"So what's going on in here?" Tony asked interestedly with a quirked eyebrow as he looked between Hermione and Steve intently - especially since it was obvious that he had just walked in on something important. Steve completely ignored the question, however, even though he glanced at the man long enough to realize that there was something very odd about his appearance. Nevertheless, he found that he was much too irritated about the horrific timing of the interruption to focus further on whatever it was. Therefore, he immediately focused his attention back on Hermione instead.

"Please tell me I interrupted something," Tony continued with his usual dramatic flair when neither Steve nor Hermione answered him. "Because I have to say that it's about damn time. All that UST between you two has been killing me! Unfortunately, however, you don't have time to unwrap that particular Christmas present right now. Everyone is already out there waiting on you. I'll go and buy you a few more minutes, though, and tell them that something came up." He then made sure that he had their complete attention before he winked suggestively at the couple and nodded knowingly in the direction of Steve's trousers. Before either of them had a chance to respond to the irreverent comment, however, Tony turned around and sauntered back through the door without looking back.

At his exit, Hermione let out a long breath that she did not even realize that she had been holding. "Oh, Merlin!" she muttered irritably as both she and Steve automatically took a step away from each other. After all, it was obvious that their previously perfect moment had been completely ruined by Tony's ill-timed appearance.

To say that Hermione was disappointed would be a huge understatement. Her already well-established attraction for Steve had kept her on edge all night – especially since she (and her body!) had noticed those particularly heated looks that he had sent her way all throughout their dinner. Not only that, but it had also taken every ounce of self-control that she possessed not to turn around earlier when the man was stripped down in the same room with her. Consequently, she had been beyond thrilled when the handsome soldier had finally pulled her into his arms for what she had hoped was going to be their first kiss after months of angst-filled waiting…only for Tony bloody Stark, of all people, to interrupt and make things awkward between them again. After a long moment of introspection, though, she broke the tense silence that currently surrounded them.

"I'm going to kill him!" she said seriously…even though she was usually quite fond of the man…despite his normal egotistical tendencies and borderline rudeness.

Steve also had the murder of his supposed friend on his mind - even if he would never admit it aloud. He knew that it did not really matter, anyway – especially since he realized that the moment had already passed. Therefore, he just heaved a heavy sigh, as well - even while he hoped that they would be able to find that connection again soon.

"UST?" he asked instead – particularly since he really was confused by what he assumed was yet another modern term in Tony's questionable vocabulary. Consequently, he could not help to feel even further intrigued about its meaning when the innocent query seemed to cause an attractive blush to bloom across Hermione's face for a long moment.

"I'll explain later," she replied a bit sheepishly. She then took yet another step away from the man and self-consciously smoothed down her dress as she wondered about the truth behind Tony's use of that particular term. Had she really been that obvious? She shook her head to try and clear her embarrassing thoughts before she looked back up at Steve.

"However, now I'm really sorry that I forgot to mention that this part of the date was going to be more of a group thing," she admitted.

"A…group…thing," Steve echoed faintly. He just did not know how to feel about such an idea. Didn't she say that they were going dancing? Why would that involve the group? Not that he did not care about the team, but he had hoped for something on a more personal level for their first date. His self-doubt set in again then as he thought that maybe he had really misread Hermione's intentions before Tony's arrival, after all. Steve had finally thought that Hermione wanted him, too, but he was no longer sure of that…or of himself…at the moment. Maybe the man had actually saved him from making a total fool of himself with his interruption. Steve just could not tell. In fact, Tony's parting message could not be taken at face value, either – especially since everything he said was always heavily laced with sexual innuendos and overtones, anyway.

However, all it took for that doubt to disappear instantly was for the look on Hermione's face to clear. She then held out her hand, smiled softly at him again, and whispered, "We'll…um…talk again later when Tony's not around to ruin it for us, yeah?"

"Yeah!" Steve agreed eagerly as he caught her meaning. In the midst of his relief that maybe everything would be alright after all, he took the offered hand gently in his own and then tucked it into the crook of his arm. "Definitely!" he said with feeling. He found that he looked forward to that conversation immensely,but he also knew that he was willing to simply enjoy her company in the meantime. As if she could read his thoughts, Hermione smiled at him again as she gently pulled him away from the dressing room, down the hall, and out to where he could only guess the others had to be waiting.

