Andrea was out of bed with a knife in her hand a heartbeat after she sensed the presence in her bedroom the next morning. She let her arm fall from its defensive position in front of her the moment she registered the red hair and amused smile.

"Nat," Andrea breathed, relief flooding through her.

"Good morning to you, too," her friend responded, flopping gracefully onto Andrea's bed.

A glance at the clock told Andrea it was just past eight in the morning. "What do you want, Nat?" she asked irritably, setting her knife on the nightstand and crawling back into bed. She really wasn't a morning person.

"Oh, don't be a baby," Nat admonished as Andrea burrowed back under the covers. "It's time to get up."

"Mmph," Andrea grumbled. "Why?"

"Because…" Nat responded, drawing the word out, "you have a big day today."

Andrea went still. Dinner with Steve.

"Yes, dinner with Steve," Natasha remarked, as if reading Andrea's thoughts. "Now, get up," she added, getting off the bed and ripping away Andrea's covers. If anyone else had tried this, Andrea would be throwing knives right about now.

"It's a dinner date, Nat!" Andrea complained, grasping for the covers. Natasha merely pulled them farther out of her reach. "Dinner is later!" Andrea knew she was whining, but she really wasn't a morning person.

"Dinner might be later, but shopping is now," Natasha responded with an unsettling gleam in her eye.

Andrea pinned the redhead with a glare. "Shopping?" she asked apprehensively.

"Yes. Shopping," the redhead replied. "You need something to wear on your date."

Andrea sighed heavily before heaving herself up into a seated position. "I have clothes, you know," she pointed out as she leaned against the headboard.

"Yes," Natasha replied, moving to the dresser and pulling out some of said clothes and throwing them on the bed. "But I know you only brought the one bag. And I know it didn't contain any date clothes."

Andrea scowled at her friend. "Natasha, I don't need-"

"Yes, you do," Natasha interrupted in a tone that told Andrea there would be no arguing with her. "Now get up and get dressed."

Before Andrea could respond, Natasha was strolling out of the room. "Meet us on the communal floor in thirty minutes," she called behind her. With a final click of the door closing, she was gone as suddenly as she'd come.

Andrea leaned back and stared at the ceiling. The whole encounter had been such a whirlwind that she needed to straighten her thoughts out. I have a date tonight, she thought with a small, apprehensive smile. She could honestly say that this would be her first one. That's why Nat is trying to help, she realized. Natasha was fully aware of her nonexistent dating history. It should come as no surprise that she'd jump in to help Andrea navigate this new terrain. Even if it involves shopping… she thought with a frown. Shopping was not Andrea's favorite activity.

Best to get it over with, she thought, swinging her legs over the side of the bed and grabbing the clothes that Natasha had laid out.

Andrea stepped onto the elevator exactly thirty minutes later dressed in dark jeans and a comfortable grey t-shirt. Her blonde hair hung in loose waves down her back.

She tried not to fidget as the car rose to the communal floor. Even with her hatred of shopping, Andrea was happy Natasha was taking her out this morning. Besides having no idea what to wear tonight, she also had no idea how to act. She didn't know how to date.

Despite telling Steve that they were just hanging out and seeing where things went, tonight felt like more. She hoped her friend would have some insights. Cheered by that thought, Andrea stepped off the elevator with a smile ready to greet her friend.

The smile vanished, however, when she saw who was waiting with Natasha. Andrea recognized her instantly from the personnel files she'd studied - Wanda Maximoff.

Andrea froze a few steps outside the elevator, taking in the two women seated at the table. They'd been chatting before Andrea arrived if the half empty coffee mugs in front of them were any indication. But with Andrea's arrival they were now silent and turned towards her.

To her credit, Natasha looked instantly apologetic. With good reason, Andrea thought bitterly. Wanda was capable of destroying Andrea's carefully built world with a mere thought and Natasha hadn't even warned her she was in the building.

"You think like your uncle, Andrea," Wanda spoke, snapping Andrea's attention to her. "Loudly, that is," she added with a smile.

I have to get out of here, Andrea thought frantically, already stepping back towards the elevator.

