surpasses a moan, biting her lip. Her eyes trail down, even when he’s flaccid his cock is still impressive. Nestled in a thatch of dark hair, sack hanging full and heavy as if he wasn’t getting laid regularly. 

When Aubrey looks up, she sees Steve staring at her; his smile is downright predatory. Aubrey blushes as she hides behind her tablet. When she feels the bed dip down beside her feet, she peeks over the top again. Steve is climbing into bed naked, cock hanging between his legs. She licks her lips as he settles over the top of her, pulling the tablet from her weak grip before tugging the blankets down. 

Kash grunts as he pulls himself up from his bed and pads out of the bedroom.

Before Aubrey has time to process, she’s stripped of her shirt and Steve is attacking her neck with his mouth as he plays with her nipples. 

“Oh-oh god.”, she whines, arching her back as he tweaks her sensitive nipples. One hand clawed at his shoulder as the other drug into his messy blonde hair. 

Steve growled, feeling the prickle of his scalp as he sucked a mark on her plump breast. He grounds his hardened cock against her, both moaning at the feeling of its fat head sliding in between her dripping folds. 

“Jesus Christ, pretty girl.”, Steve swore as he dipped his hand between their bodies. 

Aubrey grabbed his face roughly, pulling him in for a deep lustful kiss; he moaned when she bit his bottom lip before sucking it into her mouth. She pulls away, both of them panting, Aubrey then kisses his jaw; leaning up, she kisses his neck and pulls his earlobe into her mouth, giving it a playful nip and suck. 

“Want you to fuck me, baby.”, she whines softly into his ear, her hands sliding down his chest nails, giving him a light scratch. 

Steve drops his head, eyes closed, breath shuttering. “Yeah?”, he croaks. 

“Mmhmm wanna feel your cock stretch my pussy open.”, she replies hotly in his ear as her hand wraps around his throbbing erection. 

Steve groans, feeling her hand stroke his cock. 

A loud, piercing alarm ring echoes through their bedroom. Aubrey drops her head back onto the pillow her hands automatically drop to her sides. Steve groans as he reaches over, grabbing his phone from the nightstand. 

“Rogers.”, he answers, tone short. 

Aubrey watches as he takes a sharp breath and slides off the bed. Walking to the bedroom, his erection is gone; she sighs, climbing off the bed and grabbing her silk robe. Aubrey ties the robe around her waist as she walks into the bathroom, Steve has on the boxer briefs he abandoned earlier. 

“I’ll be there.”, he confirmed, using his Captain voice. Without a goodbye, he hung up the phone; sitting down the phone, he gripped the sides of the vanity. 

Aubrey can see his muscles tense, she steps up behind him, gently touching his left shoulder as she plants a soft kiss on his warm skin. “Everything okay?”, she asks in a whisper. 

Steve swallows, “I have to report to headquarters by O five hundred hours.” 

She nods, understanding he can’t say much more. “Are you okay?”, she asked. 

The super soldier smiles softly, Aubrey is the only person to ever asked him that before missions, even after. Whenever one of his team asked, it was usually a physical are you okay, not a mental check-in. 

“I’ll be okay, I always am.”, he responds. 

Aubrey frowns. “It’s okay not to be okay, Steve. You know that, right?”, she questions him. 

Steve pushes off the counter and goes to the closet to pull out the shield and checks his bag, Aubrey watches his arms across from the bathroom doorway. They don’t talk about it again. 

It’s cold, no, it’s freezing, it’s dark, so dark. His head is throbbing something fierce, he tries to move, but he can’t. He can’t move his legs, they’re pinned down. He starts to panic and his heart rate spikes, it feels like an elephant is sitting on his chest. He tries to move his arms, he can’t, they’re pinned down, trying to wiggle his fingers, he feels nothing.

“No.”, he thrashes around, trying to get out. “No, no, no, no.”, he struggles.

This can’t be happening again, not again; he can’t go through it all again.

“Steve.”

He stops thrashing desperately to suck air into his tight lungs.

“Steve.”

He hears his name again, it sounds so soft and angelic, and he starts thrashing harder. He doesn’t want to die not like this.

“Steve, baby.”

Something warm touches his chest, and he gasps, but the weight is comforting. He stops moving, he’s panting now. Skin cold and clammy, he can feel the sweat beads trailing down his neck.

“Baby, take a slow deep breath for me.”

He squeezes his eyes shut.

“Inhale…one…two…three. Good, you’re doing so good, baby. Exhale…three….two….one.”

He follows the voice guiding breaths, slowly calming himself down. Suddenly thrust into alertness, Steve sits up, knocking into something….no, someone.

In a rush of movement, Aubrey is shoved back. She lands on the foot of the bed, blinking as she absorbs what happened; she moves to her knees, watching and waiting.

Steve’s hands move to his face, he starts to sob, then realizes he isn’t alone in bed. He looks next to him, his eyes quickly searching the room, seeing Aubrey at the foot of the bed. Kash is standing next to her, whimpering as he watches.

“Oh god, Aubrey.”, he stutters through his tears. “I am so sorry.”

She is next to him in a matter of moments, tugging him close, “No, don’t apologize. You were having a nightmare.”, she replies softly as she settles against the headboard. “Don’t beat yourself up about that, you hear me? It was an accident, you didn’t even shove me that hard. I knew there was a chance you could react physically.”, she says.

Steve wraps his arms around her, resting his head on her stomach as he cries. He feels like an open nerve, throbbing and raw. After several minutes he starts to settle, taking deep breaths, focusing on her heartbeat, her fingers carding through his hair. He blinks through blurry eyes; the clock says two thirty.

“I’m so sorry.”, he rasps, voice scratchy.  

Aubrey, still running her fingers through his hair, reaches over and grabs a bottle of water she keeps on her side table. She stops touching him long enough to open the bottle and holds it to his lips, Steve sucks the bottle down in seconds. She sets the bottle back on the table while she presses a kiss into his sweaty hair.

“You were dreaming about the ice, weren’t you?”, she asks quietly.

“Yeah.”, he replies quietly.

After a beat of silence, “Do you want to talk about it?”, she questions carefully.

Steve chews on the thought for a few moments, then sighs heavily and dives head-first into what happened in the last hours of his life in nineteen forty-five.

“I am so sorry you had to go through all of that. I wish things would have ended differently for you.”, Aubrey whispers as she gently traces random patterns over Steve’s muscular shoulders.

“I used to wish for the same thing.”, he replies, snuggling into her.

Aubrey furrows her brows, “And you don’t now?”

“No.”, he smiles, turning his head to look up at her.

“What about Peggy Carter?”, she asks.

Steve sighs. Sitting up, he crosses his legs, so they are sitting directly in front of each other. They have never spoken about Peggy before, but they probably should. Honestly, he should have done it a long time ago. Steve licks his lips, thinking of where to start.

 “Peggy Carter was a woman before her time. She was a no-nonsense kinda woman, and she took notice of me before I was this.” He gestured to himself. “I wasn’t much of a looker before the serum.” 

Steve held up his hand when Aubrey opened her mouth, he knew how she felt about him before the serum. “I was sick a lot. To be honest, I’d be surprised to make it to thirty. But Peggy took notice, and she was pretty important to me. But that was a hard time, there was a war going on, and we were in the thick of it. I didn’t know Peggy as I know you.”, he smiled, reaching out to touch her cheek. “I never knew what side of the bed she liked to sleep on, how she would take her coffee, if she would be tipsy after one glass of wine.” Aubrey snorted, rolling her eyes. “But I know you like sleeping on the right side of the bed, you prefer a little bit of cream in your coffee, and you get tipsy after one glass of wine. I know that when you’ve had a hard day at work, you like to come home and cuddle on the couch with your overgrown lap dog.” He smiled at the blush on her cheeks, “I know that I could have gotten to know Peggy, and we could have been happy together if my life had turned out differently.” 

Steve reached out as Aubrey looked down at her hands, he gripped her chin and looked into her beautiful eyes. “Aubrey, you are everything I ever wanted, everything I need, baby. I am so in love with you. I would walk through hell if it meant I get to be with you in the end. I love you so much.”

Aubrey launched herself at the super soldier, crawling into his lap; she wrapped her arms around his neck, “I love you too, Steve Rogers. I would love you if were a ninety-five-pound asthmatic.” Steve huffed a laugh. “You’ve taught me so much; how to love myself, how to trust. I’m so glad you walked into the bakery.”

“Thank God for gas leaks.”, Steve chuckled as Aubrey pulled him in for a kiss. He cupped her cheeks, “That was pretty heavy, how are you doing?”, he asked, thumb rubbing her cheek.

“I’m okay, thank you for being honest with me about Peggy.”, she replied, snuggling into his chest.

Steve kissed the tip of her nose, “I’ll always be honest with you. You’re it for me, pretty girl,  you're my endgame.”, e whispered into her hair.

“You're my endgame, too.”, she replied with a sleepy yawn.

After some more kisses and wiggling around, Aubrey was utterly wrapped up by the super soldier.

“I don’t want to wake you up again before I leave.”, he whispers against her neck. “I love you, and I will text and call as often as I can.” He kissed her neck. “Tony’s number is on the fridge. If you need anything, call him, alright?”

Aubrey yawned, “M’kay.”, she replied sleepily.

“I love you, Aubrey Marie.”, he whispered.

Aubrey wasn’t sure if she replied back or not, but she thought she did. Sleep came washing over her faster than she thought. She focused on Steve’s breathing just as she was about to slip off into the realm of dreams.

“I can’t wait to make you my wife.”, he whispered, unaware that she was holding on to consciousness by a thread. 

Chapter Text

Aubrey sighed as she pulled the navy blue fuzzy blanket further up to her chin, Ultimate Thanksgiving Challenge was playing on the large flat-screen tv, Zak idly rubbed her feet as he watched intently; Kash was curled up in his spot, snoring lightly. Her new Apple watch binged, and she jerked her arm free looking at the screen. The watch had been a birthday gift from Steve, arriving just two days after he left. He had a custom band commissioned for her, a soft yellow band with “This is true love…You think this happens every day?” written in a beautiful black script writing, with a silhouette of Westley and Princess Buttercup. Aubrey had never been given anything this thoughtful; she didn’t even want to think of how much he had spent on it. Aubrey huffed and frowned at the notification, it was a text, but not from whom she wanted.

“Steve?”, Zak asked, his attention still on the tv as his hand gripped her ankle comfortingly.

He knew she was having some anxiety, the last time Steve went on a mission he came back in pretty rough shape. Aubrey, the very devoted wonderful human being that she is, stayed at his bedside the entire time. Zak did a lot of checking in, forcing her to step back and eat, and go shower. At one point, Bucky had threatened to toss her over his shoulder and physically remove her from the hospital. As much as he didn’t care for the ex-assassin, he was a good friend to Aubrey. She was his person, so he would suffer for her.

Kash opened his eyes, making a low whining noise. “I know buddy.”, Zak said, scratching the canine’s ears. It was no secret the German Shepherd had taken to the soldier immediately, he was just as depressed as Aubrey.

“No, they’re in blackout conditions now.”, she replied sadly; it had been a week without a word from Steve, another week since he left. Zak gave her foot a reassuring squeeze. “It’s Tony.”, she grumbled.

Zak had to do a double-take in her direction. “I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that you text with Avengers.”, he mumbled, shaking his head in disbelief.

“I literally only have Bucky, Sam, and Tony’s numbers. I gave my number to the first two, the third one…, I’ll give you one guess.”, she grumbled, tugging her phone from her Steve’s hoodie pocket.

Annoying Man: You and Cappuccino coming to Thanksgiving?

Aubrey rolled her eyes.

Baker Girl: Yes, if Steve makes it home before then.

Annoying Man: Still no word?

Baker Girl: Nope, been silent for a week now.

Annoying Man: You doing okay, kid?

“Well, I’ll be damned; Tony Stark has a heart.”, she muttered to herself.

Baker Girl: Okay, as I can be.

Baker Girl: What would you like me to bring?

Annoying Man: Chocolate-chip cookies!

“This man is utterly annoying.”, she huffed, closing her phone and stuffing it back in her pocket as she climbed off the couch and headed to the kitchen. She grabbed the leftover Chinese from the fridge, two forks, and another bottle of wine, heading back to the living room.

Zak automatically stuck his hand out to accept the wine, eyes glued to the tv as he uncorked the wine with the wine bottle opener on the coffee table. “Tony Stark is annoying?”, Zak laughed, “What did he say?”

Aubrey settles into the couch, opening a container of noodles. She hands the other to Zak to trade for her a glass of wine. “He wants me to bring chocolate chip cookies to Thanksgiving.” She frowned, taking a bite of the cold lo mien noodles.

Zak raised an eyebrow, “I’m failing to see the problem.”, he said, stuffing some orange chicken in his mouth.

“I’m a pastry chef, I can’t just make chocolate chip cookies to take to my boyfriend’s family Thanksgiving. It’s our first Thanksgiving together.” She huffed, stuffing another fork full of noodles into her mouth.

Zak sighed, “Babe, they already love you. I don’t think you need to win them over with baked goods.”, he replied, leaning back in the chair.

Aubrey frowned, but he wasn't wrong; she got along with just about everyone she’d met at the lake house.

Baker Girl: I guess I could do that.

Annoying Man: I bet that nearly killed you to reply.

Baker Girl: I hate you.

Annoying Man: You love me; everybody does! I’m a genius, billionaire, playboy philanthropist, an all-around loveable guy.

Baker Girl: You should add Conceited to your list.

Zak and Aubrey finish watching Ultimate Thanksgiving Challenge. Zak didn’t offer to spend the night, he just does it anyway. Padding to the guest room across the hall from Aubrey and Steve’s room, he gives her a drunk, sloppy smooch on the cheek; they both fall into a fit of giggles, retreating to their respective beds.

Aubrey checks her phone one last time before placing it on the charging pad; Kash snuggles up closely, and she falls asleep, wondering where Steve is and if he's okay.

Steve looks down at the creased-up photo in his hand, it’s a picture of Aubrey smiling, the sun catching her hair just right, magnifying the red in her hair. Her button-freckled nose scrunched up as she smiled at whatever was off in the distance, he misses her. The nightmares come and go still; he’s always trapped, unable to move. He sighs, pushing that thought away, and instead focuses on getting home to his best girl. He looks around the corner, a shower of bullets pinging against the side of the building; he curses under his breath as he moves back towards the others.

They were about four miles out from their friendly checkpoint. Unfortunately, several dozen Russian soldiers stood between them and their rendezvous point, and it looked like the skies were about to open up. Bucky, Sam, and four of his best agents, Jess, Mikey, Putz, and Jake, are all standing around talking.

Jess, Agent Allen, was his number two on missions. She was sharp as a tack, fast as hell, and one of the coolest he’s ever seen under pressure besides Bucky.

Jake, Agent Cates, was one of the best explosives experts he’s seen since Jacques Dernier. Steve was never sure where the man would pull explosives from.

Mickey, Agent Jameson, was a damn good shot; he had come out of the S.W.O.R.D academy with Andrew ‘Putz,’ Agent McKellen.

They had dropped the ‘Agent’ long ago from their names, but Steve was still called Cap or Captain by his team.

“You come up with a plan to get us outta here without taking home any Soviet souvenirs?”, he asked Bucky walking up to the group.

Bucky smiles that cocky Barnes grin, “Best we’ve come up with is ‘fuck it’. Ya know, charge out with guns blazin’.”, he shrugs.

Steve raises an eyebrow, “Fuck it?”, he repeats, skeptical.

“Fuck it.”, Bucky nods.

Steve looks to Sam, “And do you agree with this plan?”, he asked the other man, praying for a better plan than ‘fuck it’.

“Look, the way I see it, is this is going to be a shit show no matter how we play it.”, he shrugs, readying his goggles.

“May as well do it fast, less time for shit to go wrong.”, Bucky adds cocking his gun with a serious smirk.

Steve purses his lips, hands on his hips. He sighed, shaking his head, “Jesus, Buck, your logic is so flawed that it almost makes sense.”, he grumbled as he grabbed his shield off his back.

Jess took a deep breath as she watched her boss ready himself. “Great.”, she deadpanned, sliding her sunglasses over her eyes as she pulled up her signature half-skull mask over her nose.

Steve shook his head, sending a prayer to whatever god was watching over them. “Alright…”, he sighed, strapping the shield onto his arm.

Jess, Mikey, Jake, and Putz locked and loaded their weapons of choice as they all walked to the edge of the building. Standing there, they all took a moment, this was either going down as the dumbest plan in history that actually worked, or they were all going to be shot down.

Thunder rumbled in the distance as lighting danced across the sky. The heavens had decided at that moment to open up, unleashing a torrential downpour.

“This can’t be a good sign.”, Putz muttered to Mikey, who was tying his black bandana at the base of his neck.

“Probably not.”, the other man replied with a grunt.

Steve took a deep breath looking over to Sam and Bucky, who nodded. “Alright, fuck it.”, he said, rushing around the corner.

“I was hoping for something a little more inspirational.”, Jake sighed, turning his camouflaged hat backward.

Bullets were flying from every direction; Steve stepped forward, slamming his shield into one of the Russian soldiers. Taking the shield, he swung it out, knocking over another soldier, catching it as he jumped up. As he landed, he tossed the shield to Bucky, who was on his right, duel wielding handguns with his rifle slung over his shoulder. The brunette grabbed the shield and took out another two with it before tossing it back to Steve who slid through the mud taking out three soldiers by their legs, before getting his own footing.

Sam had Red Wing providing cover from above. He jumped up, kicking a man in the chest, as he fell back, he caught himself on his hands. Shoving himself back up, he released his wings, taking out two soldiers on either side of him.

The agents had all worked together since the Alpha team was put together. Jess fired her weapon from behind a tree, the bullet traveling from one soldier and into another. She turned around as they dropped, looking at Putz. You couldn’t see her lower face, but it was apparent that she was gloating.

“That still only counts as one!”, he grumbled as he picked off a couple of soldiers that were trying to sneak up on her.

The sky darkened even as lightning lit up in sporadic flashes.

Mikey and Jake collaborated to drop soldiers in the treetops, they were one of the best tag teams S.W.O.R.D had. Steve often compared them to Clint and Natasha.

“So you just cook it in melted butter?”, Mikey asked as he reloaded his weapon.

Jake sighed, aiming for the top of a tree. “Not just any butter, rosemary and thyme compound butter.”, he said, taking the shot.

A man fell from the tree with a screech that stopped once he landed with a thud.

“Oooh, gotcha! You got the recipe for that?”, Mikey asked, shooting another who tried to walk up behind them.

“Reload!”, Jake yelled, holding his hand out as Mikey tossed him another clip.

“Yeah, I do.”, Jake replied, reloading his gun. “You have to try the mashed potatoes with that steak, it’s fuckin..”, he chefs kissed before firing off his weapon again.

The ragtag team pushed through enemy territory; their legs burned, not one of them had a stitch of dry clothing on, sweat stinging their eyes, and they were starting to run low on ammunition. But they pushed through, taking out enemy soldiers as they popped up. When the checkpoint came into view, the lookout saw them and hollered out for the gate to be opened up. Steve rushed his team forward, bringing up the rear with Sam and Buck deflecting bullets.

Jake ran out from in between Steve and Bucky, “Hit the deck!”, he hollered as he chucked his explosive toward the enemy. He immediately hit the ground, the entire team dropped to the ground just outside the checkpoint gates. There was a loud boom, followed by chunks of earth falling from the sky with the fat rain droplets.

Bucky’s eyes widened as the smoke cleared. “The fuck was that, Jake?”, he asked, staring out at the singed tree trunks. The man just shrugged as he pulled himself off the ground and they quickly moved inside the gates.

The team made their way toward a makeshift tent, Mikey commented that it looked like something from Mash 4077.

“I was sure somebody was gonna end up in the hospital.”, Jake said, dropping down onto the dusty floor, minding his pack.

“No shit.”, Mikey wheezed, dropping onto the ground next to his partner.

Putz removed his helmet, “I thought someone was gonna die.”, he added, collapsing next to his teammate.

“Nobody’s dying.”, Jess groaned, dropping her pack down as she winced, rubbing her shoulder as she pulled her mask down and lifted her glasses up.

Steve dropped his shield, leaning against a questionable doorway, dragging a dirty hand over his face before running them through his wet hair.

Sam pulled off his goggles, wiping at his face as water poured from them.

Bucky slung his rifle off his shoulder, stopping to fix his hair. “That was fun. I’ve got half a mind to run that again.”, he smiled at them.

“I take that back.”, Jess grumbled, reaching for her sidearm as Mikey, Putz, and Jake scrambled to grab her.

Steve huffed, “I have half a mind to let her shoot you.”

Sam laughed, shaking his head.

Mikey stretched out, leaning against his pack; he needed a drink but didn’t want to move. He glanced at Jake, who sat over by the ‘window’ with one leg stretched out and the other bent, a match hanging from his mouth. Mikey noticed a canister, he smirked. Grabbing it up, he started to open it.

“I wouldn’t drink that.”, Jake said, adjusting his hat by the brim.

This got the attention of Jess and Putz, who sat on the other side of the small tent.

Mikey raised a questioning eyebrow.

“That’s nitroglycerin.”, he said.

Mikey’s eyes widened as he looked down at the little flask in his hands. He swallowed thickly, putting the cap back on it.

Putz huffs a laugh, “Who the fuck carries nitroglycerin around in a flask?”, he asks, looking at his teammate.

“A ballsy motherfucker.”, Jess answers from her spot against the wall across from Jake.

Mikey laughs nervously as he looks at Jake’s bag, he licks his lips. “Wh-what else do you carry in there?”, he asks, carefully putting the flask back.

“Oh, er…gunpowder, nitroglycerin, notepads, pencils, fuses, wicks, glue, bandages, and oh yeah, paper clips, oh those big ones.”, he says nonchalantly, “You know, just, uh, office supplies.” He shrugs.

Mikey looks horrified. “Who is this guy?”, he mouths to Putz.

Jess starts laughing as she kicks at Jake’s leg. He winks at her, shrugging.

As they're waiting for their pickup, Sam spots Steve and Bucky off to the side under a camouflage tarp. He frowns, watching Bucky hug Steve patting his back with a smile on his face.

The two men take a step back when Sam approaches. Bucky smiles as he walks past Sam, he pats his shoulder as he walks by.

“What the hell was that?”, Sam asks, jabbing a thumb in the ex-Soviet assassin's direction.

Steve chuckles, “I'd like to talk to you about something, Sam.”, he says, sitting down on the tree stump.

“This can't be good.”, the other man mumbles as he crosses his arms.

Steve takes a deep breath, “I want to retire, Sam.”

Sam blinks. “That is not what I was expecting, but okay.”, he nods, processing the information. “You certainly deserve it, you've done more than enough for this country....the world, actually.” He studies Steve a moment.

Sam takes a deep breath, “You've thought about this for a while, haven't you?”, he asks.

“I have.”, Steve readily admits. “I've thought about it for a couple of years now, but I didn't know I was ready for it until Aubrey.” He smiles softly, “I’m tired, Sam. I want to marry her one day. I want a house with a big backyard for kids.”

Sam smiles, “The whole nine, huh?”

“The whole nine.”, Steve smiles back.

Sam nods. “The only thing that bums me out is I have to live in a world without Captain America.”, he admits solemnly.

“Well, that's not entirely true.”, Steve says before turning next to himself as he grabs his leather shield bag.

Sam watches him closely as Steve leans the shield between them and unzips the bag.

“Try it on, see how it feels.”, Steve suggests.

Sam licks his dry lips, he looks at Steve and then at the shield. Glancing over his shoulder, he notices Bucky a little ways away, standing there with arms crossed; he gives Sam a nod. Sam sighs as he reaches down for the red, white, and blue shield. He grips the shield firmly in his hand; it's lightweight yet sturdy, but it feels wrong.

“How does it feel?”, Steve asks.

Sam looks down at the iconic shield. “Like someone else’s.”, he admits.

Steve lets out a breath as he looks up at his friend, “It isn't.”, is all he says.

With the weight of his word, Sam takes a deep breath, Steve is handing the shield over to him; he’s passing down his legacy to him. His brows furrow in thought. Suddenly, that lightweight shield in his grasp feels heavy. He realizes Steve could have given the shield to Bucky or taken it with him, but he's not. He thinks Sam is worthy of this, of carrying on the title of Captain America.

“Thank you.”, he says as he steps forward, offering Steve his hand. Steve stands up and pulls him into a hug. “I’ll do my best.”, Sam says with a whisper.

Steve pats his back, “I know you will.”, he replies.

Bucky walks over, hands stuffed in his tac pants.

“You’re okay with this.”, Sam asks, gesturing to the shield.

Bucky gives him an appraising look. “I mean, you’ll do.”, he shrugs with a wink.

Sam snorts, shaking his head as Bucky offers his hand; they pull each other in for a side hug.

“You deserve it.”, Bucky says.

“Oh, Sam, just so that you know, whoever carries the shield inherits Bucky.”, Steve grinned.

Sam looks at the other super soldier in question, who is frowning. “Nope, you can take this back.”, he says, holding the shield back out to Steve and shaking his head.

Steve holds his hands up, taking a step back, “No give back.”, he laughs.

“Oh fuck off, the both of you.”, Bucky grumbles.

Steve walked into the apartment, Kash met him at the door with an excited tail wag and a lick to his hands after he sat down the shield and his bag.

“Hey pal.”, he mumbled, bending down to pat the canine. “Where’s your mama, huh?”, he asked, scratching the dog’s ears.

Kash looked back into the apartment and then back to Steve, after receiving the appropriate amount of love he deemed acceptable, Kash headed to the couch to curl up in his designated spot.

Immediately the scent of pizza came wafting from the kitchen the further he stepped into the apartment. He noticed the empty pizza box on the counter, the lingering aroma of yeasty garlicky, buttery tomatoey goodness still there. Going to the fridge, he smiled, seeing a large pizza box with his name written in neat handwriting. Pulling the box out, he opened it, bless that woman. Fridge door still standing open, he pulled two slices of everything pizza from the box and dug in; before the box was put back and the door to the refrigerator closed, he had one slice completely gone.

He noticed an empty bottle of wine on the counter. Smiling, Steve headed towards their bedroom. The close he got, the stronger the scent of lavender and vanilla became. As Steve entered the bedroom, he could hear giggling and water sloshing. He strips down, leaving only his ridiculously tight black boxer briefs on. The thought of Aubrey naked in their massive bathtub, water smelling of lavender, her warm vanilla sugar body scrub, tan skin flushed and glistening from the water, bubbles over her body teased him. His dick started to fatten up at the thought as he walked into the bathroom.

Opening the door, he is met with the sight he was hoping to see, Aubrey’s strawberry blonde hair pulled up into a messy bun, round cheeks flushed from the heat of the water and wine. Her ocean blue eyes glazed over from the alcohol, her pouty lips stained from the wine.

There was only one problem…. Zakary Fuckin Montgomery was lying in front of the vanity in a pair of sweats and no t-shirt, green stuff smeared all over his face. His back is on the floor, his butt flush against the cabinet doors, feet propped up on the countertop, and all the while, he is sucking wine from two straws stuck together in a wine bottle.

The laughter died out when she saw him.

“Steve!”, Aubrey squeaked.

Zak lolled his head over, looking up at the nearly naked Captain. His eyes widened as they slid down to the soldier’s impressive bulge, “Goddamn, you have a license to carry that thing?”

Steve quickly grabs a towel and wraps it around his waist with a huff of annoyance.

Aubrey’s eyes widen. “Oh my god! Zak”, she covered her face.

Zak rolled himself over, fumbling to his feet, and grabbing his wine bottle. He stumbled towards the door. “I feel like I should salute or start singing the national anthem.”, he slurs.

“Out.”, Steve says firmly, pointing to the open bathroom door.

The drunken man holds his hands up, “Alright, I’m goin’, I’m goin’.”, he mumbles, backing out of the bathroom.

Steve slams the door shut, locking it before he turns back toward his girlfriend, who has managed to sink further into her bubble fortress. He walks to the vanity and snatches up his toothbrush and toothpaste, squirting a little too much onto the bristles, but he goes with it and starts to brush his teeth aggressively.

Aubrey watches from the bathtub, she hadn’t expected Steve home until tomorrow; Zak would have been long gone by then. She watches his ridged shoulders as he starts his evening routine without saying a word. Taking a deep breath, she pulls herself up and steps out of the water; Steve is washing his face as she approaches. Reaching out, she touched his shoulder before pressing her very wet and very naked body against his back. She smirked a little, hearing his breath hitch.

“I’m sorry.”, she whispered into his shoulder.

Steve takes a deep breath, his hands sliding over hers that are now wrapped around his midsection. “It’s okay. I just wasn’t expecting Zak to be here, or in here with you.”, he says.

“You’re not worried, are you?”, she asked, frowning a little. “Zak is my best friend. It’s never been like that between us…. He’s a brother—“

“Hey, baby, shhh…”, Steve interrupts, turning around to face her. “I’m not worried and I’m not mad.”, he reassures her, hands coming up to cup her face. “I just wasn’t expecting it.”, he whispers, kissing her kiss and tasting a bit of the sweet red wine. “I know I don’t have anything to worry about when it comes to Zac, I just get a little….”

“Jealous?”, Aubrey supplies.

“Possessive.”, he corrects, tugging her body closer to him.

Aubrey swallowed, watching the blue of his eyes being eaten up by dark pools of desire. His large hands roam over her body as he presses his firm body into her soft soapy body. His hand travels up, gripping the back of her neck in a possessive manner that makes her pussy clench.

“I like to be the only one to see you naked.”, he growls, surging forward as he pulls her into a demanding, filthy kiss that leaves her breathless and dizzy. “I have no problem with your friend.”, he husks before sucking a bruise on the side of her neck. “As long as he knows not to touch what is mine.”, he breathes quickly, spinning them around.

