A/N: Hello all, thanks for checking out this fic. :D

I've just been along to see the new Captain America movie and felt inspired to jot down a little story. Now, having said that, this story isn't going to follow on with anything that was in that movie, so there are no spoilers to be had in my story. Rather, this story is a little follow on to two other Avenger's fics I've done, Precious and its sequel, The Magnificent Octopus. Those two were more Pepperony centric stories but still with a good portion of the other Avengers too, especially the Octopus story.

This story is going to be more Cap-centric. And it's going to include an OC from The Magnificent Octopus, a woman called Olivia. You don't really need to read TMO but it will help to flesh out her and Cap's relationship a bit because I'm going to pick up more or less where I left off with that story. So, in short, there will be some references back to those stories as I go through this one but hopefully it won't be too confusing for readers of this story.

So, after all of that rambling, I suppose I'll let you get with the reading and see what you make of it. :D

The DATE

By Louise Blue

CHAPTER ONE

"Liv, have you seen my tie?" Steve looked into his mirror and finished buttoning his dress shirt.

"I swapped it out, the blue one is better." Olivia's voice drifted through to him through the open bathroom door.

Steve walked out into the living room of his apartment in the Stark Tower and grimaced at the pretty blonde sitting on the sofa. "This is weird," he stated. Steve tried to read Olivia's expression. "Right? It's weird, I shouldn't go."

Olivia stood up walked over to him, the blue tie in hand. She pointed to the sofa arm. "Sit."

Steve obediently sat on the sofa arm, allowing the almost foot shorter Olivia access to his neck. He spread his legs for her to stand between them and bowed his head so she could place the tie around his neck.

"You agreed to do this and you should keep your word," said Olivia simply.

"But it's weird," complained Steve, "and I didn't so much agree as not be able to work a way out of it fast enough to stop it from happening."

"I thought that serum made you super smart," teased Olivia.

"Not when it comes to women. I think every guy is on his own there." Steve searched Olivia's face intently. "Are you sure this doesn't bother you? I don't want it to be—"

"Weird, I know, you mentioned." Olivia finished with his tie, straightening it before smoothing down his collar. She held his blue gaze. "And I'm not bothered." Olivia smiled. "I mean, you wouldn't be bothered if I went on a purely platonic date with another man, organized by a third party, would you?"

"It would absolutely bother me," said Steve without hesitation.

Olivia's eyes widened a little. "Oh," she said in surprise and then frowned. "Why?"

"Because I don't want you going on any dates with any guy except me."

"But we're not talking about a real date," protested Olivia.

Steve wrapped his arms around her waist and drew her closer to him, holding her close to him. "I want to be the only guy you go on dates with, real or not." It had been two months since meeting Olivia and now it was hard to imagine his world without her in it.

Olivia cheeks flushed a pretty shade of pink as she looked at him shyly through her long lashes. "I want that too."

Steve couldn't resist, he closed the small space between them and claimed a series of sweet kisses from her. Olivia moved closer, wrapping her arms around his neck and returned his kisses, promptly making causing Steve to forget about everything other than the woman in his arms.

"Hey, Captain Frostbite, duty calls!"

Steve felt Olivia start in his arms at the sound of Tony Stark's intrusive voice over the intercom and break the kiss. He gave a grunt of annoyance. "I told you, Stark, I want that intercom out of my apartment!"

"Can't, it's part of my upgraded security system for the tower," came Tony's unrepentant disembodied voice.

"It's just annoying," snapped Steve. "Like everything else about you."

"Boy, you're rude. I don't know what you see in the guy, Olivia."

Olivia just smiled and stepped out of Steve's arms, much to his disappointment. "Hello, Tony."

"Hey honey, how's things?"

"I'm good, Tony, how about you?"

Steve made a cluck of irritation. "Don't talk to him, Liv, he doesn't need any more encouragement."

"That's where you're wrong, Frostie, I don't need any encouragement," said Tony triumphantly. "And your chariot awaits. Happy is going to drive you to the ball, so strap on those slippers and get a move on."

