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Sep. 21st, 2010 10:20 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
natashastarkTitle: The Ultimatum
Characters: Natasha Stark, Steve Rogers, Howard Stark, Maria Stark
Date: December 1940
Summary: Howard finds out about Steve and Natasha. He is not happy.
Natasha Stark:
Steve and Natasha have been dating for seven months -- in secret. Mother would find it scandalous and Father would never approve of Steve for his daughter. They have no idea; Natasha loves Steve. He's sensitive, and passionate, and noble, and a good man. He loves her. He loves his Country. He believes in God and a higher power. Natasha almost thinks he needs to overcompensate due to his frail body. But she doesn't care; she loves him.
Mother and Father are supposed to have spent the weekend in Washington, D.C.. Father has business to attend to with the War Department. Gone from Thursday night until Monday Morning: the perfect time for Natasha to invite Steve to spend the weekend.
But they come home early. They find Steve and Natasha in her bedroom. She poses nude for him.
Natasha is shocked Father doesn't kill Steve on the spot. "Stop!" Natasha screams as she grabs her bedsheets. She stands before Steve. "Stop. He's my boyfriend, and I love him."
That shocks them enough. They tell her and Steve to get dressed. They need to speak in the parlor. Steve sits with his hands in his lap, in one of the small arm chairs. Mother and Natasha sit on the couch. Howard looms over everyone. He hands on his arms folded over his chest. "My daughter says she loves you. Where I come from, son, a man introduces himself to a girl's father before he escorts her on a date."
Steve Rogers:
Howard Stark is exactly as intimidating as Steve thought he would be. He's not a very large man, but he still manages to fill the room. Steve is sitting up as straight as he can, trying to be confident and assured for Natasha's sake, but inside he's shaking like a leaf.
"I know, sir. I apologize for not speaking to you before taking your daughter out."
Natasha Stark:
Natasha watches her father glare at Steve like a rat, like stupid garage that needs to be deposed of. She wants to speak up, defend her and her love. Only her mother catches her eyes and silently says, "Keep you mouth shut, young lady."
Natasha, for once in her life, obeys.
Howard says, "Not accepted. How long have you been sneaking around with Natasha? And how did you even meet?"
Natasha answers. "I model at the Art School in Greenwich. He is a student there. I have been modeling there for over a year."
"Art school?" Howard roars as Maria gasps, "Model. Natasha! We raised you better."
Howard glares at Steve. "For over a year?"
Steve Rogers:
Steve quickly shakes his head. "We haven't been together for that long, sir. We met seven months ago."
Steve keeps his eyes on Howard Stark. He doesn't want to upset the man further by looking at Natasha. She sounds like she's okay - it takes a lot to get her emotional, anyway - but he still wants to make sure. Still, it will be better for both of them if Steve gives Mr. Stark his full attention.
"And yes, sir, art school. I want to be an illustrator."
Howard Stark:
"An illustrator? You want to draw those silly comic books and dime novels while there's a war going on, son?"
Steve Rogers:
"I want to draw recruitment posters and illustrate safety manuals for the factories, sir."
Howard Stark:
"Country doesn't need illustrators; we need soldiers."
Steve Rogers:
"I know that, sir. I attempted to enlist, but I was turned away."
Natasha Stark:
Natasha watches her father's eyes widen. She knows that look -- he's onto something, he's concocting a plan. "Father, please. I love him." She turns to Steve and repeats, "I love you." Natasha stands. She clings to her father's arm. "He's not rich like the others, but he's a good man. He's a great artist. Please, father."
"Hush, Natasha," Howard says. He looks at Steve. "What's the price you'd pay to service your country, son?"
Steve Rogers:
Steve has no idea why Natasha is reacting like this. What does she know that no one is talking about?
"I would do whatever it takes, sir." Does Mr. Stark have a way to get Steve into the Army? He must know people in high places.
Natasha Stark:
Howard looks at Steve, looks in right in the eyes. "Would you vow never to see my daughter again? Go as far as put pen to paper?"
Natasha gasps at her father. No. No. She knows all about his work, and he wouldn't. He couldn't do this. "I will never forgive you," Natasha hisses at her father. "So help me God, I will give everything to the Germans, father. If..."
"Natasha!" Howard says, "Hush. Let him answer the question."
Steve Rogers:
Steve looks from Howard Stark to his daughter. The question makes his stomach drop - never see Natasha again? Ever?
But the world is at war. America needs soldiers, and if this man knows of some way that Steve can help, then he has to go along with it, no matter what the cost.
Steve takes a long look at Natasha. She deserves the best the world can offer, and she should be with a man who can provide for her. Steve loves her, but he also loves his country, and the fate of millions is more important than his and her relationship.
He looks Howard right in the eyes. "Yes, sir. I would do that."
Natasha Stark:
Natasha admires Steve's patriotism. Always has. Loves that about him. When he chooses his country over her, it hurts. It might be the right -- and righteous -- decision, but it doesn't stop the tears. "No," Natasha says.
Howard says, "You might be useful after all, Mr. Rogers."
"No, Steve," Natasha says. She breaks free of her father and runs to Steve. She hugs him. "Say no. There's nothing wrong with being an illustrator. I will still love you."
Howard says, "We can start tonight, Mr. Rogers."
"Don't listen to him," Natasha says. "He's trying to kill you. None of the test subjects have lived. Say no and we can run away tonight."
Howard says, "Natasha's right. What I'm asking is dangerous; son, it might kill you. But if you lay another hand on my daughter, I will kill you. I say if you agree to serve your country, the odds of survival are in your favor."
Steve Rogers:
Steve doesn't understand why Natasha and her father are talking about test subjects and survival rates, but he has already agreed to go through with whatever it is. He can't back out now, even if he wanted to.
Carefully keeping his arms in a hug around Natasha, Steve stands up. "I'm willing to risk my life for this task, sir, but I want at least another hour with your daughter. I don't want to die knowing this was the last time we had together."
Natasha Stark:
"I need to make some phone calls." Howard reaches out for Maria's hand. Raising from the couch, she takes her husband's hand. "Half an hour. And Maria will be right outside watching you."
Howard and Maria exit the room, leaving Natasha crying in Steve's arms.
Steve Rogers:
The second Natasha's parents walk out the door, Steve tightens his hold on her, trying to soothe her. "I have to do this. I can't let this opportunity pass."
Natasha Stark:
"Here's going to kill you," Natasha says. "He's going to kill you because of me.
"He's working with the US Government on some super soldier program. They're trying to create stronger, faster, better soldiers to fight the Germans. But, Steven, none of the test subjects have lived. Some don't even make it pass the drug tests. If you do this, you're not serving your country; you're committing suicide."
Steve Rogers:
"But what if it works? What if they turn me into the perfect soldier?" Steve pulls back enough that he can look at her face. "I have to take the chance. I can't walk away from this, knowing I didn't do everything I could to serve my country."
Natasha Stark:
"And what about me?" Natasha doesn't matter that it sounds selfish, or that they are at war. She won't lose the man she loves.
Steve Rogers:
"If it works, then we'll get married. If it doesn't and I die, then I die knowing you love me." He pulls her close again. "I love you more than you know, but I can't put our relationship above our country. Don't ask me to do that."
Natasha Stark:
"You'll marry me?" Natasha fixes on that. She will not think about him dying. She will not accept that her father has killed Steve.
And she can't ask him to put her before their country. She loves him too much to ask such a thing.
"Is that a promise? Will you put pen to paper?"
Steve Rogers:
"I'd marry you tomorrow if I was allowed." Is she doubting his commitment to her? He hopes not.
"I've been putting money away for a ring, but I won't have enough for another few months. I wanted to surprise you."
Natasha Stark:
"I don't need a ring." Natasha says. "Just you."
Steve Rogers:
"I love you so, so much, but I have to do this."
Natasha Stark:
"Then I want to be there."
Steve Rogers:
"If it's not too dangerous, then I want you to be there, too." Steve swallows the lump in his throat. "If I die, then I want yours to be the last face I see."
Natasha Stark:
"If it kills me, I'm going to be there with you."
Steve Rogers:
"That's all I want. I love you."
Natasha Stark:
Natasha wipes her eyes. "All you want is for me to die?" Natasha leans in and kisses him.
Steve Rogers:
Steve kisses her back, rushed and reckless. "I just want you with me. And if..." He takes a deep breath. "If I die, you have to promise me you'll go on with your life. Find someone else and keep living."
Natasha Stark:
"Wouldn't seem worth it. Never find anyone quite like you."
Steve Rogers:
"You have to promise me, Natasha. You can't die with me."
Natasha Stark:
"I don't. I promise to accept your choice. I won't stand in the way of you getting yourself killed for the flag. But I won't promise to love another. You can't make me do that."
Steve Rogers:
"What if it was you about to die? What would you want me to do?"
Natasha Stark:
Natasha knows she'd want him to be happy. Alone or with someone. She would want Steve to live to his full potential, serve his country, paint masterpieces, do good in the world.
Natasha says, "Die an old maid."
Steve Rogers:
That gets Steve to laugh. "That's not true. You want me to be some great man that I'll never be."
Natasha Stark:
"Mr. Rogers," Maria enters the room. "Howard wants to see you now."
"No, mother, a little longer." Natasha begs. She actually begs.
Maria places a hand on her daughter's back. She smiles at Steve. "You seem like a sweet boy, Mr. Rogers. You could've made my daughter very happy, if things were different."
Steve Rogers:
Steve clings to Natasha, suddenly terrified. He might never see her again. After a long moment in her embrace, he kisses her quickly and steps back, breaking contact. "Things will be different, Mrs. Stark."
Title: The Confrontation
Characters: Steve Rogers, Howard Stark, Natasha Stark
Date: April 1941
Summary: Steve confronts Howard. It goes about as well as planned.
Steve Rogers:
The final part of the super soldier experiment is scheduled for tomorrow morning, and Steve is nervous. He knows he's been doing well in the program, but no one has ever made it this far. There are no statistics to draw from, no testimonies to listen to. He's the first test subject to undergo the Vita Rays, and they could very well kill him. He's trying to ignore the growing knot of fear in his chest, but he can't find a suitable distraction.
