Chapter Text
Thursday, December 24th.
Steve was sitting on the couch at one of Tony’s parties at the Tower, a Christmas party for the whole staff of the Avengers Compound who couldn’t go back home for Christmas or didn’t have anyone to celebrate with.
A beer in his hand, he was laughing along with Sam and Bucky, who were sitting down on the other couches next to him. The environment at the party was nice. A little bit too many people for his taste, but he was feeling fine. Everyone was having fun and they felt at home here, something not everyone was used to.
Natasha sat down on the space to his right, and when he turned to smile at her, he saw her. There, standing on the other side of the room, laughing with other agents, was a girl with long dark brown hair put up in a half updo, the ends of it curling a little bit. Beautifully manicured fingers wrapped around a champagne glass, that she took up to beautifully plump red lips to take a sip. She was wearing an off the shoulder, short red dress with a princess skirt with bell sleeves, 3/4 long. But the things he liked the most about her were her smile and her eyes. God those big, hazel eyes were so beautiful. He couldn’t stop staring, he was hypnotized.
“What do you think, Steve?”
Steve turned around to face his friends, who were all looking at him with expectant eyes.
“Uh…” He cleared his throat, “Um, yes, sure.” He said.
Bucky bit his lip and looked down, smiling; while Nat just shook her head and chuckled.
“Okay.” Said Sam, getting his phone and scrolling through it as if looking for something. Then he plays a song from the phone. It was Single Ladies.
They all look at him with a small smirk on their lips, as if waiting for something.
“... What is it?”
“You said you agreed to dance to Single Ladies,” Sam said. “So, dance.”
Steve’s face got as red as his shield, and that’s when his three friends lashed out laughing.
“She’s pretty.” Bucky said, making Steve huff out a laugh and raise his hands up as if he was giving up.
“Alright alright, you caught me.”
“You should go talk to her.” Replied Sam.
Steve sighed, looking down at his interlocked fingers. He did find her pretty - beautiful - but he wasn’t sure about going to talk to her.
“She’s been looking your way too, you know.” Natasha said, taking a sip from her drink, making Steve turn to look at her.
“I don’t know guys, I don’t even know her. It’s the first time I’ve seen her, to be honest.”
“Yeah, that’s because she’s a new recruit. Tony hired her about a month ago.”
He sighed and took a sip from his beer, grateful when Nat changed the subject to something else he didn’t actually pay attention to. He turned his gaze away from his friends, unconsciously looking back at her.
His eyes go wide when he finds her eyes on him, a small smile on her lips. She jumps a bit when she finds herself caught, which made Steve’s grin grow.
She smiles, a blush covering her cheeks and nose, and she simply nods at him from across the room. He smiles and nods back. A silent “hello”.
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Thursday, December 31st.
Tony threw yet another party for the people he worked with, this time at the compound. He was standing at the bar, drinking another beer and listening as his friends chatted and laughed, but he couldn’t help himself as his eyes wandered the room.
It seemed as if the whole room lightened up as she entered, and everything seemed to be in slow motion. Tonight she was wearing a short black dress, a little bit off the shoulder, long sleeves with three golden buttons on each, and thigh high boots. Her hair was let down, reaching her mid-back in beautiful long locks. Her makeup was a little bit stronger tonight. Dark smokey eyes, but her lips were on a nude shade this time. Still, Steve thought she was gorgeous.
She made her way towards her friends; maybe some new recruits as well; and he couldn’t deny that ugly feeling he felt when he saw how she kept her hand on one of the guys’ arm.
“He’s gay, by the way.”
He turned around and found Tony smirking at him with a glass of scotch in his hand. Behind him, his trio of best friends were smirking too.
“W-what?”
“That’s her best friend, they both entered together. He’s gay.” Tony said, taking a sip from his drink. “You should take the shot, capsicle.”
Steve rolled his eyes and ignored Tony’s comment, looking the other way.
“Suit yourself,” Tony said, shrugging. He was about to leave, a good 5 feet away from them, and shouted “She’s single, just so you know.” And with that, he left to mingle around his party.
Steve talked with his friends for a while. It was around 11:50, everyone was getting ready with silly hats and glasses with the new year’s number. It was in that moment that Sam said one of the stupidest - yet smartest - things he could tell Steve at that moment.
“I dare you to go kiss her when the ball drops.”
Steve choked on his drink, Nat and Bucky laughed at his reaction.
“I’m not gonna kiss her when the ball drops.” He said sternly.
“Why not? Come on man, you like her and it’s clear she likes you back. She’s been staring at you all night. Go. Kiss. Her.” Sam said with his arm wrapped around Steve’s shoulders.
Steve bit his lower lip and looked over at her, and she was - in fact - looking at him. When she realized she had been caught yet again, she sent a small wave his way with a small smile, making him smile and wave back.
“You have a little bit under 10 minutes, go make your move, tiger.” Sam took his arm away. “Now, I have to go look for a cute single lady to kiss at midnight.” And with that he left.
Steve was left alone now. Sam left to go look for a midnight kiss, and Bucky and Nat were standing pretty close to one another, holding hands. Steve still couldn’t believe Bucky and Natasha were dating, but apparently they had history when both were in the Red Room.
