#general reader

When your lips met, it was slow- searching. He wasn't demanding or possessive. He kissed like someone who was learning to trust. Like he needed to feel you there, solid and real.

Later, when your bodies were tangled in firelight, you realized intimacy wasn't just about touch. It was in how he watched you, the way his fingers lingered against your skin, calloused yet cautious. His hands memorized you like a map, hesitant at first, then more sure, more reverent. He didn't need to hear your thoughts - he could sense your intent- but he listened anyway. He asked what you liked, what you needed, what made you feel safe. Because of his power, Heimdall didn't want to control you. He wanted closeness. He wanted to be known- not as a God, not as a warrior, but as a man. And with you, in these quiet hours, he was.

And in the stillness, between war and chaos, the God who saw everything let himself be seen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This took forever I am so sorry! I just work so much. I also hate it, but let's ignore that..

You found yourself stirring in bed a little later than usual that morning. Fortunately, you were off today, so it’s not like you had to be anywhere. You could stay in bed all day if you desired.

You slowly shifted in bed, only to raise your eyebrows at what you saw.

Fade was still under the covers, fast asleep. It was a rather surprising sight to behold. You knew that well, as she had told you as much previous. Due to a combination of her dark past and ever darker Radiant powers, sleep was hard to come by for Fade. She would often read in bed while you slept beside her.

“There’s no point in sleeping when I’m just going to wake up from yet another nightmare,” she once explained when you asked her about it.

Your heart hurt for Fade upon hearing that a few months ago. Everyone deserved to get a goodnight’s sleep. To hear that Fade got by on little sleep due to having so many awful nightmares was awful. No one should have to endure such hell.

That was why you were so shocked to find Fade still asleep. More often than not, she would be already awake already after having woken up in the middle of the night from yet another bad dream. Sometimes you woke up with her, but not always. Yet Fade never complained. She would always reassure you that she would be fine despite getting little sleep.

You decided to lie back down beside Fade and relish being able to stay in bed without having to go anywhere soon. But just as you were about to rest your eyes, you felt someone stirred beside you. You darted your eyes over to find Fade groggily waking up.

“Morning,” you greeted in a soft voice.

“Good morning, Y/N,” Fade replied before yawning. “Could you please come closer?”

You nodded before inching towards Fade’s figure. You nudged her head onto your chest- her favourite way to be close to you. You kissed the top of her head and grinned.

“I woke up before you,” you remarked with a twinge of awe.

Fade looked up with a smile of her own. “So I did.”

You bit your lip. “I wasn’t trying to hurt your feelings.”

“Oh, I know,” Fade remarked with a laugh. “I’m just as surprised as you are.”

You nodded, visibly relaxed. “Did you have a nightmare last night? ‘Cause if you did-”

“None whatsoever,” Fade interrupted.

“Oh, good,” you remarked as you hugged her a little tighter. “I’m so happy to hear that, love. But I am kinda surprised ‘cause you usually do.”

Fade shifted around so that she could rest on her stomach. Her eyes locked onto yours as her grin widened into a kind smile.

“I find that I’ve been getting more sleep the more I share a bed with you,” she revealed. “It’s taken longer than I wished to finally sleep through the night, but it finally happened.”

Your gaze softened as you ran one hand through your girlfriend’s messy hair. “Good. You deserve it, Fade. I hope you feel well-rested for a change.”

“I do, actually,” Fade said. “But...I wouldn’t mind lying in bed with you for a little while longer. Do you mind?”

“Not at all,” you replied while shaking your head. “We’re both off today, so we can stay here as long as you wish.”

“That sounds wonderful, Y/N,” Fade remarked before planting a tender kiss on your lips.

“So, what do you think?” 

You sat at the edge of the tub, fighting the urge to bite your nails as you waited for Steve’s reply. What you were asking was beyond his unique expertise but you had been hard at work convincing yourself that he was a far better option than whoever Natasha could scrounge up for you. There would be no emotional stakes in having him by your side for he was trained for the very opposite. Being in the work of pleasure meant that he was strictly business.

“Twenty-four hours a day for six days. I think, that’s gonna cost ya,” Steve hummed, shifting around in his bubble bath. You couldn’t continue putting in the effort to avert your gaze any longer so you turned your attention to the vanity, busying yourself with your makeup.

“Yes, of course,” You sighed. “How much?” The only true noise in the room was the sound of the water sloshing in the tub but you could’ve sworn you heard the gears turning in his head.

“Five thousand.”

You whipped around to glare at him, your eyebrows narrowed but he gave only a happy little shrug, too busy entertaining himself with the suds. Oh, you were in it. Deep.

“Fine.”

“Holy shit!” Steve exclaimed, throwing his arms in the air and nearly soaking you in the process. He dunked himself below the water as you loomed over the tub, cross-armed.

“Is that a yes?” 

