Worthy

Part 37 - Captain's Orders

Walking through the party, eyes are constantly on you; everyone desperate to celebrate with you. Despite it being an open bar, obviously on Tony's dime, you're constantly being offered drinks. Desperate to get a minute to yourself just to calm your mind, you hunt for the opportunity to sneak off to a quiet corner, but every time you try one of the team grabs you for a chat or drink. The only person who hasn't spoken to you has been Thor, constantly sitting back on the couch, but his eyes are following your every movement, you just don't notice it.

Your heart skips as you see Loki finally enter the party. A few of the team stare straight at him as he looks over the room, locking eyes with you he gives a smile before walking directly over to his brother. As the brothers sit together talking you can't help but feel a warmth run through you. Looks like the god of mischief was keeping up his end of the bargain.

After another round of chatting and drinks you manage to get out of the limelight for a little while, hiding at the corner of the bar. A warm green glow distracts you as a glass is slid towards you. "Having fun?" Loki asks, raising a glass.

"Surprisingly yes," you smile, clinking his glass with yours before taking a drink. Whatever it is, its sweet, but very strong. You only manage a sip.

"Yes, good idea." He laughs. "That's the strongest Asgardian liquor there is!"

"Its erm, interesting," You can't help but laugh before your eyes are immediately distracted by Thor walking past you both, not meeting your eye. Nerves are tingling as he walks away, making you blush as you remember the last time you spoke with him; how it stung. You're both back where you started. "What?" you question Loki when you realise he's watching you.

"I think it's time for you to make good your promise," he sighs with a slight smile. You lift the glass, taking another small sip whilst shaking your head. "Kate," his tone is always a growl. "You promised me."

"Not tonight Loki," you sigh, "I don't think I'm ready." Loki sighs in frustration and as he's about to say something when you both notice that the music has changed. Instead of the upbeat tunes, they're slow and melodic. As you watch, members of the team break off into pairs, slowly dancing across the floor. Tony and Wanda; Nat and Bruce; Happy and what looks like Parker's Aunt May, who until this second you hadn't even realised was here. Not unusual; Tony Stark throws a party, anyone was likely to attend.

You're about to order another drink when you're interrupted by someone clearing their throat. "Care to dance birthday girl?" You look up to see Steve standing, hand outstretched in front of you.

"Sorry Cap," You shake your head. "This girl doesn't dance."

"Why am I not surprised?" He gives you a soft smile before chuckling. "Captains orders Brooks." He grabs your hand and pulls you to your feet, before linking your arm in his, Loki giving you a sly smile as you leave. As you get to the dance floor, he places a firm hand on your back, gliding you around the room.

"How did I know you'd be perfect at this as well?" You smile, making Steve smile too.

"Now that is a surprise." he laughs before perfectly twirling you under his arm before catching you again. "I didn't exactly get a lot of practice in before, well, you know!"

"Why are you doing this Steve?" You ask. "And don't tell me because Tony told me too."

"Nope, I got orders from someone a lot more authoritative than Tony," he nudges his head and you follow with your eyes: shocked to see he's nodding towards Nat, who is now dancing with Thor instead of Bruce.

A part of you is happy to see him enjoying himself as he smiles, you even chuckle a little bit watching him take great care not to throw off Nat, who looks tiny in his huge arms. You have to swallow down the jealousy that's surfaced in your stomach too.

"Eyes on the prize Brooks," Steve laughs before slowly making his way across the dance floor, almost pulling you with him.

Once again the music change stops your thinking, but this time because it's a song you recognise. One you haven't heard in years: Sam Cooke's Bring It On Home - a favourite of your mother's. Before you can even begin to think, Steve twirls you again, but this time let's go of your hand. You almost lose your momentum, before a strong hand clasps yours pulling you towards them, before wrapping an arm around your back, sending shock waves through your body.

Looking up, you see him. Those eyes, pouring into yours. "Fancy seeing you here," Thor chuckles, before slowly waltzing with you. You freeze completely, your heart hammering in your chest. The song, the feeling of his hands on your body, all the emotion almost brings you to your knees. But Thor's smile brings you back, making you feel things you hadn't in a long time.

As the both of you move across the floor, you feel more comfortable in his arms, resting your head on his shoulder. "Happy birthday my love," Thor whispers in your ear before kissing the side of your head, making you tighten your grasp on him. Not knowing that you are now the only two dancing, while everyone else watches, completely enthralled at the sight of you both together at last.

Losing yourself completely in the moment, you lose track of everything. Just happy and content to be in his arms, knowing that Loki was right. You needed to tell him how you truly felt. You needed to tell him that you loved him. You needed to tell him now.

Lifting your head to look into those blue eyes, feeling the air around you change, one mixed with need and want, preparing to utter those words, a loud shattering of glass pulls your attention. Both of you look over to see Peter and Pietro standing next to what was a champagne tower, glass and liquid flowing everywhere.

Finally you see that everyone's standing around and your brain catches up. It was a plot to get you and Thor together, and they'd been watching. Feeling a flush of heat rise in your face with embarrassment, you pull away from Thor. "I'm sorry," you stammer. "I can't do this."

You don't give him any time to respond before you bolt out of the door.