Summary: Everyone basically knows that something's going on between you and Steve, but the two of you are too shy and too timid to even bother talking about what both parties feel. The two of you eventually come around.

He sighed, averting his gaze as he raised his head.
"Yeah... I guess I should have given time to figure it out as well. I'm sorry."

"There they go again; in their own little world..."
Tony followed Natasha's gaze, seeing you sitting side by side with Steve Rogers. He smirked, looking back at Natasha as he shook his head. Natasha leaned on the doorway inches beside her, crossing her arms as she sighed with a solemn smile on her face. Tony leaned on the wall, staring at you and Steve. Everyone in the building knows what's up already, but the two of you are basically too ignorantto even try and figure out what your relationship status was. It frustrated Natasha and Tony, who were rooting for the soon-to-be couple. It even came to the point where Tony would tease the two of you in public, but it ended up in blushes and averted gazes. The teasing irritated Clint, who would frequently shout at the two of you to "hook up already." Thor was ignorant as well unsure about the events taking place, while Bruce was too busy working in the laboratory to even grasp the concept of what's going on.
"Do you think they look cute together?" Natasha asked Tony.
Tony sighed as he glanced at Natasha. "You've asked me that for the nth time already--they do."
Natasha smiled. "Why does Y/n act like she lives in the same era as Steve? It's as if she's inexperienced in relationships like him."
"Actually, she is," Tony said, shaking his head. "Scratch the same era thing; she's inexperienced like Cap."
"They definitely need to start dating," Natasha said, leaning away from the doorway before walking away.
"I think they'll come to that part eventually," Tony said, sighing as he walked away from the scene as well.

You giggled while Steve laughed heartily, his eyes smiling and his lips curling up from ear to ear. The two of you were sitting close together, talking about a lot of things. Steve was in the middle of talking about an accident in one of the diners back during his time, about a woman who accidentally thought Steve was her little brother and even forced him to come home with her. That was long before the super soldier incident happened, and you can't help but smile and grin at the little gestures Steve would make as he shared his thoughtful and comedic story. Steve shook his head when he finished talking.
"It was definitely awkward when that happened," he said, chuckling. "I had to reason with the woman, and she began apologizing to me endlessly when she realized her mistake. She told me I really looked like her younger brother, and I even offered to look for him. We ended up looking for the guy, finding him in a bar a few blocks down the street. Too illegal for his age, to be honest."
"I wouldn't even know what I would do if I were in that situation," you said, shaking your head with a grin. "Say..."
"What is it?" he asked, fully turning to you.
"We should get something to eat," you offered, smiling sheepishly.
"Oh, you hungry?" he asked, fumbling for his wallet inside his jeans pocket.
You waved your hands frantically. "Oh! N-No! I-I'll treat you on this one!"
He smiled. "Oh, I think you have it the other way around. Usually, men are the ones treating the ladies. I got this, Y/n--"
You absentmindedly grabbed both of his hands. "N-No, Steve. Just... take this as a token for taking your time."
"You honestly didn't, Y/n," he said, still smiling as he shook his head. "I swear, I got this--"
"But Steve--"
"JUST LET SOMEONE TREAT SOMEONE, FOR GOD'S SAKE!"
You and Steve blushed before turning to Tony, who was sitting on a stool with his elbow on the worktable and his chin in his palm. He had a look of utter annoyance spread across his features, and it seemed as if he has been watching you and Steve chatter for a while. Steve cleared his throat, furrowing his eyebrows at Tony.
"What business do you have with us, Stark?" Steve asked sternly.
Tony stared at Steve in disbelief. "Are you two seriously this stupid?!"
"Hey, don't implicate her in this conversation," Steve scolded. "Also, that was pretty rude of you, Stark."
Tony groaned. "Don't you guys have any idea what the word 'date' means? It's something you two should be doing right now!"
"I don't think you understand, Mr. Stark," you said respectfully. "Steve and I are just friends--"
"Ah, to hell with that," Tony said, standing up from the stool. "If you two don't start hooking up soon, I'm seriously gonna meddle."