Steve gave Olivia a desperate look and mouthed the words 'save me'. He just really didn't want to go. He wanted to stay here and be with his girl and not run the gauntlet of the media circus he knew was waiting for him. Olivia just smiled, cupping his face and mouthing back the words 'you'll be fine' before granting him a quick kiss.

"What's going on? Why can't I hear anything? Are you two kissing?"

Steve gritted his teeth at the continuing interruptions. "I swear to God, Stark, if you don't remove this intercom from my apartment, it's going to get real ugly real quick around here."

"Uglier than that five dollar haircut you're so fond of?"

Steve shook his head at Olivia in exasperation. "I hate that guy."

"No, you don't, you have a grudging admiration for him and would lay down your life for him."

"Not right now I wouldn't," he growled.

"Can you two speak up?"

"Stark!"

"Okay, okay, keep your five dollar hair on. Happy's waiting, just thought you'd like to know."

"Tell Happy I'm on my way," said Steve.

"What am I, your secretary? Tell him yourself."

"But you're the one who—" Steve caught himself trying to argue the point, already knowing there really was no point when it came to Tony Stark. The sound of the intercom clicking told him Tony had gotten bored and wandered off. His hands curled into fists. "That guy drives me crazy," he ground out.

"He only does it because you give him a reaction," said Olivia in amusement.

"He does it because he's a dick," grumbled Steve. He sighed heavily. "I think I should just pull out of this whole thing. It's not right. We're dating. It just feels wrong."

Olivia shook her head at him. "This girl entered a competition and won a date with the one and only Captain America. You have to go Steve. You said you would and now you can't disappoint a fan. It wouldn't be right."

"And you're not jealous?" Steve couldn't help but think how he'd feel in her position.

Olivia smiled up sweetly at him. "Why would I when you always make me feel like the only girl in the world when we're together?"

Steve cupped her face and stroked the smattering of freckles his thumb could reach. "You are the only girl in the world to me."

Olivia bit her bottom lip, another little blush pinking her cheeks.

"HHHOOOONNNNKKKK!"

"Okay, that's it, I'm going to kill him!" snapped Steve as Tony's intrusive voice interrupted them yet again.

Olivia slipped her hand in his. "Come on, we don't want to keep your date waiting. That would be rude."

Steve loved how kind-hearted Olivia was, the way she always thought so much about other people's feelings. His world could be cold, hard and unforgiving. Knowing he had the sweetness of Olivia in his life made all of the difference. She helped balance out his life and Steve wondered if she truly understood how much that meant to him. How much she meant to him.

Olivia tugged on his hand. "Come on, Mr. Rogers, you have somewhere you need to be."

Steve let her pull him towards the front door and out into the hallway. They stepped onto the elevator together with him not letting go of her hand. "I'll only be a couple of hours. Maybe we can do something after this." He sent her a hopeful look. "Can I come by later?"

"I'm making papier mâché farm animals for the kids to decorate at school."

Steve grinned. "You're in luck. I am amazingly skilled in all things papier mâché."

Olivia giggled. "Wow, that is lucky."

Steve stared at her, loving these little moments where he could just relax totally and be himself. The words 'I love you' were on the tip of his tongue, he could actually taste them in his mouth but he stopped short of actually saying them. He didn't know if it was too soon. He wasn't even sure if saying those three little words would scare Olivia off and Steve knew he really didn't want that. And maybe saying those words to her would be unfair. After all, his world was dangerous and unpredictable. What right did he really have to tie her into that world with his feelings?

Olivia nudged him. "Steve, did you hear me?"

He blinked, coming out of his own thoughts. "Sorry?"

"I asked where you were going tonight, which restaurant?"

"I don't know. The magazine organized it all."

"I think it's sweet you're doing this. You're really going to make this girl's day. A date with Captain America isn't something you're ever likely to forget."

Steve grimaced. "I just hope I'm not going to be too big of a disappointment. I'm not really great with the small talk."

"You'll be amazing, you always are." Olivia wrapped her arm around his as they stepped out of the elevator.

"Hey, there he is, Pretty Woman in the bought and paid for flesh," said Tony loudly as they walked out into the common room.

