Summary: You and Steve take another important step in your relationship.
Warnings: Bad jokes, Domestic abuse (in the past), Implied smut, Puns. Please let me know if I missed any!
A/N: Reader is female. No physical descriptors used.
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Steve always woke up before you. No real explanation for it ever came up other than that he'd always been an early riser. Even your late nights together could only do so much to get him to sleep past 6 in the morning. Whether the two of you fell asleep on the couch or in bed, Steve really did try his best to not wake you up with him. Sometimes he would sneak out of bed and start working on breakfast for the two of you. Other times, especially when you'd cuddled up in your sleep, he would simply look at you, memorizing every detail of how beautiful you look, while thinking about how truly lucky he is to have you.
This morning you were asleep on your side, facing him, using his arm as a pillow. He gently caresses your cheek and your lips curve up a bit making him smile. You were the cutest, sweetest, most wonderful woman in the world.
And that's when he makes a decision. It's time for you to "meet" his mom.
Sarah had died when Steve was still in high school. He'd made it a point to visit her grave every year on her birthday or when he really needed to talk to her. Or, in your case, introducing her to the woman of his dreams. The woman he swears he wants to spend the rest of his life with.
It's quiet in the car, but not uncomfortably so. This is something important to Steve, something important for you. You'll let him choose when he's ready to talk.
In your hands, you have a small bouquet of pink zinnias and white hyacinths. They're not his mother's favorites, those are the ones he brings on her birthday. But they are beautiful and, to a woman who knew her flower languages, they were very appropriate for this meeting. From what Steve had told you about her, Sarah didn't have much time for hobbies but she would always find time to stop and smell flowers. A nice reprieve from the hospital and associated smells.
"Thank you for doing this," Steve comments, breaking the silence.
"It's not a problem," you reassure. "If anything, it's a privilege."
He smiles at that. "Ma would never think that. All the people she worked with, patients she took care of? They'd call her 'a saint,' 'an angel,' and the like. But she'd never have it. She always preferred to live humbly."
You smile softly at him, letting him take his time. Steve's childhood wasn't pretty and he didn't like to talk about it much, so you're not going to push him. Just let him tell you at his own pace.
"I asked her once about it, about why she couldn't just accept the compliments. She smiled and said 'I don't want people thinking you have to be more than you are to do good'. No matter where you were in life, what you'd gone through, she wanted you to know you don't have to be a saint or an angel to help others."
"That's incredible," you breathe. "I'm glad she was such a good influence on you."
He gives you a half-smile. "I swear, I could go on to be a superhero or something and she'd just tell everyone she only did what every mother would do in supporting her child. That she had little to do with it. No matter how much I'd tell her it was because of her."
"I feel like she'd definitely be proud," you reply with a reassuring pat to his hand.
Steve's eyes cloud for a moment, "I hope you're right."
The two of you walk from one of the few parking areas available and get to walking. Steve explained that he'd wanted his Ma to have a more remote burial site, away from the hustle and bustle so she could actually get some real rest.
When you arrive, you wait for Steve to talk first. That's how introductions work, right? You can tell he's feeling very emotional, even if he's trying not to show it.
"Hi, Ma," he says, voice strained. "I...I wanted you to meet that girl I've been telling you about." He gives your name and mimes introducing the two of you.
"Hello Sarah," you chirp, eager to show Steve you're still with him on this. "I brought these for you, Steve says you'd understand the message of them. You raised a very smart, thoughtful man, you know." You kneel and place the flowers on her tombstone. "Thank you, so much, for your part in Steve being the man he is. The world is a much better place for it." You see Steve blushing and decide to lean into it. "Did he tell you about our first date? I'm sure his perspective is a bit skewed, so let me tell you from my side?"
A couple hours later, you're back in the car. Steve is feeling much more relaxed and certain in his decision to bring you here.
"Thanks for not bringing up...Dad," he started. "It's a sore subject for...for me. Even after all these years."
"We were visiting your mom, it didn't feel right to bring him up."
Steve's grip on the steering wheel tightens. "You know he's another reason I had Ma buried where she is? The original plan was for her to be right next to him but...but I couldn't stand the thought. I...I know they're dead, I'm not that crazy. But it still felt wrong."
"That and, every time you went to visit someone you loved, you'd have to see his name and remember what he did."