Aubrey barely has time to catch herself on the vanity before Steve presses his clothed erection into her. She mewled, head lolling to the side as he kissed and nipped at her flesh. His big hands slide over her soft belly, cupping her breasts and pinching her nipples. She has no idea what's gotten into this man, maybe it's from the mission, but they can check in and talk about that later.

“And you’re mine, right?”, he asks, voice like gravel as he watches her reflection in the mirror. Full cheeks dusted pink, her mouth is open, breathing short as she tries to bite back the sounds of pleasure. “Oh no, pretty girl. I want to hear you, stunning baby.”, he whispers, breath hot on her ear as he sucks her lobe into his mouth. One of his hands moves from her breast down her stomach, lightly touching until he arrives at the heat between her legs.

Aubrey mewled, her head falling back against his shoulder as his finger lightly stroked her puffy wet lips.

“That's it.”, he growled into her neck as his finger slipped between and started to rub from her sensitive clit to her fluttering hole. “Oh, fuck baby, you're so wet.” He pressed a kiss into the juncture of her shoulder and neck, his hand grabbing hold of the meat of her thigh, pulling her leg up and over, spreading her open obscenely as he reached around with the other sliding his finger into her wet folds.

“Please.”, Aubrey whimpers, biting her lip.

Steve works two thick fingers in and out of her, rubbing relentlessly at her clit as his fingers fuck her. He’s completely lost in her reflection in the mirror, face flushed, eyes closed, mouth open, lips bitten, her nails digging into his forearms.

Aubrey can feel the wonderful pressure rising in her belly. She forces her eyes open, looking at her reflection in the mirror; she can’t help but moan when she sees Steve. His muscles pulled tight like a bowstring, his hair mussed from reaching up and tugging on it. She watches him bit his lip, chest rising and falling; the rising pressure peaks, and her head falls back as she cums.

Steve lets her leg down slowly, feeling her body tremble, he licks her juice off his fingers. “That was so hot, baby.”, he groans as his hand rubs over his cock. Aubrey pushes her ass back against him as she bends over, resting her elbows on the vanity countertop. Steve’s breath catches, “Oh fuck..”, he breathes. In no time at all, Steve’s underwear was pooled around his ankles, his cock slicked up and ready.

A firm hand on her waist, the other grips his aching erection as he places his flushed fat cock head at her entrance. His eyes trained on her, Steve fights the urge to close his eyes as he slowly pushes into her.

“Oooh, ngh…”, Aubrey moans, her head dropping forward, reveling in the stretch.

Steve’s large hands settled on her waist as he slowly pulled out, dragging his cock, allowing her to feel every throbbing vein. “Jesus, pretty girl—fuck—missed you so much.”, he groaned.

“Missed you too, oh god, please, Steve, please…”, she begged as she looked over her shoulder at him.

He nodded, letting out a breath as he pushed back in, setting a deep and frantic rhythm. Steve groaned when he looked down at where their bodies were connected, watching his cock slide into her tight dripping cunt, her ass jiggling when he fucked into her. This was going to be over faster than he wanted, but he had all the time in the world now to bury himself between these thick thighs.

“Steve….Steve…baby.”, she breathed. His cock dragged across that wonderfully sensitive spot deep within. “Oh god!”, she cried out, the coil already winding itself up without her realizing it.

Steve tossed his head back, rutting into her, feeling her pussy start to clench around his cock. A deep groan rolled out of his chest as he began to feel that familiar pressure increase with each drag. “Gonna cum for me?”, he asked, releasing a shaky breath.

Aubrey nodded, only replying with a breathy moan as she felt herself being pushed further and further toward the edge of her climax. “Harder….harder.”, she whimpered.

Steve couldn’t form words, his brain was short-circuiting with the way her pussy was clenching, hearing her fucked out begging, those breathy moans. He gripped her hips firmly, he would surely leave bruises. “Play with yourself, pretty girl.”, he rasped out.

Without a thought, Aubrey pulled her hand from its death grip on the vanity. She slid her fingers between her shaky thighs and her fingers grazed where they were connected, causing both of them to moan. When she started to rub her clit in firm circles, she felt Steve pull out and pound back into her with abandon. Her mouth fell open as a silent cry fell from her swollen lips, her pussy clenched up, and her back arched as she gasped, her orgasm rolling through her like a goddamn freight train.

Steve was able to pull out once…twice, before her body sucked his cock back in greedily; his eyes damn near rolled back at the feeling of her quivering walls clenching around him. His thrust became sporadic as he fucked her through her orgasm. When she started begging him to cum inside her, Steve couldn't hold out any longer. With one powerful thrust, he buried himself deep within her rhythmically convulsing heat, he came with a wounded groan.

As his softened cock slipped out, his fingers flexed on her thighs, he could feel her body shaking. Steve gently picked her up, Aubrey had no room to protest as he carried her out into the bedroom, lying her gently in their bed. The cool sheets felt amazing on her heated skin. Aubrey sighed, stated, and was satisfied for the first time in weeks.

“I’m so glad your home.”, she whispered as Steve settled against her back.

He pressed a kiss to her shoulder, “Me too, sweetheart.”, he hummed.

“Please tell me you don’t have to leave again for a while.”, she whispered, lacing their fingers together.

Steve lifted himself up on his elbow, “No honey, I don't, never again.”, he smiled at her confused face when she looked over her shoulder at him. “I’m retiring, passing the shield off to Sa—”

His sentence was interrupted when Aubrey rolled over and shoved him onto his back as she hovered over him.

“You're retiring?”, she asked, brows scrunched with concern.

Steve smiled up at her, tucking some hair behind her ear. “Yes, I realized I don’t want to go through all the stress and torment of leaving you. Ah—”, he put a finger over her lips. “I want this. I’ve wanted it for a while. Never felt like I had a reason to.... until you, you're my reason, Aubrey.”, he whispered.

Aubrey felt so many emotions building up inside, her eyes started to water, and her bottom lip trembled as she sat back straddling his lap. Her mind wandered back to the morning he left for his mission, “I can’t wait to make you my wife.”, he whispered. She had never really pictured herself as the marrying type, not until Steve, anyway. But the more she fell in love with this man, the more she wanted everything with him. Over the past several months, the voice of doubt in her head had shrank down to a whisper. With this new chapter in their lives unfolding, she couldn’t even hear the whispers anymore. Steve Rogers wanted her, and she wanted him.

“Honey?”, he frowned, sitting up as well. “Baby, what’s wrong?”, he asked as he wiped away her tears with his thumb.

Aubrey surged forward and pressed her tear-stained lips into his, “I love you so much, Steven Grant”, she whispered, “and I will support you whatever you choose to do.”, she wrapped her arms around his neck.

The smile on his face was blinding as Steve pulled her flush against his chest. “God, I love you too. I love you so much, Aubrey.”, he replied, kissing her softly, his hands cupping her cheeks. “I’m a little scared. I’ve never known anything other than Captain America.”, he admitted.

“That was a title, you’ve always been Steve Rogers.”, she replied with a smile, running her fingers along his bearded jaw. “You’ll figure it out, and I’ll be there with you.”

Steve took a deep breath, this woman. His head slid to the base of her neck, gently tugging her closer into a sweet sensual kiss, her fingers running through his hair, pulling on the long strands. He nipped at her bottom lip, and in return, she sucked his into her mouth. A loud groan echoed through the room as his cock fattened between them.

There was a loud knock at the door, “Hey, if you guys are going to have wild inapposite sex again, could I at least get my phone from your bathroom to drown out the noise?”, Zak hollered through the door.

Steve rolled his eyes, tapping Aubrey’s hip; he waited for her to climb off. Once she did, he walked into the bathroom and looked around for the phone in question. Naked as the day he was born, cock very much still erect, Steve walked through the bedroom.

“Aren’t you going to cover up—”, Aubrey watched as Steve opened the door, held out Zak’s phone, and waited as the man on the other side stood there shocked.

He placed the phone in Zak’s hand and turned around to close the door. “Goodnight, Zak.”, he said nonchalantly with a smirk.

Aubrey covered her face with her hands, muffling the giggles as Steve crawled back into bed, grabbing her legs and pulling her down towards him.

“God Bless America…”, Zak mumbled through the door. He looked down at his own crotch and sighed, “I feel so inadequate now.” He clutched the wine bottle in his hand to his chest as he walked slowly across the hall. 

Chapter Text

Steve slowly blinks the sleep from his blurry eyes; he can feel the sun dancing along his naked shoulders, the cool ruffled sheets under him, a warm, soft body pressed against his front, and smell that wonderful warm vanilla scent. He smiles, burying his face in the messy strawberry-blonde hair, inhaling the smell he has come to recognize as home. They had gotten in somewhat late last night, the day before Thanksgiving, the traffic was horrible, then the drive up to Buffalo. They would spend today together doing whatever they pleased, which he hoped was plenty of cuddling and kissing in bed. Thursday morning, they would make the journey to Tony and Peppers to join the rest of the group.

“Why are you awake?”, Aubrey whispered, voice thick with sleep as she snuggled into the plush pillow under her head.

Steve hummed, “Creature of habit.”, he chuckled lowly, kissing her bare shoulder, silently thanking past Steve for suggesting she sleep topless. He ran a large hand from her shoulder to her thigh, pressing a kiss on her neck. “I’m going to get up, you stay in bed.”, he whispered.

“Noooo, stay in bed with me.”, she pouted, rolling over as Steve climbed out of bed.

He chuckled again, a smile on his face, watching as she took up the spot he’d just abandoned. “Go back to sleep, baby.”, he whispered, kissing her forehead as he pulled the covers up.

He stood in the doorway to the ensuite bathroom, giving one last look at the sleeping woman in bed. Steve set about his business. Relieving his bladder, he hopped in the shower next, thankful Aubrey had the foresight to put their toiletries in the bathroom before bed. Towel slung around his waist, he brushed his teeth and ran his fingers through his hair. He was going to wear a hat while out of the room there was no point in doing anything to his hair. Finally, he started on his beard routine, rubbing the oil into his beard before taking the comb through it.

Steve quietly slipped from the bathroom back into the room. He snagged a pair of jeans, a grey t-shirt, and a black zip-up jacket from the bag. After dressing, he slid into his shoes and grabbed his phone, wallet, room card, and hat from the coffee table, then he headed out.

Stepping into the elevator, he pulled out his phone and quickly searched for the nearest coffee shop. Bagels and Books, a four-star coffee shop less than three miles from the hotel, he could work with that. Steve nodded to the older gentlemen at the front desk on his way out the door. A rush of cool autumn air whirled around him as he stepped out onto the sidewalk, he took a deep breath, it wasn’t Brooklyn, but just being back in New York felt right. Pulling his hat down over his brow, he headed off in the direction of the coffee shop.

Steve headed back to the hotel with a book, five bagels in hand(he knew Aubrey would only eat one leaving the other four to him), one cup of coffee, and a white chocolate monstrosity. It took way longer than he anticipated, he wasn’t prepared for the stacks of books this place had. Bagels and Books was a quaint little hole-in-the-wall coffee shop, it looked like nothing special from the street. But once you pulled open the door, a rush of warm air engulfed you and the smell of old books and coffee teased the senses with an underlining sweet yeasty aroma from the bagels. He was going to have to tell Aubrey about this place.  

Aubrey stood in front of the mirror, she had just finished drying her hair when she heard the door to the room click. Dressed in jeans and a black bra, she padded out to investigate. Their hotel room was a little more bougie than anything she had stayed in. The view was honestly breathtaking, as was their room. The walls were off-white, the floors a dark faux wood, and there were large windows with soft white curtains overlooking the city. There was a breakfast table and two chairs by the window; Aubrey loved the idea of eating breakfast at the table, watching the city below come to life. On the opposite side of the room was a large tv mounted on the wall and a half-circle white couch with throw pillows and an oval-shaped coffee table. The décor was pretty standard; as far as pictures and lamps, there were fake plants all over, giving an open earth vibe to the room.

Further in was the bedroom, the most enormous bed she had ever seen. It was bigger than their super soldier-grade bed at home, with the softest sheets she had ever felt in her life, a nightstand on each side and a long wooden dresser. The bathroom was something to write home about; beautiful crisp white title and black trim, heated floor, walk-in shower with a rainforest shower head in the middle, control panel, and built-in shelves. There was a double vanity with two circle mirrors with black trim and faucet pieces, a round wooden plate with small hand towels rolled up, little bottles of expensive lotions and soap sat on the small built-in shelf under the mirror —a half-circle shelf on the wall with more towels next to two hooks with fluffy white bathrobes.

“Steve?”, she called out, walking into the bedroom, looking for her brush and a shirt. 

Aubrey grabbed a black Beatles tee and her favorite thick cream-colored cardigan that was down to her knees. It was a rare fifty-five degrees out today. 

He placed their coffee and breakfast on the small table by the window as he walked by and headed to the bedroom. “Yeah, baby.”, he replied, leaning on the doorframe as he watched her brush through her beautiful hair, already drying in natural waves. 

“Where’d you run off to?”, she asked, turning around as she brushed her hair resting on her shoulders. 

“Breakfast.”, he said, stepping into the room. He wrapped his arms around her, resting his chin on her shoulder, taking a deep breath. “You smell good.”, he murmured, kissing her cheek. 

Aubrey turned her head toward him giving him access to kiss her, and he did gladly. “Thank you, baby.”, she whispered back, giving his lips another peck. 

They sat together at the breakfast table, sipping their coffee and eating their bagels, chatting about their potential day. 

Once breakfast was eaten and their coffee consumed, Aubrey went to finish getting ready while Steve offered to clean up.  

Aubrey stood in front of the mirror, opting to wear her contacts today and checking her reflection after applying the bare minimum amount of makeup, a little eyeliner and mascara to make her blue eyes pop, and some pink lip balm. She wrinkled her freckled nose as her snuggly bear of a boyfriend wrapped his arms around her from behind; it was one of his favorite ways to hold her. 

“You look so gorgeous.”, he grinned at her through the mirror. 

Aubrey huffed a laugh, “It’s amazing what a little bit of makeup can do, isn't it.” 

“You know you’re gorgeous with or without makeup on.”, he said as she turned in his arms to face him.  “I personally think you look damn fine all the time.” She snorted, wrapping her arms around his neck. “But my favorite look is when you first wake up in the morning, when you're in nothing but one of my shirts and panties. Your hair is up in that sloppy ponytail you make look so damn adorable, the way you light up when I hand you your first cup of coffee, that little smile....”, he trailed off with a hum. 

He loved watching the blush rise on her cheeks. 

“I love you.”, she replied, pushing herself up to kiss him. 

“I love you too.”, he whispered, kissing her again. 

Stepping off the elevator, Steve slipped his black baseball hat back on and sunglasses similar to the pair Aubrey had on; he placed a hand on the small of her back as they stepped out into the lobby. They walked hand in hand through the now-busy hotel lobby, making their way out of the building. 

They headed down the street with no particular destination in mind. 

It was about the fourth little shop they had entered, a little wine boutique, that Steve noticed something wasn't right. Aubrey was looking at wine to take with them tomorrow. He looked down the short aisle, catching a young girl with her phone out and pointing in their direction. He had seen her in the bookstore they were just in; was she following them? 

Steve mentally berates himself; he should have clocked her sooner, but he was so focused on Aubrey and enjoying their time together. 

The girl had seemed to notice that he was looking in her direction and turned red before quickly exiting. He watched her walk out the door, catching a man with a camera standing outside the large glass windows. He swore under his breath. 

Aubrey turned around, hearing him. “What? What's wrong?”, she asked. 

Steve turned his back to the window, “We're gonna have to head back to the hotel.”, he sighed, checking the building. 

“What? Why?”, she asked, confused. “Steve, is everything okay?”, she looked up at him, unsure. 

“I don't want you to worry, but I think someone might have tipped the press off that I’m here in the city.”, he said, taking her hand in his. 

This was a first for her. So far, they hadn't had to deal with the press or paparazzi. He’d kept her out of the limelight since the Gala in July, there were so many people there that night that nobody asked too many questions. 

“I..okay…”, she nodded, licking her lips which suddenly felt dry. 

He cups her cheeks, “Just stay with me, keep your head down, and don't speak to them.”, he says gently, thumb rubbing her cheek. “Come on, let's head back.”, he kissed her quickly, reaching down to grab their shopping bag abandoned at their feet. 

They exited the boutique, and just as he suspected, there were a few guys with cameras waiting outside and a few people across the street with their phones out. They were five blocks from their hotel; as they stepped out on the sidewalk, Steve intertwined their fingers. 

“Steve, can we get a picture, please?”, one man asks, snapping his camera. 

“Who's this?”, the other asks. 

He can feel Aubrey press closer to him, her sunglasses on hiding her eyes, she keeps her head down as they move quickly down the sidewalk. The sounds of a shuttering camera behind them, one block down, four to go. 

“Almost there, baby.”, he says to her wrapping his arm around her shoulder. He usually tries to avoid public displays of affection, but he can feel how scared she is and knows she needs him right now. 

Steve called ahead to the hotel and had security meet them out front; it seemed rather silly, but he didn't want anyone to follow them into the building or find out which room they were in. He was too focused on Aubrey to worry about anything else. 

Aubrey’s mind raced, she was dating Steve Rogers, they were serious, living together for Pete’s sake! But their relationship hadn't been public knowledge, just everyone who mattered knew. There was no doubt, Steve’s fans would feel some way about it. Would they ridicule her? Would they pick apart their relationship? Would it be too much on Steve? What if he decided this wasn't worth it anymore? 

She gripped his hand tighter as a wave of nausea washed over her, her heart was pounding in her ears, she felt lightheaded, and her mouth suddenly felt dry. 

The two men had been persistent and followed them, trying to get Steve to answer questions. 

What are you doing in New York? Is it true you have plans to retire? What happens to Captain America? Who is the woman you are with? Is this serious? How long have you seen each other? 

Aubrey felt relief wash over her as she saw the hotel. To say the mood of their little city getaway had been ruined was an understatement.

Aubrey looked out her window through the tinted sunglasses perched on her nose, she watched as the city slowly faded into the countryside. Thick foliage, trees with leaves in various colors from browns, reds, and oranges in various stages of falling from the trees. Vast open fields, bare from the recent fall crop, something was calming about watching the sky turn almost a different shade of blue.

Yesterday had been a lot, to say the least; she’s never dealt with anything like that before. Sure a few reporters here and there after her grandfather was outed as Hydra, but nothing on the scale they had dealt with yesterday. They didn’t leave the hotel again until early this morning, Steve did his best to comfort and reassure her. Aubrey appreciated that man so much. Music played softly in the background as they drove, she lost herself in the lyrics as she looked out the window.

Steve frowned from behind his sunglasses as he drove the rental car toward Tony and Pepper’s place, Aubrey had been quiet most of the drive and he hated seeing her so lost in her head. Reaching over, he laid a large hand on her denim-clad thigh. She looked great today, not that she didn’t look great any other day of the week. She was wearing those jeans Steve loved so much, those that hugged her ass and thighs just right. She wore brown leather knee-high boots, a cream-colored v-neck sweater, and a brown leather jacket.

“I love you.”, he told her, giving her thigh a quick, gentle squeeze.

Aubrey hummed, “I love you too.”, she replied, giving him a weary smile.

“I just want you to know that no matter what, I love you, and I’m proud to have you by my side.”, he picked up her hand, bringing it to his lips.

“I—I’m scared, Steve. I don’t know what to do here.”, she admitted.

He sighed. “There isn’t much we can do, people will say what they want to say about us and our relationship, but they don’t know us or what we have.” He kissed her hand again, “And I’m fine with that. I hate our little bubble was popped, but we’ll get through this. I promise.”

Aubrey laid her head back, looking over at the man next to her. She laced her finger with his, squeezing it, before looking out the window.

The car turned off the smooth pavement onto a long gravel road; the crunching of the gravel was soothing as the car traveled through a shaded tunnel of trees. Off in the distance, nestled in a thick patch of trees, was a two-story cabin with a green metal roof, wooden pillars holding up the roof over the porch, wooden railing around the wooden deck and down the wide steps attached to the side of the house with a sloped roof covered with solar panels was what looked like a workshop, light-stoned foundation along the base of the house, the same stone was used for the chimney that had a steady stream of white smoke floating out of it. A chicken coop sat off a few yards from the house, with chickens milling about and pecking at the ground. Near the coop was a large deep red barn with the doors open, and a goat in a black sweater stood in the doorway lazily chewing on grass. On the other side of the house was a massive thick tree house, the most extravagant tree house imaginable. A ladder was built into the tree going up to a deck before leading into the little log cabin house up in the branches; under the tree was attached to the thickest branch was a tire swing. Behind the house was a lake, the sun glistening off the water as the wind pushed the top creating soft waves.

When Steve put the car in park and cut the engine, Aubrey climbed out, holding onto the door; she looked around at the beautiful scenery. The cold November wind blew a little, bringing an earthy, musty smell from the lake. 

There was a loud bang of a screen door, she shot around to investigate. A little girl was bounding off the front porch steps towards them...toward Steve. Her shoulder-length chocolate-brown hair blew in the wind, a deep orange headband with a bow attached to it, sat perfectly to the side. She wore a long, long-sleeved white sweater, and skirt the same color as her bow, and little brown ankle boots with white tights rounded out her look. She had to be eight, maybe nine years old. 

“Uncle Steve!”, she squealed happily, launching herself at the super soldier. 

Steve, of course, caught her quickly. “Momo.”, he chuckled, swinging the little girl around in his arms. 

Aubrey found herself wanting to take a picture of the way the sunlight peaked through the trees behind them, illuminating their smiling faces. Steve, with his hair neatly ruffled and his beard trimmed to perfection. The way his dark yellow and black plaid shirt clung to his biceps as he flexed his arms, the rounded neck of his black shirt underneath with a bit of the thick blonde chest hair peeking out the top. Her eyes trailed down to his ass, and what an ass it was clad in dark denim, his dark boots crunching the leaves as he spun. 

Suddenly a vision of Steve with a little blonde-haired, blue-eyed boy or girl in his arms, freckles across their little nose and cheeks, and the same crooked smile as him made something deep within her start to ache. 

“Aubrey.”, he breathed, a broad smile on his face. 

She blinked out of her daydream, “Oh, sorry,” she rushed as she walked toward her boyfriend, the little girl still in her arms, her arms around his neck. “Hello.”, she smiles at the little girl whose big brown eyes blinked from where her face was hidden in Steve’s neck. 

The door slammed open; a distressed Pepper walked out of the house, her long Auburn hair pulled into a professional-looking ponytail. She looked fierce yet classy with a beautiful dark red wine sweater, black jeans, and matching red flats. 

“Morgan H. Stark!”, she hollered, hands going to her hips. Morgan made a slight squeaking noise at the use of her full name. “You know better than to run out of the house like that!”, she scolded.

“Sorry, Mom.”, Morgan offered with a forced smile; she obviously was not sorry.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped off the porch towards them. Opening her arms, she embraced Aubrey. “I’m so glad you could make it.”, she smiled, pulling away. 

Pepper walked over to Steve, who tilted his head down as Pepper pressed a kiss on his cheek. She whispered something to him that made the man blush, his blue eyes flickered over to Aubrey. “Come on, come inside, it's a little too chilly out here for me.”, she said, looping her arm around Aubreys as she walked past her. 

The Stark home was just as beautiful on the inside as the outside, cabin with a modern industrial twist and a homey touch, family photos, and Morgan’s art proudly on display. 

“Make yourselves at home, the others will be here shortly.”, Pepper gestured to the large living area. “I've got a few final touches to add to the table. Would you like some wine?”, she asked, pausing in the large rounded-off archway.  

Aubrey and Steve both said yes, offering a please and thank you.

Steve sat down, Morgan settling on his lap. “Morgan, this is Aubrey. She’s my girlfriend.”, he said, leaning down close to the little girl who leaned into his chest.

“Hi, Morgan, it's nice to meet you.”, Aubrey smiled as she sat down next to them. 

Morgan carefully looked Aubrey over before cupping Steve’s ear to share a secrete with the man, he smiled and chuckled.

“I agree, she is really pretty.”, he replied, smiling at his girlfriend. Steve then whispered something back in her ear before patting her hip.

Morgan hopped up off his lap and settled on the other side of the super soldier. She watched as Steve put his arm over the back of the couch, giving Aubrey’s cheek a quick peck before sitting into the plush brown cushions.

“Daddy says you’re a baker.”, Morgan stated.

Aubrey nodded with a smile, “I am. I own a bakery back in D.C.”, she answered.

“Will you teach me how to bake cookies? My Mom only buys the dough log ‘cause we tried to make cookies for the dance bake sale once, and they did not turn out pretty.” She sighed, leaning back into the couch, staring off as if remembering a horrible experience.

Steve suppressed a chuckle.

“Sure, I would love to.”, Aubrey smiled at her.

Morgan sat up. “Really? We have another bake sale after Thanksgiving, and I really, really want to bring the prettiest cookies!””, she beamed excitedly.

“Absolutely. How do you feel about cookies with tutu’s on them?”, Aubrey asked, already working out a design in her head.

Morgan’s eyes widened. “You can do that!”, she asked.

“Aubrey is a very good baker and cookie maker.”, Steve chuckled.

Aubrey rolled her eyes at his little play on words.

Morgan’s looked at them a moment, squinting her eyes. “Do you love Uncle Steve?”, she asked.

“Yes, I do. I love him very much.”, Aubrey replied, glancing at the man as she answered.

The little girl pursed her lips while nodding her head. “Are you guys going to get married? Because I’d like some more cousins to play with, and we could make cookies all the time.”, she asked bluntly—Tony Starks daughter through and through.

Aubrey and Steve looked at each other, eyes widening, mouths almost mimicking a fish.

Aubrey cleared her throat, “Well, um, you see, Morgan, Uncle Steve and I aren't ready for that just yet.”, she started, the little girl frowned. “Maybe someday. Does that make sense?”, she asked. 

Morgan sighed, “Someday?”, she repeated. 

“Is that okay with you?”, Aubrey asked. 

The little girl nodded, “I guess I can live with that .”, she huffed, hopping to her feet. “Would you like to see my dollhouse?”, she asked, pointing to the large wooden dollhouse in the corner of the living room. 

Aubrey stood up, “I’d love to. I used to have Barbies when I was your age.”, she said as Morgan held out her hand for the older woman. 

Steve watched as Aubrey followed Morgan to where the dollhouse sat, the two sat down on the floor, crossing their legs. Aubrey waited as Morgan showed her every single one of her dolls. 

“Oh, that’s sweet.”, Pepper whispered as she held out the glass of wine to Steve. 

He blinked, not even realizing that she had walked into the room.  “Oh, thank you.”, he said, taking his glass, and Aubrey’s. “Yeah, she’s the best.” He smiled over at her lovingly. 

“Tony should be down in a few minutes or so, he was tinkering around in the workshop before you guys pulled up.” Pepper sat down next to him, sipping her wine as she watched Steve watch the two across the room. “I’m really happy for your Steve.” She reached over, squeezing his knee. 

Steve smiled. “Thank you. I’m so happy.”, he told her, moving the glass around in his hands. “She’s the one, Pep, I can feel It, and I know it sounds silly. We haven’t been together that long, but it feels so right.”

“There is no appropriate time when it comes to loving someone; you’re happy, she is happy, and that is all that matters.”, Pepper said. 

Steve and Pepper sat on the couch, idly chatting and sipping on their wine. Aubrey sat on the floor next to Morgan as they went through each doll and Morgan gave their name  along with a little backstory. 

 Tony finally came bounding down the steps in jeans and a Metallica t-shirt with a grey button-up over it open with the sleeves rolled up. He greeted Steve with a hug and a pat on the back, he gave Pepper a sweet quick peck on the lips. Walking over towards his daughter and her obvious new best friend, he bent down and kissed her forehead.

He eased himself to the floor with a groan, knees bent, arms resting over them, gently nudging Aubrey’s shoulder. She gave him a small smile and nudged him back. 

“How are you, kid?”, he asked lowly, keeping the conversation between them. 

Aubrey looked down at the doll in her hands, “I’m uh— I’m good.”, she lied easily. 

“Uh huh…”, the older man nodded, clearly not believing her lie. “I saw the pictures.”, he said, “I know you’re not fine, so come on, tell your Uncle Tony all your troubles.” 

Aubrey rolled her eyes, and she shrugged. “I don’t know how to handle this, it’s new and scary. I don’t want to look over my shoulder every time we go out or I go out to walk my dog.”, she admitted, “I’m scared of what they are going to say, not just about us.” 

“Listen, as somebody who was a good source of entertainment for gossip rags….. People are gonna talk, and no matter what you do, you can’t please everyone, so don’t even bother trying, alright?” He nudged her, she nodded in confirmation. “As for looking over your shoulder, you eventually get used to it and can clock a scumbag with a camera from a mile away. Get yourself one of those pepper spray keychain things and you’ll be fine. Besides, after all the press about retiring, things will calm down; just stay strong.” 

Aubrey mused over Tony’s words, thankful and slightly shocked; he seemed to offer some real help. “Thanks, Tony.”, she replied. 

“Don’t mention it.”, he said, pulling himself to his feet. “Oooh, what dessert did you send over the other day? Pep wouldn’t let me have a look-see.”, he asked.

“I guess you’ll have to wait until after dinner.”, she smiled with a shrug.

Tony narrowed his eyes. “I see you red, and here I thought we were friends.”, he mumbled as he walked away.

Aubrey shook her head, she had indeed sent a large packed cooler with several different desserts. Apple, pumpkin, pecan pie, and a few different flavors of cookies. And for her wonderful boyfriend, brown sugar pecan cinnamon rolls.

Everyone slowly started to arrive. Wanda and Vision were the first to show with two bottles of wine in hand. Bruce followed them in by ten minutes, carrying a large dish of green bean casserole. Rhodey was next to arrive with three Tupperware containers of deviled eggs in his arms. Lastly, the Barton clan arrived; Clint, Laura, Lilia, Cooper, and Nate. Natasha followed them in, carrying her namesake on her hip. Clint hefted two massive casserole dishes of sweet potatoes.

