pov steve~

I did a thing that I'm not sure was the best idea in the world.

After a night out, starting at a nice restaurant, migrating over to the bar and eventually meandering back to Stark tower by midnight, Sharon and I had had a great night together.

"I had a really nice time tonight," she smiled at me, tucking her blonde hair behind her ears.

"So did I," I smiled back. "We should do this again sometime," I felt cliche saying that.

"Definitely, although," her hand met my arm. "We don't have to part ways just yet if you don't want."

I knew what she was implying, and I wasn't ready to have sex with someone else yet, but that didn't mean other things were off the table.

"The night is young," I replied, eyeing her as she stood before me.

"Where to?" she questioned, looking around the spacious, dark floorpan for somewhere to go other than the entryway.

"Living room?" I suggested. I could tell she knew I wasn't going to have sex with her tonight from her next expression, but she still seemed happy to hang out for a little while longer.

"Sure, lead the way," she motioned for me to start in the right direction.

We sat on the couch, the lamps on the end tables lit the area with an ambient orange-yellow mood light, something that bounced off of her facial features perfectly.

"You're beautiful, you know," I told her confidently.

She blushed. "Thank you, Steve, that means a lot coming from you."

Suddenly, I froze. When she didn't react, I knew the sound I had heard must have been from all the way down the hallway and extremely quiet, but I did pick up on it nonetheless. I didn't focus too hard on it, because I didn't want her to think that something was wrong, so we went about the remainder of the conversation as usual.

"So, where do you want to go on our next date?" I wondered what she might say.

"Well, you already took me to a fancy restaurant," she smiled. "I'm not sure. I don't think something super expensive is necessary, just something fun."

"So, Coney Island Amusement Park?" I laughed quietly and almost to myself.

She chuckled. "You're kidding, but that would probably be a lot of fun."

Again, I heard that noise, but refused to say anything or give away the fact that something was going on.

"Maybe we will, then," I thought about going there with Bucky. "Or something similar, anyway."

"I'm good with anything, as long as I get to spend time with you," she met my eyes sweetly.

I smiled at the sentiment, "that's a solid point, actually."

"What can I say," she made a face, jokingly. "I'm a genius."

"Well, I wouldn't go that far," I answered playfully.

She fake shoved me and made a face, "who knew Captain America could be so rude."

"Anyone who really knows Captain America knows he's extraordinarily sarcastic- I wouldn't use the word rude," I chuckled.

"Yea, and I wouldn't use the word sarcastic, either," she smiled to herself. "You know, because sarcasm implies that you're funny."

I made a shocked face at her, "yea, I think it's time for you to leave," we both laughed.

She checked her phone. "Actually, in all seriousness, I think I probably should leave soon, it's nearly one thirty."

"Already?" I was surprised at how quickly the time flew by. "Are you sure you're alright to walk back home alone at this hour?"

She smirked, standing up. "I'm Agent 13, I carry my gun in a thigh holster everywhere I go," she lifted her dress slightly to show me. "Someone would have to be real stupid to mess with me."

"I believe it," I walked her to the elevator, briefly hearing the noise that sounded like a shuffle against the wooden floor again.

"Goodnight, Steve," she said. "Thanks for dinner and a great time."

"My pleasure," I leaned in, kissing her briefly on the lips before she walked out.

I was really against this whole moving on thing and I still am... but maybe less so now that I've tried it. I have to start somewhere, so I might as well jump right into it.