"You can leave if you wish," Wanda continued, obviously reading her intent. "But I can assure you that you have nothing to fear from me."

Andrea was sure that the doubt she felt was showing plainly on her face. Wanda's eyes went to Natasha as if looking for backup.

"It's okay, Andy-" Natasha started.

Andrea's disbelieving snort cut her off.

She probably already knows about me, Andrea realized, terror coating her body. Once more, her emotions must have shown because Wanda's face softened as she stood from her chair, moving as if to approach Andrea. But Andrea shot her a warning look, halting her steps.

"Andrea, I can't help the thoughts I hear sometimes," she admitted. "But I can help what I repeat."

"Meaning?" Andrea asked hoarsely, her first words since stepping off the elevator.

"I mean," she responded softly, almost inaudibly, "that any secrets you may have would be safe with me."

Andrea considered her. "Why should I believe you?" Andrea finally asked.

"I swear it on my brother's life," she replied solemnly. Andrea's eyebrows shot up. She knew from her research how close the Maximoff twins were.

But she needed more than that. She looked past Wanda to where Natasha was still seated, quietly watching the exchange.

"Nat?" she asked.

"I trust her with this, Andy," Nat responded carefully. She means with me, Andrea realized. Natasha continued, "Clint trusts her."

Andrea took a deep breath and considered. Natasha and Clint had both told her that she would be safe here. They never would have said that if Wanda posed any sort of threat to her secret and, more importantly, to her safety.

Before she could act on her decision, however, a blur of movement caught her eye. Whipping her head to the left, she was both amazed and apprehensive to find Pietro Maximoff leaning against the back of the couch, in his pajamas, carefully sipping a cup of coffee as he took in the scene before him.

"What have I missed?" he asked casually - too casually.

Andrea took another deep breath before she started walking closer to Wanda. Noting how Pietro tensed almost imperceptibly, Andrea plastered on a smile and extended a hand to the young woman.

"I was just getting to know your sister," she answered politely.

When Wanda took her outstretched hand, Andrea said with as much warmth as she could muster given her nerves, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Wanda."

Wanda absolutely grinned at that and shook her hand vigorously. "It's lovely to meet you as well, Andrea. It seems Natasha and Clint cannot stop talking about you," she responded kindly, dropping Andrea's hand.

Andrea blushed. "Yeah, well, family likes to embarrass you like that, I guess," she replied.

Wanda rolled her eyes pointedly towards her brother, who now seemed much more relaxed, "It is so true," she said.

"Would you like some coffee?" Wanda offered, ushering Andrea into the kitchen where Natasha still waited.

"I'd love some," Andrea replied with a smile, determined to be kind.

Before Wanda could reach the coffee machine however, Pietro appeared from nowhere, beating her to it. As he poured Andrea a cup of coffee, she and Wanda took their seats at the counter.

"He likes to show off for new people," Wanda murmured.

Andrea giggled as Pietro approached with her coffee. Taking it carefully, Andrea thanked him and took a generous sip. Pietro gave a snort at her contented sigh.

"You are a fan of coffee?" he asked, a playful smile on his face.

Before Andrea could respond, the elevator doors opened to reveal one of the most glamorous women that Andrea had ever seen. As Pepper Potts got off the elevator and walked towards them Andrea found herself tugging nervously on her shirt. She felt like a country bumpkin compared to this woman.

"Oh good, you're all acquainted," Pepper said as she approached the kitchen.

Wanda hopped off of her stool and embraced Pepper as she reached them. "Pepper, it is so good to see you," she said excitedly. Much to Andrea's embarrassment, Wanda then turned toward her and announced, "Pepper, meet Andrea Barton - we're becoming fast friends," she added with a wink towards Andrea.

Pepper offered her a warm, welcoming smile and a hand to shake. "Andrea, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. I hope you're finding everything in the Tower to your liking?" she asked politely.

"Oh… uh… Yes, of course I am, Ms. Potts. It's a huge step up from SHIELD barracks, I can tell you" she added, still blushing furiously.

