Summary: With the new school year and new schedules, Steve now has the same free periods as Natasha. This isn't necessarily interesting information, aside from the fact it means that now he can definitely do something about Natasha's "Rumlow Problem". And he intends to do just that.

One of the many things that had changed since the last year was Steve and Natasha's relationship. Tony and Clint insisted they were finally acting on their secret feelings for each other while Maria and Sam teased them about how they were more like parents to their friend group than college kids. Thor and Bruce tended to leave them alone, thank goodness, but it didn't entirely make up for the relentless teasing they received. For the most part, Steve felt like his feelings for Natasha had calmed down. They were both comfortable around each other and could often be found together on the weekends, but Steve's heart didn't flutter excessively when she smiled and he didn't feel like kissing her every time she wore lipstick.

Another thing that had changed since last year was schedules. Natasha still had the second period free, but now Steve did as well. They had three classes together during the day and two study periods, five more periods together than last year.

"Library after class?" Steve asked, walking Natasha to her first-period class.

She nodded.

"You have my French notebook, right?" she asked.

Steve nodded and pulled her in for a hug. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and kissed his cheek as she pulled away.

"Great." She grinned up at him teasingly. "Finish copying my perfect notes then meet me in the library. I'm taking my notebook back the second I see you. You're not the only one that needs to study."

"I know, I know," Steve chuckled. He dropped his arms from around her and shoved her towards her classroom. "Now get to class or you'll be late."

"Aye, aye, Captain," Natasha said, saluting him playfully as she walked backwards into the classroom.

* * * * *

It was five minutes into the second period of the day and while Natasha was sitting at a back table in the library, Steve was not. He'd texted her right after class, telling her he hadn't finished the notes and would be a few minutes. She'd just snorted at the image of him crouched over in some hallway, vigorously writing in his own notebook. Until he joined her, she figured she could study for her psychology class.

"Hey, sorry I'm late, babe."

Natasha looked up in confusion, not recognising the voice and very confused as to who would call her 'babe'. When her eyes landed on Rumlow, she huffed in frustration and went back to her studying. He slipped into the chair beside her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders before leaning down to read over her notes. She inhaled sharply as she felt his breath hit the back of her neck.

"What's wrong, baby? Haven't seen you all summer," Rumlow said, nuzzling her face.

Natasha stood up abruptly, her head hitting Rumlow's chin and making him bite his tongue. He yelled out in pain and cupped his jaw.

"Leave me alone, Rumlow," she hissed, snatching her notebook from his hands.

He stood up as well and stepped towards her. Clutching her notebook to her chest, she stepped back and bumped into someone. Without having to turn around, she knew it was Steve.

"Get lost, Brock," Steve told him, putting a hand on Natasha's shoulder as she leaned back into his chest in an attempt to get as far away from Rumlow as possible. "We're not doing this again this year."

"Yeah?" Rumlow taunted, stepping towards Natasha again. "And who are you to stop me, Rogers? It's not like she's your girlfriend."

"I am," Natasha said before Steve could think of what to say.

Rumlow raised an eyebrow at her, skeptical at best. Without hesitation, she turned around and grabbed Steve's face, gently pulling him down to meet her lips.

If Steve was surprised, he hid it well. He kissed her back almost immediately, wrapping an arm around her waist as he did and internally jumping up and down.

"That's just disgusting," Rumlow grumbled, walking away.

Natasha pulled back and gave Steve a weak smile.

"I'm sorry," she said, stepping back to put distance between them. "It was the only thing I could think of to make him stop, but I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

"Nat, does it look like I'm uncomfortable?" Steve asked, failing to hide the smile on his face. She paused as she looked at him. "I hate Rumlow, yeah, but if he's the reason I get to kiss you, I'll have to thank him."

Steve made a face at the thought and Natasha laughed, covering her mouth to muffle the loud sound in the library.

"You like me?" she asked, the smile still on her face from her laugh.

Steve rolled his eyes.

"Well, I am your best friend, so I have to like you," he retorted. Natasha gave him a look but he just grinned. "Yes, Natasha, I like you. I have for about two years now, I just didn't want to pressure you."

"You're the worst best friend ever," she replied solemnly.

Steve paused, not having expected that and unsure how to respond.

"You're supposed to tell me these things."

"I'm sorry?" he said, not sure where this was going.

Before he could process what was happening, Natasha had wrapped her arms around his neck and was kissing him again. He smiled and pulled her closer, stepping around the bookcase to hide from prying eyes. When they finally pulled apart, Natasha didn't step back.

"I like you too, you idiot," she said softly.

Steve's grin widened and he hugged her tightly, lifting her off the ground as he did. She stifled a squeal as she flailed in his arms, hugging his neck for balance.

"Would you be willing to go on a date with me?" he asked, figuring he'd rather make whatever they had official before assuming anything.

"Of course," she replied, kissing his cheek. "After we drop off Maria at the house."

"Yes, ma'am," Steve smiled, leaning down to kiss her again.

Great, he thought to himself. Now he had to thank Brock Rumlow.