"That, too," he nods.
"And thank you, again, for thinking I'm worth getting to talk to her," you add. "And letting me see you talking to her."
His shoulders relax a little. "I don't think I've even brought Bucky with me before," he confesses.
"I'm doubly honored, then."
"If Dad did anything good for me it was showing me what kind of man I don't want to be. Every time Ma got back up, I'd know what he would do and beg her to stay down. She never did. Especially when he was originally just mad at me for being sick."
You stay silent, nodding along, encouraging him to talk as he needs.
"I know I can be...stubborn about standing up to bullies, stepping in to punch their lights out. But sometimes I worry it'll turn me into him."
"It won't," you promise. "He never listened to Sarah. You did. And that's why you'll never be him."
A tear trickles down Steve's face and you gently wipe it away.
Warnings: Bad jokes, Implied smut, Puns. Please let me know if I missed any!
Word Count: ~1.6k
A/N: Reader is female. No physical descriptors used.
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Steve never used to hate going into work. He was appreciative of the routine, the money, the work. But this morning, as he wakes up in bed alone, he finds himself wishing he could just go over to your apartment and hold you in bed all day. The two of you had made love all weekend, barely ever leaving the bed. He hated leaving you Sunday night. He never wanted it to end.
And now, waking up with his alarm, he swears he's never felt so lonely. Sure there's a hormonal aspect to it, but he swears he feels his heart wrench with how cold his bed is without you.
Sure he'll get to see you at lunch, but he's going to be a mopey puppy until then. Much to Bucky's chagrin, he's sure.
But, as luck would have it, you arrive at the building the same time as him and Steve's morning is infinitely better.
"Hey, Newbie!" he beams, giving you a kiss on your cheek.
"Hey, handsome," you smile back, wrapping your arms around him. "I missed you this morning."
"I missed you too," he admits. "Maybe...maybe next weekend you could bring some things over? Or I could bring some things to your place? Then we could go to work together?"
"Yeah, that sounds like a good plan. It'll definitely make Mondays easier to share them with you."
"Can't tell you how happy I am to hear that," he admits. "This might sound corny but, you're a-maize-ing."
As you throw your head back and laugh, Steve feels like the luckiest man in the world.
You pout because you're running late to lunch with Steve. Maybe it was karma for getting that lovely moment with him this morning. You each only get so much time for lunch and you really do try to spend them together. Except during crunch times, but then you take turns bringing each other food, coffee, water, in exchange for kisses.
As you finally get to the breakroom, Steve waves you over like he hasn't seen you in months, making you smile. You'd heard the term "golden retriever boyfriend" but never thought it was real, or that you'd be lucky enough to nab one. But there's Steve, always happy to see you, eager for more time with you.
You'll make sure to enjoy the moment, enjoy the affection, the bad jokes and hope that he never gets tired of you.
Friday should have been a good day for you. Another weekend with just you and Steve, doing whatever you wanted, spending time with each other. But, that's also when your period started. Sure, Steve's been patient, understanding, supportive, caring when you've had periods previously, but that was before the two of you started having sex. He's probably not going to want to stay the weekend with you now if you're not up for having sex.
That's how these things go, right?
You're willing to blame period hormones for crying in the bathroom during one of your breaks. You know you have to tell Steve you've started. It's only fair to give him notice so he can make other plans for the weekend. But this feels like another big step in your relationship. A step so big that it might be the other shoe finally dropping. That Steve will start pulling back, show himself to not so caring or loving now that he's gotten you in bed. Sure, you've been together for almost a year, but you can't stop the "what if's" in your brain.
Stepping out of the bathroom, you run into Clark and he immediately clocks that you've been crying.
"Are you alright? Did you hurt yourself? Do you need me to get Steve?"
"No, no, no," you shake your head with a soft smile. "Just...just a rough day is all. Sometimes the sad happens, you know?"
Clark's face looks like a sad puppy as he nods. "If you need something, please don't hesitate to reach out."
"I promise."
Back at your desk, you take a deep breath and text Steve:
Monthly visitor is here. I'll understand if you don't want to come over this weekend.
Your breath hitches as you hit "send". You've given him an out. You'll understand if he takes it. At least, that's what you'll keep telling yourself.
