One year later

"Steve, won't you just tell me where we're going?" Maria sighed.

"That's the point of a surprise," His breath tickled her neck, and she couldn't help the shiver that ran through her. Maria hated surprises, but it seemed that Darcy was in on this one, and when that woman got an idea in her head, it was incredibly difficult to change. Pair her with Steve on a mission, and Maria hadn't even tried to argue. That didn't mean she wasn't curious. Really, really curious.

Darcy had cornered her on her day off, convincing Maria to follow her. What had resulted in that was a blindfold and Maria being stuffed into some sort of dress by Darcy and Natasha. She could've taken Natasha, but she really didn't want to hurt Darcy (it didn't hurt that the woman's boyfriend was the Hulk). She rebelled a bit when they slid her feet into heels, but then Steve's voice was heard at the door, and she stilled, assuming this was part of his plan for their date.

Now, as he led her down a street in New York, she tried listening to determine where she was. There were the normal sounds of traffic- it was New York- and the flutter of pigeons and the swearing of drivers. People chattered to each other, and the last rays of spring sun filtered down through the buildings. For all that Maria was trying to determine her location, she was only remembering how much she loved New York.

"You have got to try this sometime," she sighed to Steve, leaning against his shoulder as he led her with an arm around her waist. Trust allowed her to relax, knowing that Steve would make the surprise an enjoyable one. All too soon it seemed he came to a halt, moving to untie her blindfold.

"What is it?" She peered at the row of storefronts in front of her.

"Come on." He took her hand and she followed as he led her through a door into-

"A 1940's club, Steve?" He looked anxiously at her face to see her reaction, and was relieved to see the grin on her face. Then she looked down at her garb and nearly doubled over laughing.

"The dress was Pepper's idea," he admitted, "and Darcy and Natasha kind of latched onto it."

"It's perfect, Steve," she assured him as a waiter led them to a table in the back. Her seat gave Maria a perfect view of the dance floor, and she was admittedly relieved to see that nearly all the women were in the same style of dress as her. Dinner was simple but good, and the look on Steve's face as he surveyed the décor and aura of the place was priceless.

"Would you like to dance?" he asked when they were done eating.

"I would love to," she replied. Neither of them really could dance, though Maria knew how to waltz and had enough grace and balance not to fall over whenever Steve got adventurous and tried to spin her. A few songs later, they were both flushed and grinning. And then their song came on.

"Steve!" Maria all but squealed, and his eyes were intense as they met hers.

When they begin the beguine, it brings back the sound of music so tender, it brings back the night of tropical splendor, it brings back a memory evergreen.

I'm with you once more under the stars, and down by the shore an orchestra's playing, and even the palms seem to be swaying, when the begin the beguine.

"I love you," Steve whispered to Maria as they swayed. She froze and stared at him. He looked back at her, confident in his feelings and yet waiting for her response.

"I love you too," she told him, the first time she had ever told him that, realizing just how long she had meant it for.

Steve twirled her, and she tipped her head back, laughing as her skirt spun around her. To live it again is past all endeavor except when the tune clutches my heart. He pulled her close, and they revolved slowly on the spot, swaying to the music. She could feel the warmth of his large hand on the small of her back and her arms twined around his neck. And there we are swearing to love forever, and promising never, never to part. Their eyes locked, and he leaned down, eyes flickering closed, and Maria's heart raced as his lips met hers.

Done! Yay for Steve and Maria! Cheesy? Yes. But hopefully decent as well. This is going to be my last story for awhile since sadly school starts up again tomorrow, so I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. A humongous thanks to all 6! of my reviewers; virtual cookies for all of you. Happy January, everyone