Under the ruins

Fandom: Marvel, Captain America.
Ship: Steve Rogers X OFC.
Word count: 1050 words.
Square: 2 "First kiss."
Rating: Teen.
Summary: Steve and Jenna's first kiss.
Major Tags: Fluff, New York attack.
N/A: This is my entry to Calendar Events August: National Kiss and Make-up Day.

New York, minutes after the Chitauri attack began.

Screams and explosions echoed through the streets, Jenna was running through the rubble, her breath hitching as she searched for more survivors. With her dark hair tied in a ponytail and her tactical uniform covered in dust and sweat, she moved, dodging falling rocks and plumes of smoke. Everly had been in another block.

"This way!" he shouted to a group of people who had been trapped under a fallen scaffolding. Using all her strength and powers, she lifted the scaffolding, allowing them to escape. Run to the S.H.I.E.L.D. building, it's the safest!

As the civilians ran to safety, Jenna felt a tremor beneath her feet. She turned in time to see a huge Chitauri leap from a nearby building. Without time to think, she drew her weapon and fired repeatedly, but the creature barely flinched. With a savage roar, the Chitauri pounced on her.

Jenna rolled to the side just in time, the creature hitting the ground where she had been.

But just as the Chitauri prepared for another attack, Steve arrived to block the attack with his shield.

"Are you all right?!" Steve shouted, not taking his eyes off the creature.

"Yes, I am" Jenna replied.

With a final blow, Steve sent the Chitauri flying into a nearby wall, where it lay motionless. Breathing heavily, he turned to Jenna.

"What are you doing here alone? "he asked, helping her up.

"Searching for survivors," she replied, dusting off her uniform. "It's my job."

"Come on, I need your help to secure this area," he said, looking around. The street was littered with debris, and more Chitauris were approaching in the distance.

Steve covered Jenna as she helped a group of children out of the rubble, leading them to a nearby store that was still intact.

"Stay here and don't come out until someone comes for you! "Jenna told them; the children, frightened but obedient, nodded their heads.

As they left the tent, the ground shook with a nearby explosion. A cloud of dust and debris filled the air, and before they could react, a large section of a wall collapsed on top of them.

Jenna felt a sharp tug on her arm as Steve pulled her to the ground, shielding her with his body. The impact was deafening, but fortunately, they fell under an arc of debris that covered them.

"Are you all right? "Steve asked in a whisper.

"Yes, I'm fine... "she replied, trying to calm her rapid breathing. Her mind was in turmoil, not only because of the danger but also because of her proximity to Steve.

As they waited for the dust to settle, Jenna realized how close they were to each other. Their eyes met in the gloom.

"I never told you before..... "Steve began, his voice barely a whisper, "but I admire what you do. You're brave, more than you know.

"Thank you... "she murmured, feeling her cheeks blushing.

Steve lifted a hand, gently brushing Jenna's cheek, his thumb caressing the dirty but soft skin. Their breathing synchronized, and before they could stop themselves, their lips met in a kiss.

Jenna clung to Steve, losing herself in the moment, forgetting what was going on around her. Their lips moved urgently as if they never wanted to part.

The kiss broke slowly, both breathing heavily, their foreheads pressed against each other. Jenna opened her eyes, while Steve smiled.

"I don't know what's going to happen after this, but... I'm glad you're here, Jenna," Steve said.

Jenna smiled, a small laugh escaping her lips.

"Me too, Steve. So am I.

Before they could say anything else, the sound of moving debris reminded them of reality. They had to get out of there, and fast.

"Come on, we've got to get out of here.

They climbed out of the rubble. Jenna prepared to fight, but Steve stopped her.

"Keep looking for survivors. I'll take care of these," he ordered, raising his shield.

Hours later...

The battle was finally over. Jenna walked through the rubble, her body sore and covered in dust and dirt. Despite her fatigue, she kept moving, helping to lift rocks and debris, looking for anyone who might be trapped. It was the first different and "difficult" mission they had had.

As Jenna approached a group of rescuers, her gaze met Steve's. He was standing, talking to Tony and Natasha, but when he saw her, he apologized to them and walked toward her.

"How are you?" asked Steve, his gaze quickly scanning her for injuries.

"I'm awful, full of dust, sweat and dirt," Jenna replied, shrugging her shoulders. Thanks for saving me back there. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't been there.

"There's nothing to be thankful for, Jenna. I was doing what anyone else would have done..... Well, maybe not anyone else.

"How are the others? "She asked, looking around. Have all the civilians been found?

Steve nodded. At the same time he took her by the arm to lead her to a place out of sight of the others, where no one would see them.

"Yes, we've evacuated most of the people and taken them to relief centers. We're still looking for some missing people.

"Steve, I... "He started to say, but stopped.

Steve took a step closer, his hand brushing Jenna's arm.

"Me too, Jenna. What happened down there, under that rubble....

"I don't know what comes next, Steve, but I know I want to be with you.

"Me too, Jenna. And I promise, whatever happens, I'll be with you.

Finally, Steve raised a hand and gently stroked Jenna's cheek, his thumb brushing her skin. Without saying a word, he leaned forward and kissed her. Jenna responded to the kiss, her lips slowly moving against Steve's. When the kiss ended, Steve held her tightly, as if he never wanted to let her go. Jenna leaned against his chest, feeling her heart pounding, and smiled.

"Come on," Steve finally said, releasing her but keeping a hand on her waist. There's still work to be done, but after this, would you like to... go out with me? Maybe this isn't the best time to ask, but I don't want to waste any more time.

Jenna smiled, nodding.

"I'd love to, Steve."