Steve gives his phone a confused look. Why wouldn't he want to spend the weekend with you? Sure, you're on period, but you've been dating long enough, he knows how to take care of you. Do you not want him to anymore? The only thing that's changed between you is that now you've slept together. But that shouldn't change his wanting to be with you. Did you change your mind about him?
Steve shakes his head a little. "Just...just a message from Newbie."
"What's wrong?"
"I...I don't know. I'll have to talk to her at lunch."
"Do you want to go a little early? I can cover for you."
"No, no. I'll...we'll talk at lunch."
Bucky nods his acceptance and gets back to work.
Steve hesitates, "can...can I ask...if it's too personal, I'll back off..."
"Steve, we've been best friends for pretty much our entire lives. What's the question."
"Did...did things change for you and Sweetie after...after you um..." Steve can't stop blushing and Bucky smirks.
"If anything, it really got us closer," he says with a soft smile. "We'd both been kinda touch-starved, I think."
Steve smiles, seeing how in love Bucky is. Maybe he's just overthinking the message.
It's lunch time and Steve hasn't messaged you back. Maybe he's been busy? Maybe there are some things that have to be done by the end of the week? Every five minutes you're checking your phone for a response and trying not to cry.
Just as you're thinking of having lunch at your desk, Steve knocks on your cubicle wall, softly smiling.
"Hey, wanna go out for lunch today?"
Your heart lurches. He's breaking up with you. That's all it could be. Why else would he want to get you away from the office? He clearly expects you to make a scene.
Tears well up in your eyes and Steve's smile drops. He kneels next to you and gently cups your chin with one hand while wiping away tears with the other.
"Hey, hey, hey, what's wrong?" he coos. "Do you need some of those sea salt caramels? Or Midol? I can run and get you some real quick."
"You're...you're not breaking up with me?"
Steve's eyebrows furrow in confusion. "Of course not."
"Yeah, yeah, let's get out of here before I start bawling," you sniffle.
Steve, ever the gentleman, helps you out of your chair and walks you out to your car, helping you inside before sitting in the passenger seat.
"I'm so sorry," you sob, letting the tears fall freely.
You don't fight Steve as he wraps his arms around you and holds you close. You're crying so hard your body is shaking and you can't get the words out. Steve wants to stop your tears, but he knows there's not much he can do outside of letting you cry it out. He's worried about you and it's a worry that hits deeper than he's used to. All he can think to do is hold you tight and run his hand gently up and down your back until you're able to talk.
You take a deep breath, relishing the comfort that is Steve's touch. You gently tap his arm a few times, indicating you're ready to talk.
"I...I've been so scared that...that you'd lose interest in me," you admit. "It's...it's how the few relationships I've had ended. Either...either I take too long to have sex with them or they lose interest afterwards. And you're just so amazing and loving and caring I've been so scared of losing you because I don't want to lose you. And now I've probably just scared you off because no one wants a crazy, overly emotional girlfriend."
The tears start falling again but Steve doesn't leave. He doesn't let go of your hand. He doesn't look mad at you or disgusted by you.
"Look at me," he gently orders, and you turn to face him. "I love you. That means every part of you. The good, the bad, and everything in between. Because you, all of you, are the most wonderful woman I've ever met. You're smart and beautiful and caring. You've never judged me for my own insecurities, or made fun of who or what I am. I'm in this relationship for the long haul. I want to be with you. I want to take care of you. If you'll let me."
"You're too perfect for me," you sniffle.
"I think you've added an extra word there," Steve smiles lovingly at you.
Your brain takes a minute to figure out what he's saying. He's not "too perfect" just "perfect". For you.
"I'm sorry I scared you."
"It happens," he reassures. "So does this mean we're still on for the weekend?"
"If you're sure," you nod. "I won't be a lot of fun."
"Hey, this weekend is going to be all about you," he promises. "Chocolates, foot rubs, back rubs, heating pads, baths, whatever you need."
"I'm so glad I have you, Steve," you beam as you wrap your arms around him. "Are you a 90 degree angle? Because this feels so right."
Hey, Zombie! How are Steve and Newbie spending his birthday? 🥹
Tech Tuesday: Steve Rogers | Snippet
Summary: You and Steve take another important step in your relationship.
Warnings: Bad jokes, Implied smut, Puns. Please let me know if I missed any!
A/N: Reader is female. No physical descriptors used.