Drawing hadn't helped calmed him, and neither had reading. He'd done a few sets of push-ups - he doesn't think he'll ever get tired of doing those, now that he can do them - but that just energized him. Finally he'd asked to speak to Howard Stark.
Steve understands the deal he'd made - he'd agreed to never see Natasha again. It had hurt at the time to agree to that, and it hurts every single day that he goes without seeing her. For all he knows, she's forgotten about him and moved on. He doesn't believe that she would do that intentionally, but they've been apart for months. He hasn't even been allowed to write to her.
Just as he begins pacing the floor, his door opens and one of the newer nurses - Annie, a pretty but plain young woman - informs him that Howard Stark is ready to see him. She escorts him down the hallway where they're joined by two armed young men. Steve's security guards change on a regular basis and he never learns their names. He doesn't even know what branch they're in - if they're in the military at all or if they're part of a private security group.
Howard Stark is sitting behind a desk in a spacious room that Steve has been in only one other time. After he'd signed the papers agreeing to take part in the experiments, he'd only seen his small bedroom and the various medical rooms.
Steve opts to stand in front of the desk rather than sit down in the uncomfortable chair facing it. He wants to appear confident and in charge, and he knows he can accomplish that best on his feet. Before Howard can say anything, Steve starts talking.
"I would like to see Natasha, sir."
Howard Stark:
"You know the terms of our arrangement," Howard says without looking up from his papers. Steve Rogers has asked about his daughter before, but Howard never tells him a thing.
Howard should thank Natasha. Steve's been a real find. He not only has the psychical requirements necessary for Project Rebirth; he has the heart. Patriotic to the bone. General Phillips slaps Howard on the back, after Steve passes the first drug test with flying colors, and says, "Good job, Howard. Very good job. Go find me one hundred more like Rogers."
Howard can only smile. Project Rebirth is suppose to kill Steve Rogers. Howard wants him no where near his daughter. Even after Steve has proven -- time and time again -- that he's a good man, Howard refuses to yield. Refuses to admit he might've been wrong about Steve.
Steve Rogers:
"I've done everything you asked me to do, sir, and I don't regret any of it." Steve doesn't like people who don't look at you when they're talking to you, and Howard makes a nasty habit of it. That doesn't stop Steve from training his eyes on the other man's face even when he's being ignored.
"I know that I might die tomorrow, sir. All I want is to see Natasha again one more time before that happens."
Howard Stark:
"That's sweet, Rogers." Howard puts down his pen. He look Steve in the eyes. "But if you are going to die tomorrow than I would go to the mess hall, eat a good meal, get a good night's rest and pray."
Steve Rogers:
Steve isn't phased - he was expecting that answer. It doesn't stop him from pushing forward. "With all due respect, sir, I believe I've earned the right to see your daughter before I die."
Howard Stark:
"Noted," Howard says. "If that's all, you can go now."
Steve Rogers:
"I'll go after I see Natasha."
Howard Stark:
"She won't be seeing you, Rogers. She's already put you behind her. Teenage girls. One day they think their in love, the next they've found another man to lust over."
Steve Rogers:
Steve clenches his fists tightly at his sides. What Howard is saying can't be true. "I'd like to confirm or deny that for myself. Sir."
Howard Stark:
Howard leans back in his chair. "Well, you can't. She already thinks your dead."
Steve Rogers:
Steve goes completely still, anger like he's never felt before creeping up his spine. "Why would she think that?"
Howard Stark:
"It's a proactive precaution." Howard speaks as if he's talking about the weather. "If the experiments don't kill you, the Nazis sure as hell will try. They probably will -- unless you smarten up, master the strategies of war. Even if you do live, your whereabouts will be Top Secret. I told her that you died. Seems easier for everyone that way."
Steve Rogers:
"She deserves the truth." Steve takes a step forward, then back again, holding his arms close to his body so he doesn't do something he'll ultimately regret.
Howard Stark:
Howard stands. "That is the truth, Rogers. You will never see my daughter again."
Steve Rogers:
Steve punches Howard. He doesn't even think about it, he just does it, anger and a hint of fear taking over.
Howard Stark:
Howard stumbles back against the wall. He holds his nose. Blood covers his hands. "Never, Rogers." Howard roars. He struggles to stand.
Steve Rogers:
Steve backs up. A little common sense has hit his brain, and he realizes that he just hit his girlfriend's father. The man deserved it - if he lied to his own daughter about her lover's death, then what else had he lied about? - but Steve should have known better than to resort to violence. Now they're going to throw him in jail. He'll never get to serve his country after he just assaulted a top weapons manufacturer. He's just thrown his entire life away.
Howard Stark:
Howard's secretary runs into the room. She lets out a short cry and then screams for a medic, or a first aid kit, or something. Howard doesn't need that. He's fine.
Still it doesn't stop General Phillips and his entourage from storming into the office. Phillips says, "What in the hell is going on here?"
Howard gestures to Steve. "We had an disagreement."
Steve Rogers:
Steve moves out of the way so someone can attend to Howard, but he stands up straight when the general walks in. "He lied, sir."
Howard Stark:
General Phillips raises eyebrow. "Lied, solider? That's a bold statement. It is true, Howard."
Howard just stares at Steve. He hates that little prick.
Steve Rogers:
"I wouldn't make such an accusation lightly, sir. Mr. Stark here told his daughter that I died, when I am very much alive." Steve hopes General Phillips doesn't think he is being petty. The army has much more to worry about than one soldier's family, but this is important to Steve.
Howard Stark:
"And why is his daughter any of concern to you, solider?" General Phillips questions.
Howard wants to know the same thing. "She's not, General."
Steve Rogers:
"She's my girlfriend, sir. I was planning on marrying her."
Howard Stark:
"Is that true, Howard?" General Phillips takes a match out of his pocket and lights his pipe.
Howard says, "Rogers never asked my permission. He doesn't have it. He seduced my daughter for months without telling me."
General Phillips laughs a good hardly laugh. "I don't believe Rogers even knows the meaning of that word." Phillips looks to Steve. "No offense, son. It's a compliment. Do you really love the girl, Rogers? I want an honest answer."
Steve Rogers:
"I love her with all of my heart, sir. I thought I could give her up for the chance to serve my country, but I can't do that. I can't live without her, sir."
"Serving your country, son, isn't worth a damn if you don't have a woman to come home to. Ideals don't get your through combat; she does."
Phillips points his pipe at Howard. "Call your wife and daughter, Howard. Tell Maria to bring Natasha over within the next few hours."
Howard does not like being told what to do. He gives the orders. "General, this is a private affair. She is my daughter."
"And Rogers is my solider. Boy's been through the ringer since he got here. He deserves to kiss his girl and tell her that he love her one more time. Make the call, Howard; or I will."
Steve doesn't say anything, waiting to see what Howard does. General Phillips has been a godsend, but Steve doesn't want to push his luck. Even if he gets to see Natasha and then lives to go to war, Howard Stark still controls part of his future. He can't marry a girl without her father's permission, no matter how much he wants to.
Howard Stark:
Howard picks up the phone. It takes two rings for Natasha to pick up the phone. "Tasha, it's your father."
*
Something stops Natasha from hanging up immediately. She has not spoken to him -- not one word -- since Steve died two months ago. She will never forgive him. She debates about giving all of her father's notes to the Germans; but then she thinks of Steve, of how much he loved America, and doesn't have the heart to betray his memory.
"What do you want?"
*
That's more words than she's spoken to him in months. "Tell your mother to get dressed. I need both of you at the Flushing Compound tonight."
*
"Go to hell," Natasha spats. "I'm not going --"
*
"The car will pick you up in thirty minutes. It's about Steve. I will see you then. I love you." Howard says and hangs up the receiver.
Steve Rogers:
Steve's breath catches when it becomes clear that Howard is talking to Natasha. He hasn't heard from her since the night they said goodbye, and now she's on the other end of the line. She'll be on her way here soon.
He is suddenly more grateful for this new body than he's ever been. His old legs would have given out under the power of this kind of information, but he's able to hold himself upright and still manage to look like a good, stoic soldier.
Steve looks at General Phillips. "Thank you, sir."
Howard Stark:
General Phillip say, "Don't thank me, son. You earned it. Howard."
Howard nods as Phillip leaves. He glares at Steve. The son of a bitch pulls it off. He, once again, defies Howard's wishes. Howard is not amused.
Steve Rogers:
"I'll go wait in my room." Steve doesn't want to be around Howard any more than he has to, and this provides the perfect opportunity to get away from him for the next hour or so.
Title: Back From The Dead
Characters: Natasha Stark, Steve Rogers
Natasha Stark:
Natasha begs every day for news about Steve. Howard tells her to forget about the boy. Even if it does work, he’ll be shipped off to war; Natasha will never see him again. Still she begs for news.
A month passes before Howard says, “He died. He didn’t make it pass the second phase.”
Natasha cries herself to sleep for a month. She stops talking to Howard. (He’s Howard now, not Father. A Father would never do something like this to his daughter. Not a good father.) Steve died because of her. If she had never approached him that night after class, if she had never convinced him to secretly date, if she had never met him, he might be alive right now.
Time only makes it worse. She overhears Howard discussing the super solider program in his office. They’re continuing with the damn thing! They’re just going to kill more innocent and good men like Steve. Her father is a horrible man.
She has no idea why she doesn’t hang up on him. She listens as he insists she and Mother drive over to the Flushing compound. Natasha puts on a black dress and does up her hair. She descends the stairs when Mother says the car has arrived. Natasha wants to stay home, but Mother asked Natasha to come, for her. Natasha cannot say no to Mother.
When they arrive at the Stark compound, two military guards escort them into a waiting room.
Natasha almost faints when the door opens.
Steve Rogers:
Steve had thought waiting to talk to Howard had been difficult, but waiting to see Natasha is ten times worse. He doesn't know what he'll say to her or how she'll react to finding out he's not actually dead. Will Howard insist on chaperoning the meeting? Will Natasha's mother be there? Will Natasha turn him away, saying she's found someone new?