Greetings and hugs were given all around.

The cabin smelled mouthwatering: the slow-roasting turkey Pepper had prepared, the herbs from the rub and the bread dressing, the sweet nuttiness from the sweet potatoes, the crispy fried onion smell of the green bean casserole along with the creamy heartiness of the mushroom soup, and the tart tang of cranberry sauce. The house smelled like a Thanksgiving feast, and the sounds of friends’ laughter echoed throughout the cabin, filling up the place with such love, something Aubrey hadn’t felt in years.

They all sat around a log wooden farmhouse table with a deep red cranberry tablecloth, four large round white candles surrounded by faux fall leaves, wreaths were the centerpieces, the food was spaced throughout. Golden-skinned turkey, caramelized sweet potatoes with crisped baby marshmallows, crunchy baked pieces of onion over the creamy green bean mixture, golden brown dressing, vibrant yellow of the deviled eggs dusted with paprika, deep red of the canned cranberry sauce, and of course, the baked to perfection golden brown rolls.

It was perfect, something she had only seen on tv or in a magazine. Thanksgiving in the Pierce household was never like this; everyone passed dishes around, conversing as they filled their plates with delicious food. No, in the Pierce household, there was arguing and yelling. Aubrey’s mother usually stormed out before the private chef brought out the first round of plates. Her father and grandfather would be arguing over whatever they could. Her grandmother would sit there with a fake smile on her face as she guzzled her fourth glass of wine on an empty stomach; it was loud and chaotic.

Dinner was perfect, and dessert was served with a piping cup of coffee. Conversation and laughter came easily around the former Avengers, and Aubrey could honestly say she thoroughly enjoyed herself.

For the first time since yesterday afternoon, she had completely forgotten about men with cameras. She leaned further into Steve’s side as they sat together on the couch, basking in the glow of a wonderful meal with friends, completely unaware of the media storm brewing off in the distance. 

Chapter Text

"Captain—"

"Steve, please.", he corrects the interviewer.

They do this every single time Miss Montenegro interviews him. The Washington Journal and Steve have an understanding since he's been in the spotlight, which has been a while; he's always been interviewed by the same woman. Kayla Montenegro is a respectable journalist turned podcast and YouTube interviewer for the Journal's new channel. She has not once tried to twist his words or corner him in an interview, they have a friendly back and forth, but she never pushes it to flirt. After the pictures of Steve and Aubrey in New York and the rumor mill running full speed about his relationship and retirement, Kayla reached out to him at S.W.O.R.D and asked for an interview to get not only the Journal head on the scoop, but letting Steve himself control the situation. Thus, his respect for the woman sitting across from him.

She smiles, then clears her throat. "Thank you very much for meeting with us on such short notice.", she says, sitting back in her plush red armchair.

"It's a pleasure, ma'am. I've long enjoyed speaking with you throughout the many years we've known each other.", he nods, leaning back in the red chair, across the small round end table from the dark-headed woman in her tight black dress and black shoes with the blood red bottoms.

She nods, "Well then, please call me Kayla.", she says, crossing her legs. "We've known each other what, a decade now?", she asks. Steve nods his head with a hum. "So let's skip all the mumbo jumbo and get to the good stuff.", she smiles as the super soldier chuckles, "Rumors are floating around that you're retiring the shield. Is there any truth to these rumors?", she asks.

"Yes and no.", Steve scrunches his nose, wobbling his hand. Kayla raises a dark brow. "Let me clarify that Steve Rogers will be retiring, Captain America will not be. My successor will carry the shield.", he says.

Kayla cocks her head to the side, "And do tell who our new Captain America will be?", she asks.

"I can't do that just yet.", he flashes a mischievous smile.

She laughs, "Fine keep your secrets. Can you tell us why you are retiring?", she inquires.

"That I can divulge," he chuckles light-heartedly. "I've been in the hero business for....a very long time, and I feel like the world is in good hands with the group of Avengers we've got now and with Maria Hill at the helm of S.W.O.R.D, I have no doubt that they will be able to handle whatever comes their way.", he says confidently. "To be honest, I've been thinking about retiring for several years now, I just never felt ready until recently. Now I'm ready to hang up the suit and trade in all the avenging for a domestic life.", he smiles, a fond look on his face.

Kayla nodded her head understandingly. "And does this decision have anything to do with the young woman you were seen with in Buffalo, New York, so close to Thanksgiving?", she asked, wagging her eyebrows playfully.

"It has absolutely everything to do with her.", Steve laughs, smile reaching his blue eyes.

"Are you telling me that Captain Steven Rogers is officially off the market?", she asks, leaning forward.

Steve nods, "Very much so, for the foreseeable future.", he confirms.

"Do you hear that?" she asks, cupping her right ear, "That's the sound of a million hearts breaking." They spend the next few moments laughing together.  "I'm sure I speak for a lot of your admirers when I say this, you look happy; honestly, the happiest I think I've ever seen you.", she confirms.

"Oh, I am very happy,  I'm very fortunate." Steve gives a small private smile. "That's all I'll say about my relationship at this time. We just want our privacy.", he said firmly.

Kayla leans back into her chair, "When will you officially be retiring?", she asks.

"Just after the first of the year. Don't worry, you'll receive your invitation.", Steve chuckled.

@RainbowRaven_5432
Does anyone else find it a little weird that Steve Rogers' girlfriend is 10 years younger than him? Kinda creepy if you ask me. He's 36 years old! And why are we just now hearing about this 'relationship'?????
@SteveGRogers   @Aubrey_Bakes
#SteveRogers #AubreyDaniels

@Alexia_Jade
Replying to @RainbowRaven_5432
He's been hiding it because he knows what he's doing is wrong! It's disgusting! He's 36  years old one way and 108 the other way!
@SteveGRogers   @Aubrey_Bakes
#CreepySteveRogers

@Gossip_Gurl_69
Replying to @RainbowRaven_5432   @Alexia_Jade
According to a close friend of Aubrey's, they have been seeing each other for months, and she is moved in with him! All his friends love her and her friends adore him!

@Abby_Nichole
Replying to @RainbowRaven_5432   @Alexia_Jade   @Gossip_Gurl_69
Can we talk about the power imbalance in this relationship? This is downright grooming! He's molding the perfect partner. Steve can't be much older than her parents.
@SteveGRogers   @Aubrey_Bakes
#SteveRogers #groomer #CancelSteveRogers

@Maybe_Macy
Replying to @RainbowRaven_5432  @Alexia_Jade  @Gossip_Gurl_69   @Abby_Nichole
Y'all are seriously abused! 10 years is not that big of a gap! Even if they were 16 years apart, it still wouldn't matter! Because Aubrey is a consenting adult! Steve is a consenting adult! There is nothing gross about that! She knew who he was when they met, there was no power imbalance!
#SupportSteveRogers #mindyourownbusiness

@Cap_Fan_1918
Replying to @Maybe_Macy
I agree! That and everyone is getting sidetracked. Steve Rogers is passing down the shield! I hope it's to @Sam_thefalcon_Wilson how exciting would that be! Can we just let the man retire in peace?

@OMG_its_BECKY
Replying to @Gossip_Gurl_69
Um does nobody remember back over the summer @iamtonystark Support Local Veterans Gala? She was his date! Hello he's not been hiding, he just hasn't shouted it from the roof tops! Steve Rogers is a national icon! I live in NY and wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for Steve Rogers and the other Avengers. I say shut the fuck up and let the man be happy. Enjoy your retirement!

@GreytheGymgod_66
Replying to @OMG_its_BECKY
Can you blame him? I mean the man was on the cover of Men's Health last month talking about staying active and fit while he's dating Little Debbie? Steve Rogers is fake.
@SteveGRogers   @Aubrey_Bakes

@Jake_from_StateFarm
Replying to @GreytheGymgod_66
I don't get it, why does it matter if he's fit and she's not? People fall in love over more than just looks.

@GreytheGymgod_66
Replying to @Jake_from_StateFarm
I bet she has a great personality.

@RainbowRaven_5432
Replying to @Maybe_Macy  @Cap_Fan_1918
Does this look like a happy consenting couple? (PHOTO ATTACHED)  She's holding his hand one minute, then dropping it and stepping away another minute! She is definitely uncomfortable!
@SteveGRogers 

@Alexia_Jade
Replying to @Maybe_Macy  @Cap_Fan_1918  @RainbowRaven_5432
What about the day of their Pap walk? The way she kept her head down and kept looking around.
She did not want to be there! She was forced to do that walk through Buffalo!
@SteveGRogers  
#CreepySteveRogers #CancelSteveRogers

@Cap_Fan_1918 
Replying to @Alexia_Jade  @RainbowRaven_5432
Are you comfortable with people sticking their noses in your face? Their privacy was invaded! I wouldn't be. Seriously, you all are just jealous! Get over yourselves.


@RainbowRaven_5432
Replying to @Cap_Fan_1918    @OMG_its_BECKY   @Jake_from_StateFarm   @Maybe_Macy 
Since your so quick to defend, are we just going to avoid talking about the fact that Aubrey Daniels is in fact, Aubrey Pierce!? The daughter of Ethan Alexander Pierce, who is the son of former Secretary Alexander Pierce, who was outed as HYDRA! What do you say about your national icon hopping into bed with his enemy's young granddaughter?

@Alexia_Jade
Replying to   @RainbowRaven_5432
Oh my god, that is so sick! Not only is she so much younger than him, but she is the granddaughter of the man who is responsible for the enslavement and torture of his best friend!

@Abby_Nichole
Replying to @RainbowRaven_5432  @Alexia_Jade
I wonder what his best friend thinks about him crawling into bed with the enemy. @JBBarnes

@Gossip_Gurl_69
Replying to @Abby_Nichole  @RainbowRaven_5432  @Alexia_Jade
According to a close friend of the couple, @JBBarnes is friends with her too! He's been seen coming and going from her Bakery frequently; he's also been seen with her and no Rogers present.

@Jake_from_StateFarm
Replying to @Abby_Nichole  @RainbowRaven_5432 @Alexia_Jade
You all need to let it go obviously, she is NOT her grandfather, and it's kinda clear she doesn't share the same values as he did. And I think the fact that @JBBarnes is friends with her too speaks volumes!

@GreytheGymgod_66
Replying to @Gossip_Gurl_69
She owns a bakery!? Wow! It really shows! Guess who is spending too much time sampling her own cooking. lol

Aubrey frowns down at her phone as she reads and re-reads the comments on a Tweet, her eyes start to sting as tears threaten to fall down her cheeks. She refused to let herself cry over the baby Grogu Christmas cookies she had worked so very hard making. The comments about her looks and weight didn’t hurt as much as the comments on her relationship with Steve. They were so happy, Aubrey felt like he was the other half of the missing puzzle piece that was her life, that Steve was her Sunday Kind Of Love. To her, he wasn’t Captain America, an American war hero. He was just Steve, Steve with the crooked smile, the freckles across his obscenely broad shoulders, the man that would wake up at ass crack ridiculous am to go workout, but never seemed to wake her up. The man who would cuddle her when she was sad, the man who made her feel like she was the only woman on the planet.

Did people really think their relationship was disgusting? That Steve was taking advantage of her? Was ten years that big of a difference?

Zac stood at the door to the workroom, the bakery had been closed for maybe ten minutes. They had been slammed all day, sold out of damn near everything, and Sasha had to grab beans off the shelf because they ran out. Zac knew it was no thanks to the photos circulating the internet. He watched his best friend in the entire world wipe tears away as she looked down at her phone, he knew what she was looking at. He fished his phone out of his pocket.

Menace: I think you should come pick up Aubrey. 

All American Beefcake: Why? What’s wrong?

Menace: Don’t go getting your star-spangled panties in a twist. I think she could really use an evening to unwind and stay the fuck away from social media.

All American Beefcake: I’m not even going to respond to that comment about my underwear. I’m leaving the studio now, be there in 10.

Zac stuffed his phone back in his pocket as he walked across the kitchen, snatching Aubrey’s phone from her hand.

“Hey!”, she squawked, turning around, trying to wipe away the evidence she knew he’s already seen. She stood there holding her hand out for her phone, “Zac! Give it back!”, she demanded.

Zac rolls his eyes at her request. He unlocks her phone because, yes, he knows his bestie’s password. He turns away from her, walking toward the other side of the kitchen, swiping his thumb up to see her open tabs. “What were you even looking —”, he stops dead in his tracks, frowning when he sees it’s Twitter; nothing good ever comes from Twitter.

“Zac, please, give it back.”, she tries to say firmly, but her voice quivers as she wraps her arms around herself.

He reads through the feed she was looking at and anger blooms inside him, the nerve of these people. Adding their two cents in when it’s not needed, nosey fuckers, the lot of ‘em. Weighing in on matters that don’t affect them.

Zac shakes his head, “No,” he growls, turning to face her. “Why are you doing this to yourself, Aubrey?”, he asks, shaking her phone in his hand. “Huh? Why are you even on here? Do you enjoy hurting yourself?”, he snaps.

Aubrey’s blue eyes widen as her hand falls to her side, she looks so defeated, so hurt, and he can see her physically start to fold in on herself.

“Fuck…”, Zac curses more at himself than her. He immediately pulls her in for a hug, her face goes into his chest as she wraps her arms around him. “Shhh, you’re alright.”, he coos softly as her shoulders shake with a sob. “Let it out, babe.”, he whispers into the hair at the top of her head. “I’m sorry, I…I get so mad when I see you this upset. I just want to keep you safe from it all.”, he sighs, tightening his hug.

She nods into his chest. “I know, you’re right.”, she hiccups as she starts to calm down.

The door to the kitchen flies open and Steve comes rushing in. He takes one look at Aubrey, her tear-stained cheeks, reddened watery eyes, and pink stuffy nose; he can feel his heartbreak as he opens his arms. She quickly rushes towards him, her arms going around his neck as Steve picks her up like an oversized kola. He feels her shudder with a sob and immediately wants to make whoever made the love of his life cry, pay.

“It’s okay, baby.”, he whispers as she buries her face in his neck. Steve turns to Zac, who mouths Twitter and waves her phone. With a huff, Steve grabs her phone and scrolls through the comments. Steve shoots Zac a look; who nods as he grabs the tray of cookies and stepped out of the kitchen to give them a moment. “Baby.”, he whispers, sitting her down on the desk off in the corner used to keep the shipping schedule, envelopes, Rosie’s brand stickers, and other random items.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry…”, she mutters, wiping her tear-stained snotty face.

Steve shakes his head, “Aubrey.”, he sighs, and she doesn’t look at him. “Pretty girl.”, he tries again, using his finger to tip her chin up. “I love you.”, he whispers, pressing a kiss to his lips, tasting a bit of salt from her tears.

“I love you too.”, she replies, a light huff when he gives her another peck. “Steve, I’m all snotty..”, she complains.

“You think I care?”, he chuckles, reaching over to grab a clean towel from the basket of folded ones by the desk. “I don’t care what other people say about me, or about our relationship. Do you know why?”, he asks, gently wiping her face; Aubrey shakes her head. “Because they don’t know us, they don’t know how incredibly happy you make me, and I’m fine with that. I’m a selfish man when it comes to you, Aubrey. I don’t want to share what we have with anyone. It’s just us, right?”, he asks, tipping her chin up to meet his gaze.

Aubrey nods, “Just us.”, she confirms.

Steve flashes her that smile she loves so much before he places another sweet, gently peck on her lips.

“What do you need?”, he asks.

She takes a deep breath, “To rage bake.”, she says, nodding her head, confirming it out loud for herself. “Yeah, to rage bake.”, she sighs.

Steve leans over to the pegged shelf on the wall, shedding his winter coat for a soft yellow apron. He ducks into it and ties it. “Alright, let’s do this.”, he said, placing his hands on his hips, shoulders squared.

Aubrey smiles fondly at the man in front of her with his goofy grin and the way-too-tight apron.

Two hours later, the bakery has long been closed for the day and everyone, save for Aubrey and Steve, has gone home for the night. She smiles to herself, getting lost in whatever song is slowly winding down, she feels so much better; all the sadness has melted away. She places a tray of bacon, cheddar cheese, and chive crescent rolls into the fridge, ready for tomorrow morning. The song has changed over, an orchestra opens up with a slow melody as Frank Sinatra’s baritone voice starts to fill the air. Aubrey smiles when she feels the comforting heat from the firm chest that sidles up behind her, a strong arm wraps around her waist, she places her opposite hand over his, as they start to sway to the music.

Why do I do just as you say
Why must I just give you your way
Why do I sigh, why don’t I try to forget
It must have been that something lovers call fate
Kept me saying I have to wait
I saw them all, just couldn’t fall, ‘til we met

Steve’s hand around her waist, he grabs her hand, gripping it lightly as his other moves to her waist before he spins her out. Catching her hand in his as he pulls her close, they continue dancing to the music. Aubrey lay her head on his chest, listening to his voice lowly rumble out the lyrics.

Steve rested his cheek against the top of her head, holding her impossibly close as they swayed listening to the trumpet solo, his pointer finger went under her chin, gripping it between his thumb and finger as he tips her chin up. She smiles softly at him, almost sleepily as he leans in to place a quick kiss on her lips.

“For nobody else gave me a thrill. With all your faults, I love you still. It had to be you. Wonderful you. It had to be you.”, he sings softly to her.

@Baker_Man_Zac
Replying to @Gossip_Gurl_69
Tell your “close friend” to stop being a nosey fucker.
@GreytheGymgod_66 Did all the steroids you pumped into your body not only shrink your dick but your brain too? That fat shaming bullshit ain’t gonna fly, my man. Hey, @JBBarnes feel like visiting the Iron Bar Gym?

@JBBarnes
Replying to @Baker_Man_Zac
Fuck yeah! I could use some stress relief.

@Sam_thefalcon_Wilson
Replying to @JBBarnes @Baker_Man_Zac
Oh, I see how it is. You two going to the gym without me now, huh? That’s cold guys.

@Baker_Man_Zac
Replying to @Sam_thefalcon_Wilson
You know you’re invited my dude! I’m sure @GreytheGymgod_66 would love a visit from all three of us.

@Jake_from_StateFarm
Replying to @Baker_Man_Zac
OMG! this is the greatest thing I’ve seen on Twitter today!
@Cap_Fan_1918 @OMG_its_BECKY @Maybe_Macy

Chapter Text

Steve slipped inside the apartment building, a wall of heat hitting him squarely in the chest. He quickly closed the door before shaking the snow from his person. Mickey, the weekend front desk man, sat behind the round desk. His ebony dreadlocks are hidden under a dark purple bandana as he sits eating a sugar cookie with a piping hot cup of coffee.

“How’s it goin’, Mick?”, Steve asked, approaching the desk and setting his shopping bag on the counter.

Mickey wipes his mouth, “Can’t complain, man. These are the best damn sugar cookies I’ve ever had.”, he says, popping the rest of the snowflake cookie in his mouth. “Don’t tell my mama I said that.”, he chuckled.

“Your secret is safe with me.”, Steve chuckled, unwrapping his scarf. “How’s Kisha? She should be due any day now, right?”, he asked.

“Doc says we’re probably gonna have a New Years’ baby.”, he says, blowing on his coffee before taking a sip.

Steve cracks a smile, “Hey, that’s amazing! Keep me posted, yeah?”, he says, grabbing his bag up again.

“Sure thing, man. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!” Mickey says. “Oh hey, tell the missus thanks for the cookies.”, he hollers as Steve makes his way toward the elevator.

The blonde stops and shakes his head, laughing, Mickey says the same thing every time. “Not married, Mick!”, he replied.

“Well, you better do what Beyoncé says.”, he’s standing up now, “If you like, then you better put a ring on it.”, he sings, doing the little dance with it.

Steve steps into the elevator, laughing as he presses his floor, “Soon, Mick, very soon.” He laughs when the man pulls a surprised face just as the door close.

Steve unlocked the apartment; stepping inside, he toed off his boots while sliding his jacket and sock hat off, hanging them up in the closet. Their apartment smelled of vanilla, almonds, and sugar with a hint of cinnamon the further he walked in. The soft sound of an orchestra opening up, then a piano and drums filled the air, a jazz Christmas tune. Michael Bublé baritone voice began to sing, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” Steve smiled softly, hearing the song play out. He enjoyed this artist, his voice and style reminded him of Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. 

Steve smiled as he headed to the living room first, where he left his girlfriend curled up on the couch underneath a weighted blanket, the warm glow of the over six-foot tall Christmas tree with different sizes of round white and sliver ornaments hung from the branches, soft white rug lay underneath with various sizes of wrapped presents. The tv screen on Dr.Seuss’ The Grinch, not just any Grinch, but the animated movie. Aubrey said it was the best Grinch movie, while Jim Cary was a good actor, she hated how he portrayed the Grinch. Steve had listened to her rant the other night; she was adorable, all fired up.  The faux fireplace under the tv was lit up, casting flickers of light and making popping noises; three stockings hung from the mantel where a fluffy burlap garland lay with warm light flicking throughout. He placed a tiny velvet box on one of the tree branches, making sure it wouldn’t fall, then moved to put the other two gifts under the tree as well.

The apartment has never looked so festive before, he couldn't wait to see what she could do with a house. Steve could picture himself outside on a ladder the day after Thanksgiving, putting up Christmas lights. There wasn’t a surface in the apartment that wasn’t covered with lights, garland, or some other Christmas-y decoration, and he loved it.

Dog toys were lying on the floor in random locations from Kash playing. Steve furrowed his brows, realizing he hadn’t been met at the door by the canine. His ears perked up, and through the soft jazzy Christmas music, he heard the oven door close and the sound of sweet humming. As he walked into the kitchen, Steve noticed said canine lying on the floor in the doorway. 

He leaned against the door, watching as Aubrey turned on the stand mixer with what looked like the makes of frosting inside the silver bowl. He could tell her hair was pinned underneath the white cap on her head, and her glasses looked like they had slid down her nose, where she had a little dusting of flour on the tip. She was wearing a dark green sweatshirt that read ‘Feeling Extra Grinchy Today’, a pair of grey leggings, and her fluffy Christmas socks with the Little Debbie Christmas Tree cakes on them. 

“Hey, baby.”, he rumbled, pushing off the doorway. 

Aubrey startled, knocking into the mixture, knocking a puff of powdered sugar up into the air. “Oh Jesus!”, she cursed. 

“Sorry.”, he snorted, walking toward her. 

Aubrey hummed into his sweet kiss. “I’m sure you are.”, she replied, giving him one last peck on the lips. “How’s Sam?”, she asked. 

“He’s Sam, nervous, excited, scared shitless.”, he shrugged, snagging a snowflake sugar cookie off the cooling rack. Steve had gone to meet with Sam and Maria, going over the final details of the handing over of the shield. 

Aubrey swatted at his hand. “I can't put frosting on the cookies if you keep eating them.”, she huffed playfully at him. 

“I can't help it.”, Steve mumbled around the last bit of cookie, “You make the best sugar cookies.”, he said, licking his lips as he wrapped his arm around her waist, watching as she filled different piping bags. “Mickey says so too. You know, a guy could get jealous.”, he whispered against the shell of her ear.

She rolled her eyes and offered her finger with a glob of frosting on it over her shoulder. Steve opened, sucking her finger in his mouth’s warm, wet heat. He hummed, but she swore it was more of a moan than anything. Aubrey felt heat pull to her lower belly as he swirled his tongue around. 

“Stop that.”, she lightly scolded. Then, turning back to the cookies, “I need to finish these before S.W.O.R.D.‘s Christmas party.”, she reminded him. 

Steve sighed dramatically, “We could just skip?”, he suggested. 

“No dice, mister.”, she giggled as Steve pouted, sticking out his bottom lip and batting those ridiculously long lashes. “This is your last Christmas party, you have to go.”, Aubrey told him. 

With a sigh, Steve gave up his act, knowing she was right. He would squeeze into a monkey suit one more time for the company Christmas party. He was thankful he wouldn't have to wear a tux that often anymore, no more black tie events. Sure, he'd do the occasional charity gala hosted by Stark Industries.  “You’re right, as always.”, he replied, kissing her cheek. 

“I laid out your suit.”, she says, rolling the green frosting in plastic wrap before putting it into the piping bag. “If you want to shower first, I’ll be done with these cookies in ten minutes or so.” 

Steve nodded, “All right.”, he yawned, looking down at his watch. “Don’t take too long, we've got to leave in two hours.” 

“Just ten minutes.”, she promises. 

“Are you done yet?”, he asked through the bathroom door. She had been locked away in there for an hour and a half. 

Aubrey rolled her eyes as she applied the deep red lipstick, “I’ll be out in a minute.”, she replied, checking her reflection. 

Her dress was a deep cranberry a-line, off-the-shoulder satin dress with a side slit, her simple heels silver with a bit of bling. Adjusting a piece of hair, she stopped to admire the beautiful voluminous finger waves she had created in her strawberry blonde hair. Her makeup was a smokey eye look, but with a deep red matching her dress that made the blue in her eyes pop.  Around her neck was a beautiful pearl necklace that had been her great grandmothers. All she needed was the faux fur-lined shawl and her clutch, and she was ready. She opened the door softly, peeking out at the super soldier. 

Steve sat on the edge of the bed, his head down, his blonde hair styled to perfection, and his beard neatly trimmed. The cranberry-colored shirt he had on under his black buttoned waistcoat was molded to his arms; a little bit of his chest hair was visible due to the top buttons of his shirt being left undone, and his jacket lay on the bed next to him. Tom Ford never looked so good. 

Aubrey cleared her throat. 

His head snapped up so fast, blue eyes wide, and like a rocket, he shot up off the bed. 

“I..you...”, his words fumbled. 

“Do you like it?”, she asked, looking down at the skirt of her dress. “The lady at the shop said it was flattering.”, she says, swishing the material. 

Steve’s brain finally booted back up. “You look—fuck—beautiful, sexy, gorgeous, breathtaking…all of the above and more. I just can’t even.”, he said, taking her hand and slowly spinning her. “Wow..”, he breathed. Aubrey blushed at his words. “I am the luckiest sonovabitch in the world.”, he said.

“Flatterer.”, she whispers as he pulls her close.

“I mean every single word.”, he whispers before leaning in a placing a gentle kiss on her lips. “We better get going, the car will be here any minute.”, he said, stepping away to grab her shawl.

He gently slips it over her shoulders, then hands her the small sliver clutch she has set out and packed. She whispers a thank you and leaves a kiss on his cheek. Aubrey starts to follow him out the door but is suddenly struck with Déjà vu, things had ended between them the last time they left for a black-tie event.

“Sweetheart?”, Steve asks, he’s already out of the bedroom and turns around to look at her. “Are you okay?”, he questions, taking a few steps back into her.

Aubrey nodded, “I, um, yeah.”, she mumbled as Steve gently laced their fingers together.

“Honey, come on, tell me.”, he says, bringing her hands up to his lips.

She takes a deep breath, “It’s just the last time we went together like this…….”

“We didn’t leave on the best of terms.”, he supplies for her, to which she nods. “Listen, honey”, he gently grips her chin, tilting her head to meet him, “I was so stupid and made the biggest mistake of my life that night. I can’t promise I’m never going to hurt you again, but I can promise that I will spend every day of my life making it up to you.” He leans down, kissing her quickly, softly, “I love you so much.”, he says softly, his thumb rubbing her cheek.

Aubrey sighs, leaning into his touch, “I believe you, and I love you too.”, she replies.

Aubrey has only been to S.W.O.R.D headquarters a handful of times, and each time she is amazed. Much like its predecessor, Triskelion, one of the original S.H.I.E.L.D headquarters, Peak is a multi-level building several stories high and below the surface. As they walked through the front doors of the building, there was a Christmas tree that would rival the one in Rockefeller Center. Once they were passed through security, they took the elevator up to the twenty-fourth floor.

Stepping out into the ballroom, Aubrey was met with the sight of yet another massive Christmas tree. Instrumental Christmas music played softly in the background as people mulled about with drinks in hand from the open bar across the room. There were three buffet tables with finger foods, another had a chocolate fountain with a million things you could cover in the warm, melty goodness. Large round tables with red tablecloths and large vases in the middle with different sizes of ornaments in red, gold, white, and green. It was all very festive.

Aubrey held onto Steve’s arm as they walked around. Several people approached them, congratulating Steve on his retirement and thanking him for his decades of service. She stood back, watching Steve talk with the Alpha team, how they all interacted with each other, the joking, the laughing, the stories. She could tell he was going to miss this part, but Aubrey also knew that Steve would be all right, he had her to help him through the ups and downs, and she had him.

She was then introduced to Steve’s friend and soon-to-be former boss, Maria Hill, Director of S.W.O.R.D. Steve wasn’t sure if he liked how the two women laughed and spoke together, they seemed to get along very well.   

“Look after him, he tends to get himself in trouble.”, Maria laughed.

Aubrey nodded as she patted Steve’s chest, “I’ll keep an eye on him.”, she smiled up at Steve, who leaned down, kissing her lips softly.

Aubrey took in the entire view as they made their way further into the room. “This place wasn’t strategically built right.”, Aubrey mumbled to Steve as she looked at the at least 12-foot-tall glass windows along the front of the building. Glass windows and marble floors as far as the eye could see. “A sniper would have a field day in here.”, she comments.

“I’ve been saying the same thing for years.” 

Aubrey jumped, nearly squeaking when Bucky spoke behind her; she turned around quickly. “Jesus Christ!”, she cursed, adjusting her shawl that slipped from her shoulder. 

“Just James or Bucky will do, sweetheart.”, Bucky replied, flashing that cocky Barnes smiles. 

Steve started to chuckle but caught the glare on his girlfriend’s face and started to cough instead before clearing his throat. 

Bucky chuckled but opened his arms, wrapping Aubrey in a hug. “You look stunning.”, he whispered in her ear as he kissed her cheek. 