Series Masterlist; Tech Tuesday Masterlist
"I can't believe how difficult it is to find birthday stuff amongst all the Fourth of July decorations!" you huff as you push the shopping cart down yet another aisle.
"I mean, there are worse holidays to share your birthday with," Steve blushes. "Can you imagine sharing your birthday with Christmas?"
"Sort of. Mom's birthday is the day after so you can imagine the stories she'd tell about no one having the energy to celebrate her birthday. The disappointment at not getting any gifts for her special day."
Steve winces. "Now I know why you made sure to keep her birthday gifts separated from her Christmas gifts."
"Exactly! But that still doesn't help me now."
"You know we don't need to do anything special for my birthday, right? I'll be more than happy with a cake from you and a visit with some friends."
"Yes, but how am I supposed to bake you a birthday cake when all I'm able to find are Fourth of July things?" you pout.
Steve hugs you from behind and gently kisses your neck, distracting you from your shopping frustrations.
"You could always just get me some cheese so I can have a gouda birthday," he jokes, making you giggle.
"That's so cheesy!" you roll your eyes. "Maybe I should bake up a cheesecake for you."
"Ooo! That does sound yummy!"
"Good thing you're not a ghost or I'd have to try to make i-scream cake," you smirk.
Steve throws his head back as he laughs. "I love you so much. I'll never dessert you."
Summary: Your new coworker makes Steve feel a little insecure.
Warnings: Bad jokes, Implied smut, Puns. Please let me know if I missed any!
A/N: Reader is female. No physical descriptors used.
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Bucky smiles as he catches Steve checking the time, yet again.
"Got a fun date night planned?" he teases.
Steve's eyes widen a little. "How'd you know?"
Bucky smiles, making his eyes crinkle. "You've checked the clock maybe 10 times in the last 5 minutes alone."
Steve blushes with a soft smile. "I just...yeah...well...you know how it is."
Bucky nods. "That I do. But you're not going to make the time go faster by watching the clock. Put some effort into the work and it'll help."
"You're just saying that because you don't have a date with Sweetie," Steve grumbles.
"I'm saying it because it's true."
"And because you don't have a date night tonight."
"Punk," Bucky replies with a smirk.
Steve ends up clocking out a few minutes early so he can meet you at your desk. He knows he's acting like a puppy, but he doesn't care. He's happy to spend as much time with you as possible.
As he nears your cubicle he hears your laugh and he smiles. You said you were helping with training the new employee and it seems like he's been a much needed breath of fresh air from that bully of a coworker you used to have.
But when he gets to you his smile drops a little. Even sitting down, Steve can tell this new guy is big, maybe even bigger than him. And they way you're both so easily smiling and laughing together even though you've basically just met? He feels his heart crumple a little.
At least until you see him and your eyes sparkle.
"Steve!" you get up and hug him with a little kiss. "I must have lost track of time, I'm so sorry!"
"It's okay," he smiles, brushing your nose with his. "You've been busy."
"Oh, yes, I should introduce you! Steve, this is Clark, the new hire. Clark, this is Steve, my boyfriend!"
Steve's heart soars at hearing you say those words with such pride and affection.
Clark stands up, confirming Steve's appraisal of his stature.
"Nice to finally meet you," the man greets, holding out his hand for a shake. "I've heard a lot about you." Steve takes the proffered hand and is surprised at the casual strength.
"You're not from the city, are you?" Steve suggests.
"You're right!" Clark affirms, eyes wide. "How did you know?"
"The University of Kansas decoration?" Steve points. "I know there's some cities in the state but, with how heavily calloused your hands are, odds are good you're not from one of them."
"Oh, gosh, of course!" Clark gives himself a little facepalm. "Sorry, this has been a lot and my brain is a little melted."
"I get it," Steve reassures.
"I'm just glad for the work. After losing my reporter job, I was sending out resumes left and right."
"Ouch," Steve winces.
"So glad you're here," you reassure.
"Yeah, I was even turned down for a safety coordinator job. Apparently, the answer to ‘What steps would you take in a fire?’ wasn’t ‘Really big ones!’" Clark jokes.
You guffaw before quickly slapping your hand over your mouth and Steve freezes. This new guy is big, tall, handsome, kind, likely strong, and tells bad jokes that make you laugh. And you're laughing as hard as you do when exchanging puns with Steve.