“Yes!” He burst up, the bubbles sticking to his face and chest. His smile was that of someone who’d just won the lottery and you couldn’t help but return it in full force. Financially and business-wise, you would survive the week with him at your side. In all other means, you had no clue.

Checking your watch, you made your wait out the room but not before nearly tripping on his blue spandex pants near the doorway. That wouldn’t do.

“I’m going to be gone most of the day and while I’m gone, I want you to go buy some new clothes.”

“Will that come out of my paycheck?” Steve smirked. Your eyes returned to his clothes piled on the floor, the cuffs of his shirtsleeves worn out and a large hole evident in one knee of his pants.

“Think of it as an added bonus.”

Steve stood up straight out of the tub and you whirled around just in time to avoid a full view. 

“For five grand…Doll, you can look as much as you want,” He chuckled from behind you. Against your better judgment, you peeked around your shoulder but he was already clad in the hotel’s complimentary robe. 

“Just try not to get anything too…flashy,” you warned. Handing him his clothing allowance you added, “Make sure to get at least one suit. We’ll be going out this evening.” He followed behind you as you headed for the door and grabbed your briefcase. 

“You always carry this much cash around?” Steve asked, marveling at the small stack in his hand. You shrugged, checking your watch one last time. “Baby, you really shouldn’t do that. You never know what types of people you might run into.”

“I’ll take that into account,” you remarked, feeling his hands find your hips from behind. “What is it you’re doing?” Turning to him, you created distance between you by pushing back with both hands on his chest. 

“Don’t I get a goodbye kiss?” His eyes narrowed at you, searching.

“You don’t do that,” You reminded him, wriggling out of his embrace. 

“And don’t you forget it,” Steve crooned, swatting you on the ass as a different kind of goodbye. By the time you turned around to protest, the door was already shut in your face.

-⍟-

“Buck, you’re not gonna believe this!”

“Oh God, what’d she do to you?” There was an unmistakable meowing as Bucky’s voice traveled through the speaker. 

“It’s more like what’d she do for me,” Steve sighed, laying across the couch with a cold beer in his hand. 

“What’d I tell you about getting attached?” Bucky huffed and then softer, “Was she really that good?”

“I’m not ‘attached,’” Steve mocked, having heard the lecture far too many times. “And she barely even touched me but get this–she wants me to stay with her for the whole week.”  There was a pause on the other line while Steve recounted the cash she had given him. Even if he left right now, they’d be able to pay rent on their shitty apartment no problem. 

“This is sounding a lot like atta-”

“Paid, Buck, paid.”

 Bucky’s voice was lined with cynicism, “You’re right. I don’t believe it.” 

“Listen to me,” Steve insisted, “I’m sitting in a penthouse in Beverly Hills, at this very minute. I’ve  got three hundred dollar bills in my pants pocket from last night and more in my hand than you make in a week's pay. I’m going to leave some at the hotel desk for rent and I want you to come pick it up as soon as possible.”

“Oh shit, you’re serious.” There were various other muttered expletives before, “Steven Grant Rogers, how much is she paying you for a week?”

“Five grand.” Steve had to move the phone away from his ear as the sound of victorious exclamations burst through the speaker. “Buck, you still with me?”

“Yeah. Jesus,” Bucky panted. 

“I know, I know. Now write this down,” Steve demanded. There was a slight shuffle before he continued. “I’m at the Regent Beverly Wilshire.”

“Alright, I just gotta ask you one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“Is she ugly?” 

Steve groaned, “No, Buck, she’s gorgeous. Now, I gotta go. I got someone else’s money to spend.” 

-⍟-

Walking into the lobby felt a little like hunting season to Steve. Except, he was the game and the patrons, as well as the staff for that matter, were the hunters. The minute he was onto the black and white checked tile, eyes were on him from every direction. He knew how he looked and, after all, the whole point was to attract attention but he didn’t often find himself in hotels that looked like they could house royalty. No, seedy motels were more his speed.

“Can I help you, sir?”

“Yeah, uh, I’d like to leave this here for a Bucky.” The receptionist cringed at the sound of his friend’s name and Steve cleared his throat. “Barnes. Bucky Barnes.” She nodded slowly and gingerly slid the envelope over to her side of the desk. “And uh, don’t open it.”

“Of course, sir.”

Steve kept his head down until he made his way through the revolving door of the hotel and out into the open air. At night, the luxury scenery of the hotel hadn’t been as clear as it was under a cloudless sky.  Where the building lacked in height, it made up for with its wide expanse. Maybe Steve really was dead but if this was heaven, he’d take it.

In less than a block, Steve had already come up on the name brand stores. He wasn’t an expert but he recognized some of the names and logos from Bucky’s days working on counterfeits which had long since been abandoned for less painstaking occupations. 