“Thank you.”, she smiled, tucking a thick curl behind her ear. “You look very handsome this evening Buck.”, she said, admiring the charcoal grey suit and powdered blue shirt he was wearing; his long hair was pulled back into a slick bun. 

“I’m surprised you got this one to come.”, Bucky jabbed a thumb in Steve’s direction. 

Steve rolled his eyes. “I wanted to stay home in my underwear and eat cookies, but someone wouldn’t let me.”, he replies. 

“Is that what the kids call it now a days?”, Bucky asks. “I’m sure Aubrey will let you eat her cookie later, pal.”, Bucky says, wagging his brows. 

Aubrey’s mouth dropped open. “James Buchanan!”, she scolded. 

“God, I hope so. Best cookie I’ve ever tasted.”, Steve replied with a heated look on his face.

Aubrey turned to her boyfriend, “Steven Grant…”, she hissed, looking around them for signs anyone was eavesdropping.

“What are we talking about?”, Sam asked as he approached them, looking very handsome in his navy three-piece with a leather-colored waistcoat and shoes to match. 

“Nothing—", Aubrey rushes out.

“Aubrey’s Cookies—", Bucky and Steve say, earning both soldiers an elbow to their ribs and a well-placed heel on their toes. 

Aubrey wrapped her arm around Sam’s. “Sam, would you escort a lady to get a drink?”, she asked politely.

“Absolutely.”, he replied, a little confused, glancing between the three.

“Lady, my ass.”, Bucky mumbled, rubbing his rib as Aubrey and Sam walked away. 

Steve sighed, “Always getting me in trouble.”, he shook his head.

“Excuse me, Captain I volunteered for a highly experimental shady government program, then jumped on a grenade, not knowing if it was live or not, and jumped out of a plane with no parachute.”, Bucky snapped back with no heat. “You get in plenty of trouble without me around, pal.”

Steve pursed his lips and wrinkled his nose, “Jerk.”, he mumbled.

“Punk.”, the other man snickered.

Once Sam deemed them far enough away, he leaned in close, “Are you going to tell me what that was about?”, he asked. 

“I don’t think you want to know.”, she says, giving him a look and raising an eyebrow.

Sam shakes his head, “No, ma’am, no, thank you.”, he says.

“This is why you’re my favorite, Samuel.”, Aubrey replies, patting his arm. 

Over the course of the next several hours, Aubrey danced with Steve, Bucky, and Sam; Bucky was hands down the best dancer of the three men. But nobody could hold her close the way Steve could when they slow danced on several occasions, the party photographer snapped their picture as they danced, commenting that he hadn’t seen a couple more in love. 

There was much laughter and stories to be told from all of Steve’s co-workers. At one point, she was sitting at a table with the Alpha team as they recounted their last mission. They laughed when Jess tried to go after Bucky, mimicking Mikey’s face when he almost drank Jake’s nitroglycerin. Aubrey had mistakenly asked why he was carrying that in a flask, which launched Jake into a long explanation of how to build a simple bomb from a handful of office supplies. Jess leaned over and whispered to her that Jake was harmless, he was just really into explosives.

They ate delicious little tea sandwiches, spinach puffs, baby crab cakes, and several other things. Aubrey had no idea what they were, but they were good; she sipped on champagne steadily all night.

They said their goodbyes around ten o’clock and climbing into the car, headed home. Aubrey was the first out of the car; she stood there on the sidewalk, waiting for Steve to pay the driver. She took a deep breath of the December night air, the coldness burning her lungs a little as the wind nipped at her cheeks; Aubrey closed her eyes, sighing happily. She felt something cold on her cheek, opening her eyes, she looked up at the sky; little white flakes were coming down.

“Steeeve!”, she said, giggling as she opened her arms, spinning in a circle. 

Steve paid the driver and thanked him, wishing him a Merry Christmas; he tapped the hood of the car before turning around. His face split into a wide grin seeing Aubrey laughing and twirling as the snow came down.

“It’s snowing!”, she giggled happily, wrapping her arms around his neck.

He chuckled, “I know.”, he replied with a chuckle as he wrapped his arms around her waist. “Come on, pretty girl, let’s get you inside.”, he pressed a kiss to her forehead.

“Do we have to?”, she asked, tilting her head to the sky.

“I’m afraid so.”, he sighed, “Come on, let’s get inside.” He gently tugged her hand.

She pouted a little but eventually went with him. Once inside their apartment, Steve helped her change into her pajamas and stood in front of her, perched on the counter as she drank a glass of water before he carried her off to bed.

“I’m going to take Kash out for a walk, I’ll be back.”, Steve whispered as he tucked her into their bed.

Aubrey sighed into her pillow, “M’kay, be careful.”, she mumbled.

“Always.”, Steve replied, chuckling as he kissed her cheek.

The early morning sun started to peak through the soft grey curtains hanging over the windows. Aubrey slowly blinked at the alarm clock, it was way too early to be awake. She sighed, snuggling back into Steve’s warm naked chest, letting the sounds of his breathing lull her back to sleep. 

Sometime later, Aubrey wakes to a large calloused hand sliding up the hem of her tee, gently massaging her belly before it travels further, cupping her breast before tweaking her nipple. She bites back a sleepy little whimper. 

“Oh, that's so sweet.”, he whispers against her ear, his hot breath causing goose bumps to rise across her skin.

“Steve..”, she breathes, giving in to his lips on her neck and the feel of one of his hands under her shirt as he slides into her panties. She is unsure how long he slowly plays her body, dripping wet and aching with need; his name slips from her lips in a mix between a whine and a moan.

In mere seconds, Aubrey was relieved of her underwear; her shirt was pulled up, exposing her breast to the cool nip of the room; she could feel Steve slide free of his boxer briefs behind her. She bares her neck more as he laps, nips, and sucks off along the span of her ear down her neck to her shoulder, a large hand then forearm slid in between her thighs, lifting her left leg and exposing her sopping wet cunt to the room.

Outside the warm sex haze of their bedroom, it begins to snow again, large fat flakes of snow fall from the sky at a rapid pace, Aubrey wants to comment on it, but the words die in her throat when she feels the blunt head of Steve’s erection press into her. Her fingers dug into the soft pillow by her head and the thick corded muscle of his forearm as he gently, carefully, lovingly split her open on his cock. Her head falls back against his shoulder with a gasp, she whimpers at the stretch and the words of praise he is whispering in her ear.

“So beautiful, taking me so well, sweetheart. Fuck, baby…”, he grunts, rolling his hips gently into her, fingers digging into the meat of her thighs as the other hand massages her breast.

Aubrey mewls, “O-oh, uh, Steve.”, she moans.

They make love at a torturous, seductively lazy pace, their bodies sticking together from sweat, skin flushed, breathless moans, and pleas from their bitten red lips. Aubrey arches her back, pressing her hips further back onto his cock as her walls start fluttering around his cock. Steve groans, emptying himself deep inside her warm wet velvety heat milking him of every last drop of his seed.

Steve lands on his back with a sigh, chest glistening with sweat, chest rising and falling, Aubrey rolls onto her back, her head on his bicep. “Merry Christmas.”, he murmurs with a smile.

“Merry Christmas.”, she replies breathlessly.

Aubrey is curled up under her fluffy white blanket with a cup of coffee warming her hands. They had just had a breakfast of fresh fruit and sheet pan breakfast bake; it was quick, tasty, and could feed an army or a super soldier. A crispy layer of hashbrowns, cheddar cheese, two pounds of crispy fried bacon chunks, a mixture of thyme, basil, garlic powder, and oregano with a dozen eggs cracked over the top and baked to perfection with freshly chopped chive sprinkled on top with a bit of grated parmesan.  

Once they were both full and content, Aubrey washed dishes and cleaned the kitchen while Steve bundled up to take an excited Kash out to potty, knowing full well the canine would spend a good twenty minutes rolling in the snow instead of using the bathroom. Last night he had to physically carry the German Shepherd back into the building, his chin propped on Steve’s shoulder, honey-golden eyes looking back longingly at the snow as he was carried inside.

The front door opened and Kash came barging into the living room, hyped up from his morning walk; he bounced around the room, making happy yaps. Steve chuckled as he poured himself a cup of coffee and moved into the living room. He sat down on the couch next to Aubrey and she snuggled into his side, together, they sat in content silence, watching Kash run amuck.

“Presents?”, Steve asked, pressing a kiss against Aubrey’s forehead.

“Mmm, presents.”, she confirms.

Aubrey refills their mugs while Steve grabs the massive bone from behind the tree. Kash dances around his feet, mouth open, tongue flopped out.

“Alright, pal.”, Steve chuckled, handing the bone to the excited canine.

Aubrey smiles, “I think he likes it.” She laughs, watching Kash move the large bone over to his dog bed in front of the window.

The German Shepherd happily pads back over to get the rest of his presents and, being the spoiled pooch he is, gets a new rope toy, two new squeak toys, a ball, and a stuffed raccoon which he quickly snatches and takes to the bedroom. Then it’s time for Steve and Aubrey to exchange gifts. Aubrey sips her coffee, watching with eager eyes as Steve carefully rips the sliver  wrapping paper off after removing the large red bow.

Steve stares down at the box in his hand. “Honey.”, he swallows, looking at the sleek black tablet with a stylus that looks like a pencil. His fingers run over the device, he’s never been gifted something like this before.

“I figured since you’ll have a lot of time on your hands now, maybe you could pick back up drawing. I know nothing beats a pad of paper and a pencil but—“

Steve grabs her face with both hands and places a kiss on her lips to shut her up. “It’s perfect, thank you so much.”, he smiles, giving her another peck. He opens up the other box matching the tablet, inside is a navy blue case and a stand.

Next, Aubrey opens a wide shiny, red wrapped box with a white bow; inside is a new laptop. She looks over at Steve with wide eyes. “How did you know?”, she asks, quickly ripping the box open.

“Baby, I’ve seen the one you’re using. I don’t want to know how you managed to get cake batter under the keys, but it was time for an upgrade.”, he chuckled.

Aubrey wrinkled her nose at him, sticking out her tongue.

Twenty minutes later, all the gifts are opened and the living room is trashed with boxes, bows, and wrapping paper. Which completely amazed them since they agreed on one thing they wanted and five things they needed, and one for both of them, which was the brand new Blackstone griddle sitting in the box by the balcony door.

“I have one more gift for you.”, Steve said, grabbing the small velvet box from the tree.

Aubrey sighed, putting down the trash bag of wrapping paper. “Steeeve.”, she whined playfully until she saw the box, her heart started to thump rapidly in her chest. She swallowed thickly as he sat down next to her, sitting the little box on her leg. “Baby…”, she whispered.

“Open it, please?”, he gently urged.

Taking a deep breath, Aubrey picked up the navy blue box. She closed her eyes and opened the box, taking another reassuring breath, she opened her eyes to see a sliver house key sitting on a bed of black velvet.

“I-is this what I think it is?”, she asked, eyes watering, her hand moved to her mouth as she looked down at the key.

Steve panics. “I know I should have consulted you, but when I saw this place, I just knew. It was like when I saw you in the bakery that day, I just knew.” He rushed to explain.

“You bought a house for Christmas?”, she sniffles, wiping at her eyes.

Steve sighed, “Yeah, I did.”, he replied carefully.

She carefully closed the box and sits it down on the coffee table before climbing into his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck, and burying her face in his neck. Steve gently pats her back, looking over at the German Shepherd on the other side of the couch. Kash gave him a ‘Don’t look at me. I don’t understand it either’ look before he returned to chewing on his rope toy.

“Baby, I’m a little confused here. Are you happy about this or sad?”, he asked.  

Aubrey sniffles, “I’m so happy, I just…”, she sighed, wiping her eyes. “C-can we go look at it?”, she asked.

“Yeah, absolutely, baby, whatever you want.”, he nods, gently cupping her face. 

Chapter Text

Nestled at the end of north Huckleberry Street sat house number 1922, a beautiful two-story, three thousand four hundred and sixty-seven square foot, four bedroom, three and a half bath house. Thick white wooden siding with grey bricks of all different shades along the base, a dark grey metal roof, a large front porch, a dark stained porch, rails, and stairs with a white base. The polished large wooden front door matched the trim of the large windows scattered around the house, letting in the beautiful natural light.

Flower beds lined the house that would be booming with beautiful blooming flowers and lush green bushes that made the brick base of the house pop as the winter snow melted and spring came to town.

A two-car garage is connected to the house; above, the garage has ample storage space.

The entire house was a combination of Aubrey and Steve. Aubrey loved the farmhouse look, the open floor plan, the simplicity of it, the rustic charm, wide porches, natural light, and natural color pallet that just made you feel both cozy and stylish. Steve was an artist at his core, he loved the bones of the structure to be exposed, from the rafter to beams, reclaimed wood pieces, iron, and brick, and he loved the open floor plan. The house checked all the boxes for an industrial farmhouse couple.

Walking up the wooden front steps onto the porch, there is plenty of room for a swing, a few rocking chairs, and a little end table. 

Going through the front door, you're met with beautiful partially exposed walls painted with a lovely shade of light green, almost a white green. Thick wood framed each doorway throughout the house, and a light grey laminate flooring is throughout the entire place. To the left of the entryway is the study, where beautiful wooden shelves held up with dark metal pipes covered one wall and a big window let in the light. This room would be perfect for an in-home studio with all the natural light that poured inside through the morning and most of the afternoon.

To the right of the entryway was a large dining room with another big window looking out into the yard, a beautiful industrial-style chandelier hung from the ceiling. Walking through the dining room, you were in the massive kitchen; a light soft shade of blue paint covered the walls with butch block countertops, matte black cabinets, and a large gas double oven with a griddle attachment. The backsplash was exposed brick behind the stove and across the wall, open wooden shelving lined the wall to the right of the stove; on the left was the perfect spot to hang pots and pans along with other various cooking utensils. Along the other wall was a big black french door refrigerator with a small freezer underneath and a built-in ice dispenser. There was plenty of room in the garage for a chest freezer. In front of a large window was the massive farmhouse sink, giving the perfect view of the backyard. In the middle of the kitchen sat a beautiful butch block island.  A little breakfast nook was next to the left of the kitchen, perfect for a small round kitchen table—a massive walk-in pantry with the same dark metal pipe wooden shelving on three of the walls. The kitchen was any chef’s dream! A big sliding glass door added access to the back porch and backyard. 

Separating the kitchen from the living room was a half wall with continued counter space, nestled in the corner of the living room with pale gray, almost earthy clay-colored walls, making the entire room feel cozy, making itself the centerpiece of the entire room was a gorgeous exposed brick fireplace with a beautiful dark wooden mantel across it and built-in shelves on either of the fireplace. Almost floor-to-ceiling windows line the slight stretch of the wall, allowing the maximum amount of natural light to enter the house. Attached to the living room was a small half bathroom, wooden vanity with a sink built in black fixtures and plenty of storage space, and a mudroom next to that with access from the garage.

Across the hall from the tiny breakfast nook was a large laundry room with cream-colored walls and a grey title accent wall where a massive front-load washer and dryer sat. A large piece of stained wood sits over the two appliances making the perfect spot for laundry detergent, fabric softeners, and any other odds and ends one might need. Above that were two stained wooden shelves that would hold any decoration items.

Directly in front of the breakfast nook was a beautiful wooden staircase with stained wooden tops on each step and a white base leading to the second floor with a metal railing.

On the second floor, you are met with a full bathroom, shower tub combo, wooden vanity with a sink built in black fixtures, and plenty of storage space, much like the downstairs bathroom.

To the right was the master bedroom with warm white creamy undertone painted walls, dark stained trim, big beautiful windows on either side of where the bed would go, and a walk-in closet perfect for two. The ensuite bathroom was painted a light sage green that paired well with the reclaimed wood ceiling, the grey tiled floor, and the black hardware in the room. There was a large deep white, freestanding tub in front of the windows that let in natural light; under the window and a long half wall was an exposed wood siding, and there was a large tree outside granting  the window privacy. On the other side of the half wall separating the tub from a walk-in thick light grey titled shower with a massive shower head in the middle, a built-in shelf for shower products, and the floor was lightly textured, with frosted glass surrounding it. Across from the shower was a large wooden vanity on a shiplap accent wall with two large drawers under the two square sinks that sat on top with black fixtures, a small drawer in the middle with two deeper drawers under that, and cabinets that opened for more storage. Two square mirrors with black trim and Cordelia lighting above them.

ss the hall was bedroom number two, with a decent-sized walk-in closet. Bedroom three was separated from the second with a jack-and-jill-styled bathroom, double wooden vanity, and a shower tub combo. Then, finally, there was the loft separating bedrooms two and three from the fourth, thick wooden posts with four metal bars going across between each with two pieces of wooden making an x across that made up the railing, from there you could look down and see into the entryway and the breakfast nook from either side.

Behind the house, surrounded by a six-foot privacy fence, the backyard was decently sized for being in town; there was definitely enough room for a dog to zoom his little heart out and possibly a playset or two. Stepping out the back sliding glass door onto a concrete patio, was enough space for a large grill and outdoor eating area.

Washington Post Daily Tea

By: Sabrina Winston 

December 27th, 2022

Dear Readers,

With the announcement that Captain Steven Grant Rogers, Captain America, is officially retiring, I thought now would be as good as any time to dive into Rogers’ “secret relationship,” according to those online. 

It's not been a secret, we weren't paying attention until recently, Rogers has been out of the media light. 

It’s been a quiet couple of weeks since Captain Steve Rogers was seen walking the streets of Buffalo, New York with his girlfriend, Aubrey Daniels-Pierce. The couple was seen walking through the streets holding hands, doing some holiday shopping. 

This shook social media to its core! Some took to Twitter, calling Rogers out on hiding his relationship, and others found issues with the age gap between the two (Rogers, 36, and Daniels, 27). Calling Rogers a creep, accusing him of grooming. Let's face it, those are ridiculous accusations.  Some went as low as to comment on Daniels' weight, which has never bothered Rogers. Friends of the couple went on the defense; Zak Montgomery, best friend of Daniels and head baker at Rosie's, was quick to shut down the body shaming, as well as Sam Wilson and James “Bucky” Barnes. If you have a moment, I suggest you click the link below and read the tweets. 

The couple has not let the negative slow them down, Daniels reportedly moved into Rogers' apartment (though we don't know when), and have been spotted on and off together since, either alone or walking Daniels' German Shepherd, Kash. 

Isn't he handsome? 

Rogers sat down with Washington Post’s very own Kayla Montenegro! Montenegro is the only reporter Rogers has ever sat down with since his first interview back in 2011. Rogers admitted in an interview just weeks before Christmas that his relationship with Daniels has everything to do with him retiring. After the interview, Montenegro commented, “I have known Steve for 11 years, I’d like to think we are good friends. I have never seen him so relaxed and in love, the look in his eye when talking about his relationship. It’s just, its—goals? Yeah, it’s goals right there.”

Daniels is a 27-year-old pastry chef, and owner of Rosies Bakery in downtown Washington D.C.. Daniels is also the granddaughter of the late Alexander Piece, former secretary of the world security council, and the highest-ranking Hydra agent within the organization. 

Rogers has seemed to look past all this, forgiving her grandfather's transgressions. But, as you know my fellow readers, Pierce slapped the good Captain's face on wanted posters all over the country back in 2014. 

Earlier this year, the couple was photographed together at Tony Stark’s gala fundraiser for the V.A..

And we all remember watching Captain Rogers getting shot on live television. A source reported that Daniels was at the hospital with Rogers during his recovery, 

“She never left his side, day or night. She sat by his bedside while he was in a medically induced coma. She helped him in and out of bed and to the restroom. It was lovely to witness such devotion.” 

And again, Christmas Eve at S.W.O.R.D’s Christmas party, where she was seen on the arm of none other than Sam Wilson, future Captain America, and again later James “Bucky” Barnes. The two seemed to be good friends. It looks like Rogers isn't the only super soldier to forgive the past. 

Rogers, who is not very active on his social media accounts, has been more involved in the past couple of months, posting at least once a week sharing photos of Daniels’ German Shepherd. This much is clear, Steve has adopted the pooch as his own. People are asking for more Kash Daniels-Rogers content!  One photo, weeks before Halloween of Rogers helping decorate the doors of Rosies Bakery, saying, “The things you do for the one you love ” Rogers put together a massive pumpkin garland that went around the store's doorway. 

He shared a photo of himself, Aubrey, and their dog snuggled up on the couch, saying, “Merry Christmas from our home to yours!” 

Does that not look like the happiest couple? 

It's been rumored that Rogers and Daniels have purchased a house together.

My fellow readers, I think it’s safe to say our beloved Captain is off the market! 

Will there be wedding bells in the future for the former superhero? Only time will tell! 

Rogers will officially hand over the mantel of Captain America to Sam Wilson on Tuesday, January 17th.  

I speak for us all when I say, Thank you for your service, Captain Rogers. Enjoy your retirement, you deserve it! 

And this is where I leave you, my fellow readers. Until next time!

-Sabrina

Washington Post Daily Tea

By: Sabrina Winston 

January 2nd, 2023

Dear, Readers 

Our suspicions may be correct! Rogers and Daniels have purchased a home together! There have been moving trucks seen outside the Rogers/Daniels apartment! While there has been no official confirmation that it is, in fact, the couple in question, the official spokesperson for Rogers has stated that the couple has no comment at this time. So we will have to sit tight and wait.

Did anyone else see Daniels’s Instagram post on New Year’s Eve? Was that not the cutest? If you missed it, you must be living under a rock! The couple spent the night with friends who were not sure of the location, but we know the OG Avengers, along with James ‘Bucky’ Barnes and Sam Wilson, were there, including Thor, who made an appearance for a holiday!

At 12:02, the 27-year-old baker posted a photo of the couple sharing a chaste kiss. The picture is taken by someone else, both are bundled up in their winter coats holding sparklers, Daniels German Shepherd at their feet posing. “Happy New Year! 2022 was a wild year, the absolute best! I can’t wait to see what 2023 has in store for us! I love you @SGRogers!” to which Rogers commented, “2023 is already starting great! I love you too, sweetheart.”

The photo has over 5 million likes and 4 million comments, and I think everyone swooned at Rogers’ reply comment! I know I did! Several have taken to Twitter to speculate on the photo. If you look closely at Daniels’s left hand, is that an engagement ring or just a spark from the sparkler? I think everyone will be looking very closely when Daniels takes the stage next to her man on the 17th, and yes, it’s been officially confirmed! Aubrey Daniels will be standing next to her boyfriend/possible fiancé on stage when he delivers his last speech at Captain America!

Be still my heart!

And this is where I leave you, my fellow readers. Until next time!

-Sabrina

Visual of Steve & Aubrey's house! 

Chapter Text

December 3rd

The sun wasn’t even up as Steve took a long drink of coffee from his to-go tumbler. The heat was blasting in the truck, it’s a comfortable forty-five degrees outside this morning. He parks behind the bakery, grabs his phone from the center console, and double-checks to see if the text he’d sent when leaving the apartment went through.

Finally, the door above the apartment opened, Zak walked out onto the little wooden deck, holding the door open for Sash. Steve quirked an eyebrow, watching the couple kiss at the bottom of the stairs before Zak headed for Steve’s truck and Sasha pulled out her keys to the bakery to unlock it.  

“Not a word Rogers.”, Zak grumbles as he closes the door, immediately putting both hands in front of the vents. “Why am I awake at six-thirty on my day off?”, he asks as the truck pulls out onto the street.

“Before I get into that…”, he gestured to the other cup in the cup holder, Zak quickly grabbed the cup sniffing the liquid life inside, “And…”, he reached behind Zak’s seat, grabbing a Tupperware container filled with muffins Aubrey baked last night. “Here.”, he says, handing the container to the other man.

Zak opens the container then eyes the super soldier suspiciously. “What do you want?”, he asks before taking an obnoxiously large bite of the cranberry orange muffin with a light glaze. Then he looks at the other man, who seems a little green around the edges. “You all right over there bud?”, he asked. 

“Imgonnaaskaubreytomarryme.”, he rushes out quickly before sighing in relief, he had been sitting on that secret for a while now, and damn it felt good to get it out there.  

Zak blinked slowly, “Gonna have to repeat that in English this time, and maybe a little slower.”, he said, “Or in French, my Spanish is a little dodgy.”, he shrugged, taking a drink of coffee.

“You speak french?”, Steve asked, entirely blindsided by the information.

“Mes arrière- arrière-grands-parents étaient des immigrés français.”, Zak replied.

“Huh, interesting.”, Steve nodded.

Zak turns in his seat, “No distractions. Repeat what you so kindly blurted out in a knot.”

Steve takes a deep breath, he’s less nervous this time. “I’m gonna ask Aubrey to marry me.”, he says clearly.

The smile that cracks on Zak’s face, well, to be honest, Steve can’t place if it’s a good smile or downright scary.

“I have been waiting for this day for months!”, Zak replies. “I approve, not that it matters, but it kinda does.”, he shrugs. “Soooo, where are we going?”, he asks.

Steve chuckles lowly, “I can’t believe I’m doing this, but you’re her best friend and she trusts you.”, he sighs as he turns the truck down New York Ave. “I’m not going to repeat this, so you better listen.” Zak frowns, looking over at him. “I need your advice picking out a ring.”, he says as he carefully parallel parks.

“I wish I would have recorded that, but it’s okay, the memory will live on here.”, Zak sighs, dreamily tapping his temple quickly. He looks out the window, they are parked in front of a large glass front building. Zak immediately sees the signature Tiffany & Co blue in the windows. “Awe, Stevie, you brought me to Tiffany’s.”, he says, turning to the super soldier and batting his lashes.

Steve groans, thumping his head back against the headrest. “I fuckin hate you, you know that?”, he says, rubbing his face. He grabs his baseball hat from the glovebox, tugging it on. “And never call me Stevie again.”, he says, unbuckling. Seconds later, he’s out of the truck rounding the front end onto the sidewalk.

“Oh, you love me and you know it!”, Zak hollers as he quickly unbuckles, scrambling from the truck to follow Steve into the luxury jewelry store.

It takes Steve precisely twenty minutes to find the ring, a two-point thirty-four-carat Tiffany Novo cushion cut with a Pavé diamond platinum band. The center-cut diamond is roughly square in shape and set among four slim prongs; it’s contemporary, sensible, and perfect! He pulls out his bank card and hands it over, watching as the ring is placed in the signature blue box and in a bag. Next to him, Zak nearly choked on his spit when the store attendant told Steve the price before swiping the card.

“Holy shit Steve, that ring cost more than a house!”, Zak blurts out once they are back in the truck. “I mean, it’s gorgeous, and she is going to love it, but fuck man, sixty-three thousand dollars is a lot for an engagement ring.”, he sinks back into his seat.

Steve took a deep breath after placing the bag in the center console glove box. “You’re right, sixty-three thousand dollars is a lot of money.”, he agrees as he is turning the truck over. “I was born in nineteen eighteen, I was eleven years old when the great depression started, we didn’t have much even before that. My mother was a widowed Irish immigrant, she made next to nothing as a nurse because of that.”, he explains as he pulls out on the highway and heads back towards the bakery. “Then the depression ended and we were at war, I don’t need to explain what happened after that. I was a poor soldier just like the rest of ‘em.”, he licks his dry lips, “I come out of the ice and I’m thrust into this century, I’m granted all my back pay from the military since I was never technically dead, which was a substantial amount. As an Avenger, I received a stipend, the same with S.W.O.R.D. I’ve donated large amounts here and there to charities near and dear, but it’s barely made a dent.” He pulls up outside the bakery and puts the truck in park. “I decided I wasn’t going to spend it frivolously. I could have, I could own several islands and a boat.”, he chuckled. “But I decided very early that when I’m lucky enough to find that one person I want to wake up to every morning and fall asleep holding every night, I want to give her everything my father couldn’t give my mother. It wasn’t for lack of trying on his part.”, he adds. “I want my kids to live comfortably, not spoiled by any means. I don’t want them to have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, or if we’re going to have working heat or water. I want them to have the life I dreamed about as a poor first-generation American growing up in Brooklyn during the worst economic downturn in the history of the industrialized world.”, he sighs, looking down at his hands.

Zak smiles fondly over at the super soldier, “You’re a really good guy, Steve. I couldn’t imagine a better man for Aubrey.”, he says, offering his hand over the console.

Steve takes the offered hand, realizing this is the first time he and Zak have gone ten minutes without bickering at each other. 

“Thanks.”, he replies.

“So when are you gonna do it?”, Zak asks, unbuckling his seat belt.

Steve shrugs, “Don’t know yet.”, he looks down at where the ring is. “I want it to be perfect.”, he says.

Zak nods as he opens the truck door. “Well, good luck, don’t screw it up.”, he says, hoping out of the truck. “I don’t think even the former Captain America can come back from a mucked-up proposal.”, he flashed a smile.

And there it is. “Va te faire foutre, Montgomery.”,  Steve says, flipping Zak off.  

Zak tosses his head back with a full belly laugh as he closes the truck door.

December 31st

Aubrey grumbles as she parks outside the back of the bakery, the sky is dark and spits light snow flurries down upon Washington, D.C. She curses Zak as she climbs out of her jeep. As she makes her way around the front of the vehicle, her snow boots slide on the ice and she catches herself.

“I really need that coco we have at the bakery,  these triple chocolate cookies won’t taste the same blah, blah, blah,.”, she mumbles, waddling like a penguin to the door as she fumbles with her keys.

When she finally gets inside, something doesn’t feel right, the hair on the back of her neck is standing up, so she moves her keys between her knuckles as she reaches for the lights with the other. She flips on the light illuminating the everyday empty kitchen, huh, maybe Steve was right, perhaps she does listen to too many true crime podcasts. She’ll never admit it to his face, in any case.