"Ignore him," said Bruce, not looking up from his newspaper.

"I always ignore him," said Steve flatly.

"Steve is doing something nice for someone," Olivia defended him. "I think it's lovely."

"That is one understanding girlfriend you've got there, Cap," noted Tony. "Pepper hates it when I date other women."

"Who is there left for you to date?" asked Bruce, still intent on his newspaper. "You've dated everyone in New York already and most of the rest of the East Coast."

"You're making me sound like a tramp," protested Tony.

"I was thinking slut but whatever," said Bruce idly.

"Don't listen to him," Tony instructed Olivia. "He's just jealous I can get any woman I want."

"How's that getting Pepper to marry you think working out?" asked Bruce, straight-faced.

"It's going great," snapped Tony, the other man touching a nerve.

Bruce finally looked up, peering at Tony over the top of his newspaper and his glasses. "So, she's finally said yes then?"

"Yes," said Tony defiantly.

Bruce arched an eyebrow.

"It was an inferred yes," backtracked Tony.

"How was it inferred?" Bruce quizzed him.

"She didn't say no."

"That's not how inference works," said Bruce dryly. "If it did, we'd be engaged."

"And you'd be lucky to have me," shot back Tony. "I'm a total babe."

Bruce went back to his newspaper, turning a page. "I think that word is pronounced boob."

Steve hid a smile at Bruce's casual sideswipes at the cocky Tony. Bruce didn't do a lot of talking but when he did, it was always worth listening to… unlike Tony.

Tony was looking at Olivia with his best put upon expression. "Do you see the kind of harassment I have to put up with, Livvy? What do you think of my treatment at the hands of such thankless houseguests?"

"I think you like being the center of attention and love having an audience," said Olivia simply.

Steve choked back a laugh at Olivia's forthrightness.

She blushed and looked embarrassed. "I'm sorry," said Olivia quickly. "I didn't mean to be rude."

"Don't ever apologize for the truth, Olivia," said Bruce with a little smile.

Tony's lips twitched. "No need for apologies, Livvy." He walked over and picked up her hand, bending down to kiss the back of it.

Steve stepped in and slapped the back of Tony's head, halting him in mid-gesture.

"Ow!" Tony rubbed the back of his head and glared at Steve. "I was just being a gentleman."

"I know what you were being," said Steve, glaring at him. "And you can cut it out now."

Tony held up his hand to his mouth to hide his mouth from Steve and addressed Olivia in a loud stage whisper. "Your boyfriend is worried about you being pulled into my powerful whirlpool of charisma, Livvy. Try to act like you don't find me attractive to put grandpa at ease. I know it will be hard but do your best."

Olivia laughed which annoyed Steve. "Would you just quit it already? Nobody thinks you're funny."

"Livvy does," said Tony smugly.

Steve looked at Bruce. "Is it just me or is he an extra level of annoying tonight?"

"Pepper's out of town," Bruce informed him. "Tony's at a loose end."

Steve groaned. "I hate it when Pepper's not around. She's the only one who can get him to shut up. When is she back?"

"Not until Sunday."

Steve rolled his eyes. "Great."

Olivia nudged him. "Steve, you really should get going otherwise you'll be late."

"That's right, run along Cinderella, before you turn back into a frog—"

"That isn't how that story goes," Bruce interrupted him.

Tony ignored him. "While you're gone, I'm going to teach Livvy how to make my world famous Mojitos."

"That is absolutely not happening," said Steve firmly. He took Olivia's hand. "Come on, walk me to the car." He started to lead Olivia away from the other two men.

Tony held his hand up to his ear, mimicking a phone and mouthing the words 'call me'.

"She's not calling you," said Steve in annoyance as they headed out of the room.

"You know he's only teasing you," said Olivia as they walked down the last couple of flights of stairs which led to the basement. "Tony Stark isn't interested in me. He's head over heels in love with Pepper. A blind man can see that."

"I know," said Steve moodily. "It just bugs me to see him flirting with you."

"Tony flirts with everyone," laughed Olivia.