He wasn’t exactly sure where to start so he waited on the corner until he watched a pair of men walk out of a shop with a few garment bags. A suit was the only specific request so he figured he might as well check that off the list and go from there. 

That same hunted feeling met him as soon as he walked through the double glass doors of the shop. Steve ambled around the racks taking in dress coat after dress coat as whispers 

“Can I help you?” Steve turned to find a woman with thin narrowed eyebrows staring at him.

“Yeah, actually. I’m looking for a suit but I gotta say, I can’t tell one of these apart from the other,” Steve chuckled, gesturing toward the racks. When the woman didn’t join in his laughter, he tried to start again. “Anyway, what’s a typical price for one of these?”

“Very expensive,” the woman replied with a snarl.

“Yeah, I gathered as much but can I get a ballpark-”

“Sir, I’m going to have to ask you to leave.” The attendant put a hand on his shoulder to guide him but he flinched away from her touch. “We have nothing here for you.

“Since when do stores turn away paying customers?” Steve scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest. The woman opened her mouth to speak but he cut her off. “You know what, fine. If you’re not gonna help me, I’ll take my money and go.” Despite the look on her face and the way he  had treated her, Steve still had some hope that she’d come to her senses, realize that there was nothing wrong with him being there but she didn’t; she stared at him expectantly, urging him to follow through with his threat. 

The bell atop the door rang as Steve walked out. He had noticed the way they looked at him in the hotel and in the suit shop but now that he knew to look for it, those same looks were written all over the people who passed him in the street. At night things were different; it was easy to show himself off but in the light of day, it was much easier to shrink into himself and away from prying eyes. Even though he was outside in the open air, he felt like he was being suffocated. He turned down the street and trudged off towards the hotel.

-⍟-

“Excuse me, sir. Can I help you?”

“No thanks. I know my way just fine,” Steve huffed as a brunette woman in a pantsuit followed behind him. The elevator dinged in front of him as he paid little mind to her presence.

“Jarvis,” she called, gesturing to the elevator attendant, “do you recognize this man?” Steve scoffed, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand as the attendant explained seeing him last night. He pushed past both the workers and into the elevator but the woman stopped him, threatening to call security unless he followed her to her office. And follow her he did like a reprimanded student being sent to the principal's office. After the way he was being treated today, he wondered if he might be able to bargain for more pay to compensate for emotional damages.

“And what is your name, sir?”

“Steve Rogers,” he murmured in reply. He sat slumped in a chair across from the woman’s desk, ignoring the manners his mother had instilled in him and not bothering to look her in the eye.

“Well, Mr. Rogers, I want you to understand that this establishment has a reputation to uphold and your interesting presence here threatens that reputation for our other customers. Lucky for you, you’re a guest to one of the special customers of which we make exceptions for.” Steve nodded along, wondering how exactly his girl came to be a ‘special customer,’ and just how much dough she was willing to drop to continue to be one. “You seem like a smart enough man, Mr. Rogers, so let me give it to you straight. As long as you are staying in this hotel, you are the brother of our mutual special customer and as her brother, you keep your hands to yourself in public and moreover, you dress conservatively in this establishment, understood?”

“You see, that’s the thing ma’am. I can’t exactly get my hands on any ‘conservative’ clothes. I’ve got the funds but no one seems to want to help me today.” Steve’s head fell to his hands and he rubbed his weary eyes. “I need a suit for tonight but the women at the store wouldn’t help me and I don’t know the first thing about a proper suit!” A few moments passed before the woman began to speak again but not to Steve. 

“Men’s clothing. Yes, Carol please. Hi Carol, dear, this is Maria from the Beverly Wilshire. Yes, I have a guest here who needs help finding a ‘proper suit.’” 

-⍟-

“Hello.”

You sigh involuntarily, the deep timbre of his voice through the phone a sweet sound compared to your day at work and a welcomed reminder of last night, of peace, of bliss. But the moment is just a moment.

“Don’t ever answer the phone while you’re staying in my room,” you demanded.

“Then why’d you call me?” Steve laughed.

“I want to confirm for tonight,” you explained, “I’ll definitely need you for dinner.”

“Sugar, you can-” 

You got him off with a harsh tsk. “I just need to know that you’ve got a suit.” There was a deep sigh on his end and though he confirmed that he had what he needed, you were more caught up on the tone of his voice. “What is it?”

“Huh?”

“Are you okay?” You were already up in arms, thoughts running through your head of how you could take care of whatever had had him feeling this way. It was an unfamiliar feeling to want to defend someone just because they were upset and not because you had already judged the scales on the situation. 

“Uh, yeah, I’m alright. It’s just been a long day.” The proper response to that was lost on you. You wondered what you might want to hear after long days, and nights for that matter, of work.

“Well, just uh…get some rest before dinner tonight. I’ll meet you in the lobby at seven forty-five.” You cursed yourself for sounding so cold. 