…

Once they reached the main part of the building, Steve was greeted with yet another surprise when there turned out to be a much larger group of people than just the team waiting for them. In fact, the cavernous section echoed with the cheers that the huge crowd sent up once the two of them visibly arrived in the main concert hall. Despite the unexpected cacophony, Steve found that his attention was immediately drawn by the decorated area instead of the people. Everything had been done up in the same style as a USO wartime holiday ball or a dance hall social during that period. The details were perfect, too, right down to the authentic War Bond advertisements on the wall and the huge tree with the vintage ornaments and twinkling lights that was in the center of it all.

It was then that Steve realized that this part of their date…and the dancing that she had mentioned…was all another well-organized facet of Hermione's Christmas gift to him. She was obviously determined to bring the past to him in the best way that she knew how since he could not go back to it himself. Steve actually felt his heart warm with the knowledge that she would go to such trouble…just for him!

Therefore, he ignored the surrounding crowd for a moment as he turned to the woman next to him. "You did all of this for me?" he asked when he finally found his voice under all of the amazement and appreciation that he felt for her and what she had done. He finally understood where Hermione had disappeared to during those long days after their all-too-brief mistletoe kiss. His feelings swelled again when he realized that it must have been a huge amount of effort to set it all up– he looked around the place again in awe - in such a short amount of time.

Hermione just smiled brightly at him. "Well, it was my idea," she admitted, but then she demurred – as was her modest nature. "However, I had a lot of help. I could never have done it all in time without Nat and Bruce's assistance…and Tony's money helped tremendously, of course!" She smiled slyly then and Steve could not help but to laugh at that last inclusion – especially since he knew without a doubt who had done most of the footwork for the event. However, he was not able to say anything else, much less properly express his appreciation, because it was at that moment the other team members converged on them with intent.

When faced with the whole group, it took Steve just a moment to realize that they were all dressed differently than normal, too. Just like Hermione, it was obvious they had tried to wear something that reflected the time period better than their usual, everyday clothing did. Even Nat fit right into the manufactured scene as she showcased a flared polka dot dress that swirled around her calves when she moved. It was the perfect look for such a party. Therefore, Pepper must have picked it out, Steve rationalized. Despite her attractive new look, however, he was willing to bet that his dangerous friend had several weapons hidden about her person. After all, she was still the Black Widow!

That thought led to the realization about what had also struck him as unusual about Tony earlier. Instead of the casual clothing that the man almost always wore around the Tower, or even the slick business suits that he usually wore when he was trying to impress or intimidate, he currently sported a dapper suit similar to what Howard had always worn when Steve had known the senior genius of the Stark family back during the war. In fact, at that moment, Steve finally realized just how much Tony actually looked like his father.

The reflection was soon forced from Steve's thoughts, however, when he found that he had to keep a tight grip on Hermione's hand. Not that he minded the close contact with the pretty witch, of course, but it really was a necessary move in order to keep from being separated from her when they were joined by even more well-wishers and party-goers. Steve could not help but to notice at that point that not only had Hermione invited the rest of the team…and all of their associated friends…but that she had also invited some surprise guests. Apparently, with the help of JARVIS to find and contact them all, Hermione had decided to welcome all of the remaining WWII veterans in the state of New York to the party, as well!

Unfortunately, Steve knew that none of his former friends in the Howling Commandos would be present. After all, he had seen Bucky fall…and one of the very first things he had learned when he awakened into his new life in the future was the inevitable fate of the rest of his old friends. However, all of the veterans who were able to be present at the holiday party that Hermione had organized for him were obviously pleased and excited to meet the Captain America. Therefore, he chivalrously made a point to shake the hand of and talk to each and every one of the old-timers who had made it – and he found that he enjoyed talking about old times with people who had actually been there, too - even though he later modestly declined the chance to make a more formal speech to the overall general audience, as well.