"So, you two were talking about me?" Steve ventures, hoping to get these bad thoughts out of his head.
"Oh, yeah," Clark blushes, shyly scratching the back of his head. "I didn't know she was seeing someone and asked her for a coffee date. If I'd known, I never would have, I promise!"
"And the fact that he backed down, apologized, and has yet to try anything since, tells me he means it," you add. Steve tries to hide how tense he is, but you see that tightening of his jaw, the falseness of his smile. "So, how about you and me go on that date night?"
You lean in and give Steve a kiss on the cheek and he relaxes.
"I should clock out, too," Clark adds. Turning to Steve he adds, "you've got a great girl, Steve! I bet you two are amazing together."
"We are," Steve replies a little more harshly than he cares to admit.
Back at your apartment, Steve seems somehow both distant and clingy. If he notices your concerned looks, he doesn't acknowledge them. Even when you stop the movie it takes him a minute to register what you did.
"What's wrong, honey?" he coos.
"I should be asking you that."
Steve looks embarrassed. "Have I been that obvious?"
"You're always that obvious," you retort. "It's one of the things I love about you."
His breath hitches. "You do love me, don't you?"
"Yes, which is why I'm so worried about you. Was it something I did?"
"No," Steve is quick to affirm. "It's nothing you did. It's just me getting into my own head."
"About what?"
Steve twiddles his fingers for bit before finally confessing. "Clark made me feel small, not enough. Like when I was young and full of health issues."
"There's more to it, though, isn't there?" His cheeks turn pink, confirming your suspicions.
"It took me forever to get my head out of my ass and ask you out. Meanwhile, he does it within the first week of knowing you. Makes me scared he's a better man and I'm in the way of you being truly happy. With someone who deserves you."
"Steve Grant Rogers!" you exclaim, voice more stern than angry, as you stand up and put your hands on your hips. "You have never been 'in the way' of me being happy. If anything, you're a major conduit for my happiness! You encourage my bad jokes and puns. You encourage me to be my dorky self. You encourage me to try new things. And you're always there for me when I need help."
Steve lowers his face in embarrassment but you tilt his chin up to look at you.
"There is no one better for me than you," you quietly affirm. "You are the one who helps me be truly happy."
"Thank you," he smiles softly while giving you those puppy dog eyes that always melt your heart.
You give him a gentle, reassuring kiss, and he pulls you into his lap.
"Do you...do you want to finish the movie or...go into the bedroom?" Steve rasps.
"Are you sure you're ready?" you worried. "You're in a bit of a vulnerable state right now."
Steve beams at you with eyes full of love. "I'm ready, if you are."
"Then the movie can wait," you say leaning into his touch.
Warnings: Bad coworkers, Puns. Please let me know if I missed any!
A/N: Reader is female. No physical descriptors used.
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Trying out a new recipe is usually fun, but this time Steve isn't helping like he's supposed to be.
"You're taking a big whisk with this recipe," he teases, making you struggle to hold back a laugh.
"C'mon Stevie, you need to let me concentrate."
"Donut worry, I'll run out soon enough," he smirks as he sees you fighting to not laugh.
"Please, Stevie? You're normally so good about helping me, or at least letting me focus."
"I just don't think you should be wasting your time and using your skills to make cupcakes for Maggie." There's venom in Steve's voice when he says your co-workers name. "I know she's finally leaving but she's always so mean to you."
"I'm not making them for her," you correct. "I'm making them to celebrate her leaving."
Steve chuckles at that. "It's not how she's going to see it."
"And?"
"I just..."
Setting down the utensils you walk to Steve and throw your arms around his neck. You smile when his arms instinctively circle around you, bringing you in close.
"I know you don't like her. I know you think all bullies should know they're in the wrong, and you're absolutely right about that. But I don't have a lot of staying power in my department at the moment and I gotta play nice."
"She never should've been hired," he grumbles.
"And yet, she was," you shrug. "It's just the way of the world. Not all of us can work in a department full of friendly people. Or, well, people who are on good terms with each other."
Steve smiles, grateful that his department doesn't have drama between them. Well, maybe the G's. They've been giving him calculating looks since he won the April Fool's Day prank war. But, unlike a lot of other departments, he knew he could count on everyone to have his back or do the right thing.