“You’re not coming to the door?” He asked, still lacking the usual attempt to flirt.

“Well, this isn’t a date. It’s business.” The words made sense to you but again, it wasn’t quite what you had wanted to say. A dry chuckle came through the line.

“Where are you taking me for this strictly business dinner?”

You gave him the details of your reservation, explaining the expectations for the dinner as well as some insight into just how long you had been working to secure the Stark deal. Your hope was that he would pick up on the fact that you needed tonight to go perfectly according to plan and his piece was integral. It was difficult to keep your voice even keeled after months of work on this could all be lost within the constraints of a single meal.

“Listen, Doll. I get it. It’s important. This is what you hired me for and I’ll be on my best behavior but what I really want to know is, are you okay?” 

There was that crossroads again. The opportunity to snap back or just let it go. You longed to tell him off, to say that you could handle yourself alone, that you’d been doing that since you were young but clearly that wasn’t true or you wouldn’t be in this situation with him, paying him to spend time with you.

“Doll?”

“Just be ready to go. Seven forty-five sharp.”

-⍟-

Steve set down the phone, tapping his fingers against the armrest of the couch. Tonight was a big night for him; a test to see how he’d fare the rest of the week. The stakes weren’t as high as they could be of course. After all, he did have a brand new suit and three hundred and change to his name but he still didn’t want to screw it. It wasn’t his deal at stake, no, but he couldn’t get the sound of your strained voice out of his head. Whether you wanted to admit it or not, you were scared and while he couldn’t determine what would happen, he was going to do whatever he could to make the night go as smoothly as possible. 

It wasn’t long before Steve found himself in the lobby again, tapping Maria on her shoulder.

“Didn’t I send you to get something to wear?” Maria cocked an eyebrow at him.

“Yes, but you see, I’ve got another problem here.”

Before he knew it, Steve was sat at a table in one of the hotel ballrooms, learning which fork to use for what, the right things to order, the right times to speak and what to say. He was starting to understand why you were so tense. 

“Are you going to be okay, sir?” The look on Maria's face wasn’t quite mocking but it didn’t give Steve the idea that she had the utmost faith in him. At least she was laughing with him and not at him.

“Yeah, just one more thing. It’s probably pretty important to know things about your ‘special customers’, right?” 

He whispered another question into Maria’s ear and when she pulled back she shared his conspiratorial smile.

-⍟-

It was nearly eight when you arrived back to the hotel in a rush. There really wasn’t anything substantial to credit for your lateness. No, you had been on course to arrive promptly at seven-thirty so that you had time to spare but as Clint pulled up to the front entrance, you urged him to go around the block again and he did, again and again, until you had finally given in. 

It was easy enough to accept that the nerves were getting to you but harder to understand when you realized it wasn’t for your dinner. In reality, you had gone all day without seeing Steve and despite your brief phone conversation, you had considered the fact that maybe you had dreamt him. Needless to say, you weren’t exactly the romantic type or the spontaneous type for that matter so your dream theory seemed very plausible. You had also mistaken your uncharacteristic giddiness for illness, having Natasha check you several times throughout the day for fever. 

You couldn’t quite pin down what made Steve different from anyone else. You weren’t one to boast but you were well aware that your money and your status gave you an edge that had been the basis of several of your relationships. Steve, even more explicitly than others, was after your money, so why had he been the first one in a long time to make you feel wanted, truly? Well, it was his job and, as you decided, that’s all it was.

The doorman’s voice was distant as you strutted into the lobby at a quick pace, the click of your heels making your presence clear. You searched the room for any sign of your…escort. Your fists clenched by your sides as anger flooded your chest. You were about to make your way back to the room for a serious lecture when a hand on your forearm stopped you.

“Excuse me, I have a message for you, ma’am.” 

Your eyes were anywhere else but on hers as you spoke,“And you are…”

“My name’s Maria Hill. I’m the manager of this hotel.”

“Uh-huh and you have a message from…” You cocked an eyebrow at her, tapping the toe of your pump impatiently.

“From your…brother, ma’am.” Your stomach dropped. This wasn’t exactly the type of venue for prostitution and you were an only child. Somehow, the thought of Steve making his presence known to the hotel staff hadn’t crossed your mind. You sighed heavily.

“I think we both know he’s not my brother.” One corner of Maria’s mouth tugged upward. “I hope he hasn’t caused any…disturbances.”

“He’s been perfectly behaved, ma’am,” Maria replied, “At least now that he has some proper clothes.” 

“Ah, perfect. And the message?”  

“He’s waiting for you in the lounge.” 

You thanked Maria briefly before following the soft sound of a piano ballad away and into the hotel’s lounge. The room wasn’t busy with guests but you didn’t see Steve anywhere; that is, not until he turned around from his seat at the bar. 