When Steve makes it to the boring, nondescript room where they tell him Natasha will meet him, he's so full of nervous energy he's ready to burst. He arranges and re-arranges the two chairs in the room until he can't take it anymore and turns them over and kicks them to opposite corners. He feels bad about that and returns them to their upright positions, but it doesn't help.
He's just sitting down when the door opens. Natasha is standing there, looking as beautiful as he's ever seen her.
Steve stares for just a moment, then rushes over and picks her up, spinning her around in a huge hug, decorum be damned.
Natasha Stark:
The man looks like Steve -- only stronger and taller. Is this a practical joke? Is this some replacement Howard found for her? Looks like Steve, but he's not "weak" and "poor." Natasha wants to retreat.
Before she can, the man twirls her in his arms. Natasha gazes in his eyes. Those big blue eyes. Her voice cracks. "Steve?"
Steve Rogers:
"It's me, Natasha. I'm not dead. I never was." Steve wants to laugh and cry at the same time, but he manages to do neither. He just smiles a little half smile and buries his face in her neck, clinging to her. "I love you so much."
Natasha Stark:
"But," Natasha shutters, "But Howard said you died. I thought you died!" Natasha pushes away from him, tears cascading on her checks. "You died."
Steve Rogers:
"He lied to you. I only found out today." Steve tries to hug her again. "He wanted to keep us apart, so he lied about me dying." He won't mention that he might actually die tomorrow. Not yet, anyway.
Natasha Stark:
Why? Why? The did the bastard do that? Natasha lets out a short scream. She clings to Steve -- who is so different. This is not the body she remembers. Is this even the man she remembers? Have the two months changed him?
"I wanted to die," Natasha cries into his shoulder. "I didn't want to live without you. I didn't want to live with the guilt that I killed you."
Steve Rogers:
"Hey, no, don't say that. Even if I had died, it wouldn't have been your fault." Steve rubs her back gently. "I chose this." He swallows hard, fighting back tears of his own. "I can't live without you. I had to see you again before..."
Natasha Stark:
"Before what?" Before he gets shipped off? She cannot handle the thought of losing him again. She won't. She'll join the Army Nurses. She will bind her breasts, cut her hair and join the boys. None of it matters. She will not leave Steve, not again.
Steve Rogers:
"There's one more ...test they have to do to make sure the experiment works. No one has ever done it before, so we don't know the odds. I might not live through tomorrow." She deserves to hear the brutal truth, so Steve tells her. He won't have any secrets from her.
Natasha Stark:
"You're going to make it. You're going to make it. I won't lose you again." Natasha holds him. She never wants to let go. How much time do they have? "I'm staying with you. Through all of it. I'm not leaving you."
Steve Rogers:
"Marry me. I don't have a ring, and you don't have a dress, but if I make it through tomorrow, then I want you to be my wife."
"No. I won't marry you tomorrow."
Steve feels like his heart is breaking into a million pieces. "You won't? But I love you."
"I want to marry you tonight." If Steve is going to die tomorrow, Natasha wants one more night with him. She wants to be his wife.
All Steve can do is nod and kiss her. "Yes. But where? Who can do that for us? Are we even allowed to get married tonight?"
"We'll call priest or a chaplain or a ship Captain. Anyone. I don't need a dress or a ring."
"It's getting late. Do you know any priests who would come in? Or..." Steve reluctantly lets go of Natasha to speak to a guard just outside the room, asking if General Phillips is still on base. "We might be able to get a chaplain."
At this point, Steve can't keep the excitement off his face. Natasha is here, and they're going to get married, and even if he dies tomorrow, he'll die having married the woman he loves. He can't ask for much more than that.
"How?" Natasha kisses him again. "Lead the way."
Steve laughs and pulls her close for another hug. "I think we might be able to convince the general to get us a chaplain." He takes her hand and follows the guards down the hall to the general's office. He is hoping and praying that Howard Stark isn't with General Phillips right now.
Natasha Stark:
Natasha's giddy. She leans into Steve as he walks then down the hallway. Natasha has no idea where they're gong; it doesn't matter. Steve is alive and they will be married.
Steve knocks on the door of the General's office. The General tells him to enter.
Howard and Mother sit in front of the General's desk. Natasha tenses at Howard's presence. Natasha wants to cross the room and slap him.
She doesn't. She squeezes Steve's hand.
Steve Rogers:
Of course Natasha's parents are in the room. Steve can't seem to catch a break as far as they're concerned. But he holds Natasha's hand tightly and keeps his confidence high.
"We were wondering if you would be willing to call in a chaplain, sir." Steve speaks directly to the general, ignoring Natasha's parents as best he can. "Natasha and I would like to get married tonight, in case tomorrow doesn't go so well."
Natasha Stark:
"What is the meaning of this?" Howard stands. "Who the hell do you think you are?" He marches toward Steve. "You're nothing. You're just some poor schmuck --"
Natasha raises her hand to slap Howard. But her mother speaks. Maria says, "Howard, that's quite enough."
Howard glares at Steve. "You don't have my permission --"
"He has mine," Maria says. Everyone stares at her. She turns to Steven. "I told you if things were different than maybe there would be a way. Things are different. Call the chaplain, General Phillips. I will stand as their witness."
Steve Rogers:
Steve is pretty sure it would be inappropriate to hug Maria Stark right now, but he really wants to. He settles for reaching out to shake her hand. "Thank you, ma'am. I'll always treat your daughter with the respect she deserves."
Natasha Stark:
Maria leans up and kisses him. "None of that. You're going to be part of the family."
Natasha flings her arms around her mother. "Thank you. Thank you."
"I only have one condition." Maria looks at Steve, "Live through tomorrow."
Steve Rogers:
Steve nods. "I will." Miracles have already happened today, so what's to say they won't happen tomorrow? He reaches for Natasha's hand and just holds it tightly. "You'll be seeing me a lot more than you'd like to."
Natasha Stark:
"That will be just fine. Hopefully this war will end before America needs to fight it. Then you can focus on more important things; like keeping my daughter happy and giving me grandchildren.
"But first, we need to get you a chaplain."
"He's on his way," General Phillips says as he puts down the phone. "Congratulations, son. She's quite the beauty."
Natasha blushes. People have told her she's beautiful before, but coming from General Phillips it just seems different.
Steve Rogers:
"She is, isn't she?" Steve responds to General Phillips then looks at Natasha. He's honestly never seen anyone as beautiful as her, inside or out, and he doesn't think he ever will. If they're lucky enough to have daughters one day, he hopes they'll all look just like their mother.
Natasha Stark:
The chaplain arrives within the hour, but they've encountered a new problem. They have no rings.
"Do we need them?" Natasha asks. "I heard in some ancient cultures they use string instead of ribbon. Bind the hands together. Symbolically."
General Phillips and her mother laugh. Howard stands back. He observes the situation from the corner. Maria says, "No, you must have rings. Howard -- don't you have any spare metals in your workshop. Go make the kids two wedding bands."
Steve Rogers:
Steve feels bad that he can't get Natasha a real ring - something she can be proud of. The ring isn't that important at the end of the day, but he still wants to give her nice things. If her father was supportive of this marriage, then him making the rings would be special, but right now Steve feels odd about it.
He is going to marry Natasha tonight, so what the rings look like and where they come from don't matter.
"How long will it take?" Steve isn't exactly impatient, but he wants to spend as much time with his soon-to-be-wife as he can before he goes off to possibly die tomorrow.
Natasha Stark:
Howard says, "The metal will have to cool. Few hours."
"Then we can marry without the rings," Natasha says, "And we'll exchange them in the morning. I don't want to wait a few hours. Who knows how long Steve and I will have."
Steve Rogers:
"I agree with Natasha. We don't need the rings to get married." Steve turns to the chaplain. "Is that okay with you?"
Natasha Stark:
It pleased the chaplain. He began the ceremony.
Steve Rogers:
The ceremony goes by in a flash. It feels like they waited so long to get to this point, and now they're married.
Steve and Natasha are married. He almost can't believe it, but there's a chaplain in front of them pronouncing them man and wife. It's done.
Natasha Stark:
Natasha feels no shame as she wraps her arms around Steve's neck and kisses him. Their first kiss as man and wife. Mrs. Rogers. She kind of likes that.
Steve Rogers:
Steve laughs when they finally pull apart. He takes Natasha's hand and raises it in front of the few people who are there, presenting her as his wife.
It would be rude to just take Natasha away to his small room, but it's what he really wants to do right now.
Natasha Stark:
Natasha turns to Maria. "This is an unconventional wedding already. Can we hold off the reception until breakfast? Would that be too much to ask?"
Maria kisses Natasha on the cheek. Then she kisses Steve on the cheek. "No."
General Phillips says, "9AM, sharp, son. Final injection."
Steve Rogers:
"Yes, sir." Steve shakes the general and the chaplain's hands and kisses Maria's. He thanks Howard for making the rings, then opens the door for Natasha so they can make their escape.
They're escorted back to his room, and the guards tell him they'll just be down the hall. Steve nods to them, then closes the door and turns to Natasha.
"You look beautiful, Mrs. Rogers."
"You are so big, Mr. Rogers." Natasha kisses him. She goes straight for his belt to untie it. "It's... new."
"I'm still me." He puts his hands on hers. "Slow down. We have all night."
Natasha Stark:
"And we have no time to lose." He's heavier now. Natasha cannot toss him on the bed like she use to. She backs him to bed. "You're alive," Natasha kisses him. "You're alive and my husband."
Steve sits down and pulls her into his lap. "I'm alive, and I'm right here, and I love you." He kisses her again, sliding his hands up her legs.
"I love you, too" Natasha pulls at Steve's shirt. She pulls it right off to reveal Steve's new, well toned muscles. Natasha runs her hands over Steve's skin. It's so different. It's almost not him... Natasha stops and rests her hand on his heart.
Steve covers her hand with his own and kisses her cheek. "Only the outside has changed. I'm still the same man you know."
Natasha says, "I just... I kind of liked the old you."
"I haven't changed, Natasha. I'm just a little bigger."
"I... I just don't believe it. Two hours ago I thought you were dead."