 As she walks around the wooden work table and stops, head cocked to the side, she looks down at a rose petal path lined with little battery-run tea lights. “What in the world?”, she mumbles, brows furrowed. She follows the path through the kitchen and out the door, her head down, as she gets to the opening in the counter where they come and go from the front of the bakery. The lights are off, but the little flickers from the tea lights are enough to see by. Aubrey blinks, confused, as she steps into the front of the bakery. Steve is standing there surrounded by rose petals and little candles, looking incredibly sexy in his tight jeans and a navy button-up shirt with the top two buttons open just how she likes it, his sleeves are rolled up, exposing his thick forearms. And here she is wearing the jeans she wore yesterday, an old band tee and college hoodie underneath her winter coat, sock hat with a little puff of white cotton on top.

“Surprise.”, he chuckles lightly, holding a hand out for her.

Aubrey smiles curiously at him as she steps closer, placing her cold hands in his one large bear paw hand.

“Steve…”, she whispers.

He brings her hands up, cupping them in both of his, kissing her cold fingers as he gracefully slides to one knee, holding her hand with one of his as the other reaches for something off to the side. 

Tears are already welling in her eyes as her heart rate picks up.

Steve cleared his throat, “I’m gonna try to find all the right words here, so just bear with me.”, he chuckled nervously. Steve could bring an entire room to their feet, and make even the lowest of soldiers feel worthy, give a rousing speech to his exhausted team to bring their morale back up.

But was he proposing to his girlfriend? Forget about it. What are words even?

He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, then slowly looked up at the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. “Aubrey Marie, I knew I had to get to know you from the moment I saw you in this very building. You were such a hot mess every time I walked through that door.”, they giggled quietly, Aubrey wiped under her eyes. “And from that day at the Lincoln Monument when you recognized me for who I was, not whom I had to be, I knew without a doubt you were worth pursuing. You are the kindest, purest soul I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.” He took a shaky breath, “I broke your heart once, yet you still sat by me when I was hurt. You nursed me back to health and held me when I needed someone the most. You gave me another chance when I didn't deserve it, I still don't deserve your love.” He let go of her hand to pick up the little blue Tiffany & Co box. “But I want to spend every day for the rest of my days trying to prove that you didn't waste that chance on me, you make me a better man. You made me realize there is more out there for me than the life I’ve been content living, that there is happiness, love…. I-You're my Sunday Kind of Love.” Aubrey gasped, hands moving to her mouth as the words left his lips. She glanced down at his hands when he opened that little blue box, her heart would have leaped from her chest if it wasn’t securely behind her ribs. “I love you so much, Aubrey. Will you marry me?”, he asked, swallowing thickly. 

Steve had fought Nazis, Aliens, and Demigods; he'd been in too many sticky situations to count. For Christ’s sake, he had jumped out of planes without a parachute, but not once had he felt so nervous. Until now, he’s down on one knee, trying to describe how much he loves this woman in front of him. 

“Yes!”, Aubrey blurts out, rushing at him and knocking Steve on his back. The candles get knocked every which way, there are rose petals everywhere. Neither cares as they kiss through the steady stream of tears.

As the kiss slows down, Steve cups the back of her neck, moving her hair over her shoulder. Then, looking up into his favorite shade of watery blue eyes, “Can I put the ring on you now?”, he asks.

Aubrey pressed another kiss into his kiss swollen pink lips before nodding. She sat up, wiping her face with the sleeve of her jacket, “You better.”, she replied with a watery giggle.

Steve sat up, carefully removing the ring from its box. “I love you.”, he whispers as he slides the ring onto her finger.

January 17th 2023

The lights were so bright, like the midday sun beating down on her. A bead of sweat starts to form at the base of her neck, Aubrey prays she can make it through this without looking like the Witch of the Waste after climbing the steps into the palace, Pepper won't forgive her for sweating off all her makeup. She desperately wanted to peel off the grey knitted knee-length cardigan Pepper had dressed her in today, along with a soft white blouse tucked in a navy pencil skirt, nude-colored heels, and a simple necklace with a single pearl. Her hair was shorter now, resting on her shoulder in loose curls. 

Her knee shook nervously as she looked out at the crowd of people starting up on the stage. Logically, she knew they weren't looking at her, they were looking at Steve. But damnit, if all those eyes weren't nerve-wracking! 

“Take a deep breath.”, Bucky whispered next to her. 

Aubrey swallowed, nodding her head slightly. Bucky put his hand on her knee for a moment giving it a gentle squeeze. Aubrey gripped his flesh hand, holding onto it.

In front of her, Steve was giving, no doubt, a rousing thoughtful speech. She wishes she could hear what he is saying, but her heartbeat is too loud. 

Aubrey takes a deep breath, closes her eyes, and focuses on breathing. She feels the diamond ring on her hand, the rough texture of the diamonds, the smoothness of the band, and the comforting warmth of Bucky’s hand. She smiles to herself, feeling her body physically relax. 

“You okay now?”, Bucky asks in a hushed tone. 

“Yeah, I'm okay.”, she replies. “Thank you.” 

Steve’s speech wraps up, and everyone in the crowd is on their feet, applauding in seconds. He then picks up the shield holding it one more time, flashes from cameras start going off as he looks down at the shield fondly before glancing over his shoulder at Aubrey. “I love you.”, she mouths to him. Steve winks before turning to face the crowd, shield held firmly in his grasp. Dark navy suit tailored to perfection, fitting his ass gloriously, crisp white shirt underneath, no tie, and as always, the top couple buttons were undone. 

Sam walks across the stage and the crowd goes wild, he looks dashing in his new Captain America suit. The same old red, white, and blue, just a fresh modern, and very Sam Wilson touch to it. 

Steve hands the shield over to Sam and they pause for pictures, both holding onto it. When Steve lets go, Sam leans in and hugs Steve. There is a moment Steve whispers something to his friend, then he takes several steps back as Sam steps forward, the wings of his suit expanding. The crowd erupts into applause. 

Aubrey watched Steve’s shoulders release so much tension; the smile on his face, he looked happy, carefree, and even younger. 

Washington Post Daily Tea

By: Sabrina Winston

January 18th, 2023

Dear Readers

Yesterday was a historic day for our great nation! After a heartfelt speech by the former Captain America, the crowd was on their feet applauding Rogers. It was e beautiful moment! After Steven Rogers passed Samuel Wilson the mantle of Captain America, Wilson made his debut wearing his new uniform. Wilson's suit is much like his predecessor,  it is patriotic but with a contemporary edge. 

Attending the ceremony were Tony Stark and Pepper Potts-Stark, Clint Barton, Natasha Romanoff, Doctor Bruce Banner, Wanda Maximoff, Vision, Scott Lang, and Hope VanDyke. Director of S.W.O.R.D Maria Hill, along with several other S.W.O.R.D board members. 

Also in the crowd on the stage was Bucky Barnes, Wilson's new partner in crime. And none other than Aubrey Daniels sat next to Barnes during the entire press conference. The two were photographed holding hands as Daniels seemed to have a panic attack. I can't say I blame her, it was stuffy and crowded! 

Now, if you remember last week's article, where we looked at Daniels's new year's post, many wondered if Rogers would have proposed. Is this enough proof? 

Below is a photo taken of Rogers and Daniels after, Rogers’s arm is proudly around Daniels, her hand on his chest front and center. And would you look at that rock!? Holy Hannah! Rogers laid down some serious cash for that. A spokesperson for Tiffany & Company confirmed the ring was purchased there but refused to confirm when Rogers made said purchase. 

We can't help but wonder what is next for the retired Captain. Whatever it is, we wish you the best of luck! 

- Sabrina Winston 

Aubrey's engagement ring 😍

Chapter Text

Aubrey felt soft lips on her shoulder, a warm body behind her, a muscular arm around her side, and scruff from Steve’s beard tickling her skin. She took a deep breath, smelling coffee. Steve must have been downstairs already, she sighed contently in his embrace. She is not ready to open her eyes, so Aubrey snuggles back into their soft sheets. 

“Good morning, pretty girl.”, Steve rasps. 

Aubrey hums, a sleepy smile pulling at her lips. They lay there for another half an hour before Steve kissed her neck and slipped out of bed. Aubrey can faintly hear him in the closet pulling out clothes for the day as she rolls over. Snagging his pillow and pulling it to her chest, she wiggles onto his side of the bed. 

Steve stops short, leaving their closest. He leans against the doorway, committing the sight before him to memory. Aubrey is lying in a pool of soft navy blue sheets, her hair scattered over her pillow, lips slightly parted, thick lashes resting on her freckled cheeks; she’s got nothing but a t-shirt and underwater on, one leg straight out and the other bent making a P.  He pushes off the doorframe, his hands itching to draw. 

Two weeks into his retirement and Steve can’t get enough of the free time, he knows he will get bored and need to do something at some point, but he’s not rushing that day. Instead, he spent most of the first week putting the garage together and the gym above it while Aubrey was at work. He unpacked his art supplies and all their combined books during the day, in the evenings, he would have dinner ready and waiting for her. They would eat together, sometimes split a bottle of wine, and unpack a box or two. 

Kash noticed Steve was heading downstairs. The German Shepherd lazily stretched, pushing his butt in the air while he yawned. Then, giving one like last look to Aubrey, he trotted out of the room. He follows Steve into the kitchen, where he waits patiently for his water bowl and food dish to be filled before he lazily flops down on the floor and chows down. 

“Good boy.”, Steve coos, patting the canine's head. He refilled his coffee mug before padding barefoot down the hallway toward the studio. 

Walking down the hall, Steve smiled as he sipped his coffee; photographs were framed on the walls. Some of Steve and Aubrey, Aubrey and Kash, one of his mother, one of the Howlies, and a nice shot of Steve with Bucky and Sam. There were so many, and all put up artfully with decorative pieces and signs. 

He chuckled at the memory of walking in the front door and seeing Aubrey sitting cross-legged on the floor, Kash lying beside her, looking bored out of his mind. 

“Whatcha doin’, Sweetheart?”, he asks, dropping a kiss on the top of her head. 

Aubrey leaned forward and swapped two picture frames. “Trying to get this right.”, she mumbled, looking over at her phone. 

“Ah, Pinterest.”, he chuckles. “Need any help?”, he offers, secretly hoping she declines. After hanging up the sign over their bed a few days ago, Steve doesn’t know if he’ll survive. There was a lot of head tilting, humming, and a little to the left, and his favorite, wait, no back where you had it. But he will admit, the crispy white sign with the dark thin wooden trim and the black script writing that read ‘As You Wish’, looked very nice over their bed with the lacey curtains she had picked out. 

She swapped another three frames around and added a large wooden R somewhere in the middle. “Yeah, would you mind helping me hand this up?”, she looked up at him, batting her lashes with a smile. 

Steve takes a deep breath, closes his eyes, then opens them, returning the smile. “Anything for you, baby.”, he replies, turning around to go to the garage. 

Stepping into the studio, he flipped the light on, even though the sun shone through the big windows letting in all that wonderful natural light. He sat his coffee on the end table next to the over-stuffed armchair near the big windows before connecting his phone to the Bluetooth speaker. Immediately the sounds of an organ, alto saxophone, and Van Morrison’s voice filled the room softly. Steve walked over to his desk, grabbed his sketchbook along with a couple of pencils, and sat down in the chair. Tossing his right leg over the other, he took a sip of his coffee before putting the pencil on the paper. He was losing himself to the music and the soft glide of his pencil across the blank canvas on his lap. 

When it's not always raining there'll be days like this

When there's no one complaining there'll be days like this

When everything falls into place like the flick of a switch

Well my mama told me there'll be days like this

When you don't need to worry there'll be days like this

When no one's in a hurry there'll be days like this

When you don't get betrayed by that old Judas kiss

Oh my mama told me there'll be days like this

Steve smiles down at the picture that is starting to form on the once-blank page. He gently drew those soft lips he loved to kiss, adding those adorable freckles he would spend all day in bed with her to count, thickening up her lashes before picking up his coffee cup again. There was no better way to spend a Sunday morning. 

When you don't need an answer, there'll be days like this
When you don't meet a chancer there'll be days like this
When all the parts of the puzzle start to look like they fit
Then I must remember there'll be days like this

Aubrey slowly wakes up, blinking against the late morning sun; she smiles, snuggling her face into Steve’s pillow. Inhaling the comforting scent of his shampoo and body wash, she sighs happily. Surrounding by the comfortable, warm bedding for ten more minutes before her bladder gets the best of her, she has no choice but to crawl out of bed and head to the en-suite bathroom. She washes her hands and face, brushes her teeth, and runs a brush through her shoulder-length hair. Then, grabbing a pair of sweatpants from the closet before she ventures out of the bedroom, she stops outside the door when she hears music coming from the kitchen, the rumbling of Steve singing along, and the smell of breakfast. 

“Little darlin', it's been a long, cold, lonely winter. Little darlin', it feels like years since it's been here.”, he rumbles, adding a dash of salt and pepper to the eggs.

She stops in the archway watching as Steve moves about the kitchen, light denim jeans clinging to his ridiculous god-like body, a soft grey t-shirt laying like a second skin over his torso. His hair is mussed up like he’s been in the studio/library, and she always found it difficult to concentrate on the book she was reading while being there with him. Sitting comfortably in his chair, running his fingers through his short blonde hair, chewing on his lips as his hand glided over the page. Her favorite thing was when he used one hand to stroke his beard, the dark blonde hairs mixed in with light blonde bits, and there was just a touch of grey coming in that drove her wild.  Aubrey was not ashamed to say that she had closed her book, moved across the room, spread his legs, and sank to her knees, promptly swallowing his cock. No shame whatsoever. 

Aubrey blinked out of the sexy memory as she leaned against the frame, watching and listening to him sing a lot with The Beatles. 

“Here comes the sun, doo-doo-doo-doo. Here comes the sun, and I say. It's alright. Little darlin', the smile's returning to their faces. Little darlin', it seems like years since it's been here.”, he sings. “You just gonna stand there watching?” He asks, winking at her. 

Aubrey’s face flushes, she moves into the kitchen, wrinkling her nose at him. Steve leans over and kisses the tip of her nose, then leans down a bit further and presses a kiss against her lips. 

“Good morning.”, he whispers. 

“Good morning.”, Aubrey whispers back. 

She moves behind him, wrapping her arms around his middle and pressing her face against his back. He continues to sing along with the song, she sighed happily, listening to his deep voice. Steve smiles, squeezing her hand before he gets back to breakfast. 

Aubrey loves mornings like this, all the natural sunlight flooding their kitchen, Steve singing in the kitchen, relaxed and happy. 

Eventually, she has to let go of him but not without a kiss or ten before she grabs a cup of coffee and sits down in the breakfast nook, sipping her coffee and watching her fiancé cook them breakfast in their house. Sometimes this doesn't feel real, but then Aubrey must remind herself that this is real. This is your life!  She looks down at the ring on her finger and smiles, twisting it, watching the diamond wink in the light. 

“Breakfast is served.”, Steve smiles, placing a plate with an omelet filled with veggies and cheese, two strips of bacon, and orange slices.  

Aubrey tilts her head up, pursuing her lips for a kiss. Steve chuckles as he leans down. “Thank you, baby.”, she whispers. 

“You’re welcome, sweetheart.”, he replies, pressing a kiss on her head before taking a seat across from her. 

Breakfast is delicious; the bacon is crispy, the omelet is fluffy and cheesy, and the oranges are sweet and juicy. 

Steve cuts a bite-size piece out of his omelet, “So, Tony was asking when we planned on getting married.”, he says, taking and plopping the bite in his mouth. 

“I haven’t thought about it.”, Aubrey says with a frown over her cup of coffee. “Is that bad? I feel like that’s bad?”, she asks. 

Steve snorts, “No baby, it’s not bad. We’ve only been engaged like what, four weeks?” He looks up at her to see Aubrey shaking her head, humming around a bite of bacon. “We’ve had so much going on the past couple of months and then the move.” He shrugs, “Tony’s just wondering. I think he wants to—“

Aubrey sits down her silverware with a clatter, interrupting him, “Tony Stark is not helping me plan the wedding. He’s way too—“

“Excited?”, Steve offers with a smile. 

“Eccentric.”, she corrects. 

Steve laughs, “That’s fair.”, he says, popping another bite of the omelet in his mouth. 

“When do you want to get married?”, she asked, pushing around a piece of egg on her plate. 

He wipes his hands before reaching his right arm across the table, engulfing her hands. “I want to get married whenever you do. I just want it to be perfect, everything you’ve ever dreamed of.” Then, he tells her, “I’d run off tomorrow and marry you if you’d want to.”, he chuckles. 

Aubrey knows that if this were a cartoon, she would have heart eyes right now. “I don’t think our friends would like that very much.”, she smiles. 

“Probably not.”, he shrugs before turning back to his breakfast. “Tell me, pretty girl, what is your dream wedding?”, he asks. 

Aubrey sat back, clutching her coffee mug, looking out the window. “I’ve always dreamed of a fall wedding, the warm colors, but vintage, you know?”, she asked, Steve nodded. “Something simple, small, and intimate.” 

“That sounds perfect.” Steve smiled. 

Aubrey turned back to him, “Yeah?”, she asked. 

“Yeah, how about early November? Between Thanksgiving and your birthday?”, he suggests. 

She hums thoughtfully, “Yeah, that could work.”, she grabs her phone and opens the calendar. “November fourth?”, she asks, looking up at him. 

“Perfect.”, Steve nods. He grabs his empty plate and leans over, kissing her sweetly. “Look at us, figuring all this out.”, he chuckles, holding hers as well. 

Aubrey rolls her eyes playfully as she grabs their coffee mugs before standing up to follow Steve into the kitchen. 

They cleaned the kitchen together, music playing in the background as Steve rinsed off the dishes and Aubrey loaded them, trading soft kisses and giggles. Once the dishes were done, they went upstairs to get dressed for their weekly trip to the grocery store. Thanks to the wandering hands of one Steven Grant Rogers, it took a little longer than it should have. 

Three hours later, they were unloading the back of Steve’s truck, more like Steve was unloading and Aubrey was trying to talk him into handing a bag or two over. Out of fear of crushing the bread and eggs, he finally gave in and let her take that bag. 

“You’re completely ridiculous, you know that right?”, she asked through laughter as she watched her super soldier fiancé carry every single bag into the house. 

Steve snorted, “I don’t see how, now we don’t have to make a million trips out here. We can get the groceries put up fast and have that bath we talked about. I’s a solid win, baby.”, he reasoned. 

Aubrey quickly moved around him to open the front door. “I’m sure this is exactly what Doctor Erskine’s had in mind when he created the serum.”, she snickered, watching him turn sideways to fit into the house. 

He just shot a shit-eating grin over his shoulder at her in reply. 

Kash sat watching the whole thing, cocking his head to the side as Steve slowly inched down the hallway toward the kitchen, narrowly missing the shelf on the wall. 

“And they called you’re Dad a master tactician.”, Aubrey said to the canine as she rolled her eyes. 

From the kitchen, Steve hollered, “I heard that!” 

“I love you!”, she replied, heading that way, Kash trailing behind her. 

Once the bags were emptied and the contents on the table, Aubrey started washing their fruits and vegetables while Steve reluctantly tackled the pantry. While he loved Aubrey’s superb organizational skills, the pantry was on another level. There were wire bins with black labels and large clear plastic containers with tags, and everything had to be opened up and placed into its proper container. Don’t even get him started on the fabric softener jar with the spout that took too long to drain out, thank god they used pods. He opened the box of granola bars and placed them in the wire basket, explicitly labeled for them. 

Kash sat in the doorway watching him as he opened one box, dumped the contents into another, and flatted that box for recycling. The German Shepherd lay down on the floor, resting his head on his paws, big golden eyes staring up at Steve. 

“Tell me about pal.”, he chuckled. 

The canine perked up when a bag of Jinx treats was opened. He walked over to Steve, nudging the man’s leg with his paw as he watched him dump the treats into a cute little jar with paw prints all over and Kash written in blocky letters. 

“Oh, now you’re interested, huh?”, Steve chuckled, grabbing a couple of them for Kash. 

Groceries are put away, and recycling is out in the garage to be hauled off. Steve locked the front door, then crept down the hall to the kitchen. Aubrey had her to back to him standing in front of the sink watering the little herb plants she kept in the window. He wrapped his hands around her waist, snickering when she jumped.

“Steven Grant!”, she whined, leaning back into him, holding her chest. 

He hummed, kissing her neck. 

“I have to fold the laundry.”, she weakly argued as he nibbled on her ear, his hands working their way up her shirt. 

“Bath.”, he whispered, nipping at her ear. 

Aubrey whimpered; she was not ashamed to admit it. Steve turned her around, grabbed her hand, and started to lead her to the stairs. 

They walked up the stairs pausing to trade kisses and light touches; there was no need to rush. Once in the privacy of their bathroom, Steve turned on the water and dumped probably too much bubble bath into the water as Aubrey turned on some background music. 

Steve crossed the floor, his large hand cupping the side of her face as he drew her slowly in for a kiss. A light peck at first, their noses bumping together, they smiled at each other. Aubrey moved her hands to the hem of his shirt, he lifted his arms for her to undress him. Without breaking eye contact, she tossed the shirt aside before holding her arms up. He ran his fingers lightly down her sides before pulling her shirt over her head, discarding it along with his. Aubrey leaned in, drawing him into a gentle kiss as her fingers traced along the elastic of his boxer briefs. She unbuttoned his jeans, tugging them down; Steve stepped out of them, kicking them to the side, leaving him in a pair of emerald green boxer briefs. He similarly went after her jeans, gently pulling them down her legs, allowing her to put a hand on his shoulder as she stepped out. Both are now standing in their underwear. Steve's eyes roam all over Aubrey's creamy skin, her black bra stands out against her pale skin, and her adorably sexy last boy short panties. He walks behind her and drops a kiss on her shoulder as he unfastens her bra, sliding his hands over her back and pushing it off her shoulder, his fingers trailing down her arms, pushing the undergarment off. His hands continued south, slipping into her underwear, sliding those down her knees. Aubrey, now naked, turns around; sinking to her knees, Aubrey gives a shy smile when she hears his breath hitch. 

Steve's cock starts to chub up at the sight before him. 

Aubrey looks up at him through thick lashes as she leans forward, kissing his hip bone as her fingers slip between his hot skin and the cotton of his underwear. Aubrey slowly pulls them down his muscular thighs before standing up. 

In the background, string instruments pick up, and a drum beats lightly as a piano starts to play; the sultry voice of Ella Fitzgerald belts out. 

Don't know why

There's no sun up in the sky

Stormy weather

Since my man and I ain't together

Keeps raining all of the time

The air was thick with the level of intimacy shared between them, there was no need or want to rush what was happening between them. Gentle hands gracefully move over goosebumps flesh, even softer butterfly light kisses. 

Oh, yeah

Life is bad

Gloom and misery everywhere

Stormy weather, stormy weather

And I just can get my poor self together

Oh, I'm weary all of the time

The time, so weary all of the time

Stepping into the tub, Steve turned to offer Aubrey his hand. She took it, her eyes filled with love and admiration. She steps into the tub and Steve lowers himself into the warm lavender-scented water, bubbles clinging to his skin. He spreads his legs, allowing her room to sit between his powerful thighs. She slowly sank into the water, leaning back into Steve’s embrace. 

He dropped a kiss on her shoulder once she settled in. “Comfortable?”, he asked voice husky in her ear. 

“Very.”, she hummed softly. 

Outside the large bathroom window it had begun to rain, fat drops of water plucked against the window. The music continued to play as they soaked, wrapped up in each other, enjoying this blissful moment. 

Chapter Text

Outside it’s snowing, the thick white flakes falling rapidly; the frozen particles hit the windows with a tink-tink-tink. The wind swirls, carrying the fragments in every which direction, covering anything that isn’t moving. Inside the Rogers residence, it’s nice and warm, the scent of freshly made bread lingers in the air, with a slight sweetness and yeasty aroma that somehow smells warm, making you feel nice and cozy while a small winter storm blows in. 

In the warm kitchen, Aubrey sways her hips, bobbing her head as the upbeat sound and smooth voices of Daryl Hall and John Oats play from the small kitchen speaker. She hums along with the two men as they sing Kiss on My List, she’s just sliced some of the now-cooled bread, laying two thick slices on a plate and the rest away for later, which knowing her future husband and she does very well, the bread won’t last until the evening. Zak and Sasha are coming over for wine and snacks. It’s already a given that Zak will agree to be her man of honor, but she still wants to ask him officially, and Sasha has been there for her through the years; it just feels right that she is there too. That and she’s one hundred percent positive Sasha would throw a fit; she has no problem telling anyone who will listen that she is responsible for Steve and Aubrey. In hindsight, Aubrey shouldn’t have been so upset with her for setting her up that day; while there have been ups and downs, Aubrey doesn’t regret any minute that Steve has been in her life. 

She pulls all the makings of a turkey and cheese sandwich out of the refrigerator, adding a slice of tomato and some crisp pieces of lettuce. She cuts the sandwich into triangles, adding some fresh grapes and carrots with hummus. Then, pulling out some brie, prosciutto, and salami, she grabs the small cutting board with the cooled slices of baguettes. Aubrey reaches across the kitchen island, grabbing two fresh pears from the fruit basket, she lets out an undignified squeak when she feels a pair of warm hands slide around her waist. Steve chuckles behind her, deep in his chest, sending a shiver down her spine. 

“I hate it when you sneak up on me like that.”, she grumbled, swatting at his grabby hands. “I’m gonna put a bell on you.”, she threatens. 

Steve hums, “Kinky.”, he whispers, nipping at her neck. 

Aubrey snorts in reply. 

Knowing he wasn’t going to get the attention he wanted, Steve walked around the kitchen island and sat down. Aubrey narrowed her eyes at him until his bottom hit the seat, she then slid the plate across to him. 

“Thank you. You didn’t have to make me lunch, sweetheart.”, he smiles at the delicious sandwich. When Aubrey shrugs in reply, a smile on her gorgeous face, he picks up the sandwich and takes a bite. He hums as he chews, picking up the napkin she had sent with the plate. “I know it’s a simple sandwich but it’s so good, and that bread!”, he takes another big bite, his eyes rolling back playfully. 

Aubrey ducks her head, smiling as she folds the prosciutto, placing the pieces on a long thick wooden board that was already set aside. “It wasn’t any trouble, I was already here.”, she replies. Aubrey glanced up every so often, watching the super soldier happily tuck into his meal. 

Steve catches those blue eyes on him again, he finishes his bite of the sandwich. “What’s wrong baby?”, he asks, placing his arms on the countertop. 

“Well, it’s just..”, she sighs, putting down the knife in her hand, “No, never mind, it’s silly. I’m just being silly.”, she huffs, picking the knife back up. Aubrey looks up, seeing him staring at her, his eyebrows raise as if saying ‘well’? Another overdramatic sigh, “Okay fine, I’m a little nervous about asking Zak to be my man of honor.”, she admits. 

Steve gives her a small smile, “That’s not silly.”, he tells her. 

“It’s not?”, she jerks her head up. 

He chuckles, “No, baby, your feelings and worries aren’t silly.”, he says. 

“It’s just—I—this is a big step, you know?”, she says, slicing into another pear. “This is the first step towards our wedding, getting the people that matter the most to us in the world to share that day with us. It’s just—”

“Real?”, Steve supplies with a wide goofy smile. 

Aubrey cocks her head with a fond expression on her face. “Yes, it makes it real. It’s not just a dream anymore.”, she says. “Hey, how did you ask Bucky and Sam to be your best man and groomsmen?”, she asked. 

Sandwich midway to his mouth, Steve stops, “Oh, uh, that night you worked late.”, she nodded, remembering that night. “I met them at the bar around the corner, I asked then.” He shrugged, taking a bite. 

Aubrey sighed, rolling her eyes. Of course, he would talk to them about something important between shots and wings. It wouldn’t be Steve, Bucky, and Sam any other way. 

Steve watches as she puts the brie down on the board. He raises a brow, it’s still in the wrapper. Next came the grapes, placing the bundle in the corner of the board, and the baguettes, followed by the sliced pears. Before he knows it, there is an entire charcuterie board loaded with all the fixings, down to the apple chutney and the fresh honeycomb. He watches as she pulls out a smaller round board, he continues to eat and watches as she builds a dessert board next. There are colorful macaroons, strawberries, large pretzels half dipped in chocolate, raspberries, and truffles. It wasn’t as elaborate as the first one, but it was still impressive. 

Aubrey puts away the leftovers from assembling her charcuterie boards, Steve is at the sink, loading the dishwasher for her. “Thank you.”, she says, walking up to him. 

He leans over for a kiss, which she gladly gives him. “You’re Welcome, baby.”, he replies. 

Together they move around the kitchen, cleaning up and putting away a basket of folded kitchen towels. Soft touches are passed between them, a pat on the bottom here or there by both, all the while the little speaker continues to pump out song after song. 

Aubrey stands at the window in the kitchen, looking at the snow falling. “I hope Zak and Sasha are still able to make it.”, she says; looking over her shoulder, Steve walks up behind her, looking out into the yard. 

“It’s not sticking, they should be fine.”, he tells her, running his hands up and down her arms. “They already are staying the night, so they won’t have to risk the drive home, and if worse comes to worst, you know they are welcome to stay another night, or I can take them home in the truck.”, he reassures her. 

Zak parks his little gray car in front of the garage, where he knows Aubrey’s jeep is parked. He flashes a quick smile to his co-pilot as she looks out the window, marveling at the house. 

“Is anyone even home?”, Sasha asks, peering out the passenger window. “It doesn’t look like anyone is home.”, she observes. 

“Yeah, they’re home. Steve likes to keep the garage shut.”, he says with a shrug, “You ready?” 

Sasha unbuckles slowly, “Why am I so freakin’ nervous?”, she asks her boyfriend. 

“I don’t know, babe, you have no reason to be. Aubrey pretty much knows we’re dating. I just haven’t, you know, made it official to her yet.”, he says, lacing his fingers with hers. “Aubrey is your friend, too.”, he reminds her. 