Pepper smiled in response. "Please call me Pepper, Andrea," she said kindly.

Pleasantries out of the way, Pepper turned to the rest of the ladies and announced, "Is everyone ready to go? The car is waiting for us downstairs."

"The car?" Andrea asked, feeling stupid.

"For our shopping trip, of course," Pepper responded.

"We're all going?" Andrea asked, suddenly apprehensive.

Shopping was scary enough when it was just going to be her and Natasha. But with Pepper and Wanda along, she was going to feel like a fool!

How am I going to get any dating advice with these veritable strangers around?! she thought frantically.

Natasha's face was suddenly in front of hers. "Andy?" she asked softly, getting the blonde's attention.

"Nat, I… " A quick glance past her showed that everyone else was busying themselves with their coffee.

"It's okay, Andrea," her friend murmured, too softly for the others to hear. "If you don't want them to come, they'll understand."

"It's just that…"

"I know," her friend replied. "I just thought it'd be more fun if there were more of us. I thought it'd take the pressure off of you."

Andrea felt herself relenting at her friend's words.

"And," she added, looking Andrea in the eye, "it's time you made some friends besides just me and Clint."

"I have friends," Andrea hissed, desperately hoping that the others couldn't hear this conversation.

"Name one," Natasha insisted, unimpressed.

"I made friends with Steve," Andrea pointed out triumphantly.

"Friends you want to see naked don't count," Natasha shot back.

Andrea knew all pretenses at subterfuge were destroyed when Pepper choked on her coffee at Natasha's comment.

Staring at the ceiling as if it held the answers to all of life's questions, Andrea tried to will the blush away.

"You know I'm right, Barton," Natasha continued smugly.

Andrea brought her gaze down and let it drift past Natasha. What she found were three people who seemed genuine, seemed safe and, most importantly, seemed like they wanted to help - wanted to be her friend.

Andrea gave Natasha a nod, signalling her agreement.

Smiling, Natasha turned back towards Wanda and Pepper declaring, "We're ready when you are."

"Fantastic!" Pepper replied, turning to follow Wanda who had bounded excitedly for the elevator at Natasha's words.

"Can I come?" Pietro asked with a grin before the ladies could board the elevator.

"No, you cannot come," Wanda replied for them, pinning her twin with an unimpressed look.

"Oh, come on," he teased, "I promise I won't slow you down," he added with a wink towards Andrea.

"Sorry, Pietro," Pepper replied, trailing Andrea and Nat to the elevator doors, "Ladies only."

Pietro pouted but didn't push the issue as the women boarded the car. "Have fun, ladies," he called as the doors closed.

Wanda turned to Andrea as the car descended. "I hope my brother did not make you uncomfortable, Andrea," she murmured, though Andrea was sure the others could hear in the small space.

"How so?" Andrea asked, confused. He'd been perfectly nice to her after the initial tension had eased.

Now it was Wanda who looked uncomfortable. "He can be… flirtatious," she admitted.

Andrea chuckled and nudged Wanda's shoulder with her own. "Don't worry," Andrea assured her, "I can tell it's harmless."

Wanda's smile was much more at ease with Andrea's words.

"Besides," Natasha said from her spot against the wall, a mischievous look on her face, "Andrea only has eyes for -"

"Natasha!" Andrea hissed, cutting off her friend.

Wanda giggled, obviously already aware of who Nat was referring to.

Andrea cast a nervous glance at Pepper wondering what, if anything, the CEO knew.

"Incidentally," Pepper chimed in, watching the numbers on the display rapidly descend, "Steve called me last night wondering what he should cook for dinner tonight. It took some wheedling but he finally admitted that he has a date he's eager to impress. Though, he wouldn't say with whom," she finished, casting a knowing look towards Andrea.

Andrea was saved from making any response by their arrival at the garage level. As the doors opened, Andrea spied a driver waiting to usher them into a nondescript black SUV.

Andrea was stopped from getting into the car by Pepper's gentle hand on her elbow. As Natasha and Wanda climbed in, Pepper turned to Andrea and murmured, "Andrea, I'm going to tell you exactly what I told Steve last night. It's none of my business who you date and I'm not a gossip. If you want to keep this quiet, I'll accept that and support you. My lips are sealed."