In order to keep your jaw from dropping, you had to clench your teeth together instead. You at least wanted to maintain some dignity. The man before was an entirely different creature from the one you picked up on the street not even twenty-four hours ago. He had even been sitting at the bar when you entered but your eyes glanced right past him, his tailored suit and neatly gelled hair turning him into a stranger, well, more of a stranger. And in his hand he held a dazzling bouquet of your very favorite flowers.

-⍟-

“So you just ride around in this all the time?”

A small screen slid down from the ceiling of the limo as Steve pressed buttons sporadically. 

“Didn’t I tell you I wasn’t a very good driver?” You didn’t look over at him as you talked, your eyes instead glued to your notes, taking in whatever last minute information you could get on the Starks. A few warm breaths landed on your neck as you caught Steve staring over your shoulder. You swatted him away with little effort, not letting his attempts to garner your attention distract you from your work for even a minute. No, that’s not how tonight was going to work. Hopefully he would instead garner the attention of the younger Stark as you talked about real business. 

“Hey, are you still paying me for my other services because I’ve always wanted to fu-”

“Enough.” You were practically grinding your teeth and if looks could kill, Steve would be long gone. Ignoring your protests, he took your papers from you and placed them back in your briefcase. With your hands now empty, he took one of them in his, intertwining your fingers.

“Look, Doll, this,” Steve began, gesturing towards the briefcase, “is not what’s important here. I don’t know a lot about business but what I do know is people and people aren’t just words on a page.” 

You didn’t like it but he was right. There was a fight between the urge to pull away and to move yourself closer and burrow yourself, forgetting about the meeting entirely.

“You still in there?” He chuckled, tapping a finger to your temple before tucking a stray strand of hair behind your ear. 

Oh, barely. Just barely.  

-⍟-

“Would you stop fidgeting!” You swatted Steve’s hand away from his tie, adjusting it one final time before entering the restaurant with your arm looped through his. There were undeniable feelings of dread weighing you down as you tried to think of any more pointers that you could give Steve. Although, deep down you knew he wasn’t the problem. Stark had called for this dinner after all and it wasn’t just for a friendly chat; you had been circling his territory and either he was interested or he wasn’t. You were on edge to say the least and that didn’t exactly improve your people skills. 

Steve’s eyes were wide, taking in the opulence of the room as the hostess led the two of you to your table for four, where the two Stark men were already seated, talking amongst themselves.

“Ah, there you are.” The older of the two men stood to shake your hand, rising to his full height slightly above you. The younger man remained seated, eyeing you up and down with his arms crossed against his chest. Steve’s hand, which had found its place at your hip, tightened its grip. “It’s nice to finally meet you. I’m Howard and this is my son, Tony.” It wasn’t until Tony received a nudge from his father that he begrudgingly stood to your level and shook your hand. “And this must be…”

“Steve Rogers.” You nodded encouragingly as Steve moved to shake Howard’s hand. “A… friend of mine.” Steve pulled out your chair for you to sit and the others followed suit. “It’s a pleasure, Mr. Stark.”

“Please, Howard will do.” You gave your best smile and watched as Steve adjusted himself to the table, eyeing the silverware as if they may talk back to him. “Are you in the business as well, Steve?” Steve’s eyes were wide as they shot to yours and then back to Howard’s as he gingerly set his napkin in his lap. You urged him on with a raise of your eyebrows. 

“Looking to get into it,” Steve croaked. “Learning from the best.” Howard chuckled and Steve joined along sheepishly. Against your better instincts, you reached for Steve’s hand across the table, giving it a squeeze. His big eyes met yours again, this time with that warm crooked smile. 

-⍟-

It hadn’t taken long to get into the business side of things. Howard was not only interested in what you had to say but enjoyed stopping to clue Steve in on what exactly you were negotiating. However, when Howard’s attention turned over to Steve, Tony took the opportunity to sink his claws in. 

“My father has spent years building Stark Industries from the ground up and he believes that the men who create a company should control its destiny.” The way in which he emphasized the word men put a sour taste in your mouth. It was no secret that Tony was set to inherit Stark Industries after his father’s death and you knew better than to think he would let his father relinquish it to you before he got his hands on it but it was the disrespect for you because you were well, you, that lit the fire growing in your chest.

Before you had a chance to respond, the waiter was back with your appetizer which Steve had graciously let you order. 

“Where’s the salad?” He questioned, his eyes landing on triangular hors d'oeuvre sitting on his plate. You shook your head, laughing as your eyes darted between Steve and the Starks. 

“The salad comes at the end of the meal,” You reminded him, through a placating smile.

“But that’s the only fork I remember,” Steve whispered back, mimicking your smile towards your guests.

“Well, anyway, I know what you do to companies like my father’s and you must think me a fool if-”

A pair of growing chuckles cut the man off as Steve and Howard shoveled their food into their mouths with their hands, eyeing each other conspiratorially. You couldn’t help but join in the laughter as Tony sputtered, trying to regain your attention.

