A routine had been established. They were usually at the same call; some worse than others. Dublin and Sam routinely being sent to calls with Steve and Clint.
Steve and Dublin forever flirting. And then there was that awkward moment over the holidays where they found themselves standing under some well placed mistletoe at the pub. Fucking Rocco. And much to everyone's dismay; "Fucking kiss already!" And Romeo cowered at the glare from Dublin, earning a laugh from the entire pub. Steve chuckled, leaning down and placing a lingering kiss against her cheek.
And the gesture has stuck around. Ever since then, he would greet her with a kiss on the cheek every time they saw each other. Except when they were on a call, but even then, he had found some way to touch her; and she him.
"Dubs! Get your cute ass out here!" Nat certainly had a way with words. She was dreading this night; but Nat was beyond excited for it.
The Stark Fundraiser.
Tony may have been the chief of police, but he was a VERY wealthy man. Very well off. He just enjoyed the work. Billionaire, genius, playboy, philanthropist. Minus the playboy. His wife was CEO of his family's company.
"Why are we even going to this thing?" Dublin continued to play with her hair and dress, her anxiety coming into play. "Because it's a night out! And it's your birthday..."
Dublin rolled her eyes and stepped out of her room, the silver sequin flapper dress swaying with her hips. "Woah..." Nat's jaw dropped.
"What?"
"You look amazing, babe." Suddenly becoming self conscious, Dublin grabbed her jacket to cover up. "I can't believe the theme is Prohibition. Why Tony even invited us..."
Nat chuckled as she handed Dubs her clutch. "He loves you? Plus it's to raise money for first responders. I'm just your plus one." She rolled her eyes and looked at Nat. "Connor and Murphy are going to be there..."
"Give enough free drinks..."
Dublin gave a huff as they made their way out of the apartment. Nat checked her look one more time in the mirror and followed Dubs out. "Come on! Try and have fun. I'm just glad I can finally spend your birthday with you. With our schedules it's been too long."
"I know, but-"
It finally clicked and Natasha grinned. She hadn't seen her friend flustered in a long time. And even then, it wasn't like this. "Oh."
Narrowing her eyes, Dubs looked at her best friend. The one who knew her the best. The one who knew all her tells. "What?"
"What?"
Dublin rolled her eyes as the cab pulled up in front of them, both jumping back as water sloshed onto the sidewalk. It had been a very cold and rainy February. "You know what."
"What?! What are you-"
"So if I were to say his name, you wouldn't blush like a school girl?" Already feeling the heat rise to her cheeks, she cleared her throat and shook her head. "I don't know what you're talking ab-"
"Steve."
God damnit. She instantly felt the blush rush to her neck and cheeks. Like a damn teenaged school girl with a crush.
Nat chuckled as their cab arrived at the venue, of course the most expensive and inclusive hotel in the city: The Galaxy. And who did he have performing tonight? Only the city's best up and coming band: The Guardians.
"Great. Let's put all first responders in one room together. I mean, what's the worst that can happen?" Her anxiety was getting the better of her.
"Why do you always assume the worst? And if anything, this is probably the safest event in the city." Nat knew Dublin through and through and she knew she was just making excuses. "Let's just have fun and enjoy your birthday in style."