Andrea knew her smile showed how relieved she was. "Thank you, Pepper," she replied, "It's not that I'm ashamed or anything - it's just so new, this thing with Steve. I don't want the attention it would bring."

Pepper's smile was warm as she replied, "Steve said the same thing." With that, she turned and headed for the waiting SUV.

As Pepper climbed into the car, Andrea found herself wondering if Natasha was right about this whole 'having friends' thing. Smiling at the thought, Andrea steeled herself for a morning of shopping and followed Pepper into the SUV.

Andrea was due to arrive at his apartment any minute and Steve still hadn't finished the food. She probably won't mind, he thought somewhat frantically as hurried around the kitchen grabbing the supplies he'd need for dinner. Steve hated to admit that he was nervous.

It wasn't as though he was a total dating novice - he'd been on plenty of dates. But most women wanted to go out with and be seen with Captain America. Andrea didn't seem to care one bit about his title - she saw Steve. Steve hadn't felt a connection like this in a really long time - not since Peggy.

Shaking his head to ward off any maudlin thoughts, Steve focused on the task at hand. Rather than have JARVIS order what he'd needed for tonight's dinner, Steve had done all of the grocery shopping and cooking himself. He wanted tonight to go well - to be special. For Steve, that meant picking out ingredients and making the food without help. Well, without help outside of Pepper, that is.

Steve hadn't had any clue what to cook tonight. He didn't have much skill in the kitchen but he was still determined to make something nice - cue Pepper Potts.

He'd been a nervous wreck when he'd call his friend the night before for advice.

"You're overthinking this, Steve," she'd said kindly. "Keep it simple and romantic - your steak and potatoes with some wine and a few candles on the table will be perfect."

"You don't think that's too simple?" he'd asked, thinking Pepper was going to suggest something a lot fancier than steak.

"Not at all," she'd responded. "If you recall, I've had your steak before. Whoever this woman is, she'll love it."

Steve had breathed a sigh of relief. Steak he could do. "Thank you, Pepper. I really owe you."

"You could repay me by telling me who the lucky girl is," she'd suggested slyly.

Steve had hesitated. "I would, Pepper, believe me. But this is all so new and I'm not sure we're ready to 'go public' yet. I'd like to keep this to myself for a little while."

"Of course, Steve. Whatever you want," she'd replied, the smile evident in her voice. "But I demand to know how the date goes."

Steve had laughed. "You've got it, Pep."

Steve was brought back to the present by a knock on the door.

"Shit," he cursed. He was so wrapped up in thoughts, he hadn't noticed the minutes ticking by. He quickly jogged around the kitchen counter to light the candles on the table. As he lit the last candle, another tentative knock sounded.

"Be right there," he called as he moved towards the front door. He hesitated as he reached the door. Calm down, he thought to himself as he took the necessary deep breaths before smoothing out the nonexistent wrinkles in his button down. After one last hair check in the mirror next to the door, he finally opened it.

All his nerves flew out the window when he found Andrea fidgeting nervously on the other side.

Agent Andrea Barton was used to dressing up. She'd procured state secrets and classified intel from countless marks thanks to a low cut cocktail dress and a pair of Jimmy Choos. She'd once killed a third world dictator with a dinner fork while wearing an Oscar de la Renta ball gown. No, Agent Barton was no stranger to dressing up. She'd just never done it as Andrea Barton. She'd been Lizbet Hemington or Gemma Parker or any of the other aliases that she'd gone by in her career with SHIELD.

So, as she rode the elevator down to Steve's floor, Andrea straightened her dress for what felt like the hundredth time. At Natasha, Pepper and Wanda's suggestion, she'd worn a white dress with so many tiny red flowers on it that it almost looked pink along with a pair of flats. Was it too much?! she wondered frantically as the elevator doors opened. Too late now.

Walking down the hallway, Andrea struggled to remember the advice that Natasha had given her as her friend had helped her get ready just an hour before.