"Hopefully the new hire will be nice," he ponders. "And, hey, you'll no longer be the newest person in your department. No longer the newbie."
Your face scrunches a little, "I'm still Newbie, dammit. I've grown to rather like the name."
He gives you a gentle kiss. "You're my Newbie."
"That's right," you giggle. "Now let me finish making these cupcakes!"
"Only if you let me draw you while you work. You know you're my favorite subject."
Heat rushes to your face as you try to break free from Steve's hold. You've gotten better about Steve drawing you. It's even more intimate than him taking photos of you. And in both cases, you always hate how you look. No matter how lovingly Steve draws you, you still see all your flaws.
"How about I let you lick the beaters? Would that work?" Steve's smile drops a little and his eyes go soft with worry. "I'm just not feeling very pretty today."
"Okay," he nods. "You know I don't draw you without permission. Well, not anymore."
Both of chuckle at the memories of Steve drawing you, too afraid to say anything. Hiding his sketchbook every time you stepped a little closer to him.
You break free from Steve's grasp and get back to mixing up the batter.
"So do you know anything about the new hire?" Steve wonders.
"Not really," you confess. "I wasn't involved in any of the interviews or anything. All I really know is that Amelia, my manager, thinks he's cute."
Steve's brows rise, "'he'? That'll be nice for your department."
That makes you laugh a little. "Yeah, a female dominant department like ours could use the variety. And I'm hopeful it'll help keep my coworkers from ogling you every time you visit me."
"They ogle me?" Steve's face furrows in confusion. He's always so focused on you he never noticed anyone else.
You stifle a laugh because you know Steve is earnest. "Let's face it, honeybuns, you're a straight up hottie. I told you, the first time you bent underneath my desk to plug everything in I had to fight the urge to stare at that glorious butt of yours."
Steve blushes as he smiles and your heart skips a beat. It's unfair how cute he is, especially when his cheeks turn so pink.
"But hopefully this new hire will be handsome enough to draw some attention away from you and I can have you all to myself."
"I hope so too," he smirks. "You're the only one allowed to gawk me. At least when it comes to looks. If I do something stupid, everyone's allowed to gawk."
As you get back into the baking you smirk at Steve. "You know, hearing that you didn't realize my coworkers all like to get a good look at you makes me feel like a magician. Because when I'm around, everyone else disappears."
Steve throws back his head as he laughs. When he can finally breathe he says, "you're no magician. You're a drummer because you make my heart skip a beat."
"If I'm a drummer, you're a gardener. Because you've planted yourself into my heart," you counter.
The back and forth continues, and before long the cupcakes are in the oven. Steve takes that as his cue and goes to turn on some music so the two of you can slow dance until time to get the cupcakes out.
A/N: Reader is female. No physical descriptors used.
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Steve can't remember the last time he felt so nervous. Well, no, the last time he was this nervous it was when he was trying to ask you out. But you said yes and now he's the most nervous he's ever been for a date!
He wishes he could grow out of the awkwardness he'd lived for so many years. That he could finally be the cool, confident person everyone thought he was until he started talking. As many muscles as he worked on, it couldn't stop him from being a dork. Especially around a beautiful woman like you.
He sighs fondly, remembering when you'd accidentally run into him, giving him a hug to keep from falling. For weeks afterwards he was kicking himself for not doing something smooth or giving you a cool pickup line or something. Instead he just hugged you back and asked if you were okay. He even stuttered as he spoke! The fact that you agreed to a date was nothing short of a miracle as far as he was concerned.
He'd gone over the itinerary with Bucky enough times that he didn't even have to say anything before Bucky was assuring him it was a good first date plan. Dinner at a diner you'd mentioned liking followed by one of those wine and painting classes. Food first so the wine wouldn't sour your stomach. And painting instead of sketching to avoid complaints that he was trying to prove his superiority.
He still winces when he thinks of Peggy being so angry that he was good at drawing. It was a bullet dodged, yes, but he still hates that she thought he was trying to be better than her. But painting wasn't his strong suit, so hopefully this would be better.
At the same time you're going through your closet, getting advice from Spitfire and Bubbles about what to wear since you don't trust your own opinion. You've been pining after Steve since your first day in the office and he actually asked you out! You don't want him to regret doing so.
