The Shield and the Rose || S. Rogers

Germany

Katherine continued to consume Steve's thoughts as he returned to the Avengers Tower the next morning to work with his colleagues as they planned a mission. Sitting in the lounge, Steve had his elbows propped against his knees as he stared off into space.

All he could think of was the moment that Katherine had opened the door the night before. There was nothing revealing. There was nothing promiscuous. She simply had covered herself up to answer the door. A small piece of him at the back of his mind chided himself for continuing to think of the moment. Another piece of himself fought back, the beating of his heart against his chest agreeing.

Around him, Nat immediately noticed his posture and behavior as Tony and Bruce continued to talk about whether or not certain pieces of tech would be ready for them to use on their upcoming mission. Clint was pretending to be interested in the debate as he sat in his seat bored. Nat cocked her head to side by just a hair while Steve was still zoned out.

As he continued to think of Katherine, Steve began to breathe just a bit heavier. He didn't even notice when his name was being called by Bruce for his opinion. It took more than one attempt, and even from more than one person, to finally shake Steve from the thoughts that had had a hold on him.

"Well, you seemed deep in thought," Nat smirked. "What's on your mind Rogers?"

"I'd rather not say," he attempted to leave it at that.

"Rather not say?" Tony narrowed his eyes in confusion. Steve was always paying attention. "Were you paying attention to what we were even talking about?"

Steve's lack of an immediate answer was the answer that the others needed. Tony seemed to simply observe him for a moment before his mouth began to gape just a bit and he took in a breath. Clint looked over, not fully involved or invested in the moment, even if still a bit interested. Bruce's expression was one of pure confusion. Nat seemed to catch on.

"How was Katherine's apartment last night?" she smirked.

"It was fine," Steve's had swallowed hard at the thought of Katherine in her robe hit him once more. "We had pizza and watched a movie."

"So she was home?" his friend's brow rose.

"Yes, and she was happy to see me," he tried to steady his breathing as the image continued to hit him in flashes.

"You went to her apartment? Well that explains something," Tony muttered to himself.

"And what exactly does that explain, Tony?" Steve looked over at him.

"About what took place in that apartment," Tony shrugged and reached over for a piece of fruit from a tray that sat near him. "That and the reason you're breathing so loudly."

"And what exactly do you think took place?" Steve frowned.

"I think you finally stopped being a prude, Cap," Tony smirked.

Clint and Bruce exchanged a look for just a moment before looking back to the man who sat and glared at Tony. Nat glanced over at Steve, her brows furrowed a bit in confusion before Steve swallowed hard.

"What you think took place, didn't happen," Steve's jaw was set.

"You sure Cap?" Tony smirked with a grin. "It's not a bad thing, it's just... refreshing."

"Tony," Nat warned as she took in Steve's irritation.

"Can we get back to talking about this mission now?" Steve's annoyance was clear to see.

"Alright, fine," Tony agreed. "Do we know if Thor is coming back for this one?" 

"Yeah, he'll be there," Nat nodded. "It'll be the six of us going."