"He wouldn't have asked you out if he didn't already like you," she'd pointed out as she took a curling iron to Andrea's hair. "You have nothing to worry about."

"But what if I say the wrong thing?" she'd worried, desperate for advice that was actually helpful.

"You won't."

Andrea had sighed. "Nat-"

"Andrea," Natasha had interrupted gently, coming around so that she was looking Andrea in the eye and taking her hands. "Steve likes you," she went on, "I can honestly say I've never seen him act this way with anyone. Just be yourself."

Andrea had taken a deep breath and nodded in response. Squeezing her hands before letting go, Natasha had gone back to working on Andrea's hair.

"Besides," she'd added after a quiet moment, "if it goes badly, you could always kill him with the closest eating utensil." Andrea was grateful for the laughter.

Smiling at the memory, Andrea raised her hand and knocked on the door. When no answer came, Andrea knocked a second time. She calmed considerably when she heard Steve's voice call through the door, "Be right there!"

Here we go, she thought nervously, trying desperately not to fidget. All of her nerves dissolved, however, once Steve opened the door.

He smiled and her and she couldn't help but grin back as she took in his appearance - dark jeans and a blue button down. She blushed when her eyes met his and realized she'd been caught staring - just as he'd been staring at her.

It was Steve who finally broke their silent appraisal of each other.

"Hi," he said.

"Hey," Andrea replied. Wow, we're a couple of worsdsmiths.

"Uh, come on in," Steve said, stepping aside and gesturing for her to enter. "I was just about to put the steaks on."

Andrea stepped into the apartment and looked around. It was the same layout as Clint's quarters, which didn't surprise her. What did surprise her was the homey feel to the space. The furniture was a bit old fashioned but seemed durable and well-made. Her eyes drifted from the hand-knit afghan on the couch to the original artwork on the walls.

Andrea's eyes lingered on the kitchen table that held two place settings with lit candles casting a romantic glow around the room. Her eyes finally found Steve.

He'd waited, patient and quiet, as she'd observed the space. When her eyes met his, his eyebrows rose in silent question.

Smiling, Andrea answered with a soft, "It's lovely, Steve."

Steve chuckled. "Lovely?" he asked.

"It suits you," she responded.

"Thanks," he replied, his cheeks slightly tinted.

He's so cute when he blushes, she thought as he shifted his feet and pointed towards the kitchen. "I should finish the food," he said, finally starting to move away from the door.

Still smiling, Andrea followed him. "You said something about steaks?" she prompted, taking a seat at the counter as Steve moved towards the refrigerator.

"I hope that's okay…" Steve answered nervously as he retrieved two huge marinating steaks.

"I love steak," Andrea replied, which seemed to put Steve at ease.

"Good," he replied.

"Can I help with anything?" Andrea asked as Steve added the steaks to the grill-top stove.

"There's a salad in the fridge if you want to grab that?" he suggested.

Glad for something to do, Andrea hopped off the stool and moved to the refrigerator. As she pulled the salad out, Steve asked, "How do you like your steak cooked?"

"Medium rare is good," Andrea replied as she brought the salad over to the table.

"I set some wine out on the table if you'd like some," Steve called, turning his attention back to the steaks.

Andrea looked at the bottle and considered. She usually didn't drink alcohol. It lowered inhibitions and made you vulnerable. But it's Steve, she thought with a smile. Decision made, she poured two glasses of wine and strode back into the kitchen. Setting Steve's glass within reach, she leaned back against the counter to watch him work.

"Thanks," Steve said, picking up his wine and taking a sip.

The pair regarded each other a moment as they quietly sipped their wine. It was Andrea who finally broke the silence. "Smells good," she murmured, nodding towards the steak.

Steve smiled. "It's one of my specialties," he replied. "It shouldn't be too much longer."

As if in response, Andrea's stomach gave an audible grumble.

Steve laughed as Andrea blushed. "Hungry?" Steve asked.

"Very," Andrea responded, willing her blush away. "I didn't get a chance to eat much today."

"Busy day?" Steve asked.