"I think you should go casual," Spitfire proposes. "He sees you in your work clothes all the time, let him see what you normally look like outside of work."
"That's a good idea!" Bubbles encourages. "Especially if he's taking you to some more casual places like you said."
"But I wanna be like, sexy or something," you complain. "My casual clothes are just so plain."
"Just wear some cherry red lipstick," Bubbles comments. "He seems the type to go weak for that."
Spitfire nods in agreement. "Plus, if he's as interested as he seems, he's gonna find you sexy regardless of what you're wearing."
"That's true," Bubbles concurs.
You sigh in exasperation. "Okay, okay. I get what you're saying. But I still wanna look...good? I don't want him embarrassed to be seen with me!"
"If he even hints that he is, you let us know and we'll knock him straight," Spitfire retorts, making you smile and giggle. You're very grateful to have friends willing to go to bat for you.
You finally settle on a pair of dark jeans and a pastel long-sleeved t-shirt with your lucky flannel jacket. You feel comfortable and Spitfire and Bubbles are quick to assure that you look good.
Steve is waiting in his car outside your apartment building. He wasn't sure you'd be okay with his motorcycle and figured the car would be safer. As soon as you step outside, he's out of the car and opening the passenger door for you. You smile at the gesture and Steve beams at you.
When your close enough he can take in how you look, he's rendered speechless. You always look pretty when you're wearing your work clothes but now? You look absolutely stunning and he can't believe he's so lucky to get to take you on a date. He stumbles over his words a few times before finally saying, "you look so beautiful!"
Heat rushes to your face and you giggle, making him blush. "You really think so?"
"Absolutely," he breathes. You swear you've never felt prettier in your life.
"Thank you," you shyly reply. "You're looking very handsome, too." His blush deepens and he rubs a hand on the back of his head as he mumbles his thanks.
You take your spot in the passenger seat and Steve, all smiles, gets into the driver seat, feeling like he's walking on air.
The drive to the diner is mainly spent with each of you trying to say something but accidentally interrupting each other, followed by awkward giggling.
"This is a really nice car," you finally manage to get out.
"Oh, thanks," he blushes. "It's old, but definitely reliable. And way more comfortable than the Beetle I used to have."
"You used to have a Beetle? How did you fit?" You slap your hand over your mouth in embarrassment as you think about how rude your question could be.
Thankfully he laughs. "It was when I was a lot smaller. I used to be really scrawny."
"Really?"
"Had a lot of health problems growing up," he shrugs. You give a consolatory "aww" and he continues. "Finally got the medical help I needed and now I'm..." he gestures to his physique.
"I'm so glad you got your health in order. I can't imagine how frustrating it would be."
"Admittedly, I took that frustration out on others. Bullies, specifically, just so you know. They kept poking fun at me, so I kept fighting back."
"That's so brave of you! I'd have run away and cried." Like I do at work, you think.
"Bucky definitely wishes that was the case for me," Steve chuckles. "The number of times he had to come to my rescue..."
You chuckle at that. "So you've been friends for quite some time?"
"Yeah. He's also the one that, once my health issues were under control, helped me figure out a workout so I could be less scrawny."
"That's so good of him."
"He did make me promise that I'd stop fighting so much but I still get so riled up around bullies."
You place a hand on his arm, "well thank you for not punching my boss, bully that she is."
"Yeah, well..." he stutters for a bit, his face turning redder. "If she ever gets to be too much, you just let me know, okay? I'm good friends with HR."
"Thank you, Steve."
As you get more comfortable around each other the date becomes filled with laughter and bad jokes. You leave the diner with full bellies and big smiles.
At the class, you haven't even sipped at your first glass of wine but you can't stop giggling with Steve. The teacher for the class tells everyone there's no pressure to be perfect so don't worry about any mistakes. Steve leans into your ear and whispers, "just brush it off." You have to bite your tongue to keep from laughing out loud but he feels the way you're shaking with laughter and his eyes sparkle when he looks at you.
"Don't get too confident," you whisper back. "I'm easel-y impressed." Now it's Steve's turn to bite back a laugh while visibly shaking.
"You know why you should be careful around artists?" Steve whispers. "They're pretty sketchy."
"I still can't believe you're real," you whisper back, "and not just a pigment of my imagination."