"Don't meddle, Stark," Steve said, sighing exasperatedly.
"Oh, I definitely will," he swore, pointing from you to Steve. "Remember this day perfectly well, Y/n andCap."
Steve left the room with a scowl. Steve sighed, looking downwards as he shook his head. You were still looking at where Tony ran off to, and you snapped from your trance when you felt a strong yet comforting hand on your shoulder.
"Hey, did that upset you?" Steve asked in a whisper.
You looked at him, shaking your head with a smile. "No, I'm fine. I guess I'm used to Mr. Stark's rambles."
"Don't let that get to you, okay?" He smiled. "Now, how about that treat?"
You sighed. "I told you, Steve, I'll be treating you today. Besides, you always treat me when we go out--"
"I'm seriously fine with it, Y/n. Please? Come on--how about we head to that favorite ice cream parlor we always go to?"
Your eyes glistened. "R-Really?"
He nodded. "Any flavor you want! My treat."
You pouted, groaning. "Okay, fine. Let's go already! I so desperately want to taste their new pistachio and sunflower seeds combo!"
"You got it," he said, standing up. "Oh, here."
He held out your hand, thanking him as you took it. You wrapped your hand around his arm, and he smiled easily as the two of you walked out of the room. The two of you caught the attention of everyone along the way, while the two of you argued which flavor of ice cream would be good to pair with.

You and Steve savored the ice cream cones you bought from the ice cream parlor, hanging out by the local park right after. You watched children run around and play, a few people feed the ducks on the lake, and lovers lean into each other's embrace as they walked on the road together. Meanwhile, you and Steve were simply laughing like a bunch of buffoons, snorting and cackling like there was no tomorrow. Everyone stared at you as they walked past, but they didn't bother saying anything. When you finally finished your cone, a little boy ran up to Steve with a picture of him and a marker in hand.
"Can you please sign this, mister?" the little boy asked Steve.
"Sure thing, little brother," Steve said as he ruffled the kid's hair. He took the photograph and the marker, signing his name by the lower-left corner with a message that said "If you're gonna do something, do it with all your heart." The message alone was enough to make your heart melt, and you smiled at Steve when he glanced at you. The little boy thanked Steve, happily skipping away back to his mother. Steve sighed, finishing his own ice cream cone.
"It's been a while since someone wanted me to to sign my name on paper," Steve said, chuckling. "It's such a good feeling when it's a kid running up to you."
"He looked so happy," you said, sighing in content. "I bet you made that kid's life, Steve."
He laughed. "Don't exaggerate things, Y/n. Pretty sure it just made his day."
You laughed, but you eventually went silent. Steve furrowed his eyebrows before turning to look at you.
"Hey, you okay?" he asked.
You pursed your lips. "Y-Yeah..."
"Hey, doesn't look like it," Steve said, inching a little closer. "Tell me what's wrong."
You sighed, smiling. "I know I can't keep any secrets from you, Steve."
"Come on, tell me," he urged encouragingly. "I won't get mad at you--whatever it is."
"Alright," you said with a shaky sigh. "That kid reminds me of something I shouldn't..."
"What is it?" You gave him a long, knowing look before he averted his gaze. "Oh..."
You nodded. "Yeah. It's 'cause I think I'm starting to age, you know? I mean, I still don't have a boyfriend--"
Steve laughed. "Y/n, you're still awfully young. I mean, you're talking to a ninety-five year-old super soldier. I'm pretty sure you still have the time for that."
You smiled. "You're right. What was I thinking? I'm sorry. It was always like that when I see kids and stuff. It's been bothering me for a while. I kept thinking that maybe I'm going to die without someone by my side or something."
"I have faith that that will never happen," he said, putting a hand on your shoulder. "Don't overthink about that stuff. It will eventually come to you, I promise."
"Really?" You looked at him straight in the eyes.
He found himself staring back. "Yeah, of course."