When Hermione also declined that opportunity, Steve insisted that Tony welcome all of the guests, instead. After all, everyone already knew that Stark loved every possible chance to show off in front of a crowd that he could get…plus, hehad paid for the majority of the event…so he really did deserve the honor. He turned out to be a good choice, too. While Tony reveled in the spotlight and had the crowd smiling and laughing through his impromptu speech, Steve just had to smile and admit to himself that he was actually quite fond of the man. He really had been a good friend to both him and Hermione - even despite the earlier infuriating incident with the blocked kiss.

That feeling of fondness only increased when Hermione told him the whole story when they were finally alone again and could hear themselves think. By that time, the Orchestra had started to play in earnest and everyone had partnered up and headed out to the dance floor to enjoy themselves and the excellent music…which left Steve and Hermione together.

"JARVIS and I found them," she explained with a wide smile when he asked about the vets. "However, it was Tony who arranged to fly out all the ones who were well enough to come to the party on such short notice. He even had Happy on taxi duty in the private jet." Her smile brightened even further then when she nodded towards the head of security as he danced enthusiastically to the Glen Miller favorite, "In the Mood," with Pepper's personal assistant - while Tony and Pepper herself also danced nearby.

However, that smile dimmed a little when she looked away from their friends. "Peggy was supposed to be here, as well…even if it turned out to be just for a little while," she added quietly as she met his eyes and tried to interpret the emotion that she saw there at the mention of the other woman's name. "However, when I called to check on her earlier, I was told that it had not been a good day for her…and it was considered best for her to remain at home in bed. Even though I know that she probably won't remember missing the party, I'm so sorry she could not make it – especially since I think that it would have meant a lot to you both to finally have that dance – even if it would not have been quite the same as it should have been. However…if you like…I will be happy to go with you to visit her tomorrow. Perhaps, if we are lucky, she will feel well enough for a little impromptu party. Until then, though, I hope that you will find that I can make a suitable partner on the dance floor." She smiled then, almost shyly, as she held out her hand when the lively music segued into a calmer tune.

A massive surge of affection for the thoughtful woman overtook Steve at that point and almost took his breath away. She had obviously gone to such great lengths to make the night special for him…even to the point of purposely trying to include Peggy. Even though her kind gesture had not worked out, he was so grateful for it that he did not even hesitate to take her hand and lead her out to a small empty space on the crowded dance floor - despite the knowledge of his own inexperience and shortcomings in that area.

"Way beyond just suitable," he replied honestly as he took her into his arms. He could not help but to notice how right it felt to have her there…even as he tried to ignore his body's automatic reaction to her closeness. Instead, he tentatively attempted to follow her lead as she began to sway in time to the music. "In fact, I think preferred is actually the word that you are looking for," he admitted. A bright beaming smile was her only response to his proclamation…but it set his mind even further at ease and he found that he was able to focus on his footwork with a light heart.

Consequently, Steve was infinitely relieved when he also realized that his athletic agility as a super soldier served him quite well on the dance floor – in spite of his inexperience. Although he knew that he certainly was not skilled enough to be one of the contestants on that "Dancing with the Stars" show that Pepper liked to watch and of which Tony constantly made fun, he was at least able to not embarrass himself and to not step on any of Hermione's toes in the process.

In fact, when an even slower song followed the first, he felt confident enough in his abilities to follow his instincts as he daringly pulled the woman even closer to him. Therefore, he was beyond gratified when Hermione allowed the liberty without reprimand. Not only that, but she surprised him even further when she relinquished all control of the dance over to him at that point. Instead she just leaned her head against his chest and melted into his arms as they swayed gently to the music that swelled around them. In that perfect moment, Steve could not believe that he had ever wanted to be somewhere else…and he could barely remember that he had once wished for another dance partner.

They continued on like that for most of the night. Of course, they had to split up occasionally to share a dance with one or the other of their friends. However, somehow they always made their way back into each other's arms. With each further dance, they felt even more comfortable with each other, and they eventually melded and moved together as if they had always been partners. They did not talk much, but they found that their closeness needed no words. They simply enjoyed being in each other's presence.