"Natasha insisted on taking me shopping for tonight. Pepper and Wanda joined us. It was quite the affair."

"Did you get that dress?" Steve asked, indicating Andrea's outfit.

"Um… yeah," Andrea responded.

Steve kept his eyes focused on the steak as he replied, "You look beautiful."

Andrea felt her face heat. "Thanks, Steve," she finally murmured.

Steve glanced up at her. "You're welcome, Andy," he answered softly.

Andrea couldn't decipher the soft look in his eyes. Casting about for something to say, she jumped at the first thought that came to her.

"Um… how's the food?" she asked.

Steve gave her a knowing look before replying, "Done," he announced. "Go ahead and sit. I'll be right there."

Andrea nodded and went to take a seat at the table. Leaving the spot at the head for Steve, she took the seat to his left. A few moments later, Steve joined her carrying a tray with the steaks as well as baked potatoes. Steve served the food then took his seat, smiling shyly.

"It looks delicious," Andy assured him. Steve's smile broadened.

"Dig in," he urged, reaching for the salad. Ever the gentleman, he gave Andrea a helping before serving himself.

"So how was it being with Wanda and Pepper?" Steve asked as they began eating.

Andrea considered. "Surprisingly okay," she responded. "I was hesitant at first but Nat insisted that I need to make friends here."

"Well, you've got me," Steve pointed out smoothly.

"I tried that," Andrea responded with a rueful smile. "Apparently you don't count."

To Andrea's amusement, Steve looked genuinely confused at that. "Why not?" he asked, frowning.

Andrea couldn't contain her chuckle. "Because we're… you know…"

Understanding dawned on Steve's face. "Because we're what?" he asked, a mischievous glint shining in his eyes.

Andrea blushed furiously but refused to let Steve win. She waited for Steve to take a sip of his wine before leaning forward and murmuring, "According to her, friends you want to see naked don't count."

Andrea couldn't stop the burst of laughter when Steve choked on his wine.

Thunk

Thunk

Thunk

"For a master sniper, you're pretty bad at darts," Bucky drawled from his seat at the barstool, grinning at Clint's scowl.

Clint stalked to the dartboard and yanked his darts out. "Let's see you do better," he groused as he made his way over to Bucky's seat at the nearest table.

Shrugging, Bucky took a drink of his beer before hopping off his stool and taking the offered darts from the blonde's hand.

In a matter of seconds he had determined the weight and balance of the darts and the precise angle of the target. He let the darts fly.

Thunk

Thunk

Thunk

The sound of Clint's laughter was like a balm to his wounded pride. He'd missed the bullseye.

"Not so smug are you now, Buckaroo?" Clint practically crooned.

Clint was the only person in the world who'd ever called him 'Buckaroo' and not walked away bloody.

"Can it, Barton," Bucky grumbled as he returned to their table. There was no malice in his words, though. Afterall, Bucky had hit precisely what he'd aimed for.

"How about we celebrate our mutual ineptitude with another round?" Clint suggested.

Bucky smiled. "You're not inept, Clint," he responded, clapping the blonde gently on the shoulder. "You're just drunk."

Clint chuckled and didn't complain when Bucky's hand lingered a moment longer on his shoulder.

"Well, you're not wrong," Clint agreed. Did Bucky imagine Clint's look of disappointment when he finally removed his hand?

The pair had spent the majority of the afternoon together - ever since Bucky had dragged Clint out of his apartment, announcing he needed a break from Steve's nervous pacing.

Steve, on a date with a potential threat. Just thinking about it made his teeth clench.

"Don't think about it," Clint's voice broke him out of his thoughts. Bucky's eyes clicked to Clint.

"About what?" Bucky hedged.

Clint rolled his eyes. "About Steve and Andrea."

"I'm not -"

"Yes you are," Clint interrupted gently.

"Clint-"

"Are you jealous?" Clint asked quietly, not quite meeting Bucky's eyes.

"Jealous?!" Bucky was genuinely blindsided by Clint's question. How much have we had to drink? "Clint, I'm not-"

"You could tell me if you had a thing for Andrea."

"I don't -"

"Or Steve."