Before you could say anything else, someone grabbed you by the arm and quickly dragged you across the ground. Astonished, Steve began running towards the crook with an angered expression. The unknown person who grabbed you eventually carried you in a bridal way, outrunning Steve. You screamed for Steve's name, but he found himself slowing down when you suddenly faded from his sight. He began breathing heavily, staring off from where you disappeared before his eyes were overtaken by darkness. He struggled for a moment before finally giving in when another unknown presence took hold of him in a sheer amount of force.

You opened your eyes to see that you were in a room with nothing but a lamplight hanging from the ceiling. You groaned, shaking your head to regain your consciousness. You slowly stood up, taking in your surroundings. It was a box-type kind of room, but it looked perfectly sealed, with no light seeping from the walls. You tried looking around, but the lamplight was dim and the darkness seemed too hard to see through. Suddenly light filled a specific part of the room, which seems like a window with two silhouettes inside of it. You walked towards it, but a feminine figure held her hand up to stop you from walking forward.
"Stay where you are," she commanded.
"Um... I'm sorry, but can you please tell me where I am?" you pleaded, putting your hands together.
"I don't think that information's necessary," the seemingly male beside her said. "Maybe you should talk to him instead of us."
You turned, seeing Steve lying on the ground unconscious. You hurriedly walked towards his side, shaking his shoulder. His eyebrows furrowed for a moment before groaning out. His eyes slowly fluttered open, meeting your gaze. He slowly sat up, landing his hands on your shoulders. He had a worried look on his face, and he began touching your arm before hugging you.
"Oh, God," he murmured. "I'm glad you're safe."
You hugged back. "I'm glad you're safe too, Steve."
He pulled away slightly. "Where in the world are we?"
You shook your head. "I don't know, but... theyseem to know."
Steve looked past you, seeing the two figures from the window as well. He quickly stood up, walking quickly towards the window. He slammed a fist on the window, pure anger etched on his face. The two figures didn't even flinched, but they seem to be staring right at Steve as they watched him try to break through the window. When he finally gave up, he began catching his breath. When he managed to calm down, the woman began to speak.
"Calm down, Mr. Rogers," the woman said. "We just want the two of you to start talking."
"What... What are you talking about?!" Steve shouted, pounding on the window yet again.
"Whoa, Cap," the male said, "calm down. We don't mean you no harm."
Steve stared at the male in disbelief. "T-Tony...?"
The male chuckled. "That's right, Cap! Glad you finally deciphered my voice. I've got Natasha with me. She's the one who kidnapped Y/n."
Natasha waved. "Hello."
"Why--Why are you two doing this?" Steve asked, seemingly confused.
"I think it's damn right about time you two talked," Tony said, crossing his arms. "We won't be listening, we promise. We just want you to talk."
"Y-You're seriously gonna make me do it?!" Steve asked, eyes widening.
Natasha nodded. "Uh-huh. Why don't you quit talking to us and start talking to her."
Steve looked at you, seeing the fearful look in your eyes. He looked back at Tony and Natasha, nodding encouragingly. Steve sighed as he waved them off, and the light from the room where Tony and Natasha were in suddenly turned off. Steve knew they were still listening, but he had no other choice. He walked towards you, and the fear seems to amplify as you waited for him to speak. He looked straight into your eyes.
"Why did Mr. Stark and Ms. Romanoff do this?" you asked quietly.
Steve sighed. "They want us to... talk."
"About what?"
He seems suddenly withdrawn. "Us."
"What about us?" you asked.
"I... I honestly don't know, Y/n," he admitted, sighing exasperatedly.
You looked downwards. "They really want us to be together, huh..."
He nodded. "Yeah..."
Silence engulfed the two of you right after. The two of you were looking downwards, completely unsure of what to say. In your mind, you began recalling all the times you were with Steve. He was the only man who understood what you felt, approaching you when he noticed how lonely you were back at the S.H.I.E.L.D. You reasoned out that you only felt comfortable working alone, but seems to deny your ideologies. He pushed the thought of workingtogether was a lot better than working alone. That was the moment your eyes opened to brand new possibilities, and that was also the day you became friends with Steve. You pursed your lips, thinking whether or not there was something more to what the two of you have at the moment. You glanced at Steve, who looked deep in thought as well.