Steve looked around him, seeing all the couples getting ready for the ball drop. It was 11:56. He took a swing from his beer. Should he go for it? No, he didn’t even know her name.
11:57.
He’s gonna do it. What does he have to lose? Ok, maybe she’ll file a sexual harassment complain against him. No. He’s not gonna do it. He takes another sip of his beer. She likes him doesn’t she? Maybe his friends are right.
11:58.
He looks over at her. She’s not alone, there’s a guy sitting with her. Of course, she’s got someone to kiss already. She’s too pretty to not have someone.
But Tony did say she’s single. Maybe she is single and she doesn’t have anyone to kiss tonight. But then, why is that guy over--
11:59.
She’s alone. Oh God she’s alone.
This is your chance, Rogers, he told himself. He checked his watch. He’s got 15 seconds more. He sighed and made his way towards her. She was looking around her, not paying attention to him.
10
9
8
7
Voices around him started counting. He was almost there.
6
5
4
He was three steps away from her. He can do it.
3
2
He got there just in time.
1
He’s standing right next to her.
“Happy new year!”
She turned to him, eyes a little wide in surprise. He looked at her and she looked at him. And then he leaned down and kissed her… On the cheek.
He chickened out.
He was groaning internally at his own behavior. Even at 100 years old and he still didn’t know how to behave around women.
“Hi.”
He turned towards her, she was smiling and a blush was covering her whole face. He knew for a fact that he was blushing, too.
“Hi.” He breathed out, a sheepish smile on his face. With a hand rubbing the back of his neck, he added, “I’m Steve.”
“I’m Molly.” She replied, extending a hand towards him.
Steve took her hand in his, and it felt like her hand just fit right in there with his. How in the world was her hand so soft? It felt nice compared to his rough one.
“Happy new year, Steve.” She said, not taking her eyes - or hand - away from him, biting her lower lip in a smile, making him smile as well.
“Happy new year, Molly.”
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Thursday, January 14th.
He hadn’t seen Molly since then. He heard - more like Natasha told him when he didn’t ask about it - that Molly got sent on a mission around the 3rd with a couple of other agents, and she got back to the compound the night before.
He entered the gym that morning, not really thinking and dropped his gym bag on the floor next to the punching bags, and started his routine. He was really focused on the task at hand, that he didn’t hear the door opening again.
“Good morning, Agent Stewart.” FRIDAY’s robotic voice said.
“Good morning, FRIDAY.”
Steve stopped mid punch. That was Molly’s voice. He turned and saw her walking towards the treadmills, pulling her hair into a ponytail, stopping when she saw him.
“Good morning, Captain Rogers.” She said with a smile.
“Good morning, Agent Stewart.” He replied with a smile of her own.
She kept walking until she reached the treadmills, dropping her bag next to it and getting on it, her back facing him. That’s when he noticed her workout clothes. Steve felt his breath get caught in his throat.
A bright pink sports bra with black lining with the word PINK written on it - why would they print the color of the bra on it? - black leggings that ended halfway down her calf, and pink running shoes.
Don’t stare Rogers, it’s rude to stare. He told himself. Don’t stare don’t stare don’t sta-- he groaned to himself when his eyes dragged down her back, right to her… uhm… you know where.
“Goddammit, Steve.” He mumbled.
“What was that?” He heard her ask, making him jump.
“Nothing!”
He picked up his bag and ran out of the gym. He swore his face was as red as a tomato. He needed to take a cold shower. Quick.
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Thursday, January 21st.
Steve woke up in the middle of the night. Another nightmare. He sighed, rubbing his hand over his face and got up. He knows he won’t fall back asleep for a while, so he heads up to the kitchen for a glass of warm milk.
Almost at the end of the hallway towards the kitchen, he sees the lights on. Who could be up at 3 am?
Sitting at the bar, eating a bowl of cereal and scrolling through her phone, sat the girl that plagued his thoughts. Her hair was braided over her shoulder, she was wearing an Iron Man t-shirt with a pair of yellow booty shorts.
He’s not gonna lie, that t-shirt was a blow to his ego.
“Don’t let Tony see ya wearing that shirt, he’s gonna get over his head.” He said, making her jump in her seat.
She turned to look at who talked, a smile brightens her face, and Steve loved that feeling. Bet Tony didn’t make her smile like that.
“Hello, Captain.” She said.
“Please, call me Steve.” He replied as he made his way to the cupboard to get a glass then to the fridge to get the milk. He gets the milk carton out and pours it into the glass on the table, leaning on the cabinet while facing her.
“Why are you up?” He asked, taking a sip of his milk.
She shrugged her shoulders. “ Couldn't sleep. It happens sometimes.” She took another spoonful of cereal. “What about you?”
He chuckled a bit, looking down at the table top.
“Same as you, couldn’t sleep.”
They spend some time like that, each on their own side of the kitchen, the silence not awkward. It was… comforting. Steve finished his milk and washed the glass. He was about to say his good night, when she spoke.
“You want some?” She said glancing at the cereal box next to her.
Steve looked at the box. He’s never seen that box until now. What cereal is that?