"I'm so sorry about that, Natasha. I had no idea they told you I was dead."
"What did they tell you about me?"
"Your father told me you never really loved me and that you'd moved on. I didn't believe him."
Natasha kisses him. "I never stopped asking about you."
"I asked about you every day." He squeezes her sides. "Every day."
"What are we doing to do when you go to Europe?" Natasha leans her forehead against Steve's. "Think I could pass for a boy?"
Steve laughs. "Not with this body." After a moment, he sighs. "We'll write to each other. I'll tell you all about what's going on over there."
"I think that'd be a breach of intelligence, Private Rogers."
"Then I'll just write to tell you how much I love you."
Steve falls back easily and looks up at his wife. "I think you should take off your dress."
"Only if you take off your pants." Natasha grins.
"I already took my shirt off." That doesn't stop Steve from kicking off his shoes. "You're still fully dressed."
"Off."
"Lift up." He puts his hands on her upper thighs to help her sit up, then shimmies out of his pants. "Okay?"
Natasha runs her hands over his shaft, encouraging him. She had to help him along less than before. Natasha kisses his neck, the same spot he liked before. Hopefully not everything about his body has changed. Or she will only have one night to relearn months of exploration.
Steve Rogers:
The last time Steve had Natasha in his arms like this was the night he agreed to never see her again. It's different this time, because even if he's still the same person inside, his bigger, stronger body could hurt her very easily if he does the wrong thing. That's the last thing he wants, especially on his wedding night.
Natasha straddles him. Puts her hands on his navel. "What are you waiting for? This dress isn't gong to take off itself, Mr. Rogers."
"You want me to..." Of course she wants him to take her dress off. And they're married now. It's his right to undress her.
Steve grabs hold of the bottom of Natasha's dress and pulls it up, swiftly removing it. He tosses it to the side and rakes his eyes down her body. He respects her in every way, but he'd be lying if he said this image of her didn't come to him in his dreams.
During the months away from her, Steve had cursed the increased libido that came with his new body. Now that Natasha is in front of him - on top of him - he can finally see the good in it.
Taking hold of her sides, Steve picks Natasha up and slams her down onto the bed. He crawls between her legs and looms over her, rubbing up against her. "Are you ready, Mrs. Rogers?"
"Don't hold back, Mr. Rogers." Natasha guides Steve into her, grinding against him.
Steve enters her quickly, not surprised that she's already ready for him. He's a little worried that he's too big for her now, but she doesn't show any signs of pain or discomfort, so he keeps going.
They've made love before, but never for very long, and never like this. Steve feels like he can finally satisfy her, and as her husband, it comes as a relief. He'd always felt inadequate in bed. She was always the one teaching him things and showing him how to use his body. But now he has control, and he can finally go through with what he's always wanted.
Steve feels like he could do this forever, just moving in and out, his hands mapping her body. She hasn't changed like he has, so he knows what she likes. He knows what each sound she makes means, and when to change position or keep doing exactly what he's doing.
He kisses her face and neck, constantly telling her how beautiful she is and how much he loves her. He'll never forget this night, and if it's the last one he has, then he'll die with no regrets.
Natasha Stark:
So different from any of their times before; before she took control. She told him where to put his hands, how to use his body, how to satisfy her. Natasha knew Steve resented it. He hated having sex with her, because he never felt her could "satisfy" her or "be a man." She thought he was a master with his tongue; she never complained.
But now, he acts so confident. He has nothing to be ashamed of, so he thrusts into her harder and harder. It's new. Almost like the first time. Natasha moans, "Steven."
Steve Rogers:
Steve isn't even breathing hard yet, when before he'd have had to stop and catch his breath a few times going this fast and hard. It's amazing what this new body can do, and what he can do with it to satisfy his wife.
"You're so amazing." He kisses her. "So beautiful."
"Don't hold back," Natasha whispers. "Don't you dare hold back."
"I don't want to hurt you."
"You won't hurt me."
Steve kisses her, taking his time while he slows his body down. He pulls out and nudges her to turn over, then covers her body with his own again. "I'll try not to." He grips her waist and enters her again, not giving her time to adjust before he's moving harder and faster than he had been earlier.
Natasha Stark:
Natasha rolls on her stomach. Steve moves - and it hurts, but the pain is good, welcomed and new. She muffles her cries in her arms.
Steve hears her and stops immediately. "Are you okay? Is this too much?"
Steve stops -- Natasha has no idea why. But she takes the opportunity to roll them before to the ground. He might have more mass, but she isn't a weakling. She climbs on top of him again, slide down, and starts riding him. Natasha pulls him close to her and kisses him. "Just like to see your face." Natasha bites his lower lip.
Steve Rogers:
Steve bites back an expletive and bucks his hips up. He chases her tongue back into her mouth and half sits up, wrapping one arm around her back and placing his other hand in her hair. He kisses her roughly, then falls back and looks up at her. "This... I've had dreams about this, you know." He palms her breasts and shakes his head, taking it all in.
Natasha always seems to end up in control, but right now, Steve is very much okay with that.
Natasha Stark:
"Tell me about them," Natasha says as she fights off his hands from her breasts. "Or no touching."
Steve Rogers:
The simple solution is to put his hands on her hips. He can't not be touching her, not when she's on top of him like that. "What's there to tell? You were sitting on top of me while we were doing this." He gestures between their bodies. "You know what I'm talking about."
"You have *no* imagination."
"That's just not true." Steve shifts, altering the angle so he's sitting and she's in his lap. "We did this a lot in my dreams..." He brings his mouth down to lick one of her nipples, looking up at her as he starts sucking on it.
Natasha Stark:
Natasha throws her head back as Steve sucks and licks her nipples. "Steve, stop teasing." They've never had sex for this long. He's normally finished within minutes.
Steve Rogers:
Steve chuckles into her neck. Natasha is the one who's always teasing him, so the role-reversal is kind of nice. But he listens to her and continues where he left off earlier, thrusting his hips up while she writhes and grinds on top of him. It only takes him a few more minutes to reach orgasm, then he finishes her off with his fingers.
After taking a moment to let her catch her breath, he picks her up and places her on the bed, lying down next to her.
Natasha Stark:
Natasha moans into his mouth as the orgasm hits her. New. So. New. Thinking... not something she wants to do at the moment. Thank God, for the Army, she thinks as Steve lies her on the bed. Christ, Natasha might even thank Howard. His plan backfires beautifully.
She sighs. Rest her head on his chest. Traces nonsensical shapes with her finger nails. "I think I like the new you."
Steve laughs. "I think I like the new me, too." He tangles his legs with hers and pushes her hair back from her face. "And hey, we're officially married now. What do you think about that?"
"It's swell," Natasha laughs. She hasn't had time to think about it. Everything happens so fast. "I'm still caught up on you being alive."
"I hope I was able to convince you that I am very much alive."
"I might need some convincing."
"What else can I do to convince you?" Steve says, "I'm open to just about anything."
"Use that imagination, Mr. Rogers."
Steve Rogers:
"You told me I have no imagination." Still, Steve kisses her and sits up, stretching hugely. He kisses his way down her chest - distracted from his path by her breasts - and her belly, stopping just below her navel.
"You are such a well trained puppy."
"Let's not compare ourselves to animals while we're doing this." He spreads her legs and gets comfortable between them, resting his chin on her lower belly as he looks up at her. "I love you."
"I know." Natasha runs her hands through his hair. "I know."
Steve takes another few seconds to just look at her before he ducks his head between her legs. He starts with his tongue, just licking her for a while, getting warmed up. He adds a bit of sucking and then alternates between the two, paying attention to what her body wants him to do. The last time they did this he'd had to take frequent breaks to catch his breath and rest his jaw, but he doesn't have either of those issues now. He's able to keep going, relentlessly pleasuring her until she orgasms, even continuing his licking until she pushes his head away.
Slowly making his way back up her body, Steve stops when he's hovering over her, holding himself up easily with his arms. "Want to see what I can do?"
Natasha Stark:
Panting, Natasha nods. No, she doesn't. She needs a rest. To think, Steve Rogers tries her out! Her heart needs to stop pounding. But Natasha cannot deny Steve anything, especially not tonight. He's so happy, and eager, and enthusiastic.
Steve Rogers:
Steve kisses her very quickly, then leaps off the bed. He drops to the floor and executes 25 perfect push ups, grinning at her when he's through. "What do you think?"
"Think it'd be more fun if you did that over me."
That makes Steve laugh. "Come down here, and I will."
"Maybe later."
Still chuckling, Steve stands and returns to the bed. "You look exhausted. Do you want to sleep?"
"No. We only have until 9AM. I want... I want you to sketch me. One last time."
"I would love that." Steve retrieves his sketchbook and pencils from the small drawer he's been given and moves the chair so he can sit across from her at the best angle. He can't do anything about the position of the light, but he'll work with what he has.
"However you want to pose is fine with me. Or just get comfortable."
Natasha rolls to face him. She stretches, rests her head on her extended arm. This will due. For now. She has better ideas for later.
Steve starts sketching, quickly getting her likeness on the page. This doesn't have to be perfect, but he still wants it to look good. He gets lost in the activity, as he always does, and he's finished soon enough. "Do you want to see?"
Natasha Stark:
Natasha nods. She stands and sits on Steve's lap. Taking the picture in head, she examines his work. It's excellent, as always. Distinct. Vivid. "You've gotten quite good at this, Mr. Rogers."
"I've been practicing." Steve wraps his arms loosely around her. "And having a beautiful model always makes it easier."
"I'm expensive. I don't know if you can afford my rates."
"Is that so?"
"That's right, Mr. Rogers."
"I propose a trade. You provide your services and instead of money, I'll give you favors."
"Depends on the favor."
"What if I cooked you dinner one night? Gave you the night off?"
"You have no imagination."
"Why do you keep saying that? I have plenty of imagination."
"Then show me."
"I thought I already did."
"Refresher course."
"So you want me to do it again? You didn't like it very much the first time."
"I did too!"
"You did? Then why did we stop doing it?"
"We didn't, Steve."
"What are we talking about?"