Neither of you wants to disrupt the class but you just can't help how good you're feeling. How comfortable you both are with each other. How much more relaxed the atmosphere of the date has gotten. And you can't even blame the wine since you've barely finished a single glass.
The only time Steve freezes up is when you snuggle up to him, putting your head on his shoulder while you think about what color to pick next. He swears his heart stopped in that moment but he never wanted it to end.
The only moment that topped that was when he dropped you off back at your apartment. He walked you up to your building, like the gentleman he is, and you actually kissed him goodnight. It wasn't a deep kiss, but it was still full of affection and warmth and Steve wanted to drop to his knees and thank you. You giggle at the lipstick left on his lips and try to rub it away but he stops you, his smile never dropping.
Summary: It's only your first day on the job. That's way too soon to have an office crush. Right?
Warnings: Workplace stress and bullying. Please let me know if I missed any!
A/N: Reader is female. No physical descriptors used.
Previous--Next
Series Masterlist; Tech Tuesdays Masterlist
Bucky sits across from Steve, a cocky smile on his face. Steve raises an eyebrow and Bucky says, "I gave her my number." Steve doesn't know that it wasn't about a date, but he doesn't have to know.
"You didn't."
"I did," Bucky smirks. "Which means, it's your turn."
"It's...it's not the same," Steve tries to argue. "You've known your Sweetie for months now, right? This girl is still a newbie. She's barely been here a month!"
"Deal's a deal, Punk," Bucky shakes his head. "One of us gives our number, the other one has to as well."
Steve's cheeks are incredibly pink from embarrassment. He's never been good at flirting, always stumbling over his words. Sure, his body attracts attention, but inside he's still the scrawny kid who always got laughed at when he tried to talk to a girl. Especially a girl as sweet and pretty as you.
The two of you had run into each other in one of the break rooms a few times. Every time Steve talked with you, he found himself getting lost in your eyes, but that led to him not knowing what you were saying. His face would turn red and he'd quickly run out of the room. Another time you'd complimented his art and he got scared you'd see one of the drawings he did of you so he quickly closed his book and you felt bad, like you had overstepped.
And now, thanks to Bucky, Steve needs to admit he'd like to spend more time with you. Admit that he thinks about you every day. Admit that he likes you. He can do this, right?
You were crying in the ladies room for the third time since you were hired. There was so much, so fast and your coworkers were already blaming you for things. Especially things you didn't even know were your responsibility. No one had told you or shown you how to do them but they still blamed you! It's not like you were entirely new to this kind of work, but the systems were very different and, most importantly, you didn't know what was and wasn't part of your job because they hadn't told you! When you finally calm down, you head to the sinks and wash your face, trying to hide the tears.
As you tiptoe back to your cubicle, trying not to draw attention to yourself, you end up literally running into Steve, the dreamy guy from the IT Department. He manages to catch you before you fall, bringing you in for an accidental hug. You find yourself instinctively hugging him back, squeezing him tight.
"Are...are you okay?" Steve isn't going to complain about being hugged by you, but he's worried you're not in your right mind.
"Oh, sh-shoot," you break the hug and jump away. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean...I'm just..." you fight a resurgence of tears and run to your cubicle. When you get there, Maggie, your least favorite new coworker, is glaring at you, arms crossed.
"Really, Newbie," she admonishes, "you've been here a month and you still don't know how to update the most basic fields in the database?"
"I...every person does it diff--"
"Enough!" she cuts you off. "Really, you should be able to do this. You're killing our metrics!"
"I'm...I'm sorry," you hang your head, trying to not cry again. "I keep getting told different things about how to do the updates."
"Empty apologies and excuses!" Maggie retorts. "I don't know why you got hired. You're bringing us---"
"Margaret," Steve interrupts her. You jump, not realizing he had followed you. "Tell me, Margaret, how do you think your boss would react if he knew you'd been spending half your day on Facebook?"
She fumes at both of you for a minute before going back to her own cubicle.
"I really wish you hadn't done that, Steve," you whisper. "I'm already on their sh-crap list. This is only going to make it worse."
Steve takes a breath, "you're right, I'm sorry. I just really hate bullies."
"Me too," you nod. "But right now I've gotta make these bullies happy, okay?"
"It's not okay," Steve shakes his head. "But I promise I'll be more careful."