Sasha bites her lip nervously, tucking a piece of brown hair behind her ear. “But she’s more than your best friend.”, she sighs. 

“Sasha, you know Aubrey is—“

She shakes her head, quickly grabbing his hand with both of hers, “I know she is your best friend, your sister. I’ve always been a little jealous of the friendship you two share, the love and companionship”. She holds his hand up to her lips, kissing it softly, “I wouldn’t ask you to choose between us either, friendships like what you share don’t happen that often.”

“So what are you worried about?”, he asks, giving her hand a comforting squeeze.

Sasha takes a deep breath, “I guess I’m worried I won’t get her approval, which I know is silly because I’ve known Aubrey…jeez, since sophomore year.” She blinks at how many years of friendship they have shared. 

“Babe.”, Zak smiles fondly. 

“I know, I know, it’s silly!”, she dramatically tossed her head back into the seat. But she reasonably knows Aubrey won’t disapprove of their relationship, it’s just a meeting of the family in an official capacity, she reasons to herself. “I wonder if Steve had doubts about you and Aubrey.”, she wonders out loud. 

Zak raises an amused eyebrow. “I’ll never forget the look on his face when he came to pick her up for their first date, the sheer confusion.”, he smiles proudly. “Steve and I have a complex relationship. I live to see how far I can push and make him uncomfortable, and he does his best not to harm his fiancé’s other…better half.”, he says with a wink. 

“You’re ridiculous.”, she says with an eye roll. “Why do I even like you?”, she shakes her head.

He gasps dramatically, clutching his chest, “I will have you know that I reeled you in with not only my sparkling personality”, Sasha snorted, “but my good looks, and my amazing sense of humor.”, she shakes her head while opening the passenger door. “I’m also a fantastic baker, you love to eat my cookies!”, he hollers as she closes the door.

Sasha walks toward the house through the snow, laughing, “You always like that hip thing I do in bed!” she hears him say through the car door. 

Zak quickly grabs their overnight bag and catches up to his girlfriend, who is still laughing. Zak sticks his tongue out at her as he opens the front door without knocking, stepping aside to let Sasha enter first. 

“Honey, I’m home!”, Zak hollers into the house. Sasha rolls her eyes as she begins peeling off her winter coat and slipping off her snow boots, Zak quickly follows suit. 

“In the kitchen!”, Aubrey replies.

“Nobody is home!”, Steve hollers at the same time. 

There’s a grunt of mild pain and amusement from the kitchen that can only be Steve. 

Sasha follows closely behind Zak as he walks through the house as if he owns the place. She takes it all in, this being the first time she’s been in the house. The pictures do not do it any justice. 

“Hey, guys!”, Aubrey said excitedly as she rounded the island, pulling Zak into a hug he eagerly offered. Once they let go, Aubrey moved toward Sasha while Zak moved behind her toward a less enthusiastic Steve. “Sasha, I’m so glad you came.”, she says, hugging her friend tightly. 

Sasha relaxed into the hug. “Thanks, the house is beautiful.”, she smiled, looking around at the kitchen, “I can’t wait to see the rest.”

Zak opened his arms and wagged his brows playfully at Steve. “Come here, big guy, get that fine ass over here. Come give the other half part of your throuple a hug.”, he said flirtishly.

“Fuck off, Montgomery.”, Steve says, dodging the hug.  

Zak gasps, scandalized. “Do you kiss my bestie with that mouth?”, he says, hand over his chest. 

“Oh, I do more than kiss her with this mouth.”, Steve says darkly. 

The other man quickly covers his ears. “Lalalalala…”, he mumbles, then scowls at Steve. “You know the rules, Rogers, no mentions of sexcapades. I have images and sounds I will never be able to forget!”, he does the heebie-jeebies shake. 

“Don’t try to feel me up.”, Steve raises a brow at him. 

“They do this all the time.”, Aubrey whispered to Sasha as they watched with amusement.

The two men stare at each other for several moments longer. “Fair enough.”, Zak concedes. 

He noticed freshly baked, cherry almond shortbread cookies on the counter. The light pink round cookies with maraschino cherries chunked with a white icing glaze over the tops. He quickly stuffed a cookie in his mouth, groaning. 

“You need a moment alone?”, Steve asked dryly. 

Zak nodded, “I love it when she makes these.”, he sighed. 

Steve shook his head as he moved around the kitchen island. “Hey Sasha, it’s good to see you again.”,  he smiled, leaning to hug her. 

“It’s good to see you too. Retirement looks good on you.”, she patted his arm. 

A little while later, and a few glasses into a bottle of wine, the three friends lounged in the living room, the savory charcuterie board on the coffee table almost picked bare.

“Why didn't Steve join us?”, Sasha asked, popping a grape into her mouth.

Zak sat up from his laid-back position. “Yeah, where is the other man in my life?”, he asked, looking around as if just realizing the other man wasn’t present.  

Aubrey snorted, “He’s probably in his studio.”, she answered, taking a sip of her wine. “He’s been painting a lot lately.”, she smiles. “It’s been nice, he’s so relaxed and happy.”

“I’m so happy for you. You seem so happy yourself.”, Sasha winks at her.

Aubrey blushes, “ I am, Steve’s— he’s great, the best.”, she says, biting her lip and looking down at her wine glass.

Zak rolled his eyes, dropping his head down with a huff, but with the look they shared, Aubrey knew he was thrilled for her.

“Have you picked colors for your wedding yet?”, Sasha asks after a few moments of silence.

Aubrey hummed mid-sip, “Oh my god, I almost forgot why I invited you guys over!”, she says, standing, downing the last of her wine and handing the empty glass to Zak on her way past. She quickly ran to the studio, swinging open the door.

Steve looked up from his painting. “Sweetheart?”, he raised a curious brow. Kash lazily lifted his head at the sudden noise.

“Sorry!”, Aubrey squeaked, grabbing the gift bags on the end table. “I almost forgot.” she moves to leave the room but stops, turning around, she sets the bags down. Then, hurrying over to where Steve sat behind his easel, she grabbed his face, pulling him into a kiss.

Steve was taken aback momentarily but began to kiss back in earnest. Humming at the taste of the sweet wine on her lips, he groans when her nails graze his scalp. She returns the noise with a breathy moan into his open mouth. When she pulls away, quickly grabbing the bags, she’s out the door as fast as she came in. Steve is left reeling, head spinning, cock chubbed up, face flushed.

Aubrey slides back into the living room where Zak and Sasha are cuddled up, Zak is whispering in her ear as Sasha blushes and giggles.

“All right enough of that.”, she laughed, “Here.” Aubrey held a black bag with white tissue paper coming out of the opening, his name on a little round tag out to Zak, and a light orange one for Sasha.

Zak downed his wine, setting the glass on the coffee table, he crossed his legs on the couch before moving the bag to his lap. Sasha settled on the edge of the couch, placing the bag on the coffee table, and pulling the white paper from the bag, she peered inside. 

She pulled out a little yellow card that read, You’ve been by my side through thick and thin. Please be there again when I marry him.  “Oh my god, Aubrey.”, she looked up from the card. “Yes! A thousand times, yes!” The two women met in the middle and hugged over the coffee table. 

Sasha pulled out a light pink wine tumbler with her name, a candle with Bridesmaid on it, a bottle of wine, and a white silk robe with Best Bridesmaid Ever on the back. “Thank you.”, she smiled, rubbing the material between her fingers. 

“Thank you. It means so much to me that you’ll be up there with me.”, Aubrey said. 

Zak followed suit, tossing the tissue paper on the couch next to him. Then, reaching into the bag, he pulled out a little card that read, I found my man, but I still need my brother. Will you be my man of honor? He stared at the little card a few seconds longer. “A-are you serious?”, he asked, looking up at Aubrey, his eyes a little glassy. 

“Yes, I need you by my side.”, she gave a watery chuckle, tears already stinging the corner of her eyes. 

Zak was up off the couch and over to her in the blink of an eye, “I would love to be your man of honor!”, he said, wrapping his arms around her. 

Sasha couldn’t help the smile on her face. Grabbing her phone off the couch, she snapped a quick photo, knowing this was a moment to remember. 

“Finishing looking in your bag.”, she pushed at him playfully. 

Inside was a small black wine tumbler with his name, a candle that said Man of Honor, a bottle of whiskey Steve had suggested, and a robe with Best Man of Honor on the back. 

Aubrey frowned at the robe, he wasn’t supposed to have a robe.

Zak pulled a small little card from the bag at the bottom, his brows burrowed, then his face cracked into a smile, and he let out a deep laugh. “Aw man, your husband-to-be, he’s a keeper all right. I am going to rock this bathrobe!”,  he laughed.  

Steve checked the time on his watch, it was just past one; he had lost himself in his painting. Standing up, he stretched, yawning a little as he did. He chuckled at Kash, sprawled out on the floor, taking up as much room as possible. He lazily looked up at Steve, blinking slowly he yawned, letting out a high-pitched squeak. 

“Come on, pal, let’s go potty, then go to bed.”, Steve said, heading to the door. 

Kash huffed, then slowly got to his feet, following Steve from the room. 

Steve opened the sliding door for Kash, who looked out at the snow and then back up to the super soldier. “I know, bud, I wouldn’t want to pee in that either.”, he chuckled, “Just be quick.” 

Reluctantly the German Shepherd walked out into the snow. Steve stood at the door, hands in his jeans pockets, waiting. Once Kash was inside, warming up and happily munching on treats for his troubles, Steve went to the front door, locked up, activating the alarm system; he walked through the house, turning off the lights. Walking into the living room, Steve stopped at the doorway, leaning on the frame, he smiled. On one end, Aubrey was sleeping on the couch; on the other were Zak and Sasha. He grabbed the throw blanket off the couch and gently laid it over the sleeping couple snuggled up, snoozing away. 

Turning off the light, Steve then went over to Aubrey. Crouching down, he gently lifted her into his arms with ease. She stirred a little, nuzzling her face into his neck. 

“Come on, pretty girl, let’s get you to bed.”, he murmured, kissing her temple. 

Once in their bedroom, Steve got Aubrey awake enough to use the restroom while he grabbed her something to wear. After helping his giggly drunk fiancé change her clothes, he led her to bed. Climbing in, he turned off the light. Soon as his back hit the cool sheets, Aubrey was laying her head on his chest, arm around his stomach, and her leg tossed over his. Kash climbed up in the bed, settling at their feet. Steve took a deep breath closing his eyes, it had been so long since he felt so at peace, this comfortable, this happy, and it was all thanks to the woman in his arms and the dog at the foot on his bed. 

Chapter Text

Steve lay in bed naked, propped against the headboard, one arm behind his head, the other on his abdomen, sheets pooled around his waist, skin glistening with sweat, his hair mussed up and a bright fading mark on his left shoulder from their energetic lovemaking not even twenty minutes ago. He watched across the room as Aubrey dressed, enjoying the way the morning sunlight peeked through the curtains lighting her hair up, making the red tones in it pop. He hoped their future children had her hair, he loved how the red was highlighted in the sun.  He took a deep breath, watching as she tugged a pair of jeans over her wide hips, covering her dark green silky panties; his eyes tracked her every movement, licking his lips when she put on her matching bra. 

“Come back to bed.”, he said, patting the mattress, pouting when she looked over her shoulder and smiled at him. 

“I wish I could.”, she replied, walking by the bed and heading toward their bathroom. 

Steve sighed dramatically, “You’re the boss, call in sick!”, he hollered. He smiled cheekily as she popped her head around the corner, brushing her teeth.  “I could do that thing you like.”, he suggests wagging his brows while biting his lip, “The thing that makes your legs feel like jello afterward.”.

Aubrey laughs from the bathroom. 

“That’s not a no.”, he points out. Steve watches as she walks out of the restroom, her beautiful hair resting just past her shoulder. “Come on, baby.”, he tries one more time. 

Aubrey rolls her eyes as she walks over to the bed to grab her phone. “I want to, baby, I really do, but I’m meeting with the construction guys today.”, she says, looking at her phone. One minute she is standing next to the bed, and the next minute she is flat on her back with a very naked super soldier on top of her. Steve's lips were on her before she could protest. Her hands moved to his chest, she was going to push at him until he sucked her bottom lip into his mouth. Instead, Aubrey’s fingers curled around his shoulders then slowly wrapped around his neck.

He gently sucked on her lip and nibbled on it before keeping the kiss, licking into her, moaning at the taste of her minty toothpaste. His hand slid to her waist, finger moving up her sweater, gentle fingertips tracing her skin. 

Aubrey’s breath caught, her back arched up as his hand moved up her body, her legs spreading wider. She gasped for breath when he finally pulled away, nudging her nose with his as he kissed her lips chastely, trailing soft kisses from the corner of her mouth over the hinge of her jaw and down her neck. 

“Steeeeve…”, she whined breathlessly, tipping her head back as he trailed kisses down the column of her neck. 

Steve propped himself up on his elbows, getting a good look at her. Her eyes were closed, but behind those thick lashes was his favorite blue light with a touch of green and brown mixed close to the iris, cheeks flushed the perfect shade of pink, and pouty lips caught between her teeth. “You’re so beautiful.”, he murmured, thumb stroking her cheek gently. Her eyes blinked open, a smile curving her lip, he leaned down, placing one last kiss on those red-bitten lips. Reluctantly he rolled off her, back hitting the cool mattress, he ran his hands over his face. “Sorry.”, he breathed.

“You're a menace, Rogers.”, she huffed, sitting on the side of the bed and tugging at her sweater. Steve sat up watching her, Aubrey tossed a playful look over her shoulder at her handsome fiancé. She stuffed her phone in her back pocket and turned to face him; she leaned down and kissed his lips. “I love you.”, she whispers before straightening up and heading to the door. “Whenever you get done with lunch, come by the bakery.”, she says, hand gripping the frame. 

“Oh shit, I almost forgot about lunch.”, Steve admitted, “Yeah, baby, I’ll come by.” 

Aubrey blows a kiss over her shoulder before heading out.

Taking a deep breath, Steve tossed himself back, sighing as he listened to her moving around downstairs. She was letting Kash out to potty, making a cup of coffee, and starting her Jeep to warm it up; Kash came back inside, grabbing her to-go cup and locking the door behind her. He listened as her Jeep tires crunched on the ice and snow down their driveway, he listened until he couldn’t hear the vehicle any longer. 

Steve situated himself back against the pillows, the sheet miraculously still covering him up, his painfully hard cock tenting the sheets. He glanced at his phone, it was a little past eight, he didn't need to head out until closer to ten. Biting his lip, he glanced from his erection to the bathroom, he had plenty of time. Climbing out of bed, Steve went to the bathroom, he turned on the shower, grabbed a towel, sat it on the vanity with a rolled-up washcloth, leaned in and turned on the shower, setting it over to hot. It takes only a matter of seconds for the hot water to start steaming up the glass doors. Steve steps into the shower, groaning instantly when the hot water hits his back, but he feels himself relaxing. Bracing both hands on the tiled wall, he lets the water stream over his shoulders and down his back. He's reaching blindly for his washcloth and body wash, squeezing a bit of the light green soap onto the white cloth, he rubs the material working up a lather before putting it to his chest. Washing over the stiff muscles of his chest, his nipples start to stiffen up as he runs the cloth over them before moving up around his neck and down both arms; he trails the fabric down his abdomen, following the thick line of hair. Steve groaned when the rag passed over his throbbing cock, the fat head flushed deep red, leaking a copious amount of pre-cum. He took his erection in hand, hissing at the touch, gliding his soapy closed fist over it, twisting his wrist a little at the tip, Steve groaned as he placed the other arm on the shower wall pressing his forehead against the arm as his hand sped up.  

Images and sounds flashed through his mind of Aubrey on her knees in the shower, water dripping from her face down her breast, her nipple pebbled peeks. He could almost hear her mewl as he cupped her breast, toying with her sensitive nipple with one hand and the other tilting her chin up as his thumb ran across her bottom lip, pulling it down a little. 

He groaned at the thought of her pretty pink lips stretched around his thick cock, the warm wet heat of her mouth making sure to pay special attention to the head, dragging her tongue over the slit, moaning at the taste of pre-cum. He feels pressure starting to build. The glint of mischief in her eye as she looks up at him, water clinging to her lashes, gripping his shaft; her pink tongue darts out as she runs it along the vein throbbing against his velvety skin. Her nails bite into his thighs as she swallows him down, the wet gagging sounds as she takes more of him until he bumps the back of her throat and his coarse pubic hairs tickle her nose. Steve’s breath catches with the hot suction of her mouth as she starts hollowing her cheeks and bobbing her head. 

“Fuck that’s it.”, he rasped, fucking his fist faster. 

Aubrey moaned around his cock as if it was the best thing she’s ever had in her mouth, her tongue swirling around the shaft. His balls were starting to draw up; Steve can feel his orgasm approaching. Tightening his grip, he snaps his hips forward. 

“Oh shit, oh fuck…”, he grits out, biting his lip, feeling the pleasure lick up his spine. “Ngh-- fuuck…“, he moans out as his orgasm washes over him, thick ropes of cum shooting out, painting the tile as he continues to fuck his fist, riding out the pleasure. 

Aubrey sighed a breath of relief as she walked into Rosie’s Bakery, the bell jingled as a warm wave of air washed over her and the smell of warm pastries and fresh coffee greeted her. Anybody who knew Aubrey knew that she did not do winter, the snow, the sleet, the ice; sure, it was beautiful, but it was also a death trap for the uncoordinated, and she fell into that category several times. Steve, bless his heart, had salted the ground outside the garage last night; after the events of last weekend, he was on top of things. They had just come home from getting a small grocery haul, and Steve was following her around the truck to walk through the garage when her feet came out from underneath her. The former Captain America did not disappoint, he caught her and kept her from hitting the cold ground; unfortunately, it was with the hand he had the eggs in. That required them to strip as soon as they walked into the house, abandoning the groceries and making a beeline for the shower. Now if they hadn’t giggled as they washed each other’s bodies, hands wandered and lips kissed intimate spots until they were both thrumming with want and the bed seemed too far away, Steve took her in the shower against the wall, well, she wouldn’t say for sure.

The bakery was buzzing, people filtering in and out, grabbing their morning brew and a pastry or two for breakfast. The cases were filled with cinnamon rolls, three different danishes, honey buns, two different scones, Zak’s latest attempt at Nutella morning buns, chai spiced breakfast buns, and much more. She greeted everyone as she walked through, heading to her office to get the inventory sheet and place an order.

January had been a big month for the Rogers/Daniels household, they got engaged and moved into an amazing house. February was shaping to be just as big, they were expanding the bakery! The bakery sat on the corner of two streets, the front doors in the middle, large windows on either side. Next door was a small gallery used as a photography studio, the owner had come over one day to let Aubrey know he was selling the place. Curious, Aubrey followed him to check out the space, immediately after seeing it she called Steve. 

They were starting construction this week. Aubrey was excited to get started because she had so many ideas, like expanding the kitchen and adding a couple more work tables and equipment. It would be good to have a third display case or a cooler out front for chilled pastries which would make things easier, cutting down on the traffic in the kitchen.

Aubrey slipped into her little office, closing the door before she shrugged off her winter coat, hanging it on the back of her chair. She sat at her desk and booted up her laptop, the photo on her desk in the little black frame catching her eye; Aubrey smiled at the picture of Steve and Kash.  The blonde was down on one knee, blue eyes shining, his hand on Kash who was sitting in front of him, tongue hanging out, they both were looking right at the camera. Focusing back on her computer, Aubrey printed off the sheets needed before digging through her desk, looking for the folder with all the ideas for the expansion. Picking the folder up, she thumbed through the paper, seeing the layout she had Steve draw up for her; just seeing it sent a shiver of excitement. Grabbing her clipboard and the freshly printed paper, she left her office, heading to the kitchen and pantry.

The late morning wind blew, nipping at his cheeks, Steve tugged the collar of his winter coat closer as he walked up the sidewalk toward Patty’s Diner. Opening the door, he was met with the smell of bacon sizzling on the griddle, the syrupy smell of pancakes, and the wafting aroma of freshly brewed coffee that warmed him right up.

“Good morning, Steve!”, Lacy called from behind the counter where she grabbed plates, putting them on her serving tray.

Steve reached over the bar and grabbed a coffee cup, “Mornin’ Lacy.”, he replied back, grabbing the coffee pot and filling his cup. “How’s the baby?”, he asked, holding the swinging door back so the young mother could walk through.

“Oh, he’s growing like a weed.” She smiled brightly as they walked towards the back of the diner. “He’s gonna be ten months old on the twelfth, already trying to walk around.”, she beamed proudly.

Steve chuckled, “Better watch him, he’ll be running soon, too.”, he replied.

Lacy went to the table with an elderly couple and two young kids. Greeting them, she started to pass out their plates. Steve headed towards the back, he could see Natasha’s vibrant hair and he couldn’t help the wide smile splitting across his face seeing her, Clint, and Sam.

“Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in.”, Sam joked, scooting over to let the super soldier have a seat next to him.

Steve rolls his eyes as he sits down next to Sam.

“Whoa! Who is this guy?”, Clint asks, gesturing to the large blonde across from him.

Natasha leans over, “I know, he looks like a guy we used to know.”, she cocks her head studying him.

“Hey, I got it!”, Sam snaps his fingers, “Isn’t he that guy who wore the star-spangled tights?”, he asked.

Clint smacked the table, “The guy with America’s Ass!”, he exclaimed.

Steve sighed dramatically, taking a drink from his mug.

“You know what, Clint, he does kinda look like him. God, what was his name again?”, Nat asked, frowning as she tapped her temple.

“Simon, Spencer, Stephan, Stanley”, Sam ran through a list of names, “Steve, Sidney—“

“That’s the one!”, Clint pointed at him, “Steve!”

“You mean Steve Rogers?”, Nat gasped.

Steve laughed, “All right, all right, I get it.”, he shook his head. “I’ve been gone too long. I got it.”

They all laughed.

“It’s good to see you, man. You look good.”, Sam nudged him.

Nat hummed, “I gotta say, Rogers, retirement suits you.”, she said, running her eyes over him.

“I'm surprised he hasn't moved to Florida to take up golfing.”, Clint comments.

Sam starts to laugh, “Now I can't get that outta my head.”

“The golfing hat and pants?”, Natasha asks, fighting a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.

Steve huffs, “I hate you all.”

Clint rests his elbows on the table and raises his hands to frame his face in a V, “You love us, and you know it.”

“That has yet to be determined.”, Steve mumbles.

Sam adds an ungodly amount of creamer to his coffee, “So, how's retirement actually going?”, he asks.

Natasha watches Sam with a face riddled with disgust and astonishment.

“Climbing the walls yet?”, Clint asked.

Steve hums around his coffee cup, “It’s going great.”, he replies, licking his lips. “I’ve finally got the time to do all the things I had to put off because there wasn’t the time or, you know”, he shrugged, “world-ending battles to be fought.”

“Drawing again?”, Nat asks curiously.

Steve nods, “Yeah, painting, too.”, he smiles down at his cup.

“That’s great, man!”, Clint says, reaching over and patting Steve’s shoulder.

“Have you thought about doing it for a living?”, Sam asked, taking a drink of his overly sweetened drink. “Or got any plans?”

Nat nodded, “You’re a free man now, Rogers, well, so to speak.”, she winked at him. “Have you thought about going back to school?”, she asked.

Steve hadn’t really thought about what his next move was, he was still young, so to speak, he’s turning thirty-seven this year. He’d tossed around the idea of going back to college, which he never got to finish when he was younger; all he’s ever known was the military, war, jumping from one fight to the next. Now that he had time on his hands, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with it.

As the angel she was, Carol appeared to save him once again. 

“Why, is that Steve Rogers I see there?”, she smiled, sitting the tray on the empty table across from them.

Steve stood up and wrapped Carol in a big hug,m. “How are you, Carol? You look great.”, he kissed her cheek.

“Oh, you charmer you.”, she slapped his chest playfully, “You sit down, I’ve your breakfast.” She winked at him before turning to the tray. "Alrighty, here we go, kiddos.", she smiled, grabbing the first plate. As always, she served first a "Spinach omelet with a side of bacon for Natasha.", she said, placing the plate in front of Natasha, who nodded her thanks.

"Stack of hot cakes with a side of sausage for Clint.", she sat the plate in front of Clint, patting his cheek playfully. Clint beamed.

"French toast with a side of bacon for our New Captain.”, she set the plate in front of Sam with a wink, who blushed profusely.

"And a Rogers special, a double stack of hot cakes, two sides of bacon, and two sides of sausage for Steve.", she smiled, sitting two plates in front of Steve. “I’m glad you're retired now, you worked too much.”, she says, laying a hand on his shoulder. “And congratulations on your engagement. Aubrey is wonderful.”

“Thank you, Carol.”, Steve replied.

Carol gave his shoulder one last squeeze. “All right, best get back to work. You kids enjoy yourselves and don’t keep away too long next time.”, she smiled, turning toward the counter.

"Thank you.", they all replied happily.

“Sammy boy here tells us that you guys are expanding the bakery.”, Clint says before stuffing a fork full of pancakes into his mouth.

Natasha hums, sipping her coffee. “Yeah, how’s that going?”, she asks, setting her cup down.

“Oh great, you should see the ideas Aubrey has.”, Steve says excitedly as he cuts into his fluffy stack of pancakes.  Steve launched into the story of the excited phone call he got from Aubrey, how she begged him to get to the bakery as quickly as he could, how they stayed up late that night with Aubrey standing over his shoulder at the table while she told him exactly what she imagined as Steve dutifully drew it out for her. He would tell them about his own future plans later when he was sure that was what he wanted to do.

They finished their meal swapping stories and catching up. Clint followed Steve into retirement this month. He was ready to stay at home with Laura and the kids, feeling like he’d done his duty. Natasha was consulting with S.W.O.R.D and is still in Upstate New York with Sam, training the next group of Avengers. Steve wasn’t surprised to hear Bucky had joined them, he told Steve as much on one of their weekly phone calls. They talked three times a week, sometimes video chatted, and Steve met Bucky’s new cat Alpine. Who was, if you can believe it, Bucky Barnes in cat form.

The four friends stood outside the diner, still chatting away, not wanting their time to end quite yet.

Clint looked at his phone, “Sorry guys, I gotta get going, I’ve got a plane to catch.”, he frowned.

“Give my love to Laura and the kids.”, Steve said as he hugged the shorter blonde.

Clint patted his back, “You got it, pal, take care. Tell Aubrey I dream of those cookies.”, he laughed.

Steve’s phone chirped. “That’s me.”, he mumbled, looking down at his watch and seeing a text from Aubrey.

“I’d never thought I’d see the day when Steve Rogers used an Apple Watch.”, Nat laughed as she leaned in for a hug.

Steve rolled his eyes, hugging her back, “Yeah, yeah, yeah, laugh it up.” He kissed the top of her head.

Hugs and goodbyes were said all around. Steve started in the direction of the bakery, stopping a few feet away from his friends. “Hey, next time any of you are in the neighborhood, stop by any time, all right?”, he hollered to them, “We have two spare bedrooms. Aubrey would love to see you guys.”

He wasn’t sure what was said due to a car holding its horn down, but he’s sure Clint made a comment about the rooms not staying empty much longer. Stuffing his hands in his pockets, Steve chuckled as he walked along the sidewalk. It was still a little chilly outside, but the sun was out and slowly warming up the day.

As he made his way the short couple of blocks, he thought about the expansion; they were nailing out the fine details today and demolition would start later this week.

Steve had known it was a dream of Aubrey’s to expand the bakery at some point and offer custom cake orders, he’d seen her work. Amy, one of the bakery's former baristas, had a baby in September. Aubrey had made her baby shower cake, it was incredible. It was a two-tier cake, the bottom was light pink with fondant shaped like flower petals all over the bottom, creating a frilly-looking base; a delicate grey bow was wrapped around, creating a seamless transfer between the two layers, and the second layer, the top was the lightest of shades of blue with little pink flowers spaced out sporadically with little pearl candies in the middle of each. Sitting on top of the cake was a pink pair of little girl shoes with white flowers on the buckles and toes of each shoe, around the base on light gray blocks each block had a letter that spelled out Emmie. Everything was completely editable, he was blown away by how beautiful the cake looked. He learned two things that day, Aubrey was not only a baker but she was also an artist in her own right, and fondant was not that good. Steve was excited, he loved seeing how happy this made Aubrey.  His mind wandered back to the day she called him.

“Look at this space! We could expand the bakery and the seating area and add a third display case. We could add at least two more industrial mixers and a shelf here for the pans and whatnot.”, she walked over, gesturing to the area on the wall. “And over here”, she walked over to the middle, “we could add two more worktables here and another oven over here.”

He watched her flutter around the room, talking excitedly with her hands, eyes bright and wide as she spoke.

“What do you think?”, she asked, blue eyes wide with excitement. She looked like a kid on Christmas morning who had just received the one thing she so desperately wanted. 

Steve put his hands in his pockets, looking around the open space. “I think you’re already sold on it.”, he smiled.

“Yeah, but what do you think?”, she asked again, brows pulling in confusion.  

Steve took a deep breath stepping closer to her, his hands finding her hips. He did not like that expression on her face, he wanted the joy that was there mere moments ago back. She leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his neck, “Does it matter?”, he asked, looking down are her.

“Yes, it matters to me. You’re going to be my husband, this bakery is as much yours as it is mine.”, she said with a frown pulling at her lips. “We’re partners in this.”, she cocked her head, looking at him unsure.

He hummed, honestly never having even thought of it that way. “Baby, I want you to be happy. If this is what you want, then count me in. I have every faith in you. You’re an amazing baker and businesswoman. I know you’ll succeed at whatever you set your mind to.”, he replied, a large hand cupping the side of her jaw.

“Really?”, she questioned, looking up at him through those thick lashes. 

Steve chuckled, “Absolutely sweetheart, you can do anything you put your mind to.”, he leaned down to place a quick kiss on her lips. “And when you forget, I’ll be right here to remind you.”, he says softly, placing another kiss on her lips.