"God, just kiss me."
He kisses her.
Characters: Natasha Stark, Steve Rogers, Howard Stark, Maria Stark
Date: December 1940
Summary: Howard finds out about Steve and Natasha. He is not happy.
Natasha Stark:
Steve and Natasha have been dating for seven months -- in secret. Mother would find it scandalous and Father would never approve of Steve for his daughter. They have no idea; Natasha loves Steve. He's sensitive, and passionate, and noble, and a good man. He loves her. He loves his Country. He believes in God and a higher power. Natasha almost thinks he needs to overcompensate due to his frail body. But she doesn't care; she loves him.
Mother and Father are supposed to have spent the weekend in Washington, D.C.. Father has business to attend to with the War Department. Gone from Thursday night until Monday Morning: the perfect time for Natasha to invite Steve to spend the weekend.
But they come home early. They find Steve and Natasha in her bedroom. She poses nude for him.
Natasha is shocked Father doesn't kill Steve on the spot. "Stop!" Natasha screams as she grabs her bedsheets. She stands before Steve. "Stop. He's my boyfriend, and I love him."
That shocks them enough. They tell her and Steve to get dressed. They need to speak in the parlor. Steve sits with his hands in his lap, in one of the small arm chairs. Mother and Natasha sit on the couch. Howard looms over everyone. He hands on his arms folded over his chest. "My daughter says she loves you. Where I come from, son, a man introduces himself to a girl's father before he escorts her on a date."
Steve Rogers:
Howard Stark is exactly as intimidating as Steve thought he would be. He's not a very large man, but he still manages to fill the room. Steve is sitting up as straight as he can, trying to be confident and assured for Natasha's sake, but inside he's shaking like a leaf.
"I know, sir. I apologize for not speaking to you before taking your daughter out."
Natasha Stark:
Natasha watches her father glare at Steve like a rat, like stupid garage that needs to be deposed of. She wants to speak up, defend her and her love. Only her mother catches her eyes and silently says, "Keep you mouth shut, young lady."
Natasha, for once in her life, obeys.
Howard says, "Not accepted. How long have you been sneaking around with Natasha? And how did you even meet?"
Natasha answers. "I model at the Art School in Greenwich. He is a student there. I have been modeling there for over a year."
"Art school?" Howard roars as Maria gasps, "Model. Natasha! We raised you better."
Howard glares at Steve. "For over a year?"
Steve Rogers:
Steve quickly shakes his head. "We haven't been together for that long, sir. We met seven months ago."
Steve keeps his eyes on Howard Stark. He doesn't want to upset the man further by looking at Natasha. She sounds like she's okay - it takes a lot to get her emotional, anyway - but he still wants to make sure. Still, it will be better for both of them if Steve gives Mr. Stark his full attention.
"And yes, sir, art school. I want to be an illustrator."
Howard Stark:
"An illustrator? You want to draw those silly comic books and dime novels while there's a war going on, son?"
Steve Rogers:
"I want to draw recruitment posters and illustrate safety manuals for the factories, sir."
Howard Stark:
"Country doesn't need illustrators; we need soldiers."
Steve Rogers:
"I know that, sir. I attempted to enlist, but I was turned away."
Natasha Stark:
Natasha watches her father's eyes widen. She knows that look -- he's onto something, he's concocting a plan. "Father, please. I love him." She turns to Steve and repeats, "I love you." Natasha stands. She clings to her father's arm. "He's not rich like the others, but he's a good man. He's a great artist. Please, father."
"Hush, Natasha," Howard says. He looks at Steve. "What's the price you'd pay to service your country, son?"
Steve Rogers:
Steve has no idea why Natasha is reacting like this. What does she know that no one is talking about?
"I would do whatever it takes, sir." Does Mr. Stark have a way to get Steve into the Army? He must know people in high places.
Natasha Stark:
Howard looks at Steve, looks in right in the eyes. "Would you vow never to see my daughter again? Go as far as put pen to paper?"
Natasha gasps at her father. No. No. She knows all about his work, and he wouldn't. He couldn't do this. "I will never forgive you," Natasha hisses at her father. "So help me God, I will give everything to the Germans, father. If..."
"Natasha!" Howard says, "Hush. Let him answer the question."
Steve Rogers:
Steve looks from Howard Stark to his daughter. The question makes his stomach drop - never see Natasha again? Ever?
But the world is at war. America needs soldiers, and if this man knows of some way that Steve can help, then he has to go along with it, no matter what the cost.
Steve takes a long look at Natasha. She deserves the best the world can offer, and she should be with a man who can provide for her. Steve loves her, but he also loves his country, and the fate of millions is more important than his and her relationship.
He looks Howard right in the eyes. "Yes, sir. I would do that."
Natasha Stark:
Natasha admires Steve's patriotism. Always has. Loves that about him. When he chooses his country over her, it hurts. It might be the right -- and righteous -- decision, but it doesn't stop the tears. "No," Natasha says.
Howard says, "You might be useful after all, Mr. Rogers."
"No, Steve," Natasha says. She breaks free of her father and runs to Steve. She hugs him. "Say no. There's nothing wrong with being an illustrator. I will still love you."
Howard says, "We can start tonight, Mr. Rogers."
"Don't listen to him," Natasha says. "He's trying to kill you. None of the test subjects have lived. Say no and we can run away tonight."
Howard says, "Natasha's right. What I'm asking is dangerous; son, it might kill you. But if you lay another hand on my daughter, I will kill you. I say if you agree to serve your country, the odds of survival are in your favor."
Steve Rogers:
Steve doesn't understand why Natasha and her father are talking about test subjects and survival rates, but he has already agreed to go through with whatever it is. He can't back out now, even if he wanted to.
Carefully keeping his arms in a hug around Natasha, Steve stands up. "I'm willing to risk my life for this task, sir, but I want at least another hour with your daughter. I don't want to die knowing this was the last time we had together."
Natasha Stark:
"I need to make some phone calls." Howard reaches out for Maria's hand. Raising from the couch, she takes her husband's hand. "Half an hour. And Maria will be right outside watching you."
Howard and Maria exit the room, leaving Natasha crying in Steve's arms.
Steve Rogers:
The second Natasha's parents walk out the door, Steve tightens his hold on her, trying to soothe her. "I have to do this. I can't let this opportunity pass."
Natasha Stark:
"Here's going to kill you," Natasha says. "He's going to kill you because of me.
"He's working with the US Government on some super soldier program. They're trying to create stronger, faster, better soldiers to fight the Germans. But, Steven, none of the test subjects have lived. Some don't even make it pass the drug tests. If you do this, you're not serving your country; you're committing suicide."
Steve Rogers:
"But what if it works? What if they turn me into the perfect soldier?" Steve pulls back enough that he can look at her face. "I have to take the chance. I can't walk away from this, knowing I didn't do everything I could to serve my country."
Natasha Stark:
"And what about me?" Natasha doesn't matter that it sounds selfish, or that they are at war. She won't lose the man she loves.
Steve Rogers:
"If it works, then we'll get married. If it doesn't and I die, then I die knowing you love me." He pulls her close again. "I love you more than you know, but I can't put our relationship above our country. Don't ask me to do that."
Natasha Stark:
"You'll marry me?" Natasha fixes on that. She will not think about him dying. She will not accept that her father has killed Steve.
And she can't ask him to put her before their country. She loves him too much to ask such a thing.
"Is that a promise? Will you put pen to paper?"
Steve Rogers:
"I'd marry you tomorrow if I was allowed." Is she doubting his commitment to her? He hopes not.
"I've been putting money away for a ring, but I won't have enough for another few months. I wanted to surprise you."
Natasha Stark:
"I don't need a ring." Natasha says. "Just you."
Steve Rogers:
"I love you so, so much, but I have to do this."
Natasha Stark:
"Then I want to be there."
Steve Rogers:
"If it's not too dangerous, then I want you to be there, too." Steve swallows the lump in his throat. "If I die, then I want yours to be the last face I see."
Natasha Stark:
"If it kills me, I'm going to be there with you."
Steve Rogers:
"That's all I want. I love you."
Natasha Stark:
Natasha wipes her eyes. "All you want is for me to die?" Natasha leans in and kisses him.
Steve Rogers:
Steve kisses her back, rushed and reckless. "I just want you with me. And if..." He takes a deep breath. "If I die, you have to promise me you'll go on with your life. Find someone else and keep living."
Natasha Stark:
"Wouldn't seem worth it. Never find anyone quite like you."
Steve Rogers:
"You have to promise me, Natasha. You can't die with me."
Natasha Stark:
"I don't. I promise to accept your choice. I won't stand in the way of you getting yourself killed for the flag. But I won't promise to love another. You can't make me do that."
Steve Rogers:
"What if it was you about to die? What would you want me to do?"
Natasha Stark:
Natasha knows she'd want him to be happy. Alone or with someone. She would want Steve to live to his full potential, serve his country, paint masterpieces, do good in the world.
Natasha says, "Die an old maid."
Steve Rogers:
That gets Steve to laugh. "That's not true. You want me to be some great man that I'll never be."
Natasha Stark:
"Mr. Rogers," Maria enters the room. "Howard wants to see you now."
"No, mother, a little longer." Natasha begs. She actually begs.
Maria places a hand on her daughter's back. She smiles at Steve. "You seem like a sweet boy, Mr. Rogers. You could've made my daughter very happy, if things were different."
Steve Rogers:
Steve clings to Natasha, suddenly terrified. He might never see her again. After a long moment in her embrace, he kisses her quickly and steps back, breaking contact. "Things will be different, Mrs. Stark."
Title: The Confrontation
Characters: Steve Rogers, Howard Stark, Natasha Stark
Date: April 1941
Summary: Steve confronts Howard. It goes about as well as planned.
Steve Rogers:
The final part of the super soldier experiment is scheduled for tomorrow morning, and Steve is nervous. He knows he's been doing well in the program, but no one has ever made it this far. There are no statistics to draw from, no testimonies to listen to. He's the first test subject to undergo the Vita Rays, and they could very well kill him. He's trying to ignore the growing knot of fear in his chest, but he can't find a suitable distraction.