“You know my father founded this company during the second world war. His innovations, and those of men like him built this country and I think-”

“What are these?” Steve nudged you on the shoulder, eyeing his second plate of food. He held a hand up politely to Tony, excusing himself, as Tony glared back at him. 

“Escargot,” You explained, “It’s French for snails. Here, try it.” You placed the tongs in one of his hands and the snail fork in the other, urging him to try it himself. Taking your utensils, you took your time eating one , giving him an example to mirror.

“As I was saying-”

Steve groaned happily as he chewed, already picking up another and scooping it out. Across the table from you, Tony’s hands were folded tightly atop the table as his jaw clenched furiously. 

“Tony,” You gestured for him to continue.

“Yes, I-”

A small gasp sounded across the table as you turned your head just in time to see one of the snail shells slip from Steve’s fingers and roll under the table.

“Tough one,” Steve chuckled, grimacing. 

“Alright, enough,” Tony hissed. “Let’s hear it, if you actually do get a hold of Stark Industries, which you won’t, what exactly is it you plan to do with it?” The three men stared at you, each concerned for their own reasons. You smoothed the table cloth with two open palms.

“Well, I would break it up and sell off the salvageable pieces,” You replied calmly. “As little as there are left.”

“I’m sure you can understand not being thrilled at the idea of you turning my life’s work into a resale shop,” Howard chimed in, working away at his own plate.

“I can assure you with the prices I’m being offered already you’ll see the profits,” You smiled assuredly. Steve stayed silent but slipped your nearly uneaten plate of escargot away from you until it was in front of him. “You’ll be a very rich man, Mr…Howard.”

“I’m rich enough,” He replied. “I just want my son to have the resources I never had. He’s a very bright young man.” You nodded, though based on this dinner, that wasn’t how you’d describe him. “You know, I met your mother on multiple occasions.” Your grip tightened around the ornate silverware before you forced yourself to gently set down the utensils and pull your hands into your lap, where they remained in fists. “She didn’t live up to her reputation as a-”

“Bitch?” Tony chirped, sipping his drink. You could feel Steve about to stand, so you placed a hand on his thigh. His narrowed eyes met yours but you shrugged him off.

“Tony,” Howard hissed.

“No, I imagine she didn’t, she was a wonderful woman after all.” You raised your eyebrows in challenge.

Howard smiled tightly, “Of course, her company was always a pleasure.”

“I on the other hand take on that title more proudly,” You smirked, though the tension in your body nearly had you shaking. Tony only scoffed.

“Did that make her proud?” Howard chuckled.

“I doubt it,” You sighed. “But it’s not as though I can ask, can I?” You offhandedly looked at Steve and saw confusion morph into understanding as a hand met yours on Steve’s leg. His brows were knitted as he stared.

 “I didn’t know. I’m sorry,” Steve offered. It wasn't something you thought of often, nor was it something you tore yourself up over but the way Steve looked at you made the wound feel fresh or rather brought attention to a wound you didn’t know you had. You cleared your throat.

“Mr. Stark, you requested this meeting. How can I help you?”

“Simply enough,” Howard began, eyes wary, “Leave my company alone.” You hummed lightly as you shook your head, picking at your plate.

“I’m sorry, sir, but it’s a little too late for that. I already own ten million in stocks and hold an important chair on the shareholder board.”

“I’ll buy back your stock, and of course with no stock you wouldn’t need to worry about the board,” Howard countered.

“That’s the thing, Mr. Stark, I do worry, and anyways, you don’t have the money,” You chuckled coldly between bites.

“We will,” Tony glowered, “We’ve just put in on a patent for a new product. In fact, I invented it myself…” He continued on but you tuned it out as you smiled to yourself. You had already seen to preventing such a patent, in fact you had spent a day in meetings with Natasha making sure that it would fall through long before it became a true bargaining piece. Was it cruel? Yes, of course. But when you wanted something, you knew how to get it.

“There will be no patent,” You explained, “It is now buried in the Applications Committee and it will remain there until further notice.” The men eyed each other wildly, moving to defensive positions. Steve looked back and forth between them and you.

“How did you pull that?” 

“If you think you can get away with playing dirty, so help me-”

“Easy, Tony,” Howard interrupted. “You play hardball, I’ll give you that. But I’ll see to it that you don’t get your hands on my company.” He stood from the table, setting his napkin down as his son followed suit. “Steve…it was a pleasure. Best of luck to you with this one.”

As Tony slipped past you, he grabbed your shoulder tightly, coming close to your ear. “You better watch your back. I’m gonna tear you apart.”

“I look forward to it, Anthony.”