“What is that?” He asked, grabbing the box and moving it around.
“Just the best cereal out there.” She said through a mouthful.
“Cinnamon Toast Crunch?” He asked, making a face.
“Hey,” She pointed her spoon at him. “Don’t judge it until you try it. Seriously, it’s the best cereal in the world.”
Steve smiled and shook his head, turning around to get a bowl and spoon from the cupboards. When he got them he made his way towards the bar again, serving the cereal into the bowl and pouring the milk in.
He takes a spoonful and sighs, getting it in his mouth as she watches. He chews on it and takes his time trying to savor it. He swallows, still quiet and her gaze was still on him.
“So, what do you think?”
“It’s good.” He said with a straight face, making her scuff.
“Just good? No man, this is better than good. Here, take another bite.”
He laughed and did as told, grinning at her with his mouth full of cereal.
“You’re right, the second bite is better.”
That made her smile. He loved being the reason for her smiles and being on the receiving end of them.
They went back to a casual silence, sending small smiles to the other’s way.
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Thursday, January 28th.
Natasha was training the new recruits at the gym. There were 8 new recruits, Molly included. Nat was showing them some moves to defend themselves if they needed it, on or off the battlefield.
“Okay everyone, 4 on each side of the mat. We’re gonna spar.” Natasha said, and they did as told. Steve sat down at the one of the benches where both Sam and Bucky were sitting as well, watching the recruits train.
“Stewart, Henderson. Get on the mat.” Both recruits did as told. Henderson was a 20-something year old man, tall, buff, handsome, and he knew it. He had a very cocky and annoying attitude, not a lot of people liked him.
“Hey gorgeous.” He winked at Molly and she rolled her eyes. Steve felt something inside him twist at that.
“20 bucks on Stewart.” Sam told Bucky, not taking his eyes off them. Bucky scuffed.
“Of course she’s gonna hand him his ass. I say she beats him in 10 minutes.” Bucky said, arms crossed in front of his chest.
“I say in five.” Sam replied.
“You’re on.”
They looked on as the contenders sized the other up. Molly kept her eyes on Henderson, positioned ready to attack the moment Natasha gave the order.
“Hey Stewart, how about we do this in my room? Whatcha say?” He said with a laugh, making Molly groan in disgust and Steve clench his fist.
“Start!”
Henderson thrusted himself at Molly head on, to which she jumped to the side, making him fall on his face.
“I don’t know, Henderson, what would it feel to lose to a girl?” She said with a smirk.
Henderson stood up and went for her again, but she jumped up, like a pro gymnast. Steve had to admit he was impressed by that.
“What’s the deal with this Henderson?” He asked Sam and Bucky.
“He’s been harassing her since they started training as recruits. She keeps turning him down but he never gets it.” Bucky said, not taking his eyes from the fighting pair.
When Henderson went for her yet again, Molly didn’t waste time. She jumped to the side, evading his attack, but jumped on his back and wrapped her legs around his middle. She let her whole body weight move back when she let her upper body back, her hands on the floor and sending Henderson flying a few feet away towards the floor.
Sam, Bucky and Steve cheered on as Henderson stayed down, Natasha naming her the winner of the match.
“You owe me 20 bucks.” Sam said to a groaning Bucky.
Steve’s eyes were locked on Molly, a proud smile plastered on his face as he watched on. Molly got off the mat and went to get her towel, cleaning the sweat from her brow and looked at him, smiling and waving.
He waved back, the only thought on his mind being that’s my girl.
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Thursday, February 4th.
Steve entered the common room as he made his way to his room after gym, he just wanted to lay down and sleep until the next week, he was so tired. He was going to cross the hallway to the rooms when he saw Molly sitting down on the couch with the remote in her hand.
“Hey, Steve.” She smiled when she turned to look at him, making him smile back. God, he really loved that smile.
“Hi Molly, what are you watching?” He asked.
“I’m about to start Star Wars Episode V. Have you seen it?”
Steve had, it was one of Bucky’s favorite movies since he got the code words off his head by Shuri. But he wasn’t going to tell Molly that.
“Not really. It’s been on my list for a while, I just haven’t had the time to watch it.”
“Wanna watch it with me? It’s one of my favorite movies.” She said, moving a bit and patting the place next to her.
“Sure.” Steve smiled and sat down next to her, hoping he didn’t seem as excited as he felt. She pushed play on the remote and leaned back. She was a little bit short. Her head reached just a little bit over his shoulder, but he loved being this close to her. Their knees were touching, and he hoped she couldn’t hear his heart beating a mile an hour.
She doesn’t have super hearing, Steve. He told himself. She’s not a super soldier.
About three fourths of the movie, she leaned her head on his shoulder, and he tensed up a bit. He looked down at her through the corner of his eye and she looked so relaxed, that he calmed down and did something a little bold: He wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
Halfway through the movie he felt himself growing tired, but he wasn’t going to throw this opportunity to be with Molly just because he was tired.
Almost at the end of it, after nodding off a bit, he looked down at her to find her sound asleep on his shoulder. He smiled a sleepy smile, and let himself fall asleep with his arm wrapped around her and his head on top of hers.