Drawing hadn't helped calmed him, and neither had reading. He'd done a few sets of push-ups - he doesn't think he'll ever get tired of doing those, now that he can do them - but that just energized him. Finally he'd asked to speak to Howard Stark.
Steve understands the deal he'd made - he'd agreed to never see Natasha again. It had hurt at the time to agree to that, and it hurts every single day that he goes without seeing her. For all he knows, she's forgotten about him and moved on. He doesn't believe that she would do that intentionally, but they've been apart for months. He hasn't even been allowed to write to her.
Just as he begins pacing the floor, his door opens and one of the newer nurses - Annie, a pretty but plain young woman - informs him that Howard Stark is ready to see him. She escorts him down the hallway where they're joined by two armed young men. Steve's security guards change on a regular basis and he never learns their names. He doesn't even know what branch they're in - if they're in the military at all or if they're part of a private security group.
Howard Stark is sitting behind a desk in a spacious room that Steve has been in only one other time. After he'd signed the papers agreeing to take part in the experiments, he'd only seen his small bedroom and the various medical rooms.
Steve opts to stand in front of the desk rather than sit down in the uncomfortable chair facing it. He wants to appear confident and in charge, and he knows he can accomplish that best on his feet. Before Howard can say anything, Steve starts talking.
"I would like to see Natasha, sir."
Howard Stark:
"You know the terms of our arrangement," Howard says without looking up from his papers. Steve Rogers has asked about his daughter before, but Howard never tells him a thing.
Howard should thank Natasha. Steve's been a real find. He not only has the psychical requirements necessary for Project Rebirth; he has the heart. Patriotic to the bone. General Phillips slaps Howard on the back, after Steve passes the first drug test with flying colors, and says, "Good job, Howard. Very good job. Go find me one hundred more like Rogers."
Howard can only smile. Project Rebirth is suppose to kill Steve Rogers. Howard wants him no where near his daughter. Even after Steve has proven -- time and time again -- that he's a good man, Howard refuses to yield. Refuses to admit he might've been wrong about Steve.
Steve Rogers:
"I've done everything you asked me to do, sir, and I don't regret any of it." Steve doesn't like people who don't look at you when they're talking to you, and Howard makes a nasty habit of it. That doesn't stop Steve from training his eyes on the other man's face even when he's being ignored.
"I know that I might die tomorrow, sir. All I want is to see Natasha again one more time before that happens."
Howard Stark:
"That's sweet, Rogers." Howard puts down his pen. He look Steve in the eyes. "But if you are going to die tomorrow than I would go to the mess hall, eat a good meal, get a good night's rest and pray."
Steve Rogers:
Steve isn't phased - he was expecting that answer. It doesn't stop him from pushing forward. "With all due respect, sir, I believe I've earned the right to see your daughter before I die."
Howard Stark:
"Noted," Howard says. "If that's all, you can go now."
Steve Rogers:
"I'll go after I see Natasha."
Howard Stark:
"She won't be seeing you, Rogers. She's already put you behind her. Teenage girls. One day they think their in love, the next they've found another man to lust over."
Steve Rogers:
Steve clenches his fists tightly at his sides. What Howard is saying can't be true. "I'd like to confirm or deny that for myself. Sir."
Howard Stark:
Howard leans back in his chair. "Well, you can't. She already thinks your dead."
Steve Rogers:
Steve goes completely still, anger like he's never felt before creeping up his spine. "Why would she think that?"
Howard Stark:
"It's a proactive precaution." Howard speaks as if he's talking about the weather. "If the experiments don't kill you, the Nazis sure as hell will try. They probably will -- unless you smarten up, master the strategies of war. Even if you do live, your whereabouts will be Top Secret. I told her that you died. Seems easier for everyone that way."
Steve Rogers:
"She deserves the truth." Steve takes a step forward, then back again, holding his arms close to his body so he doesn't do something he'll ultimately regret.
Howard Stark:
Howard stands. "That is the truth, Rogers. You will never see my daughter again."
Steve Rogers:
Steve punches Howard. He doesn't even think about it, he just does it, anger and a hint of fear taking over.
Howard Stark:
Howard stumbles back against the wall. He holds his nose. Blood covers his hands. "Never, Rogers." Howard roars. He struggles to stand.
Steve Rogers:
Steve backs up. A little common sense has hit his brain, and he realizes that he just hit his girlfriend's father. The man deserved it - if he lied to his own daughter about her lover's death, then what else had he lied about? - but Steve should have known better than to resort to violence. Now they're going to throw him in jail. He'll never get to serve his country after he just assaulted a top weapons manufacturer. He's just thrown his entire life away.
Howard Stark:
Howard's secretary runs into the room. She lets out a short cry and then screams for a medic, or a first aid kit, or something. Howard doesn't need that. He's fine.
Still it doesn't stop General Phillips and his entourage from storming into the office. Phillips says, "What in the hell is going on here?"
Howard gestures to Steve. "We had an disagreement."
Steve Rogers:
Steve moves out of the way so someone can attend to Howard, but he stands up straight when the general walks in. "He lied, sir."
Howard Stark:
General Phillips raises eyebrow. "Lied, solider? That's a bold statement. It is true, Howard."
Howard just stares at Steve. He hates that little prick.
Steve Rogers:
"I wouldn't make such an accusation lightly, sir. Mr. Stark here told his daughter that I died, when I am very much alive." Steve hopes General Phillips doesn't think he is being petty. The army has much more to worry about than one soldier's family, but this is important to Steve.
Howard Stark:
"And why is his daughter any of concern to you, solider?" General Phillips questions.
Howard wants to know the same thing. "She's not, General."
Steve Rogers:
"She's my girlfriend, sir. I was planning on marrying her."
Howard Stark:
"Is that true, Howard?" General Phillips takes a match out of his pocket and lights his pipe.
Howard says, "Rogers never asked my permission. He doesn't have it. He seduced my daughter for months without telling me."
General Phillips laughs a good hardly laugh. "I don't believe Rogers even knows the meaning of that word." Phillips looks to Steve. "No offense, son. It's a compliment. Do you really love the girl, Rogers? I want an honest answer."
Steve Rogers:
"I love her with all of my heart, sir. I thought I could give her up for the chance to serve my country, but I can't do that. I can't live without her, sir."
"Serving your country, son, isn't worth a damn if you don't have a woman to come home to. Ideals don't get your through combat; she does."
Phillips points his pipe at Howard. "Call your wife and daughter, Howard. Tell Maria to bring Natasha over within the next few hours."
Howard does not like being told what to do. He gives the orders. "General, this is a private affair. She is my daughter."
"And Rogers is my solider. Boy's been through the ringer since he got here. He deserves to kiss his girl and tell her that he love her one more time. Make the call, Howard; or I will."
Steve doesn't say anything, waiting to see what Howard does. General Phillips has been a godsend, but Steve doesn't want to push his luck. Even if he gets to see Natasha and then lives to go to war, Howard Stark still controls part of his future. He can't marry a girl without her father's permission, no matter how much he wants to.
Howard Stark:
Howard picks up the phone. It takes two rings for Natasha to pick up the phone. "Tasha, it's your father."
*
Something stops Natasha from hanging up immediately. She has not spoken to him -- not one word -- since Steve died two months ago. She will never forgive him. She debates about giving all of her father's notes to the Germans; but then she thinks of Steve, of how much he loved America, and doesn't have the heart to betray his memory.
"What do you want?"
*
That's more words than she's spoken to him in months. "Tell your mother to get dressed. I need both of you at the Flushing Compound tonight."
*
"Go to hell," Natasha spats. "I'm not going --"
*
"The car will pick you up in thirty minutes. It's about Steve. I will see you then. I love you." Howard says and hangs up the receiver.
Steve Rogers:
Steve's breath catches when it becomes clear that Howard is talking to Natasha. He hasn't heard from her since the night they said goodbye, and now she's on the other end of the line. She'll be on her way here soon.
He is suddenly more grateful for this new body than he's ever been. His old legs would have given out under the power of this kind of information, but he's able to hold himself upright and still manage to look like a good, stoic soldier.
Steve looks at General Phillips. "Thank you, sir."
Howard Stark:
General Phillip say, "Don't thank me, son. You earned it. Howard."
Howard nods as Phillip leaves. He glares at Steve. The son of a bitch pulls it off. He, once again, defies Howard's wishes. Howard is not amused.
Steve Rogers:
"I'll go wait in my room." Steve doesn't want to be around Howard any more than he has to, and this provides the perfect opportunity to get away from him for the next hour or so.
Title: Back From The Dead
Characters: Natasha Stark, Steve Rogers
Natasha Stark:
Natasha begs every day for news about Steve. Howard tells her to forget about the boy. Even if it does work, he’ll be shipped off to war; Natasha will never see him again. Still she begs for news.
A month passes before Howard says, “He died. He didn’t make it pass the second phase.”
Natasha cries herself to sleep for a month. She stops talking to Howard. (He’s Howard now, not Father. A Father would never do something like this to his daughter. Not a good father.) Steve died because of her. If she had never approached him that night after class, if she had never convinced him to secretly date, if she had never met him, he might be alive right now.
Time only makes it worse. She overhears Howard discussing the super solider program in his office. They’re continuing with the damn thing! They’re just going to kill more innocent and good men like Steve. Her father is a horrible man.
She has no idea why she doesn’t hang up on him. She listens as he insists she and Mother drive over to the Flushing compound. Natasha puts on a black dress and does up her hair. She descends the stairs when Mother says the car has arrived. Natasha wants to stay home, but Mother asked Natasha to come, for her. Natasha cannot say no to Mother.
When they arrive at the Stark compound, two military guards escort them into a waiting room.
Natasha almost faints when the door opens.
Steve Rogers:
Steve had thought waiting to talk to Howard had been difficult, but waiting to see Natasha is ten times worse. He doesn't know what he'll say to her or how she'll react to finding out he's not actually dead. Will Howard insist on chaperoning the meeting? Will Natasha's mother be there? Will Natasha turn him away, saying she's found someone new?