-⍟-

You sat draped across the piano in the nearly deserted lounge, your discarded heels scattered atop the grand as you plunked out the notes to Heart and Soul to the small audience of hotel staff who were busy stacking chairs. Sipping your gin martini, you let the warmth of the alcohol soothe the tension in your body, laughing a bit to yourself. Your dinner hadn’t exactly been a hit but you hadn’t expected a one-and-done sort of deal anyway, even if you had hoped for it. You couldn’t deny that you liked being back to playing the field and as much as he got under your skin, Tony Stark was a worthy adversary. On the other hand, you didn’t love the way Howard had looked at you as he left. He wasn’t typical of the older men that you dealt with; most were ready to throw in the towel and hand off the reins to you if it meant one less thing for them to worry about but Howard was stubborn and you couldn’t help but admire him for it. That wouldn’t do.

On top of that, you weren’t sure if it was the alcohol or Steve’s sincere apology for something that didn’t even affect him but your mind kept drifting back to your mother for the first time since she passed. You hadn’t talked to her for years before she died and you hadn’t been there for her in her final moments either so the thought hadn’t exactly crossed your mind to regret such a thing but the look in Steve’s eyes softened something inside you. Your mother was barely around throughout your childhood and even after you had followed in her footsteps she didn’t make an effort to connect with you. It had never occurred to you that you could’ve taken matters into your own hands, seeking her out yourself instead of waiting for her icy exterior to thaw. 

“Hey.”

You turned to see Steve with his unruly hair sticking up and his eyes bleary with what you assumed to be sleep. He still wore his suit though his shirt was nearly completely unbuttoned and his tie hung loosely around his neck. You stiffened as he laid back until his legs laid across the bench next to you and his head found its place resting on your lap.

“You play?” He asked, his warm breath on your exposed thigh sending a shiver down your spine.

“I wouldn’t say that,” You huffed, reaching for your drink. “My mother’s money could pay for the lessons but not the talent.” He looked up at you with his big blue eyes. You had meant it as a joke but the sadness was written on his face. You reached out and absentmindedly smoothed down a tuft of his hair. “It just didn’t stick. That’s all.” He hummed as he sat up and intertwined his fingers with yours in the process.

“Here, like this.” Steve placed your hands back on the piano, right beneath his. He started slow, letting you feel the notes as he played them but it didn’t take long for him to get lost in the song, seeming not to notice that he had lost your hands altogether. You leaned into him as he played the song, laughing to yourself at his sudden concentration. Steve’s attention only returned to the room as the few maintenance staff applauded softly when the song came to an end. He whipped his head around, realizing he had an audience and buried his head in his hands. You could see the blush rising up his neck.

“Gentleman, leave us, will you?” They stopped in their tasks and turned to leave without another word. “Thank you.”

“People always do what you tell them, huh?” Steve smirked.

“Not always,” You sighed, rubbing your shoulder.

“Still thinking about dinner?” Steve took over massaging your shoulder the way he had the night before, though this time you let yourself get closer. “I was getting lonely up there all by myself.” You only hummed, wanting just to feel his hands on you, nothing else. “I mean, the business was good, I think.” You nearly snorted as you laughed into the back of your hand. He joined in your laughter continuing, “He’s broke. You want his company. He’s not ready to let it go.”

“Thank you for the recap.”

“God, I wanted to deck that son of a bitch though. Not the old guy of course but-” The rest of his sentence was lost under the sound of your laughter. “No, I’m serious,” Steve smiled into your hair, pressing a kiss to the top of your head. “You don’t deserve to be treated that way.”

“Well, I might’ve given him reason to.” You turned to look Steve in the eye and you could see his mind working.

“Yeah but he was making it personal,” Steve huffed. “I’m sorry about your mom, really.” You scooted away from him and grabbed your drink again.

“It’s not a big deal.”

“Not a big deal? She was your mom.”

“I hadn’t spoken to her in nearly a decade, Steve,” You scoffed. “It’s not like I’m missing out on anything.” Steve nodded, though that clearly didn’t change how he felt about it. You wished he would drop it before you started thinking he was right. He fingered a few keys as you sat in silence.

“I think the problem is that you like him,” Steve chimed, “Howard, I mean.”

“I do not-” You scoffed, cutting yourself off and shaking your head incredulously. “It’s completely irrelevant whether I like Howard Stark or not. It’s business and I won’t let myself get involved. That’s where the guy’s going to find himself hurt with all that sentimental nonsense.”

“I get it.”

“Hm?” You cocked an eyebrow at him.

“No, I get it,” Steve repeated, “My friend Bucky’s always telling me not to get attached. It’s not good for business. That’s why no kissing. It’s too personal.”

“Bucky…is that like his call sign or-”

“I’m serious. When I’m with a chick it’s all just going through the motions, just getting it done.” You hummed deviously, tapping your nails against the polished piano. “I mean, except for you, of course.” You laughed as Steve’s blush found his cheeks again. Leaning against him again, you buried your head into his shoulder while laughter grew, Steve cursing himself under his breath.