That brought Bucky up short. Clint thinks I'm jealous… of Andrea?

Bucky laid his hand on Clint's arm to get his attention.

"Clint, I don't have a thing for Andrea. Or Steve," he began.

"Because he's a guy?" Clint asked his beer, sounding a little too casual for Bucky's liking.

Still, Bucky smiled at the question. "No, not because he's a guy, you idiot. Because he's Steve."

Clint finally glanced over at that. "Oh, so you're-"

"Clint do you really want to have this conversation when we're both drunk at a bar?" Bucky asked gently.

Clint let out a breath and took a long pull of his beer. "No, I guess not," he finally responded.

Bucky gave Clint's arm a squeeze before finally pulling away. "It's late," he said, standing up from his seat. "We should head back."

Clint nodded his agreement as he got up from his seat and followed Bucky out of the bar.

Bucky hailed a cab while Clint tried and failed not to lean too heavily on his friend.

But Bucky wasn't complaining. And he certainly wasn't complaining as the cab set off toward Avengers Tower and Clint laid his head on Bucky's shoulder as his eyes drifted closed.

No, Bucky thought, laying his head on top of Clint's, he wasn't complaining one bit.

Andrea was having a great time. The rest of the meal was filled with good conversation, laughs and many shared smiles. It felt so comfortable to just sit and talk with Steve. They still stayed away from the heavy topics but it was fun to get to know him better and open herself up to him a little more.

"So you've never been on a rollercoaster?" Steve asked as they cleared their dishes from the table, long after they'd finished their meals.

Andrea laughed as she followed Steve into the kitchen. "I get enough thrills from my day job," she replied, setting her dish down next to the sink.

"Afraid?" Steve asked, turning to top off Andrea's wine glass.

"No," Andrea responded a bit defiantly. "I've just… never been to an amusement park," she admitted.

"I'll have to take you to Coney Island, then," Steve decided. "That is, if you want."

"I want, Steve," Andrea assured him. "That sounds like fun."

"Good," Steve smiled. "It's a date."

Hoping to hide her grin and accompanying blush, Andrea turned to the sink to begin the dishes.

"Woah, uh-uh," Steve admonished when he realized what she was doing. "Guests don't do dishes."

Andrea deftly blocked him as Asteve tried to move in to take over.

"Sorry, Steve. Barton house rules -cook doesn't clean," she informed him.

"But-"

"No buts," she interrupted with a chuckle. "Just relax and keep me company."

"I can do that," Steve agreed, stepping away to lean against the counter and watch her work.

Andrea filled the sink with soap and water and got to work. Steve lasted a good five minutes before he broke. "You've got to at least let me dry," he insisted, setting down his wine glass and moving to Andrea's side.

"If you insist," she replied with a smile, handing him the first of the clean dishes.

They kept the conversation to a minimum as they worked - enjoying the companionable silence.

It was Steve who finally spoke. "So… you want to see me naked, huh?" he asked slyly as Andrea reached for the last dish - a plate.

Andrea's grip on the plate slips at the question and lands in the sink - sending soap suds everywhere. There's a moment of stunned silence as the pair stare at each other covered in bubbles. Then, moment breaking, they both begin to laugh.

"Here… Let me… let me get you a towel," Steve gets out as he laughs, trying to make his way towards Andy but slipping on the now water-covered floor. Andrea can't stop chuckling as she watches Steve slip and slide his way to her. When he's finally close enough, she reaches out her hand to steady him.

She can't contain her grin as she looks up into his face and sees bubbles in his hair. "You've got um… you've got something in your hair," she giggles as she points.

"Oh yeah?" he challenges, eyebrow raising, "Well you've got something all over your face."

Andrea just keeps grinning.

Steve carefully brings his hand up to her face and swipes away the bubbles, taking care to keep them out of her eyes and mouth. As he swipes the bubbles off of her nose, he holds it in front of her.

"Make a wish," he murmurs. It's then that Andrea realizes how close they're standing. She can feel the heat coming off of his body.

Suddenly nervous, she stammers, "That's… that's eyelashes, Steve."