However, Steve was still surprised when Hermione suddenly stopped moving in the middle of a song to meet his eyes. At that moment, he finally received confirmation that Hermione felt the same way that he did – especially when he saw the warmth that he felt within himself reflected in the golden brown depths of her eyes.

"Ready to escape?" was all she had to ask. His heart soared and, without bothering to reply in words, he grabbed her hand and maneuvered her away from the crowd before he pulled her back down the same corridor from which they had emerged earlier. In fact, they moved so eagerly that they did not see the knowing looks and grins that their friends cast at each other when their hurried exit was noted.

…

This time, however, when they finally reached the door with the star on it, Hermione took the lead again when she nudged his massive bulk up against the door with her much smaller body. Steve smiled at being manhandled by the petite witch even as he noticed that his body reveled in the feeling of hers as she remained pressed against him. Therefore, his first delighted response was to pull her even closer…and then, without any hesitation this time, his hands rose automatically to gently cup her head before his mouth followed suit to quickly close the distance to hers.

Happily, they were not interrupted…by Tony or anyone else…when their lips finally met for the first time that did not involve alcohol and mistletoe. The kiss was wonderful – full of affection, warmth, and increasing urgency. Neither of them wanted the experience to end, but Hermione was the first to reluctantly pull away in order to catch her breath. Steve's serum-enhanced respiratory system was slightly better off in that aspect, but he immediately realized that other parts of his body had been even more affected by the experience. However, before Steve had time to become embarrassed…or even worry about Hermione's response to the situation…she just launched herself at him again.

This time their lips met urgently at first, but then slowed down to linger against each other before they began to gently wander…across eyelids and cheekbones…over to earlobes…and then down against necks. Then, as their lips joined again, their hands resumed the exploration, tentatively at first, but soon with increasing confidence. After a short while, even Steve's breathing had grown harsh and ragged…and his problem down below had become even more prominent…when he suddenly felt the disarming sensation of being pulled through a tube without warning.

Nevertheless, Steve's momentary surprise and confusion was immediately replaced with feelings of relief and gratitude when he realized that Hermione had thankfully retained the presence of mind to magically apparate them both away from the concert hall before they completely lost control of themselves and their actions. When the discomforting movement stopped and he could open his eyes again, he discovered that Hermione had taken them back to the privacy of her Tower apartment.

Steve was thrilled for what that apparently meant for their situation. However, at the same time, he was also momentarily overcome with the old familiar feelings of insecurity again when he found that he did not actually know what to say or do - especially since it was all quite literally unexplored territory for him. Hermione immediately set his mind at ease, however, when she kissed him gently and then smiled encouragingly at him as she took him by the hand and pulled him into her bedroom. He soon left his unfounded worries on the floor…along with his uniform and her lovely dress…as he realized that some things in life simply happened naturally – especially when you had the right partner!

…

When he woke up the next morning with the beautiful woman in his arms, his mind was full of the amazing memories that they had made together the night before. It had been an amazing night of firsts for him – his first date, his first dance, and that other incredible first…and then just a short time later, second…experience between them once they had tumbled down into her bed together. In fact, he could not stop the wide grin that overtook his face at the thoughts of everything that had happened before they had finally fallen into an exhausted…but extremely satisfied…slumber in each other's arms.

When Hermione stirred awake, as well, and then favored him with a bright smile and sweet kiss, he felt true contentment for the first time since he could remember. He finally knew without a doubt that he was exactly where…and when…he was supposed to be. For the very first time since he had arrived in the uncertain future, everything that he had lost when he went into the ice had been completely overshadowed by everything that he had gained instead.

The vintage Christmas that Hermione had planned had been wonderfully thoughtful, but he knew that what the night had really accomplished was to prove to him that the past had been great…and that he would always miss those he had cared about back then. However, it was indeed the past…and, therefore, that was where it needed to stay. His current time and place was where he was really meant to be after all…and his future was finally something to which he could look forward!

He knew that he had Hermione to thank for that revelation. Therefore, he kissed her again and immediately set about to show his appreciation, as well. After all, he had finally discovered that his super soldier agility and stamina was extremely well-suited for something else besides fighting!