“You’re not very smooth,” You remarked, “With…this being your profession and all.”

“No?” Steve crooned, pulling you into his lap. He threaded a hand in your hair, brushing it out of his way so that your neck was free rein. 

“N-, no.” Your mind struggled to come up with something else to say, something to tease him further but your only focus was on his lips as they sucked their way across your neck, stopping to pay particular attention to the dip of your collarbones. As he passed that valley, he pulled down the strap of your dress, his mouth finding the newly exposed skin. 

“You know for all that fight you put up, you sure give in easy.” You scoffed, smacking a hand against his chest while still holding his head close to you with fingers tangled in his hair. He was right; your urge to fight was gone. All you wanted was whatever he planned to do.

His hands left your hair and trailed down to your ass where his warm palms pulled you impossibly closer to him as he ground his hips into your own. You reached down and struggled with the buttons until your impatience got the better of you and you tore open the bottom part of his shirt, pushing the whole thing over and off his shoulders. He hissed softly as your hands, cold from your drink, trailed up his chest. He gazed down at you, watching your hands explore his skin, his blue eyes now dark with lust . 

Steve’s fingers wound into the skin-tight fabric of your dress, threatening to rip it while your legs wrapped fully around his waist. You moaned as he nuzzled his face into your chest, placing open-mouth kisses across it. He rocked you harder against his growing bulge and your hand flew behind you, banging the keys of the piano in search of something solid to grip onto. Laughing into your chest, he stood up, placing you fully onto the piano so that more notes fumbled out. You thought about telling him to stop, that someone would surely hear you but the last thing you wanted was for him to stop.

Steadying the both of you, Steve placed a large open palm on the center of your chest, the other still firmly on your ass. Unable to take it anymore, you reached down between you and searched haphazardly for the button of his pants. He grabbed your wrist, pulling it away from him and back onto the keys of the piano.

Bliss. Bliss was the only word you could describe this moment. The feeling of the fresh summer air against your skin was something that brightened your mood. The way his playlist played through the car radio. The way Daichi looked as he drove, the way Asahi’s hair blew in the wind as he looked out the window, and the way Suga scrolled on his phone. 

Looking out the window at the way the lights started to shine brighter as the sun went down. It was something you didn’t want to end, not just this moment, but this feeling you had. The feelings you had with him. It was something you hadn’t felt in a long time, and to be frank you adored every minute of it.

At the time he had asked you to go out with him you never had expected it to turn out like this. Not with the way he had asked you. But now that it’s been years since then you could finally see how that first question shaped everything.

“(L-l/n)-San?” Hearing the young man tumbling to say your name you turned to look at him. 

Seeing him looking flustered made you smile, he looked adorable with a flustered expression. “Daichi, I told you you could just call me (Y/n).” 

Your smile and tone of voice seemed to calm him down a bit. “You’re right, my bad.” 

“It’s alright. So..what was it you were going to ask me?” You started to fiddle with your finger waiting for him to respond.

You noticed he took a deep breath before speaking, “I was wondering if I could take you on a date this weekend. Of course you don’t have to say yes, you can decline. You have an option to say no I was just wondering if you wanted-” 

He stopped when he heard you let out a heartfelt laugh, one he adored, the way your eyes closed and how your shoulders lightly shook. “Daichi you’re rambling. But yes. My answer is yes.” 

You watched as his eyes lit up at your words. “Great! I’ll text you the time and date then!” 

“Alright that would be great.” You watched as he turned away, you did too until your friends had told you to turn back around. 

When you did you could see him jump in the air and pump his fist. His friends cheered for him as they all walked away together. It was one moment that never left your mind, it had always brought a smile to your face thinking of it. 

A light snore had taken you out of your memory. You both looked at each other before turning to the back to see the two other boys asleep against each other's shoulders. You both let out a quiet laugh before it died down. And then it went silent again, nothing but the song playing. It was always so adorable the way Daichi had played this song whenever Asahi was in the car. It had always brightened the mood. 

“Can you hear me calling

Out your name

You know that I'm falling and I don't know what to say

Oh come along baby

We better make a start

You better make it soon before you break my heart

Oh ah

I want to be with you everywhere

Oh ah

I want to be with you everywhere

Oh ah

I want to be with you everywhere

Oh ah

I want to be with you everywhere

(Wanna be with you everywhere)”

 Just as the lyrics had finished you looked over at him as you grabbed his hand, the one resting against the arm rest just waiting for yours to hold his. “Daichi?” 

“Yeah?” He lightly squeezed your hand to continue talking. 

“Let’s stay like this forever, okay?” You watched as him as a smile was forming on his lips and the redness that was now present. He pulled both of your hands to his lips, he placed a small kiss on it before speaking.