In Steve's mind, he was also thinking the same day the two of you met and onward. He always thought that you were the silent type, and someone who needs a little time understanding. You weren't all that hard to please, and that was what he liked about you... as a friend. He depended on you every single time he needed something to do quite modern for his liking, and you were always there to help him. In your mind you always thought Steve was savior, but in his mind it was the other way around. Suddenly, the two of you took sharp intakes of breath and looked at one another, ready to say something. Steve chuckled, gesturing towards you.
"Ladies first," he insisted.
"No, it's okay," you urged. "You go first."
"No, your thought is much more important--"
"Steve, I definitely believe you should be the first to--"
"THE DAY IS GOING TO END WITH YOU TWO BICKERING INSTEAD OF KISSING EACH OTHER! COME ON!"
You and Steve blushed again, turning to the window where Natasha and Tony was. Natasha's lips were curved into a smirk while Tony looked quite annoyed. The two of you turned back to one another, breathing a heavy sigh in unison. The two of you laughed before it died out, meeting each other's gazes. Somehow, you could see that Steve desperately wants to say something, but he was making you go first. You decided to give in, shaking your head. He furrowed his eyebrows, baffled by your actions.
"Steve," you called out silently.
"What is it, Y/n?" he asked, a little too enthusiastically.
You frowned, reaching out to hold both of his hands in yours. He doesn't seem to hold any malice from your actions, since you began swinging your hands together like a child's. He patiently waited for your actions, staring at you as you did so. You eventually stopped, still looking downwards.
"Y/n, look at me," he said softly.
You did as you were told. "Steve, I..."
"Tell me everything that you want to say," he said encouragingly.
"This is so hard for me to say, I--"
He held your hands tighter. "Y/n."
You met his gaze. "What is it, Steve?"
"Please," he practically begged quietly, "I want to know what's on your mind."
You gulped. "Actually, I... I wished that... maybe--just maybe... there would be something between us besides friendship, you know? But I..."
You shook your head, a little hesitant. Steve smiled, giving your hands a firm squeeze.
"Go on," he urged.
"... But I guess that's not possible," you admitted, sighing as tears welled up your eyes. "I actually likedbeing friends more than anything. I didn't want a single relationship to ruin everything, so I kept quiet... to the point where I forgot all my troubles, deciding that a friendship would have been a smarter choice."
You looked up at Steve, hoping for a reaction. Luckily, it seemed neutral. His eyes were wide open, and his mouth was slightly open as well. You expected him to say something like "I'm sorry, but..." or "I don't think we're" blah, blah, blah... Your mind was a mess right now, and you weren't expecting any of this to happen.
Steve slowly let go of your hands, and that was when you expected for the worst to happen. He put his hands on his hips, looking downwards on the floor as he pursed his lips. He sighed, averting his gaze as he raised his head.
"Yeah... I guess I should have given time to figure it out as well. I'm sorry."
Your eyes widened at his response, completely speechless. He looked downwards, shaking his head as he licked his lips. He was having a hard time saying all the words he wanted to say. You were frozen in place, completely awestruck. You waited for Steve to regain composure and speak.
"I have the same situation as you," he said, sighing. "I thought... keeping it as 'friends' would have been better, since I seriously didn't want to ruin what we already have."
"Were you scared too?" you asked, feeling a little pathetic.
He suddenly held both of your shoulders, urging you to look into his eyes. His eyes were filled with need and longing that you can't help but shed a single tear down your right eye. He smiled, wiping it away with his thumb.
"I was scared of it more than anything," he whispered softly.
His hands dropped down to your hands, holding them closer to his chest. You blushed, averting your gaze when you felt something sturdy and warm. He pulled you closer, leaning into your ear.
"Y/n," he called in a whisper.
"Steve," you called out in the same tone, closing your eyes.
"I think I've fallen in love with you," he said, relaxation and pure emotion in his voice.