"I know, that's why he's so good at it," grumbled Steve. Unlike him. Steve didn't have that easy banter and charm which Tony could turn on without even seeming to think about it.

"It doesn't mean anything."

"He makes you laugh." Steve knew he was being unreasonable but damn, if that didn't annoy him. They were in the garage now and Happy was sitting in the limousine, eating a bag of chips. He lifted a hand and waved it at the couple. Steve returned the gesture.

"But you're the one who makes me happy."

Olivia had Steve's full attention at that statement. He smiled down at her. "Yeah?"

"Oh yes," said Olivia, wrapping her arms around his waist, "so very happy." She bit her bottom lip. "You know, when you come over later, you could… umm… only if you wanted to, I mean… you could stay over, if you wanted."

Olivia was blushing yet again and Steve felt his own blood heat at her shy offer. "You want me to stay over?" he asked unevenly. Even though they'd been dating for nearly two months now, they actually hadn't slept together yet. It was a combination of a lot of things. Steve hadn't wanted to rush Olivia and their time together had been broken when he'd had to go away on missions with the Avengers. To be honest, he wasn't even sure what an acceptable amount of time to wait to for such things would be anyway. In his day it was traditional to wait until you were married and he didn't want to offend Olivia by suggesting anything that would make her feel uncomfortable or suggest that he didn't hold her in the highest of esteems.

"If you wanted to," said Olivia bashfully.

"I want to," said Steve quickly, a little too quickly and he tried to dial back his enthusiasm for the idea so as not to overwhelm her. He knew this was a big step for her. "Liv, are you sure? I'm not in any rush. We don't have to do anything you don't want to do." Steve held his breath, waiting for her to answer. He was offering her a restraint he wasn't entirely sure he had, now that she'd broached the subject between them.

Olivia laid her hands on chest and smiled softly up at him. "I want this," she reassured him. Olivia went up on her tip toes to kiss him and Steve eagerly met her halfway. How was he meant to get through this night when all he could think about was Olivia?

"Heads up, lovebirds, time and tide waits for no man." Happy's voice broke through the heady pleasure of their kisses and Steve reluctantly ended the kiss.

He grimaced. "I have to go."

"I know," she said huskily. "I'll be waiting for you when you're done."

Steve felt his heart skip a beat or two at just the thought of it. A ringing came from inside the car.

"That'll be your publicist, checking to see if we've left yet," predicted Happy. "She's already rung three times."

"I don't have a publicist," said Steve absently, still staring at the smiling Olivia.

"You do until this date thing is done and dusted," said Happy. "Let's go. I can't tell her you're in the bathroom again, not without her thinking you have some kind of urinary tract infection."

Steve finally let Olivia slip from his arms and he climbed into the back seat of the limo.

"Have fun," said Olivia.

Steve went to lean out and tell her that wasn't possible seeing as she wasn't coming but at the same moment Olivia chose to slam the door shut behind him. Steve's nose connected with the door with a painful crunch. He reeled back and grabbed his nose, giving a grunt of pain.

"Oh Steve!" gasped Olivia. "I'm so sorry. Are you alright?"

"It's fine," said Steve hastily, still seeing a few stars as he blinked rapidly. "It's nothing."

"Your nose is bleeding," said Olivia unhappily.

Steve put a hand to his nose and felt the warm wetness there. "No biggie. I'll be fine." He smiled up at her reassuringly. "Super human, remember?"

"Sorry," said Olivia unhappily. "I really wish I would stop doing things like that to you."

"You're completely perfect just the way you are," said Steve firmly. "I don't want to change a single thing about you." He discretely wiped the blood from his nose. "I'll see you later on tonight, okay?"

Olivia nodded and smiled. "I'll be waiting." This time she closed the door more carefully as Happy started the car.

"Yes, I'm telling you, Jan, we're on our way. Captain America is in the car with me right now. We'll be there in ten minutes." Happy hung up before the conversation could become more involved. "That woman is a control freak."

"Thanks for driving me, Happy. You didn't have to. I know you have your hands full working as head of security with Pepper now."

Happy glanced at him via the rear vision mirror. "No problem. Truth is, I kinda miss the driving. I like it, soothes me."