Still holding the bubbles up in front of her, he shrugs. "We can make our own magic."

Keeping her eyes on Steve's, she leans forward just enough to blow the soap suds off of Steve's fingers.

"What'd you wish for Andy?" Steve murmurs, barely loud enough for Andrea to hear.

Andrea steels herself before answering. "This," she whispers. Pushing up onto her tiptoes, Andrea presses her lips to Steve's.

Finally, is all Andrea can think of as Steve's lips meet hers and his hands come up to frame her face. Fighting for balance, Andrea's hands shoot out to grip Steve's waist as he deepens the kiss.

Andrea feels the pleasure, the potential, of the kiss all the way to her toes. There's heat there, simmering under the surface, as the pair explore each other. Andrea's hands slide up his back. Steve's hands fist in her hair.

The kiss lasts forever and no time at all. All too soon, Steve is pulling gently back and tipping his forehead against Andrea's. They're both out of breath.

Once again, it's Steve who breaks the silence. "That was… unexpected," he murmurs, stroking her hair.

Andrea pulls back enough to look into Steve's eyes. "Bad unexpected?" she asks, suddenly overcome with nerves.

Steve's eyes show disbelief at her question. "No, Andrea," he responds gently. "Not bad. It was a great unexpected."

Andrea's smile was instant and Steve's bloomed to match it. "Good," she replied, leaning in to him.

"When can we do this again?" Steve asks into her hair.

"Have dinner or kiss in the kitchen?" she asks with a smile, once more pulling away to look at him. She'd expected awkwardness from one or both of them. She didn't feel any at all… yet.

"Both," he responds instantly. "Definitely both."

"Well, I'll have to check my busy social calendar, but I'm sure I can squeeze you in," she responded coyly.

Just as Steve opened his mouth to respond, the front door banged open and Bucky came strolling in with a smile on his face. The smile was wiped away, however, when he took in the pair standing so close in the kitchen. Andrea stepped back from Steve but refused to jump away as if she'd been caught doing something wrong.

"Sorry," Bucky said with no sincerity whatsoever. "It's late. I thought you'd be done." He spoke directly to Steve.

"Actually, Bucky-"

"He's right, Steve," Andrea interrupted before things got even more tense. "It's late. I should get going." She backed away from Steve a few more steps before turning and walking towards the door.

"Good night, Bucky," she said as she approached the door where he stood.

"Yeah, night," Bucky mumbled, getting out of her way.

When Andrea turned to wish Steve a good night, he was coming around the counter and walking towards her. "I'm walking you home," he said.

"Steve, it's a quick elevator ride-"

"I'm walking you home," he said again, leaving no room for argument.

Andrea smiled. "As you wish," she said, opening the door and stepping out into the hall.

"I'm sorry about Bucky," Steve said once they reached the elevator. "He's…."

"Getting used to me?" she offered.

Steve sighed and dragged a hand through his hair. "That's one way to put it."

"Steve, if you and I are going to be a problem for him, we can-"

"It'll be fine, Andy," he interrupted. At her dubious look, he added, "I promise."

Steve reached for Andrea's hand as the elevator doors opened and held it for the entire walk to Clint's door.

"I want to see you again," Steve said, turning to her.

"You'll probably see me tomorrow," Andrea offered.

Steve smirked. "You know what I mean."

"I want to see you again, too, Steve. We'll find the time," she answered. "I promise," she added, echoing his earlier words.

"Andrea can I-" Steve stammered, then gathered himself. "I'd like to kiss you goodnight."

Andrea's grin was bright and quick. "What are you waiting for?" she asked, feeling daring.

Steve smiled as he stepped to her, cupped her upturned face, and leaned in to her. This was barely more than a peck - a soft brushing of lips, but Andrea felt it down to her toes.

As Steve pulled away he smiled ruefully. "I'm going to go now," he said. "Before I do something we both regret."

Andrea chuckled at that but let him step away.

"Thank you for a wonderful night, Steve."

Steve smiled in response. "Goodnight, Andrea."

With that, Andrea stepped into the apartment and let the door close quietly.