“I love you.”, she whispered against his lips, tugging on his neck to bring him closer for a more thorough kiss.  

“God, I love you too, pretty girl.”, he breathed, nipping at her bottom lip.

Steve stepped through the doors of what would soon be the new addition of Rosie’s Bakery, Aubrey greeted him with a warm wet kiss. He shook hands with Mitch from Mitch’s Construction Company LLC. Tossing his arm around Aubrey, they walked through the building, mapping out the future. 

Chapter Text

The savory, sweet-salty smell of smoked applewood bacon wafted into the bedroom; Steve's mouth started to water as he rolled over onto his back, blinking against the early morning sun filtering through the bedroom window. The snow outside made the light almost blinding. Giving up on opening his eyes, Steve tucked an arm behind his head, leaving his eyes closed. He heard Aubrey's soft footsteps as she climbed the stairs, and the bedroom door opened. He listened as she sat something down on the bedside table, feeling the bed dip under the weight as she crawled over to him. Steve sighed, feeling warm lips press against his; letting his free hand roam, he realized Aubrey wasn't wearing any pants. He hummed his approval, freeing his other hand to grip her panty-covered bottom.

Aubrey giggled, burying her face in his neck as he groped her bottom, humming his approval of her satin panties. "Good morning.", she whispered, breathing in his comforting scent.

"Mmm, good morning.", he rumbled.

Aubrey sighed happily, snuggling against him. "I made you Valentine's Day breakfast.", she said quietly.

"Yeah? Is that what smells so mouth-watering?", he chuckled. Finally opening his eyes, Steve looked at Aubrey. Her hair was carelessly tossed on her head in a messy bun, and she had on her glasses, wearing one of his tees, her legs bare. Perfect, absolutely breathtakingly perfect.

Aubrey sat up, "Mmhmm.", she nodded, biting her lip. She squeaked when he pulled himself up, taking her with him, resting his back against the headboard.

"What'd you fix me, baby?", he asked, running his hands up her thighs, sliding under his shirt, feeling her warm, soft skin.

"Behave yourself Mister Rogers.", she giggled, batting his hands away playfully. Then, she climbed off his lap to grab the tray, popped the legs open, and sat it on his lap. "Tada!", she beamed proudly.

Before him was a plate with two thick fluffy waffles, sticky sweet syrup drizzled between and over both, sliced strawberries over a dollop of thick white whipped cream, and several strips of thick-cut bacon cooked perfectly, and a mug filled with steaming coffee.

"Wow, this looks amazing.", he looks up at Aubrey, who has settled next to him. "Thank you, honey.", he smiled, his heart feeling so full. This was the first he's ever been served breakfast in bed.

"You're welcome, baby.", she smiles back, bringing her mug to her lips.

Steve takes a swing of the warm coffee. "Happy Valentine's Day.", he says, leaning over,  Aubrey comes to the rest of the distance for a quick yet sweet kiss.

"Happy Valentine's Day.", she replies.

He slices into the waffles, getting a bit of the whipped cream and strawberries. He hums as he chews,  sweet, bready vanilla with maple syrup, and the juicy acidity and sweet taste of the berries make up the perfect bite. Steve grabs a berry with his fingers and offers it up to Aubrey, who is the little minx she can be; she takes the berry in her mouth and his fingers as well.

Aubrey moans around the digits, swirling her tongue, knowing fully well what she was doing to him. Sometimes a girl likes to play with fire.

Steve's breath catches as he watches her slowly lick her lips, looking directly at him. He quickly sets the tray aside and pushes her down on the bed, swooping in, kissing her, licking into her mouth, tasting the strawberry and coffee mingling. He groans when she bites his bottom lip, sucking it into her mouth and making little breathy sounds against his lips. Breakfast was forgotten about for the time being as he kissed her neck, a big hand sliding up her stomach, going to her bare breast, and pinching her nipple. When she keened, arching up into his touch, Steve smirked.

"Baby.", she moaned breathlessly.

He hummed in reply.

"We-we can't. I have to get into the bakery.", she says regretfully.

Steve drops his head to her chest, groaning in frustration, he wasn't fully hard yet, but he was well not his way. "Yeah..", he swallowed, "Okay, later?", he asked.

"I'll be upset if we don't.", she giggled as he huffed a laugh before kissing her nose. But, truth be told, if it weren't one of their busiest holidays next to Thanksgiving, Aubrey would have just not gone to work. She'd much rather stay at home naked in bed with her husband-to-be. She'd been pulling so much over time the past few days preparing for today; if Aubrey didn't have to chocolate dip another strawberry again, she'd be delighted. It had been a while since they had some alone time together; she was tired of quickies in the shower or an early morning romp before rushing out the door. Aubrey wanted slow, toe-curling sex; she wanted to take her time reacquainting herself with Steve's body. And tonight, that was going to happen; they both needed intimacy.

They straighten themselves out, both flushed with arousal. Steve tucked into his breakfast as Aubrey fluttered around the bedroom, getting dressed for the day. With his plate cleaned and coffee mug drained, Steve pulls on a pair of pajama bottoms and grabs a hoodie before following Aubrey downstairs. Kash lounging on the couch, barely lifts his head as they walk by until he realizes Aubrey is leaving, then he hops down and follows them.

Steve walked Aubrey out to her car, wishing her a good day; he waited as she pulled away with Kash at his heels. Once her car was out of sight, he closed the garage door, "Come on, pal.", he said to the canine, "We've got a Valentine's Day dinner to plan for mom.", he held the door open for the German Shepherd. Tongue hanging out, tail wagging happily, Kash headed towards the kitchen, ensuring Steve followed him. "I'm comin', I'm comin'.", Steve chuckled.

Valentine's Day is a busy time for the bakery, everyone is getting that special someone a sweet treat or one for themselves. And no matter how many chocolate-covered strawberries they make, it never seems enough.

Milk chocolate dipped berries, white chocolate with milk chocolate drizzle, dark chocolate with a white drizzle, pink ones, one with sprinkles, and chocolate flowers. Even ones with caramel drizzled over the tops; you name it, they've got it.

Zak is on one side of the work table filling the red heart-shaped whoopie pies while instructing their new intern, Cory, how to pie the French raspberry macaroons. She's doing a fantastic job. Cory was sent over by their old professor, suggesting she get some hands-on experience from his former students. Professor Rehmeyer was the only reason Aubrey kept going through culinary school. When her grandfather's whispers of self-doubt came creeping in, he was there cheering her on; he's the grandfather she should have had.

Aubrey is on the other side, up to her elbows in strawberry compote, filling strawberry and cream cheese danishes. Her fingers are stained red from making red velvet cinnamon rolls; she had worked the coloring in by hand. Then, finally, the oven goes off, alerting her that the sugar cookies are done when Sasha pops her head into the kitchen.

"Aubrey, you have a delivery.", she says, then she's gone.

Aubrey tosses a confused look at Zak who shrugs, already moving to the oven to pull out the sugar cookies. She wipes her hands on her apron as she nudges the door with her shoulder. Chip, the regular delivery guy for the local florist down the street, is standing at the counter in a black jacket that says Ricky's Flowers; in his hands is a large bouquet of long steamed red roses wrapped artfully in brown parchment paper and a red bow tied around it, a little white envelope tucked in.

She approached the counter, "Hey, Chip, how are you?", she asked. Aubrey had never thought in a million years that she would be on first name bases with a florist delivery man. Steve sent her flowers all the time, and she's not even sure why she didn't assume he'd do the same on Valentine's Day.

"Hey, Mrs. Rogers.", he beams, bright blue eyes practically smiling themselves. Aubrey had told him once that she wasn't Mrs. Rogers yet, but he had shrugged and said, "You've already got the ring and the man's heart, why not take the last name now, too?" He tugs a tablet from his jacket pocket. "I'm good, how are you?", he asks, offering her a tablet to sign.

Aubrey takes the tablet, scrolling her name across the screen. "I'm good.", she replies, handing the device back.

"Here you go, ma'am.", he smiled brightly, handing the roses to her over the counter.

Aubrey accepted the roses. "Thank you.", she said, looking at them; they were gorgeous.

"Thank you. Happy Valentine's Day, Mrs. Rogers.", he nods, then walks away.

Behind her, Aubrey hears a chorus of awes; turning around, she sees Sasha, Nichole, and Cory standing there.

Aubrey huffed quietly to herself, moving toward her office with the flowers; closing the door, she sat down, placing the roses on her lap. Then, pulling out the little white envelope, she opened it tugging out the little card.

[To my love,
I fell in love with you because of all the small things you don't even realize you're doing.
Have a great day at work!  I'll see you tonight.
Love always, Steve.]

Aubrey's eyes watered as she held the little card in her hand, seeing Steve's writing on it. How did she get lucky? But then, there was a light knock on her office door. Aubrey wiped her face quickly as she spoke, "Come in!"

Zak stepped into her office, messy apron stained with flour, powder, and other various things. "Hey, just came to check on you. Cory said you got a bunch of roses and went into your office.", he said, sitting across the desk from her.

"Yeah.", she sniffled, wiping her eye's again before handing the small card over to him.

Zak reached over, grabbing the offered card, he returned to the seat again to read it. "Dawah, so sweet it makes my teeth hurt.", he smiled, handing it back to her. "Damn, Steve Rogers making me feel like a smuck.", he rolled his eyes.

"Oh, shut it.", she laughed a little, picking up the roses to smell them. "What are you and Sasha doing tonight?", she asked.

Zak put his hands behind his head, lacing his fingers together, "Oh, you know, fancy dinner and dessert, then back to the love shack for some valentine's days magic.", he winked, licking his lips.

"Gross.", Aubrey made a disgusted face.
Zak chuckled, "What about you? What's dear Steven have planned?", he asked.

"I have no idea. He asked if I would feel like going out after work, I told him probably not. Once I'm done here, I have to run next door to give Micky a key to the bakery so they can start breaking down the walls. Then I've got to head to the realtor's office to sign some papers on our old apartment.", she sighed, leaning back in her chair.

Zak nodded, "No rest for the wicked, huh?", he mumbled, staring off into space.

"Nope.", Aubrey sighed, standing up; she walked over to Zak, patting his shoulder. "Come on,  pastry waits for no man.", she said.

Zak pulled himself slowly to his feet, "Why did I agree to go into business with you?", he asked, following her out of the office.

"Because you love me, and you can't make Pat a Choux dough to save your life.", she says.

Zak hums, "Awe, yes, those must be the reasons.", he tosses his arm over her shoulder as they make their way back to the kitchen.

As Aubrey walked into the house, the mouth-watering aroma of grilled steak hit her nose. She dropped her bag on the bench, sitting the roses down, and tugged off her winter coat. "Steve?", she hollered, sliding out of her shoes.

"In the kitchen.", he replied.

Aubrey grabbed the roses and headed to the kitchen. She paused in the dining room, the lights were dim, a deep red tablecloth lay over the table, candles stood in the middle flickering, the table was set with the good china, wine glasses, water glasses, and an empty vase for her flowers. She placed the roses in the water and continued to the kitchen, her breath catching at the sight of her man. His hair was shorter, mussed up in the front and cut into a fade; his beard was shorter too, neatly trimmed up. He had a black button-up shirt stretched across his broad chest, sleeves rolled up, exposing his thick hairy forearms; the first couple buttons were undone, bits of chest hair visible. Tight charcoal grey slacks clinging to his thighs and ass, lord have mercy, brown ankle boots topping off the look.

"Why don't you go get cleaned up for dinner.", he said smoothly, not looking up from whatever he was doing.

Aubrey frowned a little, "Yeah, okay.", she mumbled, heading towards the stairs.

Aubrey pouted as she stood in the closet, staring at her side, she had no idea what to wear. Flipping through her shirts and blouses, she stopped on a cute grey sweater she had bought but never had the chance to wear. Now to find bottoms, jeans were a no-go; Steve was wearing slacks. Finally, the soft material of a black skirt had her stopping; she pulled it out, looking at the black high-rise skater skirt. It was February and cold outside, but they weren't leaving the house, so a skirt was perfectly acceptable. Going through her bra and panties drawer, she noticed a small black bag she nearly forgot about; smiling, she snatched it up and turned off the light.

Padding to the bathroom, she flipped the light and turned on her curling iron. Aubrey hopped in the shower using her warmer vanilla sugar body scrub; she washed thoroughly before shaving her legs smooth. Feeling clean and smooth, she climbed out of the shower, patting herself dry before applying lotion to her body. She slipped on the items from the little black bag, looking at herself in the mirror. Aubrey looked good, she felt sexy and happy with how her body looked as she slipped on the sweater, then the skirt tucked the sweater into it. She did light makeup, just some mascara and lip gloss, before curling her hair; nothing fancy, just loose curls. She ran her fingers through it. Before heading downstairs, she stepped into a pair of black flats.

Twenty minutes later, Steve heard her come down the stairs. He had just pulled the steaks out of the oven, he walked around the corner to greet her and nearly swallowed his tongue.

"Wow.", he breathed, eyes slowly moving over her, capturing every little detail.

Aubrey blushed, "You look pretty wow yourself.", she teased, biting her bottom lip.

Steve closes the distance between them, gently laying a hand on her hip as the other cups the side of her jaw, he bends down a few inches and kisses her. "I missed you today.", he whispers against her lips.

"I missed you too.", she replies softly.

Steve gives her one last peck on the lips before taking her hand in his, leading her into the dining room, where he pulls her chair out for her.

"How was your day?", he asks, pouring her a glass of wine.

Aubrey thanks him for the wine, taking a sip before she answers, "It was hectic but good, especially when someone sent me flowers.", she says, setting the glass down.

"Oh?", Steve asked, faux curiosity as he tried not to smile.

Aubrey hums, reaching out to grab his hand tugging him back towards her and down for a quick kiss. "Thank you, they are so beautiful.", she says.

"Anything for you.", he replied, kissing her forehead, "I'll be right back, we don't want dinner to get cold."

Aubrey watched Steve take off to the kitchen, her cheeks were beginning to hurt from how much she had been smiling today. This was shaping to be the best Valentine's Day she had ever had, thanks to this remarkable man.

"Here we are.", Steve said proudly, walking back into the room with a plate in each hand.

On the plate he sat in front of her was a perfectly cooked, medium rare filet mignon with a creamy white sauce on top, next to it was asparagus and the creamiest potatoes she had ever seen, plated as if they were at a five-star restaurant.

"Everything okay?", he asks nervously, fiddling with his fork.

Aubrey looked up at Steve, seeing him shift in his seat, unsure. "Oh, oh god.", she rushed out quickly. Steve's shoulder sags in relief, "I just can't believe you did all this.", she gestures to the table, the roses, wine, and plate.

"Sweetheart.", he sighs, sitting down his silverware and reaching across the table for her hand, "It doesn't have to be Valentine's Day or any holiday for that fact for me to send you flowers at the bakery. I've done it before and will probably do it again.", he points out. "Any man in the past who hasn't treated you to a surprise date night, at home or a restaurant, or sent you flowers at work just because, they didn't deserve you.", he says, looking at her like she hung the moon and stars.

Aubrey gently squeezed his hand, "Thank you, baby.", she said with a half smile.

Steve gives her hand a gentle squeeze, then takes his hand back when she's ready. Aubrey picks up her fork and knife, turning to the delicious-looking meal in front of her.

Her knife glides through the steak like nothing, she brings the small bite to her mouth, and her taste buds sing as she chews, flavors bursting. The filet melts in her mouth; the sauce is a creamy and crumbly blue cheese sauce, and the flavor is sharp, salty, almost earthy, and surprisingly a little sweet; it brings out the meatiness of the filet.

"Oh my god.", Aubrey practically moans around her bite.

Steve chuckles, "Good?", he asks, cutting another bite from his steak.

"Ohmygod, yes.", she sighs, taking another bite.

The asparagus was tender, buttery, sweet with an earthy flavor, and crisp, just as she liked it. The mashed potatoes had been put through a ricer, so they were fluffy, creamy, and buttery with the perfect amount of salt. The meal paired perfectly with the wine Steve had picked, and the chocolate moose with raspberries was the perfect finishing touch. They sit at the table, finishing the bottle of wine; chatter and laughter fill the room.

Aubrey was buzzed, she felt warm all over, not just from the wine but the charged energy in the air between them. The little comments, longing glances, and lingering touches during clean-up all came to a head in the kitchen.

Steve eased her onto the countertop, careful not to break their kiss before stepping in between her spread legs, bringing himself closer to her. Aubrey gasped into his mouth when her bare skin touched the cool counter, hands running over his shoulder before wrapping around his neck. The kiss wasn't rushed, there was no urgency as their tongues moved against each other, little nips at each other's lips, soft sweet noises breath into their mouths. When Steve finally pulled away, his lungs were burning for air, he felt heat pull into his belly at the sight in front of him. Aubrey's lips were stained from the wine, swollen from kissing, and her cheeks flushed.

"God.", he breathed, cupping her jaw with both hands, "You are so beautiful.", he mumbled, his thumb rubbing softly at her cheek. She blushed under his gaze, Steve groaned. "I love it when you do that, baby.", he says, leaning in and kissing her again.

Her skin felt warm and tight, she yearned to touch her bare skin against his. Aubrey grabbed the collar of his shirt, tugging him closer so she could wrap her legs around him; he went for her neck, kissing and sucking little marks on her skin.

"Steve...", she gasped at a harsh nip, her fingers digging into his shoulders, "Take me to bed.", she breathed, head lolling back as he kissed down the column of her throat. She felt strong hands slide under her bottom, gripping her tightly as she was lifted from her perch. Aubrey buried her face in Steve's neck, sucking on his pulse point until she was deposited onto the mattress. Her fingers worked at the buttons on his shirt as a large warm hand slid slowly up her leg under her skirt. The moment his fingers came in contact with the material under her skirt, Steve let out a growl as his fingers fumbled with the material of her skirt.

"Wait.", she breathed harshly, pushing on his shoulders.

Reluctantly, Steve sat back on his knees, face flushed; once ocean-blue eyes were now deep dark pools of desire. He watched, tracking her every movement as she climbed off the bed, he turned around to sit at the foot of the bed.

Aubrey stepped in between his legs, she finished unbuttoning his shirt, kissing his chest just below his collarbone before nipping at the skin. She smiles against his heated skin, hearing his sharp intake of breath, and gently begins pushing the shirt off his shoulders. Once Steve removes his shirt, Aubrey sinks to her knees gracefully.

"Sweetheart..", he breathed roughly, swallowing the lump that had formed in his throat.

Aubrey hushed him as she ran her hands down his firm hairy chest, down his flexing abs to his slacks, eyes focused on one another as she slowly unbuttoned his pants. Steve lifted his hips as she pulled them down along with his underwear, the only sound in their bedroom was their harsh breaths now and then.

Aubrey bites her bottom lip when she glances down, seeing his cock fatting up prettily. Then, resting a hand on each of his thighs, she leans down and sucks at the flushing head of his cock.

Steve does his best to stifle a groan but fails miserably. "Jesus, baby.", he husks, running his finger through her hair and pulling it to the side so he can watch. His cock fills up so fast it makes his head a little fuzzy. "That mouth, honey, perfect for me.", he groans, biting his lip when she licks him from root to tip.

Aubrey keened at his praises, heat pooling in her belly as she continued her ministrations. At a torturously slow pace, she sucks him down a little at a time, then pulls off and does it all over again. Pumping his cock with her hand, lapping at the flushed, redden tip leaking pre-cum. Above her, Steve lets out a frustrated noise, he won't say anything, and they both know it.

Then, finally, she takes mercy on him and swallows him down, gagging as the fat head bumps the back of her throat. Aubrey takes a deep breath to relax, smelling his body soap and the natural musk that is Steve... He slides in further, Aubrey swallows around his length.

"Oh, fuck me.", he says through a harsh breath gripping her long red hair a little too tightly, causing her to whine around his cock. Steve's other hand is fisting the duvet, trying not to buck his hips up, pressure building at the base of his spine, sending a shiver up through him.

If she could smile right now, Aubrey would. She loves hearing Steve enjoying himself, she likes knowing that she does this to him, that she makes his fingers fist her hair harshly, and that his toes curl with pleasure.

Steve's head falls back, squeezing his eyes shut and biting his bottom lip; he's leaning back on one hand as the other is fisted in Aubrey's hair. The sounds she was making with those pretty lips stretched around him, the wet sounds of her mouth, feeling her hand slide up his inner thigh and cradle his balls. The pressure builds, Steve's hips gave an unexpected jerk up, gagging her. "Shit, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.", he panted, looking down at her blue eyes watering, saliva dripping from the corners of her swollen lips, face flushed, her hair a mess. A goddamn wet dream come true.

Aubrey looked up at him through her lashes, she could tell he wasn't going to last much longer; his abs were twitches, thigh muscles twitching under her fingers, his heavy balls tightening up. Wanting him to cum, needing him to cum to see his brows scrunch together, mouth fall open, chest heaving as his orgasm washes over him. Aubrey starts to bob her head; gripping the base of his cock she pumps him, adding a bit of a twist that she knows drives Steve wild.

"Sweetheart..", he whimpers, biting his lip. "I-I'm gonna—fuck— gonna cum.", he warns. She doubled down, working him over fast. He was so close, barreling towards the edge, teetering, "Nngh, gonna.....gonna—"

Aubrey steadies herself, breathing deeply through her nose as his spongy head hits the back of her throat. Her nails bite into his thighs as she swallows more of him down. She looks up at him through watery eyes, his brows pulling together, cheeks flushed, lips red, chest heaving. She gives his balls another roll as she swallows, his mouth falls open as a guttural groan is ripped from his chest and he's cumming thick hot ropes down her throat; Aubrey does her best to swallow down his seed, but some seeps out of the corners of her lips as she works him through his orgasm.

Steve collapsed back onto the bed, arm tossed over his eyes, chest rising and falling a little fast for the super soldier, cock lying against his leg, softening.

With a smug smirk, Aubrey stands leaning over him, "Are you okay?", she asks.

Steve hums.

Aubrey stands up, turning, and two large hands land on her midsection, tugging her back; she squeaks, landing on the bed, Steve hovering over her.

"And where do you think you're going?", he growled, running a large palm up her leg and under her skirt. His finger trailed along her panty line, feeling the soft silky smooth fabric. He raised a curious brow as he cupped her sex. "And what do we have here?", he purred.

Aubrey whined through her bitten lip, "Wanted something for you to unwrap.", she breathed, body shaking with the desperate need to be touched. She half excepted him to start frantically pulling at her clothes, Steve did the opposite; carefully removing her sweater from her skirt, then gently pulling it off over her head and slipping the skirt down her thick thighs.


"Oh baby.", he drawls, leaning back to look at the vision before him. Soft silk black strappy panties, a solid black triangle of fabric with a thick strip low on her hips, with another coming from the middle sitting a little high, creating a v. The bra was a deep v-neck cut, solid silken half cups with sheer lace exposing her hardened nipples straining against the material. His eyes ran slowly over her body, taking in every bit of the material stretched over her. Aubrey blushed deeply, feeling exposed and vulnerable lying there on display for his consumption. Steve ran his shaky hands from her thighs to up her hips, feeling the smooth material, following the curve of her body up to her breast. "Fuck, sweetheart.", he licked his lips.

Aubrey was so turned on right now; she shifted her legs, feeling the slide between her legs, her ever-building arousal making her drip. Her cheeks were burning, Aubrey felt a fire spread under her skin, blood rushing to her cunt, making her pulse with want.

"I—ngh...", she whimpered, feeling his tongue lick over her lace-covered nipple.

Steve chuckled darkly, "Oh, that's sweet.", he murmured, standing up, his cock hard again, tip flushed beautifully, a drop of pre-cum glistening at his slit. When he noticed her staring at his cock, Steve smirked and gripped his erection, pumping it.

Before he could move away, Aubrey clumsily rolled over onto her belly. She was looking over her shoulder in time to see his face when the deep growl rumbled from his chest at the sight of her exposed lace-covered bottom.

Steve quickly grabbed her, tossing her forth up the bed still on her belly. Aubrey started to giggle, but it was quickly choked off into a moan at the feeling of his naked body pressing her into the mattress, his hard-as-steel erection nudging at her bottom.

"Jesus, honey..", he rasped, "So fuckin sexy.", in her ear as he nipped at it, hips rolling into her, pulling a sweet moan from her lips. His hands moved to unlatch her bra, tossing it somewhere behind them; hands reaching around, he cupped her breasts, roughly rubbing them and pinching her nipples.

And then he was gone. Aubrey frowned into the sheets, she was about to look over her shoulder when she flipped onto her back.

"How attached are you to these?", he asked, voice rough like gravel as he sucked her pert nipple into his mouth.

"Rip 'em.", she breathed, arching her back and shoving her breast in his face.

With her consent, she felt Steve literally tear her underwear off her. And oh, it was an exquisite, heady feeling. His mouth moved to the other nipple, sucking on it, nipping at it until the breast and nipple were as hard as the other. He slowly kissed and sucked at her soft flesh as he moved down her body, his beard rubbing against her sensitive skin.

Aubrey felt so loved, cherished, worshipped.

She whimpered as he settled himself on his belly between her parted thighs.

"Shhh..", he pressed a kiss to her inner thigh, Aubrey's mind went hazy feeling his hot breath against her. "Relax for me, pretty girl.", he murmurs, leaning in.

Aubrey took a shuddering breath, feeling his flatted tongue lick up her swollen petals. "Oh god!", she gasped, blindly reaching down and weaving her fingers in his hair.

Steve hummed his approval at the action as he spread her lips, dipping his tongue into her warm wet, pretty pink cunt. Her fingers tightened in the hair on top of his head as he swirled his tongue around her engorged clit, before sucking the sensitive nub into his mouth.

"Ste—ahhh—oh god..", she sobbed, writhing under his scorching tongue as the coil with her tightened up. Aubrey's legs tried to close around him as she tries to protest the slight burn suddenly making itself known. He slides his arm under her legs, gripping the meat of her inner thighs he spreads her open more. Aubrey whines lewdly as Steve buries his face between her legs again, his skilled tongue lapping at her clit.

The sounds of him eating her out fills the quiet room.

"That feel good, pretty girl?",  he asks, sliding two fingers into her entrance.

Aubrey gasps, turned on even more, feeling the rumble of his voice between her legs, hearing the sound of her wetness as he pumps his fingers, flicking his tongue over her clit before closing his mouth and sucking, humming at the taste as if it was the sweetest of nectars. His fingers graze over her sweet spot, sending a jolt of pleasure to the ever-tightening coil in her belly.  "Right there, that's it. Please don't stop.", she begs, head tossed back, digging into the mattress.

He flattens his tongue, spreading her petals further with his fingers as he alternates between fast and slow, licking up and down her heat. Aubrey arches her back, desperately grabbing the duvet with one hand and his dirty blond locks with the other. Steve pulls back to catch his breath, peppering a few more kisses along her inner thigh, tongue grazing ever so slightly over her skin, building the tension in her belly.

"I-I'm close.", Aubrey stutters, whining soft moans, tugging harder on his hair.

She's a writhing mess under him, a mess of muffled sounds as he flicks his tongue over her clit harder and faster, alternating between swirling and flicking up and down. His beard burned her sensitive skin, but she couldn't find a reason to care right now, not when she felt this good. With another harsh suck to her clit, and the pads of his fingers pressing into that sweet spot, the tension snaps.  Aubrey is coming, her mouth falling open as she moans out his name as her back arches off the mattress, finger pulling his hair harder.

Steve moans against her clit, at the wonderful sting on his scalp. Then, lapping at her entrance and drinking more of her sweet release, he pulls another moan from her. When her hips start bucking up, humping his face as she rides out her orgasm, Steve has to slip a hand between himself and the bed to give his painfully throbbing neglected cock a squeeze.

Aubrey whimpers, pushing at him when he gives her a couple of kitten licks; when he finally sits up, Steve looks utterly wrecked. His dirty blonde hair was sticking up, and his chin and beard glistened with her cum. Again, she whimpers, seeing his cock head flush a purple-red color. Aubrey quickly pulls herself onto her knees and grabs his jaw, pulling him in for a kiss, humming at the taste of herself on his lips.

"Baby..", he grunts, hips rutting forward on their own according to seeking friction. "I need you.", he grits out, hands moving to her hips.

She nods quickly, her mouth starting to open to ask how he wants her when she finds herself flipped on her hands and knees with a warm hand on the middle of her back, pressing her chest down. "Oooh, god.", she breathes out shakily, her pussy clenches around nothing.

Blood roaring in his ears, Steve grips his cock, hissing at the touch; he presses in between her glistening petals, head lolling back at the feeling as a groan forces its way from his chest. One hand on her hip, the other steadying his cock at her entrance. He feels like he's going to combust if he doesn't bury himself in her velvety wet cunt; he slowly starts to sink into her, swallowed by her warmth inch by inch.

Aubrey's mouth falls open, mewling at the stretch, fingers clawing at the duvet.

Steve doesn't stop until his cock is fully sheathed within her quivering pussy. "Fuck.", he rasped, fingers digging into her plush hips. The slow drag of his cock has them both moaning in unison. "You feel so good, baby, taking me so well, squeezing me –god.", he praises.

She keens at his praise, feeling the tension within her already starting to wind back up. He grinds into her, bumping his spongy sensitive cock head against her cervix, pulling a sweet little noise from her. Steve can feel the pressure that has been building at the base of his spine for a while start to press close, his fingers flexing against her skin; she'll have bruises tomorrow. Pulling back slowly, feeling her walls massaging him, he groans lowly before rolling his hip roughly back into her. Aubrey cried out as he did it again, almost shoving her up the bed; he was pounding into her ruthlessly, the sound of skin slapping and short pants was all she can hear. 