When Steve makes it to the boring, nondescript room where they tell him Natasha will meet him, he's so full of nervous energy he's ready to burst. He arranges and re-arranges the two chairs in the room until he can't take it anymore and turns them over and kicks them to opposite corners. He feels bad about that and returns them to their upright positions, but it doesn't help.
He's just sitting down when the door opens. Natasha is standing there, looking as beautiful as he's ever seen her.
Steve stares for just a moment, then rushes over and picks her up, spinning her around in a huge hug, decorum be damned.
Natasha Stark:
The man looks like Steve -- only stronger and taller. Is this a practical joke? Is this some replacement Howard found for her? Looks like Steve, but he's not "weak" and "poor." Natasha wants to retreat.
Before she can, the man twirls her in his arms. Natasha gazes in his eyes. Those big blue eyes. Her voice cracks. "Steve?"
Steve Rogers:
"It's me, Natasha. I'm not dead. I never was." Steve wants to laugh and cry at the same time, but he manages to do neither. He just smiles a little half smile and buries his face in her neck, clinging to her. "I love you so much."
Natasha Stark:
"But," Natasha shutters, "But Howard said you died. I thought you died!" Natasha pushes away from him, tears cascading on her checks. "You died."
Steve Rogers:
"He lied to you. I only found out today." Steve tries to hug her again. "He wanted to keep us apart, so he lied about me dying." He won't mention that he might actually die tomorrow. Not yet, anyway.
Natasha Stark:
Why? Why? The did the bastard do that? Natasha lets out a short scream. She clings to Steve -- who is so different. This is not the body she remembers. Is this even the man she remembers? Have the two months changed him?
"I wanted to die," Natasha cries into his shoulder. "I didn't want to live without you. I didn't want to live with the guilt that I killed you."
Steve Rogers:
"Hey, no, don't say that. Even if I had died, it wouldn't have been your fault." Steve rubs her back gently. "I chose this." He swallows hard, fighting back tears of his own. "I can't live without you. I had to see you again before..."
Natasha Stark:
"Before what?" Before he gets shipped off? She cannot handle the thought of losing him again. She won't. She'll join the Army Nurses. She will bind her breasts, cut her hair and join the boys. None of it matters. She will not leave Steve, not again.
Steve Rogers:
"There's one more ...test they have to do to make sure the experiment works. No one has ever done it before, so we don't know the odds. I might not live through tomorrow." She deserves to hear the brutal truth, so Steve tells her. He won't have any secrets from her.
Natasha Stark:
"You're going to make it. You're going to make it. I won't lose you again." Natasha holds him. She never wants to let go. How much time do they have? "I'm staying with you. Through all of it. I'm not leaving you."
Steve Rogers:
"Marry me. I don't have a ring, and you don't have a dress, but if I make it through tomorrow, then I want you to be my wife."
"No. I won't marry you tomorrow."
Steve feels like his heart is breaking into a million pieces. "You won't? But I love you."
"I want to marry you tonight." If Steve is going to die tomorrow, Natasha wants one more night with him. She wants to be his wife.
All Steve can do is nod and kiss her. "Yes. But where? Who can do that for us? Are we even allowed to get married tonight?"
"We'll call priest or a chaplain or a ship Captain. Anyone. I don't need a dress or a ring."
"It's getting late. Do you know any priests who would come in? Or..." Steve reluctantly lets go of Natasha to speak to a guard just outside the room, asking if General Phillips is still on base. "We might be able to get a chaplain."
At this point, Steve can't keep the excitement off his face. Natasha is here, and they're going to get married, and even if he dies tomorrow, he'll die having married the woman he loves. He can't ask for much more than that.
"How?" Natasha kisses him again. "Lead the way."
Steve laughs and pulls her close for another hug. "I think we might be able to convince the general to get us a chaplain." He takes her hand and follows the guards down the hall to the general's office. He is hoping and praying that Howard Stark isn't with General Phillips right now.
Natasha Stark:
Natasha's giddy. She leans into Steve as he walks then down the hallway. Natasha has no idea where they're gong; it doesn't matter. Steve is alive and they will be married.
Steve knocks on the door of the General's office. The General tells him to enter.
Howard and Mother sit in front of the General's desk. Natasha tenses at Howard's presence. Natasha wants to cross the room and slap him.
She doesn't. She squeezes Steve's hand.
Steve Rogers:
Of course Natasha's parents are in the room. Steve can't seem to catch a break as far as they're concerned. But he holds Natasha's hand tightly and keeps his confidence high.
"We were wondering if you would be willing to call in a chaplain, sir." Steve speaks directly to the general, ignoring Natasha's parents as best he can. "Natasha and I would like to get married tonight, in case tomorrow doesn't go so well."
Natasha Stark:
"What is the meaning of this?" Howard stands. "Who the hell do you think you are?" He marches toward Steve. "You're nothing. You're just some poor schmuck --"
Natasha raises her hand to slap Howard. But her mother speaks. Maria says, "Howard, that's quite enough."
Howard glares at Steve. "You don't have my permission --"
"He has mine," Maria says. Everyone stares at her. She turns to Steven. "I told you if things were different than maybe there would be a way. Things are different. Call the chaplain, General Phillips. I will stand as their witness."
Steve Rogers:
Steve is pretty sure it would be inappropriate to hug Maria Stark right now, but he really wants to. He settles for reaching out to shake her hand. "Thank you, ma'am. I'll always treat your daughter with the respect she deserves."
Natasha Stark:
Maria leans up and kisses him. "None of that. You're going to be part of the family."
Natasha flings her arms around her mother. "Thank you. Thank you."
"I only have one condition." Maria looks at Steve, "Live through tomorrow."
Steve Rogers:
Steve nods. "I will." Miracles have already happened today, so what's to say they won't happen tomorrow? He reaches for Natasha's hand and just holds it tightly. "You'll be seeing me a lot more than you'd like to."
Natasha Stark:
"That will be just fine. Hopefully this war will end before America needs to fight it. Then you can focus on more important things; like keeping my daughter happy and giving me grandchildren.
"But first, we need to get you a chaplain."
"He's on his way," General Phillips says as he puts down the phone. "Congratulations, son. She's quite the beauty."
Natasha blushes. People have told her she's beautiful before, but coming from General Phillips it just seems different.
Steve Rogers:
"She is, isn't she?" Steve responds to General Phillips then looks at Natasha. He's honestly never seen anyone as beautiful as her, inside or out, and he doesn't think he ever will. If they're lucky enough to have daughters one day, he hopes they'll all look just like their mother.
Natasha Stark:
The chaplain arrives within the hour, but they've encountered a new problem. They have no rings.
"Do we need them?" Natasha asks. "I heard in some ancient cultures they use string instead of ribbon. Bind the hands together. Symbolically."
General Phillips and her mother laugh. Howard stands back. He observes the situation from the corner. Maria says, "No, you must have rings. Howard -- don't you have any spare metals in your workshop. Go make the kids two wedding bands."
Steve Rogers:
Steve feels bad that he can't get Natasha a real ring - something she can be proud of. The ring isn't that important at the end of the day, but he still wants to give her nice things. If her father was supportive of this marriage, then him making the rings would be special, but right now Steve feels odd about it.
He is going to marry Natasha tonight, so what the rings look like and where they come from don't matter.
"How long will it take?" Steve isn't exactly impatient, but he wants to spend as much time with his soon-to-be-wife as he can before he goes off to possibly die tomorrow.
Natasha Stark:
Howard says, "The metal will have to cool. Few hours."
"Then we can marry without the rings," Natasha says, "And we'll exchange them in the morning. I don't want to wait a few hours. Who knows how long Steve and I will have."
Steve Rogers:
"I agree with Natasha. We don't need the rings to get married." Steve turns to the chaplain. "Is that okay with you?"
Natasha Stark:
It pleased the chaplain. He began the ceremony.
Steve Rogers:
The ceremony goes by in a flash. It feels like they waited so long to get to this point, and now they're married.
Steve and Natasha are married. He almost can't believe it, but there's a chaplain in front of them pronouncing them man and wife. It's done.
Natasha Stark:
Natasha feels no shame as she wraps her arms around Steve's neck and kisses him. Their first kiss as man and wife. Mrs. Rogers. She kind of likes that.
Steve Rogers:
Steve laughs when they finally pull apart. He takes Natasha's hand and raises it in front of the few people who are there, presenting her as his wife.
It would be rude to just take Natasha away to his small room, but it's what he really wants to do right now.
Natasha Stark:
Natasha turns to Maria. "This is an unconventional wedding already. Can we hold off the reception until breakfast? Would that be too much to ask?"
Maria kisses Natasha on the cheek. Then she kisses Steve on the cheek. "No."
General Phillips says, "9AM, sharp, son. Final injection."
Steve Rogers:
"Yes, sir." Steve shakes the general and the chaplain's hands and kisses Maria's. He thanks Howard for making the rings, then opens the door for Natasha so they can make their escape.
They're escorted back to his room, and the guards tell him they'll just be down the hall. Steve nods to them, then closes the door and turns to Natasha.
"You look beautiful, Mrs. Rogers."
"You are so big, Mr. Rogers." Natasha kisses him. She goes straight for his belt to untie it. "It's... new."
"I'm still me." He puts his hands on hers. "Slow down. We have all night."
Natasha Stark:
"And we have no time to lose." He's heavier now. Natasha cannot toss him on the bed like she use to. She backs him to bed. "You're alive," Natasha kisses him. "You're alive and my husband."
Steve sits down and pulls her into his lap. "I'm alive, and I'm right here, and I love you." He kisses her again, sliding his hands up her legs.
"I love you, too" Natasha pulls at Steve's shirt. She pulls it right off to reveal Steve's new, well toned muscles. Natasha runs her hands over Steve's skin. It's so different. It's almost not him... Natasha stops and rests her hand on his heart.
Steve covers her hand with his own and kisses her cheek. "Only the outside has changed. I'm still the same man you know."
Natasha says, "I just... I kind of liked the old you."
"I haven't changed, Natasha. I'm just a little bigger."
"I... I just don't believe it. Two hours ago I thought you were dead."