You nodded, smiling as tears began falling down. He slightly pulled away, smiling compassionately as he wiped away your tears that kept running. You nodded, signaling him that you were okay. You wiped your own tears before intertwining your hands with Steve yet again.
"I think I've fallen for you, too," you admitted with a shaky laugh.
The two of you hugged tightly, and you suddenly heard loud cheers and screams from the window. The two of you let go slowly before your gazes broke and turned towards the window where Natasha and Tony were. They were standing still with smirks on their faces, but you could see a few agents and the rest of the Avengers cheering in the background. The two of you blushed before the entire room suddenly burst into light. You smiled, turning to Steve. He held your hand and you held back. Tight and secure.

*****

"Cookies and cream!"
"I told you, rocky road is much better than cookies and cream--"
"Just for today, please?"
He sighed, smiling. "Okay, I honestly don't mind eating cookies and cream for today. You know, I actually never ate it before."
You gasped in disbelief. "You're missing out on so many things, Steve!"
He chuckled. "As I've been told for a thousand times already."
You and Steve decided to have your very first date as a couple in the ice cream parlor you two always go to. The two of you ordered a bowl of cookies and cream, much to your insistence. You happily scooped yours, and so did Steve. He would glance at you every now and then, and it made you feel conscious that you stopped eating for a moment, a blush spreading across your cheeks and nose.
"What's the matter, Steve?" you asked, touching your face. "Is there ice cream on my face?"
He laughed, shaking his head. "No, no. I just think you're so, uh..."
"What?" you asked, nervous.
He smiled. "I think you're beautiful."
You blushed, looking downwards. It was one of the first compliments Steve ever told you since you started dating. You timidly began eating your ice cream, earning another laugh from Steve. You continued to eat savagely while Steve watched, nearly forgetting that he ordered a bowl for himself.

"I've got some paperwork to work on tonight..." you said, groaning as you pulled your trench coat closer, your other arm around Steve's muscular ones.
"Really?" he asked, looking at you. "Do you... want me to help?"
You shook your head. "Just a few paperwork from Mr. Stark, it's no big deal."
"If you need any help, you could call me," he offered, giving you a warm smile.
You laughed. "I think this is the first time you've ever said that to me. You're the one who always asks for help when it comes to paperwork and modern technology."
He shrugged. "Well, ever since we became a couple, I've decided to help you just as you would help me."
"That's nice of you, Steve," you murmured, feeling your cheeks burn.
"Anything to serve a lady," he said courteously, nodding his head.
The two of you were almost arriving to your destination when he stopped walking. You stopped as well, turning to Steve. He stared off into the distance, seemingly in deep thought. You nudged his side, making him look at you.
"What's on your mind, Steve?" you asked.
"I, uh..." he managed, furrowing his eyebrows as he began thinking again. "I was just thinking..."
"What?" you encouraged, staring at him.
"Is it okay if we... uh..."
"Go on..."
"Is it okay if we... if we kiss...?"
The last word came out like a whisper, as if if anyone heard him, they would immediately turn their heads and point a gun at him. You looked around, seeing that the two of you were alone. You blushed, clearing your throat as he met your gaze again. He suddenly looked away, sighing.
"I'm sorry," he said sincerely. "I mean, if you don't want to do it yet, since we're still dating... I, uh..."
You giggled, holding both of his cheeks. He was forced to look at you, a look of pity and desperation in his eyes. Without saying anything else, you leaned forward to kiss him. His lips were soft and warm, and it definitely looked like you two had no idea what you were doing. He didn't know where to place his hands, so you guided them to your hips. The two of you eventually pulled away for air. Steve looked awestruck, his eyes swimming into yours as he tried catching his breath.
"That was..." he managed out.
"... Amazing?" you finished, coming out as a squeak.
He nodded. "Y-Yeah..."
You hugged him around the waist. "I love you, Steve."
He hesitantly hugged you around the waist, smiling. You felt so safe and at peace in his arms, and you wondered if you could just stay there for the rest of your life with him. His hands were at the small of your back, pulling you a little closer to him.
"I love you too, Y/n."