Steve knew he wasn't going to last long and he wanted to feel her cum, no, he needed to feel her cum on his cock, he needed to feel her pussy clench around him, milking him. "Fuck, baby, I'm not gonna last long—shit—got me all worked up.", he grunted, thrusting. "Wanna feel you cum. Can you do that for me, baby?", he asked, hips snapping forward, "Can" thrust "You" thrust "Cum" thrust "For" thrust "Me."

"Yes! Oh god, harder, harder!", she pleaded. Aubrey was on the edge of oblivion.

He growled in response, feeling the pressure intensify as he fucked into her harder. Then, reaching down, he traced around her stretched pussy, relishing in the high-pitched whine from her before his fingers found her clit.

Aubrey sucked in a sharp breath, her eyes slammed shut, mouth falling open as she pressed her face further into the mattress as he rolled her clit between his thumb and pointer finger, the tension within her snapping. "Ooooh, oh god—Steve!", she wailed, cumming around his cock.

"F-fuuuuck.", he groaned hoarsely as her walls convulsed around him, trying to pull out to thrust back in was damn near impossible with the way her body was clinging to his cock, milking him. Steve gives one last powerful thrust before he stills, cock twitching violently as his orgasm rips through him, pulling out powerful wounded noise from his chest as he empties himself deep inside her.

Aubrey moans softly, feeling his cock pulsing hot cum inside her. They stay like that for a few minutes, both panting, sweat glistening on their bodies.

Steve gently pulls out of her, watching his cum slowly drip, her ass is red from their bodies slapping together roughly. Aubrey immediately collapses onto the bed and he follows her, sighing as the cool duvet touches his heated skin. When their breathing finally evens, Steve rolls onto his side, facing Aubrey, propping himself up.

Her hair is a mess, her face is still flushed, her mascara is smeared, lips are red from biting. She's fucked out.

"Honey.", he murmurs, tucking a piece of her sweat-matted hair from her face.

Aubrey can't get her brain to connect to her mouth, it's misfiring on all pistons so she hums. "Do you want to get a shower?", Steve chuckles, she scrunches her nose at the idea. "Do you just want to shower tomorrow?", he asks softly.

"Yeah.", she croaks a reply.

Steve leans forward and kisses her lightly before climbing out of bed, he pads to the bathroom. Grabbing two washcloths, he runs them under hot water, using one to wipe himself down. On his way to the bed, he grabs his boxer briefs, pulling them on before he offers Aubrey the rag, while she cleans up he gathers their clothes from the floor. Heading into the closest, he places them in the basket, grabbing a t-shirt and underwear for Aubrey, he heads back out. He lays the clothes on the vanity for her, returns to the bedroom to strip off the duvet, and grabs a fresh one before pulling back the sheets. 

They sink into bed together, Aubrey snuggles up, her head resting on his chest, as Steve rubs her back. Kash, feeling safe to enter the room again, curls up on the foot of the bed. Steve was sure the German Shepherd gave him a dirty look when he walked into the room; he reached over and turned off the light.

"I know that wasn't what you had expected.", he murmurs into the dark room.

Aubrey wrapped her arm around his midriff. "No, it wasn't.", she admitted with a yawn. "But it was perfect, you're perfect.", she replies softly, fighting off sleep. "I love you.", she slurs.

"I love you too.", he chuckles lightly as he pulls up the sheet. "Go to sleep.", he whispers. "My funny Valentine. Sweet Comic Valentine. You make me smile with my heart.", he mumbles, kissing her forehead.

Chapter Text

Aubrey huffs in irritation, Steve has been shut up in the office almost all afternoon on the phone with Maria Hill. It’s barely been three months into his retirement, and S.W.O.R.D is back in the picture. Aubrey glances over her shoulder and down the hall as she is viciously stirring her chocolate cake batter. She’s trying to bake these cupcakes with love and not hostility; it is not every day a man turns a hundred and five years old, or wait, how old is Bucky now? She frowned, glancing at the clock; Steve was going to have to leave soon to pick Bucky up, not leaving them much time to talk at all. In a surge of anger, she smacks the spoon she has been using to scoop chocolate cake batter into her cupcake tin on the side of the pan a little too hard.

Kash, who is lying a few feet away on the floor, ducks his head down, ears going back at the loud and unpleasant noise.

“I’m sorry, Kashy.”, Aubrey sighs regretfully, putting the spoon in the empty batter bowl.

She places the pan in the oven, setting a time. Aubrey cleaned up her mess before gathering the necessary ingredients to make her Nutella frosting. These were going to be rich and chocolatey cupcakes, this is exactly what Aubrey had been craving all day. She was on day three of her monthly sacrificial visit, and she knew her mood was all over the place. Yesterday, she cried at a video Zak had sent her of puppies, she’d snapped at Corey for not reading her mind about prepping the blueberry scones; for which she apologized repeatedly. Corey just shrugged the apology away, she was a woman who understood the trials and tribulations that came along with it. So she did want any woman would do, she called her best friend to make sure it was okay to be upset about this and that she wasn’t just riding the raging hormonal rapids.

“Hey, good lookin’!”, Zak answers right away.

Aubrey huffs a laugh, “I need you to tell me if I’m just in my head about this and being emotional or if I have a valid reason to be upset.”, she says, looking down the hallway toward the room Steve is closed up in.

“All right, what’s up?”, Zak asks.

Aubrey chews on her lip for a minute, she can hear Zak walking around his apartment. “Steve has been shut up all afternoon talking to Maria Hill. I’m scared, Zak.”, she admits, digging out two sticks of unsalted butter and heavy whipping cream.

“Like former boss, Maria Hill? As in the director of S.W.O.R.D?”, he asks, a little taken back and confused.

Aubrey sighs, annoyed, as she walks back from the pantry. “Yes, Zak, how many other Maria Hills do we know?”,she snaps, tossing a bag of powdered sugar onto the counter next to the Nutella.  

“Well, forgive me for double-checking. Sheesh!”, he sasses back, a little startled by her tone.

She feels horrible immediately. She stops moving the kitchen aide mixer, “Oh god, I’m sorry.” She sniffles, Jesus, not more tears. Then, taking a deep breath, she attaches the paddle piece and plugs the machine in.

“Oh babe, don’t cry. I know you’re sorry, retract the claws for me.”, he says, voice understanding and soothing. “You know I’m not into that kinky shit.”, he chuckles lightly.

Aubrey huffs a laugh at that, “I—I’m really stressed about this, what if she wants him to come back?”, she asks, voice small and unsure as she drops the butter into the sliver bowl of her mixer and turns it on, creaming the butter. She starts to add the powdered sugar, the vanilla extract, and the hazelnut spread, increasing the speed once she’s done.

Zak takes a deep breath, “Do you really think it’s something he might consider?”, he asks.

“Yes, I do.”, she says sadly, pouring the heavy cream into the thickening mixture. “Steve has this horrible habit of wanting to do the right thing all the time, even if it could get him hurt, maimed, or killed. His sense of self-preservation is severely damaged, I swear.” Aubrey rolls her eyes as she watches the paddle whip around the bowl, creating a light and fluffy chocolatey-looking frosting. 

“What a character flaw.”, Zak mutters.

The timer beeps; Aubrey placed her phone between her ear and shoulder, grabbed her oven mitts, and pulls out the cupcake tin. “I know, but I love him for it anyway.”, she smiles, hearing Zak chuckle.

“I know you do, babe, and I know he loves you.”, Zak said reassuringly.

Aubrey pauses, “What if it’s not enough for him, to give it all up for good?”, she asks lowly, tears stinging her eyes.

“Aubrey, you are enough, and if he can’t be happy with what he has now—”, Zak sighs, “Look, talk to him, sit down and have a conversation with him. Tell him the idea scares you, I remember what happened when he ended up in the hospital. I was there, I held you up when you cried. I…If I'm being honest, I don’t want to do that again. That broke my fuckin heart….”

Aubrey sniffles, wiping her eyes. “And I didn’t think you had a heart.”, she gives a watery chuckle.

“Fuckin shock to us both.”, he laughs. “I gotta get off here, call me later if you need to. And no, I don’t think you’re being hormonal for worrying about the safety of your danger-seeking future husband.”

“Thanks Zak, I love you.”, she says.

“I love you too, babe.”, he replies.

Steve ended the call. Putting his cell phone down, he scrubbed his face with both hands before leaning back in his chair and letting out a breath. Maria surprised him with that phone call, asking him to come in as a private consultant. It was a big ask and Steve wasn't sure what to do. He didn't have a good quality of life before the serum, he owed much to Abraham Erskine. Steve wouldn't be here today if he didn't try to enlist at the recruiting station at the Stark Expo in 1943, the serum saved his life then and when he went into the ice. For as long as he can remember, Steve has always wanted to do what was right. 

He did what was right when he ignored Colonel Phillips and went after the rest of the 107th and Bucky. He did so when he stood against Shield, refusing to accept whatever Pierce had told him. Again when he stood against his friends, his found family, to do what he thought was right and keep Bucky safe. 

Steve felt like because he had the ability to do it, then he should. He was given a second chance at life when others weren't as lucky, what did he do to deserve this? He knew that mentality wasn't healthy, with a sigh, he heaved himself out of the chair. He needed to talk with Aubrey about this, it wasn't just him anymore, he couldn't just make snap decisions, he had to think about her now too. Maybe he would wait a couple of days to talk to her about it, she’d been having severe cramps the last three days. Steve knew she was a little…sensitive during her monthly visits. 

Walking into the kitchen, Steve could already tell something was up by the way Aubrey was standing at the counter making frosting and chocolate cupcakes cooling on a rack nearby. Her shoulders where tense and her movements jerky, unlike how she is usually relaxed when she bakes. 

“Sweetheart?”, he says before stepping around the kitchen island. 

She doesn't answer, just hums, another telltale sigh that she isn't in a good mood. 

“What's wrong?”, he asks, reaching out to touch her shoulder. 

Aubrey steps aside, “Don’t.”, she says. 

He stops his hands halfway between them, “Aubrey, what's wrong?” 

“What did Maria want?”, she asked, ignoring his question. 

Steve nodded, “So we're doing this now?”, he breathed, crossing his arms. “Maria would like me to come in as a private consultant from time to time.”, he said, leveling with her. 

“And you said no, right?”, she assumed, as she used a silicone spatula to transfer the hazelnut frosting she had just made into a piping bag. 

“No, I told her I would think about it.”, he admitted. 

Aubrey whirled around, “Why? What’s there to consider?”, she asked, voice raising just a touch. 

“Everything.”, he replied, unmoving. 

“You've already done so much for them and the world, why do you have to keep giving?”, she demanded, anger and passion flaring in her eyes. 

Steve huffed, “Because I have the ability to do it, and I should.”, he replied steadily. 

“So do other people, Steve! It's not just you against the world, new enhanced persons are coming out of the woodwork every day willing to help.”, she challenged, walking past him to the stairs. 

Steve tossed up his hands, following her up the steps. “Aubrey, I can't just sit by and do nothing while innocent people are getting hurt, not when I can do something to help.”, he snaps, a little harsher than he would have liked. 

Aubrey stops on the stairs whirling around to face him. “It's not like there isn't anybody else willing to help! You did your time, you served your country! You volunteered for an experimental program that could have killed you and you survived, thank God!”, tears moistened her cheeks, “You stopped the Red Skull, you gave up your life to make sure of it! You were frozen, Steve, for 66 years!”, she snapped back. “You have served your country and done your duty since 1941!” 

“Yes, I know!”, he boomed, “I lived it!” 

Aubrey nodded, crossing her arms. “And what did you have to show for your years of service to your country?”, she asked, “You have PTSD, you’re claustrophobic, and you have a nightmare if something triggered you during the day.” 

Steve licked his teeth, gripping the railing a little too hard. “I know all this!”, he hissed, “I know what I gave up for my country! I know what I gave up when I gave my goddamn life, my future, everything! And I’d do it again in a heartbeat if--”, the words dying on his lips. 

She took a sudden step away from him, “You gave up everything then.”, she repeated in a small voice. 

“No, Honey.”, he took a step up. “It's not--“

Aubrey put up a hand, “Please don't.”, she wipes at her eyes with the sleeve of her shirt. “You should just leave, just go pick up Bucky, Steve.”, she sniffles, turning around and walking up the stairs. 

Steve stands frozen on the stairs, watching her move up the steps, Kash bolting past him, not sparing a glance at the super soldier. He flinched, hearing the door slam shut, leaning against the wall, he let his head thunk back. 

Steve sits in the parking lot of S.W.O.R.D., waiting for Bucky. His jet landed about ten minutes ago, so he should be walking out the door any moment. Steve felt horrible about what went on between him and Aubrey before he left the house. At first he thought she was being a little irrational, but after some time to think on the twenty-minute drive to get Bucky, he could see it was out of fear, love, and concern for his well-being that made her think the way she did. And he had made it seem like she was being selfish, wanting him to be selfish. Was he being selfish by wanting to say yes to Maria? Steve furrowed his brows, fingers flexing on the stirring wheel, what if the only reason she said yes when he proposed was that he was retiring? Would she still have said yes if he had kept the shield? He knew Aubrey loved him, she showed him every day how much she cared. He also knew that it would break her heart if he ended up in the hospital again. Although he did enjoy her being his nurse, he wasn't keen on the idea of going through that again. But what was he going to do with his life now? Yeah, he had gotten back into painting and drawing, but he did not want to be a househusband. He knew back then if he didn't get the serum, he would succumb to any of the illnesses ailing him; after the serum, he knew he had a place with the United States Army. When he woke up 66 years into the future, he knew he had a place with SHIELD, then the Avengers, and with S.W.O.R.D. 

Steve had no idea what his place was for the first time in years.

His phone pinging pulled Steve out of his head. Glancing down, he saw her name pop up.

Sweetheart: Tampons, please.

Well, at least she wasn't that angry with him.

The passenger side rear door opened and a black duffle bag was tossed in, startling Steve.

Bucky climbed into the passenger seat. “You know, it shouldn't be easy to sneak up on a super soldier.”, he said, buckling his seat belt.

“Yeah, well, I wasn't paying attention.”, Steve muttered, starting the truck.

Bucky eyed him carefully. “Clearly. So what's going on? Trouble in Paradise?”, he asked.

Steve sighed. “I hate that you're so perspective.”, he grumbled, pulling the truck out onto the road.

“Come on, Steve, tell your Uncle Bucky what's wrong.”, he teased, sliding on his sunglasses.

The blonde shot the brunette a dirty look. “Why are we friends?”, he asked dryly.

“Because I saved your ass one too many times and like the little duckling you are, you imprinted on me.”, Bucky shrugs.

Steve barks out a humorless laugh. “I hate you.”, he says.

“You love me and you know it.”, Bucky flashes him a shit-eating grin.

The blonde scuffed, “That has yet to be determined.”, he sighed, shaking his head.

“Pal, I hate to tell you this, but I think the whole world knows how much you love me.”, Bucky points out, wagging his brows behind his glasses. “I mean, people have written fan fiction about it.”, he chuckles, shaking his head disbelievingly. 

Steve frowns. He knows Bucky is right, he’s just not going to admit it and inflate his ego any mo—. “Wait a damn minute, did you say fan fiction?”, he asked, glancing toward Bucky.

“Oh yeah, there’s a lot of Stucky content out there.”, Bucky confirms with an uncomfortable shudder. 

Steve’s eyes widen, “Stucky?”

“Steve and Bucky.”, the brunette replies, face twisting. He wasn’t sure if he should be disgusted or flattered. 

At a stoplight, Steve looks over at his best friend, dumbstruck. “How the fuck did you hear about this?”, he asked.

“Lights green.”, Bucky nodded toward the light.

“Answer the question, Buck.”, Steve demands firmly.

Bucky doesn’t answer right away when they get stopped by another red light, Steve glares at him. “All right!”, he is tossing his hands up in surrender, “Jesus, Aubrey told me about it.”, he mumbles. 

“What!”, Steve nearly shouts. He didn't need Bucky to repeat it, he has very good hearing. His mouth opened and closed a few times before he just shut it. How the hell does she know about it? Has she read any of it, and more importantly, why did she tell Bucky about it and when?

Bucky waves his hand dismissively, “Anyway… Seriously pal, what’s going on?”, he asks.

It takes Steve several minutes to gather his thoughts as they quietly ride together. Finally, he pulls the truck into the parking lot of CVS, Bucky shoots him a quizzical look. 

Steve takes a deep breath, putting the truck in park, fingers still gripping the wheel. “I’ve got to grab a couple of things before we go to the house.”, he said, answering Bucky’s unasked question. 

Bucky nodded, sliding his sunglasses up to rest on his head, he waited while Steve gathered himself. 

After a few more minutes of silence, Steve spoke, he told Bucky about the call with Maria Hill, the mission on which she was requesting his help. Then he moved on to his argument with Aubrey; everything poured out. 

The brunette whistled lowly. “Damn.”, he said, shaking his head.

“I know. What do I do, Buck?", Steve asked, “How do I make this right?”

“Well, for starters, when we get back to the house, you will go find your fiancé and you’ll apologize.”, he says, tone leaving no room for argument. Steve, the stubborn man he is, frowns and opens his mouth. “Ah, ah”, Bucky hushes him,  “You will apologize. I don’t think she was out of line for caring about your mental and physical health. After you apologize, you’re going to admit to her that you’re scared and you don’t know where you stand now that you aren’t Captain America anymore.” Bucky’s hand dropped to his lap, “For fuck’s sake Steve, you’re going to marry this woman. She is probably one of the safest people for you to be vulnerable with.”, he finishes.

Steve nods, Bucky’s right, Aubrey is his space place; he knows she will catch him when he needs it and prop him up when he can’t stand alone.

Steve frowns as he stands in the feminine hygiene section of the pharmacy, he’s completely lost. Bucky has already texted him several times, threatening to hot-wire his truck and leave him.  

Kotex, Playtex, Tampex, Cora, and even an organic cotton brand, and the various sizes too. Light, Regular Super, and Super Plus. Steve felt like a piss poor fiancé, he couldn’t remember the brand Aubrey used. He’s picked them up before, he knew the box was purple, but so were the thirty boxes on the shelf in front of him. Then, he noticed a white box with the name Flex on the front, a menstrual cup; curiously, he picked it up and flipped the box over to read that back.

“Excuse me.” 

Steve startles for the second time that day. Clutching the box, he looks up at an older woman with faded brown hair with flecks of grey mixed in. The woman was wearing a red polo with a name tag that read Lisa, she smiled kindly at him.

“I couldn't help but notice that you look a little lost, dear.”, she says, her smile reaching her soft blue eyes.

Steve nods, fumbling as he puts the box back. “I uh, I am actually.”, he admits stuffing his hands in his pockets.

Lisa steps a little closer, turning to face the shelf with him. “Don’t worry, we’ll get you sorted out.”, she nudges him with her elbow playfully.

“That would be very much appreciated, ma’am.”, he says, relieved.

She waved him off, “Call me Lisa.”, she smiled.

“Steve.”, he gave a polite nod.

“Now, Steve, what color box are we looking for?”, she asks, glancing up at Steve. “Usually, if we narrow that down, we can go from there. Seeing the box helps.”, she says, pulling at the chain around her neck and holding her glasses.

Steve nods, it makes sense. “Uh, it’s a purple box with black on it…”, he says hesitantly.  

“That’s good, very good.”, Lisa hums as she pulls two boxes off the shelf. “These are the two common ones that are in purple and black boxes.”, she says, holding up a box of Kotex and a box of Tampex.

Steve looks at the boxes. “Uh, this one.”, he points to the Kotex.

“Great, now the next question, tampons or pads?”, she asked, putting the other box back.

“Tampons.”, he says back immediately; he did know that.

Lisa nods, walking down the aisle a little and turning to him, “Last big question Steve, what size are we needing?”

“Uh, I think heavy? I know purple on the wrapper, too.”, he shrugs.

Lisa grabs a box off the shelf. “Here you go, Kotex tampons for a heavy flow.”, she hands the box to Steve.  

“Thank you, Lisa.”, he mumbles, taking the box, his cheeks pink.

Lisa leaves him to finish the rest of his shopping. He grabs a bottle of Midol and a few snacks he knows she will enjoy. While walking toward the checkout, Steve swings down the candy aisle and grabs a big bag of Hershey’s kisses, as he turns the corner, he spots a little display with small bouquets. It wouldn’t hurt to buy her flowers, too, right? Lisa, bless her, didn’t say anything as she rang up his basket, just gave him a knowing look when she scanned the chocolate and flowers.

Steve climbs in the truck, handing Bucky the bag and flowers. As he’s buckling up, the brunette starts digging through the bag.

“Ooh, Hershey kisses.”, he says, grabbing the bag.

“I wouldn’t open those if I were you, not unless you want to test out just how well Hydra did on that serum.”, Steve warned.

Bucky frowned. With a pout, he opened the bag back up and noticed the box of tampons. “Oh, good call.”, he mumbles, putting the candy back and setting the bag in the back seat.

When they arrive at the house, Bucky grabs his duffle bag as Steve grabs his purchases from the pharmacy. They walk into the house and Aubrey is in the kitchen sitting at the table with her laptop and Kash at her feet, keeping an ever watchful eye. She doesn’t bother looking up when the super soldiers walk into the kitchen. Bucky shoots Steve a look and mouths apologize.

“Hey beautiful.”, Bucky says, leaning down behind Aubrey to kiss her cheek.

She swats at Bucky playfully. “Hey, Buck.”, she smiles up at him.

Steve places the bags on the table. “I, uh, got what you asked for.”, he says awkwardly.

Bucky, still standing behind Aubrey, smacks himself in the face rolling his eyes.

“Thanks.”, Aubrey mumbled. The warmth that was there when she greeted Bucky was gone.

Steve sighs, “Aubrey.”, as he leans on the table.

“Steven.”, she says back, raising an eyebrow.

Bucky claps his hands together, “Well, I’m beat, so I’m gonna go…anywhere else but here.”, he says, grabbing his bag as he heads for the stairs. “Kash, you coming, pal?”, he asks over his shoulder.

The German Shepherd looks from Aubrey to Steve, then gets up and follows Bucky to the guest room.

Aubrey closes her computer and heads toward their shared office space, Steve takes off behind her.

“Aubrey.”, he says, she doesn’t turn around. “Aubrey, baby, please..”, Steve says, pleading as he reaches for her empty hand. “Let me explain myself, please?”

She pauses in the doorway, he lets go of her hand as she turns around. After setting her computer down, she crosses her arms, raising an impatient brow.

“I am so sorry for raising my voice at you.”, he starts, nervously licking his lips. “I won’t lie and say it didn’t cross my mind to take Maria up on her offer. Regardless, I would have talked to you beforehand, I wouldn’t just decide something that would affect both of us.”

“I don’t understand why you would want to go back to it all after everything you’ve been through, everything we’ve been through.”, her voice breaks a little.

Steve wants to reach out, pull her close, and hold her while she cries; he hates it when she cries, more so when he is the reason. 

“Because baby, for the first time in my life I don’t know where my place is, or my purpose.” He swallows thickly, “Since nineteen forty-one, I have had a job, a purpose, and now I-I don’t know what I’m supposed to do. I love having all the free time to be with you, but you’re building a business and a name for yourself, and I couldn’t be prouder. But I’m a little jealous, you have a career, a purpose, something to do daily. Now I’m not saying that I regret retiring, I don’t at all. I didn’t know I was going to miss doing something so much.” He takes a shuddering breath, “I know I deserve the time off, baby, I know that. I know what I gave up being Captain America, I would do it again in a heartbeat if the world needed me to. I would do anything to keep you safe.” His eyes water a little, he feels exposed, like a small, ninety-five-pound asthmatic.  

“Oh, Steve.”, Aubrey says, stepping into his space as she cups his jaw.

Steve steadies himself by placing his hands on her hips. “I’m sorry.”, he whispers.

“I wish you would have told me about how you were feeling, baby.”, she says, wrapping her arms around his middle and hugging him tightly.

“I know, I should have said something.”, he agrees, resting his cheek on the top of her head.

“I’m sorry too.”, she says, looking up at him. “I shouldn’t have gotten so upset.”

Steve hums, “You were worried about me, and I love you for that. I know, I tend to be…frustrating—”.

“You can say that again!”, Bucky hollered from upstairs.

Steve huffs as Aubrey breaks out in a giggle, burying her face in his chest. Aubrey grabs his hand and leads him into the office, directing Steve to his drawing chair, she pushes him down and climbs into his lap. Steve gladly welcomes her, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close. Aubrey lays her head on his shoulder, feeling much lighter now that they’ve talked. Neither says anything for a while, just taking the time to process.

“If you were able to, would you have finished art school?”, Aubrey asked, tilting her head up to look at him.

Steve took a deep breath, thinking for a few minutes. “Probably. I’ve always liked art.”, he said.

“Have you thought about going back to school?”, she asks.

“You know, Nat asked me the same thing a few weeks ago.”, he chuckled, pulling her closer. He thought about it, he wouldn’t be the first person his age to go back to college. “I don’t know what I would do with an art degree now.”, he says, brows furrowed thinking.

Aubrey swiftly sat up. “Teacher!”, she suggested excitedly, “An elementary school teacher.”

“Huh, I never thought of that.”, he replied, thinking about it further. He does like kids, and he’s pretty great with Morgan and the Barton kids. Could he see himself as a teacher, an art teacher? He would keep the same hours as Aubrey, sure the money wasn’t that great, but it’s not like they were hurting financially. “I’ll think about it. I don’t want to start anything right now. With the bakery remodel and the wedding coming up, I want to help you in any way I can.”, he says, pressing a kiss on her cheek.

Aubrey sighed, he was not wrong, things were going to get pretty hectic; they were getting married in seven months. “Fine, I’ll agree to that, but after, you have to promise me that you’re going to give it some serious thought.”, she says.  

“I promise.”, he says, leaning to kiss her.

Aubrey meets him the rest of the way, “I love you.”, she mumbles against his lips.

“I love you too.”, he murmurs back. “I think we should probably go see what the birthday boy wants for dinner.”, he sighs, patting her hip.

Aubrey huffs, “Probably.”

The evening ends on a positive note. Bucky decides he wants homemade pizza for dinner, so the three of them jump into a bottle of wine and start dinner together. The kitchen is filled with music and laughter. Bucky tells stories from when they were kids, all the ones that make the tips of Steve’s ears turn pink. Their little argument seemed so big at the time that this is just another nail added to the wood of the life they are building together.

Chapter Text

Aubrey whimpered into his chest, pressing a kiss into Steve’s overheated skin; the nails of her left hand dug into his shoulder as her fingers tightened on his right. Steve’s body pressed her into the mattress, her thick thighs cradling him; they’re both sweaty, sticky, and panting as his hips rock into her sensually. His pelvis rubbed against her, thick curly public hair scrapping against her clit in a delicious way.

“Oh God, Steve.”, she moans, feeling the drag of his thick cock stretching her as the building pleasure in her lower belly increases ten fold.  

Steve groans deep in his chest, he can feel her nails cutting into his skin, her cunt clenching around him tightly. “Yeah, baby.”, he grunted, rolling his hips harder. “That feel good?”, he breaths as his mouth attaches to her neck, sucking a bruise into her soft skin. 

“Ngh..”, Aubrey replies, her head thrown back. 

Steve pulled himself up, snatching a pillow. He stuffed it under Aubrey’s bottom, changing the angel, and grabbed hold of her thigh with one hand, bracing himself against the headboard with the other. He pulled out slowly, watching his cock slide out of her hungry cunt, and he groaned, biting his lip. He fucked back in with a sharp snap of his hips that had Aubrey crying out, her back arching off the mattress. He watched with each thrust, the soft voluptuousness of her belly moving, her breast bouncing. Scooting himself forward, forcing her hips up a little more, Steve pounded into her, the sound of smacking flesh as his hips and heavy balls slapped against her. His hand gripped the headboard tighter, fuck she looked gorgeous on his cock.

“Oh my god.”, she cried out, feeling his cock drag that spot inside her.

Aubrey’s breath hitched as he changed positions, she felt like her breasts would smack her in the face, but that thought was quickly forgotten as she felt the ache between her thighs. She was going to have trouble walking after this. Unsure what to do with her hands, Aubrey grasped the sheets tightly, holding on as Steve continued his rough and quick pace. 

“Fuck, love this body.”, he rasped, voice thick with arousal as he plunged back into her body. The pressure that had slowly been building at the base of his spine was steadily growing, and his balls were starting to draw up. “So fuckin sexy.”, he purred.

Aubrey keened at the paise, her face heating up, spreading a rush of pleasure, pushing her closer to her climax. “Steve, please, oh please…”, she begged, not knowing what she was begging for.

“That’s it, sweetheart.”, he growled, his hand tightening more on the headboard as his hips moved faster. “Love it when you beg me for more.”, he growled, hips snapping into her roughly, her ass and thigh pinking up prettily. Steve felt downright feral, the need to fuck into her as hard as he could slowly taking over until—SNAP!

“Fuck!”, Steve cursed.

Aubrey was on edge, about to fall over when she heard the loud snapping. Throwing her head back to look, sure enough, the headboard to their brand new Trinell Panel bedframe was cracked down the middle. Steve’s hips had only faltered momentarily, he quickly adjusted their position and kept going, his hands grabbing her thighs.  He broke the headboard, Steve busted their bed fucking her into the goddamn mattress. A rush of heat pulsed through her, Aubrey grabbed him, wanting him closer, and he came willingly.

“Oh, oh…”, she moaned high and needy as his groin rubbed against her sensitive, swollen clit, “Oh fuck, ah ah..”, she mewled, gripping his shoulders tightly.

“Oh, shit—fuck—ngh…”, he groaned, feeling her tighten around him; she was going to cum and was taking him with her.

Her head tossed back, strawberry hair everywhere, round cheeks flushed as pussy walls started to spasm and contract around his cock as she came with a loud cry. Steve roared with the force of his orgasm being pulled from him, his cock jerking as he spurted thick white ropes of cum into her pulsating heat, milking him of every last drop.