"I'm so sorry about that, Natasha. I had no idea they told you I was dead."
"What did they tell you about me?"
"Your father told me you never really loved me and that you'd moved on. I didn't believe him."
Natasha kisses him. "I never stopped asking about you."
"I asked about you every day." He squeezes her sides. "Every day."
"What are we doing to do when you go to Europe?" Natasha leans her forehead against Steve's. "Think I could pass for a boy?"
Steve laughs. "Not with this body." After a moment, he sighs. "We'll write to each other. I'll tell you all about what's going on over there."
"I think that'd be a breach of intelligence, Private Rogers."
"Then I'll just write to tell you how much I love you."
Steve falls back easily and looks up at his wife. "I think you should take off your dress."
"Only if you take off your pants." Natasha grins.
"I already took my shirt off." That doesn't stop Steve from kicking off his shoes. "You're still fully dressed."
"Off."
"Lift up." He puts his hands on her upper thighs to help her sit up, then shimmies out of his pants. "Okay?"
Natasha runs her hands over his shaft, encouraging him. She had to help him along less than before. Natasha kisses his neck, the same spot he liked before. Hopefully not everything about his body has changed. Or she will only have one night to relearn months of exploration.
Steve Rogers:
The last time Steve had Natasha in his arms like this was the night he agreed to never see her again. It's different this time, because even if he's still the same person inside, his bigger, stronger body could hurt her very easily if he does the wrong thing. That's the last thing he wants, especially on his wedding night.
Natasha straddles him. Puts her hands on his navel. "What are you waiting for? This dress isn't gong to take off itself, Mr. Rogers."
"You want me to..." Of course she wants him to take her dress off. And they're married now. It's his right to undress her.
Steve grabs hold of the bottom of Natasha's dress and pulls it up, swiftly removing it. He tosses it to the side and rakes his eyes down her body. He respects her in every way, but he'd be lying if he said this image of her didn't come to him in his dreams.
During the months away from her, Steve had cursed the increased libido that came with his new body. Now that Natasha is in front of him - on top of him - he can finally see the good in it.
Taking hold of her sides, Steve picks Natasha up and slams her down onto the bed. He crawls between her legs and looms over her, rubbing up against her. "Are you ready, Mrs. Rogers?"
"Don't hold back, Mr. Rogers." Natasha guides Steve into her, grinding against him.
Steve enters her quickly, not surprised that she's already ready for him. He's a little worried that he's too big for her now, but she doesn't show any signs of pain or discomfort, so he keeps going.
They've made love before, but never for very long, and never like this. Steve feels like he can finally satisfy her, and as her husband, it comes as a relief. He'd always felt inadequate in bed. She was always the one teaching him things and showing him how to use his body. But now he has control, and he can finally go through with what he's always wanted.
Steve feels like he could do this forever, just moving in and out, his hands mapping her body. She hasn't changed like he has, so he knows what she likes. He knows what each sound she makes means, and when to change position or keep doing exactly what he's doing.
He kisses her face and neck, constantly telling her how beautiful she is and how much he loves her. He'll never forget this night, and if it's the last one he has, then he'll die with no regrets.
Natasha Stark:
So different from any of their times before; before she took control. She told him where to put his hands, how to use his body, how to satisfy her. Natasha knew Steve resented it. He hated having sex with her, because he never felt her could "satisfy" her or "be a man." She thought he was a master with his tongue; she never complained.
But now, he acts so confident. He has nothing to be ashamed of, so he thrusts into her harder and harder. It's new. Almost like the first time. Natasha moans, "Steven."
Steve Rogers:
Steve isn't even breathing hard yet, when before he'd have had to stop and catch his breath a few times going this fast and hard. It's amazing what this new body can do, and what he can do with it to satisfy his wife.
"You're so amazing." He kisses her. "So beautiful."
"Don't hold back," Natasha whispers. "Don't you dare hold back."
"I don't want to hurt you."
"You won't hurt me."
Steve kisses her, taking his time while he slows his body down. He pulls out and nudges her to turn over, then covers her body with his own again. "I'll try not to." He grips her waist and enters her again, not giving her time to adjust before he's moving harder and faster than he had been earlier.
Natasha Stark:
Natasha rolls on her stomach. Steve moves - and it hurts, but the pain is good, welcomed and new. She muffles her cries in her arms.
Steve hears her and stops immediately. "Are you okay? Is this too much?"
Steve stops -- Natasha has no idea why. But she takes the opportunity to roll them before to the ground. He might have more mass, but she isn't a weakling. She climbs on top of him again, slide down, and starts riding him. Natasha pulls him close to her and kisses him. "Just like to see your face." Natasha bites his lower lip.
Steve Rogers:
Steve bites back an expletive and bucks his hips up. He chases her tongue back into her mouth and half sits up, wrapping one arm around her back and placing his other hand in her hair. He kisses her roughly, then falls back and looks up at her. "This... I've had dreams about this, you know." He palms her breasts and shakes his head, taking it all in.
Natasha always seems to end up in control, but right now, Steve is very much okay with that.
Natasha Stark:
"Tell me about them," Natasha says as she fights off his hands from her breasts. "Or no touching."
Steve Rogers:
The simple solution is to put his hands on her hips. He can't not be touching her, not when she's on top of him like that. "What's there to tell? You were sitting on top of me while we were doing this." He gestures between their bodies. "You know what I'm talking about."
"You have *no* imagination."
"That's just not true." Steve shifts, altering the angle so he's sitting and she's in his lap. "We did this a lot in my dreams..." He brings his mouth down to lick one of her nipples, looking up at her as he starts sucking on it.
Natasha Stark:
Natasha throws her head back as Steve sucks and licks her nipples. "Steve, stop teasing." They've never had sex for this long. He's normally finished within minutes.
Steve Rogers:
Steve chuckles into her neck. Natasha is the one who's always teasing him, so the role-reversal is kind of nice. But he listens to her and continues where he left off earlier, thrusting his hips up while she writhes and grinds on top of him. It only takes him a few more minutes to reach orgasm, then he finishes her off with his fingers.
After taking a moment to let her catch her breath, he picks her up and places her on the bed, lying down next to her.
Natasha Stark:
Natasha moans into his mouth as the orgasm hits her. New. So. New. Thinking... not something she wants to do at the moment. Thank God, for the Army, she thinks as Steve lies her on the bed. Christ, Natasha might even thank Howard. His plan backfires beautifully.
She sighs. Rest her head on his chest. Traces nonsensical shapes with her finger nails. "I think I like the new you."
Steve laughs. "I think I like the new me, too." He tangles his legs with hers and pushes her hair back from her face. "And hey, we're officially married now. What do you think about that?"
"It's swell," Natasha laughs. She hasn't had time to think about it. Everything happens so fast. "I'm still caught up on you being alive."
"I hope I was able to convince you that I am very much alive."
"I might need some convincing."
"What else can I do to convince you?" Steve says, "I'm open to just about anything."
"Use that imagination, Mr. Rogers."
Steve Rogers:
"You told me I have no imagination." Still, Steve kisses her and sits up, stretching hugely. He kisses his way down her chest - distracted from his path by her breasts - and her belly, stopping just below her navel.
"You are such a well trained puppy."
"Let's not compare ourselves to animals while we're doing this." He spreads her legs and gets comfortable between them, resting his chin on her lower belly as he looks up at her. "I love you."
"I know." Natasha runs her hands through his hair. "I know."
Steve takes another few seconds to just look at her before he ducks his head between her legs. He starts with his tongue, just licking her for a while, getting warmed up. He adds a bit of sucking and then alternates between the two, paying attention to what her body wants him to do. The last time they did this he'd had to take frequent breaks to catch his breath and rest his jaw, but he doesn't have either of those issues now. He's able to keep going, relentlessly pleasuring her until she orgasms, even continuing his licking until she pushes his head away.
Slowly making his way back up her body, Steve stops when he's hovering over her, holding himself up easily with his arms. "Want to see what I can do?"
Natasha Stark:
Panting, Natasha nods. No, she doesn't. She needs a rest. To think, Steve Rogers tries her out! Her heart needs to stop pounding. But Natasha cannot deny Steve anything, especially not tonight. He's so happy, and eager, and enthusiastic.
Steve Rogers:
Steve kisses her very quickly, then leaps off the bed. He drops to the floor and executes 25 perfect push ups, grinning at her when he's through. "What do you think?"
"Think it'd be more fun if you did that over me."
That makes Steve laugh. "Come down here, and I will."
"Maybe later."
Still chuckling, Steve stands and returns to the bed. "You look exhausted. Do you want to sleep?"
"No. We only have until 9AM. I want... I want you to sketch me. One last time."
"I would love that." Steve retrieves his sketchbook and pencils from the small drawer he's been given and moves the chair so he can sit across from her at the best angle. He can't do anything about the position of the light, but he'll work with what he has.
"However you want to pose is fine with me. Or just get comfortable."
Natasha rolls to face him. She stretches, rests her head on her extended arm. This will due. For now. She has better ideas for later.
Steve starts sketching, quickly getting her likeness on the page. This doesn't have to be perfect, but he still wants it to look good. He gets lost in the activity, as he always does, and he's finished soon enough. "Do you want to see?"
Natasha Stark:
Natasha nods. She stands and sits on Steve's lap. Taking the picture in head, she examines his work. It's excellent, as always. Distinct. Vivid. "You've gotten quite good at this, Mr. Rogers."
"I've been practicing." Steve wraps his arms loosely around her. "And having a beautiful model always makes it easier."
"I'm expensive. I don't know if you can afford my rates."
"Is that so?"
"That's right, Mr. Rogers."
"I propose a trade. You provide your services and instead of money, I'll give you favors."
"Depends on the favor."
"What if I cooked you dinner one night? Gave you the night off?"
"You have no imagination."
"Why do you keep saying that? I have plenty of imagination."
"Then show me."
"I thought I already did."
"Refresher course."
"So you want me to do it again? You didn't like it very much the first time."
"I did too!"
"You did? Then why did we stop doing it?"
"We didn't, Steve."
"What are we talking about?"
"God, just kiss me."
He kisses her.