The Lakes (Steve Rogers AU)

27

Once Phil had arrived that evening the celebrations went on even more, with drinks flowing, games being played, and also music and dancing. Nell had laid out a buffet for everyone, even if they had thought that they couldn't eat anymore - but they sure did.

"You wanna dance?" Steve asked, taking her hand anyway and pulling her against him into a slow dance to the tune of Sinatra's 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas'.

She rested her head against his chest and closed her eyes, savouring the moment between them while his lips pressed against her hair. "You alright?" He asked softly.

"Yeah, just enjoying the moment". She pulled away slightly so as she could look up at him.

"If you guys wanna get a room, then we understand". Sam gave them both a look as he came over to pour himself another drink.

"Shut up". Steve smirked.

Nell simply shook her head, and then went over to speak with Nat and Pepper.

"Steve...I swear if you don't marry that girl..." Bucky now joined him and Sam, the three men watching the women now laughed at something together.

"I know, I know". He swatted his friends comment away. "I'd be an idiot. It's not like you haven't been telling me this all along".

Sam shrugged and sipped his beer. "But you really would be if he didn't - just saying".

Bucky looked smug. "That's probably the first thing that me and Sam have actually agreed on".

"Usually because your ideas? They're stupid".

Once again the pair now launched into an argument with Steve just having to sit and listen. Instead he focused on Nell, watching her mingle with their friends, the sounds of Bucky and Sam being drowned out by the Christmas music that Alexa was playing.

He certainly had a lot of things to think about for sure.

**

The snow had fallen in the run up to New Years, most of the town would be going to the fireworks show that was usually held by the lake, however Steve had decided that he just wanted to spend it with Nell.

Christmas had been amazing, but he wanted to end the New Year with just her - and Erskine of course. They'd gone on a long walk on Boxing Day before coming home and finishing the leftovers from the day before, snuggled in front of the TV with some films. Erskine spent the afternoon asleep by the fire, tired from their walk.

Now with just a few minutes to go until they saw in the new year, they had gone up to the place that overlooked the lake, to spend the time with just one another while having a good view of the fireworks. It was peaceful for now, everyone being down by the lake and celebrating.

"You ok?" Nell looked across to Steve who had been stood there just looking out onto the lake. 

"Yeah, I'm good - just thinking". He said

She made a face. "Dangerous, about what?".

"About us". He shifted slightly, "and about whether you'd marry me if I asked you?"

Her face changed in shock. "What?"

He got down on one knee, taking a small from his jacket pocket and opening it to reveal a ring. "I know it's early, but I've known for a while that you're the one I wanna spend the rest of my life with - you picked me up after all, you're considerate, supportive. And I love you...so..." he paused as he looked up at her. "Will you marry me?"

The countdown to midnight, and her answer, was on - but Nell knew that regardless of whether anyone thought they were rushing things, they knew what they both wanted.

Each other.

She nodded, "yes".

Steve slipped the ring onto her finger and stood up, taking her in his arms and kissing her as the fireworks began, signalling a new year was upon them, as well as the start of good things yet to come.

"Happy new year, Steve", Nell smiled up at him as they broke away for air.

He mirrored her expression, wrapping his arms around her whilst explosions of colour appeared over the lake and keeping her close to him.

He wasn't going to let her go, ever. For once he didn't see a bleak future, it was just as bright as the fireworks they now had their eyes on.

And he couldn't wait to share it all with her.

"Happy new year, Nell".

The End