"I wish I felt soothed," sighed Steve. "I really hate these public appearances things. I don't like all the attention."

"You should have thought of that before agreeing to that whole super soldier program."

"Yeah, hindsight is always twenty twenty," said Steve wryly. He looked down at his tie. "Damn."

"What's wrong?"

"I got blood on my tie." Steve went to pull it off his neck.

"Dating Olivia is hazardous to your health," noted Happy. "She's always slamming something of yours into something else."

"They're just accidents," Steve defended her. "It's not Olivia's fault."

"I know, you're the lightening reflexes guy. Why don't you just get out of her way more quickly?"

"I don't know," said Steve slowly. "I guess I'm always a little distracted when she is around."

Happy smiled. "Yeah, I can see why that might be the case. She's a beautiful woman that one. Nothing but class all the way. You got lucky."

Steve grinned. "I did, didn't I?"

"And then some."

He looked down at the blood spotted garment in his hands. "I guess we don't have time to go back and get another tie. Do you think it's bad form to turn up on a date without a tie?"

"I think you're Captain freakin' America and they're not going to care if you turn up dressed as a chicken and juggling kittens."

"A disturbing mental picture but thanks, I guess." Steve shoved the soiled tie into the breast pocket of his coat and squirmed a little in his seat. "I really don't want to do this."

"Hey, it's a free meal, what's not to like?"

"It feels disloyal to Olivia."

"She seems fine with it."

"I know." Steve paused. "What do you think that means? That she isn't jealous?" Maybe Olivia's feelings didn't run as deep as his. The thought was a depressing one to Steve.

"It means she thinks you're a good guy worthy of her trust." Happy shrugged. "Plus, this girl is probably going to be some kind of giant whackadoodle. Hardly any competition for Olivia."

Steve frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I mean what kind of woman enters a competition like this?" Happy met his gaze in the mirror again. "Not a well-adjusted, normal kind of woman, that's for sure. These kinds of things always brings out the biggest assortment of fangirling weirdoes. She probably sleeps with a lock of your hair or something already."

"How would she get a lock of my hair?"

"If you want something bad enough, you can get anything."

"You're not helping, Happy. I'm nervous enough as it is."

"Don't worry, Cap, if needs be you should totally be able to take her in a fight. Unless she weighs three hundred pounds or something. Those big gals can put up a real fight."

"Now I'm fighting the woman?" he squawked. "A second ago I was just getting a free meal."

"I'm not gonna lie, these things can escalate quickly," said Happy casually. "I've tasered my fair share of groupies back in the day to know always to keep your eye on the exits and one hand free to protect your love junk."

"Oh God," said Steve weakly, slumping back in his seat. "Why did I agree to this?"

"Maybe it was fate?" suggested Happy. "Maybe you didn't have a choice at all."

"Still not making me feel better about any of this."

Happy was pulling up in front of a restaurant which was already full of reporters lined up outside. "Too late. We're here."

"Great," groaned Steve. Where was an international crisis when you needed one?

Happy turned in his seat to address him. "Remember, exits and protect the man jewels. The rest is gravy."

"Thanks, Happy," said Steve wryly. "Words to live by."

"Hey, they got me this far."

Steve took a fortifying breath as flashes started to go off around the car, reporters vying to get the first shots of Captain America out on a date with an all-American girl and send it out across to a waiting world. He'd been to war, fought off an alien invasion and been buried in ice for seventy years – how bad could tonight really be? And besides, he had something very special to look forward to at the end of it all. That thought alone was enough to propel Steve out of the limo and into the media frenzy, eager to get his obligations over and done with so he could end up where he really wanted to be that night. He blinked into the flash of cameras going off and simply wished away the next couple of hours.

A/N: Okay, have I intrigued you as to where this blind date is going or just lost you completely with my rambling? Lol Let me know if there is any interest in continuing this story. I really shouldn't have started this story as I'm still beavering away at a Sleepy Hollow fic I'm trying to get done and I really don't have the time but like I said, saw the movie and was inspired to revisit some of my old faves. :D